Well, I missed a few days because I was in Chicago with the D&B. We played Northern Illinois University, and beat them pretty solidly. It was quite chilly, so I viewed the game as an opportunity to prepare and test warmth methods for the Army game next weekend. I'm sure the afternoon game in Philadelphia will somehow be colder than the night game on the windy plains of Illinois. I'll admit that I don't like the cold and I will try whatever I can to stay warm that day.
Chicago was a pretty good time, even if we only were there and not sleeping for a few hours. We got there late Monday night and a few of us went out to try to find something to eat. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of places were open at that hour, so we had to wait until Tuesday morning to go to get some deep dish Chicago style pizza. It was very good, very cheesy, and very filling. Then we went to the game and got back late and left early the next morning for our homes.
Now I'm home, and I've gone shopping for shoes (unsuccessfully because the store was closed), gone running this morning (in shoes that didn't quite fit, so I think I'm getting a blister on my arch), then picked stuff up from the store and went to see the march of the A&M Corps of Cadets. My mom's side of the family came up, and we ate Thanksgiving lunch, and now I'm watching the Seahawks at the Cowboys game.
I'm starting to get tired because I stayed up until 0230, talking with my mom about stuff. She's really good to talk to, and it's funny that she knows me better than myself. Part of that, I think, is that she gets to observe different things than I do. I'm glad that I have her around on my side.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Committed Pigs and Contributing Chickens
This reminds me of a conversation I had with Dillon this morning regarding the bacon we were served. It was pretty good this morning, and I think I ate a more full breakfast than I have in a long time. The pig was very committed today.
I think there is some deep philosophy in this strip, but I can't write about it now as I have to finish a Jupiter observation project.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Devil Pup
This Wednesday was our class's Service Assignment night. That means it was time for us to find out what we're going to be doing after graduation and commissioning. It was surely an exciting night for all the firsties. We all gathered in the Wardroom after lunch, and LT and Senior Chief passed our certificates with our service assignments on them. We even got Tristan on the phone from China, and Brad on the phone from the airfield to let them know what theirs was.
In the end, only eight people in our company didn't get their first choice for service selection. That includes the two people who ended up getting subs earlier in the semester. We also had twelve of the thirteen people who requested Marine Corps get it, and three of the three people who tried for SEALs get it. That's ridiculous, by the way. Our company is very motivated. LT even made a note of that when we went out after our dinner. He was very proud of us, I think. It was fun going out that night, and I really enjoyed being with all of my company and celebrating each other and what we were doing and just having a good time overall.
It's real now. We're in the home stretch, heading for the fleet. It's exciting, and intimidating, and crazy, and all kinds of emotions wrapped up all together inside me. I can't wait to see what's in store for us.
By the way, I'm going to be a Marine Corps pilot.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
MLK
I had my Battalion level striper board on Tuesday and it was an interesting experience. I'm not sure whether it went well or not, but my Senior Chief was sitting on the board and told me that I had good "boardsmanship". I suppose that's a good sign. The biggest loop that I was thrown for was when that same Senior Chief asked me if I got my position, what would I say to a person who came up to me and said that I only got the position because I'm Mexican. I wasn't sure exactly what to answer, but I managed to get something out that was half-way intelligible. Anyway, this got me to thinking about how--despite our hopes to the contrary--racism and discrimination are really not gone today. Hopefully they will be someday, but as I've seen from my time here and my time at home and my time in Bastrop and all the traveling I've done, we are not there yet. Yes, I've experienced racism toward me, toward my people, and toward others I've been around, and I've probably been racist myself. Even the small things are felt.
Anyway, this is a link to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". It's very long and takes a while to read and digest properly, but it's excellently written, and brings up some excellent topics of discussion. I don't want to say I enjoyed reading it, but I found it thought-provoking and just a good thing to do.
Anyway, this is a link to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". It's very long and takes a while to read and digest properly, but it's excellently written, and brings up some excellent topics of discussion. I don't want to say I enjoyed reading it, but I found it thought-provoking and just a good thing to do.
Gen 25:1-34
I think it's interesting again that we are exploring the family of Ishmael. It's neat that he has twelve tribes too.
Ahh, here we are finally learning about the reddish one...like Andy. I think it's also interesting that Esau is the brother who goes out and does things and Jacob is the one to tend to the home...I wonder if the author is drawing a parallel to Cain and Abel...certainly less sinister, but perhaps still there...especially in light of Esau selling his birthright for some lentil soup...
Ahh, here we are finally learning about the reddish one...like Andy. I think it's also interesting that Esau is the brother who goes out and does things and Jacob is the one to tend to the home...I wonder if the author is drawing a parallel to Cain and Abel...certainly less sinister, but perhaps still there...especially in light of Esau selling his birthright for some lentil soup...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Gen 24
This is a long chapter. I don't know if I'll have a lot to say because of that or not.
