Last couple games on my one team has been very frustrating. For some reason, the guys on the team seem to be more interested in roughing the other team then playing, and maybe even scoring. So far in the last two games, we have managed to get 5 guys kicked out, lost 7-2 last game, and 4-1 in the previous game.
Last game, i almost decided to skate off the ice, and basically quit. Figured hell with it, they don't wanna play for fun and just enjoy the ice time, then why the hell should i? However there were a few guys still trying from the looks of it, so i figured i would too. Made me feel better anyway.
Looks like so far we have at least 2 guys suspended for multiple games. Awesome.
We have a roster of 14 guys, we had 8 skaters last time, and it seems as if the number keeps going down every game. I understand they pay for their season, and can decide if they don't wanna show up, but i know if i were to just not show up, there would be hell to pay. For some reason, i get lit up every game with these guys, and yet, i am supposed to make 50-60 saves and keep us in the game when my guys can manage to get 5-10 shots in the ENTIRE F******G game on the other goalie.
Well, at least we have 2 weeks off, maybe I'll be excited to play with this team again. Doubt it but its still hockey right?
Hope y'all have a great weekend filled with food, friends, and family.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday, November 07, 2011
Away
have been playing fairly constant the last couple weeks. Won some, lost some. Got lit up like a Christmas tree on friday night. Eh, it was fun at least, and somehow the guys said they played their best game of the season. To me, it didn't appear that way. But, that's from a net minders view, not the skaters view, so i will let them have that. On a personal note...i did STOP a penalty shot! WOOHOO for me! He tried to draw me out and committing, but the one thought in my head (from reading all the articles and tips from all my favorite sites) was to be patient and let him make the moves. He did, tried to go to his right, which of course is his strong side and i crushed it with my pad. Man that was awesome. I fully support this league going to shoot-outs to break ties. LOL
Trying to find out how long i will be down from back surgery. Had an MRI on my lower back 2 weeks ago and the doctor called me on Friday evening and to sum it up (and the way she started the conversation) "Its not good at all"
So evidently i am going to be having surgery on my lower back in the next month or so, depending on when the army can fit me in. That SUCKED telling the team. But i am hoping since we have a 2 week break several times, to fit it in. Guess we will see what the doc says.
One question i have for other tenders: Can the ice seem to be slicker on some nights then others? As in when i tried to knee shuffle across the crease, it felt as if the ice was coated in grease. Also, my skaters seemed to be falling down a lot more then normal, and it just felt wonky. Maybe its just me.
Trying to find out how long i will be down from back surgery. Had an MRI on my lower back 2 weeks ago and the doctor called me on Friday evening and to sum it up (and the way she started the conversation) "Its not good at all"
So evidently i am going to be having surgery on my lower back in the next month or so, depending on when the army can fit me in. That SUCKED telling the team. But i am hoping since we have a 2 week break several times, to fit it in. Guess we will see what the doc says.
One question i have for other tenders: Can the ice seem to be slicker on some nights then others? As in when i tried to knee shuffle across the crease, it felt as if the ice was coated in grease. Also, my skaters seemed to be falling down a lot more then normal, and it just felt wonky. Maybe its just me.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Holy Ejection!
I had two games this weekend, both on friday night. First game we won, 3-2, however, i let a soft goal in and it was all my fault. Instead of covering the puck, i decided to play it, and of course, gave it right to a opposing player who then decided to bury it in the back of the net. DAMN IT! But, its all good, as we won. This week i wont be so soft or generous.
The other game...holy crap. Last time we played this team, we lost 8-4. Not a great way to start the season, but we were missing our ringer, and some other people. Thought maybe this time it would be different. We did lose, 5-1 but good googly moogly, was it an ugly loss. My team had 4 guys kicked out, the other team had 1 ejected. No fights, but for whatever reason, the guys on my team decided they didn't like the idea of their two young ringers lighting us up again. So, they decided to push, elbow, rub out on the wall whatever they thought they could do to slow the kids down. Now, i am there for fun, beer, exercise and to play hockey. I am NOT there to fight, cuss, get mad, or do stupid things. Its called "Beer league" for a reason. With 6 minutes gone in the third, and our 4th guy kicked out, i felt like packing up my gear and leaving myself. Found out i wasn't the only one feeling that way. It was crazy and stupid. Even had one guy go after the ref (which he didn't make clear who he was going after) yelling "whats your name?!?!" Several of us were thinking and trying to tell him..."its on the back of his jersey..."
We play that team again in November, and yeah, already heard some of the guys saying, "oh, its on then!".
While talking in the bar afterwards, i brought up the point that the other team has some guys that just put their head down and go, never look up, never look around until they get in front of the net, and their not great skaters. So USE that. MAKE them knock you down, sure, play it up, COUGHDIVECOUGH, and after they get 3 penalties, THEY can get kicked out. Don't use your anger to do something stupid, use your head and make them pay.
Anyway, hopefully the 4 guys that got kicked out aren't suspended for 2 games, there wasn't any fighting. It sucks looking over at the bench and seeing 2 spares.
Its raining, the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing about 50 mph. Fun times.
The other game...holy crap. Last time we played this team, we lost 8-4. Not a great way to start the season, but we were missing our ringer, and some other people. Thought maybe this time it would be different. We did lose, 5-1 but good googly moogly, was it an ugly loss. My team had 4 guys kicked out, the other team had 1 ejected. No fights, but for whatever reason, the guys on my team decided they didn't like the idea of their two young ringers lighting us up again. So, they decided to push, elbow, rub out on the wall whatever they thought they could do to slow the kids down. Now, i am there for fun, beer, exercise and to play hockey. I am NOT there to fight, cuss, get mad, or do stupid things. Its called "Beer league" for a reason. With 6 minutes gone in the third, and our 4th guy kicked out, i felt like packing up my gear and leaving myself. Found out i wasn't the only one feeling that way. It was crazy and stupid. Even had one guy go after the ref (which he didn't make clear who he was going after) yelling "whats your name?!?!" Several of us were thinking and trying to tell him..."its on the back of his jersey..."
