Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Day 33
Today was my first time putting on my dress blues as a Lieutenant. Our command had a formal meal at the air station's officer club. My blues don't fit quite as well as they did during training. Bummer.
Day 32
Tuesday was my first time watching President Obama address a joint session of congress. I thought he gave a good speech. He should have picked a different tie though.
Day 31
Monday was my first time using a roomba to clean my whole apartment. I've christened my roomba Stevie. It's kind of like having R2D2 vacuum your apartment. It's awesome.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Day 30
Last night was my first trip to Sun Dog at Neptune Beach.
I live about 10 minutes from Neptune Beach, and it's my normal stomping grounds but I'd just never been to this place before. Turns out they have good live music, cheap beer, and it's walking distance to the other good places at the beach. If a pub crawl were to be organized anytime soon, this would definitely rate a stop. I'm just saying.
I also played poker last night with some other JAG's, and busted out early. That, sadly, is not a new experience.
I live about 10 minutes from Neptune Beach, and it's my normal stomping grounds but I'd just never been to this place before. Turns out they have good live music, cheap beer, and it's walking distance to the other good places at the beach. If a pub crawl were to be organized anytime soon, this would definitely rate a stop. I'm just saying.
I also played poker last night with some other JAG's, and busted out early. That, sadly, is not a new experience.
Day 29
Friday night was my first time wetting-down to Lieutenant.
The wetting down is a tradition in the American Navy (and Royal Navy) from days of yore; typically, the newly promoted officer or officers will host a party paid for with their first raise at their new rank for all the other officers in their command. If you want to get really traditional, the newly promoted will also jump into the ocean or have salt water dumped on them. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetting-down)
We rented out Culhane's Irish Pub, and just about the whole command was there. There were nine of us who promoted recently, so we were able to throw a pretty good party with the combined funds. Toasts were made, karaoke was sung, inappropriate comments were heard; all the hallmarks of a good time. A Commander at the Air Station relayed a tradition the aviators have that I was onboard with but not enough others were, the Carrier Landing.
To execute a carrier landing, you pour beer all over the floor or a low, long table. Two people take a table cloth, roll it up into a cord, then strech it across one end of the surface. Then the officer making the landing runs for that surface and spreadeagles onto it, much like a slip and slide. As he slides face first across it, his feet catch the table cloth, much like a tailhook on a carrier.
We didn't do one last night, but I've got a lot of new experiences I have to rack up this year....
The wetting down is a tradition in the American Navy (and Royal Navy) from days of yore; typically, the newly promoted officer or officers will host a party paid for with their first raise at their new rank for all the other officers in their command. If you want to get really traditional, the newly promoted will also jump into the ocean or have salt water dumped on them. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetting-down)
We rented out Culhane's Irish Pub, and just about the whole command was there. There were nine of us who promoted recently, so we were able to throw a pretty good party with the combined funds. Toasts were made, karaoke was sung, inappropriate comments were heard; all the hallmarks of a good time. A Commander at the Air Station relayed a tradition the aviators have that I was onboard with but not enough others were, the Carrier Landing.
To execute a carrier landing, you pour beer all over the floor or a low, long table. Two people take a table cloth, roll it up into a cord, then strech it across one end of the surface. Then the officer making the landing runs for that surface and spreadeagles onto it, much like a slip and slide. As he slides face first across it, his feet catch the table cloth, much like a tailhook on a carrier.
We didn't do one last night, but I've got a lot of new experiences I have to rack up this year....
Day 28
Tonight was my first visit to Aromas, a cigar bar in Jacksonville.
It's nice and upscale, good addition to the Jax rotation.
http://www.aromascigars.com/
It's nice and upscale, good addition to the Jax rotation.
http://www.aromascigars.com/
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Day 27
I changed my first diaper on Wednesday night. Joey Hullihan was kind enough to participate for Lap 29 and let a complete diaper-changing novice get him situated. He's a trooper, and very forgiving for being one month old.
It was my mom's idea, not surprisingly. She and Joey's mom Jen Hullihan were completely entertained as Papa Jon showed me the ropes.
It was my mom's idea, not surprisingly. She and Joey's mom Jen Hullihan were completely entertained as Papa Jon showed me the ropes.
