So not much to report on during the weekend, that would encompass days 6 and 7. Mostly just sat in my room and did nothing. Absolutely nothing, and it was great. I haven't done nothing since my time in Korea. When you have a wife, kids, house, pets, etc...nothing is a long lost friend. So I caught up with nothing. I got up Saturday morning and went and rented a movie, then I decided I needed some Tylenol and went to go get some...I forgot it was Saturday. Here, Saturdays are when the brand new Airmen get to spend time with their family after eight weeks of basic training, so this place was SWAMPED. Luckily, I know where everything is on this base so I went to the other side where families and new Airmen have no clue as to their existence.
Afterward...TV and internet, for good measure I threw in a nap. I think the most I did all day was go off base about a mile and get some Arby's.
Sunday was a repeat performance.
As for Day 8, a.k.a Monday...what a suckfest that was. They have us all get together first in an auditorium...190 people crammed in there, then they tell us what we will do for the next two hours, and then they make a point to say "now if we correct you on anything, don't take it personal". Wow, really? I understand how the rumors about the Air Force get started, or maybe it is a reality I'm shielded from because there is little room for error or forgiveness in my job. Here I am in a room with 190 other Technical Sergeants and people are already making apologies so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. What the hell? I thought this was the military, I guess I took a wrong turn at Albuquerque.
So we head outside for our adventure, a lot of people haven't marched or done any real drill/ceremony stuff in 10+ years. It was a disaster. From the instructors down to the student leaders. Now I know it may sound like I am bitter that I wasn't picked for a leadership position, but...well first off, now I am glad I didn't get picked, but really...I know I could have performed circles around everyone I saw. Honest to god, call me a liar, call me bitter, call me whatever you like...it was just bad. The instructors and a wanna be drill sergeant or two are even making it worse. I have a TI in my flight and he is about to explode, and rightfully so. Which further validated my own thoughts. I have never in my life questioned why I was here...until that moment. In that moment I thought "Why the hell didn't I join the Marines?"
Speaking of Marines, walking to the chow hall I approach two young Marines, one looks me dead in the eye and says "Good morning Tech Sergeant". I was taken aback, here was a polite and sincere Marine extending my proper courtesy. Holy hell, and that reinforced my thought from earlier. I bet the Marines of my same rank are getting their feelings considered before something even potentially happens...they just receive the information, process it and prepare for more information. Beautiful. I tell you, I have learned so much from this trip...but none of it was purposeful or part of curriculum. Back to the chow hall thought...discovered a hidden gem, the Defense Language Institute is here and we teach other nations how to speak English. Everyone from Koreans to Brazilians to Zimbabwe to all spots in between. Great food and it is amazing to just watch everyone interact. I am a big time people watcher and this was like a dining version of the United Nations right in front of my very eyes.
Fast forward to today, well...last night, had a decent amount of beers and won a hat at the club. Yeah, I'm awesome. Now this morning, feeling a little blah'd. Not hungover really, but as close as one can get to it. Go to get some breakfast, fill up my belly...walk outside, and it is pouring rain. Oh, and I am in blues. Yeah. Get to class, all wet. Then we have a guest speaker in an auditorium across the street we walk to, about 1/4 mile or so away, get over there and listen...go to leave, POURING DOWN RAIN. Get back to class and soaked to the bone.
Man what a shitty day, at least it is cool now though. We'll see how long this lasts. I've never been happier to get out of my blues.
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