Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Tomb of the Unknown

http://www.tombguard.org/site.html

"The soldier is the Army. No army is better that its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for ones country.

"Hence it is a proud privilege to be a soldier, a good soldier [with] discipline, self-respect, pride in his unit and his country, a high sense of duty and obligation to comrades and to his superiors, and a self confidence born of demonstrated ability." ~ General George S. Patton, Jr.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once a year I receive the "Tomb of the Unknown" email. And once or twice a year I journey to the Society of the Honor Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown web page. This is a page made and maintained by alumni sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown. It contains the history of the tomb, the meaning of the tomb, and general FAQ's. Please check it out, as I was inspired today by the quote I found above.

I was very struck by "The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country." I have never served in the military, but had always wanted to. I have a lot of friends who fight on a daily basis for not just the freedom of our country, but for the freedom and basic human rights of every country in the world. I do hope that one day, if I so choose to reproduce, that my children will find serving in the military to be an honor and enlist.

Friday, June 09, 2006

Happy 69 Day!

I am declaring June 9th officially 69 day! After 666 I wasn't sure when another cool date would come along, let alone 3 days later... so Happy 69 day!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Jon the Human Drum


Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Today's Forecast



Today's forecast calls for 20% chance of baby with high swelling in the ankle region and high irritability. Staying inside, kept cool, and well fed should decrease your chances of irritability.

Tomorrow's chance of baby increases as we move into the weekend as this front will not last till the next full moon.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Military Oaths Of Enlistment

Oaths Of Enlistment
All persons, upon entering Military Service and upon reenlistment, are required to take the Oath of Enlistment. At one time, the Oath of Enlistment was the same for all services. Due to changes in both society and the differing Military Branches, the Oath has undergone marked change and has been specifically tailored to each branch of the Military and their specific function. Here are the latest versions of the Oath of Enlistment as recently released by the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

US AIR FORCE OATH OF ENLISTMENT

"I, (State your name), swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES AIR FORCE because I know I couldn't hack it in the Army, because the Marines frighten me, and because I am afraid of water over waist-deep. I swear to sit behind a desk. I also swear not to do any form of real exercise, but promise to defend our bike-riding test as a valid form of exercise. I promise to walk around calling everyone by their first name because I find it amusing to annoy the other services.

I will have a better quality of life than those around me and will, at all times, be sure to make them aware of that fact. After completion of "Basic Training", I will be a lean, mean, donut-eating, Lazy-Boy sitting, civilian-wearing-blue-clothes, chair-borne Ranger. I will believe I am superior to all others and will make an effort to clean the knife before stabbing the next person in the back. I will annoy those around me, and will go home early every day. So Help Me God!"
____________________ Signature
____________________ Date

US ARMY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Rambo, swear to sign away 4 years of my mediocre life to the UNITED STATES ARMY because I couldn't score high enough on the ASVAB to get into the Air Force, I'm not tough enough for the Marines, and the Navy won't take me because I can't swim. I will wear camouflage every day and tuck my trousers into my boots because I can't figure out how to use blousing straps. I promise to wear my uniform 24 hours a day even when I have a date.

I will continue to tell myself that I am a fierce killing machine because my Drill Sergeant told me I am, despite the fact that the only action I will see is a court-martial for sexual harassment. I acknowledge the fact that I will make E-8 in my first year of service, and vow to maintain that it is because I scored perfect on my PT test.

After completion of my Sexual.....er.....I mean "Basic Training," I will attend a different Army school every other month and return knowing less than I did when I left. On my first trip home after Boot Camp, I will walk around like I am cool and propose to my 9th grade sweetheart. I will make my wife stay home because if I let her out she might leave me for a better-looking Air Force guy. Should she leave me twelve times, I will continue to take her back. While at work I will maintain a look of knowledge while getting absolutely nothing accomplished. I will arrive to work every day at 1000 hrs because of morning PT and leave everyday at 1300 to report back to "COMPANY."

