A new day in Pair-A-Dice. The weather is outstanding and the horizon is clear.

This past weekend, I have made a decision. The doctors only have a "practice", so what do they know? I AM GOING SURFING. I don't know when, cause this first time back I shall not be alone. I would like to have my son and my best friends present. To "paddle out" in a pack, again, will be a "Rush". From the moment of sitting on the beach and determining "todays" break, to that moment of the first paddle in the pack will be the return of a dream. I know the Doc's will not appreciate their hard work being "misused", but the inner healing will be worth all of the forgone precautions. There is no question as to the board of the day. It will be the "Bruce Jones" for my first time back. I know the Sunset board will work, with the double wing and swallow tail, but I need more stability. The Sunset will be too much of a performer. The SeaFlight, is another story. This was my "comp" board. Of Surf boards, the SeaFlight is a racer. It has the ability to "turn on a dime" and catch air with ease. I know, as I have had it three feet of verticle air, above the lip. The SeaFlight is a slasher and not a carver. It has a winged, rounded pin tail, on a Tri fin frame. It was custom made, back in the day, with sharp rails and an extruded nose. Way too Fast and Furious, for this out of shape bod.

Friday night was spent at my son's "hangout spot" with him and his friends. I know this sounds odd, but my son's friends enjoy my presence. They continually tell me, that, I am, "not the typical dad"! I do not feel appropriate to "talk" down to them. I feel that I will hold their respect, as long as I give them respect. Then, when the times arrives for advice, my thoughts will hold merit. Thus far, this has proven accurate.

Saturday my best friend called and left a message on my cell. He said that he and his wife were at the Vineyards for some wine tasting. Along the way, they met a woman who remembers me from "the day" of my competition skating. She is a Vineyard tour guide, now. This was a wild thought for me. Anyway, they are all planning on going again next Saturday and would like me to join. If the weather remains as it is, I will plan to have the Jeep on the road and take it. Nothing like driving in Wine Country in a convertable, with the doors off.

To the people, whom, I've interacted- thank you for your insight and words.
Teri, such a wise and wonderful mind. You provoke thought and renewed aspirations.
Sterling, with a kind will, continues to place another's happiness before his own. He is tacking and coming about a new course, now is when his jib is pulling and ultimately filling the canvas with his happiness.
Melissa, with the love for all, thoughts of others, she cares about those who deserve. She, too, is a wise and wonderful mind.

Another thought has come my way, for any USMC that may read this one day. If you were part of the USMC training in So. Cal., at March, and relieved your stresses at "Sally's Alley", the guy who was on crutches (for so long) is alive and doing well. "Gimp" as you knew him, is off of the crutches and is looking forward to the day that you return.

I, still, continue thinking of the depth of my sharing. My life has held many adventures, no more than most other peoples; however, my experiences have taken unique paths. As I read other blogs, I sense the concerns of those who care about "Man kind". Additionally, as I read other blogs, I discover so many arenas that I have, and have not, taken for granted. Melissa is a true, caring and giving soul. While she sponsors a child; I can not say that I have arrived to this level. I can say, that I have fully clothed and fed children in the many nations of my travels. Yet, I have not reached her commitment. Sterling, with the love of his child, has released his calling (and love). Another commitment. Teri, who's forrest continues to grow, will spread the roots for another "tree's" nourishment. As in my personal life, my military life, and now my blogging life, I am surrounded by the best of the best in people. Ladies and Gentlemen, for me, this is what life is all about- touching those around us and being touched by those who are good.

Reach

OH Joy, I had a really cool blog written for today. Blogger lost the post after I pushed the publish button.

So, my day in pair-a-dice just rolled "snake-eyes" and the post is gone.
So am I.

Later,

Reach

I get so many emails, sometimes I find one that appears to have a parallel course with my mind set. This one came to me today.

A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?” the mouse wondered. He was devastated to discover a mousetrap being unmasked. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, but said, "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and said, "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said, "Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." Therefore, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. Nevertheless, his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So many people came for her funeral; the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness.
Therefore, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you, remember -- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life. We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another.

I continue to meet interesting people, as I do my blogging research. Some, I find to intellectualize their subject to an acute point. It is amazing, to me, as I watch another individual write their thought processes. Giving me the complete advantage of following their thoughts, as if I were reading a schematic. Witnessing this individuals "flow chart" mentality can be exciting.

