There is a Saturday and it can be spent to one's self. Today, I got "almost" that. We were blessed enough to meet up at 8am vs. 6am like we did all week. That allowed us to eat in the galley where I could have cereal and whatever else I wanted...and watch a bit of Fox News on the big screen. When we meet at 6am, we eat in the classroom and have zero options: scrambled eggs, sausage links or patties, and/or grits. Oh yea, a stale bread PB&J, too. Perhaps a fruit. So that was nice this morning. At 8, we headed back to the trailers that contain the computer-animated shooting range that we had been to twice before. We shot again, using the M4 rifle in low-light conditions. Within 2 hours, we were done. In my opinion, this trainer is a total waste of time and money. I got nothing out of it...ever. Having a drill sergeant to talk to at the range with live ammo, that's valuable and I learned something every single time. Anyway, once we all finished that, we headed back to our classroom via a short bus ride and were cut loose...by 11am!
One thing I knew was coming up today was a FREE advance screening of "Thor." It doesn't even open up until next Friday but here on base, it was free at 3pm. So, we all piled into a van and headed on over. It was a packed theater and a theater with a great and cranked up sound system. I loved the movie, partly because of Natalie Portman but also because it had great special effects, story, and acting. 3 out of 4 stars!
Later, we and a few other fellow sailors headed off base. I had but 2 desires today: see Thor and get my Starbucks. I have a very short time window before no more Starbucks for a looooong time. Back in Kansas, I partake at least 3 times a week. After about a 1.8mi walk, we found it along with a local Italian restaurant. It was a bit pricey but we all decided it was a good choice tonight. I opted for the Calamari Fries: FRESH fried calamari (squid strips), thin-sliced lemon, fennel, meyer lemon aioli, and marinara. It was to die for. I then had their Insalata Di Casa as my main course: roasted beets, gorgonzola crumbles, glazed walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette. It was a fantastic meal. As we headed out, I felt a bit (actually a lot) under-dressed in my blue jeans and t-shirt as clearly, this was the place for many prom dates tonight. Immediately thereafter, I got my fix: a white chocolate mocha frappuccino light. YUM!!! Remember from two nights ago and the honeysuckle? I walked in the door of Starbucks and just inhaled as deep as I could. Oh, how I love that smell of freshly ground coffee and the sound of brewing espresso and steamed milk.
Once back on base and to our barracks, I quickly threw some clothes into the washer, showered up, and here I am. For tomorrow, I plan to attend the 9am Protestant service here on base. The chaplain here is great so I'm really looking forward to it. After that, I'm getting the heck off this base again. I may see another movie, possibly...like Fast and Furious 5 and who knows, maybe I'll end up at Starbucks again. :-) This time, maybe for 3 or 4 hours.
Goodnight, everyone.
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