Yes, I know I am tall.

Photography

2011-01-10T10:00:00.002-06:00

Well, just like almost everybody else (especially bored soccer moms and teenager girls) I have delved into the world of photography. I have no illusions that I might become some great photographer and make my living this way. I love being able to envision a picture in my mind and then actually make it so everyone else can see what I envisioned. So far, I suck! I have started reading a bunch of different guides and suggestions and watching youtube videos. I want to take a class, but I don't have time right now.

I'm sure Helen rolled her eyes when I announced that I wanted a good camera and embark on this newest "hobby". I have many "hobbies" and I have a passion for all of them. I picked up guitar years ago and have accumulated a lot of equipment over the years. I love to play guitar and write music. I haven't recorded much, but it's gonna happen.

But ANYWAY, I like photography and want to learn and do so much more. And there you have it.

Despicable Me

2010-07-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

GREAT FAMILY FLICK!

Gru, the super villain, is very lovable. Even from the beginning. This movie is full of laughs. The kids are cute enough. The littlest one, Agnes, is the best. "It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die." Hilarious.

How do the kids come into play in the first place? Gru has been usurped by Vector. Vector has made the heist of the century and Gru wants to top it. In order to do it he must get a shrink ray. Unfortunately, when he stole, it was stolen by Vector immediately after. Gru tried to steal it back, but was defeated at every turn. Then along come the kids. Orphans selling cookies is a good way to break into the highest security places. Gru adopts the kids and sends them in with robot cookies. Success! He steals the shrink ray and his plan is good to go.

Along the way, he learns to love the girls and how to be a parent. The kids love him and then his job gets in the way. Everything falls apart, but he still steals the moon.

Vector steals the girls to get the moon. Gru hands over the moon, but Vector doesn't let go of the girls. Gru comes after him. (Agnes: "He's gonna kick your butt.") Gru is a man on a mission. Through his actions, he actually puts the moon back where it belongs and now he is a hero. Not only to everyone, but especially those girls.

The real stars of the movie are the minions. They cracked me up the whole time. The vignettes at the end during the credits were funny. If you saw it already and left at the beginning of the credits...shame shame.

Go see this and take your kids, niece, nephew, neighbor kid, whoever. Great flick.

Inception

2010-07-24T19:55:00.002-05:00

What can I say? WOW!

First, I DO NOT like Leonardo DiCaprio. I never have. His most defining role to me was in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I liked Catch Me If You Can. He was pretty good, but then again, I felt like he was playing himself.

Second, it was directed and written by Christopher Nolan. He was the one who wrote the screenplay and directed Memento. One of my all time favorite movies. This guy knows what he is doing.

So, when I saw Inception, I went in with low expectations. Everybody on Facebook said that it was great. And really, if you can't trust Facebook, who can you trust?

The opening scene had me asking a lot of questions. BUT, that was the point. As the movie progresses, I start wondering about the way it works. (Once you see it, you will do the same.) Accuracy and flow were called into question. The whole dream within a dream within a dream within a dream and so on. My brain was working overtime.

The whole time their trying to do a job but Leo's character's subconscious is working against him the whole time. Crazy.

Side note: Joseph Gordon-Levitt gives a great performance. He was great in the floating fight scene. (I'm still trying to wrap my head around how they shot that.) Best line in the movie is his. "Quick give me a kiss." Him and Ellen Page kiss. "They're still looking at us." "It was worth a shot."

Throughout the movie, Cobb (Leo's character) is just trying to get home to see his kids. His wife is dead and keeps messing with him. He can't see his kid's faces. Very sad. Finally, he "beats" his subconscious and returns home. He sees his kids at the end and happy ending...OR IS IT?

Argggh. That spinning top! Just fall over already. Best movie I've seen all year even though I was completely frustrated by the ending.

Another side note: If none of this made any sense to you...good. See the movie. I want to see it again just to try and figure out more of the nuances. Just like what I did with Memento. I ended up buying the movie and watching it 15 times. I will probably do the same with this one.

Five stars and thumbs up!? (This system isn't going to work) :D

Remember Me

2010-07-10T12:49:00.002-05:00

Before you start in on me, I thought that this was a chick flick, too. Well, it still is, but the ending took it a whole other direction.

It starts slow. And I mean slow. I couldn't figure out what the deal was. I figured that it was a Twilight off-shoot. With "Edward" (Robert Pattinson) being his brooding self, I was in full on eye rolling mode. Finally, the boy meets girl, they fall in love, girl hates boy because their relationship is based on false pretenses, he apologizes, they love each other again...and then the twist. I don't want to give it away. Pay attention to the chalkboard at the little sister's school. That's all I'm going to say.

So, still a chick flick, but I liked the ending. It was pulling at my tear ducts. If you watch it, you'll have to power through the beginning.

[On a side-note: I should come up with a rating system. What do you think?]

Zombieland

2010-07-10T12:39:00.002-05:00

AWESOME! Best way to describe. I laughed hard and the action was sweet.

The main character has this list of rules. Rule 1. Cardio. They get better from there. After surviving the zombie takeover, he and a few others survive. Woody Harrelson is great in the movie. His part about his dog becomes a bit of a tear-jerker later. The highlight of the movie is easily Billy Murray. Although short-lived, his scenes are hilarious.

The blood, guts and gore are over the top. The way some people die, it is a wonder I didn't shoot my drink out of my nose. The "Zombie Kill of the Week" never lets you down.

