tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76561609003987556932024-03-21T09:25:27.413-05:00U.S. Navy LSMy experiences with the US Navy starting from the very beginning. I started in the nuclear power program, but switched to LS (Logistics Specialist) a year into my enlistment.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-48704561294477122712015-10-04T19:31:00.001-05:002015-10-04T19:31:39.295-05:00A Beginning and an EndSince I'm now out of the Navy, I will no longer post here. Overall, I believe the Navy was a positive experience for me. I learned a lot about what I'm capable of. If I went back I would've joined right out of high schoo, instead of floundering g around for several years beforehand. I enlisted because I was thrust back to the starting line of adulthood and I had no idea where to go from there. While in the Navy I learned more about myself and what want from life.<br />
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Thank you for reading.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-60349437570653070222015-04-26T14:22:00.001-05:002015-04-26T14:22:18.234-05:00LOL JK"I was just joking."<br />
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This is the defense I hear most of the time whenever I call out someone for saying something sexist or racist. For some reason, that person thinks what they said is ok because they were "joking". I don't understand why they think this is ok.<br />
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Are rape jokes ok? No. Then why is it ok to joke about racism or sexism? (By the way, some of my co-workers think rape jokes are ok.)<br />
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Some of my co-workers describe their boss (who is male) using female pronouns. They think it's hilarious. But why? I feel like they're trying to insult him by pretending he's a woman. What the hell? Why is this funny?<br />
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What's a good reply to "I was just joking." Maybe I should say "Fuck you. Just kidding." Maybe that would get the point across. Probably not.<br />
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When I call someone out on saying something racist or sexist, they mockingly say they won't say anything like that around me again, completely missing the point. The point is that it's inappropriate to say those things at work at all. I don't care what you do at home or with your friends, but a whole bunch of diverse people have to work here and they shouldn't have to keep telling you to shut up. (They don't, but that's another point.)<br />
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They think I'm a prude and I don't like physical contact or dirty jokes. I do, just not at work. Why don't they understand this?<br />
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I hope one day to work in a place where I don't have to wince when somebody walks behind me.<br />
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I know they hate me because I call them out on their behavior. I didn't used to do it. I used to be a weaker person who didn't stand up for anyone else, let alone myself. I let people walk all over me and I never said anything. More than anything, I don't want to be that person again. Calling people out like I do also stops predators.<br />
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What predators do is start with a little comment to see how you'll react. If you don't say anything, they'll push the boundary a little further. Then a little further, every action or comment getting more severe until you finally say something. It's at that point when they'll pretend they were joking. Or they'll get angry and the situation will escalate.<br />
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Somebody out there please help me understand.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-27971159722535810272015-03-17T10:23:00.002-05:002015-03-17T10:23:31.111-05:00I worry.I worry about the junior enlisted people here.<br />
I worry about the people who don't speak up.<br />
I worry about what they don't say.<br />
I worry about what gets hushed up.<br />
I worry that they blame themselves.<br />
I worry that they suffer in silence.<br />
I worry that they think they are alone.<br />
I worry that they have no one to talk to.<br />
I worry that I am one of them.<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-66813980410385513792015-03-17T09:45:00.001-05:002015-03-17T09:45:29.057-05:00Somehow, Some way, it's always something I did wrong.Today someone said something offensive about women. I tried to report it, but my Chief was too busy. "Not now" he said. I went to a first-class and she asked me if he was joking. I said "Does it matter?" I don't think it does. It shouldn't matter. Then she asked me if I told him that I thought what he said was offensive. That maybe he didn't know me well enough to know what he can and can't say in my presence.<br />
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The military wonders why there is such an issue with sexual harassment/assault in the military. The reason is reactions like this.It doesn't matter if he's joking or not. It doesn't matter if the people listening are okay with it. It's still a workplace.<br />
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<b>I shouldn't have to go around announcing to everyone that I don't abide misogynistic comments.</b><br />
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<b>I shouldn't have to go around telling everyone not to comment on how good I look since I've lost some weight. </b><br />
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<b>I shouldn't have to tell people not to sneak up behind me and tickle me.</b><br />
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<b>I shouldn't have to tell people not to show me pictures of naked people.</b><br />
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<b>I shouldn't have to tell people not to massage my shoulders.</b><br />
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But I do.<b> </b><br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-54569379383856013332014-10-11T09:10:00.000-05:002014-10-11T09:10:13.172-05:00What time is it?It's rant time.<br />
