You all better get ready for some fun. Joe is already out in the boat at the newly improved "honey hole" (where all the 40 year old divorcee's tie their boats together and drink wine coolers or mixed drinks and goggle over other divorced, not-so-in shape bikini wearers (or speedo wearers), where all have way too dark, weathered and leathered skin), with his boys from work. I am waiting for my boys from seattle and portland, and then the real fun will begin. check on you all later...
bpr
Friday, July 28, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
The Thornhill Girls and their Partners in the Meadow Springs Junior Golf Child - Parent Tourney
The Thornhill girls are playing Junior Golf for the 2nd year at Meadow Springs and recently played in the Child-Parent Tournament. Fiona & Tere were partners, Ailis and Nick Cameron, Ciara and Bart, Moira and Margo, and Sinead and Bill Meyer! Here are a few photos from the event.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Don't Forget about Grandma!
All, (or Johnny-Boo specifically)
We should have a printed version of the blog brought to Grandma once a month. At least the important updates about her 9 kids, their spouses, and her 44 grandchildren. I'm not sure how difficult that is with printing the comments and all, but I'm sure she would be delighted to be a part of this.
Now onto me! I'm finally done flying back and forth to Minnesota testing this crane that I've been working on for 5 years. It is completely done and will be disassembled next Monday. Unfortunately I returned to management thinking something wasn't done right and the test "failed" as opposed to applause and cheers. Typical with this job, but the personal satisfaction of completing this ~$7 mill crane works for me.
Here's a picture of the team with the completed crane. The robotic arm can bee seen under neath the slewing hoist to the right of the folks.
Enjoy, and nice update Caitlin, can't wait to se you down there!
JDR
We should have a printed version of the blog brought to Grandma once a month. At least the important updates about her 9 kids, their spouses, and her 44 grandchildren. I'm not sure how difficult that is with printing the comments and all, but I'm sure she would be delighted to be a part of this.
Now onto me! I'm finally done flying back and forth to Minnesota testing this crane that I've been working on for 5 years. It is completely done and will be disassembled next Monday. Unfortunately I returned to management thinking something wasn't done right and the test "failed" as opposed to applause and cheers. Typical with this job, but the personal satisfaction of completing this ~$7 mill crane works for me.
Here's a picture of the team with the completed crane. The robotic arm can bee seen under neath the slewing hoist to the right of the folks.
Enjoy, and nice update Caitlin, can't wait to se you down there!
JDR
Several comments: Caitlin, I love you. You're one of my favorite cousins, hands down. And to think that Bart and Luke used to call you funny names...
Second: I am all for the 600 word essay idea. Tom capitulated it perfectly. Please all young people (I am included), dont let us down!
Third: Uncle Mike. Good idea. Never even thought about it. Now I will have a telephone, Colt 45, AND car alarm key fob accessible. That combo is sure to dissuade. Of course, I could get a pit bull too, like all my neighbors in the ghetto that I presently reside in. That's actually WHY I bought the Colt 45, to protect against the pit bulls. (one actually attacked my mail lady on my front porch. tore her hand to shreds while patricio was in an open-doored car in our driveway. scary...) We got it all around these parts...
Second: I am all for the 600 word essay idea. Tom capitulated it perfectly. Please all young people (I am included), dont let us down!
Third: Uncle Mike. Good idea. Never even thought about it. Now I will have a telephone, Colt 45, AND car alarm key fob accessible. That combo is sure to dissuade. Of course, I could get a pit bull too, like all my neighbors in the ghetto that I presently reside in. That's actually WHY I bought the Colt 45, to protect against the pit bulls. (one actually attacked my mail lady on my front porch. tore her hand to shreds while patricio was in an open-doored car in our driveway. scary...) We got it all around these parts...
Mariners Fan Livin' in San Diego
Hello All,
I have been reading the blogs describing everyone's interesting lives and the other postings from Aunts and Uncles (and my MOM!) begging the grandchildren to write. I'm ashamed to say that, unlike my cousins, writing poetry and essays with huge words i don't understand has never been my fortay. However, I am going to attempt write a short, 600 or so word blog about what I have been up to these past few months....
