A Rite of Passage for all Marines
The Crucible is the 54-hour culmination to the transformation of recruit training. It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles for the potential Marine to negotiate.
Basic Facts
-- Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot during the event.
-- There are 29 problem-solving exercises during the Crucible.
-- It consists of 36 different stations.
-- The recruits will have three meals, ready-to-eat (MREs) during the 54 hours.
-- The recruits will be required to carry 45 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to 782 gear, uniform and M16 A2 service rifle weight.
Day 1
Reveille (2 am)
Night movement (3 am)Recruits conduct a 6-mile hike to the Crucible site.
Events 1-3 (5: 30 am - 6:30 pm)
Event 1 – Battle of Hue CityA one-hour event in which the teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through a course which consists of trenches, wire fences and walls.
After the resupply course, teams negotiate the warrior stations below:
Pfc Jenkins PinnacleTeams cross two horizontal cable-supported logs.
Pfc Garcia's EngagementIndividuals demonstrate their knowledge of hand-to-hand combat skills, and then participate in a warrior case study of Pfc. Garcia.
Lehew's ChallengeTeams of two climb over an eight-foot high horizontal log.
Corbin's ConvoyTeams react to a simulated IED while on patrol.
Event 2 – Battle of Belleau Wood: Pugil Sticks/Body Sparring
Leadership Reaction CourseA three-hour event in which the teams perform six reaction course problems which test their ability to work as a team to solve problems. Some of the problems include:
Using three wooden boards to cross a number of stumps without touching the ground.
Negotiating a water hole using the same wooden board concept to get from point A to point B.
Transporting a large container over a wall using the limited resources available.
Once completing the events, the teams of two face off in a pugil stick bout.
Event 3 – Core Event and Warrior StationsA one-hour event which can hold a maximum of six teams working concurrently.
Noonan's Casualty EvacuationThe team will recover a downed pilot and another recruit “shot” by a sniper and transport them over a mile of wooded terrain.
Enhanced Obstacle Coursethe recruits carry a dummy casualty on a stretcher and ammunition cans from one end of a standard Marine Corps obstacle course to the other, going over all obstacles.
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Strikes Station - Recruits are required to demonstrate and conduct five-minute MCMAP strikes.
Core Values StationRecruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.
Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm)
Five-mile night hike with a time limit of three hours.
Sleep (midnight - 4 am)
Day 2
Reveille (4 am)
Events 4-6 (5:30 am - 6:30 pm)
Event 4 – Battle of FallujahA one-hour event in which teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through the Combat Assault Course.
Following the completion of the Battle of Fallujah, recruits negotiate a bayonet assault course and the warrior stations below:
Perez's PassageTeams cross a “contaminated area” by swinging on ropes from “safe spot” to “safe spot.”
Kraft's StruggleTeams climb a 10-foot wall and climb down the opposite side by a knotted rope.
John Quick Trail (Navigation Station)Basic map reading and grid coordinate plotting will be reviewed and evaluated.
Core Values StationRecruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.
Event 5 – Battle of Mariana IslandsCombat Endurance CourseTeams have two hours to complete five events of a modified Confidence Course.
The Sky ScraperThe team retrieves a “wounded” dummy from the top of an 18-foot tower.
Stairway to HeavenTeam members move two ammunition cans over the top of a 36-foot ladder obstacle.
Two-Line BridgeTeam members cross two 52-foot long ropes with their hands and feet suspended two feet and 10 feet off the ground as they carry ammunition cans and water re-supply cans.
The WeaverTeam members climb over and under 24 logs, 42 feet in length ascending to 14 feet as they carry ammunition and water re-supply cans.
In addition to the Enhanced Confidence Course, teams go through a Combat Endurance Course.
Combat Endurance Course- Teams conduct a simulated patrol, negotiate the obstacles and report the number and types of obstacles to intelligence sources.
