Muse

As I wonder how I am going to cope with the next few weeks, I thought about laughter. And as I thought more about it, I really don't remember when was the last time I really laughed. A full out belly laugh. A time when laughter was the response to a time when fun was just the entertainment of the moment.

There were times while abroad where being silly was the norm. There were times when I looked forward to seeing friends when I knew the result was going to be a tearjerker of a roar. There was once a time when seeing someone would make me smile for no discernible reason.

Where did those times go? Has it been my own demise? Have I lost the touch of the humanity that drove into the next week?

Why is it that I ask such questions? I ask because, I think, I lost my muse.

Pupil (Final Draft)

Being broken, hurt and sad
Possibilities are endless
Having hope while mad
Sparkling bubbles into the mess

Heartless and Joy
Consciences and Bliss
Girls and a Boy
Bullets waver the miss

Indulgent while coy,
Innocence of the smoking gun
Piercing a little toy
Drinking in Tun.

Shadows in the light
Smiles after the axe,
The sun into the Night
Envy: Wrath was the tax

Savoring my flavor
Waking into Yesterday
The raven of Flight; Soar!
Bosoms what may

Dust. Ash. Clay. And Mud.
Stripping, Clawing, and Fault
A spring with bud
Secrets, Lust ... in the vault.

It Wasn't Me, It Was the One Armed Man

If anyone has some good ideas of things to do with one arm; I would be happy to take suggestions. I am basically looking at having my left arm cast up with pins sticking out of it. I am currently planning on lots of movie watching and some Internet perusing but that pretty much sums it up. Knitting is definitely out of the question. Even typing will wind up being a problem so that isn't looking like viable option. Suggestions welcome.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XIX

In about three weeks I will be having the surgery I mentioned in my previous post. Then I will be at home for eight weeks. The doctor went into more detail with me about the procedure and either way you look at it, it will be painful.

So preparing for the extended visit in my home, I have bought the remaining seasons of Stargate: SG-1 and Atlantis that I was missing. (About 200 hours worth.) Plus, I have Netflix.

Politics for a Monday

I have figured it out. Why, when I talk about what I need and what most of my readers think I need think that I need Andrew Jackson's "strong willed animal". Why not the animal that never forgets?

People are looking for the short term.

I don't need short term. I need a viable future. Every person sees the politics and how it fits them or how it helps them succeed in life. I look to the future. I have been doing that since my first reenlistment when I realized that I wasn't prepared for what lie ahead. I needed to start preparing instead of living in the moment.

(Basically, I am in thought process of doing my duty for twenty and my duty will take care me for the next twenty.)

I know that while looking out for all of you, most of you will not look out for me. Therefore, I am looking out for me while I am looking out for you as well.

I know who I plan to vote for, I do. No, I will not tell you. That is my right.

Sunday Edition, Part II

For some damn reason, it seems that I cannot get a thousand bucks of rent a month for my home in Arizona unless it has a carport. Even that doesn't cover the mortgage. The home is 2200 square foot home on an acre and a half. It sits about 14 miles from the city which is all interstate driving and has a mountain view on three sides. Inside it has three bedrooms, two full baths, closet space of approximately 800 square feet, energy efficient, skylighted kitchen, dinning room, breakfast nook, living room, sun room, and mud room. I also included every major appliance not to miss the jetted tubs in each bathroom. Where in Sam's Hell can you find anything like that for under a grand a month? Plus, since there is a built in pet door, it seems that every renter has pets. My Berber carpeting is ruined.

My home in North Carolina, is a complete contrast in comparison. It was built 50 years earlier and is centered in the city, plus there is grass. Since this is my primary residence, it would be nice to to have a carport or at least a cover park area to the home, it rains here. I have been trying to do an upgrade a paycheck. This last one I added a fan to the front room and one in the kitchen. (I'll do a video when I get the mess cleaned up.)

I have been trying lately to get some assistance in my remodel/repair of my homes. It seems unless I am missing something here, but since I am active duty I am screwed. There is lots of money available for veterans, whether it be a loan, grant or a combo. I have looked into the 203K and 502K programs, both are for remodeling or repair of a residence and are backed by the government. One I make about three thousand too much a year to qualify and the other it seems that since I am not a residence of where my homes are, automatically disqualifies me. There is no program or help for active duty members of service. Not a one. (I know what you thinking, what about the Navy Relief Society? They will only help me in a catastrophe.)

The good thing about doing any type of remodel or adding a carport is I will save a bunch of money once I have my surgery. No driving, alcohol, or partying for two months. So after that, I should be able to afford a carport for at least in Arizona.

I have tried something different over the weekend. I have been applying for about two dozen home improvement shows. Most are exclusively for California. One that looks promising is for north eastern United States, I am hoping North Carolina is north enough. The one thing that is needed for all of them is ownership, I have that. It seems to me that most are biased and are looking for a couple atmosphere, that may disqualify me.

Rev Gals Friday Five: First Point of Libra.

As this vivid season begins, tell us five favorite things about fall:

1) A fragrance
It seems to me, that baking becomes the new holiday when this season comes. The fresh bread, the vanilla, and of course the cupcakes.

2) A color
Being of one who came from a state with seasons, the change of leaves the bright reds, oranges and yellows.

3) An item of clothing
You could call me lazy, but when the fall begins I don't have to roll my sleeves for my working uniforms anymore. I have been cheating for years and use motivated NCOs to roll my sleeves during the summer.

4) An activity
Does sex count for this one? If not, then it must be football.

5) A special day
I personally don't have any special days no matter what time of the year, but I am a Libra.

Let me tell you about TPS Reports, Part IV

I apparently jinxed myself with the last post. I had to do another revision again today. This time the format was in question. I didn't write the original format. In fact, I had received this format from my administration section. I also had to include some people that were not listed originally. This part I think is odd since these people don't sign anything and I had already included them on the routing sheet for information anyway.

This is an example why people get out of the military. It is not the big things, it is the little ones.

Doctrines

The recent influx of attention about what the "Bush Doctrine" is, has me wondering how many people really know what it is?

Wikipedia has every President's doctrine. Here are some of the doctrines that I found interesting.

