I have some time to kill...
The power is out on base (The whole base? I dunno, but most definitely the parts that matter!) The power is out here in the barracks and, most importantly, the mess hall, where we gobble down "delicious" cafeteria-style food. No power means no food. When you're used to eating at 6 am everyday, the tummy doesn't like to wait. Current wait time: 3 hours and counting. Not that I'm complaining, I know I'm not going to waste away and die if I miss a meal... I could stand to miss a few meals anyway!
The whole business of being a vegetarian and being in the army does have its challenges. I knew that it wasn't going to be a walk in the park, or rather a march in the park (haha!) trying to maintain my no meatness. They have meat in everything here, the salads, the potato salads, the pastas. I've been living off spinach leaves and yogurt... Ok I'm kidding, but it does suck balls some days when you want a hot meal and your only option is rice. Woohoo.
My BMQ course instructors didn't really care that I was a vegetarian. They didn't/wouldn't order me vegetarian boxed lunches or "Hay Box" dinner when we were out in the field all day. There are 2 of us veggie lovaz on this BMQ(L) course (and I think these guys actually care a little more.) so we "get the special treatment", and get to consume a decent meal out in the field besides a few granola bars and puddings.
I would have never thought that I'd enjoy weapons and blowing shit up so much! Who'da thunk! I've been trained on and have shot/used the C7 Rifle, C6 General Purpose Machine Gun, C9 Machine Gun, M72 Rocket Launcher and Grenades. I have some awesome video of me using most of these weapons, I'll post a video on YouTube to share the awesome when I get home.
No lie, BMQ was really hard on me. The course was run by 2PPCLI members, an infantry unit, which means they are hardcore motherfuckers! I'm thankful for them NOW, but I wanted to quit almost every second I was on that course. How embarrassingly weak of me. I still ran and marched through the pain, doubt and misery, determined to stick to it. Thousands have done this before me and I knew that I had it in me to stick to it. I would cry, my weakest moments, and I'd force myself to open my fucking eyes, like really open my eyes and SEE and feel why I was here.
One weak moment that I replay often was when I was marching at the back of the platoon, trying to keep up, I was sore, tired, completely fuckered, tears rolling down my face. My brain was attempting to think of valid reasons as to why I should quit, why I should not be there, how the fuck I could get out of here without seeming like a lame ass quitter... And that's when I looked up as the unit marched left and I saw everyone doing it... I saw the Canadian flags on their left shoulders and I saw the uniform, I saw every last one of them doing it and I felt proud to be apart of them. I felt the honor. I put an end to my fucking pity party, I held my head up high, put my shoulders back and swing my arms high. HUA.
I missed my moms wedding on July 8th because I was here doing my military training. The photos I've see makes me really sad that I missed it but this is something I need to do.
I have approx. 2.5 weeks left here at CFB Shilo. 2.5 weeks left of my BMQ(L) course. Phew. I've been here in Manitoba, gone from my Rubi, gone from my lovelies, gone from my soft sweet comfy bed for 50 days now. I do miss things/someones, but they keep us busy here, I don't really have time to think, let alone miss anything.
I plan on taking a week off when I get back, I'd like to anyways, that would be ideal for my mental and body state.
All this being said, I'm aware that this is just the start and that it is going to get harder. Potentially, I could be away for months and months and physically I need to improve constantly. I'm just writing as it is for me.
I've made some life-long friends while on Basic military Training. I've really connected with some people here. I would have never thought that would happen. You just become a big 'ol stupid family that sometimes fights but always makes up. You're with these people day in, day out. You eat, sleep and shit with these people more than you would with a spouse or friend. There is no getting away from each other, stuck together like glue... Army approved and issued glue.
Power is still out. It's putting a damper on our day. We ate rations for breakfast, lunch is looking to be the same ration pack awesomeness. I get an instant stomach ache when I eat those things. They cannot be all that good for you, like really.
Well, that's it my peeps. I hope you are all well, you should email me/text me and gimme updates on how you are. :)