Event 6 – Battle of Khe Sanh (Unknown Distance Firing)Teams of four fire two magazines of five rounds each from simulated building structures at unknown distance targets in a time limit of 70 seconds. The number of targets hit and number of unused ammunition is then recorded.
Following Day's Defense, team members participate in a 250-meter casualty evacuation where members remove simulated casualties from a simulated danger area consisting of artillery simulators.
Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm)
Night Infiltration CourseTeams re-supply water, ammunition and MREs at night in a simulated combat environment. The teams take their ammunition cans, water cans and simulated MREs through the Combat Assault Course with the added obstacle of darkness.
Sleep (midnight - 4 am)
Day 3
Reveille (3 am)
Nine-mile hike (4 am - 7 am)
Recruits conduct a nine-mile hike from the Crucible site back to the battalion.
Eagle Globe and Anchor Ceremony (7:30-8:00)
New Marines will receive an Eagle Globe and Anchor from their Drill Instructor marking their transition from a recruit to a Marine.
Warrior's Breakfast - The recruits are treated to a breakfast fit for only true warriors. It consists of all-you-can-eat steak, eggs and potatoes.
20090715
The Crucible
20090413
Training Week 3 - Posted by Mom
It is the start of Rachel’s 4th week at boot camp (3rd week of real training). Here are the links to pages that describe what Rachel is doing this week.
Monday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t12.htm
Tuesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t13.htm
Wednesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t14.htm
Thursday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t15.htm
Friday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t16.htm
Saturday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t17.htm
Monday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t12.htm
Tuesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t13.htm
Wednesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t14.htm
Thursday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t15.htm
Friday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t16.htm
Saturday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t17.htm
20090405
Imigaes of Parris Island - Posted by Mom
Welcome Sign
Entrance to Parris Island
Receiving footprints
The barracks where Rachel and Autumn live. 
Recruit Chapel (where Rachel attends two services every Sunday)
ClassroomLater this week I'll post photos of training facilities.
20090403
Training Week 2 - Posted by Mom
It is the start of Rachel’s 3rd week at boot camp. But this is only the second real week of training. Here are the links to pages that describe what Rachel is doing this week.
Monday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t06.htm
Tuesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t07.htm
Wednesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t08.htm
Thursday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t09.htm
Friday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t10.htm
Saturday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t11.htm
Monday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t06.htm
Tuesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t07.htm
Wednesday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t08.htm
Thursday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t09.htm
Friday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t10.htm
Saturday - http://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/training/matrix/t11.htm
20090402
Training Day 4 of 69 – Posted by Mom
This is what Rachel is doing today according to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island.
Combat Conditioning / Marine Corps History 1775 to 1883 / Core Values Discussions
Marine Corps History – The basis for being a Marine and contributing to its rich tradition is understanding how the Marine Corps came to be, what it has done, and why our history is so important to us.
Recruits learn that since 1775, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably and proudly whenever and wherever our Nation has called, and today's Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. They learn that our history is replete with accounts of Marines who have shown exceptional bravery and made extraordinary sacrifices, and that almost without exception, those accounts of heroism and service can be described by the words "Honor, Courage, andCommitment," our Marine Corps core values. Those three words succinctly describe the reason Marines have always been looked upon as a fighting force without equal, capable of exceptional accomplishment in the face of insurmountable odds.
Marine Corps History 1775 to 1883 – Recruits are taught the history and traditions of the Marine Corps, imparting a sense of pride, esprit de corps, and tradition. The instructor will do this by covering the following significant events: (1) Creation of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10th, 1775 Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas, (2) Operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli", (3) The war of 1812, (4) The Mexican War (1846-1848) and the "Halls of Montezuma," Mexico City, (5) Battles ashore and afloat in the Civil War (1861-1865), (6) Numerous landings throughout the world, especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean.
