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Comment by Karla~ (S 12 D 042 - PIR 1/14) on November 30, 2010 at 9:29am

Well said, diannep. We tend to think this is just somethiing they have "to get through." Thanks for reminding us all that it really is an awesome, life-changing experience for most of our recruits! In the end at least!

Comment by diannep on November 30, 2010 at 8:47am

pinkaboo: Remind your son that the purpose of boot camp is to "get the civilian out of them" and rebuild them into military men/women. Although that sounds daunting and we think our recruits will totally change in ways we don't want them to, they don't totally change, but do in some wonderful ways. One of those ways is that all of a sudden, many appreciate all that we have done for them in their lives....mine is still sending comments occasionally about how much he has appreciated what I have done, my strength when my hubby died and my brother died, etc....brought tears to my eyes...although he was always a boy who would say "thank you" for small things, he like many others took lots for granted.

If bc was easy, there would be no changes in them. It is amazing to me that these RDC's take groups of recruits who come in from all kinds of backgrounds, family lives, life experiences, tragedies, expectations....and they take the turmoil that exists when they are all put together in a division and they turn that into a division functioning as one unit (something you will observe at PIR). It hurts a mom's heart to know that our children are being yelled at, etc....especially sometimes for faults of others in their groups (but life isn't fair, right???)....but the life lessons that are being taught are amazing. Eventually those who are getting the group into trouble will be "helped" by the group to accomplish what they need to....comraderie. My son was helped in some of these ways...study groups for the academic tests, etc.and said he in turn helped others in other areas. My most special example of that is those who will elect to run with those who have not made their time to push them and encourage them into making that time so they can pass their PFA. Watch that scene in "An Officer and a Gentleman"....a good (but OLD!) movie to watch about comraderie during the boot camp scenes.

So, try to help your recruits focus on the goal when times get rough. Boot camp is not forever. This is NOT what the Navy is...make sure they know that. This is the introduction to the Navy and the "making of a sailor." "A" School is a different level for them...and nothing like bc. Then when stationed, it is much more normal in many ways.

Sorry to be so long here...but having a son who arrived at bc a year ago this month has allowed me to learn so many lessons here. Just wanted to share! I look forward to reading posts from ecstatic ladies on this site in just a few weeks when they have seen their "sailors" in their full glory!

Comment by Lynne on November 30, 2010 at 4:02am

I'm with Dianne and Jessica...I haven't heard anyone talk about shuttles to the hotels from the airports...sorry. MissinShawn...don't worry I don't think that the RDCs favor anyone...I think they equally pick on every recruit they know the name of...so don't worry...eventually they learn the name of almost every recruit and they get "beat' for it or extra physical training....it is just the yelling their name over and over that gets to them...so just keep enouraging your recruit...stay positive...stay strong and let them know this is typical and isn't personal and to just keep trying....

Comment by pinkaboo202 - Ship 07, Div 47 on November 30, 2010 at 1:14am

Got my first letter today! What a wonderful surprise. I think boot camp is a little tougher than my son thought it would be.

Comment by diannep on November 30, 2010 at 12:21am

@mmaya and proudmom: What shuttles go from the airport to Waukegan? I haven't heard of a hotel yet that has an airport shuttle (been on this site for a year). I have heard about limo service and taxis (both expensive). Some take the train from Chicago. I still think the best idea is to rent a car if at all possible. If you need to take a cab from the airport though, see if you can find someone else on here to share with to make it a bit more affordable.

If you know of a Waukegan hotel that offers shuttle service from the airport to Waukegan, please post it so that we can advise others in the future!

Comment by AshJewell on November 29, 2010 at 10:57pm

I thank God the first trimester is over, it was terrible for me!! Debt stinks, but you will get throught it and out of it, just dont let it overwhelm you!
Yea, most work-from-home jobs seems kinda fishy to me, but hopefully you'll find one. Good luck getting your PhD though! Thats exciting.
I have been looking at cute military maternity shirts, I can't decide on which ones I like the most though. I probably wouldnt wear them to the actual ceremony, becuase you are suppose to dress kind of nice, considering the Sailors will be in the Dress Uniforms. But it would be cute to wear on Saturday or Sunday!
My asthma has been out of control, thanks to the seasons chaning, but I deal with it with homeopathic medication and my albuterol resuce inhaler incase I need it. Right now I am on steroids for it because the bronchitis has caused it to go a little crazy, but maybe I will try the humidifier. Thanks.
It does stink our men being gone, it stinks really really really bad, but all I can say is 45 more days!!!!!!

Comment by bluewarriorlady on November 29, 2010 at 10:43pm

My back is killing me. haha. I got most of my energy back, but I still could sleep for days. Every once in a while I feel nauseous, but nothing like the first trimester. That was misery! We have credit card debt, student loans, medical bills, the list goes on and on. I'm trying to find a work-from-home job that is legit. I'm having some trouble in that area. lol. I am going to look up that book you suggested on the BN website. I was also thinking about getting a maternity shirt with something like that on it. Here's what I was looking at.
http://www.zazzle.com/military+maternity+tshirts
I think that I might even wear it to the ceremony if I can be semi-casual. lol. I have asthma too. How are you dealing with it? I have a humidifier in my room. Seems to work pretty well. I hope you feel better. Being sick and separated from our men sucks!

Comment by AshJewell on November 29, 2010 at 10:37pm

Bluewarrior-Trust me I know about debt, we both have school loan debt, it stinks, but I have been told to take advantage of the help the navy offers. They offer credit counseling and can give you advice on how to get the bills paid. Part Time would give you the extra cash you need and maybe keep you just busy enough!

I am reading the same book. I have a few others too, but none as good as that one. I will check later to see what the titles of my other books are and I can send those to you. I can suggest a special book for your hubby. I just ordered it for my hubby to give to him at PIR. It's called "I can't wait to meet my daddy" I got it on barnes and nobles website. I think my husband is really going to like it.

I dont find out the sex until next week. I think it's a boy though, but I can't wait to find out for sure. I am over the morning sickness stage. I actually feel pretty good, minus the bronchitis and asthma! I do have some pretty intense lower back pain, but my dr. said it was normal! How are you feeling?

Comment by bluewarriorlady on November 29, 2010 at 10:13pm

What books have you been reading? I'm up for suggestions. I have been reading 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. It's a really good book! Helps you understand what is going on week by week. Also clues you in to what to expect after birth, alternative birthing solutions, what to bring to the hospital, etc. Have you found out the sex yet? I can't remember when you said you were going to..(pregnancy brain in full effect! lol). How are you feeling these days? Any morning sickness or anything?

Comment by bluewarriorlady on November 29, 2010 at 10:10pm

Ash - easier said than done. :-( We are in a lot of debt (which sucks!) so that little bit of money I make goes towards bills. I really should just fall back on my school refund, but I feel like I would lose my mind if I didn't do something! Maybe something part-time? I hate being broke and in debt. Ugh..

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