I graduated on May 7th from the University of Portland School of Nursing. This may surprise many of you, only because a few weeks ago I was reminded by my cousin Brian, who seemed shocked that I have already graduated from college and am almost as grown up and successful as he is, that it is hard to believe I am not the [crybaby] 12 year old I once was. I AM mostly grown up, but in Brian's defense, I do wish sometimes that I was 12 - life seemed a little bit easier back then with much less responsibility. :) Anyway, after graduation, the Johnstons headed southeast to Hong Kong for a week. Very fun and very interesting. Unlike anything I have ever seen before. I am actually surprised that no one in my family posted a blog about our trip (Kevin should you maybe get on that??) After the asian adventures I returned to Portland for a few weeks and stayed with the Schultes (Chambers family) while saying my last good-byes to my housemates. I bought a coche, with the help of my dad obviously, and on June 10 I headed down to San Diego. I was greeted by Colleen who very graciously let me stay with her for the first two weeks of my relocation. I started work as a critical care nurse at UCSD Medical Center just a few weeks ago and am loving it. I am working on the IMU which is an abbreviation for intermediate care unit. We get the patients whose conditions are not critical enough to be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit, for all those non medical professionals), so we have lots of patients who were in car wrecks; hit by cars and other heavy metal objects; the medically unstable, such as those with a serious exacerbation of their diabetes, pulmonary disease, and heart attacks. We are the only Trauma I center in the Region, so we get all the bloody, serious stuff. It's very very fun and VERY high stress. I feel like I can't think straight or see straight when I'm working because there is so much to manage with these critically ill people. I am hopeful that feeling with minimize with time, organization, and familiarity with the unit.
I just moved into my own place a few weeks ago and am enjoyin' days at the beach, paychecks bigger than I could have ever imagined, shopping, and bein' close to the Mexicanos. I have not yet been to TJ, but that will come soon enough....Anyone please want to join me??
Colleen and I are having fun spending time together and spending time with BJ Mac and his wife Kate. And just so you all know...............we LOVE having family visitors!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's about it from the bottom half of the west coast. Love reading the updates, safety checks, and random websites posted on this bloggy blog. Keep in touch fam! Love you all!
~Kitty Cat Caitlin
PS: Miguel says hi to all of you, and he says he absolutely LOVES the Roach-Johnston-Chambers-Thorny-Cedergreen Family! (haha, I added in the last part, in case you didn't know...I crack myself up sometimes!)
I have been reading the blogs describing everyone's interesting lives and the other postings from Aunts and Uncles (and my MOM!) begging the grandchildren to write. I'm ashamed to say that, unlike my cousins, writing poetry and essays with huge words i don't understand has never been my fortay. However, I am going to attempt write a short, 600 or so word blog about what I have been up to these past few months....
I graduated on May 7th from the University of Portland School of Nursing. This may surprise many of you, only because a few weeks ago I was reminded by my cousin Brian, who seemed shocked that I have already graduated from college and am almost as grown up and successful as he is, that it is hard to believe I am not the [crybaby] 12 year old I once was. I AM mostly grown up, but in Brian's defense, I do wish sometimes that I was 12 - life seemed a little bit easier back then with much less responsibility. :) Anyway, after graduation, the Johnstons headed southeast to Hong Kong for a week. Very fun and very interesting. Unlike anything I have ever seen before. I am actually surprised that no one in my family posted a blog about our trip (Kevin should you maybe get on that??) After the asian adventures I returned to Portland for a few weeks and stayed with the Schultes (Chambers family) while saying my last good-byes to my housemates. I bought a coche, with the help of my dad obviously, and on June 10 I headed down to San Diego. I was greeted by Colleen who very graciously let me stay with her for the first two weeks of my relocation. I started work as a critical care nurse at UCSD Medical Center just a few weeks ago and am loving it. I am working on the IMU which is an abbreviation for intermediate care unit. We get the patients whose conditions are not critical enough to be in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit, for all those non medical professionals), so we have lots of patients who were in car wrecks; hit by cars and other heavy metal objects; the medically unstable, such as those with a serious exacerbation of their diabetes, pulmonary disease, and heart attacks. We are the only Trauma I center in the Region, so we get all the bloody, serious stuff. It's very very fun and VERY high stress. I feel like I can't think straight or see straight when I'm working because there is so much to manage with these critically ill people. I am hopeful that feeling with minimize with time, organization, and familiarity with the unit.