Geek Moment

You know what is funny. The division in my mind as I write. Here, I pretty much "shoot-from-the-hip" and write as I speak. No grammar checks and content progression reevaluated on this page. Yet, in my professional position, I must write in a "Military Format". For the novice, Military Format was created aside from traditional Grammar. Must be bullet form, direct and achieve the objective. Ahem, sorry- that one slipped out. Normally, I'm like the dude on TV Surf shows. Ya-know, that certain energy and excitement rolled into one single "Whoa"! Or, "Cool Dude, that was Righteous!" Moreover, yes, gnarly is a word I utilize in my vocabulary! I know the Colonel's find a form of humor in my usage. Furthermore, I have a surf board in the corner of my office and a fly rod on the wall. A picture of one Marlin I caught in Baja extends on my desk. Not quite the specimen of Military Bearing; however, they are excellent conversation pieces. Talk about ice breakers. Unfortunately, they are "double edged swords" as I am tasked with an occasional "A55-chewing" and the "chewie" brings up surfing or fishing. How can I transition from the topic of surfing to another individual's mis-doing? Something I must work on.

Gasoline Prices- What is up with this crap? The prices rise, because the Company's have raising production costs. Um, excuse me; they just went up $0.20 in only three days. Ok, here I am going to age myself. I remember, (I always hated to hear that), when gasoline was less than one dollar. OK, a rise of 200% in this many years is good, but come on! At least justify your claims and raise the cost of Motor Oil. Gasoline prices fluxuate and the cost of Motor Oil remain standard. Am I the only one who sees this?

Rant page is over.

Did I mention the new sofa was a hit? Additionally, I bought some more cool things for the house. Yesterday, I checked out a digital 24 track recorder and another guitar, a Rickenbacker. Then comes the keyboard, the bar, and another computer. This house is going to "Rock". I think I have filed enough of today, on this blog.
Until next our paths shall cross,

Reach

Groggie

I titled this week, only due to uncertainty, and that is how I felt for atleast a couple of days.

Sir, do you like green apples?

I am back in the office (wow, what a geek cause I missed it) for now. I have not, yet, been cleared to return to work status; but, I don't care. I think, I shall call this work "personal". How do you like them apples?

What did you miss?

Central Air Force Command has called a few times. Air Force Reserve Commnand has phoned. "You have E-MAIL". Joyous! And I think this 5h1t is exciting? I do now!

I remember- 35,000 feet, the gentle sway as the aircraft found it's path in the wind, calm-dark night, mild conversation over the interphone, radios were quiet and that is when the question began.

"Who is that, off of our left wing?" HUH! The lights in our aircraft were low. The night sky was so dark, we could hardly consider counting stars do to numbers available- and, we did'nt do that anyway. We could see out and nobody could see into our dark office in a vacant sky; atleast, that is what the radar was telling us. Naturally, every eye turned to the windows on the left side of the aircraft and there he was in our sight. He was in formation with us and we did not even know he was in the air. It was 1991 and we were flying over the Northern Persian Gulf Region and on our way down range.

"Riyadh Control", as we called for the Air Trafic Control Center. "Riyadh Control", came a questioned tone back to us over the radio. "Who is off of our left wing", we questioned the controller. The controller shot back with abbrasive attitude, "there is nobody off of your left wing". "We can see them and we are requesting their identity", we proclaimed. At this point, the unidentified aircraft abruptly "rolled" out and lined up underneath our aircraft. The controller said, "I do not see anybody else on the radar, you are the only aircraft in the sky". He continued, "what are you trying to say to me"?

I know a couple of aircraft and this one very much looked like a Mig. Though, I could only see forward of the wings, this was a Mig. "OH H-E-double toothpicks", I said, "boys there's a fat lady, and she is warming up her singing voice."

Now that's excitement! Talk about "pucker power"! This is the kind of excitement that will give your hemorrhoids' a hemorrhoid! The hairs on your neck (and even hairs that you do not even know you have) will stand on end. Have you ever been so visually shocked, that you could not even utter a sound? Now, this is what I am speaking about. So, what's this junk about missing a couple of phone calls? What's this rubble about missing the "rush" of writing a report?

I love Post Surgical Drugs. And their legal! Shhhh, don't let the secret out.