Bush Doctrine:

The Bush Doctrine is a phrase used to describe various related foreign policy principles of United States president George W. Bush, created in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The phrase initially described the policy that the United States had the right to treat countries that harbor or give aid to terrorist groups as terrorists themselves, which was used to justify the invasion of Afghanistan.^[1] Later it came to include additional elements, including the controversial policy of preventive war, which held that the United States should depose foreign regimes that represented a threat to the security of the United States, even if that threat was not immediate (used to justify the invasion of Iraq); a policy of supporting democracy around the world, especially in the Middle East, as a strategy for combating the spread of terrorism; and a willingness to pursue U.S. military interests in a unilateral way.^[2][3][4] Some of these policies were codified in a National Security Council text entitled the National Security Strategy of the United States published on September 20, 2002.^[5]

Central to the development of the Bush Doctrine is its strong influence by neoconservative ideology,^[6][7] and it is considered to be a step from the political realism of the Reagan Doctrine.^[6][8] The Reagan Doctrine was considered key to American foreign policy until the end of the Cold War, just before Bill Clinton became president of the United States. The Reagan Doctrine was considered anti-Communist and in opposition to Soviet Union global influence, but later spoke of a peace dividend towards the end of the Cold War with economic benefits of a decrease in defense spending. The Reagan Doctrine was strongly criticized^[9][10][8] by the neoconservatives, who also became disgruntled with the outcome of the Gulf War^[7][6] and United States foreign policy under Bill Clinton,^[7][11] sparking them to call for change towards global stability^[7][12] through their support for active intervention and the democratic peace theory.^[11] Several central persons in the counsel to the George W. Bush administration consider themselves to be neoconservatives or sign on to their foreign policy ideas.^{[7][13][14][15][16][17]}

Clinton Doctrine:

The Clinton Doctrine is not a clear statement in the way that many other United States Presidential doctrines were. However, in a February 26, 1999 speech, President Bill Clinton said the following, which was generally considered to summarize the Clinton Doctrine^[1]:

It's easy ... to say that we really have no interests in who lives in this or that valley in Bosnia, or who owns a strip of brushland in the Horn of Africa, or some piece of parched earth by the Jordan River. But the true measure of our interests lies not in how small or distant these places are, or in whether we have trouble pronouncing their names. The question we must ask is, what are the consequences to our security of letting conflicts fester and spread. We cannot, indeed, we should not, do everything or be everywhere. But where our values and our interests are at stake, and where we can make a difference, we must be prepared to do so.

Later statements "genocide is in and of itself a national interest where we should act" and "we can say to the people of the world, whether you live in Africa, or Central Europe, or any other place, if somebody comes after innocent civilians and tries to kill them en masse because of their race, their ethnic background or their religion, and it's within our power to stop it, we will stop it" augmented the doctrine of interventionism.

The Clinton Doctrine was used to justify the American involvement in the war in Yugoslavia. However, President Clinton did not intervene to stop the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

Truman Doctrine:

The Truman Doctrine was a proclamation by U.S. President Harry S. Truman on March 12, 1947. It stated that the U.S. would support Greece and Turkey economically and militarily to prevent their falling under Soviet control. Truman called upon the U.S. to "support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures,"^[1] which generalized his hopes for Greece and Turkey into a doctrine applicable throughout the world. The Soviet Union was clearly at the heart of Truman's thoughts, but the nation was never directly mentioned in his speech. As Edler states, Truman was attempting to solve Eastern Europe's instability while making sure the spread of communism would not affect nations like Greece and Turkey.

The Truman Doctrine represented the hard-side of containment, while the Marshall Plan was the less harsh approach. The declaration of the Truman Doctrine was followed by the end of tripartism (coalition governments that included communists).

Monroe Doctrine:

The Monroe Doctrine is a U.S. doctrine which, on December 2, 1823, stated that European powers were no longer to colonize or interfere with the affairs of the newly independent nations of the Americas. The United States planned to stay neutral in wars between European powers and their colonies. However, if later on these types of wars were to occur in the Americas, the United States would view such action as hostile. President James Monroe first stated the doctrine during his seventh annual State of the Union Address to Congress, a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States. Most recently, during the Cold War, the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (added during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt) was invoked as a reason to intervene militarily in Latin America to stop the spread of Communism.

Let me tell you about TPS Reports, Part III

I admit it, I lost a piece of government property. I knew it almost as soon as I lost it. I informed my chain of command immediately. The response at that time was to hold off until returning to the States and then file the proper paperwork. Fine. No problem.

Today, is the fourth revision of that paperwork. The item missing is a throat protector assembly, government cost is exactly twenty dollars and six cents. It is very possible that I could find another at a surplus store or online, but why? Especially, if I have to pay more. That is the reason we have these nifty forms in the first place. I have probably wasted in manpower, paper and ink the cost of this item by now, not to forget the individuals that need to review said paperwork.

Originally, my statement was simple and to the point. "It was lost sometime between Kuwait and Iraq on the journey into theater." According to my chain of command that wasn't good enough and required me to inform each person on the way through where the item was lost. So I rewrote it on the second revision.

On the third revision, I apparently had used a few words that required people to use dictionaries and was asked to use more common words.

On the fourth revision, I was asked to take full responsibility for the item and state explicitly that I will pay for the item. In the form, it states the word "wish" which to me is exactly that, a wish. Either way it really does not matter to me, so I agreed and redid the circling of the appropriate word to to inform my superiors that "I do wish to reimburse".

The following is my fourth and hopefully my final version:

"I, XXXX, state that during the Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 the throat protector assembly was missing from my gear inventory. Prior to deployment a complete inventory of my gear was done. After arriving in Kuwait, our stick stayed there for several days. Once departure was imminent to leave for Iraq an inventory of the gear required to don was done and the throat protector assembly was missing. After arriving in Iraq at Al Asad, another complete inventory was done to ensure the throat protector assembly was missing or potentially pilfered. Upon conclusion of inventory, the throat protector assembly was still missing. At this point in time I contacted the S-3 shop and informed them of my missing gear. Once returning to Marine Corps Air Station New River after the deployment I conducted another inventory of my gear. At the conclusion of this inventory my throat protector assembly was the only item missing from my inventory. "

Sunday Edition

I know I lost many of my readers when I stopped reading their sites and/or commenting, so this may fall on deaf eyes so to speak.

