Toilet Training - The Movie

Ok, parents... you'll recognize (or remember, lest ye hast blocked such painful moments)....

Can't embed it, so enjoy...

"Out of Pampers".

Random Thoughts While Sitting in Traffic

Once again, another day of sitting in traffic.

Same stretch of road.

Is there an accident? Nope.

Construction? Nuh-uh.

This particular area of high-speed Interstate road is reduced to a five mile endurance test of 4 MPH traffic for one amazing reason:

The road ahead has a roof.

Ok, so we really call it a "tunnel", but let's be honest, it's really just a road with a roof.

We don't mind roads with walls.... zip right through those. However, if you complete the square and add a roof, "Tunnel Terror" overtakes many of our fellow travelers (I even know a few, personally).

The road is not designed significantly differently, and I'm fairly sure that those engineers aren't too far off with their recommended speed limits.

Yet, we must all slow down. As soon as the roof is gone ("exiting the tunnel"), the traffic clears, the terror over.



Oh, and another thought - Is it optimism or pessimism which motivates a State Trooer to sit on the side of the road aiming a radar gun at the STOPPED traffic?
"Yes, Dispatch, I can confirm the traffic is not moving."

Just my random rant... feel free to share yours.

Birthday Porn

My good friend, M*A, published some birthday porn for me...

It's great stuff. I highly encourage taking a peek...

Click here.

First Donation!

Ok, the first donation has come in for my walk in 2009 for Breast Cancer!

Thank you for that first $50!

We are now 1% towards our goal...

(You know, if everyone who reads this blog matched that donation... hmmmm)

Random Thought on Toilet Paper Dispensers

Ever notice how many toilet paper dispenser brands there are?

No?

Hmmm, maybe I'm just bored when I'm in the ol' stall. However, it seems there are quite a few different brands of toilet paper dispensers.

Why?

Is this REALLY such a competitive market?

If I were to announce that I was constructing a men's room, would a multitude of sales representatives from the leading toilet paper dispenser companies be beating down my door to get my business?

Are there that many different ways to dispense T.P.?

What makes Brand X superior to Brand Y? Is the smokey gray plastic? The occasional double roll capacity? Perhaps some come with locking capability (keeps out those TP thieves).

Anywho, just a random thought... back to the graffiti.

Kids Say the Darndest... Well, You Know

Recently, M came to me and said, "I have a little secret to tell you!"

Oooh... What's the secret?

"It's a little one..."

What? You're pregnant!

"It's a little secret... In my bedroom!"

Thomas! How'd you let this happen?! I thought I was paying you good money...

"Nobody let it happen... D and I did it!"

ROFLMAO

Last Day

Ok, not exactly momentous, but it's my last day as 34. Yep, tomorrow is my birthday. Since my pass was denied, it'll be another workday...

However, I do feel the great weight upon my shoulders of changing demographic categories. Yes, I'll now have to remember to check the 35-44 block, and no longer the 25-34 (or sometimes 18-34) block. Translation: while it may not be 40 or "over the hill", it is a sign I'm getting older.

Do we get any symbolism for getting wiser?

So, another year! Woohoo...

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - 2009

I have registered to participate in the 2009 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Washington, DC!

This time, I'm setting my fundraising goal for $5,000. I know that with the help of everyone out there, we can easily blow past that goal.

This year's walk was such an inspiring experience, and one I'm not soon to forget... I already look forward to the opportunity to walk in 2009.

The 2009 walk will be significant, to me, as it falls on 02 May - Ellicia's birthdate.

And I look forward to having another picture like this one:



Please visit my Walk website to learn more, and to be able to donate. Thank you!!!!

Guess What I've Been Doing?

I have finally restarted my lessons towards my Private Pilot's License (PPL). I've been wanting to do this for so long, and there have always been things "in the way".

Well, no longer... as I keep being reminded, and remind myself, if you're going to do something... DO IT.

And so, I am. This weekend so far, I've notched 3.4 hours towards the license and have felt amazing joy being back behind the stick.

It's not much, yet, but - it is a beginning.

I've tried both a Symphony 160 and a Diamond DA-20.

I find the Symphony much more to my liking, and will seek to finish my training in it. Hopefully, I will solo before I go to school...

See you in the skies!

Video From My Reenlistment

Thank you, M*A and J, for taking this video... it's nice to have something to supplement the ole memory...