Core Values Discussions – During recruit training recruits are taught about Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and numerous others subjects that frame the values of the Marine Corps, to include leadership, Law of Land Warfare, the articles of the Code of Conduct, just to name a few. Instructors and recruit training officers teach the specific classes, but it is the Senior Drill Instructor who reinforces each core values topic during “Foot Locker” discussions with his or her platoon. Using scenarios, they talk one-on-one with their platoons highlight specific topics, to see what values were learned, and to answer any questions. To be a Marine is to do what is right, and it is during these discussions that Senior Drill Instructors start to evaluate each recruit, and to make a determination if they are taking a personal ownership of core values.
Combat Conditioning / Marine Corps History 1775 to 1883 / Core Values Discussions
Marine Corps History – The basis for being a Marine and contributing to its rich tradition is understanding how the Marine Corps came to be, what it has done, and why our history is so important to us.
Recruits learn that since 1775, the United States Marine Corps has served honorably and proudly whenever and wherever our Nation has called, and today's Marine Corps stands ready to continue in the proud tradition of those who so valiantly fought and died at Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, the Chosin Reservoir, and Khe Sanh. They learn that our history is replete with accounts of Marines who have shown exceptional bravery and made extraordinary sacrifices, and that almost without exception, those accounts of heroism and service can be described by the words "Honor, Courage, andCommitment," our Marine Corps core values. Those three words succinctly describe the reason Marines have always been looked upon as a fighting force without equal, capable of exceptional accomplishment in the face of insurmountable odds.
Marine Corps History 1775 to 1883 – Recruits are taught the history and traditions of the Marine Corps, imparting a sense of pride, esprit de corps, and tradition. The instructor will do this by covering the following significant events: (1) Creation of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10th, 1775 Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas, (2) Operations against the Barbary pirates along the "Shores of Tripoli", (3) The war of 1812, (4) The Mexican War (1846-1848) and the "Halls of Montezuma," Mexico City, (5) Battles ashore and afloat in the Civil War (1861-1865), (6) Numerous landings throughout the world, especially in the Orient and in the Caribbean.
Core Values Discussions – During recruit training recruits are taught about Honor, Courage, and Commitment, and numerous others subjects that frame the values of the Marine Corps, to include leadership, Law of Land Warfare, the articles of the Code of Conduct, just to name a few. Instructors and recruit training officers teach the specific classes, but it is the Senior Drill Instructor who reinforces each core values topic during “Foot Locker” discussions with his or her platoon. Using scenarios, they talk one-on-one with their platoons highlight specific topics, to see what values were learned, and to answer any questions. To be a Marine is to do what is right, and it is during these discussions that Senior Drill Instructors start to evaluate each recruit, and to make a determination if they are taking a personal ownership of core values.
Training Day 3 of 69 – Posted by Mom
This is what Rachel is doing today according to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island.
Combat Conditioning / Bayonet Training / First Aid I /USMC Uniforms
Bayonet Techniques – All recruits learn bayonet techniques as part of MCMAP, and every Marine carrying a rifle is armed with a bayonet. A bayonet is a knife-shaped close-combat weapon designed to fit on or over the muzzle of a rifle barrel and it can be very effective when a Marine is properly trained. During bayonet training recruits learn the offensive and defensive techniques that can be executed with a bayonet.
First Aid – First Aid means the medical measures you can carry out for yourself or for your fellow Marines before emergency treatment can be provided by a corpsman or a doctor. Corpsmen and doctors can’t be every place at once, and there may be a time when a Marine will have to depend upon his or her own knowledge to save his or her own life or that of a fellow Marine. Recruits learn, and are tested on basic first aid, such as: CPR, basic lifesaving steps, how to transport a casualty, how to stop bleeding, and how to identify poisonous animals and insects.
