September Celebrations

This month, lots going on.

1. Carlos and Lisa were married. The wedding was BEAUTIFUL. It was a wonderful time being able to see all of my family, as well. (MISSED hugging my parents and kissing them on their cheek.)

2. Briana started JUNIOR HIGH?!

3. Logan started 3rd grade.

4. Briana started soccer and came up with the team name... "The Pink Ninja's" (because they are semi-girlie, yet will SNEAK up from nowhere then POW!).

5. Logan started flag football. He averaged 2 touchdown's per game last year... WISH I could watch his games...

6. Labor Day Weekend.

7. Briana turned 12. For her, this meant that she will be a teenage in less than a year... UGH.

8. Logan turns 9 tomorrow. Can't believe how he reminds me so much of ME when I was his age.

9. And so many more birthdays (Mama Luisa, Marvin... Deb... Zavia... and so many more)

...

Some days, life can be overwhelming but just have to remember that life is too short to dwell on the negatives.

----------------------------------

"Lord, grant me the strength to count my blessings and put my selfish ambitions aside."

Amen.

d

Mix It Up

Up until two days ago, I had a flight booked to Denver.
Then, I decided to make a road trip out of it.
(Never have been one to get used to routines.)

And, what a nice change of pace.

As I sit here in a Pilot Truck Stop,
Sippin' on my coffee and muffin, I reminisce of the days when I longed to be old enough to have my OWN money, my own car, my own things...

Well... Here I am and, it feels gooood!

To walk into a store and have the freedom to buy any junk food I want?
(Well, the coffee did have hazelnut creamer. That counts... right?)
And, how in the world did I survive so long without satellite radio?!
Even though I am SO tired of Lady Gaga.

Point being, growing up may not be as fun as mixing it up every now and then.

Time to roll...

Not Two Tired to Ride

Went to San Francisco this past weekend. I have missed riding. So much, as a matter of fact,  that when I unmounted my bike off my car and clipped my shoes into the pedals, I had an INSTANT smile. One that was desperately needed and one that lasted all day long.

The stresses of life just have a way of catching up with you and it's the little things that bring you back to that "glass half full" mindset.

If THIS wasn't enough to get me back into my element, then I don't know what could have done it. :)

(And can you believe I only wrecked once and it was in someone's backyard?! Shhh... doesn't sound as cool as rolling head over wheels off these steps.)

SUCH an Honor

Best Man

My brother, Carlos and his fiance, Lisa, are getting married soon. And... I remember the day he called me up last summer and asked me to be his best man.

I couldn't help but cry.

I cried...

A year has almost passed.

And since that day, much has happened in our world.

Yet, I never forgot the way I felt when my baby brother asked me.

So, in the midst all I have going on in my life, there is no priority higher than doing him proud.

I promise to always do you proud, my brother.

The one who I grew UP with. Standing next to you on the playground so no one would pick on you. Fighting kids with my Halls of Justice Super Hero lunch pail as they tried to blow cigarette smoke in your face and telling you to run like crazy! Sitting next to you on our CHiPs fuel-injected, dual-carb motorcycles (well... we WERE only 2 and 3 so I suppose the pedals will suffice for trips down memory lane). ;)

Tonight, I get an e-mail from my brother.

Addressed to the Groomsmen.

(gulp)

Now, I feel Nervous. Queazy. Anxious... "D" (all of the above)

I wonder if he feels the same way?

Nah... "I'm there for you bro. As always, taking your pain for you."

Relax. Enjoy your moment. Live it up. Dream of your bride to be.

And, considering how you work so far away...

And when times get tough from being away from your bride, remember this...

"A part of you has grown in me and so you see...

It's you and me together forever and never apart.

Maybe in distance but never in heart." ~ author unknown

If You Never Try...

You Will Never Know.

"When you try your Best but you don't Succeed.

When you get what you Want but not what you Need.

When you feel so Tired, but you can't Sleep.

Stuck... In Reverse."

Listen to Coldplay's "Fix You" here.

Life today.

Economic turmoil.

Financial crisis.

They say we are on the "verge of another Great Depression."

Suicide and divorce rates, off the charts.

Death and sorrow is all around us.

And, in the midst of this all...

Those of us who are still here, manage to muster the strength to "keep on, keepin' on."

Be proud of that.

Feel Blessed for what you DO have.

For those who love you.

For those who you love.

This is the time when we need one another.

More than ever.

Let. It. Go.

Those who have hurt you.

We have too many struggles in life to compound more on top.

. . . 

Decided to follow one of my life-long passions... photography.

This was my first photograph.

And, I wanted it to mean something.

Inside this factory...

