Tranquil

I love how peaceful and dark I-95 in SC can be. Light traffic, just woods...

I enjoy dimming all the lighs and enjoying the sky.

Ahhhh.
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Live from the Road

Crossing the State Line into the GREAT State of South Carolina!!! (I feel better already...)
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For a Good Friend...

Last-minute scoot down to Charleston. Spend the night, have breakfast/brunch, and return.

Haven't seen her in a few years and WELL worth the trip.

Can't wait to see you again, P!
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A Nice Treat

Tonight, completely unexpected, I was released from work super early.  I got to tuck my kids into bed.  To my first-line supervisor, thank you.  The kids, though they don't know it, thank you, too.

Riddle Me This, Army

So, how is this supposed to work?

The Army professes support for families, and how families are vital to the Army's success.

And single parents... well, they're supported, too.

However, here I am working a shift that's opposite my kids' schedules. I don't mind so much, except... I can see the effect in my kids' behavior. M is just going off the rails. I see her for about 15 minutes each morning. That's it. Otherwise, it's schools and sitters.

Very frustrating.

My next schedule will be a "huge" improvement. In May, I switch to working weekends, Sat-Mon, 0700 - 1930. Yep. So, I'll see M at night during the week, and on weekends. Just in time to tuck her in.

HOW DO I GET TO BE THE DAD THEY NEED?!?!?!

Looking for answers... sigh.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

It's been a long time (about five weeks), but Swoopy is back from the body shop, looking as good as ever!

It's good to be back in my own car again...
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Missions...

This week, I've been tasked with being on-call for bus driving. Recently, Mother Army saw fit to get me licensed on the bus, so time to use it.
Mostly, I'm driving AirEvac missions. I'm greatly enjoying, because it's very rewarding. Bringing these Soldiers in for care, helping (small part, but still) to bring them home... To see their faces. Is good.

Plus, I get out on the flightline again!

It's surprising just how many missions there are. A tad too many, but it is what it is.

..Everyone comes home.
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Hoping to Have a Good Day Tomorrow

Going for a Board competition...

So, need to turn in.

Will be a VERY long day... hopefully, a good one.

'night!

D-Day...

Merely hours away. Tick-tock.
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Communication, Communication, Communication

Why is this so difficult? It should be easy in this day and age. After all, with rare exception, we can be reached by text, email, and sometimes, you can even go old-school and use a telephone.

So, there was a mandatory event this morning. "Lottie, Dottie, Everybody..."

No one was really sure where we were supposed to go, as we'd never gone there before. Therefore, it was put out the night before that everyone would meet at 8 at Place X.

Simple.

But... Seems that earlier, at the PT session, directions were given and everyone is just told to meet there. Everyone at the PT that is. Those not there... heard crickets.

So, at 8, imagine my surprise when no one *else* was at Place X.

I've noticed this trend lately to brief the plan, then change the plan, but not disseminate the change.

No further comment...
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Now Hear This. Now Hear This... Code BLUE. Code BLUE...

At my hospital, PA announcements are very rare. Purposefully so, as to ensure that when there is one, it gets our attention.

The most common of the rare announcements is the Code Blue - Cardiac Arrest. (Other terms you may be familiar with: "Coded", "Flatlined", or needing CPR.)

Tonight, after a busy night, we'd slowed down... and then, over the PA...

"Now hear this. Now hear this. Code Blue. Code Blue in ******."

I learned something new, or I'd just never noticed because of other things going on, but... Radiology Techs respond to Code Blue, too.

So, off I and another tech got moving. Quickly. We went to the ward where a patient was lying in his bed, while 10+ staff worked feverishly to keep him alive.

At one point, I counted over 15 responders, including security, nurses, respiratory techs, doctors, staff, and... two Radiology Techs. People rotated through doing the chest compressions as you can tire out easily.

Over the next 20 minutes, this team fought to keep him alive. I started to wonder if perhaps, he might not make it. It had been a long time. The odds didn't seem to be in his favor.

The family was called. I hoped that in their haste to rush to the side of their loved one that they'd be safe and not need their own emergency care. I can only imagine how some might react if called in the middle of the night and told their loved one had gone into cardiac arrest and may not be around long.

The other tech and I continued to talk... discussing various things, the shift, death, CPR, E... it meandered.

And then, beep.... beep... beep... I looked and could see his chest moving. He was making it! He wasn't going to die... not now, at least.

The crowd thinned, and we moved in and got out pictures to help document what may have caused the cardiac arrest.

And another successful day. I like my job!

Notes on Love and Death @ AMERICAN DIGEST

A friend sent this over to me - thanks M*A.

I've read and reread now a few times... Think I'll read it a few more.

Notes on Love and Death @ AMERICAN DIGEST

Valentines Day

Well...

Today is Valentine's Day. Seemed like just another day, here.

I remember well when I got excited about V day, but then, there was someone to get excited about.

One day, so I'm told, that excitement will return. I think I'm going to look forward to that.

In the meantime, I guess I've saved a little bit of $$$... LOL

I hope everyone else had a good day.

Movies That HIT Me

I caught the tail end of "City of Angels". Ugh... I love this movie, and yet, it's so gut-wrenching to watch. Especially the end... seems very... familiar.

Let's not forget "What Dreams May Come"

Or "My Life".


There are quite a few that both reach out and touch me, and sometimes, sucker punched at the same time.

"Dear John" got me the other night... and I couldn't even figure out why. But, it did.

Wonder what other movies might have these effects?

Pink Glove Dance

A friend sent this to me... and I'm touched.

I also just ordered a box of pink gloves for me to use at work! Oh, that should definitely get the conversation going... LOL!

I don't see a military hospital ever doing this - which is a shame... sometimes we're so busy maintaining our "military bearing" that we lose ourselves in it.

Speech for Graduation

One of my former Sergeants recently asked me to write a speech for a Graduation of a RadTech student. Seems there was going to be a 2-star there, and they wanted something really good.

This is what I came up with:

Speech for Graduation


Good morning. It is an honor and a privilege to speak to you today. For today, I have the distinct pleasure, as do all of you, of witnessing the future of our nation's Army at the beginning.

