It's been a while since I wrote anything here. But that's ok. Liz has been hanging out in Pensacola for the past month, waiting for her schooling to begin. She called and talked to Jerry last night, but I'm not sure what all was said. We sent her a box with her Nebraska Gear, and so far I don't think she's missed a football game!!!! That's my girl. On her Skype page she states she's the only girl in Pensacola with Nebraska gear, and that I'm "the bomb!!!" So far football games consist of us texting back and forth, so she's pretty happy!!!!! She's spent some time at the beach with friends, and seems to be making more everyday. But, she's Liz, so her close circle is small!!!!! She was supposed to start school today, if so, she will only be there for 2 months. Time for everyone to send her more love!!!! Thanks to the Hennes Clan for taking time at the family reunion this weekend to make her feel a little closer to home. To Josh & Luke: you guys are awesome, thank you for taking the time to talk!!!!!!!
Love to all,
Jenny
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
8-16, 2011
Hi all,
We have a new address!
Pvt. Gill, Elizabeth
MATSG-21 AMS-1
211 Farrar Road
Pensacola, Fl. 32508.
We have heard from her numerous times since she graduated Combat Training last week. She is firmly ensconsed in her new unit, and begins schooling this week. She was really excited to learn how to shoot new weapons, and requested that we let her know when Jessica thinks she is gonna start dating! (Just so Liz can be sure to tell the new boy that Jess needs to be home by 10!) The girl is tough, she made it through combat training on a stress fracture in her foot, and is non-weight bearing to that leg until the end of this week. Hopefully it is healed enough that she can do some running, but I reminded her that even though she can't run, she can still head to the pool to work out. Of course we need to send her a swim suit!!!! She spent some time this weekend at the beach, and so far seems to like Pensacola, but I guess she is only there for 13 weeks. So....... Send her some love, and she can call/text if you want to talk to her.
Love to all,
Jenny
We have a new address!
Pvt. Gill, Elizabeth
MATSG-21 AMS-1
211 Farrar Road
Pensacola, Fl. 32508.
We have heard from her numerous times since she graduated Combat Training last week. She is firmly ensconsed in her new unit, and begins schooling this week. She was really excited to learn how to shoot new weapons, and requested that we let her know when Jessica thinks she is gonna start dating! (Just so Liz can be sure to tell the new boy that Jess needs to be home by 10!) The girl is tough, she made it through combat training on a stress fracture in her foot, and is non-weight bearing to that leg until the end of this week. Hopefully it is healed enough that she can do some running, but I reminded her that even though she can't run, she can still head to the pool to work out. Of course we need to send her a swim suit!!!! She spent some time this weekend at the beach, and so far seems to like Pensacola, but I guess she is only there for 13 weeks. So....... Send her some love, and she can call/text if you want to talk to her.
Love to all,
Jenny
Sunday, July 17, 2011
17 July, 2011
Hi all,
We got a letter from Liz's commanding officer yesterday, just a form letter, but we have her new address. She did call both Jerry & I this evening, and she's a little homesick, so a letter from family/friends may help at this time. She said she is doing well, and that MCT is "fun" (really?) and that she gets to fire a machine gun this week. So she has something to look forward to!!!!!
Pvt Gill, Elizabeth N
Co: Hotel, Class: 31-11, 3rd Plt.
MCT BN
PSC BOX 20166
Camp LeJeune, NC 28542-0166
Love to all,
Jen
We got a letter from Liz's commanding officer yesterday, just a form letter, but we have her new address. She did call both Jerry & I this evening, and she's a little homesick, so a letter from family/friends may help at this time. She said she is doing well, and that MCT is "fun" (really?) and that she gets to fire a machine gun this week. So she has something to look forward to!!!!!
Pvt Gill, Elizabeth N
Co: Hotel, Class: 31-11, 3rd Plt.
MCT BN
PSC BOX 20166
Camp LeJeune, NC 28542-0166
Love to all,
Jen
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
12 July, 2011
Well, like a tornado, she's come and gone. Liz left for MCT yesterday at Camp Gregor outside of Camp LeJeune, NC. She made it safe and sound, we got a call about 1030 last night. The weather down there is HOT, even worse than what we've had here in Omaha, with temps expected to be in the 100's + humidity. I just hope she remembers to drink plenty of water!!!!! I know she enjoyed her stay at home & seeing everyone she got to was great. She did say Thank You to you all. Today is kinda bittersweet, it's awful quiet around here again. Anyway, as soon as I get an address I will post it.
Love
Jen
Love
Jen
Friday, June 24, 2011
Hi all!
Well, Liz's home, for a while at least. I figured that I would keep going with this, as she is headed to MCT next, then to school for a year before being sent to a home base. I know that letters will be few and farther between, especially when she is at schools and her availability of phones and computers will increase. I thought that maybe everyone would want to keep tabs on her, and I figured this was the best way to do it! She will be home until 10 July, she has recruiter duties until then, then she is off to Fort Geiger (?) in North Carolina for 29 days then to Jacksonville, Fl. for her schooling. So.... she will be stateside for some time.
Keep reading, we'll keep everyone updated.
Love
Jen
Keep reading, we'll keep everyone updated.
Love
Jen
Monday, June 6, 2011
30 May, Meagan
Hey Meagadot,
How are you doing baby sister? So when I get back home I'm taking you & Jessi to the mall, the bookstore, and the bookstore. Does that sound good? And I'll probably take you to Oakview since it's got all three there. What would you want for lunch though cuz i was thinking Cici's but there is also the food court. what movies are coming out that you want to see and when we goin? You gotta take me swimming though adn after practice I'll take you to Taco Bell like I did last year, just you, me & Jessi though. I need some nomey left over to go back to MCT. Kay? So what's new with you soon-to-be 7th grader? Any crazy stories to tell your older sister? Can you do me a favor next thursday after practice can you & Jessi sit down and swap stories about all the dumb stuff I did? I'm doing to be going through Hell on that day as well as Friday & Saturday and I just want to think about something else. It's called the Crucible in case you want to know more Meags, otherwise just know that it either makes or breaks you. You move and are doing obstacles for 54 hours straight & a little bit of food for that time too. Sounds like fun right? So yeah, do something fun for those 2 days OK? The 9th -11th are the hardest days of training and I want someone to do something fun for me for them. I want Gma's biscuits & gravy so bad along with a whole lot of other stuff. I still can't believe I get to see you in a couple weeks. Can you? I get to give you a hug then are you good with giving your sister a hug when she sees you again or are you going to tell me to get off of you? Cuz I won't be able to resist. 13 weeks I've been gone. Does it seem longer to you? I hear Mom & Dad are driving each other up the wall like usual and that you guys are all being couch potatoes. I can't wait until I see you in three Thursdays. So does this sound good to you, or do I need to add stuff to the list that we are doing for that day? Send a letter & tell me. I love you
Your Sister,
Bizzy
How are you doing baby sister? So when I get back home I'm taking you & Jessi to the mall, the bookstore, and the bookstore. Does that sound good? And I'll probably take you to Oakview since it's got all three there. What would you want for lunch though cuz i was thinking Cici's but there is also the food court. what movies are coming out that you want to see and when we goin? You gotta take me swimming though adn after practice I'll take you to Taco Bell like I did last year, just you, me & Jessi though. I need some nomey left over to go back to MCT. Kay? So what's new with you soon-to-be 7th grader? Any crazy stories to tell your older sister? Can you do me a favor next thursday after practice can you & Jessi sit down and swap stories about all the dumb stuff I did? I'm doing to be going through Hell on that day as well as Friday & Saturday and I just want to think about something else. It's called the Crucible in case you want to know more Meags, otherwise just know that it either makes or breaks you. You move and are doing obstacles for 54 hours straight & a little bit of food for that time too. Sounds like fun right? So yeah, do something fun for those 2 days OK? The 9th -11th are the hardest days of training and I want someone to do something fun for me for them. I want Gma's biscuits & gravy so bad along with a whole lot of other stuff. I still can't believe I get to see you in a couple weeks. Can you? I get to give you a hug then are you good with giving your sister a hug when she sees you again or are you going to tell me to get off of you? Cuz I won't be able to resist. 13 weeks I've been gone. Does it seem longer to you? I hear Mom & Dad are driving each other up the wall like usual and that you guys are all being couch potatoes. I can't wait until I see you in three Thursdays. So does this sound good to you, or do I need to add stuff to the list that we are doing for that day? Send a letter & tell me. I love you
Your Sister,
Bizzy
30 May, Mom & Dad
Hey Guys
I'm almost done! I just have 4/5 more main things left, the CFT, the PFT, Prac App, the written test and the Crucible. I get to do that on Thursday next week. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm scared I'll drop out and be dropped back. I don't think I could deal with that if I made it this far and then failed to keep myself up there for the Crucible and be sent three weeks back from my original date. I hear I need to drink like at least fifteen canteens a day and there is no stopping for those 54 hours except for our sleeping time. Dad, any advice there for me? I would love to hear it right about now cuz I'm getting really jittery about this cuz I'm good for the other 4 things but I don't know about the Crucible. I just gotta keep my head in the game. I am going to do this and I am going to see you guys on June 17. I can't wait until then. With this letter is something that needs to go on your windshield so you can come into the base. Can't wait to see you on the 16th.
I made plans to stay with Grandma on Friday night since I planned on flying out that afternoon. Man I miss you guys and Jessi & Meags are going to be so sick of me before I have to ship out to MCT. :) I am taking them to the mall and the bookstore and the movies. They have to take me to the pool. Am I still a member to the Field Club or not? I'm confused there. If not, I'll stick myself in a swim bag and hide myself away so you don't have a guest. Can we have a chili feed when I get home, or burgers & hotdogs? I miss that stuff. Thank you for the recipes by the way mom. I have the tetrazini almost memorized then it's on to gma's stuffing and deep dish pizza. I miss pizza. I miss a lot of stuff. Oh well, I'm used to walking everywhere. Two more weeks, then liberty Sunday and getting ready for the Battalion Commander's Inspection, and then you guys see me graduate!!!!! God, I can't wait for that day. Then when I'm out of my Alpha's I am giving you guys the biggest hug I can give without squishing you guys! :)
Is the bathroom done cuz it's been almost 3 months adn you said you'd have it done by the time I get home. So yeah, you time's almost done. I'm so excited. I get to go home soon. I get to see you soon. Homesickness stinks. I'm sorry that's the truth though. So this week is admin week, basically paperwork from what I'm getting from it. I'm not sure though. The CFT is tomorrow, so this is going to be interesting. Final Drill is in a week. On Wednesday next we'll either piss off senior or make her kind of happy. Then it's the Crucible on Thursday Morning starting at 2 in the morning. This Friday is the last Friday in the squad bay. I can't believe it. Time almost always seems to start like it never moves and then it just seems to slow down. We're speeding here now I am hoping for the best on the upcoming things and going to give it my all. That's the best I can do. I get two things I think about for the Crucible: look out for my team and take care of my feet. Blisters don't sound like fun for the Crucible. We'll see.
So, any stories to tell me? Nothing crazy has happened since I left? I hope not cuz that means I'm the craziest Gill and we all know that's not true. Aunt Annie wants to take me for some time during leave, and I can't wait for that cuz I want to spend time with everyone. Are we doing a family photo when I get back? Anyway I gotta go , I love you all.
Love,
Bizzy Bee
I'm almost done! I just have 4/5 more main things left, the CFT, the PFT, Prac App, the written test and the Crucible. I get to do that on Thursday next week. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm scared I'll drop out and be dropped back. I don't think I could deal with that if I made it this far and then failed to keep myself up there for the Crucible and be sent three weeks back from my original date. I hear I need to drink like at least fifteen canteens a day and there is no stopping for those 54 hours except for our sleeping time. Dad, any advice there for me? I would love to hear it right about now cuz I'm getting really jittery about this cuz I'm good for the other 4 things but I don't know about the Crucible. I just gotta keep my head in the game. I am going to do this and I am going to see you guys on June 17. I can't wait until then. With this letter is something that needs to go on your windshield so you can come into the base. Can't wait to see you on the 16th.
I made plans to stay with Grandma on Friday night since I planned on flying out that afternoon. Man I miss you guys and Jessi & Meags are going to be so sick of me before I have to ship out to MCT. :) I am taking them to the mall and the bookstore and the movies. They have to take me to the pool. Am I still a member to the Field Club or not? I'm confused there. If not, I'll stick myself in a swim bag and hide myself away so you don't have a guest. Can we have a chili feed when I get home, or burgers & hotdogs? I miss that stuff. Thank you for the recipes by the way mom. I have the tetrazini almost memorized then it's on to gma's stuffing and deep dish pizza. I miss pizza. I miss a lot of stuff. Oh well, I'm used to walking everywhere. Two more weeks, then liberty Sunday and getting ready for the Battalion Commander's Inspection, and then you guys see me graduate!!!!! God, I can't wait for that day. Then when I'm out of my Alpha's I am giving you guys the biggest hug I can give without squishing you guys! :)
Is the bathroom done cuz it's been almost 3 months adn you said you'd have it done by the time I get home. So yeah, you time's almost done. I'm so excited. I get to go home soon. I get to see you soon. Homesickness stinks. I'm sorry that's the truth though. So this week is admin week, basically paperwork from what I'm getting from it. I'm not sure though. The CFT is tomorrow, so this is going to be interesting. Final Drill is in a week. On Wednesday next we'll either piss off senior or make her kind of happy. Then it's the Crucible on Thursday Morning starting at 2 in the morning. This Friday is the last Friday in the squad bay. I can't believe it. Time almost always seems to start like it never moves and then it just seems to slow down. We're speeding here now I am hoping for the best on the upcoming things and going to give it my all. That's the best I can do. I get two things I think about for the Crucible: look out for my team and take care of my feet. Blisters don't sound like fun for the Crucible. We'll see.
So, any stories to tell me? Nothing crazy has happened since I left? I hope not cuz that means I'm the craziest Gill and we all know that's not true. Aunt Annie wants to take me for some time during leave, and I can't wait for that cuz I want to spend time with everyone. Are we doing a family photo when I get back? Anyway I gotta go , I love you all.
Love,
Bizzy Bee
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sorry!
OK, so I'm horrible occasionally about posting letters. We got her last letter last Tuesday or Wednesday (5-25 or 26). As of today, 6-2 we haven't gotten a recent letter. We ARE waiting impatiently for her graduation packet which should be arriving any time. Graduation (as far as we know) will still be Friday 6-17. Keep your fingers crossed and her in your prayers.
Love
Jen
Love
Jen
20 May (TD 46) Mom & Dad
Hey Guys,
Woo Hoo, got the CFT tomorrow, not looking forward to that to be completely honest. Run 880 yards then ammo can lifts, buddy drags, fireman's carry, running with the ammo cans, tossing a grenade, and running back. And you have a time limit. Sounds like so much fun. Definitely stuffing myself for breakfast in the morning. So after that we have our Battalion Commanders Inspection. Hopefully not all that time I spent on cleaning the lights and vents was for nothing and the entire week was wasted just to have pissed off Drill Instructor's for the next 3 weeks. Senior says if we do well we'll be able to part our hair. I just can't wait until Sunday. It will all be over soon. I just got to keep saying that. Hopefully we get to drill too. I miss popping sticks, haven't really practiced marching since the beginning of grass week. The platoon now stands at 65 and we started on the yellow footprints with 74. The last girl to drop though, man, she was dropped for Papa Co and she was here for 3 of 4 days, then was light duty from Training Day 35 up until she was dropped today. She says she wants to go home, but why she wants to go the long 2 month way is stupid to me. Yes, the next 2 weeks will be hell, but it's only 2 weeks. I've made it this far. I didn't make it this far to quit or be dropped. I'm graduating on the 17th even if I break something. We'll see how it goes. So tomorrow CFT, company commanders inspection. One day closer to seeing you all again.
21 May
I seem to be doing this a lot with my letter, huh? Oh well, saves me stamps for later. Yes dad I got your stamps so now I have 2 full stamp thingy's & one I'm still using. I'm going to apologize now for any frustrations I set loose on this letter that you guys are reading. I most of the time, don't realize I'm doing it so yeah... It helps me see the positives and the reasons I don't like it. Dad, I realize practice is the only way to get better, but getting thrown on the ground for MCMAP in a time period of 2-3 hours does stink. Yeah, I know, better to learn it now than later. So we did a course called something under fire, basically an obstacle course so you start by lying on the deck on your stomach, sprint to the first cone, j-hook around, drop high crawl to the next cone baby crawl to the next one, you get up and zig zag around blue domes, pick your buddy up and drag her around two domes, then it's the fireman's carry and you're running to where you started with your buddy. Then it's running back to the other side with the ammo cans, chuck a baseball, do 3 pushups, pick the ammo-cans up and run back to the starting line. I finished with a 3:34. Slow huh? I'll beat that on my CFT thats on TD 54. Monday is the beginning of Phase Three, I'm excited and nervous. The Crucible's got my body in jitter mode as the time for it comes closer and the day of Final Drill. I keep telling myself it's almost over. I need to drink more water cuz now it's getting HOT! It wouldn't be that bad if the air wasn't so humid. Three more weeks... Can you believe it? Almost done, Just BWT, admin and the Crucible then I get to see you guys on Thursday. Can you bring me something from McDonalds or Burger King? Anything besides eggs & rice sound great. Fries, & a cheeseburger that sounds great or CinniMini Rolls or a McMuffin. I'm just saying...Nah, just bring me a couple boxes of granola bars and chocolate chip cookies and yourselves and I will be happy. Tell Meagan & Jessi I'm stealing them on Tuesday and taking them to at least the Mall, pool, and the bookstore. Unless they don't wan to be with their boring dumb old sister for a day. Dad, did your stomach start to ache around this time, not for food either smart aleck. Cuz my stomach is always aching now, is it just homesickness. Did you guys feel like that when you first left home? I just am getting restless here and want to be able to have a bit of freedom. Another five years and we'll see what happens. I do know that if anything, whether in 5 years or 20, I'm going back home to Omaha. I can't picture myself any other place unless the entire family decided to pack up and move somewhere different. I just can't wait to get out of here and be able to do something with my life. Here, is all about getting us ready in a controlled environment. Almost there. Then it's off to MCT after going home. All I can do is keep a positive mental attitude. I see dad rough housing and teasing you mom, and I see you with me cooking for the swim team, and sitting and watching TV. I can see Grandma in her kitchen with Gabe, Grace, Maddie, Lilly, and Hunter, at least one of them with her. I miss your smiles and your hugs and kisses. Bit I know that I need to keep pushing forward so I can see you again all the sooner and come home to everyone else, just as we have this planned. Three more weeks, I 'm sorry I can't seem to say it enough. It sounds so unreal. That it's almost been 2 months already. I left in March and now I'm almost ready to go home as a Marine. I'm almost there. BWT is tomorrow and so is the beginning of Phase 3. Our Drill Instructors are actually turning out to be pretty cool, except for Drill Instructor Sgt Gaddis. She keeps flipping switches. But she's keeping us on our toes. Only have another 3 weeks, then a little more freedom. We now have permission to part our hair and wash our hair every night Senior has duty. Oh, and we had the fire alarm. Went off May 21 night, so that was fun standing outside for a half our in our skivvies until they told us to go back to the racks. That was a fun night. Oh well. The get back course is tomorrow. Basically you get to the end and the DI's get the pleasure of telling you to get back to the beginning and start over. We get to do it twice, one at night, and hoping for the morning cuz it'll be cooler. Oh well we get what we get. So we'll be sleeping out there Monday & Tuesday and we'll eat MRE's on those days for lunch and box chows for dinner & breakfast. On Tuesday we get to learn land navigation and are sent out into the woods and told to find our way back & then on Wednesday is Table 2. I hear we get a lot of classes this week too, so it should be interesting to say the least. I promise to write more, I don't want Dad to freak out anymore that he has to. :) By the way Mom, love the card, I think I would enjoy the food too.
