Trying to find direction

There is a time in everyone's life where they come to a crossroads and must make a decision. Do I go right or left? What should I do with my life? Is this what I really want to accomplish or should I be doing something else with my life? What do I really want?

I am still trying to figure out what I really want out of life.... I am slowly getting there.  

I worked part-time while attending college-- legal assistant for five years after a few jobs in retail and the food industry. 

I finished my bachelor's degree in 2009, six years after graduation from high school. I completed my Associates of Arts degree with a concentration in Fine Arts. That allowed me to transfer to a 4-year university without much issue since most of my credits transferred and there were only a few that I had to make up. It took me another three years to finish my bachelor's degree, that included a change of major from Art History to English (where I focused on literature, grammar, linguistics, rhetoric, some journalism and technical writing courses, and I had an internship my senior year). 

After college, I felt lost. I decided to take some teachers certification courses. I wasn't sure what to do with my degree. I took a semester or two of teachers certification courses and did some student teaching. My heart wasn't in it. 

I still loved reading and writing. I looked into other possible careers -- journalism, publishing, copyrighting, technical writing, etc. I even thought about going for my masters degree, but I was already $30,000 in debt, and I had no job prospects related to my degree that would lead towards a fulfilling career, so I looked for other avenues. 

I was dealing with a lot of stress from family-- Dad being deployed from 2009-2010, lack of direction, and a long-distance relationship, and college debt. 

While all of this was causing me stress, the attorney I worked for told me that she couldn't afford to hire me full-time, and when I graduated, part-time work wasn't going to be enough to live on my own and continue attending college. 

Around the same time, my long distance relationship ended. I had nothing tying me to one place. I decided on a military career. I worked with the Air Force to become an officer. I took the A.F.O.Q.T., which is the test potential officers take. I was told by my recruiter that I didn't get the score necessary to be placed with an officer commission, so I would have to try again in one year or enlist and try after being enlisted. I spoke with another recruiter and there was a year wait for enlisted as well. That's when I started talking to recruiters from other branches of the military. I was with my dad who was in the Army Reserves at the time, and he said, "If the Air Force won't take you, why don't we talk to other recruiters in the building and see what they say." So, the next office over was The Marines. They wanted me as an officer, but as soon as I heard the physical requirements, I was a little discouraged and at the time and growing up as an Army brat, there was a little bit of animosity about being in the Marines. I was also told by my dad that women tend to be treated better in either the Air Force or the Navy, but the decision was mine to make and I should weigh my options prior to making a decision. Next, I spoke to a Navy recruiter and was impressed with what they had to offer. The thing is the Navy recruiter said enlisted was my only option since my college G.P.A. wasn't very competitive. They said once enlisted, I could try for O.C.S. (officer candidate school), but didn't give me a timeline or information on that process. I was offered a promotion to  E-3 after completing recruit training (boot camp). I was also offered the college loan repayment program. 

My dad and I lastly spoke to an Army recruiter so that I could make an informed decision and see what they had to offer. The Army offered me a possibility of being an E-4 after boot camp, but didn't offer anything regarding my college loan debt and that was significant. I ended up enlisting with the Navy. 

I was stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), which is an aircraft carrier. 

Now I am finally becoming settled in my new life and have many things to look forward to. Yet, I often wonder, "What will the future bring?"

I am finding my own way each and every day.

"A" school in Florida

Departing from Chicago was a nightmare! The evening of graduation from basic training, the area had massive thunderstorms and flooding. The roads surrounding the airport were treacherous, especially for the buses. Once we finally got inside, we were all soaked... while wearing our dress whites and carrying our seabags (green duffel bags which held all of our uniforms and gear). My parents had also purchased a backpack for me... I had that along as well. I looked so silly with a bag on the front and one on the back. Everyone was also carrying garment bags with our other dress uniforms. As we waited for our flights, we spent some time in the USO. The rain and flooding had caused multiple delayed and cancelled flights. My group ended up spending the night in the USO and departing the next morning. We still had a couple of delays. Our flight arrived in Pensacola, FL around 8:00 p.m.