For many, the image held of our Army's Soldiers are of the warriors at the “tip of the spear”, our Infantry, Special Forces, and untold many who engage in direct combat with our country's enemies, all over the globe.

However, our Army is more than those War-fighters. It is true that they are unsurpassed in their capabilities and how they can bring the fight to the enemy, wherever they may be hiding. Those Soldiers would be ineffectual, at best, and likely defeated, were it not for the Soldiers who perform equally noble tasks, especially those in the Medical field.

Our Army's Medical Soldiers deliver a strength to the force that is envied throughout the world. Whether it's in Army hospitals such as Moncrief here at Fort Jackson, or major Medical Centers like Walter Reed, or even the battalion aid station attached to a small unit stationed far home in a country few may have heard of before, our Medical Soldiers deliver care to our Soldiers, and to their Families, and in some cases, even to those who a few moments earlier were our desperate enemy.

It is no easy task to become a Soldier in the Medical field. Not only do we as an Army expect all Soldiers to be capable of the universal Soldiering tasks – rifle marksmanship, combatives, for example – but they also must strive to have in depth, intimate knowledge of one of the world's most complex systems – the Human Body.

Within the Medical field, there are even more challenges. And it's a challenge that our graduating student, Private First Class #####, has risen to and achieved: That of being a Radiology Technologist.

Some of you may be unaware of what we require of our Radiology Technologist Soldiers. In the civilian world, the program of study is a minimum of two years. In the Army, we do it in eleven months. And this is no minor program. Our Radiology Technologists begin by learning essential medical care – the lifesaving techniques of CPR, IV insertion, and other skills needed by all medical staff. From there, they learn human anatomy, and not just the many bones of the body, but details which you and I may never have even known existed – the difference between a tuberosity and a tubercule, for example.

From there, the Army puts them through a study of electricity, physics, and nuclear radiation. If that's not enough, we give them an education on the effects of radiation on the body, down to the level of our DNA.

These Soldiers graduate Phase 1 in San Antonio with an encyclopedic volume of knowledge that impresses me every time I think about it. Our young Soldiers set the worldwide standard with their capability and knowledge. But as I said, they're only graduating Phase ONE. Afterwards, these Soldiers disperse to Army medical facilities across the United States to begin a practical demonstration and development of their skills. They spend nearly six months learning the art of the radiology craft; and it is an art form, for as we all know, every person is different. And in a field where you're taking pictures of that which you cannot see, it truly requires a special talent to develop that essential picture which gives our Doctors and Surgeons the ability to deliver the quality care that is expected and demanded worldwide.

During this second phase of their training, our Soldiers not only develop their skills in Diagnostic Radiology, but they will also begin their training in MRI, CT scans, and even Ultrasound. They learn Trauma Radiology, and learn to work not just in the health clinics, but in the unique environments of an Operating Room and the Emergency Room.

We always train our Soldiers to expect the unexpected; this is no less true in Radiology. The next exam may be a hand hurt when the patient fell down a staircase, or a twisted ankle, or perhaps a gunshot wound and the surgeons don't know where the bullet is, and it is up to a Soldier such as PFC ##### here to find that bullet to save that patient's life.

Our medical Soldiers provide this service twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are always on call, and practice their craft not just for our Soldiers, but for their families. Knowing we have the best medical staff in the world gives our deployed Soldiers that extra peace of mind; their families are well-cared for back home.

Perhaps the most unique task we ask of our medical Soldiers is to treat the enemy, as equally as we treat our own warriors. That insurgent who was wounded trying to explode a Vehicle-Borne IED at the guard gate is treated side-by-side, and without question, with the Soldier's comrades who manned that gate.

And when we combine all of these expectations, Ability to perform essential War-fighter tasks, comprehensive Medical knowledge and ability to perform your craft in any situation, and willingness to treat each patient, whether Soldier, Family member, or enemy, equally... you can see why we as an Army are fortunate to have elite Soldiers such as PFC #####, and countless others throughout this MOS.

It is their dedication to their knowledge, their skills, and to serving their country that helps make our Army.... your Army... ARMY STRONG.

Amelia Earhardt

Just finished watching the movie Amelia. I thought Hillary Swank was fantastic as the world's, to this day, most famous aviatrix, Amelia Earhardt.

I was especially touched by the quote at the end, which I've heard many a time in various forms:

"Everyone has oceans to fly, as long as you have the Heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe, but what do dreams know of boundaries?"

As I continue facing my various challenges in Life, I'm reassured when people (like today by a close Friend) tell me that the Heart I show will get me through it.

We erect our own boundaries around ourselves more than any one else. If we follow our dreams, we can accomplish... anything.

My Love for Government Indoctrination Centers

I took M to school this morning (after a two hour "snow" delay). While signing her in, I noticed on the window sill the American flag - all balled up and waiting forlornly to fly from the flagpole.

After M was on her way, I asked the receptionist if she'd like me to raise their flag for them. Figured why not, being in uniform and all... Seemed a reasonable request.

She demurred, saying the custodians would ensure it was raised.

Sigh.

I countered with, "In that case, could someone please fold it properly so it's not sitting balled up on the window sill?"

She, without looking, tells me that it's not balled, but actually folded. Right.She then proceeded to get the flag, and... place it in a drawer.

I continue my love for Government Indoctrination Centers.

Fire in the Spacecraft

Over forty years ago, those words crackled over the radio down in Florida.

It signaled a tragic halt to a breakneck pace program to reach the moon; three astronauts died on the launchpad during a simple test.

The Apollo program is long finished, many of the participants buried years ago, and even the launchpad itself is now just a stark empty monument to what once happened there.

Yet the lesson endures, for those of us willing to pause long enough to learn from it.

Too often, the dangers that will harm us are not the ones for which we plan and engineer for or for what we anticipate... It's that which is overlooked. Three astronauts died, not in deep space, or while stuck on the moon... But while on the ground, atop an unfueled rocket, surrounded by thousands. Yet, the could not be saved. For all that had been planned, a simple spark on the ground doomed them.

Our lesson is don't overlook the small stuff, the inconsequential, the minute - that's what brings down giants.

In memory of Gus, Ed, and Roger... Who made it safe(r) for those who followed.