OK, I do not know if I have previously stated; but, I am in the Air Force. I have just come from my second surgery repairing my body from a deployment accident. Now, the Surgeon says "there is nothing else I can do". OH-Boy, just what I was hoping for him to say. Am I fully healed? No. Then he says, "hey, we're not as young as we used to be". "What?" Ok, what's next? I shall find out tomorrow morning. Oh-Boy, you know I am looking forward to this.

What I already know- I have lost full use of my left foot,
I have lost 50% of my carrying capacity,
I have lost my "airline" career,
I may lose my "Air Force" career,
I may not be allowed to persue back-packing again,
I will not be allowed to ride my Dirt Motorcyle.

OK, there are the "half-empties".
Here are the "half-fulls"-
I can still drink beer,
I can still participate in life,
I can always drive my Jeep,
I can always go camping in my camper,
Did I mention Beer?
I WILL surf,
I WILL go boating,
I WILL continue this blog,
Is it time for Beer?
My family owns property on Lake Havasu-
And that means BEER.

Really- I don't like beer.



Really- I do like Lagers.



Mostly- I love wine.



REACH

umm, OK

Here it is, Saturday and I am off for a few weeks. Tuesday is the next surgery and I do not know if I shall be able to add any more posts, for a little while. I am taking both my lap tops, but do not know if they are going to be able to connect. We shall see, Later All.


Reach

Do I need to list a topic?

Thursday, OMG- that rang through my head and sounded like that guy on "Monster House". Anyway, I digress due to an over active imagination. Now is the perfect time to design my next Tattoo. Oh yes, my Tattoo's, more than one.
I mark my body with highlights from my life.
For example, upper right shoulder has a "Lightning Bolt" to remind me of my surfing days and to never lose my attitude. I catch the perfect wave, ride it to the best of my ability and hope that I honor it's short life. Yes, life, the ocean is a living, breathing, being. She is the most beautiful woman with a tender touch. Turn your back on her only for a moment, she will remind you of her power and authority. With respect, you watch her and coexist in her shores. She will give you the majesty of a sunset, or the horror of a huricane. A truly beautiful, respective woman.
Second, I have my "Wings" to remind me of the struggle and desire to achieve flight status in both the military and civilian worlds. At an early age, it was "drummed" into my skull, "you will never be allowed to fly airplanes"! I said, "OK". I began flying back in 1998, and stopped in 2003. I stopped on top. Well, truth be told, I did not stop- it was taken away from me due to no fault of my own. If you have read my prior posts, you will know that I am OK with this. I have accomplished a goal, and this is natures way of saying it is time for another chapter.
A new chapter, there you go S. If you ever read this, that is for you. A new chapter brings new opportunities for adventure. And, adventure is romance, suspense, mystery, and of course- comedy. If we can not laugh at the absurd, then what is humor?
My third will be a celtic knot, arm band around my bicep, and below my wings. My heritage hails from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany. I am of the Furgxxxx clan. This clan has a celtic knot on it's Coat of Arms. I would like this knot to be placed below and supporting the wing's and lightning bolt. Thereby stating, my life's force is directly related to my being and heritage. Make sense? What ever.

This weekend, I must pick up the new sectional for the entertainment room. This means, the old couch must go to the office. I have wanted a couch in there. It is nice to relax on the couch, when playing around with some new "licks" on the guitar. One thing cool about the office, I have a program in the computer that will score the music as I play it. It truly is a nice feature. In the past, I would have to stand there the whole time. If you have been reading, you will know that prolonged standing, right now, is not cool for me. God, I can't wait to go back to the gym. Jees, I miss that crap.

The Jeep is still in the garage. My son gave a new light bar for Christmas. This is going to be cool. Each light will be connected with relays; therefore, move one switch to "on" or "off" road, then turn the lights on and the appropriate lights will alluminate. No more will I have three switches to operate for each situation. Way-Cool.

The waves are down again. I went to the beach last weekend and the waves were rolling in at about 4-6 feet. Yes, I felt the urge to paddle out, but knew I could not. One photo of me "screwing" around, there goes my whole case. Or, injure the ankle bone even more-OOPS! One Day.

Enough for now,

Ciao

Reach

Ramblings 2

Here it is Wednesday and I have less than one week before my next surgery. Tuesday is almost here.

