tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7594526417087207932024-02-07T12:43:32.734-06:00Veloci-Davetwo wheeled funDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-71876410360607721672011-02-02T22:39:00.001-06:002011-02-02T22:39:31.665-06:00ADT<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/5070517139/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5070517139_6d26d639b6.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/5070517139/">IMG_6557</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mellowdave/">Красный Октябрь</a>.</span></div><p>I would go anywhere with these men</p>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-2381511351102059912010-10-02T11:17:00.002-05:002010-10-02T11:38:43.834-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2009_Isle_of_Man_TT.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://hellforleathermagazine.com/images/2009_Isle_of_Man_TT.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Ive been watching the Isle of Man TT for the last few weeks (As anyone who has a pulse should be) and Ive noticed a few things. The classes at the TT are basically the same as the rest of International Motor Racing, but they are confusing even to someone who follows it as closely as I do. Bottom line, whats the difference to a spectator between the Supersports, and the Superbikes when they look exactly the same, sound exactly the same, have the exact same riders, and lap within a few seconds of each other even on a course as large as the IOM? Basically I feel like Ive watched the same race 5 times. I do know the technical differences, and I believe in superbikes as unlimited PRODUCTION BASED motorcycles (as opposed to the Prototype concept employed by GP racing) but the difference between superstock and superbike is so narrow right now, that its just silly. Its as bad as Daytona, when you used to care who won the Daytona 200, and saying "Oh well he won Daytona" meant that YOU WON THE RACE AT DAYTONA. Now you have to respond to that with "which class?" on "which bike?". Probably seven people can say they won Daytona this year, and the same would apply to IOM if Bruce Anstey hadn't won everything. Number of race win records are falling left and right when a man can compete in 9 classes at the same track. I hate to reference NASCAR but they had this problem a few years ago when drivers were racing both Busch and Winston in the same weekend. Ultimately they limited participation in classes to keep the two distinct. I understand the the group of cempetitors in the IOM is small due to the danger, and there is a financial incentive to compete in as many classes as possible because these guys arent wealthy factory riders, this is a once or twice a year gig for them, but it will be come a no time a year gig if more people dont come to watch it. I saw a post on superbikeplanet the other day showing a stunt rider (whose name I dont know) with a caption that said "Sadly, more riders today know this guy than Kenny Roberts and Eddie Lawson". <div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Racing is ultimately a spectator driven event, and if you confuse the CASUAL spectator, the enthusiast base isnt big enough to make up for it anymore.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-90223091234912883662010-02-28T11:13:00.003-06:002010-02-28T11:15:46.602-06:00A little Tom Waits for a Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd73ap-UmYrGZ100mqipOBFbUNv2jK3piw6PZvda9x4rufBv-SMzB9zQ7S0bKwwJAWYiO5zJ6M7ILhDoL5pfTC9JP5gaD5y04sZTamM6kcWJo3A9w_HLY3fkRyPfQCqEjtmuE4JsRF_g/s1600-h/ducati250ev8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBd73ap-UmYrGZ100mqipOBFbUNv2jK3piw6PZvda9x4rufBv-SMzB9zQ7S0bKwwJAWYiO5zJ6M7ILhDoL5pfTC9JP5gaD5y04sZTamM6kcWJo3A9w_HLY3fkRyPfQCqEjtmuE4JsRF_g/s320/ducati250ev8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Tom Waits<br />
Blue Valentine (1978)<br />
A Sweet Little Bullet From A Pretty Blue Gun<br />
<br />
It's Raining It's Pouring<br />
And You Didn't Bring A Sweater<br />
Nebraska Will Never Let You Come Back Home<br />
And On Hollywood And Wine<br />
By The Thrifty Mart Sign<br />
Any Night I'll Be Willin To Bet<br />
There's A Young Girl<br />
With Sweet Little Wishes<br />
And Pretty Blue Dreams<br />
Standin There And Gettin All Wet<br />
<br />
Now There's A Place Off The Drag<br />
Called The Gilbert Hotel<br />
There's A Couple Letters Burned Out In The Sign<br />
And It's Better Than A Bus Stop<br />
And They Do Good Buisness<br />
Every Time It Rains<br />
For Sweet Little Girls<br />
With Nothing In Their Jeans<br />
But Sweet Little Wishes<br />
And Pretty Blue Jeans<br />
<br />
Now It's Raining It's Pouring<br />
The Old Mam Is Snoring<br />
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep<br />
I Hear The Sirens In The Street<br />
All The Dreams Are Made Of Chrome<br />
I Have No Way To Get Back Home<br />
I'd Rather Die Before I Wake<br />
Like Marilyn Monroe<br />
And Throw My Jeans Out In<br />
The Street And The Rain Will Make 'Em Grow<br />
<br />
Now The Night Clerk He Got A Club Foot<br />
And He's Heard Every Hard Luck Story<br />
At Least A Hundred Times Or More<br />
He Says Check Out Time Is 10 Am<br />
And That's Just What He Means<br />
And You Go Up The Stairs<br />