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It seems like every day at work there's some new horror. I don't understand these people. What can they be thinking? That we're all friends and we come here to hang out all day? Granted, sometimes we do talk about stuff that's not related to work, but that in no way gives license to the experiences I've had. Sometimes I feel like I'm being too sensitive. Then I screw my brain back in and I realize I have a right to a workplace that's not filled with sex/rape/penis jokes and references. I've tried talking to some people at work about this and one guy in particular thinks that the first ammendment gives him the right to "...say whatever I want..." Huh? In what universe? As Zachariah Chaffee, an advocate of free speech, said "Your right to swing your arms ends just where the other man's nose begins." While you do have the right to free speech, I have the right to work in an environment that's not plagued with sex/rape/penis jokes and references. Just because they make you feel comfortable doesn't mean they have the same affect on everyone.<br />
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It's not just one thing that happened. It's a million little-/medium-sized things that happen all day, every day. However, I do have a big one to share:<br />
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A supervisor came up to me one day, holding out her phone. "Look at this," she said, laughing. On her phone was a picture of a guy with his penis hanging out. There was a second when I was confused. Why was she showing me this? Then it dawned on me that the penis was the entire reason for this episode. Really? Not only were we at work, she's my supervisor? Doesn't she get more training about this than I do? For goodness sake. Anyway, I just frowned at her, said "No." and walked away shaking my head. Really. What do you say to that?<br />
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There was another one where someone said I wanted a "big black cock". I'm actually proud of myself for my response to that one. I immediately let her know that kind of talk wasn't acceptable.<br />
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But why does it fall to me to say these things? Do we, as service members, not get enough training on sexual harassment? (I don't even know if that's what it's called.)<br />
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It could be that we don't have enough training about this. Or maybe the training isn't engaging enough. The problem might be that the training we do have isn't taken seriously. But why not? I guess some people, both up and down the chain of command, don't see this behavior as an issue.<br />
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That's what really scares me.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-77206645450543643232014-09-21T10:10:00.001-05:002014-09-21T10:10:30.754-05:00Let's Catch UpHey, it's been a long time. How've you been? That's great. Me? I'm okay.<br />
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So let's see. I completed LS A school easily enough. Thank goodness I got into a class that was self-paced. That way I was able to finish 3 weeks ahead of schedule. LS A school is at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, MS. It exists mostly to train new Navy pilots. However, the base is very good at minimizing jet noise at the behest of the locals. There are also several different A schools there, so the military population consists of students, both officer and enlisted, and the people on the flightline who manage the jets.<br />
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The A school material was easy to understand. The instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. Most of them are retired Navy and some of them are still enlisted. I got a retired Chief. While most students are there right out of boot camp, some have cross-rated from the fleet. Those are given positions of authority over the people from boot camp. Even with that, the people from the fleet may be shocked that many of the freedoms they got used to in the fleet are taken away. For example, even the people from the fleet are subject to the "phase" system. Everyone, when they first arrive aren't allowed to leave the base for the first few weeks, until orientation is over, among other things like not being allowed to drink.<br />
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I can't remember how often they did mock PRTs. I think it was every week or every other week. If you fail one, you loose your phase and many of the freedoms you have earned. This goes for fleet people and boot camp people alike.<br />
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Meridian, MS<br />
While the base is nice, the same unfortunately can't be said of the surrounding area. I always was back at the base before sunset, as I didn't feel safe out at night. Sometimes I didn't even feel safe out during the day. The town is small and rundown. There's one mall and one theater. When you are out in town, especially in uniform, (as is required for certain phases) you need to keep in mind that many people in town are retired Navy. <b>Don't embarrass yourself. Act like an adult. </b><br />
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So after LS A school, I got my first duty station: NAS Oceana.<br />
It's in Virginia Beach, VA. It's very much like NAS Meridian, just larger. There are still pilots and A school students. There are more junior enlisted people around. The surrounding area is MUCH better than Meridian. Virginia Beach is a tourist town, so there are many things to do. There are beaches, malls, theaters, clubs (if you're into that sort of thing). Whatever you'd want in a town. Colleges too. I encourage anybody stationed here to get started on his/her college. Just ask around and people will point you in the right direction.<br />
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So you're pretty much caught up now. I'm taking college classes and I'll be out of the Navy in about a year.<br />
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I promise I'll try to post more. Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-34093188466082590702013-03-21T20:57:00.002-05:002013-03-21T20:57:47.476-05:00Anywhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since my LS A school is only a month, I don't have long before I'll be filling out my dream sheet and heading off to my first duty station. I haven't figured out what I'm going to write. I have so many questions. Where can I go? Do I want overseas? Washington State or San Diego? Do I want a ship or a squadron? Is there something I can choose from other than those? What about Guam, Japan, Hawaii, London, Italy, Greece...? I could go on and on, but there's a character limit for this blog. :P<br />