We play that team again in November, and yeah, already heard some of the guys saying, "oh, its on then!".
While talking in the bar afterwards, i brought up the point that the other team has some guys that just put their head down and go, never look up, never look around until they get in front of the net, and their not great skaters. So USE that. MAKE them knock you down, sure, play it up, COUGHDIVECOUGH, and after they get 3 penalties, THEY can get kicked out. Don't use your anger to do something stupid, use your head and make them pay.
Anyway, hopefully the 4 guys that got kicked out aren't suspended for 2 games, there wasn't any fighting. It sucks looking over at the bench and seeing 2 spares.
Its raining, the sun is shining, and the wind is blowing about 50 mph. Fun times.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Double Header
Its friday! And shockingly enough, i have the entire weekend off. Usually i work for an auction house on the weekend. It ruins the whole "recharge and recoup" from the week, but its nice extra money and like last night, i bought a million volt stun gun/flashlight. Yeah, let the damn kids get close enough next time they think they can egg my house. (also found out where i can buy bean bag rounds for my shotgun...).
Anyway, got started doing the auction thing a couple of years ago when the missus was working for a home improvement place and was working alot of hours, so i figured why not, its something to do, and extra money for the hockey/Harley fetish.This weekend, i am off from all things so the plan is to drink beer, watch hockey, football, and play with the grand kids.
Also, recover from the double header i have tonight. Goalies here, (much like the rest of the country I'm sure) are in short supply, and as such, we tend to play for more then one team. Tonight is the rare night i have both teams playing. Lucky for me, one is at 9 and the other is 1045. Its about a 15 minute drive from rink to rink, so hopefully first game is over at 945ish and i can get to the other rink by 1030. Don't plan on strippin down much, other then chesty, leg pads, and skates, and getting the Subaru Beater With Heater up to ludicrous speed on the hiway.
Another good thing about it, is the fact that the higher league plays first, so hopefully the second game will be easier. And hoping i am warmed up enough and have enough energy. Plan is to gorge myself on spaghetti to carb load. Seemed to help last time i played in the tuesday night fast scrimmage.
Also, the second game is at the rink with a bar. YAY! "hi honey, comesh and gets me. Yesh dear, i'll sleep in da roo. loves you!"
Anyway, got started doing the auction thing a couple of years ago when the missus was working for a home improvement place and was working alot of hours, so i figured why not, its something to do, and extra money for the hockey/Harley fetish.This weekend, i am off from all things so the plan is to drink beer, watch hockey, football, and play with the grand kids.
Also, recover from the double header i have tonight. Goalies here, (much like the rest of the country I'm sure) are in short supply, and as such, we tend to play for more then one team. Tonight is the rare night i have both teams playing. Lucky for me, one is at 9 and the other is 1045. Its about a 15 minute drive from rink to rink, so hopefully first game is over at 945ish and i can get to the other rink by 1030. Don't plan on strippin down much, other then chesty, leg pads, and skates, and getting the Subaru Beater With Heater up to ludicrous speed on the hiway.
Another good thing about it, is the fact that the higher league plays first, so hopefully the second game will be easier. And hoping i am warmed up enough and have enough energy. Plan is to gorge myself on spaghetti to carb load. Seemed to help last time i played in the tuesday night fast scrimmage.
Also, the second game is at the rink with a bar. YAY! "hi honey, comesh and gets me. Yesh dear, i'll sleep in da roo. loves you!"
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
In the zone
Played last night with a group of people that play A LOT faster then the normal beer league folks i play with. This is the same group that i wrote about last week, where the douche-canoe tried the "pick up the puck and spin around and launch it" thing.
I was in the zone so bad, i thought they were taking it easy on me. Seriously, i even asked a couple of the guys why they were taking it easy on me after we were done. Other then one guy that has a cannon for a slap shot, (beat me twice over the glove, but i DID force him to hit a plate size hole over the shoulder) i didn't give up many goals. No easy ones anyway. For whatever reason, it felt as if i barely broke a sweat, nothing was hurting, and it was a blast. Here's hoping friday night (2 games YAY) is like that.
I have a play list i like to listen to every time i play, and its kind of my routine each time, but here lately i think i need to change it up. I like to have a certain song in my head when i play, but sometimes i feel as if it is letting me get too relaxed and not in the correct frame of mind. Last actual game i played, i had to force myself to get pumped up and into it. It may also have something to do with life in general, which is kinda weighing me down, so its nice to go out and just play, with a clean sheet of mental ice and let the brain coast along in neutral and let the body respond.
One thing i noticed last night that i have been meaning to ask other goalies. When their team has the puck behind your net, off to the side about 2 feet, along the wall, how often do they try and flip or pass the puck to their player in front of your net? Does anyone else think its such a great feeling to just catch the puck in the air and deny them that chance? I've noticed that its a common thing here in my beer league, so just wondering if its me that notices it or if it happens a lot.
Off to take the step kid to her post op checkup. She had a chunk of glass removed from her foot 2 weeks ago that had gotten lodged in there when she had a bad car wreck with a guy friend. More on that later (maybe).
I was in the zone so bad, i thought they were taking it easy on me. Seriously, i even asked a couple of the guys why they were taking it easy on me after we were done. Other then one guy that has a cannon for a slap shot, (beat me twice over the glove, but i DID force him to hit a plate size hole over the shoulder) i didn't give up many goals. No easy ones anyway. For whatever reason, it felt as if i barely broke a sweat, nothing was hurting, and it was a blast. Here's hoping friday night (2 games YAY) is like that.
I have a play list i like to listen to every time i play, and its kind of my routine each time, but here lately i think i need to change it up. I like to have a certain song in my head when i play, but sometimes i feel as if it is letting me get too relaxed and not in the correct frame of mind. Last actual game i played, i had to force myself to get pumped up and into it. It may also have something to do with life in general, which is kinda weighing me down, so its nice to go out and just play, with a clean sheet of mental ice and let the brain coast along in neutral and let the body respond.
