Sunday, December 29, 2002

I had a great time at home with my family. I realized something, though. I think people tend to be more bad-tempered around their family than with anyone else, because one's family will take it and still love you, because one does not put forth any effort to be good-natured with one's family, and probably because of some other reasons, as well. I'm generalizing, of course, but I think we often just let go of our civilities for a little while around our family, sort of a mild version of hurting the ones we love. I say this because I notice myself behaving more slovenly around my family, and I think that's why - I relax everything because I can.

Sunday, December 22, 2002

Merry Christmas everyone! I love this time of year! I'll be out of town for the next several days, first to visit my grandparents in Des Moines and then on to St. Louis for a few days with my family before driving back here.

Friday, December 20, 2002

Ok, here's a really cool thing the Air Force is working on. Star Wars here we come! (The movie, not the defense program.)

I had a great time rock climbing today - so dangerous, so fun.

On a commercial for the box set of "Felicity's" first season, Felicity says, "You can never be ashamed of the truth." That is so blatantly wrong - if you've done something wrong, then you will and should be ashamed of the truth. But college (and television writers) is frequently like that, spouting ideas that seem so big and important and full of meaning but that cannot withstand the scrutiny of reason.

Wednesday, December 11, 2002

I'm back. The tax course was as exciting as the environmental law course, but before I knew nothing about tax while now I know something.

My trip to Virginia was wonderful! But now I'm extremely tired - especially after putting in a 12 hour day today.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm flying home to St. Louis today! Then it's off to the tax course in Montgomery. But then I'm visiting friends in Hampton, VA for a few days after the course! Yay! Anywho, I'll be back in two weeks.

Well, as it turns out environmental law is generally considered to be more complex than the Internal Revenue Code. I only pray that our primary environmental attorney never leaves or gets sick.

There are different paths to love: one can love through pity, through sympathy, through sorrow, through friendship, through joy, and more. What path we take is often a function of the relationship but can also determine the nature of the relationship.

Sunday, November 17, 2002

Today I'm flying back to Montgomery, AL, for an environmental law course at Maxwell AFB. It's a week long, so I'll be out of touch until I return next weekend.

Love will fade away if no effort is put forth by both people in love. Marriage is a commitment to always work to keep that love alive and growing.

Thursday, November 14, 2002

The Air Force does members' taxes for free, and the legal office runs the base tax program. Specifically, I run the base tax program. Also, I hate tax. Anything at all to do with tax. Nevertheless, I spent the whole day in Denver for tax software training. It was ok - not as dreadful as I feared. But I still hate tax. In fact, the more I have to do with the tax program the more I've come to believe that the income tax is completely unconstitutional. This opinion is in no way influenced by my close association with said hated income taxes and entirely based on a thoughtful legal analysis of the issue. I hate tax.

A good friend visited this weekend and left this morning. We had a great time doing the usual tourist things: Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, etc.

Also, this was my first Veterans Day as a military member. It was an odd and proud feeling, seeing celebrations honoring those who served in the Armed Forces.

Tuesday, November 5, 2002

The two cardinal rules of questions:  Never ask a question to which you do not want to know the answer; never ask a question you do not wish to be asked.

It was a beautiful funeral. My grandfather was pleased with it, even though he misses her terribly. Everyone in my family spoke, and we all grieved and mourned. Even though funerals are for the survivors, they have to be what the survivors think the deceased wanted. Otherwise, the result is jarring to those closest to the deceased, and it interrupts the grieving process, creating something else to regret along with all the things you wish you had said.

Wednesday, October 30, 2002

You know, she was a great grandma. I'm driving down to Sierra Vista, AZ, today for the funeral on Thursday. It's a 14 hour drive. I regret not telling her she made the best biscuits and gravy in the world.

Sunday, October 27, 2002

My grandmother on my mother's side died last night. We were expecting it in the spring, but some complications from surgery moved events along fairly quickly. She is our (mine and my sisters') first close relative to pass.

First snow of the year! Also, I'm down to just over 100 emails! If I haven't emailed yet, I probably will soon.