I just moved into my own place a few weeks ago and am enjoyin' days at the beach, paychecks bigger than I could have ever imagined, shopping, and bein' close to the Mexicanos. I have not yet been to TJ, but that will come soon enough....Anyone please want to join me??
Colleen and I are having fun spending time together and spending time with BJ Mac and his wife Kate. And just so you all know...............we LOVE having family visitors!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's about it from the bottom half of the west coast. Love reading the updates, safety checks, and random websites posted on this bloggy blog. Keep in touch fam! Love you all!
~Kitty Cat Caitlin
PS: Miguel says hi to all of you, and he says he absolutely LOVES the Roach-Johnston-Chambers-Thorny-Cedergreen Family! (haha, I added in the last part, in case you didn't know...I crack myself up sometimes!)
Monday, July 17, 2006
Safety Suggestion
Next time you come home for the night and you go to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Start keeping your car keys next to your bed on the night stand when you go to bed at night. If you think someone is trying to get into your house, or if you hear a noise outside your house, just press the panic alarm on your car key chain. Test it as It will go off from most everywhere Inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won't stick around.....after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. ! Try it to make sure it works before you rely on it. Just know that you must press the alarm button again to turn it off. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there..... This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or prevent a sexual abuse crime
Sunday, July 16, 2006
revelation = update
Hello all. I was just hanging out with johnny boo talking about how much I had liked the blog when I was at school and he mentioned that there were more people posting than ever these days. I have had a lot happening of late, and much to look forward to of future. Thus, I stole myself away from John and Joe Dirt (no, that is not joe[bo]'s new nickname, 'tis a movie) to update you all per the happenings.
On May 12 I graduated from Carroll College with a degree in biology, or I hoped I had. I walked none-the-less, banking on personality or pity getting me the C in physics that would gaurantee me matriculation. I'll have you know that I lost sleep wondering, after I had told my dad there were going to be "no surprises."
I started studying right when I got home for the DAT, which I studied for like a job through may. Midway through, I recieved my first C in college and I was elated! I am planning now to attend dental school in the fall of 2007. I took the DAT at the end of May and got a 21 for all you interested and know what that means. Basically, I dont have to worry about that part of the test, but we'll see about the rest. I have since applied to Creighton, Marquette, UW, Case Western in Cinncinati, Boston U, Arizona, and Pacific U in San Fran.
August first I leave for guatemala for three months to work for the Spokane Diocese. I dont know exactly what Ill be doing, but I do know where, so check it out on the web; Ixtuacan, a small town of about 20K people at 9,000 feet in the Guat cordillera. When I return I hope for three things: 1. aquisition of spanish, 2. a second degree in Spanish, 3. enlightenment. Not sure about the order -- we'll have to discuss that on an individual basis, or maybe a blog debate?? As an aside, the mission requested some computer equipment (blank CDs, a printer and jumpdrives) and as I am already taxing my parents for this trip, i wanted to let you know that if any of you wanted to send a ten spot or so to my folks house, I will ensure that it gets directly to the clinic I will be volunteering at. thanks.
When I return I hope to see you all in my travels for dental school interviews (inshallah). I hope this epistle hasn't taken too much from your day. I love you all,
bartamaeus
On May 12 I graduated from Carroll College with a degree in biology, or I hoped I had. I walked none-the-less, banking on personality or pity getting me the C in physics that would gaurantee me matriculation. I'll have you know that I lost sleep wondering, after I had told my dad there were going to be "no surprises."
I started studying right when I got home for the DAT, which I studied for like a job through may. Midway through, I recieved my first C in college and I was elated! I am planning now to attend dental school in the fall of 2007. I took the DAT at the end of May and got a 21 for all you interested and know what that means. Basically, I dont have to worry about that part of the test, but we'll see about the rest. I have since applied to Creighton, Marquette, UW, Case Western in Cinncinati, Boston U, Arizona, and Pacific U in San Fran.
August first I leave for guatemala for three months to work for the Spokane Diocese. I dont know exactly what Ill be doing, but I do know where, so check it out on the web; Ixtuacan, a small town of about 20K people at 9,000 feet in the Guat cordillera. When I return I hope for three things: 1. aquisition of spanish, 2. a second degree in Spanish, 3. enlightenment. Not sure about the order -- we'll have to discuss that on an individual basis, or maybe a blog debate?? As an aside, the mission requested some computer equipment (blank CDs, a printer and jumpdrives) and as I am already taxing my parents for this trip, i wanted to let you know that if any of you wanted to send a ten spot or so to my folks house, I will ensure that it gets directly to the clinic I will be volunteering at. thanks.
