Plans for April...

It's been while since I last posted something, I guess things have been busy for me even though I don't feel that it's been productive. Anywho, I suppose the 2 readers that check this out don't mind the wait.

Although it is very good to say that I will finally be going home in April! It'll be very nice to get off Okinawa for more than a few days at a time and actually be able to "legally" be without a liberty buddy since apparently we are not capable of being trusted to being alone here. Waking up without an alarm clock or very early for PT, and having some real breakfast instead of relying on Calorie Mate or whatever the shoppette has to offer. I can almost cry just thinking about my temporary freedom from the tentacles from the marines is going to happen very soon.

So the leave is going to be from the 2nd week in April until the 1st week in May, just in time to see Iron Man 3 open in theaters. At least with this new Marvel movie, there wont be a full week's wait until the following Saturday and waiting for 3-4 hours outside a small base theater with mediocre sound and picture quality like how life is here. Or on the next day after outside a bigger theater with the same wait time, picture, and sound quality. Either way, it sucks seeing Facebook blow up about the newest movie and how epic it is while I have to wait 8 days to see it (waiting for The Avengers almost killed me).

I defend that freedom! 

As soon as the leave was approved, the first 2 weeks home have already been planned. It's going to be so much fun to be so tired and it wont involve work. So the plan is to land in LAX and then drive about 2 1/2-3 hours north to Visalia to see my family and catch up with them. From there it'll be about a full day of being in town until having to then drive to Tucson, Arizona that weekend for the wedding of a friend who's in the command. It's a great idea since it's been years when I was last in Tucson, and that was during my mission back in 2007-2009. Although my stay will be short there, I do hope to meet up with some of the families that I've met on the south and west side...if they remember me.

After the wedding it's driving back home to spend a couple days there until it's time to leave yet again and drive to Las Vegas. The closer to leaving home is when I'll start looking into the shows and things to do for the 5 day stay. I really look forward to Vegas as this is going to be the way I'd like to unwind from the stresses of work, but nothing more than the hotel has been booked. There's already plenty of things in mind to there, but I'm keeping as quiet as possible so not to spoil any details to Nicole...

Once the Vegas trip is over with, then it's finally going to be spent at home until it's time to fly back to Japan. That's pretty much what's in mind, and it's really going to hurt my wallet. It'll be worth it since being with my family and loved ones is extremely important to me. There's a lot more to fit in the short month back in the States, like mountain biking with my mission president, going to Six Flags, and seeing Sequoia National Park, but that's for later to worry about. I'm just very happy that this will all be able to happen, and it WILL happen :D

'Merica! 

The cold, hard reality is that April isn't for another 2 months. So my suffering will have to continue for a little bit longer before I get to see my loved ones again. Although I'm hoping it'll come quickly :) 

What's in a Name?

Update 29 Jan 2013: I'm surprised that I've been approached by someone in my command about this blog when I don't advertise it outside of my Facebook. I also choose not to make friends with anyone E-6 and above for the obvious reasons and not give too much about my thoughts, so it's kind of an honor that this person found it on their own. Out of respect for that person I'm changing some things on this post but the message will be the same.



This month marks my second year of being stationed on Okinawa, Japan. Unfortunately it's not my time to leave like most people do when they have 2 year orders. I was in the window that as a single unaccompanied member, I get the "honor" of being on this island for a full 3 years. Usually that long of a stay goes to members who are married and their spouses and family moves with them here. This alone is one of the many headaches that III MEF liberally gives out. But those back in America who haven't been here or know where Okinawa is, here's a map to give you an idea of my location...

Please feel free to share this to your families for those who live on Okinawa and read this (all 2 of you).

So what makes this place tough? It's definitely not the Japanese. Not even with they're out protesting the Marine Corps and their Ospreys, or whatever new incident that happens over the weekend. The reason why this place is so hard and frustrating for the single, unaccompanied active duty member is the Marine Corps itself. More specifically, III MEF.

