Unexpected Changes!

Huge life change this past week and decided to terminate employment with Walmart and help my new partner Angela with her life and children. I feel this is a much more rewarding thing to do and one I feel am very good at. Work at Walmart was starting to get very monotonous and recent changes with the new managers. where I have seen a huge lack in managing skills and alack of employees to run an efficient store. I was getting tired of doing the work of many for a tiny paycheck. I did leave in good terms and who knows what the future will bring. I can say I have lead a non "conventional" life. I continue to move on and let life guide me as it has steered me in many unexpected paths and has taken care of me.

Natalia also started school this past Wednesday and to my surprise my ex has been extremely nice. So I know she's on her medications and I soon expect for bad times as usual from her. But I am now more stable and it bothers me less and less every year that goes by. Picked up Natalia on Friday afternoon and everything great. Slowly setting up new routines as I have two other boys to take care off. It has been a surreal week and one full of surprises and the unexpected. So far it has been very long rewarding days for me.

"No more let life divide what death can join together"

- Percy Bysshe Shelley

Friday was a nice day as Natalia was with me and Pablo came home. All of us together had another game night. However not many games were played. Next time I expect full participation as it is a tradition I want to maintain. We played a few rounds of the new Lego Minotaur game and Disney HeadBangz. Pablo and I got some good hits on the Lego game. I was a bit disappointed we didn't get it on with the Survive: Escape from Atlantis game on Friday night but Natalia was wanting to play other games and watch a movie.

Another drill weekend and still thinking of going IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) and not have to be present at drill any longer since I am no longer being paid and retirement is a ways away for me. Sadly I was not able to continue to serve in the manner I had intended. Seeing the changes made recently, it is a Navy I no longer want to be part off. However a few members there are convincing me to keep drilling normal and take advantage of opportunities as it seems are easier there with less nonsense to get approved. This administration is really trying to take away the benefits of veterans and cutting careers as to avoid collecting retirement benefits. This drill weekend I saw the retirement of HM2 Zapata as he left out the back door after serving 20 years in the Army and Navy combined. Also the retirement of MMCS Hamilton after 42 years of service and many in a volunteer status. Those are the true heroes nowadays. So far I will continue drilling a month at a time and possibly start volunteering for funeral detail as my new schedule allows for that honorable job.

Don't forget to download the latest No Agenda Show to filter through all the lies and misinformation the mainstream media pumps out there. I can guarantee you will be a much informed and happier person for knowing the truth. 

"Are All Your Guys Dead, Dad?"

We missed the parade in town Friday afternoon but made it to the festival on Saturday. Not as big as years prior but always a nice morning outing. The highlight was the Fireman's Brigade where the kids made a line. However I don't think the firefighters from Arrowbear and Running Springs went up against each other, as that would have been nice to see. Our festival had a few nice carnival type games where prizes were handed out to all kids and Natalia was given a nice teddy bear. Also this was the last weekend of the Book Reading program at the library and Natalia accomplished her 45 books. However the prize was a burrito and soda from Bakers. WTH?

Last normal days with Natalia this weekend as she starts school this coming week and I was forced into a shorter schedule with her. Went out with Angela and her boys to dinner on Thursday and had another excellent game night with them Friday. Survive: Escape from Atlantis was another hit and I was the first one out while Natalia again won. How does a 5 year old keep winning this game? The highlight of the night was when Natalia asked me - "Are all your guys dead, Dad?" She knew all my little guys were taken by the sea creatures! Too funny, Also we played King Of Tokyo where I got a rule wrong and played Order's Up! for our game night. Can't wait until next Friday again for our regular Survive grudge match and other possible new games as I have many more in my collection.