Faceless Mama's. Daddies. Aunts, Uncles, Friends and Neighbors. Each with a driving force that keeps them going.

What is your driving force?

Intrinsic Motivation = Dig Deep and Do It.

Follow Your Dream.

Moments to Capture

Breathtaking.

~

This is one of the reasons I have decided to take up photography.

Not really sure where to begin as I am a TOTAL newbie.

Never took a photography class in my LIFE!

But... friends have been schooling me along the way and I am FOREVER grateful for their support.

("Thank you!")

Now, I DO know my way around computers so if I can only master a camera . . .

Next year, I will be moving to Washington State.

Although California has been fun, I belong closer to places like THIS.

Anyway . . .

Stay tuned for my own work . . .

Coming, SOON!

J.

Optimism.

Childhood Memories

All of Us

* Me w/my new Diamondback BMX bicycle. Large plank of plywood. About 5 of dad's old car tires.

Siblings... laying on the sidewalk, side-by-side like sardines and El Bambino clearing each and every one of them. WITH millimeters to spare.

Carlos

* Visiting Tio Antonio & Tia Rosy in Dallas and thinking his truck (old, red hot rod) was the coolest thing - EVER.

* Walking to school (Paradise Valley Elementary) every day. One day, two bullies stopped us and blew cigarette smoke in my face but I FENDED them OFF with my Marvel Comics Superheroes lunch pail. "Run Carlos, RUN!" I think these kids thought I was psycho and let us go. But, I was always there to protect my lil' brother.

Claudia (Ana)

 * Dad buying us an album with colorful balloons on the cover. Out of all of the children's songs, Claudia was ADDICTED to "Johhhhhn, Jacob, Jingle, HEIMER-SCHMIDT, his name is MY name, toooooo!"

* Okay, okay... for the sake of her beating me to the punch, I'll say it (although it wasn't a GOOD memory); pushing her off our garage roof. BUT, in my defense... the grass was supposed to cushion her blow! How was I supposed to know it wouldn't? (Hey Sis, remember those tiny pebbles up on that roof, though? What was UP with that?!)

Felipe

* I remember the day mom and dad brought you home from the hospital.

I was SO anxious to give you the pillow from Mrs. Amend, my teacher. It was a brown and white pillow that looked like a dog (hound dog with big floppy ears). Mom still has that pillow. :)

* You riding on my bunny pegs as I toted you all around the neighborhood. For what it's worth, I'll always be there for you. Mean it. (Yeah, I'm feelin' kinda mushy).

* ninja dress up

* golf balls (dumping down the street)

Freddy

* Pee Wee. Nuf said!

Olga

*

Ruben

* Taking a trip down to Mexico one year after I had already been in the Service and we found a neat little statue of a man sitting cross-legged and flexing his arms (picture a midget... er, little person... trying to comb his hair and CAN'T reach).  Rubz sat down next to him and mimicked him. Spitting image!

Monkey Feet

That's what they look like.

I was telling a friend that the blisters from my last half marathon turned into calloused pads which felt like, what I would assume, the pads on a monkey's paws feel like. But, really... how would I know?

Been reading a book called Born to Run. Very interesting read! So, of course, I had to go out and get me some of these...

If you have read it, you know exactly what I am talking about when I say I felt this urge to try "barefoot running." Okay. So, technically it is not true barefoot BUT just about! I started off slow this evening. Ran one lap. Documented my observations. Then ran a second lap. Bottom line; they feel great! BUT... it takes some serious "getting used to."

Since many of you have been asking, here are my thoughts...

1. Very light. Reminds me of childhood running. The way my toes stretched as if grasping the ground. Felt light on my feet, too, and it felt very refreshing to have my toes wiggle as I ran around the track.

2. Forced me to run on the balls of my feet. Made me realize just how much I rely on my heels and that is not good. BUT, it feels - weird.

3. They don't hurt at all. My right knee is a little sore from this morning's run so I don't want to push it... YET.

Next week, my training begins. I'm going for a "shock & awe" type-training cycle (various training exercises to include mountain biking and explosiveness (in the form of calisthenics, weights, etc.).

Distance running is going to be a challenge since it requires running on the balls of my feet and it feels like I'm tip-toeing. But... I like challenges... BRING IT!

Wish me luck in my quest for record land speeds.

~ Speedy

Liking How Some Things NEVER Change.

In my last post, I mentioned my "To Do" list.

Well, in my effort to become even MORE efficient (although some prefer OCD - um... okay. I get it.),

I wanted to knock out another task.

My sister,Olgsmobile, posted this picture of Dominik (my nephew) in an outfit my mom made for him for Christmas last year.

It put a HUGE smile on my face when I saw her final product.