Even though this is my first (and mostly likely last) duty station in the Navy, I've never seen "one team, one fight" not only be preached, but enforced more often than by III MEF. It's not hard to understand the meaning of "one team, one fight," So I'll spare you a couple minutes of more reading. I will explain how inspiring it is to be considered a part of Team Okinawa that the marines so lovingly forces us into. I hope you get the sarcasm behind these words...anywho, let's get to some examples of the "one team, one fight" concept that those from E-1 all the way to O-10 get to be a part of.
Example 1: Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) "John Doe" and Seaman (E-3) "Jake Doe" both from a reservist base in TEXAS are on island for an overnight stay. After drinking and a late night out, they RAPE a Japanese girl in her 20's. "One team, one fight" was then changed that ALL E-4 and below were to be in liberty groups no smaller than 4 when off base. Curfew was dramatically changed. Gold cards were essentially (and still are) invalid since all personnel were to be back on base or in their place of residence (if married) by 2300. No more being out past midnight for those with gold cards. E-5 and above do not need a liberty buddy when going off base.

Example 2: Senior Airman (E-4) "Jacob Doe" was arrested for breaking into a Japanese apartment on the 3rd floor of the complex where the bar he was drinking, punching a 13 year-old boy in the face, and then proceeded to escape by jumping out the window. This happened after the order of 4 man liberty group, curfew at 2300, and no drinking alcohol off base was issued. I really wish I was making this one up. New restrictions included no drinking in your barracks room or place of residence after 2200. The military was quick to realize how stupid this rule sounded as has since taken it back.

Example 3: Staff Sergeant (E-6) "Ernest Rutherford" was arrested for a DUI and crashing his vehicle that included the cars of 3 Japanese drivers. This was after the 4 man liberty group and no drinking off base rule was passed. So what do the E-4 and below get other than more talks about alcohol? Those with a previous alcohol related incident within 3 years will be put on an even more stricter restriction. E-6 and above don't count because they're considered senior enlisted and not capable of causing such incidents. Oh wait...

Example 4: 1st Lieutenant (O-2) "Tom Sawyer" was arrested for breaking into a Japanese apartment after a night of drinking. He then payed a fine of 100,000 yen (which is somewhere around $1,200-1,300) for the crime and most likely got a slap on the hand from his command. This was also after the 4 man liberty group and no drinking off base rule was passed. The 2 previous example all were kicked out. This officer, he gets to stay. Also, no new restrictions concerning only the officer community were passed, but you best believe that the enlisted (especially the E-4 and below) were given more briefs about alcohol abuse.

There's so many more examples, almost on a weekly basis more. There's just way too much to write about in one post, and I don't think I will continue in the future as I don't want this blog to become all about how living on Okinawa under the tentacles of III MEF is like. Things will happen off base that will give III MEF more reasons to simply punish the E-nothings for the actions of very few. Our leaders, especially in my command, would say "You're all doing great, and keep up the good work. You're all part of the 99% that's doing the right thing. It's because of the 1% that are causing these incidents is why we have restrictions." That's very reassuring there, to let the actions of the "1%" dictate how I can and cannot enjoy my free time in Japan.

Since day 1 of being on this island I've been a liability to III MEF. On the command level, there's no such thing as sleeping in during a 96 due to having to phone muster with someone assigned from each clinic in order for the higher ups to know that we haven't either killed ourselves (because apparently with more days off means that we do want to kill ourselves) or are laying face down in a ditch somewhere. My last 2 training commands haven't been this strict, and I'm supposedly out in the "fleet" where the "real" Navy is.

This is how I've decided on the name of my blog. I personally don't drink or am tempted to drink, even when there's plenty of reasons to. I've never been drunk before to ever experience how a hangover feels, but living here for 2 years with 1 more to go definitely has given me the sense of it. Those of you who have been hungover, I'm sure you can agree with what you've read is just about the same you feel in the morning after some heavy drinking.

If you made it this far on my post, thanks for taking the time to read my rant. I shall leave you with one more picture as a reward :)

'Merica!

                                                               

Jerk Report (Jan 13, 2013)

I've decided to bring it back. Due to a couple people's demand, I proudly bring you the Jerk Report. It's very simple to explain: People are jerks. They are everywhere and in every corner of the earth. I feel it best to call out the ones who stand out, and one "Creep of the Week." No one is safe from this Report, not even me.

3) Even though it's the 3rd week of 2013, the news is still being reported on a daily basis throughout the world and I feel that it needs to be added to this list. No two have made this duo impact since Thelma and Louise took those police officers on a long chase only to end things by driving off a cliff (although I do wish that these two I'm reporting do the same). I'm talking about Kanye West and Kim Kardashian for quite possibly the two world's worst people having a baby together. A human baby. That's not exactly the best way to start a new year for the world, and the news will never end until it turns 18. How dare you two for bringing such a future abomination to the world! Thanks to the two of you, more air is going to taken and space to be wasted. Jerks!

