I've never.....

Introduced to a fun little drinking game last night, called "I've never". Basically you go around the group and say "I've never (insert some act here)" if some one in the group has done that, they drink.

Figured that would be a good topic for today......

Ive never:

Been to all 7 continents (been to 6, but Antarctica still eludes me)

Parachuted (not that fond of planes, so jumping out of one is not really me)

Been married (been engaged, but never gone all the way)

Been arrested

Seen my grandparents naked (most people reading this right now just had a very bad mental image that is going to haunt them)

Needed a safety word (they are for wusses anyway)

Defused a bomb at the last second, saving the day (my first response to a bomb is to get away quickly)

Just a couple things I've never done.

Fair winds and following seas.....

Memorial day, this is when we honor those Americans who have given all so that their countrymen can be free. I'm not one to spin pretty words, so I'm gonna keep it simple. Brothers and sisters, the debt we owe you is beyond measure. Fair winds and following seas.

Tempus fugit

Another weekend down, August looms before me. Seems that the last few months have flown by. Coming up on a point where many of my friends will be leaving and returning to their home countries. I am also waiting to see if I will be staying here (stupid contract negotiations), if I don't hear something soon back to the US for me. How can a day pass so slow, and a month go by in the blink of an eye?

A drama free night

Had a good relaxing evening last night. A little wine and cheese, a charming friend, and some Guy Ritchie films. All in all a nice drama free night.

Chasing the ghost

Spent a large portion of last night trying to help a friend, so am quite tired at the moment.

My friend is quite literally stressing herself sick over a relationship that may or may not exist. Smart thing to do would be call the other person (face to face would be better, but time zone and location are factors here) and ask them what is going on, get the answer you need and move one way or the other.

Being that this is a matter of the heart, the smart thing is probably not going to come into play. Fear of rejection keeps the call from happening, but then anxiety about what is happening eats away at her. Not the best of situations.

To my point of view she has three options:
1. Make the call, have the talk and move on.
2. Say enough is enough, put a stop to it and move on.
3. Stay where you are and keep beating yourself up with worry.

It weighs on me to see a friend going through this sort of thing. Not too much of a way to help, save listening and offering advise when they ask (only when they ask, very important that). The only way things are going to improve is to move forward, one way or the other. Good or bad you can not keep chasing the ghost.

Not exactly upbeat, but I like it.

"Call Me When You're Sober" -Evanescence

Don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
You want me,
Come find me.
Make up your mind.

Should I let you fall?
Lose it all?
So maybe you can remember yourself.
Can't keep believing,
We're only deceiving ourselves .
And I'm sick of the lie,
And you're too late.

Don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
You want me,
Come find me.
Make up your mind.

Couldn't take the blame.
Sick with shame.
Must be exhausting to lose your own game.
Selfishly hated,
No wonder you're jaded.
You can't play the victim this time,
And you're too late.

Don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
You want me,
Come find me.
Make up your mind.

You never call me when you're sober.
You only want it cause it's over,
It's over.

How could I have burned paradise?
How could I - you were never mine.

So don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.
Don't lie to me,
Just get your things.
I've made up your mind.

Interesting conversation snippits from the pub

My friend who shat in a pint glass once ... (any story that starts with these words is gonna be good)

I wish my mom was that easy....

Would you like to see my Clock ring?

Piss off ya scunner!

What does "sod off" mean? (always funny when an insult is lost in translation)

OK, the politics talk stops or I drop my pants! (said by me, and followed through with)

Give it up man, quit waiting for her to walk in. She blew you off again. (said to me)

Oh the humanity!!!!

Torture, a very scary word. Brings to mind images of racks, red hot irons, and large men in black hoods. At Guantanamo Bay it apparently means something completely different.

Now I am not one to suggest that prisoners be treated badly in way, but come on.
No scented deodorant and shampoo, the cleaners leaving marks on the walls, and a ball that "hardly" bounced. Sounds like a cheap motel rather than a prison.

So what would you say to conditions where you slept in a "coffin locker (1,2)" stacked three high and shared your room with around 100 other people? Where you rarely see the light of day for months at a time? Where not only do you have no ball, you have no place to use it? These are the conditions that the men and women of the US Navy live in every day. I spent 5 Med cruises, and 1 West PAC (not to mention the work ups and other miscellaneous exercises) living like this (roughly 5 years). Not once did I whine about deodorant being unscented, so forgive me if scoff at this.

Photos from What's in Scott's head?

Only human....

