Gunfighter: A Modern Warrior's Life

The Happy New Year Meme!

1.  What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?

 

I did a few new things this year.  This year, I helped to prepare and serve meals at my church.  I cook all of the time at home, but this was different... and I really am enjoying it.  I also started teach the first-year confirmation candidates at my church.  I can tell you one thing that I am certain that anyone that spends a lot of time with children, especially young teenagers, can tell you:  I learn as much from them (and maybe more) as they learn from me.  It makes me feel good.  I aslo attended a training course at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, which was really awesome, and I am not even coming close to exaggerating.  Lastly, in mid December, I made enough Lasagne to feed 30+ people at a local homeless shelter.

 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I still don't make resolutions.

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My next door neighbor had a baby boy on Thanksgiving night, and my boss's Executive Assistant had a son in October.

 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My stepsister, Angela, lost her battle with breast cancer.  She fought pretty hard, but there was just too much.  We weren't close at all, but I am sorry for my dad and my other siblings and step siblings who knew her so well, and loved her so much.

 

5. What countries did you visit?

I didn't leave the United States at all in 2010, but I watched a lot of rugby played in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.... does that count?

 

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?

Well, last year I said I wanted to have a new car and a book deal, an I got the car, and the book deal?  Well....   I suppose 50% isn't bad.  This year I would really like to continue to serve others, and walk my path (sort of like Caine from Kung Fu).

 

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Election day.  The Democrats got kicked in the balls, and truthfully it was deserved.  Not because they performed poorly (although many did), but because they did even make an attempt at countering the Republican echo chamber of alarmist fear-mongering.  That kind of crap might make bad politics, and it might make dupes out of a lot of people, but it is raw and emotional which are the things that make people get out and vote in mid-term elections. 

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I can't point to anything specific, but I think that I was able to help others in various small ways throughout the year. 

 

9. What was your biggest failure?

Once again, I failed at shedding major poundage.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No major injuries, and no major illnesses.  Seasonal allergies and an ugly bout with the flu, but on the whole, I am still ticking like a dependable Timex. 

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My new car!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Barack Obama:  Despite idiot Teabaggers, Birthers, a certain Republican Congressmen from South Carolina, and a certain idiot Senator from Connecticut, he has remained gracious, calm, and fairly unflappable.  One thing that he didn't do, despite my sincerest wishes, was to recognize the futility of continuing to fight in Afghanistan.

 

13. Whose behavior appalled you?

Senator Mitch McConnell (R) Kentucky.  What a despicable thing it is for an American Senator to state that the objective of his caucus is not to govern, but to unseat the President of The United States.  For shame, sir!

 

14. Where did most of your money go?

Food, bills, vacation, living.

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

 Going to the seminary for a class on doing ministry with youth... which, as it turns out, is not the same thing as youth ministry.

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2010?

 Cee Lo Green's "F*** You" , I will tell you, though, I prefer the Gwyneth Paltrow/Glee cast version, as I don't think gratuitous profanity improves a song.

 

 17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

 
a) happier or sadder?  Happier - I have found new direction

b) thinner or fatter?  Not thinner, but no fatter.

c) richer or poorer? Poorer.  I got a promotion last year, but I am now supporting my grandmother. 

 

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Serious writing. 

 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Gone to the doctor.

 

20. How did you spend Christmas? 

In Orlando!  We have talked about going to Disneyworld at Christmas for years, and we figured that we needed to do it in 2010 whie Soccer Girl was still a child... not a sullen teenager.  We had a great time.

 

21. Did you fall in love in 2010?

I fall in love practically every day.

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?

The new Hawaii 5-0  (yeah, yeah, I know)

 

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I'm not much of a hater.

 

24. What was the best book you read?

"Mission of Honor" by David Weber

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I have been listening to some really great college Acapella groups.

 

26. What did you want and get?

An answer about what I want to do with my post law enforcement life.

 

27. What did you want and not get?

A tablet computer

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn't go to the movies this year.