One thing i noticed last night that i have been meaning to ask other goalies. When their team has the puck behind your net, off to the side about 2 feet, along the wall, how often do they try and flip or pass the puck to their player in front of your net? Does anyone else think its such a great feeling to just catch the puck in the air and deny them that chance? I've noticed that its a common thing here in my beer league, so just wondering if its me that notices it or if it happens a lot.
Off to take the step kid to her post op checkup. She had a chunk of glass removed from her foot 2 weeks ago that had gotten lodged in there when she had a bad car wreck with a guy friend. More on that later (maybe).
Monday, October 17, 2011
Weekend
Had a game friday night. We are struggling as a team, first two games were losses, then we tied. Last game....we frikkin tied 4-4. No OT, no shootout...just tie.
Worst part? Half way through the 1st period...we were up 4-0.
First and second goal i gave up, they were screened shots, and although i got part of my arm on the first one, it wasn't enough to change the direction much. Second one, i just plain didn't see.
third one beat me by an inch just past the end of my pads, i will say that she had a lucky shot. Fourth one..30 seconds left in the game, they had pulled their goalie, and it beat me by again, an inch just past the knob on my stick.
Frustrating. however, it is showing that we are doing better each week, and hopefully soon we can notch that first win. (God, i hope so, i feel as if i am losing each game for the team, even though they tell me i give them a chance to win it. But, its a fun workout)
In other news, i am closing in on retirement one day at a time. (wow that's a stupid statement, how else would i be doing it?). Waiting for my acceptance into the college here for nursing. Will see how that goes. Kinda nerve wracking to know that in about 120 days, i will be "Retired". at 40. Kinda good, but at the same time, its like moving out of my parents home (again). I will be on my own, for EVERYTHING. But, i will be able to spend time on the couch, in my pajama's and drinking beer. Right? Isn't that what you do when you retire? Oh, and play in the garage.
Anyway, its monday. It is showing me every indication that a zombie Apocalypse would be a good thing today.
Worst part? Half way through the 1st period...we were up 4-0.
First and second goal i gave up, they were screened shots, and although i got part of my arm on the first one, it wasn't enough to change the direction much. Second one, i just plain didn't see.
third one beat me by an inch just past the end of my pads, i will say that she had a lucky shot. Fourth one..30 seconds left in the game, they had pulled their goalie, and it beat me by again, an inch just past the knob on my stick.
Frustrating. however, it is showing that we are doing better each week, and hopefully soon we can notch that first win. (God, i hope so, i feel as if i am losing each game for the team, even though they tell me i give them a chance to win it. But, its a fun workout)
In other news, i am closing in on retirement one day at a time. (wow that's a stupid statement, how else would i be doing it?). Waiting for my acceptance into the college here for nursing. Will see how that goes. Kinda nerve wracking to know that in about 120 days, i will be "Retired". at 40. Kinda good, but at the same time, its like moving out of my parents home (again). I will be on my own, for EVERYTHING. But, i will be able to spend time on the couch, in my pajama's and drinking beer. Right? Isn't that what you do when you retire? Oh, and play in the garage.
Anyway, its monday. It is showing me every indication that a zombie Apocalypse would be a good thing today.
Friday, October 14, 2011
First Loss
Lost our first game last night. 3-2 (in the higher league, i play in two different leagues). ANCRD is the team name, as that's who sponsors the team.
Felt tired, and empty from the Tuesday night skate. Thought i would be recovered by then, but not so much. Note to self, if playing in the Tuesday night game, CARB LOAD like a mofo! Also, need to get the skates sharpened. I noticed when i was warming up that the edges were gone, and it actually prevented me from getting a save as i couldn't push off well enough to my left, and yep, tooooo slow to stop the rebound from going in. As i have another game tonight, (COSTCO FIRE, we are 0-2-1 but am hoping this team gels soon) i am going to have to go get the skates sharpened again.
I have been using 5/8th" here lately, and i sure like it. Just depends on how much i play on how often i get them resharpened. But i won't make that mistake again.
Also, SEAL THE POST!!! i let one in because i left some daylight between my right hip and the post, and sure enough, the little bugger banked it in off my hip after the face off. Pissed me off and I'm pretty sure my DMEN heard me yelling at myself (not actually yelling, but self correcting my deficiency).
(Is DMEN supposed to be all caps? i actually should research this...)
Well, don't look for much else this weekend. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Felt tired, and empty from the Tuesday night skate. Thought i would be recovered by then, but not so much. Note to self, if playing in the Tuesday night game, CARB LOAD like a mofo! Also, need to get the skates sharpened. I noticed when i was warming up that the edges were gone, and it actually prevented me from getting a save as i couldn't push off well enough to my left, and yep, tooooo slow to stop the rebound from going in. As i have another game tonight, (COSTCO FIRE, we are 0-2-1 but am hoping this team gels soon) i am going to have to go get the skates sharpened again.
I have been using 5/8th" here lately, and i sure like it. Just depends on how much i play on how often i get them resharpened. But i won't make that mistake again.
Also, SEAL THE POST!!! i let one in because i left some daylight between my right hip and the post, and sure enough, the little bugger banked it in off my hip after the face off. Pissed me off and I'm pretty sure my DMEN heard me yelling at myself (not actually yelling, but self correcting my deficiency).
(Is DMEN supposed to be all caps? i actually should research this...)
Well, don't look for much else this weekend. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Liking Luongo
Roberto Luongo is in a full blown crap storm and i don't think he realizes it. How else do you describe his life? He has a gold medal from the Olympics, came ever so close to winning the Stanley Cup, and by all accounts his team should be in the thick of the hunt for it again this year.
However, while winning the gold medal for team Canada, he had to endure watching the losing goalie earn MVP honors. When Roberto was shown receiving his medal, it looked as if he was receiving one for just being on the team. (at least to me. He looked bummed)
While coming ever so close to winning Lord Stanley's Cup, he watched as the other goalie received nothing but praise and again, MVP honors, along with the Cup, all the while even he was praising Tim Thomas, yet getting nothing in return. (Not that Thomas needed to be his biggest supporter, i mean it IS a contest).