I love you,
Bizzy
Woo Hoo, got the CFT tomorrow, not looking forward to that to be completely honest. Run 880 yards then ammo can lifts, buddy drags, fireman's carry, running with the ammo cans, tossing a grenade, and running back. And you have a time limit. Sounds like so much fun. Definitely stuffing myself for breakfast in the morning. So after that we have our Battalion Commanders Inspection. Hopefully not all that time I spent on cleaning the lights and vents was for nothing and the entire week was wasted just to have pissed off Drill Instructor's for the next 3 weeks. Senior says if we do well we'll be able to part our hair. I just can't wait until Sunday. It will all be over soon. I just got to keep saying that. Hopefully we get to drill too. I miss popping sticks, haven't really practiced marching since the beginning of grass week. The platoon now stands at 65 and we started on the yellow footprints with 74. The last girl to drop though, man, she was dropped for Papa Co and she was here for 3 of 4 days, then was light duty from Training Day 35 up until she was dropped today. She says she wants to go home, but why she wants to go the long 2 month way is stupid to me. Yes, the next 2 weeks will be hell, but it's only 2 weeks. I've made it this far. I didn't make it this far to quit or be dropped. I'm graduating on the 17th even if I break something. We'll see how it goes. So tomorrow CFT, company commanders inspection. One day closer to seeing you all again.
21 May
I seem to be doing this a lot with my letter, huh? Oh well, saves me stamps for later. Yes dad I got your stamps so now I have 2 full stamp thingy's & one I'm still using. I'm going to apologize now for any frustrations I set loose on this letter that you guys are reading. I most of the time, don't realize I'm doing it so yeah... It helps me see the positives and the reasons I don't like it. Dad, I realize practice is the only way to get better, but getting thrown on the ground for MCMAP in a time period of 2-3 hours does stink. Yeah, I know, better to learn it now than later. So we did a course called something under fire, basically an obstacle course so you start by lying on the deck on your stomach, sprint to the first cone, j-hook around, drop high crawl to the next cone baby crawl to the next one, you get up and zig zag around blue domes, pick your buddy up and drag her around two domes, then it's the fireman's carry and you're running to where you started with your buddy. Then it's running back to the other side with the ammo cans, chuck a baseball, do 3 pushups, pick the ammo-cans up and run back to the starting line. I finished with a 3:34. Slow huh? I'll beat that on my CFT thats on TD 54. Monday is the beginning of Phase Three, I'm excited and nervous. The Crucible's got my body in jitter mode as the time for it comes closer and the day of Final Drill. I keep telling myself it's almost over. I need to drink more water cuz now it's getting HOT! It wouldn't be that bad if the air wasn't so humid. Three more weeks... Can you believe it? Almost done, Just BWT, admin and the Crucible then I get to see you guys on Thursday. Can you bring me something from McDonalds or Burger King? Anything besides eggs & rice sound great. Fries, & a cheeseburger that sounds great or CinniMini Rolls or a McMuffin. I'm just saying...Nah, just bring me a couple boxes of granola bars and chocolate chip cookies and yourselves and I will be happy. Tell Meagan & Jessi I'm stealing them on Tuesday and taking them to at least the Mall, pool, and the bookstore. Unless they don't wan to be with their boring dumb old sister for a day. Dad, did your stomach start to ache around this time, not for food either smart aleck. Cuz my stomach is always aching now, is it just homesickness. Did you guys feel like that when you first left home? I just am getting restless here and want to be able to have a bit of freedom. Another five years and we'll see what happens. I do know that if anything, whether in 5 years or 20, I'm going back home to Omaha. I can't picture myself any other place unless the entire family decided to pack up and move somewhere different. I just can't wait to get out of here and be able to do something with my life. Here, is all about getting us ready in a controlled environment. Almost there. Then it's off to MCT after going home. All I can do is keep a positive mental attitude. I see dad rough housing and teasing you mom, and I see you with me cooking for the swim team, and sitting and watching TV. I can see Grandma in her kitchen with Gabe, Grace, Maddie, Lilly, and Hunter, at least one of them with her. I miss your smiles and your hugs and kisses. Bit I know that I need to keep pushing forward so I can see you again all the sooner and come home to everyone else, just as we have this planned. Three more weeks, I 'm sorry I can't seem to say it enough. It sounds so unreal. That it's almost been 2 months already. I left in March and now I'm almost ready to go home as a Marine. I'm almost there. BWT is tomorrow and so is the beginning of Phase 3. Our Drill Instructors are actually turning out to be pretty cool, except for Drill Instructor Sgt Gaddis. She keeps flipping switches. But she's keeping us on our toes. Only have another 3 weeks, then a little more freedom. We now have permission to part our hair and wash our hair every night Senior has duty. Oh, and we had the fire alarm. Went off May 21 night, so that was fun standing outside for a half our in our skivvies until they told us to go back to the racks. That was a fun night. Oh well. The get back course is tomorrow. Basically you get to the end and the DI's get the pleasure of telling you to get back to the beginning and start over. We get to do it twice, one at night, and hoping for the morning cuz it'll be cooler. Oh well we get what we get. So we'll be sleeping out there Monday & Tuesday and we'll eat MRE's on those days for lunch and box chows for dinner & breakfast. On Tuesday we get to learn land navigation and are sent out into the woods and told to find our way back & then on Wednesday is Table 2. I hear we get a lot of classes this week too, so it should be interesting to say the least. I promise to write more, I don't want Dad to freak out anymore that he has to. :) By the way Mom, love the card, I think I would enjoy the food too.
I love you,
Bizzy
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
17 May, 19 May, Mom & Dad
Hey guys
I haven't passed the rifle range so I've got until Friday to qualify as marksman or I get dropped to Oscar. I'm depending too much on the 200 yd and 300 yd lines.
Hey guys,
I passed but I'm kind of mad at myself. I scored a 213 but will only officially score a 190 because I didn't qualify on friday. I would have gotten sharp shooter. Oh well, I've got next year. 3 more weeks God I can't wait. Is it bad to have dreams about food, cuz I keep seeing Italian food. By the way I found the only food bacon doesn't help taste better is the morning oatmeal. That stuff is the only thing that tastes horrible but I eat as much as I can in the morning since it's another 8-9 hours until afternoon chow. So today I went back to the range and was a scorekeeper until 0930 then came back to the squadbay and cleaned until 1230 for afternoon chow then was told to go to the all weather center which sent me, Arnhalt, Barcenas, Valenzda, Jansen, Correa, & Kinningson to the combat camera. We were told to clean the heads, then I was told to sweep the deck and after that I went to one of the Marines for another job and was told to vacuum the audio offices. So I finish that and then I got asked how the rest of my group is outside police calling and I was in there cleaning a vacuum. I told him this recruit was told to vacuum and so he had me put that away and then he had me start organizing the closet, sorry gear locker. Then we were given head and water calls and told to stand by for an hour so we get into a group discussion on the Drill Instructors. We all agree that Drill Instructor Gaddis is a major control freak and that we respect her but don't really like her. Drill Instructor Sgt Moffet should be leaving us to go to baby November next week but I hope she stays. She tests our bearings all the time and she's been the one that has been "helping" me and my temper. Pit training, gotta love rolling around in the sand. Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn, where to start with her. I used to have issues with her but now I have all respect for her again and even more. In her element, knowledge of the rifle, she is the coolest person ever. Today we all decided/agreed/were told by the platoon that we are going to be sounding even louder for her because of how much she has helped us out. I'm not sure what I told you about last week, but we practiced crawling and when we were told to run back and do the back crawl, I asked her how you do it without raising your knees cuz the crawl is for going under barbed wire and yeah she gave me the "you're an idiot" face but explained how because I asked, she's very passionate about any knowledge on the Marine Corps and man if you ask about the weapon, watch her light up as she explains it. We made her lose her bearing. She calls us terrorists because of that too.
The Company Commander Inspection is on Sat. It's either going to save or break us for the next 3 weeks. Man, Marines, I swear all have extreme OCD. It's never EVER clean enough which is ok in some areas but man it stinks having to climb on 3 footlockers just to clean the lights and vents. Helps you learn how to balance yourself quickly though. All the girls here keep talking about how they're craving candy, but I am craving granola bars, granted they're probably expensive but they taste awesome. Dad I already told you how I did on my PFT: 1st class. I also got the stamps, thank you very much for these. Hey on family day you should bring me some McDonalds, yes you should, not sure if you can though. That sounds awesome. According to Drill Instructor Sgt Gaddis I'll be in my service Alphas which means I won't be able to hug you guys until I change into charlie's. That's going to be hard to do. Oh Well, I'll get over it with the fact I'll be able to hug you for the next 10 days after that. I miss you so much but I'm getting so excited. My platoon is almost there, we're closer to earning that title and the eagle, globe, and anchor. Almost there, I can't wait. Sunday is right around the corner and I promise to write to you then, but until then I'll say be safe and that I love you guys so much.
Love
Bizzy Bee
I haven't passed the rifle range so I've got until Friday to qualify as marksman or I get dropped to Oscar. I'm depending too much on the 200 yd and 300 yd lines.
Hey guys,
I passed but I'm kind of mad at myself. I scored a 213 but will only officially score a 190 because I didn't qualify on friday. I would have gotten sharp shooter. Oh well, I've got next year. 3 more weeks God I can't wait. Is it bad to have dreams about food, cuz I keep seeing Italian food. By the way I found the only food bacon doesn't help taste better is the morning oatmeal. That stuff is the only thing that tastes horrible but I eat as much as I can in the morning since it's another 8-9 hours until afternoon chow. So today I went back to the range and was a scorekeeper until 0930 then came back to the squadbay and cleaned until 1230 for afternoon chow then was told to go to the all weather center which sent me, Arnhalt, Barcenas, Valenzda, Jansen, Correa, & Kinningson to the combat camera. We were told to clean the heads, then I was told to sweep the deck and after that I went to one of the Marines for another job and was told to vacuum the audio offices. So I finish that and then I got asked how the rest of my group is outside police calling and I was in there cleaning a vacuum. I told him this recruit was told to vacuum and so he had me put that away and then he had me start organizing the closet, sorry gear locker. Then we were given head and water calls and told to stand by for an hour so we get into a group discussion on the Drill Instructors. We all agree that Drill Instructor Gaddis is a major control freak and that we respect her but don't really like her. Drill Instructor Sgt Moffet should be leaving us to go to baby November next week but I hope she stays. She tests our bearings all the time and she's been the one that has been "helping" me and my temper. Pit training, gotta love rolling around in the sand. Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn, where to start with her. I used to have issues with her but now I have all respect for her again and even more. In her element, knowledge of the rifle, she is the coolest person ever. Today we all decided/agreed/were told by the platoon that we are going to be sounding even louder for her because of how much she has helped us out. I'm not sure what I told you about last week, but we practiced crawling and when we were told to run back and do the back crawl, I asked her how you do it without raising your knees cuz the crawl is for going under barbed wire and yeah she gave me the "you're an idiot" face but explained how because I asked, she's very passionate about any knowledge on the Marine Corps and man if you ask about the weapon, watch her light up as she explains it. We made her lose her bearing. She calls us terrorists because of that too.
The Company Commander Inspection is on Sat. It's either going to save or break us for the next 3 weeks. Man, Marines, I swear all have extreme OCD. It's never EVER clean enough which is ok in some areas but man it stinks having to climb on 3 footlockers just to clean the lights and vents. Helps you learn how to balance yourself quickly though. All the girls here keep talking about how they're craving candy, but I am craving granola bars, granted they're probably expensive but they taste awesome. Dad I already told you how I did on my PFT: 1st class. I also got the stamps, thank you very much for these. Hey on family day you should bring me some McDonalds, yes you should, not sure if you can though. That sounds awesome. According to Drill Instructor Sgt Gaddis I'll be in my service Alphas which means I won't be able to hug you guys until I change into charlie's. That's going to be hard to do. Oh Well, I'll get over it with the fact I'll be able to hug you for the next 10 days after that. I miss you so much but I'm getting so excited. My platoon is almost there, we're closer to earning that title and the eagle, globe, and anchor. Almost there, I can't wait. Sunday is right around the corner and I promise to write to you then, but until then I'll say be safe and that I love you guys so much.
Love
Bizzy Bee
Thursday, May 19, 2011
12 May, Mom & Dad
Hey guys,
Sorry it's been so long, but it has been rifle week. Today was prequal and I only scored 158 points but I still had seven rounds left in my magazine. It stinks when the people working the target are moving slow. I'll do better tomorrow. Dad to tell you the truth the job of a night owl sounds pretty cool. The transitions sound horrible though Dad. So today was up for Rifle watch at 0200 and we got ready for chow at 0415.
Ate chow, ran back to the squad bay, got on our gear, and ran to the rifle range. I guess I'm lucky, I fire in the morning, work the targets afternoon or after the first relays. Been getting the male box chows, it sucks getting chips and cookies and not being able to eat it. I hope we can eat it tomorrow. Probably not. I can wish! Maybe they'll let us have a treat at the chow hall before the hike back on Saturday. You never know. My food list keeps growing and hopefully I get to eat half the stuff on it before I get shipped out again. Thank you for the pictures Dad, I truly appreciate them and Jessi & Meagan are getting bigger and I can't wait to see you again. Jessi better be keeping her head on her shoulders. That is so important and I should have listened to you guys for the last God knows how many years, cuz it's biting me in my butt pretty hard. It's hard trying to concentrate on five different things when you have someone screaming at you. When I fly back home I am going to go to the grocery store & buy my list & then head either to Grandma's or home. Only 20 things, don't worry & the thing that'll cost the most is the apple jelly. Only 30 more training days until I see you guys again. One month left. I hope you guys have fun getting here because I want to hear all about the trip. Are we still going to Papa John's after graduation cuz I never got a confirmation on that. I need to know, well I may not need to know, want to know. I'm praying to make my rifle range qualification tomorrow. I'm excited about it though too. I'm keeping myself relaxed though by thinking of lasagna, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, & cinnamon rolls. Sorry, but that's how I remember mom, dad, and grandma. Everything seems to go back to food in my mind, but its the way I remember you guys the easiest. I can't really remember sound though, and that freaked me out the first time, but got used to it. This, then team week, BWT, table 2 firing, another week, then it's Crucible and graduation. Found out I can go forever with the fireman's carry, that is some easy stuff if you know how to center your body. I gotta say I am hating having to run to the chow hall, & to the rifle range right after eating. I can't wait to get back on the cat walks and start drilling again.
Dad to answer your questions, yes we had to unblouse our boots and hand over the series quidon because Q had gatorade in her pocket. Oh but we got back the privilege on the following afternoon. That was fun. And to your other 2 questions, Yes I ran my PFT all by my lonesome and scored a 70 second hang, 25:23 run, and only 76 crunches. What's the point of having a partner if they don't hold you right? I mean seriously, but it's over & done with. I scored high enough to be first class. So not horrible but the crunches stunk. I ran at my own pace and when I caught up with one of the other girls I would encourage them but kept right on going. I think it worked out, but I don't know. I couldn't ask cuz we weren't supposed to give encouragement.
So this week our guide was dropped for having a T3 heart murmur, I believe is what she said, and mono. I do not envy her but I feel bad for her. She did so much for this platoon and now she's gone.. That's screwed up. Brooks is our new guide and she almost choked at chow. She tried swallowing, it got stuck in her throat and the squad leaders all started calling for DI'S and Vida, 4018's guide started doing the Heimlich, but all of 18's DI's were making fun of her, which is complete bull to me, butt Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn said they did exactly what they were supposed to do. Well we'll see how I do tomorrow. I love you all,
Love,
Bizzy
p.s. How irritated are you guys at my lists yet?
Sorry it's been so long, but it has been rifle week. Today was prequal and I only scored 158 points but I still had seven rounds left in my magazine. It stinks when the people working the target are moving slow. I'll do better tomorrow. Dad to tell you the truth the job of a night owl sounds pretty cool. The transitions sound horrible though Dad. So today was up for Rifle watch at 0200 and we got ready for chow at 0415.