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Anyway, I've been searching for answers to my questions concerning LS's and dream sheets and I've yet to find any. Whenever I ask anyone where I can go, they say "Anywhere." I know that's technically an answer, but it's a <i>bit </i>vague. I'd really like a list. Even though I didn't ever get to fill out a dream sheet as a nuke, it would've been a lot easier since there are only about 10 aircraft carriers. But you can order supplies and handle mail - really - <i>anywhere</i>.<br />
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I'm getting used to not having very much information before I make a decision. Before I joined the Navy, I was compelled to learn everything and plot out each possible outcome before I bought a jar of peanut butter. Now I'm telling the Navy where I'd like to live the next 3 years.<br />
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Sometimes I can't believe I'm actually in the Navy. The last couple of years have been tough, but they don't feel like my life. I look down at my uniform to try to remind myself that it's real and it's me. Is it odd that after over a year in the military it doesn't feel real yet? Maybe after I'm on a ship it'll (what's it supposed to do?) sink in...<br />
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Things here at NTTC (Naval Technical Training Command) in Meridian are <i>much</i> different than NNPTC in Goose Creek. I'm discovering what it's like to change commands and feel everything you've grown accustomed to being taken away and replaced with something foreign again. It almost feels like going back to boot camp. However, that could be because they pretty much treat me like someone who just got out of boot camp. I wish I had earned my crows at the end of nuke A school. At least then people could look at me in my unniform and tell I'm not straight out of boot camp. I didn't cut my hair because I thought people would be able to tell from that. I was wrong.<br />
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I suppose you're asking your computer monitor why it would matter to me that they thought I was from boot camp. Well, the sailors straight from boot camp are akin to puppies. They're still on what I called the "Boot Camp Grad High". They feel like they've reentered the world. They're eyes are big and everything makes them sparkle. They come here with just their seabags.They spend their boot camp money at the NEX and look forward to buying and wearing civilian clothes. They have so much energy. They run around and laugh loudly and do things. heh. I suppose I'm a bit jealous. Even though I haven't been on a ship like the Petty Officers in my class, I feel seasoned and jaded.<br />
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These damn Mississippi pine trees are wreaking extreme havoc on my allergies. I'm going to bed. I have much more to say about Meridian and the base here; maybe I'll write again tomorrow. To keep you until my next post, think about this: There are Marines here. And they do lots of pull ups.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-11959619413809152622013-02-16T22:42:00.000-06:002013-02-16T22:42:02.100-06:00Not a Nuke<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/66dxlClEiSds8xDb6J6MZlntAg6Gl3dWfpRhxElv8hk1dJfIA69HPgtyUItpv20X4udk-*sRxq3wkxkk2fILdZV-8sYJ1jnI/SK.jpg?width=150" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/66dxlClEiSds8xDb6J6MZlntAg6Gl3dWfpRhxElv8hk1dJfIA69HPgtyUItpv20X4udk-*sRxq3wkxkk2fILdZV-8sYJ1jnI/SK.jpg?width=150" /></a>It's been a while since I posted. I haven't been busy or anything. I've been in limbo and I didn't want to post until things were decided. So I was on T-Track (hold between A school and Power school) when I failed an official PFA. Apparently, this is grounds for being kicked out of the program. Yeah, right. The rules say it's 2, but apparently the Navy can arbitrarily decide to change the rules at whim. So they kicked me out of the program and I was sent to DTP.<br />
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DTP is where people go when they're getting out of the nuke program. Some of them are getting discharged and the others are getting other jobs. I'm getting another job. Despite what the Navy did to me concerning the nuke program, I still want to be a part of it. So I was in DTP for a couple of weeks before I got a job and I'll be leaving for my new A school soon. I'll be an LS (Logistics Specialist). In 2009 the SK(Storekeeper) and PC (Postal Clerk) rates were merged to make the LS rate. It's certainly not going to be as challenging (read interesting) as the nuke program, but it's a stable job and I'll still get all the stuff the Navy has to offer, like the benefits and travel. <br />
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When I got kicked out, I went through all the stages of grief:<br />
1) Denial<br />
2) Anger<br />
3) Bargaining<br />
4) Depression<br />
5) Acceptance<br />
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I've accepted my new path in the Navy and I'm willing to give it my all. Oh, since I signed my new contract, I only have 4 years obligation instead of 6. Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-4930433560819694702012-08-25T15:20:00.000-05:002012-08-25T15:20:22.247-05:00Mandatory fun is mandatory.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/25435989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="501" width="400" src="http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/25435989.jpg" /></a></div>So mandatory fun is when you have to go do some activity with your classmates. Usually people go see a movie or have a cookout. The main purpose behind it is to get some time (half a day or so) off school, relax, and have a little fun. Well, our enterprising class decided against a simple cookout and decided the class would go play paintball. So I wasn't looking forward to it, but we had fun. I'd never played before, but I actually got a kill. :) And there was another surprise: one of the quiet guys in class who said he had never played before turned out to be a really good player. Yeah, his team only lost one match.<br />
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We started ICE (Instrumentation and Control Equipment). A few weeks ago our class of EMs and ETs split. Now it's just us ETs. It took a while, but we finally got rid of them. :P This new class is so much more difficult than the ones we've done so far. People are putting in more study hours and getting lower test scores. <br />
