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

Moving In, Upgrades

This is a short video of what was upgraded since the last one I did. It is about two minutes long so if you use dial-up I don't suggest watching it since it is about 40 MB.

The Problem with the TV

The "new" TV which I bought and was installed on the 9th started acting funny by the 11th. There was a technician here on Friday after I called on Tuesday to fix the problem, but the problem only happened once and he didn't notice it. The TV worked for half a day and by five in the evening was continuing to do the same thing. The sound works but the picture goes black as if it was off. So since I will not get a hold of a technician until the earliest at eight in the morning on Monday this is a short video of what happens.
And if it miraculously works for the short time he returns I have some evidence it is jacked up. You would think with technology the way it is, Circuit City and LG would want to stop people from telling them they were jacked up, but working with both of them has been an awful experience.
The TV is a 47LG50 and it was installed by the store.

Take the Test and Be Happy

Your result for The Really QUICK Reassuringly EASY Test...

Freakin' Genius!

You are wonderful! If awesomeness was a crime, you would be in jail for life. You win 1,000,000 points and the respect and admiration of millions of fans. Here is a gold star for you:

Take The Really QUICK Reassuringly EASY Test at HelloQuizzy

RevGals Friday Five: Names

1. So how did you come up with your blogging name? And/or the name of your blog?
The name Wyldht1ng has been given to me many times, from teenage years to college to the Marine Corps. The spelling was done to establish my own website which I started in 1997. The name of the blog is self explanatory.

2. Are there any code names or secret identities in your blog? Any stories there?
Not really, I try to use words that don't seem boring.

3. What are some blog titles that you just love? For their cleverness, drama, or sheer, crazy fun?
I chose titles very carefully, many are song titles that relate to the post. Some are continuing posts over long periods of time.


4. What three blogs are you devoted to? Other than the RevGalBlogPals blog of course!
PoliTits
Hot Cup Lutheran*
Magdalene's Musings*
if not the last two then
The Village Carpenter
Post Secret

5. Who introduced you to the world of blogging and why?
I introduced myself, to communicate with my family and friends while overseas.

Bonus question: Have you ever met any of your blogging friends? Where are some of the places you've met these fun folks?
Ton-Fifty-ONE
The Village Carpenter
The Glamorous Life of a Hausfrau
Presbyfruit
LadyBurg*
Stories and Faith

Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina

Moving In, Part IV

The washer/dryer combo was supposed to be a stacked pair, the delivery truck was missing the stacking kit. Tomorrow is try two. My TV doesn't work as of Tuesday, the guy who installed it will be coming back Friday to fix it. The plumber/remodeling crew who have been working on my bathroom(since Tuesday morning) have had to do five different changes from the original plan and hopefully(God willing) will be done in the morning. Then, I may, clean my body. The bed (headboard, foot board, and rails) was back ordered till August, it was purchased on June 21st. For some darn reason when the power is cut off to the whole building, two walls of outlets still have power. It is difficult to tell why.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XV

I am typing only with my right hand, my left is bandaged and hurts profusely when I move my fingers. I won't know how the surgery went until my post-operative appointment next week. The main goal behind the procedure was to end the pain. So for the last few days I have been taking vitamin P every few hours or so and relying heavily on my friends for normal routine tasks.

RevGals Friday Five: Summer Camp, Part II

RevGals Friday Five: Summer Camp

1. Did you go to sleep away camp, or day camp, as a child? Wish you could? Or sometimes wish you hadn't?
I belonged to 4-H and went to camp there for several summers. It was a few weeks and for the most part we lived in cabins, but always spent a few days "roughing it".

2. How about camping out? Dream vacation, nightmare, or somewhere in between?
I don't camp anymore, since I joined the Corps.

3. Have you ever worked as a camp counselor, or been to a camp for your denomination for either work or pleasure?
I went to a church camp one summer, early teen years with girls.

4. Most dramatic memory of camp, or camping out?
I had sexual relations with one of counselors in my mid-teen years. It was a good experience and it wasn't my first.

5. What is your favorite camp song or songs?
I always enjoyed doing rounds of grace prior to meals at 4-H camp.

God is great! God is good!
And we thank him in the morning, noon and night.
'Cause God, God, God is out of sight!
We thank him in the morning ,every noon and night.
Amen.
(I still sing it on occasion.)

Moving In, Part III

Had a small fire yesterday. The dryer started on fire. I put it out with some baking soda and laundry soap after I cut power. I should probably buy a fire extinguisher. The nifty thing was when I put power back on the washer's motor seized. So I went shopping yesterday afternoon for a new washer and dryer. That was the last of the money I had in savings. Fun.

The Key

(This is a poem I wrote, please do not read the words as words in a textbook. Then leave a comment as such. I am talking about many things in this piece and I wrote it over eleven years ago. Thank you.)

