Destroyed in Connecticut today. 27 people who will never smile, laugh, or brighten the life of someone else again. 20 children who will never grow up, but none of them have gone off to Never Never Land with Peter Pan.
It disgusts me. How can a person - mentally ill or not - aim a gun at a child and pull the trigger?
It breaks my heart.
Not a lot going on in my life, just Army stuff. I'm going home for Christmas so that's good. I can't wait to be back in Texas. I miss my family and my friends. I even miss my old high school.
I've been meaning to write, but I definitely have mass writers block sooooo.... I'll get to it at some point. In the meantime, if you have a question about the army or basic training feel free to ask.
Trainings going well, will do REAL update in 17 days (after graduation). <3
Just kidding, this is only the beginning. I have one day (and a half) to relax and enjoy myself. Then it's off to the world of Fort Jackson, where shit gets real.
No more RSP until I come back. That will be gold phase, and then I will go to my home unit in Austin for drill. As far as that goes, I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to work it out. You'll know once I know (promise).
This is drill weekend. Took the pt test today did okay, sat in a classroom and did paperwork, eh, mildly boring, then it was time for formation, and Blue Phase isn't doing pt tomorrow! #excitingg
(I know this isn't twitter, and I don't even tweet that much, I just like hashtags).
Although now that I think about it, sitting from 7am until chow is going to be a long wait.
In other news, my friend, Hannah (who shipped to bct almost a week ago), has been discharged due to a medical problem. Details aren't really my business, so I haven't asked, but she's expected to stay at Jackson for about two more weeks, so I may run into her, or maybe not, I'm not sure.
But in related news, I met the dumbest girl ever today (I'll explain the connection in a minute). She literally just enlisted, this was her first drill, and she was only there today. She leaves on Tuesday (the same day as me). I don't know her story, but she just tweaked every nerve every time she opened her mouth. She's not at all prepared for bct, but she gets to pack off to Fort Sill and have a whack at it.
But Hannah, who deserves to do this, who has worked her ass off to get a better mile time, getting up and running miles and miles while even I was still sleeping. She did everything she possibly could to get herself ready to kick ass and take names at Fort Jackson, but she has to turn around and go home. Not. Fair.
Also I hate fire ants. They make me itchyy. :(
And done guy tried to sell me this bearded dragon yesterday
Except for socks and a spare outfit. Bag's not too heavy, which is good. That's all. Oh I decided to take a different bag, but I'm keeping the 12 dollar one because I like it.
This is a pic of a bag like the one I'm taking. It's not great quality, but you get the idea.
More later, good night.
That is all.
Except the maps, we never have maps at RSP so we can learn about land nav, and one of the cadre gets a little frustrated about it so I saw this at the dollar store and almost bought it but decided not to because it wouldn't be worth getting smoked for it.
Follow me @devinni01841 or don't, it's whatever. For now I will refrain from Instagram... Sorry.
Plus Jenna Marbles is hilarious.
UPDATE : I swear I meant to say Jenny Lawson, the bloggess. I'm not sure where I got Jenna Marbles from when typing....
I'm not single, but we're kinda taking it slow while I'm gone. (Eight to nine months is a long time... )
It was pretty much a lack of communication between the two of us and both of us had or fair share of the blame.
This shall count as yesterdays post (don't worry, I have slept). I shall try to fond something interesting to talk about today.
Also, I still plan to be a total pt stud-ette at bct, it just won't be for revenge.
Here's a pretty magnolia bloom.
And I am not okay.
There was one moment today when I saw him, and I knew I could face the next 8 months with a straight face, but now - I don't know. He was my reason to fight, to keep moving forward, and now he's taken himself away from me.
I guess the key now is to fight to show him what he's lost. I am going to blast through Fort Jackson and Fort Gordon. I will be such a pt stud-ette that even the drill sergeants will secretly look on in awe. Everyone will wonder what my deepest motivation is, and no one will find out. I will be a better person because of this. I will be one bad-ass-motha-fucka when I come back.
Thanks for the memories, I guess.
This girl has (I believe) astrocytoma, and has lost all her hair due to the treatments she has gone through, but instead of a wig, she wears makeup, and she does it phenomenally. Go check out her YouTube channel, she's totally the most beautiful girl on the planet!
The qwikbuns are totally awesome! Completely worth the twenty five bucks I spent on them! It literally takes like one minute to put my hair up.
Also, it makes your hair pretty curly if you leave it in long enough for your hair to dry.
I am an American soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States of America and live the Army values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.
I am an expert and I am professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and DESTROY the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I an a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I AM AN AMERICAN SOLDIER!!!
Stuff... and things
Just kidding:
There are important things like soap and underwear, and toothpaste. However, that's the no-brainer stuff.