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Anyway, we graduate from A school next month and we get to go on 10 days of leave right after that. I'm really excited to visit with my family. I read forums before I joined the Navy and they all said I should be spending time with my family, not reading forums. If you're in DEP, stop reading this and go spend some time with someone you love, because you'll be cutoff from them and you'll discover just how much you rely on your interactions with them. My mother was worried I would change when I joined the military and she was right, but I think it was for the better. :)<br />
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Later. :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-31530927425635746122012-06-24T22:24:00.000-05:002012-06-24T22:24:22.486-05:00Making It ThroughSo I'm about half way through A school now. We had Math and Basic Electricity (BE) for the first 2 weeks. After that, Math was over and we just had BE. Then starting with the 3rd month we started Electronic Fundamentals (E Funds). Next there's Digital Electronics (Digital) and ICE (I don't know what it stands for) for the ET's and E Quip (that one either) for the EM's. When I got here, I had a roommate, but she's an MM; she graduated and moved into a "Petty Officer Suite". Those rooms are 1 person per room, 2 rooms to each bathroom.<br />
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The work is tough, but doable. When I'm feeling demotivated, I think about how lucky I am to be here and all the crap I've gone through to get here. Here, the Navy holds everyone to a higher standard than elsewhere in the Navy. I know how that sounds, but it's true. Sailors who are "de-nuked" go one (most of the time) to become outstanding sailors in other jobs. Everything here has to be perfect: grades, uniforms, room inspections, PFA scores, watches, cleaning... <br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-82181645119386412862012-03-29T17:16:00.000-05:002012-03-29T17:16:55.928-05:00Goose Creek, SC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It feels like it has been years, but I've finally made it to nuke school. I was nervous at first, but this place is so nice. Anyway, I'll get to that part later. You probably want to know how bootcamp was, huh? I really prefer not to think about it, so I won't volunteer many details. If you have a specific question, please ask and I'll answer. :)<br />
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Bootcamp was a 2 month long mind game. The RDCs (Recruit Division Commanders AKA the boss) spend the whole time messing with your head. The best advice I have is to be quiet and pay attention. The RDCs will tell you exactly what to do and there's always someone who does it incorrectly. Bootcamp would've been much easier if I had been able to pass the PFA before I left. Other than that, the most difficult part was learning to live with 79 other females. It's always loud after taps. Everything in your rack (bed) has to be folded and arranged in the rack specific way.<br />
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After I graduated bootcamp, I was in THU (Temporary Holding Unit) for a while because medical screwed up my medical record. So I had to get that straightened out, then wait for new orders to nuke school. heh :) The Navy's motto should be "Hurry up and wait." If you have to go to THU for any reason, just know life there isn't so bad. He had fun and there are usually some nice people there and there's certainly more freedom and less work than bootcamp. So be grateful! :)<br />
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THU has phases 1-3 for the "THUers" there. Each phase provides more freedoms, like getting to wear "civies" (civilian clothes) and more fun jobs, such as getting to pick up new recruits at the airport. That's especially fun; I got to do it once. A blast. :p I bought a laptop, along with a mobile hotspot and a bunch of movies and video games. While we did clean and stand watches, we still had lots of time on our hands.<br />
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Anyway, that's over and I'm at NNPTC (Navy Nuclear Power Training Command) now. I'm in "Indoc" (Indoctrination) and I'm an "Indocker". I'm just learning the rules and regulations of the base. It's much easier since I was in THU. Apparently the phases are the same Navy-wide. There's a lot of fun stuff to do around the base and there's always something going on at the MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation). My roommate and I went to see a free movie at the base theater the other weekend. There's also the bowling alley and a hobby car shop.<br />
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The rooms are great. There's a bunk bed with drawers under the bottom bunk, two nightstands, two armoires, and a whole closet. I share the room with one person and we share the bathroom with 2 people in the adjoining room. It's a big change from a compartment with 80 people. :)<br />
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I think I'm doing well with the adjustment. I haven't been late for muster and we did a mock PFA today and I passed! Looks like I'll be in Indoc at least another week, so I need to formulate some goals to improve myself, because I'm sure I'll consider this downtime when I start A school. ;)<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-27720854849096153782011-10-18T21:05:00.001-05:002011-10-18T21:05:12.442-05:00MusingsI'm getting nervous. I suppose it's just the pessimist in me that's giving me this sense of impending doom. I just know something is going to go wrong.<br />
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Even so, I'm still preparing to leave. :P I'm going to give 2 weeks notice at work. They still don't know I'm joining the Navy. I feel kinda bad about that, cause I've gotten to know the people there and they're really nice. Plus, my supervisor there wants to train me to be a supervisor. Don't worry though! I'm so not staying there! The work is simply too mind-numbing.<br />
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I'm planning to pack up most of my stuff the last week before I leave and leave the boxes stacked up in my room.<br />
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I thought of some questions to ask my recruiter about the schedule the day I leave and what sort of things to bring. I've seen official lists of stuff to bring that are really long and most people say you'll have to mail back most of that stuff anyway. I guess then I'll just bring what I need to stay the night at the hotel near MEPS.<br />