Sunday was a more eventful day starting early on my drive down I came across an overturned vehicle and stopped to provide any needed medical aid, and none was needed. I stayed to dovert traffic along with a few other concerned citizens until CHP and others arrived to secure and clean up the site. Luckily I left early and still made it in time to drop off Natalia. However that too didn't go quietly as my ex decided to argue and insult me again in front of Natalia in regards of clothes for Natalia for school. I normally record these incidents but my phone has again been giving me issues. I just refused to argue and told her I would dicuss this matter in a more private setting. Also made it to the ride on time and that was a pleasurable ride as usual. Just Luis, BikeWife and me present and we discuss in some details the workings and maintenance of a vehicle with a true Mexican! LOL. Work sucked as usual with the lack of direction from the awesome management team and as usual short staffed. Again another day I came close to quitting, especially with a great offer on the table. Without going into any details Sunday started horrible for my friend and my day ended very concerned and with a possible sign from above for yet another change in my life.

"When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad ... You should do what I do! Just tell yourself Duckie, you're really quite lucky! Some people are much more ... Oh, muchly much-much more unlucky than you!"

- Dr. Seuss

Natalia had her first fall this weekend and my corpsman/daddy skills were put to the test and I passed with flying colors! Really nothing a wet towel and a shoulder to cry on didn't fix. I hope her mother doesn't accuse me of abuse and start another false claim.

Finished reading Seveneves and found it entertaining at the beginning and slowing down and for me falling flat at the end. The ending felt rushed and could have gone more pages to develop more the new generation and the earth survivors. Was hoping for a shocking ending. Now back to a historical read in Victory at Yorktown where I follow George Washington in the fight at Yorktown and the incident with Benedict Arnold and the hanging of Major John Andre. Skipping the previous book Valley Forge as I have not gotten my hands on it yet.

Don't forget to catch the latest No Agenda Show. John (Buzzkill) and Adam (Crackpot) deconstruct the media stories and uncover what really is happening in a funny way. After all, once you are no longer a sheep and are awake you have to but laugh at the stuff governments pull on its people.

GenCon over and out of the many Dice Tower videos, here is a short video of the Con.  

Game Night & No Txiki

Missing Natalia (Txiki) this week and missed the last activity night at Barnes & Noble for the summer with the Dr. Seuss events. I highly doubt she was taken to participate in those as she so much like the activities at the bookstore. Next week I will slowly have to adjust to a new schedule with Natalia as she starts kindergarten and it was "unimaginable" for the judge to have her go to the school up here as I am home more often and a much safer and nicer school district up here.

This week I am all alone as Natalia is spending a summer week away from me. I have been feeling rather good lately (mentally at peace which has been hard to come by the past years) and felt like going on a nice run. Went on a 10km run out in Green Valley Lake (2N13) out and back the fire road among some light rain and awesome views of the high desert and Lake Arrowhead. Timed at 1h 12m and I felt good the whole run and maybe should have extended it a few more kilometers. Next time for sure.

"It is not a lack love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages"

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Friday and Saturday night I was very happy to have had a game night, Sadly without Natalia but in great company. A little short but I hope this becomes a tradition for Natalia and me as well as with my new friends family as Natalia and me have been gaming for a while now and having a great time. This weekend I brought Forbidden Island, Smash Up and Survive: Escape from Atlantis! (Can't wait for new re-theming Survive: Space Attack!)  to the table and all were very well liked. Sunday afternoon a short Heroscape game and my BBQ spread for my guests. Next week Natalia will be here and she will get to participate in the fun. Overall my mini four day vacation was filled with boardgames shared with my new friends.

 My reading has again slowed down and slowly trying to finish Seveneves as I am in the last 100 pages. I will say someone has been keeping me distracted from my reading. No complaints, however as it has been a much need and hopefully life changing distraction.

