So I started this blog with the idea that I would have a place to ramble, and more positively...follow my own weight loss/training. Well I suck at both. I ramble to myself and not on my blog, and after a weekend of binging...I am no closer to my weight loss goals or 5k training than I was weeks ago. So what's next?
I haven't figured that out, but I am moving towards losing weight. I have a Biggest Loser Challenge that we are doing at work, and I have joined. But now I feel like a blob because I haven't done crap this week. I need motivation, but that seems harder to find than the sheer will not be fat. Suggestions always welcomed! I am feeling like a chunky monkey and wish me a good luck as I quest for the Skinny Minnie trapped inside of me.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time Escapes Me
WOW! How long has it been since I have been able to sit and express myself on here? Well I can say its been to long! Life is busy, no surprise there. Between teaching, grading and grad work... I am not sure if I should scratch my watch or wind my rear. I do know that I am starting a new challenge at work... the Biggest Loser! We are a team of four, and we are challenging others in the building to lose weight. I am really excited and hopefully with the work I am doing, I will see results. I am also running and hope to get started running in a few run funs, and mud runs this year! Let's see......keep your fingers crossed and keep cheering because I am going need all the encouragement I can get.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mean-y
I believe I have mentioned that I am a teacher, but just in case I am a high school teacher. That could explain the need to blog and vent! So today I hear through the good ol' high school grape vine, that I am a mean teacher. This really bothers me. Not that it should because I don't believe I am mean. I do have exacting standards and I work to get my students to achieve those standards. However many make the CHOICE to do otherwise, and as much as I try those students tend to be counterproductive to my goal of getting the very best out of children. So in short they tend to fail themselves by not trying. So today two of my students from last semester, who did not pass, were in a different classroom discussing my "meanness". Yea... as if there aren't other topics of discussion.
So I look up mean. Here is what I got from Merriam-Webster:
1 a : to have in the mind as a purpose : intend—sometimes used interjectionally with I, chiefly in informal speech for emphasis or to introduce a phrase restating the point of a preceding phrase b : to design for or destine to a specified purpose or future
2 : to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate : signify
3 : to have importance to the degree of
4 : to direct to a particular individual
I gotta say it makes me feel better. It validates that what I am asking them to do isn't unrealistic or too demanding. Since when is demanding someone's best a sign of meaness. Well according to Merriam-Webster it isn't a bad thing!! Thanks M-W... I needed that! I can wear my mean-ness with pride.
So I look up mean. Here is what I got from Merriam-Webster:
1 a : to have in the mind as a purpose : intend
2 : to serve or intend to convey, show, or indicate : signify
3 : to have importance to the degree of
4 : to direct to a particular individual
I gotta say it makes me feel better. It validates that what I am asking them to do isn't unrealistic or too demanding. Since when is demanding someone's best a sign of meaness. Well according to Merriam-Webster it isn't a bad thing!! Thanks M-W... I needed that! I can wear my mean-ness with pride.
Just BLAH
Ok... so just looking at the dates you can tell that I have fallen off the face of the blogsphere. This snow has got my routine all jacked up. I just want to get back to a routine. I want to start running again and I want to start losing weight again. So tomorrow is the day I start again. Don't care that it is Friday and that it doesn't make sense to start up again at the end of the week. I am gonna do it anyways. I need to get back in the saddle or my blahness will continue to get worse.
blah blah blah... that is the word of the day. Did I mention I have given up cussing for lent? That sounds great doesn't it.... we will see how that works out. :)
blah blah blah... that is the word of the day. Did I mention I have given up cussing for lent? That sounds great doesn't it.... we will see how that works out. :)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow days
Snow, snow and more snow. I haven't done much in days except shovel and shovel and drink. And in no particular order. SO I will continue this later, just wanted to let you know I am alive and shoveling well. :) Did I mention I haven't been to work or grad class at all this week? blah
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Safe Harbor
Off day- that is what Wednesdays are in our training routine. We don't have to exercise or run/walk. It works great considering grad class number 2 is on Wednesday night. So we had the afternoon off. I wish my brain had done the same. I can't tell you how much crap is going through my head at any given time. From people wanting me to join a committee to people asking why things aren't happening in certain areas of school. I am a one woman show and it is hard to be everything to everyone. Most disappointing is trying to be everything to myself. That is the hardest task to complete... hell the hardest task to begin. So it causes unrest.
