In which they declare a state of emergency
QOTD: "Terrorist: What the big army calls the little army."
I've barely posted anything in the month of August. There have been postworthy things, but I haven't had the energy. And I always feel obligated to record first things first, as first things after tend to be things lost.
Firstly, several weekends ago I went and visited Erik at his parents' house in Vicksburg. He had his bothers are developing a board game. It seems that one brother is especially talented at enhancing games and Erik has finally convinced him to just create one. So now, given the family dynamic, they're all in on it. By all, I mean the brothers mostly, but their father, too. I find that a little strange - much as I find him a little strange. But I think that's just because it's not what I experienced growing up. My parents were certainly always supportive and readily available to answer questions or provide input, but they generally were fairly hands-off. Or at least that's the way I remember it. Lots of participation, but not really integrated as I saw in this case. Then again, perhaps my memories are flawed. Anyhow, I was to be an alpha tester for the game. I think I did more communications mediation than tangible contribution, but given the existing situation that might've been more beneficial. The game was enjoyable, though the initial rules and explanation were rather daunting and overwhelming.
And really that was all I did on that trip. I took some photos. The film I shot I haven't developed yet. But digital satisfies instant gratification to a significant degree.
I should probably develop that film tonight but I really don't want to. Maybe tomorrow night. Ooh, I'd better do it before I get blown away by a hurricane! [rolls eyes] This freakout over Gustavo really is getting on my nerves. Everyone's running around like we're about to be obliterated and it's still a tropical storm. I've never seen such lunacy. I heard talk that there was a sudden command meeting to discuss the HURCON status on base and I think it was a chaplain that said, "It doesn't matter, it's more than four days out anyway." Amen. Now, I'm not saying we're not going to get obliterated, but c'mon people, there's a time and a place to be deeply concerned and this is not it. Okay, well, it IS the place, but not the time. Start getting prepared, keep an eye on the weather and carry on. I've got a feeling about where it's headed, but I want to wait until it's fully clear of Jamaica before I decide. As if it's up to me.
I've decided to phase in a Candida recovery diet to replace my hypoglycemic diet as my primary determinant of foods to be ingested. The menu is, unfortunately, much more restrictive (it is even possible?!) but I think it's more targeted to my goals. It will be a few months before I'm likely to see clearly observable improvement, especially since I can't place it into full force immediately due to financial constraints. I am excited to discover shirataki noodles, however, which would allow pasta back into my diet without restriction for the first time in years. If you're looking for weight loss foods or are on a low-carb or low-sugar diet, you might check it out. I ordered some. I'll supply reviews provided I'm not blown away by the storm.
Speaking of hurricanes, I'm on the rapid recovery team, so if the base commander sees fit, when the team deploys and heads to Columbus AFB, I'm required to accompany. Friggin' lousy deal, if you ask me. I'm hoping I can get moved back to essential personnel and assigned to the rideout team or simply allowed to evacuate at my discretion should the need arise. It's just kind of a pain. I'm considering next year asking to be removed from the obligation since I volunteered for it. I'm afraid that they'll actually use me this year and I'll just look like I don't want to do work, but I've been thinking about it since March. Oh well. Like I said, right now it's just a tropical storm. Let's hope it hits Texas. They haven't had a good storm in a while.
Also, kudos to Michael Mitchum for his grand upset in the Men's 10m Dive at the Bejing Olympics. While I've never been interested in diving, it would've been nice to have people like him for role models while I was growing up. Perhaps the world is improving. Perhaps it's just Australia. And Lolo Jones in the women's hurdles was one of the most awful things I've ever seen on TV. I felt so bad for her. I hope she competes in London. I want her to win gold. I was completely gripped by her reaction after the run and was deeply moved by her courage and composure in talking to the NBC correspondent at the track immediately afterward. Now that's some strength of character. As far as I'm concerned, she won that race.
I've been eating a heavily modified version of an eggplant and chickpea stew recipe that I found on allrecipes.com and it's pretty good. As soon as I get a stable, working recipe (I seem to change it every time) I'll post it. I know I've got more things to talk about, but I can't remember them.