Rant: Again another scandal and this one I feel is a very big scandal that must be investigated fully. Planned Parenthood, an organization by Margaret Sanger which publicly had an agenda of genocide towards certain races is finally being seen by the public. An organization which receives money from the government (that means you and me and we have no say so in that matter) and many corporations has been a proponent of abortions and controlling population have been profiting by selling body parts and in exchange controlling population. Planned Parenthood has been slowly concentrating into certain regional areas where "Black Americans" reside thus committing genocide. No outrage there as the PR department of Planned Parenthood is in full gear throwing distractions such as "Cecil The Lion".  Not only should this organization be banished but also a deep look and exposure of the true agenda it has and those behind it. But so many of us are "sheeps" and are easily mislead and distracted by other stories. Soon the Lion story will be replaced with another and another to keep this story off the media. Also along the same agenda is the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation with their many "vaccines" always tested in African regions which also has been having the same effect.

Not many TV shows catch my attention but Penny Dreadful is one that was brought  to my attention and to my interest as I love unique characters and especially those based on classic literature coming together in a nice story.

Life Changes?

Nice cool days up here and Thursday decided to go for a short walk by Keller Peak. A short walk on one of our normal areas and Natalia ended up waist deep in water. Can't blame her, she is my child and nothing a towel and the washer can't fix. Friday was another great day as we made our way to the Lego store and to the bookstore for geek fan day activities in great company. Saturday again we stopped by the market, library and park as usual in a rather warm morning. However Saturday we had some very special visitors come up to our cabin to share a few hours and a few games. I really enjoyed playing Survivor with four players and Natalia again managed to sneak in a win. How does this happen? Later it was off to Natalia's grandparents for a BBQ spread.

Still slowly reading Seveneves and it has slowed down a little past the half way point and hope for a strong surprising finish from Neal Stephenson.

Sunday I was blessed to again be able to go on another ride with the AARP folks and a little warm but as always a great ride among great company even though a few of us only joined us partway through the ride. I am getting the itch again to go for a long trail run and since I have a few days off coming up and deciding to spend them at home sharing if possible with my new connection. I will say I am feeling more at peace with myself and less stress lately which is a great thing for me.

Later this week thunderstorms are expected for a few days and I am hoping for that and ready for the storms we have been getting lately. Maybe even lower temps are forecasted. This weekend Natalia sadly will not be present in the house and I will miss her and hope to spend more time with my new "hopeful" companion getting to know each other more. Maybe some running and another mountain bike ride this coming Sunday. Also hoping to learn a new game to share and experience.

Check out the Dice Tower preview videos on GenCon. Here is part 1 of many more.

Fearsome Twosome

Fearsome Twosome is what Natalia called us on Thursday. Another great few days with Natalia and Thursday we hit the bookstore, comic book store and stuffed our faces with shrimp tacos. Friday we went back down to the bookstore for Minion day and it was OK. Not really any effort for activities and it felt forced on the store but Natalia won the final prize which was a poster of Scarlet Overkill. We also picked up a few more figures for Heroscape and Saturday was Star Wars day at the bookstore and another trip was made. This one I was unable to make it and my parents took her. Sadly I missed that activity.

The Navy finally screwed me over this weekend. Seems the new Navy is becoming automated and trying to take out the human intervention. I was pushed to a volunteer unit as I failed to log on to a system that works part of the time. Even after I received order to 4th Marines Airwing. Those orders they cancelled and stuck me in a volunteer unit not being paid. The good news is I no longer have to put up with my older unit and its lack of leadership and huge favoritism. I am now in a non paid status but with opportunities still to pick up side "orders" and among great people with the "no nonsense" politically correctness attitude. I may be concentrating in the funeral honors and hopefully do those for side money and the great honor that comes with that task.

This weekend our area got hit pretty good with rain and much welcomed. Haven't seen so much activity like this in the two days it hit. Hope to see more rain as it is being said we may get this winter. But again weather forecasters are usually never right. Other than predicting global warming and the end of civilization!

Rant: This weekend as well at the Navy reserve center I was not fully amazed at the "bullshit" security implemented. I feel bad for those that feel it was actual security. I went ahead and pointed this out and some was fixed the next day. But what I am still amazed is how the Navy and I am sure other branches choose and pass orders that force us to cower and take measurements to show we are not in the military. Hide your uniform, don't wear your uniform in public or worse be seen wearing it. Wow! What's next, make sure all our flags are taken down at home and any identifying images/items.  But no surprise that our president now chooses to honor the incident by lowering the flag a week later, after so much complaints were made and I am sure were finally seen by this administration. Thanks, but no thanks. Let worry more about a drug addict like Whitney Huston whom contributed nothing to this nation but giving her this honor.

