ASTAK ACTIONPRO CM-7200!!!

Got it in the mail for $125 out the door.
I should've listened when Jr. said to buy the $115 out the door, but oh well.
The chest mount works great (after a little fiddling), and all of the mounts and the extra batteries I got work as well, so I'm glad it's not a lemon.
170-degree viewing for super wide-angle stuff, but we'll see if I end up taking it on any long trips...
Might need to get a super-small case for it...

The waterproof housing shows its worth in how HARD it is to open the case, meaning that there's no way it's gonna come undone by itself.

Thinking about putting one of the 3M mounts on the end of my electric guitar, but we'll see...

Also thinking about selling one of my 2 extra batteries on the eBay, so we'll see if I end up needing the third battery, even w/ a 32GB MicroSD card that's on the way...

Already turned in the Salinas City App. last Friday (?), and planning on turning in the Santa Rita App. mañana.

Had a fun second time/team around w/ Jr., Jamie, Alyssa, and Wayne/Jenny.

Thought about fishing the Merced tomorrow w/ the Bob but it's a little too late...

Sickness, Airshow, Birthday, Red Egg/Ginger, G-Men, Hired, etc.........

It's been quite a busy day/week/month!

I got sick (had a 103-degree fever) and got wiped out for a week.

Got interviewed to be a substitute teacher and just signed the paperwork yesterday! I can now sub in any elem. school in my local school district! WOOHOO!

Also, ~10 minutes ago, the SF Giants clinched the NL WEST!
Repeat of 2010 coming up next!

Just got back fr/ my cousin's red egg/ginger party for their new daughter, and had some gooooooood fooooood! Also, found out their other daughter (my second cousin, ~4-5 years old) watches my YouTube videos! Freakin' AWESOME!!! I've gotta give her (and them) a shoutout in my next video!

Also, the California International Airshow is happening, and I saw probably THE best show by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds that I've ever seen. Their timing (especially in sync with the music) was AMAZING! There were really no lulls in the action, and everything was on point. 'Twas a great show! Tucker was amazing as usual, and The Patriots were great as well!

Jr.'s bday is officially today, so I hope he'll have many hours of fun playing TORCHLIGHT 2 (which just came out on the 20th, 2 days ago!)!

Life is pretty good right now. I've gotta take care of myself.
Your health is YOUR life. You're the one in charge. Take care of your body.
It's the only one you've got. Make good decisions. Do it right!

RICA: the end of the Beginning: 3:

So I took the RICA tonight...er, last night. It's currently 2:28 a.m.

It was hard. 4 hours of straight up staring at a computer screen and frying my brain.
But it was fun.
It showed me how much I know, and how much I need to learn.
(Those RICA test booklets are like a map. It's a straight-up reading troubleshooting guide, with tips included!)

I told the lady at the front desk I hope I never see her again; in a good way.
If I never see her again it means I passed. We'll see.

I meet my co-teacher tomorrow. We're doing this 3rd grade thing together.
Her mother just passed away this last Sunday.
2012 has been crayzee. Full of death, change, renewal...
I just hope I don't say the wrong thing...it's gonna be an interesting semester.

By the end I should be out in the real world, a world I've actually never stepped into.
I've never had a straight up job.

|| I've never been that guy. . .

I just watched a video about things kids my age (and really everyone) struggle with.
Who am I? Am I worth something? Will I ever find that someone? Do people even notice me?
What is true worth? True love?
How can you stay true to yourself?

Life could be great. I could be great.
There's a Purina commercial with Tony Rogers' song "Great."
I took the chorus as one for the 2 legged peeps.

I could be great. Life could be great. Do things that make you feel alive.
Don't do the same 'ol same 'ol.

Clichés can be abused, but many ring true. 


Don't look back and say what could have been. Do it now. In the moment.

Yeah, this stuff's all cheezeeey, and when I read this stuff on Facebook I keep scrolling.

But right now it makes sense. Think about it. If you're living it, then great.
If you're not, think about why you aren't.

Think about change. Can you change yourself? Have you tried? It usually doesn't work.
We all need help. No one gets anywhere alone.

I want to make sure I'm right. I'm right. All you have to do is walk on this side of the fence.

What if: the sand is softer on the other side?

Or what if: this stuff makes us stronger?

