A lot of Old Grads (i.e. West Point alumni) tell me to start taking photos now, because Firstie year will be over before I know it. I'm really starting to believe them now. In a few days, I'll find out where I'll be stationed upon commissioning in May. This is really an exciting time. I've been talking to quite a few people, trying to get some advice into where I want to post. So far, it's been back and forth between Ft. Hood, TX and Ft. Bragg, NC. I'm not sure if I can get to Ft. Bragg based on my class rank within the Infantry order of merit, but we'll see. From what I've gathered, it's still a good match for what I want to do.
I'm also working hard (or hardly working) on my senior thesis. I'm going to write about how Operation Husky served as reality check for the airborne paratroopers. Really, I just love everything airborne, and thought writing about them would be cool. I guess it's kind of neat to read up on them, but I could do without the actually writing part of a thesis. Let's hope I can do well in this-- if I don't write a decent thesis, I may not graduate on time!
Yesterday, I drove to Connecticut and let me tell you, driving through there at night is quite the trip. With the state routes so secluded and winding through dense woods, it can be a little creepy and a little "Blair Witch"-esque. It is a nice drive though, especially at night with no other cars on the road. It almost makes you feel like you're a race car driver.
I got back to West Point pretty late last night (around 3:00am) and got "randomly" searched at the gates by the MPs. I'm sure the MP just saw the cadet base decals on my car and decided to snipe me. How do I know this? Well, there was a car right ahead of me and he didn't get randomly searched. I thought at first maybe because I was coming in so late they would search whoever would come in at that time, but again, I was searched and the person in front of me was not.
The MP was pretty cool about it though. As he filled in his paperwork, I used the portapotty right next to where I had my car parked during the search, and by the time I got out, he was almost done and I was on my way. It must suck working graveyard as an MP: it was cold out, no cars really coming through, and overall just boring. I hope those guys stay warm.
Today was a lazy day of watching episodes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, playing Final Fantasy VII, and watching "Surviving the Cut: Ranger School" on youtube.
I'm getting excited for things to come.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Doxycycline
It's 8:43am right now as I'm typing this, and though the day is not done just yet, I feel this day will be pretty slow, so I'm blogging now.
This morning (i.e. less than an hour ago) I threw up. Not in class or anything, but I wasn't feeling too hot, so I excused myself from class and was praising the porcelain god as it were. I'm on Doxycycline (look it up) right now for my mild acne, and that, coupled with Differin has been working a lot, and I think I'm getting better. I hope to finally grow out of this whole teenage acne thing, but we'll see.
Anyway, you're supposed to take Doxycycline with food, so this morning for breakfast, I had two pieces of sausage, a cup of tea, and a glass of water. I normally try to eat something in addition to my daily cup of tea and glass of water so I could meet the requirement for the Doxycycline. Something happened I guess and before you knew it, I was spilling my guts out.
I'm ok now in case you were wondering, but don't have me tell you all about constructivism and how it relates to International Relations (that's what we were learning in class at the time I threw up). I know nothing about it.
This morning (i.e. less than an hour ago) I threw up. Not in class or anything, but I wasn't feeling too hot, so I excused myself from class and was praising the porcelain god as it were. I'm on Doxycycline (look it up) right now for my mild acne, and that, coupled with Differin has been working a lot, and I think I'm getting better. I hope to finally grow out of this whole teenage acne thing, but we'll see.
Anyway, you're supposed to take Doxycycline with food, so this morning for breakfast, I had two pieces of sausage, a cup of tea, and a glass of water. I normally try to eat something in addition to my daily cup of tea and glass of water so I could meet the requirement for the Doxycycline. Something happened I guess and before you knew it, I was spilling my guts out.
I'm ok now in case you were wondering, but don't have me tell you all about constructivism and how it relates to International Relations (that's what we were learning in class at the time I threw up). I know nothing about it.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Priorities
These past few days, I've shifted my priorities a little bit. A big reason as to why this is all happening is because senioritis has hit, and it has hit hard. Like high school, being a second semester firstie here at West Point makes you kinda jaded and all you want to do is go out and have fun.
So with that said, my priorities have shifted a little bit.
For example, this past Thursday, the firsties in my company were scheduled to take their company photo for the Howitzer, our yearbook. Well, only a handful of firsties showed up (12 out of 33) and because we had less than half, we weren't allowed to take our photo until we got more people. We called some of our friends and told them to muster everyone they could and eventually they all came down, albeit a little bit late.
