So, It's Been Awhile...

So yes, it has definitely been a while since I have last posted. Things are pretty much the same, except I have not PCSed to Fort Hood quite yet. Still at the good old Relaxin' Jackson. I hate it. 
I've had more tests done, yet a conclusion on the diagnosis has not yet been reached. The theory at the moment, is that the anesthetic that I was given for my appendectomy, was uptaken by my gallbladder, and somehow in the mix, permanently damaged my GB. I was given a HIDA scan, a nuclear test to determine the function of the gallbladder. Normal ranges are from 35%-75%. Mine was performing at a whoping 95%. So, I have a hyperkinetic gallbladder. I'm sick of dealing with it, so I just want them to whip that b**** out and get it over with. I am waiting for another appointment with my GI doc and then hopefully, I will get a referral to talk to the general surgeon to see about taking this thing out.
On the better side, I just got home, on leave, for 2 weeks. I needed this break so bad, because Jackson is driving me absolutely insane!
I am home on 2 weeks of leave. It's been absolutely amazing to be home for a bit. But, on the other side of things, I am ready to get this thing figured out.

Back to Work.

Finally back to work this week. Been working on brakes on the PLS, M1000 and HMMWVs. Wooo fun. But, not really. 


Waitin on test results (ANA and Sed. Rate) from the doc. And then, hopefully there will be some sort of answer. Waitin for the permanent profile to waiver situps because apparently Majors dont know how to properly take out an appendix. Pain 24/7 for the past 8 mths. Its horrible.


Other than that, not much is going on. PCSing to Fort Hood in mid-July and I can't wait to get the hell outta here!

Thank You President Obama.

Amazing how something with no vulgarity can be one of the most
insulting and powerful messages to Obama that I have seen to date!


OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT:

Dear Mr. Obama,
Thank you for not going to Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day.
There is something very sacred about that place and about that day.
Those who bled and died for this country deserve to be honored and saluted by people who love their country and honor their sacrifice.
You don't belong there.

Oraig P. Jacobi
Col, USA (Ret)
McLean, Va

~The flag does not fly because of the wind that blows it.
The flag flies because each soldiers' last breath blows by it.~

Things We Hate About the Army. And Love.

I think boredom has gotten the best of me today.


Things We Hate About the Army.


1. Work harder, not smarter.
2. KP.
3. Egotistical Officers that think they are a better person because they make more money.
4. Head Count.
5. "Hey You" details.
6. Flu Shots. Mandatory Flu Shots.
7. FMs
8. TMs
9. AARs
10. Mass Punishment.
11. The Beret.
12. WWTABWA. (what would the army be without acronyms).
13. Sounding off.
14. Lack of privacy. You are NEVER alone.
15. The retired ones who work on a contract. They think they still outrank you. The minute you got out, I didn't have to listen to you anymore!
16. Drive on!
17. Drink Water!
18. 800 mg Ibuprofen
19. Discouragement of creativity and ingenuity.
20. Packing lists.
21. If it makes sense, its wrong!
22. Guard duty/Staff Duty/CQ
23. If they rank higher, they are right.
24. Parade Rest.


We Love This About the Army.


1. Free medical/dental
2. Free housing and utilities. 
3. College money.
4. 30 days of paid leave per year.
5. Guaranteed Paycheck.

Some Catch Up.

So, some things since I last wrote. 


Prince William and Kate married.
Osama bin Laden is dead.

Yup, thats pretty much everything lol.


As for me, the endoscopy was fine (ulcers were healed), biopsies were negative, and every other single test that I have had has been negative thus far. Tests like xrays, CT scans, a HIDA scan, and endoscopies are all normal. So, why am I always so sick? Ended up in the hospital friday night because I was puking my everlasting brains out and the CQNCOIC (charge of quarters non commissioned officer in charge) made me go. They admitted me, gave me fluids, watched me, did tests and let me go with a provisional diagnosis of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS - not quite like the store tho). They also are finally starting to catch on that it might not be the GI system directly. But, they also threatened me with a medical discharge...and I don't want that. I have never been to sick call or the hospital at my own free will. I am always made to go. Yet, they still question my ability to perform as a soldier. Hmmm, well follow ups this week. Hopefully, I will be able to convince them that I belong in the military and will have no problems...even if that takes a bit of lying. 