A Tragic Easter Morning: April 8, 2012

The following is my account of the happenings on the morning of April 8, 2012. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to George's family, whom my family has known for longer than I have been on this earth. 


Saturday, April 7th, 2012: 

1806: George calls my brother Henry Jr. up Saturday night (last night, April 7th) and tells us he'll be in town to give us rides in his aerobatic Extra 300 plane. Jr. agrees to meet him at the airport and for me to fly at 0730 and Jr. at 0800 hours.

Sunday, April 8th, 2012 (Easter Morning):


0715: We (Jr. and I) arrive at the airport, but we don't see Jer's truck, and we don't see or hear George's plane, but we think that he and Jer are already in the air. We don't hear any planes, but figure that they were probably high in the sky just to keep a safe distance above the ground to do aerobatics.

~0730: We see Jer go by in his truck, and jog out there to see what's up. Jer says that he thinks George crashed, and that he saw George go down. George was doing aerobatics way off in the distance, and Jer saw him go into a spiral. He disappeared below the mountain level and then he heard a "thud," and was like, "Oh my gosh, I think he just crashed!" He said that he thought he heard an engine, not believing that George had crashed, and strained his eyes to see if the plane had come out of the spiral, but he never saw it come out. He talked to a refueler guy and asked him to turn to the emergency frequency.

After hearing nothing to indicate a crash, he calls the tower, and the guy in the tower says that the Sheriff's Department has said there's been a crash. The guy in the tower cites a "Visalia" road as the possible crash site, so Jer leaves the tower, and goes out the gate, where he meets us.

~0745: We talk to Jer, and Jer says, "I think he's gone." It was one of the most surreal and somber moments in my life, and it didn't really hit me that George had crashed. Jer had tears in his eyes when he said it, and I still couldn't believe or really understand what had happened. He relays how he came to find out, then says that he's going to go try to find the crash site, and we (Jr. and I) decide to hop in the truck.

~0750 to ~0845: Jer, Jr. and I search and search for Visalia Road, calling Brian and my dad to have them Google Visalia road, but none existed. We tried the tower and the airport, but could not reach anyone. We passed some dense smoke on our search, but Jer thought it was too dense and too white of a color to be smoke from an airplane, citing that there would not be much smoke or fire from that type of aircraft. After turning around, we decide to investigate the smoke. As it turns out, it was indeed a controlled burn.

After running out of options, we decide to stop on Llentrah Road, off of the 101, and try to reach the tower one last time. If we did not, we decided we'd just head back to the airport. After trying and still not getting anyone on the line (in addition to the line being busy the several times we tried to contact the tower), we just happen to see a large fire truck (larger than the typical "big" fire truck) go by. (This was definitely the timing and hand of God, Who led us there to be there at that moment.) Jer decides to follow the fire truck, musing that it was going to the crash site. (He jokingly remembers that it's illegal to follow a fire truck, but later adds that the stipulation may be that if the fire engine has its lights flashing, it's illegal to follow closely behind the fire engine, with the intention of making all of the lights.) So we follow the fire engine, and it makes a left onto Alabaz from Lasila, and then a left on Stold Age Road. It then makes a left into a road marked "Private Road, No Trespassing," and stops. Jer stops a little behind the fire engine.

~0845: The fire guys get out, and one of them asks us if he can help us. We tell him that we think our friend had crashed, and that we were hoping they were going to the crash site. He tells us, "Hold on," then talks to some of the other officials there. Two Sheriff's Department officers and what turns out to be the coroner ask us what's going on. We tell him we think our friend just crashed, and that we've been looking and looking, trying to find the site, and that we were slotted to take rides with him at 7:00, 7:30, and 8:00. We tell them his (George's name), and they confirm that there were no survivors.

At this point it finally hits me that he's gone, and the tears start to flow. It finally hit me. It was painfully uncool and surreal.

0857: I call Pastor's cell phone, but received no answer.

0858: I call Pastor's home phone, and Sister Judy picks up. I ask to speak with Pastor, but she says that he's already at the church. She asks what's wrong, hearing the strain in my voice. I pretty much break down as I tell her we're pretty sure George has had a fatal crash, and that I feel like it'd be best if she and Pastor could go down to Lyn's house to break the news to her.

~0930: Pastor heads out to try to find us, but doesn't have a cell phone, so he ends up driving up and down Lasila trying to find us and the wreckage. He finally goes back to the airport to phone me and get directions.