Ate chow, ran back to the squad bay, got on our gear, and ran to the rifle range. I guess I'm lucky, I fire in the morning, work the targets afternoon or after the first relays. Been getting the male box chows, it sucks getting chips and cookies and not being able to eat it. I hope we can eat it tomorrow. Probably not. I can wish! Maybe they'll let us have a treat at the chow hall before the hike back on Saturday. You never know. My food list keeps growing and hopefully I get to eat half the stuff on it before I get shipped out again. Thank you for the pictures Dad, I truly appreciate them and Jessi & Meagan are getting bigger and I can't wait to see you again. Jessi better be keeping her head on her shoulders. That is so important and I should have listened to you guys for the last God knows how many years, cuz it's biting me in my butt pretty hard. It's hard trying to concentrate on five different things when you have someone screaming at you. When I fly back home I am going to go to the grocery store & buy my list & then head either to Grandma's or home. Only 20 things, don't worry & the thing that'll cost the most is the apple jelly. Only 30 more training days until I see you guys again. One month left. I hope you guys have fun getting here because I want to hear all about the trip. Are we still going to Papa John's after graduation cuz I never got a confirmation on that. I need to know, well I may not need to know, want to know. I'm praying to make my rifle range qualification tomorrow. I'm excited about it though too. I'm keeping myself relaxed though by thinking of lasagna, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, & cinnamon rolls. Sorry, but that's how I remember mom, dad, and grandma. Everything seems to go back to food in my mind, but its the way I remember you guys the easiest. I can't really remember sound though, and that freaked me out the first time, but got used to it. This, then team week, BWT, table 2 firing, another week, then it's Crucible and graduation. Found out I can go forever with the fireman's carry, that is some easy stuff if you know how to center your body. I gotta say I am hating having to run to the chow hall, & to the rifle range right after eating. I can't wait to get back on the cat walks and start drilling again.
Dad to answer your questions, yes we had to unblouse our boots and hand over the series quidon because Q had gatorade in her pocket. Oh but we got back the privilege on the following afternoon. That was fun. And to your other 2 questions, Yes I ran my PFT all by my lonesome and scored a 70 second hang, 25:23 run, and only 76 crunches. What's the point of having a partner if they don't hold you right? I mean seriously, but it's over & done with. I scored high enough to be first class. So not horrible but the crunches stunk. I ran at my own pace and when I caught up with one of the other girls I would encourage them but kept right on going. I think it worked out, but I don't know. I couldn't ask cuz we weren't supposed to give encouragement.
So this week our guide was dropped for having a T3 heart murmur, I believe is what she said, and mono. I do not envy her but I feel bad for her. She did so much for this platoon and now she's gone.. That's screwed up. Brooks is our new guide and she almost choked at chow. She tried swallowing, it got stuck in her throat and the squad leaders all started calling for DI'S and Vida, 4018's guide started doing the Heimlich, but all of 18's DI's were making fun of her, which is complete bull to me, butt Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn said they did exactly what they were supposed to do. Well we'll see how I do tomorrow. I love you all,
Love,
Bizzy
p.s. How irritated are you guys at my lists yet?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Note: Hi all
As of this evening we still haven't heard about her qualifying on the range. We were hoping to hear early this week, but not yet. Keri, you get to get her her giant cookie with frosting, you started it....... Just make sure it is a small one, I don't think her stomach would handle a giant one. We sent her recipes for Grandma's stuffing and turkey tetrazini, if everyone who sends her a recipe if we could keep track here, then maybe she won't get 8 recipes for Grandma's deep dish pizza!!!
Love
Jen
Love
Jen
08 May, Mom & Dad
This is a continuation of the last post:
So yesterday I received your letters as I've said in this letter. I forgot to tell you what I did. After chow, we had our PFT and I did pretty good on it: 70 second arm hang, 25:23 minutes run and 76 crunches. What's the point of having a partner on that if they don't hold your legs right? Seriously, I know I can do more than that. I am in first class though. Then we took a shower, and went and drilled for 2 & 1/2 hours before going back to the squad bay to make head & water calls for chow. I did the laundry. So we went to chow and dill drill back. Apparently our pivots are bad, and we need to "pull our heads out of our cargo pockets". So we get back to the squad bay and told to clean our weapons, & are left here so I clean my rifle, have the board inspected and hang it back on the rack and passed out cami's. Then after all that I literally hid in the back of the laundry for 2 1/2 hours folding and washing clothes, but I was doing my job; I am a laundry recruit after all, so I wasn't nailed for anything yesterday afternoon. It was nice. Then just as I finished the last load we had to go to chow. Yes! Then it was like 1800 hours so we had to move cuz free time is at 1900 hours and lights is at 2000. I think most of it was wasted leaning the bolts and boards for everyone but me. It was relaxing to say the least.
Today I spent this morning at Church and got back for an hour of free time before afternoon chow. The we came back to the squad bay and got our Circle of Trust time with Senior. She helped me get more excited for the rifle range saying the people pay a ton to shoot, I get payed to shoot paper. A different way to look at it. Went on a range tour today so I got to see where I'm going to be shooting and handling the targets in the pits.. I'm relay 3, so I'm firing in the afternoon and working the targets in the morning. Then our PMI came to the squad bay after evening chow and told us our relays and how to switch our windoge & elevation knobs. Then showers and laundry then free time. Lazy day. Tomorrow is going to be hectic.
11 May
Hey Mom & Dad,
I know it's been a while but it's been the week on the rifle range. You spend most of free time cleaning the weapon and then maybe have 10 minutes to look for the gear the DI's threw everywhere. I am now missing my firing glove, safety pin, and all my inksticks. I'm lucky my databook is still in one piece. They have to make sure we're not taking anything from the range though. Whatever floats their boats. Dad I don't think I answered your question about ISMT. It's a computer software that imitates you firing an M16 to help you practice with grouping. Pretty cool actually. So the DI broke my glasses today so prequal & qualifying ought to be fun. I know they're just doing their jobs, but sometimes you lose all respect you have for a person for a time and you gotta keep reminding yourself it's nothing personal, just them doing their jobs.
On another note we "practiced" high, low, and back crawling this afternoon with our cavalars on. It was kind of fun actually but back crawling is a little different. Waddle on your back like a penguin, don't lift your knees up. I am happy to report I am the fastest crawler in the platoon. Can't wait to try it with the rifle now. Anyway this letter has lasted a week and I want to hear from you soon.
I love you all,
Bizzy
P.S. 32 more Training Days to go until I see you guys!!!! I am sooooooo excited!!!! :)
So yesterday I received your letters as I've said in this letter. I forgot to tell you what I did. After chow, we had our PFT and I did pretty good on it: 70 second arm hang, 25:23 minutes run and 76 crunches. What's the point of having a partner on that if they don't hold your legs right? Seriously, I know I can do more than that. I am in first class though. Then we took a shower, and went and drilled for 2 & 1/2 hours before going back to the squad bay to make head & water calls for chow. I did the laundry. So we went to chow and dill drill back. Apparently our pivots are bad, and we need to "pull our heads out of our cargo pockets". So we get back to the squad bay and told to clean our weapons, & are left here so I clean my rifle, have the board inspected and hang it back on the rack and passed out cami's. Then after all that I literally hid in the back of the laundry for 2 1/2 hours folding and washing clothes, but I was doing my job; I am a laundry recruit after all, so I wasn't nailed for anything yesterday afternoon. It was nice. Then just as I finished the last load we had to go to chow. Yes! Then it was like 1800 hours so we had to move cuz free time is at 1900 hours and lights is at 2000. I think most of it was wasted leaning the bolts and boards for everyone but me. It was relaxing to say the least.
Today I spent this morning at Church and got back for an hour of free time before afternoon chow. The we came back to the squad bay and got our Circle of Trust time with Senior. She helped me get more excited for the rifle range saying the people pay a ton to shoot, I get payed to shoot paper. A different way to look at it. Went on a range tour today so I got to see where I'm going to be shooting and handling the targets in the pits.. I'm relay 3, so I'm firing in the afternoon and working the targets in the morning. Then our PMI came to the squad bay after evening chow and told us our relays and how to switch our windoge & elevation knobs. Then showers and laundry then free time. Lazy day. Tomorrow is going to be hectic.
11 May
Hey Mom & Dad,
I know it's been a while but it's been the week on the rifle range. You spend most of free time cleaning the weapon and then maybe have 10 minutes to look for the gear the DI's threw everywhere. I am now missing my firing glove, safety pin, and all my inksticks. I'm lucky my databook is still in one piece. They have to make sure we're not taking anything from the range though. Whatever floats their boats. Dad I don't think I answered your question about ISMT. It's a computer software that imitates you firing an M16 to help you practice with grouping. Pretty cool actually. So the DI broke my glasses today so prequal & qualifying ought to be fun. I know they're just doing their jobs, but sometimes you lose all respect you have for a person for a time and you gotta keep reminding yourself it's nothing personal, just them doing their jobs.
On another note we "practiced" high, low, and back crawling this afternoon with our cavalars on. It was kind of fun actually but back crawling is a little different. Waddle on your back like a penguin, don't lift your knees up. I am happy to report I am the fastest crawler in the platoon. Can't wait to try it with the rifle now. Anyway this letter has lasted a week and I want to hear from you soon.
I love you all,
Bizzy
P.S. 32 more Training Days to go until I see you guys!!!! I am sooooooo excited!!!! :)
05 May, Mom & Dad
Dear Mom & Dad,
Liz's issues on the firing range: sighting/aiming at the target and tensing up before firing the weapon. God after this week I've been wanting chocolate ice cream with chunks of brownies and cookie dough. That sounds like heaven. Grandma will be happy to know that my fingernails are growing like crazy since there is NO way I'm putting those in my mouth, it's just gross where I put them and no amount of washing is going to clean them well enough. It makes eating PB&J sandwiches harder. Oh, & cream of broccoli is really good. Had it twice today.
So, Castro has decided to come to Omaha in 2 years so she can try all this food I keep telling her about. Am I giving off a bad idea on all this food? It just helps keep me calm. List the recipe or list food alphabetically. It works with my stress levels: think of something else.
Today 2 recruits pissed off Senior. The first one "stole" gatorade powder from her breakfast box chow & then another. She's going to end up getting Senior in a heap of trouble. Instead of working up the chain of command, like you're supposed to, she goes to the company commander and Senior didn't know about the stuff. Let's just put it this way, I'm happy I wasn't picked to IT yesterday. Senior left and that just makes me realize how much the DI's are in check with her around. Hopefully they learned their lesson & Senior's back tomorrow.
06 May
Another day done. Started out the day with getting dressed and cleaning our rifles. Then we ran to the chow hall, ate, marched back, then got our gear ready for the day . Then wasted time until the sun came up and went to the range to learn how to fill out databooks. The PMI, Sgt Lasselle, made it sound easy then the girls started questioning why, then I started getting confused. So I wrote down everything he said in the beginning and got un-confused. Is that even a word? Then we went to chow and ate quickly, then went to the lawn across the street and practiced snapping in the standing and kneeling positions. Oh & it rained from 1000-1600 on and off. Not fun trying to aim in that. I got blasted today. Had the ejection port cover open. So yeah, 5 DI's, one me, not fun. Want comfort food, can't have any for another five to six weeks. I want a giant chocolate chip cookie with a load of frosting on top. Can I have one please?! Just buy one from hyvee or Bakers & a can of frosting. That sounds so good! and gives me another thing to look forward to. I know my body isn't used to junk food anymore, but I'm craving more Italian food and Pizza that anything else. I know, still horrible for me. But after he blasting today, I can't bring myself to care about that little fact. So tired of the mind games. Nothing is ever good enough, but I understand that from the DI's, I don't understand the need some of these girls have in ripping each other's throats out. Hopefully it's just the stress factor. Can't wait for the next week to be over. I don't like firing my M16, but I'm SOL right there, gotta pass the rifle range in order to pass on & continue on to Graduate. I'm hoping to at least pass this cuz with my aim now, there's no way in this world I'll score high enough to get the "pizza box" or pass as marksman. Maybe I'm just too tense, I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow and all next week while I write in my databook.
Thanks for saying you'll bring granola bars, make sure to get that specific kind please, thank you. So David got in a car accident? Did he learn his lesson? He's a smart kid so I'm sure he learned his lesson the first time. Thanks Mom for the image of you holding my head. That helps a lot, but my issue is when I have to stand at attention & get screamed at, IT'd. I am at least burning off the rage. Hopefully you get back in the habit of writing cuz I am literally clinging onto your letters. They're helping keep my head on and try to keep trucking along. Dad sends a letter, it seems, every other day. He gets the title "Writing Letter King" :) It's actually amazing to me how much I'm gripping onto these letters. Hey, can you send me like 6 recipes so I can memorize them? It helps me keep my temper in check cuz every time Sgt Moffett makes up IT with the M16 the urge to hit her with it is almost too much and I lock my body which you're not supposed to do when you're IT'd. Trying to figure something out here. Thanks Dad for the articles and advice as well. It's just so hard to do, so many things to remember, and being emotionally and mentally exhausted isn't helping. Oh well, suck it up and live with it. Sundays, chow, and lights out are what I look forward to. Don't get screamed at as much there. 5 more weeks of this. God I can't wait for it to end. Well until Marine week I think... On grass week, then team week, BWT, Table 2, another week, then the Crucible. So yeah, 5 more weeks. Can time speed up now. I would truly appreciate it, or skip shooting weeks cuz I hate firing the stupid thing. Oh well, can't wait for it to come.
Liz's issues on the firing range: sighting/aiming at the target and tensing up before firing the weapon. God after this week I've been wanting chocolate ice cream with chunks of brownies and cookie dough. That sounds like heaven. Grandma will be happy to know that my fingernails are growing like crazy since there is NO way I'm putting those in my mouth, it's just gross where I put them and no amount of washing is going to clean them well enough. It makes eating PB&J sandwiches harder. Oh, & cream of broccoli is really good. Had it twice today.
So, Castro has decided to come to Omaha in 2 years so she can try all this food I keep telling her about. Am I giving off a bad idea on all this food? It just helps keep me calm. List the recipe or list food alphabetically. It works with my stress levels: think of something else.
Today 2 recruits pissed off Senior. The first one "stole" gatorade powder from her breakfast box chow & then another. She's going to end up getting Senior in a heap of trouble. Instead of working up the chain of command, like you're supposed to, she goes to the company commander and Senior didn't know about the stuff. Let's just put it this way, I'm happy I wasn't picked to IT yesterday. Senior left and that just makes me realize how much the DI's are in check with her around. Hopefully they learned their lesson & Senior's back tomorrow.
06 May
Another day done. Started out the day with getting dressed and cleaning our rifles. Then we ran to the chow hall, ate, marched back, then got our gear ready for the day . Then wasted time until the sun came up and went to the range to learn how to fill out databooks. The PMI, Sgt Lasselle, made it sound easy then the girls started questioning why, then I started getting confused. So I wrote down everything he said in the beginning and got un-confused. Is that even a word? Then we went to chow and ate quickly, then went to the lawn across the street and practiced snapping in the standing and kneeling positions. Oh & it rained from 1000-1600 on and off. Not fun trying to aim in that. I got blasted today. Had the ejection port cover open. So yeah, 5 DI's, one me, not fun. Want comfort food, can't have any for another five to six weeks. I want a giant chocolate chip cookie with a load of frosting on top. Can I have one please?! Just buy one from hyvee or Bakers & a can of frosting. That sounds so good! and gives me another thing to look forward to. I know my body isn't used to junk food anymore, but I'm craving more Italian food and Pizza that anything else. I know, still horrible for me. But after he blasting today, I can't bring myself to care about that little fact. So tired of the mind games. Nothing is ever good enough, but I understand that from the DI's, I don't understand the need some of these girls have in ripping each other's throats out. Hopefully it's just the stress factor. Can't wait for the next week to be over. I don't like firing my M16, but I'm SOL right there, gotta pass the rifle range in order to pass on & continue on to Graduate. I'm hoping to at least pass this cuz with my aim now, there's no way in this world I'll score high enough to get the "pizza box" or pass as marksman. Maybe I'm just too tense, I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow and all next week while I write in my databook.
Thanks for saying you'll bring granola bars, make sure to get that specific kind please, thank you. So David got in a car accident? Did he learn his lesson? He's a smart kid so I'm sure he learned his lesson the first time. Thanks Mom for the image of you holding my head. That helps a lot, but my issue is when I have to stand at attention & get screamed at, IT'd. I am at least burning off the rage. Hopefully you get back in the habit of writing cuz I am literally clinging onto your letters. They're helping keep my head on and try to keep trucking along. Dad sends a letter, it seems, every other day. He gets the title "Writing Letter King" :) It's actually amazing to me how much I'm gripping onto these letters. Hey, can you send me like 6 recipes so I can memorize them? It helps me keep my temper in check cuz every time Sgt Moffett makes up IT with the M16 the urge to hit her with it is almost too much and I lock my body which you're not supposed to do when you're IT'd. Trying to figure something out here. Thanks Dad for the articles and advice as well. It's just so hard to do, so many things to remember, and being emotionally and mentally exhausted isn't helping. Oh well, suck it up and live with it. Sundays, chow, and lights out are what I look forward to. Don't get screamed at as much there. 5 more weeks of this. God I can't wait for it to end. Well until Marine week I think... On grass week, then team week, BWT, Table 2, another week, then the Crucible. So yeah, 5 more weeks. Can time speed up now. I would truly appreciate it, or skip shooting weeks cuz I hate firing the stupid thing. Oh well, can't wait for it to come.
Monday, May 9, 2011
4 May, Mom & Dad
Hey guys,
First of all thank you for the advice. As for your question Dad, my muscles all lock up into place & my face turns red. I know all this. With Castro's idea on the food thing, I'm either listing the food alphabetically or what I want for the day, or how to make a dish. As I said in the previous letter, my memory is exceptionally good with that! :) I'm hoping soon I won't have to deal with the lists anymore but they really do help. That & breathing deeply.
Yes Mom, banana's are my friend. I get at least one a day along with an apple & an orange in the box chows. Did I make it longer than Jake did before I requested/demanded you bring something here? Cuz if I did then I won't feel as guilty. Only week 5 & I'm telling you to bring 5 boxes of Granola bars with you. Those things are the bomb though. That's the girls equivalent to the guys' brownies, cakes, & cookies. We don't get any sugary stuff, it sucks. Almost halfway there, Saturday marks Training Day 35. PFT that morning, God that's gonna stink. Oh well, Dad's favorite saying "suck it up and live with it." Can't wait til Sunday.
Hyman & I are still trying to figure out Papa John's. Kind of disgruntled there's not one on base. They do have a Subway, a Backyard Burger, & Movie theater. Popcorn sounds great. I'm going to be doing a lot of swimming and running cuz all I want to do is eat what I want when I want with you guys. Not a very good idea fresh out of boot camp I'm sure but man I can't wait to have that freedom back as well as being able to see or talk to the people I want to.