I understand that I will undergo no training whatsoever that will help me get a job upon separation, and will end up working construction with my friends from high school. I will brag to everyone about the Army giving me $30,000 for college, but will be unable to use it because I can't pass a placement exam. So Help Me God!"
_____________________ Signature
_____________________ Date

US NAVY OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, Top Gun, in lieu of going to prison, swear to sign away 4 years of my life to the UNITED STATES NAVY, because I want to hang out with Marines without actually having to BE one of them, because I thought the Air Force was too "corporate," because I didn't want to actually live in dirt like the Army, and because I thought, "Hey, I like to swim...why not?"

I promise to wear clothes that went out of style in 1976 and to have my name stenciled on the butt of every pair of pants I own. I understand that I will be mistaken for the Good Humor Man during summer, and for Nazi Waffen SS during the winter. I will strive to use a different language than the rest of the English-speaking world, using words like "deck, bulkhead, cover, geedunk, scuttlebutt, scuttle and head," when I really mean "floor, wall, hat, candy, water fountain, hole in wall and toilet."

I will take great pride in the fact that all Navy acronyms, rank, and insignia, and everything else for that matter, are completely different from the other services and make absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I will muster, whatever that is, at 0700 every morning unless I am buddy-buddy with the Chief, in which case I will show up around 0930. I vow to hone my coffee cup-handling skills to the point that I can stand up in a kayak being tossed around in a typhoon, and still not spill a drop. I consent to being promoted and subsequently busted at least twice per fiscal year. I realize that, once selected for Chief, I am required to submit myself to the sick, and quite possibly illegal, whims of my newfound "colleagues." So Help Me Neptune!"
______________________ Signature
______________________ Date

US MARINE CORPS OATH OF ENLISTMENT
"I, (pick a name the police won't recognize), swear..uhhhh....high-and-tight.... grunt... cammies....kill....fix bayonets....charge....slash....dig....burn....blow up....ugh...Air Force women....beer.....sailors wives.....air strikes....yes SIR!....whiskey....liberty call....salute....Ooorah Gunny....grenades...women....OORAH! So Help Me Chesty PULLER!"
Thumb Print X____________________ XX __________________
Teeth Marks ____________
Date __________________

Monday, May 22, 2006

Jeni Ready to Pop!


Jeni is about ready to pop! She is in final stage of "re-nesting" and Christopher has dropped. She has started to experience some contractions, though she has only diliated to a one (1).

She has a Dr's appointment tomorrow and we will know a little more. We should all have a new baby by the end of the week!

(Picture taken this weekend: May 20, 2006)

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

My email is breaking up with me

Hi.

This is the qmail-send program at yahoo.com. I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.

This is a permanent error; I've given up.

Sorry it didn't work out.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Back In Town

Florida was awesome! 75-85, Sunny, Clear skys (with a little haze from the fires) and a slight breeze. I could not have ordered better weather. I have a few pictures on my myspace. Check them out.

The reunion was fun. I met classmates I didn't know, hung out and caught up with people I knew and loved. It was still clicky though. Made my rounds and said Hi to the "popular" people, and tried to have a good time.

My girlfriend Jennifer asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding in October, so I will be heading back down sometime later this year. This time I am taking Scott and we are going to Disney. I didn't think I would miss him this last weekend, but by Saturday night I missed him terribly and wished I had drug him down with me.

So yesterday I spent the afternoon looking up prices for Disney. For the low price of $650 I can have a room at the French Quarter, airport transportation, park hopper passes for three days that never expire, and a few other cool things. Pricing does not include meals, entertainment, and drinks. Whew... better start saving my money / paying off credit cards.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Florida

I leave tomorrow at 6:20 am for a weekend in Florida. It is my HS 10 year reunion! I will post pictures when I return!

Friday, May 05, 2006

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Prayer for Lost Books

For him that steals, or borrows and returns not, a book from his owner, let it change into a serpent in his hand and rend him. Let him be struck with palsy, and all his members blasted. Let him languish in pain crying aloud for mercy, and let there be no surcease to his agony till he sing in dissolution. Let book worms gnaw at his entrails in token of the Worm that dieth not. And when at last he goes to his final punishment, let the flames of Hell consume him for ever.

- From the monastery library of San Pedro in Barcelona.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Summer Hours

Ahhhh.... I now have summer hours... I will be working 8-4:30 M-F.