Meanwhile, Judy has picked Lyn up, and I give them directions to the crash site.

~0950 - 1000: Sister Lyn, Sister Judy, and Pastor arrive at the scene.

~1100: Steve, April and the girls arrive.

~1130: George Senior arrives.

1145: Jer, Jr., and I leave the scene of the crash.



_______________

It all still seems unbelievable right now. I was thinking that if I was in that plane when it went down, it wouldn't be so bad in the sense that it's always worse for those who are left behind. In other words, if I had gone down, that would have been it.
I was in an automobile crash once where this guy pulled out in front of me and I hit the guy, and then about 2 seconds later I reacted, and said, "Oh my gosh!" It happens that fast. I might've had a little time to think or say something or anything had I been in the plane, but there's just a thud and it's all over. But it's always worse for those left behind.

If I had been the one with George, it would have been a thud, and that would've been the end. Once you're done, you're done. But if my brother or Jer had been the one in there, then it would have been far worse than it already is.

I guess I'm trying to say that whenever something like this happens, you're always left wondering, why am I still here? That so could've been me. That's what Jer said. "I'm just thinking that that could've been me." Am I ready to go? Would I have been ready to go?

All of our lives impact others' lives, no matter how large or small those impacts may be. We all cause ripples. We are all connected in some way, shape, or form.

______________

George grew up with me, my family and friends in our church and school. He was inspired by Steve (after flying in an expensive flight simulator) to be a pilot. He miraculously and with God's guiding hand achieved his dream (by passing test after test and exam after exam) by getting to fly the Harrier Jumpjet after going through flight school. (Just being able to fly jets was a miracle in itself, as there are so many factors that go into who gets to fly what in the Marines. He could have been chosen to fly helicopters, or cargo planes, or...but no, he got his dream to fly military jets.)

His dream was to be a Blue Angel, and I and many others had remarked that we had thought that God was going to pave the way straight for George to go right on through to the Blues.

This is still so much of a shock. Please, dear reader, keep all of us in your prayers as we move through this difficult time.

Remember that eternity is one moment, one second away. Love like there's no tomorrow.
There may be no tomorrow - for you or your loved one.

I will end this post with a post from Jer's Facebook:


"Love your family like there's no tomorrow, because we are not promised tomorrow. I feel God's grace...God's mercy, like never before. I was supposed to go up next for an aerobatic airplane ride with a good friend. I watched as the plane spun, then disappeared from site, then I heard a very loud thud. It was all over, I couldn't believe it. Shock, sorrow, and disbelief, in the extreme, is how I feel right now. 
My friends and family on facebook, Please, please, make sure right now, that your heart is right with God. Our lives are so fragile, and eternity is so close. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved." -Jeremey S. -4.8.12

Moco Coco (the Serve and Protect kind)

So I'm driving down Lasila on the South side and I'm halfway through the red. To my left I see it turn green as I'm in the middle of the intersection. I look in my rear view and what do I see?
Yep, copper en una Moco Coco.
I'm like, "I'm dead."
So he's like, "So what happened at the light back there?"
And I'm like, "Well, it turned yellow before I was ready to brake..."
*He asks for license and registration.*
& I'm like, "Y'know, I'm in training to be an elementary school teacher. Here's my placard, and since I just graduated with my BA, this car's a graduation present, so I'm not sure where my registration is. We're gonna register it in a couple weeks. It used to be my uncle's."
And he's like, "So your uncle knows you have it? You didn't steal it or nothin' like that?"
I lol.
"You know it's $500 for running a red?
"Yeah, I know, and I'm sorry."
"When did you graduate?"
"Last Fall."
"Ok then. Here's your graduation present." *Hands back my license & registration*
"Thank you! What's your name, sir?"
"Officer R."
"Thank you sir!"
______________
Sweeeeeeeet. But really, saving maybe 30 seconds isn't worth a $500 fine.
Leave early and don't be in a rush. If you're late, you're late. Being late (usually) won't cost you $500.

Quick Update: 2.5.2012

The NY Giants won the Super Bowl today.

