One Year

It was a year ago... today... now.

So much has happened... and gone wrong. Some has gone right. But, none has gone the way I/we thought it would... after.

Today is a time to reflect... and maybe, restart.

Pain, No More.

Inspirational and Moving

I cannot listen to this without being moved. And it's one of my favorite oboe performances ever written (and those folks, like trombonists, just don't get nearly enough stand-out parts).

Please enjoy.

Some Musical Interludes

It's a sleepless night, so I thought I'd share some of my musical favorites.

Let's start with Billy Joel...















How about some Journey?











The Churchills




Some Marc Cohn




And one of my favorite composers, sadly passed...

Michael Kamen





(from one of the most beautiful movies, artistically, thematically, and more... "What Dreams May Come")


Toby Keith












Jewel



(With Indigo Girls and Sarah Maclaughlan)


Pink Floyd!

And this is a TRUE favorite, song and video...



Kermit




And some great TV Themes:
(how many do YOU know - without reading it on screen?)












And finally (for now):




Hope you've enjoyed.

Thank You, Billy Joel

He's only one of my favorite musicians (I still treasure the one time I've seen him live...).

And take a look at the new song he's written.

Which Military Aircraft Are You?

What military aircraft are you? EA-6B Prowler You are an EA-6B. You are sinister, preferring not to get into confrontations, but extract revenge through mind games and technological interference. You also love to make noise and couldn't care less about pollution.

Click Here to Take This Quiz Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Merry Christmas

Thirty-nine years ago...

Mankind ventured for the first time away from the safety of our home planet (not counting UFO abductions for lack of boarding passes).

For the first time, three men were alone in the Universe, as they circled the far side of the Moon - on one side of the Moon, billions of humanity and everything we knew in our day to day existence and on the other side of the Moon, the three Apollo 8 astronauts and eternity.

1968 had not been a pleasant year for the United States, nor for the planet in general.

USS Pueblo

The Tet Offensive

My Lai

Yuri Gagarin is killed

MLK, Jr. is killed

USS Scorpion sinks

RFK, Jr. is killed

The Prague Spring

The Democrat National Convention

It was against that backdrop, that NASA audaciously set out for the Moon. Having restarted the Apollo flights (after The Fire the previous year) in October, NASA found itself not ready to continue its planned schedule. Instead of waiting until the schedule was ready to be engaged, NASA went for a Hail Mary and went for the Moon.

Riding the massive Saturn V booster for the first time, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders, did something no one else had done previously, leaving the Earth's orbit, its gravitational field, and traversing the deepness of the void of space between two worlds, the Earth and the Moon.

There they saw sights that no human eyes had previously seen - the far side of the Moon, the desolation of the Moon from only sixty-nine miles away, and also... the first view of Mother Earth, in her entirety, from so far away...




The crew of Apollo 8 spent just ten orbits around the Moon, before they returned home. As they were orbiting, it was Christmas Eve back on Earth. And as the world watched and listened, near the end of their lunar television broadcast, the following words were read by the crew. It captured the spirit of Christmas, of Peace, and of Hope... cast amongst the splendor, isolation, and wonder of that precious blue marble and the desolation of the first world visited by humans.

I am choked up when I hear and see this... what a Christmas present to the world.

Army Strong!

This was originally posted as a video response to the Blackfive thank you video.

However, I find that not only does it stand well on its own... it's an impressive collage of why we are Army Strong (yes, eagle-eyed viewer, one segment has Marines, but was impressive, still).

Enjoy, my friends.

Hooah!

And a Big Thank You...

A big thank you goes out to all those who lend support. Those who study military history will tell you that one of the keys to an operational success is the strength of the "support tail" (also known as logistics, and many other variants). Essentially, without the support, no matter how strong your force is, victory cannot be maintained.

Our armed forces are the best there are. But, without our support tail... the folks back home, we, too, are drastically weakened.

With that in mind, a big thank you to all who lend that support, in whatever form it takes, both outspoken, and quietly in their Hearts.

Dan Fogelberg, RIP

Today, Dan Fogelberg passed away. You may or may not know him by name, but you likely know his music.

I always enjoyed his music as it was very instrumental in its nature, instead of so much contemporary pop music that is relatively lacking in musical creativity and diversity.

His music flowed.

I, for one, will miss the creation of any more new music, and savor the delights he's left us to enjoy.

You can listen to some of my favorites, but by no means all, here below (courtesy of imeem.com):

Rest in peace, Dan, and thank you...

"We Can Be Bitter Or We Can Choose to Appreciate What We're Given"

An amazingly touching story over at Michelle Malkin.

The original, full story is over at KUSA.

From their reporting:

When Rob and Gina Harris found out they were expecting their first child they say were overwhelmed with gratitude and filled with thoughts and plans for their future family.

"We had all these visions and dreams for what our baby would grow up to be," said Gina.

Rob Harris said, "At our 20 week ultrasound we found out that he was a boy so I went out to the Nike store and had to buy a little sports outfit."

An ultrasound also revealed a problem about their unborn son, David.

As all of us parents recall, we always hope to have the "perfect" child, with everything in working order, and those tests at the doctor's are slightly dreaded, because there's always the fear of "What if something's wrong?"

And for this couple, the fear came true:

"I didn't have amniotic fluid because David most likely did not have kidneys," said Gina.

