Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Update Later
I'll have the write-up for you later tonight. I'm going to have dinner with my grandparents tonight, so I'll take care of it afterwards.
Desert Trip - Introduction and the Road to Glory
While the night is getting late and I'm a bit fatigued due to lack of sleep, prolonged exposure to the sun, and general fun-having, I wanted to update you all on the past couple days. While tomorrow (today) will have a more detailed account of my goings on, I've left you all photos of my trip to the desert with Sam, Sirena, my Uncle Ed and his best friend, Randy, to discharge many firearms and to release frustrations. What transpired was sheer greatness. I've separated the photos into different segments, from the photos that Sirena and Sam so graciously and generously took of myself and others to photos I took of anyone who wasn't myself. I've forgotten which photos I took and which the others did, but I'd like to thank them both for capturing this happy occasion. And thanks again to Sam and my Uncle for inviting me along. This trip was well needed.
The road to glory was unpaved, quite bumpy and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Off-roading + Guns = Tusken Raider cheer
This was the view of our base camp from the firing line
Sam's Jeep, Uncle Ed's and Randy's trucks
Reloading
Most of the guns fired
The road to glory was unpaved, quite bumpy and more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Off-roading + Guns = Tusken Raider cheer
This was the view of our base camp from the firing line
Sam's Jeep, Uncle Ed's and Randy's trucks
Reloading
Most of the guns fired
Desert Trip - Andy Segment Part One
I'm a generally happy guy, but few things will make the enormous smile seen four of the five following photos come to my face. Mind you, I didn't pose for any of these photos at all.
This was prior to me shooting the gun, a bit nervous, but quite excited to do so.
This was prior to me shooting the gun, a bit nervous, but quite excited to do so.
This was afterwards. I clearly didn't care that I missed the target(s).
I really enjoyed my uncle's shotgun, Mr. Blast-a-lot.
Sam grabbed this picture of me after I'd just finished firing a .40 Glock.
This smile is even more rare than the first as it's the more mischievous, somewhat evil smile. The .357 magnum revolver that is in my hands here is the same caliber that I was planning on purchasing for my first pistol. After firing this gun, seeing what it could do and the noise that it made, the deal was settled.Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Desert Trip - Andy Segment Part Two
The first two photos of this segment were taken consecutively, and if you compare the photos together you'll see the firing position first, followed by the recoil of the pistol with the shell casing flying in action just above the black dot on the right-hand side of the photo. So if you copy the URL of each individual photo you can then put them in the browser one after the other and use the forward and back arrows to make it seem like I'm actually shooting the gun on your computer screen.
This photo reminds me of the famous picture of Big Foot walking through the forest that happens to be fairly unclear. I guess I'm not too far from Big Foot in lineage.
This photo reminds me of the famous picture of Big Foot walking through the forest that happens to be fairly unclear. I guess I'm not too far from Big Foot in lineage.
Desert Trip - Sam Segment
Sam with Mr. Blast-a-lot
Sam with a .40 Glock
Sam with his Ruger and a shell casing being ejected (look at the yellow box)
Sam giving me the smirk of vengeance
Sam looking like they typical bad ass that Sam isDesert Trip - Sam and Sirena Segment
Sam firing his dad's Marlin
Sirena annoyed that Sam took her photo
Sirena unloading the gun described as "cute."
Sirena firing Sam's new Ruger
I thought this was a good photoDesert Trip - Randy and Uncle Ed Segment
Uncle Ed with Mr. Blast-a-lot
Uncle Ed with his .22 revolver (which is loads of fun)
Randy firing one of his many guns
Randy making sure I don't accidentally kill anybody.
Randy reloading
Updates and Photos
Updates and Photos are coming soon. I'll have the photos from today's excursion to the desert up later tonight and perhaps a brief something-something to accompany it. I may do all of this while watching John Adams, making my progress somewhat slower. Go America!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
CoD5: WaW
While it hasn't been discussed in a good amount of time, all of you here know my passion for the elimination of zombie hordes. More than super powers, more than time travel, the one thing that I would enjoy more than anything is the opportunity to take a shotgun, machete, chainsaw, lawnmower, etc. to a mass of flesh-eating ghouls moving at a comically slow rate of speed. As we all know, there are no such things as real zombies (unless they're a government secret waiting to be unleashed on the populous, or the result of some sort of magic spell), so I and a great deal of others will never get an opportunity to fend off groaning invaders in a desperately fun struggle for survival.