 

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 47th birthday was  just a month ago.  I went to work, and although it was a busy day, I was pleased to be greeted from friends around the world via telephone and Facebook, my blog and other places.  The well-wishes of others makes me happy.  I made my birthday dinner the night before, so I didn't have to cook.  We took Olivia to Girl Scouts and then had our customary Wal-Mart date, and then home for presents.  Like many men, I pretend that I don't like presents, it just isn't true.  I like presents.  As a matter of fact, I love getting presents.  If any of you ever come visit me, bring presents. 

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

The same as last year:  The full (and immediate)  withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, not much... I'm a pretty happy guy.  Oh, and a helicopter landing on my lawn, which unloads about 20 million dollars for delivery to yours truly.  That would have been pretty cool.

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?

My answer is unchanged from last year:  Fashion?  Are you kidding?... I don't do "fashion"

 

32. What kept you sane?

Again, my answer remains the same:  My incredible, monk-like discipline... or the fact that as a rule, I NEVER, EVER worry about anything.

 

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Well there is that red-haired young woman from "Mad Men"  She isn't hard to look at.  Christina Hendricks... that's her name.  Hmmm since my blog is going away in a few days, and I won't be returning to this meme again, I think that I should mention more than one celebrity.  Kim Kardashian.  Yup, you read that correctly.  I know that she and her sisters are media whores, but seriously... look at her.  Your friend GF doesn't find skinny and ropey attractive.  Oh, and Salma Hayek is still right up there in my book. Rawr!

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The passage of meaningful healthcare reform.  What we got wasn't perfect, but it is a good start.

 

35. Who did you miss?

The in-shape Gunfighter.  I missed him last year, and I REALLY miss him this year!

 

36. Who was the best new person you met?

 Our new Pastor.  She is energetic, smart, and filled with the spirit.  She has only been on the job since march and is really doing exceptionally well.

 

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.

I already knew this, but it was really thrown in my face this year, right up to Christmas day:  When you give people the opportunity to disappoint you in a profound manner, they usually will.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

The song remains the same:  "A Mighty Fortress is our God....  A bulwark never failing"

It is my great hope and prayer that all of you enjoy the blessings of peace, happiness, love, friendship, togetherness,  and God's grace for the coming year.

Bill

Senator Mitch McConnell (R) Kentucky.  What a despicable thing it is for an American Senator to state that the objective of his caucus is not to govern, but to unseat the President of The United States.  For shame, sir!

 

14. Where did most of your money go?

My 47th birthday was  just a month ago.  I went to work, and although it was a busy day, I was pleased to be greeted from friends around the world via telephone and Facebook, my blog and other places.  The well-wishes of others makes me happy.  I made my birthday dinner the night before, so I didn't have to cook.  We took Olivia to Girl Scouts and then had our customary Wal-Mart date, and then home for presents.  Like many men, I pretend that I don't like presents, it just isn't true.  I like presents.  As a matter of fact, I love getting presents.  If any of you ever come visit me, bring presents. 

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

The Me Meme

As you may have noticed, I haven't blogged much lately... I just can't seem to find the time.  Hopefully, that will end soon.  In the interim, I have decided that I am going to totally steal a few memes... like this one that I gopt from.... well, someone that I don't know.  Anyway, please to enjoy.

GF

 

1. You’re building your dream house. What’s the one thing that this house absolutely, positively MUST HAVE? (other than the obvious basics of course)
A large shower.  Not one of those teeny-tiny things that most builders put in houses today.  I'm talkin' about a shower big enough for two, with multiple shower heads!

2. What is your dream car?
I don't really think much about cars, to tell the truth.  There are cars that I would enjoy, but you know... eh.

3. What is your favorite website that isn’t a blog?
Huffington Post!

4. iPhone 4 or Droid, which do you want?
Droid (I crave a smart phone of any sort, but as much as I love Apple products, I believe in widening the pool of availability, hence my choice of Droid)

5. When you’re feeling down or lonely or just generally out of sorts, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
Can you say "automatic weapons"?

6. Tell me about something or someone that you love that most people seem to hate.
Scrapple.

7. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A writer.

8. Would you go on a reality show if given the chance?
No... that is publicity/embarrassment that I don't really need.

9. Who was your favorite teacher when you were growing up. (Grade school, Middle School, Jr. High or High School only.)
Mrs Ruth Deusinger.  She was my 12th grade history teacher.  She was the most wonderful teacher that I have ever known, and had a profound effect on my already deep love of history.  That woman was a scholar, and an old-school teacher.  She was the best.