Stuck.

Just been here at Charlie Company. Same crap different day. 2 new platoons are here. And unfortunately, they decided to move three of the females into my room. They snore. It sucks. So lets see. I have an endoscopy with biopsies on tuesday. Hopefully they will find some answers as to why the medications are not helping the ulcers. Just been pullin CQ shifts out my ass, so boring is an understatement. I'm on a special workout from one the SSG's here. Well, technically, hes a SSG (P), and he likes to throw that out there. 
Other than that, not much has been going on. Can't wait to get outta here and PCS to Drum. Hooah, out.

I'm Having Separation Issues.

So, after I spent a couple days back at Charlie Co, our Sgts wanted the weekend off. Perfectly understandable. But, in order to make that happen, we would have to not be there. Their solution? They sent us to Echo Co. Dayuummm, they have some real dawgs here. Makes me appreciate how our 1SG took care of the females. Pulled a bunch of details today, including working in the armory. Its been Heat Cat IV here for the past few days, but being from TX has been to my advantage, because honestly, it's really not that hot. Unblousing all their uniforms is totally unnecessary and makes them look all jacked up. 
As for other stuff, went to the GI Specialist again today. Medication was switched to see if that was the cause of my ongoing symptoms. I have a gallbladder ultrasound on Friday and if that comes back ok, I go back in for another endoscopy and more biopsies. Fingers crossed. I love the military and I don't want these issues to keep me from achieving my ultimate goal. Drink water drive on. Hooah!

Playing Army Again

Got back to Fort Jackson yesterday around 1800. Didn't know people would be excited to see me, but I got a lot of hugs. Got my stuff unpacked, for the most part, but left some of it packed on account of moving companies once I get medically cleared. 
Our wake up was at 0330 today so that they could get ready for graduation. Went to put out flags at batallion and then chow. After chow, helped clean more and then off to the ceremony to be ushers. Basically, we did whatever was asked of us, including cleaning. After graduation was the hard part. I had to watch everyone leave. It was actually harder than what I thought it was going to be. It is what it is. We are stuck as med holds. Not horrible, but definitely boring. Basically, it feels like I'm stuck at home and grounded. Details whenever they need us. And just sitting around when they don't. 
My follow up with my doctor is tomorrow morning at 0945. I don't exactly know whats going to go down, whether or not I will be cleared. But we will see. 

It Just Doesn't Stop.

Just as I was getting over the bout with bronchitis, I woke up one morning and could not move my left ankle at all. The pain is actually what woke me up around 0600. The first thought that came to mind was, "I'm not supposed to go back to the company more broke than when I left." So, that's when the adventure started. This pain was worse than the actual surgery I had on the ankle back in October 2009. And, it wasn't the first time I had dealt with it. I called for my mom to go get my boot from the surgery. It was the only way I could see me walking. I called my old surgeon (who did both the knee and ankle surgery) and they told me to go see someone ASAP. Went back to that Urgent Care Place (Doctors Express). They took xrays, and told me that it looked like I had broken the graft site and the tendon had fallen out of the bone. Grrreattt. They thought it was the horrible sprain I had had back in basic training. They ordered an MRI. The only problem is that my TriCare, only has Direct Service at the moment, meaning I can only get treatment at MTFs (military treatment facilities). I went home with a prescription for Vicodin and rested the rest of the day. Then, nighttime. I was in so much pain I cried most of the night, not getting any more than 1 hour of sleep the whole night. Off to the hospital the next day at 0700. Except with the ER, they wont do MRIs for something so "simple." So, we eventually called Fort Hood. They said come on in, we will get it taken care of. Took the 30 minute drive there, sat a bit, got more xrays, and then went to see the doctor. He thought it was a rather simple case, after hearing about my previous reconstruction surgery. He came in after seeing the xrays and does the normal meet and greet. He goes, "You have arthritis." I went, "Huh?" as my mom goes, "What?". "You have arthritis," he repeated. Oh. Turns out I have severe arthritis resulting from the surgery. This episode of pain was just a flare-up. He gave me some Vicodin and some Prednisone. I wish he was my first doctor in this mess.
So, after a couple days of the Prednisone treatment and still taking a Vicodin when I need it, the arthritis is slowly going back into remission. He told me it would keep flaring up at random times for the rest of my life. But, at least next time, I'll know exactly what to do.
As for my military career, I don't know where this will take me. I guess I'll find out when I go back to Fort Jackson and talk to my doctor. I love the military. It's my life and I don't want it taken away from me.

