When did I Grow?

When I joined the Marine Corps I was pretty skinny.  I didn't feel skinny, but people (especially older women) kept telling me to eat more.  And that my friends was the problem,  I did eat and I ate everything.   I never needed to eat healthy,  not that I wanted to eat healthy mind you.  Healthy for some reason seems to mean "not taste good."   I'm sure some of must taste good and there is probably some it the maybe will fill up, but for me it's never been on the table.

As life progressed for me it seemed that the only part of me that grew consistently was my shoulders and my ego.  It seemed that every few months I had to keep getting my dress and service jackets re tailored for my shoulders. I went 17 years in the Marine Corps until I had to get my waist tailored.  SEVENTEEN YEARS! 

So basically I was 35ish went my waist went passed the 29 inch mark.  That really pisses people off.  I mean like it's the end of the fucking world, pisses people off like state.   I would hear crap like I don't know how to appreciate such a thing or life is not fair.  I never did figure out why it's my fault my parents had sex and "poof" I get these genetics.  [ Not part of this story:  I also got this odd internal body health gene where stuff like blood pressure and heart rate is always "good/great no matter what.] 

Well the good part is now, this part of my life (after the Corps)  it doesn't matter anymore.   I'm still below my max weight, which is also a sore subject with people, but doesn't really matter anymore. Yea!

If you haven't guessed my health is now a priority,  my maybe I sinned against the healthy fairy or killed the angel of good health, but my health like weight, physical ability, mental, and spiritual health has gone to fucking shit.

Back to the thesis, I've grown and I don't remember how it happened.  I am no longer that skinny kid from nowhere-ville.  Now I'm the skinny kid with a small "ladies" basketball inside my stomach who has been to 37 countries (2 that don't exist anymore).  I guess I'm cultured.

Does anyone remember how they got here?  No one started off "here"  but somehow we all got here.

Break out the champagne!

One score ago and an over confident young boy, entered the United States Marine Corps.  I entered the Marine Corps for a change.  That was not one of the tablets presented to me by my recruiter.  In fact, he made me pick 3 and after much debate I picked three.  I have no idea what picked, I just remember it was stupid.  I mean why pick reasons to join, I drove myself to the recruiters station.  I was in Milwaukee going to University Wisconsin - Milwaukee and was enrolled in the school of architecture. I partied alot, not like what is glamored in stupid movies you see, I had "call the cops and the fire department" parties.  I actually got kicked out of the dorms twice for my behavior and the behavior I inctied.  Just after my 19th birthday and some time spent in the drunk tank in the Milwaukee County jail, I realized that if I didn't do something different I was going to be dead before I reach 30.  I also knew I needed help.

So after sobering up a little(the Wisconsin version) I opened up the Greater Milwaukee phone book, found the closest recruiting station and drove down to it.  I was forced to take a 10 question test and Aced it, then they wanted me to take a longer 50 question test and Aced it as well. I guess they thought I was either lying about my educational background or just thought I was cheating some how.  I was asked when I took my ASVAB and like everyone else I knew it was my junior year in high school.  They looked up my results and said I could pick any job I wanted but had join before my 2 year anniversary of the test.  I told them I could do better, I just was happy to not be in class and didn't take it seriously, but they we adamant that I didnt.  They must have thought I was going to do worse, now looking back, I wish I did take it over.  So thinking about future job placement I picked Aviation Electrician which I was told I couldn't be that exact so it was going to be a 59 hundred or 64 hundred field or MOS (military occupational specialty) and I got it in writing.

I know many people that told me that their recruiter fucked them over or didn't tell them how it was going to be.  I didnt have that problem and chock that up to people not listening and not reading their contract and then asking for it to be fixed.  My recruiter told me exactly how it was going to be.  A good example, a friend of mine was going to join the reserves and wanted to join after his birthday on the 25th. Supposedly he was to ship out on the 31st, but since he didn't read it or ask it to be fixed he shipped out on the 13th.  I laughed my ass off then and still do everytime I think about it. 

I had many contracts by that time in my life, rental, university related, gas, electric, phone, well you get the idea.  Now when I entered the Marine Corps there were computers but not like the ones have today.  Most were used for accounting or some other number based idea.  Before you yell at your screen with Comadore or Atari, that was not what someone today was a computer.   We had typewriters (tap, tap, tap, ding!) and if you wanted copies you used carbon paper or you typed alot more.  The more expensive ones had a write out feature but that didn't work every time and contacts had to be white out free.  There was a gunny (Gunnery Sergeant or GySgt) that did the typing and every time I asked for a correction he got a darker shade of red.  I thought it was funny and I giggled a little which did not help things.  I had three complete rewrites.  Then I was satisfied.   My ship out date was supposed to be February 5th, I picked that time period because I wanted to finish out my semester in college and I had NIN  (Nine Inch Nails) tickets in January and wasn't going to miss that.

February 4th rolls around and I get picked up from my recruiter and had to have some more processing. Paperwork, drug tests stuff like that.  I got a couple of tickets since then and that had to be cleared first.  That took a couple of days, then my first day became February 7th, 1995.

My story from there turned into a wild ride. Many ups and many downs, but I wouldn't have changed a thing.  The Marine Corps helped me understand national pride, how the system really works, and teamwork.  I get choked up when I here the National Anthem or Marine Corps Hymn.  And I get it and want you to get it too.

Cry for help!

The world for me has changed dramaticly from when I started writing this blog.  After many injuries and many times I toughed it out (for some macho idea) without seeing a doctor when getting injured at the time.  Some advice to the younger alpha males, there is no shame seeing help when injured. Even if someone insists you are only "hurt" not injured. Putting mud on it or using duct tape never works.

I do not cry wolf, in fact, I was literally dragged in to see a doctor.  I have many injuries ranging from loss of dexterity to seeing things that no one else sees.  At the VA's count 40 plus injuries, 14 for the Marine Corps.  What I have cried for is help.  The hope was my brothers would take care of me if it gets bad, that is not the truth.  But that is another story, I'll tell it some other day.

I need AACs, Augmented and Alternative Communication devices.  I'm using a voice to text currently, but it sucks.  It takes me 5 to 10 minutes to "write" a sentence they way I just said it, and don't get me started on punctuation. My wife types most of my things for me nowadays.

I need work done to my home and I don't need to tell you that the money fairy doesn't visit me and my wife.  I can't work, she can't leave me for long periods to work.  She does my ADLs, activities of daily living.  For those layman's out there, eating, bathing, peeing, number 2s, brushing my teeth, shaving my face, I think you get the idea( I hope.).  

We live in a home built in the 40s, so we have old home problems.  I can only using my motorized wheelchair in half the house, in the rest my wife transfers me to a small stool with wheels and hope for the best.  Doesn't always work as planned.  We have roof that should have been replaced 8 or so years ago, we have electrical problems in two rooms, we have plumbing issues, and many others.  I listed the big ones for your reading pleasure.

Now, getting help.  It would easier if (these are all and/or situations, I listed this way for ease)  we made less than 20 grand,  not white, civilian, lived on a farm, bought the house after 2009 but before 2011, lived in a crappy neighborhood, blind, deaf, missing (visible) limbs,  have parents that are dead, came from a broken home or couldn't pay the mortgage.  Again, those are the big ones.