10. You get one pass to do something illegal or immoral. What are you gonna do?
There are a few people on the planet whose elimination would be a blessing.  I could help with that.

11. What were you doing 10 years ago?
In August 2000?  Working. parenting.

12. By this time next year, I ...
hope to be less fat than I am today..

13. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing?
Yes, I do... on both counts.  One thing is certain, though, it won't be Hillary Clinton.

14. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime?
Whoever the character is that is played by Christina Hendricks on Mad Men.  Oh. My. GOD!  I would hit that like the Marines hitting the beach at Iwo Jima.

15. What is your greatest pet peeve?
Slowpokes

16. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?
We went to Florida for a wedding.

17. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus

18. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
I have a few.  Some of my students call me Darth Vader.  Some of my colleagues call me Yoda, or the gun whisperer.

19. What are you dreading at the moment?
I don't really dread anything.

20. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?

Not at all.  I am beyond the judgement of others.

21. In two words, explain what ended your last relationship.
Immaturity, Inexperience

22. What were you doing this morning at 8am?
Posting this meme to my blog.

23. Do you have any famous relatives?
I don't think so, but my enslaved ancestors lived in the same community as Michele Obama's enslaved ancestors... so, who knows?

24. How many different beverages have you drank today?
I have only had water so far today.

25. What is something you are excited about?
Our summer vacation

26. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group?
I do that all the time.

27. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
"I've still got it... even though no one gives a shit"

28. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Sleeping

29. What’s a word that you say a lot?
D-bag

30. Who is your worst enemy?
Like I have any enemies.  Everyone loves me.  Well, mostly everyone.

The Happy New Year Meme

I did this same meme last year... I liked it, so instead of putting a ring on it, I decided to post it again, updated for 2009.  So, here it is again, all shiny and new for 2010!

1.  What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

 

Aside from turning 46, I don't think that I did anything new.  No, wait!  I did... I wrote a sermon for the very first (and probably last) time.

 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make resolutions.

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

A fairly new work colleague. 

 

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

 

5. What countries did you visit?

Unless you count Maryland, and the various blogs that I read that are written in other countries, the answer is zero.

 

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Um... a new car and a book deal.

 

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Inauguration Day.  Not only did we gain a new President with a new direction, we also got rid of a President who was a menace to society.

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Getting promoted... finally

 

9. What was your biggest failure?

I didn't fail at anything... no, wait.  I failed at shedding major poundage.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No major injuries, unless you count a sprained wrist that happened while working out. 

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?

A Kindle for soccergirl.

  

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Barack Obama:  Despite idiot Teabaggers, Birthers, Republican Congressmen fron South Carolina, and a certain idiot Senator from Connecticut, he has remained gracious, calm, and fairly unflappable.

 

13. Whose behavior appalled you?

1) Tiger Woods:  Dude! seriously... put that thing away, or get a divorce and boink every tramp that comes your way.  Pick one.  You can't have it both ways unless you get permission.

2) The Media:  Jesus... it was a stupid man boinking stupid chicks, all of whom wanted to be famous.  Well... now, thanks to you, they are!  Happy now?

 

 

14. Where did most of your money go?

Food, bills, vacation, living.

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Nothing this year... except for the greatness of a certain sports team.  A sports team that represents America at it's best.  A sports team whose very name captures the heart of a nation!  A certain sports team called:  The New York Yankees, baby!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I don't think that this year had a song for me... unless it's "That's What You Get for Waking Up In Vegas!"

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? SAME
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter
c) richer or poorer? About the same

 

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercise. Damned wrist.  Damned knee.

 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Gone to the doctor.

 

20. How did you spend Christmas? 

In my cozy house, with my cozy family, with my cozy dog, with my cozy snuggie.

 

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

In my house, I fall in love practically every day.

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Flash Forward & Glee (don't hate!  y'all know you watch it!)

  

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No, I'm not much of a hater.

 

24. What was the best book you read?

I read too much to answer that question lightly... I'll have to get back to you.

