BOLC II - Week 2 - Day 1

Back to the standard time for formations (0545, we do reville at 0600 then off to PT). This morning was good, ran to the 1 mile track, ran the first mile individually, sprinting 1/4 mile and then jogging in intervals. Then we did did 2 miles of "Last Man" (also called "Indian Runs", but we live in PC times) where you string out into a single column and then have the last man sprint to the front. Then we headed off to 0900 classes. Classes were on practical parts of our craft, unit tactics, handling prisoners (the demo was excellent) and other current information that was either presented or shared by the students. Following lunch we worked in platoons and squads on our movement techniques. Reacting to contact (how a squad handles encountering hostile forces and assualting if the situation is favorable), breaking contact (extricating a squad when it has run into hostiles that it cannot win against) and reacting to indirect fire (artillery or mortors). We of course used the Army standard in first doing each step slowly and explaining what needed to be done, then started to execute at a faster pace. Following that we had a couple of classes taught by the students on how to do certain tasks (setting up equipment, OPSEC, etc). We then passed out weapon cards and were done for the day(~1630).

Weekend of Movies

Ah, a glorious free weekend. Other than getting up early on Saturday for my CQ shift (and having to shave, something that I generally avoid on the weekends (to give the poor face a break)) it was a nice weekend. I hit the gym on Saturday and Sunday (we have a really nice gym, brand new)

Yep, that's a climbing wall in the background. Off to the left there is 2 full sized basketball courts down the hall.

There is also a pool at the gym. Note the hottub. I will so be using that in the coming weeks.

So basically I used this time to recharge (read that as, being away from everyone I had to be with during the week. I like them a lot but I do need my "me" time to recharge.). I did do dinner and a movie with some classmates but mostly it was focused on getting things lined up for next week and getting mentally prepared.

There actually is a movie theater here on post. Carmike Cinema's seems to have this area locked up and while the theaters aren't the biggest (and for the discount one somewhat rundown) they do use some pretty good technology (primarily DTS, allowing them to digitally distribute the film and also makes sure that nothing happens to the quality of the presentation since there is no degradation of the picture due to repeated use).

I saw the following movies (in order of attendance)

• The Ruins - weak movie. Further confirms why I hate plants. definitely was cheering for the people who worked to confine that evil plant.


• The Superhero Movie - moderately amusing. Very juvenile humor but fun overall. About what I was expecting.


• Drillbit Taylor - Saw this with a few other BOLC II Students. eh. Standard teen film schlock. definitely not on par with some of the recent shows like Superbad or whatnot.


• National Treasure: Book of Secrets - This movie was plain old fun. I loved the first one and really enjoyed this sequal.

I figure that I will be seeing a lot of movies over the next 20 weeks. There are a couple that I am really excited about, in particular Iron Man and the new Indiana Jones movie

Overall I am ready to face the coming week. We have a couple of events coming up, primarily Combatives (basically a hybred martial arts class) on Tuesday-Thursday, a 5 mile Ruck March on Friday (that means no PT. I will ruck any day over doing PT (in particular running)), start BRM (Basic Rifle Marksmanship) training this week and also have to attend a mandatory reception on Tuesday evening (could be interesting, probably not.).

BOLC II - Day 4 & 5

Combined these two
Day 4
Another early morning. 0420 formation before the PT test. 55 pushups, 61 situps and a 16:29 2 mile run for me. Which gives me 220 points on the 300 point scale that the Army uses. Then off to get weighed again (lost 3.5 lbs from last night) and then taped (I passed.... just about the best thing that I can say.... need to hit the gym tonight.). Then we had off until 1230. A quick review of dental and vision records (looks like I am getting new glasses... at least they aren't BCG's (army slang for the glasses they used to issue.. Birth Control Glasses... as in you are not getting laid wearing these)) and then we were done for the day (1530!!! Nice to have that time off).

Day 5
A nice little PT at the late hour of 0545. Then a very quick shower as we had to meet a quick deadline to be in an auditorium for a briefing by the the Battalion Commander and his Command Sergeant Major. After that we had one last line to sit in, waiting for shots (of course I get to the front and they tell me I am good to go). A bunch of barracks cleaning and then off chow. Then we had a class given by our platoon mentor and were finally released at around 1600 (and most importantly I get to shift off this PSG position to someone else after getting my "go" at the position).

Now all that is left is an 0600 Charge of Quarters on Saturday morning (basically sitting around for 3 hours in the morning and doing whatever tasks are required of me and my partner for that time). Then I am free for the rest of the weekend!

BOLC II - Day 3

Ah, the special Army joy this morning. We had to wake up special early (first formation at 0430) for a drug test. Probably the most efficient one that I have ever seen (they have it down to an art when dealing with 200 soldiers). Then we had a very light PT session (as we have a PT test tomorrow), a very light breakfast for me and then off to more briefings
Another light lunch, the off to CIF (Central Issuing Facility) to get my gear. Another 2 duffle bags full of things useful (rucksack, poncho and liner, sleeping bag) and not (cold weather underwear, gortex jacket). Then we had Company issue (the dreaded IBA, Interdictor Body Armor with 2 plates in it. This is the standard body armor of the Army and works pretty well, though is bulky and heavy as sin) as well as an LBV (Load bearing vest) so that useful things like canteens and magazines for weapons can be easily accessed.
A few more misc tasks and then we were done for the day. I took the chance to get in a nap and then walked the route that we would be using for the PT test tomorrow (a big 1 mile track that we run twice). Also met a new soldier to my platoon, a 2LT from Albania. Then a very light chow, some goofing on the Internet and now shortly a very early bedtime for the 420 formation tomorrow.

BOLC II - Day 2

Another day down. Early morning (0500)... the joy of being in charge and having to make sure everything is set. A nice PT session (a warmup run to the field and then lots and lots of ab and upper body workouts). Then back, a nice shower and then time to talk to our Platoon Mentor (he is a Captain with combat experience). Due to some SNAFU (Situation normal, all f'd up) we were first told to come back at 1245 by the 1SG (1st Sargeant, the senior sargeant in the company (in this case a fellow 2lt appointed to that position)). Who then redirected and then mimarched (I was in the formation and cracking up..... so confirming theories on why officers can't march). A quick meeting with the Chaplain.

Later after a long lunch break (yah! made some phone calls) and then off to Finance briefings. This was most joyful as it confirmed that I would in fact be getting BAH for my condo.. since this represents 1600 dollars its quite a big deal. Congress just passed a law because for a while reservists who were in training didn't get anything.

Then some more paperwork. Then I was off. I went shopping to the PX and then to Rangers Joe's (where I got my rank and patches sewn onto my BDU's for use next week) and then a light dinner. A few more meetings to clear things up with the PL and then it was off to an early bed.

BOLC II - Day 1

Inprocessing. Lots of paperwork. Briefings. The standard Army struggle to stay awake. Woke up at 520, first formation at 550. I further confirmed my whole "world is small theory" and ran into a number of classmates from last summer (as well as another Virginia 2LT that I didn't even know was coming).

They kept us busy in briefings until 1530 (330pm) and then we did PT. Lord I am/was tired from that workout (They really pushed us... kind of a way of the cadre introducing themselves). I got tagged as the Platoon Sargeant for this week. Lucky me and my D&C (Drill and Ceremony) skills. Lots of little tasks that needed to be handled (working with my SL (Squad Leaders) and my PL (Platoon Leader.... poor lady is a Direct Commission who never had any Army training until now.... talk about being thrown in the deep end). We had to set up a CQ (charge of Quarters) for the evening. This is a task that rotates among the platoons of a Company based on whose cadre has to stay in the barracks that evening. Missed chow so I had to settle for grabbing something from a fast food place (went as healthy as I could... APFT on Thursday so I have been eating lightly) when I stopped by the PX (Post Exchange).

I am so tired. I was asleep almost the minute my head hit the bed.

BOLC II - Zero Day

After a final push I finally arrive at BOLC II, located in the heart of Ft. Benning. I actually took it pretty easy, taking my time to stop, stretch and do some pushups (the dreaded PT is due shortly). I don't think I have been eating enough because I am so anxious about passing the weight/tape test.

Check in was fast (I showed up in uniform since I saw some things saying I should). Turns out I didn't have to. Its sticky down here, lots of humidity in the air. Met my new roommate (who went to undergrad at VCU). Didn't see any other familiar faces but this being the Army that is due to happen. Now to build a list of stuff I need to buy (starting off with a fan... barracks are AC'd but its still stuffy in them). Then off to bed (at 1030..... oh yeah, the high life).