I am an American in the pursuit of the American Dream. I gross currently about forty-five thousand dollars a year. I am the owner of multiple properties, partly because I had the means and the portfolio to accommodate these purchases. I gained my portfolio by learning how the world works and how to make my dollar work for me. I have made some mistakes. Some cost me almost everything, some gave me gains far above my expectations, and some just seem to have become stagnate. It is all a gamble, such as life.

My ultimate goal is to completely retire by my fiftieth birthday. By my calculations, I need approximately 3.1 million dollars in assets by that age. And of that at least 40 percent need to be in liquid assets. (I wanted to add, that my figures do not include Social Security, I figure it will not be available by that time. No matter how much I have put in it.) This also puts in, the theory, that I will live until I am 75. That is twenty-five years of good retirement. The ability to do as I please, whether it be travel or working part time as a Wal-mart greeter and shooting pool on my afternoons.

It does not matter who is our next president, but my dream, my goal, hinges partly on it. I am not telling you how to vote. That is your right. I just can not find myself voting for someone who is proposing a "steal from the rich to feed the poor" type tax, I just can't. (I have many other reasons on why I won't vote for him, but doesn't follow my thesis statement for this text.)

I am all about the pursuit of happiness, but please don't hinder that dream. (I am talking to the individual that wants to stop this pursuit.)

Rev Gals Friday Five: Back to School

1. Is anyone going back to school, as a student or teacher, at your house? How's it going so far?
Other than a few MCIs (Marine Corps Institute) (long distance learning) No.

2. Were you glad or sad when back-to-school time came as a kid?
Mostly I enjoyed interaction with other kids during that time, during high school I was happy about playing football again.

3. Did your family of origin have any rituals to mark this time of year? How about now?
No

4. Favorite memories of back-to-school outfits, lunchboxes, etc?
I really can't think of any special clothes or anything special for that time. I always skirted the rules of clothes though, so you could say that was a favorite.

5. What was your best year of school?
Junior year, I went to state for Forensics (Public Speaking), Band (Trumpet Solo and Jazz Band), VICA(Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), Football, Student Council (WASC- Wisconsin Association of Student Councils), 4-H, and it was the first year I was published as a writer.

Fuel

Just as another link to help you compare gas prices in your neck of the woods.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Here it is about $3.60, but I still pay on base for $3.66. I figure the 48 cents extra or so that I pay is not worth it enough to travel to another lower priced one. Those of you around bigger cities this might be more helpful.

Psychos R Us, Part IV

His Needs, Her Needs. Is actually a book I have received this week by Willard F. Harley Jr. And we, the head doctor and I, discussed it for part of my session today. I have read the intro, preface, chapter one and part of chapter two, as well as the appendixes. It reminds me greatly of a book by Dr. John Gray I had read years ago called Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.

(One thing I have definitely learned, just because you sell a lot of books doesn't mean you know what you are talking about.)

The basic premise of the book is simple enough, men are different than women. Duh. Everything in both books is geared towards the married couple, and I am not married. But the principles in each are solid enough that if you practice what is preached by both parties there is a strong possibility a marriage or a relationship with someone can endure for many years.

The phrase it takes two to tango comes to mind a lot. Either way, this is part of my "homework" for the week. How to start or sustain a healthy relationship. Healthy in this sense, is the monogamous nature of both parties being happy in said relationship.

Liking my Job

I really like my job. I have the opportunity to camp, visit new and strange places, shoot, grapple, swim, eat foreign cuisine, experience new cultures, understand what is really boring, learning about new technologies, gather with large groups of people, sing to new and old cadences, march, dress up, and many, many more tasks, skills, and experience that is unique to my role in life.

Many people come up to me and ask if I want to get out of _____(insert war/conflict here)?

The simple truth is no.

Yes, there are struggles and hardships, but I knew that when I raised my hand almost fourteen years ago. I want victory. I want United States of America victory. Where ever, whenever that may be, victory is a must.

Do I get treated unfairly in the public eye? (2nd most popular question.)

Never in my face, has anyone treated me unfairly. That does not mean it does not happen.

I believe in a days pay for a days work. I work very hard to be the best at what I do, so the J. Q. Public does not have to. The last time I reenlisted, there was no bonuses offered and I didn't bat an eye.

I like my job.

I am an United States Marine.

Samantha's

If you didn't know, my parents own a restaurant in Valders, Wisconsin. My mom, Sandra, is changing the name to Samantha's. (It was known as Sam's Fine Food & Spirits.) So in helping with the family business, I have added a website for the restaurant. It is http://samanthasvalders.com/

Please check it out and let me know what you think. It is a little rudimentary at the moment, but I plan on adding the bells and whistles are time goes by.

Rev Gals Friday Five: Vulnerability

1. Is vulnerability something that comes easily to you, or are you a private person?
It is so hard to humble. I like to think I am invincible. I am working on that.

2.How important is it to keep up a professional persona in work/ ministry?
I like to think I am very professional when it comes to my job. I have been doing this for 13 and 1/2 years now. Professionalism is a must.

3. Masks, a form of self protection discuss...
I don't think I have masks, maybe walls though. My walls are pretty thick and have endured the test of time.

4. Who knows you warts and all?
Any woman that I ever told I loved. Very elite group.

5. Share a book, a prayer, a piece of music, a poem or a person that touches the deep place in your soul, and calls you to be who you are most authentically.
Jupiter - Gustov Holst which I already posted here.
I also wrote an untitled poem in the early nineties that speaks volumes about my soul.

The wind whispered with no sound
The sun stared me down
I was working-
Painting shingles.
I looked downward
People were piercing my perplexed
Precarious situation
And I waved to them
With no meaning.
I moved the ladder
One more inch & tightened
The rope surrounding my body,
I started to climb
For the last time
Of the day.
I admired the heavens,
And my foot slipped from under me
Gracefully, with no time
There was silence
And no rhyme -
I floated forever
Bet fell for a matter of seconds.
When my back hit
The building
Time began slowly;
What life I have had
I witnessed for moments.
I felt life dearing
And with strength & agility
I twisted my way,
Like a squirrel climbing a tree,
To the roof top
Where my soul was waiting
I sighed with relief
And as I glanced over the edge
The wind whispered with no sound.