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Rediscovery is more like it... I have gone back to my musical roots, going deeper into Motown and Led Zeppelin.

 

26. What did you want and get?

A Promotion.

 

27. What did you want and not get?

A Crossbow... and a Nook

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Star Trek, baby!... and don't give me any crap about Avatar.  I haven't seen it yet, and I am determined to be loyal.

 

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 46th birthday was in December.  We went to church, and then out for lunch.  In the evening, after I made dinner, we had presents.  I like presents.  If any of you ever come visit me, bring presents.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Immeasurably?  Wow, that's a big word.  I really don't know, aside for a full withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, not much... I'm a pretty happy guy.  Oh, and a helicopter landing on my lawn, which unloads about 20 million dollars for delivery to yours truly.  That would have been pretty cool.

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

My answer is unchanged from last year:  Fashion?  Are you kidding?... I don't do "fashion"

 

32. What kept you sane?

Again, my answer remains the same:  My incredible, monk-like discipline... or the fact that as a rule, I NEVER, EVER worry about anything.

 

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Well there is that red-haired young woman from "Mad Men"  She isn't hard to look at.  Christina Hendricks... that's her name.

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

The passage of meaningful healthcare reform.  It still isn't a done deal, but I have faith that it will be accomplished in 2010.  It isn't the Bill I would have liked to see, but an imperfect Bill that gets signed, beats the crap out of the imperfect Bill that languishes and fails.

 

35. Who did you miss?

The in-shape Gunfighter

 

36. Who was the best new person you met?

Well, I haven't really "met" her, yet, but we have been reading each other's blogs.  She is a great writer, and is really, really funny.  I mean, make laugh out loud in my office, funny.

 

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.

Not sure I learned anything in that regard.

 

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"A Mighty Fortress is our God....  A bulwark never failing"

1) Tiger Woods:  Dude! seriously... put that thing away, or get a divorce and boink every tramp that comes your way.  Pick one.  You can't have it both ways unless you get permission.

2) The Media:  Jesus... it was a stupid man boinking stupid chicks, all of whom wanted to be famous.  Well... now, thanks to you, they are!  Happy now?

 

 

14. Where did most of your money go?

My 46th birthday was in December.  We went to church, and then out for lunch.  In the evening, after I made dinner, we had presents.  I like presents.  If any of you ever come visit me, bring presents.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

It's Saturday, Here's a Meme

Part One – Describe:

Your hair? Very short.  You might even say stubbly.

Your mother? Not well.

Your father? Great with children!

Your favorite food? Chinese

Your dream last night? Talking to my boss about my promotion

Your favorite drink? Stone Imperial Stout

Your dream/goal? My dream?  To go into space.  My Goal?  To be able to be a good father and provider for my familyas long as they need me.

The room are you in?A big room full of cubicles.

Your hobby? Reading

Your fear? Fear?  Ha!

Your TV? Is where the moving pictures are.  They tell me things.

Your Pets? Charlie, a retired Explosive Detection dog.

Friends? Few, but important.

Your life? Pretty darn good.

Your mood? Right now?  Upbeat, although I am doing this meme to avoid getting my fat ass on the elliptical trainer.

If you’re missing someone? I miss Pastor Ken.  He is an awesome guy.

Your best friend? I'm married to her.

Part Two – The Where’s?

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Right where I am now, except not as fat as I am today.  I'll also be 6 years closer to retirement.

Where were you last night? It was Thanksgiving... I was in the freakin' kitchen all day.

Where did you grow up? Vauxhall, New Jersey.  I lived there from age five through seventeen.

One place that I go to over and over? Barnes & Noble bookstores; Williamsburg, Virginia; Orlando, Florida.

Your favorite place to eat out? Mandarin Court

Wish list items? An iPhone; A Barnes & Noble Nook; a larger Sunday School class; a hefty gift card from Gander Mountain.  I won't be getting ANY of that for Christmas... OR my birthday, which is next Sunday... not that I am hinting about anything.

Last time you laughed? Dude.  I laugh all the time.

Last time you cried? Cried?  yeah, right.  Like I'd tell you.

Part Three – The What’s?

Something that you aren’t? An ass-kisser.

Last thing you did? Drove to work and turned on the office computer.

