Nicknames and Lessons Learned

Well my pictures haven't made it up yet. They are on Digdug's camera so as soon as she e-mails them I will post them. So about Digdug....how did that nickname come about? When we met I couldn't remember her last name for the life of me. It's Dreager but I kept calling her Dugger. Dugger turned into Digdug one time and it stuck. So she will always be Digdug to me just like I will always be Sticky Buns to her lol. Sticky Buns because I knocked over a coffee on a desk and later when I sat on it my combats stuck to it. Bet you were all thinking it was something dirty :P. In the military everyone is on a last name basis, even more so at Basic I think. It's hard to switch over to using peoples first names. Even now that I'm back home they still call me Blanchette when I visit. I don't mind though, it's better than Big Red lol.

Those of you who know me well know that I believe everything happens for a reason and if something is meant to be it will be. I have been thinking about the reason I went to St.Jean for the last week or so and think I finally know the reasons. Going there taught me that I am a strong woman and I can fight for what I want and win. And I will keep on doing that. I also learned that I can be a mom and still have a good time. I love my girls so much and I missed them like crazy but I can still take care of them and love them and be myself. I'm a different person than I was even 6 months ago and that's ok, I'm happy with the me I am now. I know now that I was supposed to meet Digdug there. She is a friend that I am supposed to have in my life and I love her to bits. We have been through so much together: Platoon, RFT, PAT, and PAR. We have laughed together and shared a few tears and I thank god she is only two hours away. Funny thing is we lived together in Edmonton for a few years and never really knew each other but "The Mega" brought us together! I learned a lot of valuable lessons as well, time for the fun stuff:
1. Don't drink tequila at the mess, it's just asking for trouble :)
2. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer
3. Your bunk mates will make your bed upside down if given the opportunity but paybacks a bitch!
4. They will also turn your lockers around just to fuck with you but you love them anyway
5. Don't wear your heart on your sleeve all the time, it doesn't look good on combats
6. Whatever crisis your going through your friends will be there to pick up the pieces
7. The Warrant doesn't like doobie doobie doing in his halls but not as much as the Master Seaman hates laughing in ranks.....change parade anyone?
8. Keep your shit lockers closed and your arms straight.
9. While wearing your wet weather boots walk carefully on the ice
10. Beware the shack hack....it will make your life miserable
11. Everyone gets the same thing at the MIR....cough syrup and Ibuprofen
12. Everyone looks like a bag of smashed assholes the first time they try drill and it's funny as hell but see #7
13. If the PO knows your name it's probably not a good thing
14. Combats are not flattering but everyone looks fat in them so it's OK
15. PT sucks...unfit or otherwise
16. Issued swimsuits are hot if your 75 years old
17. Wear your red letter proudly
18. Wool socks are itchy and boot bands are annoying...now I know why there are so many cranky instructors
19. It's fun to be a trailer-PAT girl. AND FINALLY.......

20. "IF YOU HAVE TO ASK, THE ANSWER IS NO!"

"A guy in a cape? Where?"..... ROFL
Cheers,
~Jen~