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The main point of the trip down to the desolate wasteland of Beale AFB was to complete the AFCOMAC class. I have never worked so hard since I enlisted - I’ve worked hard but its never taken that much physical effort to get the job done. We were working on a gravel covered pad and it was a dusty dirty place. Every day I had a hard time figuring out what part of my skin was tanned and what part was covered with dirt. I took a photo of myself after work so you could see what I’m talking about.

Unfortunately you can’t see exactly how dirty I really was - I think the last time I was that dirty I was a little kid playing in the dirt at my grandma King’s house.

I did have a chance to visit Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World. Andy’s parents picked us up at Beale and took us down there and pretty much paid for the whole thing. It was a pretty sweet deal. I ended up loosing the money I had set aside for gambling but it was a calculated loss. I could either spend that money on booze and be bored or spend that money on gambling and get free drinks. All in all it was a wash.

You can check out all of the photos right here

Yeah, thats about all I’m going to write.

I took a trip yesterday to San Francisco and took a few photos while there. I had the opportunity to ride on the trams and have a “Full House” moment. The weather was freakin’ great so it was a very good day to go out there and see the sites. I’ve only uploaded the pictures you see below due to my extremely slow internet connection. While down on the wharf I had the chance to get some chowder in a sourdough bowl. All in all it was a fairly cool trip and I got to see some cool stuff. I’ll upload the rest of the pictures when I get back.

I’m working on uploading the rest of the photos, you can look here for them. It may be a few days/weeks before they all get uploaded but know that I’m working on it.

this is old but funny

I’ve heard the epic tales of the great In-n-out burger but I’ve never had the opportunity to take in the wonder that is a burger produced by this California based chain. Many have been unable to accurately describe the taste, the experience, and the delight of eating said burger. So, since I’m in California for another two weeks and Google graciously lists the locations of almost any business of note I quickly found that there was one right down the road. Well, it was 30 minutes down the road but I really didn’t care - 30 minutes down the road means the trip from my house to work or vice versa on a bad traffic day. Thirty minutes is a mere drop in the hat - pittance to pay for the opportunity to eat at the great In-n-out.

We easily found the eatery off of Hwy 65 in central California. It decor was reminiscent of a fifty eras diner and had relatively little extra accoutrements scattered about the establishment. In other words, it didn’t look like a garage sale vomited throughout the interior of the restaurant.

The menu was simple - so simple anyone could make a decision - there were almost too many choices

1. Double double - two hamburger patties and two slices of cheese
2. Cheeseburger - one hamburger patty and one slice of cheese
3. Hamburger - duh!

So how was it? The lettuce tasted crisp and fresh, the tomatoes were ripe and tasted like they were vine ripened. The meat was not overly cooked nor overly greasy - the balance was perfect. The best part was that I decided to eat a double double - two patties… mmmm…. burger….

Was it the greatest burger ever? probably not

Was the value for price off the chart? absolutely

Would I make this my first choice in my burger consumption needs should it be an option? absolutely

and now to the crappy part

My dad had a colectomy today - from what my sister said all went well. My sister and mother had a difficult day but that was to be expected. If I would have been there I would have had a difficult day. I’m sure I’ll have a hard time dealing with reality the first time I see him again. It doesn’t feel real unless its right in front of me.

I got to Beale AFB a few hours ago after a long drive. Its roughly an 11 hour trip but I broke it into two parts. On the way back I may try to do it all on one stretch. I did drive through some of the coolest scenery I’ve seen in a while but I didn’t have a whole lot of time to take it in as driving on curvy mountain highways while not paying attention can be hazardous to your health. The base is out in the middle of nowhere - and I mean the middle of nowhere. I understand why they said that you should make sure you have everything with you before you get here because its a trip to the base. From the front gate to the room where I’ll be staying its almost 10 miles.

I’ve got my camera with me… somewhere… so I’ll take pictures as I deem them necessary to take.

We’ve been down this road before and I’ve said it before but we’re traveling down it yet again (such is the failure in my life). The OC is the single most addictive show on television today.

The cliffhanger was INSANE!!

I will be somewhere sucking sand when the next season starts. This SUCKS!

I hate cliffhangers but I really like that show.

California he we come, right back where we started from.. California

I wasn’t aware the national ID act was going to the senate so soon. I read an article today about an “interesting” provision in the bill. Essentially the provision removes the judicial branch of government OUT of the loop and does not allow them to have judicial review over building some barriers between California and Mexico. The bad part, as the author states, is that if signed into law it creates a precedent where ANY law could bypass the judicial system. In other words, NO CHECKS OR BALANCES! I’ve said that the Patriot Act is a piece of crap… well, read more about this new flaming pile of dung here. I’m not sure if I’m willing to give up more freedom for safety…