Should Actors Be Accountable For Their Known/Anticipated Effects

I'm not going to voice an opinoin to the already present discord.  Instead, I'm just going to provide you with this link to stir your thoughts.

 

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/freedom-to-inflame/?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=thab1

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2011 PT Test

I took my PT test this morning. I got myself all hyped up on energy
drinks early (just after i rolled out of bed I took my first drink).
I did my pre-PT test ritual (I'll leave out the details) and was out
at the assembly area for 0545. Wow, was today ever windy. I'm
actually surprised that they gave the go-ahead for taking the test.
Anyway, the PU & SU went well, as expected. I did 43 PU and 59 SU.
Once the SU event was over and I was done holding the feet of the next
soldier to test, I took my "insurance" shot. I had a 5-Hour Energy
drink that I was saving for this. It was then that I took it. That
gave me about 15-20 minutes for it to kick in and then it was start
time for the run.

When we assembled at the start line, I was pleased to find that the
line I was using for the start was wrong. Therefore, I started the
run with a little more confidence. The line I was using was about 25m
longer. Previously in the week I was doing 2 mile training runs.
Tuesday's run was a nice 16:35 time. However, I did that without
doing any PU or SU before hand. Also, I found out that I shorted the
track by a couple 10's of meters. Then on Wednesday I gave myself a
complete mock test. I did my PU & SU (42 & 52 respectively) and set
out for my run. Knowing this time that I had shorted the day before,
I ran the correct distance (plus my longer start line) and came in at
a scary 18:37. That certainly didn't help my confidence.

Anyway, today I approached the line and I was riveted. I was ready to
go. It was interesting, I was the first off the line. Though, I was
passed quickly by a over-adventurous younger soldier. Within 50m I
caught him. He burned himself pretty quickly. So, I kept my pace.
After I regained the lead of the pack, I held it for quite a time. I
was approaching the 3/4 mile mark before I was overtaken. I was
surprised that I held it for that long. Granted, I wasn't running
with the entire company, just the PT failures and overweight
population. I was only one of a few that were taking a record test
because the others were just a diagnostic. Their record tests will be
next month.

The course we ran was a U shape and caused us to have some pretty
funky effects due to wind. So, once I made the second turn to toward
the 1 mile mark, I had the wind at my back and all was going well. I
was shocked when I got to the turn. I had covered the first mile in
just 7:45. That is about 45 seconds faster than my typical pace. It
was at this point that I had a clear impression that I was going to
pass.

I was the 3rd person to the turn. On the way back to the wall, we had
the wind at our face. It was just sheer will that I pushed thru. It
was at about the 1 1/2 mile mark that I hit my "wall". My legs wanted
to give in; my lungs were screaming; I wanted to stop. But, I knew
that I just needed to survive another 1/2 mile in order to lock in a
passing grade. I pushed thru. When I reach the point of having
approximately 400m to go, I opened my stride. I tried to suck wind as
quickly as possible. I wanted to sprint from there. I knew if I did,
I'd kill it, so I didn't. I held off and it was good that I did.
When I reached the 100m mark I felt that I was close on time. There
was a runner in front of me that was being paced by others. I heard
someone say something about "17 minutes". However, I ignored that and
pushed on, hoping against hope.

The last 100 meters were hell. I wanted to stop, I felt like I was
about to puke, my legs were burning, they were feeling very heavy. My
breathing was rapid, I was at my peak heart rate (or so). It was pure
desire that got me over the line. When I crossed the line all I heard
was the second. "34". "34" what? 17:34? 16:34? I had to ask my
grader. He gave me the news and it was good. I crossed the line with
26 seconds to spare. 16:34! I punched my arms in the air and tried
to yell, but the best I got was a gaspy squeak. Apparently it was an
ambiguous sound because my peer (B Co 44th ESB C&E Maint NCOIC) came
over to see if I were ok and if I was victorious or defeated. I was
pleased to tell him it was a "GO".

So, after the test was completed, I hung around encouraging the others
that were going to their knees and all after crossing the line. We
had a couple of people puke, myself almost being one of them. I was
lucky, mine was just a burp. :) Anyway, after the finish line started
to break-up, we headed over to the TOC to weigh in. I am at the max
weight for my height and age (age 32, 5' 8 1/2", 183 lbs). If I were
to put on any additional weight, I will have to get tape measured to
confirm that I'm below some body mass index value in the 20's. I
think 22 for active duty and 24 for NG.

So, my next objective is to drop some weight. I'm not sure how, but
it is on my focus list. 15-20lbs drop would be awesome.

I have been told that the E6 promotion list comes out in May. I
expect that is when I'll finally get to wear my rocker. Today I
passed my PT test which will certainly keep me as a go for my
promotion. I think it is just a matter of biding my time and it will
come.

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Poetry?

You all know that a poet I am not.  However, while I was walking to work this evening [just a hair under a 1/2 mile], I had the start of a thing just come to me.  I didn't try to make it rhyme or force on it any specific pentameter in mind.  Not being an expert on the subject, it is possible that it is within some standard form.  Anyway, it is just a little something:

Here I sit waiting for the phone to ring. 

To whom do I await such a call, but no one. 

For a silent phone means that all is well

It is Christmas morning and far away I sit.

I wish that everyone else is happy and well.

I hope that my sacrifice is appreciated by all.

It is my hope that everyone should know what they have.

Have and hold; See and surround them.

Their creature comforts to all of their freedoms.

I serve my country to preserve our rights.

To maintain what we have and provide it to others.

Why can't they see how this can help them?

I'm not sure I exactly like it or feel that it is even complete.  But it is what I have at this time and I wanted to share.

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The Pillars of the Earth

When you begin to read your first book from an author new to you, the relationship always starts tentatively.  This one was especially tentative since the author admitted to be branching out of his comfort zone.  Between this admission and the discussion about writing about churches and cathedrals, I was concerned.  In fact, despite the fact that I had received 2 very strong and credible recommendations about this book, I held my reservations about the topic and delayed the commencement of reading for a couple of weeks.  It happened to be a trip to another camp which spurred me into cracking into the book.

WOW!  I will start off by saying that I am SO glad that I was gifted this book AND I took the time to read it.  Even with such an interesting motivation for the author, the story and breadth of the subplots was masterfully written.  This book was interesting from page one and it never quit.  There was never a lull in the story which gave you an opportunity to disengage.  The characters are very well rounded and they develop so quietly that, before you know it, you could swear that you knew them personally.  During the climatic events, you are not just drawn in as a spectator, but feel that you ARE there and genuinely share in the feelings of the characters.  All thru the book, during the ups and the downs, the captivation did not end; except, of course, when the book ended.  Even then, you finish wanting more. 

As for the cathedral aspects of the story, I recommend that you have your favorite dictionary or dictionary website handy (or just Google Image Search) so that you will be better able to imagine the details of the building as it is intended.  Quite frequently there are concepts that are introduced that are not immediately made clear as to what they are.  Unfortunately, much of the Google images search capabilities are crippled on the Army communications network.  There will be concepts which you may think you are familiar with, but seeing them makes a world of difference.  For example; what does a cloister look like?  For me, the word brings to mind the concept of protection.  Well, what protection are they talking about in the building of a church or cathedral?  Well, the walkways of course.  The monks, priests, and bishops don't want to have to be exposed to the elements when they are walking from their refectory or quarters to the church.  However, if you don't see images of this construct while you are reading the book, it will certainly ruin the image which the author is trying to create.  Even with my internet access being severely limited and filtered, I found another, albeit, unlikely source of reference material.  Around the time that I began reading The Pillars of the Earth, I started to play Assassin's Creed.  Assassin's Creed happens to be within the same approximate time period.  While I was playing the game, I started to notice the construction techniques and concepts which were presented in the book.  I would occasionally find myself saying, so that is what the cloister could look like or the flying buttress or otherwise.  I found the parallel to be quite interesting.
 
I am pleased that I have also been gifted the sequel.  I am very much looking forward to be sucked back into the medieval world of Ken Follett contained within the pages of World Without End.

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Challenge Coins

The Challenge Coin is a small and interesting part of the military eco system.  Wikipedia has a full description of the coins and their history.  Anyway, the reality of these coins during my service has been that the coin represents an impromptu award for recognition of actions taken but without the formal award process.  Coins are typically marked with the rank of the person handing them out.  In my career, I have now earned 3 such coins.  Two of them are from the battalion level [LTC/CSM] and the other is from division [Major General].