Until the day arrives when we hear reports on the TV, radio, internet about the undead feeding on the living, the only thing the zombie-hunting enthusiasts can do is hope, dream, plan and pray for the day they start devouring our friends, enemies and loved ones alike. But to the zombie-hunter, there are few things that can make the battle for human survival even more satisfying. Each person has their own dream of what a zombie showdown would be like, whether you're sobbing as you have to exterminate your now ravenous family pet, or laughing maniacally as you're digging your chainsaw through your former boss's torso, but there's one thing that would make zombie eradication better for anyone and everyone, and that's to have the zombies the greatest enemy the world has ever known. That's right, Zombie Nazis.
What could be better than to take the symbol of one of the cruelest regimes ever to walk the face of the Earth and to blast them to bits once again? Those who wish they had lived in the time of the Great War so that they might have a chance to take part in global justice would have both of their dreams come true as the threat of a mindless feeding frenzy would be the new form of Fascism rearing its ugly head in the world. The cheer of "Die, Nazi Scum!" would once again make itself heard, but this time "again" or "Zombie" could be tagged to the sentence somewhere for that added bit of oomph.
But alas, until that day arrives when we take up arms against the greatest enemy, we can only plan and strategize, making contingency plans and fortifying our homes and vehicles for the one day we hear that grim (grim for some, joyous for others) report that dead Granny Jenkins ate little Billy, and Granny Jenkins was a Nazi sympathizer. Until that day arrives, we will have the glory that is Call of Duty: World at War. While at first it may seem like just a fun WWII game, after reaching a certain level of greatness, you unlock the bonus game of Nazi Zombies. Four survivors seeing how long they can hold out against wave after wave of Nazi Zombie hordes. Sometimes I really love technology.
Until the day arrives when we hear reports on the TV, radio, internet about the undead feeding on the living, the only thing the zombie-hunting enthusiasts can do is hope, dream, plan and pray for the day they start devouring our friends, enemies and loved ones alike. But to the zombie-hunter, there are few things that can make the battle for human survival even more satisfying. Each person has their own dream of what a zombie showdown would be like, whether you're sobbing as you have to exterminate your now ravenous family pet, or laughing maniacally as you're digging your chainsaw through your former boss's torso, but there's one thing that would make zombie eradication better for anyone and everyone, and that's to have the zombies the greatest enemy the world has ever known. That's right, Zombie Nazis.
What could be better than to take the symbol of one of the cruelest regimes ever to walk the face of the Earth and to blast them to bits once again? Those who wish they had lived in the time of the Great War so that they might have a chance to take part in global justice would have both of their dreams come true as the threat of a mindless feeding frenzy would be the new form of Fascism rearing its ugly head in the world. The cheer of "Die, Nazi Scum!" would once again make itself heard, but this time "again" or "Zombie" could be tagged to the sentence somewhere for that added bit of oomph.
But alas, until that day arrives when we take up arms against the greatest enemy, we can only plan and strategize, making contingency plans and fortifying our homes and vehicles for the one day we hear that grim (grim for some, joyous for others) report that dead Granny Jenkins ate little Billy, and Granny Jenkins was a Nazi sympathizer. Until that day arrives, we will have the glory that is Call of Duty: World at War. While at first it may seem like just a fun WWII game, after reaching a certain level of greatness, you unlock the bonus game of Nazi Zombies. Four survivors seeing how long they can hold out against wave after wave of Nazi Zombie hordes. Sometimes I really love technology.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Used Gear Sale
Well that was thoroughly frightening. I arrived at REI by 8:15 as the sale was to begin at 9am, only to make it into a line that was almost to the street 200 meters away from the entrance of the building. As 9 o'clock struck I saw some things that I'd only heard about with shoppers. As the used items were located outside the complex on the opposite end of the parking lot the line was snaking, those of us in the middle of the line not yet on the street observed the first wave of shoppers rush the backpack and tent section immediately as though all hell had broken loose. Teams of two and families would separate, collecting what goods they thought might be of value to them, piling them into mounds, sorting through their claim and discarding the rubbish for those left in the back to scavenge.
By the time I made it inside, most of the things that I might possibly need had been sorted, claimed and removed. Had I some aggressive attitude in the shopping world I would have undoubtedly been snarling, face to face with an opponent for something as unimportant as an old sweater. Even a passive customer, just looking to see what was available became treated as unwanted competition. Upon approaching boxes to scan, hordes of others would move in for the kill, muscling out anyone who might claim the camping pop-corn popper. Once they had deemed that popper unsuitable to their needs they would then allow the meek looky-loo to take their gander.
This "used gear sale" was more a gladiatorial arena for bloodthirsty, semi-hippies than a docile shopping event. For this shopper, the desire to acquire the best deal around served little motivation to his day's goal. After finally reaching any sort of box or bin, the price on the tag often resembled that of a brand new model. I was astonished that these once gentle creatures who clamor for ends to violence, who lack proper hygienic care and whose diets consist of mold grown in their backpacks, could be so aggressive and combatant.