When I return I hope to see you all in my travels for dental school interviews (inshallah). I hope this epistle hasn't taken too much from your day. I love you all,
bartamaeus
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
So, according to the pictures, and their specific chronology, Ed and Jimmy had their brokeback breakthrough (just review the pic post-- it's hillarious!). That is wonderful. Thanks for 'breaking' it to us slowly, through a series of still images that, to the 'naked' eye would seem harmless, but in harmony tell a very very different story of two cowboys just trying to make it in a world where nobody understands their needs. The movie (which tia sofia netflixed and I watched for a total of 16 minutes)-- and the recently posted pics-- of Fast Eddy and Cream-ation Jimmy (how great the names are!), have really opened my Broadway-Seattle mind to the fact that all love-cowboys dont have blue hair, 20 piercings, and a lisp. I am enlightened, as always, from my wonderful extended set of -outlaws.
bpr
bpr
New Taste Treat Discovery for All Who Love Hot Tamales
I wanted to let you all in on this great new discovery. If you love Hot Tamales (the candy) you will really want to go to your nearest Albertsons grocery store and look in the frozen popsicle section for frozen Hot Tamales. They are a popsicle with a sherbet center and they are Alberstons brand. You won't be disappointed!!! Let me know what you think!
The Thornhills
The Thornhills
Monday, July 10, 2006
Some Photos from the 2006 Roach Family Campout......sorry many of you missed this one.
Okay, so it's taken me a little longer than I hoped, but here are some photos of the family campout in Wallyworld a few weeks ago. We missed those of you who couldn't make it. We didn't have too many wild animals scaring us, but Joe did try to scare a few with his cool arm.
Long Rifle Memorial
Sometimes it just takes time for things to come around, just like they're supposed to.
Warren Johnson, boss, friend, mentor, instructor, and second-father to Luke (and others), finally completed his vision. He'd been eyeballing these two amazing stones for years, to use as part of his -LR memorial. Well, it's done.
The most important thing to know about this shrine, which isn't revealed in the pictures, is that the stones and the plaque sit directly adjacent, and above, the central campfire-sitting area at the main ranch house. There will be no party, no hunting expedition, no GATHERING, at which Luke's memory is not called forth.
-LR lives, my brothers and sisters.
Warren Johnson, boss, friend, mentor, instructor, and second-father to Luke (and others), finally completed his vision. He'd been eyeballing these two amazing stones for years, to use as part of his -LR memorial. Well, it's done.
The most important thing to know about this shrine, which isn't revealed in the pictures, is that the stones and the plaque sit directly adjacent, and above, the central campfire-sitting area at the main ranch house. There will be no party, no hunting expedition, no GATHERING, at which Luke's memory is not called forth.
-LR lives, my brothers and sisters.
Perpetual Roach Reunion
Perpetual Roach Reunion
So Julie may be moving here late August, early September. Since we have a boat lod of connections, I was hoping that someone would step up and let me know what is available out there. It would be nice to have a few degrees of seperation between boss and employee, but anything available looks good at this point. Any ideas??
Just think, one connection and Julie could be living in this great town!
Any help would be appreciated. She is a great girl that can turn around any job that my be out there.
Let me know!!
So Julie may be moving here late August, early September. Since we have a boat lod of connections, I was hoping that someone would step up and let me know what is available out there. It would be nice to have a few degrees of seperation between boss and employee, but anything available looks good at this point. Any ideas??
Just think, one connection and Julie could be living in this great town!
Any help would be appreciated. She is a great girl that can turn around any job that my be out there.
Let me know!!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
2006 JP Sullivan Roach Cruise ITINERARY
This might be a little cleaner. Blogging ain't user friendly, yet!