Hurricane Prep

All we have been doing for the past few days is preparing for this almighty storm that currently looks as if is is puttering out. I am not worried at all about Hanna, Ike on the other hand may be much more fun. I personally like hurricanes. I get time off from work; all the garbage in the streets blows/washes away; I feel the need to fly a kite, it is all fun.

The basic essentials have been dumbed down for just about any family to help prepare for us. I guess you could say "they" have "Marine proofed" all stuff we need to know and do. It should be a no brainer since the Carolinas have had many famous Hurricanes come this way. The last big one I went through was Fran/Bertha and the last for me was Dennis.

I am looking forward to see how my house stands up to a hurricane. I should finally find out if I have any leaks in my roof. Find out if my sealing of the windows was any good. And maybe find out how many candles it takes to light up my home.

In case you don't have a destructive weather checklist of your own here is a copy of ours:

INSTRUCTIONS: Check off each line after you have placed that item into your Disaster Supply Kit. Assemble supplies and store them in an easy- to-carry container such as a backpack or duffel bag.

FOOD & WATER
One Gallon of Fresh Water per Person, per day
Ready to eat Canned Meats, Fruits & Vegetables
Canned Juices, Milk & Soup
Sugar, Salt & Pepper
High-Energy Foods: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Crackers, Granola Bars, Trail Mix
Vitamins
Foods for Elderly Persons, Infants, or Persons with Special Dietary Needs
Comfort/Stress Foods: Cookies, Hard Candy, Sweetened Cereals, Lollipops

FIRST AID KIT
Bandages Assorted Sizes, Sterile Gauze Pads, Adhesive Tape, Sterile Rolled Bandages, Scissors, Tweezers, Needle, Antiseptic, Thermometer, Safety Pins, Latex Gloves, Sunscreen, Belt with buckle

TOOLS & SUPPLIES
Mess kit, Paper Cups, Plates, Plastic Utensils, Bleach
Battery Operated Radio & Extra Batteries
Flashlight (2) & Extra Batteries
Cash (Various Denominations)/Traveler Checks
Non-Electric Can Opener, Utility Knife
Fire Extinguisher
Pliers, Tape Roll (2), Compass, Wrench, Plywood to Cover Windows
Matches in Waterproof Container
Paper, Pencil (2), Pen (2), Sewing Kit
Road Maps of Local Area & Evacuation Route

CLOTHING & BEDDING
Sturdy Shoes/Work Boots
Rain Gear (Jacket & Pants)
Hat & Gloves
Thermal Underwear
Sun Glasses
Blankets/Sleeping Bags (Each Person)

SPECIAL USE ITEMS
Baby Items: Formula, Diapers, Bottles, Powdered Milk, Medications
Personal Records
Insurance Policies
Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization Records
Credit Card(s) & Check Book(s)
Inventory of Household Goods (Pictures and/or VCR Film)
Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates
Photographs of all Family Members (Fingerprint on Back of Picture) & Photograph of Family Pets
Box of Large Plastic Bags

Favorite Thing To Do

I was asked recently, "What is your favorite thing to do?" I answered, "showers." I have the ability to shower everyday. I can have a 5 minute shower or I can have a 40 minute shower. I can put the heat on max and have a hot steamy shower.

There is no mind boggling reason for this.

Several times while serving my country I have had to sacrifice that right to shower everyday. The right to have a hot shower. The fact that I can go home and shower as long as I want is (my opinion) one of the basic freedoms that I serve for.

We are lucky. We must not forget that.

Peanut Gallery: Autumn Edition, Part II

MezzoSF » Asks:

1. Do you enjoy karaoke and if so, what is your "go-to" karaoke song?

Yes, if the song is available I will sing "Creep" by Radiohead as my first song. My stand-bys that work for me time and time again are "Jack & Diane" by Mellencamp, "Piano Man" by Joel, and "Just a Gigolo" by Roth. If my voice is hoarse my go to songs are "Mony Mony" by Idol and "Minority" by Green Day.

2. Have you ever studied another language? (Marine/Military-acronym speak notwithstanding . . . heh)

I studied Spanish (Spain dialect) while in high school and tested out while in college the first time around. Since then I tend to dabble in many of the romantic languages, but nothing serious.

3. Favorite hobby/leisure activity?

Woodworking. If not available, then runner-up goes to conversation.

4. If you could have a superpower . . . what would you choose?

I have actually answered this a few times, but now I am would be happy with levitation.

5. Tell us about your first kiss!

My first kiss went to Nicole Berge in my first grade year. It was innocent and platonic. The first time I french kissed was with Theresa Schisel in the summer of my fifth/sixth grade year. We were on our way back into town on the roller skating bus. It was the beginning of my own sexual revolution and girls became my priority.

sarah asks:

What has surprised you lately?

No matter how hard I try, I still need help from others. Some people love me and it just isn't logical. I find myself humbled more and more everyday.

PK asks:

1) What's your favorite dessert?

Peanut Butters Squares

2) What's your least favorite food?

Oysters

3) What meal do you like to prepare and love to eat?

Almost any steak, you can't lose with a strip(NY) or tenderloin with bacon wrap (Fillet Mignon).

mathman6293 asks:

How are you really doing?

I have been making due, and learning how talk about emotions.

What are you plans when you have completed your military service?

Wal-Mart greeter is my fallback. I have been looking into several employers with safety/quality control which what I am leaning towards.

Ron asks:

If you were reincarnated as an animal what would you pick to come back as?

Thorny Devil, a local in Australia

CDP asks:

How do you like your new house? Have you bought anything new for it? (Furniture, electronics, pictures)

In theory, I bought a new bed frame. It is being shipped from Nevada.(Arrived the day after I wrote this.) It is a sleigh bed style with slates of honey oak instead of being solid. I am still looking at a one room at a time upgrade idea, hopefully, by end of September the first two rooms will be done. Overall, I am happy with the house.

MEL asks:

Have you bought any plants for your yard yet?

None, I don't know the first thing about plants so it is the last thing on my list.

Are you going to get a pet for your new home? (besides a fish)

Mostly like not, since I have a hard time taking care of just myself.

How did you all do on your inspection?

Overall we did okay and we are still in business. PC got a Needs More Attention because the satellites screwed us over.

