Sheri and I attended my 10 year high school reunion this past weekend. Kudos to Sheri for smiling and nodding during the event. Reunions really are a bore for the significant other's who know absolutley nobody in the room. As for the event itself...it was great to see so many familiar faces. What's amazing is how many people still look so similar to the day they graduated. There was a whole bunch of faces that I just didn't recognize, this can be both a positive and negative comment...depending on the person. Regardless of how we are aging, as a class, Arundel 1996 is doing Great! So many people are successful in their fields and are making something out of their lives. There was a rumor that an "Anti-Reunion" was taking place the same night by some classmates who felt that a reunion is not worth it. Yet...ironically enough, having an Anti-Reunion party is essencially the same thing...it's still a Reunion. Maybe another decade will pass and those who feel as they do now will mellow their opinion and join the rest of the class. After all....they might just suprise themselves and find out that it's really nice to see people you knew when you were young. The fact is, a reunion is an excellent way to connect your life to your past. Going forward in time, the only ties you have to your youth tend to diminish. My past was no pleasure cruise, but looking back at it and spending even just a few hours with the group you spent so much time with when you were young...to me....is Totally Worth it!
Smeby Twins....it was awesome to see you again. Do you realize that we met 22 years ago? Time does fly.
Speaking of flying, I did my first Cross-Country solo flight this past weekend too. LNS-EVY-LNS. For those of you airport savvy folks...where was I flying??? Nervous doesn't even come close to describing what I was feeling. The trip worked out perfectly though. I stayed on course (which is vital to finding the correct place on earth that you're supposed to land at) and the weather couldn't be more cooperative. I can't wait to do it again. Special thanks to the voices at the other ends of Williamsport Radio, Millville Radio and the Lancaster ATC group. I appreciate the patience.
This blog is being typed from VPS (Eglin Air Force Base) in Florida. I'm down here handling a couple flights for ATA. One of them is on a 24 hour delay and now I get to catch a non-stop flight home on ATA. Late...but non-stop is still good. I'm staying in Destin, FL and the area is rather nice. This could be a good location for a long weekend.
Last but certainly not least....Sheri and I are having some issues with moisture in our basement. Once again I have to voice a negative opinion of the Mark Will Team and C & F construction for piss poor service. Mark must have forgotten how to pick up a phone and return calls and C & F...well....they just suck. If they could find a corner to cut...they'll cut it.
One more quick note....Kramer from Seinfeld is in trouble with the black community for using non-African American approved language. Strange....The Jewish community never blasted off on the Honorable Rev Jesse Jackson for his Hiemeytown comments a few years ago. Everybody just needs to breathe and move on...Life's too short for the Bullshit.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Double your Bunker, Double your Fun
Rob Bunker is now a married man. His wedding was on November 11 and took place in an Episcopal Church in Pohick, VA. This was an interesting location given this history of Rob's family and the history of our nation. Rob's family discovered this tiny church years ago when bobby boy was just a young feller. He spent many a Sunday reading from the good book and praying with his family and friends. Since then, he's lived all over God's creation and currently lives with his new wife and her son in Ellicott City, MD. When they decided to have their wedding in Pohick, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why a childhood church was so important to him. Rob...I get it now. That place wasn't just a building to pray in on Sunday, it was a home to so many families and friends that turned a building into a warm and welcoming place of love. Though I still don't dig on the formality of religion, nor do I have a clue as to when you exhaled..."Blessed be to God!" I can say that it was a lovely ceremony in a historic building where friends are family and family means that love never ends.
While in town, Sheri and I stayed in Springfield and spent a few hours prior to the wedding in Old Town Alexandria. We met Craig and Amy there for some Tapas Lunch at Las Tapas and if you haven't been there, it's worth a trip. So many people in this country stick to Ruby Tuesdays, TGIFridays, Olive Garden, Cookie Cutter Chain Restaurants,etc... There is so much more flavor out there. Please Average Americans...go forth and experience a flavor of culture, it is a step in the right direction to saving humanity. Or, it could just be a good meal.