The important things are:
Baby wipes - because you don't always have time for a full shower between PT and your regular day.
Feminine hygiene products - duh
2 soap cases - one for actual use, the other for inspections
Deodorant that I know I can use - because I have a tendency to have allergic reactions to some deodorants
Sunscreen - because I'm freaking pale
Elastics and pins for my hair - you really can't have too many
Bandages - to cover blisters
Hair gel - so there are no flyways and nonsense.
I also bought some things called Qwikbuns. They're little contraptions that you use to wrap up your hair and make perfect buns, I'll let you know about them when they come in the mail.
I did three awesome things today.
1) I danced around my kitchen. Like a total geek.
2) I got into a cleaning grove (a rare occurrence) and washed a ton of dishes.
3), I watched Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty today.
Yeah, you're jealous if my awesome, but it's okay.
I've started a packing list for boot camp, and I definitely need to do some shopping, because I have a towel that I'm going to take, and my Bible... Yikes. I'll post the actual list tomorrow, after I double check it against a couple of videos I watched, I'll let you know.
(Don't worry, there will be no killing here :P)
Well, I was in Colorado, and now out looks like there might be a trip to Austin in the cards for my family and me. Woot.
Didn't hear from boyfriend today, but I guess it's not a tragedy, I didn't have much to say anyway.
It's really difficult to be positive about something when the person who is supposed to be your better half is being negative.
Here's a shirt that I really wanted:
And it's no fun.
I had ice cream from Sonic today. Yum.
Anyways, even if that I've person is actually the one person, I'm not gonna let it get me down, because I have to focus, 23 days!
That's okay, though, not much to talk about. I did laundry today, isn't my life exciting?
Oh, I watched Holy Musical B@tman on YouTube. It's by starkidpotter, and all of their stuff is hilarious. Especially their Harry Potter parody, A Very Potter Musical. Go watch it. (especially if you like Darren Criss from Glee, AVPM is from before he was famous)
I got the coolest graduation present ever on the mail yesterday. It's a display for challenge coins.
According to Wikipedia: Traditionally, they are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. In addition, they are also collected by service members. In practice, challenge coins are normally presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a memberof the unit. They are also exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.
One of the cadre at my RSP site once said that they gave out coins instead of actual awards, but I really like them. They look really nice on display, and carry some sentimental value for those who receive them.
There's some really interesting info in that wiki article, including how to use a coin to get free drinks, and TV shows such as NCIS and Criminal Minds that have featured the coins. (I love the Criminal Minds one).
You can buy them online, but it kind of send like something you should have to earn to me. But hey what do I know?
Anyways, my display looks kinda lonely with only my RSP coin on it, but the way I see it, there will be plenty more soon enough.
It's 10 minutes to midnight, and I've *really* gotta start getting up early. TTFN, Ta Ta For Now!
So this post counts for the 28th, because I haven't gone to sleep yet, okay? Get over it.
If the lawn mower is a demon child of the power tool world, then our weed eater is like a crabby pageant child without the benefit of being pretty to look at.
It is nearly impossible for me to start it, it made me cry in frustration (which led to an emotional breakdown about pizza - not cute) and Mom actually kicked the darn thing, then got several blood blisters for her troubles.
So much for the whole "lawn maintenance" thing.
Today, the Supreme Court ruled that the health care bill is constitutional on the grounds that it falls under the congressional right to set taxes. Due to my employment in the military, I cannot technically oppose my Commander In Chief, so anything I say could be held against me regardless of the outcome of this election. On that note, I will probably not post any political opinions here until I am separated from the Army. At that time, I will probably post nonstop for a few days to release my stored up political steam. I may even write those posts out as they come to me, and upload them later.
No promises, there's not to much set in stone yet in my life. I like that for now.
Note to self, hire/bribe someone to dress up as Waldo at any major life event... Mega-Awesome (or is it mega-average?)
Plus my new favorite band is Hot Chelle Rae ("party on the rooftop to of the world"). I love themmmm and just about everything else that's not Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber or similar grossness.
Okay... talking too much... Good night!
American flag apparel.
Not the t-shirts or sweatshirts that have an American flag screen printed on them, those are great displays of patriotism. What I have a problem with is the clothing that looks like it's been made out of an American flag. Does no one see the problem with this?
It is not the least bit patriotic to deface the symbol of our nation in order to make a fashion statement and then defend yourself by calling it patriotic. It's not, nor will it ever be.
The worst is the American flag bikini. It sends a message about this country that hurts our image.
Here's a link to the United States Flag Code.