Wanna come over for dinner?

Yes.

Another Good Reason..........

I know these videos are old here is what he has accomplished:

Of Obama's proposed legislation, 3 bills passed in 2007.

1. a resolution celebrating the life of Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson.
2. the designation of July 12, 2007 as "National Summer Learning Day."
3. a condemnation of Zimbabwe's governmental oppression of its citizens.

Rev Gals Friday Five: Labor Day

1. Tell us about the worst job you ever had.
Auto-barrel operator @ Jagaman Plating Co. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Back breaking factory work, good pay but hard to love

2. Tell us about the best job you ever had.
United States Marine Corps
The best family I have ever had.

3. Tell us what you would do if you could do absolutely anything (employment related) with no financial or other restrictions.
United States Marine Corps
nulli secundus
Semper Fidelis

4. Did you get a break from labor this summer? If so, what was it and if not, what are you gonna do about it?
I have been on break since I was hurt in November.

5. What will change regarding your work as summer morphs into fall? Are you anticipating or dreading?
We change our working uniform from the Desert Digital MARPAT to Jungle Digital MARPAT.

Psychos R Us, Part III

The theme for the week is changes. I was going to use a straight up video of David Bowie, but I thought this one was more fun.

Of course, we talked about my childhood, isn't that a norm when psycho-babble is in play. We talked about my role of my father and role models that I have had while growing up and the basic gist is I am currently all about change and where did that start or who did I emulate to teach me all about changing. Or something like that. So why is it that I like or want constant change?

Moving In, Part III

My bed frame has finally arrived. It is a sleigh bed with slats on the foot and headboards. It is made with honey oak.

Rant # 5

I don't understand why civilians feel they have the right to prosecute those of us that do our job. Whether it be Marine, Sailor, Coast Guardsmen, soldier or airmen, we do a job that the greater majority is unwilling to do. It saddens me a great deal when reading about Jose Luis Nazario Jr. He has done his duty to our country, yet there are some who oppose this very fabric. You can read about it here: http://hennessysview.com/2008/08/17/free-jose-luis-nazario-jr/
And here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,405164,00.html

And if you want to read about the loophole that is talked about in the articles you can read about here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterritorial_jurisdiction.

If this man is tried and found guilty then we as a nation will be failing ourselves. Why would anyone want to defend a country that shits on them when their duty term is up? As a prediction in the hypothetical situation that he is found guilty, the military will no longer hold its numbers and the country will lose there defense and we as a people will have given up. The world that hates us will take over this land because it will be easy pickings, and most likely we will not have any freedom, we will be slaves of one of the many dictatorships and it will be America no more.

I hope this is not our fate, I fight for it not to be this way. I am and would like to continue to be proud of my country.

RevGals Friday Five: Appointments

1) Datebooks--how do you keep track of your appointments? Electronically? On paper? Month at a glance? Week at a glance?
I am a big fan of the outlook calender, I use it for work, home and recreation dates. I usually print out the month and keep a copy in my truck and on my refrigerator.

2) When was the last time you forgot an important date?
I don't recall that ever happening.

3) When was the last time you went OUT on a date?
Funny. Tomorrow.

4) Name one accessory or item of clothing you love even though it is dated.
My entire wardrobe is dated.(Stuck in the eighties.)

5) Dates--the fruit--can't live with 'em? Or can't live without 'em?
I don't like immensely, but I have a friend who loves them. Whenever I am in Yuma, I try to pick up some for him.

The Original

For awhile now I have been wondering if I should delete or get rid of wyldth1ng.com since it does cost me about one hundred and twenty bucks a year to keep it. According to one poll that I had here you all thought I should keep it or look for alternate solutions. Today I was searching through the 251 links to my site and really it made me laugh and exclaim "That's fucking funny!"

I will provide you the links to what I thought was so funny:
http://www.dirpedia.com/yuma.htm
http://www.dirpedia.com/golf.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/troy.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/life.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/truck.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/okinawa.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/marines.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/usmc.html
http://www.dirpedia.com/traditions.html

You have to find the humor in it, I mean if the guys at Dirpedia are linking to me, they must be "smoking crack."
(None of the links work anymore, but I keep this for prosperity sake. - Wyld 2017)

Psychos R Us, Part II A

I have an ego, that is why I used egotistical as one of my words to describe myself. Whether or not it is good or bad depends, really, on what setting I am at. Militarily it is a good thing. Otherwise, not so much. I run into problems when I find myself unable to turn off work mode and venture out into the civilian world.

(I always that it was funny, when military personnel refer to the civilian world as the real world. Makes one think that the military is fake in that context. Or a make belief world.)

Psychos R Us, Part II

My homework assignment for the week is to explain one of the five words I used to describe myself. ( I only came up with four.) He had said most often people respond with emotional words as I did not. I didn't say I was happy or sad, but did say very specific adjectives and adverbs that I thought described me.

Word of the week is: egotistical

My idea as of today is: I have a very proud history, I have accomplished many things, I am a Marine, I am very intelligent and view myself as smarter than most people I interact with, I am good at my job, I am going to live forever.

Peanut Gallery: Autumn Edition

I feel it has been awhile since I have opened the floor to questioning. So for the next week whatever trips your trigger, I will attempt to answer. I will close for questions on Friday and post the Q n A on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

Marines at Home

RevGals Friday Five: Transformations

For this Friday's Five, share with us five transformations that the coming fall will bring your way.

1) Surgery of the Wrist
2) Learning to share of who I am Vocally
3) Asking for Help and Accepting it
4) Re-learning how to use my left arm
5) Rekindling stagnate relationships

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XVIII

It seems to be that the surgery I had mentioned earlier is immanent. The doctor wants another MRI with this dye stuff injected into my wrist. Odds are that appointment will not be until at next week at the earliest. Then I see him again about a week after that. This is then followed by scheduling the surgery which would take us about three to five weeks from now. Then the recovery period of about eight weeks (staying at home) and then more of the occupational therapy that I have been doing. Hopefully, if all goes well, then a "speedy" recovery to full duty status and continue with life.