Day 26
Today was back to work after the long weekend. We went out to the beach for a walk, and went to a great little seafood place by the shore called Sliders. Pretty much whatever I'm doing in Jacksonville, you can talk me into fish and beer at Sliders. In any case, I ended up having key lime pie, which I realized was the first time I'd ordered it in Florida. It was high time, it's a florida specialty.
Maybe not a huge new experience. But then you haven't tried this pie.
Maybe not a huge new experience. But then you haven't tried this pie.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Day 25
The new experience for today was drinking from the Fountain of Youth.
Ponce de Leon was the first spanish explorer to come to the North American mainland, and he thought he'd found the fountain of youth near what is now St. Augustine, Florida. What he actually found was the future site of the cheesiest tourist trap this side of Wally World in National Lampoon Vacation. It's hard to put into words how overdone the site of Don Ponce's spring is, but it has a planetarium, they hand you the brackish tasting water in little plastic cups, and there are life-sized spanish soldiers strewn about the park.
After drinking our fountain of youth water, we proceeded to the Castillo of St. Augustine, the 350 year old Spanish Fort overlooking the harbor. It's a fantastic site run by the National Park Service, and gives a great look at the history of Florida. An exhibit there also explains in brief why Florida mattered in the first place:
If you're a Conquistador and you have a bunch of gold and spices that you want to take from Latin America back to Spain in the 16th or 17th century, you obviously have to take it on a sailing ship. And the way to get that ship across the Atlantic is to ride the gulfstream current, which begins between the Bahamas and Florida and shoots straight back across to Western Europe. So that means there will be a consistent flow of treasure laden Spanish ships sailing right by Florida. If you're a pirate or a foreign navy, it's not hard to decide where to attack. Whoever held Florida could defend access to the gulfstream, and the flow of Carribean commerce back to Europe. Hence, fortifications at St. Augustine, which the Spanish and the British fought over for more than a century
Ponce de Leon was the first spanish explorer to come to the North American mainland, and he thought he'd found the fountain of youth near what is now St. Augustine, Florida. What he actually found was the future site of the cheesiest tourist trap this side of Wally World in National Lampoon Vacation. It's hard to put into words how overdone the site of Don Ponce's spring is, but it has a planetarium, they hand you the brackish tasting water in little plastic cups, and there are life-sized spanish soldiers strewn about the park.
After drinking our fountain of youth water, we proceeded to the Castillo of St. Augustine, the 350 year old Spanish Fort overlooking the harbor. It's a fantastic site run by the National Park Service, and gives a great look at the history of Florida. An exhibit there also explains in brief why Florida mattered in the first place:
If you're a Conquistador and you have a bunch of gold and spices that you want to take from Latin America back to Spain in the 16th or 17th century, you obviously have to take it on a sailing ship. And the way to get that ship across the Atlantic is to ride the gulfstream current, which begins between the Bahamas and Florida and shoots straight back across to Western Europe. So that means there will be a consistent flow of treasure laden Spanish ships sailing right by Florida. If you're a pirate or a foreign navy, it's not hard to decide where to attack. Whoever held Florida could defend access to the gulfstream, and the flow of Carribean commerce back to Europe. Hence, fortifications at St. Augustine, which the Spanish and the British fought over for more than a century
Day 24
Today I went to my first civil war reenactment.
With mom in town, we decided to see Florida's largest civil war enactment this sunday, a recreation of the Battle of Olustee.
Held at the battlefield, about 35 miles west of jacksonville, we got a good sense we were in the rural south when we pulled up in the middle of the pine woods to the parking area, which was overflow parking for the Baker Correctional Institute. The prison guard who helped us park sounded and looked exactly as you'd imagine. We took a dilapidated old school bus to the battle site, and after watching the confederate soldiers march to battle and looking around the army's camp, we set off for the bleachers where we would watch 1500 people recreate the battle.
There were cavalry charges, cannon, infantry movements....the whole thing was pretty elaborate.
The Battle of Olustee was a battle between 5,000 soldiers on each side, and ended with the Union troops retreating back to Jacksonville. Both sides took heavy losses. We noticed it was not lost on the crowd who won the battle, and remarked that it felt a bit like being fans for the visiting team in the home team bleachers. After hearing reference to the War of Northern Aggression, I couldn't help but remark to mom that it could be called the War of Southern Miscalculation. I probably shouldn't have said that so loud.
For a description of the battle:
Incidentally, I wouldn't have even known to look for this battle if I hadn't seen it on the battle map in the interior of Grant's Tomb in New York when I went to visit in December. The whole thing was a great experience, and if you haven't been to one, GO!