I've been in Kindergarten for a month now (4 weeks) and have learned a lot. I've learned that I've got a LOT to learn about teaching. Timing, time-management, pacing, discipline, class management, etc.
The last one mentioned has been the hardest, as I'm often unable to keep 100% of the students' attention for 100% of the time, which is what you're aiming for (however unrealistic it may seem). I've been evaluated formally once thus far, and that was one of the things that I didn't do too well. "It's your job to keep the students engaged!" - (Thanks Marilyn!)

In other news, I started another violin student (Alex), and made a (I think) good impression. He's got a lot of bad habits to break, but I think he's got a lot of potential, and looks (from the first lesson) like a quick learner. He's got a pretty good ear, and just needs to clean up bad habits and practice correctly. Susan once said, "I'm teaching you how to practice," and that's one quote I've used many times, and I think it applies heavily in the realm of music. The teacher is not going to be there for the other 6 days of practicing, and thus the student needs to form good, wholesome practicing techniques (supplied by the teacher) to progress. The teacher (in my opinion of this type of personalized music instruction) is there to correct bad habits and ensure correct practicing techniques are being applied. ($32/hour...I should probably increase my rates... : / )

I'm doing a lot more reading in the credential program than I ever did in college. The classes are pretty intense.

I'm feeling a little sick today (probably due to my recent exposure to the newest forms of bacteria and germs emanating from 28 kindergarten students). I'm going to bed.

~K

The Opening

I left my window open
Was it the same over there?
It's been fun.
The snatches and glimpses.

I still don't know you.
Probably never will.
Thanks for being an inspiration.
The Benjamins are rolling in!

I opened the door. You were grateful.
That's how history began.
Lights was the beginning.
Then came the kulture.

All this time. It's been a game.
If school is a game, I've almost won.
Next up: the Bonus Round!
Do I get extra points?!

You wanted to!
You wanted to!
The angels didn't deserve to die
They weren't angels at all.

My suicide is a calculated one.
It's one where I die to live.
Don't live to die.

1 John

1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Life Lesson #2: Friends

Apparently, it's better to have less or no friends than "bad" friends. The old adage says that bad company corrupts good morals. I'd say that this is also true for the Christian's choice between the narrow or the broad path. Different friends will give you different inputs into how life should be lived, and each will sway you this or that way into which path you should or ought to choose, but ultimately YOU are the one in charge of your life. This is your life, and there's no one to blame but yourself when the end comes and God judges you.
Also, it's okay to have acquaintances who are not of God with whom you can have recreational activities, but draw the line at fellowship. 


"What relationship does light have with darkness, or darkness with light?"
I've seen enough in the short time I've lived to see others led astray through these friends. I just hope that desperation does not lead to death.
~KL

Dares

I dare you to be free.
I dare you to be holy.
I dare you to live life unto Him.
I dare you to love.
I dare you to be pure.
As none I see exist.
I dare you to swim against the tide.
To strive after that priceless pearl.
To run through that extra mile
That is never crowded.
I dare you to live as though you had one shot, and only one left, in the chamber.
One shot at this is where you stand.
I dare you to be you.
I dare you to be more than your fathers; more than the sins of your fathers.
Who will stay the gap?
Who will answer her call?
Bring me to life.
Bring us to life.

I don't know why...

I'm not sure why
This feels like it does
It's not how I
Had seen it in retrospect

Do they really matter?
Does anyone see?
Or perhaps just to get by
Is what is in tune

'Cuz right about now
It feels like I'm done
Like this one is gone
And I'm ready t'for break

Just to get by
Is that good enough?
To find someone here
Who's honestly true?

It's almost over
And then I'll be free
But as of right now
My future will look
Back at my past
And know there's so much to see
Before it's over the edge

To do well is good
To try and pass
Is this the question
That I'm asking...
Is passing good...enough?

Less Than Three

What is less than three?
Can there be two?
Can there be one?
Can the sun reflect in more ways than one?

When I wrote to you
Indeed I knew
that two is a crowd
But one is too loud

i'M lOCKED uP
tHE dAYS oF oLD
aRE yET uNTOLD

aND yET, yOU aRE sTILL hERE
oN tHE tHIRD aND tHE fIFTH
aT tEN aNTE
mERIDIEM

Oh how the sun proves
the Shadows
or do the Shadows prove the sun(shine)?
or perhaps reflections
Are only one and out

Less than three.
Is between Hope and Faith.
Is between the sky and the Hell
Is between you and me
YOU are
Less than three.