So I'm stationed in a completely different country. I've been taken out of my safety bubble, and put in a situation that's either pass or fail. But, we all know that I won't take failure as an option. If at first you don't succeed...get up off your ass and keep fighting the good fight.
It's funny, because the more I think about it, the more I realize that life doesn't care how you do. If you utterly fail at life, it still continues. There's no pause button. There's no rewind. Even though there are things that I'm not proud of, I can't take them back, so I have to take the blows life's given me, and throw some back of my own. I'm not looking for the cure-all, but I'm not trying to just skate on by, either.
As a Marine, I'm supposed to be ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 48-72 hours. Such is the case, even if I am in a shitty unit. There's nothing that I can really do about it, especially being a Junior Marine. But, I can always try to take a shitty situation and make it less shitty. As the posters go: "I Didn't Promise You A Rose Garden". Fuck roses, anyways...they're overrated.
"Remember Where You Came From": what a good ghetto proverb to live by. Remember the struggles my mom had to go through raising me as a single parent. Remember where I was and how far I've come. Now isn't the time for a relapse. Sure, certain things that people say to me bring me down, and they always will. But, I can always use their derogatory statements as motivation. It's easy to turn tears into sweat, it's just a matter of how you look at things. The more that you sweat in war, means you'll bleed less in war. Learn it, love it, and live by it. If "love is a battlefield", then so is life. Thank God I'm on the winning team.
I think it's time that I stop taking this whole situation as it as and being go-with-the-flow, and start playing some of those famous "fuck-fuck" games. I feel like I'm surrounded by shitbags, but it doesn't mean I have to be just like them. They chose their path, I just have to blaze my own. I just have to take that path less traveled. So that way, my higher-ups can see that I can do their job better, and I can come out top dog. I'll run the dog pound if I have things my way.
Semper Fidelis
20090411
20090317
Lucky 13
"I can't be home tonight, I'll make it back its alright
No one could ever love me half as good as you"
Since the last time I've been on here, a whole lot has happened, both positive, and negative. With respect to each, I thought that I'd take a moment to update.
As everyone may already know, I've been kicking names and taking ass, all while trying to find my niche in the world. These last couple of months have been especially "challenging", both physically and mentally, with an emphasis on the mind-fucking.
Although I would love to say that I love life, in my line of work death is something that I have to deal with on a somewhat-regular basis. As such, I've had to deal with more friends moving onto the Afterlife. I'll admit it hurts to see a friend pass, but I've learned that there isn't much that you can do. Once you're ticket is up, Death comes and cashes in. He "always gets His".
Fort "Lost in the Woods", Missouri: fuck you and your meth-infected hick towns. Enough said about that shithole.
As for the love life...wow. Let's just say that she makes me love life. For once I've found myself :gasp: committing. I never thought that I would say that word ever again, let alone remember what it meant, however, she she's through my bullshit and brings out the best in me: a side that I never show. She keeps me on my toes, and always keeps the gears turning. Even though I'm fiercely private about my personal life, I just want the World to know how happy she makes me, and how lucky I am to have her in my life. No more cigarettes or alcohol: she's my new addiction. Standby, because once I get my sword, the games end and the real fun begins.
I'm going to miss my family over these next two years more than I'd like to admit. It hurts to think about the times that we don't see eye-to-eye, which is almost everyday. Those aren't the memories that I'd like to remember them by, but they're better than nothing, right? So much blood, sweat, and tears went into my 18+ years at home that I swear it's painted into the walls, but I'm finally glad to say that I'm somewhat established on my own in the real world. I don't have to rely on anything or anybody else to take care of me, and finally have some arm candy. It doesn't hurt that I'm a Marine, either.
So even though this It's the middle of March, and it's a little late for New Year's resolutions, I'm still starting over new. Starting from scratch, and this time I won't fuck it up, you can bet money on it.
No one could ever love me half as good as you"
Since the last time I've been on here, a whole lot has happened, both positive, and negative. With respect to each, I thought that I'd take a moment to update.