With mom in town, we decided to see Florida's largest civil war enactment this sunday, a recreation of the Battle of Olustee.
Held at the battlefield, about 35 miles west of jacksonville, we got a good sense we were in the rural south when we pulled up in the middle of the pine woods to the parking area, which was overflow parking for the Baker Correctional Institute. The prison guard who helped us park sounded and looked exactly as you'd imagine. We took a dilapidated old school bus to the battle site, and after watching the confederate soldiers march to battle and looking around the army's camp, we set off for the bleachers where we would watch 1500 people recreate the battle.
There were cavalry charges, cannon, infantry movements....the whole thing was pretty elaborate.
The Battle of Olustee was a battle between 5,000 soldiers on each side, and ended with the Union troops retreating back to Jacksonville. Both sides took heavy losses. We noticed it was not lost on the crowd who won the battle, and remarked that it felt a bit like being fans for the visiting team in the home team bleachers. After hearing reference to the War of Northern Aggression, I couldn't help but remark to mom that it could be called the War of Southern Miscalculation. I probably shouldn't have said that so loud.
For a description of the battle:
Incidentally, I wouldn't have even known to look for this battle if I hadn't seen it on the battle map in the interior of Grant's Tomb in New York when I went to visit in December. The whole thing was a great experience, and if you haven't been to one, GO!
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Day 23
Today I saw the USAF Academy men's lacrosse team open the season against the University of Maryland. I watched the game with Tacoma friend Robby Holt, who's been transferred to Charleston and who played lacrosse at the usaf academy before he became a pilot.
There were several new things; watching lacrosse in jacksonville, seeing air force play (I actually watched maryland play once in college park), etc.
However, my favorite new experience was hearing someone boo extremely inappropriately.
The game benefitted wounded warrior, a charitable group for veterans. After they'd done the fairly somber ceremony afterwards for the veterans, the maryland coach accepted the award for his team winning the game. He started giving a speech about what an honor it was to play air force and to be a part of the game. The stadium was silent as he spoke. Then some big guy down front in the stands in an air force shirt all of a sudden cut through the silence, yelling "BOOOOOOOOOO....."
It was so out of context...not something you hear every day..
There were several new things; watching lacrosse in jacksonville, seeing air force play (I actually watched maryland play once in college park), etc.
However, my favorite new experience was hearing someone boo extremely inappropriately.
The game benefitted wounded warrior, a charitable group for veterans. After they'd done the fairly somber ceremony afterwards for the veterans, the maryland coach accepted the award for his team winning the game. He started giving a speech about what an honor it was to play air force and to be a part of the game. The stadium was silent as he spoke. Then some big guy down front in the stands in an air force shirt all of a sudden cut through the silence, yelling "BOOOOOOOOOO....."
It was so out of context...not something you hear every day..
Day 22
On Friday night, I heard a new way of being acquainted with someone.
I was at J. Alexander's, a restaurant in Jacksonville for a birthday dinner. I asked the woman sitting next to me how she knew the couple who were celebrating the wife's birthday. She responded, "i know the birthday girl from when she did my botox. We've been friends ever since."
Now THAT is a great Florida connection.
I was at J. Alexander's, a restaurant in Jacksonville for a birthday dinner. I asked the woman sitting next to me how she knew the couple who were celebrating the wife's birthday. She responded, "i know the birthday girl from when she did my botox. We've been friends ever since."
Now THAT is a great Florida connection.
Day 21
Today I saw someone who had ruined his life because of poor tax decisions. I see all sorts of new things at work with clients, but can't write anything about them in this space due to obvious attorney/client privilege concerns. However, it's safe for me to say I didn't think a young person could ruin their life by not paying taxes. Turns out you can.
Day 20
Today I went aboard the USS Doyle for the first time.
I was just there for a few hours doing legal stuff, which I do on ships in the basin from time to time. I mention the Doyle, because her namesake I found particularly interesting.
The Doyle is named after Vice Admiral James Doyle, an Annapolis grad early in the 20th century that went on to get a law degree at George Washington. After her became a lawyer, he continued as a surface warfare officer and eventually commanded the amphibious force at Inchon in Korea.
http://www.doyle.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History.aspx
Officers often serve on ships, then leave the navy and get a law degree. Or they get a law degree, and join the navy as JAGs (like me). I haven't heard of many combatant commanders like this with law degrees. BRQ must agree he's in good company with Oliver Cromwell.