So now what does he do? Luongo is one of the best in the business of stopping pucks. Other then the odd practice of being on his belly more then needed and giving up a goal to oh, anyone who can get the puck off the ice, which seems to be a common ability in the NHL, unlike my beer league. He seems to have been changing his style a little each year, which ok, i understand that you have to refine your technique all the time. No one in between the pipes is a complete and total master of everything goalie. Yes, Timmy came damn close last year, but that was a record setting year.
It seems to me as if he has a couple options:
1. Say to hell with the goalie coaching and just relax and play. Yes Roberto, it is a game. Enjoy it, relish in being paid a stupid amount of money for something i do on a Friday night at 10 pm, after a full day of work, all for the glory of bruises and MAYBE a small plastic trophy at the end of the year. His talent got him here. He needs to just use it.
2. Retire. Take some time off, recharge his batteries, maybe find another team that would pick him up after a year off. (I don't know if that's possible with his contract or not)
3. Void his own contract and ask for a trade. I am SURE there is a team or two that would do what they could to get his level of talent.
As it is right now, it's almost painful to watch him play. He looks miserable in net, seems to be waiting for something bad to happen, and when scored upon, his body language looks like a puppy that is waiting for the newspaper come down on his back.
These are just the thoughts of a horrible, beer-league, barely playing for 3 years goalie. But i hope he figures it out soon.
However, while winning the gold medal for team Canada, he had to endure watching the losing goalie earn MVP honors. When Roberto was shown receiving his medal, it looked as if he was receiving one for just being on the team. (at least to me. He looked bummed)
While coming ever so close to winning Lord Stanley's Cup, he watched as the other goalie received nothing but praise and again, MVP honors, along with the Cup, all the while even he was praising Tim Thomas, yet getting nothing in return. (Not that Thomas needed to be his biggest supporter, i mean it IS a contest).
So now what does he do? Luongo is one of the best in the business of stopping pucks. Other then the odd practice of being on his belly more then needed and giving up a goal to oh, anyone who can get the puck off the ice, which seems to be a common ability in the NHL, unlike my beer league. He seems to have been changing his style a little each year, which ok, i understand that you have to refine your technique all the time. No one in between the pipes is a complete and total master of everything goalie. Yes, Timmy came damn close last year, but that was a record setting year.
It seems to me as if he has a couple options:
1. Say to hell with the goalie coaching and just relax and play. Yes Roberto, it is a game. Enjoy it, relish in being paid a stupid amount of money for something i do on a Friday night at 10 pm, after a full day of work, all for the glory of bruises and MAYBE a small plastic trophy at the end of the year. His talent got him here. He needs to just use it.
2. Retire. Take some time off, recharge his batteries, maybe find another team that would pick him up after a year off. (I don't know if that's possible with his contract or not)
3. Void his own contract and ask for a trade. I am SURE there is a team or two that would do what they could to get his level of talent.
As it is right now, it's almost painful to watch him play. He looks miserable in net, seems to be waiting for something bad to happen, and when scored upon, his body language looks like a puppy that is waiting for the newspaper come down on his back.
These are just the thoughts of a horrible, beer-league, barely playing for 3 years goalie. But i hope he figures it out soon.
Bear with me
Fill in the blank
Filled in for a buddy this week at a rink close to home. I've played there before, and its a lot of fun as the guys and couple gals are very good skaters, and aren't afraid to pop off a slapper at me. I had to really psyche myself up for this one, as the leagues i normally play in are somewhat slower. Figured it would really help me get ready for the two games i have Thursday and Friday night.
There is one guy who is pretty good, and has embarrassed me before there, so of course, the first shot i face after warm-up is him, on a break away. He does the "cool" thing of picking the puck up on his blade, spinning around and then launching it at the net, about chest high. Watching him do this, i realized "no wonder NHL Guys get flamboozled by this" as i was somewhat out of position, to my right, and when he went to throw it at the net, somehow, my glove was there, waiting like a shortstop in baseball for that line drive. Poink, right into the glove, just like i knew what i was doing. Everyone on the ice gives a big "AHHHAAA-WHOOOAAA" and all i could do was smile. Did cross my mind to say something to him like "here, want another try?" but i knew it would make him school me more later. Needless to say, he didn't speak to me the rest of the night.
Halfway through the hour game, i realized i was woefully out of shape and under-hydrated. I play there next week again as my buddy is in South Carolina playing golf. Will have to make sure i drink (water this time) before hand.
Game tonight, and tomorrow night. Always fun having back to back games like that. Doesn't help on the ol' spine, but hopefully getting a shot in the spine soon and that always help.
Ok, thinking this is long enough.
There is one guy who is pretty good, and has embarrassed me before there, so of course, the first shot i face after warm-up is him, on a break away. He does the "cool" thing of picking the puck up on his blade, spinning around and then launching it at the net, about chest high. Watching him do this, i realized "no wonder NHL Guys get flamboozled by this" as i was somewhat out of position, to my right, and when he went to throw it at the net, somehow, my glove was there, waiting like a shortstop in baseball for that line drive. Poink, right into the glove, just like i knew what i was doing. Everyone on the ice gives a big "AHHHAAA-WHOOOAAA" and all i could do was smile. Did cross my mind to say something to him like "here, want another try?" but i knew it would make him school me more later. Needless to say, he didn't speak to me the rest of the night.
Halfway through the hour game, i realized i was woefully out of shape and under-hydrated. I play there next week again as my buddy is in South Carolina playing golf. Will have to make sure i drink (water this time) before hand.
Game tonight, and tomorrow night. Always fun having back to back games like that. Doesn't help on the ol' spine, but hopefully getting a shot in the spine soon and that always help.
Ok, thinking this is long enough.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Update
Ok, gave ya'll (aka NO ONE) the quick version of the update. Now i figure i will attempt to remember the past 4 years, and tell the stories. Sooooo, here goes:
Finished up the advisor role in Iraq in March 2008. Didn't lose anyone from the team, one interpreter did lose his life while i was on leave. Ghost, (his nickname we gave him when we met him, quite possibly a horrible decision) thank you for fixing my computer after my dumbass spilled coffee all over it. I'll never forget you.