BOLC II - T-Minus 1 day

So what is BOLC (pronounced "Bow-Lock" as we military people are prone to day acronyms) II? 7 weeks of training for all new officers in the Army (the only exceptions being the Doctors and the Chaplains) to bring them up to speed on tactics, weapons and fieldcraft. Sounds more exciting than it probably will be (I predict lots of waiting around). The Army used to send all its new officers to the specialty training course right away, but they decided that they all needed to funnel through this course before heading to get technical training in their specialty.

Said my goodbyes yesterday and the day before. It sucks (hard to explain to my 3yo nephew that he wont see me for a while) but at least I will have access to computers and telephones and have time to use them while I am away. And I get to go back at the end of the course for a long weekend on Memorial Day. (before heading off to my specialty training)

Drove about halfway, I am in NC after stopping for the night (long trip, over 700 miles and about 12 hours). I also stopped at VT for a brief visit (see previous post). I will be pushing onward shortly. I will probably check in early evening and get a lay of the land.

Trepidation

On my drive to Ft. Benning I was approaching Virginia Tech (as I took the scenic route and went 29 to 64 to 81).

"Its rainy" "Its Blacksburg, odds are its rainy"

"It will take too long" "Whats the rush? Don't have to be at Benning til tomorrow evening"

"Don't wanna, bad thoughts" "Might as well face them"

So I pulled off 81, went onto the still unfamiliar 460 exit (since it wasn't there when I was a student). Popped over to the Virginia Tech exit, admired the pretty additions to Lane Stadium (way nicer than the last time I had seen it). Drove around the drillfield to Burass and walked around. I think I have to agree that the current memorial is the best, simplicity and poignant.

This all reminded me that all my personal sadness and frustation is pretty small in comparison to these people and their families.

And to top off the Tech trip, visited Soulvaki's for a Gyro and some Baklava and walked around the campus a bit.

Army BOLC II - T-Minus 2 days

Threads..... so many threads that need to be wrapped up before I leave. Thats the trend of the past couple of days (that and a bit of denial.... I still don't have all my packing done and I am leaving in around 24 hours). I did do some packing (mostly my army bits and pieces) and now I need to start getting my other stuff together. Thank god I am driving down to lovely (ha!) Ft. Benning, so I can cram a bunch of crap in my car.
I find that for me the anticipation is the worst for me.... I haven't been getting as much sleep as I should and I have a lingering sense of dread (this is a holdover from my OCS days). When I get there I will find that it wasn't that bad as I was imagining, but for now I just wait in anticipation (and thank god that its not like my OCS classmate who will be doing this same thing in a couple of months, but instead of heading for home after the training is done, he will be heading for Afganistan).

Life in FFWD

God. It feels like life is on FFWD. I notice that happens a lot when you have a big event coming up... for the longest time it seems so far away, then all of a sudden its right on you and you have no time. It feels like that for me. I am heading away for 7 weeks (then a long weekend and then back down to GA) for Army training. On Saturday. And I haven't even started packing yet. Oh my head hurts.. too much to do, so little time

On the plus side, I plan to blog the whole time. So now the poor DC public is going to see what us Army Officers go through during our training.

Computer Woes

My poor desktop died (luckily it died right when I was going to get a laptop, for my upcoming time (or as my boss calls it, vacation.... yeah right, not sure what sick world spending a summer in Georgia (me, who was put on a saline IV twice last summer) is a vacation) in Georgia.... )
Then of course I, being a good computer geek decided to make it my project to fix it.... first I learned the power supply was blown. no problem, its happened before, I actually had spares laying around. Then it looks like the power supply decided to kill the motherboard. Off to the toystore, I mean computer store, that lovely Microcenter store.... Which meant a new video card (tech has moved on.. okay). And then more memory.... So some 300 dollars later I now have a functioning computer and have the stuff I need stripped off the old hard drives. Oh well, at least its a more powerful computer now... mwahahahah....

All this for a computer that at the very least I won't be using for the next 7 weeks...maybe even 20 weeks....

The Ticking Clock

and it's companion (at least for me) the moving scale (my constant battle against the scale.... its a battle of epic proportion... It just annoys me that while I can pass all the physical parts, running, push ups and sit-ups, they still insist on using your weight as a determiner). It's starting to sink in that in 3 weeks I will be spending 5 months wearing a uniform (going to make getting dressed in the morning easy... no contemplating what to wear). I know that it's not like some of my fellows who are planning on being away for a year in a place where people shoot at or try to blow you up, but it's going to be a long time away (I will probably be able to get back a couple of weekends (as all my training will be in Georgia, either Ft. Benning or Ft. Gordon), as well as a quick case where I will pop down to New Orleans for a wedding).

I am reaching the point where I am figuring what projects can be completed. Removing my profile from the dating sites. General housekeeping (figuring out what to bring, what to do with mail, etc).

I guess I should have known that this was coming up but I was in denial.... But now I need to get my ass moving to make sure everything is GTG (good to go).

What I am watching

DVD - Dirt. Missed this fantastic series when it was first on, so now its catch-up. That and a slow grinding through of movies that I have missed over the past year or 2. Bummed that I am on the losing edge of the format war. Good thing I don't have too much invested in it (the only one I liked was Clerks II).

TV - Friday Night Lights! Love this show. Skipped it last year and with the break I decided to catch up. So glad that I did... I know that I love it and my roommate is obsessed with it. Hating Lipstick Jungle, meh about Cashmere Mafia. Enjoying the return of Men in Trees. Mourning the loss of Las Vegas. Excited about this whole fight about Scrubs, hopefully either way I will get another season out of it.

Video Games - Still enthralled by Call of Duty 4. Have barely touched Halo since it came out except for the occasional game with my brothers. Storing up some single user action games for the next couple of months.

Yes!! I have running Water!

After going through my kitchen renovation (which basically started almost 4 weeks ago) I was VERY happy to see the above...

Doesn't my new Kitchen look nice? All thats left is floors, backsplash and paint.. and adding a few more lights. and and..... I think I need to just sit back and enjoy it a for a few minutes before I consider those other details..

Why the makers of the Flu Vaccine are on my list..

4 days. 4 days huddled up at home, alternately hot and cold, running a mid-level fever, coughing...
And that doesn't even take into account the fact the one night with some seriously WIERD dreams..

How wrong is it to be sick on a weekend? I generally don't get sick so I have plenty of sick days and I have a job and boss that understands taking time off for illness. I so wish that it hadn't occurred over the weekend, I have so few free ones left before I head off for Army training.

And the QB is Toast!

Congrats to the Navy for the Satellite intercept! I used to work for the Aegis PMO and am proud they were able to hit it (and REALLY happy they didn't miss... that would have been seriously embarassing). I remember reading the specs for the SM-3 and being heartily impressed.

Though I laughed at the response of the Chinese, "“China is continuously following closely the possible harm caused by the U.S. action to outer space security and relevant countries,”... This from a country that also did an intercept of a satellite... however it was in a high orbit and that debris represents far more of a threat to the interational community than this one where the objects will break up on re-entry.

I am a nerd.

because the highlight of my day(other than leaving work)? Watching the moon turn red! I love that sort of stuff and being able to share it with other people? Anyone else see it? (beyond the people that I called to remind them of the event?) I must have reminded 7-8 people about it. (my roommate, family, ex and a few other people)

It was fantastic and really pretty. All the more special in that it won't happen again for another 3 years.

Though my favorite story is how Christopher Columbus used his knowlege of eclipses to extort supplies out of the indiginious people (for more go here). Basically he told them that if they didn't give him what he wanted God would remove the Moon from the sky. That man was a genius (or at the very least an awesome negotiator).

What a wierd election...

Hell froze over.....

I voted for Hillary Clinton....


I think I will leave the above statement above all alone... Since if I had to take a bet 6 months ago I wouldn't have taken the odds of the above being reality.
I picked her since I felt that she represented the best contender for the Democrats... (yes there was a secondary hope/belief that McCain facing her stood a better chance, but I had to go that way since I evaluated the candidates on whom I would find palatable as my next CinC... and I so wanted Oboma as far away as I can keep him.... even if that woman wins.....)

Skiing

First off, I must say that I bet my roommate will have a definite pause when she next plans to go to Vermont.... How many people can say that they got stung by a Wasp... In Vermont.... Indoors (most believable part).... in February... And the day before she gets run over by my run-away ski (first run of the day on some demo's on a green. I wipe out, look uphill and think "wow, that ski is really covered, all I can see is the binding". Then walk up, see that all that is there is the binding (which of course since that is where the ski brake is meant that it kept going). Then I look downhill and see that my roommate is sprawled out as well. Yep, she was hit by my ski before it richoted off the mountain.). Then I get to take my first (and hopefully only) tobogan ride down the mountain courtesy of the ski patrol (I wasn't injured but it was the only way down with the broken equipment).... interesting experience, but freezing since the SP person basically kicks a ton of snow at you... I had a face that was covered in ice by the time I got to the bottom.

