Tuesday, October 18, 2005

The little things.

Its funny how you forget about the little things. Like not itching. But better when you apply that third coating of hydrocortizone that some ingenious little experimenter thought up. Compared to the John Waynes of WWII and Vietnam you still feel like a pussy. They didn't need it and fought with crabs and a host of other nasty skin infections. Not me, I would have called in to work, but I can't right now. Makes me feel like I am still in boot. Especially when you get up at oh-dark-thirty and you HAVE to be at work for the beginning of a new career. Who isn't nervous when you haven't had any sleep cause you don't know what is going to happen in the next few weeks which might impact the rest of your life? The itching can keep you up too.

Walking the streets beside those plain government buildings and dimly lit sidewalks at oh-dark-hundred I can't help but put chin up and chest out and walk a little bit straighter. Sleep for nights or none for days, you could tell your veteran brethren from those not educated on the military fields across this great land and sense the ambition. The only limiting factor is how far you think you can go. I don't know if it's really the military or just the discipline. I like to think its some of both. The real Ph.D.'s say it's genetic. I agree. All of us have the gene, then the environment exploits it or ignores it. So I would say that inner drive is genetic. But the more you push it, the more it comes out.

For those that lost "it", or think they don't have it, they are wrong. Math is the freshest example in my mind. For four years now, I have watched a person who thought they could not do simple arithmetic with even a calculator. I take great pride in transforming their mentality into something different. How bad do you want to prove yourself wrong? I think part of it, with anything-not just math, is if you get to point "Z" when you started at point little "a", you are afraid of going to "alpha" because you might see "gamma" not far behind. Ah, but you started at little "a", you just have to first attack "alpha" and "beta" then you move on to "gamma" and beyond. Patience-knowing when to sit back and have a drink and when to fiercely attack and even when to obsess-is learned with time and maybe good physical exertion. I learned patience in and out of the military.

Now, I am brought to my knees again at the bottom. But ambition only grows stronger with patience. The funny thing is I am kneeling with former military officers and current engineers. If you are a technician reading this, then I want you to see that we all put our pants on the same way. Its all how far you want to go.

Oh, and let's not forget about the people in general all taking this great life step. Where else can you get the wonderful mixture of cultures except in service? It only makes things better when you get to work with Mineesohtans and New Yawkas and those nasal Michiganders and lets not forget those good folks from North Cakalaki. People from every part of the U.S. of A. at the four corners of the U.S. of A.(look it up).

Being intimidated isn't too bad. Being strong isn't too bad if you are careful. Hard labor just sharpens your focus and the pain makes you feel alive. Sometimes just keeping your damned mouth shut does the best. And pressing some grass definitely ain't bad. Persistence and strength go a long way.

Sorry if this is so scatter-brained, I'll clean it up later.

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Traveling

Well, I am currently in Vinita, Oklahoma at a Holiday Inn Express. Tomorrow, I finish the trip and live in sunny Oklahoma City for 10 weeks. It always sucks-your first day of travel-especially away from your wife. Then, you get used to it and where you will stomp around.
I don't think any time could be worse than living in North Carolina during AVT "A" school. You lived in the "donut". A fresh-out-of-college architect's design. Shaped like a donut and poorly ventilated, the stench of urine and sweat clung to the place. Not to mention the windows were fastened closed to prevent any suicides. You got to live with a roommate and your whole damned class next to you. It was bad enough being in class together, but then living together 24/7. Then you get duty where you stomp around the halls on a two-hour shift from oh dark hundred to 0630 checking fire extinguishers when you got a test the next day. Or worse, driving all the non-coms around on the weekend to all the bars 'til oh dark hundred. Nothing like being the airman takin E-4 thru E-6 around and you can't even get a drink and you get to wear trops and cover. Take all that and no alcohol allowed to drink away the situation, life was a bitch.

Even boot wasn't as bad. Sure you missed home and got screamed at alot, but hey, you got to eat-didn't worry about the taste or what it was, you only had 5 minutes-and got some good exercise. You didn't have to worry about what anyone would say or what to do with your time or even what you would do on watch. You didn't have time. You just did it. If you did it wrong, you got more exercise. You even got a day of liberty off base and I got a few drinks and even an offer to suck my dick if I returned the favor to a fellow boot camper. Hey, its boot, you don't get blown very often. Just kidding, his whiskers scratched my nuts so we rented a whore.

I guess it beats getting ready to go to Iraq for a year. Plus, I don't get a roommate now and civilians get treated like kings compared to the military. Miss the wife and 2 cats though. No, Mikey, your pipe cleaning service is not necessary. You charge too much.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Quiz

Here's a good link for you churchies out there: Quiz. Should clear up some misconceptions about your christian America. Even you quasi-quantum physicists can't argue with this one.

Oh, and if that doesn't put you in denial enough, read this from the liberal U.K.

Can't be true!

Better research it.

Bleeding heart liberal bastards!

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Off to another adventure.






Well, the FAA is already putting me to the grind. Be leavin on Sun or Mon to Oklahoma City for 10 weeks. This is only the beginning. I get to go back there-again and again. Good thing I get paid your tax dollars to go to school.
Today was my last day at Collins. They threw me a pizza party and then I got to tear up a piper comanche. Brought my tools home and tossed 'em into the garage. Now I got more tools to play with at home. Better make sure I pack a few metrics, never know when you need a good tool or two.
Mikey, the drink of choice is a straight shot of Bombay Gin. Chase it with Guiness Extra Stout and you're on it. Might knock off a piece of the old lady. Won't be getting it for a bit. Hell, maybe I will run over to Tulsa and harass a few Airmen. Do they still go to school over there or are we sending them all to E-city? Let me know, maybe I can fuck with a few from North Bend. Here are some Halloween pics in remembrance of real men/women?














Notice I found Jesus in the last one! I always suspected Jesus was attracted to male angels. Look at that drunk-ass angel. He needs another one...