dad. veteran. corpsman. geek. human resource. patriot.
"Life's is not about how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward"
I am Natalia's daddy! My latest happenings as well as my lil' girls happenings will be posted here as I live them.
I like to read science fiction, fantasy as well as classics and comics. Always looking for recommendations. Like to play video games and board games. Love to watch old movies and shows, as I find them relaxing and entertaining. Last but not least. like to feed the birds and do some gardening.
Proud to be a US Navy Corpsman veteran and part of the Southwest Region Funeral Honor Guard.
" . . . and on the 8th day the Lord created the Corpsman and the Devil stood at attention."
"In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex . . ."
"Tell your story. That's the secret of immortality. The one true way to live forever. "
"We live as we dream. Alone"
"Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway."
Merry Christmas! I find myself away from home this year. Away from Natalia, the comforts of home and away from my favorite season. I found this year to be very good year for me with the news of my deployment most of the year over my head and squeezing every moment with Natalia to make it special. Also blessed to have shared time with Roisin whom became part of my life. I eagerly await next year and a homecoming and hopefully a reunion with those I miss and look forward to that experience of coming home from a deployment. Of course not as glorious as I would have wanted but I answered the call to duty.
“if something is there, you can only see it with your eyes open, but if it isn't there, you can see it just as well with your eyes closed. That's why imaginary things are often easier to see than real ones.”
- Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth
Finished a 77 hour work week during the Christmas week with that day spent at work. A Christmas to remember for sure. Also to finish up our long week I thank my team at work for making me feel human for just a few hours. Those small things in life are missed here and I am slowly starting to feel it.
New Year's is around the corner and I will also spend that night at work. One of my New Year's resolution has been accomplished just in time by reading Unholy Night, which becomes my 50th book this year and one I recommend and fits the season. Get another view on the lives if the Three Kings and the birth of Jesus in this book. Also read two Kurt Vonnegut novels in Slaughterhouse-Five and the Cat's Cradle and found them to my liking.
I am still running and getting more regular with it. Slowly working my way to 10 km runs comfortably as my legs just keep feeling heavy and bulky and hoping to break through that feeling.
As off now I have 200 days left on island, but not that I am counting. The other night there was a group celebrating their departure at the local bar as they had "a day and a wake up" left. I already know I will miss this place a little as I get accustomed to it and also miss some people. But that is life and I have been in this position before. But this time it is bye and not see you later. Some stuff at work has changed and I await to see how it may change the dynamics there if at all. Soon we may change around teams and shifts and I am not looking forward to that as I like my team and team lead. I hope to at least keep the same team lead.
The weather has changed a few days ago as winter is making its way to the tropics. We have a more constant breeze and a slight temperature drop by the coast and the ocean has been getting rough making snorkeling not so pleasurable. I hope to start to run more often as I am getting used to hour long runs. Finished reading Robert Heinlein's Tunnel in the Sky and I recommend it. Still reading Farnham's Freehold and thus far a good read and already will recommend it as it is very provocative when released in the early 1960s.
Check out this cool short film from Neil Gaiman - A Dream of Flying.
Days continue to move slow and the weather never changes. At home I know it is cold and snow has made its appearance as usual before Thanksgiving. However here I have 85 degree sunny days and though many envy that I do wish for some change. I continue to run and snorkel and always hoping to do more of each. Work has been good as my small team has gotten close and we work like one unit. We also welcome our HM1 to our team whom has had a rough time here but we all clicked and hope to work with her my whole time here. Not many HM1s get down and dirty and do the real job and she has no problems doing it. The longer I am here work dynamics change and attitudes change and I learn daily new things about the life at work. I already know I will miss those I work with even spending the short time we will spend.
I am back to my reading pace and will meet my goal of 50 books by years end and hope to increase it. Currently I am reading Farnham's Freehold by Robert Heinlein and Abyss Deep. Abyss Deep the sequel from Ian Douglas and I am very glad he got it written and published after I had a short email conversation with him about his first book and wanting to keep reading a sci-fi book about a corpsman. Lucky I have managed to find a decent selection of book here.
I wish you all a pleasant Thanksgiving and one spent with those whom you care and share life with. I continue to hope and pray to talk with Natalia as often as I can. Know I will be here standing duty defending freedom and democracy keeping America's threat secured (P.S. this is my funny sentence but sounds good. LOL).
Getting work to a routine and days moving slow for me thus far. Been running and snorkeling as I have been. Getting better at running and working myself up to a steady one hour run. On my walk to the NEX one day I came across Scooby and the gang and took a picture of their van. Also got lucky and tagged along with a few psych techs here and went to Girl Scout Beach. I want to visit all the beaches if possible.
"Which is why human society mostly works; people avoid trouble. But behind every law is the implicit threat of force, and behind every vote is the implicit threat of rebellion. That's the bargain that holds a free society together. And no society with a wide power imbalance remains free for very long."
- Daniel Suarez - Kill Decision
Though we have some connection here (internet) it is in designated places and not so fast. So we are not "connected" all the time and I find it now not as bad. You learn to "disconnect" and do other things and get together with others. It would be a bad thing to lock yourself in your room and not interacting. You learn to just walk everywhere and sit and stare at the sky and the ocean and just be.
Lately been reading two books simultaneously; one at work and another in my room. Right now reading A canticle for Liebowitz, which it is a little of a hard read for me but a good concept and world. Also reading Kill Decision which relates to our world today. Go ahead and call me crazy. But not too long ago we would never believe unmanned machines would be doing the killing.
Below is a cute animated short I came across. Enjoy.
Well, I spend Halloween at work and this means no trick or treating for me this year. Also looks like I will spend all major holidays at work and not being able to do the many running events here or the chance to get some volunteer hours.
"It weighs (the world) life and labor in the balance against silver and gold. That'll never balance."
- Walter M. Miller Jr. - A Canticle for Liebowitz
I keep getting in the running in the days off and the rest out in the ocean looking at the marine life. A few guys here have spotted some barracudas and I will also like to see one but I am sure I would freak out a little. Trying to slowly get a snorkeling group together and hope to get to see the other beaches in the area. I am back into my reading mode and split it between two books at a time as I have one at work and one at "home".
Talked with Natalia very briefly the other day and look forward to talking to her longer this Monday. She sounds like she is good and having fun. I do miss her as I miss my other woman in my life but I always look forward to the awesome homecoming.
Finally moved in to my permanent room and got hooked up with good roommates. Even my first night slept through the whole night. Had one shift at work that got some action and better get ready and get on a pace to get ready for those. Haven't worked that much this past week as I had BLS class and I got 2 days off for that. No complaints there.