Doctors explained that amniotic fluid is critical for lungs to develop. The condition that the Harris' son had is called Potter's Syndrome. It is extremely rare and extremely serious.

"The doctor told us that the babies usually die of respiratory failure after they are born," said Gina.

The doctor explained that as long as the baby was inside Gina's womb he'd be able to grow and thrive. Gina could provide everything her son needed. The question was: Could their son live on his own?

What would you do?

Not surprisingly, the doctor offered to terminate the pregnancy.

They'd hear nothing of it.

"I decided to hold tightly to my faith and push through my fear," said Gina. "I decided to put myself aside and know that this baby has a life right now and I am meant to be his mother right now."

Her husband added, "We decided we were going to enjoy our time with our son even if he is in Gina's womb and we can't see him yet, he's still alive and he's still kicking."

The couple made the most of their pregnancy, enjoying their time with their son while he was in utero, knowing that his birth would likely cause his death.

Many couples hope the time during a pregnancy goes by quickly. The focus is on the birth. For the Harrises, the time went too quickly.

After 34 weeks together, David was coming.

And then, for so many couples a joyous time...

David Paul Harris was delivered at 3:25 in the morning, but passed away.

Their time together... six short hours... literally, a lifetime.

"We held him and like any mom and dad we examined his features," said Rob. "We were amazed to see how dark and thick his hair was."

"I remember how soft his skin felt," said Gina. "He was perfectly formed. I remember how soft his skin felt, those little things that even a picture cannot ever capture, so I made sure I remembered those things."

They had six hours with their son.

"I found some comfort in the fact that he went from safe in my womb to God's arms," said Gina.

And then, Gina says the quote that I latched onto. I so clearly remember that same crystalline moment for Ellicia and I. I remember when we received our horrible news, and how we decided to face it. Gina sums it up so well:

We have a choice. We can be bitter or we can choose to appreciate what were given," Gina said.

That's something that we often face at times in our lives... and I'm so touched by this story, especially this time of year, as 31 December is marching steadily towards me... I recall that decision, and what a tough, wonderful decision it is.

Not everyone, hopefully, will face this decision in such magnitude as the Davis', or E &I, or countless others every day. Maybe you'll face it in a situation that to the rest of the world as a minor pebble, but to you, is a massive stone rolling towards you. However this question manifests itself, please remember your choice.

And I pray... you'll choose not to waste your time with bitterness. Because then you'll have memories of bitterness, and not happiness and joy.

The Gratitude Campaign

One of my Angels passed this on to me...

She's featured it on her blog.


I've often been torn when people walk up to me and say, "Thank you". It took me quite awhile to learn how to respond. And the best I do these days, I've found, is to simply say, "Thank you," in return.

Apparently, there's an organization out there (actually, I believe there are likely to be several) that has dedicated itself to saying thanks.

I found this very moving, to see their efforts.

To them, and to all like them... Thank You.

Stuck In My Head

There's a set of commercials running these days which have gotten stuck in my head.

They're cute, and catchy.

Don't agree with the product, but... it's fun to listen to the commercial.

So, here to share...

A Few Precious Moments with Herr Kringle

Went to the local mall tonight. Don't often go, and no, I wasn't shopping. Thought I'd get a salad at the local Ruby T's.

And then I wen into the mall. And I didn't go to Ruby T's...

I found myself instead standing at Santa's workshop... Looking in from the outside. Watching the parade of youngsters being plopped onto his lap - some happy, some mortally terrified. The parents as often listening closely for that desperate hint of what their precious munchkin wants Santa to bring... As those parents who just want the "Perfect Picture".

I didn't recognize Santa; at least, not this Santa. I asked one of the indigenous elves if Santa worked in this workshop last year... They thought so, but weren't sure. I asked if I could speak to Santa. (Being in uniform probably didn't hurt my chances at jumping the long line, but being a Soldier had nothing to do with my request.)

The elf held up the line, and I approached Santa. I asked if he'd worked last year, and he had not. He look tired, the weight of many cranky cherubs possibly weighing upon him. I decided to tell him a story.

He held my hand tightly in his gloved one... And I looked right into his eyes, for otherwise I wasn't sure if I could do this.

I told him of a family of small children who'd spent a few Christmases overseas where you Santa doesn't host as many "Open Workshops". How the five of us and two of the grandparents had delighted in watching what was for two of them, a new experience with the great, mystical Mr. C, and for our older, a new memory.

And then, how when all of the children had taken their turn, tugged his beard, and enjoyed their moment of joy, I witnessed a Christmas miracle I'll never forget.

How, purely on a whim, I'd turned to E and asked her, playfully, "Would YOU like to talk to Santa?" and her face beamed as I wheeled her over to Santa. The two shared a conversation that brought PURE JOY AND PEACE to the face of the woman who was so often wracked with pain. No one knows what was said -- and we never will, nor is it important what the words are as the substance was clear.

It became (officially) the Last Picture as E was dead barely a week later.



But, as I told Herr Kringle tonight, for that moment, and ever on now, I have no doubt that Santa is real. He brought E Christmas... And to all of us, the spirit and joy of Christmas.

And so it was, that with tears streaming down my cheek, I THANKED Santa tonight... Something I've waited nearly a year to do. And Santa gave me a big, tight hug.

Merry Christmas.

(Blast from the past...)