Returned to Ft. Riley, Kansas (ick) and was promptly told that i would be staying there until my orders for Alaska kicked in which was July. Sooo, let me get this straight, I'm stuck in Kansas without my family for the next 3 months, after spending the last 14 months without them, all because the Army says i have to? OK, then. I called the personnel manager at Polk, which told me to come down, and they would find me a job. I did, got assigned to the Casualty Assistance Center. Which, in case you don't know, deals with the families of soldiers that get killed and wounded in country. So, needless to say, it was probably not the best choice for me, however, it was a great learning and rewarding experience. Also made a life long friend.
We decided to drive to Alaska. In my truck. With 2 cats. Not in cages. We stopped and looked at the Grand Canyon. Stopped at my parents house for 3 days, and then hit the Al-Can Highway. I will say this: the girls took sleeping in tents, grilling out, and showering in campgrounds extremely well. Maybe I'll post pictures from the journey later.Got here in Alaska on July 1st. Turned out to be one of the wettest summers in Alaskan history. Awesome way to start with wowing the family about the wonders of Alaska.
Found a house, found the wife's job location, found my office, etc.
Since i have been here this time for over 3 years, i have been to Japan 3 times, Hawaii 6 times, Kansas, New York, California, and all over the state. An old friend lives in Fairbanks, have visited him and his kick-ass wife several times, another old friend is now stationed here as well.I have started playing hockey. OK, honestly, i now am obsessed with hockey if you ask my family. I mean, it's normal to wear your favorite team jersey and hat while listening to the radio and drinking beer right? Even in the off season? I play goalie, which i did in California when i was stationed there, albeit roller hockey there, and am now convinced it is the absolute hardest position in sports. I love it. Most people ask why would i want to get in the way of that frozen, hard as a brick, rubber puck going well in excess of 50 miles an hour on purpose, and i tell them, its OK, i have a lot of gear on....
I am now retiring after 21 years of playing Army. I registered yesterday to go to school full time to become a nurse. Yes, a nurse. Not sure if i have the legs for those little white skirts though. I am actually excited to do it. The blood and guts portion doesn't thrill me, but it won't be the end of it either. Thinking i might get into the neonatal portion and work with newborn children. Evidently i am a sucker for emotional jobs. Either that, i am going to check into becoming a hand model.
Ok, i think that is enough for now. Wait. My beer league(s) have started, and i will try to keep this updated with my success or lack of while playing goalie. Have a game tonight, so right now am DVR'ing the Oregon-Cali game, and also the Bruins-(EFFING) Flyers game.
Whew, my fingers are tired now.
(awesome, the spell-check tried correcting the "Flyers" to "Flayers")
HOLY CRAP
Holy moly. I have been reading all kinds of blogs and such, and trying to convince the wife she needs to start one of these, and it triggered that i have one. Yes, i realize its been 4 years since i filled this out. Oops.
Don't know if i should try to fill in everything that has happened or not. Thats alot of stuff.
Short version (for now).
I live in alaska.
Been married for 5 years.
Brought 2 teens with us, now 3 live with us.
Have 4 grandkids, 2 live with us for now.
Finished with 86 jumps, (also 3 herniated disks, and a bulging disk in my back from them)
Am retiring in February after 21 years in the U.S. Army.
Thinking i will continue this. More frequent posts anyway.
Don't know if i should try to fill in everything that has happened or not. Thats alot of stuff.
Short version (for now).
I live in alaska.
Been married for 5 years.
Brought 2 teens with us, now 3 live with us.
Have 4 grandkids, 2 live with us for now.
Finished with 86 jumps, (also 3 herniated disks, and a bulging disk in my back from them)
Am retiring in February after 21 years in the U.S. Army.
Thinking i will continue this. More frequent posts anyway.
Friday, October 05, 2007
just thinkin
OK, so i'm thinkin i like this thing. Kinda like a diary, yet, its still cool..ha ha...maybe not.
Anyway, one of the guys here was accusing me of doing this, and i, of course, denied it. ALOT. Then, it triggered me to remember about this. So, here i am. Again.
Been thinkin alot on the move to Alaska when i get back to Louisiana. There is a chance of only my wife and i making the move. The girls' dad doesn't seem to like the idea, which i can understand (i know i wasn't happy when the ex took my kids to NC). He is not in the greatest of health shape, and he never was much of a "caring" father, so most of the kids don't want to take care of him, yet, they are also nervous of leaving him. I am excited that as long as dennice goes with me, i will be completly happy, yet, i really want our girls to go too. It would seem weird without them. I know dennice desprately needs the break, but i also think it would cut her deep if she didnt have them with us. Not that i think she wouldn't be happy with us as well. Anyway, guess i will have to see how that one plays out.
Since i have come back from vacation, some things have been rattling around in my head. Every day i am stunned how much my wife means to me. She is the best thing other then our kids that i could have ever been blessed with. Her open honesty, her faith in us, her ability to calm any fears i have about anything with just a look, just being herself. I have put her through alot of crap she never deserved, and she took it all in stride, never changing her outlook. She has made me the man i am now. I trust her with all my heart, love her with all my soul, and believe in her with all my being. Thank you Elaina Dennice, for being you.
Being over here has really made me see things again. I know we will NEVER change these people, nor should we be trying. Their culture, mindset, outlook on life is so different then ours, it really makes tryin to work with them interesting. They will steal from us in a heartbeat, yet when we make any kind of mistake, they think we are trying to shame them, hurt them or just berate them on purpose. Its such hyprocasy that it sometimes makes you want to just throw your hands in the air and walk off. Of course, then your the bad guy. It really does make me miss home.
well, enough ranting for now.
Later
Moose
Anyway, one of the guys here was accusing me of doing this, and i, of course, denied it. ALOT. Then, it triggered me to remember about this. So, here i am. Again.