Been running more constant and hope I can go more often. At least every day off go for a run. Found out there are no real trails in this side to run due to security. I was told by an MP of a nice trail right outside this side. So I will look for that in a few days. Also started to go snorkeling in the nearby beach and I must saw it is very cool and relaxing. I think that will be something I will do regular and start to go to the other beaches to see. I remember when I had my aquarium and the fishes I kept there. I kept naming them in my head as I see them out here. Also got close to a few small jelly fishes and my first turtle was spotted.
Got to talk and see Natalia through Skype this past Monday as my parents picked her up for a few hours. I do wish I had to see more of her but that is the system. Not happy but that is they way it is. She looks happy and a month away and I feel she doesn't miss me which is a good thing. I do not want to see her cry.
I do step back and see that not everyone works where I work, walks to the beach past a guard with an M249 SAW and swims the Caribbean ocean and wraps up the day with a movie outdoors. Overall it is not bad at all here. We have a few things to pass the time with away from work. Wish I could write more but that is pretty much thus far away from work.
A week here gone and moving slowly and I hope it starts to pick up. My first night at work went through uneventful and a step into history for me. I am one of those very few to see what actually happens here. In a few weeks I will get the layout of the land here and fall into a pace. Still waiting to move to my permanent room and roommates. Here we share our home with army and the workplace as well and I see a small division between the two branches and I hope to break that. At least myself on my shifts. I see no reason to alienate each other when we are doing the same job and depend on each other doing it. Wish I could share much more about the job but at the present time I am unable to do so.
Talked with Natalia again and she got to spend a few hours with her grandparents for the first time in a few weeks. I wish she had more time but the system is not on my side. Natalia sounds good and happy and that is all that matters. In a few months we will both be together again.
Got two runs thus far and hope for a more constant regimen as I get adjusted to my work schedule. Also wanting to go snorkeling soon but waiting for that first paycheck to see where I stand. My last run I headed to the beach near here and got a little wet there to cool off on my way back. Went out for a little nightlife here and not for me, but it is expected for it being a base. Plan on trying to find a real trail out here and go for a nice run Monday. Also got back into reading mode and am reading 3 books. Yes, 3 books as I am not able to take in material to work some left over stuff was there and started to read Da Vinci Code and some junkie sci-fi book in my work areas along with The Dirty Streets of Heaven by Tad Williams. I hope in the next few weeks to experience more of the life here which I will have plenty of time to do.
Here I arrived a day early and the countdown has begun. Met up with my buddy here that same night by chance and started to get the 411 on the place. So far everything we really need is close by and not as hot or humid as I would expect, but again its almost October. Air condition everywhere, internet is slow but food is not bad. Ocean views constantly and I am sure I'll be tired of looking at the ocean in a few months. I plan on doing some running and volunteering. About a week here and I can say I got a good lay of the land. Introduction was smooth and just
awaiting to start to do the job. Iguanas everywhere and I do not like them but I am sure in a few weeks you won't even notice them. Thus far days moving very slow and hope they start to move on. My posts will be short as I won't be able to post publicly most of my experiences and adventures here. I can say I am in a historic place and doing and seeing things that many never see or experience. I hope to soon get back to my reading as I have fallen far behind.
I may be away but don't forget to stay up to date with the No Agenda Show.
Well I've arrived to Norfolk with no problems. Flight was quick and smooth. I must say out of all the airports I have been on the Norfolk airport is pretty ugly. NMPS here is one of two Naval processing centers for deployment and in a few months it will be the only one. A rather small place for the work but it gets done. The process went smooth with much help. I left Friday afternoon, briefs were good and leadership looks good. I do wish I had a little more time here and able to look around the whole base, but it looks like there may be plenty of time in my demob process. As it was I just walked to NMPS and back to my room daily. So far I am doing good mentally and eager to get this started. Hoping to settle in fast and have good roommates.
Posts may be short due to security reasons. A little hard for me as I am an open book and have a big mouth.
On a short rant many seen the short footage of the Navy Yard shooting that was released and well, I don't see an assault rifle or a handgun. Turns out he obtained the handgun inside the building, but no assault rifle. So right away the media made up stories and lied to us. Why? The Agenda! The agenda to disarm law abiding citizens.
Last day at home and last few days here were great with Natalia all week. I will keep a journal of all my happenings and post some stuff here. A corpsman's view inside GTMO. Who knows, maybe a book deal in the future? The six months "heads up" I got, I think were as good as it can be. I went from shock to enjoying life to getting ready and being at peace being away from Natalia. Out of my many travels and accomplishments, I get the chance to serve my country. To put on the uniform and do the job. Not in Afghanistan as I may have hoped but in a place with much history, secrecy and conflict. I go to treat those with respect and make their lives better in any possible way as I believe some are not bad but simply wrong place wrong time. To learn about the place and the conflict. To also take care of my people in any way possible. Pictured is Natalia doing the "Shuffle Truffle" out in the trail.
Another shooting and this one is full of the memes and talking points. We have again another Navy reservist (that's me) which is seen as a military and normal person. This reservist for some reason works there and uses another persons ID to get in. Why? Of course he uses the weapons used in the debates to ban, AR15 (no other rifle but the AR15), a shotgun and a handgun. Let's not forget he was also obsessed with video games. This man walks into this highly secured building with metal detectors and guards in Washington DC where gun control is one of the highest in the nation. Someone clearly is not doing their job, but lets not look into that. Right away the same talking heads in Washington jump on the same debate but this one may not get much traction. Now we must be afraid because it seems dead children make a stronger point, so what's next?
Horner wins the Vuelta and I find articles regarding this as it seems he "lied" about his whereabouts the night before the penultimate stage as he was not able to be found. Of course the team claims one thing but the truth is he was not at the room or hotel he told the organization where he was. Not only that but on hs trip back he made an unscheduled stop in Valencia. Think what you may. Maybe he went to dance away with his wife on the "Bacalao Route" LOL
Been watching lately a bunch of ultra endurance running and sky running. I find this stuff fascinating and very attractive. Below I post the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc 2011. Many won't believe what these people do. Seems the sport originated in the western U.S. and Spanish/France border.
I spend my last week here with Natalia the whole week until the day I leave. She so much likes to stay up here and go to the park and walks in the forest and playing games. Oh, and she likes to play with water and wash the car and windows as much as possible. Too bad I have windows 30-40 feet high that need real cleaning. Got Natalia another game and I am getting hooked in playing games with her. I cant wait to get back and start a good game library. She still likes to play Candyland but I like the Scooby-Doo Haunted House game due to the theme. I will miss playing games with her for the time I will be away and look forward to getting back.