My flesh as it falls
To the earth
Enters Darkness

A Shadow
A Void
A Fear

My peace Turns
With an End
That approaches

Blistery
Nervously
And Panic

A state of being
of Love & Hate
I stand Alone

Sadistic
Coy
Childish

A Twinkle in her
Eye, Stops my Heart
And my Brain goes Cold

Secrets
Masochist
And Rumor

I wait for that
Longing, As I sit
By the door

Manic
Hope
Touch

The Key was Lost
At the Sea with no
Waves and no Wind

Calming
Horrified
Soulless

Walking in Hand
With her Grace
We are Struck down

Orgasmic
Hurtful
Psychotic

I am Alone
My bearer is Lost
The Key will not be Found.

RevGals Friday FIve: Fireworks

1. Barbecue's or picnics ( or are they essentially the same thing?)
BBQs require at least a grill. Picnics can be as simple as a two glasses of wine with crackers and cheese.

2. The park/ the lake/ the beach or staying at home simply being?
All the above.

3. Fireworks- love 'em or hate 'em?
Fire! Fire!

4. Parades- have you ever taken part- share a memory...
Many, while on recruiter assistance, I took part in the Flag Day Parade in Appleton, Wisconsin. I was part of the color guard and carried the Marine Corps Colors. We were first in line and the parade was six miles long.

5. Time for a musical interlude- if you could sum up holidays in a piece of music what would it be?


or maybe this

Moving In, Part II

You all know what happens when you move in, right?

Lots and lots of unpacking. I brought in my last load of boxes tonight and hopefully everything will be at least in the right room by Monday. The room I designated as the office is a freaking disaster at the moment. Washing lots of clothes and sheets the last few days and I seemed to have forgotten dish soap when I went shopping today.

Tomorrow, I don't expect to get too much accomplished, fore I have many appointments during the day. I do plan on buying a grill and a TV this weekend.

Next week, I have a partial bathroom makeover and partial electrical upgrade planned. Both of which is not cheap. So that is the reason it is going to be "partial".

After the work is done I will either video it or take photos to update you all.

Moving In

I bought a house and closed on the Friday. So naturally, I moved on Saturday. One thing you definitely learn while moving; you get to find out who your real friends are. I composed a short Five or so minute video of the tour of my home. It isn't really great quality, but I think you all should get a good idea of what I bought. (Of course, this is the reason why I haven't been on the computer.)

Secrets That I Don't Want to Keep Anymore

I have always wanted a hug, from someone who means it.

I threw away the girl of my dreams for a barbie doll woman, it didn't last more than a week.

I wish to dance the night away every day.

I have put up walls around me that I don't know how to take them down anymore.

I like to have my ass squeezed, gentle or hard.

I have never forgiven my relatives that have teased me for being smarter than their kids while growing up.

I enjoy looking at art for hours, I think it is erotic.

I have always had my steaks rare to medium rare, after I went to Africa, I really started enjoying the taste of the blood.

In my mind everyone hates me, I will never be good enough.

I think I would have died a lonely death had I not joined the Corps, I believe that prophecy may still come true.

I want a boring life, but I don't think I am capable of leading one.

Candyland

In my fantasy world that I live in, I would have strawberries on tap. There are joyful and sometimes pompous people wearing tassels on their nether regions. The sun only rests at nine am and sets promptly at eight pm. There is a light breeze of vanilla and it only rains at three am on every other even day. Homes are made out of reinforced concrete and have ballistic missiles perched at the corners. Everyone has laser guided MK-19 (Mod 3) Automatic Grenade Launcher/Machine Guns surrounding their property. There are slow streets and fast ones. There are large and delicious cherries and blueberries on top of every police enforcement vehicle. The red carpet is rolled out for any stop and a blue one for the special moments....

Questions, Comments and Concerns, Part II

The immediate response(s) from everyone who share their thoughts here, help me enlighten and humble myself.

While looking about and learning about others in wants and needs, I find myself in my own catch-22. My rants and raves while at times are very pointed, most of the time are quite general. Most people can relate because of similar personal struggles. It is flattering when someone thinks I write specifically about them; when I don't use their name or describe any detail of a possible person in question.

I really don't write to burn bridges and I don't write to build them. I put these thoughts forward looking to help me understand me better. All this is well and good, and may seem like I am talking about you, but in reality I am not talking to anyone. At least, not anyone in particular.

Foreplay

While, normally, posts like this one are on a completely different blog; today, I have decided it pisses me off so much that I am sharing it with you all.

Foreplay is not:
A board game
Has nothing to do with golf
A secret kept by Buddhist monks
Only for men to perform

Foreplay is:
Explained quite well in The Meaning of Life (For men)
Essential for normal living
For both men and women

Why is it that I keep encountering women that have no idea what to do with a penis other than stick(accept) it in a hole?