Now let's say my long lost uncle died and gave me 10 large ones.  Do we spend it on a new roof or get a new wheelchair (which we need also)? Or save it because hoping for the best has not worked out for us either.  Getting someone else to do a job, that could have done prior to injury, is horribly expensive.   And my wife could probably do most of it, if she didn't have care for me. On to itself is a double edged sword, if she is injured then we're both screwed twice as hard.

Now here is the kicker, everytime we have asked for help it backfired on us.  I have been threatened several times, my wife has been threatened and I have been warned if I keep asking for help I may lose my rank or worse administratively separated.  Everytime I think I we should go to the IG (inspector general) we are reminded of the incident in my last unit, nothing happened to the bad guys and we were sent away to this unit with no result. 

The only good part of my unit is the Wounded Warriors.  Not the staff or the officers or the civilian horde.  Only the injured Marines.  We have recieved more help and heart via my injured brothers.  Got to think that's funny, if you weren't injured.
 
As far as Organizations go,  the Semper Fi Fund has been awesome!  The DAV has helped!  That's it. 

The Wounded Warrior Project is a Ponzi scheme.  As much money that is funneled to them, you would think they would help, NOPE, got a T-shirt and once a year we get stickers.  Not that we haven't asked.  And if they do return our call it'll be an email 6 months later, but no help just lip service.  If you look at their Financials you can see the top 6 get millions a year, and the top 20 get hundreds of thousands.  Not a one of them are in a wheelchair or missing an arm or missing a lung.  It pisses me off!  

So long story short, don't give in to the peer pressure and give to an organization that doesn't really help.  You don't have to take my word, do your own research.  That's what Google is for.  My advice is to go to Charity Navigator. Lots of information, lots of reviews and lots of insight.

Pride

Pride can be deadly.  We (my wife and I) have a Eagle Globe and Anchor door knocker on my steel reinforced door to our home on a hill that has clear envelopes of fire on both laterals.  We have yellow footprints entering our home and we still have our magnetic "Parent's Pride" Emblem on our truck with Marine Corps personalized plates.  We wear red on Fridays and we donate the time we can to those you need it.   The pride we have, if you could contain it in a jar, would be enough to shine bright until everyone came home.

A Version of Genesis

In the beginning was the word, and the word was God.

In the beginning was God, and all else was darkness and void, and without form. So God created the heavens and the Earth. He created the sun, and the moon, and the stars, so that light might pierce the darkness. The Earth, God divided between the land and the sea, and these he filled with many assorted creatures.
And the dark, salty, slimy creatures that inhabited the murky depths of the oceans, God called sailors. And He dressed them accordingly. They had little trousers that looked like bells at the bottom. And their shirts had cute little flaps on them to hide the hickeys on their necks. He also gave them long sideburns and shabby looking beards. God nicknamed them "squids" and banished them to a lifetime at sea, so that normal folks would not have to associate with them. To further identify these unloved creatures, He called them "petty" and "commodore" instead of titles worthy of red-blooded men.

And the flaky creatures of the land, God called soldiers. And with a twinkle in His eye, and a sense of humor that only He could have, God made their trousers too short and their covers too large. He also made their pockets oversized, so that they may warm their hands. And to adorn their uniforms, God gave them badges in quantities that only a dime store owner could appreciate. And He gave them emblems and crests... and all sorts of shiny things that glittered... and devices that dangled. (When you are God you tend to get carried away.)

On the 6th day, He thought about creating some air creatures for which he designed a Greyhound bus driver's uniform, especially for Air Force flyboys. But He discarded the idea during the first week, and it was not until years later that some apostles resurrected this theme and established what we now know as the "Wild-Blue-Yonder Wonders."

And on the 7th day, as you know, God rested.

But on the 8th day, at 0730, God looked down upon the earth and was not happy. No, God was not happy! So He thought about His labors, and in His divine wisdom God created a divine creature. And this He called Marine. And these Marines, who God had created in His own image, were to be of the air, and of the land, and of the sea. And these He gave many wonderful uniforms. Some were green; some were blue with red trim. And in the early days, some were even a beautiful tan. He gave them practical fighting uniforms, so that they could wage war against the forces of Satan and evil. He gave them service uniforms for their daily work and training. And He gave them evening and dress uniforms...sharp and stylish, handsome things…so that they might promenade with their ladies on Saturday night and impress the hell out of everybody! He even gave them swords, so that people who were not impressed could be dealt with accordingly.

And at the end of the 8th day, God looked down upon the Earth and saw that it was good. But was God happy? No! God was still not happy! Because in the course of His labors, He had forgotten one thing: He did not have a Marine uniform for Himself. He thought about it, and thought about it, and finally God satisfied Himself in knowing that, well....

Not everybody can be a Marine!

A Fan of WSJ's Mackubin Thomas Owens

The Wall Street Journal's Mackubin Thomas Owens has been inpressing me for quite some time now.  He is  a professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College, editor of Orbis, the quarterly journal of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and author of "US Civil-Military Relations After 9/11: Renegotiating the Civil-Military Bargain" (Continuum, 2011).

He writes quite fluently with his military topics and is "top on" with his audience.  Here is a copy of what he worte on May 2, 2011:

Why We Still Need the Marines

Their unique combination of sea, land and air capabilities makes them an indispensable rapid response force.

In Washington these days, the Defense Department is looking to cut its budget and the Marine Corps especially is reviewing its future role. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has spoken of "anxiety" that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have turned the Corps into a "second land army," and he has cancelled major Marine weapons systems, such as the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle. No institution is sacrosanct, so it's worth asking: Why should we maintain the Marine Corps in the future?

The utility of any institution must be balanced against the opportunity cost of maintaining it. In arguing against maintaining a Marine Corps in the future, one must prove either that what the Marines do isn't necessary, or that it is necessary but that another organization can do it more efficiently and effectively.

In 1954, the political scientist Samuel Huntington argued that each service was built around a "strategic concept"-"the fundamental element of [a] service . . . its role or purpose in implementing national policy." A service's strategic concept answers the "ultimate question: What function do you perform which obligates society to assume responsibility for your maintenance?"

The current Marine Corps strategic concept envisions an expeditionary force in readiness capable of responding rapidly to the full range of crises and contingencies, primarily but not exclusively from the sea, with integrated and balanced air, ground and logistics teams. To this end, the Marines provide a responsive and scalable "middleweight" force that is light enough to get to where it is needed quickly but heavy enough-and with sufficient logistics support-to prevail against an adversary upon arrival.

Due to the proliferation of high-tech defensive weapons, the most controversial element of the Marines' strategic concept are amphibious assaults against defended littorals. What most people envision when they think of an amphibious assault is a World War II scenario with landing craft churning toward a defended beach. But today's amphibious assaults seek to avoid the strength of the enemy's defenses, exploiting seams and gaps in those defenses in order to achieve surprise.

For example, in October 2001, Naval Task Force 58-commanded by then-Brig. Gen. James Mattis, who is now commander of U.S. Central Command-conducted an amphibious assault to seize the airfield at Kandahar, Afghanistan. Gen. Mattis's force of two infantry battalions, along with fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and logistics support, thrust 450 nautical miles from ships off the coast of Pakistan to Kandahar in only 48 hours.

