October 13- "A Day Of Eating"



Happy Columbus Day. Today is a day of eating. We went to morning chow came back and cleaned and then had two hours of personal time. Unlike most days, they actually allowed us to lay in our bunks and nap or study. After lunch was also all free time so I decided to write down a few things.

A few of us older guys are giving life advice to the younger kids. I feel sorry for them now. Clearly they haven't figured it out yet. Next is chow again then early bedtime. Tomorrow will be extremely busy along with a short night of sleep before “Shark Attack” so I'll take advantage of this. I swear I have gained 5-10 lbs of bad weight and feel worthless from lack of activity, but I know that changes soon so all it's good.

I have adapted to shaving daily (which I still hate) and waking up and fixing my bed. Standing till- still blows and decided running miles beats standing any day.

Hopefully Thursday I'll be able to send an address for my barrack at basic. I will be accepting all letters! :)

• Excuses- the words we use to fill the gap between wanting something and achieving something.
• Exceptions- the excuse we make to explain why other people succeed.
• Excellence- what is achieved, just because you kept showing up anyways.

1854- just got back to the barracks. We got our first taste of physical “Smoke.” The Drill Sargent and main Sargent have not talked to us the last two days. One of the guys with prior military experience, is in basic with us because the changed branches has been running things. Chow was enchiladas. As soon as we made formation after chow the Drill Sargent started barking order. Blamed it on the guys talking, which is the same old thing. Getting 440 guys down where they can do push-ups was a mess. Each set of 10 was really 20 push-ups. A set of 5 is really 10 push-ups. We did about three sets of 10 at first... still talking so back down...another set...up someone is looking at the Drill Sargent so back down...three attempts to formation up failed so more push-ups. 90-100 total of the most awkward sets...crooked form, hands near you, shoes in your face, close stance, wide, awkward, however you could get down. A few guys threw their dinner up and we were done. Tonight is early to bed, should sleep all night. No fireguard and this Sargent doesn't like messing with us.

Laundry, shower, bed

Goodnight