Closing a Chapter of the Past

In the paper earlier this week, word of a job closing came out.

A call center in Goose Creek is closing on 31 May 2008. It hosts several telephone departments for National and Alamo car rentals. These companies were recently acquired by Enterprise Rent a Car.

I used to work there. I'm still friends with quite a few people who (for now) work there.

Lots of good memories. I met Ellicia there.

And now, it too, shall move into the past. Obsolete. Not worth the investment.

I'm so sorry for the friends who just received sad Christmas news.

Stand Up! Stand Up! Get Up Off of that Seat!

Scientists apparently are beginning to believe that sitting down turns off the body's fat-burning mechanism (it also causes global warming, but that can't be helped).

Take a look.

There's likely something to this... so, when you have the opportunity, stand up. Get out of that chair. Work standing up... Walk...

This time of year can be hard enough.

Here's the story.

A Beautiful Bird

This weekend, I received this beautiful picture... in a round about way, but this nice picture was taken from the window of my cousin's house.

How nice it must be to be able to have this view outside your window.

Turkey Day Funny

Courtesy of one of my pen-pals... (or is that key-pals?)

What Turkeys Need To Know But Don't

1. By limiting your corn intake to 175 kernels a day, you can lose
thirteen pounds or three hours baking time, whatever the case may be.
2. There is no such thing as the friendly ax-man.
3. Hiding inside old Jack-O-Lanterns never works.
4. Running helps you lose weight, but you will never fly, ever.
5. Stop writing to Benjamin Franklin; he's dead, and you lost that
National symbol argument long ago.
6. No one buys the "you can't eat a turkey with glasses routine."
7. If anyone asks you about your drumstick size, be afraid; be very
afraid.
8. Sweet corn meal is NOT low in calories. Stop eating it.
9. Pretending to be "just a chicken" is not very smart.
10. If there are not pigs or geese on your farm, you should probably
worry about Christmas as well.

Thanksgiving 2007 - A Time to Reflect... And Look Forward

Today was Thanksgiving. For me, it's a bit of a landmark date.

It marks a period of transition. It was Thanksgiving Eve when the whole family arrived from Germany, schlepping our most important worldly possessions with us.

First time I've ever been met at an airport by a TV news crew... Wanting to document the saga of E's journey back.

It marked the closing of the Germany chapter and the beginning of what (we thought) was to be a long stateside one. Amazing what we didn't know.

So, Thanksgiving 2007 marks the beginning (in my mind) of "It's Been One Year..." One year since the whole world changed.

I have a lot to be thankful for... My father, for one. His support has been immeasureable, setting a bar so high, I can only dream of one day meeting that standard with my children. Last year, as we prepared to evacuate (I use "evacuate" due to the nature of our departure) Deutschland... Our adopted home... He realized the effort it would take. This man (and his willing accomplice, Patricia, ex-wife #2) FLEW to Europe just to help us move and make the journey back. And in the year since, in so many ways, including shouldering the ultimate responsibility and burden, I am indebted. I am thankful for my Dad. And love him dearly.

I am thankful for my Angels... M*A (and the angel family), PJ, Andrea, Miss Birdlegs, and countless others, who've defined Angels in whole new ways. Whether it was being there to listen, or to help me keep writing - when just getting out of bed was hard, to knowing when to whisper a wise word... Or just a needed hug.

My Dad has his own Angel, in the form of Miss D... Who's also embarked on an unplanned journey, and without whom, four lives would be much emptier. She's a teacher... In and out of the classroom.

I'm thankful for memories... As painful and tormenting as they sometimes can be.. For just as powerful is their hurt is their *simultaneous* joy.

And for my visions of the future. M & T. Veritable beacons of Hope and Life itself. Watching them grow learn, and develop... And sharing it with them. Two children who've sacrificed much and demonstrate how to keep moving forward. With Hearts full of unending Love, so pure and innocent, and minds already wise with Life's Lessons... I can look at them and see a time machine - able to look into the past, at what was... Just one year ago... And also all that is to come.

For all of this, I am thankful. For as hard as each day is, keeping the sea of thick blackness at bay, these are the beams of sunshine that make it worth going to see the next day.

With Soldiers Like These...

I know I am honored... and believe we ALL should be honored, to count Specialist Hoyt as one of our Army Strong Soldiers.

Don't know who he is?

Not surprised. I did a search for him on CNN.com. Nada.

So, maybe you'll need to mosey over to FoxNews to read about him.

Specialist Hoyt was injured in an IED blast on 13 November while he was on foot patrol. Five feet away from him, one of his comrades was killed by the blast.

What was his reaction?

Specialist Hoyt told his officers his job wasn't finished, and then... RE-ENLISTED!

Like I said... we should all be honored.

The Crud

Great. Just $*@# great. I have "The Crud". Spent all weekend trying to stave it off, to no avail. I was doing shots of DayQuil like it was Friday night at the club (... and the beer bottle glasses just weren't doing enough to help the last girl there* ).

Already thrown up Breakfast #1 AND replacement Breakfast #2. Yay.

Please, oh please, let this be gone by Turkey Day.

(* - Gratuitous sexist comment just to liven up an otherwise disgusting post. Hey, they can's ALL have pictures of cute and adorable children featured... )

A Special Day

Today is a very special day.