Anyway, before I tell you the entire movie, get it. Watch it and you will thoroughly enjoy it.

The Spy Next Door

2010-06-26T22:34:00.007-05:00

First, let me say that I'm a huge Jackie Chan fan. Second, he's getting along in years, now.

The Spy Next Door was, in a phrase, a cheesy kid's flick. BUT, it still had that awesome Jackie Chan fighting. The unreal stunts were great. The story line, a little tired, but still good. The spy who saves the world...yada yada yada. You get the idea.

Jackie did some extensive wire work in this one and that made me a bit sad, but see #2 above.

The story was a good one. It was a story about trust and love. The Russian villain is trying to destroy the earth's oil supply. It was the opposite of the new "green" movies that have been abundant lately. Very good kid flick with really good fight scenes. No blood, very clean. The only point of contention was the disrespectful child. It's explained later, but still I don't play that. Of course, during the credits were a lot of out-takes. I love that part the most.

Check it out, but come with low expectations.

S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale and The Fourth Kind

2010-06-22T18:23:00.002-05:00

So , I watched the sequel to Donnie Darko, S. Darko: A Donnie Darko Tale. First of all, Donnie Darko was crazy, but it made sense and was very interesting. S. Darko tried to take the whole Darko idea to the next level and misjudged. In fact, it tripped over the edge and landed at the bottom.

It takes place about 7 years after Donnie Darko. Donnie's little sister is traveling and they stop in a little town because their car dies. Then they try to throw all kinds of characters into the story. Why? Keep it simple, stupid. They rely on the slutty friend too much. She holds your attention for about 10 seconds and then you wonder where the story went. Nice try, but this was a shameful attempt at trying to further a story that didn't need it.

Don't waste your time, unless you really like to bored and have a couple spare hours.

On the other hand, The Fourth Kind scared the mess out of me. It is based on a true story out of Nome, Alaska. Had me freaked out. It even had archival footage of the real events. The names were changed because these people are still around in Nome.

At first, I was skeptical, but then they started hypnotizing people. This brought out what really happened in the night while they sleep. As they recount their own personal incidents, they talk about how there is someone outside their door and they can't do anything about it but just lie there. The door opens slowly and then tons of screaming.

While I'm watching the movie, the main character is recounting her story and then the door part starts to happen. As the door opens in the movie, my wife is slowly opening the door to my studio. I came this close to punching her in the face. Hilarity ensued. (I didn't actually hit my wife.)

The rest of the movie had me glued to the screen. Great movie. I recommend watching this one alone in a very dark room with all your insecurities.

Father's Day = Movie Day!

2010-06-19T19:58:00.003-05:00

Today, we celebrated Father's Day. Woke up and had a good southern breakfast of eggs, sausage, and biscuits with cane syrup. Tasty!

Then we went to the theater. First, we watched Karate Kid. First, it should have been named Kung-Fu Kid, but anyway. Great flick. Best line, "Jacket off." Teehee. Way better than the original. The fighting was more realistic and I love Jackie Chan.

Right after that we went straight to Toy Story 3 in Disney 3D. Woot. The story was great and I think Spanish Buzz was hilarious. The spanish version of "You've Got A Friend In Me" was pretty awesome.

Finally, we went to Nancy's Ice. Good stuff. I got a SMALL Fancy Nancy and it was too much for me. Don't get me wrong I finished it, but now I don't think I'm going to each much the rest of the day.

Now, I'm home...recovering. Happy Father's Day to me! Oh and all you other fathers, too.

Random Thinkings

2010-05-24T09:54:00.003-05:00

So, it's been awhile since I've posted anything. I didn't do anything I said I would in the last post. I guess that I kinda suck.

I've been doing a good amount of reading as of late and I've been learning a lot, but I put all that down and started reading something for fun. I'm reading Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. The television show The Legend of The Seeker is based on this series of books. It's called The Sword of Truth series. The premise is that an "ordinary" guy becomes extraordinary. He is put on a quest to defeat an evil man who is trying to take over the world. He is accompanied by his good friend, a really OLD wizard and a new female friend, a walking lie detector. He is given a sword, the Sword of Truth, which imparts the power to give him extra strength.

So, why tell you all this? I sorta remember why I like these kind of stories. Everyone wants to be a superhero. Everyone wants to save the day and defeat the enemy. Everyone. I know that I do. Now, I've been told that I'm a hero before. I'm in the military and protect the freedom of the citizens of the USA, willing to make that ultimate sacrifice. Maybe that is why I joined the military, to have an almost guaranteed chance at being a hero. But in the end it rings hollow. I can't fly. I can't shoot lasers out of my eyes or move lightning quick. I am an ordinary guy. (yes, I know I am tall)

So when is the wizard going to give me the sword and accompany me and my lady lie detector on our quest to defeat the bad guy? I guess as soon as I get back into this book.

New Year Resolution

2010-01-09T18:49:00.004-06:00

I normally don't subscribe to the whole New Year Resolution thing because, well, they never work. It gets you going for a little while and then it peters out. Besides, if you are doing it just because it's a new year, that's really not motivation enough to do it.

So, why am I writing about it? Well, it just so happens I have made some resolutions and it happens to be the New Year. These resolutions have been made because it needs to be done. It is also coincidental that it is right after the holidays where I did an EXCESSIVE amount of eating. I didn't necessarily eat badly, just excessively (notice the bolded word in the previous sentence?).

As you can guess, my because-it-needs-doing resolution is to lose weight. Not just lose weight but to get back into shape.