As everyone may already know, I've been kicking names and taking ass, all while trying to find my niche in the world. These last couple of months have been especially "challenging", both physically and mentally, with an emphasis on the mind-fucking.
Although I would love to say that I love life, in my line of work death is something that I have to deal with on a somewhat-regular basis. As such, I've had to deal with more friends moving onto the Afterlife. I'll admit it hurts to see a friend pass, but I've learned that there isn't much that you can do. Once you're ticket is up, Death comes and cashes in. He "always gets His".
Fort "Lost in the Woods", Missouri: fuck you and your meth-infected hick towns. Enough said about that shithole.
As for the love life...wow. Let's just say that she makes me love life. For once I've found myself :gasp: committing. I never thought that I would say that word ever again, let alone remember what it meant, however, she she's through my bullshit and brings out the best in me: a side that I never show. She keeps me on my toes, and always keeps the gears turning. Even though I'm fiercely private about my personal life, I just want the World to know how happy she makes me, and how lucky I am to have her in my life. No more cigarettes or alcohol: she's my new addiction. Standby, because once I get my sword, the games end and the real fun begins.
I'm going to miss my family over these next two years more than I'd like to admit. It hurts to think about the times that we don't see eye-to-eye, which is almost everyday. Those aren't the memories that I'd like to remember them by, but they're better than nothing, right? So much blood, sweat, and tears went into my 18+ years at home that I swear it's painted into the walls, but I'm finally glad to say that I'm somewhat established on my own in the real world. I don't have to rely on anything or anybody else to take care of me, and finally have some arm candy. It doesn't hurt that I'm a Marine, either.
So even though this It's the middle of March, and it's a little late for New Year's resolutions, I'm still starting over new. Starting from scratch, and this time I won't fuck it up, you can bet money on it.
20081009
Chesty Puller for President
While I was undergoing training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, I had to put up with many stresses that would seem otherwise impossible. I had to put up with suicidal squad mates, sadistic Drill Instructors, and worst of all...people that do not care to vote. If there is anything in America that upsets me more, it is those that "choose" not to vote. Men and women died to ensure that we can vote, and yet these "Americans" do not exercise this right. It's "their choice" not to vote because "it doesn't count anyways". Non-voters are typically the first to complain about any issue. Even more-so disgusting: the recruits in my platoon had no intention of voting for the next President of the United States of America.
Let me break it down for you:
Here in America, there is a Military.
This Military is responsible for protecting America and its interests.
Here in America, we vote for someone to make decisions for us.
This person is the President.
He is Commander-in-Chief of the Military.
More-so importantly, the Marine Corps' purpose is to carry out actions that the President may direct.
Even more interesting...we are Marines.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I see a significant importance to vote for the next President.
But which to vote for?
Although issues like Gay Marriage, Abortion, Immigration, etc. can be debated for years to come, there are a couple of issues that directly effect me even more than those aforementioned. Believe it or not, the United States is engaged in a Global War on Terrorism, with battles being fought on multiple fronts. Believe what you'd like, we will be involved in these conflicts for many years to come...or so I thought. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama wishes to withdraw U.S. troops from the battlefields and "bring the boys home". As enticing as this sounds, all that Obama will do is move the battlefield from halfway across the world, to American soil. No matter what is done by way of rebuilding or reparation, the terrorists will always try to do what they do best: instill terror. By withdrawing our forces from the Middle East, Obama will be making it easier for radical groups such as al-Qaida and the Mahdi Army to travel to the "Land of the Free". September 11 will look like child's play if American troops are withdrawn from the Middle East.
I believe in a series of checks and balances. The Marine Corps is considered America's "Force in Readiness". In better terms...America has a situation that needs to be dealt with, the Marines are called, and the problem is solved. "But what about Iraq and Afghanistan? Those are problems that are still raging on!" Yes, those two conflicts are still continuing, but only due to politics. The Marines have already proven that they can accomplish any mission, when given free mobility and means to do so. Don't believe me?...look up Operation Just Cause or even Operation Urgent Fury. The Japanese once said that the island of Tarawa would never be taken by "...a million men in a hundred years". How very true they were, because the island was under American control in a matter of days. I assure you it took far less than a million men to do so.