The best analogy I have heard is related to the perfect storm or a ship out to sea in need of a safe harbor. My ship is strong. My ship has withstood many a rough seas.... however as the skipper or captain, I guarantee you that everyone needs a break. We all have this point in our lives where we start to examine the peace and traquility that we either DO possess in our lives, or the peace and traquility that seems to ellude us. I must say that my ship, while strong and able, has yet to reach its safe harbor. I gotta say this is exhausting. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish for the peace that comes from knowing that you have reached your destination. That all roads led to Rome and you MADE IT! You had the wherewithal and courage to make the journey and dock your boat. To end your madness and embrace the peace that is yours...the peace that only you can give to yourself. The peace that comes from knowing you have made the right decisions and now serenity is yours. Peace and serenity that comes from truly loving someone inconditionally.Where is this safe harbor you alluded to ??
The best analogy I have heard is related to the perfect storm or a ship out to sea in need of a safe harbor. My ship is strong. My ship has withstood many a rough seas.... however as the skipper or captain, I guarantee you that everyone needs a break. We all have this point in our lives where we start to examine the peace and traquility that we either DO possess in our lives, or the peace and traquility that seems to ellude us. I must say that my ship, while strong and able, has yet to reach its safe harbor. I gotta say this is exhausting. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish for the peace that comes from knowing that you have reached your destination. That all roads led to Rome and you MADE IT! You had the wherewithal and courage to make the journey and dock your boat. To end your madness and embrace the peace that is yours...the peace that only you can give to yourself. The peace that comes from knowing you have made the right decisions and now serenity is yours. Peace and serenity that comes from truly loving someone inconditionally.Where is this safe harbor you alluded to ??
Snow Days
Tuesday.... what to say about Tuesday? The second Monday of the week... yea that's a good descriptor for Tuesday. Today was uneventful.... largely because we were awaiting the arrival of snow. Not because we want another snow day...I can speak for quite a few teachers, and a two hour delay would nice. :) That soothes the need to sleep in, and it makes the day shorter which is always great!
So this is my exercise, gonna get in shape for a 5k race kinda blog spot... so how's that going? Well we ran/walked two miles today, and we did quite a bit of on the track in the freezing cold with the snow starting to fall. I gotta say we are certainly dedicated and we are persevering and that feels phenomenal! Eating habits are good.... can't say the scale has claimed to have lost anything, but I have seen that my clothes are fitting better and I have better muscle tone. So overall the exercise is helping.
I am hoping that after such a long day and NOT having grad class, I would like a two hour delay tomorrow. How about it snow gods???
So this is my exercise, gonna get in shape for a 5k race kinda blog spot... so how's that going? Well we ran/walked two miles today, and we did quite a bit of on the track in the freezing cold with the snow starting to fall. I gotta say we are certainly dedicated and we are persevering and that feels phenomenal! Eating habits are good.... can't say the scale has claimed to have lost anything, but I have seen that my clothes are fitting better and I have better muscle tone. So overall the exercise is helping.
I am hoping that after such a long day and NOT having grad class, I would like a two hour delay tomorrow. How about it snow gods???
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Sweating like an oldie
Soooo.... this weekend was kinda a bust. I didn't work out like I was supposed to, but I did do some productive activities. Harv and I had a very long and extensive heart-2-heart. While just as exhausting as exercise, it did nothing for my weight loss and 5K training. ;) So things are moving in a better direction with us and that IS a positive thing. Despite my lack of exercise, I did maintain the same weight and I am getting closer to the next lowest 'decade' of poundage. I am sitting at 181.4 and that is almost ten pounds lost, so HOORAY for me!
Today was a good day! It was Monday and what started out to be a TERRIBLE morning, ended in a peaceful afternoon. So why a terrible morning you ask? Well despite Matt being almost 9, and the morning routine changing VERY little, he still has trouble in the morning. Trouble waking up, trouble getting dressed, trouble finding his crap and trouble with just the overall routine of the morning. So today I took an outline of a list Kelsey created and added a few things of my own... and well now he has a DAILY ROUTINE LIST. I printed it off and stuck it in a sleeve protector, brought home a Vis-A-Vis marker, and VOILA! We now have a way for someone, something other than Mom to push him and motivate him in the morning. There is a REWARD at the end of the week for a job well done. He was receptive and we got him doing his evening duties and he was off to bed relatively early. I will let you know how it goes in the morning.