Sunday, October 20, 2002

My presentation to TJAG went well, and TJAG remembered me. Also, he wrote down one of my suggestions. As it turns out, he has funny stories.

As it turned out, my trial that was supposed to go tomorrow went today instead! I was a tad stressed. However, the judge said I did a great job so no harm no foul. I do need to give credit to a friend in the office for helping me prepare, though - thanks, Rob, I really appreciate it.

Monday, October 14, 2002

Thanks, Chris.

"The hardest thing in this world... is to live in it."  Buffy, The Gift, season 6 finale

Thursday, October 10, 2002

This week, nearly all personal matters were put on hold as I frantically prepared for trial and The Judge Advocate General's visit. (TJAG, a major general, is the head of the JAG Department in the Air Force, and he's visiting next week.) Also, I'm trying to cope with several new projects our eager new boss has handed to me. The good news is that I have a four day weekend since a friend is in town. (I took tomorrow off (that has added to the frenetic pace of this week), and Monday is a holiday.)

I'm still plowing through email, and I've saved all the personal ones for last because if I had read them beforehand, I would have been conversing with friends instead of going through all the emails. So, that's why I haven't responded to any of you.  In other news, I have my first court-martial as lead counsel. The date is set for October 16 - yes, that's next Wednesday - yikes!

Friday, October 4, 2002

I have a marijuana use case now, and I'll be arguing in court probably in mid-November. It's good to be back - I feel a lot more comfortable in the office and around my colleagues, so I guess JASOC was a success.

Sunday, September 29, 2002

I'm back in Colorado now. Wow, the last month of the course was amazingly busy. We each had to do basically 3 court-martials; mine went well, though, and I actually learned a lot.  I was also promoted to captain along with 16 of my classmates. I was unable to check my email the entire time I was gone, and as it turns out I have 1,466 emails waiting for me. I might not be able to respond for a little while.

The field trip was great. Highlights of interest to non-lawyers: F-15 air show, tour of Navy ships, meeting with Justice Kennedy of the Supreme Court, tour of the Pentagon, fine dining, meeting with friends. Also, I'm thinking about applying to be a fighter pilot. The downside is that I would be gone 6 months out of the year; the upside is that I would be a fighter pilot.

Saturday, August 10, 2002

Another week of tests and projects. We're flying to Langley AFB, VA, and Washington, DC, on Monday for a field trip.  We'll be gone all week. Should be a lot of fun - no tests or projects!

Here's how to tell the difference between Americanized Mexican restaurants and the real thing (not that Ameri-Mex restaurants are bad - I love them): American Mexican restaurants are always cold. Weird, huh?

Sunday, August 4, 2002

I flew to Langley AFB, VA, today, on a C-130 (military cargo plane with 4 props). A friend in my class is also a navigator, and he got me a seat on the airlift mission. It was just fly up there, drop off soldiers and supplies, and fly back, but I got to spend the 5 hours in the cockpit. It was pretty cool - I had my own headset, and I got to experience everything from the pre-flight checklist to the post-flight shutdown. The number 2 engine went out on the way back, which added a little excitement. Also, C-130s get pretty bumpy, and I learned to never, ever, no matter how badly I have to, try to relieve myself with the tiny pipe toilet during landing procedures. Good thing I was wearing BDUs. On another note, I'm considering applying to be a pilot; we'll see...

Ok, I can now update my page through general Internet access, but I'm still working on checking email. School is going well: I'm making friends and having a good time, apart from all the homework and papers and tests. I went to Destin, Florida this past weekend and had a lot of fun - amazing white sand beaches and only 2.5 hours away.

Wednesday, July 17, 2002

Time for another adventure, one with more good-byes than anything else at the moment, as I leave friends who will be gone when I return in October. I'll update this when I can, but it will be Sunday at the absolute earliest.

Sunday, July 14, 2002

Well, I leave for JASOC (Judge Advocate Staff Officer Course - military justice school) on Wednesday. It will last until the end of September - in Montgomery, AL. The last time I was there for officer training I didn't have email access, but I think I might this time.

"Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." - Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr.