If I look back at history, I'm more than sure that this country was forged in battle, and that battle has made us what we are as Americans. We aren't afraid to back down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable the odds may be. We fight, and we're damn good at it, too.
But what do I know? I don't understand anything, right? I'm "too young" to know any better. Listen up voters, if you won't vote for the President of America, at least do me a favor, and vote so that I can get a chance to exercise my right to protect this great Nation that I have come to love and hold dear to my heart. Give me the chance to go halfway around the world and protect the weak and defenseless. At least let me do that, since you can't do anything for yourselves.
Let me break it down for you:
Here in America, there is a Military.
This Military is responsible for protecting America and its interests.
Here in America, we vote for someone to make decisions for us.
This person is the President.
He is Commander-in-Chief of the Military.
More-so importantly, the Marine Corps' purpose is to carry out actions that the President may direct.
Even more interesting...we are Marines.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I see a significant importance to vote for the next President.
But which to vote for?
Although issues like Gay Marriage, Abortion, Immigration, etc. can be debated for years to come, there are a couple of issues that directly effect me even more than those aforementioned. Believe it or not, the United States is engaged in a Global War on Terrorism, with battles being fought on multiple fronts. Believe what you'd like, we will be involved in these conflicts for many years to come...or so I thought. Presidential hopeful Barack Obama wishes to withdraw U.S. troops from the battlefields and "bring the boys home". As enticing as this sounds, all that Obama will do is move the battlefield from halfway across the world, to American soil. No matter what is done by way of rebuilding or reparation, the terrorists will always try to do what they do best: instill terror. By withdrawing our forces from the Middle East, Obama will be making it easier for radical groups such as al-Qaida and the Mahdi Army to travel to the "Land of the Free". September 11 will look like child's play if American troops are withdrawn from the Middle East.
I believe in a series of checks and balances. The Marine Corps is considered America's "Force in Readiness". In better terms...America has a situation that needs to be dealt with, the Marines are called, and the problem is solved. "But what about Iraq and Afghanistan? Those are problems that are still raging on!" Yes, those two conflicts are still continuing, but only due to politics. The Marines have already proven that they can accomplish any mission, when given free mobility and means to do so. Don't believe me?...look up Operation Just Cause or even Operation Urgent Fury. The Japanese once said that the island of Tarawa would never be taken by "...a million men in a hundred years". How very true they were, because the island was under American control in a matter of days. I assure you it took far less than a million men to do so.
If I look back at history, I'm more than sure that this country was forged in battle, and that battle has made us what we are as Americans. We aren't afraid to back down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable the odds may be. We fight, and we're damn good at it, too.
But what do I know? I don't understand anything, right? I'm "too young" to know any better. Listen up voters, if you won't vote for the President of America, at least do me a favor, and vote so that I can get a chance to exercise my right to protect this great Nation that I have come to love and hold dear to my heart. Give me the chance to go halfway around the world and protect the weak and defenseless. At least let me do that, since you can't do anything for yourselves.
20070914
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Those That Threaten It
The more I think about it, the crazier life is getting. I've had so many thoughts, many of which nobody will ever know of, including myself. For over 12 years, I've been training for knowledge, skills, and character, so I would be able to go out into the world and survive. But in less than 7 months, I'll be training to kill people. It seems like the anti-education. For so long, I've been taught how precious life is, and how I should hold it dear, while in a short while I will be taught how to most efficiently end it. Who am I to decide who lives or dies? Nothing is clear anymore, as there are so many gray lines.