2) Jimmy Savile. Not only are you British, but you sexually assaulted lots of children and probably some teenagers and maybe adults for over 60 years. That's one of the worst crimes one can commit on this planet. Where do you come off getting all powerful thinking that you'd be able to get away with it? You probably thought yourself as a god like General Doucher (Sinclair) and could get away with forced sodomy. I don't have to worry about you not going to jail or anything like that, since the law will make sure of that, unlike General Doucher who will simply walk away with his retirement pay. Jerk.

By the way, E-3 and below on Okinawa: stand by.

1) Flu, I'm calling you out because you're causing a lot of panic back home! I'm seeing maps of states that have been affected by you and blown out of proportion by the news. First it was Sandy, then the Mayans, then Kanye and Kim, now it's you. Actually, if you can get to those two I will take you off as number 1 this week. We can make a deal, just have your people call my people or send me a tweet. Anywho, you're a jerk flu for scaring and getting the world's greatest nation in the history of the world sick!

So that brings us to the Creep of the Week: This one was fairly easy to choose: Lance Armstrong. It's not because of his doping back when he was in the Tour de France or lying about doping to the world ever since. The reason why is because the headlines about him is about considering coming clean for the doping. Then deciding to admit to the doping. Then to plan to talk about the doping. Just get to it! You're sponsors have pulled back, and the rest (if any) will do the same soon. You've already been stripped of your 7 Tour de France titles. So call a news conference and a tons of reporters can ask you questions about it. Don't make the world wait for what we already know. The sooner you talk about it, the sooner people will forget. Therefore, you sir are the Creep of the Week.


So that's about how the Jerk Report goes. If any of my 3 readers would like for me to call anyone out for you (and I seriously don't care who it is) on my Report, let me know and maybe you'll one day see them in a future post. Or you might find yourself on the list :P

HN (FMF?) Lopez

I shouldn't take the time to write this, but that's how weird I am. And in about an hour I'll be calling my girlfriend who's back home in Chicago, although I should ask her if we should wait until Friday night Japan's time. That would be the best option, and for my delaying I'll probably have another night of little sleep. So...what is it that I should be doing? Schooling? Work (ha)? Volunteer firefighter? Advancement exam study?

F.M.F.

The greatest and most desired warfare device that one can earn in the military. Many have attempted to be able to go through the arduous studying, conquer written tests, and dominate the oral boards but have failed to do so. The FMF pin is what divides the gods from the men. A FMF frocking ceremony is like combining the excitement and glory of the World Cup, the World Series, and World War II. In short: It's a big deal.

2 years ago on the island of Okinawa, Japan was a fresh-from-FMTB dental doc who was motivated to make his impact to the command and to the United States Navy. Despite a tough end of 2010, he thought that 2011 will be perfect to start fresh and in good cheer. He was welcomed by his first duty station of 3D Dental Battalion which was under III MEF. Among the many signatures he gave, one was for the FMF program stating that the said dental doc would receive his pin in two years time. Little did he know about the horrors that was awaiting him and those that came after to their respective commands.

Just about 2 years later...

Saturday is my deadline to have my package sent up to the general and blah blah blah. All that's left for me to do is take the group test and the murder board before the Page 13 (contract for you non military) expires. The PQS book all got signed today, and the prac apps was done a long time ago in a base north, north away. What I should be doing is studying for the group test since I still have trouble with the LCE portion and some of the marine doctrine.

Pass or fail the test and murder board by the end of Friday, at least this will finally be over.

My Temporary Break-up with Sleep

Friday marked the last day for my command's port and starboard schedule. Most commands here got to go on this holiday routine, others weren't so lucky. Can you really have a port and starboard routine in the medical field? Not really, since people are constantly getting sick or pretending to be. I do feel bad for those who didn't get to enjoy some days off in a much rather slower pace during the holidays.