Fast forward through my day..... It was productive- my new intern started today, I taught all the items I wanted to cover today in class, and I ate according to plan despite my "aunt" making her visit and causing the chocolate cravings.
Then Dee and I decided to walk...power walk throughout the school building. It was great and we were getting a awesome workout..... ok ok.... great and awesome are relative...but it was going well nonetheless. I was even pushing through the shin splints in my left leg and I could feel the stress of the day exiting via sweat from my brain and body. Yes it was quite a sight...and quite a bit of sweat, but when you are my age sweating to the oldies becomes the theme song of your workout. Then came this awful pain in my leg and I thought I would be unable to continue, but we decided to step outside the building and walk outside. The cool air, the asphalt instead of the hard concrete building floors and I was good as new. I am so proud of what we are accomplishing and pushing through. It makes me feel like there is nothing I can't accomplish. I have faith that by February 27th we will be ready to time our first 5k practice race.
Today was a good day! It was Monday and what started out to be a TERRIBLE morning, ended in a peaceful afternoon. So why a terrible morning you ask? Well despite Matt being almost 9, and the morning routine changing VERY little, he still has trouble in the morning. Trouble waking up, trouble getting dressed, trouble finding his crap and trouble with just the overall routine of the morning. So today I took an outline of a list Kelsey created and added a few things of my own... and well now he has a DAILY ROUTINE LIST. I printed it off and stuck it in a sleeve protector, brought home a Vis-A-Vis marker, and VOILA! We now have a way for someone, something other than Mom to push him and motivate him in the morning. There is a REWARD at the end of the week for a job well done. He was receptive and we got him doing his evening duties and he was off to bed relatively early. I will let you know how it goes in the morning.
Fast forward through my day..... It was productive- my new intern started today, I taught all the items I wanted to cover today in class, and I ate according to plan despite my "aunt" making her visit and causing the chocolate cravings.
Then Dee and I decided to walk...power walk throughout the school building. It was great and we were getting a awesome workout..... ok ok.... great and awesome are relative...but it was going well nonetheless. I was even pushing through the shin splints in my left leg and I could feel the stress of the day exiting via sweat from my brain and body. Yes it was quite a sight...and quite a bit of sweat, but when you are my age sweating to the oldies becomes the theme song of your workout. Then came this awful pain in my leg and I thought I would be unable to continue, but we decided to step outside the building and walk outside. The cool air, the asphalt instead of the hard concrete building floors and I was good as new. I am so proud of what we are accomplishing and pushing through. It makes me feel like there is nothing I can't accomplish. I have faith that by February 27th we will be ready to time our first 5k practice race.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
State of the Onion
So as I peel away the layers of my life and start motivating myself to do the unexpected... I wish I could say that others are doing the same. Oh well, I can't control them, just me. Unfortunately I must deal with these less than motivated individuals. We will see how that goes!
So today was pretty much the same as most days: teaching, plannning, meetings, and the ever dreadful grad class. WOW! That is going to be a doozy of a class, and I am debating which is going to be worse, my classmates or the teacher. That remains to be seen. Needless to say we have a ton of work, lots of writing and many boring readings. I just hope I get something out of the course, other than the bill. That too remains to be seen.
So my training....well today was an off day and that was OK. I was sore and the P90X yoga we did yesterday...broke me off. My lats, and other muscles I have no idea what they are called, are extremely sore. Which is good! This Monday is measurement day, one month after the start of this endeavor. I will see what the tape measure tells me. I know the scale has been on my side, I have been steady losing weight and I am happy about that. I have more energy and I have more strength. To me that is the most amazing part, I FEEL better.
We will see what tomorrow brings.... we are supposed to walk/run however we have a Back to School Night/Meet the Teacher. Hopefully I can schedule some me time in there and get my workout in. I will let you know how that works out. In closing....I think I have another thing to add to my bucket list..... actually I think I am going to create a bucket list... right here!
So today was pretty much the same as most days: teaching, plannning, meetings, and the ever dreadful grad class. WOW! That is going to be a doozy of a class, and I am debating which is going to be worse, my classmates or the teacher. That remains to be seen. Needless to say we have a ton of work, lots of writing and many boring readings. I just hope I get something out of the course, other than the bill. That too remains to be seen.