I have never been an runner or other type of fitness fanatic. My dad has been. My brother is becoming one. Me, my mom, and my sister...not so much. This has carried over into my own family. My son and daughter would much rather watch a movie than go outside and play. When I had knee surgery on Dec 23, 2008, things didn't get much better. I felt great and did start running again. BUT, I pushed too hard and ended up hurting my new knee. So, here I am over a year later and worse for wear.

So what are my goals? Well, let's look at where I am right now.

Height: 6'8"

Weight: 280 lbs (yes 280!!!)

1.5 Mile Run Time: ?? (easily over 15:00)

Waist: 38" (yikes)

Body Fat %: 28% (again, yikes)

So what are my goals?

Height: 6'10" (never gonna happen, but would be nice)

Weight: 230-235 lbs

1.5 Mile Run Time: 12:00

Waist: 34-35"

Body Fat %: 15-18%

How am I going to accomplish this? Well, duh. Diet and exercise. I went snooping around the web and found some resources that I like. I am tired of the ridiculous Tony Horton's and Tony Little's saying, "It's so easy. All you do is spend $300 and get my new whatchamajig. Oh and buy these supplements that I endorse and follow my plan exactly. Oh and did I tell you that you have to be in pretty good shape to begin with. And the pounds will melt right off. It's that easy!" Thanks.

So what am I really doing? I went online and found something that was done by a normal guy. He's not ridiculously ripped and actually does this for a living. He didn't talk about this quick loss scheme with ridiculous rules (only grapefruit...seriously? Who does that?). It's an actual lifestyle change that is doable and will keep it off.

Now, you are like, "Did someone hack your blog and post this commercial in here?" No, I'm not even going to tell you who it is and where I got it. It doesn't matter because I will give you the readers digest version here as we go.

I will post a picture of my before-ness, but most of you have seen me either in person or in pictures. So expect that later.

So enough with the "gonna"s and let do. Well, I have been doing this for almost a week and have lost 4 pounds. Woo-hoo.

Let me break it down. The biggest thing is........DIET. That's right, not exercise. Wait, what? Yes, diet. Anyway, I eat 5-6 meals a day. Yes, A DAY. Then I workout with weights 3 times a week and run 2-3 days a week. I could still lose the weight without the cardio, but my goals include running.

My next post will break down my diet. The kids want to play a game and I think that's a little more important right now. Later.

The Wait Is FINALLY Over!

2009-07-30T19:17:00.004-05:00

I finally uploaded a BUNCH of pictures from my camera and can now show you all the cool stuff.

SO...First, I took an Air Force Combatives class early this year. I am a Level 1 certified instructor. here is some of the beatings that I had to endure to reach this goal.

This is my left foot after having to roll around on the mats and wrestle people on day 2.

Here is what happens to your eye after after getting popped a few times.

Here is the results of "monkey-grip" on my arm.

BUT...if you think that's bad, you should see the other guys.

The wait is not over yet!

2009-03-14T12:48:00.003-05:00

I am working on an update, i promise. I am just trying to find time to add it.

It will have pictures of bruises and scrapes and various wounds from my recent battles.

Stay tuned!...or wired...or whatever it is that we do on blogs.

Oh Captain, My Captain!

2009-02-13T06:46:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, I will be having a big shindig to celebrate my promotion to Captain. Woohoo! Well I have never been one for the pomp and circumstance, but I think I am getting into it this time. Previously, I have always been in a position over a great many people that I outranked. I didn't want to lord it over them. I just wanted to get the rank pinned on and get back to work. This time I am surrounded by peers and for the most part, I am the one who is the lower ranking. With this promotion, I will be on the same level with most of my coworkers. So, let's celebrate and have some fun. I am going to be at this rank for some time so I am going to enjoy this a little.

31 and Counting...

2008-12-26T13:37:00.003-06:00

So, yesterday was my 31st birthday. It passed with the usual fanfare that is associated with the Christmas season. Normally, I like to have a bit more "it's all about me" piece of the festivities, but this year I wasn't in to it. My parents had a birthday party for me this past Sunday. Good times.

I went and had knee surgery on Tuesday. I was feeling great after that. I even went walking around some and felt wonderful the whole time. No joke. It felt really good. Then came Christmas. On Christmas morning it was feeling alright, so i got up and did my thing. Well about the time all the family starts showing up for our festivities, my knee starts giving a lot of pain. It finally stiffened up on my and then it hurts to walk.

The rest of the day is colored b the extreme discomfort in my extremity. I take my drugs...not much help. I relax...not much help. Finally, the day is over and I can't sleep and I am in bed.

This morning arrives and I am dreading getting up. I force myself into the positive mood and get a shower. Not bad. Force myself to straighten and bend my knee as I move around. Not bad. I decide that I will do my physical therapy first thing after the shower. I do that and I feel 10 times better.

Then comes the tearing down of the holiday. We take down the tree and the various paraphernalia of the season. I take it easy, not wanting to do any work...I mean, strain my knee. We get it all accomplished. Next we set about cleaning up after all of our loot is transported to the various resting spot though-out the house. Office got cleaned up a bit. The kitchen looks pretty good. The front room is nice and not Christmas. The living room is back to entertainment central. The bedrooms are back to their organized selves. The house looks good.

So what kind of loot did you get? We got a Wii. I love bowling and golf. I got a few more Monopoly's (Like you were surprised). I got some iTunes gift cards (Suh-weet). Got me some guitar guides and such that I need desperately. And I got "The Office" DVD board game. Looking forward to that one. I almost forgot, i got a DS and some games, too. Now i can play against the kids. (They're going down!!!)

