As I sit in the airport waiting to get on the plane and go to San Francisco I can only think of what seeing my family and friends is going to be like. I haven't seen them in all in such a long time. I can't help but worry if I'm going to pass their approval. They all thought it was such a big deal when I joined the Marines, not because I was leaving but because of the reputation that the Marines have of changing a person.
I feel as though most importantly my demeanor has changed. I now feel much more in control of the world around me, and especially of situations that happen to arise at any time. I still have my faults though. When in a boot camp mindset I felt as if every situation was extremely important, and an opportunity to show my skills. Now that I have been stationed in Quantico for almost a year and a half I realize that this is not so. I have mellowed out. Some Marines would call it 'becoming complacent.' But I know that is not so. I have only realized how to recognize the differences between a situation that calls for critical thinking and those that only need a leader.
In terms of the physical aspects I have definitely become faster, stronger, and with more endurance. When I think of the person that I was before and how I handled myself in the physical sense I know I have so much more advantage now. I hope I can keep up with my little brothers! They have both become so big and strong that it bothers me. I know Matthew is taller than me now, which makes plenty of sense. He has always eaten a lot his entire life, so it doesn't surprise me that he turned into a monster. I only wish that I hadn't hurt myself lifting a while ago, I was at the peak of my physical fitness and pushed myself too far in the gym. Now I come home missing a lot of the build that I had once acquired from lots of hard work. Well, I guess it doesn't matter, they will love me for who I am and what I present to them.
I'm super excited to be handing out lots of Christmas presents this year. I've never once gotten the opportunity before but it truly is better to give than to receive. Buying all the presents and imagine my loved ones reactions was worthwhile enough. But let me tell you, that feeling also happens to be VERY expensive. Hahaha. I got the head of the families all presents, so hopefully that is sufficient. Buying all of the extended family presents would get very expensive. My outlook for how I was going to buy Christmas presents this year was a bit different than I had originally thought. I went for quality over quantity. I hope that they enjoy it greatly. Well I'm boarding my flight to San Francisco here soon. Will update periodically throughout my trip home.