Click here to see why... ;)

{ Green Goblin }

 

Sunshine on My Face.

Ever have one of those times in your life where you just feel like you are in limbo?
I am there. Everything is quiet. I watch people all around me. Living their life as if nothing exists but their bubble of personal space, thoughts, and circle of friends and family.

But. I know better.

Crazy how we get immune to the fact that this is part of life.
We get almost - desensitized.
Not that we intentionally avoid those in our life who are "there" but just... do not... realize it.

Right now. What I feel...
Quietness...
Almost surreal.
Like the calm before a storm.

Don't read too much into this people.
(and especially don't consider this a "sign" for alarm)

Just... "keeping it real."

I am actually listening to a very ear-pleasing song by Plain White T's... "Rhythm of Love" right now and munching on rice snacks. I will sign off and get back to the grind. I just don't hold back. I feel it. I let it out. And press on.

But, this past month has been off and on.
Lots going on.
Lots of traveling.
Then, as I slow down... I allow myself to be fully aware of my surroundings.

Looking back on this past month. MUCH has happened.
Not to get into too many specifics, but I had at least FIVE deaths in my world.
Count 'em. Five.

One...

Two...

Three...

Four...

Five...

Paused with each one and paid them each their own fair share of respect. Again. And again. Seems like it is never enough though.

Can't help but have it affect you. Regardless of who they were or how it happened.

I get that it is the reality of life. But it can be overwhelming.

Looking outside, a storm is moving in. My nose is cold and red and I am waiting for the Spring to return.

My sister, Jenny, reminds us on her wall that "Spring is less than a month away!"

Thanks, Sis. Your words mean a lot to a fella' like me who is waiting to break out those summer clothes and get back into my outdoor running. It makes me smile to see optimistic people. It motivated me to add "Get Mountain Bike Tuned Up" to my weekend To Do list.

So, that said... I feel the sun coming back. Inbound storm, or not.
I am feeling it.

Tule Fog...

 The following was from an e-mail we received at work yesterday. Comes just as the fog is starting to REALLY get on everyone's last nerve... ("Go AWAY, already!")

CAN YOU SEE THE OVERPASS?

Tule fog (pronounced /tu:li:/) is a thick ground fog that settles in the San Joaquin Valley and Sacramento Valley areas of California's Central Valley. Tule fog forms during the late fall and winter (California's rainy season) after the first significant rainfall, and is named after the Tule grass wetlands (Tulare's) of the Central Valley. The typical time frame for Tule fog to form is from November to March. Accidents caused by the Tule fog are the leading cause of weather-related casualties in California.

Tule fog is a radiation fog, which condenses when there is a high relative humidity (typically after a heavy rain), calm winds, and rapid cooling during the night.  The longer nights during the winter months contribute considerably by rapidly cooling the ground thereby creating a temperature inversion (i.e. the air is colder at ground level than it is at 1000 feet altitude).  That temperature inversion causes the moisture in the ground level air to condense and thus creates fog.

Visibility in Tule fog is usually less than an eighth of a mile (about 600 feet), but can be as little as a foot. Visibility can also, and usually does, vary rapidly.  In only a few feet visibility can go from 10 feet to near zero.

This variability in visibility is the cause of many chain-reaction pile-ups on the roads and freeways. In December 1997, in one accident on Interstate 5 near Elk Grove south of Sacramento, 25 cars and 12 big-rig trucks collided inside a fog bank - five people died and 28 were injured. In February 2002, two people were killed in an 80-plus car pile-up on State Route 99 between Kingsburg and Selma (about 45 minutes northeast of Naval Air Station Lemoore) - visibility at the time of the accident was zero. On the morning of November 3, 2007, heavy Tule fog caused a massive pile-up that included 108 passenger vehicles and 18 big rig trucks on Northbound State Route 99 between Fowler and Fresno (45 minutes north of Naval Air Station Lemoore). Visibility was cut to about 200 feet at the time of the accident. There were two fatalities and 39 injuries in that crash.

It may not LOOK like much. But, trust me. This is a GOOD day.

HOW ABOUT NOW?

Those of us who have been here a few years know that it gets BAD. Last year, we had our Command's Christmas Party about 30 minutes away and you literally had to drive 15-20 mph WHILE looking at the white lines OUT YOUR DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. At the same time watching for taillights directly in front of you.  Lessons learned.

This video was taken from an overpass I was standing on.

A Spoonful of Sugar...

My parents were field workers when we first came to the states and I have fond memories of Carlos and I sitting on the tailgate of the station wagon while my mom and dad picked vegetables - working sunrise to sunset in the Minnesota fields.
 

Our only toys?
Rocks and dirt from the gravel road.
 