Monday, July 8, 2002

Well, we had a great time in LA. It's not my favorite city, but I wouldn't mind going back to visit. Very good eating out there. Great weather; great shopping (I know - I never thought I would say it, either.). Thank you, Robin and Robin's mother, for having us!

Thursday, July 4, 2002

Happy Birthday, America!

Some friends and I decided to go to LA for the 4 day weekend, so I'll tell you about that upon my return. I've always disliked LA without ever actually having been there. And I hate it when people prejudge things. So, we'll see how it goes.

I went to a Renaissance festival this past Saturday, and it was fantastic! First, it was huge, and second, there were tons of weapons and costumes - that I could handle, play with, and try on! I got to pet and feed an elephant (I don't know why elephants were there, either.) I ate lots of tasty non-medieval snacks (oh come on - there was not Ye Olde Chocolate Covered Cheesecake on a Stick in the dark ages, so stop insisting there was). No midgets, though. Afterward we all went to The Golden Bee, which is this authentic English pub (actually imported from England) where a guy plays the piano, and everyone sings along - they even hand out song books! Great very long day.

Friday, June 28, 2002

My courts went well, especially my first direct examination of a witness! Yay! The first one, the court martial, was ok - I was pretty nervous, and I made a couple of mistakes (procedural, not substantive). The discharge board was fairly smooth, and I had a pretty good time in court. The judge said I did a good job, too. I believe justice was achieved in both cases. Thank you for your prayers.  Also, my boss' last day at Peterson AFB was today; he was promoted to colonel and transferred to a new assignment; Tuesday we will have a new boss.

Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Big week! I assisted in my first court martial today. It was a guilty plea for cocaine use, so not a lot of witnesses (guilty pleas are not contested, and the facts are typically agreed upon so there are not usually witnesses). I had a lot to say (announcing the legal authority for the proceeding, reading the charges and maximum punishment, making sure everyone was sworn in, swearing in the accused, etc.) and do (introducing exhibits (documents, evidence) into the record, handing them to the defense counsel and the judge). It turned out well for the government, and I can now list a court martial in my record.

Tomorrow I assist in my second discharge board (similar to but less formal than a court martial) for marijuana use, and I will be conducting my first direct (and probably redirect, which follows cross) examination of a witness! No doubt I will be extremely nervous tomorrow, but I'm all right now. Please pray for me and for justice.

Happy Birthday, Becky!

The highlights so far: we've driven up Pike's Peak, hiked and climbed at Garden of the Gods, gone white water rafting through the Royal Gorge, and eaten at many nifty restaurants. Good times.

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Welcome to Colorado Springs, Becky and Dave, my first visitors! Today we scampered around Pike's Peak - not the tallest peak in the lower 48 as it turns out. In fact, there are about a dozen peaks in Colorado taller than Pike's Peak, but Pike's Peak is the most accessible. Becky and Dave also brought with them a great gift from a good friend of mine:  Scott, thank you so much for the twin Chinese broadswords - I love them! I certainly appreciate all the trouble you went through to bring them back from China. Thank you.

Friday, June 14, 2002

Long but exciting week, meeting the top generals in the Air Force, the Secretary of the Air Force, and Newt Gingrich.

There was an incredible hail storm today. The hail was fairly large, powerful, and plentiful. I actually have bumps and bruises from the hail - trees were defoliated it was so intense - at the end of the storm, the ground white it looked like it had snowed. I really like interesting weather.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

This is a hectic time for me at work. All this week at Peterson AFB is a big 4 star generals conference (the largest in Air Force history actually), so all the 4 star generals (about 10 of them) plus a ton of 1, 2, and 3 star generals have been descending on the base since Saturday. I am in charge of coordinating greeters (various generals and colonels who greet the generals as they exit the plane), escorts and drivers for the generals, and baggage handlers for all the luggage. There are 5 of us, and it takes about two hours to prepare for about 5 minutes, but those 5 minutes must go flawlessly. It gets really crazy when several flights land within a few minutes of each other. It's exciting, though - today I met the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen Jumper -  and I doubt I will have many other opportunities to boss around colonels as a 1st lieutenant.