I was just there for a few hours doing legal stuff, which I do on ships in the basin from time to time. I mention the Doyle, because her namesake I found particularly interesting.
The Doyle is named after Vice Admiral James Doyle, an Annapolis grad early in the 20th century that went on to get a law degree at George Washington. After her became a lawyer, he continued as a surface warfare officer and eventually commanded the amphibious force at Inchon in Korea.
http://www.doyle.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History.aspx
Officers often serve on ships, then leave the navy and get a law degree. Or they get a law degree, and join the navy as JAGs (like me). I haven't heard of many combatant commanders like this with law degrees. BRQ must agree he's in good company with Oliver Cromwell.
Tuesday, 10 February 2009
Day 19
Tonight I went to the university of north Florida for the first time. I went to attend a lecture on economic policy by Steven weisman, the economics chief correspondent for the new york times. Yes, I'm super cool.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Day 18
I went to my first hail and farewell where i wasn't being hailed.
It's a navy tradition of welcoming people to a command, and saying goodbye to those departing. It's sort of funny that I've been here long enough that I'm not the new guy anymore. I got to thank the petty officer who has run our tax center up in Georgia for how awesome she's been, so that was worth attending all by itself.
It's a navy tradition of welcoming people to a command, and saying goodbye to those departing. It's sort of funny that I've been here long enough that I'm not the new guy anymore. I got to thank the petty officer who has run our tax center up in Georgia for how awesome she's been, so that was worth attending all by itself.
Day 17
Two good new things Sunday:
1) I saw Frost/Nixon with Frank Langella and Michael Sheen.
Fantastic movie, for a variety of reasons, but mainly because both actors were superb. I thought I'd keep thinking of Langella's character from the movie 'Dave,' bad guy Bob Alexander, but I didn't really. Sheen was excellent as Tony Blair in 'The Queen,' and he was just as good in this very different role. Great film, and anyone who loves political theater should watch it.
2) Joined a soccer league in Jacksonville, and played a game for the Yellowcards last night. Had a great time, even if my soccer was a little rusty and not super-impressive. The highlight was meeting the people on the team; transplants from around the country (and Curacao), it was a great group who were very welcoming of a new player. Some may be new readers of Lap 29 now as well.
1) I saw Frost/Nixon with Frank Langella and Michael Sheen.
Fantastic movie, for a variety of reasons, but mainly because both actors were superb. I thought I'd keep thinking of Langella's character from the movie 'Dave,' bad guy Bob Alexander, but I didn't really. Sheen was excellent as Tony Blair in 'The Queen,' and he was just as good in this very different role. Great film, and anyone who loves political theater should watch it.
2) Joined a soccer league in Jacksonville, and played a game for the Yellowcards last night. Had a great time, even if my soccer was a little rusty and not super-impressive. The highlight was meeting the people on the team; transplants from around the country (and Curacao), it was a great group who were very welcoming of a new player. Some may be new readers of Lap 29 now as well.
Day 16
Getting chased by border collie mix into the ocean was my new experience
I was running on the beach Saturday late afternoon, getting in my 6 mile run per my training schedule for the Gate River Run next month. I see what looked like a border collie on a leash on the beach up ahead. Attached to the leash was its owner, a hippie looking girl in leggings and a tank top doing what looks like tai chi crossed with yoga crossed with ice dancing. It was weird.
The dog starts bristling and growling as I get closer, then all of a sudden it flips out and run straights at me snarling. The dog drags the she-hippie onto her face mid-leg kick, and she starts getting dragged across the sand, flailing away, by a dog that upon closer inspection is way bigger than a border collie. I decide that a sudden detour into the water is wise. The dog comes after me, but is slowed down by dragging his owner through the water, like a big hippie anchor.
I continued on my run without further incident.
I was running on the beach Saturday late afternoon, getting in my 6 mile run per my training schedule for the Gate River Run next month. I see what looked like a border collie on a leash on the beach up ahead. Attached to the leash was its owner, a hippie looking girl in leggings and a tank top doing what looks like tai chi crossed with yoga crossed with ice dancing. It was weird.