Well it has been awhile since I posted and I figured I would update you with all the current news. I think I might go bowling or something.

Success or Failure?

2008-11-30T14:06:00.005-06:00

Today we had a discussion about success. What constitutes success in your eyes? Seems like a pretty easy questions to answer at first glance. Then you start really thinking about it and find that the answer is not so easy.

Society seems to tell us that we will be successful when we have a great job, lots of money, nice house, new car, etc...

But is it really true? Are you a success? Better yet, are you happy? Probably not. The effort and time that it takes to acquire those THINGS have probably left a rather large hole in your life.

Spiritually speaking, what make you a success? How about success when it comes to your marriage or your children? How about success in your job?

Can you be successful in every facet of your life?

I was told to look in the mirror and find out what success means to me. That is a tough one. I want to be successful. Who actually wants to be a failure?

So what does success mean to you? When you are dead and gone, what is it going to take for people to stand around at you funeral and say that you were a success? What is going to take to stand in front of God and have him say you were a success? I don't know about you, but I know that I am an EPIC FAILURE. The only difference for me is that I keep trying. No matter how unsuccessful I have been in the past, I will keep trying to be a success.

LRC

2008-11-20T19:19:00.002-06:00

So, I have been working a good bit lately. I have been at the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) this past week. It has been an interesting experience this time around. I watched a group today that multiple members to a dip in "The Bath". It was about 50 degrees outside so the water was cold. It was hilarious. Another group had an individual that fell and hit their head multiple time on a plank that was extended over the water. That was not as funny, but he was alright in the end.

LRC is interesting in that we stole the idea form the Nazis. That's right the Nazis. They had something similar to LRC that was the determining factor on whether you could become an officer in the German Army. Pretty cool idea. We stole it and use to determine whether individuals are fit to be officers in the US Air Force.

So there you have it [whiners], new post complied with.

Veteran's Day

2008-11-09T17:45:00.004-06:00

First, to those that have served in the US military in any capacity, THANK YOU! Without your selfless act of service, we would not be able to live as we do today.

Second, to those that are currently serving, THANK YOU! We are able to continue to live free from oppression and tyranny because of your service. Be safe and be strong!

Finally, THANK YOU to all who have been supportive of the military members and their families. With your showing of support, it makes the long deployments and stressful days, all worthwhile. Being one of the relatively few that have stepped and swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, this support has been vital to the success and perseverance of our troops.

So, when you are enjoying the Veteran's Day holiday this Tuesday, take the time to say THANK YOU to a veteran. Without their service and support, we wouldn't have and continue to have the freedoms we have today.

Dancing with an Old Man!

2008-11-01T12:42:00.002-05:00

So, here's a little story for you. The other night we (Helen and I) went to an adults only Halloween party. We were part of an 80's rock band. Apparently, I looked like Brett Michaels. Anyway, while there, the host of the evening was out on the dance floor dancing by himself. He was dressed as "The Mask", zoot suit and all. He had imbibed a fair amount. [Background: His daughter had been found dead by her own son the week prior, who incidentally is heading to Iraq tomorrow. So to be fair, a bit of liquid relaxant might have been in order.] When I saw him on the dance floor, I just had to join in. I don't know what came over me, but I we dance I twirled him, he twirled me. And then...I dipped him. More like I dropped him. While I am a strong guy, his mass was more than my muscle could handle at that particular moment. He was alright, no harm. We all laughed and had a good time. His wife took over for me and slow danced with him for a minute and then had him sit down. And that is my adventure "Dancing with an Old Man".

REALLY RANDOM Political thoughts! [Hey, I warned you]

2008-10-16T20:24:00.002-05:00

All this political talk keeps getting to me. I can't stand any of it because no one will tell the truth without spinning it until we are all dizzy. He said this, he did that, he wants to make babies illegal, he wants to make sure the nation implodes into complete anarchy. WHATEVER!

I have an idea...let's talk about the issues. I know, I know. They do that, but let's just have it in a Problem/Solution format. I teach this to my trainees. State the problem. For example, the big thing on my mind is the state of the economy and where it is headed. So, the problem is that the economy is in steady decline. List solutions. I don't have any otherwise, I would put them out there, but there are people that know about these things that could come up with multiple solutions. I vote for Dave Ramsey as the CFO for the USA. He's been there and done that and got a bunch a money to prove that his plans generally work, etc. ANYWAY...after you have listed the solutions you pick the best one. Then you tell everyone why it is the best one. Pretty simple.

We can get away from the "he's naive", "he's old", "he likes to marry younger women", blah, blah, bleech. Then when it comes time to elect the President we can see what he plans to do to actually fix the problems besides the I'm going to reach across party lines and shake hands with the nearest member, problem solved. Okay...wait, what?

I realize that I am over simplifying things and ranting and meandering a bit, well a lot, but still...

For instance...how does taxing the rich fix our problems? Yeah, yeah, what is considered rich...etc. Where do the rich get there money? They don't grow it. It comes from somewhere. If they are taxed, don't you think they will just hand that issue to people they get their money from in some sort of increase in prices, fees, etc? Why does my normally cheap clothes seem to be more expensive...they are taxing the "rich" My favorite quote about taxes is, "Nobody every taxed themselves into prosperity". Taxes...well enough of that.

