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.