Five Years and Counting

“Put your head between your knees until you arrive and are told to get up.” That was our welcome to Parris Island five years ago on October 24, 2011. It is hard to believe that I have been a Marine for that long already! Time flies when you’re having. . . Fun? The Marine Corps is not all unicorns and rainbows, but I still love the institution, what it stands for, and the difference it makes in our society. God. Honor. Country.

From sea to shining sea, the United States of America has been my home and the country I am most proud of. Of course there have been some pretty low moments in our history and in our current making of history, but it doesn’t make me hate the land of the free and the home of the brave. As long as I have life, I aim to glorify God, bring honor to my family, and defend the country that I love. I have been asked the question of whether or not I will stay in service to our nation should the “wrong” person be elected as President of the United States. My answer to that is simply yes. I did not join the Marine Corps because I liked the ones in charge. There have been a number of incompetent people I have worked under in my civilian life, but their incompetence or lack of abilities did not deter me from doing something I enjoyed doing. There are insufficient superiors all around us, but that only helps me understand leadership styles and gives me the tools I need in order to sculpt my leadership style. We can learn from those above us and around us. Ultimately I am a patriot, and a true patriot would not quit his service to his country because his leadership fails. My immediate leadership has failed me many times, but here I am; a patriot ready to defend his faith, his family, and his country. “. . . So help me God.”

There have been a lot of things happening in central Florida. One of the cool things I got to be a part of was ‘Night of Joy’ at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex. It was basically a 2-night Christian music festival. I got extra hours that week and I got to do fun recreational things on the fields. Something else that has been happening is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. It is basically a giant Halloween party with a bunch of extra cool things including a different fireworks show. That is a separately ticketed event that I will probably not go to. I’m waiting for the Christmas parties to start! I did, however, get to go on a fireworks cruise to watch the Halloween fireworks. Very cool! Another big thing that has happened here is our 45th anniversary! Happy anniversary Walt Disney World! On October 1st we celebrated 45 years with limited edition buttons, limited edition merchandise, and even limited edition park maps at the Magic Kingdom. Plus we got to have a cast party at the Contemporary Resort. The Contemporary Resort is one of three resorts that are original to the property. It is an honor to work at such a historical place.

Of course we cannot forget that Hurricane Matthew was another big thing that happened recently. Walt Disney World did anther historical thing by closing all four of its theme parks for the 4th time in its 45 year history due to weather. We shut down operations property-wide 5pm on Thursday Oct 6th which allowed operations to lock everything down. We were tying down pool furniture and other things all day Thursday. All WDW transportation was suspended that evening and guests were encouraged to remain at their home resort until transportation was permitted again. Not even taxis were allowed to drive in after 9pm that night. So we did what Disney does best and remained with the guests in order to turn this loss into a win. We set up a movie theatre in one of our ballrooms, had a ton of activities in the ballroom next door, and we were fortunate to have some of our favorite characters seek shelter with us also. Our cast also got to stay in one of the Contemporary hotel rooms. Very fancy. On that Friday we were indoors most of the day until we were cleared to open one of our pools. The Contemporary pool opened up at around 6pm that night. It was a long day, but I enjoyed being there to assist in maintaining the operation.

Another highlight (lowlight?) of recent events is that Amy and I are no longer together. In short, she called me and told me things should no longer continue between us. Unfortunately, after a one-sided discussion, she cut me off completely and we are no longer in communication. Anybody want to go to the Marine Corps Ball with me? :) I have a $70 ticket that I can’t return. o_O

Some fortunate news is that we had our scheduling bid last week. Now we wait to hear back as to who got what. Ready to get those Sundays off and be a part of a new community down here! Later on in winter we will be going to ten hour days wth four days on and three days off. With that, I will probably get part time work somewhere else. Three days off is too much. Haha. There’s a nice Starbucks three minutes from my house. There is also a Publix walking distance away. We shall see! 

Thank you to those who are continuing to pray for me and those who checked up on me during the hurricane. You the true MVP! Sorry if I never texted you back during the hurricane. I was working around the clock. To the camp family: I miss you (and tell your kids to stop growing so fast). To the friends: come visit me! To the haters: you do you. To the family: come visit me (and I love you)! Florida has been good guys. I miss everyone, but I am thankful for life’s opportunities the Lord has provided. Until next time: Be strong. Love God. Love others.

rejoice.always