Funny, the emotions that are arriving into my life. As with surgery, it is always a risk. I know that "modern" medicine's advancements are exceptional, compared to history, but it is still not 100% without risk. Ok, here it is- I have excepted the fact that I may die during this next procedure. Yes, it is not going to be performed in a physicaly sensitive area of my body, but one really never knows about the side affects of the anesthesia. Another thought is about my will- do I have the will to over come such "side affects"? This morning, I have discovered a long over looked, positive, attribute within myself- helping others. I have too much to complete, before that "final" day. Too many projects to do for other people, and not to mention, and for myself. After all, I must not forget that I will be hosting a Super Bowl party at my house. Oh boy, that is a "life and death" thought. Hehe To base an entire future on the idea of Hosting one Super Bowl party. (only a joke) A great idea was given to me, by a very close friend, on how I could manage the hosting of this party from a wheel chair. Not bad for a two story house, I might add. I could get my hands on two wheel chairs- one for my body and the second, for the beer keg, and attached like a trailer to the first. I would be enabled to wheel around the entertainment area of the house and bring the drinks to my guests. Sounded funny at the time. Ah, who knows?

I was reading another person's blog today. As, this person, was listing their complaints and problems with life, I could not help but wonder why I complain about mine. Everybody has problems. It is how you live with your problems, that gauge your strengths. This person was bothered with their "home" life. How they are in a relationship that does not bring them happiness. Yet, for the love of a third party, this person continues to be unhappy with the second party. We can not find happiness in others. We must find happiness within ourselves, before we can bring happiness to another person. So, my thoughts are; too bad, too bad for the third party that this one loves. The "loved" one is not recieving the full happiness from the loving one. The loving one can not give their full love because of the unfullfilled area in their life. But, this is only my opinion and I can not relate due to the fact that I am not the one in this position. With this said, I do not judge and only try to understand.

When it comes to love and my life, I do have my "immediate" family and no significant other. I am alone when it comes to a travelling companion through the journey of life. I have love for one woman, but I know she does not share my feelings. That is ok, as I still give her all that she asks. Ah, who knows?

You know what I miss, the "falling in love." I miss those times: the anxiety and anticipation as 'you' are walking out the door to see this person, the joy of that first glance after it has been two or three days since you've last seen each other, the late night phone calls and you realize how many hours you have been speaking. Ah, who knows?

Speaking of "missing", there are aspects of my life I also miss. Going to the gym. The ability, and permission, to walk up and down stairs. Running. Riding my mountain bike, or motorcycle, as fast I can down a trail. SURFING! I know, that in time, I will miss flying. For now, I only miss the locations I have traveled. Knowing that I shall never fly there again, under my control, will be tough. Yes, I know I am going to lose my "medical" rating. With that said, there goes a career.

Yet, as one door closes, another door opens. I love this new job. A Career Advisor, I never thought that I would be in this role. To imagine that I hold (so many) careers in my hands. The responsibility of another person's future. Wow! Talk about rewarding, I do enjoy the look on a person's face, as I give them ideas and suggestions on managing their career. Showing them the control they hold with every decision they make. The look I get, as they realize the opportunities that lie before them. It is truly cool.
Yep, I know.

So, there is a book called "my life" and I am on a new chapter. The excitement that arrives with a new segment. The new challenges to face and over come. The successes and achievements that are, the road that is before me. I have met a fork in the road and I am not going to regard the "yield" sign as I approach. There will be no collisions, as I am only accelerating past the obsticles. Oh, and BTW (by the way), I have "tossed" the rear view mirror this time, and only taking the lessons of the past. The rest can remain right there, in the past.

Did I do it? Did I "Ramble" twice? Is this worth listing as "twice"? Would this be considered as a "two for the price of one" deal?

Here it is..........
Wait for it.........

Ah, who knows.

Reach

Ramblings

Not much productivity to say, today.

Why do we drive on Parkways, and park on Driveways? Things that make you say, HUMM.
Why are there braile key pads on drive up ATM's? Things that make you say, HUMM.

Reach

Pilgrims?!