So my training....well today was an off day and that was OK. I was sore and the P90X yoga we did yesterday...broke me off. My lats, and other muscles I have no idea what they are called, are extremely sore. Which is good! This Monday is measurement day, one month after the start of this endeavor. I will see what the tape measure tells me. I know the scale has been on my side, I have been steady losing weight and I am happy about that. I have more energy and I have more strength. To me that is the most amazing part, I FEEL better.
We will see what tomorrow brings.... we are supposed to walk/run however we have a Back to School Night/Meet the Teacher. Hopefully I can schedule some me time in there and get my workout in. I will let you know how that works out. In closing....I think I have another thing to add to my bucket list..... actually I think I am going to create a bucket list... right here!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Panic at the Disco
So for whatever reason, well actually I know the reasons, but at any rate I have decided that I am going to start compiling and accomplishing my Bucket List. For those who have not seen the movie, the premise is simple... create a list of things you want to accomplish in your life BEFORE you kick the bucket. Hence the name of the movie/list Bucket List. So I did.... I have my bucket list. Inspired by a co-worker, Lynn, I have decided that I am going to start training for a 5k. Once I have completed that, I will work my way up through the races and hopefully make it to a full marathon. It is my goal to not only complete the training for these runs, but to also lose the weight that I have been carrying around. I have justified for so long that round was shape, and therefore I was in shape. I have justified being heavy because of my age, not having the time and all these other excuses. Well no longer. I am determined to make it! So yesterday was DAY 1 in this journey. We started out with a 15 minute run/walk, as per the training schedule. We pushed ourselves a bit more and walked/ran a total of 26+ minutes. But it felt WONDERFUL! Just me, my MP3 player and the crisp late afternoon air. I ran some, and walked a good plenty. Despite not always feeling like I could do it, I did! And that feeling of "I can do this" is exhilirating. I know that my mind is more powerful than my body and I can push my body through the pain and discomfort to the end goal...which is finishing what I started.
Today was just as good! I felt a bit sore, and tired... starting a new semester certainly doesn't help that. I also started my grad class tonight. Despite all the things on my plate today, I made time for 40 minutes of yoga, and a thirty minute run/walk. Yes, I am sore as hell right now, and my shins are about to split from my legs. However, I know I can do this. I can work through it and push through the pain. I will accomplish my goal, of this I am sure. Tomorrow is another day, and thankfully it is an off day for the training schedule...but I have substituted that with a meeting and a grad class. Call me crazy..... ok so I call myself crazy.
Enough about me.... I know this is my daily grind...but part of that grind are my family. As a side note, my daughter Kelsey started running indoor track this year, and won third place in the county in the 300 meter. I was so proud, I bursted into tears! It was so incredibly emotional because she is the culmination of all that is right with me. She is the very best of me and I am reminded daily of how good God is and how priviledged I am to be her mom. This says nothing of my little man, who embodies the best and worst of Harvey and I. He is strong-willed, emotional, sarcastic, loving and funny. He is intuned with how you feel and at time oblivious to everyone else around him. He wears his little heart on his sleeve and takes everything literal. He is truly my baby boy. It is for these two young lovely people that I dedicate my first goal on the bucket list. May you both always have the courage to meet your goals head on and tackle them with dignity and tenacity. I will set the example. Love you children....Good Night and until next time...
Today was just as good! I felt a bit sore, and tired... starting a new semester certainly doesn't help that. I also started my grad class tonight. Despite all the things on my plate today, I made time for 40 minutes of yoga, and a thirty minute run/walk. Yes, I am sore as hell right now, and my shins are about to split from my legs. However, I know I can do this. I can work through it and push through the pain. I will accomplish my goal, of this I am sure. Tomorrow is another day, and thankfully it is an off day for the training schedule...but I have substituted that with a meeting and a grad class. Call me crazy..... ok so I call myself crazy.
