Sunday February 10, 2008
Sunday February 10, 2008 Let's see, I'll start off by saying I did some hardcore studying at my Starbucks of my choosing. Then I got back to base to find the big television in our lounge was commandeered by some Rock Banders who were missing vocals. I lent my help and a few minutes later I came back with my Mic of Powah. I rocked out with the other members of STG (Second to God) as we made our global tour, picking up more fans and unlocking new songs. This started around 8:30 in the evening and easily went past midnight...
...Which is around the time the drunks come back on base. There was one guy in particular who's had guitar and singing background (as a hobby) and he drunkenly challenges me to a sing-off with $10 at stake. Song of choice was "In Bloom" by Nirvana. I insist he goes first and fails three times before the song finishes. I then channeled my Filipino Karaoke skillz and did honor to Cobain, completing the song with no failures. Easy money. As I dust off my shoulders, he wants double or nothing - I accepted, only with the agreement that I choose the next song.
Battle #2: "Creep" by Radiohead. He goes first and completes the song with a modest 83%. I then held my Mic of Powah to the sky, both channeling Thom Yorke and the Karaoke God to aid me to complete the song with a 97%. Moral of the story, yeah it felt bad "taking advantage" of a drunk shipmate, but when you're dumb enough to bet 20 bones on a sing-off it's your loss! Woo, coffee money for me.
Just as I was making my way back, I noticed two drunken silhouettes trying to make their way back to the barracks. I guess all the studying of initiation, dedication, accountability, and shipmates clicked as I found myself walking towards the two - who were approached by an on-duty watch stander! Now, this guy on watch isn't quite the brightest of us STGs, nor can his judgment call be trusted. Being the higher rank of the sober, I decided to take the two happy sailors and aid their way back to their rooms safely - with no unnecessary trouble (I knew this watch stander would take any chance he found to bust somebody, just for the sake of it).
I later found some two guys beyond the gate talking quite loudly (it was obvious they were inebriated as well). Feeling I could help them out and get them back to their rooms with no trouble, I approached them off base only to find out they were Marines from Camp Pendelton. The two Marines had bloody cuts on their faces and one was even missing a shoe. It was obvious they got involved in some drunken fisticuffs. I said I can try to help them hail a cab, "One team, one fight," I mentioned to one of them as I explained I'm just from the base over yonder. "Heh, yeah.. If you say so," retorted a Marine. Now, I understand they go through boot with buckets full of esprit de corps, but let's look at the bigger picture here. Anyway, I later then become helpless after the same Marine decides to hail a patrolling police car! The lady officer comes out and notices their bloody faces, and I'm just standing there in my sweats with a somewhat cool, but dumbfounded look. I'm thinking, "Well, shit" as she insists I sit down on the curb alongside the two Marines. After her backup arrives, she questions me briefly and my etiquette training kicks in. Yes, ma'am. No, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am. I speed walk back to base. Moral of the story, it's probably not worth helping out a couple drunk Marines. Shipmates by definition? No way.
Having only slept for about 4 hours (Rock Band marathon), I woke up to ready myself to head downtown where I coincidently discovered a peaceful protest by members of Anonymous against the Church of Scientology and their headquarters downtown SD. It was sorta cool to see that many people meet up for one cause. Of course, being a service member I am not allowed to directly participate in any protest of whatever kind (even the preservation of our Constitution kind). I did manage to photograph the event from a distance.
20 bucks richer, a lesson on charity and Marines, and some killer photos. All the while, feeling more prepared for next month's advancement exam. Fun-filled weekend.
Posted by ksaddi ( Feb 10 2008, 06:10:18 PM PST ) Permalink Comments [1]