Other than the perilious trips both in and out of Vermont (so much driving on the snow while it was snowing.... in my FWD Prius..... I was toast after I finished those segments) it was a lot of fun (even the .3 mile uphill walk to get to my Uncle's house, since there was no way my car was going to make it past 2 switchbacks). 2 Days of downhill skiing (at Stowe... Never have I skiied on so much powder) and then a day of cross country skiing (lesson and then applying that lesson.. having never done it before I REALLY like it and will do it again).

Gotta love vacations where you come back more tired than when you left (though I also appreciate the other option as well).

Swoosh!

Thats the sound I will be making in another 36 hours. (hello 3 days of skiing in VT. I am so excited)

Love: My new cabinets. They look fantastic and I am seriously excited to see the end result when I get back on Sunday.
Hate: the fact that I will be without countertops and sink for ~3 weeks. Curse you procrastination (though until the new gear is in place they couldn't really measure).

So excited that Apple released a new version of the iPhone. Say goodbye to $500...... They finally released one that is useful to me.

And I am SERIOUSLY EXCITED that WGA and their opposition finally looks like they came to resolution. And that Lost is back!

Why I hate the suburbs

It’s a "discussion" that I have had with a number of people (including one person who I knows reads this).
I hate the suburbs.... hate, hate, hate.....

I am a city boy (and yes, the parts of Arlington County that I live and work in, along the Orange line up to Ballston, is definitely city (based on walk-ability, buildings and density)). I spent 3 miserable years out in Fredericksburg where I had to drive everywhere (even to exercise... it wasn't safe to run or walk around my townhouse), didn't know my neighbors and felt cut-off from society. I came to despise I-95 (which can get clogged with traffic on the weekends). I still do in fact, even though my runs down that road are limited to once a month for Army stuff. (I just don't see how people can deal with this every day)

So now every time people talk about commutes (vs. my 20 minute stroll to work) I have bite my tongue (as I so want to blurt out that no house is worth that commute (people are spending 1.5-2 hours, on a good day, driving so that they can have their McMansions out in the suburbs/exaburbs)). They will always harp about how their kids have a yard (highly overrated if there are good parks available), good schools (hmm..... who has some of the highest rated schools (all 4 of them in the top 50-100, one in the top 10... for the country) in the region.. oh yeah, Arlington), and that they don't have to see their neighbor(and people wonder why society seems to be breaking down in the US.. People just want to relax after their awful commutes. They don’t want to get back out in a car and attend a meeting.. or even go to a bar (given how hard we are cracking down on people driving after even having one drink)).

Since I so love bullet lists:

• It's dehumanizing. People spend hours of time in their car. Not just commuting but also in running any daily tasks (since people in the suburbs don't walk or take public transportation.
• It's bad for the environment (yep, I am making this statement... the irony is dripping). It’s a very unsustainable lifestyle (which we are starting to feel no in the era of $100 per barrel oil) and the costs are going to keep going up. It’s not an efficient system and we are going to be paying the price for it for a long time.
• And quite honestly its bad for America (how much oil do we have to import to heat/cool those monster houses (with the shrinking American family why in gods name do we need more space?), to fuel those cars on their long commutes as they idle in traffic...). We are basically pumping money (going to such "friends" as the Saudi Arabians...) and forever tying ourselves to the Middle East (and the inherent troubles of that region). That and the general fraying of the edges of the social fabric of America that this assists (via the decreasing social involvement in this country).
  

But whatever. As my Mom would say, it takes all kinds (and thank god for that.... how horrible it would be if we all wanted the same thing). Those people can have the 'burbs, since in my mind it’s for the birds..... They can tire themselves out there cursing traffic while I enjoy my urban environment where I can stroll over to the local restaurant, take a walk around with family and friends, hit a bar and then safely stroll home. Maybe they will be most of the way home by the time I am done....
*/end rant mode*/

Still hate the Cable Companies...

But at least they finally got me my damn Cablecards so that my precious Tivo Series 3 and Tivo HD can finally work. Just in time for nothing to be on....... (damn you writers and networks.....) Now they just need to reprogram them so I can get all my channels, 3 of the 4 are only getting broadcast channels.

That and I bought a new TV for my bedroom (to replace the ill-fated Westinghouse that I bought and returned in less than a month. Crazy image problems made me deep-six it). On sale from Best Buy combined with a 12% off coupon for a shockingly $460 with tax. Not too bad, and it makes me less concerned given that it will be traveling with me to the great state of Georgia in a little over 2 months for my Army training (gotta have something to play the 360 on.....).

One week to go until they start my kitchen (and my condo can stop looking like an Ikea warehouse was established there.... 121 pieces), and only another 9 days until I get to hit the slopes up in VT (and then relaxing in my Uncle's heated indoor swimming pool up there).

No cable (AKA why Verizon and Comcast Suck)

I feel like I am a pawn in the great cable wars. I think that the animosity between Verizon and Comcast has hit a new high with both of them heading into the traditional areas of each other.

This came to a head this past week as I arranged for Verizon FIOS to be installed instead of my crappy Comcast service (overpriced and with bad service). So first step, they try to disconnect my cable and Comcast has locked the box (only noticed after waiting for 4 hours as the tech tries to find Cablecards for my Tivo's). So after wasting a day I have a bunch of Verizon equipment (though not sadly the CC's) that doesn't work sitting in my place.

Then on Thursday I was offsite at an alternate location (where I found this awesome hole in the wall Korean Restaurant, but thats another tale) the tech came back, unhooked my cable (with the assistance of a bolt cutter) but now I have nothing in my place. After several furious calls I finally have a tech arrive today (though he was supposed to be here yesterday (another 3 hours off)), got my SD cable boxes up and running, internet and telephone operational. However I still lack 4 cablecards that I require to actually get my beloved Tivo's working. Completely unacceptable..... Now I need to start figuring out what I will get them to offer me to make up for the 11 hours that they wasted of my time with a non-operational setup remaining.

This is so a coder's fault

From Facebook:
only from the raw results of computer programmers do you get fine sentences like this.:

just scored 1940 points for you's team. you's team
now has 28880 points and is a Scholar. Play TV Trivia >>p

Apps on Facebook are being popped out so fast that things like QA are like dirty words.

Going too far

My roommate brought the following home for me from Trader Joe's, unsuspecting the mockery to follow:

Vegetarian shaving cream? Really?

Which of course created the following chain of thought:

Since you don't eat shaving cream why bother...

followed (naturally for someone like myself) to the exclaimation... "My god, its Soylent Green Shaving Cream" because if its not 100% vegetarian for eating then it must be made of 100% vegetarian(s).......

Then it only took me a few minutes to explain my reasoning and the required pop-culture references to my roommate to explain why I was so amused...

2007

Happy New Year. I hope that everyone had a fantastic New Years Eve. I know that I did.

Well, its coming toward the end of the year.... time to add up the year:

• Finally got my Masters Degree in Computer Science
• Finally commissioned (after a 2+ year process to obtain it). Got the specialty that I wanted and am finally drilling with my unit.
• Switched my position inside work.
• Countless first & second dates.
• Met some great people, both via the Army and via the Blogger-verse.
• Fell in love and unfortunately fell out of love (Met a great woman, had a fantastic time, but it didn't work out (so sorry R))

Overall - A great year. I achieved a lot of goals and while I suffered a few misteps (like I so should have stopped taking classes after I got my degree... afraid to check my grade in that class) I really feel that I am moving forward.

Is it sad that I am afraid that 08, contrary to what someone said yesterday evening (where she said it would be two thousand and great), doesn't look like its going to be as good as 07. Unfortunately I have to head off for 5 months of Army training (most of it looks pretty worthless unfortunately) which means that much less time to spend with Friends and Family (sooo going to miss spending time with my nephew, Conor. It also means that it is unlikely that I will meet my special someone.... hard to meet someone in the first bit when you are disappearing for 5 months.). At least I get a break from school.(I was driving last night and was grinning when I remembered that I dont have any more classes/homework/tests).

Juno

Love this movie. The girl who played Juno was great, the Arrested Development reunion of characters was fun (both played great characters). Jennifer Gardner definitely defined quite desperation... her characters' desperation to be a mother and pain in not being able to do so herself was moving. There were plenty of LOL moments and lots of fun quotes. Definitely a fun movie. (even though I felt like I was the lone island of testosterone in the theater.

All in all - 8/10.

Christmas Vacation

So due to the quirks of federal leave and me apparently not taking enough leave time in the past year (or years given that I have a sizable balance) I get to re-experience that rare thing that is under-appreciated by the youth that get to enjoy it, a 2 week long Christmas vacation. Thank you "use or lose" rules!