With Sweet Little Wishes<br />
And Pretty Blue Dreams<br />
<br />
Now It's Raining It's Pouring<br />
And Hollywods Just Fine<br />
Swindle A Little Out Of Her Dreams<br />
Put A Letter In The Sign<br />
Never Trust A Scarecrow<br />
Wearin' Shades After Dark<br />
Be Careful Of That Old Bow Tie He Wears<br />
It Takes A Sweet Little Bullet<br />
From A Pretty Blu Gun<br />
To Put Those Scarlet Ribbons In Your Hair<br />
No That Ain't No Cherry Bomb<br />
4th Of July's All Done<br />
Just Some Fool Playin' That Second Line<br />
From The Barrel Of A Pretty Blue Gun<br />
<br />
No That Ain't No Cherry Bomb<br />
4th Of July's All Done<br />
Just Some Fool Playin' That Second Line<br />
From The Barrel Of A Pretty Blue GunAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-90616104007453927952010-02-01T08:18:00.002-06:002010-02-01T08:22:02.407-06:00Mr DomesticMan I've been Mr Domestic this weekend. If I werent such a fan of women, I'd make a great wife. Sunday morning I got up, made coffee, then immediately made the best damn home made scones ever (vanilla orange for the record), then cleaned the kitchen, then followed that with a really good salad (red leaf lettuce, avocado, black beans, sweet corn, slivered red onions, and grilled chicken) and then cleaned the kitchen again. In between I stain treated the kids jacket sleeves, (why do their cuffs get so grubby..) and took all the glass recycling to eco enterprises.<br /><br />Still looking for a Landcruiser though.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-25376712724326046872010-01-31T12:33:00.002-06:002010-01-31T12:39:24.785-06:00Bikes, life, timeWell, Im back in the USA of course, and for the last 2 months I was in Afghanistan, all I could think about was when I could get back to riding everyday, re immersing myself in the bike culture. I had visions of 100 mile days again, and long rides out by the lake, as well as more trips with my daughter, and taking her to the mountain bike trails as her skills have progressed alot. <br /><br />Well. That didnt happen. I find myself wanting to ride, but not having the drive to get out and do it everyday. I've been on leave for a month, and instead of riding everyday, I've put on ten pounds and ridden twice. WTF. I did put the cross bike back together Friday afternoon, so I do find myself interested in hitting up some gravel trails around the house here, and I'm hoping that puts the spark back in my riding.<br /><br />I went to Frankenbike yesterday to pick up some mountain bike tires, and I saw a bike that piqued my interest. Its a Kona "Unit" which is a 29'er fixed single speed. The guy had it set up with Crossmax 29'er wheels and I really chewed on it for a few minutes. He said if it didnt sell, he would be putting it in craigslist this week. I might be perusing craigslist this week...I've been wanting a 29'er fixie...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-75012291948816808732009-11-19T10:36:00.002-06:002009-11-19T11:17:19.698-06:00Local Cycling Support in the USA...I dont know what prompted me really to write this, but something did. I was reading and article earlier posted by one of the more excellent brains in the cycling BUSINESS these days, over at Competitive Cyclist. He talks about just that, the lack of support among the USAC for anything that remotely resembles a grassroots, or local program to enable young riders to achieve the type of success that would put us on the map again vis-a-vis Europe. Since I can't seem to link to the page correctly, I will post the text of it, I hope they don't take huge offense to me reposting it here.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">"- This week USA Cycling made public their plans for creating membership growth: Having Lance Armstrong race 'til he's 67 years old. What you won't see in this article are the words "grassroots", "developmental", or "significant corporate sponsorship". When contacted about these concepts, USA Cycling suggested we contact USA Luge instead. Uttering these words at USAC, apparently, is a firing offense. Other forbidden language includes "world-class track program" or "awareness that cyclocross exists."<br /><br />The lack of vision at USAC astonishes -- that is, if you're old-fashioned like me and measure "vision" though (a) measurable results (like, e.g. "high-school club racing has grown by x%" or "we have increased corporate sponsorship by $x" or "membership numbers from ages 11-21 has increased by x%"); or (b) by substantive communication. But as we all know, the membership is furnished with no data. Communication occurs as we cite above -- USAC-to-cyclingnews, aka Politburo-to-Pravda. But visibility to a strategic plan with an actual strategy (i.e. more specifics than saying "we strive for excellence")? It'll never happen. At USAC jocksniffing runs amok: They ceaselessly fawn over world-class riders, but provide no proof of interest in cultivating the superstars of year 2030. Where is the outreach to kids who've never ridden a bike outside the neighborhood? Why doesn't anyone there understand the future value of today's novice? For the average American amateur bike club, USA Cycling licensure expense is just that: An expense with no apparent ROI."