 

I hold my first coin most dear because 1) it was my first, 2) I worked the hardest to get it and 3) two stars is going hard to top.  My second coin was earned because I had the winning design in the LTC's contest.  So, as advertised, I received the first minted coin for my victory.  My last coin, well, that is why I'm writing this update.  It is a "special" one.  Before I go into the actions taken to be the recipient of the coin, I want to elaborate more on the receipt of a coin.

 

Everyone in which I have questioned within my unit and upcon unit have agreed, the receipt of a coin is almost universally given for a special/specific action which was recognized by command.  I've heard of recipients being recognized just about anything, however, I've never heard of a coin being given because someone wanted rules broken.  Typically, rules are in place to maintain control, organization, and harmony.  With receipt of this, my latest coin, there is a deviation in that universal assumption.

 

So, lets paint the picture.  I'm in my full battle-rattle, standing in my bunker, doing my part at the Entry Control Point [ECP].  I am the ranking person at the point at this time.  It was late morning and we receive a guest.  A SSG approaches our bunker with a piece of wood in his hand.  When he reaches our position he slaps the wood item face down against the bunker and requests for the soldier in charge.  This question was vague since he could have been asking for the Sergeant of the Guard or for me.  Anyway, I didn't think about this distinction when I answered as who he was seeking.  His question was simple and reasonable (IMHO).

 

This SSG described that their battalion commander was coming in at a later time that day and would like to mount an augmentation to the camp welcome sign.  The idea was intriguing and thus I wanted to hear more.  So, he flips over the sign to further drive his point home.  The sign he produced indicated, "AND NOW WITH MORE MOUNTAIN".  I just about lost it.  I thought it was too damn funny.  After granting permission, he reached out and shook my hand.  Within his hand was a coin from his unit.  It was so quick & quiet that the other guards didn't even know that I got it.  Regardless of the coin, I would have granted it.  Likewise, I still would have helped him put up the sign.

 

So, you're likely sitting there questioning the "breaking the rules" part of the awarding of this coin; which rules?  Well, a guard can be given two types of orders; general and special.  Each of our general and special orders are posted inside our bunker.  Two of the special orders were written with tower guard in mind, but are easily converted over to the bunker used at ECP duty.  The rules in question were somewhat as follows:

• Guards shall not modify their tower in any way
• Guards shall not vandalize their tower

Since the welcome sign was part of my bunker (i.e. tower) this vandalizing was also a modification.  Having permitted this SSG to put up this sign was an explicit violation of both.  The interesting thing is that the SSG mentioned that the battalion commander was not on site, therefore, the LTC couldn't have been the granter, therefore, the battalion CSM must have been the wheel greaser.  Regardless of whom authorized the coin's dissemination, I'll happily take a 10th Mountain coin any day for any reason.

 

I thought it was interesting and anyone which has received such a coin will likely find this odd.

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Combat Zone PT Test

Welcome to combat in the 21st century.  This is a time when typical garrison activities are carried forward to the war zone.  In my short time as a forward soldier I have been exposed to some activities which are typically assumed to be limited to garrison.  I sometimes wonder if the chain has forgotten that we're at war and in a combat zone.  I have been instructed on some camps to salute, wear a reflector belt after dark (isn't it an objective to stay concealed at night?), stand in formation, be subject to in-ranks inspection, attend a board, and even put vehicles "on line".  I do understand the purpose of C2 [Command & Control] and some of these things are safety related or traditional or developmental activities, but the one that I find most frustrating is the PT test, albeit a diagnostic.

 

I can respect the fact that PT is a required activity and is pushed heavily by the chain.  I acknowledge that the chain has to push because otherwise soldiers are going to be lazy and attempt to sham out of it, unless they are really into lifting and/or body building.  I am not a fan of either, yet I respect the fact that I need to maintain my physical fitness or my ass will get fat again [and not really my ass, but aside the point].  Also, if I fail to maintain my training, I will slide backward in my pursuit of maintaining a level of training which commiserates with the requirements of the APFT [Army Physical Fitness Test].  I have test failures which haunt my army career and I wish to quash any further shortcomings.

 

So, for a while since arriving at my camp of assignment, I was using Insanity as my training of choice.  I successfully completed Phase I before scheduling conflicts and technical issues prevented further progression to Phase II.  Anyway, for those not familiar with Insanity, it is another video workout routine as distributed by Beach Body [the distributers of P90X and others].  This routine is 100% cardio and personal resistance; there is not a single weight or apparatus required to complete any workout.  As with P90X, there is a periodic test to evaluate one's progress in the system.  From the first week to the 5th week, there was a massive change and that would have continued thru the 9th week except that we hit an insurmountable wall.  Anyway, from the time that we stopped using the routine to the PT test was between 2 & 3 weeks.  When I stopped doing Insanity, I stopped doing PT entirely except once the PT test was announced.

 

What?  PT test?  Who takes a PT test in the combat zone?  Anyway, the unit in which we are UPCON [not exactly attached, but we report up thru their chain regarding operations but not for administration] to required that we participate.  I thought that this would be an interesting test to see exactly how much Insanity lent to the testing requirements.  From November 20th thru Nov 30, I may have run 4 times.  This is significant as I would soon learn.  November 20th was a camp wide 5k run for charity to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I had high hopes for my time for this run.  My hopes were dashed early.  We were running a 3 lap course and my lap times were as follows:

1. 9:45 
2. 20:30 
3. 33:02

Thirty-three oh two?  WTF?  What happened to when I could run 4 miles in 35 minutes?  Well, apparently that was long gone.  Anyway, I would soon learn during my next training run that we had run further than 5k for that run.  2 laps around the course was 2.25 miles according to my carefully calibrated Nike+iPod system.  This gave me hope since that time was not up to my standards.  Then again, neither was our running surface.

 

The route we used to conduct our 5k "fun run" was the main road in the camp.  However, this road is only marginally better than running in sand; it is compacted gravel.  By compacted gravel, I mean that it was a gravel road created by the engineers and frequently driven enough that there are some ruts which are more solid than others.  It is not uncommon to walk or run on the road and roll an ankle because you've stepped on a rock or something uneven.  So, as you can likely see, we're not talking about a finished asphalt or concrete road.  This surface leaves much to be desired for the purposes of training for the 2-mile run let alone test on it.  For the 5k, the course was circular with one leg in a less driven section which was especially shifty underfoot.  For the PT test, this section was avoided and the course was configured to be a U under the there-and-back premise.

 

So, now that you know what I've been doing for my physical training and what kind of conditions we have to work with, let's talk about the PT test which was conducted on 30 November.  The test was initiated at 0700 and it was a blustery morning.  We were all in our winter PT uniforms to stay warm.  However, during our turns for the push-ups and sit-ups during the test, we'd remove our jackets.  Therefore, I would say that the low temperature certainly wasn't extreme, instead I'd say inconvenient.  By the time that we started the run, the temperature had raised enough to make my short sleeve shirt barely inadequate while we were standing around waiting for the start command.  I wanted to wear my long sleeve shirt but I couldn't find it.  Anyway, while I was running, I had realized that I may have wanted to remove my long pants as well, but it was too late for that then.

 

I woke up this morning in plenty of time to nonchalantly prepare myself and move to the testing location.  My mental status would have qualified as determined and optimistic.  I would characterize my physical status as marginally prepared.  I was concerned about the push-up event because of not explicitly testing myself previous to the test.  Likewise, I was concerned about the run because of my poor results in the 5k and subsequent runs.  Although, I felt that if I were able to put down a good number of push-ups that I would be able to muscle thru the run on sheer determination.

 

Typically when I take a PT test, my goal is to put down 25-30 push-ups before I feel the NEED to rest.  Well, I started out strong, as I typically do, and kept pushing.  I quickly got to 20, then 25, and I wasn't feeling the fatigue that I was expecting at that point.  However, I did slow my pace a bit.  With a slowed pace, I pushed until I had to rest.  That put me at 35 repetitions.  For my age group, I'm required to complete 39 reps to score the event minimum of 60 points.  Well, 35 reps done and just now thinking to rest was an awesome sign.  Well, I didn't use a rest position here; instead, I stayed in the front leaning rest and caught my breath.  Once caught, I progressed forward to complete the next 4.  With my 39th rep completed, I arched my back and took another breather.  Since I had plenty of time and still felt good, I pushed out 3 more reps to get to 42 and called it quits.  I could have done more but I was happy with what I had completed.