The gist of the surgery, from what I remember from my visit today, is grafting a ligament from another place of my wrist and applying it to where it is needed. In this process, a pin will be inserted between the two bones, that are currently separated, and at least two more pins in bones around (or above) the first pin. After the grafted ligament takes a hold the pins will be taken out and possibly a screw may have to be inserted into the two bones I mentioned before. If healing goes well, the screw would be taken out and viola a new wrist.

Psychos R Us

Psychos R Us, an original from me, while it seems to some I knock myself while using this phrase or title, I find it amuses me.

I have made a list comprising of ideas from you, the reader, and some stuff that I came up all by myself. I plan on going over the ideas with my head doctor tomorrow and see how it goes from there.

Oddly enough, most of you and friends here in J-ville have suggested almost identical ideas. So probably (and statistically) it may be a flaw that needs looking at. I will tell you what, though, some of the suggestions are hard to think about just by myself, let alone talk to someone else about it.

To me, in my mind, I have a firm grasp on financial affairs, my social interactions, and most of my emotions. It appears that the problems I do face are, unfortunately, directly related to my childhood. Stirring the pot of the past is always a non-fun moment for me. Another reason, why, I choose to look at the future more regularly.

As a side note, I plan on splintering off my unusual "Fun with Navy Medicine" posts when dealing with this stuff and will be using the above title for the continuation of this projected series.

Realities of War

I was reviewing the Lessons Learned safety letter today and it is very disheartening to know that war is the least of our problems. I have outspoken this to many people, whom dismiss what I say. War doesn't kill as bad as complacency and recreation does. I don't expect anyone to be able to go to this link without a (.mil) computer but the following link is the breakdown by the numbers:
http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/OIF-Total

The numbers break down in all sorts of ways and you find out that the Army leads the pack in non-combat related deaths and injuries by a lot.
Here are some numbers that I pulled from the report.

During GWOT and OIF: March 19, 2003 to July 5,2008

Total Non Hostile Deaths
Total : 761
Army: 559
Navy/Coast Guard :32
Marines :152
Air Force: 18

Total—Non–Hostile Related Medical (Air Transports Hostile and Non Hostile)
(Numbers include wounded in action)
Total : 42,395
Army : 34,732
Navy/Coast Guard : 1,274
Marines : 4,803
Air Force : 1,586

I obviously don't have the numbers for all the services for off-duty mishaps but reading this year's "so far" report for us doesn't make feel very warm and fuzzy about the rest. For our critical days of summer where traditionally fatalities rise; the Marine Corps appears to be doing better than last year. Still, a death, regardless of how it happened still hurts the brothers and sisters still here.

For the 15 weeks of summer(about Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Marine Corps (Non-Combat):
Total Fatalities FY08: 15

Navy(Non-Combat) :
Total Fatalities FY08 :18

Over half of the Marine Corps deaths that have occurred this summer are related to motorcycles. Also, the Navy shares half of their deaths to the same factor. So it is not surprising why there are so many safety guidelines and restrictions with the motorcyclists.


Here is an excerpt from the data of these deaths:

2ndLT was traveling east on highway 24 when his motorcycle struck another vehicle at an intersection. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sgt was killed after losing control of his motorcycle, striking a telephone pole and a fence.

GySgt died in a hospital after he and his passenger were thrown from the motorcycle they were riding. After losing control, he left the roadway and crashed down an embankment.

Sgt riding on a motorcycle collided with a guardrail, was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained fatal injuries.

LCpl was found unresponsive after a night of drinking.

LCpl and his passenger were killed in a motorcycle crash with a trailer.

SSgt killed in a motorcycle crash when his motorcycle veered off the road striking a curb, then impacting a tree.

Cpl died of injuries he received when involved in a motorcycle crash after hitting a curb and being thrown to street.

HM- assigned to Camp Pendleton, his wife and 4 year old son were killed when the car they were driving was struck head on by the driver of a pick-up truck that crossed the double yellow lines.

LCpl was passenger in a vehicle involved in a head-on collision.

Sgt was killed when his vehicle left the road and hit a tree.

Pvt departed a social event and was walking in the road when he was struck by a civilian vehicle and killed.

Cpl was found dead on ground below 7th story hotel balcony.

LCpl who was TAD to Recruiting Substation, died after being involved in a motorcycle accident when his motorcycle crashed into a building.


Hopefully, we will learn from this and live another day.

Post Number Six Hundred and Sixty-Six

I could never be in Wisconsin for more than a few years at a time. I couldn't be anywhere for more than a few years at a time. I am a nomad. Kind of. After high school, the longest I have ever been in one place was Yuma, Arizona. (I also have ocean front property there.) So it may be better that I have homes in the West and one now in the East. Maybe one day if things work out, I will have one in the Midwest as well. That way I could kind of jump around from one place to the other and not really get sick of one place and have the option to return on happier terms. ( I am also in debt past my eyeballs for awhile.)

The big picture of things, really, is I have about six years and six months of the Marine Corps until retirement. That is the goal. By accomplishing that goal, I should have the resources and the foresight to be able to live my life the way I want to. I may still need a job, but I won't have to make sacrifices of taking a job I don't want.

I figure at my current state of affairs I should be able to drop my current debt to around two hundred thousand by the time I retire. That should give you an indication of how much debt I have now. (If you are looking for a sugar daddy, stop reading here.)

I have been wondering what I want to do in seven years, and I really haven't the foggiest. I do know what I don't want to do and that is a start.

I do not plan on moving back to Wisconsin permanently. I would like to visit on occasion, but that is about as far as it gets for me. I still consider myself a cheesehead. Cheeseheads don't have to stay in Wisconsin they can be nomads like me.

I figure because I have moved so much since I have been in may be the big reason behind it all. I have gotten used to moving. I am pretty good at it. The only things I have ever lost in a move was due to external parties "helping" me. My number of possessions are really to a minimum. I still have lots of stuff, but nothing in comparison to those who stay rooted to one spot over a decade. And maybe that is a blessing as well. The items I do exchange or rid myself of, I always find out if friends are in need of it first before selling or giving it to the local charities.

In the end, I look and see a promising future.

RevGals Friday Five: Dog Day Afternoons

1. What is your sweetest summer memory from childhood? Did it involve watermelon or hand cranked ice cream? Or perhaps a teen summer romance. Which stands out for you?
WASC (Wisconsin Association of Student Councils) Camp my Junior year of high school. Fun, devious, and lots of laughs.

