What is Life

What is up, my lovely folks! Today’s story is about a good friend of mine, whom I have known for over 25 years. We’ve hung out with one each since we were toddlers. In fact, we even shared an apartment for a while. Honestly, I know this guy inside and out; he’s a brother to whom I can trust. However, this story is not about me or what I know of this person; no, this story is about Cody and what he wants to share with the world. 

Cody is from Saint Michaels, Arizona. He grew up on the Navajo Reservation. His house was actually about a 4 minute walk from my house. Hence, one of the reasons why we became good friends. One of the first impressions when you meet Cody is that he is a big-strong guy. Quite frankly, he has a life that can backup that stature. Aside from being a former Marine and an avid gym-goer, he is also a Naval Air Station (NAS) Mechanic in Corpus Christi, Texas. So, let’s dive into our conversation.

Both being back in Saint Michaels at the same time is relatively rare; we both have our own lives and live in different parts of the country; it’s what happens when you grow up. So when I learned that we were both back in the same place, I messaged Cody and said “Hey, let’s go grab some breakfast at Denny’s”. This was good, because he also agreed to be part of my blog, and so that is how this story came to be. Our conversation was fun and lighthearted. We’ve known each other for a long time and laughed for the majority of our talk. Getting to the professional aspect of the conversation was tricky, but we managed. I think it can be difficult having a friend who you’ve known for a good portion of your life share their story, because their story has already been shared and experienced through your own life and friendship. But like I said, this story isn’t meant for me, but rather for the reader. 

Finding a starting point was challenging, but we decided to begin with his time in the Marine Corps. “You were in the Marines. How was that?” was the question I began with. He states that it was a good experience. He spent 5 years being enlisted. I asked, “Would you ever go back?” He said, “No, I wouldn’t. If I had the option to redo it, I would do it again. But I wouldn’t go back. I don’t regret joining, but I wouldn’t reenlist”. His answer was valid. Oftentimes I wonder what makes a person want to enlist in the Armed Forces. There are many noble responses, but each person has their own reason. So, I asked Cody why he enlisted. He says he wanted to do something hard and challenging, and he did it; therefore, that is why he also left. He reached his goal. And I totally get that. In my own journey, that was the reason for me to get my Bachelor degree; it was challenging and I did it. Maybe that’s why we’re friends, we get each other. Different paths, but same mindset. Continuing into our conversation, I asked what made the Marines so challenging. His response was the physical and mental toll. One aspect he disliked was the Rucking, which basically meant hiking but with lots of heavy bags, ammunition, and guns. He still enjoys hiking, just not with all that weight. Despite the various reasons why he left, having fellow like-minded people who shared the burden of being a Marine was a main aspect to what he misses the most about the Marines. And while it took a few years to readjust to civilian life, he still misses his friends. He says, “There’s always a special connection with fellow Marines, because we’re all messed up in the head”. Of course, this is Marine humor. They get to say such things about themselves and the Marine Corps, because they are the Marines. Funny people, but dangerous in skill. 

Currently residing in Corpus Christi, I asked Cody what he thinks of the City. He said it’s an alright place if you like hot weather, Ocean water, and Mexican Food. I joked around and asked if there were any cute ladies in the area. He responded with “Meh”. We both laughed. It’s funny because questions regarding relationships are not something we talk about amongst each other. If we ever show up with a lady at our side, then the status of our relationship is evident; that’s our friendship dynamic. The next question was, “What do you do for work?” He said “I am a Mechanic at the Naval Air Station base. He says he makes decent money, but I know that’s just humble talk; he makes good money. Being former Marines, he states that the atmosphere of the job is familiar. In fact, it’s the same type of job he had while he was enlisted. The perks of the job is that he doesn’t hate himself, meaning he’s not constantly being yelled at; he has his Civilian rights. And he gets to go home at the end of the day. Cody has no plan on moving away from Corpus Christi anytime soon. He likes his life and his job. 

Aside from work, I asked what hobbies he enjoys partaking in. Golf is an extracurricular activity to which he has found to be enjoyable. He states that he has fourteen golf clubs. Personally, I have no knowledge of golf and what it fully entails. So this part of the conversation was informative to myself. I asked him what was the purpose for having so many golf clubs. Silly me, I thought a person just needed one golf club. Apparently, that is the number of clubs that are allowed per person, and they each have a different function. More specifically, each club is measured with different lofts and weights, which allows the ball to be hit at different distances and finesse. Now I normally assume that people who go golfing always dress nice and have extravagant outfits, but not Cody. He tells me that he usually wears something casual and normal. Which makes sense, due to him spending about three hours on the course at a time. He says there are memberships, but those can be pricey. He prefers the day passes and spending his time outside hitting golf balls and enjoying the company of good friends. Depending on the course and facility, memberships can range from $10,000 to $40,000 a year. That is insane! However, I suppose it makes sense if that is where one would spend most of their time. I mean, if you got the money and golf is what you love doing, then do you. Plus, these memberships often include parking privileges, pool accessibility, access to the clubhouse, and the ability to partake in the recreational facilities. I would say it’s a good deal. Or be like Cody, and just get a day pass. 

Other than golfing, Cody says he likes to sleep. I said what is that like? And he said “It’s nice”. We chuckled. “[Charles] I’m not a very exciting person. I’m just a normal guy” was what he told me. But then I counteracted his point by saying, “well, you also workout too, right? That’s exciting!” And he replied with a casual, “sure”. I think it was probably around middle school did Cody begin finding interest in lifting weights. In my opinion, he was always naturally athletic and strong. So, it made sense why he finds solace in going to the gym and lifting weights. And so then my next question began with, “Why do you workout and why do you lift heavy weights?” And with a sarcastic manner, he states “So that I’m not fat. I tell myself, no one will love you if you’re fat”. I responded by saying that you just gotta love yourself; everyone finds love. And with a point-blank tone, he tells me “Sometimes yourself sucks”. Fair point. We have a good friendship. My follow-up question was, “Do you set goals for yourself in the Gym?” Cody replied by saying, “No. I don’t set goals. I just do it. If I want to lift something heavy, I’ll do it. If I don’t, that’s fine”. Cody trains 5-6 days out of the week, and is in the gym about an hour each workout session. He has no favorite lifts. He says “They’re all good”. And he is right. Knowing that Cody has been lifting weights for well over a decade, I asked if he had any wisdom to share with new beginners. He says, “Don’t use straps unless you absolutely need them. You don’t need different kinds of chalk, don’t use headphones, don’t use pre-workout or protein powder, and no need for a giant gym bag. The weights are there. You don’t need a bunch of stupid stuff. All you need is creatine and steak”. And honestly, he does speak from experience. 

As our conversation was coming to an end, I asked if he had any final words of advice for my readers. So here is Cody’s advice for you all, “Don’t try. Nobody cares. Just be happy. If you’re sad, stop. Be happy”. You know, I like that. It’s simple and honest. It is always great catching up with friends. I’m glad he was willing to be part of my blog. Cody is one of those people who has such humor and lighthearted energy. Well, thank you all for taking the time to read today’s story. Have a wonderful day and week! Much love to all!