So as the fall winds down

Im 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.

Insanity

Im 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.

What kind of a sonofabitch could bring himself to fire on children?

I just dont understand these pathetic bastards.

Harvest Classic 2008 --> Starts tomorrow!

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. :)

Harvest Classic Rally

Woohoo --- Hernia Surgery

Well this has been interesting to say the least. I got cut Friday,and it took me til solidly tuesday to feel somewhat Human again,and even today, almost a week later, I still feel maybe 50%. It really makes you realize how truly delicate we are.

This is so VERY true...

Rockstars

RSVR 1000

RSVR 1000, originally uploaded by Dave in Austin.

Ducati 996 v Aprilia RSVR

So I rode both, back to back today. I rode the Priller first, and in the interest of full disclosure I'm going to say that it has BRAND new tires, so I took it easy at anything other than full upright.

It has a FANTASTIC chassis, it feels like its up on its toes, ready to sprint in any direction you nudge it toward. Not at planted feeling as the Duke, but again, read the tire comment.

The engine. Honestly, at this early juncture, it let me down. I thought it would be more powerful, smoother, and more modern. Across the board, I prefer the 996 engine. It REALLY makes me want to spin up a 1098. Archren? :)

I found a couple things I would like the Duke to better after riding the other Italian bike, the 4 pad Brembos are breathtakingly good for instance, and I'd like my fork to work more like the Ohlins (who wouldnt...) so I have something to shoot for after the 'Stan. Its good to want things.