Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life

Fatherhood Friday: Music To My Ears

Do you ever get tired of:

"I want a bicycle, daddy ($$)"

"I want to go to Great Wolf Lodge daddy($$$$)"

"Daddy, help me with my home work, please"

"Daddy, will you sing me a song?"

"Daddy, can you fix this for me?"

"Daddy, I lost my music book"

"Daddy, I'm hungry"

"Daddy, I'm hungry"

"Daddy, I'm hungry"

 

You don't?  Neither do I.  My daughters love their daddy... and they NEED me, too.  I'm not just a potted plant.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

This post was brought to you by the Fatherhood Friday community.  Give us a visit over at The Dad Blogs, and see what your brother fathers (and sister mothers) are talking about today.

Home Again

Our Vacation is at an end... if you are reading this on Sunday, please pray for us as we make our way to our home in Virginia from sunny Florida.  I promise to blog all about it once we get back to Prince William County.

Addendum:  Safe arrival at home last night, after a long 12 hour drive.  It's good to be home!

Fifteen Minutes in Washington, DC

I don't work in DC anymore, but I have to drive into the city once in a while, because my agency is headquartered there.  This past Friday, I had to drive into the city on a particularly nice summer day, and once I finished my business, I called Mrs Gunfighter and asked her if she was available for a lunch date.  To my good fortune, she was.

I drove across town from my agency to her's, and just because I am such a creative fellow (try not to laugh here) I decided to see what sorts of pictures I could take with my Blackberry in the 15 minutes it took to drive across town. 

 

The first place that I could SAFELY take a picture was when I drove through the National Mall, I was at the intersection in front of the National Art Gallery, and had a view of the dome of the Museum of Natural History (soccergirl's favorite).  Not only can you see the museum, but you can also see one of the ost common Washington, DC sights in the foreground:  The ever-present Tourmobile

This is a better look for those of you who are from out of town.  Should you ever get to DC, and want to save yourself some walking, the Tourmobile isn't a bad idea.  No, I'm not on the payroll, I'm just saying.

The front of the Natural History Museum... just because I thought that you might want to know about The Hidden Life of Ants.

As I passed the museum, this stupid cow decided to pedal out in front of me.  Excuse me for saying this, but it really can't be considered smart to drive a bicycle in front of a moving Tahoe.  Of course, being on duty, I could only mutter to myself.

Getting through the Mall, I was presented with a good view of the Wasthington Monument... the weather is still pretty sunny, but this is what comes of taking a picture through a tinted window.

 

Passing the Washington Monument, a better look at the grounds.  One of the things I like most about Washington, DC is that fact that so many Americans make it their vacation destination.  I know that it really screws up the already-bad traffic, but I still love seeing all of the people enjoying their nation's Capitol.

The Lincoln Memorial, as viewed from 17th street, with the WW2 memorial in the foreground... I wanted a better shot, but I took this on the move while looking at the traffic.

This place look familiar?

This is the Organization of American States, at the intersection of 17th and Constitution... and a lady talking on a cell phone.

What would this city be without tourists?  Clearly dad is lost.

What would Washington be without traffic?  This is at the intersection of 19th & C streets, near OPM, the Office of Personnel Management.

 

This is the Pan-American Health Organization... the building to the right is the State Department.

The Watergate.  You remember what happened there.... right?  As swanky an address as the Watergate is, it sure is one hell of an ugly bit of architecture.

Mrs GF and I had a nice lunch.  I enjoyed seeing her in the middle of the day.... just the two of us, you know?.. unfortunatley, I contracted a mild bit of food poisoning.  Damn!

On the way back to my office, in Virginia, I took a few more pictures.

A better view of the Lincoln memorial.

A view of the Pentagon.  As you look at the building, the right side of the picture is where the plane impacted on 9/11.  The blast wall you see in the photo is new.  Mrs GF and I drove past this place about four hours before the attack that day.

About to enter 395, heading back into Virginia, and my office, ten miles away.

Wasn't that fun?

My Daughter The Chef

As I Told you earlier, Soccer Girl has returned from summer camp.  We couldn't be happier about that, nad as I mentioned in my previous post on the subject, our day went exactly as planned.