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I can't wait to get my life started. :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-79558144348773178702011-09-30T13:01:00.000-05:002011-09-30T13:01:51.847-05:0065 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ6qxlyCMKlu6FjEIikZ37A-gILwm35GqrwWiaKcKNpG1ZcqV8CXBRMJbSdJGghekjOpI71G4wPBS3F23osRXP4-DqeedKVtcdGiSjJalG-4yJ8fwyknOfEaC1ShXGp8E1zneoluBEwc/s1600/0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ6qxlyCMKlu6FjEIikZ37A-gILwm35GqrwWiaKcKNpG1ZcqV8CXBRMJbSdJGghekjOpI71G4wPBS3F23osRXP4-DqeedKVtcdGiSjJalG-4yJ8fwyknOfEaC1ShXGp8E1zneoluBEwc/s320/0179.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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It's now 65 days until I ship out to boot camp. I'm taking a vacation soon and I won't get back until after 60 days before I leave, so my 60 Day interview will be the day after I get back from vacation. That sucks because I'm really close to the weight limit, so I'll have to really watch what I eat. On the other hand, I've significantly increased my workouts and I've made lots of progress since I started. For example, I can now do 2 real pushups. Previously, I could only do a few of the knee ones. And I'm up to about 30 curlups in 2 minutes. The running is at about 22 minutes for the 1.5 mile run. That's not as good as it can be, but I'm still improving, so it's ok. :)<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-43807816623856194812011-09-02T12:17:00.001-05:002011-09-02T12:22:08.341-05:003 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went through my stuff in the attic and got rid of most of it. You wouldn't believe all of the junk I've accumulated. So I don't exactly have stacks of 30 year old newspapers creating a maze through my living room, but it was a lot of stuff I never use and stuff I won't even miss when it's gone. I felt so much better after I got rid of all that stuff, like a weight had been lifted. Maybe it was cause I was actually out doing something. ;)<br />
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I discovered recently that people who are scheduled to leave mid- to late-December have their ship dates pushed forward so they all leave on the 15th or somewhere around there. And the Navy doesn't even let them know until a few weeks before they're supposed to leave. I talked to my recruiter just to be sure and she said since I leave so early (the 5th) that that won't happen to me. I wonder why the Navy doesn't just push the ship date ahead before they give the date to the recruit. I mean, they do the same thing every year. The ship dates get pushed forward because MEPS is closed from about the 15th of December to about the 2nd week of January. I wish I had a vacation like that. Anyway, then the recruits get to boot camp, but they have to stay in processing for much longer. They stagger the creation of divisions (training groups) so that in February, when they will graduate, there will still be a graduation each Friday, like normal. I understand that, but it would really suck to make plans for December, then get notice at the beginning of December that you have to leave earlier. Anyway, I guess they have a good reason for doing that to people. (I doubt it.)<br />
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I'm still very excited, but there's more nervousness mixed in recently. The closer my ship date gets, the more real this all seems. Am I really joining the military? Sometimes when I think about it, it seems so bizarre. I never would have done this when I was in high school, but I really wish I did.<br />
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Another weird thing: I'll be 31 when I get out. No, that's scary. I always thought I'd be married with a kid by then, but I squandered my early 20s and now they're long gone. So sad. I could've had a lot more fun.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/gFvVRm1sWmA"></a><br />
Oh, and if you haven't had your fill of Navy stuff, check out the USS Nimitz Dry Dock podcasts.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gFvVRm1sWmA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-7595330406546502282011-08-03T22:23:00.003-05:002011-08-03T22:58:44.140-05:004 Months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stretchingexercise.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Running.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 349px;" src="http://www.stretchingexercise.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Running.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>So I leave in 4 months. I'm starting to get really nervous. I just know something will happen to screw up my plans. Anyway, I've pretty much decided what I'm going to do about getting my stuff after boot camp. I think I'm going to sell my car before I leave because I won't need it and when I do need it, I probably won't get leave to come home and drive it to South Carolina, where my training is. I'll have my laptop and some comfy lounge clothes shipped to me after I get to South Carolina. Then I'll wait until I get my apartment for prototype to get the rest of my stuff, either by shipping it or by renting a U-Haul and driving it there. I would prefer the latter if I have enough leave. :)<br /><br />I probably didn't ever explain the nuke program, did I? Well, here's a link in case you're interested. :)<br /><a href="https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/nukepower.pdf">https://www.cool.navy.mil/enlisted/rating_info_cards/nukepower.pdf<br /></a>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-82992292057249102011-04-04T13:47:00.002-05:002011-04-04T13:55:58.238-05:008 Months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wmich.edu/registrar/assets/images/photos/calendar2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 298px;" src="http://www.wmich.edu/registrar/assets/images/photos/calendar2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Tomorrow will be 8 months until I leave for basic training. Waiting all of that time will be fine, but I'll hate to just wait through it. I'd like to use it for something. It seems kind of silly to take college classes before I get in, since they'll be paid for if I take them after I get in, but that's what most people do, it seems. I have a part time job where I'm getting about 35 hours a week right now and that keeps me fairly busy, but it's not fulfilling at all. So boring. <br /><br />I'll have to buckle down and get in the groove of working out frequently and eating what I'm supposed to again. I've been slacking off recently, but that stops. I want to get fit ASAP so I can be ready if I get offered an earlier ship date.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-69967457413165341122011-04-01T20:16:00.002-05:002011-04-01T20:20:43.168-05:00Signed Nuke!I finally signed my nuke contract today! :) I leave December 5, 2011.