After an immense disappointment in products and a fried brain due to the overwhelming crowds and bins of assorted goods, I decided to make a break for the inside. After a perusal of the standard items of REI, I decided I might buy some sock lining (made to prevent blisters and stop the making of holes in hiking socks) and some other items, but after seeing the line leading from the check-stand to the outside where I'd just come from, I thought better of it and left REI empty-handed and in a daze, amazed at the display of animalistic qualities I'd just seen in these humans.
A trip to Bass Pro on Monday will be quite refreshing as the crowds will be nowhere near the same and I'll soon have a food drier in my possession. That means jerky, trail mix, dried fruit, deliciousness. The food drier is to be a huge aid in my future backpacking excursions. After the food drier, my next big purchase will be a pair of boots and perhaps a bivy sack. I'll get to give the backpack another go-around this week. And these hiking socks are great. Comfortable and breathable.
By the time I made it inside, most of the things that I might possibly need had been sorted, claimed and removed. Had I some aggressive attitude in the shopping world I would have undoubtedly been snarling, face to face with an opponent for something as unimportant as an old sweater. Even a passive customer, just looking to see what was available became treated as unwanted competition. Upon approaching boxes to scan, hordes of others would move in for the kill, muscling out anyone who might claim the camping pop-corn popper. Once they had deemed that popper unsuitable to their needs they would then allow the meek looky-loo to take their gander.
This "used gear sale" was more a gladiatorial arena for bloodthirsty, semi-hippies than a docile shopping event. For this shopper, the desire to acquire the best deal around served little motivation to his day's goal. After finally reaching any sort of box or bin, the price on the tag often resembled that of a brand new model. I was astonished that these once gentle creatures who clamor for ends to violence, who lack proper hygienic care and whose diets consist of mold grown in their backpacks, could be so aggressive and combatant.
After an immense disappointment in products and a fried brain due to the overwhelming crowds and bins of assorted goods, I decided to make a break for the inside. After a perusal of the standard items of REI, I decided I might buy some sock lining (made to prevent blisters and stop the making of holes in hiking socks) and some other items, but after seeing the line leading from the check-stand to the outside where I'd just come from, I thought better of it and left REI empty-handed and in a daze, amazed at the display of animalistic qualities I'd just seen in these humans.
A trip to Bass Pro on Monday will be quite refreshing as the crowds will be nowhere near the same and I'll soon have a food drier in my possession. That means jerky, trail mix, dried fruit, deliciousness. The food drier is to be a huge aid in my future backpacking excursions. After the food drier, my next big purchase will be a pair of boots and perhaps a bivy sack. I'll get to give the backpack another go-around this week. And these hiking socks are great. Comfortable and breathable.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Ah, Television
So I guess while I was out camping on New Year's Eve, I missed this bit of televised glory:
I know what you're all thinking: What the hell was Anderson Cooper doing hosting the New Year's Eve program?
I know what you're all thinking: What the hell was Anderson Cooper doing hosting the New Year's Eve program?
Yessssssss!
My books and final 12 episodes came in today! And what's that? I just spent an hour of my job actually working? Preposterous! This needs to be remedied by a strict regimen of laziness, loafing and lack of attention to the customers that choose to come in for the rest of the day. That won't be difficult with 12 books to read! HUZZAH! Tomorrow will be a long day as REI is having their used gear sale and I'll have to be there by doors open to get the good gear before everyone else takes their pick, leaving me to scavenge the rest of it. Word.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Music For 1/1/09
I guess today's a Patrick Park themed day since I don't have anything else planned and that's what I've been listening to at work.
Your Smile's A Drug <-- The link goes to a recording with better audio, but the first 10-20 seconds or so got cut off, which is why the above video made the cut
Something Pretty
Here We Are
Your Smile's A Drug <-- The link goes to a recording with better audio, but the first 10-20 seconds or so got cut off, which is why the above video made the cut
Something Pretty
Here We Are
Letters From Omar
Folks, this here is the most glorious memo I've ever written for the man himself. Note that whenever there's an all-caps section in bold, the direction was to make it "big and bold." This phrase has been uttered numerous times in my tenure here at C+ and it never ceases to make me laugh on the inside (for an outward showing of amusement in the presence of my boss could lead to my death). Here it is, my prized piece for Omar:
It has come to my knowledge that there is much work being left behind without supervision. The lack of customer attention due to TALKING amongst employees is beginning to hinder the business and is giving all of our stores a bad image. Image is essential for a successful business here at Seaport Village. Despite the fact that the slow season is upon us we are not given the right to slack off or neglect our duties. In fact, these slow months are when we should be focusing on better customer service skills and promptness to complete tasks. And don’t forget, you are under CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE to improve business.
