How much time so easily gets away!

Well,
it's hard to believe how long it's been since I was last on here. I must conclude that I am quite busy, and rarely have the energy to put into a full length report on the past few moments of my life. But, I will at least give a brief taste.
This past weekend was the Marine Corps Ball! It was a rather hectic week leading up to it as I am but a few short weeks away from finals at UNT (where I am now going to school full time). So, I had quite a bit of work to finish before heading up to base. And even still as I write this, I recall that I have still a bit more to do before the end of this weekend! Ah, is all of life too much to handle?
Well, nevertheless it was a good time! I went this year with a friend of mine from my tap class. I do believe it was an enjoyable time for the both of us! And it was too a nice time to share with my fellow Marines, some of whom this would be our last ball to celebrate together. And too it was a chance to make new friends, some of whom perhaps will we share a new season with if we are so fortunate.
But for the now, I am thankful for what I have while I have it. And so retire I the deeper thoughts upon which this account is ended. May I learn to savor that which has just now fled and enjoy what here remains instead. For all is fed on such occasions whether joyful or sad. For all I am glad. And so ends such reflections. I need not spill my heart here, tis only a brush stroke I leave to remember the time by. And so concludes my tale.

All too often amazed by the simple things in life,
Audaciouslee

Back in it Again!

My oh my, it's hard to believe it's been so long since I've last been on here! I just recently acquired a laptop (thanks to my brother), which has given me a new sense of personal freedom! Anyway, I don't hardly feel like getting into what has transpired over the past year, but I may occasionally reflect on past events, and thus will bring this audience a brief recap, as may be necessary!
And so begins anew this thing that I do
I have often like it too
But it's the thing I do
When I have nothing else to do
Well that may be too bold
In fact this account is quite old
It has seen a few years
But I need not brush up to please my piers
Still I will calm your fears
I write for me
But also too
I write for you
And that enough should do
Therefore I will write true
And what ere my ensue
This much I will do!

Often imaginative,
Audaciouslee

A glorious recap

Well,

it's been some time since I last updated this blog! I admit some of it has been due to this being a busy time of year, and some of it too relates to having some computer troubles at home. I've tried for the past few weeks to find a way to upload some photos that I took over the past few weeks that I can bring my audience up to speed on my wearabouts, so, I suppose this quick pictural recap will have to do.

I suppose the first event to mention was the Marine Corps Ball. It was a crazy time for me as, financially I wasn't quite where I wanted to be, and I had a lot to spend with the coming weekend, getting my Blues all altered, getting a driver for the ball, a date, etc. In the end it was a good time! I took my co-worker Marissa from Starbucks! It was a first time for her to attend anything like this, so it was fun to have spend the nights festivities with her! What follows are a few photos from that event, and a few more can be found on flickr.

Following the Marine Corps ball, I suppose the next event was my sister Christi's visit. Christi had a business trip in New Orleans around mid November right before Thanksgiving. So, we had the chance to spend about a day and a half together. Again, here's a shot to wet your appetite, but if you want more you can find them too at flickr.

After Christi's visit, I suppose the next event was Thanksgiving with the family here in Richardson, TX. This year we did something a little different. We did a progressive Thanksgiving where we started out having appetizers at my cousins Beth and David's house. Then, we moved up the street to my uncle Bob and auntie Jeannette's house for the main meal. And, we ended the night out at my other cousins Joanna and Jeff's house for dessert. It was actually quite a lovely time. And to continue the trend, you can find more of the festivities on flickr.

And I suppose that about sums things up a bit for what I've been up to the past few weeks and months. For even more details, check out my peformance pics at the dancing devil dog blog.

