Laughing Wolf

Monday, November 26, 2007

I Am Here

Just a bit behind, particularly responding to e-mails and such.  I have finished a four-part series on the embed, and am now working on yet another major article and several smaller-but-important ones for Blackfive.  The public presentation on the trip has been finished and presented twice last week.  I do appreciate all the good wishes and thoughts, though I will note that while I will pass on the blanket but do send the spirits.  More soon,

LW

Does Anyone Know

Of a good compendium, pref. online and free, of grants/grant-giving agencies?  If not free, then moderately priced? 

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A Day To Give Thanks

I’ve posted part of what I have been thinking and feeling over at Blackfive, but there is so much more.  The last few weeks since my return have definitely been interesting in terms of the ancient curse.  A suicide, multiple car problems, work issues, various hits and slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.  It would be easy to dwell upon it, and some bad things that had happened before. 

But, I’ve been reminded by life that I have much for which to be thankful this year; and, that for all that which has happened that hurts, darkens, or just plain stumps, there is so much more that brings joy and pleasure, illuminates, and advances.  Often there is but the thinnest of lines between the two, and it takes so little to move one’s eye from the dark to the light. 

Today, I give thanks that I am here at home, watching the snow come down, the dog curled up nearby snoozing, and a nice meal ahead (I hope).  I give thanks that I do have a job, that I have opportunities for other jobs and/or additional work.  I give thanks that I have constructive outlets for my demons, and outlets for my light.  I give thanks at the wonders, beauty, and amazing things I have gotten to see this year.  I give thanks that I also saw terrible things, for they make me appreciate good things more.  I give thanks for the harmonious, interesting, powerful, stirring, and peaceful sounds I have heard.  I also give thanks for the noise, the scary, the heartrending, and the painful things I have heard, for hearing them lends appreciation to life.  I give thanks for the contrasts, for the reminders to grow, and all the other opportunities and labors this year. 

Most of all, I give thanks to good acquaintances and true friends.  I have been reminded how good some of you are, and have had my eyes opened to some who were there that I did not recognize.  For all that were less than they seemed, so many more have stood forward for being so much more. 

I could literally list blessings and give thanks all day, but for now I will go and do two things that celebrate them all.  I will go start the hardwood and hardwood charcoal so that I can begin roasting a turkey breast, so that Jenny and I can share a feast together.  The breast, along with some chicken, has brined (salt, brown sugar, vegetable stock, allspice, peppercorns, candied ginger) overnight, been washed, and awaits being stuffed with aromatics (apple, cinnamon, herbs, and more) and put on to smoke and roast.  There will be roasted sweet potato done as well, and once the turkey comes off, I will grill some chicken breasts, squash (balsamic vinegar marinade, coat with olive oil, steak seasoning), Iraqi rice (trying to recreate some I had in Iraq with spices and with a raisin and almond garnish), pickled beets, tree ripened olives, garlic stuffed olives, and maybe a bit more.  Add in some asagio cheese bread and European-style butter (screw the diet!), and I think Jenny and I will enjoy. 

As you celebrate, think of the blessings in the food and how they tie into so many more in our lives.  Think of the good, and most especially of the good people, and give thanks for all that is in our lives.

LW

Saturday, November 17, 2007

PTSD:  A Must Read

If you have served; if you have been LE or related; if you have a family member who has served; and, most especially, if you are friends with, significant other to, or otherwise connected emotionally with someone who has served, then GO READ THIS NOW. 

I would add that if you are one of the ones who thinks that someone with PTSD is broken, damaged, crippled, etc., then you really, really need to go read it:  they aren’t the one with the problem, you are.  Don’t believe me?  Then go read, follow the links, and think a bit. 

Git, and don’t come back until you have read it.

LW

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Correcting A Mistake

In life, we all make mistakes.  The mark of a Man, male or female, is what one does after the mistake. 

The last few weeks since my return have been stressful, hectic—frenetic even—and demanding.  There is more to come, and to those in Easy Company as well as the 1st of the 4th Marines, your stories are coming.  Suffice it to say that had I known half of what awaited, I would have stayed in Iraq (didn’t want to leave, but that is another post) even had it meant taking a job cleaning out port-a-potties by hand.  I have made mistakes, or have discovered past mistakes, in regards people, places, and things. 

One mistake, made for all the right reasons and with the best of intentions (yes, the road to Hell surely is paved with them), has been corrected. 

Jenny is home. 

LW

Sunday, November 04, 2007

What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up

About five years ago, I did one of these personal growth and assessment studies.  It was a good thing to do, and even a bit fun.  Some of the things to come out of it have helped lead to some of the things in my life now:  working with wolves, blogging here and at Blackfive, and a job where I get to work with people literally striving to heal people around the globe.  No, the process didn’t say go find a way to get into blogging; rather, it identified a need to generate opportunities and to encourage me to take them when they came up.  The key is that it identifies strengths and how to play into them; weaknesses and how to improve or circumvent them; and, identify and prioritize the need for change.

Well, five years has passed and it is time to do the exercise again.  This time, I thought it would be fun to see what you might have to contribute in terms of thoughts, suggestions, and perspectives.  I’m not going to bring in all the process and such, but here is where you can have some fun via your take on what you think I should do with my life.  One of the key things is that almost nothing is off the table.  All career and life choices, from being a professional dominant to becoming a zoo keeper to plugging along in the same career path are subject to consideration.  Please note that it is dominant and not dominatrix, as the almost nothings I have chosen are anything that involve gender change surgery (surgery/modification in general), anatomically impossible acts, or things that require a high-degree of coordination and dexterity since I lack the latter (in spades).  Open for consideration are radical career change, minor career change, relocation, and education. 

I have my previous list of strengths, weaknesses, and possibilities:  what are your takes on each?  Suggestions?  Have fun with it, and I will be doing the same.

LW

Project Valour-IT:  Auctions

It is the time of year for the Valour-IT fundraiser, and I have put up photos, space memorabilia, and even my last autographed Heinlein in the auctions.  Coming back from my embed, I was honored to be asked to help present some of these laptops to severely wounded troops, with humbling and intimidating being two words to describe this most remarkable and wonderful experience.  The difference these laptops make can not be overstated, so get over there and bid, or just go make a donation to TEAM ARMY!

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