Can't wait for November to find out who we are going to screaming about what a crappy job they are doing as President in 2009. I guarantee this...Whoever is elected will be a liar.

Update on Nothing Important

2008-10-16T20:18:00.002-05:00

So, the "gig" fell through. No big deal, some other day, yada yada.

What Have I Done...

2008-10-01T20:38:00.004-05:00

First, the good news. I finished all requirements for my MBA. That's right I am done. I am just waiting on the degree audit to finish and it will be official. Hooray for me.

NOW, I am going to be playing rhythm guitar for the band Abbott Station. They are opening for the band Trailer Choir. We are playing a benefit concert for a high school football team in Linden, TN. Yikes. I have 10 days to learn 11 songs and I am writing a blog when I should be learning. So anyway, wish me the best of luck and keep me in your prayers that I don't screw this up and wreck this up and coming band's chances of getting signed for real. Fingers-crossed and all that.

Seriously...

2008-09-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

I promise that I will put up a new post in the nearish future.

What to write about...

2008-08-31T08:21:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have been trying to find something to write about. I keep looking at my friend's and family's blogs trying to get some inspiration. The problem is that nobody is writing anything either. I have been checking out PostSecret.com. That has been eye-opening and heart-breaking at the same time. So check that out.

I have also been looking at the "Overheard in" websites. Just google it and you will find about 30 of them. Most are hilarious. Some are a bit gross, at times. Some just make you roll your eyes and feel sad that our education system has allowed these individuals who are completely "re-dumb" to walk the streets spreading their idiocy.

Finally, I should be doing m homework. I have mentioned before that I am on my last class to finish my MBA. The problem I am finding is that I am just not motivated to get anything done. Why? Anyway, I have to get these papers done this week, so I have Monday and a few days this week to get caught up. I think I am going to "hunker down" and fight through it. UNLESS...someone wants to write some papers for me...:P

Well, we are about to head off to church. Type at you guys later!

JR

This is for you JR

2008-08-25T18:18:00.002-05:00

Well, here is a post for you JR.

I'm kidding. I just like seeing other people put that on their blogs after I remind them incessantly that they need to post a new post.

I know I need to post and here is a post to let you know that I plan on posting in the near-ish future.

Olympics

2008-08-14T19:52:00.003-05:00

So, I have been watching the Olympics. Who hasn't? I have been watching Michael Phelps abuse and humiliate swimmer after swimmer. He has won every event and set the world record in the process each time. This kid is crazy good. I hope he win everyone of his events in the same fashion from here on out. I'm pretty sure that he breaths through those ears.

I have also been watching gymnastics. The women's (little girls) have been pretty interesting. They seem like they should be awesome and they do perform that way...sometimes. They end up imploding about every fourth turn. It is heartbreaking. Well, they are still awesome in my book.

Now, the men's gymnastics. They are some seriously strong dudes. Have you seen the stuff they can do? Nuts. They pulled out a Bronze earlier this week. All of the members of the team were appearing in the Olympics for the time. Great job, guys.

So what about you? What have you been checking out lately?

Re-dumb

2008-07-30T17:39:00.002-05:00

I have started saying the word "re-dumb" lately. It is a compilation of the words retarded and dumb. Some may think that this is mean or insensitive, but I don't really care what you think. (Get it? Kinda funny there.) Well here is my reasoning for why I started using it.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines "retarded" as "Occurring or developing later than desired or expected; delayed". This basically means that something is slowing the process. Wordnet defines "dumb" as "slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity". This basically says that one is slow on the uptake or stupid. :-)

Okay, so the re-dumb is a response to the fact that someone or something is slow and thus causing something or someone to be slowed or delayed.

I use this sparingly, but have used more often recently. I find that being in Alabama, I run into re-dumb people and things more often. I once thought this was a stereotype of the South, etc. In reality, I have found that Southerners have earned this completely legitimately. So, rest of you Southerners that don't feel you deserve this, and many probably don't, fix your friends!

Quick Update

2008-07-29T07:01:00.003-05:00

So here is a quick update about me, 'cause that is what I like to talk about. Anyhoo...

So I have been getting into this Facebook thing a bit. I'm still confused as to how to really use the thing. I hate it when you click on something and then can't find your way back. The really sad thing is that I used to be very computer and internet literate. What happened to me? Does 30 really make you re-dumb?

I have also been hitting the "next blog" link at the top of the page. Found some interesting blogs. Found a lot of blogs that I can't read because I don't read the language (as opposed to speaking it).

I am in the 6th week of training my new flight. They are giving informative briefs all week. It is shaping up to be a killer week.

Well, I'm off to the gym.

2008-07-16T17:43:00.002-05:00

Well, Here I am in Week 4 of my flight. I am starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. I still have 8 weeks to go. ALSO, I have started my final class to receive my MBA. What you should glean from this is that I have almost no time to write at the moment. I will try to blog a little here and there, but I cannot promise it will be regular.

A lot has been going on in my personal life as well. I have been struggling with some issues and there is finally some help. I think that there is a real solution this time.

I need about 10 more hours in every day to accomplish what I need and what I want to get done. So far the needs are winning and that makes me rather dull.

So...in September, when I complete my MBA, we can all look forward to me torturing you with songs that I have been working on. They are currently unfinished due to lack of time.

Hope you have a good'n and I will try to have one as well.

Well, That Was Intense!

2008-06-28T07:06:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Flight Commander Welcome. It was intense. I don't think I have been that aggressive with anyone in my entire life.