It does lead to regressive behavior.... taking long lunches with friends and family, casual browsing of bookstores with conversation, playing video games late into the night (either with friends or family). Like last night where I was up until 4AM playing Carcassone (the deliciously simple in concept, difficult in practice game) with my roommate and my HS buddy (and to give an idea I am such a gamer that I was also playing a game of Civ 4: Beyond the Sword). My Tivo's are also looking pretty bare as well...

I did get a few good things for Christmas (some new clothes, a few gadgets from my mom, a video game (I think anything where I get a video game is a good thing.... I have been enjoying playing HL2: The Orange Box) and misc other things (another gift of alcohol from my nephew... following the trend from last year.... gotta wonder what my older brother thinks of me and my brothers in that he always gets us alcoholic gifts...)).

I am seriously enjoying this time and am resentful that come the second its due to come to an end...

I am Legend

So I mostly loved this movie. It was interesting but I need more exposition (flash forwarding to 3 years after the outbreak... meh..... not as exciting.... I am not so interested in the end result, but the effect of society crashing down is facinating). Did like the fast zombies (though it reminded me of 28 Days Later... even to the point of FFWDin past the event itself). The smart zombie, which is never addressed (probably die to trama of the Will Smith character), which is kind of annoying. Good ending!

As normal I had problems with the math...... 80% mortality (for evenness lets use the 6 billion number from the movie)... 1.2 billion survivors... though they then make the claim that there was a 1% immunity rate. Then pull a 12 million number out... thats when if you turned to me in the theater you would see me doing hand number gestures.... I would argue that it should be 60 million (hey, if you were a survivor 19:1 odds are way better than 99:1)... wouldn't the people immune to the conversion also be immune to the airborne virus?

Yep, thats me... arguing math/logic about a horror/SF movie...

Doh!

Blogger.... oh Blogger... why do you not have a private post feature? Why must it be all or nothing? (though I share the blame for keeping what I did out there)
So someone (R... Again.... so sorry) saw this blog and I wasn't as discrete (i.e. shutting my yap or keeping it as a draft) with some personal stuff.

The internets are neither as small or as impersonal as you may think it is... trust me that is one lesson that I have learned and I am sorry if I hurt or prolonged the pain of that woman.

How the Army Plans a night out

Information has been redacted to protect the innocent (or in the case of some of the characters, not so innocent).

So, its the middle of Christmas party season and if we don't plan a night out on the town, its just not going to happen. So, here is the concept of the operation:

1) Meet up at 1730 ** DEC 2007 at ORP *** Street.
2) Consume pregame drinks and argue about who can build a better fire or about the playoffs or any other such stuff.
3) At 1930 ** DEC 2007 we cross the LD and board waiting trans to *** for *** at ***.
4) 2100 ** DEC 2007 pass phase line green and head to wicked good House party in nearby **. (We will bring our own beer to make our arrival more welcome.)
5) Operation talk with strangers will then proceed until 2300 ** DEC 2007 when we board provided trans for last time for a ride to ***.
6) 2330 ** DEC 2007 Alpha Team arrives at Phase Line Red to begin assault on ***. Likely targets include ***, *** and ***.

7) LOA - 0200 ** DEC 2007 Trans back to ORP *** for rest and recovery.

It's a plan everyone can love!

Commander's Intent - Kick Ass time with flexibilty for opting in for any portion.

Safety Considerations: By hiring a large SUV for trans we get everyone home safely and get to feel like rock stars for a few hours.

Sigh

I was seated at a party, talking about what I do to the woman next to me, when my date proudly also mentions that I was in the National Guard. Promptly the woman next to me said, "Oh! I am sorry" To which I quickly replied that "I wasn't, I volunteered after 9/11 and am proud of my service." (suprisingly for me since I am normally a bit slow on the comebacks)

Then she asked if I had been deployed. Of course I hadn't and said that I still needed more training. Of course she said "I bet you are hoping that we pull out of Iraq as quickly as we can". (on a roll here, unusual) I stated that "Actually I would like to finish the job and leave Iraq in a stable state, better than we found it"... Then noting the nudge from my date I dropped the line...

It took me quite a while to get over the shock of the first response.. I didn't even mention it for a couple of days since I was kind of stewing over it.

God save me from Liberal idiots...

The Perils of Modern Dating (aka Facebook can create awkward situations)

So dating in the 21st Century is a lot more complicated than it was in the past. And so was breaking up (the main focus here).

Somehow I believe that it was a little harder to be able to peer into the lives of the people that you dated back in the days before Facebook. You definitely didn't get situations like I just had happen:

I broke up about 2 months ago with a girl who I had been dating for 5 months. I kind of dragged her onto FB but she seemed to take to it. Photos were taken, tags added. When we separated I a) wasn't really thinking and b) didn't listen to advice. I should have cleared the photo's (not delete them, just from FB and moved them to my private file store) and dropped her as a friend (not a forever thing because I want her to be my friend eventually) as otherwise you can see way too much of what is happening in the other persons life. I think they had it easier in the old days.... take the photographs down, avoid the places where you may run into each other... its a lot harder in this electronic land.

As I started heading back out there I realized (after much needling by my roommate) that I really needed to move the pictures off my profile (because it's just awkward to still have pics up of last GF's.... it can create issues for anyone new that you are dating). So I did... and then I got the email questioning why I had removed pics of her (as well as one where I went to see a chick flick, querying whom I had gone to see it with). Ugh... so awkward. I should have done this stuff in the first place and now I am prolonging her hurt. So many considerations... so complicated.


I am not even going into the new issue of "When to remove your profile from dating sites.." that has come up more than once in the past few years.... too early you look desperate, too late, not into her enough... Argh....

Strike Week 4?

Okay... so the first show has run out(The Office... shocking I know given that a number of the actors are also writers)... and a number of shows are running on fumes...

It's created an odd TV season, with the fewest cancellations that I have ever seen (shows that would have been canned, like Journeyman or Cavemen, have gotten a lease on life... heck Journeyman will end itself gracefully... that in normal times would have had them meeting the axmen quite a bit earlier..).

But this needs to end soon.... They are soon going to be seriously affecting Pilot season in short order.... That and I want more episodes of my favorite shows!

As a side note here is what I am a "fast consumer" (i.e., doesn't spend much time on my Tivo)

• Dirty Sexy Money (so deliciously sordid)


• Chuck (show gets better and better)


• Reaper (love the Devil)


• Bionic Woman


• Heroes (overcame the problems of the first few episodes)


• Bones (my favorite procedural)


• NCIS


• The Office


• Samatha Who


• How I Met Your Mother

Everything else is a background show or something to watch during the coming pause.

Embarassed

So in an interesting week of revelations I learn that my roommate hooked-up (aside, in my mind hooked-up means having sex... not so in hers) with my HS buddy last week (mango infused rum. Its dangerous) but I also learned this amusing factoid:

Last year I came home from a Christmas party (a work one) and passed out half naked on the couch.... So then my roommate comes back and learned that I was naked in the most important way... my boys were hanging out and enjoying the breeze. Apparently she was quite shocked and took advantage of meeting some people far, far away from my condo in short order...

I will be teasing her about both of the above for quite some time...

Enchanted

Yeah, I the guy saw enchanted. The date I was with wanted to see a movie (and I wanted to extend the time with that woman) so of all the movies it seemed the best.

And it was GOOD!

It was very self-aware (periodic requests to stop singing), slightly mocking of the genre (you met him yesterday and are getting married today?) but also in the spirit of the genre.

The musical in Central park was awesome, the scene where the city wildlife clean the apartment was great and overall I am throughly impressed.

Yeah, you could tell what was going to happen but you wanted it to happen anyway... heck you expected it to happen.

And they lived happily ever after!

Everyone Stuffed now?

I know that I am.... definitely eating very light today... AT WORK.....
Just seems wrong to be at work on day that most people have off. Though I imagine that very little real work will occur today.

Did I really eat 3 pieces of pie?

I missed having my closest brother at Thanksgiving this year... It felt wierd not having him (this year they flipped the whole Thanksgiving with us, Christmas with her family deal..)

On the plus side I ran in the PWBA 5 Mile race down in Alexandria yesterday morning. 47:30, a 9:30 pace... not too bad given that it was hot...

Now back to "work".... Which will very definitely include a trip to the gym in a little bit.

Scary....

To set the scene:
Make food (and oh so healthy combo of steamed veggies and chicken breast). One in the oven (chicken... which results in a lot of fat/liquid in the glass plate used) and the other on the stove.... prepare veggies (low fat salad dressing) come back, get chicken out and lay on stove.... which of course you thought was off.... get chicken and drink... eat.... minutes later hear and smell something.... stupidly move plate a bit, whereupon liquid comes in contact with charred area.... super hot glass spewed everywhere.... Give prayer that nothing hit you (the charred hole in the ground is a hint.... thank god there was enough time to realize that you had goofed and back up).
I am going to be spending the next hour cleaning up glass that has traveled a very long distance...
Thank god I am redoing the kitchen very soon...