We also had a company wine tasting event that Thursday. Everyone showed up on time for that one. Needless to say, based on the culture within Company C-1, our priorities were just where we wanted them to be.
Last Friday, we had to wake up pretty early because they were doing something to commemorate the 30 year reunion of the Iranian Hostages that we (as in the best soldiers in the US Military) failed to rescue during Operation Eagle Claw. Apparently, after they were released back in the day, the first stop they visited after hitting stateside was West Point. Now I know if I were held in captivity for who knows how long, the first place I'd want to visit would be my hometown, not some random Military Academy. Because of their visit at 9 or so, we had to get up at 6 since we couldn't have classes going on during their little parade (cadets were forced to serve as a backdrop for it). As I had an Honor Board to help run, I didn't go, but from what I understand, sentiments were mixed about the whole thing. Some said that the event was very meaningful and kind of neat to be a part of while others saw it as a waste of time since the Iranian Hostages didn't even parade really, just rode in a fan down the aisle the cadets formed for them. Knowing me, I'd probably agree with the latter, only because I wouldn't even be able to take a photo of the hostages, only see them pass by in a random van.
I also had to speak with my Thesis Adviser on Friday afternoon. The night before, when I was tired and all, I had to muster together the energy/coherence to write together a thesis proposal for him. Couple that with waking up early that Friday afternoon, and it made for a rough Friday.
I had a date on Friday night, but since I was so tired from the day's events, I took a nap immediately after speaking with my adviser. The date I went on was pretty fun: we went roller skating, which I haven't done since senior year of high school. We also went to the diner that was right next door, and for what you pay for, you get a decent amount of decent quality food. I'd recommend it (it's Zagat rated too-- who knew?)
After eating, we went down to the river front to look at all the icebergs floating past when suddenly, we run into a wild fox! I've never seen a live fox before, and it was kind of neat seeing him, especially because my friend goes to Marist and their mascot is a fox.
I then took her back to her place, where we hung out a bit. I also got to meet her housemates. Nice folks and very welcoming.
As you can see, my priorities are not set either. I should've been working on the Law paper I have due on Wednesday or on my thesis, which I have 5 pages due on Thursday, but what can you do? You make your decisions, you live with the consequences and you just live.
PS
Oh, and I'm only going as friends with the girl I asked to 100th Night. We kind of had a falling out. Again, our priorities didn't match up. She was focusing on school. I was focusing on a relationship. Common knowledge would suggest she made the wiser decision, but only time will really tell.
So with that said, my priorities have shifted a little bit.
For example, this past Thursday, the firsties in my company were scheduled to take their company photo for the Howitzer, our yearbook. Well, only a handful of firsties showed up (12 out of 33) and because we had less than half, we weren't allowed to take our photo until we got more people. We called some of our friends and told them to muster everyone they could and eventually they all came down, albeit a little bit late.
We also had a company wine tasting event that Thursday. Everyone showed up on time for that one. Needless to say, based on the culture within Company C-1, our priorities were just where we wanted them to be.
Last Friday, we had to wake up pretty early because they were doing something to commemorate the 30 year reunion of the Iranian Hostages that we (as in the best soldiers in the US Military) failed to rescue during Operation Eagle Claw. Apparently, after they were released back in the day, the first stop they visited after hitting stateside was West Point. Now I know if I were held in captivity for who knows how long, the first place I'd want to visit would be my hometown, not some random Military Academy. Because of their visit at 9 or so, we had to get up at 6 since we couldn't have classes going on during their little parade (cadets were forced to serve as a backdrop for it). As I had an Honor Board to help run, I didn't go, but from what I understand, sentiments were mixed about the whole thing. Some said that the event was very meaningful and kind of neat to be a part of while others saw it as a waste of time since the Iranian Hostages didn't even parade really, just rode in a fan down the aisle the cadets formed for them. Knowing me, I'd probably agree with the latter, only because I wouldn't even be able to take a photo of the hostages, only see them pass by in a random van.
I also had to speak with my Thesis Adviser on Friday afternoon. The night before, when I was tired and all, I had to muster together the energy/coherence to write together a thesis proposal for him. Couple that with waking up early that Friday afternoon, and it made for a rough Friday.
I had a date on Friday night, but since I was so tired from the day's events, I took a nap immediately after speaking with my adviser. The date I went on was pretty fun: we went roller skating, which I haven't done since senior year of high school. We also went to the diner that was right next door, and for what you pay for, you get a decent amount of decent quality food. I'd recommend it (it's Zagat rated too-- who knew?)