What are you wearing? A kelly-green, sleeveless t-shirt (dig the guns!), gray shorts, white sock, athletic shoes, my watch, my wedding ring, and four boss tattoos.

Something you’re not wearing? Well, that would sort of cover lots of things.  For instance, I'm not wearing a Burqa (sp?), nor am I wearing elf shoes that are turned up at the toes.  See, this is one of those open-ended questions designed to drag you into a meaningless discussion of minutae.  I suppose I caould just hare off into uncharted country and talk about all sorts of things, like the time I went out in public NOT wearing anything... or when I was arrested for.... See what I mean?

I'm just going to stick with the thing about the Burqa.

Your favorite store? Barnes & Noble; Gander Mountain

***NOTE*** Totally kidding about the getting arrested thing.  Never happened.

30-20-10-0

30: 1979

• I was was about to turn 16, and about to lose my virginity.
• I was in my Junior year of high school.
• We lived in Vauxhall, New Jersey, on May Terrace
• I lived with my mom and my brother, as my sister had recently left for college..
• My father and stepmother lived in Baltimore, Maryland.
• I hated my life and wanted to be out of that town.
• I rode my bicycle everywhere.
• I was in the Air Force Junior ROTC.
• I was in the Chorus... Mr C. was our teacher.
• I collected comic books.

20: 1989

• I was nearly 25.
• I was married.
• I drove a Hyundai Excel.
• I was in the last year of my enlistment in the Marine Corps.
• I was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.
• I drove to Forestville, Md every weekend
• We had a pet rabbit (I know.  I know)
• I drank WAY too much
• I used to go to watch live jazz at The Saloon, in Georgetwon.

10: 1999

• I was nearly 36.
• Ihad been remarried for 5 years.
• Soccer Girl was nearing her first birthday, Fast Pitch was almost 10.
• We lived in Woodbridge, Virginia.
• We took Soccer Girl to Disney world for the first time.
• We had a retired racing Greyhound named Duncan.
• I had been working with my previous agency for two years.
• My mother went to rehab.

0: 2009

• I am 45.
• Soccer Girl will be eleven next week.  Fast Pitch is tewnty, and in her third year of college.
• Mrs Gunfighter and I have been married for nearly sixteen years.
• I'm getting a new dog this week
• My hair is turning gray
• All of my irritating aches hurt like bloody hell now.
• I teach Sunday School
• My Mother, Grandmother, and brother have all survived cancer.
• I spend an inordinate amount of time wondering when cancer will strike me.
• I'm middle aged.  Where did the time go?.

Old School Friday

This is my first foray into this meme, but I could truly identify with it, because I had one of those "fell in love to this song" experiences when I was a very young man... not much more than a boy, really.

The year?  It's 1981.

I was just about to turn 18 in the autumn of 1981, and I was stationed at a military installation in San Antonio for some advanced training.  It was my habit (as well as the habit of hundreds of other young enlisted people) to go to the enlisted club on a Saturday night to drink, socialize and dance. 

This particular Saturday night was like all of the others in that I went to the club with my buddies, consumed a bit more alcohol than my almost 18-year-old-self probably should have had, and dnaced with any number of girls.  When the evening was about to end, and we were about to leave, a song came on (I don't remember it now) and one of the guys with us turned around and darted back onto the dance floor, because it was time to do "The Bus Stop", which was a popular line dance at the time... think the "Electric Slide" before there was an electric slide.  You with me?

Anyway, a couple of the other guys went back out to dance, while I stayed in the lobby, waitnig for them to finish.  What happened next was... well, a first for yours truly.  A pretty young woman came up to me, and said that she was waiting for her friends, too... so we proceeded with boy meets girl.  Boy and girl get on famously for 20 minutes while waiting for their groups of friends.  As friends come back into the lobby, the Rick James and Tina Marie classic hit "Fire and Desire" comes on.  Young boy and slightly older girl (ok, woman, she was twenty) have a dance and... well... the details don't matter, really (get your minds out of the gutter... we were together for five months and nothing like THAT happened), but, by the end of the evening we were both all entwined, kissy-face, and in loooove.