Then, as we came of elementary school age, my dad got "educated" (well... he went to a vocational tech school for automotive mechanics) and he was hired on by the uranium mines near Casper.
 

We moved from our white farmhouse (which we rented on the farm we lived on) to a trailer in a mobile home unit in Casper.
 

But, for us... it was moving UP in the world!
 

We had neighbors! Kids to play with. People to watch.
 

BUT...
 

It came with it's own fair share of danger, too.
 

There were now cars to be on the lookout for.

Dogs on the loose...

One day a large German Shepard chased us... barking HORRIBLY loud. We were SO frightened... mom took us inside and fed us each a spoonful of sugar.
 

Never knew why.
 

But, I CLEARLY remember the tears and sniffling quickly subsiding that afternoon.
 

The way Carlos and I looked at one another when she brought out that Tupperware dish... opening it up and he and I realizing what was happening.
"Are... WE... getting a SPOON FULL of SUGAR???"
 

Even now, it brings a smile to my face and my eyes swell as I think of the love my mom shared for us - daily.

"Love you, mom."

Healthy Eating...

Lifestyle Change...

Lately, I got on this health kick (refer back to my older posts under the "Fitness Labels").

Since then, I went from 180 pounds down to 150 (as of today).

There wasn't much to the first 20 pounds other than cutting out all fast food, soda and candy bars. So I figured that if I was blessed with losing all of this weight (which I had wanted to for many years), I needed to do something to ensure it STAYED off.

Then, in October 2010, I picked up running. I ran and ran and ran. Burning well over 1,000 - 1,500 calories per work out. Almost DAILY. BUT... my calorie intake was only about 300-500 per DAY. I was also under quite a bit of stress and that had much to do with my initial weight loss.

So, I met with a dietitian who educated me on proper eating habits. He explained the food pyramid to me since it had been many years since I studied it. And, to my amazement, I learned A LOT. Since that day, I have met with several friends & family and have done my own research about weight loss, physical fitness and diets.  Below are some things I have learned. I want to share them with you because it is crazy how bad most of us eat. I, honestly, did not care what I ate earlier in the year and years leading up to this past summer. Stopping by McDonald's and ordering a #1 with Coke was the norm at least 3 times per week. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED chocolate! Hershey's chocolate and I were TIGHT, I tell 'ya! "Homies, we were!" And don't EVEN get me started on trips to the mall, out of town, etc. What do you MEAN it is not right to eat a deep-fried turkey leg with a large milkshake?! I mean, I have to wash it down with SOMETHING. Right? PLUS it IS protein and dairy... part of the "food pyramid" groups... no? We ALL do it. Justify JUNK food as "healthy" in a round-about, food pyramid relation, as in next door neighbor's, cousin's, best friend's, nephew's, cousin's, cat... sort-of-way. Yes?

I NEVER knew this...

- if you starve your body (um... like only eating 300-500 calories a day when you burn 10 times that amount!), your body will take ANYTHING you put into it and turn it IMMEDIATELY into FAT! Hello?! HOW DID I NOT KNOW THIS?! YES! Even HEALTHY foods are turned into fat. Hear me clearly... EVEN HEALTHY FOODS ARE TURNED INTO FAT!  The human body is AMAZING. The REASON it does this is because it does not know when it will be fed again so it stores it for energy.

Literally, OVERNIGHT, I bumped up my calorie intake to what my dietician recommended... 2,500-2,800 calories PER DAY. YES. OVERNIGHT. I went to the local GNC and picked up a box of "meal supplement" packages (each one contained a powder you can use to mix with water or milk and make a shake). Inside each one was enough to kick start my daily diet. I say diet, but in a most inverse meaning of what one would think of the term. Diet usually means LOSING weight... to me, at least. But, in THIS case... I am going to eat 10 times the amount I have been used to??? I have, since, switched from a meal supplement shake to a protein shake (since I am eating all the foods I need now).



For one solid week, I tracked my food intake via an online tool which SHOWS you via a bar graph exactly how much you are consuming. It even separates bad calories from good. There are several websites you can use. The one I used was www.mypyramid.gov which is endorsed by the 1st Lady, Mrs. Obama. If you go to their website, on the left, go to MyMenuPlanner. Registration is free and easy. It took me only two days to "get it right." On Day 1, I met my calorie count; however, I had too much of the Dairy and Fruit categories and not enough Grains, Vegetables and Proteins. Day 2, I was SET. BUT, my bad calories were off the charts. So, I cut out my jelly, butter, cream cheese, etc. And now, I will periodically check my daily progress but I KNOW what I can and cannot have. This was very hard to stick to...

BUT. IT. WORKED. PEOPLE.