Abraham is really a great servant with the most profound trust in God and follows His word to a t.
Putting a ring on Rebekah's nose and bracelets on her wrists is almost like capturing her. However, I'm sure back in the old days it was a good thing and some sort of great honor.
This episode is also another example (there seem to be so many in the book of Genesis alone) of God listening to and fulfilling prayers because of the full faith and belief in the prayer. It's like that story of the town praying for rain, but only one little girl actually bringing an umbrella.
It's indicative of the times that Rebekah wasn't even consulted until the end of all this, but also indicative of God working in the family that she goes immediately with the servant.
I really like the last sentence of this chapter. It's a nice reminder of the importance of the two most important women in a man's life.
Abraham is really a great servant with the most profound trust in God and follows His word to a t.
Putting a ring on Rebekah's nose and bracelets on her wrists is almost like capturing her. However, I'm sure back in the old days it was a good thing and some sort of great honor.
This episode is also another example (there seem to be so many in the book of Genesis alone) of God listening to and fulfilling prayers because of the full faith and belief in the prayer. It's like that story of the town praying for rain, but only one little girl actually bringing an umbrella.
It's indicative of the times that Rebekah wasn't even consulted until the end of all this, but also indicative of God working in the family that she goes immediately with the servant.
I really like the last sentence of this chapter. It's a nice reminder of the importance of the two most important women in a man's life.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Gen 23
I'm not sure what to think of this passage except that ancient people and customs are weird.
It's sad that Sarah died, but perhaps this is the first place we learn of the importance of honoring and burying our dead.
It's sad that Sarah died, but perhaps this is the first place we learn of the importance of honoring and burying our dead.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bag 'o Rags!
This is going to sound like such a totally Joe Midshipman thing to say, but I just got a kick out of shining my shoes.
Last week, I went to the mid-store for a few items, and found a "bag 'o rags" there for cheap purchase. I said to myself, "Self, you've been needing a new shoe shine cloth for a while, how about you buy one of these bags and see how it works out."
Well, there are a bunch of different textures and varieties of rags available, from the looks of it, no two bags are alike, so I picked out the one I thought looked most appropriate for my shoe needs and brought it back to the room with me. This afternoon, I shined my shoes while reading leadership homework--one pair I used my old cloth on, and the other pair I used a new rag--and I discovered that the rag works amazingly well. It's like in the olden days when my cloth was new. This is an exciting development for me.
However, to balance out this happy discovery, I think I've resigned myself to the idea that I'm going to have to give up one of my pairs of shoes. They've been through some good times with me, but they have a hole and several scratches in them that I think make them rather trashy looking. Hopefully, I'll be able to find suitable replacements soon.
This week is looking busy, but not quite as bad as last week. Hopefully it will turn out most excellently.
"Don't waste time learning the 'tricks of the trade.' Instead, learn the trade."
-Mountain Wings
Last week, I went to the mid-store for a few items, and found a "bag 'o rags" there for cheap purchase. I said to myself, "Self, you've been needing a new shoe shine cloth for a while, how about you buy one of these bags and see how it works out."
Well, there are a bunch of different textures and varieties of rags available, from the looks of it, no two bags are alike, so I picked out the one I thought looked most appropriate for my shoe needs and brought it back to the room with me. This afternoon, I shined my shoes while reading leadership homework--one pair I used my old cloth on, and the other pair I used a new rag--and I discovered that the rag works amazingly well. It's like in the olden days when my cloth was new. This is an exciting development for me.
However, to balance out this happy discovery, I think I've resigned myself to the idea that I'm going to have to give up one of my pairs of shoes. They've been through some good times with me, but they have a hole and several scratches in them that I think make them rather trashy looking. Hopefully, I'll be able to find suitable replacements soon.
This week is looking busy, but not quite as bad as last week. Hopefully it will turn out most excellently.
"Don't waste time learning the 'tricks of the trade.' Instead, learn the trade."
-Mountain Wings
Gen 20, 21, 22
This is a little bit longer because I haven't done it in a few days. Hopefully, I can catch up a little bit more tomorrow.
20:
Now we return from Lot to Abraham and we hear another story of God's justice and love for us as he prevents King Abimelech from sinning and so prevents him from feeling God's wrath.
This chapter also shows us again God's high regard for the sacramental quality of marriage. Obviously, it was important enough for God to be ready to punish Abimelech and his whole house for violating it.
21:
It's curious that in 21:7, Sarah says that she bore Abraham a son in his old age, not hers.
I'm glad that God also takes care of Ishmael and does not forsake him.
In 21:27-32 we see the same number seven signifying an oath or pact as we do in many other parts of the Bible (Revelation comes to mind with the seven seals on the scroll of the covenant there).