And for NASA's week of tragedy (all of NASA's loss anniversaries are this week.)
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I Walk for One More

Yesterday, one of my beloved aunts, Deepe, succumbed to breast cancer. She's been battling for awhile now, and thankfully, she is now at peace.

She is now counted amongst the far too many whom this disease has claimed. And one more for whom I walk.

Rest in Peace, Deepe... And if you see, E, say hi for me...

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First Writing

For the past year, or so... I've been blocked. SERIOUSLY blocked. Not been able to write. Nearly nothing. You may have noticed the blog itself has slowed to a crawl.

Anyway, the other day, I had a very interesting experience, and shortly afterwards... felt the urge to write again.

And here it is. It's not my best stuff, and it's pure flow. When I write, I never know what I've written until I go back and read it anyway.

Unfiltered confusion
Random discombobulation

Complete and open weakness.

I don't like feeling this way. So unavoidably defenseless. Outside of my comfort zone. And yet, not only here I am, but perversely I seem to be seeking it out.

Why?


Perhaps I've grown comfortable with my relationship, or rather lack of one, with god. It's certainly been easier. I can be pissed at him, and anyone who asks will feel that I'm justifiably angry and will leave it alone.

But deep down, in the lower sub-basements of my mind and soul, I don't think I've truly wanted that. Over time, I have felt cheated. Cheated out of so much.

Quite frankly, Life has sucked. I have had the absolute Love of My Life ripped from me, and done so as I begged and pleaded through prayer for it not to be so. And if there was ever an example of Robert Frost's two roads diverging in the wood, then surely that must be it. While there have been a few Distinctive Markers in my life time, no one stands as large nor as prominent as that one.

I've oft looked back and seen that day as god essentially giving me (and the whole family) the finger. As we prayed, and pleaded, and hoped against all hope for a different outcome, he essentially said, “No, and I'm not going to tell you why.”

As Life branched off onto this new path, it has been one of unending (and in my view, unnecessary) pain and suffering. Family ripped apart, children lost, chaos reigning. And... for what?

For what purpose?

That's been my question all along, I suppose. What purpose does this serve? I will happily suffer whatever I need to... I like to know why I'm suffering. And I don't know. I have no idea. I don't know why my family is suffering. I don't know. And not knowing, for me, is another kind of pain altogether.

And today, a man talked about serving out your purpose. It could have been the proverbial lightning bolt from the blue... aimed right at me.

For you see, I don't think I've ever really “lost” my faith – as I like to tell people – so much as I have shunned it. Sort of a hissy fit, perhaps... but if he didn't want to help us... or even clue us in on what he's up to, well, he doesn't really need me now does he? And if he can give me the finger, I can give it right back. Screw me? SCREW YOU.

And I have become comfortable in that. It's so easy to not have to put work into a relationship. And I didn't really want his love anymore anyway, seeing as he seemed to have a strange way of showing it. It's like how we marvel at women in abusive relationships... why don't they just leave? I felt emboldened... I'd done it... I'd left. SCREW HIM.

Like I said... comfortable. Until now.

A new friend has thrown me completely off my game. She's approached, saying he's speaking to her... trying to reach me. Says I'm not hearing him. Well, I can't argue that, because ever since I heard his silence that one day and night, can't say that I've been really wanting to hear anything else from him. Hate and Anger run deep and long.

Yet, she's quietly persisted, but not pushed. Just been there. I won't say a beacon of light, or the Hollywood halo of light around her. Think of it as maybe a lone match flickering.

But, it's been a bright light just the same. She's talked to me... and listened to my hate. My anger. And not shunned me. She's understood it. Told me I'm justified (Damn STRAIGHT!), and still the light shone. She still continued her diplomatic shuttle. I sort of see her in that role... shuttling messages back and forth between two nations that have no urge to talk to each other... but need to. Thankless task. And she's embraced it! Curse her for it.

I was comfortable in my distance. I didn't stop believing in him, after all... more I felt he'd stopped believing in me. I hadn't left him, you see – he'd left me. Us. And it's not easy to forgive the SOB for doing that.

And what made this all so awkward is that she's giving me messages that he's ready to welcome me back. Where does he get off? I want my apology. I want my mea culpa. I want to know WHY all this suffering. What has it been good for? What good works has this accomplished?

What is the purpose?

And we're back to that question. The purpose. A timeless one – Man's always wondered the Meaning of Life. Well, I'm not worried about such grandiose ideas... I've merely wanted to know my purpose. I cannot believe in a god who advocates needless suffering. If he's truly involved, if he's working his way through his creation to this very day, then I refuse to believe that he lets things happen mindlessly, because that's too close to perverse amusement. Therefore, suffering has purpose. What's mine?

What's my children's?

What's Ellicia's mother's?

And on and on the ripple effects have spread. What is all this suffering for?

The part that has really killed me, and has crystallized so sharply for me is this. I don't get to know. And thus I'm being introduced to a new definition of Faith. For many, Faith means believing in what you can't see – god. Well, I see him everywhere I look. I believe in his existence; I couldn't deny it if I tried, and I'm pretty good at arguing both sides of an argument.

It seems I have to take on Faith that the suffering serves a purpose. What will be, to me, a secret one.

I don't like it. It's out of my control, and I don't like not knowing. I am a resourceful person, and I can learn anything I want to learn – find out anything. I've had at times networks of people spread across the planet that quite often would bring me news before it ever hit the common knowledge. I like to know things.

And I don't get to know this.

I don't even get to know when the suffering will end, or I suppose, if.

But I do want to know MY purpose. What am I supposed to be doing with my Life right now? A boat tossing on the seas seems to have more direction than I.

Obviously, there's caring for my children. And I'm doing that the best way I know how, no matter how much I feel I fail them on a semi-constant basis. I'm told I do okay, so I must believe in that. Or go crazy.

My work seems to be a giant tease. I have great opportunities – chances to excel, to lead and develop Soldiers... but there always seems to be a “snag”, and there's also chances to help people... to tend to them, to treat them and yet, I always seem pulled somewhere else.

