{"id":1739,"date":"2020-04-07T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/?p=1739"},"modified":"2021-10-16T14:08:32","modified_gmt":"2021-10-16T18:08:32","slug":"24-hurry-up-and-wait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azadkinsiii.com\/blog\/24-hurry-up-and-wait\/","title":{"rendered":"#24 – Hurry Up and Wait!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. In what movie (and who said it) did we hear, \u201cThere\u2019s no crying in baseball.\u201d?<\/em><\/li>
  2. Who said, \u201cDon\u2019t let yesterday take up too much of today.<\/em>\u201d?<\/li>
  3. In which song (and who sang) do we find the following lyrics?
    If I should call you up, invest a dime
    And you say you belong to me and ease my mind
    Imagine how the world could be, so very fine
    So happy together<\/em><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n
    <\/div>
    Blog #24 (Audio)<\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>

    Listen to the audio of this blog, read by Andy Adkins. Click the \u201cAudio<\/strong><\/em>\u201d button below.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    Published: <\/span>October 16, 2021<\/span><\/div>
    <\/div>Audio by Andy Adkins<\/a><\/div><\/form><\/span>1<\/span> Download<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>
    <\/div>\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    \u201cHurry up and wait!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Holy Toledo! Have veterans been training for this current COVID-19 crisis all this time? I know all of my Three Years, Eleven Months, and 29 Days (But Who\u2019s Counting)<\/a> <\/em><\/strong>were well spent helping me <\/em>prepare. Even though that was so<\/em> long ago (1973-77), I still remember. Don’t you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This is usually one of the first phrases a new recruit learns<\/em> early on after joining the military. Navy, Army, USAF, USMC, or Coast Guard – it didn\u2019t matter; we were all in it together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back then, it meant that you were always told to \u201churry<\/em>,\u201d but when you got to where you were going or ready to start a task, you then had to \u201cwait<\/em>.\u201d And, like anything else in the service, “it<\/em>” rolls downhill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Prime Example<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Here’s an example: “Cruise photographs are to be taken of all 5,500 sailors, starting at 1000.” This was a “scheduled” photo session, meaning that different divisions would have their photos taken at specific times during the day. The Captain <\/em>wants every sailor to be dressed in summer whites (it was Westpac ’75<\/em>). V-1 Division was part of the Air Department and we were slated to go first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We were to muster for the cruise photographs at 0930. The Division Officer<\/em>, anticipating that there may be a “few” sailors in our division that will slow things up, instructed everyone to muster at 0900. The Division Chief Petty Officer<\/em>, knowing exactly <\/em>what the Division Officer really <\/em>wanted, had everyone dressed to the gills and standing at attention when the Division Officer arrived for inspection. So he instructed all sailors in V-1 to muster at 0800. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And, that’s how the phrase, “Hurry Up & Wait<\/strong><\/em>” came about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLive & learn,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cLiving the dream,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, this is not <\/em>just the Navy, but every <\/em>branch of service. As a general rule of thumb (I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard this before), if you\u2019re 15 minutes early, you\u2019re on time. If you\u2019re on time, you\u2019re late. And, if you\u2019re late, you\u2019re screwed. Face it, it\u2019s the truth and we\u2019ve all be there before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Duty Stations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Once I got into the \u201creal Navy,\u201d that is, a duty station (for me, NAS Agana, Guam<\/strong><\/em>, and later USS Kitty Hawk<\/em><\/strong>), it became almost a daily mantra. Here\u2019s just a few examples of my experiences with \u201cHurry Up and Wait.\u201d What about yours?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Chow line<\/em><\/strong>. Kitty Hawk<\/em> had two mess decks: forward (fast food) and aft (not so fast food). There was also the Wardroom for officers, but I was enlisted and never set foot in one. When Kitty Hawk<\/em> was at sea, there was usually a long (LONG) line at the chow hall. Face it, with 5,500 men to feed, there\u2019s a wait\u2014suck it up, Buttercup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Every now and then, flight deck personnel got a special \u201cmess chit\u201d to go to the head of the line, especially during long flight ops. All that meant was that we were able to change from standing in a long (LONG) line to standing in a long line. A big, burly Master-at-Arms would be there to make sure you had a legit mess chit. I don\u2019t know about you, but I read a lot while standing in line waiting for chow. I think I probably read a book a day; well, maybe a book every two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sick bay<\/em><\/strong>. Lines weren\u2019t as long for Sick bay as the chow lines, but sometimes they didn\u2019t move as quickly. It didn\u2019t take me long to figure out that the lines for Sick bay were usually longer AFTER<\/em> a port call than before. I guess it\u2019s because of the various illnesses one may \u201cpick up\u201d while in port. Actually, there were two common <\/em>symptoms AFTER<\/em> a port call: nausea from too much drinking and that \u201cother thing\u201d from too much\u2026, well, you know\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Liberty call<\/em><\/strong>. I finally figured out why the Afterbrow was so narrow (one sailor going, one sailor coming). When you\u2019ve been at sea for several weeks and have the \u201citch\u201d to get off the ship and explore the local “culture<\/a>,” there\u2019s a mad rush to disembark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, there\u2019s always the \u201cSalute the Flag,\u201d and \u201cPermission to go ashore, sir!