 

With approximately 10 minutes until my turn would come around again, my mental attitude was bolstered by this profound showing.  At this point, I was pretty certain that I would manage a go today.  The next event would be the sit-ups.  Once my turn would arrive again, I was ready to go.  My minimum requirement for this event is 45 reps.  I knocked out 51 reps before I needed to stop and rest.  Granted my pace changed from the start point to there, but I had already crushed the minimum.  The soldier holding my feet encouraged me to push out 5 more and I took this under advisement and didn't see the harm since I wasn't feeling any strain.  With the count now up to 56 he requested 5 more.  I took a brief rest, set my mind to it and knocked them out.  I finished the event with a few seconds remaining and 61 reps completed.  What was more impressive to me was that I was able to stand by my own will.   Historically, when I would be completed with this event, I would have to roll out of the position and strongly encourage my body to stand.  Today, this was not even an issue or a thought.  I'm impressed.  Don't get me wrong, there was some tension that indicated that the reps were done, but nothing I felt I need to worry about going into the run.

 

By the time we relocated from the PU/SU area to the 2 mile start/finish line, the tension was gone and I was ready to start.  We were given several more minutes to prepare/cool before starting the run.  I had convinced myself that game day would bring me the extra time that I was lacking during previous trials.  When they started the prep calls for the run, I was mentally & physically ready for this event to start.  I would have to run this 2 mile route under 17 flat to pass the event and, subsequently, the test.  The timing was good.  At the command of "GO!" I was off.  I felt good.  Unfortunately, I was suddenly concerned.  From the start line to approximately the 400m mark, no one had passed me.  I would estimate that I reached a good 550-600m or so before I was passed for the first time.  I tried to keep my pace but it was tapering off despite my desire to the contrary.  Once I was passed, it was like the flood gates had been opened, the stream of passers kept going for a bit.  Once the bulk of people passed me that was the last time I would be passed.  I got to the turn and the news wasn't exactly great but it was discouraging either.  I completed the first mile in 8:25.  This would give me exactly 8:35 to complete the second mile.  That would be a daunting achievement but I didn't think it was impossible.  I know with how my training runs go that my speed is continually decreasing thru the entire run session.  The first mile is always the quickest.  Would I be able to will myself into achieving this goal?

 

On the trip toward the start/finish line, I would encounter another runner that was a spurt runner.  It appeared that they were doing their best to stay in front of me.  Each time I would get close to them, they would kick it up and run away from me.  Then, once they reach a certain point, would drop to a brisk walk again until I would catch up.  This lasted the entire back stretch until their pace dropped below the average of my pace and I overtook them at the first turn.  This first overtaking didn't last long, for they pushed to pass me once again.  By the time that I reached the second and last turn, I had managed to complete the pass and keep them behind me.  Knowing that I was around 800m from the start/finish line, I started to extend my stride again and begin my kick.  I have been training enough at known distances as of late (last year or so) that I've learned how to progressively build up my kick over a longer distance.  From the 800m point to the 300m mark I was smoothly transitioning from my distance speed to my finish speed.  At the 300m mark was when I attempted to get from jog/run to run/sprint.  As I approach the finish line (< 50m), I can hear the time keeper reading off times.  I can hear the numbers are in the single digits, but I didn't catch the whole minute.  So, I push out the last bit with everything that I have left.  The only number I hear clearly when I cross the line is 13.  What 13 is it?  Could I have really run the 2nd mile so that it was 16:13?  Doubtful.  I'm thinking, come on timekeeper, what minute?  Well, there wasn't anyone on my heals, so I had to ask.  Gah!  It was 17:13.

 

So, again, I have managed to fail yet another PT test.  Was this failure really my fault?  Was the course the correct distance?  Was the course fair?  Regardless, it didn't matter.  It was only a diagnostic test.  Pass or fail, it didn't count.  Well, was it my fault?  I guess I could have run independently more such that I would have known that I would have passed.  No training can adequately replace the act of running; not Insanity, not P90X.  According to my Nike+iPod says the distance was correct.  Therefore, the only variable left was the condition of the course.  It wasn't unduly hilly.  The only thing that I can say is that it isn't a solid surface like asphalt or concrete.  Overall, we've seen people's run times reduced by as little as a minute to as many as 3.  I honestly feel that if I were to retake the test right now on a concrete or asphalt route that I'd pass.  Well, not this moment because I managed to pull a muscle during the test which would severely hinder my ability to do push-ups.  Am I disappointed in failing, yes.  Am I discouraged due to this failure, no.  I think I'm in as good of physical condition at this time as I could have asked to be if I were at home; likely better.

 

So, in summary, I'll get it beat next time regardless of location.  And, if I'm lucky enough to get to take my next test after April 6, I will certainly pass.  As I get to move up to the next age brackets with my next birthday.  How exciting!

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Blog Updates

Any and all of my readers which have returned with me, thank you.  I appologize for my log absence, but I have a very valid reason for it.   As most of you know, I'm not at home, not even close.  Instead, I am 9.5 hours ahead somewhere in Afghanistan doing my part to contribute to the efforts of OEF.  My unit is moving from the state of installation to the state of sustainment.  Therefore, things should begin to become more regular around here.  Regularity will produce predictability, particularly where internet access is concerned.  I hope that this will be the start of regular updates thru the duration of my deployment.

 

Up to this point, internet access has been available if you are able to find a laptop which is unlocked at the TOC or have the time to visit MWR.  I was visiting MWR frequently for a while and found that their 30 minute limit to be frustratingly short.  It got to the point that by the time that I was done checking my e-mail and backlog of FB updates that my limit would be over.  Then I would have to stand in line again if I wanted to do any shopping or would like to respond to e-mails or stuff on FB.  Then, there is the army network.  Unless you have been fortunate to be provided a machine and a connection, obtaining network time during business hours is about impossible.  On top of that, FB and many other resources which I would love to use is blocked on the army network.  The site blocking system just so happens to include Blogger (blogspot.com) by Google as a forbidden site.  The only way that I'm even able to post this update is via e-mail.

 

So, as of this point, please check back at a regular interval as I hope that I'll have posted some new content!

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"Friendly advise"

To every friend, acquaintance and family member. I've finally had my fullfillment of what everyone calls friendly advise and helpfulness.

Ever since Cat has been born and Bob has left my ears have not stopped hearing it from every direction. From your house needs this to you need to make friends and everything inbetween.

It is now officially insulting, rude and demeaning. Yes I know that my windows are open. Guess what! I did that myself and I am reminded every morning with how nice and cool it feels. I do not need to make new friends I've got plenty thank you. And I don't need to call my doctor's office everyday to hear a voice. Another guess what. They get so flooded with phone calls that they now charge for every phone call that comes in so they can cut down on the amount so they can do their freaking job with the patients that are coming in their front door! And if I wanted to join a Mommy and me group I would have already freaking found a place and joined. And thanks to all the mother's telling me about ear infections. YES I KNOW THAT IT GOES ALONG WITH TEETHING. I'm not stupid.

If I want advise I'll ask for it. And when I ask for it don't tell me that I need to make friends or call my doctor's office or this is what I did with my kids. YES I KNOW THAT YOU GAVE YOUR KIDS WATER WHEN THEY WERE BABIES AND YES I KNOW THAT YOU DID THIS AND THAT YOU DID THAT. I don't care at this point what other people did with their kids or what I should be doing with my house. I'm more then capable of figuring things out on my own. I know what needs to be done with my house thank you. Are you going to come and babysit my child for me instead of doing it? No your not. So shut up. Are you going to let me figure things out for myself with my child? Probably not. Unless it is going to cause bodily harm or bleeding shut up.

I'm tired of being the one having to listen to everyone else because I have to show respect. WHERE'S MY FUCKING RESPECT!!!!!!! I'm officially going to start cutting ties with anyone that will not listen to me at this point. I'm tired of the undermining and people saying I'm just trying to be helpful or forgetting. I don't care what they are calling it these days. I pretty much already have to tell people that they are not allowed to come to my house because of adults being childish and not abiding my rules and discipline. All because they are in their 50's and don't want to act it and feel that people MUST respect them. Well guess what. If you don't respect me then I'm sure as hell not going to respect you. I don't care who you are. This is the last straw and I'll turn away anyone that I see fit that will not abide by me. If these means that I don't see people in Pittsburgh anymore either then fine. I need to draw the line in order to be heard at this point.

