Today was a lovely Marine Corps Saturday, at work by 0700. But it was for a purpose; and when I left at 1800 everything we will need on the boat was being trucked to the pier. That is, I hope everything we need is on the trucks. Because what isn't on the trucks, is going to wait for us to come back.

After work, we had a farewell party for Cpl M_, at a place called Jon-John's. That's what the Americans call it; the sign out front is in katakana, and I couldn't read it. For about $30 a head, it's an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink buffet. That's right, unlimited alcohol. That's not good for Marines.

Me being me, I put on a button-down shirt, some nice shiney shoes, and a tie. On the rare occasions I go out with the guys, I dress up a little, both to make it an event, and because dressing well gets one treated differently. A lot of locals that can't stand most Marines will be at least civil to an American in a tie.

As to the party: Cpl M_ has been in the shop for three years, and has been a friend of mine since I got here. So I made some allowances I don't normally make. Specifically, I drank. I'm normally a teetotler except for toasts at weddings, wakes, and the Marine Corps Ball. But to make the guest of honor happy, I had a drink. That drink got lonely, so I had another drink. And when two good drinks get together, why, that calls for drinks all around! In summary, I am perhaps slightly tipsy right now. My fellows were quite impressed, as no one had every seen me so much as let Pepsi cross my lips.

I also managed to crack a Purim joke at my (Jewish) OIC, which pretty much wrecked him. I like my OIC- he's approachable, but still a commander, which is a fine line to walk.

And on that note, I think I should go to bed. Tomorrow is my last day off for the next couple of months, so I want to enjoy it.

Posted by: Boviate at 10:30 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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