La Vuelta a Espana is over and I got a great feed for half the event before it was taken down. After that I was limited to recap videos. The penultimate stage was amazing and hoped to have seen it longer but got the best of it. I found myself standing up talking to my screen and cheering for Horner. Though I really never knew him but I do remember his beginnings in the early 90s in a few events I participated with him. I do admire him for his true passion and dedication to the sport. He truly is a down to earth good guy and a bit of a red neck! Who knew an old red neck gringo would be on top of the sport. A troubled team getting together behind Horner for the win. This sport to me is starting to look clean and healthy and thus causing for exciting racing.
My reading has slowed down much as I expected and moving very slowly through the Dark Tower # 7 which is the last in the long series. A weird series and sometimes hard to get through but I am going to finish it this year. My Nook loaded with books that I hope to get through by years end.
I don't know if many were wondering what ever happened to the worst spy against the USA, Snowden. With all this Syria smokescreen this person is no longer of interest. Syria where we want all his weapons and forgive his "evils". Still no real evidence on what Assad is being accused other than YouTube videos and footage probably from another country years back or faked? No one questions why we want his weapons and what we are going to do with them or even wanting to "punish" this horrible person for what he is being accused of. Wake up. Its all a show. Many countries have "chemical weapons" and no on is trying to take them. Israel has them and no one seems to want them out of there. We choose and pick countries and make up reasons to kill them. I see slowly more and more realizing that the "news" pushed to us by the big media firms are propagandist at best to I would say lies. So much is pushed out there and days later never mentioned. Things so horrible one day and the next not a big deal.
Don't forget to catch the latest No Agenda Show as they predicted the Syria outcome and events almost to perfection. It's not hard to do once you realize most of what you are told are lies to cover up the truth.
Natalia spent the whole Saturday with no diaper and big girl underwear. I was so proud and she was so happy. I tried calling my ex to inform her but I got accused of harassment and I just hung up. Also last drill weekend if all goes well at NMPS. Showed up late Sunday as I decided to ride my bike instead (priorities). The unit is already changing and it will be almost new when I return with the amount of new faces.
Sunday may have been my last ride with the AARP group and it was a hot one. Initially set for a short one to see the donkeys but Richie managed to persuade RC (aka Phylo Windsuck) to go up Pigeon Pass an around the mountain. I did have to walk a stretch up this hill. I kept my eye on Greyspoke all day but he didn't need it. This man may be one of the last "hard men" left. The men and women in their 60-70s and still hitting the trail. I can only pray I am still riding hard as he is. In the end I thought it was a great ride. Got a good workout and in great company as usual. I truly look forward to many more rides and hope these guys keep going forever.
My last week at work and not much happening on that end and if all goes well I will return almost a year from now as I hope to take some time off when I return and hope we still have the same store manager. HM2 Chaparro has been in contact with me and giving me the heads up on the process at NMPS and I hope to get there with no real worries and only a few things to do. He also told me what may be my duty and home for the next few months. I hope to be able to stay on touch with my people through Facebook. As much as I do not like the service it seems to be the most reliable and easier to use. Of course I will be posting here on the blog normal and upload once I get a connection.
This last week I spend all week with Natalia to the end and hope it goes slow and I don't get too emotional as I know I will. I stuff as much as possible in a backpack as that will be my personal belongings for my stay in GTMO.
Getting ready for what I hope to be my last drill weekend in a while and my last few days at work. Still have some minor Navy work to wrap up before it is off my hands. I am hoping to go riding with the AARP group Sunday and show up to drill later in the morning. Why not? It would actually be real PT and not the lame stuff we usually do in the morning.
Natalia is using the toilet this week more and more and is becoming aware of it. Sadly I may not be present for the transition. Took Natalia later in the day Friday to walk the village and base of Snow Summit. I haven't been there in many years and not much has changed. It was empty and it was very relaxing laying back on a chairlift swinging to the cool breeze and thunder in the background. I did notice prices for bike rentals and such and boy are they extremely expensive.
I consumed the Walking Dead season 3 in a matter of a few days and it was really good season. Also watching the Vuelta A Espana daily thanks to a nice feed I found. Hopefully it continues. So far a very nice clean race. I find myself cheering for a Caja Rural win daily and for Horner to take the jersey. Horner a real to honest nice guy.
So, Syria. Maybe dangerous times? Either way this "incident" goes to show us all it doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat but the whole administration. So much wrong with this, where to start. First off I don't believe there really is any evidence of this. Al-Assad whom not to long ago was a nice guy getting visits from our celebrities and now he is all the sudden evil. This administration supporting "terrorists" in Syria but on the other side in Egypt. Some decent people still asking questions on Benghazi and "Fast and Furious" but we are told to forget it as it was a long time ago. Now we are told no act f war. Just missiles being shot to kill people at random as "punishment". Never mind this administration providing weapons to these "terrorists" to fight in Syria. Of course we ask how they got these weapons in Benghazi. Hmmmm. What ever happened with the Hope and Change promised. Now we are in conflicts in much more countries. Conflicts or trying to overthrow governments? No one wants action against Syria as the whole world knows there is no real evidence but this administration will go ahead with it as they still claim 98% of people want action. But don't look over here, this is not an act of war. Just a bunch of missiles killing people. How ignorant we are to not "freak out" when other countries may or may not have capabilities to make such weapons but we have the mos amount and even used them twice in history. When was the last time another country used a nuclear weapon? But maybe this attack against Syria is not what it seems. A "proxy" war against Russia over whom will supply natural gas to Europe?
Listen to the latest No Agenda Show for what may be the truth behind Syria.
Coming to you from FEMA region 9. A while back FEMA has divided the United States into 10 regions. No lie and not from a sci-fi movie. Hunger Games is not looking that fictional all the sudden to many.
Went out with Natalia to a local loop around the Heaps Peak Arboretum and it was a nice easy walk. I was thinking this could be a nice loop to run a few times. The trail is very well maintained and marked and a nice easy hike. Natalia walked all of it and we stopped a few times for photo ops and to check out the sequoias. In the end a real nice peaceful walk with lightly falling rain.
Also was fortunate enough to make it out to another ride with the AARP (Old Farts) ride and was blessed with riding with Richie (Uh Oh). RC opted to do his thing and I hoped he would have ridden with us. He thought we would not wait up. We would especially wait for him. This time we actually hit the dirt. I was amazed I rode everything and Richie and me had a few seconds of the good ol' day . Rubbing some tires and him him throwing some dirt on mine to throw me off my game. Remember, this man taught me to ride dirty. Get in front of tight singletrack and hit brakes to bring up dust. Ha ha. A 2+ hour ride in great company again. I hope to go on a few more before I depart.