Inadvertent Meanings

During our Memorial Day vacation, we had lunch at a nice "family" restaurant. Everyone there was very friendly. Much to our surprise was the level of friendliness available on the menu, but apparently, only to certain age groups.

By the way, if you don't get this joke, don't worry about it... probably a good thing.

13 Year Old Poetry

The Veil

My heart is shrouded
By hate and fear.
Lift my veil and
discover me.
My true self.

The steadily growing cloud
On my soul.
Grows heavier with each
passing day.
Lift my viel and find my soul,
Hidden beind my mask of happiness
Lost within the fog
Of my own dreary
existence.

Lift my veil and find
The knowledge of love
I have lost.
It's there.
Hiding among my vast
arrangement of shadows.
Lift my veil and find me.



(Not my poetry... someone else's.... who shall remain anonymous)

Reenlistment

This is just the beginning. I want to write what I can NOW to make sure I don't forget (plus, I'm sitting in traffic moving at Warp 3 MPH on the interstate, so I have some time).

I'm still collecting the pics, and so far, there are some really impressive ones! Watch this space for when they're posted.

So, the reenlistment ceremony.

I was nervous. Ask LadyG and she'll tell you I was ever so _slightly_ stressed!

I don't like being late. First, had to deal with seemingly random closed roads and detours. En route, the spaceship's seatbelt undid one of my insignia. Not just any one, but one of the more precisely aligned, measured, and polished ones. AACK!!!!

We arrived at the Jefferson Memorial, with two minutes to spare (thanks to the lovely scenic tour through Alexandria). I quickly found my fellow Soldiers who, blssedly, were well practiced at restoring serenity to uniform chaos.

As a bonus, my reenlisting officer was running behind. Translation: I was not late! Breathing could return to normal.

It was a beautiful day - one couldn't order a better one. Crystal clear, nice blue skies... Not too hot, not too cold... Not muggy.

Decent crowds, but not too overwhelming.

I was in my Class A uniform, as was my officer. My fellow Soldiers were in duty uniform. LadyG was stunningly BEAUTIFUL, while D was looking quire sharp in classic "lil' man" look. Dad was there, with his g/f... And so were my Soldiers' Angel, M*A, and her DH. A nice touch was the presence of my Senator's military liaison, a USAF LTC.

It was time.

We set up on the front steps of the Jefferson Memorial. If I looked to my right, I could see TJ looking over us from inside. T my left, the Washington Monument, and past that, the White House. We stood next to the American Flag, which flapped in a gentle breeze.

The reelistment NCO called, "Attention to Oath!" We all came to attention, and I faced my officer. We raised our right hands, and he administered the oath.

I was very... Aware. I was focused on him, but could feel the gazes coming from those in attendance, notably my invited guests. I tried to remind myself to take it slowly, so I could savor the moment and the words I was saying... What the meant to me.

And then, it was done! I saluted, shook hands, and felt... Wonderful elation. It's odd, because Soldiers are ALWAYS counting down their time remaining in service, and I'd just tacked on another four years. But, it was more than that. I was so honored to have the _opportunity_ to say that oath again... So be allowed to contnue to serve. Reenlistment is not a right, but a privilege, after all.

During my remarks, I remember commenting on how long and challenging the journey to reenlistment was. So much has occurred in these first five years of enlistment. It certainly hasn't been dull. I wonder what the next four will bring?

I look at how I got to this point, and there are some I wish to point out:
To Ellicia, who stood by me, supported me, encouraged, motivated, comforted, and inspired me when I first took the oath.

To M*A, who represented ALL of the Soldiers' Angels out there - who help us and support us in innumerable ways. Yet, M*A is so much more, as her "name" attests. Perhaps best, though, is she is my Friend.

To Dad, retired Master Sergeant, who's first wearing the uniform inspired me when I was young, and who's ability to understand means so much now. I am proud to have the same nickname, which itself has a nice heritage, "Radar".

To my Sergeants over the years who've demonstrated True NCO Leadership and Army values... Some of you are currently in Iraq, and I wish I was with you. First Sergeant S, SSG K. G (from Operations), SSG T. G. (from 'stan and Useless), and quite a few others. HOOAH!

So, here's to the next four years...

"Protecting and Defending... Against ALL enemies..."

Tomorrow is Getting Close

I'm becoming more and more cognizant of tomorrow. It's coming and it's a BIG day. A little nervous, a little excited...