My beliefs are challenged as I love my country, and yet I must prepare, MUST prepare for what I foresee as its rapidly approaching end. One area of my life that I've had rarely misfired is in my ability to read and predict the political landscape. For once, I'd love to be wrong. I hope I am, but doubt I will. But, there is always hope for change.

I have developed friendships without which I doubt I'd survive another day. And most of those may truly be acquaintances, or buddies, but I count myself blessed (and if it's a gift from him, then I'll take it) to have my three F-R-I-E-N-D-S. They are the only people on this planet, outside of my children, for whom I'd give up everything if only asked. And they know me deeper than anyone. I'm lucky to have them.

It's a chaotic landscape my life. I wish it were not so. I miss what once was, my surefooted readiness and preparedness for each day. The confidence that I knew what was coming, that I was ready for anything.

That I knew what I was doing.

But the past is past, and that is gone. I have to look forward to what is coming.

For as it's said, the past is prologue. And if that is true, then all of this must be leading to something, no? Chapters in books aren't written just to be discarded as irrelevant to the plot.

Put another way – and I hate this phrase – everything happens for a reason.

What is my purpose?

Why am I doing this?

What is coming?

Why can't I see just a peek... help me prepare? I want to do this right.


What is coming?

Which brings me back to... today. Today, I heard a man ask that very question. What is our purpose? And directed that we serve our purpose.

My blood ran cold. I had goose bumps and chills. I had initially feared even being at that place. And then, I'd found myself not just wanting to be there, but pleading with my temper-tantrum throwing son to please stop, because I wanted needed to be in there. I desperately wanted to go inside. And then once there, I found I couldn't leave. My feet were sewn to the floor. I had to hear this.

And I listened. And my blood ran cold. My heart raced and slowed. I felt horribly uncomfortable and still couldn't leave. I had to be there. What chilled me even more was the thought in my head that there was no more important place to be than right there, right then at that moment.

Haven't felt that in awhile.

I'd missed most of the church service. The singing, or whatever else this church does. The preamble.

I'd even missed the first part of the sermon.

All I really had the chance to hear was... Serve your purpose.

And I am so very freaked out by this. I've shunned and stayed away... and the one time I go back... the first time I go back... with so many interruptions and challenges and reasons to run away.... I hear only half a sermon and it's message is: Serve your purpose.

Alright, god, you have my attention. Want to tell me what it is?

A Good Thought

“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think big.”
—Daniel Burnham

Voting 'Present' on Afghanistan

President Obama’s speech Tuesday night has been widely dismissed and panned in a rare display of bipartisanship.  Democrats (or Liberals, if you prefer) are not happy because he promised to send more troops and deepen the war effort.  Republicans (or as they’re sometimes known, Conservatives) are not happy because he didn’t send enough troops, set a deadline for withdrawal, and didn’t seem truly committed to The Cause.

 

Our President, who we remember from a year ago being swept into office amidst universal acclimation, love, hope, and nearly God-like adoration, managed to tick off just about everyone in the country in one speech.  Truth be told, by initial reports, a lot of folks around the world may not be too pleased either.

 

So, how did Mr. Obama, after nearly three full months of careful, ponderous debate… considering every possible option… have managed to blow it?   What’s particularly surprising is that he did it in a way that should have surprised… no one.  Mr. Obama has previously shown a predilection for avoiding conflict, decisiveness, and wading bravely in front of a movement.  As much as the previous White House occupant was mocked for his self-declaration, there was truly little doubt that he was a ‘decider’.  Mr. Obama, on the other hand, in his Illinois legislature days showed a favored choice of not voting more liberal or conservative, but just… Present.  The Safe alternative.

 

I have little doubt that the previous three months consisted of the President desperately wishing for this particular choice to pass him by.  He’d have given Michele’s right arm if he thought it might have helped matters.  Anything but make THIS decision.  Essentially, it came down to:  Should he aggressively advance the war, giving General McChrystal everything he asked for and needed to win, OR should he follow what he’d suggested for Iraq and begin the return home of our troops?

 

It was a decision fraught with consequences.  With his popularity, and political cache declining, his marketability and power in Washington is steeply dissipating.  This is currently evidenced by a Health Care bill which, once promised to be done by August, may be lucky to be completed before Christmas, and even then, it won’t be pretty.  He would risk annoying a major constituency in some way no matter what he chose.  Here he was, the most powerful man in America, able to fire CEOs, win Nobel Peace Prizes based on 12 days of work experience, and he’d been reduced to damned-if-he-did-and-damned-if-he-didn’t.

 

It’s ironical isn’t it that the President, who as a candidate had mocked his opponent as not being ready for the crisis 3 am phone call, was now wilting in the face of just such a decision?  Even more so when that former opponent, now his Secretary of State, was speaking far more decisively and clearly about the decision ahead.

 

So, what did Mr. Obama do (besides hope for a sudden change in the situation)?  He did what he often does, try to please everyone.  He didn’t vote Yay for war or Nay – bring them home.  He voted Present.  Do both, yet neither.

 

And pleased no one.  Not one person.  There’s something to be said for being decisive, after all.

Song That Touched Me...

I've had this on my iTunes for a bit... and it's just really touched me. So, I thought I'd share with you here...

For All Mankind

Forty years ago, mankind as represented by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon.

And nothing has been the same.

Human history is traditionally divided into BC and AD (or BCE/CE), yet it could just as legitimately be divided into BA/AA - Before Apollo and After Apollo. Before Apollo, we were a culture that had never journeyed beyond our home. And After Apollo, we were a mankind that could look up at the moon at night and know that there were twelve sets of footprints up there.

This is the main thrust of history as it's taught to us. Yet, as time passes, does this truth continue?

The story of Apollo contains not only one of mankind's greatest triumphs, landing and walking on the Moon, but also an enormous and growing tragedy - our failure to return. And this failure can be traced to the time immediately following the historical first steps and the beginning seeds of the television generation.

Apollo 11 was covered by the three networks at the time with constant and unceasing coverage. All moon, all the time. And even though Armstrong's first steps were taking place at a late time in the evening, Americans (and easily the whole world) were glued to their tv. Every possible moment was watched and absorbed like a sponge that could not be filled.