Finished reading The Companions and it was a great read all the way to the end. Even a nice surprise on the last page of the book. Now I am ready for the many new stories. Decided to finish reading the Darktower series and on the last book. A rather large one and weird story and hope to get through it before I depart.
Been checking out mountain bikes and stuff online and not so good so early. Still a ways away from getting back with money. But I am slowly narrowing my next ride. Maybe a Yeti in the classic color or a Breezer. Sadly both these are now Chinese made, so maybe I can find a US made Yeti. Basically looking for a classic ride in classic colors. Nothing like many of these wimps ride today. big travel big wheeled bikes with full "battle gear". I am traditional and looking forward to going out on real mountain bike rides again. Nature made terrain and not these man made shit out there. I would love to get the feeling of long climbs and technical power single track. That along good company will put a big smile on my face.
Another semi-quiet few days with Natalia. Again my ex demanding info from me and making threats but that will not bother me. Natalia a little sick this week but very playful. I surely will miss her and the stuff she says. Decided to BBQ again and stuck to my "tried and true" tri-tip.
By now most have heard of the news of the new actors to play Batman and Iron Man. I don't know why they cant keep the same actors. If they wanted more money it should be payed out because already people are not looking forward to the movies. Fans get used to a certain face for that character. DC needs all the help they can get and already starting a movie loosing fans. Still plugging away at The Companions book and thus far a very entertaining read and a page turner. I am very sure it will leave me hanging and waiting for the next novels. Also in a Cthulhu mythos kick and looking for more stories and feel it will be a book I will take on my trip.
"If you see life as a journey to death, if you truly understand that ultimate goal, then it is the present that becomes most important, and when the present takes precedence above the future, you have truly learned to live."
- Drizzt Do'Urden - The Companions
My dad recently received an Apollo 11 patch as being part of that mission. During that mission he was in the Coast Guard stationed in the Atlantic Ocean awaiting the landing of the capsule.
Watched the US Pro Cycling Challenge this year online and only way I can see it was through a Eurosport feed. Funny a local race can be seen through a European outfit as the US media so much tries to not allow viewers. Sponsors and advertisers should take notice they are wasting their money on such stations. Also the Vuelta A Espana has begun and thus far no good videos online. I was hoping to find some as I wanted to keep up with it a bit with Eusklatel and Caja Rural hoping to be very aggressive.
This week there was a march in Washington DC in memory of Martin Luther King and I must tell you that my uncle and grandma flew out there to participate. I saw a few pictures and one that got me a bit worked up was a few people stepping on the WWII Memorial. People just don't care anymore and don't know their history. Let alone think for a second of the sacrifice Americans made during those times so we can have what we have today. I have to start to think if it is ignorance or just plain hate and dishonor.I think some of the behavior would anger Marting Luther King.
On another front get ready to have a bigger force of military presence from the U.S. to hit Syria as again this administration is finding stories to make the Syrians bad and in need of "saving" from us. Just another bunch of fake stories so we can get into yet another country to place our agenda there. Sorry. But don't worry he media here has many looking at Miley and the Batman news.
Please listen to the No Agenda Show for the real stories.
I made it out to the Team Dirty Work ride last Sunday and it has been far too many years since I was back riding and riding with the group. A short ride with a small group went out to Mt. Roubidoux but a great feeling to be back among my people and old habits.Got to see RC again along with Lou and Mrs. Greywoods (Mrs. Goodperson) and even got to see "Grey Dog". I hope to ride a few more times with them before my departure and when I return it will be a normal thing for me. Team Dirty Work a group RC started from his driveway and I brought the name over from Darrell Hand. Keeping the name alive and legacy many years later. Quickly the group grew and a stable of fixed characters were formed and nicknames came out of their actions. Trails were named all over the area and names that still live today.
Lately working and spending time with Natalia. My last few weeks with her before my long trip. I slowly have to get ready to not be in contact with her as my ex tries very hard to keep her away and make her suffer. Natalia is slowly learning to play board games and understand them and that is very exciting for me. Ok, just two games (Candyland and Chutes & Ladders). I do hope she likes them and we can spend many hours playing games together.
Finished reading the Ox-Bow Incident and though not my type of genre but now I know what the story is about. The story in short? Don't follow the masses. Jumped right into R.A. Salvatore's new novel The Companions which will lead the way to many more novels in this new world. Thus far a good read and weird to have "re-introduced" the original companions (spoiler). Along with reading I got me a new Nexus 7 which will hopefully keep me busy and pass the time while on deployment. Been hooked on the Elder Signs Omens game and finally got the hang of it and the rules. It can be a bit addicting. GenCon 2013 over and waiting for more footage to drop showing the many new games out, especially a Dice Tower series of videos that I hope they put together.
Normal workdays and spending my time off this week playing Space Hulk: Death Angel. Don't judge me, I know. A fun game to play solo and a break from reading and playing video games (again, don't judge). Still pushing my way through The Ox-Bow Incident and hope to have it finished by this week.
Read Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali and a classic that it is and a little rare to find in the past I found it an average story. Average to today's standard but not 1978 audiences. The edition I bought doesn't have the collectible cover that made it a collectible but I just wanted to read the story to see what it was about. Also got the new R.A. Salvatore novel and was hoping to read it in my trip but I am sure I will not be able to wait. This book will lead to many more over the next few years in this story arch.
By now many of you would have heard of the "drill" that were to be conducted in Austin, TX and Pasadena, CA. A memo was leaked regarding this and quickly redacted. Many asked why it was redacted? Was this really a threat as the memo stated or a drill? People are starting to wake up from this "bullshit" and putting one and one together. England had similar memo and a real attack happened. However I highly doubt it was a terror attack. Again it happened in Boston as a drill (Operation Urban Shield) was scheduled and advertised and an attack happened. Thus far in Austin nothing has been happening. Maybe the group or groups in charge of this decided to not go ahead and cause another attack killing harmless Americans (there I said it). Funny how this memo had all this information but were not able to "thwart the threat" as they like to call it. But some will say that thanks to all the surveillance we are put under the administration is able to know all this. Wake up! It is so funny to me that this "attack" was scheduled in specific days to a specific street. Amazing! Meanwhile in Boston the trial of the two brothers is being kept secret behind closed doors. What was touted as a "terror attack in U.S. soil" is being kept secret. Why? We can have cameras everywhere and report but not of this. Why? Because it doesn't add up. So much evidence that any logical person can't put together but behind closed doors it can be. But of all the nonsense pushed to us during the pursuit of these brothers; in the end we are told we have a kid hiding in a boat texting and talking while being shot. High-tech video from above can see him and a gun clearly. In the end no gun. Picture recently released from a Boston police officer shows the kid bleeding but no traumatic shot to the neck as was sold to us, the citizens. Please, stop already. Austin and Pasadena, you have "dodged the bullet" to use a saying. These agencies may have been planning another "back pack " style device to kill harmless citizens to show that they are working and thanks to the person whom released this it was stopped. Go ahead and think me crazy, but next one day some truth will start to leak out and people will put one and one together.