Faith is something that I have much of, but what I have faith in I do not know. There are so many inconsistencies and irrelevancies for anything to be certain. I do not know if I believe in (g)od(s), or not. I know that I do believe in the guidelines set forth in the Qur'an, the Bible, the Torah, and other religious writings. I have a cross tattooed on my left arm, but I realized that for me it does not symbolize a belief in any particular system of ideals, but instead that every single one of us as human beings has a metaphorical "cross to bare". We will all have many challenges throughout life, and will in theory be "crucified" many times over. There won't always be someone there to lend you a helping hand. The tattoo is a reminder to myself of the constant, and infinite, struggles ahead.
I've gone through a great number of deaths in my life. I've stopped being a child, and have cast aside childish ways. I've fallen in and out of the right and wrongs groups. I've made right and wrong decisions. Every time, I am reborn in a new light. Then that light fades, I die, and then am again reborn.
I used to think that football and wrestling would be my way out of Moreno Valley. Everything used to be so planned out. I used to have such high hopes and dreams for the team. Then, when I saw that the leadership failed to unite the players, I gave up. I quit caring. I didn't see a point in playing for a team that wasn't a "team". It felt like a charade, a facade if you will. Every year it was always the same broken promises, broken spirits, and broken dreams. We always had the potential, but it was never utilized.
One thing that I've learned about myself, is that I want to be a leader amongst men. As Adolf Hitler once said:"Strength lies not in defense but in attack." Leaders are those that coordinate the attacks in a war, while followers are those that defend. As applied to my life, I would rather attack life, rather than defend against it. I would much rather steer my own course, than ride passenger. But, I have also realized that a true leader does not lead through words, but by action. When I pass from this Earth, I want to be remembered as someone that people could look up to and wish to be like in ideologies, but also someone that did not use their fame to get where they were. I want to become a leader all of my own accord. I do not want any handouts.
I will never cure cancer, end AIDS, or become a savior of the masses. Nor will anyone else. No matter what advances that man creates to further to path towards immortality, nature will always respond with a new plague, disaster, or ailment. Instead, I will fight nature as best as I can, and carve my own path throughout life. I won't follow in any person's footsteps, nor will I leave any behind for people to tread.
No matter whatever happens throughout life, I know I can survive. In my words, I can find freedom. No matter what persecutions or hardships I will ever face, I will always have my mind to take refuge in. Life is nothing but a battle. A battle that every human being will lose, but one that is not futile.
"Every man is the builder of a temple, called his body, to the god he worships, after a style purely his own, nor can he get off by hammering marble instead. We are all sculptors and painters, and our material is our own flesh and blood and bones."
-Henry David Thoreau
Even though the winds will blow, the rain will fall, the fires will burn, and time will pass, there will always be the monuments in my mind. Monuments that, for eternity, will be as grand and spectacular as the day they were built. And it is in my mind that I will build the monument of my life.
Faith is something that I have much of, but what I have faith in I do not know. There are so many inconsistencies and irrelevancies for anything to be certain. I do not know if I believe in (g)od(s), or not. I know that I do believe in the guidelines set forth in the Qur'an, the Bible, the Torah, and other religious writings. I have a cross tattooed on my left arm, but I realized that for me it does not symbolize a belief in any particular system of ideals, but instead that every single one of us as human beings has a metaphorical "cross to bare". We will all have many challenges throughout life, and will in theory be "crucified" many times over. There won't always be someone there to lend you a helping hand. The tattoo is a reminder to myself of the constant, and infinite, struggles ahead.
I've gone through a great number of deaths in my life. I've stopped being a child, and have cast aside childish ways. I've fallen in and out of the right and wrongs groups. I've made right and wrong decisions. Every time, I am reborn in a new light. Then that light fades, I die, and then am again reborn.
I used to think that football and wrestling would be my way out of Moreno Valley. Everything used to be so planned out. I used to have such high hopes and dreams for the team. Then, when I saw that the leadership failed to unite the players, I gave up. I quit caring. I didn't see a point in playing for a team that wasn't a "team". It felt like a charade, a facade if you will. Every year it was always the same broken promises, broken spirits, and broken dreams. We always had the potential, but it was never utilized.
