I had some fun during Christmas!

One of the best parts about being around your family and some old friends is since I haven't seen them in a while I can go from one group to the next and everyone is anxious to see me and we make the best of the time together.  

There was a lot of UNO!  I played it with several groups of people on several nights under different circumstances.  It is the classic game.  And house rules always spice things up.  Especially when I deal and folks might not have played some of my rules.  On one eventful night the group I was playing with said that one of the rules for the round was that I couldn't win.  I went out first but didn't win that round.  Go figure.  House rules right?!?

I even got to introduce a new game that I really enjoy.  I think it went over well.  Ticket to Ride.  This is the Europe edition.  And just like the first time I played it.  It looked like I was going to win and it was ripped out from under my nose.  See Kathy, you cursed me.  Nice job Hollie.  I did get to help my nephew Zachary play Settlers of Catan for the first time.  That used to be one of my staple games.  I was pretty good at it.  I played with him and his family.  I love playing games!

For as much fun as games are there are few things that work out built up stress like going shooting.  Since a picture is worth a thousand words this picture needs no further explanation.  Just thanks Kurtis!  

I was a good boy this year, well for most of the year.  I finally was able to get the stock I've been wanting for my shotgun.  It goes on top.  Don't I look so happy to finally get it?!?  Trust me, with this kind of a present this face means elation!  

I went back to my old hometown for Christmas

Here are a few of the highlights of me heading back to UT for Christmas.  

I was going to ride to the airport with a friend at 5:00 am.  I set my alarm for 4:00.  She was supposed to call me at 4:30.  At around 4:45 I got the call from her saying the cab was on the way.  Keep in mind she had never called a cab before and I had shown her how the week before when we went to a movie.  Apparently, as she claims, she had in fact called and I never responded.  I wasn't ready.  About five after five I was ready and called a cab.  I only had enough cash to get to the airport by splitting it.  I had to wait for a cab that took a card.  25 minutes later I was on my way to the airport.  Checking in took about a half hour.  Security took five minutes to disrobe, scan, and get my belongings back on my person.  The flight was boarding when I ran up to get on.  Just like on the movies.  Smooth

 sailing from there.  Quick 71 miles to San Francisco.  I know about the miles.  It was cheapest this way.  Breakfast in the airport.  Then on to SLC.  

My brother and his wife, Mike and Colette respectively, picked me up with excellent timing.  After a nice lunch it was off to start Christmas.  

Chloe Appears!!  Here is the fabulous moment when the nasty doll appears to wish Neil a very merry Christmas with a kiss on the cheek.  She pops up from time to time when you least expect it.  It has been going on for years.  What a great family tradition! 

We decorated some team shirts for some activities that would be used in the next day's activities.  Here is one team vying for the win at three pin.  Mike is very excited about getting someone out or some such thing.  And Jeremy like flash is only a blur as he speeds on for another point.  Colette is guarding the middle while David is in the back working out one of his conditions.  I give them grief because they won two out of three games.

Sarah and Neil also in their wonderful planning of activities got a black light which added new depths of entertainment.  We had a lot of fun with the glowing shirts.  

DOGGIE PILE!!  A little blurry but one of my favorites.  That is family love right there!  Good times had by all!  

I just can't wait to be King!

So apparently who needs to update in six weeks right?  Well I am told that I need to update.  This is the face that I imagine was used when they told me that.

No, not really but It happened to be a picture I took and I thought it would make someone smile who would read this!  

In the first part of Nov we had a day where we simulated traveling and doing a bunch of things one might do while doing that.  We also cooked and even played a few games.  This one is of my friend and I playing Chinese Chess.  Lots of fun!  I need to add that to my collection now!  

Here is something I saw a friend do and thought it could be fun.  I don't have other people do it but if you want to take a look at it it may be fun.  I started just by writing mine down to see.  It turned out different than I thought. 

1. Put your iPod on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the meme as well as the person you got the meme from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "ARE YOU OKAY" YOU SAY?

Let’s Get Rocked by Def Leppard                        Do I need to even comment?  Let’s Get Rocked is all there is whenever you would need to ask me “are you okay?”

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?

All the Small Things by Blink 182                        I do have a lot of little quirks.  It isn’t the big stuff that makes me who I am, it is the day to day stuff and that all is a result of people like YOU!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?

Faded Genes by Jeff Foxworthy                        Wow.  Apparently I am a little more redneck than I thought. 

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

How Do You Like Me Now by Toby Keith            Looks like I am learning new things about myself.  I am here to please you all.  I am like a little plant that grows for your enjoyment.  Am I there yet?

 

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?

Sorry by Buckcherry                                    Ouch, so true!

 

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?

Hot Stuff by The Pussycat Dolls                        Not so ouch, but also true!

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?

What About Now by Daughtry                        See!  My life’s purpose.  No really, a good reality check on my path as opposed to where I want to end up is a good thing.  I do often have to check it. 