The pick-up location was near Tyson's Corner mall (you Washingtonians will know where that is), which is in the northern reaches of Fairfax county, Virginia... almost to the Maryland line.  So, with the proximity of the mall, we proceeded to take our hungry camper to get a burger at Five Guys... after which we went to the great Barnes & Noble in the mall, where little miss-reads-alot scored a pile of new books.

We didn't stay at the mall long, as a certain someone was flagging a bit, and needed to get home to her room.  Since it was her special day, I told her that she could have anything that she wanted for dinner... whatever it was.  So she decided on fish sticks.

Fish sticks.

Not just any fish sticks, she said.  "The fresh kind, not the frozen ones, daddy!... and I want to do the cooking."  Well, ok.... we'll do it.

I took the family home, and we carried all of her accoutrement (hey, that's French for "stuff") in the house, and headed for Wegmans (yay!).  I got home to find the house empty... the ladies having decided to go to the pool.  Which was fine by me... it gave me a chance to do a little laundry (SG's socks were effing atrocius!).

Once returned and showered, the newly scrubbed Soccer Girl went about breading the Tialapia strips that someone (take a good guess as to who that might have been!) had cut into the appropriately sized strips.  She dipped each strip in flour, then in the egg wash, and then rolled the strip in Corn Flake crumbs.

Each breaded strip went onto the tray until there were enough strips to be ready for the frying pan.

Now, I have to tell you, that the process of breading strips of fish is laborious, and a certain someone decided that she would rather talk to mommy rather than continue.  So a different someone (if you guessed ME, you are correct) got to finish the process.

I won't go into too much detail about the cooking process, as I figure that you are all bright enough to noodle through that part.

And here is the result.

Golden, crispy, flavorful fish sticks, that didn't come from Mrs Paul, accompanied by steamed green & wax beans.

Good times.

Soccer, Travel, Random Thoughts, Music, Father's Day

Item:  Right.  It's Father's Day.  Happy Father's Day, Dad... sorry my call caught you just as you left church.  Anyway, I'm glad that you heard from everyone by 1 P.M.  I hope everyone reading this got to talk to their dad's today.  If your dad is still living, and you haven't spoken to him yet... hurry!  You still have time.  It'll make his day.

Item:  This weekend was the Annual Father's Day soccer tournament that is put on by the Police Youth Club of one our local counties.  I was told that this tournament attracted nearly 450 teams this year.  In Soccer Girl's division (U-10), hers was the only team to go undefeated!  Oh, hell yeah!  I'm so proud.

Sorry I had to miss today's games, baby... but I was driving to Florida... which you and mommy are flying to as I type this from across the street from SeaWorld (woo hoo!).  Anyway, I am proud of you and the goal you scored yesterday, and the assist you made today.  Better still, I loved getting to talk to you at various times during my long drive (12 hours from Woodbridge,Va to Orange County, Florida, baby!).  I'll see you in just a couple of hours.

Item:  I realize that I shouldn't do this, but I have to confess that my drive to Florida was made much more pleasant by the electronics that accompanied me.  I had my Ipod, my Peek, and my Blackberry.  'Twas a well-connected ride.

Item:  I got involved in some dangerous thinking for Father's Day.  I did.  It involved music... yeah, I know, things get a little strange when GF starts thinking music, but hey, what can I say?  Anyway, I was thinking about one of my favorite recording artists, and the most popular song he ever did.  It has to be one of the shortest, and most simplistic songs ever written, but I suppose that's what makes big selling hit records.  I'm talking about Johnny Cash and his recording or "Ring of Fire".  Sure, sure... laugh at old eccentirc Gunfighter, why don't you (you young folks should show more respect... if not for me, for Johnny Cash).  Well, no matter how you feel about it, I still love it, and present it to you today for your own reading pleasure.

Love Is A Burning Thing
And It Makes A Fiery Ring
Bound By Wild Desire
I Fell Into A Ring Of Fire

CHORUS:
I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

The Taste Of Love Is Sweet
When Hearts Like Ours Meet
I Fell For You Like A Child
Oh ,But The Fire Went Wild

CHORUS
I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher
And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire
The Ring Of Fire

I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire
I Went Down, Down, Down
And The Flames Went Higher Higher Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire

The Ring Of Fire

Thank you!

Hey!, I hear gunshots!... no, wait it's fireworks from SeaWorld!  I have a PERFECT view!  Dude!!!