Five years ago, I was in India. Running up what had to be one of the most expensive phone bills I've ever had. 8,887! miles away, my daughter was coming into the world.

Delivered by caesarean, she was a beauty. Let's take a peek back, shall we?


(She's still inside - so comfy)


(She's just been hatched!)


(Being born is hard work!)


(Very happy Mommy...)


I finally got to meet my little girl about two months later.

This is my very first look upon her... E had a friend be ready with the camera when she walked in. I don't think I've ever been more excited or nervous to meet someone.


E called this picture "So, this is Daddy!"


Five years. She's such a joy in my life.

I remember her first birthday - I was able to sneak down on a quick pass from Army training.

First cake - can't you tell?


Life is good...

Life is VERY good


Grandpa


Marmee

Second birthday, we shared in Germany (girl gets around, doesn't she?)... The family had just arrived a month earlier...

Third birthday. Sigh. M's third birthday will always be linked... to... Cancer. E received her diagnosis on 18 November 2005. And M STILL had a party that day. To this day, I am in awe of E's strength.

M's birthday in 2006 was a tad bit truncated as the house was being packed and we were in full swing for our evacuation to the States.

And now, it's 2007. Five years old. A whole handful of fingers!

M has grown so much. She's extremely intelligent. E and I were often struck with wonder, pride, and just a tad bit of consternation, as we watched her devilish self learn how to hide sweets. And her first Easter, sorting the candy by type and color. Watching her learn and develop. She still speaks two languages, remembering her German well.

I could write pages, I'm sure... but I reflect on how much this little girl has endured, and the strength that oozes from her. She seems wise beyond her years. So grown up... And more to come!


Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

(Also, happy birthday to Josie and Charlie!)

PTSD

I can't comment too much on this topic. Not even sure what I'd comment.

But I've read this over and over...

Something to Think About

It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently. - Warren Buffett

The Coup Was Successful!

The coup was successful! I'm happy to announce that there will be many changes coming shortly.


Taken during the recent visit to the Pentagon...

Cat Caught WebSurfing

Did you know that cats often like to surf the web? They even read blogs...

They just don't like to get caught doing it.
F

Can Never Have Too Many Children Pictures

We're going to make a Jack-O-Lantern


Reading is FUN! (And so are cool shoes)

Some Things in Life Can't Be Avoided

Some things in life can't be avoided, right? Recently, there was even this article about a cow landing on a car in Michigan. If you can't avoid falling cows, what can you avoid?



Well, apparently, for a deer crossing the highway, you can avoid motorcyclists.

Enjoy.

Pentagon Visit

Today, as part of my duties, I drove to the Pentagon. My unit's Command Sergeant Major, about six Sergeants Major, Two First Sergeants, and several Master Sergeants, and my NCO were going to take a tour. There may have also been a Partride in a pear tree, somewhere.

My day started at 0400, with being at work by 0500. Had the van set for full VIP service, and was ready to go. We finally departed around 0545 for the drive to DC.

Nothing like arriving in DC during rush-hour.

And there's also the joy of blissfully cruising the (largely empty) HOV lanes while the regular interstate sits in gridlock. (Hint: Use carpools or Metro... you'll get to work sooner.)

We get to the Pentagon, make our way through, and wait for our tour. A nice PFC from the Old Guard came and led us on our short tour. He was resplendent in his Dress Blues. I found it amusing that he stuck with his script insisting we call him by his first name. Right.

We started off at the Medal of Honor room. It included the recently added name of LT Michael Murphy, USN. There are both too many names... and too few.

We were led through several different themed corridors... until we reached a very poignant destination.

The America's Heroes Memorial. It's set in the Pentagon at the spot where American Airlines 77 slammed into the building. The very spot. And when you look out through the window there, you can see the USAF Memorial. One of the interesting facets of that memorial is that the center spire is aligned along the flight path of flight 77. You look out the window and can see the evocative path of the plane's approach. Chilling. Stunning. And, for me, for whom the USAF Memorial has always symbolized the soaring of flight and of the Thunderbirds, it was a complete reversal.

From there, we were led along an interior corridor and stopped after a good walk. The guide told us that we were now standing at the spot of the furthest point of impact of the plane into the building. We turned around, facing outside... and we were several hundred yards inside. The corridor was so long... It's beyond description the idea of the plane making it that far through such a stout building (remember, the workers on the other side of the Pentagon had no idea that anything had happened). The effectiveness of the attack was crystal clear. And yet, simultaneously, the futility.

I think I'll always remember that visit today.

Since When Do I Qualify?

Great, just great...

Another one of those funny emails gets forwarded around, and wait-a-second... I fall into the group it's talking about.

Lovely.

Take a look:

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up;
Like walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ...uphill BOTH ways yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that... I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today.

You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a dream Utopia! And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn’t have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the stupid library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!! There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter ..with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd usually talk over the beginning and screw it all up!
We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it! And we didn’t have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
We didn't have any fancy Sony Play station video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "asteroids". Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no on screen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I’m saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-tards!

And we didn’t have microwaves; if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or go build a frigging fire ...

imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!

Regards,
The over 30 Crowd

A New Blog

Another new blogger is taking the first tentative steps into a whole new world.

Take a look over at Miles on the Wind.

Tell her the SCEagle sent ya...

