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
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
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
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