It is always a shock when someone who you respect proves to be just as human as you. Is there anything as disheartening as watching a pedestal crumble? Can you look at that person in the same light ever again? What do you do if you are the person on the pedestal, and you are suddenly only human?

Changing the world

Had a friend of mine ask me this weekend, how she could change the world. Being one for extrospection (and introspection, I like spection in general) this got me pondering. How does one person change the world?

Passion , lasting change does not come to the apathetic.
Patience, lasting change does not come quickly.
Dedication, lasting change does not come easy.
Sacrifice, lasting change does not come cheaply.
Strength, lasting change does not come without work.

These are things I feel are needed in a person to change the world. How they use these traits are just as important as having them. From what I have seen,

The least effective burn with too much passion, they force their views down the throats of everyone around them. The with us or against us ideals, no compromise. Right here right now, everything or nothing. They force change.

The middling will listen to compromise, and try to lead from the front and coax people to come to their side. They teach change.

The truly effective, see the world as it should be and live their lives accordingly. Others see this and instinctively follow suit. Thus the change comes with out being realized. They are change.

Heroes

Just started watching the show Heroes. If you don't know it's a show about people suddenly discovering that they have super powers, and the drama that comes from them. I realized something watching this....

I could not be trusted with any type of super power.

Tigers tigers everywhere

The Tiger

The Tiger is said to be lucky vivid, lively and engaging. Another attribute of the Tiger is his incredible bravery, evidenced in his willingness to engage in battle or his undying courage. Maybe he’s so brave because he is so lucky. But the Chinese say a Tiger having a Tiger in the house is the very best protection against the evils of fire, burglary.

Years of the Tiger

Tiger Years are third in the cycle and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Tiger year actually begins.

THE SIGN OF THE TIGER

Tigers do not find worth in power or money. They will be completely honest about how they feel and expect the same of you. On the other hand, they seek approval from peers and family. Generally, because of their charming personalities Tigers are well liked. Often, failing at a given task or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a depression. Criticism from loved ones can also generate this type of Tiger reaction. Still, like all felines, Tigers always land on their feet, ready for their next act in life, pursuing it with unyielding energy and hunting it infallibly.

Tigers are also incorrigibly competitive - they simply cannot pass up a challenge, especially when honor is at stake, or they are protecting those they love. Tigers are unpredictable and it would be unwise to underestimate their reactions. They may appear cool, but they have the Big Cat's instincts to pounce at a moment's warning. Natural leaders, they have a strong sense of their own dignity, and if they find

themselves in the ranks, they can be stubborn and obstinate. In positions of power they can be difficult though stimulating bosses. Tigers are intelligent, alert, and farsighted. They have their fingers on the pulse. Good strategists and tacticians, they often have a hidden agenda. As long as they do not risk their luck too often, and keep their restless nature under control, their tactics usually pay off in life.

TIGER FACTS:

People born in the year of the Tiger share certain characteristics. The Tiger sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Tiger.

Third in order, Chinese name - HU, sign of courage

Hour--am-4:59am Month--February

Western counterpart—Aquarius

CHARACTERISTICS

Courage, Vehemence, Self-Reliance, Friendliness, Hopefulness, Resilience, Vanity, Disregard

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Tiger are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL TIGER 195O AND 2010

The Metal element gives the Tiger its sharpness in action and speed of thought. Tigers born in the Metal year like to stand out in a crowd. With an inspiring assertiveness and competitive demeanor, they determine their goals and then do anything necessary to achieve them. This good-looking character sometimes suffers from mood swings and temper tantrums. The Tiger can be known to jump to conclusions or to act too quickly without weighing the options or understanding the consequences. This is a flaw Tigers must learn to curb.

THE WATER TIGER 1902 AND 1962

The Water element gives the Tiger a soothing characteristic making this breed a bit more tranquil. Their ability to consider feelings and ideas from other people makes them quite sensible and understanding. They are also born with a great intuitive power, which gives them accurate and excellent judgement. The Tiger is a bit indecisive, a habit of nature born of his routine of watching and waiting before leaping. Sometimes too, Tigers get caught sleeping or daydreaming, prohibiting them from going for the goals they initially set out to accomplish.

THE WOOD TIGER 1914 AND 1974

The Wood Tiger is more adaptable to working with others and therefore does not demonstrate the typical "take charge" attitude of other Tigers. The Wood element adds stability, giving him warmth of character that draws people in and makes the Tiger a popular person. They are not selfish creatures and will give their time, attention or possessions to anyone in need. These Tigers bring a solid practicality to any problem. They can control their urges to completely take over, letting others do the work. They must be aware of their slightly volatile tempers and short attention spans, and not let those characteristics get the best of them or cause them or their loved ones undue pain.