We got to wash our hair again on Wednesday, not sure why. We usually have to do something for Senior to get one of those. Oh well, over, done with.
If there's one thing I'm grateful for during grass and rifle weeks is we keep the sleeves of our cami's rolled down. Damn sand fleas can't eat our arms. Oh, on field weeks or when we're away from the original squad bay our sleeves are rolled down all the time, all the other weeks rolled up. Make sense? Ask Dad to explain it better.
So, on the rifle range, my aiming sucks, but I can make a tight group. We get to fire in the sitting position today. Oh joy. I'm not liking this part of training and it's necessary. Every Marine is a rifleman. I just want to hit the black and never do. I had to refire four times yesterday cuz 2 times I did horribly and another 2 times the coaches didn't mark my groups. Why do I always get such luck? Anyway I'll end here tonight. Gotta clean my rifle and look over my notes. Those should help me, right? I love you guys.
Love
Bizzy
p.s. Thank you for the stamps and yes Mom I'm using both sides. :)
First of all thank you for the advice. As for your question Dad, my muscles all lock up into place & my face turns red. I know all this. With Castro's idea on the food thing, I'm either listing the food alphabetically or what I want for the day, or how to make a dish. As I said in the previous letter, my memory is exceptionally good with that! :) I'm hoping soon I won't have to deal with the lists anymore but they really do help. That & breathing deeply.
Yes Mom, banana's are my friend. I get at least one a day along with an apple & an orange in the box chows. Did I make it longer than Jake did before I requested/demanded you bring something here? Cuz if I did then I won't feel as guilty. Only week 5 & I'm telling you to bring 5 boxes of Granola bars with you. Those things are the bomb though. That's the girls equivalent to the guys' brownies, cakes, & cookies. We don't get any sugary stuff, it sucks. Almost halfway there, Saturday marks Training Day 35. PFT that morning, God that's gonna stink. Oh well, Dad's favorite saying "suck it up and live with it." Can't wait til Sunday.
Hyman & I are still trying to figure out Papa John's. Kind of disgruntled there's not one on base. They do have a Subway, a Backyard Burger, & Movie theater. Popcorn sounds great. I'm going to be doing a lot of swimming and running cuz all I want to do is eat what I want when I want with you guys. Not a very good idea fresh out of boot camp I'm sure but man I can't wait to have that freedom back as well as being able to see or talk to the people I want to.
We got to wash our hair again on Wednesday, not sure why. We usually have to do something for Senior to get one of those. Oh well, over, done with.
If there's one thing I'm grateful for during grass and rifle weeks is we keep the sleeves of our cami's rolled down. Damn sand fleas can't eat our arms. Oh, on field weeks or when we're away from the original squad bay our sleeves are rolled down all the time, all the other weeks rolled up. Make sense? Ask Dad to explain it better.
So, on the rifle range, my aiming sucks, but I can make a tight group. We get to fire in the sitting position today. Oh joy. I'm not liking this part of training and it's necessary. Every Marine is a rifleman. I just want to hit the black and never do. I had to refire four times yesterday cuz 2 times I did horribly and another 2 times the coaches didn't mark my groups. Why do I always get such luck? Anyway I'll end here tonight. Gotta clean my rifle and look over my notes. Those should help me, right? I love you guys.
Love
Bizzy
p.s. Thank you for the stamps and yes Mom I'm using both sides. :)
02/03 May Mom & Dad
Hey guys,
Let me start off with this: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Daddy, Happy Birthday to you!!!" Man it's starting to get really hard being away from you guys like this. Sometimes I wish I could jump in a time machine and go back so I never did this. I just miss you so much. I don't think I could regret doing this, this has been such a life changing experience for me and it's done me a lot of good. My confidence level is building, my motivation to get things done is at an all time high, but that could be the DI countdown in effect there, and I have a sense of direction, granted at the moment it's following orders and screaming, I still know what I''m doing with my life. Today was the start of grass week and next week is firing week. Why does grass week sound like a lot of crawling and running? Cuz so far we've all seemed to screw this over and have to run everywhere. Oh and we had to "practice" dropping and high crawling for at least an hour yesterday, because not everyone would drop when DI Sgt Gaddis said "incoming". That was annoying, but it could have been worse and we could have crawled through fire ant hills. Those little buggers, and it's not just one that bites you but like 2 dozen at a time.
When I get back I'm taking you guys, Grandma & Grandpa out to dinner so I'm guaranteed at least one meal together with you. I miss that the most: The family gatherings. I guess I'll get used to it as time goes by, but man I'm homesick. I will never take seeing my family for granted cuz as I'm experiencing now, I never know when I'll see you guys again for a period of time. This time I do know, June 17, and I'm doing my best to ensure it stays that way and I don't get dropped for any reason. What comes after the rifle range? I just want form idea as to what's coming up cuz I do not like being in the dark like I always am. Dad you tell me what I'm doing, but like four or five days after we do it. We'll see how the days goes, probably more running, a class, drill, and more running/crawling. By the way blisters on the top of the toes stink. They haven't been broken open yet and that's the best thing here for them. Harder to get cellulitis this way. I think we're going to have another drop soon. This girl, Chambers, keeps having anxiety attacks. It's freaky to listen to.
Probably goin gto medical today for shots I didn't get because of the laundry day thing. Oh joy, more needles. That reminds me Mom I god a Gardasil shot. I want to know if I just helped my body, or if I just put something poisonous in it for no reason. I also got a whole nother round of shots, those are in the butt, hurt like a whatever you would like to put there. We got assigned into new squads and families for drill formation. I'm still in 4th squad thank God, but I'm up in the seventh family or row. Apparently I'm taller than I thought. Dude it was great on Saturday. We had our 6-8 mile hike to the rifle range and then we went our to drill. Apparently we all did something amazing our there cuz we impressed the hell out of Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Behlman. We were one mistake away form going to the pit and then we were told if we kept up the great work we would get to shave. WE SHAVED SATURDAY NIGHT, and man that was a present all on itself. Hadn't shaved since March 20th, if that gives you new perspective on that freedom. We might not shave again til Training Day 68. Oh well, if it was winter I'd say it provides good insulation. It's spring almost summer though. It's around 75-85 degrees down here for the last couple of weeks, but it going to get HOT. It's humid but there's always a cool breeze coming in for the coast so it's not horrible out yet. Drinking 8 canteens a day, though I need to push it up to around 15 though.
So you say I'm too vague on what I write during my day so here's training day 30. Up at 2200 for a 2 hour rifle watch and back up from the racks at 0400. Then the other laundry recruits and I had to collect all the linens for the week and load it in the back of the van. Then went to morning chow. This chow hall crew is awesome, they aren't stingy with the serving size, they take a scoop and plop it on your plate and they have real bacon. It tastes so good, then we went to class for get ready for the rifle range. We learned how to service our rifles and what we need to look for so it doesn't blow up. Senior describes the rifle this way: "On the rifle range, the weapon is your baby, but in drill it's your bitch." Her words not mine. I think Dad knows what I'm talking about. Most of our free time is spent cleaning the dirt and grime out of the weapon. I heard about Osama through Senior during lunch, and the circle of trust. Finally, but what's going to happen now? What's the retaliation going to be? Anyway, the rest of the day was classes on the weapon and different firing positions. And I got IT'd yesterday. Oh well, bound to happen. Another friend of mine has helped me with the stress too. When I started going under the stress, Castro stood beside me and told me to list food and that helped a lot, then she asked me to list recipes, that helped me calm down a lot. Castro says she's coming home with me just so she can have all the dishes I told her about. Memory works great with that!! :) Then we went and ate chow then went to the squad bay and wet scuzzed the floor & took our shower & had free time.
Well this letter started on the 2nd, but it looks like I'm finishing it on the 3rd. We woke up at 0400 and got dressed quickly for chow at 0445 or 0500. Then we went to the squad bay and went to PT at 0600. We had it pretty easy; 3 laps around the track with intervals of 30 push ups, 60 air squats, and 70 crunches in between them. Then we went back to the squad bay and took a shower before heading to class where we learned about zeroing in on the target, natural breathing pause, and the positions again. After all that we went across the street, sat in a circle and ate chow. Then we got into the prone position, which is lying on your stomach, elbows tight to the body, weapon in the high pocket of the right shoulder for 4 and a half hours until we went to the chow hall for evening chow. Then we got back to the squad bay and got our shower, did the laundry, and then had free time. Not a lot. By the way, hard boiled eggs are nasty, and so are lima beans. Mushrooms are okay as well as potatoes and tomatoes. Those are great cuz they're always cooked in pasta dishes that don't taste like crap. I want to be there for Friday Dad, & I know I can't be, but I can't help the want to be there with you guys for your birthday. By the way Dad, about that present, I think I can wait that long, 4 1/2 years as long as we keep in contact all the time, even if it means slow snail mail. I think in the next month with the more freedom I'm given it will be a lot easier for me to deal with being away from you guys. I don't know, it's a thought. Anyway this letter was supposed to last a page and now it 2 1/2, so I'll end in saying happy birthday to you Dad and to Uncle Peter as well as the usual I love you. I can't wait to see you & I love you so much.
Love
Bizzy Bee
Let me start off with this: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Daddy, Happy Birthday to you!!!" Man it's starting to get really hard being away from you guys like this. Sometimes I wish I could jump in a time machine and go back so I never did this. I just miss you so much. I don't think I could regret doing this, this has been such a life changing experience for me and it's done me a lot of good. My confidence level is building, my motivation to get things done is at an all time high, but that could be the DI countdown in effect there, and I have a sense of direction, granted at the moment it's following orders and screaming, I still know what I''m doing with my life. Today was the start of grass week and next week is firing week. Why does grass week sound like a lot of crawling and running? Cuz so far we've all seemed to screw this over and have to run everywhere. Oh and we had to "practice" dropping and high crawling for at least an hour yesterday, because not everyone would drop when DI Sgt Gaddis said "incoming". That was annoying, but it could have been worse and we could have crawled through fire ant hills. Those little buggers, and it's not just one that bites you but like 2 dozen at a time.
When I get back I'm taking you guys, Grandma & Grandpa out to dinner so I'm guaranteed at least one meal together with you. I miss that the most: The family gatherings. I guess I'll get used to it as time goes by, but man I'm homesick. I will never take seeing my family for granted cuz as I'm experiencing now, I never know when I'll see you guys again for a period of time. This time I do know, June 17, and I'm doing my best to ensure it stays that way and I don't get dropped for any reason. What comes after the rifle range? I just want form idea as to what's coming up cuz I do not like being in the dark like I always am. Dad you tell me what I'm doing, but like four or five days after we do it. We'll see how the days goes, probably more running, a class, drill, and more running/crawling. By the way blisters on the top of the toes stink. They haven't been broken open yet and that's the best thing here for them. Harder to get cellulitis this way. I think we're going to have another drop soon. This girl, Chambers, keeps having anxiety attacks. It's freaky to listen to.
Probably goin gto medical today for shots I didn't get because of the laundry day thing. Oh joy, more needles. That reminds me Mom I god a Gardasil shot. I want to know if I just helped my body, or if I just put something poisonous in it for no reason. I also got a whole nother round of shots, those are in the butt, hurt like a whatever you would like to put there. We got assigned into new squads and families for drill formation. I'm still in 4th squad thank God, but I'm up in the seventh family or row. Apparently I'm taller than I thought. Dude it was great on Saturday. We had our 6-8 mile hike to the rifle range and then we went our to drill. Apparently we all did something amazing our there cuz we impressed the hell out of Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Behlman. We were one mistake away form going to the pit and then we were told if we kept up the great work we would get to shave. WE SHAVED SATURDAY NIGHT, and man that was a present all on itself. Hadn't shaved since March 20th, if that gives you new perspective on that freedom. We might not shave again til Training Day 68. Oh well, if it was winter I'd say it provides good insulation. It's spring almost summer though. It's around 75-85 degrees down here for the last couple of weeks, but it going to get HOT. It's humid but there's always a cool breeze coming in for the coast so it's not horrible out yet. Drinking 8 canteens a day, though I need to push it up to around 15 though.
So you say I'm too vague on what I write during my day so here's training day 30. Up at 2200 for a 2 hour rifle watch and back up from the racks at 0400. Then the other laundry recruits and I had to collect all the linens for the week and load it in the back of the van. Then went to morning chow. This chow hall crew is awesome, they aren't stingy with the serving size, they take a scoop and plop it on your plate and they have real bacon. It tastes so good, then we went to class for get ready for the rifle range. We learned how to service our rifles and what we need to look for so it doesn't blow up. Senior describes the rifle this way: "On the rifle range, the weapon is your baby, but in drill it's your bitch." Her words not mine. I think Dad knows what I'm talking about. Most of our free time is spent cleaning the dirt and grime out of the weapon. I heard about Osama through Senior during lunch, and the circle of trust. Finally, but what's going to happen now? What's the retaliation going to be? Anyway, the rest of the day was classes on the weapon and different firing positions. And I got IT'd yesterday. Oh well, bound to happen. Another friend of mine has helped me with the stress too. When I started going under the stress, Castro stood beside me and told me to list food and that helped a lot, then she asked me to list recipes, that helped me calm down a lot. Castro says she's coming home with me just so she can have all the dishes I told her about. Memory works great with that!! :) Then we went and ate chow then went to the squad bay and wet scuzzed the floor & took our shower & had free time.
Well this letter started on the 2nd, but it looks like I'm finishing it on the 3rd. We woke up at 0400 and got dressed quickly for chow at 0445 or 0500. Then we went to the squad bay and went to PT at 0600. We had it pretty easy; 3 laps around the track with intervals of 30 push ups, 60 air squats, and 70 crunches in between them. Then we went back to the squad bay and took a shower before heading to class where we learned about zeroing in on the target, natural breathing pause, and the positions again. After all that we went across the street, sat in a circle and ate chow. Then we got into the prone position, which is lying on your stomach, elbows tight to the body, weapon in the high pocket of the right shoulder for 4 and a half hours until we went to the chow hall for evening chow. Then we got back to the squad bay and got our shower, did the laundry, and then had free time. Not a lot. By the way, hard boiled eggs are nasty, and so are lima beans. Mushrooms are okay as well as potatoes and tomatoes. Those are great cuz they're always cooked in pasta dishes that don't taste like crap. I want to be there for Friday Dad, & I know I can't be, but I can't help the want to be there with you guys for your birthday. By the way Dad, about that present, I think I can wait that long, 4 1/2 years as long as we keep in contact all the time, even if it means slow snail mail. I think in the next month with the more freedom I'm given it will be a lot easier for me to deal with being away from you guys. I don't know, it's a thought. Anyway this letter was supposed to last a page and now it 2 1/2, so I'll end in saying happy birthday to you Dad and to Uncle Peter as well as the usual I love you. I can't wait to see you & I love you so much.
Love
Bizzy Bee
Saturday, May 7, 2011
30 april, enclosed food list
List starts with what she wanted each day, then *what she really ate.
April 27
Village Inn 7 cheese omelet, bacon, stack of pancakes, breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread, lasagna, manacotti
*scrambled eggs, sausage, waffle, fruit loops, banana, salsbury steak, salad, jello, bread, turkey sandwich, apple, gatorade powder, 2 granola bars
April 28
cheerios, sesame chicken, chicken fried rice, egg drop soup, crab rangoon, golden corral, big and beefy pizza, nachos, and chocolate cobbler.
*turkey sandwich, apple raisins, gatorade powder, 2 granola bars (x2), pasta with tomatoes & ham, salad, pudding
April 29
cheerios, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread lasagna, fettacini alfredo
*scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast, PB&J, fruit loops, tetrazini, spinach, tuna casserole, rice soup, salad, jello, PB&J sandwich
April 30
Monkey bread, something cheese filled, deep dish pizza with garlic bread, manacotti, chicken enchiladas
*eggs, bacon, pancake, oatmeal, banana, fruit loops, PB&J sandwich, lasagna, salad dressing, beans, PB sandwich, lasagna, bean soup, salad, PB&J
May 1
monkey bread, biscuits & gravy, farmer's breakfast, cinnamon rolls, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread, manacotti, lasagna, fettacini alfredo
*eggs, rice, ham, PB&J, pancake, hashbrowns, pears, salad, bean soup, lasagna, PB&J, lasagna, bean & veggie soup, salad, PB&J
Hey, I found this idea in my head and I thought it would be good to send what I'm eating as well as what I'm craving for that day. I can't wait to get back and be able to eat what I want when I want. They're not starving us but I wish morning chow and afternoon chow weren't so far apart.
I LOVE YOU ALL
Bizzy
ps: guys suck, they get all this extra stuff the girls don't get.
April 27
Village Inn 7 cheese omelet, bacon, stack of pancakes, breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread, lasagna, manacotti
*scrambled eggs, sausage, waffle, fruit loops, banana, salsbury steak, salad, jello, bread, turkey sandwich, apple, gatorade powder, 2 granola bars
April 28
cheerios, sesame chicken, chicken fried rice, egg drop soup, crab rangoon, golden corral, big and beefy pizza, nachos, and chocolate cobbler.
*turkey sandwich, apple raisins, gatorade powder, 2 granola bars (x2), pasta with tomatoes & ham, salad, pudding
April 29
cheerios, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread lasagna, fettacini alfredo
*scrambled eggs, bacon, french toast, PB&J, fruit loops, tetrazini, spinach, tuna casserole, rice soup, salad, jello, PB&J sandwich
April 30
Monkey bread, something cheese filled, deep dish pizza with garlic bread, manacotti, chicken enchiladas
*eggs, bacon, pancake, oatmeal, banana, fruit loops, PB&J sandwich, lasagna, salad dressing, beans, PB sandwich, lasagna, bean soup, salad, PB&J
May 1
monkey bread, biscuits & gravy, farmer's breakfast, cinnamon rolls, mozzarella sticks, double bacon cheeseburger, garlic bread, manacotti, lasagna, fettacini alfredo
*eggs, rice, ham, PB&J, pancake, hashbrowns, pears, salad, bean soup, lasagna, PB&J, lasagna, bean & veggie soup, salad, PB&J
Hey, I found this idea in my head and I thought it would be good to send what I'm eating as well as what I'm craving for that day. I can't wait to get back and be able to eat what I want when I want. They're not starving us but I wish morning chow and afternoon chow weren't so far apart.