My weight stabilized. I have not gained a pound since then and have seen a transformation in my physical being.  I am able to run farther than ever before, completing my first half marathon with a GREAT finishing time. AND I have a LOT more energy.

In addition to the meal supplement shakes, I also started taking a daily multivitamin (twice a day). It's one thing to eat the calories you are supposed to, but another to ensure you have the daily recommended nutrients that your body needs. Just by taking my daily multivitamins, I am now getting all of the vitamins and minerals I need in order to keep up with my physical training lifestyle. The reason for two pills is because these are on a time release formula for better efficiency (keep in mind that your urine might turn light green since your body is purging itself of bad chemicals - this is normal).

I also changed my diet - completely.

On any given day, this is what I normally eat:

BREAKFAST:
- protein shake mixed with a glass of skim milk (sometimes add a tablespoon of peanut butter)
- 1 bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk
- 2 packages of oatmeal (often add banana slices, granola mix, or various fruits)
- 2 slices whole-grain, wheat toast w/peanut butter (good source of protein)
- glass of 100% orange juice
(breakfast is usually a lot but it makes a HUGE difference in your energy levels and your mental focus throughout the day)

LUNCH:
- salad (raw spinach leaves (not as boring as lettuce and MUCH tastier!), cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, honey roasted pecans or other nuts, dried fruits (cranberries, oranges, etc.), bell pepper slices - NO DRESSING. The mixture of these items is a nice blend. They compliment one another very nicely, too.
- Gatorade/Powerade, or some other form of drink to replenish electrolytes which I will burn off during my workouts
- yogurt (Light) (with granola)

DINNER:

- turkey sausage or chicken are great, quick sources of protein
- more salad
- fruit
- 1 glass of skim milk
- 2 more protein shakes within 30 minutes of post-workouts

SNACKS IN BETWEEN MEALS:
- almonds (GREAT protein)
- rice cakes
- whole grain crackers
- fruits
- vegetables

OUT OF MY DIET:
- fast food
- butter
- extra salt (some sodium is good for you since it acts as electrolytes to help maintain water retention when exercising)
- jelly
- cream cheese
- soda
- sugar (table type)
- caffeine
- and pretty much anything else that tastes good

Bottom line; BORING! Right? Yeah, maybe. But, I have learned so much. About food. Diets. Health & fitness. And, as I navigate through this phase in my life... well, hopefully, I have created a new, LIFE-lasting culture of healthy eating and there IS a brighter side. For one, my palette has changed. I ate a candy bar the other day and it was TOO sweet. Yuck. About halfway through it, I wanted to toss it. But, told myself to eat it all to see how it would affect me. I felt a short-lived rush but the DOWN is what got me. Hated knowing I had consumed so many FAT calories and had not used it during a workout. It just sat there and would take so much longer to burn it than healthy calories would.

Now, my body KNOWS it will be fed daily. And the great thing? I am eating around 2,500 calories daily, burning at least 1,500 just sitting around living my life (basal metabolic rate) AND I burn at least another 1,000 daily during my workouts. Calories in/Calories out = the SAME! Hence the reason I am not gaining or losing weight. Plus, the minerals, nutrients and vitamins I am consuming NOW help my muscles heal faster, healthier and stronger. My heart is stronger and my blood pumps more efficiently.  I can run for over an hour at under a 7 minute per mile pace and my heart rate does not go over 165. Before, it would sky rocket to 185 after 5 minutes!  And I have also incorporated resistance training to my workouts. I FORCE ALL of my muscles to pick up the load that my heart had been carrying all this time.

I'll leave you with this...

Lots of people have asked where I get this motivation... will power... but the day that I TRULY realized that God created us. I also accepted the fact that we NEED to take care of this physical body he gave us. We are only on this planet for such a short time and...

I. Love. ME.

So, is there really any other way TO live?

PS... here is some GREAT input I received from a friend after I submitted this original post... (thank you)!

This is great! The only thing I would add is to try to grow your own vegetables and fruits. Plant a garden and do some canning. Also, buy your food locally from a market or a locally owned store that sells food from local farmers. It is also easy to make your own bread :)

Camarillo, Cali

This morning, my brother, Carlos and I woke up at 5 a.m.
I had stayed at his hotel in Camarillo, California on my way back from a business conference in San Diego.
We decided to go for a run.
Went downstairs and there were two treadmills but one was taken so I lifted weights instead.
He ran about 5 miles.
I ended up running about 2.5.
He, then, got ready for work and I had breakfast.
It was SO good.
Probably since I was hungry from my run, but STILL!
Then, he left for the office but he had a flat tire! Ugh.
So, he calls me up, I go downstairs and we fix it together.
I didn't want him to get all dirty since he was suited up (looked so sharp)!
And off he went.