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-51866184845347623472011-03-02T21:51:00.001-06:002011-03-02T21:52:35.748-06:00Waivers Approved!My nuke waivers were approved, but now I have to wait for a job to open up because they've put a hold on signing nukes until May.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-5569021476263238192011-01-25T23:28:00.003-06:002011-01-26T00:07:50.326-06:00MEPS: 2.1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjYsZcsXn0msJU_yskvTJ-qxGw_h7tnuJZKmTo5pG1o-g0yVZNQO9gVOXj2GaZ1_v_MzMAcZqxVPT0fu-bc8uzmDhq-ZKcZXNUa8jbnze1zclKa8yniObGxpBBicwjY1kB7zrvRPlkeQ/s1600/MEPS-marine-corps-entrance-processing-300x270.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZjYsZcsXn0msJU_yskvTJ-qxGw_h7tnuJZKmTo5pG1o-g0yVZNQO9gVOXj2GaZ1_v_MzMAcZqxVPT0fu-bc8uzmDhq-ZKcZXNUa8jbnze1zclKa8yniObGxpBBicwjY1kB7zrvRPlkeQ/s320/MEPS-marine-corps-entrance-processing-300x270.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566372364793943570" /></a><br />I was only at MEPS for 1 day this time. :)<br /><br />Since it was just me this time, my recruiter drove me the couple of hours down to MEPS. The first thing I did was take the NAPT, because I needed a 252 line score to make nuke and I only made a 248. I went there thinking the minimum score was 50, but also knowing that it could change any day. There wasn't nearly as much waiting this time. I think it was because it was just me and I wasn't doing anything medical. My recruiter and I went straight to the Navy office, where I met one of the Nuke Recruiters. (There are 2.) He seemed really nice, but since I had already done tons of research, I already knew most of what he was telling me. :P<br /><br />What I did find out is that the previous week, they changed the minimum NAPT score from 50 to 55. One of the Nuke Recruiters lead me to a very small room - more of a closet, really - that contained a cubicle with a computer. I don't know what the computer was for, but I didn't need/get to use it for the test. They provided me with: the test booklet, the answer sheet, 2 pieces of scratch paper, 2 pencils, and a calculator. An interesting tidbit: You can't use your own calculator; you have to use one they provide to you for the test. I guess they don't want to bother inspecting calculators. The test was really difficult, the most difficult test I have ever taken. When the same Nuke Recruiter came to get me, he said "How did it go?" I said, "Awful." Then he said, "How do you think you did?" Again, I said, "Awful." (Please don't tell me that my quotes and/or commas are in the wrong places. I don't claim to be good at placing quotes or commas near quotes. It's one of my grammatical weaknesses.)<br /><br />Anyway, per instructions, I went to the main waiting area, the same one I had been in a couple of weeks earlier, to wait for them to grade the test and call me back down to the Navy office. I don't remember if he gave me an estimate of how long it might take, but somehow I got 15 minutes in my head. I was so antsy, I kept opening my phone every couple of minutes to check the time. I ended up waiting about 1 hour and 20 minutes like that. I was about to jump out of my seat the whole time. The test had gone badly from my perspective and I spent that time convincing myself that I had failed the test and AECF would be fine. Finally, they called my name.<br /><br />I went down to the Navy office and inspected everyone's face for any indication of how well I did on the test. I saw a guy who turned out to be the classifier (the guy who gives you a job) and he was smiling when he saw me, but, per my philosophy, I didn't want to get excited. I followed him to his cubicle, where he told me I had passed (ZOMG!) and I had made a 57. (I needed a 55.) <br /><br />However, (I already knew this) I needed a waiver for my age, since I would be 25 and 4 months in October, which was the earliest nuke job they had, and the limit was 25. (Still is.) So I signed a contract for AECF in case I didn't get approved for nuke. I know everybody says don't sign a contract unless it has exactly what you want on it. However, I figure the Navy would prefer I be a nuke over an AECF, since nukes are harder to find. Also, if I don't get qualified for nuke, then I won't have to take a later ship date. I know it sounds like I screwed myself. I'm aware of that. Technically, I have left myself open to not getting the job I really want, but I've weighed the risks and benefits, and I think it's worth it. Of course, I'll keep you up to date on developments. :)<br /><br />Anyway, I signed the contract, which is really just a few suspiciously short pages, then I had to go upstairs and wait to take the oath with a few other future recruits. I say oath, but it's really just for pomp (and probably to scare you a little). The oath that matters is the one you do just before leaving for boot camp, but few people do enough research to know that.<br /><br />After that, I met my recruiter again and we headed home. She told me they have something they have do do within 72 hours of me signing a contract, but I don't remember what it's called. Since it was late when we got back to town, I went in the next day to do that.<br /><br />It turns out is was just where she told me about what I have to do while in DEP(Delayed Entry Program). There is a meeting the first Wednesday of every month, I have to see her at least twice every month (the meeting is included), and I have to contact her (by phone, text, or facebook, for example,) every Monday.<br /><br />That day I had her call the Nuke recruiters to ask them about a waiver I might need for grades I made in high school. Turns out we were supposed to fill out some information while we were there the day before so they could submit the waivers, but somebody forgot to tell somebody else. It's not a big deal though. My recruiter printed out the forms I need and I'll fill them out at home, where I have time to figure out what I want to say.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-36848006811111937602011-01-25T22:26:00.003-06:002011-01-25T23:28:17.890-06:00MEPS: 1.3Day three of MEPS started out much like the first day, except I had some bacon with my eggs and I was feeling like a veteran, since I had been there the day before. (Yeah, been there, done that.) It happened exactly like it did the previous day. Breakfast was the same, the conversations were basically the same, and the MEPS staff made verbatim, the same speeches. I was flabbergasted when some guy turned over a knife when the guy outside of MEPS said no weapons. Was he asleep the first 30 times other people said that?