Upon arrival, our uniforms were beyond soiled because we were wearing our dress whites which attract dirt like nobody's business... I mean, you so much as look at them, brush up against something and they are instantly dirty... I think that's the reason why they make them so inexpensive to replace. 

 After checking in with the command, being assigned to where we would be located on base and our barracks assignments, we also had a welcome brief from the chain of command. Since the galley (chow hall) was closed for the evening, the instructors ordered pizza for us. I don't think that we got to bed until about midnight. (My seabag had a hole ripped in the bottom of it by the time that I received it in Pensacola.)

Anyway, by the time we arrived at at the school on base, it was about 9 or 10 o'clock at night. Then, we had to sit through orientation and worry about room assignments and roommates. Luckily, they let us order food since we hadn't eaten dinner. They put us in two to three-person rooms which had a bathroom adjoining another suite. So, later I got to know my "head mates" (people who shared my bathroom). 

Roommate --

My first time in the Navy living with a roommate was at "A" School, which is the technical school that you attend after completing basic training. We got to choose our roommates. I didn't really know many girls that were in my barracks. One of the gals that was in my "brother" division at boot camp somehow became attached to my hip and she volunteered to room with me. That turned out to be a mistake. She had a real attitude and was almost ten years my junior. ( I entered basic training at 26 years old and most of the people there were 18.) 

My roommate seemed okay for a few days, then her true colors began to shine through. Soon her childish demeanor began to drive me insane. It got to the point where one day, she overheard a conversation I had on the phone with my mom (venting about my roommate)... She got rather upset... In all fairness, I didn't even know that she had returned to the room. Needless to say, we began to avoid each other and she became all the more rude towards me... It made the next couple of months difficult. I'm just glad that we didn't have any classes together. She ended up being gone often for her long days in classes. My days weren't as long and I was out by 4:00 p.m.

Waiting to class up--

Once we were assigned our living quarters, we had to wait until there was a class available for us. That meant a lot of cleaning and standing watch. There was fire watch which was walking (roving) and checking spaces for safety, making sure that the equipment was up-to-date, and if there was a fire, reporting it and doing your best to control the fire. Another type of watch duty was inspecting ID's at the quarter deck of the barracks.  You also had to announce the time of day, any inclement weather, and call attention to colors in the morning and evening. I stood that watch often. Then, I was put on phone duty to answer calls for the officers. I was told that I was well-suited for this position and received many compliments from my superiors. My class became available after a couple of weeks at Pensacola Naval Air Station "A" School.

Better food-- 

Food at basic training was alright, though our meals were always hurried. At "A" School, we got to take our meals in the morning before class (after PT), when it was our assigned break between classes, and then at dinner time.  We had time to actually enjoy our meals, and the food was closer to restaurant quality (later I was told that the squadron cooks were some of the best cooks in the Navy other than those who cook for the ship captains). 

Classes-- 

Every day class started at 8:00 a.m. and ended at or before 4:00 p.m. Since I was an undesignated airman, we learned the basics that we would need to learn for any position within the aviation field. We were taught about the different tools within a tool box, weather conditions and how they affected work, what the different aviation jobs entailed in the fleet for Air Department, about the flight deck and the types of aircraft, and what the jersey colors meant. (2 months of classes)

PT sessions--

Every morning we would meet at 6:00 a.m. (if I remember correctly.) We would do push-ups, sit-ups, and various calisthenics exercises following our mile and a half run.  When we ran it was in formation and we sang cadences along with the group leaders and instructors.

Experiencing Pensacola-- 

In the evenings we had leisure time before taps was called. There was a mini commissary on base where we could purchase snacks to keep in our rooms and basic personal care items. There was also a place to purchase uniform items and Pensacola souvenirs. On base, we had an enlisted club where they had pool tables, arcade games, a bar that sometimes served food, night life, and a lounge. Those who were not of drinking age could not be in the bar of the enlisted club. On weekends, they would have dance lessons, DJs and karaoke. I made some good friends and also had some from basic training with whom I spent time. We had to have a liberty buddy to go off base. I went to the beach a few times and to the mall. In hindsight, I wish I had done a little more exploring. 