Enough about me.... I know this is my daily grind...but part of that grind are my family. As a side note, my daughter Kelsey started running indoor track this year, and won third place in the county in the 300 meter. I was so proud, I bursted into tears! It was so incredibly emotional because she is the culmination of all that is right with me. She is the very best of me and I am reminded daily of how good God is and how priviledged I am to be her mom. This says nothing of my little man, who embodies the best and worst of Harvey and I. He is strong-willed, emotional, sarcastic, loving and funny. He is intuned with how you feel and at time oblivious to everyone else around him. He wears his little heart on his sleeve and takes everything literal. He is truly my baby boy. It is for these two young lovely people that I dedicate my first goal on the bucket list. May you both always have the courage to meet your goals head on and tackle them with dignity and tenacity. I will set the example. Love you children....Good Night and until next time...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Semper Fidelis
Tuesday January 19:
Who knew when I agreed to go on the Marine Corps Educators Workshops that I would have so much fun. I could not have anticipated the trip with a crystal ball if I had tried. From the moment I was picked up on Tuesday, at 2:50am might I add, it was an adventure. We arrived at the recruiting sub-station in Frederick, and waited for the last member of our local group. We then proceed down to the Marriott in Dulles where we linked up with the rest of our RSS Frederick group. They provided breakfast, coffee and juice...and best of all eye candy. From this point on we were part of a group that was destined to learn about the ins and outs of the Corps. So we got our tickets and our rides to the actual aiport... and we were off and running. Funny thing is, it was about this time when I realized we were headed to Parris Island, South Carolina!! Up, Up and away.....
So we boarded our plane to Savannah, and it was smooth sailing! Wait....that almost makes it seem like Dulles was an easy airport... BAH! Ok so we had a few minor hiccups, oh like when we had to pay for 35-40 peoples bags with one man's government credit card. Talk about a difficult task. Needless to say we all got our bags taken care of and the flight was easy breezy. We arrived in Savannah/Hilton Head and went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. Now you are thinking here are two busses worth of educators that don't really know each other or know what to expect from this experience, arriving in an unknown city,...how well is this going to work? Well the logistics ran so smoothly it was remarkable. We ate at Ruby's, bused to Beaufort, S.C. and checked in with ease. I was fortunate enough to wait until the last minute to check in and I fanagled a room to myself. WOOHOO! After that nights dinner, and the intro movie to our next few days, I was finally able to shower and relax. Wait did I really just say relax??? Ok Ok..so I showered and went back downstairs to meet those going out for a drink.
So there I am.... no poo... waiting for others to arrive, and they do...but they are all Marines, male Marines. So I am the only female educator heading out to the bar with 5 male Marines. And thus began the next four days of the Marine Corps Educators Workshop.
Wednesday, January 20:
So I arrive back to my hotel at what seemed like a decent hour....but that didn't mean we were done. Another 12 pack between 2 people, and a botched attempt at Copenhagen, I arrive in my room...at sometime around 2:00am?? I think... that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was waking up at 6:10am and thinking "Crap, I slept through the 5:45 alarm!!!" Nevermind the fact that I had to be downstairs by 6:30am. I made it, albeit not incredibly sober, but it wasn't required. I did have my required gear, and I was on time. As I boarded the bus, I was so friggin excited because today was the day we would get to fire the M16A2s. WOOHOO!!! So...we were briefed about the Corps, and the benefits and educational opportunities offered to the recruits, as well as the training and expectations of all Marines. This concept of family was beginning to unfold. After our brief we proceeded to the famous or infamous YELLOW FOOTPRINTS! We even got to go fall into a formation on the yellow footsteps!
I can only imagine how the young recruits feel arriving there at Parris Island. What a thrill of excitement, fear and the unknown! The rest of the briefing went in a blur, partly because I was taking in all the different surroundings and sights a new recruit would be....and the other part was because my head was still foggy from the rewards of the previous evening. (Which for the purposes of keeping my blog healthy and sanitary...I will refrain from disclosing.) We proceeded to the indoor training range for the M16A2. After a quick brief, we were able to handle the air pressured gun and learn the "two to the chest, one to the head" manuever. I did awesome! If I might brag about myself. The first time I scored 115, and the second and third time (yes, I fired it more than once) I scored 120. So I felt like a pro! Gimme the real thing...and they did! After an intense safety briefing, we walked out to the live fire range. One magazine later, 30 rounds, I was loving the M16! It couldn't get better!(but it does!)
