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prev home archive next Momentary Thought AcronymCo has increased the temperature of the buildings by two degrees in order to conserve energy. Conversely, I'm freezing my ass off more now than I did before the change. High/Low High: I get to leave work at 2:30 today to take Marie to get her x-rays done - braces preparation! Low: Nothing specific, I'm just neutral today. Current Obsession Balancing the checkbook. Not that it won't, I just have to *do* it. Grin Source The letter from the Marines, specifically the part about the potential for a recruit to "express his dissatisfaction in letters complaining about the rigid routine and discipline or the training methods of his drill instructors." In other words, don't be surprised if he bitches. Singing But remember this, Every other kiss, That you ever give Long as we both live When you need the hand of another man, One you really can surrender with, I will wait for you, Like I always do, There's something there, That can't compete with any other... George Michael - "Kissing A Fool" Storyteller Bio Dramatis Personnae Who I Read Recipes |
Friday when I got home from work I checked the mail. We received a communication from the Marines - standard stuff that goes out to every recruit's family, but it was at least addressed in Michael's handwriting. It was basically a letter outlining how boot camp is going to go, and what kind of communicating we're allowed to do. They were specific in warning us that we might receive some letters from Michael that may be a cause of concern (see Grin Source), along the lines that he may be unhappy with his circumstances (to which Calvin commented, while reading this aloud to me and Marie, "Well, duh!"). Here's what they had to say on the matter: "Since most wives and parents are not familiar with Marine Corps philosophy and methods, I can readily understand their concern about what their recruit may have written; however, there are simple and direct ways of checking the facts and obtaining correct information about recruit training." In other words, take what Michael may write with a grain of salt, and don't come beating down Camp Pendleton's door looking for our poor wayward son. Oh, and note the "wives and parents" comment - let's just say that this letter was in no way, shape, or form Politically Correct with regards to gender. Unless there's another form of letter that goes out for the families of female recruits, the assumption is that if you're in boot camp, you're a boy. Anyway, we are "urged to support your recruit frequently by writing cheerful letters and by asking his friends to do the same. Your support and reassurance will do much to help him adjust. Throughout the years, news from home has been found to be the single most important factor in a recruit's morale." Emphasis theirs. So, point taken. We immediately sat down and began what was to end up being a six page letter by the end of the weekend. We called all the family members and gave them the rather complicated address. It's funny, Calvin's sister and grandmother both asked if they could send him cookies; but alas, he's allowed no outside food and packages are discouraged because any civilian items are not allowed. And for all of you out there, if you want to write to Michael I'd be happy to give you the address. He might think it's weird, but probably cool. I admonished him to keep up on the website, but I doubt he'll have time. And that's all the Michael news I have to share. Now it's a matter of writing so often that he gets teased by the other recruits for the amount of mail he receives, and hoping that he writes us back soon. ********************* Calvin and my friend, Kay Meyer, now has her own on-line journal. It's called Thoughts and Whatnots, and she made me all verklempt by saying that my website had inspired her. Awww... now go check it out! ******************** Our good friend AB, who has been mentioned in here a few times previously, has just told me today that she got engaged! YAY! Congratulations, you guys! ********************* If you're trying to get ahold of Viv (First Person Particular) and you're getting an error at her rosamundi.com address, head on over to her other addy at http://www.firstpersonparticular.com/. She's having troubles with her provider. Just trying to spread the word! ******************** We saw a bunch of movies this weekend. To recap:
Now for a bit of shameless self promotion. I did my own story for this month's Storyteller. Only twelve more days for you to get yours in (hint hint)! ******************** The local Home Place was having a Going Out of Business sale on Saturday. I got two cotton throws, a complete set of sheets, four bath towels, two hand towels, two wash cloths, a framed print, two TV-trays, a seven-piece pot-and-pan set, a six-piece mixing bowl set, a three-wick candle, and a serving dish. Everything was 40-60% off, with an additional 10% off at the register if your total purchase was more than $50. It was, of course. Go, me! |
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Michael's Update Box
According to the letter we received, here's what Michael's life is going to look like from now until sometime in September. Tasks begin at 5:30 a.m. and the day doesn't end until 9:30 p.m. Seven days a week. He will be indoctrinated into the military lifestyle and receive instruction in physical conditioning, close order drill, first aid, and the Marine Corps history (among bunches of other things). He'll be required to work in the mess hall and on base doing housekeeping and maintenance tasks. He'll learn basic and combat marksmanship, and then go through The Crucible. Then he'll do some final administrative stuff and graduate. I hope he sends us a picture and shows off his new haircut! ~grin~ |