Orders-- 

After my classes had completed, we attended a small graduation ceremony where the instructors presented us with certificates of completion. We also received our orders for where we would be assigned during the first enlistment of our Navy career. I was assigned to an aircraft carrier and was to report to the Aviation Fuels division of Air Department. 

Leave-- 

Following "A" School, I was permitted two weeks of leave. I went home to see family and friends. My mom had a big banner made for me that was displayed in the front of the house. A party was also planned while I was home. Friends and family visited with me during the party and I filled them in about how things were going with me. 

Arriving at Everett WA for sea duty-- 

I departed from Chicago and headed towards the West Coast. I was so excited to see what lay ahead. I had gained some more luggage while at home. I had my computer bag and another duffel. I must have looked like a packed mule. Ha ha. It was all very heavy and I had to carry it on my own. I went to the USO in Seattle to get in touch with my new chain of command and figure out travel arrangements from the airport to base. I had to take a shuttle then a van to base. I was riding with a few other people and we were dropped off at the main gate. It was a long walk to the ship, which was towards the back of base. Luckily, someone on duty brought a truck to help carry luggage and give us a ride. Once I checked into the Quarter Deck of the ship, my new department sent someone to help me carry my stuff to my new berthing onboard. 

Graduation and Jetting off to Florida

I finally graduated from boot camp. Here I was a new sailor. My family came to greet me, and my dad, as requested, was in his Army dress greens. It was kind of funny that some of the ignorant new graduates saw it fit to salute an upper enlisted person and couldn't tell the difference between that and an officer. My dad kind of laughed.

I got to spend an afternoon with my family. It was so nice having some relaxation. We had a curfew to return to base, and no one was supposed to take a cell phone upon return to base. A lot of people, including myself snuck in cell phones... everyone had them and despite threats, the RDCs (recruit division commanders) didn't follow through on their threats to punish us.

We all anxiously awaited our departure the next morning. Our sea bags (duffel bags) and garment bags were all packed. Our dress whites were pressed and on hangars at the end of our racks (beds) for the next morning. As the next morning dawned, we all felt a sense of accomplishment. We got dressed, said our goodbyes and all got ready to board buses for the airport. The line to the buses seemed to last forever... it was a long wait and the bags were incessantly heavy. I took off my bag and my back was killing me. One of my new friends asked me if I was okay... he ended up helping me to transport my bags most of the journey, well when he could. The ride to the airport took forever and was almost a little treacherous. The Chicago area had received a great deal of rainfall in a freak thunderstorm and there were really deep puddles everywhere on the loop surrounding O'Hare. Mom and Dad were able to follow us to the airport and got to spend time with me in the USO lounge before I went to wait in the terminal for my flight. Mom brought me homemade brownies too... awesome! Well, my flight to Pensacola got delayed a few times and finally rescheduled to the following day, so I got to spend the night in the airport... Mom came to meet me again and took me out to the mall for a little while then brought me back for the night. The next morning we took a series of flights to Florida... when all was said and done, I'd been in and out of airports for about 36 hours and arrived about 9 or 10 o'clock at night to the barracks for orientation and room assignment.

A Hug from Dad

The whole family right after boot camp graduation inside the ceremonial drill hall

Another family picture after a celebratory dinner

Transiting through O'Hare airport

Mom, Dad, and I... my family has this thing (well, my mom mostly) of taking pictures of our feet

A change of rate... choosing my new fate

Well, I have to admit, boot camp was not the easiest time of my life. It was more nerve-wrecking than my first day of college. It was a complete re-boot where a civilian is reprogrammed into a sailor... given government training, a regimented set of rules, a brand new lifestyle, and a whole new set of clothes-- the uniforms that would be worn for a job serving our country in times of peace and times of war to complete a contracted agreement of service. You never realize how much people have to change when they enter the military. Not only are you changed on the outside with a new haircut, better posture, a more athletic build, and a snazzy new uniform, but you also receive a change of character.