I am getting closer and closer to leaving and feeling starting to change again. I am a very sentimental person and it will not be an easy transition for me at least the first few days. Bouncing around through Navy processes will not help either. I do hope having HM2 Chapparo leave before me can help me with this process. I know my last week here and with Natalia will be very hard but I will have to get in the mentality of dealing with it and getting out of here, do the job and come home. I know the return will be sweet and a great feeling. That alone has to carry me through the many months I will be gone. I just pray I get to stay in touch with my daughter for her benefit as well as mine. Also hope my court appearance that I will be unable to make as the court pointed out they cared nothing about my situation goes well for my mom as she goes there alone to deal with this. I didn't want this to end this way but again the system showed itself against males and even against the military.
Reading a book I never thought I would read, but I am reading The Ox-Bow Incident. An American classic and been curious what the story was about. It may take me a bit to get through it as it is not the genre I read but I do love western movies and maybe I may strike interest.
Uneventful days at work and as I get closer to leaving the only thing I am looking forward to is not working where I work for sometime. I do know many new faces will be seen on my return and hope our store manager is still there but doubtful.
Drill weekend done and one more to go as I have to be at the next drill for my eval. Hopefully it gets done before then. This drill weekend opened my eyes and changed my attitude. I got the run around myself and treated like an idiot (new song in the unit - I'm an Idiot manamana). The reserve center is a place where it gets people ready for the mobilization process and where most don't know anything and just give you the run around. Amazing things get done. Again probably not. I could never do that to my patients. Amazed little things the staff can do there simply don't help you out instead tell you to go find out. Will active duty be the same? Probably, but I go with that mentality.
Ordered some the new RA Salvatore book, The Companions as it under $10 in Amazon and it will be the first in the new series of so many books in the universe. Also jumped in and got a card game as I have been curious for some time and hope to get into gaming and board games. Also ordered me a new copy of Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali which is a classic and one I've been wanting for years. Was thinking of getting the original edition (original size) but I'm not rich and always wanted this classic.
Word around here is fires. It is that time of the season all the way to October where every community is in danger of some kind of fire. Right now fires around the mountain and I hope none creep up as I don't need that stress right now. Talking about fires on Friday night leaving my parents the house next door which has been empty for some time looks like found a buyer and a bunch of kids were outside with a huge bonfire. My Dad freaked but politely told them to put it down. Me? I was not going to be so polite. I was almost ready to call the fire dept so they can have words with these kids. This is a very touchy subject up here.
Below is a short video of the Clasica San Sebastian (Klasika Donosti) which is one of my favorites to see and course. The last kilometers from the base of Jaizkibel are always hard. Good luck understanding the language.
Much drama this week with my ex as she refused to follow custody agreement and keep my daughter for a week. I guess in turn I get to keep her a week as well. Sadly I had to bend over backwards explaining and reasoning with her. Why do I have to be so open and flexible while she hides and doesn't communicate. I had told her no as I had plans this week for my brothers birthday as well as friends wanted to see Natalia this weekend. Now I hope my last week here I don't spend with the police looking for her and instead spend my time sharing with my daughter. I again called the police to file a report and as usual they didn't care and just gave me a report number. Now I hope the judge sees this breach of the agreement and punishes her. I wonder far too often why these things happen to me. Does God think I'm that strong? I know I can deal with it but I would like to be at peace for a bit. I do know it is not a punishment because I did nothing wrong. Maybe it is God's way of letting Natalia really be with me and have me show her the right things in life alone with no person in between.
"Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone made equal."
- Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451
Started to read The Long War and sorry to say I lost interest in the book. I will however try to plow through it and finish it. While browsing the book store I saw the 60th Anniversary edition of Fahrenheit 451 and decided to pick it up and re read it again. I find this another book everyone should read. Not long and its ideas are not far off as so many people do not choose to read but just watch TV and believe what is being pumped into them. I see people no longer question or have thoughts of things but just follow the masses. The quote above symbolizes that as one of the things Bradbury points out in the book is that we are made to all be the same. No one question or try to be different.
I'm always plugging the No Agenda show and well I know it is too much for many to swallow but that is who I am. I want to point out that the clip show and the latest shows were very good. I am hoping John gives more history lessons and points us to different pieces of literature for us to read further. His small talk about Karl Marx has informed me and gives me the urge to read more about this writer whom so many don't know the truth about.
In a few weeks I will be heading to my first real duty with the Navy. I hope my remaining time here is spend in peace. The time given between notice to deployment is actually good as now you come to terms and are prepared to do the job. I have in my life been away from home in foreign lands many times for this amount of time so the feeling is not alien to me. Excited in the sense that I get to do something that so many people never do. Done many things in my life so many never dream of doing. So many just sit at home and live a simple life that makes no difference or impact. I am happy to say I am not that person. I will be honored to do the job required and am always proud of the many "Docs" out there doing the job and sacrificing. That is the biggest part. The part so many never see which is the sacrifice they make by leaving family behind and their comforts of home to do a job. The many people that never appreciate it because they can never understand or comprehend of what it is to have honor, courage and commitment. I hope I get through processing and get the chance to do something for my country and myself. It is these experiences that I hope to pass on to Natalia in principle.
Check out the Dice Tower videos if you're into board games (don't judge me).
Friday went out with Natalia and walked two trails in the Big Bear area. Walked the Woodland Interpretive Trail (1.5 miles) and the short trail around the Discovery Center (0.5 miles). I want to get back into my old lifestyle before marriage and enjoy life and show Natalia the beauty and simpleness that is nature. Natalia walked about half of the trails and the rest on my shoulders for a nice workout. It was a great day out with cool temperatures and light rain along the way. Saturday we headed up to Green Valley and it was a short drive up there. We didn't hike as much but reminded me of the days when I first moved up here and took my dogs up there and skied the trails. The lake was crowded, but again it is a summer weekend. Best time is off season on weekdays to go up there.
Had a horrible week and finding out my ex lies and tries so hard to keep me away from my daughter which in time Natalia will know all the truths. Knowing that I face an uphill battle to try to be a parent to my daughter. Frustrating at times to be seen as the bad person when it is the other way around. However, I made contact with the guys from Team Dirty Work and was very happy to know they are all still out there riding. I will definitely get me a mountain bike when I return and join them again. Funny how life tends to come around in a circle. They have reminded me of the so many good memories I had around the group. In my cycling career and all the places and top events I participated on, it is this group of "Old Farts" as I call them that made the best memories.
