Finally had the chance to go shooting on Friday, after a three-month break due to the surgery & work timing of everything... Just a few magazines through each of the work guns, all I was working on was the fundamentals - no moving, malfunction drills or any of that. Taking the time to reinforce the basics after the break, since dry-firing only does so much.
Actually didn't do that bad either. Rifle was dead on where I wanted, which wasn't too shocking - I was working at 50 yards and in, and the hand surgery really doesn't affect what I do with a long gun. Still a nice feeling.
Pistol up close was good - nice tight groups. My grip is a bit different than it used to be, since my little finger doesn't have quite the strength it used to & I need to work on that, particularly with the larger calibers. Out at the 25 things opened up a bit more than I wanted - about 12-16" groups standing & kneeling. Still shooting "minute of bad guy" but I know I can do better.
So, still feel comfortable enough to do the job if I have to, but I know what to concentrate on the next few go arounds. I have an academy class coming up to teach the week after next so I should get some practice time in then & will see if things improve.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Those Tender Moments
As some folks may have gathered over time, we don't do so much with holidays around here. Anniversary, birthdays, etc - sure... but the "Hallmark Holidays" as we call them, not so much. My wife & I just don't end up getting wrapped around a manufactured excuse for spending money (which I do just fine WITHOUT an excuse anyways) or pretending to care about someone. So they tend to sneak up on us at times.
Case in point would be Valentine's Day yet again. Last night before getting set for bed, as we discuss tentative weekend plans (as we are both still getting somewhat used to me actually being off on weekends and caring what day of the week it is,) I ask her if there is anything special she wanted to do for Valentine's.
Her response was a quick "Oh crap!" which took the load off my mind of not being the only one who had nothing prepared.
So after a few moment's discussion where we both agree neither of us needs or wants anything out of the ordinary she is still kind of annoyed at herself and I ask "Why?"
She replies that she's upset because she didn't help the kids get anything ready for me for the day.
Well, I can't help the smartass in me (I know, I'm horrible) and my response was "Sweety, I know that a lot of your family is from North Carolina and stuff, where getting your father/cousin a card is important, but really I don't want the kids getting me Valentine's Day stuff. It's kind of freaky!"
I won't share her response...
*Note to the family who reads this - just jokes people, just kidding!*
Case in point would be Valentine's Day yet again. Last night before getting set for bed, as we discuss tentative weekend plans (as we are both still getting somewhat used to me actually being off on weekends and caring what day of the week it is,) I ask her if there is anything special she wanted to do for Valentine's.
Her response was a quick "Oh crap!" which took the load off my mind of not being the only one who had nothing prepared.
So after a few moment's discussion where we both agree neither of us needs or wants anything out of the ordinary she is still kind of annoyed at herself and I ask "Why?"
She replies that she's upset because she didn't help the kids get anything ready for me for the day.
Well, I can't help the smartass in me (I know, I'm horrible) and my response was "Sweety, I know that a lot of your family is from North Carolina and stuff, where getting your father/cousin a card is important, but really I don't want the kids getting me Valentine's Day stuff. It's kind of freaky!"
I won't share her response...
*Note to the family who reads this - just jokes people, just kidding!*
Friday, February 13, 2009
Follow up to yesterday...
Just to follow up on yesterday's post with a well-written article link - for those who don't read my comments:
http://cops2point0.com/2009/02/13/social-media-vs-employer-2/
He covers the whole "higher standard vs. first amendment" subject pretty well I think.
http://cops2point0.com/2009/02/13/social-media-vs-employer-2/
He covers the whole "higher standard vs. first amendment" subject pretty well I think.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Stifling speech
First off, go read this article at Laginappe's Lair:
Folks, I really do try to avoid most of the political crap around here - there are lots who write it better than I do anyway. And there are a lot of stories I don't share, or details I change, out of respect for privacy and keeping my job details somewhat low-key.
But I will be damned if I live in a country where I am not ALLOWED to share my opinion, particularly off-duty. Particularly when it is in no way illegal, immoral or unethical.
They are just plain wrong on this one - I hope you agree.
The censorship nazis are at it again. This time, a 27 year veteran of the Iowa State Patrol has just been suspended for 30 days over an e-mail that he sent while off-duty and at home. According to KTEV:Then, please take a moment to drop a line with your thoughts to the Iowa State Patrol.
Folks, I really do try to avoid most of the political crap around here - there are lots who write it better than I do anyway. And there are a lot of stories I don't share, or details I change, out of respect for privacy and keeping my job details somewhat low-key.
But I will be damned if I live in a country where I am not ALLOWED to share my opinion, particularly off-duty. Particularly when it is in no way illegal, immoral or unethical.
They are just plain wrong on this one - I hope you agree.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Early night
Certifications went well today, although SOMEONE felt more like playing than working - not a big deal but we'll be taking some time later this week to refresh on some things together just to set my mind at ease. Think he was just in a mood with the nice weather.