When I received my job at MEPS (the military entrance processing station), I was given three choices. Hindsight tells me that I should have chosen the intelligence job that I was offered as a computer technician, yet every choice we make leads us down a certain path-- in other words, everything happens for a reason. My three choices were between a job with computers, one dealing with gas engine turbines, and working with airplanes as part of the crew onboard. Well, the gas engine turbine job sounded entirely out of my comfort level, so I narrowed down my choices to the other two jobs. I was really torn, and though I didn't go with my gut, I was also somehow drawn to my decision. I chose to be in aircrew. It was a job in one of the special programs... I didn't entirely know what this would mean for me and my recruiter didn't really have a good explanation of the job either. I did my own research and found out a little about the job. It sounded like I'd be part of the crew in the aircraft who assist the pilot with instrumentation. That seemed like it would be a lot of fun and a different experience than any other job I had done thus far. I was up for the challenge. What I didn't know was that it was more in-depth than I thought. At boot camp, I was given the real story about what my job would entail. They put me through a series of extra medical screenings. I received more shots and blood draws, also an EKG and essentially a full body scan. In the end, they found out that I had scoliosis and told me that I was medically disqualified for my job. The medical staff said that even though I had bad sinus allergies which could in and of itself disqualify me for the job, it was something that could have been waived, but issues with my musculoskeletal system were not. I had a feeling that something would prevent me from a job in special programs when I was told that my swimming level might not be to par,  but I guess my medical situation was what put it over the edge. I was told that I had to choose a new job. Believe me, the choices were not easy. I was given a larger list of jobs from which to choose this time, unlike the three at MEPS. I carefully weighed my options and assessed what would better me in the civilian world with skills after my contract was up. In the end, I chose to go forth as an undesignated airman. I didn't know the implications of my decision, yet it seemed like the best option at the time. Had someone told me that I would go through a pointless two months of waiting and training to be sent to the fleet and stuck in a random internship with no say, I would have taken more care with my choice of job.

Return of a sailor from a voyage at sea full of vast adventures

Wow, it has been over two years since I have last written in this blog. That's a long time. I guess it's time to write something eloquent and profound.

To all of those who decide to join the military, make sure that you join for the right reasons and make an informed decision.

When I joined, I was out of options for a job and I had the impending doom of student loans leering over me. I had graduated college and was looking for something where I could utilize my degree... my dream job or at least a stepping stone to it.  Illinois had no jobs, and I had been jobless for almost a year and a half. I had tried to get my teacher's certification, but was even running out of funds to continue with that venture. So, the military seemed like a good choice. Plenty of my other family members, including my dad, have served our country, and I thought I should follow in their footsteps because it's the noble thing to do.

I guess I should start my recap of the past two years by regaling with tales from boot camp.

The training in my DEP program was a little intense but nothing prepared me for the rigors of boot camp. Boot camp is all a mental game that they play on the willing recruits. You go into the processing center not knowing what to expect. Then comes the rigorous training where you not only gain physical, but also emotional strength and develop a boost of character. All of which molds you into a better version of yourself ready to present to the world. I had my daily trials and tribulations and there were many days that I wasn't sure that I would succeed in completing my recruit training to become a full-fledged sailor, but by the end of the couple of months spent at Great Lakes, I was ready to move onto the next step.

Saying Goodbye

I couldn't ask for a better final week with my friends and family before I ship out.

It all started with this past Saturday when I had my going away party, then I met my friend Kelly for dinner and coffee.

Monday and Tuesday I spent with my parents running errands, did things around the house, and cooked out. 

Wednesday, I met my friend Katie for lunch and coffee.

I spoke to my recruiter on Monday to check in and then on Tuesday we were supposed to meet at the office for my 7 day re-certification and PT, but that got pushed back to Thursday. I had my urinalysis... I have a couple more of those next week (on Tuesday before going to the hotel, on Wednesday morning at MEPS, then again at RTC--boot camp)... I had a few minor things to straighten out about shipping out, and we had PT where we exercised to a TaeBo video for an hour.