Can you believe that the Army trusts me with weapons, grenades and 30 some odd soldiers? Neither can I....

Strike Week 2.

Stop the insanity.... please!! Do you know the damage that you are doing to one of my favorite mediums, Television?
Do you understand the long term damage that you are doing? The corporations that you are fighting have deep pockets and can wait you out. Your fellow employees are not so lucky.. Look at the havoc that you are wreaking on them.
I just perused the latest EW (and watched the silly WGA video on youtube) and the number of shows that are in "inventory" is looking pretty pathetically low.. and god imagine the damage if this goes too far into the new year... into my precious pilot season... That would mean no new shows for the 2008 season.

I am sorry. I admit to not having much loyalty to unions (as a white collar worker I view them as absurd for the people of my class... I can do my own negotiating thank you very much!). But I think that you are doing irreparable damage to the very industry that you are trying to extract the money from. Get back to work!

Priorities

So all this stuff going on in the world and what is my attention on?
The Strike.....
And its all about how this stupid fight(and both sides have a point... Don't writers get paid a salary? I know that I do and that everything I do is the property of my employer... What makes "creative" people so special that they deserve unique treatment? However I just want them to resolve this and if this means the media company needs to throw a few bucks the writers way then so be it) is going to impact me.
All my favorite shows are shutting down production (Heroes just announced that they may make the December episode the season finale). Of course they would do this to me now that my Tivo 3 is finally set without any further issues....

I know that the video game industry, rentals and people starving for attention (reality show contestants) are all waiting in the wings to pick up the slack.

I failed..

17 miles in (right around "The Awakening" at Haines Point) I knew I was in trouble (up til then I was doing well, 10 minute pace, on track to finish in 4:30). I made it a point to drink several glasses of water at each water point along the route, had a pot of tea in the morning before I went to the race. But it wasn't enough. The headache came first, throbbing and intense that caused me to remove my headphones. Then came the nausea, followed by cramping in the legs.. Given that I have had experience with this before (down in Alabama this summer) I knew that I was in trouble.
Stopped in the aid station just before mile 19. Medics (good Navy Corpsmen) looked at me, got my BP and then started the IV. Took the trailer bus back to Pentagon City, Metro'd back home (so wasn't going to go to Rosslyn, I didn't earn anything and I was frustrated and hurting), and showered, slept and sulked a little (yeah, not big on the whole failure thing, particularly since I was so close). Started planning modifications for next year (yep, I will be one of those people with a camelback on for the race next time). My marathon dream, at least for this year, is over.

Gotta Love self-inflicted sick leave..

Just placed on my schedule the plan for not showing up on Monday... Because, y'know, of the silly 26.2 miles I plan to run on Sunday. I must be insane...
I half think my anxiety is related to the run... I really hope that its like a lot of things, where the worry is worse than the actual event. then I remember that I am going to run 26.2 miles and am pretty sure that the event will be worse than the anticipation.
My knees are so going to hate me at the end... Big boys like me are meant to stroll, not run those sort of distances.

Though I have to say I like this taper period... after so much running its like I got some of my life back.

So this was an "off" weekend?

One all too fun HH (many thanks to the great hosts, particularily Arjewtino and I Now Pronounce You)... I think I was fine until I mistakely took the offer of a shot from the lovely jess of what? the curtains? Loved the shot, not the effects (which involved getting on the wrong direction orange line traing, then missing my stop by one when I finally got turned around).



After slowly waking up the next morning, a quick lunch with my ex (not sure I have had the chance to use that term before), then off to the DC United game where I chilled with my nephew. An early bed (or couch), a mid-sleep wake-up and movement due to the loud return of my roommate and then a late morning. Then 2 (yes, 2) dates on Sunday. Apparently I deal with a breakup by throwing myself back out there... everyone has their own way of recovering I guess. I did get to see Gone, Baby, Gone and LOVED it. really depressing.. really made me appreciate my life....

Blogging and Dating Ethics

So lets say that I read a bunch of blogs... a looot of blogs... I have too much free time at work at times.

And as noted I am now single and looking around (browsing through Match and other big dating sites).

I see a picture that seems familiar. A quick click over to Bloglines to confirm my thought after I read her profile (which seems very familiar... everyone has a writing signature that when writing personal stuff is readily detectible after reading a few paragraphs). So I confirm that she is blogger that I have enjoyed reading.

Whats the ethics here? I know that it would make a poor opener when I send the email but assuming of course that my email doesn't disappear into the ether and I actually get a date, when would this come up? Just idle speculation at this point but...

blog action day

Wow, greener than I thought...
So I took a poll that I saw over on love is blonde and was kind of surprised... That I came far below my fellow Americans. I guess that since I live close to the city in a multi-story condo, walk to work, eat healthy local food, make sure my electronic toys are off when they need to be that I come out ok (though I lost point for my love of meat....). Even though I skew toward the conservative side I really do think about my actions.. The smaller footprint that I have the less we need to import oil (and the less reason that my boys, the US Army, needs to be is Arabic hellholes.). That and on some level it lets me feel a little superior to all those unthinking liberals that spout what should happen and don't actually walk the walk. An awesome amount of irony can be found on a big SUV with the following 2 bumper stickers that I saw the other day: "Save the Planet" and "Clinton 2008".


IF EVERYONE LIVED LIKE YOU, WE WOULD NEED 3.2 PLANETS.

An Army Weekend

Have I commented much about how much more I like Army stuff now that I am finished with that awful OCS stuff? No? Well suffice it to say that though this weekend was long (starting on Thursday and running until 2PM-ish on Sunday) it was successful. Most of the soldiers in my unit got Qual'd (including myself... 28/40. Not too shabby considering I have awful eyesight and great when you consider how long it took to get this result in Basic), we ran the ranges, no one got hurt and we got a congrats message later on Sunday evening. Not that I noticed as I was sacked out on the couch by then.


Long hours, expensive meals ($9 for the dinner? Are you kidding me!?), MRE's and a rough bed (slept in tents, rocky ground, with 40 people in earshot...), and of course the heady weight of command. No wonder I was pooped by the time we drove home.

A nipply problem.

Alright... So for whatever reason my last 3 GF's have been quick to point out that I have very hard nipples (and pretty sensitive.. at least for a guys)... Normally not a problem(maybe even an advantage at times), just something that has been noted on a consistent basis for quite some time.

Now to the crux of the problem... I remember when I was younger and noted that one or 2 fellows who finished their marathons (I grew up in Arlington so I have seen a few ends of the Marine Corp Marathon a couple of times when family have run it) had unfortunate spots of red on their shirts at the end of the race. I calmly filed that away under the "that’s weird category" and promptly forgot about it... until the past month or so.
See lately I have been clocking my longest runs ever (like the one last week that almost killed me). And um... all of a sudden I have a newfound respect for the above problem. It seems that even though I use really expensive, nice shirts (underarmor or Nike primarily) that is not soft enough. About a month ago I was definitely bleeding and it took a couple of days to heal. So I have now taken to wearing Band-Aids as I run (one fell off last week.... ouch). So now it looks like I am wearing pasties for my run... I forgot to take them off after a run 2 weeks ago and didn't notice until I was in the gym locker room... I so need to try some different solutions (Vaseline was just purchased to go with the Band-Aids so as to offer a redundant solution).

So god help me, I have a newfound respect of the steps that you ladies out there do to protect your breasts (damn, nipples getting rubbed raw hurts!).

I have a sickness...

Above is the Squished in version of my TV schedule.... I normally keep it on seperate worksheets but this shows up better.....

I know the first stage of dealing with addiction is to admit a problem.... but.... I really have no urge to correct my problem....

BTW, anyone want to take odds on who will win the cancellation lottery? My money is on Cavemen.....

Running will be the death of me

So I did my longest run on Tuesday (I know this since Lance Armstrong told me so in my earphones (Nike+ iPod pedometer... cool and useful toy)). 15.2 miles!@ I did walk the last mile or so (the infamous runners trot made it painful to run).

Then I stopped in at my parents (they are on my way home to my condo). Then the nausea hit, followed by the headache.... then I felt too hot.... then I shifted to intensely cold (like teeth chattering cold....) My parents (mom is an RN) were really concerned. I was able to shove a little food down (strawberries and cookies plus some tea) and then spent the next 2 hours curled up on the couch at my parents shivering even though I had a heavy sweatshirt on and a blanket covering me.

I then got home at around 1130, took a shower, let work know that it was unlikely that they would see me tomorrow and then curled up in bed with the sheets around me..

And I am already planning on running further next Tuesday.... I think I am insane..... And to think in a little over a month I intend to do 11 more miles than I just did in the Marine Corp Marathon....

