I skin the cat, go to the marine parade, and miss Badger....

Yesterday was a skill day, so really not much to write about. Jerry let us play around on the rings a bit which isn't something we typically get to do, so it was fun to get up there and practice skinning the cat, and working on front levers. Being upside down on the rings gives you a whole new perspective on things, and leaves you lots of time to think about important questions, such as: How badly will it hurt if I fall off these right now? How much are my abs going to hurt when I'm done? Who created this mother f'ing move? Why did I decide doing this was a good idea? If I fall from the rings, will I die and have my obituary read "Death by Rings"? How DO they make Cheez-its? Who really did put the "butter" in butterfly and why... perhaps their flyin' is smooth like butta... like Matt's burpees?

Anyway, I think you can see my point. Lots of time to think. We also had some fun with tall box jumps and handstand push-ups (still my arch nemesis!). After that wicked team challenge on Wednesday, I was ok with just having time to play. My forearms were pretty jacked, so the down time was a ok with me. After that I had to rush out to get ready for work. I got to pull the lucky dayshift card again yesterday, so I didn't have much time. I also had to pull together all my stuff because I was going straight from work to the Marine Parade. Basically, the marine parade is an opportunity for the marines stationed at the barracks in DC to perform their drill routines for the public. It also includes the Marine Corps' band and drum and bugle core, as well as the silent drill team.

They normally do this parade on Friday evenings, but last night was a special parade to honor Korean War Veterans. It was a coat and tie event, and so I had to have a dress all ready to go. This was somewhat problematic since I haven't purchased any new dresses since losing my weight. I pulled one out though that fit ok, and decided to go with that. I left work and met Keturah on the King Street Metro and we headed up to the barracks. I'm glad Keturah was back in time from Vegas to go. Once we got to the barracks, I have to say, I was not prepared. Seeing all the men in their dress uniforms was like entering an alternate world. Having them say ma'am and holding doors while also holding out a hand was surreal. Nice, but again, something I'm not accustomed to.

When we told the gentleman at the gate that we were headed to the Center House to meet up with our Lt. Col he looked at me a little strangely, as if he couldn't believe I was a guest of a Lt. Col, but nonetheless off we went and I was pleased to find him already at the bar. ;) I didn't realize why the gentleman had looked at me so oddly, but what I didn't understand is that Center House is basically for the officers, and important guests of the parade and the officers. So basically, for an evening, I got to be treated like a VIP. It was odd, but very cool. The Center House is rich in tradition and has a lot of very cool memorabilia on the walls. I did feel a little out of my element though as I did brush elbows with a few VERY decorated marines. It was neat.

When we entered the parade we got to see the full band plus the drum and bugle corps before the marines entered the parade grounds. If you ever have the opportunity to go see the parade, go. There is nothing like hearing the sound of 130 odd rifle butts hitting the ground simultaneously. It's a little intimidating, but very cool, and to see the silent drill team throw their rifles around WITH bayonets fixed is really amazing.

I have to say, I'm not partial towards one branch of the military or another, but after watching the parade last night, it does certainly seem that the marine corps cares a great deal about tradition and has a certain element of pride in what they do. Their precision was amazing, and you would not be able to garner that kind of performance without hard work. I had the opportunity to sit with my friends and our Lt. Col, and near us were seated some of the Korean War veterans. A man who had to have been at least 80 years old was in attendance.... in his full dress uniform. Even at 80 something, he still looked sharp, STOOD and saluted the flag, and took pride in the service he had provided to his country. There are people in the services currently who probably wouldn't do that because they see defending our flag as a paycheck, but watching that elderly gentleman was enough to make me tear up. I hate to sound so disgustingly patriotic, but it made me regain a little of my pride in our armed services. Living in this area unfortunately, while you get to see the best of the best in our armed forces, you also get to see the worst of the worst at times. Seeing the marines last night restored a little of my faith in the armed services. They obviously train hard and take pride in what they do. And god love 'em for doing it in polyester when it's 80 some degrees out.

Now, after the parade, we were invited to go back to Center House and have a few drinks on a man who was a friend of our Lt. Col. He was a very polite gentleman, and I did enjoy talking to him. Didn't hurt him that he CrossFits either. ;) It was fun to talk to the people who were there last night, and I had to laugh when someone said this to me. "Seeing the parade will do one of two things. It'll make you either want to join the marines, or date one." To that, all I can say is..... damn dress uniform. The man (cause it obviously had to be a man) knew what he was doing when he designed those things. It's hard NOT to look sharp in that. Damnit. :P

As people began to trickle out, Linda, Keturah and I stayed and had a few drinks with a fun bunch of marines. They were a little on the crazy side, but a lot of fun. I won't rehash all the details of the night, but let's just say, I did pistol squats in a dress. :P Damn CrossFit....

Now, I had a such a great time last night, that I had a little trouble getting up this morning. I would like to blame the shots of whiskey, but eh, no one held a gun (or sword as the case may be) to my head... so truthfully it's my own fault I didn't make it up. So, I missed Badger this morning. I have never actually missed a workout from being hungover... damnit! I'm kinda pissed because I have to work tonight and can't go in at 5. But, truth be told, I think I need more rest anyway so it's probably for the better. I was also supposed to go to school today... Uh... oops.

Lots of pictures from the parade... when my stomach settles and the grease kicks in and does it's job... I'll upload them... what a night!