Thursday evening I went out with my parents, brothers, grandma, and brother's girlfriend and son and we spent some time together.... this was after I went to the recruiter for my meeting. When I got home, I spoke to my great grandma on the phone for a while. 

Yesterday, I am met my best friend, Ana, to see the movie "Something Borrowed." It was a great!

And, last night I went out with my friend Katie and her friends to celebrate her graduation from junior college. It was so much fun! I hadn't had a night out with the girls in a long time.

Also, my niece arrived for her weekend visitation with my brother Benj. She will be here until Monday afternoon when they leave to take her back to Indiana to meet her mother.

Today I met my friend Amanda and her mom and we all went bowling....and I didn't suck too much... got better with each game we played (started off at a 40 and ended on a 60, I think).

On Sunday I have plans with my grandparents, immediate family, and my aunt for a cook out. 

This is all getting so surreal, and time is flying by so fast whereas before it dragged. I intend to have a relaxing weekend and then get things in order on Monday... Tuesday my mom drops me off at my recruiter's office and I go to the hotel, and Wednesday I ship out for RTC at Great Lakes for boot camp for 9 weeks.

I am saying goodbye to my childhood home, my friends and family, my pets, and civilian life. The next time I write in my blog I will be a United States Sailor and training for my job in aviation.

Time is running away, where has it gone?

The following two songs definitely describe how my last week has been... I am excited about all of the opportunities my future holds, but running out of days to do things before I leave.


Incubus- "Drive"

"Drive" lyrics

"Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
And I can't help but ask myself how much I let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It's driven me before
And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal
But lately I'm beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
With open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there
I'll be there"


3 Doors Down- "Running Out of Days"

"Running Out of Days" lyrics


"All these little things in life they all create this haze 
There’s too many things to get done, and I’m running out of days"

Motivational Navy artwork and posters

I found some old Navy recruiting posters and a couple of other images that I found that were inspiring to me.

Mary Englebreit artwork from a 2009 calendar I had.

Vintage Navy WAVES recruiting posters... World War II

Cute images of tattoo designs with Sailor Jerry's style inspiration

Found: really cool old pictures of family members in uniform...

These are some more Peek family military pictures... a couple of them are really cool and I think that they would be really fun to reproduce for my artwork. Most of these are of my Mom's dad, John, but the last one is John and Joseph (my great grandfather).

Dad... pictures from his military career

10 days... Wow!

I had an excellent weekend. I saw many of my friends yesterday and today.

Last night I had a going-away party with six of my closest friends, one of my brothers' girlfriends, and a couple of my brothers' friends who are also like brothers to me. It was a lot of fun! We started the evening about 8 pm and all either headed home or went to bed between 5 and 5:30 am. It was so nice catching up with everyone... good food, good conversation, good fun, good friends. A fun time was had by all... a perfect send-off party.

Tonight I met a close friend who I know from college, and we went for dinner then out for coffee. We spent a few hours visiting and catching up... it was really nice! Next week a couple of my close friends, one of which wasn't able to make the party, want to get together with me. Also, I will be seeing my niece and a few family members for the last time in quite a while.  I am going to try my hardest to fit everything in with my schedule.

It is finally sinking in that I am leaving. A month ago I was so anxious and ready to leave that it was all I could think about and nothing else mattered. Now I have one full week and a couple of days left to go before I ship out. I am relaxed and at peace with the fact that I am leaving. Only a few minor things have me on edge. I have one final Navy meeting next week for our weekly PT and then am going to get in my regular PT. There will be final house-keeping things to do before I leave, such as laundry and packing up the last of my room and talking to my family about important need-to-know items before I ship out.

It is so hard to believe that I will be moving out of my childhood home in 10 days. So many memories that it will be hard to say goodbye. I'm trying to take it all in for the last time... to relax and enjoy every moment of it. It will be awhile until I see it all again. Now I will be onto a new chapter in my life and oh, the experiences I will have and the places I will see. I can't imagine what all awaits me in this new venture. I am sure that I will have lots of stories to share along my journey. Once I leave for boot camp, I will not have access to a computer for 9 weeks, and will see when I get liberties back... probably in A school. As I have the time to recap my travels and new experiences, I will try to update everyone. I have all my addresses written in my address book and my stationary all ready to go. All I have to do is finish packing my few items to take with me to boot camp, then the rest of my "unnecessary" items will be shipped home. I will be provided with the essentials by the Navy, and begin my career.