</span><br /><br />Its definitely an accurate argument, and its something that has been in my thoughts lately too. My daughter is coming along really well in her own cycling, (I mean, admittedly, shes still young, and just beginning,) but why should she pursue it at great cost, and devotion, and have no hope of real, long term success? It's hard for any woman in cycling, so even if it were my son who was developing well, USAC's policies give them no hope of future success. It makes it necessary for a cyclist to either live as a pauper, or be basically a playboy, able to support his own habits. <br /><br />I wonder where things are going in the US, cycling wise.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-29075767323724701062009-11-15T05:46:00.002-06:002009-11-15T06:01:24.557-06:00Going home soon...As we're preparing to get out of here, we have to pack well in advance, because of the logistics system. So I'm packing up over thirty days before we actually leave. So in any case, as Im going through my stuff here, I find myself oddly attached to strange little things. I just chewed on whether or not to pack this silly little pen. Its a pen on my desk that I've used for some time, but I certainly don't need to take it home. So why would I even consider it? Very odd. I'm so ready to get the hell out of here, I would think none of this would matter at all to me. <br /><br />All I can really think about, all that really matters to me is getting back to this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3923053502_eec04948d2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 468px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2594/3923053502_eec04948d2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I just can't wait to see them, talk to them, sit with them...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-6226575602240011772009-09-29T02:03:00.001-05:002009-09-29T02:24:12.837-05:00I have GOT to get out of this place...if its the last thing I EVER do...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-86967515406639917112009-08-14T14:47:00.000-05:002009-08-14T14:47:11.464-05:00W T FI dont know how many people have said that things happen in life that there is just no explanation for, but I guess I have to add my voice to the chorus. I hope tomorrow makes more sense to me than today did.<br />
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At least my son is still wearing his shirts backward...Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-39566887628123912212009-08-12T05:24:00.000-05:002009-08-12T05:24:23.817-05:00Fuck I need a bike rideI don't care what anyone says, the stationary bike is no substitute for honest to goodness wind in your hair, bugs in your teeth spinning of wheels. It probably does a reasonable job of maintaining fitness, however at what cost? There are a thousand things I can do for cardio, I mean the elliptical is a better workout in less time, but its not a bike. I ride the bike back home for fitness to be sure, and there is certainly still competitive spark in me, as I full intend to race the upcoming season when I get back. HOWEVER, the main reason I ride, is mental. Its an escape. Its an immersion into the world, the smells, the sounds, the sights, the dangers. It's not an hour enclosed in a steel and glass cage cruising around the city, its not an hour sitting in one place in the gym listening to women gossip and CNN speak of doom. Its F R E E D O M in its purest. I go where I want, for as long as I want, I go as hard or as easy as I want, I only answer to myself. I am not insulated from the world, my legs get dirty, I smell the good and the bad, I hear the whir of the chain on the cogs, my spokes slicing through the air. <br />
<br />
I miss it dearly.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-88630836139221513602009-07-01T04:00:00.002-05:002009-07-01T04:08:24.068-05:00Just lifeSo it would seem that I have found a way out of the three month rut here, (which they tell you in all the pre deployment briefs happens to everyone) and I'm doing exactly what they say you will, I found a project. The project is me. I've been working out seriously hard, and enjoying the endorphin high. When we first got here, I used the stationary bike to help with the acclimation to the altitude, and now that I am fully acclimated, I have been riding it really hard. I do 90 minutes two or three times a week, with 50 minute days thrown in between. (I get one day off completely every week) and then at night, I hit the gym for an hour or more. I'm doing a simple routine of chest/triceps two days a week, and back and biceps two days a week, with a single leg day thrown in between. It goes in a pattern like Chest/Biceps/Legs/Chest/Biceps/Off that way there are two days between any major muscle group. Seems to be woring like a charm, despite having put on a reasonable amount of muscle, I'm down ten pounds overall in the last two months. Maybe more importantly, my attitude is way better. Endorphins rock.<br /><br />Our little gym is just that, little, so I go late at night when its not packed, but the Poles are far more interested in getting big than cardio, so there usually isnt a wait for the bike. I plan to mix in more running later in the cycle once I lose all the weight I plan to, and get my joints all functioning right. Its been a while since I maxed a PT run, and thats one of my long term goals from this.