Summer By The Fireplace

A change in weather last week. So far it is mid July and really no hot days. I am sure they will be here but so far a cool summer and even winter. As you can see on Thursday Natalia wanted the fireplace on and decided to make some smores for her.

Temperatures warmed up a bit as the weekend hit and we went to the park as usual and spent all of Friday smoking some pork shoulder that was to repeat again. Natalia is on track as well with the summer reading program at the library and got a prize. I know she doesn't read yet but I read to her every night and I find it entertaining as well. Another normal work week and drill weekend coming up and I am hoping my change of unit will not affect drilling where I have for years.

Still reading Seveneves and an entertaining read thus far. I must say Stephenson's writing has got me thinking and getting a little scared at the scenario he has painted. This is yet another long novel by Neil Stephenson and hope to get thorough it by months end.

Got some Heroclix super hero figures to have more fun with the Heroscape game and maybe next month start budgeting some more terrain. Heroscape is a very fun game that Natalia and me really enjoy. Also found a game about the Natchez Trace called Breaking The Devil's Backbone at the thrift store. The game doesn't see very good but I will play it with Natalia as it gives some historic references.

Sunday was another pleasant ride with the AARP folk out to Mt. Roubidoux. Nice temperatures and as always a nice outing with great company.

Among the few perks at work, I get to listen to stupid questions and if lucky idiotic behavior. Yesterday I was asked for waterproof soil for planting. Then not long after that I was asked by a person how seeds work? Hmmmm. Well, the seeds go in soil and you water it and they grow to whatever the seed is. However, I wouldn't use waterproof soil for that! LOL.

This week the new DC Comics movie, Suicide Squad got a trailer release and I must say it looks entertaining. But not a movie for children.

Happy Treason Day

Independence Day spent with Natalia watching the fireworks. This year we decided to see them in Big Bear and it was rather nice. I was amazed how fast I found parking. In the end a nice day as Natalia got to play in the lake and watch the show with me and her grandparents. Along with the festivities Natalia wanted to play Zombie '15 which we lightly played and she liked fighting the "fatties". Also a bunch of puzzles as Natalia is quickly doing them almost blindfolded. Overall another great time spent with Natalia.

Sunday was another great few hours spend riding with my people. A very nice pleasant ride to see and feed the wild donkeys. A few nice pictures posted on Facebook. Again, looking forward to another ride next weekend.

Finished reading to Try Men's Soul and found it a nice educational read. I will read the others in the series. My weekly trip to the library I saw Seveneves sitting on a table, another lengthy novel by Neil Stephenson and I picked that up for my next read.

No Agenda Podcast has posted Show 200.7 Redux which describes the birth and reason for the show and its structure. A must for every new listener to see why this is the best place for information. Clearly no agenda or corruption in discussing today's happenings and sometimes great history lessons. 

Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist is now on Netflix. See the inside story of Pantani and his struggle. I feel he was set up as gambling was allowed during that time and Armstrong may have had a hand on accusations as we now see some of his nasty actions and his involvement with the UCI and his payouts to the president and organization. A true sad story that took the life of a person.

Summer Starts

Another normal week and Natalia is in summer break so we don't have to rush up so fast for school. However she still wants to come home early. Another BBQ spread on Saturday and this time tri-tip, my specialty was on the smoker. This past week I watched all of the Planet of the Apes movies and clearly the first one was the best followed by the sequel. Sunday I got to meet up with my mountain bike group for a pleasurable ride out to the citrus park and back, and as always a nice Sunday morning. 4th of July celebrations this weekend and no idea what to do as last year around Lake Arrowhead was a bit of a nightmare finding parking.