Often suspended in the seasons of life,

Audaciouslee

Notes on Drilling

So, it's been a little while since I was last on here! It's been a hectic couple of weeks with work and school, and of course the Marine Corps! As I draw towards the end of this year, I'm often amazed of all the things that have transpired over this season in my life (more on that later).
This past October Drill, was fairly uneventful, nothing truly profound to share I suppose. Although, I must admit I did enjoy some time to pause and reflect a little on things while being away from Dallas! I often find that very refreshing! Even, though I'm only about an hour away or so, that physical and emotional distance helps to give me a bit of a break from this part of my life!
One of the things I enjoyed while most recently up at base, was a nice evening walk out be Lake Worth (a man made lake on base). It was really pretty as the sun was setting, there was a nice mild fall breeze blowing and it was quiet! Ah, what peace is found in the silence of an evening walk!
And later on that weekend, I also was able to help out in an air show that was out at Alliance Airport around the Fort Worth area. The Blue Angels where there (a little nostalgic for me remembering seeing them and helping out with an air show when I was out in Pensacola).
It was kind of fun getting a chance to help sell some squadron T-shirts and patches, etc while there at the air show. And for me personally, it was kind of a big deal, as this was my first opportunity to be in charge of something as the NCOIC (Non-Commisioned Officer In Charge). Though, not a big event, I still was thankful for the opportunity, and hope to see more assignments of greater importance come my way. And as I draw towards another drill weekend, this evening, I will sign off for now!
Striving to enjoying the meaningful in the mundane,

Audaciouslee

Regarding 24

And so as I sit here comfortably at the computer this Wednesday afternoon (I presume). I recall that it has been a short while since I last wrote here (in any form or style). So while I digress let me confess, that my life has been rather hectic of late (no need there to debate - and for some perhaps this is their fate). But why waste the moment, with rhymes, when I could much rather recall the good times that I had on my 24th birthday.
My day, my birthday, my very special day, how ever one cares to call it, for me this much I shall say. It was in its own way a very extra-ordinary day!
It began with me dreaming, oh so dreaming, that the world had lost all of its meaning (in reality). For I was in bed (this much I have said) and for some (perhaps), looked as still as though I were dead. But pity this, I was not! And so I ought to say, that it was beginning to be a very pleasant day! I awoke somewhat late, which for me, felt just great! I had not enjoyed such pleasures for some time, and because it felt rather fine, I thought I might just dine in such a fashion, that one need not ration. For it was a special day, and come what may, with or without some delay, I would have a feast, this much I had planned at least!
And so I made up my list of things, for which I did like most, and before I had time to toast, I was off to the store, to get this and that and perhaps a little more. It was quite nice, the day was slightly cool, and I had no work or school, or other things in which to fool, so I could relax and take my time. As I made my way around the place, I moved with steps that had there own style and grace. From one stand to the next, a little fruit a little bacon, I couldn't be mistaken for one who was not having a little fun.
But before I got too carried away, I had to run off and pay, so I could begin making this feast without delay! And so I rushed home, and started preparing a meal most daring, you should have seen what I was wearing! And lovely music too, a little jazz so smooth, my thoughts it did soothe. I made a rather extravagant omelet with half a dozen eggs, mixed with Indian spices, and bacon, and butter, and sausage too, why it seemed there was nothing I couldn't do! And there was coffee superb, none other than Starbucks (anything else would be absurd!), and orange juice too, this is but a summary of what I can tell you.
And in good time, it was all complete, and my roommie and I could at last eat! And I must say, it all tasted so sweet, but there was one extraordinary thing, which was better than it all: my phone began to ring! And whom should it be, that would call me, but my own dear Evie (My sister, in the War of whom I've spoken before). She was calling from "Over There" to wish me well, and to share a few things (some personal) of which, I will not here tell! And this was but the beginning of the day!
After the meal was through, and my roommie's and my stomaches grew, we sat awhile (for how long, none of us knew). And then it was time for me to DART off and take the train (a point on which I couldn't complain), because I was going to see my family too, for a special barbecue! And there were a fare number who came, but too many here to name, who were there for the party! We had burgers and hot dogs (a favorite of Devil Dogs) and pies to glamorize the meal. For me it was really a grand deal, sharing this meal with loved ones so dear (the thought nearly brings to me a tear)! And aside from this, there were a few gifts as well, but this I will not take the time to tell!
And later that night, once again I took flight, with my roommie too, and other friends of whom I did invite, for a drink or two, at a favorite venue: The Gingerman (this too was a part of my plan)! And so ended that day, which all in all was a special birthday, for which I am thankful to have shared with those who were there!
Ever enjoying the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of life,
Audaciouslee