Recharging

A free weekend. What a novel thing. After having things scheduled for the past 3 weekends without end, and my schedule is starting to look full in the future it was refreshing to finally have a weekend to enjoy.

I started it off by heading to Continental after the Gym to enjoy their happy hour with my GF (though the beers were up to par the food wasn’t as good as it has been). An early evening then off to bed.

GF took off early to go volunteer. Then I slept in, laid around for quite some time (read, watch some TV, played Bioshock). Then a nice afternoon run, popped over to the parents for dinner (burgers) the off to see a movie over at AMC Hoffman. The computers were down there again (do they ever work?) so we just barely made it inside for the show. Though it was worth it…. “Superbad” was awesome. One of the best teen movies that I have seen, period. I think that it helped that all of the cast were much more typical and less glossy than some of the normal teen fare and that the writing was excellent and really captures kids at that age.

After a lazy startup we went to Alexandria for brunch on Sunday. We went to Pat Troys for the food (I had a really good Irish breakfast). Then we spent several hours strolling around, checking out shops and just enjoying the fantastic day.

After a quick recharge (nap for GF, visit to the gym for me) we then headed over to Talula’s Eat Bar to check out a showing of one of the best movies ever… “Goonies”. I liked a lot of what they had there and the popcorn and other treats were a nice touch. Will definitely have to hit it again in the future.
A little bit of Emmy’s and then bed. A very fine weekend.

So glad I live in this country...

For all the claims of free speech being repressed in this country, you have stories such as this:

BBC News (oddly you get the most unbiased coverage from the BBC... when you pull up the story from other sources, such as ABC you get items tossed in such as "far right" and "shaved heads"). Though I did get the most shudder inducing quote from the ABC article:

"It is very important to remember that the freedom of assembly and
expression can be restricted to protect the rights and freedoms of others,
including the freedom of thought, conscience and religion," secretary general Terry Davis said. "

Yeah, we have problems in this country. But we still believe that people have the right to assemble, heck we even offer security if its going to be controversial (like anything involving that vile KKK). Whereas "The mayor of Brussels, Freddy Thielemans, banned the protest last month for fear it would cause problems with the city's immigrant population."

Its stories like this that make me sick when people continue to point at Europe as the bright and shining light that all others would do well to follow.. Please, give it a rest.

And BTW people.... it says freedom of speech.... it doesn't mean freedom of responsibility. If you say something then everyone (other than the government which should stay out of it) has the right to make you pay for it in their own way... (ie, you say something stupid about the Irish then I wouldn't expect my business would be heading to you again).

Fall TV shows its head early

I was excited to learn on Monday that via my Tivo and Amazon Unbox I would be able to get a sneak peek at some of the new shows (unfortunately I am still unable to get Journeyman (aka Quantum Leap from its descriptions) but I will try again tomorrow probably).

• Chuck - Of the batch this was the one that I was the most excited about. And I wasnt let down. Very quirky and fun. Does have flaws but it looks to be a good cast and fun little show... Kinda reminds me still of Jake 2.0
• Life - Wasn't sure on this one. But it grew on my during the show. Life hadn't made my initial cut of shows to watch and now will get a reprieve and a chance to prove itself.
• Bionic Woman - I am intrigued.... Pretty dark show but has a lot of possiblities. Jumps right into the action and drags you into the show. Seeing this episode solidified that this show would be on my list in the next few weeks.

Interestingly I was very impressed with the video quality provided from Unbox, it was one of the best SD signals that I had seen...

6 Years ago.

Even now I can remember the events of 6 years ago with perfect clarity.

I was unemployed at the time (though I had just done an interview that would lead to a job in a few short weeks with the government). So I slept in until around 0800. Then I just remember the panic, the desperate attempts to get in touch with family. The fear that I couldn't. The absolute horrors of seeing one, then the other tower of the WTC go down. Hearing about the strike on the Pentagon and seeing smoke in the distance. The further panic of reports of another aircraft headed for DC.

It all still resonates strongly with me and remains a powerful motivator for my actions today. Every time that I put on my uniform I have that strong desire to make sure that what happened 6 years ago never happens again and, heaven forbid, that something happened again that I could provide more assistance than sitting at home desperately seeking more information about that safety of my family.

Though I dodged a bullet in that no one from my extended or immediate family was hurt (though my uncle and cousin will probably forever have the images of the jumpers burned in their mind as they were working in the vicinity) my heart still aches for the people that lost their lives to this cowardly attack and for their families that continue to mourn their loss. It saddens me that the scum that ochestrated this event still continue to breathe and still offer some sort of further threat to this country.

Somehow its appropriate that on a day commemorating such a grim event even the weather seemed sad.

So worth it.

So I had my first drill as a 2nd Lieutenant this weekend. I like my CO, XO and fellow LT. As I was wandering the firing line acting as a safety and offering assistance it really made me feel that the 2 years of work to get to this place was worth it. Though I went to bed tired Saturday night I knew that I was satisfied and proud of my work. For the first time in 2 years I am looking forward to my next drill and the additional responsibility that I will have then.

Embarassed for others....

never lend your GF a computer that has had many more users than yourself for prolonged periods of time without wiping it first. It cuts down on the awkward emails that come in when she is sick and using it out of boredom.. Particularly when she thinks that you have been the sole user of said machine...

And then emailing back and desperately asking not to be told the specifics because then you will be pondering which of the potential users did access those sites…

Living in a bubble

Every so often you come to realize that you live in a bubble. Particularly when you step outside it for a while.

Today was my first day of classes at GMU for the semester. I have decided to continue taking classes there and get another degree (in Information Systems Security and Assurance). Since I work in the government with everyone I deal with having a security clearance you sometimes really forget the makeup up the IT world. Boy did I get a reminder today. Of the 36 people in my class there were 3 white guys, one Asian, and EVERYONE else was from India.... Before I joined the government (almost 6 years now.. wow...) I used to work commercial clients and I guess I didn't notice and forgot. Its just jarring to pop out the norm that you get so used to..

Its pretty sad that there aren't more American Citizens in the class. I don't remember the numbers but the participation of AmCits in higher education (in particular the useful ones like engineering and science) is dreadfully low. I get scared for our future sometimes, since it seems that entertainment and education are one of our main exports, but eventually that will be produced elsewhere.

Awesome weekend! (I am a Lieutenant now)

Before I say anything else, here I am as the end result of 22 months of hard work!

So I had the pleasure of starting my weekend early, with Thursday night spent at the Zoo (at the very drinky event of Brew at the Zoo).

Then a WAY too early morning drive down for an 0800 report time down at Ft. Pickett.

Lots of inspections of the uniforms, practice for the graduation and the minutia that is required for these events. And very quickly it was Saturday Morning.

At 1230 I met with my parents and GF, went to the chapel and signed my life away for the next 6 years. I was very lucky in that my father, a retired LCDR from the Navy, was permitted to swear me in.

Then a little more dead time, then the ceremony, which was really nice. I actually won an award (Academic Leader) and then had the pleasure of having both my parents pin my 2nd Lieutenant bars onto my shoulder. Then a nice dinner in downtown Blackstone and a ride home.

Believe it or not I went for a 12.5 mile run Sunday morning (still training for the MCM). We also had a great dinner with 2 of the other 2LTs and their family's over at Ft. McNair in the evening. Lots of fun to be had by all!

And down they went!

3-1. Atlantic Cup... Moreno's 109th goal (now the holder of the most goals scored in MLS).... What a great game..

And the fingers were fun since my nephew LOVED them.... to see him wander into my parents place with one on both hands and him chanting d....c..... united! was awesome!

NY is going down

There are few teams I passionately dislike (in particular outside of the college realm.... yeah, I am looking at you Wahoo's as example). Somehow 2 of the them, the NY Yankees and the NY/NJ Metrostars (I mean Red Bulls) are from NY. So I am definately looking forward to this evening when I can sit back and let the boys in Black and Red take on the Metroscum... I mean Full of Bull... this evening....


T-minus 3 days until I become a comissioned officer....

So using contractors when I get married.....

So I just got a touch of what it feels like to arrange a wedding (at least that’s how it feels to me).

In the past couple of days I have had to get my fellow Officer Candidates to set up the reception for our graduation while I took on the daunting (to me at least) task of getting the invites out. Quite a task, something that I will go far to avoid in the future. 61 invitations to basically every general and field grade officer in the Virginia Army National Guard. Selecting and getting the wording of the invite, reply card and map approved, prying the invite list from the people who are providing the list, getting the cards (reply and main invite made up), generating and printing the labels (given the timeframe there was no way this was going to be hand labeled as protocol implies it should), getting Kinko’s to print the cards (and dealing with my the 3 phone calls and one visit from my GF to get things right) and then finally stuffing, labeling and stamping everything. All in 3 days... Thank god my GF was willing to help and could spare the time to help this hapless male through this crap.

