Opportunity

As Woody leaves us tomorrow for The Basic School, I find that I envy him this opportunity. He has the unique chance to focus solely on his career at the start of his career. TBS is not a lockdown, like VMI, but an oasis. An island with manageable outside influences where one can orient himself in the proper direction. The best part is that he has minimal distractions going in. (He's so lucky, I can even put a cogent thought together anymore!!) Yes, he's getting married, but Spenser knows that this is the foundational piece of the Marine Corps chapter of their life, so she'll support him. But otherwise, he has almost nothing to preoccupy him. I told him at dinner tonight (the last supper?), that he should get into sync with himself, embrace this chance to focus undistracted to learn and master the basics of his profession. He needs to establish a routine that includes academic and professional study and enrichment, physical training, effective management of his personal finances, and of course, his personal life and his introduction to Marine Corps society.

I envy him. . .

By the way, my house looks like a Marine Corps uniform shop threw up in here as he packs up. . .