There's a lot of weird (in my opinion) stuff on this site. I'm talking about most things that fall outside the norm of general furry media. Things like "watersports," "macro/micro," "vore," "gore," etc. I hate browsing and seeing a menagerie of artwork that makes we want to go in a corner a cry. Parts that I fell do not fall into that setting are offshoots such as "fat furs," bondage, muscle, gay/lesbian, etc. Yes, someone worked hard on it and people enjoy it. I get it. I just think there should be a different part of this website that is dedicated to these things.

Then again, maybe some furs find the latter mentioned styles abnormal.

Just keep your weird s&%$ away from me, thanks.

This has been coming for a prolonged period of time. Even before I set foot on a block. I feel the need to place this out in the open as a caveat for any person in a job such as mine, where certain conditions are not met and a litany of negative factors push people out of a unique and (to me) thoroughly enjoyable profession. In lieu of so many issues myself and other officers are up against, I have compiled a list of reasons for why I am leaving:

1. Lack of a contract - Our department is detested by our county. Funding will come in spurts, and when it does, the money goes to new inmate uniforms or paint for a block that has just been re-done. We have not had a contract since June 2010. I have been with the department for three years and still make entry level pay. Some have been there over eight and also make entry level, and they are phenomenal COs. Our union is headed by people who for the most part have no idea on how to compromise.

2. Failure to adequately man the building - I cannot count how many times I have seen units get locked down because of our leadership's failure to hire new officers and provide incentives for hard work. Many times I have begun my shift assigned to a block, had it under control, and was pulled to a different unit. Hard work is not recognized. Shanks and weapons have been found by good COs, but there are no discussions of special duties/assignments or handshakes from leadership.

3. Lack of concern for officer safety - My radio is my lifeline. Without it I am like a an Aircrewman without his LPU or helmet. I tried repeatedly to get a better radio, as mine would die halfway into the shift. We also are not allowed to purchase our own radios. Safety is not adequately taught in training (my next subject). My big thing is explaining the myriad of actions to new officers that will keep them and their partner safe. A jail is teeming with so many dangers. New officers will be assigned to maximum security units without knowledge of how to handcuff an inmate or even search a cell. A short time ago I was assigned to such a unit with a new officer. I was searching cells on the upper tier. My partner had no idea where I was.

4. Lack of training - our "training" consists of burying one's head in a book for a week, then being cast off into the jungle. There is no organized training. No training on proper use of restraints, creating different scenarios with unruly inmates, how to provide medical attention, how to search a cell, etc. It is up to the line officers to teach these essential skills that should have been covered in the person's first week in the building. County officers in my state must attend an "academy" to be certified. I went after 14 months, whereas other counties send their COs BEFORE they hit the blocks. Our county is also the wealthiest in the state. Why can't we send our new hires there first?

I have many other reasons, but I am tired of writing this. Message me if you want to hear more.

After almost three years, its time to move on the 7-3. I'd like my life back.

Almost there, the weather's getting cooler, back to work, Can't wait for the leaves to start falling.

A little over two months and I'll be out of here! Hopefully I can get immediately affiliated with VR-64 in New Jersey, or 53 in Washington DC. If not that, then its C-40s in Oceana.

So, I finally classed up for ATT (basic electronics) and AE! Pretty cool, even considering class starts at 1530, and PT at 2245. Basically my days consist of furiously making notes, trying to decipher practice quizzes, and playing with multimeters and circuitry. The information falls on us like an avalanche, and we have to get to the top and sort out the debris so it makes sense.