I, on the other hand, go back to the room.
Get online for awhile.
Then, take a nap.
I was SO tired from the night before.
We had stayed up talking. Nice conversation, too. :)
Woke up a few hours later and it was late morning by this point.
My plan was to get on the road by 10ish but when I opened the window, the weather was PERFECT!
So, I decided to go for a run.
Ran about 11 miles but probably could have ran more had I not run out of water!
It was SO scenic in Camarillo.
The area we were in was very quiet, peaceful and clean.
Reminded me of a modern-day "Leave it to Beaver"-ville. ;)
(what WAS the name of his town? I remember Wally, Beaver, Eddie Hascal, June, Ward...)

So, I finally get packed, load the car and hit the road around 4.
This was after I took my time, showered, ate, etc.
But, of course I hit rush hour traffic!
What was I thinking?!... I WASN'T.
So, here I am... 6 hours later (should have only taken 3)!

Tired. No... exhausted.
Physically AND mentally.
2011 thus far has been exhausting - ALREADY.

Tomorrow, I go back to work.
Then, work half a day on Friday and drive BACK down to L.A. to catch our flight to Phoenix for our half marathon on Sunday.
Carlos and I will fly there and back on the same flight.
His fiance Lisa will be meeting us there.
Should be a great time!

I have friends who invited us to their post-marathon party but I don't drink.
Carlos and Lisa, I'm sure will want to party as well but I'll just want my banana, computer and Powerade drink.
THAT won't fly over very well!
I'll just roll with it.
Maybe be designated driver??

Well, anyway... it was a great trip and I have NO regrets about ANY of it.
Just hard at times, to deal with reality (traffic, long drives...  ...).

There will be so many more trips to come...
Until next time...

~ Patiently Waiting.

"Give Me BACK My Coin!"

Yesterday, after I got out of my conference in San Diego, I was driving off base and I recognized a former Shipmate of mine from when I was stationed in Great Lakes, IL. He pulls up next to me and I motion for him to pull into the nearest parking lot. He was VERY excited to see me and even more SURPRISED to see me as an officer that he didn't know WHAT to do! He saluted as we were driving and was laughing at the same time. Quite a moment!

We pull into the nearest parking lot and man... it was NICE to see a familiar face! Stan was my supervisor at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL when I was a Recruit Division Commander. I trained at least 3 or 4 recruit divisions while under his charge. He was my Leading Chief Petty Officer (and he was a Senior Chief back then... E-8). I noticed he was now a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9 highest rank you can achieve as an enlisted man) and I was SO proud of him! I, on the other hand, had worked for him as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6, 2 paygrades junior to him at the time) and later on was selected for Chief Petty Officer (E-7) and was eventually selected as a Mustang Officer (Navy LDO) and immediately bypassed the ranks of E-8, Chief Warrant Officer 2, 3, 4 and 5 and put on O-1E (Ensign with prior enlisted service). Yesterday, when we met again, I was already wearing O-2E (Lieutenant Junior Grade) and he was SO, SO happy for me. :)

Proper military protocol does NOT allow for "hugs" in a parking lot between ANY military members but... we both thought... "Court-Martial us!" ;)

Anyway... we had a great talk. Towards the end, he mentioned how taken back he was at how much YOUNGER I looked than the LAST time he saw me (which would have been around... 5 years ago now?). But, since I told him I was a steady 172-175 lbs. back then and am now at 150, he wanted to know what had happened. "I'll SHOW you." was my response as we walked over to my car.

In the back seat, I had a backpack with all of my clothes for this trip, another backpack with papers, workout gear, etc. and an even larger duffel bag. This one was black in color, with gold "United States Navy" embroidered on the side (pretty official sounding, right?). I open it up and inside... there was a tiny blender, meal supplement/protein powder, multi-vitamins, wheat crackers, cherry tomatoes, salads that I had prepared in individual containers in advance, oranges, apples, bananas, rice crackers, and the list goes on and on.

We talked about health and fitness.

I have learned SO much these past few months and I felt compelled to share. So I did. And, at the end of my non-stop jabbering, he looked at me. Placed his hand in mine and handed me a Navy Challenge Coin as a gesture of true friendship. He went on to explain how he needed a change in his life with regards to his health and it had been weighing heavily on his mind (no pun intended). That I motivated him. And THAT. Felt GOOD. Felt beyond good.