<br /><br />Anyway, it only got different (except for breakfast) after we got in the building. Per instructions, I went along with the people who needed consults, so I didn't have to wait in the really long line to check in at the medical desk like the people who were there for a full physical. <br /><br />There were a few of us who needed consults and we headed back outside to a waiting van. My stop was the first. We stopped at a troop clinic on base and a couple of the guys got out with me. We went in together and followed instructions to the optometrists' offices. It looked like any normal clinic, except everybody was wearing the same thing. It was kind of funny. They were all in their BDUs. That's the outfit that's all camo with the big boots. We checked in with the receptionist in the optometrists office and had a seat in the waiting room. <br /><br />My name was called, I had my eye exam, and the doctor verified the prescription I got at MEPS was correct. When all of us were done, we let the receptionist know so she could call the van back to come pick us up. We went up to the main waiting area like she told us and we waited about an hour before the van showed up. It turned out that she forgot to call them. :P <br /><br />After getting back to MEPS, we went to the main waiting area and waited for our respective branches to call our names. I waited for that about 3 hours. I saw so much House of Payne and Everybody Loves Raymond during that trip... I can't even think of an analogy. Just know it was a lot.<br /><br />Let's see... The Navy called my name and I went down to their office and a lady lead me to a room with a couch, a couple of chairs, and a coffee table. That's where I was able to write a statement describing myself and why I thought they should make an exception for me. My strong glasses prescription has no affect on my daily life, blah, blah, blah. The waiver lady was really nice. She told me what sort of things they were looking for and she let me rewrite my statement. They were looking for specifics: how long I have been wearing glasses, what I do at work, that I can drive at night.<br /><br />After that, there was nothing left to do until the waiver came back, so it was time to wait for a shuttle for a few hours again, this time, to take me home. <br /><br />Next Time: MEPS: Part TwoMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-71731699434229763642011-01-24T22:41:00.004-06:002011-01-25T23:27:56.987-06:00MEPS: 1.2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZmrjOaNBVYuNrZtVc_8kz_MCNzjfQHs27s6YDyPAcIx9oHOROMBG1353MXHLKd4eGvTCadLzAO1oJGW5aw9fQuP9KnhpGkHdcNPO3YK57q5SwkYWP08BB-0MoNsR-46xfdZL0zyZvN0/s1600/MEPS-marine-corps-entrance-processing-300x270.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZmrjOaNBVYuNrZtVc_8kz_MCNzjfQHs27s6YDyPAcIx9oHOROMBG1353MXHLKd4eGvTCadLzAO1oJGW5aw9fQuP9KnhpGkHdcNPO3YK57q5SwkYWP08BB-0MoNsR-46xfdZL0zyZvN0/s320/MEPS-marine-corps-entrance-processing-300x270.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565990043464843122" /></a><br />So somebody kept "encouraging" me to write another post, so here it is. :P<br /><br />We had to get up really early the second day. They give you all of the specifics when you get down there. I went down to the restaurant and had breakfast. It was a light breakfast, though, since I was supposed to weigh that day. They had eggs, french toast, bacon, and sausage, with syrup and hot sauce in pitchers on the side. I had some eggs with hot sauce and it was pretty good. After breakfast, the bus came by the hotel and we filed on it and headed for MEPS. <br /><br />After we got off of the bus at MEPS, a guy gave us a speech outside about not bringing any weapons or drugs into the building. It was mostly common sense stuff, but some of it was really important, so if you go down there pay attention. We went to the medical floor and waited in a really long line to check in at the desk. I got to skip most of it though, because I'm female. I imagine the process is much better for females since we are separated from the guys and our group is smaller as a result. They have it very organized over there and they'll tell you exactly where to go and what to do. All you have to do is pay attention. They have stations numbered 1-8. When we got up to the front of the line and checked in, the lady told us to go to station number 3. The catch was, station 3 was already backed up, so instead of going to station 3, I waited in a chair next to somebody else who was waiting for station 3. When the person in the chair closest to the door got to go in, we all got up and moved one chair closer. It was pretty funny, like Musical Chairs: Medical Edition.<br /><br />Anyway, I'll be really vague about how they did the medical evaluations and tests on purpose, so I don't inadvertently give someone info so they can cheat the system. Just know if you don't have anything majorly wrong with you, it'll be fine. Also, if it's that important, you can look up the medical requirements and disqualifications on the internet. I had "Asthma symptoms" and ADHD when I was younger (less than 13), so during the interview the doctor asked me about that.<br /><br />They have an obstetrician (women's doctor) on staff and he was the one to do our physical and medical interview. I had never been to an obstetrician before, but it was about as relaxed as it could've been I suppose. He was kind of chatty, which helped. Anyway, we had to strip to our underwear, but it wasn't really awkward because there were only 3 of us and we had been chatting the last few hours while we were in line. We weighed, then peed in a cup for the drug test, then did some stretches. It sucked that I had to weigh before getting to pee, because I was so close to the weight limit and I had had to drink some water for the drug test. I got so lucky. It turned out I was an inch taller than I thought I was, so the weight limit was 4 lbs more than I thought it was. I ended up being 1 lb under the limit! Whew! The drug test has a bad rap. People talk about it like there's someone looking right at you while you're doing your business. It wasn't like that at all. I was in the stall (that had no door) and the female nurse, who was our escort, was around the corner.<br /><br />After all of the tests, I headed to station 8, where a guy looked over my paperwork and told me I needed to get a consult from an optometrist (eye doctor). Apparently, my prescription was just over the limit and they wanted an eye doctor to verify that before the Navy would start on the paperwork for a waiver. They scheduled my consult for the next morning and like that, I was done for the day. I had to wait for the shuttle to come get me and take me back to the hotel. I had to wait there watching bad daytime tv for 5 hours.