80 Degrees!

Today was pretty warm, with the high being in the low 80s. AC time!!! Stayed in most of the day because of the heat and on account of still feeling pretty sh***y. Went out a little bit later to the local mall to walk around to get outta the house for a bit. Bought another bottle of my absolute favorite makeup ever. Its the Double Wear Maximum Coverage by Estee Lauder. 

It is, by far, the best foundation I have ever used. I love it! Yes, it is more on the pricier side, at $35, but it is worth it. One bottle last months. It has the best coverage I have a found, while still maintaining a natural looking color and not causing any breakouts for me. Love it! 

Blahhh

Finally took my stubborn butt to an Urgent Care place called Doctors Express (since I don't have a PCP here). They were quick, business like and to the point. I have bronchitis. Figures. He gave me a Z-Pack and some Cheratussin AC and sent me on my way. Puts a damper on my PT for a bit because I can barely breathe sitting here, yet alone running 4 miles. Been doing a lot of ab work. Better than nothing. 
While I was out getting the prescriptions filled, picked up a book. 

Almost halfway through it, and absolutely loving it. The main character, Carrie McGavock, is a lady who's house became a field hospital during the Battle of Franklin on Nov 30, 1864. It was 5 of the bloodiest hours in the Civil War. Her plantation also served as a cemetery for nearly 1,500 soldiers that lost their lives fighting. As she is helping two doctors care for more than 2,000 soldiers, a passion is growing for a wounded soldier named Zacharia Cashwell, a louie for the Confederates. The story is told by many different views, both the rebel and union side and through the eyes of the civilians watching this terrible all-consuming war.
Guess we will see how that plays out. Here's to feeling better quick.

Mucinex In. Mucous, Out. Yea Right.

Woke up feeling worse than yesterday. Chest pain radiating to my back, that horrible barking cough, and chest congestion. I wanna cough that stuff up but I can't. So, I got some MucinexDM, figuring that commercials were pretty convincing. 

I'll admit it works, but very subtly. And, it doesn't last long, though it tells you not to take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. So, going to give it one more night, monitor the fever and possibly go to an Urgent Care place called Doctors Express, since I don't have a doctor here. Pneumonia was going around the barracks when I left. So, we will see.

Since Today Was Payday...

Stopped by my local Cavender's Boot City today. And, of course, every time I go there, I always fall in love with something. This time, was another pair of Ariat Boots. They are a rustic brown, square toed 13" boot with the 4LR insole. The picture below is the most similar one I could find. 

I thought my other Ariat's, that I purchased for prom, were comfy, but these outrank them, not only with the comfort and support, but by the price as well. 

As for other stuff today, went up to the track and ran about 2 miles at a prettty good pace. And, it seems, that everytime I'm on leave, I get sick. Every time. Oh well, just popped some NyQuil, so I'm in for a good night's sleep, hopefully without coughing up a lung.

Yet Another Day.