ALASKAN EXPLORER VIA HUBBARD GLACIER
FROM: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. TO: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
SAILING DATE: August 27, 2006
SHIP: ms Westerdam
ITINERARY
Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 4:00 pm
1 At Sea
2 Hubbard Glacier Cruising 1 2:30 pm 5:00 pm
3 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 am 8:00 pm
4 Sitka, Alaska 2 8:00 am 4:00 pm
5 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 1:00 pm
6 Victoria, B.C. 6:00 pm Midnight
7 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 7:00 am
ALASKAN EXPLORER VIA HUBBARD GLACIER
FROM: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. TO: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
SAILING DATE: August 27, 2006
SHIP: ms Westerdam
ITINERARY
Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 4:00 pm
1 At Sea
2 Hubbard Glacier Cruising 1 2:30 pm 5:00 pm
3 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 am 8:00 pm
4 Sitka, Alaska 2 8:00 am 4:00 pm
5 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 1:00 pm
6 Victoria, B.C. 6:00 pm Midnight
7 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 7:00 am
2006 JP Sullivan Roach Cruise ITINERARYblodblog
Here is the link to and the itinerary. Not easy to come by, but Katie showed us the way! Very impressive, Katie!
http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/itinerary.do?selectedItin=20060827:W639:AEW007&dest=A
to get this ITINERARY
ALASKAN EXPLORER VIA HUBBARD GLACIER
FROM: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. TO: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
SAILING DATE: August 27, 2006
SHIP: ms Westerdam
Back to Search Results
Itinerary Map
ITINERARY Email this ItineraryPrice this Itinerary
Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 4:00 pm
1 At Sea
2 Hubbard Glacier Cruising 1 2:30 pm 5:00 pm
3 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 am 8:00 pm
4 Sitka, Alaska 2 8:00 am 4:00 pm
5 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 1:00 pm
6 Victoria, B.C. 6:00 pm Midnight
7 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 7:00 am
http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/itinerary.do?selectedItin=20060827:W639:AEW007&dest=A
to get this ITINERARY
ALASKAN EXPLORER VIA HUBBARD GLACIER
FROM: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. TO: Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
SAILING DATE: August 27, 2006
SHIP: ms Westerdam
Back to Search Results
Itinerary Map
ITINERARY Email this ItineraryPrice this Itinerary
Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 4:00 pm
1 At Sea
2 Hubbard Glacier Cruising 1 2:30 pm 5:00 pm
3 Juneau, Alaska 8:00 am 8:00 pm
4 Sitka, Alaska 2 8:00 am 4:00 pm
5 Ketchikan, Alaska 7:00 am 1:00 pm
6 Victoria, B.C. 6:00 pm Midnight
7 Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. 7:00 am
Friday, July 07, 2006
Happy Birthday, Jacquie!!
You're a year older than me today but I'm not spreading that around too much!!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Joe's Update
All,
Thanks for the read! I haven't checked this in a while, so I've spent the last hours catching up. Great blogs!
I have two new updates:
1. John (new roommate, maybe not for long) Roach tried to blow me up a few weeks ago. We were in the backyard anxiously awaiting the arrival of my girlfriend and decided to get a few of the weeds and grass clippings burnt up. John added gas, and I was the one who pulled the trigger. The mix was ideal for an explosion. The second the flint sparked, I found myself 5 feet back, on the ground, hearing neighbors running out to see the action. Luckily I took the brunt of it on my right arm. It burnt off all my hair, and gave me a flash burn on my face which luckily left no marks. Needless to say, it didn't earn any points with Julie.
2. I've finally begun testing my first of 5 cranes that I have been working on for the Vit plant. This is the most complex, costing approximately a cool $7 million. I got back last Friday, and headed back to Minnesota to finish up this Monday. It will be a great completion to years of work. I'll leave it at that, but if any of you are interested, let me know because I can talk for HOURS about this complex piece of equipment.
Here are pictures to prove it, this all comes together to make on "crane".
Enjoy!
Joseph Roach
Thanks for the read! I haven't checked this in a while, so I've spent the last hours catching up. Great blogs!
I have two new updates:
1. John (new roommate, maybe not for long) Roach tried to blow me up a few weeks ago. We were in the backyard anxiously awaiting the arrival of my girlfriend and decided to get a few of the weeds and grass clippings burnt up. John added gas, and I was the one who pulled the trigger. The mix was ideal for an explosion. The second the flint sparked, I found myself 5 feet back, on the ground, hearing neighbors running out to see the action. Luckily I took the brunt of it on my right arm. It burnt off all my hair, and gave me a flash burn on my face which luckily left no marks. Needless to say, it didn't earn any points with Julie.
