1.2.11
snowed in
Was supposed to leave today for the airport. Fly to Japan tomorrow. Now, due to what could become the worst blizzard in Chicago history, I'm stuck on base for the foreseeable future. I was finally ready to leave, and now more frozen waiting. It could be worse, they could have had me stay at the airport and wait forever for a flight to become available. In any case, it seems as the long goodbyes will have to really wait another week.
22.1.11
20.1.11
back by popular demand (or just joe)
Been meaning to update for a while. Finally getting around to it, thanks to JPFS.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
So lets see, where am I? Didactic is over. Passed Test 3 last Friday with a 93% (a few bogus questions, once again, but whatever). Finishing Corps School after 15 tests with a 98% average, pretty happy with that.
Due to many foreseeable yet frustrating factors, I'm probably going to be on hold and not 'grad and go'. Thus my Asian adventure will not be starting on the 25th, but at a date TBD. Hopefully not too late, my hope is early February.
Started clinicals this week. That is, all 3 days of dental clinicals. Luckily the staff at Fisher clinic is awesome, the dentists and DA's are super nice and helpful (and laid back!). If this is a sign of things to come, I can tell I'm going to really enjoy my time in dental.
Got to spend last weekend with Nick and Kate, who were in town to see the Seahawks sadly crumble against the Bears. Still, amazing time with them downtown, glad I got to see em one more time before I depart for the far east.
Finally got around to rock climbing today. I can't remember having ever rock climbed, but my shipmates finally took me to the wall on base, and it is awesome! My forearms are killing me, and I'm going to have some nice callouses on my hands, but it was a blast. Hopefully I'll get a chance to actually get decent at it one day.
So tomorrow is the last day of clinicals. Then it's the last weekend our class will be together, before we are sent off to the far reaches of the country/globe, or most likely still here on hold. Probably going to the Wooden Nickle for the games on Sunday.
Aside from that, I'm doing ok. I've come to grips with being on hold for an unknown amount of time; it is what it is. I'm sure once I know when I'm going, that excitement will return, but for now I'm just taking things day by day. A lot on my mind lately, probably due to the upcoming transition and the immanent departure of my shipmates. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
2.1.11
back to it
Officially settling back in to the barracks in Great Lakes. Shore leave was nothing short of an amazing time, thanks to all my friends and family for making it so great. Yes, leaving today was pretty painful, especially knowing that it'll be twice as long before I have a chance to return. But after seeing my shipmates again and mentally refocusing on the task at hand, I'm ready to do this. Only one test left in Corps school, a brief stint in dental clinicals, and then it's graduation on the 25th, with an expected Japanese sojourn by the end of January. I had 2 weeks to do 2 months worth of catching up in, but I feel I made the most of it. Things will surely be different when I return home next, but it is what it is. I wish I could take all of my friends and family with me, but that's not how the Navy works. Instead it's almost time for me to finally make a name for myself, serve my country overseas, and start living the dream. I'm going to miss my friends and family more than they or I could possibly realize, but I also look forward to the hard work worth doing ahead.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
220-2, we're almost there! The fleet is out there waiting for us, so lets finish strong.
27.12.10
home for the holidays
So it's been a while since my last post. A lot has happened since then, so lets get the official record up to speed.
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
Talked with the detailer on the phone to confirm my orders, so it looks pretty certain that I'm going to Japan and the GW for my first duty station. Still amazed I'm getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Secured dental test 2 with a perfect score, obviously happy with that, and a great way to kick off the holiday exodus.
Fly into National Airport on Dec 17, touching down around 10:30. This was almost 6 hours sooner than I planned to be home, thanks to the good folks at United Airlines (and my sharp dress blues). Since then I have...
Been home for the first time in over 6 months,
Attended a December birthday party in Arlington, my first chance to see a lot of my friends again,
Visited Baltimore for more time with friends, eaten an Elk burger and tasted Natty Bo again,
Returned to DC, saw a comedy show with the family and dined in Gallery Place,
Spent Christmas with my Uncle's family in Virginia.
It's great to be back, but so surreal as well. Walking around the house, part of me feels like I never left, and part of me feels like I'm out of place here. Not that I feel like I don't belong here, there's nothing but great feelings, but rather that I now belong out there. It's not just the house, its this whole life in general. For the last 6 months I've been in a somewhat isolated training environment, a whole new lifestyle. Now I'm suddenly back to the old one, so its quite the clash of new training vs. years of the way things used to be. Nothing serious, no bad feelings, just odd at times. I think I'm starting to learn that this is the great dichotomy of life, when you love two things that can't exist at the same time. While I'm at home, I miss the Navy. While I'm in the Navy, I miss home. This I imagine will be unavoidable the rest of my time in the service. The important thing is that I am thoroughly enjoying each while I have the time.
In summary, I'm grateful to be home, and love seeing my friends and family again. I'm going to miss it all when the time comes to return, but I wouldn't trade being in the Navy for anything in the world right now. Here's to a great end to 2010, and see you in 2011!
9.12.10
the best is yet to come
So while I'm exhausted and excited and still in disbelief, and despite having told most of my friends and family asap, here's the official update.