THE FIRE TIGER 1926 AND 1986

Eccentric and dramatic, Fire Tigers are aglow with passion and verve. They are outgoing, expressive and look on the bright side of things. They have the Tiger’s natural ability to lead others and are able to excite others simply with their own gift of enthusiasm. They can be funny and have great senses of humor. Tigers are powerful speakers and have the ability to command and persuade crowds through speech. Their own seemingly endless supply of energy can make them appear a bit dramatic, and it may make them more sensitive to cautious or down-to-earth approaches in others.

THE EARTH TIGER 1938 AND 1998

Earth Tigers are realists and tend not to get caught up by their own enthusiasm and excitement. They have a stout and sincere sense of responsibility that other Tigers haven’t quite cultivated and are not so easily distracted. These Tigers take life a little easier and have the ability to focus for longer periods of time, which in turn brings them success through continued effort. Earth Tigers must be careful not to take life too seriously and must remember not to lose their senses of humor or to ignore the needs and feelings of others.

HEALTH AND HOME

HEALTH

Tigers tackle everything in their lives in brief bursts of energy, collapsing afterwards in a heap of exhaustion. Normally they are soon back to full strength, but their approach can cause their long-term health to suffer. They should take it a little easier and learn to pace themselves to keep active longer and to prevent early burnout. They are blessed with flexibility and recover quickly from illness or pain. They owe it to themselves to relax a little. Along with the fitness of their long-term health, Tigers must be aware of how they react to and are affected by the consequences of their tempers. A Tiger’s meanest enemy is the damage he can inflict upon himself in the midst of a temper tantrum.

AT HOME WITH THE TIGER

Tigers take pride in being different than others and generally illustrate their originality best in their homes. Tigers can utilize their atmosphere with color and light. A Tiger’s home will be filled with exotic treasures from trips past and will include items such as Tibetan prayer mats or African carvings, confirming their desire to travel to distant places.

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE TIGER ON THE JOB

A quickness and an alert intelligence make Tigers fast learners. Tigers need a challenge. Add this to them being easily bored and it explains why Tigers tend to change careers more often than other Chinese Animals. Some Tigers don’t change their occupations frequently enough and thus tend to juggle jobs all at the same time. Most Tigers are natural born leaders who perform best knowing they are working towards positions of power and influence.

MONEY AND THE TIGER

Tigers depend on luck. They like to spend money, and also to share it. They can be quite impulsive spenders because they know they can always make more. Somehow, as luck would have it, they discover the end of the rainbow just before complete bankruptcy. They are willing to lose a fortune in their lifetime, if it means they will wind up with two.

TIGER CAREERS

Those born in the Year of the Tiger share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Tiger are listed below:

TIGERS MAKE EXCELLENT:

Actors

Comedians

Chauffeurs

Musicians

Race Car Drivers

Pilots

Artists

Writers

Flight Attendants

Travel Agents

Advertising Agents

Office Managers

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Tigers are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partners. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful.

Tigers ruled by Benefit From Are Antagonistic to

Metal Earth Dogs Fire Oxen

Water Metal Pigs Earth Snakes

Wood Water Tigers Metal Roosters

Fire Wood Horses Water Rats

Earth Fire Dragons Wood Monkeys

Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Tigers are born under the same Animal Sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Tiger personality.

Tigers like:

Color Preference: Mid-green

Gems and Stones: Ruby, Diamond, Cat’s Eye

Suitable Gifts: Exotic cookbooks, travel guides, sports gear, mystery or crime novel, extreme sport lessons

Hobbies and Pastimes: Amateur theater, extreme sports, loud parties, intriguing vacations

Tigers Dislike: Not getting enough recognition for their efforts. Being inferior to others at work, impolite people

THE TIGER ON VACATION

Tigers like to live on the edge, to travel long distances conquering thrills and fears along the way. Never the homebody, Tigers prefer activity and excitement to relaxing days by the ocean reading a good book. They leave on a whim and return when they are ready to plan their next vacation. Action-filled getaways are sure to get a Tiger away for a long time!

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Tigers, born under the third Animal sign of the Chinese Zodiac, have the ability to lift the spirits of even the most depressed or lonesome individual they meet. Because of that attitude, Tigers have no problem making new friends. Actually, a Tiger person without a friend is quite miserable and sad. Like the Dragon, the Monkey, and the Rat, Tigers are most comfortable surrounded by friends and family.