When I left Texas for my next assignment, we made promises of love and forever... of course, that only lasted until we both met other people while she remained in Texas, and I went overseas for nearly 4 years.

 

I still think about that night whenever I hear that song. It was a time of near-total innocence. A truly happy memory.

I hope that life has treated you well, Maria.

This post has been done in conjunction with Old School Friday.

Gunfighterology

Hi,

Here is more crap about me that you probably didn't know, and would never have asked me.

 

***********FOODOLOGY***************
What is your salad dressing of choice?
Blue Cheese

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
No particular favorite

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
Beef & Broccoli

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Sausage, Black Olives, Anchovies

What do you like to put on your toast?
A slice of Velveeta

***********TECHNOLOGY***************

How many televisions are in your house?
3

What color is your cellphone?
I have a Blackberry that is silver and black

Do you have an iPod?
Yes

***************BIOLOGY******************

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Left (like all the sexy-and smart- people!)

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A bag of books at Barnes & Noble yesterday

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
No

************BULLOLOGY**************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No, I like surprises.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I kind of like my name.  It suits me... but I would probably go with Hamish, because it would make people wonder.

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Yup... probably for less.

**************FAVORITOLOGY****************

Season?
Summer

Holiday?
Christmas

Day of the week?
Saturday

Month?
December (Christmas AND my birthday!)

***********CURRENTOLOGY*****************

Missing someone?
No... soccer girl is home from camp!

Mood?
Tired but cheerful

What are you listening to?
Mrs Gunfighter snoring

Current worry?
I never worry about things.

***************RANDOMOLOGY*****************

First place you went this morning?
To pick up soccer girl from Girl Scout Camp

What's the last movie you saw?
Star Trek

Do you smile often?
All the time

***************OTHER-OLOGY*****************

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
None.  I don't believe that a man should wear those things.

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
Um... did you forget what I do for a living?

Last person you talked to?
Mrs Gunfighter (if you don't count talking to myself)

Last person you hugged?
Soccer Girl, before she went to bed

Do you always answer your phone?
No

It's four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?
If you text me at 4 AM don't expect to hear from me until a more human hour.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
Change these eyes?  No way!

Have you ever had a pet fish?
Yes

Favorite Christmas song
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

What's on your wish list for your birthday?
If I get a gift from anyone, I'll be glad about it, whatever it is.

Can you do push ups?
Yes, but these days, I avoid it.

Can you do the splits?
No effin' way.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Nervous.  I won't be here for much of it.

Do you have any saved texts?
No

Do you have an accent?
Depends on where the person listening to me is from.

What is the last movie to make you cry?
Cry?  Me?

Plans tonight?
I tried to watch some Currie Cup rugby (from South Africa) but I fell asleep.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
No

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Lunch at Five Guys, fish & wine for dinner

Have you ever been given roses?
Yes

Met someone who changed your life?
Yes

Name two people who might complete this?
Nope

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
Yes, but only if I get to come back.

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?
No piercings, but I have four tattoos... the newest of which is only 10 days old.

Does anyone love you?
Yes.. more than a few, for that matter.

Would you be a pirate?
No

What songs do you sing in the shower?
They vary.

Ever had someone sing to you?
Yes

When did you last cry?
See my earlier answer about crying.

Have you held hands with anyone today?
Yes, soccer girl

Who was the last person you took a picture of?
soccer girl

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
Depends on how you define the terms old and new... but mostly new.

Do you like pulpy orange juice?
yes

What is something your friends make fun of you for?
People only make fun of me behind my back.  It's healthier.

10 Guilty Pleasures on TV

Every once in a while, I discover, via comments, that I have a reader that I hadn't previously known about.  I heard from one such reader just the other day, and she was nice enough to wish us well on our fifteenth wedding anniversary.

Trying to be a stand-up guy, I visited this nice lady's blog in return and found lots of neat things... and this is one of them:  She had made a list of her top 10 guilty television pleasures.  Not one to be left out of making a list, please have a look at mine.

1.  American Idol.  Laugh if you like, but I enjoy this show thoroughly.  I seldom miss it, and always record it, just in case I'm not home.