2. I've finally begun testing my first of 5 cranes that I have been working on for the Vit plant. This is the most complex, costing approximately a cool $7 million. I got back last Friday, and headed back to Minnesota to finish up this Monday. It will be a great completion to years of work. I'll leave it at that, but if any of you are interested, let me know because I can talk for HOURS about this complex piece of equipment.
Here are pictures to prove it, this all comes together to make on "crane".
Enjoy!
Joseph Roach
Johnston's July 4th Celebration
I hope that you all had a great Independance Day celebration, I know that the 40 of so who congregated at Lake Sammamish with the Johnston's had an awesome time. The generousity and graciousness that we have come to expect from them was in evidence as we all enjoyed their home, their food, their toys and the companionship of a great company of guests.
I know that the same themes of generousity and community were played out wherever the family gathered....in Pasco, Walla Walla, New Zealand, Montana, North Carolina (Maggie), Iowa...but it was in great abundance at the Johnston's.
Thanks once again for all that you do to promote the sense of family and to give us a glimpse of the Kingdom. You are remarkable people.
Love you,
Bill
PS ...same time next year?
I know that the same themes of generousity and community were played out wherever the family gathered....in Pasco, Walla Walla, New Zealand, Montana, North Carolina (Maggie), Iowa...but it was in great abundance at the Johnston's.
Thanks once again for all that you do to promote the sense of family and to give us a glimpse of the Kingdom. You are remarkable people.
Love you,
Bill
PS ...same time next year?
Monday, July 03, 2006
Mark Twain would be jealous...
Hey Family,
So nice to hear about everybody's travels! Jim and I are in Dubuque, Iowa for the 4th of July festivities and checking out our new River-front cottage (what they call cabins in Iowa) that we recently bought! It was my first time ever seeing the place and let me tell you, I was pleasently surprised. I was expecting Koos-Kooskie, but found a quaint, but rustic cottage perfect for summer fun on the Great Missisippi! We are attaching pictures with the hopes that someday you might want to take your kids to actually see the most famous American river, and stay at our place for a few nights! You all have an open invitation to stay whenever you are in the neighborhood....
So nice to hear about everybody's travels! Jim and I are in Dubuque, Iowa for the 4th of July festivities and checking out our new River-front cottage (what they call cabins in Iowa) that we recently bought! It was my first time ever seeing the place and let me tell you, I was pleasently surprised. I was expecting Koos-Kooskie, but found a quaint, but rustic cottage perfect for summer fun on the Great Missisippi! We are attaching pictures with the hopes that someday you might want to take your kids to actually see the most famous American river, and stay at our place for a few nights! You all have an open invitation to stay whenever you are in the neighborhood....
Side view of house, Sharon, Courtney
Our front yard with Mississippi in background!
View from the River....the cottage in the background and nice sandy beach!!
The Mississippi is unbelievably wide, the land on the left are just islands!
Jim Sr. and the nearly ancient shed....
Come Visit!
Newsy Blog Telling What Is Happening In My Life
Alright Aunt Liz, per your request, here is my weak attempt at a follow up to E-mon. I apologize for my tardiness, but I needed to let Eamonn’s brief moment as favorite nephew run its course as I am not selfish with my favored standing, before I regain my rightful place in your eyes. However, while we are on the subject of favorites, Aunt Mary earns that distinction as she was the only one who took the time to write me a letter. (zing Aunt Liz)
As most of you know I spent roughly the past month, 29 days to be exact, running and sunning on the beaches of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Well not quite. Disclaimer: This will be filled with needless acronyms that might not be explained, whose only purpose seems to be to look official, as I don’t even know what they mean. In addition this does not reflect the views of the United States Air Force, its parent company, the Department of Defense or any of its various subsidiaries or entities. This may not be reproduced or retransmitted without the express written consent of ME. …Just kidding, but seriously.
So I got to the Air Force base at about 10pm on 17 May 2006 (as I will forever write the date from now on) which was called TD 0. Apparently for reasons of national security, the first day is actually the zeroith (word? sp?) day so as to confuse terrorists who might be monitoring our training exercises. But I digress. We got off the plane, transferred to buses, and then reached headquarters where a very scary woman MTI (this one I know stands for Mean Terrible Individual) proceeded to berate and belittle us by calling us *sensored version for all my little cousins* crackheads and crack eaters and every possible derivative of these -- timeout; I have already made a mistake and “failed Field Training” as we were told from the first moment which doesn’t make sense because there was nothing to fail yet and that we were already being sent home which suited me fine. Anyway, “Correction please Ladies and Gentlemen”, I should have said 2200 hours instead of 10 pm. “No excuse”. Finally, lights out came about midnight after our brief introduction to the methods of leadership and team building (read brainwashing and indoctrination).