2. Describe your all time favorite piece of summer clothing. The one thing you could put on in the summer that would seem to insure a cooler, more excellent day.
Sandals (Jesus' type)

3. What summer food fills your mouth with delight and whose flavor stays happily with you long after eaten?
Strawberries

4. Tell us about the summer vacation or holiday that holds your dearest memory.
Sorento, Italy - I had a three day pass from the USS Nassau in 1997, it was bliss.

5. Have you had any experience(s) this summer that has drawn you closer to God or perhaps shown you His wonder in a new way?
Funny, maybe...I will have to get back to you all on that.

Bonus question: When it is really hot, humid and uncomfortable, what do you do to refresh and renew body and spirit?
Shower and a beer.

Constructive Criticism, Part II

Really.
I wasn't kidding.

Please tell me what you think is fucked up about me. Everyone I run into keeps telling me it is a good thing to see a head doctor, but obviously I need more than " I just need to go."

I think the last one was leaning towards relationships and family crap, but she and I didn't "click" so I am seeing a new guy.

The original reason I went there to see "psychos are us" was due to me having hard hitting bouts of depression after returning from Iraq. I really haven't had anything like that for quite awhile now and I fixed it on my own(so to speak). It is not command directed, I went on my own accord.

So back the first request, help me "see" what I missing about myself. Obviously there is something I can improve on.

Constructive Criticism

The head doctor I am currently seeing has asked me for goals. Goals of what I want accomplished in talking with him over the next few months. I frankly don't know and told him so.

He told me to try and come up with something by next week. Since I currently am at a loss with this, I would like some feedback from all of you.

What do see or read that it seems that I need help with?
If you know me personally, then through out some ideas. Good or bad or indifferent, doesn't matter.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XVII

Occupational therapy sent me home today with homework. A few exercises and stretches to do while at work.

Warm-Up:
Forearm Resting on table:
Extension - Active with finger extension (Straight palm)
Flexion - Active with finger extension (Straight palm)

Wrist:
Extension - Active with finger Flexion (Fist)
Flexion - Active with finger Flexion (Fist)

Ulnar Deviation - (Left/right straight palm)
Radial Deviation- Active with finger Flexion (Fist)

Thumb:
Extension (Hitchhiker)
Flexion (Middle of palm)

To side ("L"):
Extension/Flexion - Hand Flat on table
Extension/Flexion - Hand on side on table

Exercises:
Bend elbow at side, turn hand palm up/down (Pushing/Pulling with other hand)
Bend elbow at side, Hold hammer(something heavy) and rotate palm up/down (wrist straight)

Active Assisted Wrist Range of Motion Exercises:
Arm on table with thumb up, bend hand at wrist (Pushing/Pulling with other hand)
Rest forearm on table , bend at wrist (Pushing/Pulling with other hand)

I was told to hold off on the exercises for a while until I get the go ahead from the doctor, but the warm- up is bad enough at this point. I do most of this stuff while at occupational therapy and some other "fun" stuff that goes into my evil category.

Time Management

As most of you have probably noticed I haven't been visiting everyone's blogs and other nifty things floating on the web. Last night for example I was at work until 0437, I know that was the time because I looked at my watch as I was pinning the door. So I suppose I earned my paycheck yesterday by working a twelve hour shift. My Marine is currently on leave and will be for the next two weeks, so that means I am soloing it. This week being an inspection week makes it not fun by itself. I had occupational therapy today for two and half hours, then went to pay some bills, got a haircut and picked up some chicken tenders on the way to work. My arm hurts pretty bad and the drugs just kind of dull the pain. I would love to leave early but that is just not in the cards for me. I some reports I have to finish up tonight and the boss doesn't know where the forms are located which adds to the fun.(Reports that are "new and improved") Twice this week I will be guaranteed to be late for work because of the scheduling of my doctor's appointments, another fun add on. The topping on the cake is the mandatory fun day that is scheduled for Friday, oh, and I have to provide a dessert for.

So my humble apologies for not seeing everyone's stuff and I hope you all know that I will catch up when I can.

Inspection Week and A New Boss

All week we are having a CNAF (Commander, Naval Air Forces) Inspection which is normal done once every two years and a Wing inspection on the alternating years. I am not going to go into too much more detail on who they are, just know that it is really important to people with lots of shiny stuff on their collars. Usually the maintenance department (me) will have their inspection then the supply department will have theirs the following week. So naturally, everyone has been fussing about and most of the preparation happens the week prior, even though it would be done gradually over the course of the year.

With that we received a new officer who came from a training squadron and is instantly changing stuff. Some of it I agree with, most of it I don't, but that is why he makes the big bucks, right? Some of the changes guarantee me to never have an early night off. Not a big fan of that idea. A lot of the processes we do here are not done anywhere else, the MALS (Marine Aviation and Logistics Squadron) have to put it bluntly, added common sense to what we do and got rid of most of the dumb crap. Crazy stuff, I know. So our new officer, is completely foreign to our concepts and will probably take a little while before he has a good grasp of the situation here. I do have to say it must suck a little to check-in to a new squadron and then they tell you "there is a major inspection next week. Good luck."

So this week we are doing everything by the numbers and hopefully we do well enough that someone might even get a good job out of it. Wouldn't that be fun.

RevGals Friday Five: Lock Me Out, Lock Me In

1) How do you amuse yourself when road construction blocks your travel?
I sing sesame street tunes.

2) Have you ever locked yourself out of your house? (And do you keep an extra key somewhere, just in case?)
Never. But I have helped others who have.

3) Have you ever cleared a hurdle? (And if you haven't flown over a material hurdle, feel free to take this one metaphorically.)
In high school, I was a 200m hurdler, but gave that up for pole vaulting.

4) What's your approach to a mental block?
Sleep

5) Suggest a caption for the picture above(Revgals site); there will be a prize for the funniest answer!
The prizes have already been awarded by the time I got to this today so I will abstain from this question.

Felix the Cat

I have always wanted to, but haven't, put a Felix the Cat behind a picture frame of an individual in my home. Felix was also my introduction to exotic drugs as a pre-teen. I won't elaborate, but if you know what I am talking about you can keep it to yourself and smile. I have a small collection of cartoons with Felix, along with Betty Boop and a few others. Mostly on VHS, so I will have to upgrade it eventually.