Tuesday, June 4, 2002

I went home this past weekend! I wish I could have seen more of you and more of those of you I did see. Still, I will be home again in July, and I wish to visit those I could not this time.
That said, Todd and Paulette, thank you for having me over. I regret that I could not share your company more, and I will visit as often as I am able.
Going home is so wonderful and sad, and it stirs such a powerful longing in me as little else does. Only God and Taylor inspire the same deep yearnings, the same beautiful and astonishing ache.

In other worlds, the hard drive transplant was successful, and I now have all my music and documents that were on my older, fitful machine.

Tuesday, May 28, 2002

When I think of Samuel Adams (the founding father, not the beer - darn their marketing department), I think of a wise and kindly statesman, but get a load of this stirring firebrand:

"If ye love wealth more than liberty, the tranquillity of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home and leave us in peace. We seek not your council, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; and may your chains set lightly upon you, and posterity forget that ye were our country men."  - Samuel Adams, 1776

Still the gas chamber video clips, now with that first one and my thanks to Charlie for hosting it.

It snowed today! No accumulation, but it was really coming down in huge wet flakes. I love Colorado!

Here are some video clips of me and others being gassed at officer training. Yes, they gassed us.

Tuesday, May 21, 2002

I'm teaching stick fighting to one of the boys in my apartment complex, and he is a really quick study. He learned the first double stick pattern in a week - usually that takes people a month to learn! (Admittedly, I did try an entirely new way of teaching, and he is 15 and picks things up more quickly than older people; but still...) I've given him a few new things to work on, and I can't wait to see his progress in a few days. I think in a couple of months, we'll really be able to have some fun - I'm so excited!

Sunday, May 19, 2002

I had a great time at the course! Charlottesville is such a bucolic, genteel town, and it is so verdant - I felt like I was back home in Missouri - I got a little homesick. Colorado is great, but it is arid, and with the altitude it tends to be sort of a brown state. Also, I actually enjoyed some of the classes, which is a rare experience for me. I met many of my colleagues, saw some sights, ate some great food, and saw Star Wars on opening night.  Great trip!

Ok, so I didn't have the pictures up when I posted the link (sorry about that), so due to popular demand, I will leave the link here for a few more days:  climbing pictures.

Tomorrow morning, I fly to Virginia to the Army JAG School for a one week law course. It should be fun, and I'll be able to visit a couple of friends, too.  Most likely I will not be able to update this page until I return next Saturday.

Big news: I was assigned to 2nd chair (assist in trying) an attempted murder case! I'm in the research and prepare to interview witnesses stage, but it will probably get pretty interesting in a couple weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Woohoo - here are a couple pictures of the rock formation I climbed. Spider-man is a great movie: very entertaining, a lot of fun. Finally, I went on a tour of NORAD on Monday. It is a very impressive feat of engineering. It's a whole military base (a small city) deep underground in Cheyenne Mountain, surrounded by thousands of feet of solid granite. I got to sit in the battle command chair, where the commander sits during an emergency. Very cool.

Saturday, May 4, 2002

Good news - I just received a new ribbon: the National Defense Ribbon, for service in the military during time of war. Yes, everyone else in the military right now also has one, but I'm still happy about it.  Also, my landlord just installed new carpeting in my apartment.

Hey, here's my official file photo.

Sunday, April 28, 2002

I conquered a mountain (or rock formation or big pile of rocks or whatever you want to call it) today! I went rock climbing at The Garden of the Gods and made it to the top of a sizable formation. I also took pictures, which I will post when they are developed.
Also, last week I had food poisoning and lost 6 pounds - not a diet plan that I would recommend, though.

Hey, I'm now settled in to my apartment, so it's back to regular updates! Here's the scoop so far: great job, great people, great apartment, great scenery, great area. I'm having a great time. Job: similar to a small law firm but with military things thrown in (weapons, planes, saluting, etc.); my office overlooks both the mountains (gorgeous) and the flight line (runway), so I see fighters and bombers and cargo planes and transports on a daily basis. Apartment: 2 bedroom/2 bath with a view of the mountains, new counters, new carpet, fireplace. I've already been hiking and climbing in the mountains three times. Ok, I'll give everyone a few days to read this, and then I'm serious - regular, new updates.