Been thinkin alot on the move to Alaska when i get back to Louisiana. There is a chance of only my wife and i making the move. The girls' dad doesn't seem to like the idea, which i can understand (i know i wasn't happy when the ex took my kids to NC). He is not in the greatest of health shape, and he never was much of a "caring" father, so most of the kids don't want to take care of him, yet, they are also nervous of leaving him. I am excited that as long as dennice goes with me, i will be completly happy, yet, i really want our girls to go too. It would seem weird without them. I know dennice desprately needs the break, but i also think it would cut her deep if she didnt have them with us. Not that i think she wouldn't be happy with us as well. Anyway, guess i will have to see how that one plays out.
Since i have come back from vacation, some things have been rattling around in my head. Every day i am stunned how much my wife means to me. She is the best thing other then our kids that i could have ever been blessed with. Her open honesty, her faith in us, her ability to calm any fears i have about anything with just a look, just being herself. I have put her through alot of crap she never deserved, and she took it all in stride, never changing her outlook. She has made me the man i am now. I trust her with all my heart, love her with all my soul, and believe in her with all my being. Thank you Elaina Dennice, for being you.
Being over here has really made me see things again. I know we will NEVER change these people, nor should we be trying. Their culture, mindset, outlook on life is so different then ours, it really makes tryin to work with them interesting. They will steal from us in a heartbeat, yet when we make any kind of mistake, they think we are trying to shame them, hurt them or just berate them on purpose. Its such hyprocasy that it sometimes makes you want to just throw your hands in the air and walk off. Of course, then your the bad guy. It really does make me miss home.
well, enough ranting for now.
Later
Moose
Monday, October 01, 2007
been a lil bit
well, i know its been quite a while and there has been alot to say....
We did buy a house, but now of course, we are on orders to go somewhere else...back to alaska. I browbeat her into accepting it, and now i pray it isnt the undoing of us. I think she will love it when she gets there. Unsure if we get to take the girls. Maybe one or two but im thinkin not all 4.
We did get married on june 17th. And june 24th...LOL..we went to the same town her mom and dad were married in, found the justice of the peace, (after 2 hours, and visiting his house) and wore matching harley shirts...and then we had to go back to work the next morning....the following weekend, we had the big ceremony, had a preacher who is a biker (not a harley but still cool) and the AC was broken...colton almost passed out, we all sweated like well, we were in a church, and the turn out was less then expected. The reception however, wow. When the little asian women start feeding you whiskey and you dont eat all day, its in for a long night...some of the highlights...the wife and i dancing, and getting wrapped up in Orange Engineer tape to signal we were off limits, the speechs made people laugh, the wife did fall straight back off her chair while giving hers, (lucky for the stage that caught her), she then decided (well her body did) it was done with alcohol and decided to void the excess, in the bathroom, in her dress. She was snuck out the back door, and taken home. It was 9pm...LOL...i introduced a friend as "this is my fat lesbian friend and her girlfriend". to my mom. then once i was home, i played beer pong with the kids, ate leftover food with the kids from the roastin pan, and then crawled in bed. Not the most romantic evening, but it was one for the memory...LOL
Since then, all the girls have moved in with us. Makes it a lil crowded, but its working out. Tensions sometime run high, but they are learning how to get along.
I did make it to jump master school. Havent earned my master wings yet, but once i get to Alaska, shouldnt be a problem.
Currently, i am back in Iraq. Being an advisor to the Iraqi Army. Not a fun job, but at least it is somewhat unsatisfying. There are days when it feels good, but for the most part its a downer.
The wife and I have gotten into something like a schedule, so that helps on here. I did go on leave for 3 weeks so that sure was nice. Helped me relax and recharge.
This woman i have been blessed with to call my wife is amazing for me. She makes me forget the world and relaxes me almost instantly. I can feel any stress just bleed right outa me.
well, i will try and stay up on this, hope everyone is well.
Until next time
Moose
We did buy a house, but now of course, we are on orders to go somewhere else...back to alaska. I browbeat her into accepting it, and now i pray it isnt the undoing of us. I think she will love it when she gets there. Unsure if we get to take the girls. Maybe one or two but im thinkin not all 4.
We did get married on june 17th. And june 24th...LOL..we went to the same town her mom and dad were married in, found the justice of the peace, (after 2 hours, and visiting his house) and wore matching harley shirts...and then we had to go back to work the next morning....the following weekend, we had the big ceremony, had a preacher who is a biker (not a harley but still cool) and the AC was broken...colton almost passed out, we all sweated like well, we were in a church, and the turn out was less then expected. The reception however, wow. When the little asian women start feeding you whiskey and you dont eat all day, its in for a long night...some of the highlights...the wife and i dancing, and getting wrapped up in Orange Engineer tape to signal we were off limits, the speechs made people laugh, the wife did fall straight back off her chair while giving hers, (lucky for the stage that caught her), she then decided (well her body did) it was done with alcohol and decided to void the excess, in the bathroom, in her dress. She was snuck out the back door, and taken home. It was 9pm...LOL...i introduced a friend as "this is my fat lesbian friend and her girlfriend". to my mom. then once i was home, i played beer pong with the kids, ate leftover food with the kids from the roastin pan, and then crawled in bed. Not the most romantic evening, but it was one for the memory...LOL
Since then, all the girls have moved in with us. Makes it a lil crowded, but its working out. Tensions sometime run high, but they are learning how to get along.
I did make it to jump master school. Havent earned my master wings yet, but once i get to Alaska, shouldnt be a problem.
Currently, i am back in Iraq. Being an advisor to the Iraqi Army. Not a fun job, but at least it is somewhat unsatisfying. There are days when it feels good, but for the most part its a downer.
The wife and I have gotten into something like a schedule, so that helps on here. I did go on leave for 3 weeks so that sure was nice. Helped me relax and recharge.
This woman i have been blessed with to call my wife is amazing for me. She makes me forget the world and relaxes me almost instantly. I can feel any stress just bleed right outa me.
well, i will try and stay up on this, hope everyone is well.
Until next time
Moose
Saturday, January 07, 2006
new year
happy new year to any and all that read this.
well, 2006, wow hard to believe its this far past my birthyear. hardly seems possible really.