22:
Chapter 22 is the famous passage about Abraham almost sacrificing Issac. A lot has been written about this passage, so I won't repeat much, but two of the big takeaways (besides, of course, being obedient) are that we must trust God to 'provide the sheep for the holocaust' or to provide for all our other needs. Abraham brought everything God told him to bring and trusted in Him to provide the rest.
Also, we see a prophesy of Christ's coming when Abraham says that God will provide the sheep, but what He instead provides right now is a ram. Later, He will provide Jesus, the Lamb of God, to save us all from sin.
Here's a quote suitable to our study of Genesis:
"The beginnings of all things are very small"
-Cicero
20:
Now we return from Lot to Abraham and we hear another story of God's justice and love for us as he prevents King Abimelech from sinning and so prevents him from feeling God's wrath.
This chapter also shows us again God's high regard for the sacramental quality of marriage. Obviously, it was important enough for God to be ready to punish Abimelech and his whole house for violating it.
21:
It's curious that in 21:7, Sarah says that she bore Abraham a son in his old age, not hers.
I'm glad that God also takes care of Ishmael and does not forsake him.
In 21:27-32 we see the same number seven signifying an oath or pact as we do in many other parts of the Bible (Revelation comes to mind with the seven seals on the scroll of the covenant there).
22:
Chapter 22 is the famous passage about Abraham almost sacrificing Issac. A lot has been written about this passage, so I won't repeat much, but two of the big takeaways (besides, of course, being obedient) are that we must trust God to 'provide the sheep for the holocaust' or to provide for all our other needs. Abraham brought everything God told him to bring and trusted in Him to provide the rest.
Also, we see a prophesy of Christ's coming when Abraham says that God will provide the sheep, but what He instead provides right now is a ram. Later, He will provide Jesus, the Lamb of God, to save us all from sin.
Here's a quote suitable to our study of Genesis:
"The beginnings of all things are very small"
-Cicero
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Gen 19:1-38
I've always really liked the ancient practice of harboring travelers in the home. We see this in all the ancient epics and a lot of classic mythology and literature. I have never really seen a problem with putting up strangers, or at least providing a meal. Isn't that what Jesus would want us to do? I don't know, I've just thought about little acts of charity like that, or even inviting a homeless person to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or something. I guess I'm surprised, but glad to know why it was that Lot was saved. I always used to think that it was just because he was related to Abraham, but I'm glad to know that it's because he was a just man and took care of God's angels.
I can't believe the amazing blood-lust and blatant sinful nature of Sodom. However, I'm glad to see God's justice working. It's also inspiring to see Lot's utter unquestioning obedience to the angels when they tell him to uproot himself and leave his home.
I'm also very curious and surprised by the action of Lot's daughters. I wonder why that's included...I guess at any rate, it's a warning against getting excessively drunk.
I can't believe the amazing blood-lust and blatant sinful nature of Sodom. However, I'm glad to see God's justice working. It's also inspiring to see Lot's utter unquestioning obedience to the angels when they tell him to uproot himself and leave his home.
I'm also very curious and surprised by the action of Lot's daughters. I wonder why that's included...I guess at any rate, it's a warning against getting excessively drunk.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Gen 18:1-33
Here is the first appearance of feet-washing and picking the choice lamb for others to preclude Jesus's doing the same thing later on. Because of Abraham's obedience, even in the face of Sarah's doubt, they have a son and start the story to salvation.
I wonder about the Lord reflecting. It's similar to the conversations He has with Himself in the first parts of Genesis.
I remember hearing this passage of Abraham bargaining with the Lord for the sake of Sodom. Abraham knows that even though he is "but dust and ashes" his God is a loving, personal God and will be patient and hear his appeals. Abraham keeps a good grasp on his own place in the world, prostrating himself before God and admitting that God could get annoyed with such a small man continuing to ask of an omnipotent God, yet he knows that it is okay to ask God for things. We similarly, should not be afraid to ask God for things so long as remember to praise and worship Him at the same time. Prayer is a careful thing to do, but when done right, it is one of the most beautiful things in the world.
I wonder about the Lord reflecting. It's similar to the conversations He has with Himself in the first parts of Genesis.
I remember hearing this passage of Abraham bargaining with the Lord for the sake of Sodom. Abraham knows that even though he is "but dust and ashes" his God is a loving, personal God and will be patient and hear his appeals. Abraham keeps a good grasp on his own place in the world, prostrating himself before God and admitting that God could get annoyed with such a small man continuing to ask of an omnipotent God, yet he knows that it is okay to ask God for things. We similarly, should not be afraid to ask God for things so long as remember to praise and worship Him at the same time. Prayer is a careful thing to do, but when done right, it is one of the most beautiful things in the world.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Testing
The PRT was on Saturday. I did better than I expected, but certainly not as good as I was hoping to do. I wasn't as disciplined in preparing as I told myself I would be after last fall's test. However, now it's time to start training for Plebe Summer, so next fall I will max the strength, and I will get above an 85, hopefully an A.