First Aid I – This class familiarizes the recruit with the four lifesaving steps of: Restore the Breathing, Stop the Bleeding, Protect the Wound, and Treat for Shock; how to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
U.S. Marine Corps Uniforms – Recruits are taught that wearing the uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all Marines, and that Marines will maintain their uniforms and equipment in a neat and serviceable condition and will, by their appearance, set an example of neatness and strict conformity with these regulations. Marines are known not just for their battlefield prowess, but for their unparalleled standards of professionalism and uncompromising personal conduct and appearance. It is a Marine's duty and personal obligation to maintain a professional and neat appearance. Any activity, which detracts from the dignified appearance of Marines, is unacceptable. The use of chewing gum, chewing tobacco, cigarettes or the consumption of food while walking in uniform or while in formation, ARE examples of activities that detract from the appearance expected of a United States Marine. Additionally, maintaining proper grooming and the wear of proper civilian attire, although not technically a uniform is also a reflection of the standards of the Marine Corps.
Combat Conditioning / Bayonet Training / First Aid I /USMC Uniforms
Bayonet Techniques – All recruits learn bayonet techniques as part of MCMAP, and every Marine carrying a rifle is armed with a bayonet. A bayonet is a knife-shaped close-combat weapon designed to fit on or over the muzzle of a rifle barrel and it can be very effective when a Marine is properly trained. During bayonet training recruits learn the offensive and defensive techniques that can be executed with a bayonet.
First Aid – First Aid means the medical measures you can carry out for yourself or for your fellow Marines before emergency treatment can be provided by a corpsman or a doctor. Corpsmen and doctors can’t be every place at once, and there may be a time when a Marine will have to depend upon his or her own knowledge to save his or her own life or that of a fellow Marine. Recruits learn, and are tested on basic first aid, such as: CPR, basic lifesaving steps, how to transport a casualty, how to stop bleeding, and how to identify poisonous animals and insects.
First Aid I – This class familiarizes the recruit with the four lifesaving steps of: Restore the Breathing, Stop the Bleeding, Protect the Wound, and Treat for Shock; how to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
U.S. Marine Corps Uniforms – Recruits are taught that wearing the uniform should be a matter of personal pride to all Marines, and that Marines will maintain their uniforms and equipment in a neat and serviceable condition and will, by their appearance, set an example of neatness and strict conformity with these regulations. Marines are known not just for their battlefield prowess, but for their unparalleled standards of professionalism and uncompromising personal conduct and appearance. It is a Marine's duty and personal obligation to maintain a professional and neat appearance. Any activity, which detracts from the dignified appearance of Marines, is unacceptable. The use of chewing gum, chewing tobacco, cigarettes or the consumption of food while walking in uniform or while in formation, ARE examples of activities that detract from the appearance expected of a United States Marine. Additionally, maintaining proper grooming and the wear of proper civilian attire, although not technically a uniform is also a reflection of the standards of the Marine Corps.
20090320
3 Days
Sorry I suck at this posting everyday thing...It's currently 3am. I figure now is as good a time to write as any, since I have like no other free time before I have to go. I had my last date before I go away tonight. I'm not going into detail cause good girls don't kiss and tell. Movie, then food. Typical, but also not. It was a great night. It made me wish I didn't have to go so soon...Oh well. I'm leaving on Monday. I'm so excited. Party Saturday. I'll write more later. I need sleep.
20090317
6 Days
Sorry I haven't written. I've been on vacation. =]
Mom and I flew to Philadelphia, then from there we flew to San Diego. It really sucks that there are no direct flights from Indy to Cali. I had inner ear issues when I was little, so the pressure most other people feel during decent is horrible pain for me. Needless to say, flying twice in one day was NOT something I looked forward to. Fortunately, I survived with minimal tears on the first flight. The second flight was more painful though, but also less tearful. Thursday night we just went to the hotel to sleep off the jet lag.