I think that is a valid question.

Speaking of me, visual stimulation really doesn't do a whole lot for me and I really need touch. (I know I am giving away all my secrets here, shh.)
All those things that women like, such as:
the running of fingers through your hair
biting of the neck(insert your favorite body part here)
soft/hard kissing
(I really could go on, but I am sure everyone knows what I am talking about.)

I like these things as well. And sometimes, without a little foreplay, I am not ready to go. I am not twenty anymore. I was never a premature ejaculater, so much on the opposite that spectrum, more like the four hour problem that they keep warning us about. Still, I need a little bit more than the parting of the tides. It doesn't have to be TLC, but it does have to be a little stronger than blowing the seeds off a dandelion.

The Ugly Duckling, Part II

My Life According to Google

My life according to Google
Type in the following and choose the first choice:
(I used my real first name in the search bar)

1: Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search:
Wyldth1ng Needs Rehab

2: Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng looks like a pretty white boy.

3: Type in "[your name] does" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng does Frisbee.

4: Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng HATES TYPOS.


5: Type in "[your name] goes" or "has gone" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng goes to hell

6: Type in "[your name] loves" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng loves to spin.


7: Type in "[your name] eats" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng eats dripping vagina.

8: Type in "[your name] has" in Google search:
Wyldth1ng has guts.

10: Type in "[your name] won't" in Google Search
Wyldth1ng won't be brought down and he and his friends sing about surviving.

11: Type in "[your name] can't" in Google Search
Wyldth1ng can’t be scared tonight.


12: Type in "[your name] wants" in Google Search
Wyldth1ng wants to try out a new truth serum on a volunteer.

13: Type in "[your name] makes" in Google Search
Wyldth1ng makes Gabriella HOT!

14: Type in "[your name] killed" in Google Search
Wyldth1ng killed on the Job.

RevGals Friday FIve: Word Association

Think summer......are you there? Below you will find five words or phrases. Tell us the first thing you think of on reading each one. Your response might be simply another word, or it might be a sentence, a poem, a memory, a recipe, or a story. You get the idea:

1. rooftop
Water Balloons

2. gritty
Arizona

3. hot town (yeah, I know, it's two words)
SummerFest

4. night
Full Moon

5. dance
Sex

For Fun, Part III

Your result for The Monty Python Character Test...

The Knight of Ni

You scored 70 Stubborn, 68 Crazy, 82 Agressive, and 88 Evil!

Apperance: The Holy Grail.



Evil, agressive, stubborn and utterly mad crazy fellow. :D



High Light:



Knights of Ni: Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni!

Arthur: Who are you?

Knight of Ni: We are the Knights who say..... "Ni"!

Arthur: (horrified) No! Not the Knights who say "Ni"!

Knight of Ni: The same.

Other Knight of Ni: Who are we?

Knight of Ni: We are the keepers of the sacred words: Ni, Ping, and Nee-womm!

Other Knight of Ni: Nee-womm!

Arthur: (to Bedevere) Those who hear them seldom live to tell the tale!

Knight of Ni: The knights who say "Ni" demand..... a sacrifice!

Arthur: Knights of Ni, we are but simple travelers who seek the enchanter who lives beyond these woods.

Knights of Ni: Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni! Ni!

Bedevere: No! Noooo! Aaaugh! No!

Knight of Ni: We shall say "Ni" to you... if you do not appease us.

Arthur: Well what is it you want?

Knight of Ni: We want.....



(pregnant pause)



A SHRUBBERY!!!!


(dramatic minor chord)


Arthur: A *WHAT*?

Knights of Ni: Ni! Ni!! Ni! Ni!

Arthur; No! No! Please, please, no more! We will find you a shrubbery.

Knight of Ni: You must return here with a shrubbery... or else you will never pass through this wood... alive.

Arthur: O Knights of Ni, you are just and fair, and we will return with a shrubbery.

Knight of Ni: One that looks nice.

Arthur: Of course!

Knight of Ni: And not *too* expensive.

Arthur; Yes!

Knight of Ni: Noowwwww.... GO!


(music)


Arthur: O Knights of Ni. We have brought you your shrubbery. May we go now?

Knight of Ni: Yes, it is a good shrubbery. I like the laurels particularly. But there is one small problem....

Arthur: What is that?

Knight of Ni: We are now *no longer* the Knights Who Say "Ni"!
Other Knights of Ni: Ni! Shh! Shh!

Knight of Ni: We are now the Knights who say "Ekky-ekky-ekky-ekky-z'Bang, zoom-Boing, z'nourrrwringmm".

Other Knight of Ni: Ni!

Knight of Ni: Therefore, we must give you a test.

Arthur: What is this test, o Knights of..... Knights who 'til recently said "Ni"?