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Fatherhood, New

I have been asked several times in several different forms, yet the underlying question is always the same, "how is being a new father"? I find myself unable to properly quantify the answer to that question in any which gives the question justice. However, I am feel a need to try.

The most basic answer to the question is, different. However, that answer lacks substance and quantification. Different by itself doesn't indicate a good or bad connotation. Different can be read good or bad based completely upon the recipients perspective or based on the inflection or method of presentation while it is being spoken. However, different by itself is grossly inadequate as an answer. Anyone who has an imagination could properly infer that going to from a married couple to being married with children will be significantly different. But if that person is not already a parent, the chances of their perception of the amount of different in multiple situations may likely be blown out of proportion.

I have come to the conclusion that being a father of an infant is surprisingly simple. The rules are pretty straight forward; support your wife, cooperate with her every request and/or demand, continue to pull an income, and guess, guess, and guess some more as to what the crying baby wants. Sure, I guess I'm glossing over somethings, but they seemed obvious to me. For example, free time is not yours anymore. Free time is daddy/baby time, or chores time, or mommy/daddy time or exercise time. It has become pretty few and far between that any block of time has been expectantly devoted to my projects. But that is the way it is supposed to be, isn't it? I still manage to find time to watch movies and TV. But this time is typically spent multitasking on demand.

Don't hear me wrong. I am still able to allocate time to play D&D weekly. I would think that should I find the freedom to play hockey, if I wasn't in an injury avoidance mindset right now. Angel & I still find the time to make a periodic visit to Summits. But generally, life has continued to move forward more or less as it did BFC (Before First Child).

One of the largest expectations of change was the anticipation of this pressure of doing things "right" for the baby, which felt so overwhelming. So far, I can't say that this pressure has come to fruition. The requirements for caring for the child have been minimal. Hold them, rock them, walk them, diaper them, clothe them, feed them, decipher cries, wash, rinse, repeat. Even trips out to public haven't much changed. Sure, we may need a stroller sometimes, we have this infant car seat to keep hold of everywhere, but the act of doing the standard day-to-day things really hasn't changed drastically, if anything, the changes have been subtle.

The most drastic and noteworthy things to discuss would be our sleeping habits. Suddenly, 9 AM has become about standard for wake-up. This is Cat's fault most of the time, but it does have a favorable side effect; AM workouts instead of waiting until after work. Additionally, the 0-Dark-30 wake-ups are not so fun. Thankfully, we're just about the point where we're down to one or two wake-ups nightly instead of the every-two-hours schedule. However, this wasn't an issue that greatly effected me much because Angel buffered me from them (oh, what an angel she was!). At one point, there was the "I don't wanna sleep anymore" nightly fight. Mommy said, screw it, you figure it out and went to sleep for this one. I would have to spend somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour and a half cycling between walking, rocking, cooing, and bouncing in multiple positions trying to find what she wanted. Granted, this was after we knew she had a full belly and a clean diaper. This would happen just about nightly as well. But it didn't and doesn't last forever. Ironically, typically this was ended with a feeding. I gotta say, it must be nice to fall asleep at the dinner table. And I'll refrain on commenting about the jealousy of what her dinner table looks like.

Anyway, a trend does seem to be evolving. Once you think that you have things figured out, the kid will find a way to throw you a curve ball you were not expecting. However, at this point, the curve balls don't seem all that bad in comparison to the ones which I know to expect. I hear verbal communication changes things significantly. By the way, crying is bad, but once they learn to scream, you have a whole new set of issues on your hands. Therefore, I'm learning a whole new definition to flexibility.

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Catherine Susan's Birthday

Well, it is a little bit delayed and there is since more information to share, so I need to get this documented sooner rather than later. I need to recap the events of the day of the birth of our little bundle of joy, Catherine Susan.

Monday, January 18, 2010, Martin Luther King Day, federal holiday and thus bank holiday, therefore, long weekend material, a.k.a. vacation day.
Anyway, before I get into this day's events, lets step back and gather a quick view at a few days prior to the big event. So, we'll come back to this day.

Thursday, January 14, 2010, Angel takes to debating with her parents about not waiting until Tuesday to start the drive down to the ATL. She wasn't exactly certain why she wanted this to occur, but felt the need to voice it. This pressure persisted all weekend, yet Dad was still resistant to change their plans. I wasn't told about this at the time, but she also told me that her pressures increased in frequency and intensity as the weekend progressed.

Saturday, January 16, 2010, like some less intelligent people, we purchase a new living room furniture set. Who in their right mind buys brand new furniture just days before expecting the birth of your first newborn? Well, for those that know how/where we obtained our previous furniture and saw the last condition of the stuff, the purchase does stand up to logic. Anyway, while we were browsing the furniture showroom floor, Angel was having contractions/pressure and had to take a few breaks so that she could persevere thru her body's activities. We then spent the night with Alison and Micah and had what we now know is our last adult fun night that we'll get kid or babysitter free for a very long time.

Monday, January 18, 2010, the big day. Well, since it was a holiday, I was able to sleep in a little bit longer than usual. My day started somewhere between 10 and 11. I woke up to being informed that Angel has been in labor for several hours; since 6AM to be exact. so, the obvious question was how long do the contractions last and how frequent are the coming. She could only take a guess. Therefore, I grab my laptop, fire up my Excel clone, OpenOffice Calc. With this, I was recording start and end times. Using some cell calculations I was getting the duration and frequency. I may have done this for an hour or so and realized that this was really going to happen. Once we leave the house, we'll be home with our brand new little one. Also, Mom & Dad would be here soon and Angel had already called them to let them know and they both left work immediately and started the drive down. With that realization, I was suddenly in a crunch to get the house ready for them.

While I was mopping the floor in the common bathroom, I hear a yelp and then an excited "OMG, my water just broke." This was at 12:20 PM EST. The amount of shock and haste in Angel's voice, I had to take an even keel with my response. The only thing I could think of as a response was, "That's okay, clean yourself. up and then get ready to go. Take your time [this is not a timed event]".

Once we got ourselves ready to head out and in the car, packed bags (including laptop and attempted to grab the camera) and moving was when the gears started turning about what was forgotten. At about the time that we got to the red light at GA-78, I realized that we had forgotten something. Angel was on the phone with Dana and suddenly I'm driving in reverse and heading back to the house. She was not happy because she wanted to be at the hospital already. However, I figured that it was going to be beneficial enough to go back since we were so close.

When we get back to the house, I grab the forgotten parcel, the exercise ball. our birthing class demonstrated that the ball would be a great tool to help provide alternate positions for the birthing mother to use to find comfort. Anyway, once I get the ball in the car and am sitting in the driver's seat but had not yet spun into correct position with my feet still outside. I was tying my right shoe and Angel starts to yell at me to get it moving and that she didn't care if I had an untied shoe. So much for calm, cool, and collected.

In quite the display of irony, I drove in a fashion quite atypical for myself. I was calm, defensive and relatively law abiding. Atlanta recently passed a super speeder penalty for excessive speeding. Therefore, I was sure to remain below that threshold because those fines start at 4 digits. Anyway, as I'm driving a cool 80 MPH to the hospital, Angel is trying to coax me to drive faster. I was having none of that. She even suggested at one point that I blow a red light. Speeding is one thing, but a red light is a whole other world of trouble and risk. Needless to say, I didn't do that either.

Once we get to the hospital they start handing out all the paperwork. Ironically, we had already filled this paperwork out and submitted it to the hospital but they made us do it again anyway. You should have seen Angel trying to fill out these forms while having contractions, it was such the pitiful sight. Well, eventually we get into the triage station for her to be looked at. From this point on, the nurses kept pushing the point of staying in bed. This is in stark contrast to what we were told we would be able to do in our class at this very hospital. At about 2:00 PM EST, Angel is given her IV and admitted. At this point in time, she's measured to be an advanced 4cm dilation. It was also at about this time that she enters into Active Labor and quickly decides that narcotics alone are not worth it and requests her epidural. Shortly there after, she's taken to her birthing room.

Once we arrive to the birthing room, we query the nurse about all of this pressure to stay lying down since that posture is not helping with the back pain or enduring the contractions. The response we get, and was a plausible one was that since her water broke, a prolapsed chord becomes a concern. Therefore, her vertical movement would be severely limited.

