OCS Training Updates

OCS Class 04-13 (By Class Officer LT Montoya)

Class 04-13 is just one week from graduation! This past week the students had a chance to talk to junior officers from their respective communities and took classes regarding military law. The candidates also attended many graduation and drill practices to ready themselves for next week's events. On top of all this, class 04-13 continued to do an excellent job leading the regiment. They are very excited for next Wednesday when they will turn over all their regimental duties to 05-13 and just simply focus on graduation. This week ends in the student-staff challenge, a cookout where the candidates can interact with the staff in a relaxed environment and participate in many different athletic activities. We will see you all next week when your sons and daughters take the oath of office and are commissioned as the Navy's newest ensigns!

6 days till they graduate!

One...More...Week!

Love Is All You Need?

Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love.
There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy.
There's nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you
in time - It's easy.

All you need is love, all you need is love, All you need is love, love, love is all you need. Love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love. All you need is love, all you need is love 

The Beatles were asked to come up with a song containing a simple message to be understood by all nationalities. "It was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a message," said Brian Epstein. "The nice thing about it is that it cannot be misinterpreted. It is a clear message saying that love is everything."[5] According to journalist Jade Wright, "Lennon was fascinated by the power of slogans to unite people and never afraid to create art out of propaganda. When asked in 1971 whether songs like "Give Peace a Chance" and "Power to the People" were propaganda songs, he answered: 'Sure. So was All You Need Is Love. I'm a revolutionary artist. My art is dedicated to change.' - Via Wikipedia

However when you take the phrase out of context, and simply believe that love is all you need in marriage, you're kidding yourself. I know I've only been married almost 2 years, but it doesn't mean I can't express my feelings about it. I feel everyone needs to learn their own mistakes, but it doesn't mean you can't learn from other people's either. I had always wanted to get married. It was all in my plan. When I was 13 that plan diminished after my parents divorced. It was a very hard time for me, especially being in a church who really frowns upon divorce. It was embarrassing for me going to church every Sunday, knowing people were talking about my family, and my parents. I do not blame my parents for this anymore, I was gravely hurt, but I never felt that pain of thinking I did something wrong. I knew they weren't happy, and I saw them argue. That hurt me the most. By now, I've come to terms with it, and feel it was really the only thing that could happen. Like I said, people have to learn from their mistakes. I'm sure both my parents, regret things in their choices sometimes. I know they're both at peace now, as I am. I didn't quit going to church, because I don't go because of the people, I go because of the gospel. The Lord loves me and doesn't gossip about me, and he's why I'm going. :)

This trial in my life really helped me see people, and situations differently. I was more cautious about who I spent my time with, and it helped me decide what kind of man I wanted to marry, and I wouldn't settle for anything less. That's why we have hard times! They may suck, but if you have the right attitude, and supportive people in your life, they can make them so much easier.

When John proposed to me, I was ecstatic, just overjoyed! However, during the engagement I was terrified. I had freezing cold feet. I was so scared that our marriage would end up like my parents'. I became my 13 yr. old self again, and I struggled with it throughout the first year of marriage. I knew John was perfect for me, but was I perfect for him? As we're making it through our second year, my feelings have changed. I no longer have that fear.

I see a lot of girls with guys who are just so wrong for them. I read recently about someone's boyfriend who wanted her more tan. I hear about guys who tell their gfs that they couldn't be with them if they got fat. Even though they should have a look in the mirror themselves..just sayin'! I think to myself, no wonder these girls become man haters. I consider myself blessed, and thankful for it each day, especially when I hear about this stuff. I've had a lot of wonderful guy friends in my life. So, I've had some great examples of men, who have shown me they're not all jerks. Albeit, there are a ton of jerks out there, and that goes for the girls too.

I'm blessed to have found and married such an incredible man. He thinks I'm the most beautiful woman in the world, no matter how crappy I feel, he thinks I look prettier without makeup. He respects me, he supports me in everything I do, he appreciates me, and uplifts me, and makes me want to be a better person. He can't wait to be a father someday, and I know he's going to be an amazing one. What's not to love about that??
So my question is, is love...really all you need for a happy, and successful marriage? I feel respect, appreciation, support, AND love, are the perfect ingredients. A little humor always helps too. :)

It's the Final Countdown!

Yoohoo! I'm still here! *blows dust off of blog* Sorry for the lack in updates. I know you all have been just hanging on the edge of your seat.

My first thought when I came back to the blog, was "19 DAYS!? 19 DAYS!". That's right. Less than 3 weeks until the Navy gives me back my sweet John. :) I apologize for the lack in updates. Before Thanksgiving break, the class earned their cellphones back. So, I've been busy emailing, texting, and talking to John. He's doing very well. Today, he had to get a broken tooth removed, so lucky for him, he had a pretty relaxed day.

Here's an update from the Officer Training Command Newport FB page.

OCS Class 04-13 (By Class Officer LT Montoya)

Class 04-13 completed their 9th week of OCS training at Officer Training Command Newport and has entered into their third and final phase of training. The third phase of training focuses on "applied leadership". This entails the candidates taking what they have learned during the first eight weeks and putting it to practical use by leading the junior OCS classes in their daily evolutions. Wednesday morning the class participated in "Victory Run." Unfortunately, the weather did not support an actual 'run' but the students carried out the ceremony. This OCS ceremony signifies the transition from Officer Candidate Phase to Candidate Officer Phase. The candidates from the class were recognized for their individual achievements in academics, military training, and physical fitness. Furthermore, the Regimental billets were announced identifying the candidate's roles and responsibilities over the next three weeks. Now as leaders of the regiment, class 04-13's performance will now be based on the successes and failures of the junior OCS classes. These next few weeks will be invaluable in preparing for their naval careers. Only 3 short weeks until grad week festivities!

They also got to open their Candi-O(Candidate Officer) care packages on Wed. A CANDIO (Candidate Officer) box is a care package box that friends and family send to there LO’s during week 8. It is tradition that on the Wednesday of week 9 when your LO’s become CANDIO’s they are given these care packages filled with goodies that they love to eat and anything they ask for that they may need. Typically all they really want is food though.

These boxes are decorated on the inside, in some Navy/ Personal fashion making it a fun and meaningful arts and crafts project for friends and family and an awesome surprise for the new CANDIO’s as they do not know what’s inside.

Here's photos of the boxes I mailed John. I sent 3.

Contents of box #1: Cliff bars, mike & ikes, his new phone, picture frames, Cheez-its, and The Ensign mag. Box #2: Starburst, Skittles, sour gummy worms, tootsie rolls, orange slices, oreos, and twizzlers. Box #3: Beef jerkey, peanuts, and a variety of chips.

It put a huge grin on his face, but it's sure a shame that he had to have dental work just a couple of days later. :-( He'll have to wait I suppose, but he sure loves his new phone. An HTC Aria if anyone's curious. He's also been able to send me some photos. Here's a couple of him and his roommate in their summer whites, and winter blue uniforms.

That's the updates for now. I will try to post more often, and also about other things besides OCS. haha