I LOVE YOU ALL
Bizzy
ps: guys suck, they get all this extra stuff the girls don't get.
30 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Guys!
Out on the rifle range finally. This place is way different from November company, but it's still awesome. The bunkmates could be better, but Rodgers is alright. Just a little slower than others, but she makes up that with height. She is the larges girl our platoon has. Alright, you wanted me to be specific. On swim week we went first thing in the morning, and marched about 20 minutes to the pool. We got there, put on some old cami's, went downstairs and rinsed out our hair. Then we were told to sit down as they gave us a briefing on what was going on, all around 0730. Then SDI demonstrated what was expected of us and we were all filed off to go line up and wait to swim across the shallow end. FYI: a whole lot easier to do breaststroke in boots than freestyle. Then walked back, sat down, listened about the 10 foot board they wanted us to drop from and then got pushed into the water, swam to the shallow end and climbed out. Then we learned how to fill the cami's up with air and use them to float, that was cool. ended around 1045-1100 and went and got dressed before marching back to the squad bay. After that I didn't go back to the pool :(. Only the ironducks- everyone passed though! and during the week I volunteered for laundry along with four others and we cleaned the squadbay until 0800 when DI Sgt Dunn came and took us to the laundry house only to be brought back immediately cuz we weren't needed anymore. Then the next Monday was the repelling wall & gas chamber. We couldn't do the repelling wall because it started storming. So we ran to the gas chamber and man that stuff burns your lungs and eyes. Holding your breath is a must in that thing, but we got box chow. Its the best!!! I want nature valley honey & oats chewy granola bars, bring like 5 boxes, those things are the best treat we get down here & they taste so good! So that's the thing I want you to bring. 5 boxes please for the trip home. Initial drill was on Training day 24 and we won the trophy and the series guidon. Tuesday we got our uniforms fitted so our Service "A" & "B" are being done as we speak. That was a long day at the shop. There at 0700, and we didn't leave until 1600-1700. Good news we got box chow! Only a couple more weeks before Phase III, then a few more and I'm heading home. Tomorrow's training day 30 and the beginning of the rifle range. Then it will be grass week next week I believe. The sand fleas stink out on the range but we get to roll our sleeved down so those are protected from those little buggers. But our faces are getting bitten off though. This part stinks. I went to other services today with my friend Hyman, She's wiccan so it's interesting to read about her beliefs and then we got to listen to three Marines that just went through the Crucible. I'm gonna be chuggin water like it's nothing during that time. But that's only 54 hours of hell. I'm sure I'll survive it. I can't wait til liberty Sunday, only a couple more weeks then I'm done. Hey, what exactly is BTW cuz I hear it stinks the entire time. We haven't done any MCMAP since we got our belts for which I'm grateful for. I hated that part of training. I did learn some cool things in those classes though. I hated the repetition of it though. 2 hours for 3 moves. You either got it at first and got lazy or you didn't get it then started to gradually get it. or kept doing it until everyone started yelling. That was annoying. So far we've been on free time since we got back at 1000 and will probably be like this til afternoon chow then drilling the rest of the day. We now are learning how to do something called rifle manual. For those that don't know, rifle manual is where you march at left shoulder arms and as you march you switch to right shoulder arms, to port arms, to left shoulder or whatever the command was. left shoulder is a pain to march with but we do it all throughout 2nd phase so I guess I'll just have to deal with it. I think that's about it for today at 1030-1045. I'll write more later. I hate being zeroe'd in on, it happens at least once a day with the same drill instructor. Hopefully this will get better. So anyway this platoon started with 73 recruits, now we're at 67. One was dropped for tubes in her ears, one for being pregnant, another quit, one wasn't giving 100% and the last one was academic failure. I think we'll lose another on the rifle range too. We'll see. Anyways thank you for the stamps, those were needed badly. Are you going to the airport with me, or will I see you on Grad Day then part ways and see you when you guys get home? Savannah is going south after all. Mom you have that many places picked out to see on the way down here? Knock yourself out, I say, just don't drive Dad crazy please! :) So anywho, Dad I think I can wait 4 + years for that present, no problem. I'm stuck here right now though. Can I have more pictures because I started forgetting what everyone looks like and that freaked me out alot. Just send me a couple easter pictures. Anyway, Thank you again for the stamps and pics so far and I request you bring 5 boxes of granola bars with you when you come down here.
I love you guys!
Love,
Bizzy
ps, do you like my list???? and DON'T send the granola bars through the mail..... (DAD).
Out on the rifle range finally. This place is way different from November company, but it's still awesome. The bunkmates could be better, but Rodgers is alright. Just a little slower than others, but she makes up that with height. She is the larges girl our platoon has. Alright, you wanted me to be specific. On swim week we went first thing in the morning, and marched about 20 minutes to the pool. We got there, put on some old cami's, went downstairs and rinsed out our hair. Then we were told to sit down as they gave us a briefing on what was going on, all around 0730. Then SDI demonstrated what was expected of us and we were all filed off to go line up and wait to swim across the shallow end. FYI: a whole lot easier to do breaststroke in boots than freestyle. Then walked back, sat down, listened about the 10 foot board they wanted us to drop from and then got pushed into the water, swam to the shallow end and climbed out. Then we learned how to fill the cami's up with air and use them to float, that was cool. ended around 1045-1100 and went and got dressed before marching back to the squad bay. After that I didn't go back to the pool :(. Only the ironducks- everyone passed though! and during the week I volunteered for laundry along with four others and we cleaned the squadbay until 0800 when DI Sgt Dunn came and took us to the laundry house only to be brought back immediately cuz we weren't needed anymore. Then the next Monday was the repelling wall & gas chamber. We couldn't do the repelling wall because it started storming. So we ran to the gas chamber and man that stuff burns your lungs and eyes. Holding your breath is a must in that thing, but we got box chow. Its the best!!! I want nature valley honey & oats chewy granola bars, bring like 5 boxes, those things are the best treat we get down here & they taste so good! So that's the thing I want you to bring. 5 boxes please for the trip home. Initial drill was on Training day 24 and we won the trophy and the series guidon. Tuesday we got our uniforms fitted so our Service "A" & "B" are being done as we speak. That was a long day at the shop. There at 0700, and we didn't leave until 1600-1700. Good news we got box chow! Only a couple more weeks before Phase III, then a few more and I'm heading home. Tomorrow's training day 30 and the beginning of the rifle range. Then it will be grass week next week I believe. The sand fleas stink out on the range but we get to roll our sleeved down so those are protected from those little buggers. But our faces are getting bitten off though. This part stinks. I went to other services today with my friend Hyman, She's wiccan so it's interesting to read about her beliefs and then we got to listen to three Marines that just went through the Crucible. I'm gonna be chuggin water like it's nothing during that time. But that's only 54 hours of hell. I'm sure I'll survive it. I can't wait til liberty Sunday, only a couple more weeks then I'm done. Hey, what exactly is BTW cuz I hear it stinks the entire time. We haven't done any MCMAP since we got our belts for which I'm grateful for. I hated that part of training. I did learn some cool things in those classes though. I hated the repetition of it though. 2 hours for 3 moves. You either got it at first and got lazy or you didn't get it then started to gradually get it. or kept doing it until everyone started yelling. That was annoying. So far we've been on free time since we got back at 1000 and will probably be like this til afternoon chow then drilling the rest of the day. We now are learning how to do something called rifle manual. For those that don't know, rifle manual is where you march at left shoulder arms and as you march you switch to right shoulder arms, to port arms, to left shoulder or whatever the command was. left shoulder is a pain to march with but we do it all throughout 2nd phase so I guess I'll just have to deal with it. I think that's about it for today at 1030-1045. I'll write more later. I hate being zeroe'd in on, it happens at least once a day with the same drill instructor. Hopefully this will get better. So anyway this platoon started with 73 recruits, now we're at 67. One was dropped for tubes in her ears, one for being pregnant, another quit, one wasn't giving 100% and the last one was academic failure. I think we'll lose another on the rifle range too. We'll see. Anyways thank you for the stamps, those were needed badly. Are you going to the airport with me, or will I see you on Grad Day then part ways and see you when you guys get home? Savannah is going south after all. Mom you have that many places picked out to see on the way down here? Knock yourself out, I say, just don't drive Dad crazy please! :) So anywho, Dad I think I can wait 4 + years for that present, no problem. I'm stuck here right now though. Can I have more pictures because I started forgetting what everyone looks like and that freaked me out alot. Just send me a couple easter pictures. Anyway, Thank you again for the stamps and pics so far and I request you bring 5 boxes of granola bars with you when you come down here.
I love you guys!
Love,
Bizzy
ps, do you like my list???? and DON'T send the granola bars through the mail..... (DAD).
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
25 April, Dad
Hey Dad,
I got your letters today. They always seem to come in 2's. That's fine with me too as long as I get to read them. :) The reason you get longer letters Dad is because you get what I'm going through and you know what I'm writing about and probably more importantly what I'm not. Yes Dad, you are the writing king! I've gotten more letters from you than I think everyone else combined. Don't think that means stop writing me though. Those letters are helping me a lot, I'm pretty sure you know how much too. I found out today there's no Papa John's on the island that was depressing, oh well though only 42 more training days, that's less than last week. My friend Hyman, or Klah is her first name, has informed me she wrote to her parents about driving me down to Savannah on Grad Day just so we can eat at papa John's. I told her you would be joining us. I'm going to try to book an evening flight too, just to be safe, but we'll just wait and see come training day 55. We got our uniforms yesterday. God it took 9 hours at least. We were there at 0730 and didn't leave until 1600 that afternoon. Then the Drill Instructors redecorated because this platoon doesn't know the meaning of the term shut up. I guess I'm stupid but to me this is how boot camp works. You do what the DI says quickly and immediately, she leaves you alone, you don't and either you get IT or the entire platoon pays for it. People just aren't taking the DI's seriously down here and you can guess how much they like that. Dad why do we get so attached to our guidon? Cuz yesterday during the redecorating, Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn took the Guidon and next thing I know twenty of us are up on her, tearing it out of her hands, myself included in that group. Weird I've done at least 3 things this week that should have put me on the quarterdeck, and I haven't been put up there. I guess I don't get it. You gotta be stupid and follow all the orders down here, not to get in trouble, and even that't not a guarantee. Oh well, you get what you get. I just hate the mind games and that's the game the DI's love the most. Girls are more mental, guys more physical. Why is that? is that just how we're programmed, or what? This past week's most exciting thing, I think was the gas chamber. The guys went first, so when we walked in it took a second cuz the c-s gas was just fuming off them, so eyes started watering, wanted to cough so I stopped breathing. Another reason to thank you: swimmers lungs. Gotta Love it. Any who, went into the gas chamber, looked up, down, right, left did jumping jacks, then we got told to remove the mask. Listening to the screaming was "oh my God" but I was to stand there without breathing or opening my eyes, no problem. We didn't do the repel wall because of the rain and the rest of the week has been pretty lazy compared to the last few weeks. We got our green cami's back this morning. It was something holding cami's that have my name on them, along with U.S. MARINES and the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor. Those things are what we are going to be doing the Crucible in and receiving my very own Eagle, Globe, and Anchor once I've earned it. I'm almost halfway there and I'm getting stronger everyday. Thanks for the advice on the push-ups, that's really helping though I don't think it's going to do much on the 8 mile hike/run tomorrow to the rifle range. We'll see. Hopefully we get a halfway break like last weeks 5 mile, otherwise this might stink. I know, I know, suck it up and live with it. Hey when you come down here you should bring like 5 boxes of Nature Valley Oats & Honey Chewy Granola Bars. Those things are like the best and we only get those in box chow. So PLEASE, please, please bring me some on family and Grad Day for the plane ride home. Make sure to grad the right ones. Dad I know how you can be. But at the chow hall I am now eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just for you. It helps me remember how you sound like, how you did your routine, and just helps keep me calm. Who knew you could do that with a PB&J sandwich? We lost 2 others in our group, one because of her failing test score of 55% and attitude problem. There's 67 of us left but "Who's next" keeps popping in my head. I pop sticks really well because everytime we learn something new, Sgt Gaddis has to only correct me once if at all. Learning how to march & go right shoulder to left shoulder and port arms. We'll see how that goes. I so don't want to go on that 8 mile hike. Oh well, again, suck it up and live with it. There's another recruit here and she's had like 3 panic attacks in the last 24 hours. This is going to be an interesting week away from the squad bay. Anyway, I gotta go. I love you,
Love
Bizzy
I got your letters today. They always seem to come in 2's. That's fine with me too as long as I get to read them. :) The reason you get longer letters Dad is because you get what I'm going through and you know what I'm writing about and probably more importantly what I'm not. Yes Dad, you are the writing king! I've gotten more letters from you than I think everyone else combined. Don't think that means stop writing me though. Those letters are helping me a lot, I'm pretty sure you know how much too. I found out today there's no Papa John's on the island that was depressing, oh well though only 42 more training days, that's less than last week. My friend Hyman, or Klah is her first name, has informed me she wrote to her parents about driving me down to Savannah on Grad Day just so we can eat at papa John's. I told her you would be joining us. I'm going to try to book an evening flight too, just to be safe, but we'll just wait and see come training day 55. We got our uniforms yesterday. God it took 9 hours at least. We were there at 0730 and didn't leave until 1600 that afternoon. Then the Drill Instructors redecorated because this platoon doesn't know the meaning of the term shut up. I guess I'm stupid but to me this is how boot camp works. You do what the DI says quickly and immediately, she leaves you alone, you don't and either you get IT or the entire platoon pays for it. People just aren't taking the DI's seriously down here and you can guess how much they like that. Dad why do we get so attached to our guidon? Cuz yesterday during the redecorating, Drill Instructor Sgt Dunn took the Guidon and next thing I know twenty of us are up on her, tearing it out of her hands, myself included in that group. Weird I've done at least 3 things this week that should have put me on the quarterdeck, and I haven't been put up there. I guess I don't get it. You gotta be stupid and follow all the orders down here, not to get in trouble, and even that't not a guarantee. Oh well, you get what you get. I just hate the mind games and that's the game the DI's love the most. Girls are more mental, guys more physical. Why is that? is that just how we're programmed, or what? This past week's most exciting thing, I think was the gas chamber. The guys went first, so when we walked in it took a second cuz the c-s gas was just fuming off them, so eyes started watering, wanted to cough so I stopped breathing. Another reason to thank you: swimmers lungs. Gotta Love it. Any who, went into the gas chamber, looked up, down, right, left did jumping jacks, then we got told to remove the mask. Listening to the screaming was "oh my God" but I was to stand there without breathing or opening my eyes, no problem. We didn't do the repel wall because of the rain and the rest of the week has been pretty lazy compared to the last few weeks. We got our green cami's back this morning. It was something holding cami's that have my name on them, along with U.S. MARINES and the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor. Those things are what we are going to be doing the Crucible in and receiving my very own Eagle, Globe, and Anchor once I've earned it. I'm almost halfway there and I'm getting stronger everyday. Thanks for the advice on the push-ups, that's really helping though I don't think it's going to do much on the 8 mile hike/run tomorrow to the rifle range. We'll see. Hopefully we get a halfway break like last weeks 5 mile, otherwise this might stink. I know, I know, suck it up and live with it. Hey when you come down here you should bring like 5 boxes of Nature Valley Oats & Honey Chewy Granola Bars. Those things are like the best and we only get those in box chow. So PLEASE, please, please bring me some on family and Grad Day for the plane ride home. Make sure to grad the right ones. Dad I know how you can be. But at the chow hall I am now eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, just for you. It helps me remember how you sound like, how you did your routine, and just helps keep me calm. Who knew you could do that with a PB&J sandwich? We lost 2 others in our group, one because of her failing test score of 55% and attitude problem. There's 67 of us left but "Who's next" keeps popping in my head. I pop sticks really well because everytime we learn something new, Sgt Gaddis has to only correct me once if at all. Learning how to march & go right shoulder to left shoulder and port arms. We'll see how that goes. I so don't want to go on that 8 mile hike. Oh well, again, suck it up and live with it. There's another recruit here and she's had like 3 panic attacks in the last 24 hours. This is going to be an interesting week away from the squad bay. Anyway, I gotta go. I love you,
Love
Bizzy
27 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad,
Today so far it's been pretty boring and relaxed for down time: up at 0330, made rack, used the head, got back in the rack and waited for lights on at 0400. Then went to morning chow, went and ran 3 miles today man it was slow but I stayed behind to help Cunningham & Ajeti. They say it's individual effort but what's the point of being a platoon and not helping each other? Anyway I finished in 26:32. Yeah, yeah, I know, slow. I know I'm going faster on Saturday next week for sure. Initial PFT. I can do as of right now a 70 second arm hang, a 26 minute 3 mile run, and 85 crunches. So not great but not horrible. So after that came back to the squad bay and did about 15 minutes of drill before Sgt Gaddis told us to get our knowledge out and study our rifle manual that's what the main part of phase II seems to be: the M16A4 service rifle and brand new set of ditties and moves to learn before final drill & learning everything we can about the weapon. I've also purchased my plane ticket to my mct part of training.. Sorry guys, it sounds like another 27 days of hell on earth, just in North Carolina now. then came back here to the squad bay, found Sgt Dunn and Sgt Moffaet redecorating and then went to the P.X. After standing in there for 2 seconds. Got a notebook and a couple of inksticks. Didn't get anything else for myself except what Sgt Gaddis told each of us to buy. GIRLS ARE EXPENSIVE!! plain and simple. When I get back I'm taking you out to dinner, you pick, don't care what it is either just so I can get you something for having to put up with me all these years. :) Saturday we leave the squad bay for the rifle range. Oh I can't wait. Just, from what I hear, you won't be hearing from me until S6 (May 8), because during free time I'm going to be either cleaning or practicing with the weapon and Sunday's are 5 hours of free time. I hope easter was great for you guys and I expect pictures from you from the egg hunts and stuff. I spent Easter morning with my friend Hyman at her religious service because she needed a Buddy. She's wiccan, so that was a little different, then we listed to a crazy man talk about our greatest enemy is death. It is not, but he was determined to talk about and drill it into our heads like that. I think I'm done for now so I'll write again soon.
