Curiousity

As mentioned, today was a long day. Not just hour wise, but in terms of constant reshuffling of priorities, rushing to "critical" incidents that actually weren't, dealing with phone calls and emails and other "I need this now" and the like. Fortunately, I survived it all and made it home to a loving family who made me feel peaceful again.

Somehow in the middle of this, a thought came to mind - with the current situation in the world and out nation.

I wonder if this is the same way that the Roman Legions felt during the time of bread and circuses... the samurai during the Meiji "restoration"... or certain Native tribes when their supposed leaders bartered lands and rights away.

To be there, knowing that the world and rules you had lived by were being swept away, and unable to do much more than watch and hope to tread water through it all. To be faced daily with more and more changes, and wondering when the storm would end.

It's enough to make you wonder.

Ugh

Woke up at 0330 and couldn't get back to sleep, with a twelve hour day working planned. This will be a pleasant day.

That had to sting

Today my defendant in court learned the valuable lesson that your attitude during the stop directly affects the amount of the fine the judge chooses to put on your conviction... Wonder if it will make him nicer to the next officer who stops him.

Veteran's Day

I've been tired, cold, miserable, scared, hot, muddy, wet, sandy, half-deaf, broke, and wondering what I got myself into.

I've also been around the world, done things I'd only seen in movies, and proud to call friends and comrades some of the most incredible people you can imagine. I've seen the best and worst of humanity and this nation.

It's changed my life both mentally, emotionally, and physically - some good, some bad. But I will carry those years of service forever. They quite literally shaped who I have become.

To those who have served, or are still serving - thank you. No matter what the job you did, whether you did a few years or a lifetime, only those who have been there understand the price.

Thanks.

A bit more for Tam

OK, once more on this.

As mentioned yesterday, blogmother Tam is having a bit of a health issue, and the community has decided to raise some funds for her. As an incentive, many people are also throwing some things into the donation mix to go along with it.

So - having thought about it, I need to pony up as well.

Added to the list are the following:

Ten Magpul 30-round PMags (winner can choose between tan or green).

One Emerson CQC-7 Mini pocketknife

OldNFO is currently coordinating the giveaway stuff, but $25 gets you an entry for either or any of the other prizes.

Back in the World

Yeah... kind of a prolonged absence. School. Election season. Big storm. Hours of overtime. So, writing on here kind of took a back seat for the past two months - hope you all understand.

But, now things have calmed down a bit, so let's see if I can pull the bottle of scotch away from my muse who has been sulking in the closet...

I'll save the political musings and grumblings - right now I'm just happy it's over & I think we're all in for a rough ride ahead. The international situation is only getting worse, and I'd expect more of that to trickle our way in the next couple of years.

I'm fortunate to have a good job, decent health, and my family is safe. That's better than a lot have, so I'm grateful.

Speaking of grace - Tam over at View From the Porch is having a bit of a health issue, and could use a hand with things. If you haven't yet, please drop by her site & drop a tip off - every little bit helps. There are a few folks (OldNFO, LawDog) etc doing a raffle for things connected to it, so you can speak with them as well. As for me, I just threw in because it's the right thing to do, so no raffles or offers from here. Either way, please help the nice lady in need.