Transition Assistance...

I've been taking classes all week that are loaded with information on transitioning out of the military, back into the "real world."  I've come to the conclusion that I am far behind where I need to be at this particular stage in the game.  It's definitely been an eye-opening week thus far; this afternoon we will be working on resumes, so hopefully I will be made aware of several ways I can tweak mine, because it needs work.


I did, however, come to another conclusion; this one was rather uplifiting.  As "far behind" as I may currently be, technology really allows everyone to be on a similar playing field.  The ability to utilize social networking, even in the job field, really seems to be all that's necessary to catch up!  I have came across several programs in the last 24 hours based on social job-networking.

Anyways, I just needed to escape my own mind for a few minutes and get something out there.  Thanks for listening and have a wonderful afternoon!!

Spring is Springing

With football season being over for a few weeks now, it's really exciting to see signs of spring all around us.   Even living in Southern California, where the sun shines every day, spring opens its eyes a little more.  It's great to see the sun is starting to work longer hours again.  It's been long overdue to say the least.

I'm glad to see that the weather in Chicagoland is becoming at least tolerable.  Hopefully winter won't throw one last punch at you guys back in the MW.

With warm weather of course comes warm weather clothes!  Starting tomorrow at work we get to wear our desert camis with the sleeves rolled up, replacing our greens with sleeves down.  This is one of the greatest gifts spring could bring in my eyes.  I LOVE to wear deserts =)

With this being said, I took a little time to prepare my uniform for tomorrow.  This of course meaning I threw it in the wash with 5 other loads of laundry I had been meaning to do.  See, I used to take care of all my laundry on Sundays during the football games.  The timing was always spot on.

Throw in a load... 
switch at half... 
fold after game... repeat.  

Very routine, something I lack consistency with sometimes.
The Superbowl was in early February; needless to say, my laundry has been just a little backed up.

I also pulled out some of my softball gear.  We start playing games only two weeks from now!  Our unit team is finally starting to come together.  I'm personally hoping to play left-center; I wouldn't mind any outfield spot, but LC is definitely my preference.  I have to enjoy it now before I get pushed over to left next year when I come play with Jon and the gang!

Spring also brings spring break.  Spring break brings travel.  I'm glad to see a lot of my friends and family have been busy traveling the states and even the world!  Does anyone have any big plans for spring break or summer?

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to enjoy and look forward to this spring and life in general.  It's something that none of us should take for granted.  I was disheartened to hear this morning that a gentleman from my home town had passed away, at the age of twenty-four.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Frer Family.

Rest in Peace Matt.  You will be missed.

And so it begins

Today marks my four year anniversary of Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps.  I've been keeping a close eye on this special day in the back of my mind for quite some time now.  And here it is.  The final countdown.

A lot of time spent in the Marine Corps is time spent counting down.  It starts from T-1 (Training Day 1) in  boot camp.  Recruits secretly keep track of the "T-days," counting down from 1 to 90, when they graduate and move on .  From there schools, deployments, days of leave, days of restriction (for some of us rebels!), temporary additional duties, all sort of turn into mini countdowns.  These mini countdowns, over time, finally lead up to a Marines' End of Active Service (EAS).

Sitting here today, having exactly 365 days left on contract, I find myself trying to figure out exactly what I am counting down towards.  Lately I have been spending a lot of time trying to gain as much information as possible for a realistic future.  I've narrowed it down to three potential decisions:

The Big Three

1.  EAS from the Marine Corps and move back to Chicagoland.  Pursue a BA in either Business Administration, Business Management, or Accounting (subject to change).

2.  EAS from the Marine Corps and continue my education in California or elsewhere.

3.  Reenlist for another four years, laterally moving into a new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and continuing on, potentially making a career out of the Marine Corps (another four years would put me at nine, almost halfway to retirement).


I wanted to make sure to stress that when I was describing the MC as a countdown, I do not mean that in a negative way.   As I look back, some of these countdowns have provided me with lifelong memories.  I've had the opportunity to visit states and countries I would probably never gotten to see.  I have made a lot of mistakes-turned lifelong lessons.  I have met individuals that have touched my heart, had my back, and pushed me through each and every day.  

It's as Simple as...


I really really miss home.  I miss my family.  I miss my friends.  I miss my girl friend A LOT.  I love California.  I am going to continue on with school whether I'm in, out, here, or anywhere else.  I love the Marine Corps.  I take pride in what I do and truly enjoy it.  I work with an amazing group of Marines.

Pretty simple, right?

I definitely have several important decisions to make over the next year.  I think blogging is really going to make that process easier.  I like sitting here actually mapping things out, getting my thoughts out in writing.  Hopefully doing this and receiving some sound feedback ;) I'll be able to get to the point that I want to be one year from now, and beyond that!  If you're still reading, thank you!