My adventure into the world of self employment is going well this month. Time and money take on a different perspective. I can't yet put my finger on what I love most about my current work situation, but for now, I'll say that I just love what I'm doing. I can say that I do love the freedom, the time and the income that accompanies what I'm currently doing. I find myself asking myself...would I go back to a job if there was an offer right now? Not at the moment is the answer I keep getting. Until I get tired of this, it's "To Infinity and Beyond."
I read Justus's blog recently. I know that both Mr. Hice and myself can relate. Keep your head above water and live your life until that breaking point comes. You'll know when you're ready to make a change in your life. Whatever that change may be, it will be obvious and the best thing for you, yet it will still be difficult to contemplate. Follow your heart dear friend, it will never steer you wrong.
I did a solo flight the other day. It was my first time flying solo in a Cessna 172 with 180hp. This is a lot more power than I'm used to and without getting too technical, more power in a single engine prop plane creates a lot of pull to the left. I had to abort my first takeoff as I almost ended up in the grass on the side of the runway. I knew there would be more pull to the left and I did compensate for it with Right Rudder. However, I guess I just didn't gauge well enough just exactly how much Right Rudder I would need. After a zig to the left and a zag to the right with another zig to the left...I cut the power...declared an aborted take off and taxied back around to try again. The next takeoff was successful and it was done by a more humble and experienced student pilot. Overall the flight was really not one of my best. The air was a little choppy. The winds were a bit high and the clouds were a little low. I took my full hour and landed safely. My current minimums that I'm signed off for are no more than 10 knot winds. I took off with winds at 10 and landed with winds at 17 knots. The landing was better than my takeoff as it only took one try, however...I've done much better. At least I'm getting some good experience with wind.
Christmas shopping is in full swing. Sheri and I are pushing to get it done well before the stores get packed. Something I've learned with age...adults are such a pain to shop for. Q: "What would you like for Christmas?" A: "I don't know, how about a gift card?" Gift cards are no fun at all to open. They are a nice gesture, don't get me wrong...but who ever got excited while opening an envelope containing a gift card? I guess this is just my youthful side that believes in the joy of gift giving/getting especially when there is wrapping paper and nice merchandise involved. I guess I'll never forget the joy of opening a Tyco Slot Race Car set. The fire truck was cool...it's lights and siren worked. This trip down memory lane has been brought to you by Mattel.
Happy Thanksgiving.
While in town, Sheri and I stayed in Springfield and spent a few hours prior to the wedding in Old Town Alexandria. We met Craig and Amy there for some Tapas Lunch at Las Tapas and if you haven't been there, it's worth a trip. So many people in this country stick to Ruby Tuesdays, TGIFridays, Olive Garden, Cookie Cutter Chain Restaurants,etc... There is so much more flavor out there. Please Average Americans...go forth and experience a flavor of culture, it is a step in the right direction to saving humanity. Or, it could just be a good meal.
My adventure into the world of self employment is going well this month. Time and money take on a different perspective. I can't yet put my finger on what I love most about my current work situation, but for now, I'll say that I just love what I'm doing. I can say that I do love the freedom, the time and the income that accompanies what I'm currently doing. I find myself asking myself...would I go back to a job if there was an offer right now? Not at the moment is the answer I keep getting. Until I get tired of this, it's "To Infinity and Beyond."
I read Justus's blog recently. I know that both Mr. Hice and myself can relate. Keep your head above water and live your life until that breaking point comes. You'll know when you're ready to make a change in your life. Whatever that change may be, it will be obvious and the best thing for you, yet it will still be difficult to contemplate. Follow your heart dear friend, it will never steer you wrong.
I did a solo flight the other day. It was my first time flying solo in a Cessna 172 with 180hp. This is a lot more power than I'm used to and without getting too technical, more power in a single engine prop plane creates a lot of pull to the left. I had to abort my first takeoff as I almost ended up in the grass on the side of the runway. I knew there would be more pull to the left and I did compensate for it with Right Rudder. However, I guess I just didn't gauge well enough just exactly how much Right Rudder I would need. After a zig to the left and a zag to the right with another zig to the left...I cut the power...declared an aborted take off and taxied back around to try again. The next takeoff was successful and it was done by a more humble and experienced student pilot. Overall the flight was really not one of my best. The air was a little choppy. The winds were a bit high and the clouds were a little low. I took my full hour and landed safely. My current minimums that I'm signed off for are no more than 10 knot winds. I took off with winds at 10 and landed with winds at 17 knots. The landing was better than my takeoff as it only took one try, however...I've done much better. At least I'm getting some good experience with wind.