I love you,
Bizzy
p.s. thanks for the stamps dad.
Today so far it's been pretty boring and relaxed for down time: up at 0330, made rack, used the head, got back in the rack and waited for lights on at 0400. Then went to morning chow, went and ran 3 miles today man it was slow but I stayed behind to help Cunningham & Ajeti. They say it's individual effort but what's the point of being a platoon and not helping each other? Anyway I finished in 26:32. Yeah, yeah, I know, slow. I know I'm going faster on Saturday next week for sure. Initial PFT. I can do as of right now a 70 second arm hang, a 26 minute 3 mile run, and 85 crunches. So not great but not horrible. So after that came back to the squad bay and did about 15 minutes of drill before Sgt Gaddis told us to get our knowledge out and study our rifle manual that's what the main part of phase II seems to be: the M16A4 service rifle and brand new set of ditties and moves to learn before final drill & learning everything we can about the weapon. I've also purchased my plane ticket to my mct part of training.. Sorry guys, it sounds like another 27 days of hell on earth, just in North Carolina now. then came back here to the squad bay, found Sgt Dunn and Sgt Moffaet redecorating and then went to the P.X. After standing in there for 2 seconds. Got a notebook and a couple of inksticks. Didn't get anything else for myself except what Sgt Gaddis told each of us to buy. GIRLS ARE EXPENSIVE!! plain and simple. When I get back I'm taking you out to dinner, you pick, don't care what it is either just so I can get you something for having to put up with me all these years. :) Saturday we leave the squad bay for the rifle range. Oh I can't wait. Just, from what I hear, you won't be hearing from me until S6 (May 8), because during free time I'm going to be either cleaning or practicing with the weapon and Sunday's are 5 hours of free time. I hope easter was great for you guys and I expect pictures from you from the egg hunts and stuff. I spent Easter morning with my friend Hyman at her religious service because she needed a Buddy. She's wiccan, so that was a little different, then we listed to a crazy man talk about our greatest enemy is death. It is not, but he was determined to talk about and drill it into our heads like that. I think I'm done for now so I'll write again soon.
I love you,
Bizzy
p.s. thanks for the stamps dad.
25 April, Mom & Dad
Hi Mom & Dad,
Today I did something exceedingly stupid and told Drill Instructor "NO". I am so paying for that in the morning. Oh well, I should have used my mind-mouth filter like you both told me to. Oh well, they'll just IT me. I've only been IT'd six times since I've been her and I think either I'm doing a better job or the other girls just keep screwing up. OH well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, there was no way I wasn't going to be IT. Lesson learned, at least I know why I'm on the quarter deck cuz sometimes you don't know what you did wrong, you just know you're paying for it. So today was the repelling wall and the gas chamber. We got to do the 20 ft or so fast drop or the one where they teach you about getting out of a chopper. That is something I hope I never have to do again Dad, cuz the entire way down I wanted to brake, and you can't do cuz you have to get to the bottom as quickly as possible. Then just after the instructors have us all ready to go on the repelling tower it starts pouring rain and we can't do. I have to say I was relieved but disappointed we didn't get to do that at all now. Then we ran down the block in the rain and stacked our weapons and ground the gear and ran for the "classroom" for the gas chamber. We got box chow! It was awesome! It only has a turkey sandwich, apple, raisins, orange, 2 granola bars (which is candy at this point), and gatorade powder (another treat). I dislike guys right now, they get chips AND a cookie. I dislike having to be on a "diet" just cuz I'm a girl. Anyway so we walk into the classroom and get a whiff of that, I am happy to say thanks for making me swim. You hold your breath a lot longer than other if you do! :)
Today I did something exceedingly stupid and told Drill Instructor "NO". I am so paying for that in the morning. Oh well, I should have used my mind-mouth filter like you both told me to. Oh well, they'll just IT me. I've only been IT'd six times since I've been her and I think either I'm doing a better job or the other girls just keep screwing up. OH well, it was bound to happen sooner or later, there was no way I wasn't going to be IT. Lesson learned, at least I know why I'm on the quarter deck cuz sometimes you don't know what you did wrong, you just know you're paying for it. So today was the repelling wall and the gas chamber. We got to do the 20 ft or so fast drop or the one where they teach you about getting out of a chopper. That is something I hope I never have to do again Dad, cuz the entire way down I wanted to brake, and you can't do cuz you have to get to the bottom as quickly as possible. Then just after the instructors have us all ready to go on the repelling tower it starts pouring rain and we can't do. I have to say I was relieved but disappointed we didn't get to do that at all now. Then we ran down the block in the rain and stacked our weapons and ground the gear and ran for the "classroom" for the gas chamber. We got box chow! It was awesome! It only has a turkey sandwich, apple, raisins, orange, 2 granola bars (which is candy at this point), and gatorade powder (another treat). I dislike guys right now, they get chips AND a cookie. I dislike having to be on a "diet" just cuz I'm a girl. Anyway so we walk into the classroom and get a whiff of that, I am happy to say thanks for making me swim. You hold your breath a lot longer than other if you do! :)
24 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad,
Today is training day 25 as I write this to you guys. Initial Drill was this morning at around 0715. We went before 4018 and man I thought they did so much better than us, but we won. Only by a point though and we weren't screwing up the hard parts, those we did great with, it was the simple movements like "open rank" and we all put our arms up, aligned, then shot our arms down without waiting for the command. I really thought we did bad but now we have the Initial Drill trophy sitting in the middle of our motivation table, and we now carry the series flag as well as our guidon. We have a new drill instructor along with Drill Instructors Sgt Dunn and Sgt Gaddis. Her name is Sgt Moffit. She leaves you alone when you're quick to do as you're ordered and yell so yeah, surprisingly I'm not one of the few people she picks on for that. My issue is my emotional bearing. I would really like advice on this. You know how my temper is, red-faced, shaky, & then tears which is starting to frustrate me beyond belief. So how can I make myself stop crying/ I just really need help with bearing because I stink at it. We also had our initial written exam today. I can remember ? 50, where is the 2nd Marine Air Wing? Cherry Point, NC, and ? a dropped body temp, slurred speech, and low or no heat are symptoms of what? The answers were hypothermia, hyperthermia, & hippothermia. I thought it was funny. I'm pretty sure I missed 2 questions, but I own't know until you probably get this, I just know I passed. The gas chamber's tomorrow, that should be fun. The voice in my head & gut say "stay calm, keep your eyes closed, and ignore the screaming. It will all be over soon." Man I'm going to feel sorry for the bus driver though, he's going to get a whiff and that'll be a fun ride back to the squad bay. I think that's it for now, I'll write tomorrow too & tell you about it.
Love
Bizzy
22 April, Meagan
Hey Meagadot,
How are you doing? I know you told me to write you back but you gotta ask me about stuff here so I can tell you. Otherwise it would be pretty boring to read these after a while. :) Any who, you told me to be good and man you can try as hard as you want to but someone always manages to get in trouble and the entire platoon ends up paying for them. Like our DI's might destroy the squad bay and then tell us to clean it up, as they keep wrecking it but it's all good. It wastes time for drill. I love learning new things in drill, but man, I hate having to repeat it for two hours but again I get the reasoning. We have Initial Drill on Monday, and we have to be at our "best so far" is what I call it. To answer your question about my nails, haven't had the time or anything with that but I did clip them the other day. You don't want to put your hands in your face down here and because there is always someone watching you and you just don't have the time to think about stuff like that. By the way, why do you hate being called Meagadoodle? It's fun to say. And how are you going to kilt me? You don't have one or do I need to write to Mom and question her about that? I'm just kidding. Anyway, I love you and miss you too.
Yours Truly,
Bizzy
How are you doing? I know you told me to write you back but you gotta ask me about stuff here so I can tell you. Otherwise it would be pretty boring to read these after a while. :) Any who, you told me to be good and man you can try as hard as you want to but someone always manages to get in trouble and the entire platoon ends up paying for them. Like our DI's might destroy the squad bay and then tell us to clean it up, as they keep wrecking it but it's all good. It wastes time for drill. I love learning new things in drill, but man, I hate having to repeat it for two hours but again I get the reasoning. We have Initial Drill on Monday, and we have to be at our "best so far" is what I call it. To answer your question about my nails, haven't had the time or anything with that but I did clip them the other day. You don't want to put your hands in your face down here and because there is always someone watching you and you just don't have the time to think about stuff like that. By the way, why do you hate being called Meagadoodle? It's fun to say. And how are you going to kilt me? You don't have one or do I need to write to Mom and question her about that? I'm just kidding. Anyway, I love you and miss you too.
Yours Truly,
Bizzy
Friday, April 29, 2011
23 April, Mom & Dad TD 23
Hey Mom & Dad,
I won my Pugil Stick fight today and we got to keep the helmet for another round. Dad I gotta say I'm loving being almost done with Phase I. Almost there, just waiting for our written test and initial drill on Monday. God I'm so excited, and the gas chamber is going to be on next week, not sure if we're marching or riding a bus. Getting in any kind of vehicle right now would be very weird. Found out today there might be a Papa John's here on the island. When we get permission to eat where ever, Hyman, Quiropele, Correa, Watson and myself are going there together. All that junk food sounds great right now. Anyway back to the things we did today. Up at 0400 but I was up an hour early. Made my rack and brushed my teeth. Tomorrow is S4, so McClain is cutting my hair. Why does our hair grow so quickly, it's a pain having to gel it every morning, but when I've got my hair falling out, it parts weird and I've got another DI, SSgt Dresser calling me "Elvis" and that's how every DI on the PT field knows me and our Series Commander Captain Wade. We also did the O course again. I got farther but I haven't been able to finish it yet. It's getting annoying cuz I just got to the ropes and we were told to get in formation. Grrr... I'll get there one day. So we went to the squadbay, took a 30 sec shower, marched 30 minutes to Pugil sticks. Hey, secret to this one, turn your back to the person who pushes you when you first get in, twist your hips and slug 'em with the stick. That's how I won my match today. I'm pretty proud of myself for that and it gave my confidence a foothold for the rest of the day. Dad, any advice on how to keep your bearing, cuz I stink at it. It's not as bad as a couple weeks ago but man they are like pirahnas should you start showing your emotions. Mom any advice for that question and thanks dad for the advice on my legs. Cramping calves hurt when you have to walk on them for at least an hour & a half. I'ts confusing to do the movements without ditties, we've been saying them for the last 4 to 5 weeks. We're hoping to get card #2 since that's the one we've practiced the most and it's DI Sgt Gaddis' favorite one too. So each card lasts about 30 minutes and there are at least 2 cards. Man I hope we win and get the trophy for our MOT table. Senior is calling us show timers. I can see and understand that. We do a great job for the first 30 minutes then basically say "oh well" We're getting there though. Easter is tomorrow so I'll say "Happy Late Easter" to you guys as loud as I can from down here, and hope you can hear me somehow. I'm not liking the fact I'm missing birthdays and holidays from here. It feels like I'm not being there for you. Maybe I'm just spitting stuff out but that's what it feels like to me. How much do recruits make each month cuz I want to know how much I'm going to spend on a plane ticket, if I can afford it and get myself something to eat along the way Or if there's no way I can afford any of the things I just listed. By the way the grape jelly down here is nasty, the apple though tastes pretty good. I ripped up the roof of my moth about a week and a half ago. Never try to rush eating croutons. Almost healed though so that's good. Dad, do they have to pull your wisdom teeth out, cuz I don't want them to. So again today we did the obstacle course, the Pugil sticks #3 marched to the main parade deck for drill and then we're back in the squadbay. Tomorrow is S4 with me, I'll have 20 minutes of free time in the morning and then I'm going to two church services, one with my buddy Hyman and then Catholic Mass. I WANT COOKIE DOUGH. That sounds really good at the moment. Anyway I love you guys so much.
Love
Bizzy
Don't forget about me!
I won my Pugil Stick fight today and we got to keep the helmet for another round. Dad I gotta say I'm loving being almost done with Phase I. Almost there, just waiting for our written test and initial drill on Monday. God I'm so excited, and the gas chamber is going to be on next week, not sure if we're marching or riding a bus. Getting in any kind of vehicle right now would be very weird. Found out today there might be a Papa John's here on the island. When we get permission to eat where ever, Hyman, Quiropele, Correa, Watson and myself are going there together. All that junk food sounds great right now. Anyway back to the things we did today. Up at 0400 but I was up an hour early. Made my rack and brushed my teeth. Tomorrow is S4, so McClain is cutting my hair. Why does our hair grow so quickly, it's a pain having to gel it every morning, but when I've got my hair falling out, it parts weird and I've got another DI, SSgt Dresser calling me "Elvis" and that's how every DI on the PT field knows me and our Series Commander Captain Wade. We also did the O course again. I got farther but I haven't been able to finish it yet. It's getting annoying cuz I just got to the ropes and we were told to get in formation. Grrr... I'll get there one day. So we went to the squadbay, took a 30 sec shower, marched 30 minutes to Pugil sticks. Hey, secret to this one, turn your back to the person who pushes you when you first get in, twist your hips and slug 'em with the stick. That's how I won my match today. I'm pretty proud of myself for that and it gave my confidence a foothold for the rest of the day. Dad, any advice on how to keep your bearing, cuz I stink at it. It's not as bad as a couple weeks ago but man they are like pirahnas should you start showing your emotions. Mom any advice for that question and thanks dad for the advice on my legs. Cramping calves hurt when you have to walk on them for at least an hour & a half. I'ts confusing to do the movements without ditties, we've been saying them for the last 4 to 5 weeks. We're hoping to get card #2 since that's the one we've practiced the most and it's DI Sgt Gaddis' favorite one too. So each card lasts about 30 minutes and there are at least 2 cards. Man I hope we win and get the trophy for our MOT table. Senior is calling us show timers. I can see and understand that. We do a great job for the first 30 minutes then basically say "oh well" We're getting there though. Easter is tomorrow so I'll say "Happy Late Easter" to you guys as loud as I can from down here, and hope you can hear me somehow. I'm not liking the fact I'm missing birthdays and holidays from here. It feels like I'm not being there for you. Maybe I'm just spitting stuff out but that's what it feels like to me. How much do recruits make each month cuz I want to know how much I'm going to spend on a plane ticket, if I can afford it and get myself something to eat along the way Or if there's no way I can afford any of the things I just listed. By the way the grape jelly down here is nasty, the apple though tastes pretty good. I ripped up the roof of my moth about a week and a half ago. Never try to rush eating croutons. Almost healed though so that's good. Dad, do they have to pull your wisdom teeth out, cuz I don't want them to. So again today we did the obstacle course, the Pugil sticks #3 marched to the main parade deck for drill and then we're back in the squadbay. Tomorrow is S4 with me, I'll have 20 minutes of free time in the morning and then I'm going to two church services, one with my buddy Hyman and then Catholic Mass. I WANT COOKIE DOUGH. That sounds really good at the moment. Anyway I love you guys so much.
Love
Bizzy
Don't forget about me!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Volunteers please!!!!!
Hey all, I sure hope we're gonna get help in feeding this kid! It looks like we're gonna have to turn into a Sams club when she gets home jerry!!!!!!!
22 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad
Well so far today has been pretty boring to tell you the truth. So far all that has been going on is drill sine we got up at 0400 this morning & my squad didn't get to practice until after morning chow. Again, I gotta say their hash brown thing tastes just like french fries. Almost all the girls here are craving some kind of candy, not me though, I want actual food. They've got a Backyard Burger down here that we always march past and I cannot wait until we're given permission to eat there. That will be a treat. Anyway back to what we've done. We practice drill until 0800, then we were told to go to A side and we got to retake a practice test but about question 25 Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Behlman came over and asked "19" who was smart and Purdam and me volunteered and were picked to go back to "B" side for Rifle Security Watch. and so far that's what's been going on. We have our MCMAP test today and I'm not that enthusiastic about it but the MAI who gave us the refresher said as long as you do not cheat you should pass. So yeah I keep getting the names mixed up but I know the difference between a blood and air choke hold. when I get back can we go swimming? I feel the need to bug Bruce. When I get back, Mom, you are so making tetrazzini, I've been craving that for the last 12 days along with Grandma's deep dish pizza and Dad's Tika Masala, but for now what I got here is pretty good I'm jealous of the males though, they get hotdogs or burgers on Friday. Females have their calorie intake monitored at all times. It stinks. By the way, I think now i"m darker than I've ever been in my life even though it's a farmer's tanline. It's like as dark as Meagan gets x2. It's awesome. And my posture is getting way better. It still hurts to roll my shoulders back all day but not as much anymore or it starts hurting around 1700 hours and by then we are getting ready for free time and lights. Drill Instructor Sgt. Dunn has been gone for about 24 hours now and I'm actually worried. Does that mean I'm coming down with something? A couple days ago I would have been going like "yes", fist pump and everything and now I'm worried. I don't get it. Also Dad, quit reading so much out of my letters. I'm not trying to freak you, just stating what I think and asking questions that you might know the answers to. If you don't then, oh well. By the way Seniors favorite saying is "suck it up and live with it", just like you Dad. It seems every single day this group is coming together and then there has to be that one person that has to say something and make it all fall back and start over again. Yesterday, for example, Ahlstrom is the scribe/squad leader/guide and McClain went after her saying Ahlstrom thinks she's better than everyone else because of what she does and that in fact she wasn't. She was just another recruit. McClain did have a point because Ahlstrom was starting to act a little bit better than us like that but for all the crap she does I say she kind of deserves that step up as long as she realizes she can be in the general population tomorrow. But maybe that's just me being crazy!