I am enjoying the time of honesty and presence. Here, like all others participating in this game we call the "Human Race", I am placing my inner most self out there for all to see in the form of blogs. Ever since the TV show, "Doogy Housier" [I hope my spelling is not a point to be judged], I thought it would be nice to chronicle my life's experiences. Except, on the show he would only drop one, single, line of definition for remembrance to many events. This will not work. My life occupies many aspects: family (my children and parents),friends and work. Work- there is a statement. What is my work? Often are the times I have asked myself this very question. I deal with aviation. More accurately, I operate aircraft in the air and on the ground. The airplane is only a tool, an office with a mind set which must be met. When I enter my office, I do my job with the application of training, knowledge, experience and finally judgement. The really cool part arrives with the end of my work day. As I depart my office, the door remains the same, until that very moment it is opened. My office is not were I entered it. This is the time that "journey" really begins. Like a child who enters the gates of Disney Land, "which park do I wish to enter first" is the question at hand. How can I summize this into a one, single, line of definition for remembrance? Consider my journey's have taken my body and mind to many lands. I have ventured onto all, except one, continents. And, even though I have duplicated arrival locations, the journey is always different. The people I have met in all of their splended forms of personalities, continually reinforce the idea of "mankind is kind". Just give them respect and the opportunity to be themselves. This is only a very small part, of the thing which I call "my job, my work, my profession".

To gain training and knowledge of creating and occupying "blog" space, I need to understand it's purpose. How is this tool utilized by other "Bloggers"? So, I become an investigator, of sorts. What is the norm? The only way to find these answers is to read. I can do this! As I venture through the small spaces in blogs I have traveled; it appears, I am not the only new person here. Many times, I have counted three to four entries as the only posts. Cool!

So, to all who have experienced countless hours in posting- the Pilgrims have arrived. Unlike Plymouth Rock, which we are all aware was not the original point of entry, we are not here to conquer. I see this as my learning to express myself stage. After all, with my many accomplishments, I still need to work on the "whole person" concept.

Reach

5 jan 2006

Is it not funny how epiphany is listed with some definitions of "January" the month? I mean, a divine manifestation in bodily form? Januarius, the Latin god of the sun and year, to whom the month was sacred, was not noted for the manifestation in bodily form as we understand it to mean- don't forget. Unless early cultures considered the sun as a body. Not! Not a human formed god. Before the adoption of New Style, the commencement of the year usually began on 25 March. Yet, we celebrate 1 January every year. No matter what night of the week, we make arrangements to stay up late and "party" with our friends and loved ones. "Party- an occasion on which people can assemble for social interaction and celebration." Wow! As the [Dream] Dictionary defines January, "Dreaming of the month of January means loss of love and companionship." Still, we plan and align our schedules to enjoy social interaction and celebrate the "loss of love and/or companionship".

Auld Lang Syne (for time goes by), a gaelic folk song from about 1711, has become (nae, IS) a tradition during this celebration. Name one New Year "party" that is complete without singing this song. I know, some parties just seem to miss something without these words. "Should auld accaintenances be forgot?" Reply, "for auld lang syne." "Pou'd the gowans fine." "Wander'd mony a weary foot." Then, alas, we find the lost friend after wading streams and traveling from shore to shore. Whew, I know- "tak a right guid-willie waught" [We'll] take a goodwill drink, for time goes by.

How many friends, in this age, go through such a journey? With planes, trains, and automobiles (and of course- cell phones), do we extend our "extreme" behaviour to reach those lost friendships? I am forced to deduce the Scottish forefathers understood the term of "extreme", more than us. However, "reasoning is nothing but the faculty of deducing unkown truths from principles already known"-Locke. So, to Mr. Guy Lombardo, very much a trend setter, I, tak a right guid-willie waught and salute you. I, for one, this year stretched my time, calender, and even budget in making this sacrifice. It was worth it! To all my friends, if you ever read this, thank you.

Reach

3 JAN 2006

Happy New Year.
The Party in Irvine was outstanding due to the hosts and the amount of guests. This year brought the strongest turnout. My friends live on a "cul-de-sac", and with the approval of the immediate neighbors, closing the street was the only option when it came to accomodating the numbers attending the party. The party was still going strong when I left at 0300 hours. I could not believe the drive back to San Diego. The freeways were open and only a few Highway Patrol cruisers. New Years day was the arrival date for my son, who was returning from Colorado. He said, his visit went well and he had a great time on the slopes. This was the first year he attempted the "double black diamond" on his snow board. He said, "it was a rush" and there were no "problems" effecting his rides. While he was having fun in the powder, his west shored friends were playing with the monsters rocking the coasts. Too bad I am grounded, as I miss catching some 10+ and doing "old school" carving. More later.

Reach