Journal

There was a parade one year - I don't remember the year, my age, month, or even what the parade was for. That stuff didn't matter, what did was that the air force recruiter was there in the coolest float ever! It was a miniature plane & he was sitting in the cockpit. After about 20 minutes of staring in fascination I left our float and went over to talk to him. I don't remmeber most of what I talked about (and I am sure I was the only one talking) But I do remember suggesting that I look into the Junior Civil Air Patrol (JACP) as a stepping stone.
I went back to my float, eyes aglow, I spent all day throwing candy and daydreaming about flying.
I spemt weeks going to the library reasearching the JACP and having my parents call around to find out when and where they met.
We eventually got the dates, times, and locations for a couple of upcoming meetings. They were at the community college the next town over Twin Falls. That was a big deal becouse every other time we went to twin falls it was an adventure- the drive in, the cinema, the chuck wagon, the mandrin house, or Annie and Goldies house. That my parents were willing to take me there not once but twice was amazing. That is probably why when both times we were unable to find the meeting. After that I had no time for them.

So it begins

Yes, a new year has started, and if it is anything like the last one, it should be quite a ride...

I personaly hate new years' resolutions. It's the whole fad thing - If "everyone" is doing something, that is more motivation for me to not do that thing. I have noticed, however, that it is this time of year that I tend to start my workout programs. I don't know if it is a subconscious acquiescence to the resolution bandwagon or because I get so completely disgusted with myself I am not sure. The last time was right after I moved up here. I had just gotten out of the Navy after being on medical hold and convalescent leave and had consequently gained huge amounts of weight. the job I had at the time offered free memberships to the MAC, so I started my membership and hit the gym in January, 2004. My initial weight in put me at 298. Working on my own with fluctuating motivation got me down to 236 by May when I got weighed in at MEPS for the Navy Reserves.

I maintained that weight for a decent amount of time, then started dating Hillerie, maintained more as we both were actively working out, and then over the last year or so started going down hill. By the time I left her I was back in the 290's. I hit the gym pretty heavily for a few months and got myself back down to 280, and that is where I have been for the last couple months, as those who have been reading my blog know.

Well, again, I am sick of myself. I now have a membership at Aspen, which I was initially leary of but turns out to be a very nice gym. They offer free classes to members and I plan on getting in to them. At some point I will be taking advantage of a personal trainer but at this moment it is not financially feasable. One thing that I really like is they offer Tae Kwon Do classes twice a week which I can participate in as much as I want for $20 a month. I have been wanting to take martial arts for years now, but between procrastination and finding a class I would be able to attend regularly I have been putting it off. The style I would really like to learn is Tai Chi, but the only class for this I have been able to find is during the day at the YMCA, so that won't be happening for a while.

Anyway, I spoke with the manager at Aspen last night and have set an initial personal goal of 240 by the end of April. At 10 pounds a month this should be quite attainable. I will be having by BMI evaluated tonight and will see what is in store for me!

Journal

I have always wanted to fly. One of my earliest memories is me standing in the side yard of our house in Filer, Id. I am looking up watching a jet fly overhead, convinced that it was an F-111. It may well have been - I had been collecting anything with planes on them for years & one of my favorites was a deck of cards with a different silouhette and designation of US fighting aircraft.
I don't really remember when my obsession with aircraft began, though. Its always just been there and it wasn't just any aircraft, it was military. I am the only kid I knew that had made up their mind about what he was going to be when he grew up. I knew I was going to be career military. I shared this dream with everyone. I am sure most adults laughted & shook their heads, thinking it just one of those temporary fancies most kids get. It wasn't.
I spent a lot of time in the Air Force recruiters' office growing up. Why the Air Force? Because they had the planes. At that age the services were completely compartmentalized. Air Force had planes, Navy had boats, Army had tanks, Marines had guns & cool uniforms. The Coast Guard was never really thought of.
Both of my parents were veterans - my dad was in the Army-Air Corp, my mom was in both the Army & Navy. My mom never talked about her experiences, but my dad shared a lot of his. I grew up with stories of his tour in France - fascinating stuff, especially to a kid already enamoured with the military.

NaNoWriMo

Ok, so I am not going to make it. I like where the story is going, but I won't be able to get 50,000 words in by Friday. I plan on finishing it though.
In the meantime I will start putting my poems back up. I have also started journaling my time in the Navy and will be posting those entries as well.