caradoc

So I am going to write something deeper than usual. It's for everyone's benefit I think. You see I live in a world 5 days a week that is not like your world. I am a U.S. Marine. My world consists of classes and subclasses. Strict rules and regulations. Criticism and high standards. It is not a friendly place. It does not have a relaxed atmosphere. You are always being watched and you are always watching others. No one calls you by your first name because your first name is what's pinned on your collar. Most Marines call me sir. The others call me lieutenant. When I walk into a room, the conversation stops. When I talk to Marines they stand up. When my superiors talk to me I answer them with yes, sir or yes, ma'am, standing with my legs shoulder width apart and my hands clasped behind my back, what is known as 'at ease'. These are a few of the regulations and rules that permeate my world. It is regimented, clean and efficient. Step out of line and you get hurt. Follow the rules and you get rewarded. These are not bad things. These are just how things are and I've come to live with them. So what is my purpose in writing this? Simply that many of you have met me now, on one weekend or another. It is not easy for me to transition from one world to another. I try to relax and enjoy myself on the weekends, and throw my cares away and slip into what I would call abandon, which would pale in comparison to many on this site, but for me it is abandon. And I guess I probably don't watch what I say or think before I speak. I have to do that everyday at work and it is tiring. So bare with me if I say something stupid, ignorant or wrong. Tactfully point it out and let it go. I'll fix it, I always do. And I rarely make the same mistake twice. Thanks. That's all I have for now.