T-Minus 8 days until I become 2nd Lieutenant Media Addict..... My uniform is almost completely ready and I am so stoked to move on to my next task (and to get this OCS stuff behind me).

Yeah, Yeah....

Its summer, I've been catching up (being gone for 15 days makes you feel like you are playing catchup for the next week or 2).

Seen some great movies (The Simpsons and The Bourne Ultimatum), enjoyed a great Restaurant Week meal and drinks (at 15Ria), went to NYC (awesome play, Avenue Q and awesome food (Bobby Flay's Bolo, Heidelburg German Restaurant, and of course a number of slices of NY Pizza) and am just now getting back into the swing of things..

Catching up on some TV too.... really enjoying the new and returning cable shows... Pysch has moved up to the list to near the top, Burn Notice, Mad Men, and a slew of others... now if only I had the time to watch everything...

Whoah!...

I got back at 11PM on Friday and am only now feeling up to writing about my two week ordeal.

Most of my squad (C/2/1 - Fishercats) from OCS....

Almost recovered from the Poison Ivy (it got on my face for gods sake.... my fricking face). Still not recovered on the sleep side.

Training sucked. Lots of time in the field, sleeping on the bare earth. Served as food for the local wildlife (chiggers.... so much bad information out there about them... I followed through with my resolution to do some research on it when I got back and good old Wikipedia didn't let me down.. here and here for more information on these pesky bugs... amazingly the mosquitos and ticks weren't even noticable).... But oh, the poison ivy..... There were some fields down there that make me shudder now... where it seems that every inch of the ground has this obnoxious plant on it. Luckily the Army cleaned me up a little right at the end, with a nice little shot and a treatment of drugs to decrease the effects. And the Combat Survival Water Test helped at the midpoint (thats me taking the plunge from the diving board below)

But overall I was kind of lucky. It could have been hotter, it could have rained a lot more, been buggier and overall sucked a lot more.

Interesting point.... Office Working City boys such as myself really cannot adapt to the type of weather down in Alabama in such a short time. This time last week I had received an IV of saline and electrolytes twice....

Its over and done with now, and now I just need to get things set for our graduation party on the 25th and then onward to joining my new Unit as a 2nd Lt.

I passed!

I am itchy and tired still but I am back, alive and mostly intact (except for a case of Poison Ivy that is taking its time to go away). 3 weeks until I can wear my new rank (after having it pinned on by parents). Still so tired... More to follow later when I have recovered from my 2 week long ordeal...

Hooah!

And I am off until the week of 8/5. I will be spending the next 16 days down at Ft. McClellan Alabama completing Phase III of OCS. Way too much camping for this city boy but them the breaks..

I fully expect to return a little beaten up, a number of pounds lighter, and with a big grin that I have finally finished the OCS thing and can proceed onto the real job at hand.

So until that time, I leave y'all with a big old HOOAH!

Out.

Movies! (and other entertaining stuff)

On Friday night I saw Ratatouille ... It was a lot of a fun. Right from the beginning, with the alien abduction bit then right into the main feature it was a very enjoyable movie. 7/10

Loving -

• Pysch - I loved the premier, and will definitely enjoy the 3 episodes that will be waiting for me when I return.


• Burn Notice - also lots of fun. will definitely be looking forward to the set that is waiting for me on return as well


• That my Tivo finally has a good HD


• That my GF is now living a lot closer. Her being out in Reston was a pain.
• That my best friend (from 1st grade) DV was in town last night.... I think we spent almost 4 hours catching up last night in Dremo's.... I m
  

Not so Loving...

• That DC United blew a frigging 3 point lead.... that was just sad


• That I have to leave my GF for 3 weeks... I hate that a decision that I made ealier is affecting her now.

Anxiety.

So after almost 2 years of training (9 weeks of basic training in '05, a 2 week AT last summer, countless weekend drills, class meetings, packing anxiety) I find myself rapidly approaching on my last 2 week training event for OCS here in VA.

Its been humbling so far. Because while the military stuff is known to me in theory, in practice its been difficult. I have never done so badly (in respect to others) in my life and its hurt my ego a lot. I did do well on the technical aspects (I have always been a quick study and the classes are at least vaguely familiar to me) but when it comes down to the practical parts I have found myself come up far short of my expectations.
And now in a handful of days it all comes down to how well I can execute a mission out in the field. One, maybe 2 chances to prove that I am worthy of leading the best soldiers in the world. No pressure at all..... Though I know that I can rise to the pressure and I have gotten pretty good support from my trainers at the OCS Company.

The packing is done, the papers I need are printed, the mind is already getting into the right mood. Time to spend some time with the family and GF. Oddly I am looking forward to seeing some of the great people that I met last summer, see some of the other candidates from VA and to see my good buddy PW (who will be joining us down in Alabama after doing the accelerated course. That and at this point I want to get over this hump and get on to the next challenge.

T-minus 2 days to departure...

The US Army does NOT travel light...

The Army gives their soldiers lots of stuff, and expects them to take it with them.. no longer is it the day of a soldier fitting everything into a rucksack and a duffel.

For further evidence, see the below pictures.... I am about to head off for AT (Annual Training, in my case its OCS (Officer Candidate School) Phase III) in another week so I decided to start laying everything out and seeing what I need...
The worst part is that there are a few items missing still..... (a couple of uniforms on the black container (not coming) and other things such as a personal hygiene kit.)
BTW, that thing wrapped in the rope is my tent... I swear it must date from the Korea war....
And thats not all... the next picture has items not on the packing list (though badly needed for the field) and yet ANOTHER bag full for gear that I had already packed (and there was no way that I am going to unpack at this time, its time for bed...)

Time to have one last glass of wine (my instructors would probably mock me for drinking wine instead of beer as I packed) and then off to bed... hopefully I won't stumble over this stuff in the morning....

T-minus 6ish days until Phase III... 2 weeks of hell in Alabama.

Harry Potter

I am that guy.... apparently the one guy who hasn't seen the other HP movies....

And of course somehow (namely because of the GF's obsession with HP) the first HP movie that I see is the 5th one. I read the first book and just decided to step back from the series. After this movie I have decided that I must rectify this after I get back (maybe not the books but at least the movies).

Overall I enjoyed the show, it was pretty fun though a bit packed. I guess enough of the movie seeped through from pop culture (and add in a whole life of reading SF, so I can pick up plots/different worlds pretty quickly) that I pretty much knew what was going on.

T-minus 7 days until Phase III... 2 weeks of hell in Alabama.

Love my media...

What I am watching on TV this summer (assuming I don't lose any more shows from my Tivo... poor thing doesn't like the new external HD):

• Burn Notice - I have really enjoyed the first 2 episodes
• Eureka - loved this show last summer
• Pysch - Fun show
• Dresden Files - need to catch up
• Flash Gordon
• Reruns of anything that I have missed
• Pretty much anything HD

Movies!

• Harry Potter
• Transformers

What I am playing

• Command & Conquer 3
• Carcassonne
• Settlers of Catan

Now back to my game of Carcassonne.... darn game is addictive. And the best part is that you can play heads up, unlike Catan...

T-minus 9 days until Phase III... 2 weeks of hell in Alabama.

Fun (or not so fun!) with Physics

While at Kings Dominion the GF and I ran into someone with a tenious grasp on physics (far beyond the wonderful comment that my mom made earlier this week.... "What goes down must come up".... hehe.... that will be a common line for us for quite some time to come).

They have a number of water slides there, and the one I wanted to try was called "Night Slider" - "the world's tallest enclosed dark tube slide". Sadly due to this womens misunderstanding of cause and effect I was unable to give it a whirl. Apparently right at the bottom you come off and keep heading down the water to slow you down... but this woman had the misfortune of standing up immediately upon hitting the bottom, which immediately caused her to flip over and onto the ground by the slide (solid concrete mind you) and slid for some 20 feet. She tried to play it off but my GF stopped her and pointed out that her shirt was ripped, then she saw her backside(major road rash, though it was hard to see since she was a black woman and luckily wearing a t-shirt). I only saw some of it, and then had to dodge her BF as he barreled down the stairs to join her. In the end it looks like she can chalk up the shirt, an couple of days/weeks of bandages (luckily her BF was a paramedic so she should have good help in that area) and one massively hurt pride/embaressing story to tell (or to desperately pray that it never gets mentioned again).

Sadly the ride was closed for the rest of the day so I didn't get my chance to try.

Weekend update

So other than the ruined weekend (which I still feel I haven't made up enough for to my GF) it was a pretty good weekend & 4th.
Had a great night out drinking on the 3rd with the GF and some of her friends. Love Cafe Asia's Happy Hour deals! By far one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Tried some Ginger beer at Dr. Dremo's (my how I will miss that place). Then a movie at home.