I've been meditating on this matter a lot lately. It began about a month ago when, in order to "celebrate" passing all of my swim quals and the "Helo Dunker," I made the regrettable decision to overdrink on a Friday night. Apparently the physical water still sloshing around in my head from the dunker wasn't enough. Here's what was on my "menu," in order:

1. Magic Hat #9
2. Some beer I don't recall
3. " "
4. " "
5. Gummi Bear shot (x2)
6. Kamikaze (x2)
7. More beer

Doesn't sound like much? This was consumed in the span of about an hour and a half. With no water or food. After yakking in the head at the e-club, I yakked four more times back at the barracks. (Thankfully, "nature" didn't call as I checked in on the quarterdeck). Saturday morning rolled in and breakfast was lost twice. Thus, half my weekend was gone. I've had two beers and two glasses of wine since then. The whole episode made me re-examine my views on drinking. We've all seen the drunken-Sailor shows and movies. We laugh at the guy who pisses himself and the guy who ends up naked hugging a palm tree. I've had some good times under the influence, I will not lie. Alcohol related incidents not only here in Pensacola, but all throughout the fleet, have career and life-ending consequences. Alcohol can turn us into victims, aggressors, and helpless bystanders. Much of this results not only from a lack of poor planning and one's inability to control themselves, but the failure of shipmates to say "You've had enough. You need to stop." (My drunken adventure was MY fault, and mine only. Booze had us all under the spell that night). Just today at the beach I ran into two good friends. They met us at a restaurant because they wanted to escape the drunken escapades of my other friends, who had commenced drinking first thing in the morning. (I need to have a talk with some of these guys).

My point? We, as a society need to be more cognizant of alcohol's collective effect on us. We need to do a better job of looking out for each other. If you're in the military, you know how often mando alcohol training periods are lectures are shoved down our throats. What counts on the dance floor, bar, beach, etc. is friends looking out for each other. I realized that the moments I enjoyed most with alcohol were sipping a Corona with my Dad in the summer while cooking on the grill, having a nice Guinness with a steak, or a glass of wine with my Mom. Not drinking to the point of oblivion.

The fun just keeps getting better and better for class 1314's Reservists. (Sometimes I don't know why I write these, no one bothers to look down the nasty dirt road out in the boonies that leads to my userpage. But it's good to vent a little). Big Navy brought us up high on the motivation tower and shoved us off, so now we're in free-fall and its the worst part. Technically we have no orders! Its as of we don't even exist in the eyes of this command. (NATTC). The most anxiety-inducing part is the lack of knowledge we have on the subject. Even a little information would make things so much easier. I wouldn't feel so frustrated if my situation at home was different. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, home, and to have a job I thoroughly enjoy. I am blessed with a great group of Shipmates here and the opportunity to serve my Country in uniform. I know MANY people have it so much worse. I do miss home a lot. My job, my family, and the fact that I love where I live are the reasons I went Reserve. I did not join to spin my wheels (although I'm spinning them in a great location!) doing NOTHING on active duty. On the other side, I have been unfaithful and forgetful lately regarding my faith in The Lord. I know that God opens doors at just the right time, and His plans work perfectly for us. But we have to do our part to make it work. Sooner or later we'll class up and be on our way.

Well, apparently Big Navy has other plans for myself and most of the rest of Class 13-14. In that our orders were jacked up, our given rating was as well. We were all informed of the foul up, and told we were slated for the AWF (Aircrewman Mechanical) rating, which was the original plan. Of course I was a little upset when I became privy to this (I really wanted to be part of the P-3 community), but everything works itself out. AWF A-School is shorter and less difficult, and allows for a more broad specialization that aids one's search for a related job in the civilian world. There will be more of a chance to fly on different aircraft: either C-9s, C-12s, C-40s, C-37s, or the Herc (my first choice!) Meanwhile, the weather here in Pensacola grows warmer every day, and each day is one step closer to home.

Now that I've moved over to Charlie Barracks (and have to do Indoc again, ugh...), the pace of life has picked up, and yet slowed to a most anxiety-inducing crawl at the same time. The atmosphere over in NATTC is an incredible change from the discipline experienced and high standards set during my time in NASC. Adapting always has its challenges, and if one does not adapt, especially here, then one will not be successful. The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the demeanor of those around me and going from a physically challenging program into an academically challenging one. (I'll do my best to channel my college study habits).

To segue into another subject, I miss home. I miss my workplace and my friends there. I miss leaving the house and going behind the walls for eight hours. I know I am not alone in this. My familiy and friends are my motivation to complete A-School, return home, and begin my life as a Reservist. Every time I put the uniform on, I think how blessed I am to be serving my Country in the world's greatest Navy, and to have the opportunity to be part of the US Naval Aircrew Team.