2.  Dancing with The Stars.  Go ahead, laugh again, but I have two words for you:  Cheryl Burke.  'Nuff said.

3.  Terminator:  The Sarah Connor Chronicles.  It's too bad that this show didn't find it's feet until part-way through the second season, it had the potential to be one of the greats... alas, it didn't gain enough traction, and has been cancelled by FOX... who should have cancelled that stupid Dollhouse show.

4.  Boston Legal.  Yes, I know that it was cancelled after the 5th season... its just the way things work in my world.  If I love a network show, it gets cancelled.  Hey, you all know that I love William Shatner, but my love of this show goes beyond Shatner-love.  The show is exceptionally well-written, it has (had) an interesting cast, which was superbly led by James Spader and the aforementioned Shatner.

5.  Bad Girls.  Some of you may not know of this show.  It's from the UK, and I originally saw it when it regularly aired on BBC America, and after it ended on BBC America, it was picked up by LOGO.  It ran for eight seperate seasons, and has been so popular in the UK and the US, it looks like it will make it's way ont American television soon, in a US production that should be made sometime soon.  It isn't likely that I'll watch it, because like other American re-makes of shows from the UK (The Office being an apparent exception), it will probably REALLY stink.

If you are looking for the other five, you can stop now.  This is all that there is.  I don't find a lot of interesting things on television that aren't listed above.... or international rugby, and that doesn't really count.

A Weekday Meme For you. Yes... you!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My father's father, William.  People always called him "Willie"... when my relatives tried to call me Willie, it resulted in much... resistance from me. 

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I don't remember.  I don't do it often.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I have never spent 5 minutes thinking about it.  I suppose it is adequate.  It isn't pretty, but it is legible.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ham

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Two.  Both girls.  One is nineteen and the other is ten.  They are my joy.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Sure.  I think that I am decent, kind, and strong.  I'm loyal, devilishly handsome, I can cook AND I'm a trained killer, though you'd never look at me & think so.  What's not to like?

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Of course not.  See my sincerity in the answer above.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
I do, and I think that I shall keep them.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Grits.  With cheddar cheese.  If you mean cold cereal... well, I try to avoid it.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Always.

12.  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Cherry Garcia... and Mint Chocolate Chip

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Whether or not they look like they are armed.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I'm one of the world's natural fat people.  I fight it as best I can, but what the hell?  You can only fight nature so much.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Sam H***  Sam was my friend and a fellow officer.  He died much too young.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
That would probably be quite dull.  This one is dull enough for three

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue jeans and brown hiking boots.

20. FAVORITE SOUNDS:
Automatic gunfire (no, I'm not kidding)
The laughter of little children.
Screaming guitars

Gregorian chanting (again, not kidding)

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
It's quiet in the house, now, but I can hear Mrs Gunfighter snoring softly.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
What kind of question is that?  How the heck are you supposed to learn anything with a question like that?  I'm not answering that.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
A roasting chicken
Roses
Soap
Mrs GF's favorite perfume

Woodsmoke

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Customer Service at Peek.

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I only found her blog this morning, but she seems nice.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Sports?  There is only one sport worth watching:  RUGBY!

27. HAIR COLOR?
Black.... well, getting slightly silvery now

28. EYE COLOR?
Brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Not since my laser surgery 3 years ago.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Roasted chicken & vegetables & Chicken Marsala, a la Gunfighter

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Pretty Woman  Hey, I was sick and couldn't sleep Saturday night!

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
A Gray thermal undershirt.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer... bring the heat, baby!

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hug me, kiss me, then.... oh, sorry, this is a family blog.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Not a soul.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
What difference does it make?  I only have 15 or 20 readers who acknowledge that they read what I write.

39. WHAT BOOK(s) ARE YOU READING NOW?
A Confederation of Valor (Tanya Huff), and Crusader Castles In The Holy Land (David Nicolle)

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
It's clear.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The L Word, Big Love, & Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

42. FAVORITE SONGS?
You Can't Always Get What You Want (Rolling Stones), Somebody To Love (Queen), The 1812 Overture (Tchaikovsky), The Ride of The Valkyries (Wagner), The Title Theme to Superman: The motion Picture (John Williams), The Planets (Gustav Holst), My Sharona (The Knack), Jumpin' Jack Flash (Rolling Stones), You're All I need To Get By (Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell)

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Stones.  I love the Beatles, but the Stones are more me...  a little more bad-ass.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Norway.  Above the Arctic Circle.  Is that further from the east coast than Kenya?  Probably not.  Maybe it was Korea.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I am a good teacher.  I can teach nearly anyone, nearly anything.