<br /><br />the weather is still completely bearable here. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-7587252925194037662009-05-24T06:11:00.001-05:002009-05-24T06:11:05.795-05:00Rock beds<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3559356228/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3559356228_dd0bfe4246.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3559356228/">Rock beds</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mellowdave/">Dave in Austin</a>.</span></div><p>Driving here is always a challenge</p>Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-84417493333557438042009-05-24T04:09:00.005-05:002009-05-24T04:28:56.322-05:00Been too longSo we've settled into the routine here, things are pretty much as you'd expect for Afghanistan.<br /><div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3404124864/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3404124864_c27972296b.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"></div><br />I've been spending alot of time on<a href="http://advrider.com"> ADV Rider </a>lately, and I've been inspired to travel west through Utah when I get back. I promised TL that I'd take her on a road trip when I get back, and she's really wanted to go to the Black Hills and the Grand Canyon. They are geographically very disparate and it would be hard to hit both, but if we go up through Colorado and then West into Utah, we can hit Moab, Zion, the GC, and then back into Texas in about 15 days, which is what I've budgeted for the trip. The big question right now is whether I take Jack and/or Aidan with us. They are both probably big enough to make and enjoy the trip, and I would certainly love to have them, though I promised Tori we would spend some time together when I get back. I still have plenty of time to figure it all out, its about a year away. Check out <a href="http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=456031">this</a> forum thread if you need to get your head around the places Im talking about...<br /><br />I figure while I'd love to buy a GS BMW when I get home, in reality, most of the touring I will do for the next few years will include the kids, so most likely I'm just gng to outfit a nice 4WD, 4DR Toyota for our expeditions, and maybe rig up the Rover too for the bigger ones. Roof rack, Lift, etc.<br /><br />Big night tonight, so more to follow...Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-50052573853711727542009-03-19T23:31:00.003-05:002009-03-19T23:34:07.088-05:00first hit from AfghanistanWe've been here in Ghazni for a few weeks now, and we're still living in tents, out of rucksacks. Our predecessors are having all sorts of problems getting out of the FOB due to the limited amount of air resources that come and go from here. So needless to say, noone is really happy with the situation, and the men are bitching pretty much constantly since we've been basically transient for 2 months. It gets old.<br /><br />So Im sitting at breakfast this morning listening to some of the men talking about games, Halo, and some other online games, and Im amused that they are such willing killers who are discussing the merits of video games. <br /><br />So in the middle of this, one of the other E4s comes up and announces to the bunch that his girlfriend has broken up with him. He plays it off that he doesnt care, calls her names and talks about how he took advantage of her, but I can tell by the look on his face that its bravado. He says, well, now, since I have no reason to go home, I can really do some crazy shit. Then he says in fact, I dont even have to go home on mid term, I can go to europe and nail some euro trash. The other guys all chime in, calling him "number 1" but its a dubious honor. It means hes the first to get dumped on this trip. <br /><br />So another kid starts talking about how on his last deployment, his girlfriend dumped him after a few months, and it gave him freedom. Since he didnt care if he lived or died, he could do so much more. An NCO sitting next to me, also listening to all this, mutters under his breath "all women are whores..."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-921732445377732872009-03-02T23:29:00.000-06:002009-03-19T23:31:16.124-05:00see ya in a bit AmericaI find myself looking down the barrel of my last night in America for the foreseeable future. At least the next 4 months. Many men have stood here with the same view, many of them far more adept at finding a way to help those without such experience have some inkling of what it tastes like.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-40131855905162301892009-02-17T07:21:00.001-06:002009-02-17T07:24:19.371-06:00Sad really...When the high point of the week is a trip to the Greenwood Mall. <br /><br />What has the Army come to when grown men can't be allowed to account for themselves.