The important parts are;
§8 - No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America
It's not disrespectful at all to chop up a flag and turn it into one of the sluttiest outfits in existence, now is it?? (This is sarcasm by the way.)
§8a - Never display with the Union (that's the stars) downward
That "totes adorb" starry bikini bottom is definitely included in this. Get my country's flag away from your hoo-ha.
§8d - Never used as wearing apparel
Hello?
§8e - Never used in such a way that it may be easily soiled
Again keep it away from your hoo-ha, and out of the swimming pool.
§8i - Never used on anything designated for temporary use
The statute specifically states things like paper or napkins, but swimsuits definitely fall into this category. I don't know anyone that keeps the same suit for more than a couple of seasons, and I sure as heck don't know anyone that passes their swimsuits on to other people when they're done with them. That's gross.
§8j - No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.
You wouldn't use a person or an animal directly as clothing. Show the same courtesy to the flag.
I- and scores and scores of my brothers and sisters in arms- have sworn to die if necessary for your freedoms, and many have. Show us a little respect by not mutilating the symbol of everything that we stand for.
Thank you.
I would be in South Carolina right now, getting ready to get torn down and built into a soldier. But I'm not, because of a job placement issue, I'm still at home (it's a funny story, maybe I'll tell you tomorrow). It's a thought provoking thing for me, that's all. Good night everyone.
It's 99.999991% true. (On a completely unrelated note, did you know that 74.92% of all statistics are made up on the spot?)
I talked to Boyfriend on the phone for the first time in weeks, and it was great until he started worrying about whether or not we can make this relationship work, and this only led to an argument between the two of us, and my phone overheated and died because I was sitting outside (in 102 degree heart, as Mom kindly pointed put when I came in) so that I had a clearer signal.
So the short version is, it became a grumpy day really quick after that.
Also, I finished that book I was reading earlier this week - it was good.
Also, this is a dreamcatcher that belonged to my great grandpa.
That's Meal, Ready to Eat, for you civilians out there. They're issued to military forces for field training exercises and missions, and are popular among preppers and outdoorsmen (and women) alike as emergency rations.
I've heard some mixed stories on them, some say that they're mega grody, others say that they're not bad. I've never heard anyone say that they'd like to live on them, but I haven't talked to everyone out there either. This is me going through what is in an MRE, and telling you straight up what it's like.
I was going to buy one at an Army surplus store in Colorado Springs, but my grandpa said that he had a few back at the house and that I could have one if I really wanted to try one.
Now, I am leaving for Basic Combat Training in a month so I'll eat an MRE sooner or later, but I have this thing where I get morbidly curious about things, so back at the house, I selected a package with "Menu No. 10 Chili and Macaroni" printed on the front. Said package contained:
-Oatmeal Cookie Bar
-Chili and Macaroni
-Peaches
-Crackers
-Strawberry Jam
-Cocoa Beverage Powder
-Spiced Cider Instant Apple Drink Mix
-Iced Tea Drink Mix (Natural Lemon Flavor)
-A tiny bottle of Tobasco sauce
-Salt
-Chewing gum
-Other necessaries (wet towelette, matches, a spoon, a water activated heater, and what is most likely toilet paper)
This thing packs more than 1100 calories (not including the Tobasco, cider, and gum), which is fine for a soldier in the field burning tons of calories. For a girl laying around all day after a vacation, however, it's probably not the best idea to munch through that in one sitting.
Without further ado, I'll get to the critique, and put pictures at the end,in order of how I talk about them.
The first thing I tried was the Oatmeal Cookie Bar, which looked and felt pretty much like a bar of packed sawdust, but it actually tasted like a really good oatmeal cookie. I kind of want another one because I'm thinking about it.
The peaches were gross, no lie, but I just don't like peaches to begin with. Here's the thing though, unless its something that makes you really really sick, you're probably going to eat it when you're in the field or in a survival situation and you're eating for calories rather than enjoyment.
Then I tried the crackers and the jam. They tasted kind of like stale club crackers, but with the jam they were fine. The jam it was a little too sweet, and a little on the chunky side, but again not terrible.
Once I had eaten those,the heater had been working on the chili mac for about 15 minutes. The heater itself got really hot, but the good in the heater hadn't yet, so I ended up sticking the bowl in the microwave for around 15-30 seconds. This stuff is delicious. (I wouldn't eat it daily, but it definitely didn't taste like a non perishable pasta and meat sauce dish.)
The cocoa was like a typical cheapo store bought cocoa mix with no marshmallows.
The gum was super crunchy at first, but it had good flavor until it wore out about 5 seconds later.
The tea was blah. But I don't like most dehydrated tea mixes anyway (the only ones I tend to like are of the gen tea variety). Also, I question the need of the packaging company to inform the consumer that the lemon flavor is "natural". Pretty sure the suspicious quotation marks were on the package, too.