Need Some Blogger Help

Nothing exciting in this post. Just looking for some help with Blogger. Want to expand the size of this template a bit, so the main posts and the sidebar are a bit wider... basically a higher resolution compatibility. If you can help, I'd appreciate you dropping a line in the comments. Thanks.

What Cats Put Up With

There's a website where we can see just how docile some kitties are... or perhaps, it's a website maintained by cats to one day justify their going "postal" on the humans of the world.

There's one for dog lovers out there, but... you'll have to find it on your own.

Cute cat pictures.

Enjoy.

2007 Trick or Treating!

M is a butterfly and T is a roaring tiger... Was a little slow getting into it, but started catching onto the concept - say "Trick or Treat" and people give you candy! What a cool system...

T would roar and say "Rick or Reat"... M was very polite and wish everyone a "Happy Halloween" and say "Thank you"... Wonderful lil' darlings...

(Fe)Male Moment

One of my best friends sent me this photo, titled "The Real Miss America".



After duly sharing with a few folks hither and yon, another of my super close friends tipped me off to this treasure trove.

So, please indulge me this male moment. And to you women readers out there, please see this as inspiration and tribute to our women warriors. And to the men... well, I know better than to go for lofty ideals, so... just enjoy.

Prostitots

Mike Straka, one of my favorite columnists over on FOXNews has another good column out about how we prostitot our girls.

I, for one, have been very selective about the Halloween costumes. Even for M's age, the costumes available were atrocious.

I've written about this before...

Such a shame.

Beautiful Song and Video

I can't embed it as it's been disabled... (not sure the purpose of that, but not my choice.)

Anyway, please enjoy "Calling All Angels" by Train...

ValourIT

2007's ValourIT campaign has begun. This incredible campaign has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase laptops that are voice activated. These are then given to troops who've lost the use of their arms and can no longer type and work computers.

As part of the campaign, bloggers divide themselves into teams, by service... purely for competitive reasons.

Naturally, I'm supporting the Army.

Together, we all are supporting (fellow) troops. Please, donate today...

This campaign runs through Veterans' Day.

Remember Me

A video from Lizzie Palmer, seen around YouTube. (h/t to SpouseBuzz for clueing me into this.)

I could write any number of comments here... about how moving this is, or that it's amazing as Miss Palmer is so young, or how tears came to my eyes.

But, I won't.

This video speaks on its own.

Gig for Bean

Currently enjoying one of my favorite movies. I watch it everytime it comes on (and I know it's on, of course). Have the DVD, too. Before that... the VHS tape.

Wasn't a huge success at the box office, but then, many of the truly great ones aren't.

The music is excellent.

From what I've heard from those who'd know, it's fairly true to life.

And, it's got lots of great "lessons".

Enjoy...

An Eerie Emptiness

Recent travel through Atlanta. Big storm through the Northeast disrupted flights. It happens, no biggie. No fuss.

Eventually made it down to Atlanta. Lots of flights delayed. Including the one bringing the plane in that I'll need to continue my journey.

Time passes.

Atlanta has large banks of display screens allowing the ability to display hundreds of departing flights.

At this moment, there are two flights displayed. In a few minutes, it'll be down to one. Mine.

The airport is largely dark, and quiet.

The world's busiest airport... quiet. Few people roaming around. No steady stream of aircraft landing and departing.

Planes parked quietly, resting in anticpation of another busy day in the air.

Eerie. Peaceful. And very unique...

Just For Comparison's Sake

On one hand, we have members of the United States Senate trying to stifle a citizen’s free and public speech.

 

On the other hand, we have members of the public driving a charity auction (of the official letter detailing this action) to over TWO MILLION DOLLARS.

 

And that citizen who was the focus of the letter?  Matched the winning bid.  Nice touch.

 

Four million dollars to charity.

 

Attempting to restrict, through indirect means of power, a citizen’s right to speak.

 

Just saying.

An Honorable General

Please take a peek at the post over on Blackfive.

What an honorable leader. He remembers where he came from, how he got there, and those who were unable to complete the journey with him.

Salute, Sir.... Leading by example.

Future Construction Workers

Look at what the kidlets got to do... You can see M (blue shirt) and T having an absolute blast...

They're not just sitting in the machine, you may be able to notice their hands are on the controls, working the machines. As T would like to say, "Tonkas are for little babies!"

No word on if they've joined the union or not, but the smiles on the faces... priceless.

Cat Owners - Do YOU Recognize This Cat?

I bet you do... It's mine. I'm sure of it.



(BTW, if anyone knows to whom I can give credit, please let me know.)

This Is Just WRONG

"SGT Hook" has it right... he calls his post, "When Angels Cry".

Things like this just should NOT happen.

What am I talking about?

From SGT Hook:

We have a Specialist 4 John who was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Tx. in El Paso, Tx. and he was deployed to Iraq,injured and send to BAMC in San Antonio,Tx. he was in Med Hold and was going to be released soon back to his duty station and his wife Monalisa was driving up from Ft. Bliss where there three Children 9 year boy named Tyler, 5 year old girl named Ashley and 2 year old son named Logan.

Right outside Ozona, Tx. a truck hit them and from the nearest hospital they were life-flighted to Dallas, Tx. I am very sorry to say that the two year old Logan and the five year old Ashley were killed in the crash. Tyler is in Children’s Hospital at Dallas, Tx.

Monalisa is in Parkland hospital next door to Children’s Hospital.

