Openbah / Journal of a Marine Officer Candidate

Author: Openbah

  • $7 Red Sox active duty military tickets

    Red Sox tickets

    Went to the Red Sox vs Kansas City Royals game 2 days ago via the “active duty armed forces” deal. We showed up around 4:45PM for a 7:05PM game and there were only 6 people in line in front of us.

    Mirabelli hit a three-run home run in the seventh to tie the game, and Manny Ramirez hit a sac-fly in the eighth to give the Sox the victory. Will Ferrell, dressed as Luis Tiant, threw out the ceremonial pitch prior to the game. Very random, but cool.

    The special military line is located at Gate B (check out a map here). Tickets go on sale 2 hours prior to the game. The cost is $7 per ticket and you can only buy two tickets per active duty ID (no exceptions). The tickets are standing room only, which isn’t bad as long as you stake out a spot early. In my opinion the best place to stand is behind section 24 & 25 in the infield grandstand. I think the number of available tickets varies per game, so I would arrive very early for a big game. Once you get your tickets, you are forced to enter the park to prevent scalping, so plan ahead.

  • Moroccan Skillet Shrimp



    This dish is a little pricey at around $20, but totally worth it. Really simple to make. Makes about three decent sized servings.

    Recipe from Cooking Pleasures magazine.

  • Penne with chili-rubbed steak and pineapple salsa


  • Knowledge for OCS

    I’ve gotten a few emails recently from people preparing for OCS, wanting to know what they need to learn before they get there. I already have a page listing what every candidate should study, but today I posted a few files in the downloads section that helped me prepare. They are audio files of the 11 general orders, leadership traits, and leadership principles.

  • 4-month update

    Things were going so well before last week’s doctor’s appointment, at which I was told my fracture isn’t healing as well as they’d hoped. All I can do now is “take it easy” and hope that the bone heals, otherwise I can be looking at another surgery. Before my appointment my leg felt so good, and I was making amazing progress in strength at physical therapy.

    Unfortunately, it’s no longer a question of how soon until I am able to walk, it’s will I be able to walk without more surgery. Definitely depressing.