After eating, we went down to the river front to look at all the icebergs floating past when suddenly, we run into a wild fox! I've never seen a live fox before, and it was kind of neat seeing him, especially because my friend goes to Marist and their mascot is a fox.
I then took her back to her place, where we hung out a bit. I also got to meet her housemates. Nice folks and very welcoming.
As you can see, my priorities are not set either. I should've been working on the Law paper I have due on Wednesday or on my thesis, which I have 5 pages due on Thursday, but what can you do? You make your decisions, you live with the consequences and you just live.
PS
Oh, and I'm only going as friends with the girl I asked to 100th Night. We kind of had a falling out. Again, our priorities didn't match up. She was focusing on school. I was focusing on a relationship. Common knowledge would suggest she made the wiser decision, but only time will really tell.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cadets Always Win (?)
So today, I almost had a heart attack.
Not really. But I did almost lose my driver's license. Well, to be fair, I did, but someone found it. Apparently, it fell in the snow (probably on Sunday night when I used my car last) and someone found it. My iPod fell in the snow that day as well (don't worry-- it still works), and my driver's license must have been on my lap when it fell out (you have to show ID to get back on base). I only realized that I was missing my driver's license because I was actually in the library today doing work today for my senior thesis. When using WIFI here at West Point, you need to use your military ID to log into the system. I usually put my driver's license behind my military ID and today, I realized it wasn't there.
In any event, some guy messaged me saying he has it and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. Cadets Always Win.
Or do they? I may have alienated a very good friend of mine today. I overreacted because of another past, romantic event, which we shouldn't delve too deep into here. We'll see if I can salvage this.
Oh and I just noticed I got five views from Denmark today. That's pretty neat. Hey, if you enjoy my blog, feel free to say hello, lest I consider you anonymous readers creepier than you already are, as all I do is just write my thoughts to end the day.
Not really. But I did almost lose my driver's license. Well, to be fair, I did, but someone found it. Apparently, it fell in the snow (probably on Sunday night when I used my car last) and someone found it. My iPod fell in the snow that day as well (don't worry-- it still works), and my driver's license must have been on my lap when it fell out (you have to show ID to get back on base). I only realized that I was missing my driver's license because I was actually in the library today doing work today for my senior thesis. When using WIFI here at West Point, you need to use your military ID to log into the system. I usually put my driver's license behind my military ID and today, I realized it wasn't there.
In any event, some guy messaged me saying he has it and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. Cadets Always Win.
Or do they? I may have alienated a very good friend of mine today. I overreacted because of another past, romantic event, which we shouldn't delve too deep into here. We'll see if I can salvage this.
Oh and I just noticed I got five views from Denmark today. That's pretty neat. Hey, if you enjoy my blog, feel free to say hello, lest I consider you anonymous readers creepier than you already are, as all I do is just write my thoughts to end the day.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Decisions
The Army has a "Career Satisfaction Program" and it's broken down into three parts: ADSO (Active Duty Service Obligation) for Branch, ADSO for Post, and ADSO for Grad School. You can choose two of the three. Basically, with ADSO for branch and post, you can get your desired branch or post for an additional three years in the Army each. I already ADSO'ed for branch (I'm military intelligence, branch detailed into the infantry FYI), so that stretches my normal active duty service obligation from five years to eight years (coming out of West Point, you already owe the Army five years on active duty, three years in the reserves. Me ADSO'ing for branch just changes my three years of reserve time into active time.)
I don't think I'm going to ADSO for post though because I wouldn't be at that post for very long anyway, considering the whole War on Terror and everything. So basically, it's just not worth it to ADSO for post.
Now ADSO for Grad School, colloquially known as GRADSO. Basically, if I choose to stay in for three years past my normal service obligation, and elect to GRADSO now, while still a cadet, I can go to any graduate school program in the nation on the Army's dime. I'd just have to pay back 3 years for every year I'm in grad school, so basically, I'll tack on an additional 6 years to my Army service obligation.
A Visual Representation of what I'd owe if I GRADSO'ed:
5 years (because of West Point)
+ 3 Years (because of ADSO'ing for post)
+3 Years (to be eligible to GRADSO)
+2 Years (in Grad School, earning my normal Army salary, basically living as a civilian)
+6 Years (because of GRADSO commitment)
=19 years in the Army.
YIKES! 19 years in the Army is a lot to consider, and given that after 8 years, I'll have the Post-9/11 GI Bill anyway, where I can go to any state funded school for free, the GRADSO program is looking less and less appealing. To top it all off, I really want to join the FBI after my Army time is up, and because the FBI has an age limit of 37 when applying, if I do GRADSO, I'd be too old to apply.