This however was not a good holiday schedule for me as I lost A LOT of sleep. Most nights when the following morning was a day off, I'd spend it in front of my laptop watching The Simpsons, watching a movie my room mate put on, video gaming, or surfing the net. Time tended to lose track in those nights but were made up by waking up around noon. But there were times that there was no sleep at all, just tossing and turning in bed for no reason. Usually those nights liked to be when there was work in the morning, so while I sleepily walked across base to work, my brain was still trying to get to bed. As soon as work would be over it would be time to go to the gym, but that proved disastrous because of almost passing out on the treadmill. This were not a fun experience. By the way, I want to personally thank anyone in my command who's reading this for not having computer troubles while I was working during port and starboard. I would have hated having to drive to Schwab or Kinser, another incident is not what Okinawa needs.

So with yesterday being the final day of port and starboard, how did I celebrate? Duty. Oh yes, instead of being able to go home and crash on my bed, I was standing by waiting for possible dental emergencies. I caught myself falling asleep on the  office chair a few times, and thankfully wasn't caught by the right wrong person. Even this morning was tough since I still wanted to get some rest, but I managed to make it out alive by 1130. Turns out that when I'm sleep deprived, I go into auto pilot and lift the censor mechanism. This was personally noticed when I realized that I was flirting with one of the female officers. And no, she didn't scold me for that.

I'd like to end this by saying something about going to bed, but I just woke up not long ago after passing out from a food coma courtesy of CoCo's curry (level 10 of course). Looks like tonight is gonna be just like last week.

Happy New Year!

I don't need to look at the clock to see when the New Year arrives, I just listen to outside of my room with all the drunks hollering and saying farewell to 2012.  Although back home in Visalia it's still 2012 with less than 17 hours to go before I see Facebook blow up with the new year posts from friends and family. I hope you guys are doing ok and don't do anything that will get you killed.

So what do I plan to do for 2013? I definitely want to go back home and see my family again. Since we lost our dog some time ago I'm thinking about getting my mom a new one from the shelter that will hopefully make a great addition to the family. If I do get to come home I'll make sure to go on another road trip again, but with some company. Last time I went home for Thanksgiving I made a solo trip to Provo, Utah mainly for the 12 hour drive and to visit Temple Square since I never actually got to go. If I do get to come back home in April (mainly for my birthday so my command wont ruin it for a 3rd straight year) I may or may not crash the wedding of a certain someone who happens to plan to be married in Tucson, Arizona. If the date keeps, I'll go. Plus it'll give me a very good reason to visit my mission field. Although it's sad to say that I haven't kept in touch with many people from there, so I don't know who I would visit if I did find them online.

Another place I would like to go back to is mainland Japan, either Kyoto or return to Tokyo. Kyoto would be for the historic value of the city and how it still retains much of the history whereas Tokyo has evolved into a concrete jungle, although a very impressive concrete jungle. The other country nearby I'd like to visit is China, however it would be very expensive to go if I signed up with the MCCS group that goes. I don't think I want to drop $3000 and be part of a military tourist group. Can you imagine the Chinese just waltzing into my hotel room while I'm out and about checking to see if I'm a spy? Although it would be funny to witness their faces upon finding a trolling note. That might not bring a smile to the Chinese government, but it would still be worth it :P

Update outside (12:16am): "Happy Birthday" was sung to someone.

The third and most economical plan for the year is to stay put and save my money.  As tough as it is to pick up rank out here, I have the feeling that I wont this coming advancement exam. Other than not studying, it's hard to look good on paper when no collaterals are given to the E-nothings since the command insists that those go to E-4 and above. Yet they tell us to work as if we're already at the next rank, but the credit goes to the person who holds that collateral. The other option is to volunteer, however that doesn't get you much on its own. Plus, with the way things are here, it has not been a great start to my military career. I can go on about my plans for the future, but that alone is a post on its own.

Update outside (12:37am): "Happy Birthday" was sung again. Drunks are funny.

Going to the gym will be a pain this month, with all the losing weight resolutions being made. Earlier today it was fairly crowded for a Monday afternoon on New Year's Eve, but it'll be a whole different song all day when the sun comes back up. There's nothing wrong people wanting to lose weight, it's perfect timing since beach season isn't for another 3-4 months on Okinawa and about 5-6 back in America. If it does get too crowded after work in the gym, I'll start using the small gym in the barracks for lifting and run off base for the cardio. It'll be fun to run the Stairway to Heaven since it's very close, and have never attempted.

With the 96 almost over and two incidents (before New Year's Eve), let's see what will happen to the liberty policy for III MEF. It's most likely going to bring back the Jerk Report.