A rather uneventful day here in Texas. Did stop by my local AT&T Store and picked up an iPhone 3GS. So far, i love it. The hardest thing to get used to is the autocorrect system when I text. Cuz, if yall are anything like me, i don't use proper English when I talk, yet along text. So, the phone is "adapting" to how I text and it gets better with every text I send. 

The bill did jump a little bit from my original T-Mobile service, but for what the iPhone does, I would say, so far, it's worth it. Got 450 minutes, 5 GB data (for internet tethering in the barracks) and unlimited texting (duhh, of course). And, with the unlimited texting, comes free mobile-to-mobile calling. And lets face it, who has a landline now a days. So, the 450 minutes are more than enough for 1 month. 

Oh, and I was right about my workout yesterday. So sore and only to be more so after today's muscle failure.

Freedom of Speech?!?!?

I'm sure people have heard about the issue surrounding people protesting at military funerals. As a soldier myself, I was more than outraged. To have protesters at a funeral of a military hero, shouting and displaying provocative messages, has shown me what America is coming to. At one time, members of the armed forces were highly regarded and idolized. Now, we are just another person. But protesting at a place of mourning, in sight of a family that just lost their loved one overseas, is NOT American! 


http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-08/politics/homosexuality.protest_1_topeka-based-westboro-baptist-church-funerals-protests?_s=PM:POLITICS

Sure, America is known for our freedoms, including freedom of speech. But, isn't/shouldn't there be some sort of restrictions, holding these psychotic "people", from delivering untimely and un-American, downright outrageous comments? 


A group (Patriot Guard) was started to "get between" protesters and the funeral. It is a good cause and definitely something everyone should fully support. Here is their link:


patriotguard.org

My Basic Experience

I ran across the poem I found myself writing every Sunday during Basic Training at the great Fort Lost in the Woods, Misery in the amazing wintertime.


We pulled up to the 43rd,

On a bus we arrived.

We didn't know what to expect,

But that was one hell of a drive.

The drill sergeant came on,

and we had a little talk.

They told us what to do,

and we made that fateful walk.

We tucked in our shirts,

and pulled back all our hair.

They started to yell,

and we felt the despair.

With our bag in one hand,

we filed into the hall.

We sat on the benches,

definitely not having a ball.

We sat and we listened,

and turned in all our phones.

We made one last call,

and wanted to go home.

We received out PTs,

and made our way to our bed.

We turned in at 0200,

and boy were we dead.

Wake up was at zero-five,

and chow not much later.

We were convinced that the drill sergeants,

were total people haters.

We got out uniforms,

our boots and berets.

We couldn't wait to wear them,

Gosh, that made our day.

We lined up in medical,

still full of some laughs.

Until we got that peanut-butter shot,

You know, that one in your ass?

We left that room,

with pain on our face.

The others laughed at us,

As we did squats and lunges all over the place.

After 7 long days,

in a place almost like hell.

We had new drill sergeants,

that were ready to yell.

We got on that bus,

that feeling in the air.

We thought we knew it before,

it was utmost despair.

We got off the bus,

at the next place we would live.

Where we'd stay for 10 weeks,

and get the training they give.

We ran to formation,

our duffels on our front.

Being yelled at and screamed at,

and feeling like the runt.

We held those duffels above our hear,

and wanted to turn back.

We wanted to quit and go home,

And then we thought, "Oh shit, its shark attack."

We ran to our places,

with a sense of ultimate doom.

We stood in a line

and was assigned our platoon.

We filed into the war bay,

and our day had begun.

We knew without a doubt,

this wasn't gonna be fun.

That dreaded day came,

when we were gonna be gassed.

We started freaking out,

as we sealed and cleared our masks.

Filing into that small room,

DS Stocker was cooking that gas.

He made it hella strong,

and we wanted to haul ass.

We ran outta the chamber,

as fast as we could.

Flapping our arms,

like retarded looking birds.

We walked in circles,

with snot on our face.

With pictures being taken

As we puked all over the place.