After the training, we had the honor of eating lunch with a recruit! By favor that was one of the most memorable experiences. She was young 19 year old girl, who was in college and wanted something more fulfilling, and so she became a Marine. How different than what we are used to hearing...about the teen with no direction in life. I know the recruits to happy to have some adult conversation, because she thanked us for being there and talking to her because since we were from the MD/VA area she felt less homesick. I choked down those Mommy tears and told her that we were proud of her and that she could do it!
The afternoon went well and we proceeded to a brief and dinner at the Officers Club on the Marine Corps Air Station. The best part of this evening..... chucking empty bottles at a wall of terrorists!!! Totally unexpected and way too much friggin fun!
The night should have ended there, but that would have been too silly. So I showered, got ready and headed back out to Rosie's for what should have been Karaoke, but turned into my first meeting with Patron. Well the rest of the evening will be summarized as "holy shit". Home bound by 2:30 or so.....
Thursday, January 21
So I missed formation this morning. What exactly is that? Well the DI tells you to be somewhere at a certain time, and you are a no show. So I over slept....but that wasn't the worst part. I was called, cell-phoned, had someone at the door...and still didn't budge. Genos, God love him, stood knocking on the door until I managed to get myself up. So I got up, showered, and managed to get downstairs.....not entirely coherent.
But it was pouring and I could tell today was gonna be tough. The long and short of it was today included martial arts combat training, The Crucible, and other things.....all in the POURING down rain! What fun! Did I mention we were wet??? It was all in good fun!
That evening we all got showered and warm and headed to Dock Side restaurant for a wonderful seafood dinner. Of course after dinner, it was finally Karaoke....at the Office. Not to mention $2 for 24oz Margaritas. It was an awesome time and I know for sure I arrived sometime after 3:30am. The days were long and nights longer! But it was an unforgettable time......
Friday January 21
Time to go home...but not before some tear jerking ceremonies. From the flag raising to the band playing, it was an emotional morning. We also had the privilege of seeing the graduation ceremony and that was equally emotional. It was amazing to see what a healthy dose of discipline can do for individuals. I was amazed and awed! I have never experienced something so powerful as this graduation. The honor grads were amazing and the best part was watching them run towards family members and all the hugs and kisses! I wanted to cry like a baby! But that went well....but now it was time for one of our last formations, and then off to the airport. Our time at Parris Island had come and gone and I was sad that it didn't last longer.
In closing, I was amazed at the discipline, work ethic, and most of all sense of family that all Marines seem to share, and not just in the recruit ranks but throughout all Marines. It was the most interesting professional development I have been to yet!
Who knew when I agreed to go on the Marine Corps Educators Workshops that I would have so much fun. I could not have anticipated the trip with a crystal ball if I had tried. From the moment I was picked up on Tuesday, at 2:50am might I add, it was an adventure. We arrived at the recruiting sub-station in Frederick, and waited for the last member of our local group. We then proceed down to the Marriott in Dulles where we linked up with the rest of our RSS Frederick group. They provided breakfast, coffee and juice...and best of all eye candy. From this point on we were part of a group that was destined to learn about the ins and outs of the Corps. So we got our tickets and our rides to the actual aiport... and we were off and running. Funny thing is, it was about this time when I realized we were headed to Parris Island, South Carolina!! Up, Up and away.....
So we boarded our plane to Savannah, and it was smooth sailing! Wait....that almost makes it seem like Dulles was an easy airport... BAH! Ok so we had a few minor hiccups, oh like when we had to pay for 35-40 peoples bags with one man's government credit card. Talk about a difficult task. Needless to say we all got our bags taken care of and the flight was easy breezy. We arrived in Savannah/Hilton Head and went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. Now you are thinking here are two busses worth of educators that don't really know each other or know what to expect from this experience, arriving in an unknown city,...how well is this going to work? Well the logistics ran so smoothly it was remarkable. We ate at Ruby's, bused to Beaufort, S.C. and checked in with ease. I was fortunate enough to wait until the last minute to check in and I fanagled a room to myself. WOOHOO! After that nights dinner, and the intro movie to our next few days, I was finally able to shower and relax. Wait did I really just say relax??? Ok Ok..so I showered and went back downstairs to meet those going out for a drink.
So there I am.... no poo... waiting for others to arrive, and they do...but they are all Marines, male Marines. So I am the only female educator heading out to the bar with 5 male Marines. And thus began the next four days of the Marine Corps Educators Workshop.