Monalisa has a head wound, they thought she has 2 broken vertebrae in her neck or back and a broken arm. Turns out she looks worse than she is. No broken vertebra just some compressed disks and the head wound wasn’t as bad as they thought.

She just has a lot of bruises.

John was brought to the hospital in Dallas and he is with the family along with a 1st. Sgt. who is taking on the problems they are facing . This accident occurred Sat. 10/13/2007 and as of right now Tyler is still in a coma no better but no worse.

My Heart goes out to this family... sigh.

A New Grandmother

One of my close(st) friends has newly become a grandmother. First in my generation or age group.

A whole new feeling.

And look at these pictures! Wow, such a beautiful, new life.

Welcome, Kelsi. May Life be a wonderful joy to you.

And for those who are curious, 5 lbs 8 oz... Very happy.

Technology Today

Isn't technology amazing? In my hand, I am holding more computing power than the astronauts used when they went to the moon.

This blog entry isn't being made at a computer. Not even a laptop. I'm in my van sending it in from my phone's access to the Net.

From my phone, I can do just about anything, including download the latest weather image from satellites in orbit.

Fifty years ago, the world was adjusting to the very concept of objects in space. The mere idea of communicating with the WHOLE WORLD via a handheld device... Would have made impressive science fiction.

What will people be capable of doing fifty years from now? What will MY children find commonplace that will amaze me (besides their taste in music)?

I can only hope, and excitedly await, for what someone Imagines.

New Storm

Before, there was a bolt from the blue.
Heart would Race, Toes would curl;
As Love courses throughout you...
Losing oneself in an endless swirl.

Lightening doesn't have to strike twice
Can you feel such ecstacy again?
But oh the pleasure, and potential joy
When you realize it's begun to rain!



(Inspired by someone special who's cast a spell on me. You know who you are.)

Flying Porn

Thanks to SrA Erik Hofmeyer for a spectacular photo!

I had always wanted to be in the Air Force. Life didn't work out that way, but had I been so blessed, the job I dreamed of was in-flight refueller. Just look at the office view!

Ahhhh....

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Are you aware?

If you're a man, do you think you're safe? (You're not - Men get breast cancer, too. Just because women's breasts look better than ours doesn't mean our breasts can't get cancer cells, too. Check yourself.)

Are you too young to have breast cancer? (No... you're not. It's not a disease just for mature women... Ellicia died at the age of 39. Check yourself.)

You're safe... no one in your family has ever had breast cancer. (Sorry, folks... that doesn't rule it out for you, either.)

Bottom line. Check yourself. Are you over 40, or other riskier categories (check the websites for details - I won't duplicate their fine efforts here)? Have the mammogram. Yes, it might hurt (not all women say it hurts like hell, and considering there're a few parts on me I don't want squished flat, I'm going to acknowledge that it probably does hurt like hell), but... which would you rather have... a mammogram, or find out the rough way that you have breast cancer?

Do the Self-Breast Exam. Have a partner? Have them help. It's well-known fact that husbands often find the first tumors.

And here's the biggie. Don't be afraid to look. Yes, you might find something... But whether you look or not, if it's there, it's there. Knowing it's there EMPOWERS you to do something about it... and fight it.

(Internet) Radio Shows

I want to take some time and plug some radio shows...

First is one that's been a longtime favorite of mine, for a lot of reasons. The host is a wonderful lady, and she's been such a supportive friend. Throw into the mix that her radio show is rarely dull, and I like to check in on her from time to time. She has a genuine over-the-airwaves show on Sundays at WDBO-580 AM in Orlando, FL on Sundays. You can also catch her here:



I've also recently been tipped off to another show. This one is called "Army Wives Talk Radio". Seems to be a great resource for military spouses out there. And I've been asked to call in (and I'm going to) for an upcoming show.




Take a look and a listen...

And if you have some other suggestions, please drop me a line.

Sad, Beautiful... Even in Death

As many of you know, I love aircraft. They're downright beautiful, and seductive in their soaring quest to fly.

And it's very sad (to me, at least) when it comes time for them to die. Some are given new lives in Aviation Museums, where they can convey the awe and imagination of flight to future generations.

However, others meet a worse though often inevitable fate. They are broken up to be melted down for recycling. Aircraft which were well cared for and lovingly maintained must wait, standing mute and patient as a large pincer comes and rips it into little pieces - never to soar again.

A photographer out has created some wonderful, artistic images, and I'd encourage you to go take a peek.

Aircraft in the boneyards...

Happy Anniversary

Today would have been our third wedding aniversary.

That's right, third.

As I often think, that's a very low number. You always hear about people celebrating their twenty-fifth, fiftieth, sixtieth, etc.

We never made it to three.

Sigh.

It just wasn't in the cards. And the strange thing is, no matter what, we would not have shared this anniverary together. Healthwise, we knew long ago that she would not be alive for this date. Had she have been, had she been in perfect health, I'd be in Iraq right now. So again, separated.

Day struck kind of hard. Every now in then, just when you think your life is "back on track" and that you're adjusting, you get jolted out of your comfortzone.

Like today.

Thank you to the two people who also remembered - the roses were pretty and so were the shared memories.

And to Ellicia... Happy Anniversary. We may not have made it to three, but we packed in more in those short years than some folks who go all the way to sixty-three.