I passed my MCMAP test!!!! Score for me!!!!! Now it's on to the written test and Initial Drill. Senior says if we win initial drill we'll get to shave, that will be awesome!! I haven't shaved at ALL since 22nd of March or the 21st, whenever I left. So anyway back to today, so we all passed our MCMAP test then we had the circle of trust with senior; also she says we can have PB&J on Monday. Thank God, I've been missing those for my meals. They remind me of Dad, how he eats one almost every meal. Then Senior and Sgt Gaddis left to bid farewell to Sgt Mjr Murphy or whatever the short version is for that cuz she's relocating some time this week. My Buddy Hyman, who's right next to me in the racks and on line passed her swimming test yesterday. We did a little jig in the laundry room for her. She was held back for that and now she's with us. Is it wrong of me to be happy she failed so she is now with us? She says when we graduate I need to try a spinach alfredo pizza from Papa John's. I promised her I would if we would meet up again so I could tell her how it is. By the way lima beans are gross, mushrooms are okay, but those beans are yeah you can eat em but you don't want to taste em. You know what I mean right? Anyway sorry I seem to say that alot, the screaming is starting to hurt my ears, especially the left one, any advice here Mom? besides get away from it cuz that's not an option until June 17. The obstacle course is tomorrow followed by Pugil sticks III, we've got the helmet right now, Thanks to Pinto-Lacy, she knocked a helmet off. We got some really good fighters in this bunch and we're closer together that Platoon 4018 and it's starting to show. We'll see how it goes. Anyway you probably want to go about your lives without lil'ole me whining to you about how stuff is here. Can you believe it's been a month? Training Day 22 as I'm writing, probably training day 26 when you read this. Onto the gas chamber & repelling wall. I can't wait. Thank you Dad for the advice on the Gas chamber and with the Pugil sticks and thank you both for the stamps and pictures.
I love you all,
Bizzy
Well so far today has been pretty boring to tell you the truth. So far all that has been going on is drill sine we got up at 0400 this morning & my squad didn't get to practice until after morning chow. Again, I gotta say their hash brown thing tastes just like french fries. Almost all the girls here are craving some kind of candy, not me though, I want actual food. They've got a Backyard Burger down here that we always march past and I cannot wait until we're given permission to eat there. That will be a treat. Anyway back to what we've done. We practice drill until 0800, then we were told to go to A side and we got to retake a practice test but about question 25 Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Behlman came over and asked "19" who was smart and Purdam and me volunteered and were picked to go back to "B" side for Rifle Security Watch. and so far that's what's been going on. We have our MCMAP test today and I'm not that enthusiastic about it but the MAI who gave us the refresher said as long as you do not cheat you should pass. So yeah I keep getting the names mixed up but I know the difference between a blood and air choke hold. when I get back can we go swimming? I feel the need to bug Bruce. When I get back, Mom, you are so making tetrazzini, I've been craving that for the last 12 days along with Grandma's deep dish pizza and Dad's Tika Masala, but for now what I got here is pretty good I'm jealous of the males though, they get hotdogs or burgers on Friday. Females have their calorie intake monitored at all times. It stinks. By the way, I think now i"m darker than I've ever been in my life even though it's a farmer's tanline. It's like as dark as Meagan gets x2. It's awesome. And my posture is getting way better. It still hurts to roll my shoulders back all day but not as much anymore or it starts hurting around 1700 hours and by then we are getting ready for free time and lights. Drill Instructor Sgt. Dunn has been gone for about 24 hours now and I'm actually worried. Does that mean I'm coming down with something? A couple days ago I would have been going like "yes", fist pump and everything and now I'm worried. I don't get it. Also Dad, quit reading so much out of my letters. I'm not trying to freak you, just stating what I think and asking questions that you might know the answers to. If you don't then, oh well. By the way Seniors favorite saying is "suck it up and live with it", just like you Dad. It seems every single day this group is coming together and then there has to be that one person that has to say something and make it all fall back and start over again. Yesterday, for example, Ahlstrom is the scribe/squad leader/guide and McClain went after her saying Ahlstrom thinks she's better than everyone else because of what she does and that in fact she wasn't. She was just another recruit. McClain did have a point because Ahlstrom was starting to act a little bit better than us like that but for all the crap she does I say she kind of deserves that step up as long as she realizes she can be in the general population tomorrow. But maybe that's just me being crazy!
I passed my MCMAP test!!!! Score for me!!!!! Now it's on to the written test and Initial Drill. Senior says if we win initial drill we'll get to shave, that will be awesome!! I haven't shaved at ALL since 22nd of March or the 21st, whenever I left. So anyway back to today, so we all passed our MCMAP test then we had the circle of trust with senior; also she says we can have PB&J on Monday. Thank God, I've been missing those for my meals. They remind me of Dad, how he eats one almost every meal. Then Senior and Sgt Gaddis left to bid farewell to Sgt Mjr Murphy or whatever the short version is for that cuz she's relocating some time this week. My Buddy Hyman, who's right next to me in the racks and on line passed her swimming test yesterday. We did a little jig in the laundry room for her. She was held back for that and now she's with us. Is it wrong of me to be happy she failed so she is now with us? She says when we graduate I need to try a spinach alfredo pizza from Papa John's. I promised her I would if we would meet up again so I could tell her how it is. By the way lima beans are gross, mushrooms are okay, but those beans are yeah you can eat em but you don't want to taste em. You know what I mean right? Anyway sorry I seem to say that alot, the screaming is starting to hurt my ears, especially the left one, any advice here Mom? besides get away from it cuz that's not an option until June 17. The obstacle course is tomorrow followed by Pugil sticks III, we've got the helmet right now, Thanks to Pinto-Lacy, she knocked a helmet off. We got some really good fighters in this bunch and we're closer together that Platoon 4018 and it's starting to show. We'll see how it goes. Anyway you probably want to go about your lives without lil'ole me whining to you about how stuff is here. Can you believe it's been a month? Training Day 22 as I'm writing, probably training day 26 when you read this. Onto the gas chamber & repelling wall. I can't wait. Thank you Dad for the advice on the Gas chamber and with the Pugil sticks and thank you both for the stamps and pictures.
I love you all,
Bizzy
20 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad
Today has been an interesting day and by that I mean kind of peaceful for down here. I was up at 0245 for Rifle Watch but last night was really irritating to me. Senior came and woke us up around midnight and told us she knew six people had been stealing from the chow hall and she wanted them to come forward. Nine people confessed to doing that. She was mad but I think what pissed her off was one of the girls lied to her about it before she asked about the stealing. You think this group will learn? cuz it doesn't seem like it. Then Senior took us to morning chow and after she has us do a strip search outside but left us in our skivvies or greens, whatever you want to call them. It was humiliating and I was ashamed to lose Senior's confidence in us but hopefully it teaches everyone in the platoon a lesson but you never know. Then it was incentive training with drill instructor Sgt. Gaddis and getting ready for a 2 mile run. Then Sgt Gaddis called my name and four others and told us to get dressed. Senior picked us to clean the house and we had two hours then we were picked up by Drill Instructor Sgt and were taken to what seemed like a laundry house before being told we weren't needed then we got lucky and hopped in the back of a van and drove back to the house. The last time I was in a vehicle was the day before forming day 1. It was weird. Then it was drill for the rest of the morning. Afternoon chow, then more drill with a 30 minute break for knowledge and then back to drill. Finally we have evening chow followed by knowledge our 5 second shower and then free time. Anyway Friday is our MCMAP test and I gotta question: Why do we hate some things that we're good at doing? cuz the DI's have never had to correct me there and yeah it's fun for about 20 minutes then it just gets annoying for the rest of the hour & 40 minutes but again maybe that's just me. Hey thank you for the stamps. I just got them today and thank you Jessi for the fairy scout. Send me more please The girls got a kick out of your picture. One person said it was really good. I puffed up a bit and told her you can do a better picture in a heart beat. I don't think she believed me :) Guys just keep your heads' up and don't start yelling at each other all the time, keep each other happy. I'll write you tomorrow about passing or failing MCMAP. By the way Dad I have been volunteering, I am a laundry recruit which is a pain and I always volunteer for Gaddis and Senior and to be on Rifle Watch when it's asked. Other than that all week has been drill, initial drill, and I'm excited but the Drill Masters say we have no bearing as a platoon. That's it for now. I love you guys and wish you the best.
Love,
Bizzy
P.S. can we go to Cici's when I get back, just once???
Today has been an interesting day and by that I mean kind of peaceful for down here. I was up at 0245 for Rifle Watch but last night was really irritating to me. Senior came and woke us up around midnight and told us she knew six people had been stealing from the chow hall and she wanted them to come forward. Nine people confessed to doing that. She was mad but I think what pissed her off was one of the girls lied to her about it before she asked about the stealing. You think this group will learn? cuz it doesn't seem like it. Then Senior took us to morning chow and after she has us do a strip search outside but left us in our skivvies or greens, whatever you want to call them. It was humiliating and I was ashamed to lose Senior's confidence in us but hopefully it teaches everyone in the platoon a lesson but you never know. Then it was incentive training with drill instructor Sgt. Gaddis and getting ready for a 2 mile run. Then Sgt Gaddis called my name and four others and told us to get dressed. Senior picked us to clean the house and we had two hours then we were picked up by Drill Instructor Sgt and were taken to what seemed like a laundry house before being told we weren't needed then we got lucky and hopped in the back of a van and drove back to the house. The last time I was in a vehicle was the day before forming day 1. It was weird. Then it was drill for the rest of the morning. Afternoon chow, then more drill with a 30 minute break for knowledge and then back to drill. Finally we have evening chow followed by knowledge our 5 second shower and then free time. Anyway Friday is our MCMAP test and I gotta question: Why do we hate some things that we're good at doing? cuz the DI's have never had to correct me there and yeah it's fun for about 20 minutes then it just gets annoying for the rest of the hour & 40 minutes but again maybe that's just me. Hey thank you for the stamps. I just got them today and thank you Jessi for the fairy scout. Send me more please The girls got a kick out of your picture. One person said it was really good. I puffed up a bit and told her you can do a better picture in a heart beat. I don't think she believed me :) Guys just keep your heads' up and don't start yelling at each other all the time, keep each other happy. I'll write you tomorrow about passing or failing MCMAP. By the way Dad I have been volunteering, I am a laundry recruit which is a pain and I always volunteer for Gaddis and Senior and to be on Rifle Watch when it's asked. Other than that all week has been drill, initial drill, and I'm excited but the Drill Masters say we have no bearing as a platoon. That's it for now. I love you guys and wish you the best.
Love,
Bizzy
P.S. can we go to Cici's when I get back, just once???
Saturday, April 23, 2011
19 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad
I was told today about how I'm going to get home. I think I'm going to fly outta here cuz I want to get home as quickly as possible so I would either get a ride to Savannah with you guys or you guys can drive home after the graduation and I'll ride the bus to the airport and I'll see you at home but I want a plane ticket that is scheduled to leave around five or six just in case of traffic and getting through customs. Plus I promised Jazz that I would eat McDonald's dinner and Ben & Jerry's ice cream after we graduate if we do that together here. Already people are being dropped. Last week our number was 74, now the number is 69. I don't envy those dropped. Already been here for 4 almost 5 weeks, I'll say it again I'm not staying here longer. Well swimming was fun but swimming in boots sucks. Sorry Dad, I know you don't like that language but man those boots are a pain to do anything related to water in but it's cool how well one can float with those cami's. Get 'em wet, fill 'em with air lean back and relax. The getting pushed into the water was something new. I gotta say the rest of the day was rather uneventful. Dad that trip to delice's I've already got planned, even if have to drag you there which I'm getting pretty good at doing thanks to PT. I', a laundry recruit for DI Sgt Dunn and if she wasn't as annoying as she is I would be doing great. Again I'll say, if you don't think just do. I think I'll survive this pretty easily if the others can try to do the same. But that might not happen for a while. Anyway that's it for today remember to send me regular mail but stamps and pictures are great for me to get at the moment.
I love you all
Bizzy
p.s. todays Menu: a big bowl of cheerios
mozarella sticks & Bacon Burger
garlic bread & venice inn fettacini alfredo with ice cream as dessert
I was told today about how I'm going to get home. I think I'm going to fly outta here cuz I want to get home as quickly as possible so I would either get a ride to Savannah with you guys or you guys can drive home after the graduation and I'll ride the bus to the airport and I'll see you at home but I want a plane ticket that is scheduled to leave around five or six just in case of traffic and getting through customs. Plus I promised Jazz that I would eat McDonald's dinner and Ben & Jerry's ice cream after we graduate if we do that together here. Already people are being dropped. Last week our number was 74, now the number is 69. I don't envy those dropped. Already been here for 4 almost 5 weeks, I'll say it again I'm not staying here longer. Well swimming was fun but swimming in boots sucks. Sorry Dad, I know you don't like that language but man those boots are a pain to do anything related to water in but it's cool how well one can float with those cami's. Get 'em wet, fill 'em with air lean back and relax. The getting pushed into the water was something new. I gotta say the rest of the day was rather uneventful. Dad that trip to delice's I've already got planned, even if have to drag you there which I'm getting pretty good at doing thanks to PT. I', a laundry recruit for DI Sgt Dunn and if she wasn't as annoying as she is I would be doing great. Again I'll say, if you don't think just do. I think I'll survive this pretty easily if the others can try to do the same. But that might not happen for a while. Anyway that's it for today remember to send me regular mail but stamps and pictures are great for me to get at the moment.
I love you all
Bizzy
p.s. todays Menu: a big bowl of cheerios
mozarella sticks & Bacon Burger
garlic bread & venice inn fettacini alfredo with ice cream as dessert
Friday, April 22, 2011
17 April, Dad
Hey Dad
The obstacle course is fun, I need to worry about getting my upper body strength though cuz going around the bars sucks. I made it up the rope that part was fun. My motivation level crashed on the confidence course though I could not get myself over the stupid bulkheads. But I did the stairway to heaven, rope, jumping log, climbing rope, and the log ladder things. but didn't get to the monkey climb one, the one over the pond-like thing. Yeah it has been a while since you sent the last letter but I understand that you got other stuff to do as well. When I get back, we can go to Delices' eat a cinnamon roll and talk about the 13 weeks. So today was interesting, we had to do a MCMAP course for PT then we learned about blood chokes in MCMAP, then there was one of the four things I savor everyday, afternoon chow then the circle of trust, the Pugil sticks 2 there were two bridges but Chief Instructor Staff Sgt Wysote wanted to watch each match so that took up most of the afternoon, then marched back to the squadbay, evening chow, 5 sec shower, free time then lights out. God, I miss you guys. You were asking bout Church, it's interesting to say the least. Yes there are people here who still cry, me being one of them. But the songs are fun to do with the emphasis and on all the things the Marines do like never call retreat or raising our arms and waving them around. It's the most peaceful place on this God forsaken rock. only a few more weeks. Thanks for the heads up about swim week. I'm excited about getting in the water soon. Are you guys liking my food list? It just keeps on growing here. The girls asked me why I was torturing myself like that I told them it was motivation to graduate on time. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be 13 weeks. We got a new batch of babies in 3 days ago man I've come a long way but still got a huge distance to cover. Initial Drill is tomorrow I feel confident but I don't believe we'll will against the platoon. Not many people in this platoon care about drill and it shows. November Company has been known to be the best at drill and I don't want this platoon to screw up that title. I hope we make our Senior Drill Instructor proud. Sgt Behlman is very passionate about it. Her in a good mood usually equals us having a good day and not having to clean the house as much. It's amazing to watch and listen to the girls here because even though we do come together when we need to, there still are the cliques. It reminds me of high school . I try to do I guess "cliques hopping" and get others to do the same. It's kind of working (yes, I made that up). It's annoying to me how some of them just don't want anything to do with the group but they came here. It does not make sense to me but maybe I'm just slow. I like being Rifle Watch here. It's building my confidence level up and gives me the responsibility of keeping the others safe. I'm making sure to take care of the others first. I'm making sure that I'm the last through the hatches when we enter the squadbay because my rack is closest to the door and my brain and gut tell me to make sure to take care of the others first. Does that make sense Dad, at all out of curiosity? Senior saw me do that & gave me a look. I'm not sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing though. Sgt Behlman didn't say anything about it. So we had Senior Drill Inspection yesterday and we all failed but they didn't inspect me. I was one of the last ones and Sgt Gaddis did Addington on the left of me and Sgt Behlman did Hyman on the right but they didn't do me. Anyway she was angry with us the DI'S decorated the squadbay and it took at least two hours to make all racks together and footlockers back into place. That's not including the head or laundry room, gearlocker, or head. Sgt Dunn destroyed those pretty quickly. Then we were yelled at to get out and man someone stole my cover and so I got stuck in the squadbay along with Cordova, Downs, Houle, Quiropele until five recruits came and Senior ordered us to late chow with covers, That was the most relaxing chow I have ever been to since I got here. Hopefully not the last, that was like a dream come true. So two girls here have gotten cellulitus, one has had pink eye, one sprung her wrist and one broke hers. Here my brain is shutting down. It seem easier if you do that and just do as you're told and say yes, no, or aye ma'am that anything else the only time we really need to think is during drill and even then you're doing what you're told to do. I guess I just don't understand why it's s hard to do that. A DI tells a male recruit to tough the bulkhead he sprints to the nearest one; female recruit stands there then runs after thinking. On the first letter you sent me you said you were looking for web cams, come on Dad. The government can be stupid but not that stupid ot show a basic training camp for the military on the web. Also with Metro, yep go right ahead and do that please but if I need to I can talk to Sgt Behlman about paying the bill while I'm here. just let me know please. You should know that I get at least two letters every week from you dad, and man do I look forward to them they are some of the only things that are keeping my head up right now along with girls and the pictures I've been sent from you, mom, and grandma. If anyone wants to tell them to send me a couple pictures. I truly appreciate it. Well this letter started out as one page but now it's 3 and I'm sure you have better stuff to do than listen to me in this letter. I love you Dad
Love
Bizzy Bee
The obstacle course is fun, I need to worry about getting my upper body strength though cuz going around the bars sucks. I made it up the rope that part was fun. My motivation level crashed on the confidence course though I could not get myself over the stupid bulkheads. But I did the stairway to heaven, rope, jumping log, climbing rope, and the log ladder things. but didn't get to the monkey climb one, the one over the pond-like thing. Yeah it has been a while since you sent the last letter but I understand that you got other stuff to do as well. When I get back, we can go to Delices' eat a cinnamon roll and talk about the 13 weeks. So today was interesting, we had to do a MCMAP course for PT then we learned about blood chokes in MCMAP, then there was one of the four things I savor everyday, afternoon chow then the circle of trust, the Pugil sticks 2 there were two bridges but Chief Instructor Staff Sgt Wysote wanted to watch each match so that took up most of the afternoon, then marched back to the squadbay, evening chow, 5 sec shower, free time then lights out. God, I miss you guys. You were asking bout Church, it's interesting to say the least. Yes there are people here who still cry, me being one of them. But the songs are fun to do with the emphasis and on all the things the Marines do like never call retreat or raising our arms and waving them around. It's the most peaceful place on this God forsaken rock. only a few more weeks. Thanks for the heads up about swim week. I'm excited about getting in the water soon. Are you guys liking my food list? It just keeps on growing here. The girls asked me why I was torturing myself like that I told them it was motivation to graduate on time. I don't want to be here any longer than I have to be 13 weeks. We got a new batch of babies in 3 days ago man I've come a long way but still got a huge distance to cover. Initial Drill is tomorrow I feel confident but I don't believe we'll will against the platoon. Not many people in this platoon care about drill and it shows. November Company has been known to be the best at drill and I don't want this platoon to screw up that title. I hope we make our Senior Drill Instructor proud. Sgt Behlman is very passionate about it. Her in a good mood usually equals us having a good day and not having to clean the house as much. It's amazing to watch and listen to the girls here because even though we do come together when we need to, there still are the cliques. It reminds me of high school . I try to do I guess "cliques hopping" and get others to do the same. It's kind of working (yes, I made that up). It's annoying to me how some of them just don't want anything to do with the group but they came here. It does not make sense to me but maybe I'm just slow. I like being Rifle Watch here. It's building my confidence level up and gives me the responsibility of keeping the others safe. I'm making sure to take care of the others first. I'm making sure that I'm the last through the hatches when we enter the squadbay because my rack is closest to the door and my brain and gut tell me to make sure to take care of the others first. Does that make sense Dad, at all out of curiosity? Senior saw me do that & gave me a look. I'm not sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing though. Sgt Behlman didn't say anything about it. So we had Senior Drill Inspection yesterday and we all failed but they didn't inspect me. I was one of the last ones and Sgt Gaddis did Addington on the left of me and Sgt Behlman did Hyman on the right but they didn't do me. Anyway she was angry with us the DI'S decorated the squadbay and it took at least two hours to make all racks together and footlockers back into place. That's not including the head or laundry room, gearlocker, or head. Sgt Dunn destroyed those pretty quickly. Then we were yelled at to get out and man someone stole my cover and so I got stuck in the squadbay along with Cordova, Downs, Houle, Quiropele until five recruits came and Senior ordered us to late chow with covers, That was the most relaxing chow I have ever been to since I got here. Hopefully not the last, that was like a dream come true. So two girls here have gotten cellulitus, one has had pink eye, one sprung her wrist and one broke hers. Here my brain is shutting down. It seem easier if you do that and just do as you're told and say yes, no, or aye ma'am that anything else the only time we really need to think is during drill and even then you're doing what you're told to do. I guess I just don't understand why it's s hard to do that. A DI tells a male recruit to tough the bulkhead he sprints to the nearest one; female recruit stands there then runs after thinking. On the first letter you sent me you said you were looking for web cams, come on Dad. The government can be stupid but not that stupid ot show a basic training camp for the military on the web. Also with Metro, yep go right ahead and do that please but if I need to I can talk to Sgt Behlman about paying the bill while I'm here. just let me know please. You should know that I get at least two letters every week from you dad, and man do I look forward to them they are some of the only things that are keeping my head up right now along with girls and the pictures I've been sent from you, mom, and grandma. If anyone wants to tell them to send me a couple pictures. I truly appreciate it. Well this letter started out as one page but now it's 3 and I'm sure you have better stuff to do than listen to me in this letter. I love you Dad
Love
Bizzy Bee
17 April, Mom & Dad
Hey Mom & Dad
When Graduation comes and everything are you driving or flying cuz you're starting to confuse me down here. If you're driving, have fun on the way don't make it boring but I gotta say I'm going home as quickly as I can so I'll see you there ;). If it's not an inconvience I would like to request you send me more pictures and a thing of stamps I'm running out here. You guys grandma Aunt Stacey and Vince have all written to me for which I'm very greatful for and I hope to receive more. Hey mom, What's this I hear about you want me to go to exotic places just so you can go there too? Don't beat Dad up, you know he likes to exaggerate. anyway time for church almost. I just wanted to talk to you guys together. It's starting to hurt being away from you guys for this long, but I'm almost halfway through this stuff. Learned that the gas chamber and repelling wall is next and we're swimming this week. Hyman was dropped back form her platoon cuz she couldn't swim but I'm pretty sure I'll pass it otherwise there's something wrong that I need checked right away. Anyway Initial drill is comin up soon and I've got Kidder telling me it's one of the coolest things here. Senior says there are only two things that are beautiful on this island; one is drill and the second is graduation. Starting week 4 tomorrow, man if you don't think about it, time is flying by soon if I don't break anything. I hurt my wrist on the way to Pugil Sticks. We were marching then we were told to run so I start running Caldera is walking the she swings her M16 which hits mine, I trip, I go down thinking catch the weapon. Wrist hits the deck, weapon lands on my wrist, body lands on weapon. Get the picture but I didn't drop the M16 or Sgt Gaddis would have been on me for that. Can we go to Venice Inn when I get back, I will pay but I want a whole bunch of food from there and want to eat there as a family. Though I'll need to stock up the fridge for all the food I want you guys to make. Today is chicken enchilada and manacotti with Village Inn 7 cheese omlet and chocolate cobbler.