Knight of Ni: Firstly, you must find.... ANOTHER SHRUBBERY!!!


(another minor chord)


Arthur: Oh not *another* shrubbery!!

Knight of Ni: (excitedly) THEN... Then, when you have found the shrubbery, you must place it here, beside this shrubbery, only slightly higher, so we get the two-level effect with a little path running down the middle.

Other Knights of Ni: A path! A path! A path! Shh, shhh. Ni! Ni!

Knight of Ni: Then, when you have found the shrubbery, you must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... Wiiiiiithh.... A HERRING!

Take The Monty Python Character Test at HelloQuizzy

Questions, Comments and Concerns

Disclaimer: The different tenses of the word fuck are used for emphasis.

Please remember, I like me. I think me is fucking awesome.

Sometimes I just have some trouble hitting the fucking curve balls. Sometimes when I hit the fucking curve balls, the fucking thing goes out hits the fucking foul line pole and bounces out. Then that fucking umpire says something like you're fucking out! Usually, I just don't give a fuck and life goes on. There have been some rarefied occasions when giving a fuck has fucked me worse. The last week has been an example of the special fucking that I received. While I haven't gone into detail of the supreme fucking that I encountered this week; it wasn't necessarily to keep you all in the dark; it is just something I don't feel should be shared in a fucking public forum.

The Walls are Closing In

Do you ever feel like the walls are closing in at an alarming rate? So fast that by the time you feel you could put your arms out to stop it, you are already being crushed. Well, that has been the gist of what I have been experiencing lately. Of course, beer doesn't help, but it sure tastes good. I know my problems are light in comparison to most people. I know that life could be a lot worse. I know that in the big picture of things I am doing better than the majority of people my age. But knowing all of that, doesn't change anything. Luckily, since I have a wondrous and colorful past of near death experiences and total poverty, my outlook on life has a certain "moral flexibility". Since I have this moral flexibility, I know I am going to hell. I have my own name plate with poisonous shards sticking through it. Odds are, there isn't any beer in hell either.

I am sure that Mephistopheles is taking the tally very serious.

Fun with Navy Medicine, Part XIV

I have surgery scheduled for the middle of July. We, the doctor and I, have come to the conclusion that nothing more can be done without surgery for my wrist. Of course, this means there are several other things that can go wrong, which one of the major reasons it has been put off this long. `

The thumb problem will never get better. You could read this in two ways:
Gift from the Marine Corps or Screwed for life.

The Ugly Duckling

As the years have gone by, so have my smooth skin and my pure brown hair. I know in my youth that I was an attractive young man. I know that I hesitated very little before doing something, almost anything. I was easy to please and virtually happy for almost all of my teens and twenties. (I know I am young yet.) For the last few years though, things have been changing. I don't feel I am as attractive as I once was. I have wrinkles and parts of my body hurt almost everyday. I have gray hair coming out in all sorts of odd places. And I really haven't been happy. I have been content, but not happy. I am not sure what has all changed and I am not sure I really want to go back. My career seems to be on hold as I try "to get fixed" and healthy. I hope for the best and prepare for the worst, which is not how it used to be. It used to be hope the best and God help me for the worst. Sometimes, I wish someone would tell me that I am good looking. Just once in while, I don't need that everyday.

It would be nice to hear it, once.

RevGals Friday Five: Beach Trip

1. Ocean rocks, lake limps? Vice versa? Or "it's all beautiful in its own way"?
I prefer the lakes, but must as big as Winnebago or it is just a pond.

2. Year round beach living: Heaven...or the Other Place?
Maybe after I turn 60, but lately I have seen a enough beach to last awhile.

3. Any beach plans for this summer?
Of course, I live in North Carolina.

4. Best beach memory ever?
Elkhart Lake the 80's

5. Fantasy beach trip?
Female to Male ratio 10 to 1, sand consistency of 600 to 800 grit, sun at 9 am, a light 3 to 5 mph breeze from the south, and the rest will take care of itself.

Bonus: Share a piece of music/poetry/film/book that expresses something about what the beach means to you.


Warning: Not for young minds.

Something Funny About America

There is an article from the MOD, Ministry of Defence, talking about how America is not a dream, kind of.

Here is some excerpts:

First the warning:

"Americans are very warm and welcoming, especially to military personnel, but – make no mistake – America is a foreign country, and as far as the locals are concerned, you are foreign aliens."

Next comes the advice:

"Take the time off you need to settle in. Until you know your family is OK you won't be able to get on with your job effectively. And make sure you take your leave and get to see the country. Americans don't tend to take much holiday, and they work six days a week. But it's in your terms and conditions of service, so don't miss out."

You have to find the humor in it. To read the whole article, you can read it here.

Hat Tip to Rogue Gunner.