In first aid that day,

we couldn't shut up,

DS Vordick had the honor of,

introducing us to the 8-count pushup.

The next big training,

was when we threw grenades.

We laughed behind the shelter,

as we watched others charades.

Next was the warrior tower,

with that rope so tight around our waist.

When it came time for chow,

we couldn't even taste.

As we started the confidence course,

we were all having fun.

We braved Jacob's Ladder,

and jumped in the mud.

We navigated all through the day,

and all through the night.

And we held onto each others CamelBacks,

oh so very tight.

We rode to the building,

we were all so enthused.

On the day we got fitted,

for our very own dress blues.

On our 2nd PT test,

After the 2 mile run.

That fateful day came,

and white phase begun.

Toleafoa was our first PG,

and with that it brought,

the promise of blue phase,

or so we thought.

BRM came and went,

we showed our hard work.

We all qualified,

and had 7 experts.

We sparred and we grappled,

combatives was a blast.

A concussion and a chokeout,

cuz 4th platoon kicked ass.

We were packed on a bus,

to buy tickets for leave.

We knew in an instant,

we would soon have reprieve.

We cleared all the hallways,

and searched all the rooms.

We stumbled up a stairway,

thinking, "Can we go soon?"

We crawled through the mud and climbed up all the ropes,

the warlords were definitely in the zone.

And when it came to pick the best two,

Toleafoa and Mitchell brought that PECS banner home.

On the night before FTX3,

We packed up our rucks.

Our duffels were loaded,

and we knew we were outta luck.

We showed what we learned,

and did what we were told.

We shook and we shivered,

but we were always so damn cold.

Throughout 10 weeks,

we took an hour a night.

To sit in a chair or clean,

fireguard was never a delight.

As we learned the ins and outs,

and what the drill sergeants didn't allow.

We found our way of tracking time,

by living chow to chow.

Sunday was our favorite day,

getting through the week was a chore.

But after this experience, Sundays

are truly more sacred than before.

As we prepare to leave,

with pain and bruises galore.

Take what you learned and who you met,

And remember, WE ARE 4TH PLATOON WARLORDS! 




Thought I would share my experience, though the poem makes it seem a little bit easier. To be honest though, overall, I was disappointed in my basic experience. It was not physically challenging, almost like a joke. They graduated people that should not, without any doubt in my mind, be in the military at all. I would never trust some of those people ever. But they completed the tasks and passed their PT tests, so they had to graduate. At the end of basic, my battles and I stood in a circle, and could barely pick 15 people of the ENTIRE company (230 people) that we would go to war with.     What has the military come to these days? We had multiple people that just wanted their citizenship, so they figured the military was the way to go. I do not want to fight alongside some of these soldiers. Yes, they wear the same uniform as I, but they did not take the training the same as I did. To them, it was a total joke. Someday, they are gonna be responsible for someone else's life in their unit. And no joke, they are going to get someone killed. A day that I will mourn. 

Damn, these Boots Are Comfy!!!!

Gotta share these boots. I absolutely love these things. They are by far the most comfortable pair of boots (actually most comfy shoes, period) that I have ever owned. They are the BlackHawk Warrior Wear Desert Ops. I am definitely in love with them. I found mine at the Tactical Store at Fort Leonard-Wood and they are worth every penny (around $130) that I paid for them. 

My First Post

So here's my first post of the new blog. 


To go from having every moment of every day occupied with something to having absolutely nothing to do is the most difficult thing I've had to deal with. Other than fitting in with the civilian world again, the whole nothing to do thing definitely takes the gold. 


It is day 5 of my medical leave and I have no idea what to do. No one here to say, "Jenkins, do this. Jenkins, do that."  I honestly barely remember what "relax" means. 


After 2 months of a no PT profile, I'm starting to recover and start my rigorous schedule of PT. Got to it with muscle failure yesterday and 2 runs today. Definitely-gonna-be-feelin-it-tomorrow kind of work outs. Guess we'll see!