<p>Oh, and one other thing, Dan, and I say this with a heavy heart. Listen to me, and listen well....</p>
<p>My mother died in 1997 without ever having seen her grandchildren. She didn't see her kids get married, either. You know what keeps me from going mad with grief over those facts? The fact that she got the chance to strut around the Naval Academy on I-Day and for four YEARS thereafter doing a rather impressive imitation of a 5' 11" peackock. It was perticularly impressive when you realized that my mother was one of the humblest people to walk this miserable rock since the apostles were doing their thing in Rome.</p>
<p>Another memory, and this one still puts a lump in my throat, is the videotape my dad shot when we tossed our covers at graduation. At 58 years old and not exactly what could be called svelt, that woman was jumping up and down, crying her eyes out, and screaming "HE DID IT! HE DID IT!" at the top of her lungs. So were all the other parents there, and their siblings, and their girlfriends, and their grandparents, and their.....</p>
<p>Get it?</p>
<p>Don't deny your parents those memories, man. They DESERVE them. They got you to this point you're at. That swearing-in ceremony is probably more important to THEM than it will be for YOU.</p>
<p>Zaphod,
I know you mean well, and I know that you know what you are talking about. I told my parents that I didn't care either way, and that it was up to them if they wanted to come. They made their decision, for whatever reason. Sorry for going off a little while earlier, bad day for reasons I don't feel like talking about. Thanks for the advice, Keep it coming.
Dan</p>
<p>
[quote]
Zaphod,
I know you mean well, and I know that you know what you are talking about. I told my parents that I didn't care either way, and that it was up to them if they wanted to come. They made their decision, for whatever reason. Sorry for going off a little while earlier, bad day for reasons I don't feel like talking about. Thanks for the advice, Keep it coming.
Dan
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Meh! Think nothing of it. I was a hotheaded youth once. Still am, as some here could tell you. ;)</p>
<p>If you left it up to them, and they decided not to go, then the matter is settled. </p>
<p>Hang in there, kid. Don't let worries or anything else get you down. In a few months you're going to become one of a very elite club, and guys like me, who have never met you, will stand shoulder to shoulder with you against all comers. You just have to pass the initiation, and then demonstrate your worth. We all did it, and now it's YOUR turn.</p>
<p>Pain is temporary. Pride is FOREVER. Anyone wants my ring is going to have to KILL me for it. You'll feel that way someday, too.</p>
<p>No go study, Junior! No slacking off during the spring semester! :mad:</p>
<p>Danbrenn, you mentioned your dad went to the USAFA...and no doubt his decision may be based on his induction day out there from days-gone-past...</p>
<p>I-Day at USNA is totally different than what they do at USAFA, and USMA for that matter....there are events planned for families, and families are a big part of it. Try viewing some pics from I-Day on USNAnet.edu and you may get a better feel for what takes place on I-Day in Annapolis. </p>
<p>If you (and your parents) decide that you will be flying solo, then by all means make your way to the Mexican monument right after the Oath of Office... there will be a tent set up for unaccompanied plebes, and lots of cell phones around for you to use for that phone call home!</p>
<p>My son will be a second set cadre platoon leader for this plebe summer.
That is good news for you parents. He is strong in his faith and will lead by example. He had a bad plebe summer but gets his USNA ring next week. It has not been easy.</p>
<p>He will have constructive criticism and genuinely do his best to have them ready for PPW and reform around Aug 15 to make you so proud.</p>
<pre><code>....... on the other hand his roommate will be a regimental commander for second set cadre. I pity the poor plebes that have to deal with that young man.
</code></pre>
<p>Plebes will really have to do some soul searching and reevaluate why they want to be at USNA after encountering him. It may be a life changing experience for a few.</p>
<p>As an example he did summer seminar last year for the high school juniors and I know a few girls went home early in tears after dealing with him.</p>
<p>wf1772....Let me try and paint another angle on this roommate of your son so that all the newbies here don't completely freak out. When my daughter told some mids what company she was going to be in for Plebe year - they shuddered and told her: "oh no! That guy is mean, he is impossible to please. He is a real flamer. I feel sorry for you". Geeesh, a nice way to hear a report from the very person in charge of your permission to breathe!</p>
<p>However - I have since discovered that this 'flamer' midshipman has one goal and one goal in mind: to train "His" Plebes to be the best that they can. If you enter with the mindset that you are challenging yourself to your best - he is satisfied. YOU, the lowly Plebe won't know this - but he will hold you in high esteem and your reports from him will reflect this. </p>
<p>In my kiddos case all I ever heard from her was that he was very very strict and hard to please. She could never figure out what he wanted since the standards would get tougher and tougher. She resigned herself to giving her all and doing it with the best attitude possible. Guess what? THAT's exactly what the mid leader was after all along. And - I have been in touch with this mid's mother. Being a part of the larger USNA parent's list serve SHE contacted ME in the late fall and told me that her son actually thinks my Plebe is one of the best in the company and mentions her by name to the mom when he talks about those who are doing a good job. Now mind you, my poor Plebe has NO IDEA of this and as moms we are quite faithful about not letting her know. It is our job simply to watch from the sidelines and let this process continue uninhibited by any interference.</p>
<p>I tell this story since it was a total eye opener to me about the fact that from one side of this world - you hear reports about difficult cadre, or mean Firsties, or flamers that everyone hates.....and then there is the other side of this story that has a completely different take and conclusion.</p>
<p>This Firstie mid by the way has been on the Supe's list all 4 years and is SEAL-selected - so he is a top notch midshipman and while I expect I would definitely not like to be under his leadership ( I'm the kind of person who most definitely would cry) there is something to be said for the fact that there is a purpose and direction to the approach - rather than just some pathology where the older mid gets his thrills from blasting and bullying those under his care.</p>
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[quote]
I think CS(Center Stall) productions is a WEST POINT company....jitterbug indeed!
[/quote]
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<p>well that is a relief!!! Thought those guys had no rhythm!!!!</p>
<p>
[quote]
And - I have been in touch with this mid's mother. Being a part of the larger USNA parent's list serve SHE contacted ME in the late fall and told me that her son actually thinks my Plebe is one of the best in the company and mentions her by name to the mom when he talks about those who are doing a good job.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>are you serious??? A FIRSTIE gives his mom a report on his PLEBES BY NAME who, in turn, passes it on to a PLEBE PARENT???? Now I have heard it all. :eek:</p>