At approximately 4:00 PM EST, the epidural arrives. Shortly before the epidural was administered, she was measured again and was showing at 6cm and station was at a -2cm; this made the staff quite pleased with her progression. The epidural must have been like a dream. Once it was in full effect, she went soundly to sleep. The computer monitors indicated that though she was mentally sleeping, her body was very well at work. I'm not going to repost the pictures so you can look at them later, but there were some pretty severe contractions that didn't even attempt to phase her.

Somewhere within the 5 o'clock hour she was inspected again and was found to be fully dilated to the 10cm mark. Ironically, the baby still wasn't ready to come and was still at the -2cm station. The nurse wanted to wait until at least the zero mark was reached, but Angel's body was too strongly saying otherwise. The last measurement taken was the -1 station before real pushing progressed the process quickly. It wasn't very long until the doctor was called for and suddenly we were delivering a baby.

Many things were a blur at this point. I recall the baby crowning. I recall many more hands appearing into the room. I recall Cat being placed on Angel. I remember cutting the chord. I recall the baby on the warming station and her wailing bloody murder. I recall the placenta finding its way into the pan. I recall the doctor administering stitches. I recall hearing numbers thrown left & right; Height/Weight/Date/Time/Agar score. Just because I heard them doesn't mean that I caught them. It wouldn't be until later that I would know the details.

I had maybe thought that things would have gone into a slow motion or extended detail experience. Instead, I discovered that everything stepped into fast forward. Not much really returned to focus until we were alone in the room and I'm holding my new bundle of joy. Everything had gone picture perfect. Mommy's healthy and resting, baby's healthy and resting, and Daddy is clueless as to what he's supposed to do. Although, that feeling doesn't hang around for long.

Mom & Dad reach the hospital in a record time for a trip from PGH -> ATL, 10.5 hours. The 5 of us hang for a while and I escort them to the house. I had to stick kitty; an activity which required several hospital->home round trips to be taken during our stay at the hospital. It is Wednesday afternoon when we are heading home for the first time.

So, will you all welcome our bundle of joy to the world?





Catherine Susan
DOB: 20100118
Height: 19.5"
Weight: 6lbs 15oz

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New Furntiture

So, to further prove that we have a couple screws loose, we decided that a few days prior to the birth of our first child that we shall purchase new furniture. I'm not sure we're all that "normal". Isn't it when you start having kids that you start looking for the stuff to allow them to destroy without having too much to yell and scream about when they damage it? Oh well, we needed new living room furniture no matter how you look at it.

The furniture we currently have more that amply stood up to the task for the 4 or 5 years that we've had it. However, with the recliner kicking the bucket and the spring in the love seat breaking and touching the floor, it is time for us to purchase a replacement.

For the past few months, 8 or 9 to be exact, we've been keeping an open mind about the pending need to have new furniture. We've looked at a couple stores and had yet to be successful in finding something to fit the list of demands we were placing upon this purchase. We would find the color and price but not the desired comfort. We would find the desired comfort but not color or design. Or some other combination of issues. However, during our research collection, we had yet to find something which called both of our names at the same time.

So, what spurred this little investigation into a furniture purchase? Well, it happened to be a television commercial advertising that RoomsToGo was having a sale, "Buy the room, get a TV". Well, this was particularly interesting seeing that we were in the market for both a TV and living room furniture. This offer sounded interesting and worth inspection. We have discovered that the offer is made in conjunction with BrandsMart and that we would receive a gift card to use toward the purchase of a television. The amount made available via the card would commiserate with that of a specific TV of size and model. This specific make/model is not a requirement. Therefore, I conducted some more research into the pricing which was being touted around this offer. With the Ultimate Room Packages seemed to have a trend. Purchase the big ticket furniture and TV and receive the other items for free. Well, we were not exactly expecting to purchase an entire room, but were not adverse to the idea either.

Well, I'm lazy and don't want to go to the store without looking at pictures of the offers which they have to offer. In taking a digital look at what they were offering, I found one set which I found interesting and one which had potential. Angel didn't much like the one I found promising and agreed that the interesting one was certainly worth a look. But with that, we were on our way to the store.

Before continuing the story, I would like to illustrate the collections we were interested in reviewing first hand.

Interesting Set:


Had Potential:


Neither of the images of the sets are indicative of the anything other than the seating furniture. The other items in the picture are not a representation of the additional offerings. I would give you a link the exactly location within the roomstogo website, but I don't expect that the link will continue to work after the sale AND it wouldn't work the first time you visit the link anyway. Every link to their site redirects you to a "Enter Your Zipcode" AJAX prompt and then sends you to a full listing of available packages. Therefore, after entering your zipcode, you'd have to re-click the link to see what I was attempting to link to. Therefore, if you are interested in seeing anything which I don't post, please feel free to search the roomstogo website for yourself.

So, the interesting set was listed as a faux leather/microfiber seating material as opposed to the top grain leather of the had potential set. It wasn't until we set eyes on the two did we realize that faux leather/microfiber is a fancy way to say artificial suede. Suede? Now, I don't know the first thing about caring for suede. That was strike one. The other issue is that it was hot. After sitting on the furniture for a while, I started to realize how warm the material was getting because of our body heat. This was strike two. Strike 3 was the console that they were touting with the set. It was nothing like that which we would want in our house. However, if we wanted to push that subject, we could have swapped that piece out. Although, that wasn't a something I was interesting in pushing.

So, while in the showroom, we found a furniture set which we both fell severely in love with, but were not exactly interested in paying for. The complete set was real close to $4k for just the seating areas. Don't get me wrong, it was a top notch set, with extremely durable leather and yet it was comfortable, it wasn't the "right" one. Just as we were about to set off searching the showroom floor on our own again, the first contact with an employee was made. He asked us if we needed any help. Poor guy, he was in the middle of helping another customer and began to split his time with us and them. As it would turn out, it was a good thing because he was able to get both of us to buy. Anyway, we were interested in a few details about how the sale is supposed to work and where we could find the has potential set which we were unable to yet locate.

At this point, Angel was still skeptical about this furniture set. I was asking about it so we could review the tables which were being offered with it. Well, as it would turn out, as soon as Angel sat down, it was bliss. Once I sat down, it was confirmed. This will be the one for us. She had to talk me in to completing the purchase yesterday because my intentions were solely to look. But she won the argument with the fact that this wasn't the first place we've looked and it was the first time we were in complete agreement about our satisfaction with the option. It also didn't hurt that our existing furniture is on its last leg, as previously mentioned, and the sale was pretty awesome too.

Once we picked the furniture, it was time to review the options included in the package. The following images will illustrate what pieces we intended to be packaged with the set.















Well, the console and lamps just had to go. We liked the tables, even with their wood. Yet, they have brushed metal accent which certainly didn't hurt our opinion. The color options didn't line up with what we wanted since black wasn't an option. So, we went with a burgundy (which isn't illustrated) which was dark and more "interesting" than the brown which they offered. Therefore, to complete the package we had to address the console and lamps. The replacement console and lamps we chose are also here for you to see.








So, we walked out of there dropping a grand total of $3500 for the entire set and we're pending delivery on 2/9. We're so looking forward to it.

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Time to recap - I've been a slacker

So, I found some more time to put my fingers to work on some blog topics. From the last time I wrote, some really big things have happened; some more surprising than others and some larger than others.

We'll start with the smaller of the items. I am still employed. This in itself shouldn't be surprising. However, with the economy and the amount of impact that was done to the banking and financial services sector, still having a job is of no small consequence. That being said, I didn't weather the storm completely unscathed. The bank invoked cost saving measures at my pay grade and higher. There were two methods made available to the individual business lines at the individual level. These methods had a common goal. Save 5% across the board. The methods available were to force everyone to take a 5% pay cut or 2 weeks unpaid vacation. My business line chose to take the 2 weeks of additional vacation, unpaid. This was handled in a very nice way. Once started, payroll would deduct from each of our paychecks for the rest of the year a portion of the amount of the cost of 2 weeks vacation. Therefore, these "mandatory" days were then added to our pool of vacation days. Therefore, we did not have to take a block of time off without a paycheck. I did volunteer for the unpaid block and was turned down. Since I have the guard to supplement my income, I could have taken the unpaid time in a block when I had my annual training and not missed a beat. My management decided not to take that route and handle everyone in a uniform fashion. I can certainly see where they are coming from.

So, if you are paying attention, you should be asking yourself, 2 weeks of pay is not 5% of your income. If you are asking that, good. You are paying attention. If you are not, eh, I've given you a pass this time. So, what about the rest of the percentage? I don't know. I think the business line found those funds from other places like: travel budget, training budget, contractors, professional services and other "non-essential" expenses which were previously on the books. That is purely speculation. Quite frankly, I never did get a straight answer to that question even though we (myself and peers) did ask that question.