One thing that I've learned about myself, is that I want to be a leader amongst men. As Adolf Hitler once said:"Strength lies not in defense but in attack." Leaders are those that coordinate the attacks in a war, while followers are those that defend. As applied to my life, I would rather attack life, rather than defend against it. I would much rather steer my own course, than ride passenger. But, I have also realized that a true leader does not lead through words, but by action. When I pass from this Earth, I want to be remembered as someone that people could look up to and wish to be like in ideologies, but also someone that did not use their fame to get where they were. I want to become a leader all of my own accord. I do not want any handouts.
I will never cure cancer, end AIDS, or become a savior of the masses. Nor will anyone else. No matter what advances that man creates to further to path towards immortality, nature will always respond with a new plague, disaster, or ailment. Instead, I will fight nature as best as I can, and carve my own path throughout life. I won't follow in any person's footsteps, nor will I leave any behind for people to tread.
No matter whatever happens throughout life, I know I can survive. In my words, I can find freedom. No matter what persecutions or hardships I will ever face, I will always have my mind to take refuge in. Life is nothing but a battle. A battle that every human being will lose, but one that is not futile.
"Every man is the builder of a temple, called his body, to the god he worships, after a style purely his own, nor can he get off by hammering marble instead. We are all sculptors and painters, and our material is our own flesh and blood and bones."
-Henry David Thoreau
Even though the winds will blow, the rain will fall, the fires will burn, and time will pass, there will always be the monuments in my mind. Monuments that, for eternity, will be as grand and spectacular as the day they were built. And it is in my mind that I will build the monument of my life.
20070616
It Can't Always Be Someone Else's Son
Everybody has been asking me lately why it is that I decided to join the United States Marine Corps. I told them that they would never understand, and it's true for alot of people. But, for the record, I'm going to let everyone know why it is that I joined, and encourage any of those that feel the same way as I do to enlist. First of all, I joined, because I love my country. I believe that the United States is the greatest place on Earth. In order to make it that way, there have been those before me that gave their lives up in sacrifice. People died so that we could enjoy all of the liberties that we currently enjoy. Too many people take these things for granted, and I hope one day they'll realize that "All gave some, but some gave All". I'm tired of everybody badmouthing the United States Armed Forces, and I am extremely disappointed in how it has become "cool" to do so. So, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. I have always supported the military, and I will always support those that fight, or have fought before me. Second of all, we are in a religious war. Those that say we aren't are clearly trying to blanket the situation. There is a holy war going on between radical-Islam, and Christianity. Around the world, Christians are being beheaded, raped, murdered, and tortured all because they are not Muslim. As a Christian, I cannot let this go unpunished. For it is written. "Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, For what he deserves will be done to him" (Isaiah 3:11). The Lord also said, "I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the LORD when I lay My vengeance on them" (Ezekiel 25:17). As it is written, so shall it be done, for I am the Lord's servant. Gone are the days of trying to appeal to the masses. I believed that it was time for me to fight for what I believe in, and that's exactly what I intend to do. Lastly, I wanted to set an example for my siblings. I know that they look up to me, but I want to show them that there are things in life that are bigger than oneself. As a Marine, and also for being in the Armed Forces, I know that I will undergo a massive amount of persecution. There will always be more people that hate, rather than those that support. But, I will forever have my brothers in arms to stand beside, whether they be Marines, soldiers, seamen, airmen, or others in the Armed Forces. I've joined something that means more to me than any could ever comprehend. With that being said, I thank those that have gone before me, and I hope that I can continue the precedent that has been set forth. And on one last note, I wish all to remember to never take freedom for granted, because freedom is never free.
Throughout history only two people have ever been willing to die for you, one was Jesus Christ, the other was an American soldier. One died for your soul, the other died for your freedom.
Throughout history only two people have ever been willing to die for you, one was Jesus Christ, the other was an American soldier. One died for your soul, the other died for your freedom.
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