Wednesday, January 20:
So I arrive back to my hotel at what seemed like a decent hour....but that didn't mean we were done. Another 12 pack between 2 people, and a botched attempt at Copenhagen, I arrive in my room...at sometime around 2:00am?? I think... that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was waking up at 6:10am and thinking "Crap, I slept through the 5:45 alarm!!!" Nevermind the fact that I had to be downstairs by 6:30am. I made it, albeit not incredibly sober, but it wasn't required. I did have my required gear, and I was on time. As I boarded the bus, I was so friggin excited because today was the day we would get to fire the M16A2s. WOOHOO!!! So...we were briefed about the Corps, and the benefits and educational opportunities offered to the recruits, as well as the training and expectations of all Marines. This concept of family was beginning to unfold. After our brief we proceeded to the famous or infamous YELLOW FOOTPRINTS! We even got to go fall into a formation on the yellow footsteps!
I can only imagine how the young recruits feel arriving there at Parris Island. What a thrill of excitement, fear and the unknown! The rest of the briefing went in a blur, partly because I was taking in all the different surroundings and sights a new recruit would be....and the other part was because my head was still foggy from the rewards of the previous evening. (Which for the purposes of keeping my blog healthy and sanitary...I will refrain from disclosing.) We proceeded to the indoor training range for the M16A2. After a quick brief, we were able to handle the air pressured gun and learn the "two to the chest, one to the head" manuever. I did awesome! If I might brag about myself. The first time I scored 115, and the second and third time (yes, I fired it more than once) I scored 120. So I felt like a pro! Gimme the real thing...and they did! After an intense safety briefing, we walked out to the live fire range. One magazine later, 30 rounds, I was loving the M16! It couldn't get better!(but it does!)
After the training, we had the honor of eating lunch with a recruit! By favor that was one of the most memorable experiences. She was young 19 year old girl, who was in college and wanted something more fulfilling, and so she became a Marine. How different than what we are used to hearing...about the teen with no direction in life. I know the recruits to happy to have some adult conversation, because she thanked us for being there and talking to her because since we were from the MD/VA area she felt less homesick. I choked down those Mommy tears and told her that we were proud of her and that she could do it!
The afternoon went well and we proceeded to a brief and dinner at the Officers Club on the Marine Corps Air Station. The best part of this evening..... chucking empty bottles at a wall of terrorists!!! Totally unexpected and way too much friggin fun!
The night should have ended there, but that would have been too silly. So I showered, got ready and headed back out to Rosie's for what should have been Karaoke, but turned into my first meeting with Patron. Well the rest of the evening will be summarized as "holy shit". Home bound by 2:30 or so.....
Thursday, January 21
So I missed formation this morning. What exactly is that? Well the DI tells you to be somewhere at a certain time, and you are a no show. So I over slept....but that wasn't the worst part. I was called, cell-phoned, had someone at the door...and still didn't budge. Genos, God love him, stood knocking on the door until I managed to get myself up. So I got up, showered, and managed to get downstairs.....not entirely coherent.
But it was pouring and I could tell today was gonna be tough. The long and short of it was today included martial arts combat training, The Crucible, and other things.....all in the POURING down rain! What fun! Did I mention we were wet??? It was all in good fun!
That evening we all got showered and warm and headed to Dock Side restaurant for a wonderful seafood dinner. Of course after dinner, it was finally Karaoke....at the Office. Not to mention $2 for 24oz Margaritas. It was an awesome time and I know for sure I arrived sometime after 3:30am. The days were long and nights longer! But it was an unforgettable time......
Friday January 21
Time to go home...but not before some tear jerking ceremonies. From the flag raising to the band playing, it was an emotional morning. We also had the privilege of seeing the graduation ceremony and that was equally emotional. It was amazing to see what a healthy dose of discipline can do for individuals. I was amazed and awed! I have never experienced something so powerful as this graduation. The honor grads were amazing and the best part was watching them run towards family members and all the hugs and kisses! I wanted to cry like a baby! But that went well....but now it was time for one of our last formations, and then off to the airport. Our time at Parris Island had come and gone and I was sad that it didn't last longer.
In closing, I was amazed at the discipline, work ethic, and most of all sense of family that all Marines seem to share, and not just in the recruit ranks but throughout all Marines. It was the most interesting professional development I have been to yet!
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