Until, it was over. President Kennedy's goal had been achieved, and the country's attention span turned. Not unsurprisingly, there was a letdown... a feeling of "been there, done that". And while Apollo 13 restored some drama, it was due to not going to the Moon.

In fact, by Apollo 13, the budget cuts had already begun, Apollo 20 had already been canceled, and Apollo 18 and 19 would soon be axed as well.

Americans were losing interest, and with that loss, NASA lost funding.

NASA refocused on the Space Shuttle and Americans turned their attention elsewhere. And with two notable exceptions, NASA has further cemented spaceflight as "routine". Their success at effectively turning the shuttle into something like an airline (all sorts of 'regular' people got to fly) became a downfall as the lustre of Apollo became a distant memory.

Now, the Shuttle is facing imminent retirement after nearly three decades of service. In orbit, there's a Space Station which is finally nearing completion, nearly twenty-five years after being first proposed. And while built with a large amount of American effort and American funding, soon there will be no American spacecraft to reach it.

America is working towards a new space system, called Constellation. Yet, it too is in doubt. Will NASA and the nation commit to its continued funding? Will we decide to stay in Low Earth Orbit, where our Shuttles have endlessly circled for thirty years? Will we embark to return to the Moon? Or will we commit to strike out for eventual journeys to Mars?

The answer to these questions will say as much about our budget priorities as it will say about us - as a nation and as a people.

"We came out of the cave, and we looked over the hill, and we saw fire. And we crossed the ocean, and we pioneered the West, and we took to the sky. The history of man is hung on a timeline of exploration, and this is what's next... We're meant to be explorers." - Aaron Sorkin, 2000

President Kennedy also famously summed it up in his speech at Rice University. A year after setting America on course for the Moon, when the country's sum total of space travel experience was fifteen minutes and not even the first orbit of the Earth, he reminded us why we must embark on this journey. These words are as true now as they were then (start around :

"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too." - President Kennedy, 1962

Too often these days, we shy away from risk. Whenever things are hard and difficult, we often retreat to that which is more comfortable and sheltered. But reward is not without risk, and risk is out there. We need to explore. We need to embrace the risk... and conquer it. Nothing easy makes us stronger, as facing challenges does. And even failing makes us better.

Space travel, like aviation and many things before it, has its lessons written in the blood of those who've gone before. Fear of shedding the blood should not prevent us from writing the next chapter.

Let us end the tragedy of Project Apollo and restore the legacy of human exploration. It's time to leave home, again. The benefits are not for us alone, but for those around the world, and for those who come after us... in short, for all Mankind.

Ellicia's Gravesite

It's still new, of course... the grave marker won't be in for a few months.

But for now, here is our new home. I don't plan on moving in anytime soon, of course... so until then, Ellicia will be keeping it cold for me.

She's in good company. Right in front, a beautiful place... the flagpole is a few yards away. She has troops from the War Between the States just behind her. Including some markers with the inscription "USCT" - United States Colored Troops. Now, that's history.

So, here's a peek at Section 4, Plot 171B.

A Special Moment

Been wallowing a bit, feeling... lost. Adrift.

Anywho, I was detemined to really try to pull together for the holiday, and as part of the effort, we were going to have a family time... Is it the family that was? No, but it is the family that is.

Picked the kids up, and as a surprise, headed off to the local minor league baseball team statium for a baseball game! It was my first pro-game, and T's, too. M's third... which was good, cause this way she at least understood what was going on. While she may not yet grasp the infield fly rule, but then, who does... she does understand the basics of the game. T, on the other hand, was happy with learning that some guys were just trying to hit the ball, catch the ball, and run around the bases.

We had a great time... between ballpark feasting and the music, and their favorites, the mascots... it was fun.


And then (mercifully for some), the game ended.

And it was time to celebrate what M calls "A Special Day". First, the announcer had the music guy play the service songs. For those who don't know, this is a neat tradition. The Army, and I presume all the other branches, have a rule that when your song plays, you stand. And for those who aren't up on all the latest rules, the announcer will usually ask those present to stand whenever their affiliated service song plays.

So, the music starts, and the first song is... (instrumentally) "First to fight..."

HOOAH!

I stand. Cheering. Go Army! Looking down, I have two beaming smiles there. As a later conversation in the car made clear, these two children are all too aware of a) what Daddy does, and that b) it means being apart and c) sacrifices are involved. Yet, they are proud of their Daddy and what Soldiers do. 6 and 4, folks... 6 and 4.

The other services go through... and it's time for fireworks.

There were, predictably, the little babies who are terrified by fireworks, but not these two, they LOVED it. And while the fireworks flew, and we hugged, and oohed, and ahhed... I reflected on past 4ths.

I remember my first 4th with M... sneaking down from AIT to watch fireworks in Duck Ditch with E and her... she loved it then...

A year later, we were apart. I in Deutschland, and they waiting to come over in the States. However, the good news was that the 4th in that year was but a few weeks shy of a wonderful wedding. And the 4th at an overseas base is a unique experience.

The next year, the 4th was also spent apart. This time, I was again at an overseas base, but this time, it was in more hostile territory (hint, see name of blog). E was in Deutschland, and the family was larger. And it was still neat.

Following that came a together Fourth, the last... in Deutschland, too.

I'm kinda hazy on the next one. I really can't recall exactly what we did. I think the kids were with their grandfather, but... as that year totally sucked, much of it has been blocked.

We had a decent Fourth, well, sort of, after that... the fireworks were cool, but there was much tension around... not exactly a happy one.

And now, there was this experience. A restart. Independence from... the past? Hoping for a better future? I don't know, don't want to get too deep. However, sitting there... at a baseball game (of all places), I felt something that had been missing for a few Fourths.

Family.

They're getting so big, and starting to be their own individuals. And while they can be frustrating as kids are wont to do (and adults), I treasure them. They keep me going. And to hold them, and have them hug and lean into me, and ooh and ahh, cheering, as we sang (some knowing the words, others making up sounds as they go along) to the patriotic music, perhaps the best feeling was this:

Progress.

Not a huge step, but the biggest steps are often the smallest.

Happy Fourth, everyone!