As friends, Tigers are exceptionally warm and incredibly generous with their time, attention and money. Friends are always welcome in a Tiger’s home and will most often be greeted with a cup of coffee, an ear, a tissue, an open mind and an open wallet. Few friends could be as caring and affectionate, as quirky and surprising, or as genuinely interested as the Tiger.

Compatible Friends

Best Friends: Horses and Dogs

Mortal Enemy: Monkeys

TIGER PARENTS AND BABIES

Tiger parents are quite similar to the characters of their wildlife counterparts. They will walk through fire to protect their children or to defend them to others. As warm and affectionate as they are, they can become fierce and defensive when their kids are at stake. They lavish their offspring with treats and spoil them with generosity. Tiger parents can be fun as kittens, playing family games and getting great enjoyment from it. On the whole, they enjoy their children's company, having a good laugh and sharing a funny joke. Still, adult Tigers will become enraged if one of their children has gone too far, or is disrespectful. As open-minded and liberal as they are, they will not, under any circumstances, tolerate bad manners, or a lack of respect for other adults.

They take their role as parents very seriously, and they believe in the value of a good education. When their kids are small, Tigers like to tell them tales and read them stories. They like to talk about their childhood experiences, and use their stories to instill moral lessons or any ethical feelings. Tigers are decidedly convinced to make themselves the very best role models for their children that they can be.

TIGER INFANT AND CHILD

Tiger babies and children are cheerful children with a zest and passion for life that ignites their curious nature. Boys will and girls alike will enjoy the competitiveness and athleticism sports require. From an early age, Tiger children can’t pass on a dare or a challenge. Intelligent and friendly, Tiger children carry a curiosity about life and their environment. In class, they are apt to enjoy and do better at subjects that give them the ability and creative freedom to express themselves.

TIGER PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS

Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship, no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Tiger parents and their children.

Tigers with Under the same roof Compatibility Rating

Rat put time into it for maximum effect **

Ox difficult *

Tiger look at life the same way ***

Rabbit smooth sailing ***

Dragon principled parenting ****

Snake going different directions *

Horse similar outlook ****

Sheep loving relationship **

Monkey pretty divided *

Rooster separate ideas *

Dog strong bonds and deep friendship ****

Pig to get the good you’ll survive the bad ***

*uphill struggle **some complications ***easy bonding ****on the same wavelength

LOVERS AND SPOUSES

THE TIGER LOVER

Tigers are incredibly sexy people, beautiful to most people and sensually romantic. They are spontaneous lovers who never lose their creative spark or flare for an evening of passion. They offer their partner a hint of danger and exhibit a curiosity for the unknown.

MARRIAGE

Once a Tiger has committed himself to you, he can tend to want to dominate or lead you. This is a natural nurturing mechanism and must be kept under close watch to avoid complete control. For the negative effects a Tiger can have on

his partner, there are a zillion positive things he will bring to the relationship. Trust, passion, politeness and spontaneity are only a few characteristics of the Tiger mate.

THE TIGER LOVE PARTNER

Tigers love excitement and need someone who can keep up with all they want to do and see. His partner must also be able to stand the mood swings, the ups and downs, the good with the bad. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us ion the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Tiger will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

PARTNERS IN LOVE

Tiger*Rat

Lots of friendship, but many temper tantrums will blur the good times.

Tiger*Ox

This is one of the worst possible pairings…that’s probably why you are so drawn to each other.

Tiger*Tiger

You are both so dominant and creative you are bound to ignite each other’s curiosity.

Tiger*Rabbit

This is another good match.

Tiger*Dragon

A brave combination plenty of fire to keep you interested.

Tiger*Snake

You are on completely different paths that aren’t worth crossing.

Tiger*Horse

You are destined for an exciting life together.

Tiger*Sheep

Not enough openness to try to keep it together.

Tiger*Monkey

You’ll aggravate each other to death!

Tiger*Rooster

Little communication causes big issues.

Tiger*Dog

You are a winning combination…admiration and respect fuel this partnership.

Tiger*Pig

Humor and friendship make this partnership a success!

Love Partners at a Glance

Tigers with Tips on Togetherness Compatibility

Rat value each other’s opinions **

Ox striking tantrums *

Tiger to much mind changing **

Rabbit differences are similar ***

Dragon a great partnership ***

Snake don’t go for it *

Horse good match ****

Sheep marriage won’t work **

Monkey pretty frustrating *

Rooster make a decision or leave **

Dog stable and affectionate ****

Pig humor keeps you together ****

COMPATIBILITY RATINGS:

*dispute **keep working at it ***intense sexual attraction ****angelic

EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES TIGER

Volatile and active, these people are whirlwinds who must enjoy open spaces and a lot of activity. Feeling pinned down to one decision or one destination is an Aries Tiger’s worst nightmare. These people are generous and brave as well as deeply passionate people.