Ok, I have to grab a shower, get a sandwich or something, and head to the airport.

You kids play nice together while I am gone!

***NOTE***  I know.  It's not time for my acation yet, you are right, but my bosses were sending me on a training mission to Orlando, and suggested that the family visit while I was there.  Great, right"?  Well, it WAS great until non-refundable tickets were purchased... and my trip was cancelled.  So, I drove, they flew, we have  a short stay and then will be back here in August to do this properly.

Geez... and the fireworks are still going!

Happy Mother's Day?

So, there I was, slumbering peacefully, dreamimg about being in a minor fender-bender, when I woke, abrubtly, at 0520.  No worries, I thought, I just need to ditch this t-shirt, because I am too warm.  OK, might as well go to the bathroom while I am at it.  Duty done, it's back to bed and to sleep since I don't kneed to be awake for nearly three hours.  OK, back to bed.... when Mrs Gunfighter says:  "I've been awake for a while, my hands are sore" (she suffers with carpal tunnel).  I told her that all she had to do was lay hands on me and she would be fine... after all, I spent Friday and Saturday at the Synod Assembly, I'm all sorts of Holy right now.

It didn't work... but she fell asleep, anyway.  That was nearly three hours ago... and guess who hasn't been sleeping?

Uh huh....  How bitter do you think I am?

Happy Mother's Day to:

Susan

Mom

Grandmom

Teresa

All of my blogging pals who are moms

And to any other muthas mothers who happen to wander past my small, rarely visited corner of the world.

Best Wishes of the day!,

Your husband, son, grandson, brother, and bestest blogging buddy,

GF

Promoted

I'm your Gun-totin' Daddy-blogger, I'm your choice.  I wanna be selected!

I'm your pistol fightin' pally in a gold Rolls Royce.  I wanna be selected!

The Fe*ds need a Teacher, and don't need a fake!  I wanna be selected!

Were gonna train hard with the classes I make.  I wanna be selected!

Selecteeed!  Selecteeed!

Selected!, Respected!, Cool, calm & Collected!

(with appropriate apologies to Alice Cooper!, but it's a done deal, confirmed yesterday, friends.  Thanks for your well-wishes.  Of course, none of this would have been possible without the never-ending support of Mrs Gunfighter))

Gunfighter Sez...

Item: If the killer is still killing, you have to kill the killer.

Item: Speed, surprise, and violence of action are the keys to success against a determined, armed opponent.

Item: Luther's Small Catechism is a good thing.

Item: A gunfight is no time to decide that you can't kill... Innocent people may be relying on you to kill someone in order to save *their* lives.

Item: Telling your kids that their faith matters doesn't do much good if you never give them your example.

Item: I may have completed my design for my next tattoo.

Item: Blogging via my *Peek* while soccer girl skates is big fun!

Item: I am going to start taking Mandarin next semester.

No prisoners!

All The Lonely People...

...Where do they all come from?

In 1966, The Beatles recorded the famous song that asked this question.  The song, as you all know, was about a fictitious person named Eleanor Rigby.  The poor soul... but it could be about any number of people... some of whom you might even know.

Last night, my family attended the Good Friday Tenebrae service at our church, and after the service, as the congregation silently exited the darkened church, I noticed that one of the parishioners, who is also in the small group that I lead, was still seated, and staring forward.  When I put my hand on her shoulder and smiled at her in a silent greeting, she smiled at me with the biggest smile I had ever seen from her, and she reached up and squeezed my hand as hard as I can ever remember anyone squeezing it.  I kept the smile on my face while we had our brief moment, even though I wanted to scream blue murder, because I have some sort of really ugly tendinitis going on.

As D let go of my hand, looking relieved for some reason, I started thinking.  I took stock of what I know of her, and it came to me (and of course, I could be totally wrong here) the she probably hasn't felt the welcome touch of a human being since she visited her children and grand children a month or so ago.  D lives alone, and like so many of us in this area, commutes to and from Washington, DC every day to  work long hours on behalf of of the American people.  She attends services alone and socializes little.  I had/have the feeling that she is lonely.

The thing is, that there are lots of lonely people, some of them are folks you probably wouldn't suspect.  Some of the loneliest people in our society are the elderly.  Many of whom are in nursing homes, or are living alone with limited mobility, and no family nearby to help or visit them.  Is it any wonder that pet therapy is so popular and useful in America's nursing homes?