<br /><br />Anyway, I waited, rode the shuttle back to the hotel, and had a pretty relaxing evening hanging out at the hotel. Since I had already weighed, I treated myself to chicken fried steak (free) at the hotel's restaurant. It was so delicious. That night, however, I had a roommate in the room when I got back. That's ok, just a little weird. I guess she was in the new group that had gotten there that evening, just a day behind me.<br /><br />Stay tuned! Day three will be here before you know it! :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-75305689552904392252011-01-07T21:38:00.005-06:002011-01-25T23:27:36.506-06:00MEPS: 1.1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsGBKgOOQo1JKDOvqP2DrhtuwFm9zvZfyejUDMtl-YMDGzRDdq8WwvwlEDuc1Bc33lB3HqU7z-bfwZR8Sf87qAgQwa-Yui2l038rmUyRoaHm9cEQqGrCtJVoDeg3FQd1uTByV2f2DXpM/s1600/MEPS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsGBKgOOQo1JKDOvqP2DrhtuwFm9zvZfyejUDMtl-YMDGzRDdq8WwvwlEDuc1Bc33lB3HqU7z-bfwZR8Sf87qAgQwa-Yui2l038rmUyRoaHm9cEQqGrCtJVoDeg3FQd1uTByV2f2DXpM/s320/MEPS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559657368983751986" /></a><br />Since I'll visit MEPS multiple times for a varying number of days each time, I'll use a format like this: Visit#.Day#. This is from a female's point of view at the San Antonio, TX MEPS. For security purposes, I'm going to be intentionally vague. All meals at MEPS are provided or paid for, so don't worry about that. ;)<br /><br />I went to my recruiter's office, where I filled out some more paperwork. The shuttle picked us up and we headed down to San Antonio, picking up more future recruits from other recruiting offices along the way. When we got there, we went straight to the MEPS where we took the ASVAB. We were tired and hungry and we had to take it!<br /><br />One thing they say is "Hurry up and wait." That's so true. I probably waited more hours than I spent getting stuff done the whole time I was there. Anyway, after we finished the ASVAB, the guy behind the desk gave us a print out of our scores and told us we could open it when we were on the bus. I got a 94, which qualifies me for nuke. YAY! Next we rode a different shuttle to the hotel. We checked in, ate dinner, and went to sleep.<br /><br />The MEPS people at the hotel were gruff, but not actually rude. Just don't expect any smiles. :)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-7887910823441164632010-12-10T12:54:00.003-06:002010-12-10T13:08:43.506-06:00A MEPS Date<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jenniferlawler.com/img/asvab.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 108px; height: 140px;" src="http://www.jenniferlawler.com/img/asvab.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I know you were thinking of giving up on me. (Gee, 3 months? Where's she been?) I've been doing paperwork for 3 months. It's been 'round and 'round trying to get all of the records I need to go down to MEPS. Every time I thought I had everything I needed, there'd be something else that would pop up. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm heading down to MEPS in January, so I'll be sure to take copious notes and let you know what happened. ;)<br /><br />Between now and then, there are a few things I need to do:<br />1) Study for the ASVAB<br />2) Maintain my Weight<br />3) Keep my Part Time JobMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-51835978108123787792010-09-17T20:03:00.002-05:002010-09-17T20:09:07.810-05:00The End is a Beginning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwh4H6eDvQzOteT6zjVf1IXYdB1IOVyATEldTiJFvJBrIt9eRykPfnY7Mo2IykGRmLiffMvuCBOBQ-khoTeoq2XTWFJiRtKvIQBaEXKFgdFFocHmuLiCe8sntNy7quNkaODt6_Z3UkR4/s1600/menuCakesConfetti.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwh4H6eDvQzOteT6zjVf1IXYdB1IOVyATEldTiJFvJBrIt9eRykPfnY7Mo2IykGRmLiffMvuCBOBQ-khoTeoq2XTWFJiRtKvIQBaEXKFgdFFocHmuLiCe8sntNy7quNkaODt6_Z3UkR4/s320/menuCakesConfetti.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518054267823543298" /></a><br />So I reached my weight goal yesterday! YAY! I hopped in the car and went straight to the recruiter's office. Turns out, however, that they didn't get my high school transcript yet. Grrr.... So tomorrow I'll send another request, this one overnight and requiring a signature. I head to the recruiter's office on Monday to fill out more paperwork. Hopefully I'll head to MEPS next week.<br /><br />60/60Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7656160900398755693.post-37175963211880083062010-09-04T17:01:00.005-05:002010-09-04T17:16:45.947-05:00Exercise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-m3Gw_pR9icn12uGdqBamQ0TikaZgY1e70PHCoCkqgBVe_IQhOIZzEFVvMq863LQumk06OVPvobqOdnBoIGW0M5V6PAEdIvlgoi0Cxb_Ya7lRAGYOo7vlWdMsolbpdhD3_AOvZp822E/s1600/exercise.sflb.ashx"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-m3Gw_pR9icn12uGdqBamQ0TikaZgY1e70PHCoCkqgBVe_IQhOIZzEFVvMq863LQumk06OVPvobqOdnBoIGW0M5V6PAEdIvlgoi0Cxb_Ya7lRAGYOo7vlWdMsolbpdhD3_AOvZp822E/s320/exercise.sflb.ashx" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513182533804925954" /></a>So I started walking and doing jumping jacks to help get rid of the last few pounds and now I'm down to 3. :)<br /><br />However, I have a suspicion that there will be a snag in my plan. The recruiter told me they can't start the processing for the waivers until after I go to MEPS. That seems weird to me, since I researched it myself and I already know which waivers I will need. It seems unnecessary for me to make 2 trips. I guess I'll have to adjust to the "military" way of doing things. ;)<br /><br />The cold front that blew in today encouraged many people to get out and look at the new fall stuff the stores have in and I was one of them. I got 4 cute long sleeve tops and actually had fun trying them on. In fact, I ended up getting everything I tried on! Amazing!<br /><br />And I have a job interview on Tuesday that looks promising. I really hope I get it more than the others I have applied for because I won't have to talk to customers and it's more active, which will help with getting in shape. I think the odds are pretty good since they already had me fill out all of the hiring paperwork. The process feels like a funnel, not a filter. The guy on the phone even told me all about what would happen after the interview and how long it would be before I would get started. I'm so excited. I'd really like to have a job again. I've never had such a hard time getting a job; I blame the economy. ;)<br /><br />57/60Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12130308418220975086noreply@blogger.com0