So with being just a little over halfway done with deployment I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned:
1. Hindsight is 20/20. It's too easy to look at the past and see where you have done things wrong.
2. When you think you have a plan or an idea about what the hell is goin on be prepared for your world to be rocked because truly you have no clue.
3. It's REEEEEAAAALLLLYYYY a magical experience to not shower with flip flops on.
4. The people who care about you will show it.
5. Although I've been pretty lucky about the ladies I share berthing with I can't wait to choose who I want to be around.
6. Too much time to think can and is a bad thing.
7. There are some people who will screw you over and not give a damn.
8. Avoid those people.
9. Don't stress the things you can't change. Sometimes you need to step back, take a drag off of your metaphorical peace pipe and keep trucking.
10. If fleece lined tights make you excited, be excited.
11. Sometimes people need to bitch just to bitch, be an ear because we all need it
12. It's ok to break, as long as it's in a private space with someone who you trust and you get back on the horse.
13. Every day is not gonna be a good day or even an alright day. It's ok to have a bad day.
14. If the only motivation you have is to get in proper uniform and show up to your musters and watches, don't let that bother you, you at least got out of bed. (some dude spent 4 days in bed.. they had to have captain's mast in his berthing because he wouldn't get up)
15. It really sucks being somewhere you don't want to be.
16. Don't take things to heart.
17. Family is awesome.
18. I'm lucky that my friends and family support me.(i heard this story about a girl who went home for leave and her mom gave her percocet instead of ibuprofen and didn't tell her because she didn't want her in the military anymore)
19. Being angry won't change your situation, but is a great help in the gym.
20. Make goals!! (I've just recently achieved my 2nd goal of deployment. 4 pull-ups!)
21. When people hit on you it's not really cuz they want in your pants, its cuz they want attention.
22. I can live off of cigarettes and protein bars.
23. Try and make the best out of the situation. If you are out in the rain and cold during a bullshit evolution then deal with it, you are gonna be there regardless. So bust out the snacks and bring on the randomness conversations.
24. The executive officer doesn't like it when you say "Yupp" to him. (He's the 2nd in command)
25. Somethings don't make sense. And they never will.
I think that's all I have for now. Needless to say I really miss home. I miss being able to call Momma on my way home from work and chatting with all my brothers and their wives. I miss being barefoot and takin a walk around the block. I don't like being here and I'm ready to be Squid again.
<3