Only get 30 min lunch though which will put a cramp on my walking. But if I actually bring my lunch and eat / snack in the morning, I will be able to walk at lunch.

My JC friends and I are doing a summer weight loss challenge, so hopefully I will loose 15-30 pounds by August 1! Well that is my goal!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

My Celebrity Sisters

Your Celebrity Sisters Are Mary-Kate and Ashley

Funky, eccentric, and offbeat
You're not a good girl or a bad girl, just a weird girl

Summer, Summer, Summer time.....

I just sit back and unwind....

Ahhhh..... I have officially freed my toes!!! They are painted hot pink and are not giong back into a pair of closed toed shoes until October!

Answer:

Democrat's Answer:
Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!

Does the man look poor! Or oppressed?

Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?

Could we run away?

What does my wife think?

What about the kids?

Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?

Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?

Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?

If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?

Should I call 9-1-1?

Why is this street so deserted?

We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.

This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days and try to come to a consensus.
....................................................................
Republican's Answer:

BANG!
.....................................................................
Southerner's Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click.....
(sounds of reloading).

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! click

Daughter: "Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow Points?

Son: Can I shoot the next one!

Wife: You ain't taking that to the Taxidermist!

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Are you a Democrat, Republican or Southerner?

Here is a little test that will help you decide.

The answer can be found by posing the following question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.

Suddenly, a terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises his God, raises the knife, and charges at you. You are carrying a Glock cal 40, and you are an expert shot. You have mere seconds before he reaches you and your family.

What do you do?

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Family Ties

My brother, his fiancee, and baby packed up and moved away this weekend.

They are heading west to Sequim / Port Angeles, Washington. Janessa's mother lives out there, which is why they moved. Jon made a promise early on in their relationship to move west after college so she can be close to her mother.

We are all very said, but know that we will visit often. Actually, I wouldn't mind moving to Washington myself. I know if one more of us goes that my parents and whom ever is left will follow. :o)

Dear Cats & Dogs:

The dishes with the paw print are yours and contain your food.

The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. Iam very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is not a secret exit from the bathroom. If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessaryto claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also,I have been using the bathroom for years .... canine or feline attendance is not mandatory.

The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's behind. I cannot stress this enough!

To pacify you, my dear pets, I haveposted the following message on our front door:

To All Non-Pet Owners Who Visit & Like to Complain About Our Pets:
1. They live here. You don't.
2. If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture (that's why they call it "fur"niture).
3. I like my pets a lot better than I like most people and sometimes even siblings when they tick me off the right way.
4. To you, it's an animal. To me, he/she is an adopted son/daughter who is short, hairy, walks on all fours and doesn't speak clearly.

Remember: Dogs and cats are better than kids becausethey:
1. Eat less.
2. Don't ask for money all the time.
3. Are easier to train.
4. Usually come when called.
5. Never drive your car.
6. Don't hang out with drug-using friends.
7. Don't smoke or drink again...my dogs don't smoke but the drinking...well....
8. Don't worry about having to buy the latest
9. Don't wear your clothes
10. Don't need a gazillion dollars for college,
11. If they get pregnant you can sell their children!

Friday, April 07, 2006

04/05/06

I just wanted to point out that Wednesday was April 5, 2006 - or 04/05/06; I guess in military that is 05/04/06; but whatever.

My point being is I LOVE DATES LIKE THIS! Any date that falls in some sort of numeric order excites me. It only happens once in a lifetime!

Like 09/06/96, 01/01/01, 01/02/03, seriously, these things only happen once in a lifetime!

I hope you all paused to observe 04/05/06.

Next event: 06/06/06 (hehehe 666)

Friday, March 31, 2006

I was skinny and didn't know it!


I guess weighing 75 pounds more than you did 10 years ago really puts things in perspective. The thing is, I thought I was fat here! Always ofter the 20 pounds I wanted to loose. Now what I wouldnt give to be this "skinny" again. Well, hopefully I will be soon :o)

This is a picture at Walt Disney World's Grad Night. They intive graduating seniors from all over the US for a night out in the park. Cindy (standing) and Jeane were two of my very best friends in High School. Hopefully I will be able to see them in May.