Let me explain what Flight Commander Welcome is. It is the first time that my Officer Trainees or OTs meet me. Imagine standing perfectly still in a classroom, knowing that your Flight Commander was coming in soon. What you also have to understand is that all you know about this person is their name and what the other OTs have told you. It always amounts to them getting a vision of Goliath only bigger and meaner. Now imagine my flight, when I walk in they find out, "He is as big as Goliath". They sent forth their biggest person to report to me but he was still 4 inches shorter than me. Might as well have been a midget.

When I had to talk to them one-on-one, I found out how effective I was. They were literally shaking as they had to sign their name and as they had to perform procedures. As a Flight Commander, I know that they should have a bit of fear of me. But as JR, I didn't like that at all. I don't like it when people are afraid of me. Well, I better get used to it.

1 week down, 12 to go.

Please keep me in your prayers as I traverse this adventure for the first time. I want to make sure that I train these people correctly and that they leave and become productive officers in the US Air Force.

I'm Still Here

2008-06-26T06:57:00.002-05:00

This is just a quick post to let you all know that I am still alive and ticking. My first class has arrived and there about eleventy billion things for me to do. I do my Flight Commander Welcome tomorrow. I am a bit anxious. I hope I do a good job and that these 13 folks are able to learn from me.

So anyway, when I get a little more time, I will do a proper post. For now, I have to go meet with some of the Trainees and get some items squared away for tomorrow.

The Studio/Office is COMPLETE!

2008-06-06T22:14:00.010-05:00

After months of doing nothing, we finally painted and rearranged the room. It is now functional and enjoyable. People actually hang out in the room now. Here is a quick video tour of the StOffice.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Here is a few pictures of the StOffice.

So come by and check it out some time when you are in town. [Oh and Mark, that is a new FR212 Fender amplifier.]

"Remember Me?"

2008-06-05T21:07:00.003-05:00

So I got blind-sided with this old familiar the other day. Why do people feel the need to ask people that? I have to apologize and tell you that you were not important enough for me to remember. You did not have that lasting impact on my life. You did not make an impact during that point in my life, sorry.

I mean really what do you say to that?

Eye Bra

2008-05-29T23:33:00.003-05:00

Imagine going to sleep on a nice Friday night, looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday. Then to awaken that Saturday at about 7:30 a.m. not being able to close your eyes tight enough to block out the beautiful Alabama sun. This was Helen's dilemma until a few days ago when we found...The Eye Bra!!!!

Now, it is just a plain ole sleeping mask, but as soon as I saw it, I thought bra.

I would post pictures of Helen wearing it; however, I would like to stay breathing.

Sweet Mullet

2008-05-25T00:26:00.006-05:00

So, Reese, Eric, and I went to see Huey Lewis & The News at Jubilee City Fest. While partaking in the revelry we spotted a "Sweet Mullet". Well, I had to get a picture. Here she is.

I particularly love the two-tone color with bleach blonde on bottom and the brunette on top. Very edgy. On top of that, the ironed-to-death hair is fabulous. She was having a good ole time, too. She kept swaying and dancing to every song that the Mr. The News and Gang played for the entire evening. Rock On, Unfashionable One!

P.S. I Love You

2008-05-16T23:02:00.005-05:00

Helen and I watched the movie "P.S. I Love You" and it was a really good movie. I know I am going to catch a lot of crap for this, but that doesn't change the fact that it was a good movie. Now, I don't normally go for that "mushy" stuff. This movie makes you want to cry and laugh the whole way through.

*Spoiler Alert* Do NOT continue if you do not want to know what happens!!!

In it our heroine, Hilary Swank, loses her husband to a brain tumor. He cleverly sets up a series of letters that will be delivered at different times and places to his wife. She, of course, is devastated by the loss. He helps her through the process of grief through these letters. Along the way she thinks she falls for a new guy that has no filter between his brain and his mouth. Her friends keep moving on with their lives. One gets pregnant and the other gets married.

So life happens and life goes on.

P.S. I Love You

Core Values

2008-05-16T22:49:00.006-05:00

In the Air Force we have three core values. They are Integrity, Service and Excellence. Let me expand on these first. Integrity first, meaning that we do what is right even when no one is looking. We should not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those that do. Service Before Self. This means that our personal goals and preferences are subordinated to the mission and the greater good of the unit, service, and country. Finally, Excellence In All We Do. This is pretty self-explanatory. We strive to do our absolute best and don't stop until we reach perfection.

I was thinking about these the other day at church and thought how these are very similar to what might be considered the core values of Christians. Integrity for Christians means that we do what is right because Christ is ALWAYS watching and we want to please him. This brings me to the second one of Service Before Self. More like Jesus Before Self. We should subordinate our personal plans, goals and preferences to what he has planned for us. We have a mission to follow him and what we want or think we need is secondary at best. Finally, Excellence In All We Do. Again, I would change this, to Righteousness In All We Do. We must constantly strive to be like Christ and live for him everyday. We must strive to attain this impossible level of righteousness and we cannot quit until we do.

So, I was just thinking the other day at church and thought of this. Let me know what you think.

Ace the Lifeguard

2008-04-26T22:54:00.004-05:00

In the continuing adventures of Ace, we have finished the pool repairs and are ready to use it. Hooray! We get in and start swimming. Apparently, the fact that we are in the pool is very disconcerting to Ace. He constantly makes laps around the pool and whimpers if we splash too much or stay under the water for too long.