Finished reading The Cassandra Project and found it entertaining and a page turner but not really sci-fi as many would call. It did not get many good reviews as it didn't have that sci-fi space feel many were expecting but I highly recommend it as a quick read. My next read I am jumping back into the Long Earth universe in the second book, The Long War. I didn't really find the first book that great but the premise of multiple earths different, so why not continue the story.
Another cyclist, Stuart O'Grady after many years decides to come clean and confess of his doping. However he claims it was only during the 1998 season. Of course he doped like so many others. Him like the many cheaters stole from so many clean riders out there. I am sure it was not only for one year as he claims. Of course his confession comes during his retirement announcement.
An update on Benghazi is that all the witnesses were handed out nice NDA (Non Disclosure Letters). How nice of this administration to make them shut up and not say anything. Ask yourself why. Why? Why are they being made to not talk or brought up to testify? Talking about conspiracies since some think I'm crazy. Here is a great picture taken by my friend "Lead Ed" while in Dallas. This is the "grassy knoll" where one of the shooters was standing during the assassination of President Kennedy. Amazing the fence is still there after all these years.
Don't forget to catch the latest No Agenda Show. Adam is out of town but a great clip show.
As if many didn't think I was cynical or pessimistic enough. Got back from court trying to get in writing a plan where my daughter spends time with my parents and I stay in contact with my daughter. To find out my ex felt I should not have any contact, her lawyer agreed and the judge did not care and pushed me off months out while I am gone to maybe give my parents one day a month for contact. Thank God there were laws in place for military members to stay in touch with their kids. Again the systems proves to me it doesn't work and doesn't have to be followed. Prisoners get to see their family more often than I will. Doesn't exactly surprise me as the judge on my case has shown in the past a bias towards fathers. But not just the judge, but the whole system. My daughter is being taken care of by a bipolar person and a person whom was accused of sexual abuse by my ex and still the system doesn't care. They are more concerned in writing down lies by my ex as true facts in bogus mediation reports. Got to keep these lame county "wanna be" psych techs sucking off the government. It bothers me far too much to hear my daughter every so often say that her grandpa is not allowed to change her. Yet my ex sees nothing wrong with her being under his care even when she told me of the abuse and confirmed by another person. Amazing! I will no longer continue to serve my country after my contract is up. Sad but that is what I am shown. Serve, sacrifice for what? The corrupt broken system we so hard go out and defend. I am sorry, I am done and I haven't even started. With this attitude and worry over my head I go out to help Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen in their medical needs so they can get home quickly and safe.
Courts continue to favor in the side of mothers and in my case military citizens and children suffer by loosing contact. Then we wonder where the Dad is. Where? He is too busy paying lawyers and wasting time waiting for trials to come up to be a Dad. Why do the females have all the rights automatically? Even with proof of mental condition, substance abuse or not even wanting the child courts still side for the female. Of course years later we wonder what is happening to the kids nowadays. Blame the courts.
On another front I have a friend whom finally lands a job to find out it will cost her money to work. However I am sure she is not alone. This administration keeps claiming lower unemployment numbers which is not true but those falling off is because benefits ended or they had to take a much lower paying job. Some even moving fields. So we are loosing experienced professionals for lower paying non experienced and in many cases not very well trained to conduct many jobs. Imagine the medical field. It will change as so many are replaced by poorly trained workers and the "Affordable Insurance Act" being forced to so many Americans will cause much problems. But all this administration cares is that everyone is paying for insurance thus more money for the firms whom lobby and run government. Will prices go up? They are now and will continue as people will be forced to buy. How constitutional.
What a tease! I was expecting rain last week and as usual all we got was about 5 minutes of sprinkles. I do live in the desert after all. Summer days are here and other than work not much happening. Drill weekend was slow but as usual working both days. The unit may start to crack down on the so many disappearing an not working but at this point I do not care. HM1 Garcia is slowly making her way out of this NOSC and to her next duty station and she will be greatly missed. Two more Corpsmen from our unit got tagged for deployment and the trend continues.
Oh, I almost forgot to say the most important thing. Roisin finally lands a job! A big relief for her and me as I was also getting worried. A skilled and experienced nurse and having a hard time getting a job. She will be closer to home and hope she adjusts quickly and nicely and ends up being good for her.
More and more sites are being shut down and accounts shut down by Facebook. Why? The answer is simple but many refuse to see the real reason. Slowly we are being shut down and soon many will fear what they write or even think in fear of being shut away or persecuted. More and more people are being persecuted or worse, incarcerated for no real reason other than speaking out and exercising their constitutional right. Is this what 1930s Germany felt like? May sound impossible but maybe book burning is not too far fetched.
I know this administration is waiting for the Zimmerman trial to come to a conclusion in hopes Zimmerman is found not guilty as he was before so they can place the "stooges" to start riots and protests so DHS can pull out again all their armored gear and weapons and put their civilian "glorified security guards" against us to see how far they can go with us before it is enough. Zimmerman, brought to trial because of a few public figures always citing racism for their agenda and pockets. Never are these individuals touted as "terrorist" as what they cite is hate and harm to others. Racism will never cease to exist in or society as long as we use it for an agenda. However the case was declared again a justified self defense and riots were said to happen and as I believed nothing really happened. Answer this - If someone attacked you and you believed to be in great harm and the possibility of never seeing your family again. Would you not defend yourself? I most certainly would.
Finished reading Ringworld and was a little disappointed at the book. It didn't catch me as I was hoping. Ringworld makes my 35th book read this year thus far and completes my reading challenge and new years resolution set. I was surprised to have read so many books so fast. I will continue of course and bump it up to 50 books by years end. My next read is Jack McDevitt's newest book The Cassandra Project and not great reviews but the premise of the story sound good and he is one of my favorite authors to read.
Prescott, Arizona, an area that I am very fond off and have a connection with. 19 firemen died fighting these fires which I feel has been horrible at the amount of them. It goes to show us all that these men put their lives on the line and some pay the highest price. Prescott a small historic town really honors them and feels the loss. Below is a video of the funeral detail to Yavapai Campgrounds and a short news piece regarding the wildfire in the Prescott and Yarnell, AZ area. In the short piece friend Gerry Frank is being interviewed while his son (J my BFF) is in the backdrop and later a family member (Michelle Groves) is also interviewed.