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
Today, out of seemingly nowhere, we finally got to pick orders. Having the highest GPA, I was awarded first pick. Nervous but anxious, I sat down and looked at the list. Going in, I was hoping for a decent ship billet or some exotic FMF orders, but expecting nothing but boring shore stations. Much to my amazement, the possibilities were unbelievably good: Multiple 3rd Dental Co. Okinawa, 11th Dental Co with Marine Air Wing Iwakuni, the USS Stennis Aircraft Carrier out of Bremerton Washington, USS Pearl Harbor Dock Landing Ship out of San Diego, USS George Washington Aircraft Carrier out of Yokosuka, Japan, etc. There were a few other stateside FMF, South Carolina, Florida, Rhode Island, etc. Admittedly the first thing that caught my eye was the Gdub. Never in a million years did I expect to have the option of an aircraft carrier, let alone TWO! I had never heard of anyone in corps school getting on a CVN. Still, I asked first about the Okinawa and Iwakuni FMF billets. Yes, I had been telling myself I wanted to go FMF. The hard work with the marines was always a goal of mine... but something just wasn't sitting right. Okinawa is a small tropical island, not much to do, and then I'd be in Iraq or Afghanistan (which is something I had been planning on). One day I still hope to go with the marines and earn their respect, but the George Washington is a ONCE in a lifetime adventure. Stationed right outside of Tokyo, she makes tours all over the Pacific. Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Australia... I could see it all. Not to mention she's on the front lines with our current conflict with North Korea. And as far as my career goes.. the Gdubs was far and away the best choice. For an HM straight out of corps school to get on a ship is rare enough as it is, but a carrier like the George Washington! Better yet, I'll be able to earn both my Surface Warfare and Air Warfare devices. The experience will be unbeatable, I'll get to see the world, when I'm not at sea I'll be able to visit Tokyo all the time... I took the Gdubs, and I could not be happier!!
In my heart of heart's I've always been an explorer more than anything, and that's why I've always been attracted to the Navy. Now I worked my ass off, got first pick, and am stationed on an amazing ship in an exotic far away land. I feel like I'm about to realize a dream.
In other less exciting news, as of today I am no longer EPO. I was anticipating to continue my duties as EPO in dental, but our instructor had other plans for me. I am now the Adjutant of Dental... aka the guy in charge. Never thought I'd be in this position, not really much to do except keep everyone in line and probably get yelled at by Chief, but that's ok. It seems like a good way to go out of Corps School.
Reason #3 today rocked, dinner was served personally by 2 chefs from the Food Network! Gorilla and some other guy who makes pizza in California...I forget. Homemade pizza with bacon, ham and sausage, and dry rub ribs. Holy shit, it was REALLY good. And I probably won't eat for the next 24 hours, but was totally worth it. It was awesome of those guys to come down and cook us sailors some quality food. They thanked us for our service, and I thanked them for the extra hours I'm gonna have to work out tomorrow.
It's past taps, so time for bed. Today was awesome, but the best is yet to come!
2.12.10
220-2
Clinicals secured! Dental begun! Class 220 graduating! It's a turbulent and freezing time in Great Lakes.
First off, we finished Clinicals. The last week was slightly discombobulated. I spent Monday in 200H taking a SOAP notes class (don't ask), Tuesday in 200H in the dental department, and Wednesday somehow back at the VA on the gen med floor. Working in dental was actually pretty awesome. I got to observe up close some routine but fascinating dental procedures, and learned how to file medical records (not glamorous but SO very important to know).
While the rest of 220 spent today in the outbrief and picking up plane tickets home, the HMDA's finally split off to form 220-2, dental strand! And we're all going to be in amazing shape, because dental classes are on the 12th floor of 200H. We spent the morning being briefed by two Chiefs, both giving us great advice and FINALLY shedding some light on this mystery that is dental training. I'm feeling a lot better about getting the dental training, as it sounds really interesting, and will only enhance our repertoire in the field (and help us get promoted faster!). As for orders, our friendly lady in charge of contacting the detailer said we will have them before the holiday exodus, and that we COULD even have them as soon as tomorrow. I'm doubtful, so expect something more in lines with next week. Wednesday or Thursday is my guess. Test 1 is already on Wednesday, and Test 2 is the day before we leave on exodus, so it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before shore leave. Graduation is set for the 25th of January, after which I will go straight to my first duty station, or be put on hold like a few shipmates from 220.
Speaking of 220, bravo zulu shipmates for making it to the very end of Corps School, and good luck to all at your first duty station! I'm going to definitely miss some of you, but its a small navy, so I hope to see you out in the fleet one day.
First off, we finished Clinicals. The last week was slightly discombobulated. I spent Monday in 200H taking a SOAP notes class (don't ask), Tuesday in 200H in the dental department, and Wednesday somehow back at the VA on the gen med floor. Working in dental was actually pretty awesome. I got to observe up close some routine but fascinating dental procedures, and learned how to file medical records (not glamorous but SO very important to know).
While the rest of 220 spent today in the outbrief and picking up plane tickets home, the HMDA's finally split off to form 220-2, dental strand! And we're all going to be in amazing shape, because dental classes are on the 12th floor of 200H. We spent the morning being briefed by two Chiefs, both giving us great advice and FINALLY shedding some light on this mystery that is dental training. I'm feeling a lot better about getting the dental training, as it sounds really interesting, and will only enhance our repertoire in the field (and help us get promoted faster!). As for orders, our friendly lady in charge of contacting the detailer said we will have them before the holiday exodus, and that we COULD even have them as soon as tomorrow. I'm doubtful, so expect something more in lines with next week. Wednesday or Thursday is my guess. Test 1 is already on Wednesday, and Test 2 is the day before we leave on exodus, so it's going to be a busy couple of weeks before shore leave. Graduation is set for the 25th of January, after which I will go straight to my first duty station, or be put on hold like a few shipmates from 220.
Speaking of 220, bravo zulu shipmates for making it to the very end of Corps School, and good luck to all at your first duty station! I'm going to definitely miss some of you, but its a small navy, so I hope to see you out in the fleet one day.
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