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-73859725340751671582009-02-15T22:17:00.002-06:002009-02-15T22:24:16.293-06:00ESCAPE!We slipped the wire today, and stole away to Barnes and Nobles. Yes, we are intellectual cavemen here, and when given a few priceless moments of freedom, we spent them in a bookstore. I cant lie, we also swilled coffee, and engaged in rather fascinating conversation around what makes a great and compelling photograph, as well as whether Jimmy is truly as uptight as he appears from a distance. It was a really nice way to spend an afternoon, and of course, it was spent with the best people I know. At least the best ones Im not married to.<br /><br />I plan to put together some thoughts on the photograph thing. Its been a question thats been nagging at me since I started to really embrace photography as a hobby and an artform, though not one I excel at. <br /><br />Thats really the question isnt it? WHAT is a good photograph? What separates Ansel Adams from the many, many imitators? What does Schiller see before he presses the shutter? As we discussed tonight, its not always the image that you think that turns out to be the real winner. <br /><br />In any case, I want to put together a more coherent diatribe on this, and I'll save that for another day, tomorrow perhaps.<br /><br />Mario, quit being candy assed, and put your blog up. You might be surprised how many people are interested in what you have to say...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-42767013893508501582009-02-14T13:37:00.005-06:002009-02-14T13:53:40.965-06:00CreationSo I'm entertaining myself a little with Hank Moody lately. I dont really have much in common with 'ol Hank on the outside, but COMPLETELY understand the man. He's a bit like a washed up rock star, you know the guy, the David Lee Roth of the literary world. He still has it, he still gets the attention, but the "respectable" people out there kinda sneer at him, and wonder "what the fuck" while being ohhhh so secretly jealous.<br /><br />I mean who doesnt want to punch out the asshole that disrespects the object of our affections at a high dollar fund raiser? But the rest of us are saddled with that little inner (or in some cases big outer) voice that keeps us from crossing that line. We have something to lose. Hank has real freedom. He has established that nothing he does is going to make his life worse than it is, so fuck it. <br /><br />He is being vigorously pursued by a breathtaking 16 year old girl who he "accidently" slept with and oh by the way is also the daughter of the target of his unique disgust, (the man who is marrying his beloved ex girlfriend) and in some strange way, the way we dont want those upstanding people people I referred to earlier to know about, we ALL respect him for it. <br /><br />He is a fantastic father to his own daughter, at least in the 21st Century book of rules kind of way, and in a strange sort of proxy that crosses the line to creepy even for me, he is doing a pretty damn good job of parenting the aforementioned 16 year old as well..<br /><br />I share Hanks disdain for the man, for the system, for the decay of American Culture, and for the bulk of the people that comprise that culture. I share his desire to unset the smug and crass, and his taste for whiskey from Kentucky and cars from Stuttgart. So since I have about 7 episodes left to view from the 1st season of Californication, and a MONTH of time to waste here in Indiana, all I can say is THANK FUCKING GOD for Hank Moody.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-69797527714920245502009-02-12T12:41:00.005-06:002009-02-14T14:26:17.964-06:00So Im home on pass...Im sitting here at my dining room table, IMMENSELY enjoying the time with the kids and family. I wish it was more.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3260952070/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3260952070_55de7c6877.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.8em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3260952070/">IMG_9221</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mellowdave/">Dave in Austin</a>.</span></div><p></p><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Army never fails to confound me, though I've been dealing with it for 15 years, you'd think Id be used to it by now. So we arent leaving on the 15th, or even the 18th, its going to be some time in March most likely, so I have to fly back tomorrow to a three day weekend at Camp Atterbury. Most of the post is going to be closed due to the holiday, so there is ABSOLUTELY no reason to go back. But here we are.<br /><br />These are the things that make want to just chuck it all and get the fuck out, but honestly, I think its worse out in the civilian world. They have no recourse to stupidity. At least here I can often pull rank, or influence someone who can. This situation just works out to suck. Were going tot ry to make the most of it, and get some training in, maybe some MWR days in Chicago and Indy, but all in all, its just stupid.<br /><br />More later.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-50345070314871210552009-01-21T08:34:00.004-06:002009-02-14T14:22:35.264-06:00Still in Indiana<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: -webkit-monospace; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3233413130/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/3233413130_9d96a9cec3.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px; cursor: move;" /></a> <span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mellowdave/3233413130/">ice world too</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mellowdave/">Dave in Austin</a>.</span></div></span><br />