A few people in our company failed, including one of my plebes. She's been working hard to get well, and I'm certain she'll get it soon. I just hope this doesn't affect her performance in other areas too much.
This week is X-week, too. I have two tests tomorrow that I think will be okay. Of course, EE this semester is sometimes good and sometimes bad. I suppose we'll see tomorrow morning. E&M is going to be tough on Friday...I should start studying now.
The other big time-consumer right now is that I'm in the middle of an honor investigation. Fortunately, they've scheduled the board for after exam week, so I don't have to deal with it this week, but I do still have to finish the case packet and do the pre-board later this week. This'll be my first really big board, hopefully it ends up okay.
Here's a good quote I randomly flipped to that seems appropriate for when I present my case to the Honor Board:
"The main thing is to see that the main thing remains the main thing."
-Dr. Joe Aldrich
A few people in our company failed, including one of my plebes. She's been working hard to get well, and I'm certain she'll get it soon. I just hope this doesn't affect her performance in other areas too much.
This week is X-week, too. I have two tests tomorrow that I think will be okay. Of course, EE this semester is sometimes good and sometimes bad. I suppose we'll see tomorrow morning. E&M is going to be tough on Friday...I should start studying now.
The other big time-consumer right now is that I'm in the middle of an honor investigation. Fortunately, they've scheduled the board for after exam week, so I don't have to deal with it this week, but I do still have to finish the case packet and do the pre-board later this week. This'll be my first really big board, hopefully it ends up okay.
Here's a good quote I randomly flipped to that seems appropriate for when I present my case to the Honor Board:
"The main thing is to see that the main thing remains the main thing."
-Dr. Joe Aldrich
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Honorable Mention
I just had about a twenty minute talk with my leadership LT about honor and about telling little lies. It was very interesting. I asked him how the honor concept was in his day and how it was viewed by the typical midshipman. He said that it was very different back then. Back then, people were a lot more scared to violate the Honor Concept because there were stiffer punishments; however, people were also less willing to turn people in for honor trouble because it was that vicious.
We then talked some about the concept of lying and how our society conditions us to make small little lies every day. I don't know how everybody thinks, but a lot of the examples he gave me seemed not to make much sense...I suppose that's why I seem like a jerk sometimes...and why I've learned how to use diplomatic speech. I don't lie most of the time, and sometimes I think that hurts my relationship with others, because they only hear me saying what I think is the truth--which, unfortunately, is not always what they want to hear. Because, though in the short-term, a lie may be the easier road to take; in the end, the corruption of language that is a lie will hurt us all far more.
"It's not how life is treating me that matters, it's how I react to it."
-Mountain Wings
We then talked some about the concept of lying and how our society conditions us to make small little lies every day. I don't know how everybody thinks, but a lot of the examples he gave me seemed not to make much sense...I suppose that's why I seem like a jerk sometimes...and why I've learned how to use diplomatic speech. I don't lie most of the time, and sometimes I think that hurts my relationship with others, because they only hear me saying what I think is the truth--which, unfortunately, is not always what they want to hear. Because, though in the short-term, a lie may be the easier road to take; in the end, the corruption of language that is a lie will hurt us all far more.
"It's not how life is treating me that matters, it's how I react to it."
-Mountain Wings
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Back
Okay, it's been more than six months...I just realized that. I don't know if anybody will still read this, but I don't really care. I don't know what I will write about. Mainly, I just want to get some of the good quotes out that I've been collecting. I've started up a new commonplace book because I finally filled up the old one. Ms. Darrow and Mrs. Taylor would be proud. I'd like to go see them sometime. I really wish I could get out another few good e-mails, but I've been swamped with work. We'll see. Maybe it will work out soon.
Today is also the feast of St. Blaise. I really like getting the blessing of the throat today. I can't really explain it. I suppose it's one of those things that I remember most years.
Here's a fairly optimistic quote that has a lot of truth in it. I'm reminded of it many times when I go to confession and remember that the saints all attended regular confession, too. None of us is perfect and we all need the help of our friends, family, strangers, and enemies to get better and reach closer to God and each other.
"Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future."
-Oscar Wilde
Today is also the feast of St. Blaise. I really like getting the blessing of the throat today. I can't really explain it. I suppose it's one of those things that I remember most years.
Here's a fairly optimistic quote that has a lot of truth in it. I'm reminded of it many times when I go to confession and remember that the saints all attended regular confession, too. None of us is perfect and we all need the help of our friends, family, strangers, and enemies to get better and reach closer to God and each other.
"Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future."
-Oscar Wilde
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