In addition to conducting amphibious operations and providing forces for two wars, over the past decade the Marines have also been engaged in the Caucasus, Africa, the Pacific and Latin America. They have provided training and support for friends and allies and have responded to numerous crises: noncombatant evacuation operations in Liberia (2005) and Lebanon (2006), as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Indonesia, the U.S. Gulf region (2005), Haiti (2008 and 2009), Pakistan (2010) and Japan (2011).

Marines routinely split amphibious ready groups into smaller packages to provide a variety of capabilities over a wider geographic area, reassembling to conduct larger operations. Marine assets are currently involved in aircraft-recovery operations in support of NATO forces in Libya.

So it would seem that what the Marines do is of value to the United States. But could another service do what the Marines do? The answer, of course, is yes. But the opportunity cost would be very high.

All of the U.S. military services are carrying out missions in support of their own strategic concepts. Asking another service to do what the Marines do risks crowding out what they already do. Each of the other services operates primarily in one "domain": the Army on land, the Navy on water, and the Air Force in air and space. The Marines operate in a "lane" that intersects all three domains. In that lane, the Marines possess what economists would call comparative advantage.

What about the charge that the Marines have become a second land army in Iraq and Afghanistan? As the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Joseph Dunford, recently remarked, the Marines have no reason to apologize for sustained operations ashore.

Such operations, he observed, are part of the basic "sticker price" of the Marines: the requirement to carry out missions as directed by the president, an obligation Marines have met in Korea and Vietnam as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, an important part of Marine Corps tradition has been to prepare to fight the kind of small-unit wars we have confronted over the past decade.

The Marines are an expeditionary force with a maritime soul. Of course, the current security environment requires all services to become more expeditionary than was the case during the Cold War. But as former Marine Commandant Gen. Carl Mundy was fond of saying, "'Expeditionary' is not a mission. It's a mindset." The Marines have developed this expeditionary mindset over decades, and it is something that will serve the nation well in the future.

 

Comments

I had used Haloscan for years for my commenting on this blog.  As the times have changed, Haloscan is no more.  And with that, I have lost all of those years worth of comments.  I never downloaded them to keep them and my attempts to get them back from the company (Echo) seems futile.

So I am starting a leaf by using the blogger's version and I hope that this will still be an enjoyable website with comments.

Things I am Going to Miss

This is some of the cadences that I will miss saying and hearing in return 20 fold.
(The authors are unknown, these have been passed by word of mouth for many generations.)

1775

BACK IN 1775,

MY MARINE CORPS CAME ALIVE.

1^ST THERE CAME THE COLOR GOLD,

SHOWED THE WORLD THAT WE ARE BOLD.

NEXT THERE CAME THE COLOR BLUE,

SHOWED THE WORLD THAT WE ARE TRUE.

THEN THERE CAME THE COLOR GREEN,

SHOWED THE WORLD THAT WE ARE MEAN.

THEN THERE CAME THE COLOR RED,

SHOWED THE WORLD THE BLOOD WE’VE SHED.

(CAN BE SUNG AS A ROUND OR BY THE LEADER WITH THE PLATOON SINGING “MARINE CORPS” IN BETWEEN LINES.)

HORSE MARINE

MY GRAND DADDY WAS A HORSE MARINE

EVERYTHING HE WORE WAS MARINE CORPS GREEN

HE ATE STEAKS 8 INCHES THICK

HE PICKED HIS TEETH WITH A GUIDON STICK

HE LIVED EVERYDAY OF HIS LIFE IN THE CORPS

TILL THEY SENT HIM OFF TO WAR

THEY SENT HIM TO A PLACE CALLED VIETNAM

TO FIGHT PEOPLE CALLED THE VIETCONG

TILL ONE DAY IN A FIRE FIGHT

HE COME HOME ON A MEDIVAC FLIGHT

NOW HE SITS ON THE PORCH AND STARES

MARKING TIME IN HIS ROCKING CHAIR

EVERYWHERE WE GO

EVERYWHERE WE GO

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW

WHO WE ARE

SO WE TELL THEM

WE’RE THE BOY’S FROM * (INSERT YOUR PLATOON #) YOU’VE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT

THE MOTHERS TAKE THEIR DAUGHTERS IN WHEN EVER WE GO OUT!

PEOPLE SAY WE’RE CRAZY FOR THE CRAZY THINGS WE DO

WE’RE THE BOYS FROM *, WHO THE HECK ARE YOU!

MOMMA MOMMA

MOMMA MOMMA CAN’T YOU SEE

WHAT THE MARINE CORPS HAS DONE TO ME?

PUT ME IN A BARBER’S CHAIR,

I TURNED AROUND AND HAD NO HAIR

THEY PUT ME IN SOME CAMMIE GREEN

 THEY TRAINED ME HARD THEY MADE ME MEAN

THEN THEY SHIPPED ME OFF TO WAR

PUT ME ON A FOREIGN SHORE

THEY PUT A RIFLE IN MY HAND

 TOLD ME TO DEFEND OUR LAND

BUT IF I DIE IN A COMBAT ZONE

BOX ME UP AND SHIP ME HOME

PUT ME IN A SET OF DRESS BLUES

COMB MY HAIR AND SHINE MY SHOES

PIN THE MEDALS UPON MY CHEST

AND TELL MOMMA I DID MY BEST

BUT MOMMA MOMMA DON’T YOU CRY

MARINE CORPS MOTTO IS TO DO OR DIE

SAYING, “LEFT RIGHT A LOW RIGHT LEFT”

“LEFT RIGHT A LEFTY RIGHT LEFT”

IF I DIE, BURY ME DEEP

2 M16’S, BENEATH MY FEET

AND BY MY SIDE, PLACE MY 9MM THERE

BUT DON’T FORGET TO PACK MY PT GEAR,

BECAUSE EARLY ONE MORNING, AROUND ZERO-FIVE

THE EARTH’S GONNA SHAKE, THERE WILL BE LIGHTNING IN THE SKY

BUT DON’T YOU WORRY, DON’T COME UNDONE

IT’S JUST ME AND CHESTY PULLER ON A PT RUN.

Physical Evaluation Board

Time has come that my Fun with Navy Medicine will come to a close. I have been on a PEB since January and according to the Magic timeline that was given to me by December I could be on the way out of the Marine Corps. I wrote briefly about the Worst Case Scenarios once before but now that it seems to be reality I have been pinching myself on a regular basis.

The following is what I have learned so far:

During the VA appointment process each member will be assigned a code that is part of the VASRD and the reference for that is 38 CFR part 4. The codes will later translate into the VA's disability rating and has nothing to do with the military's rating. The military rating comes from the unfit condition that is preventing the member from doing his/her job. There can be multiple issues but after the initial is submitted, an addendum for each other unfit condition must be submitted otherwise it doesn't count. Of course the magic number for permanently disability retirement listing (PDRL) is 30 percent or higher. Anything less than that and the member is under 20 years will get a severance package. The math for that is 2 x base pay x # years, if combat related the number of years is 6. Obviously that doesn't help the more senior Marines.
(The unfit condition is anything that stops the Marine from performing ITSS/MOS/PFT/CFT.)