In Egypt we see the overthrow of a government put in by our administration and the Egyptian people have seen this and will not have a puppet government over them. So a revolt is happening. Funny to see the Morsi people waiting to Friday July 5th to organize. Why? First our administration needed time to gather "stooges" and fake protesters and supply them with signage and lastly can't do it the 4th if July as the promotion would not be as big with festivities in the U.S. Seems to me the Egyptian people do not want a president with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood ruling over them while our administration promotes it. I feel this administration needs to stop overthrowing governments and placing puppet leaders. Do not send any more military personnel to die, suffer and sacrifice for these evil actions that in no way are among our core beliefs of freedom and democracy. Now for years we have had our President touring African nations with promises of improvement and energy and such to create the One World government that is trying to be spread. Call me a conspiracy theorist or just plain crazy. But people around the world clearly see this.
Finished reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane and found it short and a typical Gaiman story with its supernatural feel. Rather short and didn't really feel its "adult" feel that it was sold as.
I have a handful of new released books downloaded and eagerly awaiting to read so my next choice was not hard since I will read them all. Larry Niven's classic, Ringworld is next since it is in my list and it is this months book pick on the Sword & Laser Book Club. So maybe I can relate when the book is discussed in the next podcast. Now I am one book away from my goal set at the beginning of the year of reading 35 books. I am surprised I read them so fast as last year I got 30 read, and now I am thinking of upping it to 50 by years end.
Hot. It has started to cool off just a little bit and I think record temps in the mountains and no this is not global warming. I know one thing, I better get use to this heat as it will be with me for a long time as I will not have the pleasure to experience winter this year.
4th of July I celebrated a few days prior with an excellent up close fireworks show and a long day in the heat with Natalia where she had a great time but didn't like the fireworks display as much.
I will jump a little into a controversial topic which is racism and today's headlines. We all have heard of Paula Deen and her controversy over a word she said a while back. A word I hate and never use. A little story I have is a few days ago I was overhearing a conversation of 3 people talking about the story as they were looking at the cover of one of the tabloids and while discussing this that word was used about 3 times. I was praying they would not ask me what I though about the story. This word will never go away as it is used daily by so many people. Mostly from certain groups of people. I ask myself what happened to the so many racial slurs used years prior that are no existent nowadays. Racism is being kept alive by certain groups of people. People that in public despite it but continue to use it and propagate it for an agenda. So in response we will destroy this woman publicly and pull all her products off the shelves. But what about the so many music and movies on the same shelves using this word? Lets pull everything offensive off the shelves using this word. On the same hand we have the Zimmerman case which also is being turned into a racial case. Facts are not needed as the evil that racism is, is being used to control people. Please let this word go into history and realize we are all human beings with the same features. But this will never happen because racism is a big money maker in our current society. Money maker? Why out of the blue is Paula Deen brought out from a word she used decades ago in the "South" where I know this word is very prevalent. Has no other public figure ever used this word? Maybe because she became the spokes person of Diabetes with the firm Novaritis which is in competition with Sanofi. This is the reason the slander. Slander used from another company to gain a foothold in the market with a new drug for Diabetes (NA Show Notes 526).
On a lighter note - I don't know if it started as a joke or some stupid people posting it and it turned into a joke but seems like some believe the United States is 2013 years old. Then we wonder why this nation is in the shape it is in.
Finished reading Camouflage, found it entertaining but short and wanted more from the story. I knew it was short as I kept getting closer to the end with no start to the resolution. But overall a decent read. My next read is Neil Gaiman's new novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Rather short and hope it is enjoyable.
Jumped back into gaming and started the new DLC for Borderlands 2 after many days of trying to download the DLC and update. Must say it was just one day of gaming. Maybe more in the next few days. Don't forget to listen to the No Agenda Show
Happy 4th of July to all patriots and those that serve, support and sacrifice for this nation and what it means. However, if you are one of those unpatriotic citizens whom protests against our Constitution and doesn't want freedom and allows our freedoms and Constitution to be bypassed. Please do not celebrate, keep working as normal because this day doesn't apply to you. Keep working to put money into the system to support those that don't contribute and like to take. We are now at a time that more than ever our beliefs and culture are being put to a test. We must continue to be and represent what we are as a nation. We live under very few basic beliefs as seen by our very short Constitution. Never be afraid to stand up and wave the Red White And Blue and show your patriotism.
Short work week and starting to warm up this week as we enter summer. I am not liking it and hope it cools off just a little bit. Natalia got a some water guns. Wait! Guns for a 3 year old? Isn't that forbidden now? No! She is having much fun with them. I will not dwell in any politics or rants this time around. I lock myself up on my cabin and tune the world out. Simply so much nonsense out there lately. Even a nice little house way out in the corner of Apple Valley would be nice. Well, maybe not with this heat.
Went to see World War Z with Roisin and found the movie entertaining. I knew it was not going to be like the book as the book took a whole different approach to tell the story. Had a great time getting a tour of Apple Valley, the Town of Apple Valley and the movie. Below is a small video clip of what a World War Z movie would be if based on the book. There is already word on a sequel to World War Z, but I don't see a reason for it.
Finished reading A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and found it a nice read. More of a look at two societies and how the 19th century is being developed in the 6th century England to "develop it" by changing religious views and moving out religion from being the leadership role. My next read was Animal Farm by George Orwell. I much liked 1984 as it applies to today and found Animal Farm another book I feel everyone should read. A short read and makes some points about humanity and society. After hearing the Joe Haldeman interview from Sword & Laser and him being one of my favorite authors I decided to read Camouflage after he talked so much about it.
Thus far quiet days with my ex and at home, just the way I like it. I want to wish Roisin and her father a great day as he is 80 years old. It was somewhat of a sad day but one has too step back and admire the amount of things people that age have seen and experienced. It always amazes me the stuff people have gone through. Now imagine an immigrant whom left his home and made the journey to a new and different place. That alone is to admire. Sadly me and my generation will not see nearly as many changes and events as our parents and grandparents. Maybe one reason why I joined the Navy to maybe get a hope of experiencing world changing events even as small as our current events.
Finished reading State Of Fear by Michael Crichton and I highly recommend this book and I feel is a must read for everyone. I decided to stay with Crichton and read Next. I liked Next as it pointed out many things about gene manipulation and gene patents. Coincidence that Crichton died early in life from cancer. Hmmmm. Another must read book for everyone. My next read I decided to finally buy Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. This book may be the very first book written about time travel but it was used to point out society from that era and Twain's time.