Sunday, March 17, 2002

Ok, so I didn't have Internet access after all. By and large I had a great time training. Sure, morning formation at 0445 was tough and cold; and ok, boot polishing got old; the classes were frequently boring; and I rarely got more than 4 hours of sleep a night. Still, I made many new friends, had a blast on the field exercises and obstacle course, and won the expert marksmanship ribbon. Tomorrow, I'm driving out to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, and I don't know when I'll be able to update this again - presumably more frequently than during training.

Sunday, February 10, 2002

I leave for my new adventure today, and I do not know how frequently I will be able to update this. Good-bye, my friends. Things change.

As my departure draws near, I find myself clinging ever more tightly to old familiarities. Family and friends, certainly, but that is to be expected. Now, though, I long to spend hours in a favorite book store, stroll up and down my street, or become engrossed in television reruns I've seen several times before. I am grasping at comforts, trying to savor them all and firmly fix them in my memory. Our past is the story of our lives, and we must know our own story.

Friday, February 1, 2002

Yesterday I discovered why the military always wears hats: cold heads due to unpleasantly short hair, which, regrettably, I now possess. On the bright side, I also have cool, shiny boots and a sharp, tailored blue jacket, among other nifty bits of gear.

Sunday, January 27, 2002

Finishing is easy; finishing well is the hard part.
I leave exactly two weeks from today on a great adventure; although I'm still at a loss as to whether this adventure should include one bedroom or two...
Also, Becky and Dave bought a house near where I currently live! Closing is set for early March. (Mom is pleased.)

Wednesday, January 23, 2002

I had a great time with Charlie and Tracey on Monday. Thanks, again, guys. You know, Quake III Arena is a darn fun game. We deathmatched on the original demo, and I was inspired to install the full version on my desktop at home. Whoo boy - it is better than I remember - primarily because for the first time I'm playing it on a machine that is worthy of the game. I only wish everyone could experience it in all its glory, just as I have.

Friday, January 18, 2002

Ok, I found out that I do not actually become a first lieutenant until February 10. Until then, I'm just property of the US government. Tomorrow, I'm getting my uniforms. Unfortunately, I'm also paying for them, because it is apparently a long standing tradition (since before the Civil War) that officers pay for their own uniforms, which, in this case, are just under $1,500.

Today, I was sworn in as an officer in the United States Air Force! For the next 6 months I will be a first lieutenant before receiving an automatic promotion to captain. It is now my sworn duty to defend the Constitution and country from all enemies, both domestic and foreign. As if they needed me to take an oath to do that. More good news - as it turns out, the Air Force does have a loan repayment program!

Sunday, January 6, 2002

Language limits us. These limits are necessary to communicate, since we are not mind readers, but the limitations are cumbersome at times. Is there a best language? Is there a language that allows for the most accurate communication? If so, is it so complex that it is virtually unusable? It does not seem to be a simple function of vocabulary - although that helps -  but also tenses, genders, variety of pronouns, etc. I suppose a linguist would be the one to ask.

Well, it looks like my nifty office sharing arrangement with a couple of attorneys downtown is coming to an end, since I accepted a short-term job with another firm. I was asked to come back to the Thompson-Coburn job that I working on in October and November. Good people, good pay, fine by me. I will miss my huge office, though - I mean, it is really big, bigger than all my friends' offices, bigger than some of my old boss' offices. I can actually practice martial arts in there! Big office, big desk, big comfy chair, really tiny pay. Sigh. I think I've been spoiled (except for that last part).
 
[This was the former introduction to my 2002 journal archives during 2002, now replaced with introduction to my 2003 archives] Hello, 2002! This year promises to usher in a new phase of my life. I joined the Air Force JAG Corps. in January, and after officer training, I'll be stationed in Colorado Springs for 2 years. At this point, I am still in St. Louis, and I'm a little depressed about leaving since I have a good life here. I love my family, friends, and this city, and I am sad to leave it all. However, I tend to enjoy wherever I happen to be, so I'm sure I'll have a good time once I get there. Still, big changes.