I owe it to him to at least give you this sidebar on our history together... I remember we were at a promotion ceremony for a Chief Petty Officer who was getting advanced to Senior Chief. After the ceremony concluded, it was time for folks to line up and shake her hand to offer their congratulations. Customarily, senior personnel line up first then juniors follow. This day, I was standing next to Senior Chief (Stan) and I motioned with my hand for him to go first ("after you, Senior"). He says to me... (and I have never forgotten) "Petty Officer Garcia, you go first. You are already a Chief Petty Officer. You just aren't wearing it yet." Man... talk about an uplifting, motivational compliment. It felt great. Always wanted to repay the compliment.

And so at this point, what else was a man in my position to do but offer him the only thing of value that I COULD offer him at the time... one of my yummy salads! But, the look on his face... melting inside (I could tell). He was speechless (or maybe thinking "Give me BACK my coin!"). Ha!

No, he was very appreciative and we exchanged numbers and said "until next time, Shipmate.."

Both of us left grinning ear to ear.

Brothers 'til the End...

Today, as I was driving from a conference in San Diego to see my brother, Carlos, near Los Angeles, I was trying to figure out how long it had been since he and I had "us" time. Goodness. It must have been... what? a year... two?  No... keep going... to my surprise... how about NEVER. Well, since we were young kids. Considering I left home for the Navy nearly 18 years ago, it has been TOO long.

So although we didn't have but only a few short hours... we ended up...

1. catching up in his hotel (he is working here for a few months)

2. talking about anything really... running, health and fitness, work, family, hobbies, food, the list goes on and on!

3. having sushi at a killer place near his hotel

4. stopping by a nice little coffee shop and realizing we had walked in on a church bible study gathering and it was FULL of ladies chit chatting in great Christian fellowship... but it was SO loud!

5. coming back to his place and bouncing back and forth between things on my computer, his... our phones, papers on miscellaneous things we wanted to share... SO much!

At one point, he had me ingest a glass full of water and with some tiny seeds that resembled a cross between sesame and poppy seeds (chia seeds). We were on the subject of running since he and I are both running a half marathon on Sunday (in Phoenix). He handed me a 287-page book called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. The cover reads "A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race The World Has Ever Seen" I asked him if it's a good book. He says... "Jose, I have read it FOUR times since November.

I said. "SOLD." Gimme, gimme, gimme! So, I NOW have two days to read it and return it to him by this Friday when I return to catch our flight. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts.

But, the best part... we S H A R E D.

. . .

1. Books.

2. Seeds that I PRAY don't get me to pop on my next whiz quiz at work! Ha!

3. Knowledge.

4. Experiences.

5. Laughter.

6. Plans on the future (he's getting married in the fall and I am his Best Man! SUCH an honor, upcoming marathons, my business trips, etc.).

7. Thoughts.

8. Advice.

and... the best part?

9. Love.

I gave him a part of my heart tonight.
He gave me a part of his.

I love my brother.

Wish I had our old picture to post on here. It was of the two of us on our "cHiPs" motorcycles (with pedals... I think I was Paunch and he was Jon).  I was around the age of 3 and he was around 2.

Anyway... we've sure come a long way from those days.

Who would have guessed we would be where we are today.

W h o  w o u l d  h a v e  g u e s s e d . . .

I could go on and on and tell you about some HILARIOUS times we spent growing up together but...

Saving that for another day! ;)

I'll leave you with this...

All for one and one for all

My brother and my friend

What fun we have

The time we share

Brothers 'til the end

~ Author Unknown

Much to be thankful for...

December 31, 2010

Here we were... onboard Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California.

Weather was just right. It had rained consecutively for two solid weeks.

Then, there was finally a break in the clouds.

And what do we decide to do?

Go shopping. In Fresno. Indoors!

Oh well.  :)  I had a chance to take a few snapshots with my camera before we scurried off.

Totally candid, of course!  ;)

 

On the way off the base, I looked up at the National Ensign and it made me realize just how special we as American citizens are.

To be living in a land where kids can just... Be.

Play soccer in their front yards.

Where families can take a leisurely drive whereEVER.

~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~      ~     
I pray that 2011 continues to bring us many blessings as a nation.

That the war is kept off of our homeland.

And that we are reminded of those who have served in years past.

Those who serve today.

And those who will continue to serve in the future.

Giving us the ability to sleep soundly at night.

Ever have one of those weeks...

Sometimes...

We make mistakes.

Causing terrible, terrible, excruciating and agonizing pain.

Oftentimes.

We do some things that just outright HURT others.

Always.

We are human.

And... 

"To err is human, to forgive divine." ~ Alexander Pope

~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~

This week, I have hurt one person in particular.

I am so, so sorry.

SO sorry.

Like you would not believe.

Words will never be enough to seek your forgiveness.

But...

I have to tell you.

And...

I pray you are listening.

Because...