His concern has grown to such a level that he has decided that the water is the enemy and continually try to bite, yes BITE, the water. When it does not respond to his attacks he decides to go after it. He lunges into the water to protect us and finds that he is in over his head. (Pun intended) Now, he doesn't swim for the nearest edge or exit. He swims for the furthest edge and bites at the water the entire time. We end up having to rescue him and deposit him on the side. Following which, he returns to his concerned laps around the perimeter and whimpering.

It has gotten so ridiculous and distracting that we now have to put him in the kennel before we can go swimming. To which he barks the entire time. If he is in the house, he just scratches at the door until we come in. Good ole, Ace!

Ace the Killing Machine

2008-04-26T22:44:00.007-05:00

If you have read Helen's blog lately you will see that our pool is done. Well, before this happened we had the pool drained. We kept finding frogs in the shallow end of the pool, hanging out and enjoying the moistness. The dogs started wandering into the pool to meet these new creatures. Ace was the most avid of the adventurers. One afternoon we were out in the backyard. I found Ace in the pool, torturing a frog. Zac used the pool skimmer and lifted the frog out. Well, Ace jumped up and knocked the frog to the ground. I grabbed the camera and watched as Ace proceeded to bite the head of the frog making the most horrible crunching sound. Zac was standing off the the side gagging from the sound alone. I was laughing hysterically, gagging, and taking pictures of the gore. There was something that the frog was excreting that was causing Ace to act weird. He was foaming at the mouth A LOT.

He would try and shake it off, but to no avail. he ended up with foam all over his face. Then he also had blood mixed with the foam. Finally, I disposed of the frog. Ace was a little inebriated from the excretion. He finally returned to normal a few hours later. Stupid dogs. They are entertaining if nothing else.

Stay tuned for, "Ace the lifeguard!"

The Adventures of Everett Cole

2008-04-07T17:41:00.005-05:00

So my father-in-law went to a convention this past week. Nothing new, nothing exciting. The usual type business thing. So he got stuck in Houston because he missed his first flight. He missed the first flight because he was talking to a Marine. (You get him talking to Marines and the time becomes a non-issue with him.) Anyway.

He got stuck in Houston and didn't have a place to stay. The little bit of family that we have in that city was unwilling to get him at such a late hour. He decided that he would just hang out at the airport and wait for his flight the next morning. Later he sees a sign for a hotel that was attached to the airport. He decides that maybe he would like to spend the night in an actual bed. On his way to the hotel he met some nice people. They commented on his tie. (He was wearing a Purple Heart tie.) They were on their way to the hotel that Everett was heading to. They already had a room. While they were talking Everett found out that the hotel did not have any more rooms. The nice couple decided to give their room to Everett. They forced him to take the room for all his service to our country. (He did lose a leg.)

The thing that struck me is that this kind of thing happens ALL THE TIME to Everett. I had to ask myself why this kind of stuff doesn't happen to me that often. I get my fair share of good Samaritan benefits, but why does he get it at every turn? I look back on the 12 years that I have known the man and see that he is the most unselfish man I have ever met. He would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. you don't meet many people like that today. On top of that he is truly sincere the entire time. There is no ulterior motive, just pure love and concern for everyone. So whenever you think that there are no great role-models, here is one that I am proud to call my father-in-law.

Teaching...

2008-03-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

I have had the opportunity to try my hand a teaching a lesson 3 times in the last week. I have been taught a lot of things over my 30 years and this is just the latest. I remember having to give speeches in college. I was horrible and nervous the entire time. I am surprised I passed the class. Then I joined the military and after a few years, was sent to Airmen Leadership School. I had to give speeches there as well. I was nervous and a little less horrible. From there I had the opportunity to attend Officer Training School. I had to give "briefs" (still speeches). I was really nervous here because my career hinged on these. I wasn't as horrible, but I still needed work. Then I attend Air and Space Basic were they required me to give a brief. I attended my technical training were I was still required to give a brief. I felt like I was starting to get the hang of this speaking thing. Once I started being in command of a flight of people, I found that I would have to regularly get up in front of them and speak. Often times without any prior preparation. At some point in this I finally got to where I really could care less about being in front of people and I was hardly nervous at all. Every speech or brief I have given to this point was always less than 10 minutes.

NOW, I am at Officer Training School again. This time, I am an instructor. I am almost done with Academic Instructor School. I have found that I am pretty comfortable with getting up there and talking. The first teaching that I did was supposed to be 10-15 minutes. That seemed like an eternity...at first. The next time I had the opportunity to teach I had to put it in the 30-35 minute time range. Yikes! I then did a guided discussion, today. Again, 30-35 minutes. I actually had to cut it short because if not i would have run into the 40-45 minute range easily. I can hardly imagine that I was talking and teaching for that long. WOW! I have one more opportunity to teach this week. Again, 30-35 minutes. I have a feeling that I will have to cut it down to stay in the time range.

I can't wait to get into the Flightroom and start pulling my first flight. I have a renewed interest in my profession and my service. I wouldn't say that I have been "re-blued", but I am definitely feeling the Air Force, right now.

Quick Update

2008-03-18T19:59:00.002-05:00

I know that many have been crying out for an update. Well here it is...

I have just completed the second day of my training to become a teacher. So far, so good. I have been learning a lot and found that teaching just might be my thing. I feel very comfortable up there. If you have had a chance to sit a chat with me, then you know that I almost always have some story to tell. This job will put that to very good use. Hooray!