I love you guys,
Bizzy
When Graduation comes and everything are you driving or flying cuz you're starting to confuse me down here. If you're driving, have fun on the way don't make it boring but I gotta say I'm going home as quickly as I can so I'll see you there ;). If it's not an inconvience I would like to request you send me more pictures and a thing of stamps I'm running out here. You guys grandma Aunt Stacey and Vince have all written to me for which I'm very greatful for and I hope to receive more. Hey mom, What's this I hear about you want me to go to exotic places just so you can go there too? Don't beat Dad up, you know he likes to exaggerate. anyway time for church almost. I just wanted to talk to you guys together. It's starting to hurt being away from you guys for this long, but I'm almost halfway through this stuff. Learned that the gas chamber and repelling wall is next and we're swimming this week. Hyman was dropped back form her platoon cuz she couldn't swim but I'm pretty sure I'll pass it otherwise there's something wrong that I need checked right away. Anyway Initial drill is comin up soon and I've got Kidder telling me it's one of the coolest things here. Senior says there are only two things that are beautiful on this island; one is drill and the second is graduation. Starting week 4 tomorrow, man if you don't think about it, time is flying by soon if I don't break anything. I hurt my wrist on the way to Pugil Sticks. We were marching then we were told to run so I start running Caldera is walking the she swings her M16 which hits mine, I trip, I go down thinking catch the weapon. Wrist hits the deck, weapon lands on my wrist, body lands on weapon. Get the picture but I didn't drop the M16 or Sgt Gaddis would have been on me for that. Can we go to Venice Inn when I get back, I will pay but I want a whole bunch of food from there and want to eat there as a family. Though I'll need to stock up the fridge for all the food I want you guys to make. Today is chicken enchilada and manacotti with Village Inn 7 cheese omlet and chocolate cobbler.
I love you guys,
Bizzy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 10, Mom
Hey Mom,
See I told you as soon as I leave, the sorry bathroom gets finished. They got weird names for everything here. Anyway it's not horribly bad out here, the humidity I could live without though. The girls keep fighting among each other and I kind of lost it today in front of a couple of them. But, after my episode, thins seem to be going a lot slower so there aren't any more misunderstandings in between ourselves. Anyway not too much to say, but tell Harry (our neighbor) not to send me any more candy or gum. he sent me bubblegum and I had to toss it. So yeah I haven't gotta any stamps yet and Rct Williamson got her first letter two days ago so now I think everyone has gotten a letter here. It's like receiving a Christmas Present I swear. Sundays are by far the best days here. Up at 0400 eat at 0500, 4 hours of free time, church, afternoon chow, circle of trust, drill, evening chow, drill, our five second showers, hygenie inspection, laundry, details, free time, devotions, then bed at 2000 hours. It's the laziest day we got here. Tell Grandma Happy Birthday for me cuz I can't be there for her a the moment. I'll give her a big hug when I finish here. A couple days ago DI Sgt Dunn told me I should just leave because I didn't have initiative and was ratting me out for stupid stuff like she told me to give her a rifle report, which you have to stand at attention for, but also clean the scribe's table. I don't hate this lady but the respect I have for her is very slowly decreasing the only thing that's keeping it is I keep reminding myself that she's just doing her job. We ahve a Senior Drill Instructor Inspection coming up, but not really sure when though. According to Papa Co.(I'm in November) they set you fup for failure just to see if you keep your bearings or drop it. Need to pass an Inspections later on as graduation requirement. We're no long the "babies" here, a new group comes in on Monday. Man they're in for it. Sorry about the trip to Minniapolis, sound rough, there are reasons for everything though you might not like it. Go do the classes Mom Ok? Something great will come out of it. Have to get in that mindset here or you go insane. My buddy Kidder is almost done, close time for her to be on the Crucible soon so I'm prayin that she passes it quickly and safely. Not much more to write about right now I'll write in a couple days. I love you all,
Love,
Bizzy
See I told you as soon as I leave, the sorry bathroom gets finished. They got weird names for everything here. Anyway it's not horribly bad out here, the humidity I could live without though. The girls keep fighting among each other and I kind of lost it today in front of a couple of them. But, after my episode, thins seem to be going a lot slower so there aren't any more misunderstandings in between ourselves. Anyway not too much to say, but tell Harry (our neighbor) not to send me any more candy or gum. he sent me bubblegum and I had to toss it. So yeah I haven't gotta any stamps yet and Rct Williamson got her first letter two days ago so now I think everyone has gotten a letter here. It's like receiving a Christmas Present I swear. Sundays are by far the best days here. Up at 0400 eat at 0500, 4 hours of free time, church, afternoon chow, circle of trust, drill, evening chow, drill, our five second showers, hygenie inspection, laundry, details, free time, devotions, then bed at 2000 hours. It's the laziest day we got here. Tell Grandma Happy Birthday for me cuz I can't be there for her a the moment. I'll give her a big hug when I finish here. A couple days ago DI Sgt Dunn told me I should just leave because I didn't have initiative and was ratting me out for stupid stuff like she told me to give her a rifle report, which you have to stand at attention for, but also clean the scribe's table. I don't hate this lady but the respect I have for her is very slowly decreasing the only thing that's keeping it is I keep reminding myself that she's just doing her job. We ahve a Senior Drill Instructor Inspection coming up, but not really sure when though. According to Papa Co.(I'm in November) they set you fup for failure just to see if you keep your bearings or drop it. Need to pass an Inspections later on as graduation requirement. We're no long the "babies" here, a new group comes in on Monday. Man they're in for it. Sorry about the trip to Minniapolis, sound rough, there are reasons for everything though you might not like it. Go do the classes Mom Ok? Something great will come out of it. Have to get in that mindset here or you go insane. My buddy Kidder is almost done, close time for her to be on the Crucible soon so I'm prayin that she passes it quickly and safely. Not much more to write about right now I'll write in a couple days. I love you all,
Love,
Bizzy
April 10, Vince
Hey Vince,
I got your letter yesterday. When I get back can we watch Megamind & Tangled? Please!? And I get a box of Bottlecaps when I come home too? Cause I am on withdrawal from sugar & caffience I swear. Anyway here it’s very simple if you listen you do as your told & can tolerate sandflea bites. These buggers hurt! Kind of like chigger but if you don’t touch they don’t itch thank God. So far the days go like this: up at 0400 morning chow then either drill, PT, or MCMAP, then either more drill or MCMAP, then a shower, more drill afternoon chow, then classes & drill, circle of trust, squad bay cleaning, evening chow, a 5 second shower, hygiene inspections, cleaning the house, free time, then prayer, & mounting the racks at 2000 hours. Every other night up for Rifle Security watch for an hour during the night so six to eight hours of sleep every night. By the way, your letter was just fine, and no errors. If you want to send me pictures, go right ahead. I’m clinging to anything that’s sent to me. But only letters & pictures okay, I don’t want to get into trouble. Being Intensely Trained sucks. I’m getting anxious about swim week excited about learning to swim with all the gear on. Anyway, I’ll write every Sunday but I gotta go. I’ll see you soon.
Yours,
Liz
Thursday, April 14, 2011
10 April, 2011 Grandma
Dear Grandma,
Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Grandma. Happy Birthday to you. I know this is goin to be late, but I hope it was a great day for you.
How crazy was it? Did Uncle Michael try to hide stuff again? Right now, we have 4 hours of free time then it's off to church I'll also say Happy Easter since I can't be there to celebrate it with you guys this year. Send me a picture of it please, but not a whole stack cuz then I might get in trouble. I just wanted to give you something for your birthday and this is all I can really give you. I love you so much and wish you both a happy birthday and a happy Easter.
Love,
Elizabeth Gill
Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Grandma. Happy Birthday to you. I know this is goin to be late, but I hope it was a great day for you.
How crazy was it? Did Uncle Michael try to hide stuff again? Right now, we have 4 hours of free time then it's off to church I'll also say Happy Easter since I can't be there to celebrate it with you guys this year. Send me a picture of it please, but not a whole stack cuz then I might get in trouble. I just wanted to give you something for your birthday and this is all I can really give you. I love you so much and wish you both a happy birthday and a happy Easter.
Love,
Elizabeth Gill
06 April, 2011 Aunt Stacey
Hey Aunt Stacey,
I hope your doctor's appointment went well and you almost got the leg back in full use now. If not, don't get frustrated, you'll get it off before you come down to South Carolina. By the way bring bug spray, I was eaten alive by sand fleas this morning during Physical Training & MCMAP. It was unpleasant to say the least but got extra protein for a snack between morning and afternoon chowtimes. Then we had to clean the squad bay after MCMAP then down to afternoon chow. Then wen to class for three subjects today, learned before but refreshed on treating a sucking chestwound, open and closed fractures, and how to tie a tourniquet. So nothing too exciting. Going for a hike tomorrow hopefully we won't be running it all anyway. Keep me posted on how everybody's doing. Every night I pray for you guys and Uncle Dan to pull through this. I just remember he's a Hennes, just as stubborn as a Gill. I love you so much and hope this finds you in good health and mood.
Love
Bizzy Bee
I hope your doctor's appointment went well and you almost got the leg back in full use now. If not, don't get frustrated, you'll get it off before you come down to South Carolina. By the way bring bug spray, I was eaten alive by sand fleas this morning during Physical Training & MCMAP. It was unpleasant to say the least but got extra protein for a snack between morning and afternoon chowtimes. Then we had to clean the squad bay after MCMAP then down to afternoon chow. Then wen to class for three subjects today, learned before but refreshed on treating a sucking chestwound, open and closed fractures, and how to tie a tourniquet. So nothing too exciting. Going for a hike tomorrow hopefully we won't be running it all anyway. Keep me posted on how everybody's doing. Every night I pray for you guys and Uncle Dan to pull through this. I just remember he's a Hennes, just as stubborn as a Gill. I love you so much and hope this finds you in good health and mood.
Love
Bizzy Bee
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April 2 2011
Hey Grandma & Grandpa
Training here is a different experience I have to say. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be though. The girls here aren't horrible and we're sticking together quickly, at least so far. Only have issues with being pushed, but I guess, oh well to that. Can I have a farmers breakfast with cinnamon rolls when I get back, oh and send me some pictures. If you can find one with the entire family that would be awesome. if not then can you send one or two close to it. So anyway how's everyone? haven't gotten the addresses in the mail yet. Can't wait to get home and see you all again. Except for one Drill Instructor this place is pretty interesting but when it comes to bugs I'll take the misquitos over sandfleas any day. I promise to finish the quilt when I get back I swear but I'll have to hold out until the 17th of June. I'll make it but first to training day 24. It lets a recruit go on to the second part of training or if I have to be dropped two weeks back in the program. I'm confident though enough to think I'll pass the test. Does that make me cocky? Anyway I've already got a list of food I would love to eat when I get back. But I already sent that to mom and dad. Anyway free times almost up. I love you all very much.
Sincerely
Elizabeth
Training here is a different experience I have to say. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be though. The girls here aren't horrible and we're sticking together quickly, at least so far. Only have issues with being pushed, but I guess, oh well to that. Can I have a farmers breakfast with cinnamon rolls when I get back, oh and send me some pictures. If you can find one with the entire family that would be awesome. if not then can you send one or two close to it. So anyway how's everyone? haven't gotten the addresses in the mail yet. Can't wait to get home and see you all again. Except for one Drill Instructor this place is pretty interesting but when it comes to bugs I'll take the misquitos over sandfleas any day. I promise to finish the quilt when I get back I swear but I'll have to hold out until the 17th of June. I'll make it but first to training day 24. It lets a recruit go on to the second part of training or if I have to be dropped two weeks back in the program. I'm confident though enough to think I'll pass the test. Does that make me cocky? Anyway I've already got a list of food I would love to eat when I get back. But I already sent that to mom and dad. Anyway free times almost up. I love you all very much.
Sincerely
Elizabeth
27 March 2011
Good Afternoon Grandma,
How's everybody doing? Almost time for church here. No idea how long it takes to deliver mail. I ask one thing, don't let Dad send 2 cookies. I already have one person here that dislikes me, I don't want an entire platoon against me. According to the SDI Sgt. Behlam, the hardest part is the next three weeks. Starting on Tuesday. I'm not that worried, body's going to be sore but I'll be back home soon enough, then I can have some ice-cream :). I am begging for some farmer's breakfast and cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy please, please, pretty please! The food isn't horrible, but it's not great. When we eat I feel like we're at a tea party. Gotta go,
Love you
Liz
How's everybody doing? Almost time for church here. No idea how long it takes to deliver mail. I ask one thing, don't let Dad send 2 cookies. I already have one person here that dislikes me, I don't want an entire platoon against me. According to the SDI Sgt. Behlam, the hardest part is the next three weeks. Starting on Tuesday. I'm not that worried, body's going to be sore but I'll be back home soon enough, then I can have some ice-cream :). I am begging for some farmer's breakfast and cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy please, please, pretty please! The food isn't horrible, but it's not great. When we eat I feel like we're at a tea party. Gotta go,
Love you
Liz
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)