<br />
So were still here. We've had some astoundingly bad training, and some pretty good training. But its all kind of refresher stuff for most of us. Only a few more weeks til we roll now.<br />
<br />
So I have a few plans for when I come back that I'm working over. I was talking with one of the other guys here the other night and we're thinking of putting together a modest trip to Daytona the March we return from Afghanistan. Probably about 8 of us going over there, trailering the bikes into the local area, and then just taking in the scene for a few days. That one still needs some fleshing out.<br />
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As soon as I get back, like maybe before Christmas if we get back that early, we're taking a family trip out to West Texas, for 8 to 10 days. I want to camp out in the snow with the kids, and also stay at Ft Davis a few nights. That one is planned out pretty well.<br />
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In the Spring, like right after school gets out, I'm taking TL for a 10 day motorcycle trip up through Colorado, maybe Wyoming, etc. That one is planned out pretty well, except that the route keeps changing as we talk more about it. <br />
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My free time is winding down this morning...more tonight maybe.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-90333672475992578662009-01-11T23:13:00.000-06:002009-01-11T23:15:56.776-06:00Well..here we are...Im at Camp Atterbury Indiana, and its cold. Damn COLD. Why would people live here? There arent any wonderful scenic mountains, or anything like that, its just rolling farmland. Nice, but lord, the winters...<br />
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The people seem nice enough, and the stations we've gone through here have been well organized. Were really looking forward to getting through this part, and on to Afghanistan. Our title 10 clock is ticking so to speek, but really, we all want to get on with it.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-33553137947709813692008-12-27T11:06:00.002-06:002008-12-27T11:09:50.366-06:00Christmas is overAnd we're in the inevitable after Christmas lull. The kids got some chinese four wheelers, and they are loving them. Tori took to it like she was born on one, and was chasing me around the yard in no time. I was riding the XR, which of course is still not at 100% but she was hanging no problems, woohooing the whole time. Good stuff.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to getting going so that I can get my focus sorted. Right now, it feels like everything back here is on hold, since I dont want to start anything new, only to leave in two weeks. So its like just sitting around is the only thing to do.<br /><br />I have many big plans for when I get back, and Im looking forward to those...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-49439328208139088262008-11-25T10:17:00.000-06:002008-11-25T10:24:19.596-06:00So as the fall winds downIm getting closer and closer to heading out. The very beginning of January is going to be the hardest time of my life. I've deployed before, but not since Ive had kids. Its hard to find that balance between war focus, and remembering to send the kids letters and videos. On one hand, you want the focus, its what you need to make sure you come back in a year, but what good is coming back if you alienated everyone you love while youre gone? The adults can just figure it out, they should know that things are gonna be tough, no matter what, but the kids, you cant explain that to them. So you just have to remember, you have to steal minutes to make sure you tell them you love them, and that in some wierd way, thats why youre there.Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08793528786195233231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-19645381101541996542008-11-19T22:58:00.001-06:002008-11-19T23:00:16.271-06:00InsanityIm sitting here receiving a class on Iraqi sniper activities, and one of the big points being made about insurgent TTPs are that they will engage with civilians and children in the kill zone.<br /><br />What kind of a sonofabitch could bring himself to fire on children? <br /><br />I just dont understand these pathetic bastards.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759452641708720793.post-75990466073898466212008-10-23T20:55:00.006-05:002008-10-23T21:01:59.920-05:00Harvest Classic 2008 --> Starts tomorrow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/105/276848761_e8a0e4790e.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/105/276848761_e8a0e4790e.jpg" border="1" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Can't wait to get this going. Taking the whole herd is always more challenging than just jumping on the scoot and heading over, but the last two times I was there I just kept wishing they had been there with me. So this time were all going. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.harvestclassic.org/">Harvest Classic Rally</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05078001510422700663noreply@blogger.com0