Then Friday we spent the morning at the hotel. Mom had work to do so we sat at the pool until she had to go in and do her work. Then in the afternoon, we went to Old Town, this cute historical area of San Diego. There were lots of little shops and things. We had dinner at this cool outdoor cafe. I went over to talk to a Marine. =] I saw him in his uniform when he came in. I casually mentioned to my mom that it would be cool to go thank him for his service. She wouldn't let it go. She kept pushing me. So I finally worked up the courage to go over and talk to him. He was nice, ya know, polite. He was also kinda cute, haha! He was with his family and they seemed really proud of him (DUH!). I told him I was going to training in 10 days. He told me to "have fun" and his mom told me good luck.
Then Saturday, I fulfilled my childhood dream! I went to the San Diego Zoo! It was great. It was huge. It was all up hill!!! The mountain lion was definitely my favorite. It was just pacing right there at the front of the enclosure. I liked the hippo too, but mostly cause it had the same name as one of my best friends. I took tons of pictures. I'll probably post them soon.
Sunday, SEA WORLD! Shamu, Dolphins, Seals, Otters, Sting Rays, Star Fish, PENGUINS!!! Not sure why I capitalized all that, I'm weird. It was fun, again, lots of walking and lots of pictures to be posted soon. =]
Monday was more travel. Yay airplanes! Again, two flights. First one was awful, almost cried. Second one was terrible. Worst pain ever in my life! I cried like a baby, like for real, wailing, crying, sobbing like a baby. The poor guy sitting next to my mom didn't know what to do. I felt so bad for him. He was so nice though. He mad everyone stay out of the way so mom and I could get off the plane first.
Mom and I flew to Philadelphia, then from there we flew to San Diego. It really sucks that there are no direct flights from Indy to Cali. I had inner ear issues when I was little, so the pressure most other people feel during decent is horrible pain for me. Needless to say, flying twice in one day was NOT something I looked forward to. Fortunately, I survived with minimal tears on the first flight. The second flight was more painful though, but also less tearful. Thursday night we just went to the hotel to sleep off the jet lag.
Then Friday we spent the morning at the hotel. Mom had work to do so we sat at the pool until she had to go in and do her work. Then in the afternoon, we went to Old Town, this cute historical area of San Diego. There were lots of little shops and things. We had dinner at this cool outdoor cafe. I went over to talk to a Marine. =] I saw him in his uniform when he came in. I casually mentioned to my mom that it would be cool to go thank him for his service. She wouldn't let it go. She kept pushing me. So I finally worked up the courage to go over and talk to him. He was nice, ya know, polite. He was also kinda cute, haha! He was with his family and they seemed really proud of him (DUH!). I told him I was going to training in 10 days. He told me to "have fun" and his mom told me good luck.
Then Saturday, I fulfilled my childhood dream! I went to the San Diego Zoo! It was great. It was huge. It was all up hill!!! The mountain lion was definitely my favorite. It was just pacing right there at the front of the enclosure. I liked the hippo too, but mostly cause it had the same name as one of my best friends. I took tons of pictures. I'll probably post them soon.
Sunday, SEA WORLD! Shamu, Dolphins, Seals, Otters, Sting Rays, Star Fish, PENGUINS!!! Not sure why I capitalized all that, I'm weird. It was fun, again, lots of walking and lots of pictures to be posted soon. =]
Monday was more travel. Yay airplanes! Again, two flights. First one was awful, almost cried. Second one was terrible. Worst pain ever in my life! I cried like a baby, like for real, wailing, crying, sobbing like a baby. The poor guy sitting next to my mom didn't know what to do. I felt so bad for him. He was so nice though. He mad everyone stay out of the way so mom and I could get off the plane first.
20090308
15 Days
I am a horrible Blogger. I haven't posted all week!
Wednesday was fun, but I got in trouble. Thursday I overslept and missed PT. So when Friday morning rolled around, I took quite a punishment. Then Saturday was really fun. Everyone went down to the reserve center. We got to see equipment and stuff. It was definitely fun. Then after that everyone went back to the office to hang out and stuff our faces. Then SSgt G, Sgt Perez, Sgt Shaw, Campbell, Jackson, and a couple others and I went to go play basketball. I took a couple elbows to the face but it was really fun.