Anyway, for those of you that dont know or didnt know, i am getting married this year. June 17th is the day. It is the same day her mom and dad got married. Since he was killed in vietnam, it seems like the right thing to do. The only thing that scares me is the pattern. he was in the army, they got married, he went to war, and got killed. But the only thing that gives me solace is the fact of "when its your time, you cant fight it".
Also buying a house. A huge grown up step i know, but again, seems like the right thing to do.
Didnt make any resolutions for the new year. Just rolled over the same old ones....lose weight, call my parents more, not go so far in debt for Christmas etc...but since i wanna buy her a harley for valentines/mothers day...dont know how that will work...HA HA
well, have posted some more poems on www.poetry.com just look for my name and you shall find them.
i hope your new years is blessed and keeps you safe.
well, 2006, wow hard to believe its this far past my birthyear. hardly seems possible really.
Anyway, for those of you that dont know or didnt know, i am getting married this year. June 17th is the day. It is the same day her mom and dad got married. Since he was killed in vietnam, it seems like the right thing to do. The only thing that scares me is the pattern. he was in the army, they got married, he went to war, and got killed. But the only thing that gives me solace is the fact of "when its your time, you cant fight it".
Also buying a house. A huge grown up step i know, but again, seems like the right thing to do.
Didnt make any resolutions for the new year. Just rolled over the same old ones....lose weight, call my parents more, not go so far in debt for Christmas etc...but since i wanna buy her a harley for valentines/mothers day...dont know how that will work...HA HA
well, have posted some more poems on www.poetry.com just look for my name and you shall find them.
i hope your new years is blessed and keeps you safe.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
just more thoughts
well, the kids are in north carolina now. they are at least somewhat closer now. hopefully next summer they will be able to come here for a couple of months. that would be so cool if they can come down here and just be here with me and dennice.
she continues to amaze me everyday with her devotion and love. im somewhat scared that i might be in over my head but if i am, then heck, i better learn to swim i spose. she is so open and honest with me it makes me want to be the same with her. i am more open and honest and everything then i have ever been with anyone. i still have my green days (as she calls it) but overall i feel better then i have at any time in my life. it seems as if we are both waiting for the ball to drop, but i dont know what that might be.
her daughter starts school tomorrow. we went shopping yesterday for school clothes, that was an adventure. but hey, we had fun.
been looking into buying a house. not sure if i really want to do it, but i have to do something. there isnt anyway i want to keep things the way they are, with meg stayin other places and us being here all comfy. might try and get a nice brick house we found. think i can get it without using the VA loan, since that requires a 2 year committment to stay there. and with the way the army is going, who know if i will be here for that long.
gonna head to bed. hope all is well with you and yours.
she continues to amaze me everyday with her devotion and love. im somewhat scared that i might be in over my head but if i am, then heck, i better learn to swim i spose. she is so open and honest with me it makes me want to be the same with her. i am more open and honest and everything then i have ever been with anyone. i still have my green days (as she calls it) but overall i feel better then i have at any time in my life. it seems as if we are both waiting for the ball to drop, but i dont know what that might be.
her daughter starts school tomorrow. we went shopping yesterday for school clothes, that was an adventure. but hey, we had fun.
been looking into buying a house. not sure if i really want to do it, but i have to do something. there isnt anyway i want to keep things the way they are, with meg stayin other places and us being here all comfy. might try and get a nice brick house we found. think i can get it without using the VA loan, since that requires a 2 year committment to stay there. and with the way the army is going, who know if i will be here for that long.
gonna head to bed. hope all is well with you and yours.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
WOOHOOO
SHE SAID YES!!! WOOOHOOOOO...im offically one of, if not THE, happiest man on the planet....
we went to the dinner at a nice italian place. took her daughter and her boyfriend. her daughter was in on it too. we finished dinner, and dennice was standing up ready to leave so i asked her if she was gonna finish her glass of wine. the ring was in megans purse and i couldnt figure out how to get it out without raising suspicion. lo and behold, megan knocked over a glass of water into james lap, which allowed me to get ahold of megs purse and dig out the ring. after all the commotion was over, i leaned over and told dennice...i love you more then life itself, will you marry me? then i placed the bag with the ring into her lap, which caused her to tear up, and then she broke out the ring. amazingly, (which is another sign of how this is going soooo well) the ring is a perfect fit.
no real plans on when or where we will do the ceremony. thinking maybe a spring wedding.
well...gonna go to bed and celebrate....
we went to the dinner at a nice italian place. took her daughter and her boyfriend. her daughter was in on it too. we finished dinner, and dennice was standing up ready to leave so i asked her if she was gonna finish her glass of wine. the ring was in megans purse and i couldnt figure out how to get it out without raising suspicion. lo and behold, megan knocked over a glass of water into james lap, which allowed me to get ahold of megs purse and dig out the ring. after all the commotion was over, i leaned over and told dennice...i love you more then life itself, will you marry me? then i placed the bag with the ring into her lap, which caused her to tear up, and then she broke out the ring. amazingly, (which is another sign of how this is going soooo well) the ring is a perfect fit.
no real plans on when or where we will do the ceremony. thinking maybe a spring wedding.
well...gonna go to bed and celebrate....
Saturday, August 06, 2005
big step
well, its finally happened. Met a woman who makes me feel complete. she is my world, the alpha to my omega, my yin to my yang. Someone who makes me feel dizzy with love and lust at the same time when i gaze upon her. The mere mention of her name sends a shiver up my spine with expectation. I apologize if i havent mentioned her to any of you that read this, but she has completely consumed me with her presence. I plan on asking her to marry me tomorrow night. Even got a ring today. I asked her daughter to help me pick it out. Her daughter is a bright spot too. We click together and have alot of the same feelings about things. We have really gotten close over the last few weeks, and i even helped to get her her first car. Its nice, and i got to admit, im slightly jealous of it. But, she likes it and thats all that matters. If you want to know, when she smiled and gave me a hug when she saw it, it made my heart melt even more. If that was even possible.