I've barely posted anything in the month of August. There have been postworthy things, but I haven't had the energy. And I always feel obligated to record first things first, as first things after tend to be things lost.
Firstly, several weekends ago I went and visited Erik at his parents' house in Vicksburg. He had his bothers are developing a board game. It seems that one brother is especially talented at enhancing games and Erik has finally convinced him to just create one. So now, given the family dynamic, they're all in on it. By all, I mean the brothers mostly, but their father, too. I find that a little strange - much as I find him a little strange. But I think that's just because it's not what I experienced growing up. My parents were certainly always supportive and readily available to answer questions or provide input, but they generally were fairly hands-off. Or at least that's the way I remember it. Lots of participation, but not really integrated as I saw in this case. Then again, perhaps my memories are flawed. Anyhow, I was to be an alpha tester for the game. I think I did more communications mediation than tangible contribution, but given the existing situation that might've been more beneficial. The game was enjoyable, though the initial rules and explanation were rather daunting and overwhelming.
And really that was all I did on that trip. I took some photos. The film I shot I haven't developed yet. But digital satisfies instant gratification to a significant degree.
I should probably develop that film tonight but I really don't want to. Maybe tomorrow night. Ooh, I'd better do it before I get blown away by a hurricane! [rolls eyes] This freakout over Gustavo really is getting on my nerves. Everyone's running around like we're about to be obliterated and it's still a tropical storm. I've never seen such lunacy. I heard talk that there was a sudden command meeting to discuss the HURCON status on base and I think it was a chaplain that said, "It doesn't matter, it's more than four days out anyway." Amen. Now, I'm not saying we're not going to get obliterated, but c'mon people, there's a time and a place to be deeply concerned and this is not it. Okay, well, it IS the place, but not the time. Start getting prepared, keep an eye on the weather and carry on. I've got a feeling about where it's headed, but I want to wait until it's fully clear of Jamaica before I decide. As if it's up to me.
I've decided to phase in a Candida recovery diet to replace my hypoglycemic diet as my primary determinant of foods to be ingested. The menu is, unfortunately, much more restrictive (it is even possible?!) but I think it's more targeted to my goals. It will be a few months before I'm likely to see clearly observable improvement, especially since I can't place it into full force immediately due to financial constraints. I am excited to discover shirataki noodles, however, which would allow pasta back into my diet without restriction for the first time in years. If you're looking for weight loss foods or are on a low-carb or low-sugar diet, you might check it out. I ordered some. I'll supply reviews provided I'm not blown away by the storm.
Speaking of hurricanes, I'm on the rapid recovery team, so if the base commander sees fit, when the team deploys and heads to Columbus AFB, I'm required to accompany. Friggin' lousy deal, if you ask me. I'm hoping I can get moved back to essential personnel and assigned to the rideout team or simply allowed to evacuate at my discretion should the need arise. It's just kind of a pain. I'm considering next year asking to be removed from the obligation since I volunteered for it. I'm afraid that they'll actually use me this year and I'll just look like I don't want to do work, but I've been thinking about it since March. Oh well. Like I said, right now it's just a tropical storm. Let's hope it hits Texas. They haven't had a good storm in a while.
Also, kudos to Michael Mitchum for his grand upset in the Men's 10m Dive at the Bejing Olympics. While I've never been interested in diving, it would've been nice to have people like him for role models while I was growing up. Perhaps the world is improving. Perhaps it's just Australia. And Lolo Jones in the women's hurdles was one of the most awful things I've ever seen on TV. I felt so bad for her. I hope she competes in London. I want her to win gold. I was completely gripped by her reaction after the run and was deeply moved by her courage and composure in talking to the NBC correspondent at the track immediately afterward. Now that's some strength of character. As far as I'm concerned, she won that race.
I've been eating a heavily modified version of an eggplant and chickpea stew recipe that I found on allrecipes.com and it's pretty good. As soon as I get a stable, working recipe (I seem to change it every time) I'll post it. I know I've got more things to talk about, but I can't remember them.