Wednesday was fun, but I got in trouble. Thursday I overslept and missed PT. So when Friday morning rolled around, I took quite a punishment. Then Saturday was really fun. Everyone went down to the reserve center. We got to see equipment and stuff. It was definitely fun. Then after that everyone went back to the office to hang out and stuff our faces. Then SSgt G, Sgt Perez, Sgt Shaw, Campbell, Jackson, and a couple others and I went to go play basketball. I took a couple elbows to the face but it was really fun.
20090302
21 days
This is going to be spectacularly short. Sorry I haven't posted in the last few days. I've been working hard to crawl out of the grave that I dug for myself. I'll explain on Wednesday or Thursday.
20090227
24 Days
CAMPBELL AND SGT SHAW ARE MY HEROES!!! I have a paper due for my business class tonight. I had no idea what to write or even how to begin. Sgt Shaw had Campbell go over the info with me and I totally got it. Then Sgt Shaw read over my paper and gave me tips on how to make it better. Thank goodness for them!!! =]
This morning at PT Sgt Shaw had me do crunches and flexed arm hang. I did 66 crunches. The hang...yeah...not so good. Since my best time was 19 seconds, he told me that for every second less than 20 that I was on the bar I had to do 10 push ups. I got up on the bar and hung there till I thought my arms were going to fall off. Then I got down and Sgt Shaw told me to do 20 push ups cause I had only stayed on the bar for 18 seconds. LAME! THEN!!!! Then he made me get back on the bar and do it again! Thankfully I got 20 seconds. =]
This morning at PT Sgt Shaw had me do crunches and flexed arm hang. I did 66 crunches. The hang...yeah...not so good. Since my best time was 19 seconds, he told me that for every second less than 20 that I was on the bar I had to do 10 push ups. I got up on the bar and hung there till I thought my arms were going to fall off. Then I got down and Sgt Shaw told me to do 20 push ups cause I had only stayed on the bar for 18 seconds. LAME! THEN!!!! Then he made me get back on the bar and do it again! Thankfully I got 20 seconds. =]
20090226
25 Days
Here we go. The last few days have been crazy hectic. I went to PT twice today. It was too much fun. I've been bugging Sgt Shaw all week to do the IST. We finally did today. For those that don't know, the IST is the Initial Strength Test. Females have to run 1.5 miles in 15 minutes, do 44+ crunches in 2 minutes and 12+ seconds flexed arm hang. So far I've knocked out the crunches and the flexed arm hang. Last time we did the run [about a month ago] my time was 18 minutes. I'm not a runner. I hate running. I like sitting on my butt. I have to pass the run though. So, today, I was out running the IST. Sgt Shaw was yelling at me. I was slowing down, but I was 3/4 of the way there. I couldn't stop. He told me if I passed that he would buy me ice cream. I walked for maybe 10 seconds and then started running again. Then I walked for a little more. By then I had maybe 100 yards to go so I just sprinted the rest of the way. I finished and looked up at Sgt Shaw. He looked happy...but not. He showed me the stop watch and I couldn't believe it. I was thrilled, but pissed. 15:27. 15:27!!! I shaved 2:30 off my run time...but I still failed. Sgt Shaw kept telling me how much I had improved and all I could think was "I failed". He told me he didn't expect me to pass. He was proud of me for my improvement. He told me that if I hadn't walked I would have passed. I was PISSED, but PROUD!!! I failed, but I improved. When we got back to the office he told me there was something he wanted to give me. We went out to the car and he dug around in the trunk. He pulled out a Marines t-shirt and told me I earned it. I'm so proud of myself.
