What up Civilians?!
 4 weeks of training complete and I think I'm getting the hang of Boot Camp.  I don't even care anymore when we dump out our stuff out of our war bags literally 30 times in a row, or duck walking with my foot locker around the squad bay, or throwing my boots across the deck, or whatever other games we play.  Also don't care about getting yelled at anymore.  It's yelling like you've never seen.  So much spit!! Workers at the Chow Hall wear ear plugs because it's so loud. 
 It can still suck and I feel more like a fresh recruit..zoo animal...child..instead of a future Marine.  Guess that's what first Phase is all about; breaking us totally down before they can mold is into the warriors we need to be.  Over the past 4+ weeks I've learned some great lessons.  Confidence is key.  Own everything you do no matter what it is.  Do everything better than anyone has ever done it, whether it's brushing your teeth, making your bed, your job, or just walking around.  People notice confidence.  If you want something, go for it.  Work for it and take it.  I've also learned that everything ends so don't give up on anything.  One way or another whatever is happening will end.  The sun has to rise and fall everyday.  Push through and you'll be much better afterwards.  I've also learned to understand my body and my limits and what I'm capable of. 
 It's easy to go medical here.  You just gotta say something hurts and you get a couple of days off.  At first tons of guys were going medical for tiny things and missing training, then they get behind in their training.  When there's an easy way out of something hard, the temptation is great and yeah, i've been in pain but pushed on and kept training and now feeling better.  Still got blisters and knee pain but I'm not dead so I'm going to keep kicking. 
 Here, you also learn that you're on God's time and will.  There are guys who have been here for 6-12 months for various medical reasons and who knows what else.  Our guide, or platoon leader, has been here for 5 months because he dislocated his knee trying ti flush a toilet with his foot.  His girlfriend gave birth to his first son 2 months ago.  He was supposed to be home before she had the baby.  The other day at PT, he jacked it up again and was dropped....again.  No one wants to be here longer than the 13 weeks but we all want to learn as Marines.  Tomorrow we have Initial Drill before we begin Phase II.  We are prepared and our Senior DI legitimately believes we'll break records.  The other platoons are sure worried and the entire Depot is talking about us.  To hype us tonight we were given tons of free time and they've been playing music.  It feels so good to hear music again!  It also feels good to be able to smile and laugh.  Tonight I even got to take a full 1-minute shower and got more than 25 seconds to shave!  It felt so awesome!  Don't take anything for granted!  Well that's it for now, more to come later.  Feel free to write me.  Getting mail is the best! 
Semper Fidelis, OORAH!
Jaxon