 

WHAT IS 2+2?

Go the Distance by Disney’s Hercules            Numbers are distance.  Learn all about it.  Stay in school.  It may be rough now but it will all be worth it one day when you are smart and more importantly when you have a piece of paper that says you were smart enough to stick it out to the end.  Worth it’s weight in gold. 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND(S)?

The Party Song by Blink 182                        They are always up for good times and making memories!

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette            There you go.           

 

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?

Real Good Man by Tim Mcgraw                        There I am.  Always trying to be a good person and grow up to be a man.  That is my goal.  I have hit many bumps along the way but I think I am going the right way.

 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms                        Forget what I just said, I am going to be jealous! 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?

Space Mountain by Disney                                     This is the soundtrack off of Space Mountain before they changed it.  When I see the person I like I am thinkin’ “ the Magic Kingdom baby!  The Happiest Place on Earth!”

 

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?

Trashin’ The Camp on Disney’s Tarzan            This is the perfect song for this.  This thing is magic.  You should try it. 

 

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?

Voodoo by Godsmack                                    This is a lively little number.  We might break out some black lights, glow sticks and the fog machines.  That would be really tacky but how fun would that be for my wife in her dress?!?

 

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?

Hellzapoppin’ by Louis Armstrong            If my wedding was a riot you will just love throwing out your hip at my funeral.  We are talking good times people!  I invite you all. 

 

 

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?

Skater Boy by Avril Lavigne                                    I have picked this one up.  I pretty much can’t be seen going anywhere these days unless you see me chillin’ it on my long board.

 

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?

Kokomo by The Beach Boys                        If you weren’t there then my lips are sealed. 

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?

We Do (The Stonecutter’s Song from the Simpsons)

                                                                        Just listen to the song and you will understand my true feelings for my friends.  It is all true. 

 

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?

Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls                        Don’t cha. . . what?  I don’t know.  Maybe the worst thing that would happen is that you all know I listen to the Pussycat Dolls.  Maybe a girl comes up and wants to be my special little lady.  Not a bad existence if you know what I mean.  I really am becoming more like James Bond. . .

 

HOW WILL YOU DIE?

White Trash Wedding by Dixie Chicks            Weird.  I like faded genes.  I may go to a lot of this kind of wedding.  I’d better watch out.  Maybe you had all better get your Jazz shoes on because I can hear Mr. Armstrong warming up.  Maybe you won’t have to throw your hips out after all.  Unless it is one of my grandkids. . .

 

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?

This Kiss by Faith Hill                                    If you really want to know my thoughts on this one you will have to ask me.

 

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?

The Monorail Song ( another classic song from the Simpsons)

                                                                        It does, it is funny. 

 

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?

Son of Man by Disney’s Tarzan                        Or I might cry when I have a son. 

 

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?

Two Worlds by Disney’s Tarzan                        I have to much Disney on this thing.  Maybe to much Tarzan.  I think this song is more of a metaphor.  I as one world will come together with a person who is like another world.  We are different and it may seem that we don’t belong together because of our differences, yet it is that difference that makes us so strong.  We will not have the same weaknesses you see.  We will compliment each other.  As two complimentary angles make for a straight line.   

 

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?

The Rules of Marriage by Jeff Foxworthy            Maybe it is marriage itself I am afraid of.  Of course the rules are funny but so true.  Oh well, I will give in eventually. 

 

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?

Grease Lightning by Grease Lightning            Wow never having seen this show I don’t know whether or not I know how to interpret this.  Apparently someone out there just needs to Go, Go, Go ahead and speak up about their secret crush on me. 

 

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?

Fuel by Metallica                                                Apparently I will make things more green.  Let’s get on the resources that we have a lot of.  That is what I would do apparently.  Good plan. 

 

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?

Iris by Goo Goo Dolls                                    (actually two worlds from tarzan came up again –the reprise- but I skipped it because two of the same song, I don’t think so.  Unless finding that special someone hurts in which case that is perfect and the most true of anything that is in this crazy list.  However, I still skipped it.)  My eye hurts.  Maybe because I have been reading to many books and looking at a computer screen for to long today.

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?

I Just Can’t Wait to be King by Disney’s the Lion King

                                                                        Way to much Disney on this ipod.  I have so many other great songs.  Oh, well.  Cheers!

10/11 before 12

On Oct 11th we had the Air Force Ball.  A chance to celebrate the Air Force and have good food and entertainment.  There are also traditions and ceremonies that take place there.  It really was quite amazing to see many of the legacies that have carried on.  There also was a bit of fluff of introducing many people who do great things but it makes for long introductions.  The presiding member in attendance was Major General Flowers.  Commander of the Second Air Force.  