I was slowly looking to get my upgrade before I leave and it seems cell phone companies are again screwing consumers. Amazing how they price fix and raise prices even more. Amazing how some cell bills are the same as car payments lately. Now you are paying full price for phones on top of the cell bill itself. No more subsidized phones. I guess I will keep my old phone and when I get back turn it into pre-paid. These companies are going to loose customers once people realize this. Now I hope cell phone companies start to lower the prices of devices as they are too high.
I have to go on a minor rant on a big subject and that is Edward Snowden and this administration treating him like a spy. Funny how they trash his background yet hire him to run the computers that spy on us. Now this administration is eager to catch him to shut him up. An administration whom promised to be transparent and to help whistle-blowers yet they persecute them. On the other hand we we have Holder and the administration providing guns to Mexico causing so much havoc and now Syrian rebels which in turn will be pointing those guns at our military. Yes your sons, daughter, wives and husbands will one day be on the other end of a gun provided by our government. So much secrecy with the IRS and Benghazi to begin with and we are concerned about a guy whom just pointed out what he did. Please, we need to wake up.
Microsoft has decided to change its policies on the new XBOX One after so much backlash. It will no longer require an internet connection and games can be traded as before with no restrictions. However the Kinect sensor and its capabilities are still an issue. Sony however right now ahead with its lower price tag advertised. Also to note I got the urge this week to play some video games which I haven't played in weeks. Wanted to download State of Decay to find out it has been having issues downloading. So I never got to download it to play it. Thanks Microsoft. Playstation on the other hand has released Last Of Us and it looks like game of the year already. For some reason Sony tends to back and put forwards awesome story telling games.
Finally went out to see my brother on Friday. As usual we left late but it was a nice day overall. Natalia doesn't see her uncle often but amazing how much she remembers and likes being around him. Saturday I was back in front of my smoker and cooking all day. Pulled pork again with different rub (mustard based) and apple wood for the smoke. However still didn't come out good. I will now need tips. Maybe higher temps? Better quality meat? Wrap it? Help!
Made employee of the month at work and it really doesn't mean much to me. I go in and do the same work day in day out not looking for recognition. It was funny to get it now as so many pointed out to me I never was recognized while working in my old department where I did so much, took care of so many problems and took on so many responsibilities. But I am happy to see my many associates at the front increasing their numbers thanks to me. No one else takes the time to help them out and care.
I want to quote author R.A. Salvatore in his dedication to his upcoming novel and series as I found it something I live by.
"This book is dedicated to anyone who believes that the hero isn’t the one with the biggest sword, but the one with the biggest heart,
Who believes that doing the right thing is its own reward, simply because it’s the right thing to do,
Who believes in karma, or divine justice, or simply that the greatest reward of all is being able to go to sleep with conscience clear."
Finished reading The Human Division and a bit disappointed at the story. Not as page turner as his previous books. There really was no ending and the story overall seems a small part to a much larger story in the war between the two groups. My next book is State of Fear by Michael Crichton and thus far a page turner. I was hoping to also read Animal Farm but picked up the wrong book at the library. So next week I will go pick it up.
More news on the XBOX One is released and I must say I am an XBOX guy but may not be much longer. Seems they are treating its users like criminals by forcing an internet connection and still not really answering the question about used games but simply going around it like a politician. Not to mention the Kinect will be listening and watching you at all times. Sony is in a real good spot to dominate if it simply does the opposite. I already use my Playstation for all my media and entertainment and now I may go full on to that system.
Drill weekend over and not much work this time around. Again another mandatory Navy wide training. This month we send off Lt. Cmdr. Swearingin (2nd tour to the area) and Lt. Cmdr. Anderson to Afghanistan. More new people to the unit and this batch looks like they are ready to work and be around for a while. HM2 White joined us this weekend and it was great to see him and make fun of him.
Spent one day this past weekend with my grandma and Natalia and it was a nice time. My grandma is doing and looking good as years past and may hopefully end up staying just a bit longer.
Finished reading The Last Threshold and I found it a good story and left me wanting to know more. Eagerly await R.A. Salvatore's next book to see what it will bring as it will be a six book series. My next book was Make Room! Make Room by Harry Harrison and I know I can expect anything from this author. This book was the inspiration for the movie Soylent Green. However the book was not a traditional Harrison book and found it to my liking. I recommend this book to anyone as it was a nice quick read. I then jumped back into Scalzi with his latest novel The Human Division and thus far half way through it and not as catchy and special as his previous books.
Work has been extremely busy. I don't know why so busy. Everyone says beginning of the month as all those government welfare cards get reloaded but I've never seen it this busy. As many know I get irked at the welfare system as I see it abused daily. So many of these cards I see not belonging to the actual buyer and more and more every month being able to cash out their benefits. Seems every store nowadays makes most of their money from the government. Not just Wal-Mart as I see bigger and bigger signs in fast foods places, Target, gas stations, etc... I'm waiting to see a nice white and green one in Starbucks. Even cooked food is now added. Are people too lazy to actually cook their food. Won't be long before anything can be obtained with welfare benefits. We are becoming a welfare state where many are becoming accustomed to believing the government will provide them with anything they need. I understand some people really need the help but it is not what I see. Just recently numbers have started to come out on the figures spent yearly on this program and it has grown substantially over the past couple of years.
Also in the news and finally mainstream Americans seeing how this administration has been spying not only on journalists but in citizens. It is not news to me as it has been happening for sometime now with these huge data centers being used and built to funnel all our cell and internet traffic so it can be scanned and saved. Some amy start to slowly see much stuff online being "blocked" from such popular sites like Facebook and Google searches as these companies clearly are some being used for this. Maybe now more and more people will wake up and see how we are slowly becoming a slave state. The huge push to un-arm us, the push to spy on us, the slow indoctrination of Islam culture being pushed to us, the push to bypass and maybe erase some of our constitutional rights, and the lack of jobs forcing so many of us to become government dependent or just to submit. As our president says many times - "Just getting by" which appears to be the new motto for America. The land of the middle class just getting by. I am very skeptic on the recent attacks in U.S. soil from what we are told are Islam radicals. Seems more and more are happening and never before even through our long cold war, while our administration keeps arming groups in Africa, the middle east and even Mexico. A clear example Americans are seeing now in the Benghazi killings as the truth us slowly coming out, not to mention the current turn of events in Mexico and I dare say the unexplained "deaths" of the many U.S. Navy SEAL sailors. With this all being said I know this administration has definitely flagged my little blog and all is being stored. Hey! President, can I also have some space to store my photo and music files in your servers? LOL
I have a little rant - Why is it hard to get hot sauce at a fast food place? They have too many types. Want hot sauce? Yes. Hot hot sauce. Please just make one and that is the choice. If you don't want hot sauce then don't ask for it. Mild, medium, hot, inferno? Just one, please.