Sometimes, I can't find the words to express what I'm feeling and a song is the only thing that will do... I want to thank everyone who has always been there for me in my support system of friends, family, teachers, and acquaintances. I face a crossroads in my life where I had a decision to make, and it helped to decide the path for the rest of my life. I am headed into the unknown, starting a new life, and I couldn't have gotten to where I am today without all of you. (I'm sure that there are more songs to describe it all, but this is what I thought of right now.)

Fall Out Boy- "Thnks fr th Mmrs" (thanks for the memories)

Green Day- "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"

Chantal Kreviazuk- "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

The Proclaimers- "I'm on My Way"

Eve 6- "Here's to the Night"

Anchors Aweigh

One day I was watching $#*! My Dad Says and they were talking about the William Shatner's character's Navy days. Recently I was searching for a good audio version of Anchors Aweigh and revisited this TV episode.

Here are a couple of clips: 

Ed Sings Anchors Aweigh

Tim's Choir Performs Anchors Aweigh

I heard that we will have to be able to sing the Navy anthem "Anchors Aweigh." I am not surprised by this...it makes sense. 

I already have the sheet music, so I can sight-read the notes that I need to know. Kudos to all those years of choir training!   

Navy Choir sings Anchors Aweigh

There are different verses to the song. Wikipedia gives the original 1906 lyrics, then they were changed in 1950 and added a bridge. Today's lyrics are even longer than previous ones because it adds an additional verse and an additional bridge.

"The song is also is used in the US Navy boot camp in Great Lakes IL, recruits when passing through an underground tunnel heading away from the barracks sing the first verse and sing the second verse on the way back."

Wikipedia- Anchors Aweigh

These are the lyrics taught to those at boot camp:

Verse 1

Stand, Navy, out to sea, Fight our battle cry;

We'll never change our course, So vicious foe steer shy-y-y-y.

Roll out the TNT, Anchors Aweigh. Sail on to victory

And sink their bones to Davy Jones, hooray!

Verse 2 (most widely sung)

Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh.

Farewell to foreign shores, We sail at break of day, of day.

Through our last night on shore, Drink to the foam,

Until we meet once more. Here's wishing you a happy voyage home!

Current events

I'm sure everyone has seen the current events in the news and know about the role played by the Navy SEALS.

Here is an interview I found today about it.  It focuses on a proud Navy and supports its sailors. Go Navy!

Interview with Admiral Gary Roughead

Documentaries about the US Navy

I have found a couple of documentaries about the Navy that are quite interesting. One is called Carrier and it is followed the USS Nimitz during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)... right after 9/11. This was a 10-part mini series on PBS. It is really cool because the show gives an insight into a few different careers in the Navy, lifestyle on board an aircraft carrier, and what it's like at sea for sailors. It also shows the homecoming.

Carrier (PBS)

Another documentary that I came across today is also about the USS Nimitz. It's called USS Nimitz Dry Dock. I have watched 2 episodes so far, and it is neat. I am not sure how new this documentary is, but on the US Navy's youtube page I only see the 2 episodes... so it must be relatively new. The carrier is dry docking at Puget Sound for a year. When they dry dock they guide the ship into the dock, center it above a series of wooden blocks, seal the channel, and drain it of water. It is a very long and intensive process to prepare the ship.

USS Nimitz Dry Dock- Episode 1

USS Nimitz Dry Dock- Episode 2

USS Nimitz Dry Dock- Episode 3

The USS Nimitz is posting videos on their Facebook page: USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

15 days to go! About 2 weeks

Yesterday I had a meeting with the Senior Chief Petty Officer for our district. My recruiter took me up there so I could meet with him and the May shippers. He wanted to make sure everything was still on track for us and answer any remaining questions we have. And, they fed us dinner... pizza! :)

Today I had my last DEP meeting and we also had our pre-PRT test... we were tested on our 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, and push-ups. It was to give an idea of what we have to work on. I have some work to do.  We also got some important information about current Navy issues and talked about recent events in the news, its possible consequences, and a high threat level. So the overall message to us DEP members was to be careful and still be prepared for our commitment (and all it entails to serve our country).