Idle Interstatial Musings

• You know it's hot when the air from the hand-dryer at the rest area is cooler than the outside air.
• The hybrids like the Prius are supposed to be super fuel efficient - thus their popularity when gas was $4/gallon. How fuel efficient are the lil' buggers when their tiny engines are trying to maintain 80-85 MPH?
• Miss driving in Germany where the left lane is lawfully kept clear... And to the recently licensed adolescent ladies (0ne of whom was dangling her freshly painted toesies outside the window) sure showed me by driving slowly in the left lane. When you finally cleared to the right, and then defiantly moved back to the left and tailgated me, I knew who was boss. Especially judging by the look on your faces when you got super close and I tapped my brakes.
• The state has nice beautification projects along the interstate. However, it loses a lil' something when there are signs announcing them coming up. Smacks of "Look at what WE did!" Beauty stands on its own... it doesn't need signs telling you to look at it.
• There's a certain... joy and freedom that comes from interstate driving. The only way to improve it would be to add wings to the car. Glad folks are working on that!

Watch This Space...

Coming soon... the blog relaunch/restart...

Something We've Lost...

There’s quite a movement going on through the country these days.  You’ve probably heard of the Tea Parties.  More generally speaking, people gather and bemoan how the country has “lost its way” or “her soul”.

And perhaps we have.



I know something we’ve lost, and it may seem oh so trivial… but, I, for one, think it’s fundamental.

With digital, cable, and satellite TV, it’s become more and more rare for a television station to actually sign-off (to go off the air).  I was lucky enough to grow up during that time, and I can remember staying up to see TV stations go off the air.  I was drawn to it…  the music, the scenery, and yes, even the plane.  Such an inspiring way to end the day.

And, it helped form a cornerstone of citizenship in this country.  No, watching a tv channel go off the air isn’t the secret to American Patriotism, but it was a piece of the foundation.  TV stations used various videos for their signoffs, but generally it featured the Star Spangled Banner or other patriotic recitations.  (For more blast from a bygone era, some videos even mention prayer!)

Here are some of my more favorite ones:




This is one from a local station I grew up on:
 
This one taught the evolution of our flag… and our country:




Even Armed Forces TV used to sign off… Here’s a particularly nice one:
    (Since it was shown in Japan, they also featured the Japanese National Anthem.)


(This one is just some airplane porn… not patriotic at all… but, it’s from the 1960′s, and kinda cool.) 



We’re not the only country that did this.  Even the Russians had something similar.  I’ve always been a fan of their National Anthem, and look at how this video similarly inspires pride in their nation.




Alas, stations don’t go off the air anymore.  Each channel is proud that it’s 24/7, always there for you.  Even if they’re only showing the latest infomercial gizmo, there they are.  We never stop anymore… never rest… and are no longer reminded of who we are and our history – even when it’s just the TV turning off.
Something we’ve lost…

He's Not Quite Dead!

There's an article out on the AP about the RI State Police (made famous in Me, Myself, & Irene) catching a man with a blood-alcohol content of .491!

Yes, a .491.

State police say they arrested a man early Tuesday whose blood alcohol level was 0.491 percent — the highest ever recorded in Rhode Island for someone who wasn't dead.

Gotta love that line... he's tops in the "not dead" category.

The legal limit in Rhode Island is 0.08. A level of 0.30 is classified as stupor, 0.4 is comatose and 0.5 is considered fatal, according to the health department.

Just thinking... do we give him an award for not managing to die? Of course, the bigger miracle is that somehow, he didn't kill anyone... himself of otherwise. Seems police noticed his intoxication after he:

Kobierowski, 34, of North Providence, was arrested after he drove into a highway message board on Interstate 95 in Providence, O'Donnell said.

Considering there are only 42 miles of I-95 in Rhode Island... again, I'm just amazed that the guy 1) could drive, b) didn't hurt anyone, and 3) well... just amazed.

Now, back to your regular blogging.

A Touching Short Film

I saw this on Neal Boortz's website. It's quite touching, and simple...

So, please, enjoy...

Long Overdue Reenlistment Pictures

Awhile back, I mentioned my reenlistment.


I have been neglectful in posting the pictures from the ceremony. I'm sorry. So, trying to catch up on my mile-long "To Do" list...

Here are some of those pics. More to come... eventually. Really.






































The Flag. No ceremony would be complete without it. In the background is the statue of Thomas Jefferson.










COL Braley administering the Oath to me.















My certificates. Not commonly known... in order to reenlist, you must actually be discharged. Therefore, I have a binder with both my first Honorable Discharge and my renewed enlistment oath.















A very special Honor. My Senator, the Honorable Jim DeMint, invited us to his office after the reenlistment. We spent a good 20 minutes with him. I continue to be impressed by him. I wish we had more Senators like him.

(And who knows... maybe, just maybe, one day I can follow in his footsteps.)

Blast From a Past

While flipping through TV, saw this ad on TV (note: mentioning it on the blog does NOT constitute an endorsement nor recommendation).

Was shocked.

How often do we recognize people on TV? People that we've worked with? Not too often, I'd say.

Anywho, "Hi" to Sam... been awhile... but you look fab-you-lous...

Air Travel

To go South, one must go North...
To go East, one must go West...

Good thing I love to fly!

A Moment of Note... from Afghanistan

This post has a bit of "Jointness" to it. I received an email from my close friend, a Marine, who received it from his friend, in the Air Force. It details a U-2 unit honoring the loss of a Soldier (Army) in Afghanistan.

I'll copy the e-mail here:

Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 1:36 PM
Subject: Moment of note in the AOR


Had to share one of the most poignant moments of my 19-year career.
Today one of our young A1C U-2 crew chiefs learned his brother, an Army E-4,
was "killed in action" in Afghanistan yesterday. The AMU rallied, rapidly
did some beautiful chalk nose art on a jet flying an OEF combat mission
today and put his brother's unit logo on the tail. He launched it before
heading home to his family tonight. Folks from across maintenance and ops
came out to pay their respect and launch the mission. A1C Z******** is a
strong man and I'm proud to serve with him.

Great Quote from A Friend

"Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."

Joseph Addison

We Lost a Buddy

Last night, I received word that my cousin, Charles A. "Buddy" Lockwood, had died.