So yeah, I don't think I'll be GRADSOing,
In other news, we select our first posts on February 3rd. I sort of have an idea of where I want to go, but am not entirely sure yet. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Italy
2) Bragg
3) Richardson
As you can see, I want to go Airborne. We'll see what I can get though.
I don't think I'm going to ADSO for post though because I wouldn't be at that post for very long anyway, considering the whole War on Terror and everything. So basically, it's just not worth it to ADSO for post.
Now ADSO for Grad School, colloquially known as GRADSO. Basically, if I choose to stay in for three years past my normal service obligation, and elect to GRADSO now, while still a cadet, I can go to any graduate school program in the nation on the Army's dime. I'd just have to pay back 3 years for every year I'm in grad school, so basically, I'll tack on an additional 6 years to my Army service obligation.
A Visual Representation of what I'd owe if I GRADSO'ed:
5 years (because of West Point)
+ 3 Years (because of ADSO'ing for post)
+3 Years (to be eligible to GRADSO)
+2 Years (in Grad School, earning my normal Army salary, basically living as a civilian)
+6 Years (because of GRADSO commitment)
=19 years in the Army.
YIKES! 19 years in the Army is a lot to consider, and given that after 8 years, I'll have the Post-9/11 GI Bill anyway, where I can go to any state funded school for free, the GRADSO program is looking less and less appealing. To top it all off, I really want to join the FBI after my Army time is up, and because the FBI has an age limit of 37 when applying, if I do GRADSO, I'd be too old to apply.
So yeah, I don't think I'll be GRADSOing,
In other news, we select our first posts on February 3rd. I sort of have an idea of where I want to go, but am not entirely sure yet. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Italy
2) Bragg
3) Richardson
As you can see, I want to go Airborne. We'll see what I can get though.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Mixes
So today was a pretty chill day: woke up at 10, had brunch, chilled in the room. I also made some new playlists for my iPod.
Workout Mix (25 Songs, About 1 Hour, 40 Minutes)
"Airplanes (Part II)" by B.o.B
"All I Do is Win" by DJ Khaled
"Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
"Bulletproof" by La Roux
"Clothes Off" by Gym Class Heroes
"Damnit" by Blick-182
"Day 'n' Nite (Nightmare)" by Kid Cudi
"Daylight (Remix)" by Ninjasonik
"Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg
"Feeling This" by Blink-182
"Forever" by Drake
"Forget About Dre" by Dr. Dre
"Gotta Get Thru This" by Daniel Bedingfield
"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk
"Headstrong" by Trapt
"Imma Be" by Black Eyed Peas
"Lose Yourself" by Eminem
"My Dick" by Mickey Avalon
"Not Afraid" by Eminem
"Remember the Name" by Fort Minor
"Run this Town" by Jay-Z
"Stronger" by Kanye West
"There's No Sympathy for the Dead" by Escape the Fate
"The Way I are" by Timbaland
"We R Who We R" by Ke$ha.
Driving Mix (20 Songs, About 1 Hour, 20 Minutes)
"Animal" by Miike Snow
"Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
"Bullet" by Rhymefest
"Cooler than Me" by Mike Posner
"Daylight" by Matt and Kim
"Electric Feel" by MGMT
"Embrace the Martian" by Kid Cudi
"Ghosts N Stuff" by Deadmau5
"Gimmie Shelter" by The Rolling Stones
"Good Day" by Nappy Roots
"Goodbye" by Wiz Khalifa
"Magic" by B.o.B
"Make Her Say" by Kid Cudi
"Moar Ghosts N Stuff" by Deadmau5
"Shots" by LMFAO
"Stereo Love" by Edward Maya
"Stronger" by Kanye West
"Take the Reins" by Tsunami Bomb
"You and I" by Deadmau5
"Your Woman" by White Town
Use them as you see fit.
Workout Mix (25 Songs, About 1 Hour, 40 Minutes)
"Airplanes (Part II)" by B.o.B
"All I Do is Win" by DJ Khaled
"Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
"Bulletproof" by La Roux
"Clothes Off" by Gym Class Heroes
"Damnit" by Blick-182
"Day 'n' Nite (Nightmare)" by Kid Cudi
"Daylight (Remix)" by Ninjasonik
"Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg
"Feeling This" by Blink-182
"Forever" by Drake
"Forget About Dre" by Dr. Dre
"Gotta Get Thru This" by Daniel Bedingfield
"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk
"Headstrong" by Trapt
"Imma Be" by Black Eyed Peas
"Lose Yourself" by Eminem
"My Dick" by Mickey Avalon
"Not Afraid" by Eminem
"Remember the Name" by Fort Minor
"Run this Town" by Jay-Z
"Stronger" by Kanye West
"There's No Sympathy for the Dead" by Escape the Fate
"The Way I are" by Timbaland
"We R Who We R" by Ke$ha.