Before a package is sent to MEB the Marine is going to sign it and receive a copy. It was reiterated that the Marine must pay attention for any discrepancies since this will delay the process or give an undesired result from the board.

Right now, I am about halfway through the VA appointment process and have not seen my doctor for my unfitting condition as of yet.

I am going to have to find another theme to right about. Maybe I will write about the squirrels that make my clothes for me and the birds that make my bed.

Blogs and the Tools That They Are

My original idea was to use this blog as a communication tool with my family. At one time, it grew into a stress reliever. After the many rants and raves, time came when I thought I didn't need this outside opinion anymore. Since my absence, I have mulled over the point of posting more regularly again.

Whether or not anyone being outside my opinion headquarters, my wife and I, gives me an opinion I really do not care.

After saying that and you are still here reading. Then to me you are either very thick in the head or you know me better than you know yourself.

My wife is trying this thing we call a blog. It would do me well if you have poor opinions to either leave it in your head or write them here on my blog. ( Yes, the armor is still shiny.) Her blog address is: http://inconceivably40.wordpress.com/.
(Those that know me know that it took me 5 times to figure out how it was spelled.)

Happy toolbox hunting.

Absence with Navy Medicine

I have been home for about a month recovering from another surgery. My right shoulder has been decreasing in strength and agility for about a year or so. The surgeon discovered it as worse than predicted and had to sever and reattach my bicep tendon and fix some tears in two other muscles.

My left arm has increasingly been the strong arm. And life couldn't go on without my wife.

It will be back to work in a few days.

Fun With Navy Medicine, Continued...

Not sure which part I am on, seems to have been going on for quite some time now. I have had my left ulna nerve moved to fix another problem that was unforeseen before. I believe I am on day 3 of recovery since the surgery. Hopefully, and God willing, this will be that last surgery on my left arm.
I reenlisted for the last time on Monday, this will bring me to 19 years and change. Which is enough to get me to retirement.( Application for retirement can happen 14 months out from the desired date.) It was noted that I had several officers at the ceremony, which I only formally invited two. I reenlisted at the Aviation Memorial at MCAS New River in front of the CH-46 Sea Knight.

What We Have Been Up To

I know I have been MIA for a bit. Medical issues have been plaguing us for a little bit and I haven't been up to writing on the blog. My website is in disarray and I am aware of it, so no need to let me know that you are getting page errors. When I have some more time, I am planning a complete overhaul. We spent about 3 weeks in Arizona fixing our house there after a bad tenant and even worse property manager. Here is some finished pictures:









We laid the floor, painted the interior, replaced fixtures, and resurfaced the cabinetry.




We painted the outside, poured concrete steps, stained the concrete, landscaped 55 tons of rock, planted new vegetation, and Kim made a new house sign with the address.

Without listing everything we did, imagine a complete overhaul, so now our new tenants are basically moving into a new house.

1st P

I received my first pass of a maximum of 2 as a Staff Sergeant. Basically, if I don't get gunny next year then I will retire as a Staff Sergeant.

All that stuff I wrote about when I as a sergeant trying to get staff still applies. At least my combat is out of the way.

House Remodel - The May Update

Quit Smoking, The Sequel

Kim and I have been nicotine free, each, for about a week now. She is doing a little better than I, time wise.

We also just returned from a trip to see my parents in Wisconsin. No one died so I count that as a successful trip. Kim and my parents got along very well, a lot better than I got along with my parents.

Since we went through that stressful situation while quitting and the 24 hour drive to and 19 hour drive back(detour for the better), we should not have to worry about a relapse.

I know I could not have quit without my wife.

Quit Smoking, The Sequel, Day Three

So far so good. I haven't had a cigarette in about 68 hours and as far as I know Kim hasn't either. The coworkers are not helping at all, but I am doing what I said so far. Keep in mind I have a 21mg patch and Kim is using a 14mg.

The weekend is coming up that is usually the biggest test.

Quit Smoking, The Sequel, Day One

If you have been following my bad habits then you know that I started smoking again last summer. Well, today is day one of Kim and I quitting.

If I remember correctly, I gained about twenty pounds last time around. I lost it all when I started again but there are 2 major factors that play into that. My injury and my recovery. Not that gaining weight is any priority for me.

They say the average person gains (or loses) a habit after 21 straight days. So May should be nicotine and smoke free for us.

During my shift the worst part is my Corporal asking if I want to smoke every thirty minutes or so. Or it could be that my truck smells of smoke. Yep, you guessed it. It is on the list for cleaning this weekend.

Last go around day three was the worst. We shall see.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XXIII

My wrist is doing better and have a followup with the hand surgeon coming up in about a week. My career is holding on the facts that I have to have at least seventy-five percent mobility and strength in my left arm(compared to the right) before returning to full duty.

I have been having some problems in the lower abdominal area for the last month or so. I am fix'n to go to Duke to see the Endocrinology department. I have been diagnosed with orchitis and epididymitis. Plus, it seems that I have Staphylococcus aureus in an odd spot. The urologist says I have an unusual problem.

World News Report!!

Kim and I will be getting hitched today. Nothing extravagant, but the important parts.

For curiosity sake this is what her ring looks like:










Sorry don't have a picture of what mine looks like, but it is something I wanted.


I do have pictures of her, but she would kill me if I posted them. And that would be bad.


See you all on the flip-side.

Closing Time

I am in debate to end this blog.

Give me your vote:
yea or nay

Rev Gals Friday Five: Pets

In honor of all the beloved animal companions who bless our lives: tell us about the five most memorable pets you have known.

1) Cuddles - an attack toy poodle with a heart condition, Everyone I knew was afraid of this ankle biter, put to sleep in late eighties.

2) Sturgis - Only dog on my street to open the frig and grab a can without breaking it and bringing it to you; died by way of UPS truck 13 years ago.

3) Knuckles - Tree frog, feared by many answered to a few. Lived in a drawer on the USS Nassau ('96), set free in Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

4) Lady - Farm dog of my uncle's, she hated cows. Played too hard and was rested after ten years.

5) Sammy - Farm dog of my uncle's, given to neighbor after my uncle's passing.

February Home Renovating

People (and Other Non-Specific Ideas)

Recently, I have received several items and monies to be " square" with those individuals that I lent said items to. Which is amazing. I am contemplating the idea that it may be because of the "recent" down turn of our economy and others are thinking twice about returning goods and coin. Or maybe humans can have morals too.

I have been working on the house with Kim and Alec. It is a good thing that Kim knows something about decor, because my idea of it is a pretty basic model for most young men. Not too many niceties, if you get my drift.

I will do a video as soon as I have more than fifteen minutes to kill. It is always nice to have the record of things changing, something to look back on.

I have many projects, the one I am dreading at the moment is my taxes. I started but I figure I have about 2 to 3 hours to go until I have everything to send to my accountant. Yes, I have an accountant. To me, it is worth the 284 buckaroos to have someone else do that crap.

I have been letting my cellphone run dead as of late. Not for any particular reason, other than it is nice not hearing it at 0230( in the morning).

I may have another update on medical soon and with that I may let you all know how my promotion probability situation is panning out.