A long couple of days with 2 round-trips from my house to Janesville. I only have one more PT meeting left with my DEP group, and that is next week. Then begins more processing stuff to ready for Basic Training.

Now begins the countdown...get ready, get set, go!

I have 21 days left... a little less than 3 weeks. I can't believe how much time has flown by since I signed my contract back in February!

I am getting overly anxious for this new chapter in my life to begin. Daily life is boring and annoying me... and every little thing (and sometimes a certain person, depending on the day) is getting on my nerves. Things have become monotonous and I feel like I have been cooped up.... I am sick of anything that might even hint at drama or rudeness. I can't wait to see my friends... it's been forever! It will be the ultimate send-off to spend time with my friends since I have already seen family. There is not enough time to see everyone before I leave, but I will have seen most of the important ones. Time to relax a bit.

I just have to stick it out a little longer and get a few minor things in order before I leave.  Before I know it, I will be leaving for boot camp and then off to A School for my technical training. Once I leave I will be out of contact with everyone at least until boot camp is over... only accessible via regular mail in the form of handwritten letters. And, I will be away from friends and family for the first significant period of time longer than a couple of weeks for the first time in my life. This is definitely a huge step, and I am glad that I am not only beginning things soon, but that I have taken the time to think long and hard about it before I made my life-altering decision.

U.S. Navy in the movies

In the past 2 days I have watched 2 movies featuring stories inspired by/featuring the U.S. Navy. 


Last night I watched A Few Good Men. I can't believe how long it had been since I had seen this movie... still a good one. My favorite dialogue in this movie is when Lt. Kaffee, Lt. Commander Galloway, and Lt. Weinberg arrive in Cuba to investigate the case: 


Kaffee: Whoa. Hold it. We gotta take a boat? 
Barnes: Yes, sir. To get to the other side of the bay. 
Kaffee: Nobody said anything about a boat. 
Barnes: Is there a problem, sir? 
Kaffee: No, no problem. I'm just not that crazy about boats, that's all. 
Galloway: Jesus Christ, Kaffee, you're in the Navy for crying out loud.


Tonight, I watched my favorite movie Top Gun. I have watched this movie so many times that I can practically recite the whole thing. And, it is so ironic that I am going into the Navy now especially since I am going into the aviation field. I love the comaraderie that is presented in the movie. I know that it is not factual, but it's still a great movie. And, whenever we watch Top Gun my brothers, my dad, and I always turn up the TV volume for the opening scene for "Danger Zone" and the sounds of the aircraft being readied until the aircraft takes off and leaves the aircraft carrier... as we did when we were growing up. I don't know why we do this, I guess it's just a bit of tradition. My brothers were giving me a hard time that I was mouthing the words as the actors said them.  "You never leave your wingman."


One day I hope to see all of these.... here's a list of movies featuring the U.S. Navy:


Navy Seals, Chasers, Going Under, The Caine Mutiny, Mister Roberts, Midway, In Harm's Way, Flight of the Intruder, Away All Boats, Destination Tokyo, The Enemy Below, Fighting Seabees, Hellcats of the Navy, Operation Petticoat, Victory at Sea; Run Silent, Run Deep; In the Navy, McHale's Navy, Francis in the Navy, Don Winslow of the Navy, The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell, Down Periscope, The Wackiest Ship Army, Ensign Pulver, Anchors Aweigh, Tears of the Sun, Officer and a Gentleman, Antoine Fisher, Annapolis, The Hunt for Red October, Pearl Harbor


There are also countless TV shows and documentaries.


I am so excited to be leaving for boot camp for the U.S. Navy in 24 days... time has really flown since I signed my contract back at the end of February.