Driving Mix (20 Songs, About 1 Hour, 20 Minutes)
"Animal" by Miike Snow
"Black and Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa
"Bullet" by Rhymefest
"Cooler than Me" by Mike Posner
"Daylight" by Matt and Kim
"Electric Feel" by MGMT
"Embrace the Martian" by Kid Cudi
"Ghosts N Stuff" by Deadmau5
"Gimmie Shelter" by The Rolling Stones
"Good Day" by Nappy Roots
"Goodbye" by Wiz Khalifa
"Magic" by B.o.B
"Make Her Say" by Kid Cudi
"Moar Ghosts N Stuff" by Deadmau5
"Shots" by LMFAO
"Stereo Love" by Edward Maya
"Stronger" by Kanye West
"Take the Reins" by Tsunami Bomb
"You and I" by Deadmau5
"Your Woman" by White Town
Use them as you see fit.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Little Things
So today, nothing big really happened to me, but a lot of Little Things did:
1) While I was sitting in the parking lot at church waiting for the lot to clear out, a family next to my car is loading up. I hear what I thought was a thud, so I look out my window to see what made the sound. Much to my horror, I see a little girl hit FEZ (my car) with her door. Little things man...
2) While getting FEZ's first car wash (since he survived two snowstorms without one and the salt was building up, I figured this brief respite we have now is the best time to wash him), I was pleasantly surprised to see some car wash workers wipe down the inside and outside of FEZ. Little things.
3) While driving to church this morning, the road was pretty clear, so I started dicking around with the different buttons inside of FEZ. I now know how to turn on the cruise control. Little things.
4) I find out that a friend had to cancel our play date today, but my best friend was there to quickly offer her place to hang out. I'll be headed over shortly after posting this. Little things.
5) Another friend said she'd love to hang out today if only she wasn't at home still instead of at school (her house is hours away versus her school which is just half an hour north of here). Still-- the little things.
Do all these little things amount to a Big Day? Not really, but I thought I'd just share.
::edit January 16, 2011 11:45PM EST::
So today, I actually got to hang out with the friend I mentioned in #5 above and it went surprisingly well. We'll be hanging out again this weekend, in Rhinebeck, New York. Yeah, I've never heard of it either, but apparently it's where Chelsea Clinton got married. Interesting.
Also: fun fact. I told the friends in #4 that I hung out with my friend in #5 in Greenwich, Connecticut and apparently it's the richest city in America. Sure seemed that way. To all my friends from back home, think Benicia on steroids. Holy cow I felt out of place.
Overall, a fun day. Cadets Always Win.
1) While I was sitting in the parking lot at church waiting for the lot to clear out, a family next to my car is loading up. I hear what I thought was a thud, so I look out my window to see what made the sound. Much to my horror, I see a little girl hit FEZ (my car) with her door. Little things man...
2) While getting FEZ's first car wash (since he survived two snowstorms without one and the salt was building up, I figured this brief respite we have now is the best time to wash him), I was pleasantly surprised to see some car wash workers wipe down the inside and outside of FEZ. Little things.
3) While driving to church this morning, the road was pretty clear, so I started dicking around with the different buttons inside of FEZ. I now know how to turn on the cruise control. Little things.
4) I find out that a friend had to cancel our play date today, but my best friend was there to quickly offer her place to hang out. I'll be headed over shortly after posting this. Little things.
5) Another friend said she'd love to hang out today if only she wasn't at home still instead of at school (her house is hours away versus her school which is just half an hour north of here). Still-- the little things.
Do all these little things amount to a Big Day? Not really, but I thought I'd just share.
::edit January 16, 2011 11:45PM EST::
So today, I actually got to hang out with the friend I mentioned in #5 above and it went surprisingly well. We'll be hanging out again this weekend, in Rhinebeck, New York. Yeah, I've never heard of it either, but apparently it's where Chelsea Clinton got married. Interesting.
Also: fun fact. I told the friends in #4 that I hung out with my friend in #5 in Greenwich, Connecticut and apparently it's the richest city in America. Sure seemed that way. To all my friends from back home, think Benicia on steroids. Holy cow I felt out of place.
Overall, a fun day. Cadets Always Win.
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