A large problem I’ve noticed is the belief that everyone is his or her own boss. I would like to clarify to my valued employees that there will be structure. The following is a list of all employees given managerial duties for the stores and the replacements for them when not present:
Alamo Flags: Abdul, Rachel, Nereida
Camera Plus: Ammar, Andy, Mirage
Sports HQ: Ammar, Lisa
Destinations: Roseanne, Martha
The managers are put in place to keep order and to get the job done. All the individuals of the store are to aid in the completion of these objectives. When there are no named managers in the store, the leaving manager will place whomever they see fit to manage the store in charge.
In the cases of Leticia and Dulce, both are MANAGERS, both have also been promoted from the same jobs that you all have started in. They need your help to complete their tasks and are commanding the same respect that everyone else deserves. When you need them, they will be there to help you AS MANAGERS, but most of all, when they ask you to aid them in a stocking task and you have already been instructed to complete that task, get it done, but be sure to follow the number one rule, THE CUSTOMER ALWAYS COMES FIRST.
If any merchandise is needed from the warehouse, contact me, Dulce or Leticia and we will get the supplies to you as soon as we possibly can. If anyone needs to revise their hours or would like to switch schedules with another employee, remember to contact me and let me know of the change. I need to know where my employees are and why they are or are not coming in at specific times or not at all.
If there are any questions, comments or concerns, let me know. My office is always open and my eyes are always watching. We are here to improve business and not to make enemies with the SPV management or anyone else, including ourselves. It is only with your help that our collective stores can succeed. We are to work as a team and through a maturation of teamwork we will make it out of these rough months.
Thank you,
Omar
It has come to my knowledge that there is much work being left behind without supervision. The lack of customer attention due to TALKING amongst employees is beginning to hinder the business and is giving all of our stores a bad image. Image is essential for a successful business here at Seaport Village. Despite the fact that the slow season is upon us we are not given the right to slack off or neglect our duties. In fact, these slow months are when we should be focusing on better customer service skills and promptness to complete tasks. And don’t forget, you are under CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE to improve business.
A large problem I’ve noticed is the belief that everyone is his or her own boss. I would like to clarify to my valued employees that there will be structure. The following is a list of all employees given managerial duties for the stores and the replacements for them when not present:
Alamo Flags: Abdul, Rachel, Nereida
Camera Plus: Ammar, Andy, Mirage
Sports HQ: Ammar, Lisa
Destinations: Roseanne, Martha
The managers are put in place to keep order and to get the job done. All the individuals of the store are to aid in the completion of these objectives. When there are no named managers in the store, the leaving manager will place whomever they see fit to manage the store in charge.
In the cases of Leticia and Dulce, both are MANAGERS, both have also been promoted from the same jobs that you all have started in. They need your help to complete their tasks and are commanding the same respect that everyone else deserves. When you need them, they will be there to help you AS MANAGERS, but most of all, when they ask you to aid them in a stocking task and you have already been instructed to complete that task, get it done, but be sure to follow the number one rule, THE CUSTOMER ALWAYS COMES FIRST.
If any merchandise is needed from the warehouse, contact me, Dulce or Leticia and we will get the supplies to you as soon as we possibly can. If anyone needs to revise their hours or would like to switch schedules with another employee, remember to contact me and let me know of the change. I need to know where my employees are and why they are or are not coming in at specific times or not at all.
If there are any questions, comments or concerns, let me know. My office is always open and my eyes are always watching. We are here to improve business and not to make enemies with the SPV management or anyone else, including ourselves. It is only with your help that our collective stores can succeed. We are to work as a team and through a maturation of teamwork we will make it out of these rough months.
Thank you,
Omar
Phew
I'm certainly glad I decided to field test everything today. While the pack is great and was a lucky buy as it was discounted $30 from its original $150, my inflatable bed roll proved to be a bit of a hassle to keep inflated. Once done and in position it worked out just fine. Folding it up and getting it back in the pack was easy enough. I didn't use my emergency blanket, but I figured if my bag couldn't deal with mild cold last night then I should probably invest in a new one. I'm thinking a 0 degree bag would be best and if I'm still cold after that then the emergency blanket can be used. Though my black sweater/jacket/thing proved to be quite toasty. I also found that I'll need a good pair of gloves and I'll have to layer my socks some as well. My next purchase will be a new pair of boots. I don't know if I couldn't sleep because I was freezing or for some other reason, but I got to bed at 1am and was up sometime soon afterward with me finally getting up at 6am. I'm certainly glad I was unable to sleep as I watched the sunrise on the dead trees and snow. The light produced was something else. I imagine the sunset on a scene like that would have been better as the light produced would give things a purplish hue that would last longer than a sunrise. Well, I'm sure that I'll have more opportunity to see it pretty soon. I'm hoping I can get myself to wake up early more often to get used to long days. Well, that was my New Year's Eve.
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