Effects of Katrina to be felt as far away as Turner, OR

So I get a phone call this afternoon from my section sergeant. It appears that I may be going to Louisiana, and have to be ready to go to the south to help aid with the clean up/rescue efforts. I will know more by Monday, and could be leaving as soon as next week. The tour would be for around 1-6 months. But most likely less than 90 days. Anyone have an old/extra laptop that they could give me as a loner if I go, so I can keep people posted when I get an internet connection? Once again, I will post my little poem about being a soldier. Thank you all for your thoughts, and support. (save all of your prayers for those who are truly in need down there)

I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accept
the thought of eternal loneliness. . . Should I fail.
I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and
enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love.
I have cried, pained, and hoped. . . But most of all, I have lived
times that others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was. . .A
soldier.


-Unknown

Hurricane Katrina Relief

Tomorrow, Thursday September 1st, is International Blog for Relief Day. I selected the Salvation Army for the charity of my choice. As of this posting, there are more than 380 blogs participating. For a list of other charities, news, and ways to help, click here and here

Gumball!

Gumball. . . Gumball. . . Gumball!

It is here, its finally here! About three months ago, I preordered the movie The Gumball Rally. It shipped a few days ago, and I just finished watching it. Ahh, what a fantastic, iconic film of American freedom. For those of you who don't know, Gumball Rally was the first in a long string of movies about organized underground illegal races from one side of the U.S. to the other. Movies such as The Cannonball Run, and Speed Zone. Both of which pretty much suck spokes in comparison. This film is more about the cars, rather than the quirky humor of the drivers. The "stars" of the film are a vintage Ford Cobra, and a red Ferrari. I will cherish this movie forever. Yes, I said that. It might make it onto the next movie night list.

There is actually a real race that happens every year now, called the Gumball 3000. You can witness the ultra rich playing their games in these races by watching the Teckademics Mischief 3000 video, which I have by the way.

And yes, I am actually working on Foxholes 4, I am about a third of the way done with it.

Got Spam?

I have seen a lot of spam in the comments lately. (Sorry, Veronica for being rude, but with all the spam it is hard to tell who is a real commenter) Tonight when I was getting on to create a new post, I saw this on the blog lead page. I hope that by me turning on word verification, it doesn't discourage anyone to leave comments on my blog. I would also encourage all of you to turn on word verification as well.

Teaser. . .

It's that time again. Oh yes it is. I now have a lot more time on my hands, and I am having a hankerin' to start writing again. So you know what that means. . . Foxholes 4 baby! It will still be a week or two until it is done, so in the mean time, you can catch up on the last installments by clicking these links.

Foxholes 1 Foxholes 2 Foxholes 3

So take some time to freshen up on my Korean exploits, and I will honestly have part 4 up within two weeks. Thanks for all of your patience, and ribbing.

Math, P.T., and Reunions

So it has been a long time since I have posted, and a lot has been happening. I know that I now have at least four more readers. Welcome. I took my math final on Wednesday. I actually feel pretty good about it, but I have a hunch I will only pull a high "c" out of the class. But that is awesome, because I can finally move on with my math stuff. I hate math.

Two weekends ago was my August drill, which consisted of weapons qualifications, a P.T. Test, and a mandatory-fun day picnic. I used my trusty M-16 (mine is manufactured by FN, not colt, which is a good thing) and qualified as Sharpshooter. I really wanted to get expert, because of all the times I fired in the Army, I only missed expert twice. Anyway, after not using an M-16 for about 5 years, I guess I can't be too disappointed with one level below expert. The following day was a P.T. Test, which consists of two minutes of pushups, two minutes of situps, and a two mile run. I just missed it, although I made improvements. But I was pumped about it. After that, I had to go to a unit picnic. It sucked, but at least I got paid for it.

Last weekend was my ten year high school reunion. After much flip-flopping and deliberation, I flew in solo, and was really amazed at how much of an awesome time I had. If I hadn't gone, I think I may have missed out on a fantastic time, and a chance to see a bunch of people that I hadn't seen in a long time. I was shocked at how normal and pretty cool almost everyone was. I was kind of expecting everyone to not have changed I guess. Next time you see me, ask me about offending a local millionaire. As soon as I figure out how to use picasa and flickr, I will have about 80 photos for everyone's viewing pleasure.

All in all, things are going good. Still losing weight. Oh yeah, I have dumped two full pants sizes since May! Go me!