Yard work = good aerobic exercise

This evening when my dad got home from work, he was so excited to mow the lawn because it was nice outside. He asked me to pick up sticks... ahhh, memories of the 21 years growing up in this house... my brothers and I used to do that all the time. I never realized how much of an aerobic work out, and abdominal work out you get from constantly bending down to pick up sticks around the yard, granted my yard is about 3 acres! I got the big sticks, tree branches, and bits of wood loaded into the wagon and either dumped into our "bonfire" burn pile or heaved into the area by the tree line at the back of our yard near the fire pit and the thicket. When I had finished after about a couple of hours, I could feel the tightness in my abs and I was sweating a little... it was time to down some water. Not bad considering I was sick all day yesterday and have been slacking a little bit on my PT lately... oops! Time to play catch up.

This just in... the Navy doesn't PT when it rains?! Huh?

This morning I texted my recruiter to see if she wanted me to come in early this afternoon for PT since I scheduled a meeting with her for my 30-day follow up.

Here's how the conversation went:

Recruiter: Don't think the weather is going to hold out for PT today.
Me: What? I just checked the weather forecast on www.weather.com and it said that Janesville only has a 15% chance of rain all day and it's supposed to be overcast, windy, and 60 degrees.
Recruiter: It's been raining on and off all day.
Me: No PT in the rain?!
Recruiter: No, no PT in the rain.
Me: Hmm... should I bring my stuff with me to our meeting just in case we do PT?
Recruiter: Nope, I just sent out the text to all the DEP people saying that PT is cancelled today.
Me: Really? We don't PT in the rain? Why not? Do we PT in the rain at boot camp?
Recruiter: Nope, we don't PT in the rain. And at boot camp all PT is inside. Unless you get a really gung-ho RDC (Recruit Division Commander aka drill sergeant of sorts for the Navy) who wants you to PT no matter what, you still won't PT if it's too hot or too cold outside.
Me: Do we work in the rain?
Recruiter: Yes, we work in the rain.
Me: So, we work in the rain, but don't PT in the rain... this so reminds me of the movie Rain Man, "This is a good one. We don't go out when it rains, this is a real good one...mystifying."

So, this really baffled me, oh well... ha ha ha.

My 30-day follow-up meeting went well today. I had my pee-in-a-cup drug/alcohol test. Then, I was quizzed on my PQS (Pre-qualification Standards) to see how well I am doing with my memorization of everything that is in the START Guide. I think that recording all of the things that I have to memorize and putting them on my mp3 player has helped because I did well, and she signed off on everything. I was also taught and "quizzed" on my military facings and etiquette. I still have to practice those and work a little bit more on my memorization, but things are moving along well.

I am still working on my PT and am now able to do at least 50 sit-ups and 25 push-ups. My run time, which is about 18 minutes, and swimming need a little bit of work. As of today, 29 days left to go! Then I am off to boot camp... so many things to get done, and I'm running out of days!

Popular Questions That People Are Asking Me

Everyone asks me so many questions when I tell them that I am going to boot camp soon for the Navy. Here is a list of a few questions that I am asked on a regular basis.

Where is boot camp?
How long will you be there?
Will you have access to e-mail?
Do you know what you do after that?
Where is your technical training?
How long is that?
How's your exercise/PT going?
How's your swimming coming along?
Will you be on a boat?
How strict are they on liberties?

So here's the scoop...

Boot camp is at Great Lakes Navy base near Chicago for 9 weeks. I will not have access to the phone or e-mail the entire time that I am at boot camp. I will have a few very quick calls home to tell my immediate family important information, but that's it. After boot camp, I will go to Florida for my technical training aka A school... and the amount of time that I spend there depends on the jobs that I qualify for after the first 4 weeks.  My PT is gradually getting easier, and I have not had much time to work on my swimming, but hope to really soon. Whether or not I am stationed on a boat, an aircraft carrier, depends on the job that I get after A school.

And... it's the military. It's a regimented lifestyle and there are going to be a lot of rules about everything. They are going to be strict on curfew, fraternization, etc. etc.