From the bottom of my heart...

and my soul...

I...

Am...

Deeply...

Sorry.

Please forgive me.

If you cannot, I understand... however, know that I pray for you.

Daily.

* Bling Bling *

Those of you who have been reading my posts and blogs know that I have been running a lot lately.  Started a few months ago and am ready to ramp up for my first half marathon... well, first and second. Running my first one in Phoenix, Arizona (Rock and Roll Marathon) and then one in Hanford, California (just 20 miles east of here).  More on that soon...

First, funny story on this foot medal you see pictured here...

This is my youngest brother Ruben.  The short, frumpy one on the left. No... left as YOU LOOK at the pic.

One year when I was home on leave (back in Wyoming), I was visiting for two days (hmmm... starting to notice a pattern of short visits) and there was a foot race at Bi-Centennial Park by my parent's house, I was going for a morning run and happened to catch the race JUST before it started.  I remember I ran down to the end of the street, saw a large crowd at the park, jogged up there, saw it was a race and asked what I needed to do to sign up then "BANG!"  Gun went off.  They said it was $20.00 and I, luckily, had that in my armband.  Slapped it on the table and took off as they were yelling at me to fill out the forms... I said "see ya' on the back side!"  So I grabbed a number, pinned it on as I was running and after the race I signed up and... I won a FOOT!  Can't remember what my time was (it was only a 5K) but still, y'know?  Ended up taking first place for my age group. Sweeeeet.

Oh, and the best part, my kids LOVED it because at their school, they earn little, plastic feet for periodic "fun runs" they do.  Imagine the look on their faces when they saw my CHROME, shiny "bling, bling!" as Briana and Logan said... "daddy, you have some maaaad skittles!"

:)

{ listening to a song called What's My Name by Rihanna & Drake... LOVE this song because it reminds me of Briana. I always sing it to her as... "Briiiiiana, what's your name... Briiiiiana, what's your name... Briiiiiana, what's your name..." then yesterday, she came back with "hey daaaady, you're so lame... hey daaaady, you're so lame... hey daaaady, you've got no game..." and I was like... "uhhh" (Logan in the background... hand up to his mouth... "oooooh! you got tooooold!" - sorry, just a random thought}

Back to the half marathons...

FIRST ONE:

Rock and Roll Marathon (Phoenix, Arizona):  From what I have gathered, it is a great time.  Even better for those who drink!  I'll stick to my Powerade and almonds.  I know.  SUCH a rebel.  They have live bands at each mile marker.  People cheering you along the way, cameras taping you and capturing your "magic moments."  And this thought...

All I can think about is the time I was running with my recruits one year as a Navy boot camp drill instructor and I was leading the pack, yelling "COME ON RECRUITS! DANG IT!  I AM TWICE YOUR AGE AND CAN RUN CIRCLES AROUND YOU!!!" Then, walking away in pure DISGUST!  "Sheesh.!" Taking one step into the nearest building, slamming the door (for dramatic purposes, of course) then... GASPING for air!  "WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE NEAREST WATER FOUNTAIN?!"  "GAAAAAAASP!"  I was DYING!  But... shhhhh, our secret.  ;)

So, aaaaaanywaaaaayyyy, here I am thinking...  "Okay.  I'll be running a little over 13 miles.  Cameras everywhere.  Great.  HOW in the world am I going to keep my game face ON?!"  All I know is that they had BEST not get in my way at the end.  I'll be looking for the nearest fountain... that is, AFTER I take that final pic at the finish where it will look as if I JUST started... riiiiiiight!  With MY luck, they'll publish the one where I'll be throwing up, curbside near the middle somewhere.  "Oh!  WAIT!  Come on man!  Hey man!  Hey Man!  I'll PAY you to destroy that shot!"

Registration on this one was around $125.00 plus round-trip airfare from LA to Phoenix, gas to LA and back, lodging, food, etc.  BUT, the fact that I walk away with some bling, bling... PRICELESS.

SECOND ONE:

Half Marathon (Hanford, California):  This one is very close to the base.  Much safer two.  Already scoped out the nearest hospitals and there are three within a 10 mile radius.

Registered today.  It was around $50.00... MUCH cheaper than the Phoenix half!

So, all this, just to say...

PROs:

1.  More energy.
2.  Travel.
3.  New friendships.
4.  Memories with family.
5.  Setting an example for others.
6.  Running for charity.
7.  Live long. And prosper. (for all you Trekies)
8.  Cool t-shirts, beanies...
9.  Bling Bling...

Aaaand we just won't go there now, will we.

CONs:

Come on! Really?!
Here is a link for those of you who Just. Do. NOT. GET it.

{ some people just DO NOT get it }