Christmas shopping is in full swing. Sheri and I are pushing to get it done well before the stores get packed. Something I've learned with age...adults are such a pain to shop for. Q: "What would you like for Christmas?" A: "I don't know, how about a gift card?" Gift cards are no fun at all to open. They are a nice gesture, don't get me wrong...but who ever got excited while opening an envelope containing a gift card? I guess this is just my youthful side that believes in the joy of gift giving/getting especially when there is wrapping paper and nice merchandise involved. I guess I'll never forget the joy of opening a Tyco Slot Race Car set. The fire truck was cool...it's lights and siren worked. This trip down memory lane has been brought to you by Mattel.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The National Mud Toss ends today!
Election day is today. Finally the candidates who are running for public office are going to end the constant verbal mud tossing festival and start focusing on doing what they are paid to do. My vote will be going to those candidates who I've personally spoken too (on the local level) and have a proven record of doing something valuable with their time....and those candidates who have little to no experience and might possibly want do something in office aside from take our tax dollars and waste them.
I'm still getting used to my new career groove. It's both similar and yet very different from having a full time job. I almost feel like I need to stay focused in an office environment or else the imaginary manager is going to question why I haven't dedicated enough time to sitting in front of an email box and responded to hundreds of inquiries a day. The thing I need to get used to is...there are not hundreds of emails a day. Billing on the other hand has turned into a nail chewer. It used to be, on every other Friday morning, money would appear in my account and I could always count on it being there. Now, I'm making runs to the bank a few times a week (not a bad thing) and making deposits. I do love to make deposits...it brings a feeling of confidence....instead of poverty.
Flying is going well. I'm now doing my Cross Country work. Cross country is defined as a trip over 50 miles. I brought Sheri along with me on a trip from Lancaster LNS to Allentown ABE on Sunday afternoon. This was an awesome trip because we came back at night and I got some night flight experience. We stopped at an FBO (General Aviation Faciliy aka Fixed Base Operator) and took a leak. While we were pulling in, I had another first for my flying experience....I had a guy marshall me into my parking space. Nothing special, yet still....very cool. So, for those who track my progress, I've got a 1 more cross country lesson, then I need to do about 3-4 cross country solo flights. After that...2 hours of night flight. That ends the training and I'll have to get my check ride before my FAA check ride (which is for the license itself.) Almost there...and still loving it!
That's it for me...gotta go to the bank and vote. Let's make PA a better place...Vote against Rendell.
I'm still getting used to my new career groove. It's both similar and yet very different from having a full time job. I almost feel like I need to stay focused in an office environment or else the imaginary manager is going to question why I haven't dedicated enough time to sitting in front of an email box and responded to hundreds of inquiries a day. The thing I need to get used to is...there are not hundreds of emails a day. Billing on the other hand has turned into a nail chewer. It used to be, on every other Friday morning, money would appear in my account and I could always count on it being there. Now, I'm making runs to the bank a few times a week (not a bad thing) and making deposits. I do love to make deposits...it brings a feeling of confidence....instead of poverty.
Flying is going well. I'm now doing my Cross Country work. Cross country is defined as a trip over 50 miles. I brought Sheri along with me on a trip from Lancaster LNS to Allentown ABE on Sunday afternoon. This was an awesome trip because we came back at night and I got some night flight experience. We stopped at an FBO (General Aviation Faciliy aka Fixed Base Operator) and took a leak. While we were pulling in, I had another first for my flying experience....I had a guy marshall me into my parking space. Nothing special, yet still....very cool. So, for those who track my progress, I've got a 1 more cross country lesson, then I need to do about 3-4 cross country solo flights. After that...2 hours of night flight. That ends the training and I'll have to get my check ride before my FAA check ride (which is for the license itself.) Almost there...and still loving it!
That's it for me...gotta go to the bank and vote. Let's make PA a better place...Vote against Rendell.
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