So, moving on chronologically, the next event was that I officially and successfully departed the 20-something range. I didn't expect that this would be any thing to write about. Typically, I am of the opinion that it is just another day in another year. This one felt different. I know that I gave Angel grief on her 30th and she gave me her share and even took it a step further by having a surprise party for me. That was cool, but that's only part of what made this one different. It wasn't really on "that" day, but it was around that period that my brain started to churn the concept of entering a new decade of association. I wouldn't say so much that I'm getting old because I don't feel "that" old, but I'm certainly not a teen anymore.

Turning thirty got me thinking about my goals and personal expectations that I had for myself. I can recall back in high school, when asked where will I be in X years or how do I see my future unfolding, I had a pretty concrete vision as to how I saw things happening. From the view point of high school, I expected to complete the following in order:

1. Complete basic
   
2. Earn a degree in IT (AS or BS? I didn't have an answer)
   
3. Establish myself in the IT industry as a programmer
   
4. ETS from the Army (6 and out)
   
5. Move to CA
   
6. Buy & payoff a house
   
7. Get Married
   
8. Start a family

So, with that brief outline, I can say that I've completed that list in an acceptable fashion in about the order I had expected. There are a couple large exceptions to the plan and reality.

• Yes, in 2002 I did ETs, but in 2005 I re-enlisted. Now with 11 full years completed, I plan to do my 20.
  
• Moved away from Pittsburgh, but not to CA. Landed myself in the ATL instead.
  
• Found a house to plant our roots, but are certainly 30 or so years from paying that one off.

So, with those mostly minor exceptions, I can say that I've been pretty successful in executing my development plan post high school. The only question left at this point is what is my plan for my next X period of time? Well, we'll talk about that some more later in this post.

So, to move on toward lighter subjects, the surprise party was certainly a surprise. Angel did a bang-up job pulling this off. Typically, family is pretty easy to organize and convince to do things which would be considered above and beyond. Therefore, getting Mom & Dad Denner, my Mom, Dana & the boys to travel down to GA at the same time does not strike me as overtly difficult to swing. However, trying to include friends to execute this trek is a bit more monumental. Now, I will admit that the guys that did make the drive are not "just friends" and they are damn near family, yet seeing them there was simply shocking. Damn, here we are, just over 6 months after the fact and I'm still moved by the gesture. Then to top it off, Eagle wrote what could be a small window into just how close we are as friends or a long winded toast. Shit, it could have been a eulogy. Although, it was interesting that he had D read it aloud and she even got worked up because of it. What a wonderful wife I have and how blessed I am for the friends that I do have.

Well, the weekend of the surprise party truly had another surprise in store for me. As fate would have it (isn't she funny that way?), the last bullet in my "to-do" list became a reality. We didn't know it then, but were able to track it back, that it was that weekend in April that we conceived the little bundle of joy which is supposed to be joining us at the end of January. The 24th to be exact (or as exact as this type of calculation can be made). So, at this time, we are on the road Pittsburgh bound for the baby shower, a couple of birthdays, and Thanksgiving. This week in da'burgh has other significance, but more on that later.

So, due to the concerns around the development of the baby within Angel, we've undertaken another life changing course of action. Angel because of a high recommendation and myself in support of her, we've quit smoking. Since about the age of 16, this is the longest I've gone without smoking even one cigarette. At this point we are both above 5 months quit. Angel quit on May 30th and I quit on June 10th. In this period of time, we have saved a combined total of over $1,000. So, besides having the financial and personal health reasons to quit but having a child to be responsible for and to be a role model certainly carried enough weight to not only take the step to break the habit, but is also the motivation to remain quit. I am not going to try to recap the experience of the past 5 months effort in quitting. What I will say is that it is amazing how much power and control nicotine has over the body and mind. I would say that it is at least twice weekly that I have a dream where I light up. And let me tell you, it invokes a guilty feeling.

So, as if all of the above information wasn't heavy enough, I have some more heavy news. As a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard, I have been alerted of a deployment in 2010. Due to OPSEC concerns, I won't get into anything specific. I can say that our current intel says that as a member of my unit, my orders will put me away from home for a year, boots on the ground for 9 months, and we're bound for Iraq. This information is not cast in stone, terms are subject to change, and your mileage may vary.

So, this leads me directly into my last new topic of conversation before I start trying to wrap this post up. While I was at my annual training at the end of July and the beginning of August, a back problem was brought to my attention. This is something more than my typical lower back tension. I'm not saying that the situation/condition is serious or not because I don't yet know. I thought that in the time since it presented itself that it would have worked itself out. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Here we are, November, and the discomfort is still present. Thankfully, my day-to-day activity does not unduly stress my back and I'm able to function normally, to include yard work, hockey, or almost any other "everyday" activity I can dream up. Interestingly, I have found one activity that will flare it up in a heart beat. Standing. Standing for long periods of time, like shopping at the mall or "good" grocery shopping or a standard day with the NG. These activities are enough to remind me that something isn't right. Please, don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about gloom & doom here. It is a generally dull pain that rivals that of a joint that needs cracking. Unfortunately, I haven't found a movement that will relieve the pressure. Although, there is one big difference between this and joint pressure, that is the pain on contact. I can put my thumb between the vertebrae where the pressure resides and will get a sharper pain.

So, at my SRP in October, I brought this to the attention to the doctors doing our reviews. I thought that they might take a look at it or something. Instead, they said "here" and handed me a 90 day profile and a medical referral to see my own doctor on my dime. I don't know why I would have expected anything different. Anyway, I saw my doctor on Vet's Day and he tells me that a MRI is the course of action to take. My MRI is scheduled for December 1st. My doctor also mentioned that the pain is at T12 and L1. Therefore, he has requested both a Thoracic and Lumbar MRI. Therefore, my eligibility for deployment will hinge upon what the MRI results present.

So, with all of that out in the open now, allow me to reflect back to my earlier points.

This trip to Pittsburgh is significant because of all of the events pending at the start of 2010. Due to the pregnancy, Angel will not be permitted to travel during the Christmas holiday, not that I am in the position to have any time left for that anyway. But more importantly, once Cat is born in January, we're not about to travel with her north. Therefore, this will be my last trip home until after my deployment. I'm not saying that I won't see my family again before I leave, but this may be the last time I see my friends until that time. Thankfully, I manage to keep in close contact with everyone via our many forms of communication mediums which include IMs, phones, e-mail, and Facebook. In all reality, being in Iraq may not present me much different to them than the distance that we already have between us and have already adjusted to handle. For all I know, I may be more productive here an in other places because my "off hours" activities will be much more restricted. Only time will tell.

As for my other incomplete thought, what will my plan be for my future? Well, I don't have a comprehensive answer for that question. What I can tell you is that in the next year and half or so will be all about friends, family, and staying alive. We can have this discussion at such time that I am safe at home again.

So, if you have made it to this point, then I applaud you. My laptop is saying that it is time to stop because the battery is getting low. Also, in standard fashion, I have completed another marathon post (i.e. a book). One of these days I will determine a way to get this out in smaller pieces which are digestible in a quicker fashion. Maybe.

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Re-Introduction to Console Gaming - Wii

So, this year for Christmas, we decided to do something different. Instead of each of us buying the other something, we chose to buy us something for us. We're now the new, proud owners of a Nintendo Wii system. Also, since it is such a big ticket item, it was certainly something we wouldn't have purchased otherwise.

Although, once we got the system home and started playing it, I quickly decided that it was a shame that I had waited so long to get one. The interface is engaging enough to be fun and not so complex to exclude new gamers. I guess that is the core reason why it is doing so well across all age brackets.

As far as games go, our collect is still relatively small. We started out with Wii Sports (came with the system), Rayman 2, and Wii Party. Generally speaking, each of these games are group games. Rayman and Wii Party are designed to be played socially. There isn't much to them in regards to single player appeal.

Wii Sports is fun solo or in number. However, I've only taken to tennis and bowling. The golf seemed to be overly simplistic and unrealistic with my "real" golf swing and boxing was just utterly frustrating. I guess boxing may be more fun with other people, but I just didn't get the bug for it solo.