A few basics about my Field Training – the official title for boot camp.
- 332 cadets started, 311 finished; the rest were either sent home due to injuries that occurred at camp or SIE’d which again stands for something I don’t know but means that they were wussy (Reillys words)
- there were 12 groups called flights of roughly 27 cadets each. I was L or
- now I wouldn’t say there were many lookers there but there were some cute ones. Cute of course being a relative term here. Cute to a blind person in a dark room with a paper bag over his face (and hers). Cute to someone who has been removed from society for a month. Okay perhaps a bit severe but 75% true which is more true than Al Gore’s claim that he invented the internet. Okay I just added that bit to string out the earlier blogs between Kevin and John. It was a stretch.
Alright back to the training. We woke up every morning at 0430 and went to bed at 2130 meaning a 17 hour day. In between was yelling, physical training, food, marching, yelling, leadership exercises, marching, food, yelling, marching, yelling, marching, yelling, yelling, food, yelling…you get the idea.
Some of the things we did: warrior runs (which is running and chanting), inspections – uniform and room (lame), marching competitions (lamer), academic sessions, watched movies to evaluate leadership, shot M9 pistols which I missed qualifying as expert by 1 head shot, and obstacle courses which were pretty fun.
Eating was itself an experience. We had 10 minutes to eat, no talking, feet together at 45 degrees, sitting on the front six inches of the chair, eyes on our plate. When we finished, we bused our trays and walked through the snakepit which is where the officers sat. Every one of them had to be greeted but the kicker was we had to look straight ahead as we walked by so essentially you guessed and hoped to God that you did not mess up because all hell would be unleashed if you did.
Showering was another (I tried to come up with an adjective here but nothing would do it justice) experience. I forgot to mention that there were 2 flights per building. That meant 40 guys sharing a small bathroom – 2 urinals, 3 stalls, 4 showerheads. Now usually we had a good 10, sometimes 15 minutes to shower. For everyone. Now that leaves a lot of naked guys in a tight space. In order to keep a G rating, enter your own favorite joke regarding dropped soap, sausage, or anything else that enters the mind. Apparently these tight spaces make people do crazy things as I was asked on several occasions by guys if they could share my shower with me or use my towel. It definitely made for awkward situations even to tell them to take a hike.
There are many other little nuances and experiences that I could tell you about but I am sure I have bored you already and wasted enough time and space on the blog. One specific experience I would like to mention. So at the end of FT they rank each cadet within the flight. I was given a bottom third ranking because I took a picture with 2 girls and in the picture we had our arms around each other like you would in any picture you take but apparently that is unprofessional and yada yada. One good thing that came out of this was the CTA’s (who are cadets a year older than us who help with the training) proceeded to approach me and call me ladies’ man, as if that was going to bother me or “burn” me (Reilly’s words again), which seemed more like a compliment. Needless to say, I don’t think they worried about the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy with me.
Some other little things. I never want to hear the words or phrases latrine, lock it up (phrase meaning time to get serious), 8 canteens (quarts) of water before dinner (which is impossible to do), or drop.
Reflections
- not a very difficult experience, physically or even mentally/emotionally, in my opinion but definitely frustrating and very annoying
- well tailored to teach leadership and team building
- finally, DO NOT touch a female under any circumstance as this 10 second touch, regardless of situation, supersedes the other 28 days, 23 hours, etc, of effort and performance, automatically relegating you to the worst person as they like to remind you over and over.
- actually one more thing, the people I met are the best part. for the most part everyone was very likable and driven.
So I hope this propels me back to the top Aunt Liz. Questions, comments, criticisms, concerns, and otherwise are welcome but they will not get me the month of my life back. Just kidding, but seriously, I would love to answer any questions on things that I may have missed and expand on any topic that was not fully explained.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the summer and that we all get together soon, as everyone keeps growing up.
GO IRISH
Colin
P.S. Will someone other than John who already has plans please come out and visit me for a Notre Dame football game. Aunts, uncles, cousins; all are welcome. You won’t regret it.
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