LIBRAN TIGER

These Tigers play fair and value justice in their everyday lives. They are known to flail in their own personal decision-making efforts.

TAUREAN TIGER

More down-to-earth than other Tigers, these people are practical and will finish tasks they start. They work well under pressure and can maintain their workloads through amazing efforts. They are passionate in their partnerships and provide stability to their loved ones.

SCORPIO TIGER

This is the most intense Tiger of them all. Scorpio Tigers are deeply emotional and sensitive people, extremely focused on the task at hand. They are strong-willed and motivated and don’t like contradiction.

GEMINI TIGER

These people like to move about freely. They yearn to see new places and to meet new people in their travels. They are quirky, funny, intelligent and lively and are more comfortable being the life of the party than being a guest there.

SAGITTARIAN TIGER

These Tigers have a great appetite for life and thrust themselves into everyday of their lives. They are mostly extroverts who enjoy being out and about in strange places. They also like to be spontaneous and often jump to conclusions before weighing the consequences.

CANCERIAN TIGER

The Cancerian Tiger is a romantic individual who is sensitive and tenderhearted. This character needs a loving, honest relationship to thrive.

CAPRICORN TIGER

These people work long, hard hours to achieve the level of success they believe they are destined for. Their career will always be the most important thing in their lives, with love and relationships following a close second and third.

LEONINE TIGER

This Tiger expects the respect he believes he deserves. He works hard for his status and position and commands a certain presence when he enters a room.

AQUARIAN TIGER

These Tigers ignore the rules and regulations of society and choose instead to focus on matters of the heart. They tend to forget about the emotions involved in these matters, which causes them to seem harder and less sensitive.

VIRGO TIGER

These Tigers can be pretty picky when it comes to choosing a partner. They have an eye for detail that can cause them to be a little neurotic at times.

PISCEAN TIGER

Quite sensitive and kind, these Tigers are a bit more reserved than most. They are patient and loving and often supress the fiery passions that can accompany the Tiger personality. Once they decide they want a partner, they will stop at nothing to get him or her.

Been reading up on my Chinese zodiac sign. Long dull days will do that to you. this one is from http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes

Observations from the weekend

Keeping your word can often lead to missing out on loads of fun.

Heavy drinking can lead to people dropping their pants in bars.

Barcardi 151 can make a standard rum and coke, dangerous and quite painful.

The Nintendo Wii (despite the stupid name), has to be one of the coolest video game consoles ever.

There is no non-embarrassing way to ask a friend to come over and play with your Wii.

The late night partying is just not as fun with out certain people around.

I must be growing up, my wardrobe now included cuff-links (pretty spiffy ones to boot).

The heart wants what the heart wants, no matter how much people tell you it's a bad idea (non-solicited advise no less).

Reflecting on Tuesday, not sure how I feel about the possibility of deploying to Iraq.

Women confuse the hell out of men, and men frustrate women (Yeah, I know that this is well documented).

Got told by a friend that my Chinese horoscope was pretty dead on (not too sure about the playboy part myself, but I am pretty self-centered).

Saw Spiderman 3 (in good company), thought it was ok. A bit too much crying and touchy feelly for what I look for in a comic book movie (Wolverine never cried). Also still not too sure about the emo-Peter Parker. I do, however, want one of those flying snowboards.

I got nothing,

Wanted to do a post today, but I got nothing. Maybe tomorrow.

Last Letter Home -Dropkick Murphys

Hello there my dearest love
Today I write to you about our sons
The boys start school today
They're the spitting image of you in every way

Hey son it's Dad
I hope this letter finds you well out of harm's way
We saw the news today it frightened your Mom
Now all she does is pray

If I lead will you follow?
Will you follow if I lead?

Hey Melissa it's me don't be afraid
I'm in good hands I'm gonna be home soon
It's time to watch the children grow up
I wanna be more than a voice on the phone

Thanks Ma I got your package today
I love "The Fields Of Athenry"
I swear I want 'em to play that song on the pipes
At my funeral when I die


I stand alone in the distance
And the foreground slowly moves


"We regret to inform you that on January 28th Sgt. Andrew
Farrar died while serving his country in the Al-Anbar province
of Iraq words cannot convey our sorrow"


When there's nothing on the horizon
You've got nothing left to prove

If I lead will you follow?