20090223
28 Days
Well, today was uneventful. There's really not much for me to write about. There was drama with a friend from school. Then I talked to my recruiter about stuff that's going on with me. Then I talked to my mom about our vacation. We're going on vacation before I ship. We need to spend some mommy-daughter time together before I go away forever. Okay, I won't be gone FOREVER but we still need to hang out before I go. We're going to go to San Diego. Ironic, no? That's all today cause it was crazy boring.
20090222
29 Days
First things first. Sorry for not writing yesterday. I had a really busy day. I went to work out with my recruiter for almost 2 hours. We went for a 2 mile run and did a bunch of other stuff...pull ups, push ups, flutter kicks, hello dollies, side straddle hops [aka jumping jacks], the WORKS!!! Then I came home to relax, but didn't end up doing much relaxing. Then, by the time i had time to write, all I wanted to do was sleep.
Today. Today, today, today! I went to my youth group this evening, as I typically do on Sundays. I was prepared for the usual socializing and idle chit chat. What I wasn't ready for was the wave of emotions that washed over me. While the band was performing, I couldn't help but look around me at all the other students. One particular group caught my attention. There were three freshman girls directly in front of me. I watched them as the music played. About half way through the third song, the girl in the middle seemed really distressed. Immediately, her friends wrapped their arms around her and began to comfort her. I suddenly remembered the days when I was that girl. I realized how many good friends I'd be leaving behind. As I stood there watching those girls, memories of my last few years in the church came flooding back. I looked around at the familiar faces and realized how few of them I'd truly gotten to know over those years. It occurred to me that most of them won't even realize that I'm gone, and those that will notice will get over it. Most of my friendships have been pretty shallow. Now it seems too late to really change that. Pretty soon, I'll be making new friends. Hopefully, I will have learned from my past mistakes and won't treat them the same way. I'm really sorry about the way I've treated my old friends. I wish I had taken more time to get to know them and have closer relationships with people. From now on, I'm going to make an honest effort to be closer to my friends.
Today. Today, today, today! I went to my youth group this evening, as I typically do on Sundays. I was prepared for the usual socializing and idle chit chat. What I wasn't ready for was the wave of emotions that washed over me. While the band was performing, I couldn't help but look around me at all the other students. One particular group caught my attention. There were three freshman girls directly in front of me. I watched them as the music played. About half way through the third song, the girl in the middle seemed really distressed. Immediately, her friends wrapped their arms around her and began to comfort her. I suddenly remembered the days when I was that girl. I realized how many good friends I'd be leaving behind. As I stood there watching those girls, memories of my last few years in the church came flooding back. I looked around at the familiar faces and realized how few of them I'd truly gotten to know over those years. It occurred to me that most of them won't even realize that I'm gone, and those that will notice will get over it. Most of my friendships have been pretty shallow. Now it seems too late to really change that. Pretty soon, I'll be making new friends. Hopefully, I will have learned from my past mistakes and won't treat them the same way. I'm really sorry about the way I've treated my old friends. I wish I had taken more time to get to know them and have closer relationships with people. From now on, I'm going to make an honest effort to be closer to my friends.
20090220
Intro [31 Days Remaining]
The main purpose for this first post is just to give a quick introduction. Just to get you up to speed on what has happened up to this point. In December 08, I decided to do one of the craziest, and most honorable, things I can imagine. I decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. I went in ready to go. I wanted to get enlisted and shipped out ASAPronto, as my recruiter would say. Sgt Shaw, the aforementioned recruiter, had different ideas. Long story short, he had me jumping through flaming hoops of doom in order to enlist. For starters, he had me working out at 0600 every day for 2 or 3 weeks. A lazy couch potato teenager getting out of bed at 0500 to work out is nothing short of miraculous! Finally, on January 24, 2009, I enlisted. Since then, I've been working my butt off to get in shape in time to ship out to MCRDPI [Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island] on March 23. This is the unofficial kick-off of the 30 Day Count Down. The reason it's unofficial is two-fold. First of all, I have 31 days left. And second, this is only a tiny intro. The real stuff will be better. More tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)