So you see, I have things to pass...and to blog about.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XXII

I started smoking again when I came back to the states around April or so. Since then, I have been trying to get the "Quit Smoking" class signed up for me. Not been real lucky on this one. I am guessing that MCCS isn't making enough money so that is why there seems to be no class to attend. So that everyone is with me, you need to go to the class to get the gum or patches or the pill.

I am supposed to be working with something called a gravitron. I thought the doc was joking when he said it, but it seems to be he was serious.

Still have thumb problems and the wrist is not fully healed from the last surgery.

Got a new splint today, I like the old one better.

PTSD

I have that.

George Carlin made a joke about the renaming of it. The Shell Shock to Operation Fatigue to PTSD, I think it is funny.

I didn't get mine from Iraq. Nope. I got mine from Zaire. Do you know where Zaire is? Didn't think so. It is now called The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Before my experience I became a Golden Shellback, I have both the official and unofficial badges for it. This means nothing to most of you, but it means something to many veterans.

Yesterday at my head doctor appointment, he told me that I am one of the few that can disassociate myself from my experience. Most of the time I can, sometimes not so much.

I hope as I start my life with a future wife and possible children that I can still be one of the few.

2008 Year in Review

I am a little late this year with my review, no fault but mine on this one. So without further ado:

January we came back from Iraq. There was many delays and lots of cluster fucks but by the 31st we were on American soil. I had come back with a lime green cast on my left arm due to an injury I incurred while performing my duties. I was surprised to find my Mom waiting for me with all the other families as we stepped off the buses. This significant since this was a first in thirteen years.

February stated with a few days with my Mom, we had received pedicures and I took many showers. I also started renting a room from some people that I wish now that I hadn't. At the end of the month I went on leave and took a more scenic route to Wisconsin. I had visited three other bloggers in their homes on the way. Very exciting and very fun. Definitely a major highlight of my vacation.

The beginning of March I ended my leave by visiting a few more blogger friends and had a blast. Which came to the end by going back to work shortly there after. By the time April came around "we" found out my original diagnosis was wrong and my treatments and future surgeries would be taking a different turn. The problems in my wrist ended up being worse than original expected at this point.

May ended up being a pinnacle month since I settled on the home I was to buy and started vigorous negotiations. By the end on June, I purchased a home in the middle of Jacksonville, NC. It has a travel time equal to both Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, so going to work and going to see the doctor is not an evil evolution. Plus the bennies is that everything else is no more than a fifteen minute drive away either. This wasn't the major factor in buying this home, but it was something I carefully considered.

When entering July it was crunch time since moving in and fixing the little things like the shower had to be done before I had surgery. This was my third major surgery since being hurt in Iraq and was going to be laid up for a few weeks afterward. I did okay, the shower did not get completely done until a few days after the surgery, but it did get done.

For the months of August and September I spent mostly in Occupational Therapy and spent a weekly sessions with a head doctor. I was also gearing up for the fourth surgery that everyone knew had to happen. Basically after the third, the doctor discovered that I had three ligaments that were completely destroyed and needed to be replaced.

October was the month that my forth (hopefully the last) surgery took place. I had several major complications after the ligament replacement surgery. One of the big ones was my tolerance to the drugs that I have been taking since the injury. So within the first days of my surgery I had a Pain pump and a needle two feet long sticking out of my chest. I used the pump for about a week and then started taking lesser drugs like morphine and percocet. All of November was spent in the house except for one Friday. I just decided I had to get out and interact with someone, so I went down to a Marine bar close to my home(fifteen minute walk). I was thinking that if nothing else I could get a cold glass of soda and a conversation in. That was the day I met Kim.

December I was back to work. I started seeing Pain Management. I had Kim and her son Alec move into my home. I should really say "we' moved them in since my lifting capacity is till sucking greatly at this point. We spent Christmas in Mississippi and Arkansas. I met her parents,her sibling, and a few other relatives and she met my brother and his family. Other than the driving, I would say the holidays was a complete success. After all I did receive her father's blessing.

Meeting the Parents

The next few days we are embarking on the journey to meet the parents. Not mine but hers. My only hope is too not come off as a dumbass. We are spending about 2 and half days with them and some of her aunts and uncles too. We are getting a day or so with my brother and his family so she can probe him for stuff I didn't tell her or conveniently forgot.

Hope we make it back with cheers and jeers.

And, Everyone have a Merry Christmas!

Rev Gals Friday Five: Christmas Countdown

Tell us five things you need to accomplish before Christmas Eve:

1) Wrap the surprise gift I bought for my lover
2) Drive to Mississippi
3) Budget gas for drive to Mississippi
4) Call brother to ensure stay in Arkansas is still good for the 26th
5) Make love at least five times

Life, Part II

I realize my absence from the web world may have some of you worried, but have no fear. There are several reasons for this. One, since being back to work the government has set up new firewalls and anything relating to "social networking" is blocked, so I am unable to write posts at work anymore. And the next several reasons relate to one big change in my life, and that is I have found a significant other. A woman that makes everyday a new and exciting day. And while at one point the web was my escape from being alone in this world, I don't need that.

Now letting that sink in, I do not plan on ending my foray of comments and updates about the big stuff. I just might not be floating among you daily along the super highway. I will pull over and stop, from time to time, but I have found a new breeze and I am following it.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XXI

Had my pins taken out today. It was considered minor surgery, it didn't feel minor to me. Pretty much got a script for some more "vitamin P" and some antibiotics. And guess what, I am back to work.

I couldn't drive my truck today, had to borrow an automatic one(from that special friend I talked about earlier). My boss is happy I am back to work, it relieves some personnel pressure for him. It makes me happy to help out my Corporal more than helping my boss.

Looks like I will be doing lots of Occupational Therapy for the next several months to get back in tip top form.

Rubber Ducky

Some of you have noticed next to your comment their is a yellow duck. The icon is know as a Gravatar. The comment site I use has this option for people you leave comments. For those people that do not have one I have given you all one in its absence which looks like this:





If you decide to get yourself one, which this service is free, then it will replace the rubber ducky with yours.


Just something a little extra, a little flair if you will.

Rev Gals Friday Five: Mix and Stir

1) Do you have a food processor? Can you recommend it? Which is to say, do you actually use it?
Is this like my belly?

2) And if so, do you use the fancy things on it?
Always

3) Do you use a standing mixer? Or one of the hand-held varieties?
I did have one, twice, both times the ex-wives felt they needed it more than I. Funny since I cook almost every day.

4) How about a blender? Do you have one? Use it much?
I have a blender, I use it on occasion for drinks.

5) Finally, what old-fashioned, non-electric kitchen tool do you enjoy using the most?
My carving knives. Or maybe my boning knives.

Bonus: Is there a kitchen appliance or utensil you ONLY use at Thanksgiving or some other holiday? If so, what is it?
Sorry to say, no. Why have something that is used less than one percent of the time?

Life

As you may have seen recently, I haven't been around much. It isn't just because of my wrist, but more of life has been happening to me lately. It is far more worth my time than being here. Not saying I don't appreciate everything you have said in your comments and emails, but computers give no hugs.

I am hoping that the person I found will continue to discover me as I have been discovering her.