Finished reading The Forge Of God and found it entertaining but not great. I will however read another Greg Bear novel in the future. My current read is a historical revolutionary war novel following George Washington. I am hoping it catches me quick and I move through it at a rather fast pace. So far I am on track with my reading goal for the year.

"Perhaps we Americans need a good thrashing now and again to wake us up"

- Benjamin Rush, 1776

I read many children's books and among the many a few stick out as good stories. One of those is a book called My First by Eva Montanari. A nice story where the ending was the best part. I highly recommend this book to any parent.

Rant: Again we are seeing more and more racism being spread by the media and administration. I feel years back we were clear in our way to overlook race but seems that is far too profitable and advantageous to politicians to create and keep alive. However I am seeing very few realize this and point it out.

Also pushing more and more banning of items. Now banning historic flags and even historic events. I am amazed people can even think of this. Let's ban history, books, events and facts.Apple has even gone as far as removing many civil war theme games from the app store. Come on Apple, remove all civil war items such as books and games and any civil rights items. This administration should also destroy all civil war battle grounds and monuments as it represents hate. Now I have better bu all the civil war books and games I can before they are banned.

Fire On The Mountain!

Fire on the mountain as summer is here along with fire season. This one far away from me in the area of Jenks Lake. Friday morning Running Springs woke up to some haze and the smell of smoke in town. Nature doing its thing thinning out for new growth. Saturday morning I get an email asking for CERT members to help in the logistics area. Sadly I have Natalia and my BBQ was going.

A great week as Natalia has been with me all week. She has been wanting to stay in town and not go anywhere. I was hoping to take her to a big comic book store, but maybe next week. Natalia and my parents got me a big popcorn machine for fathers day and I am guessing it is more for Natalia. I no longer have the huge house to store such items. Also this week I decided to change my flags around.

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority" 

- Benjamin Franklin

Still slowly reading Forge of God and an entertaining read. This week I saw news on a new Ghostbusters movie and quickly lost hopes just seeing the cast. This week also received two more games. Got Just Desserts and Forbidden Island. Both good games but Natalia preferred Just Desserts. I am guessing for the them and a little more simplicity.

Meanwhile at work another new manager and she is bringing in her friends and I can already see changes again. The new upper echelon doesn't seem friendly to employees and doesn't surprise me. Already seeing changes that are screwing with some employees causing them to not spend their days off with family for no reason. I can already see work hours being cut to save on overhead and increase bonuses.

Last week I received the Sons of Liberty series and found it very entertaining. I did wish there was another episode showing after the summer of 1776 with scenes such as Valley Forge and after the summer of 1776.

Graduation!

Another normal work week and Natalia's last days of pre-school. Her graduation ceremony was today and it was very nice and special. I feel sad that she will not be attending the school up here as it is much smaller, cleaner and she already has many friends she has been growing up with. Natalia will be with me the whole week and fun everyday as usual. Planning doing some ribs this weekend and see how they turn out again.

Drill weekend done and as usual not without its nonsense. However  a little limited to Saturday as I spoke my peace. Again lack of workers but we did have a few missing. However it would have been the same. Amazing still the laziness and worse yet, the lack caring by the LPOs. One good note about drill is the PT being done early. I am glad to see almost the whole unit participating and I am a believer of PT as it creates cohesion and brings us all closer.

Got a nice stack of games from a fellow in a board game group on and so far all the titles have been decent to good. So far this week Natalia and I have been playing a bit of Order's Up! and Enchanted Forest. Also slowly introducing Natalia to Indiana Jones, The Temple of Doom is not really the best movie.

We got some thunderstorms a few days back, but not as heavy rain as I would have wanted. But we did get our thunder. All the windows quickly were opened for the sounds and smell of rain.

My current read is The Forge of God by Greg Bear and I believe this is the first book I have read from him. So far a page turner and your typical alien on earth story. My last trip to the book store didn't catch my eye on any new titles.