I wrote to you on our first anniversary (and we were apart)... and it's still true and amazing to me even now... My Hero.

*

500 Years of Women in Western Art

So often, I believe, some of the great subjects in school are mis-taught. Be it Math, History, or even... Art Appreciation.

How many of us had a professor who focused on lines and light, and the technical aspects of art? Yes, these are factors which are important in great art, but it's important to truly appreciate art, as well.

And here is a video that accomplishes more than most professors ever did. Sadly.

(Now, if I can get a video that shows how Math should be taught...)

No Compassion

This article hit a bit close to home.

Thankfully, Ellicia never had to endure quite this level of indignity, though... there were some difficulties and lack of compassion going through airport security. And then, there was this incident.

I empathize for this woman and all the difficulties she's going through... and that which is yet to come.

And perhaps, just perhaps, as we continue to search for the next terrorist who might make an attack on us using aircraft... (instead of maybe checking and securing the border...) we'll show a bit of compassion and common sense.

I understand the TSA agents getting a bit jaded. I can only imagine the feeling of superiority that comes after hours and hours, day in and day out, reminding people who've passed three to four different signs, been advised in person, been pre-checked, and are probably even familiar with the multiple jokes about what you can and cannot take on an airliner... that they can't bring the liquid, the nail clippers, or the chainsaw onboard the aircraft. Yes, the flying public can no doubt be dense, incomprehensibly difficult to deal with, and several other lovely descriptions...

BUT...

That's the public, and we need to remember to step back and treat each individual as we'd want to be treated ourselves.

Sam the Bell-Hop

Now, for a break...

This is a nice tale told by Bill Malone, a magician.

Enjoy!

Thought I'd share some pictures

I wanted to share some recent pictures... some snapshots of moments in life.


Thomas working on his latest masterpiece.



Peeking out from a neighbor's play fort... Young sentry ensuring all is safe on his watch.

or

Something really neat, like maybe a squirrel!, caught his attention.






Sometimes the best part of a day is just enjoying a few minutes on a swing...

Hero Saluting Heroes

Recently, you'll recall the tragic deaths of the 9 Charleston firefighters.

They were buried a few days ago. It was a major event, as thousands upon thousands poured out to say good-bye. Fire departments from all over the world, I hear, sent representatives to give their respects.

And along the route that the hearses drove, many more lined the streets, giving a final farewell to these heroes.

Including one of mine.

Just so happens someone caught this picture...

8 Simple Rules...

ABC Family channel has recently started airing "8 Simple Rules (for Dating my Teenage Daughter)".

Wow.

I missed this show when it came around, and only caught a few episodes on AFN.

It is so refreshing. No language. No gratuitous ________. Still deals with "issues" and still presents entertaining episodes... Just fun. Don't have to worry about holding the remote in case the episode goes out of control...

And I miss John Ritter. While I could do without almost all of his efforts on "Three's Company", I find several of his later works to be entertaining. I remember hearing when he died (I was in formation at AIT) and being very sad.

It airs at 1800 - 1900 on ABC Family... go and enjoy... I record it and it is a nice respite for me.

(Followed by my guilty indulgence of "Whose Line is it Anyway?". I roll all around the floor laughing during this show. Anyone else? Who's your favorite? Ryan? Colin? Greg? Drew? Wayne? Laura Hall? Or one of the lesser featured ones? Don't know who/what I'm writing about? You are at a giant loss...)

Military Motivator

Ok, folks, friends... take a look over here at Military Motivator.

We all know those cheesy, annoying, unmotivating motivational posters hung in hallways and offices of middle managers everywhere.

Well, leave it to the military to do it differently... and arguably, better.

Enjoy.

Heroes

You've seen it on the news. 9 firefighters died in a fire in Charleston, SC. I know the store... shopped in it. Didn't buy anything, but that's beside the point.

These firefighters went INTO the building... a building on fire... a building that everyone inside was desperate to leave. They went IN. And rescued those inside. They were outside. And they went back in to make sure everyone else was out.




And then the roof collapsed.

Heroes walk amongst us, and so often, we never know their names until they're just a picture.

I urge you all... learn the name of a hero... before they become a picture. We all know Paris Hilton's name... Britney, Insert Favorite Sport Star Here, etc... Learn the name of a hero in your community... they're walking right amongst us, silently, no attention, no press... but they're there.

Father's Day

Very disappointing this year... just wasn't the same, really.

It started off nicely. M came and woke me up with several sweet "Happy Father's Day."

Afterwards, I went to take a shower, and that's where it went downhill...

While in the shower, the munchkins ate my Daddy's Day present that M had given me. And lied about it... of course, because that's one of the fundamental rules of being a kid, right?

Yesterday, it was coloring on the window sill... today, the carpet.

We left the house, and started with a few errands on the way to Daddy's Day lunch at the Waffle House. Kids tag-teaming their screaming and screaching the whole way there...

Came back, and it just continues...

Yay.

M's lying has gotten atrocious... she lies about everything and seems to beg to want to get in trouble... is fishing for negative attention when I'm eager to give her good attention.

Very frustrating day.

This gets easier, right?

Prosti-totting Our Kids

Went shopping in Wallyworld... wanted to find some new shoes for the lil' girl since she's apparently GROWN!

No luck on the shoes.

However, I saw the opportunity to replace some worn out clothes and, to my horror, came across...