Something about the clock has always intrigued me. I suppose that is part of the corny humor that I have. Most people don't get it.

One of these days... One of these days.

Homework

Last night was the first day back to work for me. We have a major inspection coming up in the second week in August, which is the first of many inspections we receive from higher authorities throughout the year. It seems that many of the instructions I left behind while recovering were not followed. So my first day back I spent the bigger part of my shift going through large amounts of paperwork that needed to be completed.

Some of which is due today, so I ended up spending a few extra hours at work last night finishing up those things. Today, I am going to have to go in early just to keep the ball rolling and finish the week on schedule.

I brought home a bunch of stuff that didn't need to be instantly but needed to get done none the less. Usually stuff like this doesn't happen, but as I have gone up in rank it seems the paperwork increases in size proportionally.

Hopefully, I won't have too many more days like this. Today, is another one those back to the grindstone types. It is a good thing I don't have a short supply of coffee.

Resilience

My love life, my mental health, my duty, my spiritual self, my physical appearance, my wealth, my plans of the future, my here and now, my self worth, my social interactions, my habits, my knowledge, my candor, and the list can go on all have one uncanny link besides being part of me.

I grew up in a "non-normal" childhood. My wealth of knowledge starts simply with the casual passerby in a local bar and restaurant. We had a ballroom or dance hall which was occupied almost every weekend by social gatherings, weddings, and other large parties. I intermingled with strangers, friends and some people who most likely should have been enemies. By the age of 10, I had a firm grasp of how to set a table for multi-course meal and how to perform at such. Well, before that time I could tell you how figure out cost of a beer by either a quarter barrel (pony keg) or a half barrel. I knew the difference between glasses, what they were used, for how many ounces each was, and the importance of the illusions glasses perform on the customer. I learned how operating a business worked and how the text book(which was wrong most of the time) said you were supposed to run that business.

It wasn't until the summer before my eleventh birthday that I truly learned the value of money. My parents had two restaurants, sold the one making less money, and that summer the one left burned to the ground. We lost everything in that fire. Luckily, the fire occurred after everyone had left for the night.

It was different and to me wrong that my parents started enforcing curfews and required me to check periodically throughout the day. This practice was new to me. I never had to check in with anyone before and curfews were for other kids.

Eventually, my parents, through donations and help from family started another restaurant, one that they still have today, in the beginning of my freshman year. This one was a contrast to the others, smaller and we went to a history theme. My dad continued with the job he had at a local construction company until he retired a few years later.

My failure of my attempt at college after high school, which was clearly my fault, where I worked a full time job at a plating company about seventy miles away and also had a full course load. It probably would not have lasted much longer than it did anyway. I joined the Marine Corps. I really needed a change. My scores were high, and after some negotiations I received everything I wanted for my first enlistment.

Since joining I have have been married and divorced three times, mostly for different reasons but still there are common links. I have been deployed seven times. It is eight if you included Japan, but I was stationed there. I have essentially circled the globe four times. I am a shell back and a golden shell back. I have very few personal awards and most of them that I do have are for doing something no one else has done. Now most of those things are common or are becoming more common. I have been hurt badly enough five times to be hospitalized. Most are from electrocutions and I think makes sense since I am an electrician by trade. Up until this last deployment I have been relatively safe and have cause little trouble with the law on my off time for about four years. I suppose I was due.

I will tell you all that, I miss having a partner. But if having one means I have to get married again, you can forget it. Not worth it. With my current injury, I have a very hard time doing some simple tasks. For example, showering hurts tremendously. If I could be satisfied with cleaning only half of my body it would not be problem, but my body needs a total cleaning. I have dishes that need washing, right now a collection from the last week or so. I tried the other day, and it hurt so bad, that I thought maybe if I drugged myself up I could do it closer to painless. Yeah, I felt no pain, but I also stabbed myself and didn't feel that either. I stopped when the water was a deep red color. Now my dishes sit waiting.

I really don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I don't. I just need some help to get me through this. I try not to ask the same person over and over again. I feel it is mostly stupid stuff and that is why it pisses me off. Tomorrow, I go back to work. It should be interesting and I am sure there will be plenty of paperwork to do. I feel I should have no problem with it, fore I have typed this with my right hand and my left index finger.

I have been through a lot in my short lifetime. I know that I have a lot to still go through.

Thank you to all who have helped with this injury and past injuries. I could not and can not go through all of this alone. I can't begin to tell you all how much I appreciate what help I have received, even if it is only talking with God.

Moving In, Upgrades,Part II

This weeks updates and upgrades.

RevGals Friday Five: Don't Leave Home Without It

What are the five things you simply must have when you are away from home? And why? Any history or goofy things, or stories?

1) Feather Pillow - When sleeping is in question, a good night's rest is always the answer.
2) Blankets - Even if they say it going to be hot, you never know when you will need a blanket.
3) Green Stuffed Animal Frog named Freddy - It was a gift that replays a message to me.
4) Knife - A hundred and one uses for a knife.
5) If I had time to prepare I would bring the Army Survival Guide dated 1948 7th edition. If not, then a coloring book with crayons.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XVI

My sutures were taken out today. The doctor explained that he had "cleaned" up some of my frayed ligaments and tendons and found what is probably causing the majority of the pain. Two bones within my wrist are separated more than they are supposed to be. The equivalent of 150 times wider gap than what is normal. The rest was relatively normal or what it is supposed to look like.

The bone gap answer at the moment is to do more occupational therapy. After a few weeks of strengthening exercises in that area if there is not an improvement another surgery will be scheduled. The surgery in essence would be shortening my ligaments in that area and unlike the recovery from this one which was two weeks it would be eight for that one.

Why neither of MRIs showed this or why no one caught it, is beyond me.

The Valders Journal, Part II

I receive many inquiries about the Valders Journal. Usually an average of sixty inquiries per month. Most people want to know how to contact them. Since it is published in the paper, I don't feel bad about giving anyone the address and phone number for the paper.

To contact the Valders journal write to:

204 Liberty Street
PO Box 400
Valders, WI 54245

or to call the paper:
(920) 775-4431