Concerning Corporal's Course

Well,
I must admit that this past few days weeks, months, and year has been flying by! It has certainly not been the easiest year for me in many ways, but never the less, I'm still breathing (somehow).
I meant to give my remarks on Corporal's Course back in July some time ago, but I've had so many other things going on of late, that only now have I been able to get to it! Bear with me as some of this account may be a bit scatter-brained.
My AT (Annual Training) began somewhere about the middle of July, not long after my trip to Vegas. I must say that I was a bit frustrated as I packed and planned for the nearly two week period of training. There were various articles of clothing, etc that was on the list, that I was rather certain would not be necessary to bring (we would not need to use them - more of a personal preference, but still required). Despite this, I was a little anxious as well, as I knew that it was going to be a rough couple of weeks!
I did not know how right I was until I arrived; but, it started to sink in. For one thing, even though I knew I would upfront be paying for two weeks of housing, I found out only a few days prior to AT that I would be paying for housing off base! So rather than the mere $11 per night on base I would be paying about $60! So, I was not very happy with that!
And then, as we (my roommate and I) started to settle into our new surroundings, we soon learned that the much desired FREE chow hall food we had hoped for, we would have to spend more time eating elsewhere due to the long hours spent each day (aprox 12+) .
An average day started out at around 0500 with a quick shower (for me) and then off to PT (which was often longer than most sessions as it was more concerned with mission accomplishment, than time spent accomplishing the mission!) Then, we had time to take a quick shower, change over and head into the classroom for several hours of lectures over highly interesting information in a temperature most comfortable to us all (usually the kind that would put one to sleep regardless of a lecture, which often sped up this process).
We also, had a time of practical application in areas such as drill (marching Marines in formation, learning the drill movements, etc) and later sword manual (learning the sword movements in formal formations).
This was our regular routine for most of the time there. And then the day before graduation after we had completed our final written and practical application exams, we had a final phase of training: the Battle Course (aprox 24hrs). This Course consisted of urban warfare (dealing with clearing housing in fire teams), land navigation, squad and fire team movements. Although, this was a long day, it was likely the most fun as we were able to put all of the skills we had learned over the past two weeks to use in this final phase of training!
Following this, after a brief couple (aprox 3hrs or less) hours of sleep, it was time to change into our Charlies (Tan short sleeve blouse with green trousers) for our graduation ceremony. And that, was pretty much the end, aside from a few final loose ends to tie up!
All in all, though it was a tiring time, it was a good time, and I'm thankful for the training that I gained in the course, and I can honestly say that I am a better Corporal and NCO because of it and I feel more confident as a leader of Marines!

Semper Fidelis,

CPL Joshua Lee Foist

The Vegas Adventure

And so, as I hear the soft sound of jazz in the background of my Dallas apartment, lost in the melodies of Miles Davis, I am moved to remember the memories of Vegas, those many miles from here and but a few moments past.
Time moves quickly without one wanting it too. Too often I forget what has just past only a moment before, but to be sure I still will recall the time not so long ago when a few of we foistian clan were together.
For the week of Independence, twas a day to look fourward too. I left on a Tuesday flight and found my way to Vegas before it was night. The city was quite a sight with all its decor to be sure. The weather was not quite to my liking, too hot and too dry - it was the type of day one could easily pass by outside, and rather roam around at home.
Much of our time was spent there too, in the house where most of the family resided.
On the day of Independence we made our way to the house of some friends of the bride and groom, they were kind enough to offer room for the guests that had gathered for this fond affair. It was a day not to be forgotten, and although the air was rotten the occasion was most splendid. There was catering, and waitering, wine and cake for all at stake. It was a pleasant break from the busy life so far away.
The night too was young and would remain so until at least one or two, or perhaps even later. After the main event, we all moved on to a piano bar for a second celebration accompanied by musical recreation. The place was not bad, the company we had was quite relaxed as we enjoyed the entertainment of a popular piano pare, whose playing was most rare, that it made outsiders stare.
Once the music had past, we saw our last of that place and promptly moved on to a cocktail adventure before progressing to the dancers club, which gave a certain kind of rub. And once this rhythm was numb, we settled for a final bite before calling it a night.
There where other events of notable worth later on in the week. One of which would be a shame to forget, if I could remember the whole dam adventure. In short, we drove out to see old Hoover's ruins, those notable ones which hold back the river. We learned much of its history and saw deep inside its misery. Twas a fine business to be seen, and some of us were quite keen to know all of its fortunes, while others cared more to picture it through motion and sound.
And, as before stated there were other times spent, but for the sake of my consent I will leave them at that for I should think there will often be times to come on which I can "chew the fat" and tell you all about "that."

Keeping a little rhyme from time to time,

Audaciouslee