He died... living life the way he enjoyed it... he was riding his motorcycle when a lorry pulled out in front of him... and in that instant, Buddy was gone.

For me, Buddy has always been... well, an enigma. He's the closest to me in age of all of my cousins on my Dad's side of the family. And for a long time, I felt he was setting a bar for me that I could never hope to achieve -- that is, until I realized the bar was his, and his alone... I had my own bar.

Buddy (or "Charlie" as he apparently picked up as a nickname later in life) lived an amazing life filled with high achievement. He had a doctorate in Anatomical Sciences from the University of Witwatersrand (that's in South Africa!). He taught at the University College London. He'd been on archaelogical digs throughout Africa.

He's published, and has books for sale on Amazon.com! While I Googled him, I even saw where he'd been quoted on Foxnews.

And, amazingly enough to the family at the time, he was even a United States Marine! (I still remember his graduation.)

My main memory though is from childhood. Usually around Thanksgiving, the entire clan would gather. Being by far the youngest (most of my cousins out-age me by decades, not years), I would hole up in Buddy's room. I remember it being filled with books, from science fiction to a seemingly endless Garfield collection. And endless games of Choplifter...

Buddy was an affable, low-key guy... But with a powerful mind that was always working...

He's going to be missed... His mind, his gentle laugh... his good nature.

(If you'd like to read his "In Memoriam" and all the wonderful comments, please go to this page on Anthropology.net.)

Other tributes here, here, here, the University's announcement, and here. Photos from the charleslockwood.shutterfly.com">memorial service in Arizona (use password "ethiopia"). Here is an article from the Islington Gazette.

** Update ** - Not unsurprisingly in this modern world, the family has started a blog to provide a communications focus. Please, stop by and lend a word or two of support if you would like.

Warriors in Pink

Here's the latest addition to the growing Army of people fighting Breast Cancer.

Ford, partnering with Army Wives, has launched Warriors in Pink, fighting Breast Cancer.

They have a store for neat goodies, with 100% of net proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

So, right off to bat, we know we're with a good group.

One nice part of the website is the Virtual Quilt. This is a quilt that is comprised of patches designed by all of US out here, those who are fighting Breast Cancer, or in honor of those who've fought - some who've survived, and others who've gone before us.

I am loudly in support of ANYTHING that helps get this disease the brutal attention that it needs.

1 out of every EIGHT women in our lives will be.... WILL BE... diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

1 out of 8.

Do you know 8 women? I do. And I don't think I'm off the hook since our circle has already contributed a "1".

And just remember... someone else is counting you as one of their eight.

1 out of 8.

How can we NOT be fighting this harder??

Please, go to this Warriors in Pink website and lend some support. Even if you're already supporting every other Cancer website out there.

And by the way, I do encourage you to stop by one of my favorites: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Cruel and Unusual

I've had a lot of thoughts in my head of late (here, here, and here), spurred by the recent passing of Punk Rock Mommy.

And as I was chatting with my dear friend, I drew a connection.

I first was thinking back to one of my favorite Star Trek quotes, "How we face Death is at least as important as how we face Life."

And that's true, because for many, Death comes unexpectedly. Unplanned. Unanticipated.

Yet, there are those who know that Death is coming.

They've been told they are going to die. Not exactly when, but... It WILL happen.

Then, they get told that Death is soon approaching. Probably within a month, but no other details.

And finally, you know... Today is your last day.

It's Death Row.

Except, these people are not criminals. They've committed no horrific atrocity.


So, I ask... If we as a society complain about the cruel and unusual nature of executions on Death Row... Executions of our society's most heinous members..

Why are we not more vocal and active in our complaints against the executions of our more innocent members? The children who die from cancer.. The mothers... Wives... Fathers... Sons... Husbands... Daughters... And those indistinguishable people who are mere faces in the crowd that no one even notices is missing...

Priorities.

Army Strong - Look Up to Yourself

I haven't seen this on TV, but apparently it's out there...

This commercial talks about how American Soldiers will be looked up to... my observation is more to the point... be a Soldier and look up to yourself.



Hooah!

A Glimpse from WW2

Thought I'd share a video from WW2. It's been colorized, and is just what it is. Not going to add any commentary.

(Do take note of the script at the end, though.)

Deja Vu

It's with sadness, and understanding, that I convey that Andrea Collins Smith passed away this morning.

Her battle has ended. Her family's... continues. And for all the rest of us, the quest to stop this hideous disease.

My sympathies, and condolences, to her family. And to Andrea (great initials, by the way), you've been freed. No more suffering, the pain is over.

Over on her blog (which will continue), there are two notable posts. First, Andrea wrote a farewell post. It's eerily familiar, especially when I look at the picture. Reminds me of another picture... Also, her husband wrote his announcement post.

Sigh.

Happy Fourth of July!

Ready for some fireworks??? We are! We're camped out at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach, amongst probably a good 10-20,000 fellow fireworks loving Americans.

One highlight already was when the band asked everyone on The Hill to light up and wave their cell phones while yelling, "Thank You Troops!" repeatedly.

It's a great night, and it's another great day to be an American!

For all of our country's faults, we're still the best place to be on the planet.

(And to all my comrades in the desert of Iraq, Missing y'all... Stay safe!)

Is Amount Ok?

Has anyone else noticed how it's now commonplace to ask if the total on your bill is "Ok"?

No?

Next time you're at the grocery stores (big offender), and you swipe your credit card, look at the screen. It'll show the amount and then a variation of the question, "Is amount ok?"

And clerks do it, too.

Yes, we usually don't hear them, usually because if they're actually speaking to us in the first place, then their questions are often insincere ("And are we having a good day today?"). So, now they say, "Your total is $15.76, is that ok?"

Is that ok? Are we now bartering? Is the clerk at Wallyworld now authorized to haggle over the bill?? "Gee, $15.76 isn't bad, but how about $14.34?"

Is it ok? Well, if I try to LEAVE without paying, what's going to happen, hmmm?

I just love the question... Is the amount ok... Duh... Of course it is if I want the stuff...

(End rant)

Change of Plans

Ahhh, the Army.

Today *was* going to be a big paperwork day. I was off Monday and Tuesday, and of course, we're off Thursday and Friday.