I furthered our game collection with Dream Pinball and Super Swing Golf. Dream Pinball is not a gamers game. It is just what it advertises: pinball. However, in their design of the game, they must not have been pinball players. Not all of the boards have "missions" like modern tables do. I frequently got the feeling that I was just smacking the ball around to get points with no real objective other than a high score. I'm sorry, but score is not all that the game is about. It is the skill of being able to manage the table to complete the tasks before you. Well, that game's appeal was quickly lost when on my first attempt at one of the tables finished out at over 1 billion. At that point, Angel didn't want to play any more that day.

As for Super Swing Golf, this one is interesting. It is also one of those games that has multiplayer appeal. The controls are available as motion detection or button timing. For multiplayer, motion detection is certainly the way to go. For single player, not so much. In order to be even remotely competitive with the bots, you have to go for button timing. The motion detection controls are just not consistent enough, as you might imagine. I also found the motion detection method frustrating, even more so than Wii Sports golf. Super Swing Golf tried to make the feel of a real swing tie into the game. You can do a whole bunch of things with your wrists to affect the flight of the ball. However, the power bar doesn't use speed as a determining factor but rotation. The farther you pull the wiimote back and above your head, the more power you will put on it. However, in order for me to get full power, I had to use one hand to swing. Not very realistic. Also, timing the swing and button press to strike the ball is a pain because you have to position yourself such that you can swing and see the powerbar at the same time while flipping your arms around. Maybe I'm just not a very good golfer. :)

So, I then started to poke around in the channels. I saw previews for some games that really drew me in, but I didn't react immediately. Although, when Exile made the suggestion to get one of the games, I was sold. Therefore, I bought some credits and downloaded World of Goo and Tetris Party. Exile suggested Goo. Well, it was a good thing that I chose a 3 day weekend to start this adventure because I totally squandered my 3 day vaca. Once I started playing World of Goo, I couldn't stop. By Monday night, I had the game beat with the exception of the OCD challenges and 2 levels that I just couldn't bring myself to find the determination to finish.

So, between very interactive games, fun games, and downloadable games, I can certainly see us getting plenty of use out of our system. I can't speak for Angel, but I will say that Mario Cart and Wii Fit are on my future purchase list.

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Angel's 30!!

So, I had way too much fun leading up to Angel's birthday. Granted, this was only fun as the younger one that has yet to reach that milestone. We didn't have anything extravagant planned, but we did mange to make it a good night.

Well, apparently I had executed an interesting faux pas prior to the day in question. Historically, I've only felt compelled to inquire against someone's desire for a gift in the event that I don't already know. Therefore, I knew what the gift would be and never asked. As to some additional logic, I knew the item in question would not be on the request list even though the item was a wishlist item. Therefore, since I knew better, I didn't feel the need to ask. Well, this caused all kinds of fears. I got an e-mail from Angel's mom saying that a comment was made regarding me forgetting about their birthday. I guess I never realized that it was an obligatory inquiry instead of a necessity. Of course I didn't forget.

Anyway, the enjoyment for me started the night before her b-day. I kept giving her periodic updates as to the impending midnight hour. I would give her comments like "you only have 2 hours left as a 20-something" or my favorite one, "you only have x time before you are OLD". There were a few others, but those were the memorable ones.

So, in typical fashion, I waited until the day before to go shopping. Thankfully I knew what I was after and where I was getting it from. Therefore, it wasn't a huge deal. I also had further reason for the delay. I knew if I were to have gone shopping earlier, she would have seen the transaction against our account. And it wasn't a particularly small transaction that would have been easily overlooked.

So, even with the periodic time updates for "crossing the line", I made up for it with my gift. I purchased her a set of Diamond Audio D363.5 component speakers. Back around April, I was looking for some more hardware for my car and Angel was with me. She had an opportunity to "view" several tiers of the Diamond Audio line. She instantly fell in love with them. I knew that I couldn't go wrong with them, even if I did stay with their lowest tier. So, at about 12:20 AM on her birthday, I delivered the gift. I couldn't wait. I wanted to see the reaction. I just knew I'd catch her off guard. And I certainly succeeded.

Well, of course, with the delivery of a gift as such, soon followed the installation of the speakers. Angel did the majority of the deconstruction of the dashboard and doors. I had to step in for a couple of things, but she handled the bulk of it. Once we were inside the doors we quickly found out that we would have to obtain an adapter to install the mid-range speakers. The mounting point was square and of course the round speaker was designed to be installed, well, round.

Well, it just so happened that we were taking a trip to Pittsburgh which allowed me to hand deliver the original speaker and the replacement speaker to Mike (proprietor of Car-Speaker-Adapters.com since photos and measurements provided over the phone were not ample to the identification of the correct adapter. He was unable to readily identify the adapter because Hyundia is a model that he hasn't worked with in the past. Therefore, while we were home, he was able to do the fabrication and send us on our way with our new parts.

When we got home, we cut the holes in the covers for the A-pillar, found homes for the crossovers (in the dashboard incidentally) and wired it up. It was such a pleasure to hear them for the first time in their new homes. The difference from factory to aftermarket is just so profound it isn't very funny.

Once we got the car reassembled, it was time to start cruising around to hear how traveling effected the system. Well, even without a 4 channel amp to push the component system, the results are great. I know that Angel is pleased with the results and that just makes me happy.

In closing, I highly recommend after market component speakers to anyone who is looking to improve the clarity and definition of their car stereo system. Please remember, you get what you pay for. Therefore, if you go to Wally-World and buy the $50 specials and are then not happy with their performance, don't blame me.

Additionally, the tweeter placement is also very important. I cannot give you pointers on this because I've only dabbled into this arena just recently. I have seen only two configurations with any real scrutiny and there are, by far, many more than that to choose from. I can say that there is a stark difference between my car and Angel's. This is not only due to speaker design & manufacturing differences (i.e. cost) but also from installation placement. My system has front to back depth whereas her's has a left-to-right depth.

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NG - On Alert

As some of you know already, my NG unit has been placed on alert as of October drill 2008. If you didn't know, you do now. :)

Anyway, every time I have had to share the news, the same question comes up, "So, what does this mean?" Well, I'm gonna tell you now the best metaphor that I have been able to find. Imagine that you are driving down the highway and see a sign that reads, "Construction Ahead". Well, this is your "alert order". Once you drive down the highway some more you will either encounter an active construction zone or not. Well, my alert order works the same way. I don't know if I am going anywhere or not. Only time and travel will tell.

As my commander has told us, "we don't know we're not going, so we're going to train like we are."

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Torhs at Bruins - Championship Game

I had initially planned to give a full game overview of my team's performance, my performance, and overall highlights to the game. Unfortunately, I cannot give this to you at this point in time. Suffice it to say, I don't remember all of the details that I wanted to give.

So, for a brief back-story, the Tohrs completed the regular season with only a single loss (which was to us). And as we had expected, we met again for the final game.

The game was not nearly as close as I would have predicted. The first period was pretty even. The period siren rang and we were up by a point. Something happened at this point in time and we turned on the pressure. From the second period to the end, the closest they ever got to a comeback was down by 2. As you can imagine, we were overly excited that we were able to pull out the championship from the perceived favorites.

This leads to a conversation that I found to be interesting. After the game was over, we got our championship t-shirts and got out of our equipment. On my way out of the facility, I talked to the league coordinator. He told me that when they were assembling the teams at the start of the season, they had anticipated our team's win. I found that interesting at first, but found the next comment to be even more thought provoking and counter intuitive. The statement was made that if they would have had a short bench, we would have had a more difficult time taking them down.

So, think about that. If they would have had less players, they would have been more difficult to defeat. Odd concept, but if you look thru the season, it does hold water. Unlike our team, every player did not attend every game of the season. Therefore, the core part of the team that did attend, was very strong. However, when you add in the "stragglers", it breaks the cohesive nature of the team. Well, they had a full bench and we won, I don't have a hard time not thinking about the alternative outcomes of what could have been.

That night, after Angel and I finished dinner, we went to chill at the house of one of my teammates. It is a damn good thing that I don't start work until 10AM. It was well after 3 by the time we left his place and we still had a 1/2 hour or so drive in front of us. The important part is that we were safe and I did make it to work the next morning.

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We're Still Alive

Everyone who periodically checks in with us, I apologize. We have been quiet for a while again. According to my login, my last post was in mid October. I have half written messages that need completing, I have more Driver's Rant articles on the table, and I also have much catching up to do. However, in the grand scheme of things, there haven't been many earth shattering occurrences during this latest quiet time.