I have heard him speak once before at my graduation from basic training.  I have been fortunate to have him around in my thus far short career.  A little unusual but then again unusuality is no stranger to me.  (yes I know it isn't a word but it makes sense and I like it, and let's face it-you know what I am talking about.  Ergo, it is a communicatory device.  Thus I declare it a functional word.  And that goes for communicatory as well. )  

Here I am again in my uniform enjoying myself.  I was a bit nervous to think about having a good time while I was standing next to the General.  This was actually at the beginning of the night.  This is my friend Bridgette and I.  I rode with her and two other people one of whom arrived here the same time as I did.  We also ate with my friend Dru and his wife and a lady and her husband.    I have met her and spoken with her before this night, she is a very pleasant woman.  

The food was excellent.  Fillet minoit and chicken breast with vegetables.  The asparagus was good and the other veggies not bad either.  The salad was not as enjoyable because it was really fancy.  It tasted more like leaves off of a tree outside but the meal was great.  The dessert was, well just look:

Back to Oct 10th

On Oct 10th we had some free time.  Right to left Dru, Garrett, and Ian.  Dru and I were on our way to Wal-mart or something and the other two were walking downtown to do something and we offered a ride.  They hopped in.  We ate at McDonalds.  It was the first time since May I had had McD's.  We then went driving and stopped at this place that Dru had been to.  Some sand dunes right next to the ocean.  

Here we are trudging up the one side to get to all the fun.  It is a little bit of a hike up but well worth it.  It was a very clear and calm day.  Just beautiful as most days are.  The wind off the ocean was pretty strong once we got to the top of the dunes.  

Here I am overlooking the Monterey Bay.  It was a gorgeous day!  The waves were crashing pretty good.  We took a few photos and just enjoyed it.  It really was quite relaxing. 

This side was really steep.  Can you see the little dot in the background?  Notice Dru's red shorts?  Yeah it was steep.  It was fun to jump off the little cliffs.  The sand was soft and took impact well.  What a great place to play.  I think this would be the ultimate battlegrounds for capture the flag!

Halloween!

Happy Halloween!  Normally I am all about doing fancy stuff.  I have even made a couple of costumes.  However, this year I didn't really do anything special.  Sad, right?  Well I did try and enjoy myself.  

I did eat chili as is the tradition.  It turned out to be a chili dog but it was pretty tastey.  I also had some red jello with pears and that might look like guts or something so that is pretty festive.  

I also got online via X-box Live.  I was able to play a bit on Halo 3.  A bit, it was actually all night.  I was also able to play a few games with Mike.  We did very well and had a lot of fun.  Mike was able to get a few new medals.  I actually also got a new one.  the two medals in particular are the medals awarded for a special type of game play.  Since it was Halloween what is more in line with the day than zombies.  The game starts and one person is a zombie and as he tracks down the humans and "convinces" them his way of life is better they become infected.  So the round ends when all the humans have "converted" to zombies.  The Last Man Standing medal for being the last human and the Zombie Spree medal which is for five in a row without becoming infected.  It actually turns out when we ended I played exactly 31 games!  Happy 31st!  On to Thanksgiving!

As a request.

Per request, here is another one.  More of the wildlife that co-habitates this base with us.  I was just walking along.  Bobbin' along on the bottom of the beautiful briiiiney sea.  ( name that tune from an old classic disney )  I walk past the corner of this fence and there they are.  Just munchin' away at the grass.  I stopped and whipped out my camera and the one guy looked up and watched me.  I was about 12 feet if I had to "guesstimate." I snapped the picture and moved on.  I went back to my business and he to his.  "He can go about his business.  You can go about your business.  Move along.  Move along, move along!" ( name the classic movie from which this exchange is an excerpt.)   

Also as a request I wanted to do a little comparison.  This first picture is one of my favorites.  How can it not be?  It is a picture of two of the most talented and, if I may add, ruggedly handsome devils out there.  Not the greatest tie but both look pretty good.  Right ladies?  If you could you might date one of these guys right?  He definitely has a quirky smile but that is just a small insight into his personality.  He likes to have fun.  Broad shoulders means he knows how to work hard.  Tall is always a good thing.  He dresses alright (again except for the tie)  Now compare this picture to the following:

Wow!  That is not necessarily a good wow.  Although, he has a cheesy grin.  That means he isn't afraid.  You couldn't ask for much more enthusiasm than a thumbs up.  With a part in the hair, pens and pencils in the pocket; you know this guy is one smart cookie.  He must be studying really hard.  Oh and by the way, those are my BCG's.  (Birth Control Glasses)  That's right!  Issued from that special place where I used to live.  I hope you like em' as much as I do.  

P.S.  Before you need to request it: Here are the answers to the aformentioned video trivia questions.  The first is a song from Bed Knobs and Broomsticks.  The second is from Star Wars episode IV A New Hope.  Between Ben "Obi-Wan" Kenobi and a stormtrooper.