We were granted our first days of "liberty" this weekend. The parameters are: you're not allowed to leave base, you're only allowed out in your uniform, you only have a 30 minute limit at the liberty center and 30 minutes at the NEX, and you have to travel everywhere with a buddy. Hey, I'll take it. It's been a rough couple weeks and I'll take anything that can help me feel like normal person again, i.e. checking my personal email. Hooorahhh
Everyone here is constantly exhausted. Days usually begin at 0430 and we start with PT. MWF are run days and Tues Thurs are strengthening days (i.e. 8 count body builders, push ups, sit-ups, jack webs, etc). We don't usually know what's going on but we are usually in a rush to get ready cuz the motto is "hurry up and wait". We do that a lot around here... standing around and waiting. It's also a rule that if you're not early, then you are considered late. I'd give anything to sleep past 0500. Sundays are supposed to be our days off but now we have to do PT and drill practice on weekends. The weather has gotten sunnier and warmer which is really great and uplifting.
It's been quite an experience here... I'm still trying to grasp the concept that I'm really part of this now. Wearing this uniform, marching in formation, saluting, answering "yes, sir" or "yes senior chief" and making sure not to mix up the two. The uniforms look pretty spiffy but they've messed up my pants a couple times now. The first time they were too long and too tight but I had to bear with it since my second pair hadn't come in yet. I took them back to hem up but now they are too short and still too tight. I'm still waiting on my second pair of pants to come in... lol.
It feels pretty awesome and weird at the same time to walk around base and have people salute you. I'm learning a lot here... especially about working with other people. Some people here just don't really give a crap and have bad attitudes. I really have no idea what they're doing here. They have a mind of their own and always want to put out their opinion. My thoughts are, just suck it up, do what you're told and it will all be over in 3 weeks. The more we work together as a team and the less we screw up, the more liberty and freedom we get. Case in point, we were given back our chairs at chow and now are allowed to lean back in our chairs! Woot victory. Now if only we can get senior chief to allow us to have dessert and regular soda.
Well my time is up. until next time!
Live it up!
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