So, today was going to be my day to catch up on much needed paperwork.

REALLY need to finish this paperwork. Plus, do some moving tasks.

Nope. Chage of plans. Emergency mission to a place farther north.

So much for the plans for the day.

Ahhh, the Army. :)

An Eagle Swims

I am a huge fan of Eagles.

No, not the band (though, some of the music IS great).

The bird. A majestic creature, and one that often demonstrates the very qualities that we mere humas often strive for.

For example, persistence. Never quitting. Finishing the job.

Amazing New Cell Phone

Warning, there is an "ewww" moment, but... this is fairly funny!

For All of You Tool Enthusiasts Out There

The Ultimate Nail Gun...

Having a BLAST!

I just passed twenty hours of flight time.

"Huh?"

I've been taking flying lessons lately, trying to finally finish this dream of getting my "ticket", or Private Pilot's License.

It's not easy, but wow, it sure is exciting.

Hard work, too!

Feel very... drained when I land. Flying is no easy thing, as you're always busy watching several different parts of the aircraft, dividing your attention, lest you become too focused and start to get into trouble.

Annnnywho, twenty hours of flight time logged... and a whole bunch of landings.

I am excited. Will I get to finish before I start my next big event? Who knows. It's not easy trying to juggle all the demands on what VERY little time I have... but, it's worth the effort.

Alone In a Crowd

As we surf the web, we often come across places which capture our interests. Perhaps it's a particularly interesting MySpace page, or maybe a witty political blog.

Maybe even it's an amusing place with the latest viral video.

And then there are the heartfelt, touching sites. I remember well the comments that would pour into this site as people from all over the world visited.

And sometimes, you feel like you're the people IN the accident on the side of the road that everyone else is slowing down to rubberneck.

Yet, when you share your life on the web, there are unexpected benefits. For one, you know you're not alone. And when you have that shared experience, no matter what you're facing, even the ultimate reality of pending death, you don't feel like you're alone in a crowd, but that the crowd is WITH you.

And so, I heartily recommend taking a moment to slow down, rubberneck (if you will), and read Punk Rock Mommy.

It won't be easy.

I can vouch for that. For me, it's like watching a movie I've already seen.

For me, also, it's a reminder - like the Avon Breast Cancer Walk was - that Ellicia was not the only one.

Far from it.

PRM is facing the same thing... and the results are likely predictable. Yet, the strength and courage she's demonstrating, and her family, are resolute and inspiring.

Stop by.

Look.

Read.

And remember... These things (cancer, death, tragedy, etc.) that always happen to "someone else" --- "someone else" always has a name and a story... and someone has to BE that someone else.

My thoughts are with PMR and her family... I wish the road they're on truly WAS less traveled...

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...

Thought at the National Archives

The building was FULL of school groups. No complaints there. I'm actually THRILLED that chaperones would even think of taking children to our national shrine.

What saddens me, however, was that there was no one to put things into perspective for them, to show them what they were looking at. Sadder, many of the children didn't know or recognize what they saw. They knew it might be something important, but which is which, or WHY these documents are enshrined... Nope, not taught.

Sigh.

National Archives - Live

It's heartwarming to see a long line to the National Archives.... Time was, no one cared. Maybe it was "National Treasure" that changed it...

Live! From Washington, DC

Greetings from DC! We're up here as part of reenlistment weekend...

So far, we've enjoyed the luxury of "sleeping in" (anytime past 0500 is sleeping in) and breakfast in bed.

We're heading off to the National Archives (as far as I'm concerned, our National Shrine and a REQUISITE visit in DC) and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. We're going to go see mammoths and dinos for D! Should be lots of fun...

So, more later...

Harvey Korman

Saw the sad news today that Harvey Korman has passed away. Best known for his work on the Carol Burnett Show, he was a wonderful comedic actor.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching his work, and he will be missed.

Remembrance Flag

There is an effort circulating to create a National Flag of Remembrance. Take a look at www.honorandremember.org. It's worth a peek.

I signed the petition...

Preparing for Reenlistment

Today was largely spent preparing for reenlistment.

A large part of this process is making sure my uniform, in this case my Class A's, is properly "put together".
Many people may not be aware of the detail work that goes into the uniform. ALL of the ribbons, badges, nametags, etc. Are _precisely_ placed and measured, often down to a precision of 1/8th of an inch!

Tiday, I spent over 3 hours placing, measuring, moving, repeat all the items on the uniform. Then, my Sergeant inspects, and I redo. After he's happy, it was the First Sergeant Repeat WHOLE process. Finally, the Command Sergeant Major. Repeat again. (Of course, anyone else who comes along offers their opinion and correction free of charge - aren't they nice?)

The other part was signing my new contract. It's done. I'm all set...

In A Few Days...

I will be reenlisting. I am SO excited. Ok, a little nervous, too. It does tack a bit more time commitment on, but... It's worth it.

I can't believe this day is coming...

Lessons From "The Road"

(Feel free to add your own...)

1: When your child says at he has to go... And you think he's copycatting, so you don't stop... And later, the car fills with a pungent odor. Just look in the mirror... You WERE warned.

2: That same sweet angelic voice that you love to brag to others about? The one that makes you beam when you hear it say, "I wuv you, Mommy/Daddy"?

Yeah, after a few hours of sitting and boredom, that same voice does EXCELLENT imitations of a power drill to the temple of your skull. :)

From elsewhere in "The Great Wasteland"...

Great Weekend Ending

On the drive back home right now... And what a glorious weekend! Can't believe how blessed we've been to have a weekend like this...

The best part is believing & knowing it's the first of many more to come!

More to come...

Live, from I-40 somewhere in North Carolina (or as any good South Carolinian - or Virginian - knows.. The Great Wasteland :p )

Scenes from Vacation

Greetings from our vacation in Myrtle Beach!

Sometimes, even a computer addict has to take a moment and check email...

And in today's email were pics from Dad's camera phone he took while on the beach with our kidlets.

In the first pic, D and M are happily digging up the beach.






Here in the second pic, you can see all of them merrily digging and bucketing....

The shadow comes from the Grandpa-sundial taking the pic.