But to be honest about elaina dennice keaton...wow..how can i describe or even explain about this woman...as some of you know i like to write poetry...well, she has shown me how the famous poets must have felt when they wrote of love, heartaches (when we are apart), and longing. When we are apart, my entire soul yearns to hear her voice, feel her touch, taste her lips, feel her hands rub the little bit of hair i maintain on my head. I could sit and stare at her face for a year and feel cheated when it was over. Kissing her makes my head spin, the thought of making love to her makes me weak all over and the thought of having her with me for the rest of my living days makes me almost fall prostrate with the sheer overwhelming joy.
If this is how love is sposed to be, i feel so cheated, yet, so happy that i finally found her. Her presence in my life has truly shown me how the Lord has a plan for everyone and everything. She makes me want to be the best man i can be. I want to be the man she has ever dreamed of, thought of, heard of. I want to make her friends jealous, her mom proud, her image of any other man tainted.
Her father was killed in Vietnam. I hope, since he did and i do think this profession is something to be proud of, i would like to think that i am treating his daughter right. I wont know until we are both up there at the same roll call, but he deserves a salute for his little girl. I only hope he is looking down and smiling at how happy she is making me. I pray that i can do the same for her.
Since we have gotten serious, i havent looked at another woman and wanted her. Dennice has filled the void that i have felt for most my life. If this is true love.....how unlucky and unhappy some people must be...that they will never feel this...how the memory of a kiss 2 days ago still makes you smile, the sound of their voice makes you shiver down to the heels in your boots while standing in the woods many miles away, how her face drifting across your memory can make your heart hurt because you want to feel her skin with your hands....her smile makes you forget where you are......
anyway, im going to bed. hoping tonight...i will be engaged to the most wonderful woman i have ever had the luck of even talking to...
i will post the results when i get the chance... :)
Aaron
But to be honest about elaina dennice keaton...wow..how can i describe or even explain about this woman...as some of you know i like to write poetry...well, she has shown me how the famous poets must have felt when they wrote of love, heartaches (when we are apart), and longing. When we are apart, my entire soul yearns to hear her voice, feel her touch, taste her lips, feel her hands rub the little bit of hair i maintain on my head. I could sit and stare at her face for a year and feel cheated when it was over. Kissing her makes my head spin, the thought of making love to her makes me weak all over and the thought of having her with me for the rest of my living days makes me almost fall prostrate with the sheer overwhelming joy.
If this is how love is sposed to be, i feel so cheated, yet, so happy that i finally found her. Her presence in my life has truly shown me how the Lord has a plan for everyone and everything. She makes me want to be the best man i can be. I want to be the man she has ever dreamed of, thought of, heard of. I want to make her friends jealous, her mom proud, her image of any other man tainted.
Her father was killed in Vietnam. I hope, since he did and i do think this profession is something to be proud of, i would like to think that i am treating his daughter right. I wont know until we are both up there at the same roll call, but he deserves a salute for his little girl. I only hope he is looking down and smiling at how happy she is making me. I pray that i can do the same for her.
Since we have gotten serious, i havent looked at another woman and wanted her. Dennice has filled the void that i have felt for most my life. If this is true love.....how unlucky and unhappy some people must be...that they will never feel this...how the memory of a kiss 2 days ago still makes you smile, the sound of their voice makes you shiver down to the heels in your boots while standing in the woods many miles away, how her face drifting across your memory can make your heart hurt because you want to feel her skin with your hands....her smile makes you forget where you are......
anyway, im going to bed. hoping tonight...i will be engaged to the most wonderful woman i have ever had the luck of even talking to...
i will post the results when i get the chance... :)
Aaron
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
one more jump
made the 79th jump today. Was pretty fun. Got to jump out of a Blackhawk helicopter from 1500 feet. Starting to get more nerve wracking then ever though. See, i havent had the big scary wreck yet that i think most people have. Sure, i have gotten a concussion, bit both sides of my tongue at the same time, gotten the wind knocked outa me, bounced about 3 feet in the air when i hit the ground (least thats what it felt like), twisted an ankle, would have broken both ankles on the jump into Iraq if it wasnt soooo muddy. But over all, pretty good times. Both when the jump master tapped me on the helmet and yelled go at me today, i hesitated. Had to take a deep breath before i threw myself into the great happy air. Then when i was counting to six, (like your sposed to when you jump outa helicopters) i started to wonder, is this the time i have to pull my reserve? Not exactly the best way to be thinking, but hey, when you have six free seconds and all you get to see is the ground rushing up at you, your mind starts to wander just a little bit. But i did it, so it makes me happy that i still have to courage to conquer that fear. Only 21 more to go and i get to join the century club. Not a real club or not like i get to wear a special badge or anything, but something i want to do before i retire. I also need/want to go to jumpmaster school so i can get master rated and then...OH BOY...i think i will quit..HA HA...100 jumps, master rated, combat jump..there wont be much left for me to do in the airborne community.
One of these days i will get that dang school.....
Friday, June 10, 2005
another name
well, its finally happened. Someone i trained here has been killed. Its the first guy i remember anyway. Not too sure how to feel about it. Sad of course, but not sure if its really cuz i kinda knew him, or just the fact that another American Soldier was killed. Which of course, set me to thinking about all the boys i know that are over there and the ones that i have known that got themselves killed. This brings the total to 6 at least. Im afraid there might be more, but i really dont know if i have the emotional energy to look through all the names to find out. Its heavy enough of a load just looking at the 1500+ names.
There is an Afghan civilian here helping us train the rotational unit. He reminds me of my soldier from Italy and Iraq. I was emailing him, but havent heard from him for a little bit, kinda making me nervous. Im going to email him as soon as im done with this. Hope he is just on leave from Afghanistan and not hurt or killed.
A buddy from ANCOC sent me the newspaper clipping from the service they held for Rice back in Kansas.
Well, time for me to get to dinner. Hope you all are well.
There is an Afghan civilian here helping us train the rotational unit. He reminds me of my soldier from Italy and Iraq. I was emailing him, but havent heard from him for a little bit, kinda making me nervous. Im going to email him as soon as im done with this. Hope he is just on leave from Afghanistan and not hurt or killed.
A buddy from ANCOC sent me the newspaper clipping from the service they held for Rice back in Kansas.
Well, time for me to get to dinner. Hope you all are well.
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