I am not going to get in-depth on each topic that I would like to catch-up with here. However, here is a quick run-down of the highlights:

• Beagle got married
• My hockey team won the championship from the season I was documenting
• My NG unit has been placed on alert
• Angel turned 30
• We upgraded the speakers in Angel's car
• We got a Wii
• Angel got a second job
• We finally got our wedding picture album
• I've started another season of hockey
• I put down some flooring material in our attic

Of course there is a story that can go along with each event. A couple of them have already been started and I may get around to writing about the others. Time will tell.

However, you may be asking yourself, "What has come about that I'm finally getting around to doing some writing again?" Well, that would be a fine question. I am patiently waiting for an OS installation to complete on my new server. My old server finally kicked the bucket and I'm working on creating its replacement. I'm sure I've noted in the past (around the time we had the lightning strike) that my server wasn't in very good health. Well, I was correct and I neglected to build the replacement server before it went belly up. Thankfully, I know now that I didn't lose any data, although, it was a grave concern at the start of this process.

Speaking of building my server. I can't say how frequently I'll be returning here to put up additional posts. Ever since my unit was placed on alert, it seems that my priorities have changed. I have found much motivation to tie up loose ends that didn't seem so loose before. I have been working on a website now for what feels like almost a year, and I still don't have it complete. I have placed much pressure on myself to get this project completed. This is so that in the event that the mobilization order comes down, I will not have to tell him that the project will have to wait until I get back. I have other projects and things that I would also like to start/continue to follow this one. Therefore, my time is even more at a premium than it was before. I am not saying that I won't get around to it, because I would like to, though, time will dictate the results.

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Bruins at Redwings - Hockey League - Week #13 - Game 12

Here we are, the final game of the regular season. We're already sealed our spot into second place and we're playing the last place team. To make matters worse, as if being statistically out of the game, they arrived short handed. They only brought five skaters to the game. Such a pitty for them, at the beginning of the season, they managed to defeat us. Such was not going to be the case tonight.

This game was absolutely lopsided in every way. The momentum, offensive time, and most importantly, the scoreboard. When the game ended, we had racked up 11 (or 12) goals to their 1. It was a slaughtering.

Anyway, intra-team game play had a completely different feeling this week. Everyone was trying to help the guys on my line to score goals. Specifically me. I can't tell you how many times the guys on the bench would tell me they were trying to hit me and couldn't for one reason or another. Anyway, I did manage to touch the puck and get a few shots off toward the goal. One of them was a one-timer and the other two were rebound attempts. There was one in particular that was just funny.

I managed to get the puck in the center of the offensive blue zone, but I lost my balance for some reason. Anyway, while I was on my knees I was using my stick to fend of the other team while I was trying to pass the puck toward the net, hopefully to one of my teammates. Well, that was the intention anyway, because I couldn't get my blade on the puck. I had to have flailed at it three times before the other team managed to get it away from me.

At the beginning of the game, it was said that their goalie was playing injured. I'm not so sure about the injury, but we were just eating him up. We were dominating the game so badly that our goalie yelled at us after the first period. He said, "You guys have got to play more defense, I'm just taking way too many shots this game." Then one of the guys asked him how many shots he took and answered 2. We just busted out laughing. Anyway, the second period didn't get much better. Therefore, he decided to take things into his own hands. He skated across the court and traded sides with their goalie. Therefore, we were shooting against our own goalie. It was certainly a sight to see. It was also interesting to see how he would stand up to us and us to him.

He didn't finish the game unbeaten, but he certainly slowed the scoring streak we were putting on the other goalie. After the game, I asked him how it was defending against us. He said something along the lines of, you guys are ferocious. Granted that was a comment toward the team as a collective, not a line breakdown. However, it does let me feel more confident about our chances going into the playoffs. We fully expect to take the first round(s) easily and advance to the finals. We expect to play the Torhs in the finals. As mentioned before, we have a 1-2 record against them. I think that once we make it there to play them, it will be a final to watch.

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Bruins at Knights - Hockey League - Week #12 - Game 11

This week's game really brought a trend to light. Thus far, all season, only one team has consistently brought all of its players to play every weekend. That would be my team. The least players we've ever had on a weekend was eight. Each team is filled with ten players, which includes a goalie. The weekends where we had eight players was when our goalie didn't show. Therefore, our bench has always held two lines minimum. Well, this week also showed us the converse of our situation. The Knights only had 5 skaters available. Talk about being dog tired after the game is over. Those shifts were seriously long.

As you can imagine, with two full lines against barely one, we had a distinct upper hand. This game was a no-contest event. We handily won this game, but you couldn't tell by how we were playing. We're all there to play and it would appear that we, as a team, don't care one way or the other (winning or losing) to adjust our game. We pushed them as hard, if not harder, at the end of the game as compared to the beginning of the game.

For me, this was a dangerous game to play. Somehow, the previous week, I managed to misplace my mouth guard. As most of you know, I have put a considerable amount of money into repairing my teeth. To play a game with as much potential for damage as hockey without protection is just foolish. Well, there wasn't much I could do about it once I was at the court. I played this game without one. Thankfully, nothing happened to my teeth during the game, but this situation isn't something I want to readily reproduce any time soon. Additionally, when I was searching my gear for my guard, I discovered that the lining of my equipment bag has ripped. All three of the pockets were bleeding into the center area. I guess it was past time to get a replacement. I can't remember how many different sports I had used this bag to transport equipment or for how many years I had done so.

As far as my performance this week, I felt I played more physical based on what I had learned the week before. Unfortunately, at the end of the game I was still minus on the +/- shift chart (I think). During these past 10 games, I have come to realize that my shift is weak on allowing odd man rushes and being too forward most of the time. This week, I made a conscience effort to try to contribute in the avoidance of odd man rushes. However, since they expect me to be playing offense, I wasn't able to do a very good job of this. Although, when we were in our blue zone trying to play defense as a team, I managed to contribute a few times to the rush up court.

There were two such occasions that really frustrated me. There were two times that I was on a 2-on-1 rush with Woods. He was carrying the puck into the offensive blue zone and I was his cross court help. Neither time did he even show the thought of trying to make a pass to me. Granted, both times he scored, but when we're winning so well against an opponent, it would be nice if they would give us, other not-so-well-skilled guys, a chance. However, I was a good teammate and I didn't say anything to him or the other guys on the team.

As for injuries, I managed to leave the court with a bruised knee. It took a couple of days, but it really wasn't much to fuss about. A little bit of stiffness for a couple of days and a little bit of discomfort bending it to walk stairs or to sit, but not a big deal.

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Fliers at Bruins - Hockey League - Week #11 - Game 10

Well, we've played the Fliers a couple of times by now. I'm sure you can guess at the outcome. Chalk-up another game into the win column for us. Instead of getting into the synopsis of the game and what transpired, I wanted to throw out some information that was noteworthy by my teammates and my game-play recap.

Woods, one of my teammates that plays for The Syndicate. The Syndicate is an AIHL team based out of the arena that we play in. Yes, he is that good. Anyway, he took an opportunity to embarrass the goalie with only a few seconds left in the game to put away the last goal of the game. It was just sickening to watch and I have to give him credit for being able to put the puck in the net in the way he did it. He managed to get a breakaway opportunity and was dekeing as you would expect, but what he did at the end was simply amazing. He faked right, pulled the puck left and put it behind him and took a behind the back, backhand shot thru his legs and beat the goaltender. It was just an amazing feat.

My game-play this week wasn't anywhere in the neighborhood of that stellar performance. However, I did have a revelation this week. With how badly we've been destroying this team on the court, I felt that I should have more puck time. Well, this did happen. However, I wasn't able to accomplish much when I touched the puck. I did managed to get an assist this game, but that was it. Each other time I touched the puck, something stupid would happen. I finally got frustrated with my own game play and decided to channel that energy toward the other team.

I discovered in playing a more physical game, I was getting more opportunity to get my stick on the puck. With getting the stick on the puck more often, that would allow me to be a more productive member of the team. Apparently mental attitude to the game really effects things. I had spent most of the season thinking that I can't stand up to these guys; they are much better than me. However, I didn't realize how much that was effecting my game-play. Therefore, once I started getting physical, this aversion seemed to go away and my involvement increased dramatically.

One other thing happened this night that was new. I managed to play a game and not leave with an injury or with a failure in my equipment. This was a pretty good thing seeing that Monday would bring my first anniversary married to Angel and her mother was visiting. I'm not sure what she would have thought if I would have come home limping or something.

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