I am also getting back into working out on a regular basis. I haven't weighed myself, but i feel very not thin. I have to work back up to my running ability previously. The bonus is that since I have turned 30, i don't have to try as hard to get the same score. Hooray! I plan to keep a running log of how I'm doing and what I am doing to lose this gut and get back into good shape. If anyone has any suggestions along the way, please feel free to submit them.

(Happy, Jennifer?)

We Are Here!

2008-02-27T20:58:00.004-06:00

We made it to Montgomery, Alabama today. After 11 years of people telling us how cool it will be for us to move back home and all the stuff we can do and blah, blah, blah. Well here it is. Here is the opportunity to follow-through. We only have a short 3 years here so we are going to have to cram a bunch of stuff in that time.

I'm pretty excited about all of this. I am looking forward to my new job. The only drawback is that when people ask me what I do in the Air Force, I can't say that I build bombs. Now, I will be an instructor. Not quite as sexy and dangerous.

So, yeah.

I Can't Save The World

2008-02-25T20:00:00.002-06:00

Don't call me.

Why did you call me?

I can't save the world.

I can't save you.

I can't even save myself.

You're looking for a Superman

There are none to be found.

You want me to be better than I can.

I'm just an ordinary man.

I can't help you.

I can't help the world.

I can't even help me.

Don't call me.

Thanks for knocking on my door.

Waking me in the middle of my life.

Surely there was someone better.

Someone vastly more qualified.

Now, I have no choice.

Apparently, I'm the one.

I guess I've been tagged to complete the task at hand.

Today I became a Superman.

I didn't realize I could.

Who knew you had given this to me.

This great and awesome power.

Thanks for calling me.

I didn't save the world.

I wasn't meant to.

I just opened my eyes to the one who can save us all.

Bingo!

2008-02-24T09:43:00.007-06:00

I had the opportunity to play BINGO for the first time last night. I mean 'real' BINGO. The one with all the old ladies and those cool dot markers. We ended up talking to the ladies on either side of us to figure out how to play the games. I know your thinking, "Umm...hello. It is five in a row". Not in professional BINGO. We played this kite looking deal and double and triple BINGO. FUN is what it was.

If you ever get the chance to go, GO. You can actually win some pretty decent money. The prizes were as high as $700. I paid $10 for me and Helen to play. That's a pretty good return on investment. Right?

Perini's Ranch in Abilene, Texas

2008-02-23T07:47:00.004-06:00

Last night we went to Perini's Ranch. It is hailed as the premiere steakhouse in Texas. Suffice it to say when dignitaries visit (The POTUS, etc.), they go here. It was really good food and it had a very relaxed atmosphere. It was the first time we had been in the 3 years we have been in Abilene. I had heard that it was good, but expensive. It wasn't that expensive, like I had heard. When we done with our meal and were about to order dessert, an older gentleman came to our table and looked like he was choking a little. He cleared his throat and muttered that it was, "too much pepper". We all laughed a little because we still had no idea who this guy was. We had seen him at the table across from our with a larger party. He had hugged all the ladies and shook the hands of the men. We saw that he had a little wine as well, so we thought that he might be bordering on drunk. He then introduced himself as Tom Perini, the owner of the restaurant. We ended up striking up a conversation with him for a few minutes. I told him how I was in the Air Force at Dyess AFB and that I was moving to Montgomery, Alabama. He told me that they appreciated what I/we do for the nation, etc. (I still haven't learned an appropriate response for that kind of compliment. What do say to someone that has just said that they appreciate the sacrifice that you and your family make so they can enjoy the freedoms they do? Anyway, a post for a later time.)

We finished our dessert and then as we were leaving, Tom stopped us and thanked us for coming and again told me that they appreciate what I do. I just smiled and then we went on our way. So, now you are thinking that was a nice little story, but really it was just a plug for Perini's Ranch in Abilene, Texas. Really though, we had a good time last night.

The Future...Is Coming!

2008-02-21T22:48:00.006-06:00

Today the movers finished packing our house. We are in the final stages of moving to Montgomery, Alabama. We have mixed feeling about this move. We will be leaving some GREAT friends. On the positive side we will be moving close to family. This is the first time in 11 years we will be in the same town. Finally, some free baby-sitting!

I am looking forward to a new experience in the Air Force. I think that I have that drive in me to be a good instructor and teacher. But anyway...

I am ready to be closing this chapter in my career. If you have heard the whole story before, you'll know that the last few months have left a bitter taste in my mouth about my current position. (If not, then I might have to retell the story in a later post) I am hoping that the coming months will restore my faith in the system. I do know that my 3 years of hard (okay, maybe not that hard) work will go completely unrecognized. Traditionally, I would get a nice little luncheon and some token of their gratitude. Not happening this time around.

We have had the opportunity to have some more individual meetings with our friends and have been able to say goodbye in a bit more meaningful way. If you haven't had your turn, just wait, it's coming!

So...

2008-02-14T14:39:00.004-06:00

I thought I would give this a shot, since everyone else does this whole blog thing.

Today, my family and I are visiting my buddy and his family in Columbus AFB, Mississippi. He is graduating from undergraduate pilot training and recieving his pilot wings. Then he will be off to more training before he becomes a full-fledged pilot pilot. It's like being a doctor. You graduate from medical school and are a doctor, but not really until you complete your internship.

We have been privileged to be a part of most of his major milestones since he attended OTS (Officer Training School). I had the privilege of commissioning him and attending the dining out for his class.

I must say that the post-graduation party was interesting...but that is a story for another day.