46 WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Hamilton Air Force Base, Marin County, California

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
I'm done tagging people for these things, dude... but if anyone wants to jump in, go for it.

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
At work... our marriage is a direct result of the Gulf War (1991-92)

49. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?
My family, & being helpful to others

50. FAVORITE SAYINGS?
I use the term "bloody" too often.

51. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET?
My 15 year old self.  I'd like to tell him some really important things.  Oh, and Saint Martin DePorres

The Happy New Year Meme!

Happy New Year!

No excuses... I just like doing these things... I know that it's not like most of you care about this stuff, but here it is:

What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?

Got a tattoo on my back.  It's my third tattoo, mind you, and it won't be my last, but it's the first one on my back.

 

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don't make resolutions.

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

No.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

No.

 

5. What countries did you visit?

I went to Maryland a few times... against my will, but there you are.

 

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?

Um... a new car and a book deal.

 

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Election day, baby!  Because the electorate rejected fear, xenophobia, torture, and the criminal abuse of our Constitution.  Go Obama!

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Taking care of my family and helping to get Barack Obama elected.

 

9. What was your biggest failure?

I didn't fail at anything.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No injuries... some minor illnesses not worth the time it takes to write about them.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Another iPod.

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Barack Obama's gracious, issue driven campaign, which stayed focused and didn't go into the mud like the rest of them.

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Hillary Clinton's capaign behavior.  Hillary, you and your husband are on my political shitlist for life.  Not that you care, but you need to know it.  I was appalled, but not depressed, I always knew she didn't really have a shot.

 

14. Where did most of your money go?

Food, bills, vacation, living.

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Electing Barack Obama, Rachel Maddow's new show, my new Chef's knife.

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?

Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered"  Sure, the song is from the early 70's, but it reminds me of the OBama campaign... and you might have notice that it consumed a grewat deal of the year for me.

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? SAME
b) thinner or fatter? Fatter
c) richer or poorer? About the same

 

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Exercise.

 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Gone to the doctor.

 

20. How did you spend Christmas? 

In my cozy house, with my cozy family, with my new books, new knife, and really boss Christmas music.

 

21. Did you fall in love in 2008?

No.

 

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Boston Legal & Terminator:  The Sarah Connor Chronicles

 

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Bill & Hillary Clinton

 

24. What was the best book you read?

How To Be a Monastic and Not Leave Your Day Job - Brother Benet Tvedten (Awesome)

 

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

That I actually liked a song by Beyonce (Single Ladies)

 

26. What did you want and get?

An immersion blender

 

27. What did you want and not get?

I got what I wanted... I'm good, thanks.

 

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Iron Man

 

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 45th birthday was in December.  We went to the Candlelight tour of George Washington's house, and then spent a great weekend, just the three of us... there was good food, presents, and togetherness.  The best birthday I have ever had.  Really.

 

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Getting a promotion (but I'm not unhappy, I'll probably get said promotion before the weather turns warm again)

 

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?

Fashion?  Are you kidding... I don't do "fashion"

 

32. What kept you sane?

My incredible, monk-like discipline... or the fact that as a rule, I NEVER, EVER worry about anything.

 

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Fancy?  Well, there is Salma Hayek, of course... and Summer Glau isn't hard to look at.

 

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

Getting Barack Obama elected... as a specific issue?  Ending our incredibly wasteful, stupid, illegal, immoral war in Iraq.

 

35. Who did you miss?

The in-shape Gunfighter

 

36. Who was the best new person you met?

A guy who visited our church a few months ago.  This guy was great.  I immediately connected weith him.  Real enthusiasm and a spirit-filled heart.

 

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.

Not sure I learned anything in that regard.

 

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"But it's allll riiiight now, in fact it's a gas!

But it's allll riiiight, a-Jumpin Jack Flash, it's a gas gas gas!"