\u201d traditions, but with 5,000 of your closest friends all waiting in line to go ashore for some fine food and dancing, it\u2019s Hurry Up & Wait<\/em> time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What about when you’re not <\/em>aboard<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Hurry Up & Wait<\/em> takes on a whole different meaning when you\u2019re not aboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Movies. <\/em><\/strong>Right before I was discharged in July 1977, a new science fiction movie came out: \u201cStar Wars<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d It\u2019s now called, \u201cStar Wars: Episode IV \u2013 A New Hope<\/em>.\u201d For me, it will always be the best<\/em> Star Wars movie in the series. I was still aboard USS Kitty Hawk<\/em>, a \u201cshort timer\u201d with less than 30 days before my discharge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When Star Wars<\/em> came to one of the San Diego theaters, several of us climbed into a car to go see it. The line was literally wrapped around the movie theater, which was located in a mall, so that meant\u2014in terms of stop lights, if you follow me\u2014at least 2 lights before turning left. In other words, we\u2019d be waiting for the next showing or two, just to buy tickets. Now, there\u2019s this fancy, schmancy thing called Fandango<\/em>, but back then\u2026 nada. You stood in line to buy tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Restaurants. <\/em><\/strong>Over the years, I\u2019ve wanted to try several new restaurants that I\u2019ve known were popular. \u201cHurry up, let\u2019s get there before there\u2019s a long line,\u201d only to get there and find out there\u2019s a long line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My wait limit used<\/em> to be about an hour. As I\u2019ve gotten older\u2026 \u201cIt\u2019ll be about 45 minutes, sir.\u201d “Fine, put our name on the list and we\u2019ll go somewhere else” (you know\u2026 just in case you don\u2019t find anywhere else). Don\u2019t tell me I\u2019m the only one on this planet that does that. My wait limit has definitely decreased as I’ve grown older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Concerts. <\/em><\/strong>There was that time when Linda Ronstadt <\/em>and the Eagles<\/em> were appearing here in Gainesville at the University of Florida football field in the late 70s, right after I got home from the Navy. Yeah, I waited in line for what seemed like hours to get tickets. It wasn\u2019t a \u201cnut to butt<\/a><\/em>\u201d line like in boot camp, but it was pretty well packed. And yes, it was well worth the wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Airports<\/em><\/strong>. \u201cWe need to leave now to get to the airport early enough to park, walk to the terminal, get our boarding passes, check our baggage, get through the security checkpoint, and get to our gate, only to find out the flight is delayed\u2026 what, an hour?\u201d Crap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Well, at least we showed up on the day we were supposed to fly out, as opposed to that time years ago in my \u201cconsulting days,\u201d when I was traveling so much and was so \u201cout of it\u201d I went to the airport a day before<\/em> my 6 a.m. flight. That was an interesting story, especially when I went back home and my wife asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Don\u2019t tell me that I\u2019m the only one on this planet that\u2019s done that before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    DMV<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Don\u2019t get me started with the Department of Motor Vehicles<\/em>. I\u2019m sure I\u2019m not the only one who\u2019s had to make more than one trip for a driver\u2019s license renewal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And my wife\u2026 holy schmoly. \u201cYou mean your passport doesn\u2019t have your maiden name? Didn\u2019t you bring your marriage certificate to verify you\u2019ve been married to the same man for 39 years? And, when you come back, make sure you know where you left off\u2026\u201d you know, like \u201cHurry Up & Wait<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our Current Situation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    And now, with this COVID-19 pandemic, I\u2019ve learned that the Hurry Up & Wait<\/em> training I had in the military has helped me better cope with this \u201cunknown\/unseen\u201d reality. If nothing else, it helps me remember some of the more humorous times in the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Grocery stores<\/em><\/strong> are now open early for \u201csenior citizens.