Possible New Ideas

I was thinking about doing a new thread like "Six for Saturday" or Two for Tuesday's", similar to the Friday Fives I do with the Rev Gals. I would like some topics from you all to help get me started. Nothing to me is taboo.

I was thinking of topics like these:
Childhood toys
Particular years
Favorite accidents
Sensual fruits

Well, you get the idea. Please feel free to give me your suggestions.

Happy 233rd!

ALMAR 042/

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY MESSAGE - 10 NOVEMBER 2008

1. DURING THE SUMMER OF 1982, IN THE WAKE OF A PRESIDENTIALDIRECTIVE, MARINES WENT ASHORE AT BEIRUT, LEBANON.FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER, ON 23 OCTOBER 1983, EXTREMISTS STRUCK THE FIRST MAJORBLOW AGAINST AMERICAN FORCES - STARTING THIS LONG WAR ON TERRORISM. ON THATSUNDAY MORNING, A SUICIDE BOMBER DROVE AN EXPLOSIVE-LADEN TRUCK INTO THEHEADQUARTERS OF BATTALION LANDING TEAM 1/8, DESTROYING THE BUILDING ANDKILLING 241 MARINES AND CORPSMEN.

2. EXTREMISTS HAVE ATTACKED OUR NATION, AT HOME AND ABROAD, NUMEROUS TIMESSINCE THAT FATEFUL DAY IN BEIRUT. THEIR AIM HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME - TOKILL AS MANY INNOCENT AMERICANS AS POSSIBLE. THE ATTACKS OF 11 SEPTEMBER2001 CHANGED OUR NATION FOREVER, AND OUR PRESIDENT HAS RESOLVED THAT THISNATION WILL NOT STAND IDLE WHILE MURDEROUS TERRORISTS PLOT THEIR NEXTSTRIKE.MARINES WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE ENEMY - HITTING THEM ON THEIROWN TURF, CRUSHING THEM WHEN THEY SHOW THEMSELVES, AND FINDING THEM WHERETHEY HIDE.

3. ONLY A FEW AMERICANS CHOOSE THE DANGEROUS, BUT NECESSARY, WORK OF FIGHTING OUR NATION'S ENEMIES. WHEN OUR CHAPTER OF HISTORY IS WRITTEN, IT WILL BE A SAGA OF A SELFLESS GENERATION OF MARINES WHO WERE WILLING TO STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR OUR NATION; TO DEFEND THOSE WHO COULD NOT DEFEND THEMSELVES; TO THRIVE ON THE HARDSHIP AND SACRIFICE EXPECTED OF AN ELITE WARRIOR CLASS; TO MARCH TO THE SOUND OF THE GUNS; AND TO ABLY SHOULDER THE LEGACY OF THOSE MARINES WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE.

4. ON OUR 233RD BIRTHDAY, FIRST REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND THOSE"ANGELS" WHO HAVE FALLEN - OUR REPUTATION WAS BUILT ON THEIR SACRIFICES.REMEMBER OUR FAMILIES; THEY ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES WHOSE SUPPORT AND DEDICATION ALLOW US TO ANSWER OUR NATION'S CALL.FINALLY, TO ALL MARINES AND SAILORS, KNOW THAT I AM PROUD OF YOU AND WHAT YOU DO. YOUR SUCCESSES ON THE BATTLEFIELD HAVE ONLY ADDED TO OUR ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY. GENERAL VICTOR H. "BRUTE" KRULAK SAID IT BEST WHEN HE WROTE, "... THE UNITED STATES DOES NOT NEED A MARINE CORPS ... THE UNITED STATES WANTS A MARINE CORPS." YOUR ACTIONS, IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, AND ACROSS THE GLOBE, ARE AT THE CORE OF WHY AMERICA LOVES HER MARINES.

5. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES AND SEMPER FIDELIS! JAMES T. CONWAY, GENERAL,U.S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//

The One Armed Man, Part II

Problems have persisted since my surgery, mostly pain induced ones. I have been on Morphine for about two weeks now and it doesn't help the way the doctors tell me it is supposed to help. Most people can't tell the difference, meaning I seem the same to them. When the pain comes back real strong, I know it is the pins in my wrist that are part of enigma. Since getting the Pain Pump off, I have been able to take showers regularly and make most meals. I did slip out for birthday and went out to a comedy show, which I enjoyed.

The hardest things for me to do are(not limited to):
Tying shoes
Putting underarm deodorant on
Washing the right side of my body
Buttons
Dispensing detergent for laundry
Folding laundry
Falling asleep
Pouring liquid into a glass
Opening bottles
Opening anything with a plastic seal
Socks
Hugging
Reading a book(turning pages)
Putting jeans on
Tucking in a shirt
Convincing people I am not helpless

Rev Gals Friday Five: Location, Location, Location!

Tell us about the five favorite places you have lived in your lifetime. What did you like? What kind of place was it? Anything special happen there?

1) Millington, TN - The town itself wasn't exactly what I enjoyed but the area. Seasons without the extremes. Rural areas abound and are not far from a major city. I was there for about nine months for school and had a blast.

2) Futemna, Okinawa, Japan - I have written quite a bit about it before, so let's just say the good times far outweighed the bad.

3) Newport, NC - The first time I was here in the nineties, lived in nice area not too close to neighbors, so the streaking didn't bother them.

4) Milwaukee, WI - Never can you get enough of the culture (and beer.)

5) Yuma, AZ - While being stationed there wasn't what it was all cracked up to be, living there definitely had advantages.

SIDE NOTE: I wanted to type more but the day would be over with by the time I would have done so.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XX

I am braving the typing it will take to do this today with one hand. According to my doctor the surgery was a success. But not all things went the way I foresaw them.

The night of surgery, after the local anesthesia wore off, the drugs(pills) were not taking care of the pain. So with help from a friend (and for the next few days) I was admitted to the ER. Long story short, I ended up going back to the hospital three times before receiving a pain pump and a needle sticking out of chest.

With this new edition, bathing for myself stopped. I pretty much have taken field showers since the surgery. For those of you who don't know, this is basically cleaning just the important parts with a sanitary wipe. Not the ideal thing to do, but it gets me by for now.

Yesterday, I was fitted for a cast. Unfortunately on two fronts, one I still have the pain pump attached but with nothing pumping into my body. Kind of a trial period to make sure oral medication will take. And two, the cast was not fitted correctly. Last night I went back to the ER because my fingers were turning blue. At the ER, the cast was split and an ace wrap put around it.

Tomorrow, hopefully, the pain pump will be taken off with the needle sticking out of my chest. Also, I am hoping for a refit for the cast.

Mums the Word

I have no idea when it comes to plants. I could tell you a lot about mesquite trees though and its deadly sap and thorns. That is really about as far as my knowledge extends.

Today, I bought two pots of mums. I placed one on either side of my front door to my house. You could called a beautification project if you want. Each are about two adn half feet in diameter and I picked yellow flowers.

Since tomorrow is my surgery, do not be surprised to find even less of me on the web. I will try to update you all as soon as I can.

Politics for a Saturday

I sent out my absentee ballot today.

So I am am done, my vote has been cast.

(I will tell you this, I voted for two Republicans, one Democrat and one Green Party.)