You may know lonely people who aren't elderly.  A single friend, who is hard-working, fun to be around, successful, and behind her/his own four walls, in a terrible state because they have no one of their own to share themselves with... who have no one to give them a hug or give them a reassuring touch.  The lonely person might be married... because, well... you know... Ozzie and Harriet were fictional characters.

Let's not pretend, my friends, that we don't need those things.  We do.  All of us.

I want you all to do me a favor.  Think of someone that you know that might be in this situation, and the next time you see them, give them a handshake.... put your hand on their shoulder... give them a hug.  Look them in the eye and let then know that you care about them.  Let them know they aren't alone.

I'm sure that we will see D at church tomorrow... I think that we'll invite her to dinner. 

Monday Night At the Skating Rink

Monday evenings are usually fun for me... it's the night that I take Soccer Girl to her ice skating lessons.  She gets a real charge out of it, and I get to have a lot fun watching her learn to do something that I never learned to do .

Watching a group of kids learn to skate is at times frustrating, but is mostly a joy to see, as they learn first how to even stand in their skates, push of and glide, then learn to stop and turn and all the other stuff that skaters are supposed to do.

As much fun as it is to watch Soccer Girl's class, under the tutelage of the very dramatic (and very Russian)Coach Svetlana*, it is twice the fun to watch that beginners class, as they learn to skate next to the beginner hockey skating class.  Now, the hockey skating beginners are no different than the other beginners in terms of skills, they are learning many of the same things the I mentioned before, but believe me when I tell you that the whole vibe is different.  The hockey skaters are demographically as different from the others as night is to day:  Coach Svetlana's class has 7 students, 6 of whom are girls.  The hockey kids are all boys.  Svetlana's class is learning to be graceful and flowing (think arms spread out like wings etc...) while the hockey players are all wearing helmets, shoulder pads and all of the other padding that hockey players have to wear.

In coach Svetlana's class, the kids spend a lot of time working had to stay on their feet, which, I suppose, makes a lot of sense.  the hockey skaters spend a fair amount of time trying to skate as fast as possible and either falling to the ice or crashing into the walls (or each other) to stop (gotta love armored 7 year olds). 

Now, I mentioned Coach Svetlana's gracefulness and (Russianness) earlier, so let me take a minute to talk about the hockey skating coaches.  These two guys, oh, let's call them Buzz (who reminds me of Gary Sinise) and Slats (who reminds me of no one in particular), are typical of my view of hockey players:  Middle sized white guys with bad haircuts and a days worth of whiskers on their faces.  I love watching them work, because it is clear that they are not only serious about hockey, but that they love working with kids as well.

This past Monday, Coach Svetlana had her class practicing skating backwards, and stopping while going backwards, as well as doing some other things that required the just-so placement of their hands (oh God!), etc...  Soccer Girl, who works very hard at learning things, was enjoying herself, and only stealing short glances into the bleachers to see if I was watching.  After 30 minutes,the class was over.

Now comes the fun part.  After the thirty minute lessons, there is a 30 minute Free skate so the students can practice what they have learned and the parents can skate with their kids (or the kids can go crashing about together).  Now, since I don't skate, I tend to watch Soccer Girl or just watch the people.  the people.  The people can be VERY interesting... from the figure skating little boy to the girl skaters who insist on wearing those ridiculous skating outfits that we see on television.

By the time the full hour comes to a close, Soccer Girl is tired... skating is hard work apparently (I admire skaters immensely, I wish I could do something graceful.  A thousand-yard rifle shot can be elegant, but it isn't graceful)

Towards the end of this Monday's free-skate, I was watching Soccer Girl practice (and ensuring that she was practicing more than socializing), and minding my own business, listening to my iPod, when a woman came up to me and initiated a conversation about music.  I was surprised because she sort of just came out of nowhere.  She chattered on for a while... to the point that even her daughters (around 10 & 12) looked impatient.  Eventually, she went away.  It was odd.  she made a point of touching me twice, which is strange, because I really don't think I project the "touch me" vibe.

The whole episode made me laugh, because I didn't realize it until after wards that she was vigorously flirting with me.  huh!

So, there was my Monday night, fun, right?

*Not her real name, of course.