Have to be up at 0430 for a job tomorrow, so it's an early bedtime. Just wanted to share the results.
Have to be up at 0430 for a job tomorrow, so it's an early bedtime. Just wanted to share the results.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Customer Lip-service
Well, it's been a month since the little Comcast service incident and customer service email referenced here...
Nope, not one more word heard. No follow-ups. No emails. No phone calls.
So - it's a nice gesture to surf the blogosphere & attempt to contact disgruntled folks talking about you.
But - if you don't follow up on it, you're more than wasting your time. You're pretty much showing that you don't care beyond making the gesture. I'm not a certified customer service expert or anything, but I do know that much.
Just something for folks to keep in mind when you're shopping for your providers in the future...
Nope, not one more word heard. No follow-ups. No emails. No phone calls.
So - it's a nice gesture to surf the blogosphere & attempt to contact disgruntled folks talking about you.
But - if you don't follow up on it, you're more than wasting your time. You're pretty much showing that you don't care beyond making the gesture. I'm not a certified customer service expert or anything, but I do know that much.
Just something for folks to keep in mind when you're shopping for your providers in the future...
Mixed stuff
Certifying with the dog tomorrow - did the first part on Friday and just finishing up. Amazing to think how much we've learned to work together already, even though of course it will take more time to truly gel. But yes, this week I can finally get out of the training mode & back to some work stuff again. I'd ask for luck, but I'm not worrying about it - he's very good at what he does, and I just have to let him do what he knows how & we will be fine!
Family is doing well - Kyleigh is feeling much better and the last doctor's visit was actually productive. Even sleeping through the night - now if she'd just sleep past 6am everyone would be thrilled, but I'll take what I can get.
Dealing with catching up on school stuff (as usual), paying bills & doing taxes this weekend. I'd ask for an administration post & just ignore the taxes, except we will get a return and I don't want to mess that up...
Got an email from an acquaintance last night. Who has "decided I want to buy a new rifle before they are banned again, what would you recommend?" *EYE ROLLS because this just snuck up on him....* Be that as it may - I've given him some product advice, explained that his budget needs to be increased due to the seller's market right now and all that. Now if anyone can recommend a good store in Texas (DFW area) that actually has stuff in stock so I can send him that way... I'd appreciate it.
T-t-t-that's all folks!
Family is doing well - Kyleigh is feeling much better and the last doctor's visit was actually productive. Even sleeping through the night - now if she'd just sleep past 6am everyone would be thrilled, but I'll take what I can get.
Dealing with catching up on school stuff (as usual), paying bills & doing taxes this weekend. I'd ask for an administration post & just ignore the taxes, except we will get a return and I don't want to mess that up...
Got an email from an acquaintance last night. Who has "decided I want to buy a new rifle before they are banned again, what would you recommend?" *EYE ROLLS because this just snuck up on him....* Be that as it may - I've given him some product advice, explained that his budget needs to be increased due to the seller's market right now and all that. Now if anyone can recommend a good store in Texas (DFW area) that actually has stuff in stock so I can send him that way... I'd appreciate it.
T-t-t-that's all folks!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Just a few random bits
Not enough on my mind for a full post, so just some random catch-up...
Did a few hours of overtime Sunday night looking for drunks (since my interest in football is just slightly lower than that of listening to a discussion of post-modern art conducted by mimes while I am on sedatives....) - nothing exciting, but I got to see some of the old shift for a bit & catch up on the happenings, plus write a few tickets for people who needed them. Unfortunately, no luck catching drunks, but I'll find more opportunities.
Cooked some good steaks the other night - the size that made you wonder if dinosaurs where really extinct, or just hiding. Plus fresh bread & veggies on the side, a great meal if I do say so myself! The whole brining thing is definitely worth the effort I have decided.
Kyleigh still can't figure out what nights she wants to sleep and which she will be fussy. Kind of catching up with us, but we have another doctor's appointment this week to look at things.
Other than that, it's just work & school & family stuff keeping us all busy.
Did a few hours of overtime Sunday night looking for drunks (since my interest in football is just slightly lower than that of listening to a discussion of post-modern art conducted by mimes while I am on sedatives....) - nothing exciting, but I got to see some of the old shift for a bit & catch up on the happenings, plus write a few tickets for people who needed them. Unfortunately, no luck catching drunks, but I'll find more opportunities.
Cooked some good steaks the other night - the size that made you wonder if dinosaurs where really extinct, or just hiding. Plus fresh bread & veggies on the side, a great meal if I do say so myself! The whole brining thing is definitely worth the effort I have decided.
Kyleigh still can't figure out what nights she wants to sleep and which she will be fussy. Kind of catching up with us, but we have another doctor's appointment this week to look at things.
Other than that, it's just work & school & family stuff keeping us all busy.
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