Rev Gals Friday Five: Business Trip

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?
When the recruiter dropped his experience cards on the table, one was travel. I was to pick three, I didn't pick travel. Since being in the Corps I have stepped foot in six continents and have visited three countries that don't exist anymore by name. There have been joys but I would never call any of it a burden.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?
Let me tell you a story, one of my deployments I knew of one hundred and fourteen married couples. After about six months of returning, of those couples, twelve were still married.

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?
Hard to say, I had more fun in Okinawa over a longer period of time, but if you at a single stop that highlights a fun and excitement it would have been Valencia, Malta.

4. ...and the worst, of course?
Zaire, Africa There wasn't any one particular city that sticks out. I saw and felt more destruction and pain in that 67 day period than any other.

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?
Use of both arms.

Politics for a Thursday

Here is the problem:
Currently we have majorities in the House and Senate of Democrats. Plus, it is highly possible that after the November election that the Senate with have the "sweet 60". This means there is no possible way to filibuster a bill going through. Layman's terms mean everything goes through no matter what.

Now if we, The People, elect a Democrat for President, then what is going to stop them from doing everything they want?

Nothing.

This is a serious issue. Everyone better be real happy with what Congress is proposing and what the Democrat President will most likely not challenge.

I foresee a possible civil war. A time when America goes into a socialism government and throws the democratic government to the wayside. I see a time when our enemies will take this time to do us the most harm.

I only hope that The People look at all points of every candidate and make a sound decision before voting in this year's election.

Under the Thumb

At work, we are having many new faces popping up. All of which are higher ranking than I am. Only one of the three will technically be my boss. I know her more from outside of work than in. I have already talked to her previous subordinates about how it was working with her and the synopsis is a a fifty-fifty split.

I suppose since I have my surgery scheduled for Tuesday, I really won't get to know her appropriately. It will be interesting to see if anyone from my work, will actually check up on me to see how I am recovering. I say this, since, last time no one did, not even a phone call.

There is only two people I work with that even know where I live and both are Corporals. Not from a lack of trying on my part to get the higher enlisted to come over. I have invited everyone on two separate occasions to come over for a light lunch or barbecue.

One might think that at least a drive-by might be in order.

Moving In, Upgrades Part III

I apologize in advance for the mess in my home in this video. I didn't know when I was going to have another opportunity to do this before I would be chocked up with drugs and would be rather loopy.

I have been looking at several color schemes as well for the living room, the master bedroom and another bedroom that will end up being my "I love me" space. When I get closer to a decision on what colors I am using I will post that as well.

Home Improvement Question

I really want a fireplace. I almost bought a home with one but the rest was crap. I really need a TV/audio stand. So I am contemplating buying something like this:


Or something like this:

Both are about the same for price range and to match the rest of my furniture it would have to a be a lighter wood color like the ones pictured.
So here is the question, should I pick one of the above or go with a straight TV stand? If one of the above which one do you prefer?

I like both.

Rev Gals Friday Five: St Francis of Assisi

(Side note: I was clueless of this saint before today. My heathen side may reign.)

1. Saint Francis experienced a life changing call, has anything in your journey so far challenged you to alter your lifestyle?
My injury to my wrist has been the most life changing experience that I can ever recall of having. Unless, of course, you include my career choice, that might be the big one.

2. Francis experienced mocking and persecution, quite often in the comfortable west this is far from our experience. If you have experienced something like this how do you deal with it, if not how does it challenge you to pray for those whose experience is daily persecution?
I know I am right and that is all that matters. When I find myself nervous for what ever reason, I engage in conversation and it soothes me soul.

3 .St Francis had female counterpart in St Clare, she was influenced by St Francis sermon and went on to found the Poor Clare's, like the Franciscans they depended on alms this was unheard of for women in that time, but she persisted and gained permission to found the order. How important are role models like St Clare to you? Do you have a particular female role model whose courage and dedication inspires you? If so share their story....
I was asked a about my role models many times and really, I don't think I ever had one. I did, always like Ronald Reagan though.
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” -Ronald Reagan

4. Francis loved nature and animals, how important is an expressed love of the created world to the Christian message today?

I don't have a good answer, I am a warrior and the simple things in life is what I love.

5. On a lighter note; have you ever led a service of blessing for animals, or a pet service, was it a success, did you enjoy it, and would you do it again?

Never. My sermons entail the espirit of Manhood and Womanhood and to never let anything stop you on your journey.

Cusp of Criticism

According to the research I have found I was born into the Cusp of Criticism. Which may be the "duh" factor here.
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Some of my research dictates that "we" are definitely something special. We combine personal charm and attractiveness with intelligence and talent. Although we shine effortlessly, they are natural loners who draw strength from privacy. We want to make our mark on the world and may even feel that we are destined to do so.
`

A preference for excesses is the key to understanding the health habits of people like me. We may equate a surfeit of food and drink with happiness, which could lead to the yo-yo dieting effect. Since these traits could be deep-rooted, we may benefit from professional advice. With our optimism and enthusiastic flair for life, those of us, don't put up barriers to what we can accomplish. If we want something, we go after it with tenacity. Even though we do not judge our level of success by how much money we make, we want to be recognized for our talent and ability.
Individuals born on the cusp of Libra (the seventh Sign of the Zodiac) and Scorpio (the eighth Sign of the Zodiac) are ruled by both Venus and Pluto. Here, the fair judgment of Libra adds intuition to the cool, precise skill of Scorpio. The end result is something quite remarkable...if care is taken in development. Coupled with the inherent Libra craving for excitement is the bold and pleasure-seeking Scorpio mind, which is strong in self-control and determination, standing ready to carry into action whatever seems worthwhile. However, the ability to turn ideas into accomplishments often produces a marked egotism among these cuspians, which is all the more reason why they should seek higher goals in culture, education and social life. Whatever is achieved by these individuals, they will cling to with much tenacity and they can easily drift into narrow-mindedness and unscrupulous behavior if not careful. These are souls who are easily flattered, particularly by popular acclaim, and flare into anger toward those who oppose their schemes. Yet, when intuition and judgment are developed to their fullest extent, these are not only dynamic persons, but ones who are endowed with the rare presence of mind customarily found in the fields of medicine and the military.

This cusp melds the airy (or mental) nature of Libra with the watery (or emotional) characteristics of Scorpio...not necessarily an easy task. Many times, the two aspects of this personality are at war with each other...the head guiding and the heart denying (or vice versa). Hence, these natives can find themselves in a deep dilemma when the intellectual and emotional clash. Periods of indecision associated with Libra may be broken by outbursts of aggression inherent in the Scorpio nature. Alternatively, the customary self-assured determination of Scorpio may be undermined by the Libra love of repose and tendency to procrastinate. Cultural awareness and a talkative nature will help these individuals to shine in any social situation and they are experts in communication and abstract reasoning. Yet, at times, the tensions and disappointments of life may prove to be overwhelming, so much so that those governed by this cusp may retreat into isolation. Therefore, Libra/Scorpio individuals benefit from physical exercise, fitness training, sound diets and all activities that promote healthy contact with the world at large, thereby lessening the unfortunate bent toward isolation. Mentally, these are perceptive and sharply insightful souls. However, they do possess a certain sense of personal infallibility coupled with a tendency to be overly critical. The disapproving or denigrating attitude of these cuspians can hurt those close to them, undermining the confidence of others in subtle ways.