The apple cider mix smelled like something you would mix into wax, with a wick and burn it (meaning just a tad bit artificial, but still delicious, like one of those candles that make you hungry nomatter how recently you ate). It was pretty good, would have been better of it had been warmed to the right temperature, but my microwave had two settings for water heating - slightly warm and boil your face off - so I had to let it cool and left it too long.
Sorry, no pics for the actual cookie or the other 2 drink mixes (I deleted the first and forgot the others).
If I can get my hands on any more, I'll let you know what I thought (there won't be write do much detail, but I'll talkabout three stuff that is drastically different.
And now I've talked too much, place you to ponder these pics.
Toodles!
Okay, the MRE post might still come today, but if not, I'll post it tomorrow, promise.
I have to talk about these strange things on my back patio.
They appear to be dismembered grasshopper legs. I first noticed then whilst cleaning the grill (we're having burgers and fries tonight, yay!). My best guess is that we have some sadistic birds or something.
UPDATE:
I checked this phenomenon out on Google... NOTHING. It seems that no one in the history of the internet has ever found miscellaneous grasshopper bits on their patio and wondered about it. Thanks everyone for not having inquisitive minds, because now I probably won't sleep tonight because I'll be too busy thinking about grasshopper genocide.
Doing nothing. Relaxing and such. I spent some time reading a book today, pretty good, you should check it out. (P.S. That's a quilt I made out of some old t-shirts, maybe I'll tell you about it sometime)
By the way, I write these posts mostly on my phone, so that's why they're typically short. Plus I use Swype method of texting, because its faster, but it too has its flaws, and is not user error-proof, so I do my best to catch typos and whatnot, but I'm not perfect, so apologies in advance.
I've got a review of an MRE coming up... Maybe I'll finish that tomorrow. (If you don't know what an MRE is no worries, you'll find out)
There is a tiny demon living in my lawnmower that randomly decides to make it impossible to start.
You know what I think about that?
F*ck you, lawnmower and demon, that's what.
A twelve hour car trip is never NEVER fun. Amusing at times, yes, but sitting in the backseat for 700 miles with a sore knee because it got squished between a horse and a barn doorway on Monday cannot be entirely enjoyable.
Boyfriend (yes that is how I actually talk about him <3) made a few hours of it bearable cuz we were talking about horses and dogs and atvs. But then my phone battery was about to die and he wanted to go to sleep, so I gaff to face the last hour and a half without him to keep me occupied. I ended up falling asleep.
These flowers that my friends got me for graduation survived all week without me.
I am sooooooooooo glad to be home! And now I think I shall go eat some food.
And I'm terribly sad to be leaving. I wish I could stay (I wouldn't even mind having to sleep on this Army surplus cot). I like being up here, and I love the horses and everything is just so peaceful.
Then there is Garth. He's my grandpa's turtle, and he's older than me. He always gets so excited to see any people, and he lives such a simple life. I love this turtle.
And I'm already making plans for when I get out of the army?
I'm on vacation staying with family in Colorado, and since we got here on Tuesday, we've gone hiking, fishing, shooting, and horseback riding AND we has a cookout and made a trip to Colorado Springs to go browse some of the Army surplus stores. Then we went to eat at Texas Roadhouse (we drove 12 hours from Texas...).
I'm in love with horses now! I mean, I've always thought they were beautiful, but now I've decided that once I can afford some land, I would like to look into getting one (or two or three)
I really like this one.
But then again, I like these
And these
So... I like horses, and I want one. And they're all beautiful.
On a much more serious note, there have been a couple of forest fires that started since we've arrived. One supposedly started at the campsite where we stopped to use the restroom while we were hiking/fishing at 11 Mile Canyon. Scary to think that the area that I was in just five days ago is now engulfed in flames. Here's a picture of the smoke as we saw it from the area where we were shooting in the forest.
Okay, first post. My name is Devin, and I enlisted in the Army National Guard on December 12, 2011 (that's 20111212, military date) and I'm going to boot camp 20120724 (July 24). Yes, I realize I'm starting a blog a month before I leave, but it's whatever.
What do you need to know about me?
I'm loud and opinionated, and I don't let people push me around. If you don't like what you read, then go away, because I don't really care what people think of me either. I can be a royal bitch when I'm angry, but I'm a super loyal friend. I've been called fierce, brave, and some other things that aren't so nice, but I'll leave all that for you to decide.
I was captain of my high school debate team my senior year, I like firearms, two of my best friends are twins, and my boyfriend's name is Billy.
If I think of anything else important, I'll post it later on.
Oh, this is me, btw.