Size 4/5 (Girls) Low-rider jeans! WHAT?! Listen, my little girl doesn't have anything to be low-riding anyway, but why are we doing that to our girls?

There will come a time when sexiness and such is shoved down their throat everywhere they go... can't they just be little girls for right now? They'll never get another chance...

Disgusting.

Rare, Unexpected, Opportunity

You never know what's coming next in life.

My Army career is now at four years plus. I'm in Army Aviation, and I'm trained as a helicopter repairer...

Yet, in my career thus far, I've not flown in an Army helicopter. The ones I work on don't have room for anyone but pilots. (It should be noted that I, like many others I'm sure, would have been MORE than happy to strap onto a wing pylon for a flight, but pesky Army regs... plus, the Safety brief would have taken days and I can only imagine the Risk Assessment!)

My current job incarnation has me being a driver (and pseudo-aide) to my Colonel and Command Sergeant Major (and other VIPs as designated). As such, I tend to go where they go (guess I should be nicknamed "AAFES").

Anyways, there was a large military event being hosted by a local high school. They'd invited all the branches, and the various recruiting commands were lending support. Our school had been asked to see if we could coordinate some helicopters to come by. We have no flyable equipment - it wouldn't be a good school for repairers if it all worked, right? - so we couldn't directly contribute. However, we're good Soldiers, and phone calls were made, and helicopters arranged.

Amazingly enough, all the paperwork went through, and no one nixed the plan. On Tuesday, I drove the survey team out to the location. Not a large landing area, but it'd be directly in front of the high school. The kids would love it. At the time, we thought the COL might come out, but when I asked him, he said he probably would not, as he wasn't expected to speak, and besides... he is very busy.

Wednesday, I was sick. Hospitalized briefly. Bad. Ugh. But, over it, and ok now.

Went to work on Thursday, expecting another routine day. Picked up the daily calendar and began the brief with the executive secretary. Observed that within the hour, it was listed as "Flight to Jamestown HS".

Flight?

Eh?

F-l-i-g-h-t???

See, our Colonel is retiring soon, and I guess he'd chewed it over, and decided he'd like one last flight in an Army helicopter. As it happened, we would be using the General's bird, a UH-1 "Huey" (rent any Vietnam flick, and you'll see it... it's the one all the Soldiers are leaping out of... see "We Were Soldiers"), and he'd flown it once upon a time...

So, I quickly map out the day, plan the logistics of the schedule, and quickly find myself at the airfield.

For today would be special... it'd be the Colonel's last flight in Army Aviation... and my first!

We had a pilot assigned, a crew chief, and for the passengers, it was the Colonel (in the Copilot seat up front) and the Command Sergeant Major and the Specialist in the back.

Doors open... we take off. Smooth as silk.

Beginning altitude of 500 feet, climbing to 1500. A little over 120 MPH. I'm having a BLAST.

My duty for the mission is to photograph the Colonel. As many pics as possible. I can't help but look out the window, and just enjoy it. The air as we cruise through the air, and the breeze coming from the giant ceiling fan up top... and being able to just lean out into the slipstream... The doors are open, I'm held in by all of one single seatbelt (with an amazingly minor latch)... and I'm not afraid a bit.

On the return flight, I even toyed with just dangling my feet out the door. Was an amazing rush.

And I can't thank my Command too much. It was an honor and a priviledge to go flying, and to participate in the Colonel's final flight (and wetting down).

Below are pictures of me preparing to fly (the photographer is the CSM) and our "Last Flight/First Flight" photo. Who has the bigger smile?

In the Company of...

A friend sent me a link. I went to check and was shocked. It seems to be a nice project, and... I couldn't believe I was among those pictured.

It feels so strange to be in the company of these heroes... I guess I still have problems resolving in my head where my life has taken me.

But, am honored, and proud. And when I look at that particular picture, the memories come back in a flood.

Thank you, friend.

Trying to Explain What I See

On a recent flight, I found myself staring out the window... entranced as usual, and lost in the wonder.

Suddenly, I found these words flowing into my head. As is usually true when I write, there is no rough draft, it just flows to me.

I haven't developed a title yet, but here is what came to me:

This is where I come to pray
When too oft my soul has bled;
Where Angels like to fingerpaint
And mortals fear to tread.

The Temple is so endlessly vast,
There are no walls to see -
Yet there arise many rooms,
Some as small as me.

I do not reach out to touch
The face that belongs to Him,
For the Peace I feel here is so clear,
Even as the world feels very dim.

Few tend to take the time to see
This Heavenly Temple just above;
Our lives in which we self absorb
Bereft of this endless Love.

For when we climb into the Temple
Casting off the fears from below
Is when we see through His eye
Amazing Beauty we'd ne'er know.

The Temple is where the Angels gather
And unleash their creative flow -
Brushing playfully through the sky with clouds
Or at times a lone rainbow.

Here in this place so Holy
My soul relearns to soar
Lift'd aloft on an Eagle's wing
Wounds Healed; Bleeding no more.

This is where I come to pray
When my soul yearns to cry
Of Pain! Of Joy! It's here I pray...
In these Cathedrals of the Sky.

(c) 2007


As I said, title still in works. But, this is what I see. And how I feel about flying. It's where I feel most at peace in the world.

(Comments and critique invited. Curious what y'all think. Thank you for reading.)