Libra/Scorpio natives have a decidedly modern approach in many areas, but they also harbor an undeniable sense of tradition. This is particularly apparent in their devotion to parents and children, in whose lives they play a large role...sometimes a little too large. Still, that is not to say that these cuspians will readily accept the values of their parents. Indeed, it is usually quite the opposite. The attachment here is more emotional. After a normally stormy and rebellious adolescence, those born on this cusp often return to an extremely close relationship with their parents later in life. As responsible as the majority of those ruled by this cusp seem in most areas of everyday life, they possess a side which is undeniably wild and unpredictable. Dramatic and impulsive, they will fly in the face of society's moral codes without hesitation, asserting their personal values or expressing themselves both cogently and flamboyantly. Even the mildest of individuals ruled by the Libra/Scorpio cusp tend to be somewhat exhibitionistic...wanting and needing others to take notice of them. Here, the private life may well include a plethora of love affairs...a path strewn with the broken hears of those with whom they have had relationships. The particular brand of charisma, impulsiveness and mental powers associated with these natives makes them formidable individuals. When it comes to involvements, they may be even more than a little dangerous given their natural talent for being seductive, attractive, commanding and intense.

Highly motivated and usually loyal, those governed by this cusp are often misunderstood and may be perceived as dictatorial or sarcastic. If there is an ulterior motive, they can indeed be overbearing, but normally in a subtle, sly or manipulative manner. These are individuals who are both mystical and scientific...a combination that results in high awareness of what is truly happening around them. Since this cusp is associated with a passionate nature, care should be taken to avoid self-indulgence or compulsion. In addition, there is no doubt that this blend of Signs has a tendency toward a definite lazy streak. Still, this is generally barely perceptible given the enjoyment of difficult pursuits that challenge these persons to excel...and they refuse to be anything less than the best. There may also be an affinity here for activities that allow them to get out into nature. Capable of extraordinary originality, Libra/Scorpio natives are clever in business and quick to seize an opportunity.

The greatest strength of Libra/Scorpio cuspians is to be found in their drive for peace and harmony, coupled with a determination to see things through to the end. The natural skill for seeing all sides of a situation, coupled with enormous passion and great strength, makes this combination one of the most powerful characters of the Zodiac.

The most important lesson to be learned by Libra/Scorpio natives is to develop their natural ability to think and act promptly since there is a tendency here to delay things or mull them over for so long that it proves to be costly. As with all cusp individuals, these cuspians tend to be attracted to others born on the cusp...particularly those who fall within the Taurus/Gemini and Sagittarius/Capricorn combination.

-- Possess the theatrical traits inherent in Libra --
-- Possess the serious, deep-feeling and critical traits inherent in Scorpio --
-- Counted among the most critical individuals of the Zodiac --
-- Possess a facile mind and sharp tongue --
-- Sought out for honest opinions --
-- Tend to hold nothing back --
-- Once committed to a project, will refuse to stop until completion is attained --
-- Need to learn how to relax and have fun --
-- Need to concentrate on the future while still living for today --

Interesting to know this. Don't you all think? Then again it could all be hogwash.

Worst Case Scenario

With my on going medical visits and the soon to be had surgery, questions asked of me are about the worst case scenarios. If the surgery goes wrong or if recovery doesn't go as planned it is the "then what" questions. Basically, I would be looking at one of the four possibilities.

Separation with severance pay
This happens when separation with disability severance pay occurs if the member is found unfit, has less than 20 years of service, and has a disability rating of less than 30%.
This is highly unlikely so I haven't even considered it.

Permanent disability retirement
Permanent disability retirement occurs if the member is found unfit, the disability is determined permanent and stable and rated at a minimum of 30%.
This one is a possibility and retirees can receive retired pay based on the larger of two formulas: multiplying the retired pay base either by the percentage of the disability rating or by 2.5 percent of the number of years of service, up to a 75 percent ceiling.

Temporary disability retirement
Temporary disability retirement occurs if the member is found unfit and entitled to permanent disability retirement except that the disability is not stable for rating purposes. "Stable for rating purposes" refers to whether the condition will change within the next five years so as to warrant a different disability rating.
This is the other possibility that I must look at and the pay amount is the minimum payment is 50 percent of the last amount of basic pay before the member was taken off duty; the maximum is 75 percent.

Separation without benefits
Separation without benefits occurs if the unfitting disability existed prior to service, was not permanently aggravated by military service, and the member has less than 8 years of Active Service (active duty days); or the disability was incurred while the member was absent without leave or while engaging in an act of misconduct or willful negligence.
This is not the case so therefore doesn't apply.

I hope this answers everyone's questions. Oh, if you thinking how does one figure out the percentage then I suggest you can read for yourself. Go to this link: http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html

If you can understand it, then you are the shinier apple.

Greenbacks

Since this is a topic of discussion where ever I go these days I thought I would write a bit about it. The value of my home in Yuma, for example, was purchased for 131000 dollars, today that same amount is worth 139,077.33 per the consumer price index. So really my money is worth about five percent more in just a few short years. That really isn't bad when you think about it. Of course, I am not taking into account of what the land value is but just the basic value of the money.

The big things on people's minds seem to be the strong versus the weak dollar. Well, do people really know what that means? I don't think so. So here is my interpretation and if you think I am way off you can look it up yourself.

Strong dollar
Means: American-made goods relatively expensive for foreigners. Consumers at home and abroad buy less costly goods from countries other than the U.S. Sales of U.S. companies erode, prompting them to lay off American workers and outsource jobs to countries with cheaper labor. Foreign imports are relatively inexpensive, interest rates remain low or moderate if inflation is controlled, and the standard of living is relatively high.

Weak dollar
Means: American-made goods and travel to the U.S. less expensive for foreigners, boosting the sales of U.S. manufacturers and prompting them to increase production and hire workers. The growth of U.S. exports helps trim the trade deficit. A weak dollar also attracts increased foreign investment in U.S. real estate and capital markets. A weak dollar makes foreign imports and overseas travel more expensive for Americans; the U.S. standard of living falls because the dollar buys less. If traders believe the dollar will continue to weaken, they may invest in stronger currencies of other countries.

So you can see there are pros and cons to either scenario. It seems that currently we are looking at a weak dollar. So financially I, myself, don't plan on buying anything from China or Germany for awhile if I can help it.

The dollar is currently used as the standard it was once the gold standard but now more than 90 percent of the world economy uses the dollar as the standard. This partly due to the open economy that we have in the United States. The big question rising now is if the dollar will be replaced by either the euro, and perhaps the Chinese yuan. I personally don't see this happening in my lifetime, but what could happen if Europe and China's economies continue to grow at their current rate a division may occur and trading will be separated into three parts.

What I have found, in my own research, is the downturn of the dollar started with the embargo of OPEC in the late seventies. That may be reason enough to start, and mean really start, using all of our resources and find alternative ways of replacing this resources. I am not saying go green necessarily but I do mean we should be using our greenbacks and not other countries.