I learned from my LCPO this morning that I'll be changed from AWF (Aircrew Mechanical) to AWO (Operator). Basically, I'll be tracking and killing subs! (Maybe not the "killing" part), but I'm ecstatic to learn that I'll be part of the P3 community, and flying in an aircraft with so much history behind it. Only a short time now until A-School!

Finally, after prowling the alleyways of backlog, I've classed up! The next few weeks will be filled with PT, water survival, the spin 'n puke, low-pressure chamber, helo dunker, etc. I just wish I could stay here in building 623 instead of moving over to the other side of the NAS for A-school.

Step 1: Try not to go insane/get too bored/too complacent in backlog.
Step 2: CLASS UP!
Step 3: Electronics course?
Step 4: AE A-School
Step 5: Release from IADT, and return home to NH!

Round and round, and round it goes, when will I class up? Nobody knows.

I've been in NAS Pensacola since December 2nd at NACCS, just can't wait to class up! I love being down there, but I do miss home. Right now I'm back in NH on leave until January 5th. Hopefully multiple classes will begin at the same time after standdown.

HOOYAH BACKLOG!!!!

I'll be leaving for RTC soon, October 3rd, to be exact. Soooo, no FA for awhile. At least until I (hopefully) get down to Pensacola for NACCS and A-School. Still don't know if I have to go through SERE, since I'll be a reservist. Bye!

Finally, after so much time, I am at last going to do what I've wanted to do as a small child: serve my country in military aviation. This came from my Grandfather, who was a Naval Aviator and served as a bombardier/navigator on Grumman Guardians in the early 1950s. I swore in with the Navy Reserve on May 3rd, and got an October 4th ship date to Great Lakes, then on to Enlisted Flight Crew training at NAS Pensacola! God opened the door, and I stepped on through!

This was fun last time, so let's do it again! Ten tracks that are shown on my itunes in shuffle mode:

1. ACDC - "Hell's Bells"
2. Steely Dan - "Midnite Cruiser"
3. The Police - "Every Breath You Take"
4. SRV - "Couldn't Stand the Weather"
5. Jimi Hendrix - "All Along the Watchtower"
6. U2 - "I Will Follow"
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Give it Away Now"
8. The Lovin' Spoonful - "Coconut Grove"
9. Johnny Cash - "The Man Comes Around"
10. Jethro Tull - "Life is a Long Song"

I am tired of it. The constant ridicule, malice, and criticism Christians are subjected to on a daily basis from myriads of different people, factions, groups, the media, etc. When I speak of myself as a Christian and doing my best to follow and put into practice the example of my LORD AND SAVIOR, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins, I feel like I'm committing a crime. We have known that Christians are severely persecuted in other parts of the world. Most notably in some Arab and Persian nations, and in East Asia. I find being mocked and ridiculed in the United States, MY country that was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, is abhorrent and mind-boggling. NO ONE can convince me to abandon my faith. I have friends who are atheists, yet they do not engage in any form of persecution directed towards myself or other Christians. I would sever all ties between myself and all who seek to trample on the name of Jesus. They may think God hates them, or does not care. Look, it is right before your eyes. God cares for ALL and wants the best for us. What I can't stand is how some groups use the day of Resurrection to hold their gatherings and mock believers. To me, this is on par with the grotesque protests of the Westborough, Kansas "Church." This is the United States of America. You have the right to peaceably assemble and speak your mind. I do not force my views on others. That is called fascism. I'm not perfect. Far from it. I have many faults. NO ONE is a perfect Christian.
I have a friend who was raised in an extremely confining Christian household. She was forbidden to wear revealing clothing, or even get piercings. Despite her athletic prowess, all that mattered was if she had prayed or read the Bible that day. HOWEVER, she still believes in God. People have a choice to follow the path of God or not. It is an arduous road to travel. The ability to make that decision was given by God.
I tolerate the views of others. For the most part.