I was lucky that I won a drawing to see the Fireworks from the top of my building (pictures to come) along with my GF and parents. It was definitely a cool way to take in the fireworks. If you have the chance its among the most civilized ways to check it out, AC and free food.... hard to pass up.

Went to Kings Dominion on Friday. We started late (didn't get there til 1300) but it actually worked in our favor (since we could stop by Sonic for lunch and then avoid some of the heat of the day). Lines were longish (though I still love the Volcano). Popped over to the water park, rode some of the great rides (Tornado wins for the best water ride ever... now they just need to automate the lugging of the raft up... Zoom Flume was fun too.). Other than realizing that Tomb Raider:Firefall was so not for us (leading to a good 40 minute break) the rest of the rides were fun. Still need to go back and hit some of the rides again and do clean-up on some of the ones we skipped.

Then after an early start for me on Saturday (3 hours to get through the physical at Sandston) we went downtown to Chocobottom, stopped in a brewpub for lunch, hit this place called the Railstation further down the street for dessert (some awesome Gelato and some pastries), did some window shopping and browsing. Then we went to the GF's Sister place over by Charlottesville (where of course I wore my VT gear everywhere). A great dinner and wine (me and the GF basically by ourselves killed the 2 bottles that brought), some playing with a friendly 2yo, then bed. A nice brunch in the downtown mall (more VT gear , hehehe) then off for home. Then I got to play with my nephew (making this the weekend of the 2yo) then off to an early bed.

Unacceptable....

My countdown clock continues for my disappearance for 2 weeks (crikee, I even dreamed about the Army stuff last night, something that I HATE when it happens). 10 days before I head out. I blame the physical I got on Saturday (which completely ruined my GF's plans for heading to the beach.... I think that I hate that more than anything else. The Army can mess with me as much as it wants, I am so used to it. But messing with loved ones? Completely UNACCEPTABLE.. I don't think my GF has ever seen me so worked up as I was when this happened(one week from when we were to head out on vacation... you would think that they would have noticed this issue before that and allowed me to plan). I am so not used to decisions that I made (joining the Guard in this case) having adverse affects on others. Guess I had better get used to it given that I am mere weeks away from commissioning.
That and making me get up early on one of my last free weekends? What the heck was I thinking when I signed up??!

United Flight 93

So now that I have had a day or more to process it I can write a bit about it.
On the way back from Pittsburgh we took US-30 for a more scenic route back. And then I saw the sign and pointed it out to the GF. She then asked me if I wanted to go, and to be completely honest I hesitated.... I had to take a second to think about it but after a little consideration I decided that I could handle the place. So then I indicated that we should head over (its about 3 miles off US-30). We didn't talk much on the way in, a little mention of "United 93" (which I still haven't worked up the nerve to watch... I may watch it in the next couple of weeks before I head off for AT) but overall it was a quite drive in.

The memorial is pretty moving. I know that there are plans for a formal monument/park and I am sure that it will be very tasteful and respectful, but the one that is there now is very raw... You can still feel the respect and sadness people feel about this event.

I don't think I spoke more than a handful of words while at the site. I really felt that I opened my mouth too much I would probably end up crying, since it was such a moving place. We took in the views from the site, looked at the memorial wall where people still place objects and checked out the plaques that were placed there. The whole time that I was there I felt that I was on the edge of crying. We stayed about 15 minutes and then resumed our ride home. I don’t think I talked until we were about 10 miles away…

I didn't take any pictures there (and neither did the GF). It just didn't feel appropriate. Maybe for some people it is but in my heart I will always remember the place and don't need pictures of the place... it just seems macabre.

Live Free or Die Hard

After my fun in Pittsburgh (and an EXCELLENT meal at Generous George's in Alexandria) the GF and I went off to see the late showing ofDie Hard 4 at AMC Hoffman 22 (love this theater... so brings back the majesty of the movie theater). Surprisingly packed (we got just about the last 2 person spot in the theater).

So first of course as a native Washingtonian let me just rant for a little..... I HATE it when they use stand-in cities for my hometown (at least this one didn't have any Metro scenes.... those are just too painful when you have the BART or LA Subway standing in). Skyscrapers, odd toll lanes in odd tunnels, street names that don't exist.... ugh.... And the bad-guy helo's would so not have been able to get into the areas that it did (can you say interdicted airspace?)... And then you toss the whole cyber part in.... its not like I don't work in this field or anything.... too many things to comment on there.

That said..... almost the perfect summer movie. Excellent pace, cast was perfect (even down to my boy, Kevin Smith, as Morlock - the super hacker)... it was smooth... the pacing was excellent (never a glance at watch/phone moment), the requisite catch-phrases, plot made some sense and above all was well nigh-perfect on the whole stunts and effects category (they so deserve something when the Oscars come around).

9/10... An instant classic summer movie.

Pittsburgh

(with an "h".. the German in me just wants to leave it off apparently)
So this weekend I agreed to go with the GF to a family event in Pittsburgh. I decided that since she has met my family (the joys of living close to home) that it was only fair (and now since I learned on Friday that I would have to cancel on our beach trip (thank you Uncle Sam for scheduling a fricking physical at the last minute on me) that it was early pennance for that).

So after stopping at this cute little breakfast place in Gaithersburg it was on to Pburgh... Met the whole slew of family that day and next. Experience Eat 'N Park and then got a slew of Smile cookies to bring home (or to attempt... very few of them survived the trip home..).

Me and a Smiley:
(Special note... don't do this to someone while driving..... the car moved in bad way when she saw me do this to her on the trip back)




Then it was a quick stop for shopping (hello outlet mall..... me and mr Amex got a little workout and my wardrobe increased) and then home.

Too easily amused.

so the GF is taking care of a friends dogs for the past couple of days.....

And yep... I sent the following last night after stopping by and letting them out for a bit...

Subject: Who let the dogs out?

I let the dogs out. Woof woof!

Nope, still hasn't gotten old.

And thats not counting the times that I have gone "woof woof" when she has said in conversations that she "needs to go and let the dogs out"..

Ah the simple pleasures in life.

World is small

so I Facebook.... I am fascinated by it and other social networking sites (you name it and I probably have a profile on it)...
Today in adding a friend of my older brother's, AR, I got a message from a girl I went on a few dates with a couple of months ago who also knows AR...... such a small world, noted here, here and here

Oh and ..... GO DC UNITED... a little rain delay seemed to have helped them... 4-1.... NICE!
Too bad my boys in Red White and Blue couldn't pull it off too. Though the victory over Mexico last Sunday assuages some of that angst....

Limits....

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/world/europe/22veil.html?ex=1340164800&en=47585fe627ca01b1&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
So I am all about religious freedom. It’s the most basic foundation of this country. But the practice of the burka (or nijab or whatever) goes too far... We also live in a free society where there is accountability and individuality of our actions. The very fact of obscuring the face, of turning women into something in the background makes the bile rise into my throat. And then you toss in my standard concerns about security (ummm... yes... it was the person wearing the black burka... that’s just a threat). And you add in how important eye and face contact is here in one of the most Western of countries, where looking the other person in the face is so key to establishing relationships and trust...

Ugh, this reminds me of how its trying to creep into the States (and for the most part we are holding our ground.... for things from a pure security point of view (I am still in shock/awe that one woman down in Florida wanted her Drivers License to have her wearing a veil....)). There is accommodation and then there is adaptation. This is yet another example of how the US is no longer the melting pot that we are so proud of.... not in the world of instant communication and the ever shrinking niche groups.

Fracking Hot

And what is my brain telling me? That I need to go for a run? I must be on crack.... DC Weather is just short of Hell today... Definately an indoor run.


So I survived the weekend (which, par for the course, wasn't as bad as I built it up to be). Lots of fun at the range (and actually learned something useful for my career, how to run a range). Qualified in my first shoot (which is why I will never wear glasses for shooting... I had the worst time qualifying during basic because of them). Passed my APFT (though I still need to watch what I eat since I get weighed at Phase III too).


Watched a depressing movie last night (Catch And Release). Perhaps not the best movie to watch with your GF. Nothing like a movie where the guy dies right before the wedding to make women nervous. I really did like Kevin Smiths character though... he is so one of my favorite people in Hollywood. On the plus side my Tivo Series 3 is working again (the replacement finally showed up and I got it operational on Monday.... and then Comcast had to send people out to call this in(to reactivate my Cablecards into the new Tivo).... Even the techs were calling this retarded).

Two great places to eat that I have been at:

• The Italian Store - LOVE this place. Best subs around and some of the best Pizza outside NYC.
• Lost Dog Cafe - Best beer selection in Arlington. The Dog Collars were great... tabasco + onion rings. And the Pizza was top notch.