\u201d For me, that just means the line is longer and moves slower. But, at least there\u2019s a better chance for getting my weekly roll of toilet paper before the shelves are empty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I thought I was being smart when I set the alarm for 6a in order to get to the store at 6:30a to get in line before they open at 7a. When I got there, the line was wrapped around the corner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Of course, with those little blue painter\u2019s tape crossed taped on the sidewalk to keep that six foot \u201csocial distancing,\u201d it\u2019s a reminder of what a different \u201cnormal\u201d we are in. And yes, I\u2019ve learned to go at different times of the day to different stores and we\u2019ve gotten to where we only go to the grocery store once a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Doesn’t this remind you of the lines at the gedunk shop aboard the ship? Yeah, you remember those<\/em> lines, trying to buy a carton of cigarettes for $10 or trying to buy a can of sardines and Cheez Whiz because you missed chow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Restaurants<\/em><\/strong>, take out only. I don\u2019t know about you, but in the past, when we went out for dinner, we usually frequented the same 5-6 local restaurants, since they are our favorites. Over the years, we\u2019ve figured out what time to go and how long the wait will most likely be (see my \u201cwait time\u201d tolerance above). And, yes, as we get older we tend to go earlier. What about you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Now, there\u2019s only take-out available. I get it and I certainly understand and I don\u2019t want to put anybody, especially me & Becky, at risk. So, take-out is the way to go<\/em> (pun intended) right now. But, it\u2019s thrown off my \u201ctiming\u201d of when to go. Do we go earlier to beat the crowds, or do we go later? It\u2019s a whole \u2018nother world out here right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Liquor stores<\/em><\/strong>. Currently, liquor stores are open here in Florida (yes, they ARE “essential services”). I could go on about the essentialness of a good tequila, scotch, or wine, but I digress. No longer is it a problem for me to go early & go often (my current motto). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get there early to beat the crowds, in and out. I know what I want and where it\u2019s located. My current \u201crecord\u201d is about 60 seconds. That is, until I get to the counter and find another \u201colder than me\u201d gentleman in line ahead of me. \u201cMaintain that six-foot social distancing.\u201d Yes, I know, but I can only hold my breath for so long here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The “New Normal”?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    In today\u2019s \u201cnew normal\u201d during this COVID-19 crisis, I don\u2019t hear \u201cHurry Up & Wait,\u201d too often. However, I certainly feel it day in and day out. When I\u2019m standing on the blue tape \u201cX\u201d six feet behind the next person in line waiting to go into the store to buy a dozen eggs or a loaf of bread, if they have them, well… I don\u2019t say it out loud. But, I sure think it. Am I alone here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s almost like that training we all began years ago is now starting to pay off. \u201cHurry up and wait.\u201d Yeah, I\u2019ve been there and done that. It\u2019s a little different now than back in the 70s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    None of us know how long this will last. I certainly understand the uniqueness of this virus and therefore the unknown dangers. And yes, I\u2019m in that category of\u2026 Lord, I hate to say this\u2026 age 65+ \u201chigher risk\u201d (my wife & I just turned 65 late last year). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And, even though we don\u2019t feel \u201cold\u201d (whatever that is), I am trying to stay aware of the situation, stay home and only venture out for groceries when I have to. We do get outside for long walks, usually one or two a day, and that helps clear the mind, clear the soul, and get the day going. It\u2019s a routine for us and we are fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood with lots of good walking space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/a>
    (Click to enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s not the same being on a flight deck, watching the sun rise or sun set, but for now, it\u2019ll do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the “Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go Years.” That is, what some people call the retirement phases. Well, I can tell you that it’s now been reversed: we’re currently in our “No-Go” Months<\/em>, and when this thing lets up, we may get to our “Slow-Go” Months, then we’ll get to the “Go-Go” Years<\/em>. At least, that’s the current plan, subject to change, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cHurry Up & Wait<\/strong><\/em>\u201d \u2013 yep, been there and done that and have a T-shirt. It looks like we\u2019re doing it again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay safe my friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Until we meet again,<\/em>
    Andy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"NEVER<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (\u201973-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran\u2019s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is FREE (eBook, PDF) for all veterans. Download your FREE<\/strong> copy HERE<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Previous blogs mentioned in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n