To conclude with some "South Park" wisdom, "Just because you tolerate it doesn't mean it can't piss you off!" -Mr. Garrison

Stuff I've been shoving my face into lately:

>In Flames
>Soilwork
>Disarmonia Mundi
>Killswitch Engage
>Diecast
>Trivium
>All That Remains
>As I lay Dying
>Children of Bodom
>Amon Amarth

If you like Metallica, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, etc. and are looking for something heavier, yet at the same time still melodic, these are all worth checking out.

My thoughts on the "Occupy" Movement:

Yes, before you say anything, I know what its like to be without work for a prolonged period of time. I know what its like to graduate from a four-year institution and to work part-time, all the while looking for full time work (in my case, police work, if you are looking for LE jobs in New England, don't bother). I know what its like to be turned down many times for "not having enough experience." In this case I empathize with those who are jobless.

If you have a full time job, and still find the time to run around city streets impeding traffic, hurl blame in almost every direction, and make unclear demands, then you either made a very poor choice of vacation/sick-time usage, or you find it pemissible to blow off your chosen occupation. If you want to make your country/city/town a better place, then volunteer at a hospital or walk to benefit cancer research. Plant a tree. Help fix a public playground. Send a care package to a military member serving overseas. If you don't have the time, do something simple. Hold the door for a few people. Offer a kind word or a good tip. Smile and say "have a good day" to your mail-carrier or the guy in the tollbooth. But please, don't do what so many others are doing. Yes, some protesters are Veterans, retirees, etc. I don't judge people. However, I do judge the message you are sending. If you don't like the way things are, then vote. If you choose not to, its your right as an American. But don't bitch about it.

Not to sound self-righteous, but I myself am a public servant in law enforcement. While people are out gallavanting in the streets, protesting "corporate greed," (hey, where did your REI backpack or Apple iphone come from?) I'm placing my life on the line every night to ensure public safety by keeping those who choose to break the law apart from those who obey it. I have to play the roles of police officer, firefighter, EMT, and mental health counselor. My job isn't perfect, and neither am I. But look hard enough for a job, and you'll find one. When Colin Powell was mopping floors in New York City before he was leading soldiers in Vietnam and in the Iraqi desert, he learned a lesson we can all take to heart: "All work is honorable."

I forget what magazine I saw this in, but celebs/athletes ipods were turned to shuffle mode, and a list was made of the first ten tracks that came up. Here's the ten from my library:

1. Metallica - "Creeping Death"
2. Ozzy - "Perry Mason"
3. Bruce Springstein - "Atlantic City"
4. Phil Collins - "You Can't Hurry Love" XD
5. Led Zeppelin - "South Bend Suarez"
6. Jethro Tull - "Roots to Branches"
7. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Suck My Kiss"
8. Led Zeppelin - "Tangerine"
9. The Who - "I've Had Enough"
10. Mark Knopfler - "Do America"

...You will not be missed. The only part I will miss is how well the personnel work together throughout the night. When s--- hits the fan and the PD's roll 'em in on a busy night, we get it done.

What I've learned so far:

-I have to play the role of firefighter/police officer/EMT/Mental Health Counselor at any given moment.
-The hours between 0300 and 0500 are a very bad time to be awake.
-Inmates don't like to go to bed at 2200.
-Lots are like 14 year olds: they hate being awake before 1300.
-Pepper spray sucks. Seriously. Don't do anything to get sprayed. Ever.
-Drugs are bad. A pissed of inmate detoxing is worse. A pissed off detoxing inmate having a seizure is really bad. But we're there to help. An addict is still a person.
-There is no limit to the amount of times a drunk in the tank can ask "Why am I here?"
-Sometimes working in booking is like stepping into a Jerry Springer movie times a million.
-Some inmates are hilarious.
-Most of all, respect is mutual. Treat them fairly, and they'll do what you say.

Yeah, uh, nothin' much to say. Working part-time. Hard to find a good gig these days.

I've been away WAY too long, so much shit has gone down since the summer, and I can say with total honesty that the past 7 or so months have been the best/worst times of my life thus far. So much has changed in such a short amount of time.
I have a few projects in mind, but I'm so friggin' busy it might take a while to get them to fruition.

"Out of the shadows, and into the sun, dreams of the past as the old ways are done. Out there is beauty and surely there is pain, but we must endure it... to live again."