The dog starts bristling and growling as I get closer, then all of a sudden it flips out and run straights at me snarling. The dog drags the she-hippie onto her face mid-leg kick, and she starts getting dragged across the sand, flailing away, by a dog that upon closer inspection is way bigger than a border collie. I decide that a sudden detour into the water is wise. The dog comes after me, but is slowed down by dragging his owner through the water, like a big hippie anchor.
I continued on my run without further incident.
Saturday, 7 February 2009
Day 15
Friday night was my first time hanging out with ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
My coworker Roni invited me out to a jacksonville club with her college sorority sisters.
All alumnae of Florida A&M, their sorority recently conferred honorary membership to the First Lady of the United States.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2008/07/to_melodyakaaolcom_from_melody.html
Despite waiting outside in line for a club that ended up being full to capacity. It's too bad my dance moves weren't put to the test. Next time.
My coworker Roni invited me out to a jacksonville club with her college sorority sisters.
All alumnae of Florida A&M, their sorority recently conferred honorary membership to the First Lady of the United States.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2008/07/to_melodyakaaolcom_from_melody.html
Despite waiting outside in line for a club that ended up being full to capacity. It's too bad my dance moves weren't put to the test. Next time.
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Day 14
Today was small, but significant.
I had a Chipotle burrito with carnitas. Have you tried these?
Of course not. Familiar chicken or steak is there, so that's what you always get.
For years and years, chicken or steak, just like me. But tonight was different. Because I was a guy
who needed something to blog about, so I threw caution to the proverbial wind, and had a Chipotle with shredded pork. It was excellent, in a very different kind of way. Made the burrito taste more Mexican, if that makes sense.
For those of you expecting unicycling and snakehandling and nunchucks on this site (which are all in the pipeline, incidentally), I promise tomorrow will be a more interesting entry.
Roni knows what I'm talking about.
I had a Chipotle burrito with carnitas. Have you tried these?
Of course not. Familiar chicken or steak is there, so that's what you always get.
For years and years, chicken or steak, just like me. But tonight was different. Because I was a guy
who needed something to blog about, so I threw caution to the proverbial wind, and had a Chipotle with shredded pork. It was excellent, in a very different kind of way. Made the burrito taste more Mexican, if that makes sense.
For those of you expecting unicycling and snakehandling and nunchucks on this site (which are all in the pipeline, incidentally), I promise tomorrow will be a more interesting entry.
Roni knows what I'm talking about.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Day 13
Today I was running on the beach. I needed something new, so I went into the Atlantic Ocean a few feet. The first time I've been dumb enough to do that in February.
That was new. And cold.
It's amazing how different the climate in one state can be in winter. Miami a few weeks ago was like being in the Bahamas, and Jacksonville right now is in the high thirties.
That was new. And cold.
It's amazing how different the climate in one state can be in winter. Miami a few weeks ago was like being in the Bahamas, and Jacksonville right now is in the high thirties.
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Day 12
Tonight is a quiet weeknight, so I've taught myself to count to ten in Urdu.
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/7642/counting.html
I expect more interesting things to come this week. I won't give away much, but there should be some good photos. For later this year, I heard about some flying lessons over at NAS Jacksonville I may be able to get in on.
Also, for those of you not reading David Brooks regularly....start reading David Brooks.
He's the most insightful newspaper columnist in America. A bold statement, maybe. It's still true. Anyway, he turns on the funny in this column, and it's right on the mark for those of you who have spent any time in NW Washington DC.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/opinion/03brooks.html
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/7642/counting.html
I expect more interesting things to come this week. I won't give away much, but there should be some good photos. For later this year, I heard about some flying lessons over at NAS Jacksonville I may be able to get in on.
Also, for those of you not reading David Brooks regularly....start reading David Brooks.
He's the most insightful newspaper columnist in America. A bold statement, maybe. It's still true. Anyway, he turns on the funny in this column, and it's right on the mark for those of you who have spent any time in NW Washington DC.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/opinion/03brooks.html
Monday, 2 February 2009
Day 11
Today I became a Lieutenant (O3) in the US Navy.
That was a good first.
Also, if my last post seemed anti steelers (looking at you, brq) I actually do like them quite a bit, just wish the zebras would go easy on the flags.
That was a good first.
Also, if my last post seemed anti steelers (looking at you, brq) I actually do like them quite a bit, just wish the zebras would go easy on the flags.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Day 10
Tonight was the superbowl, and I definitely did NOT experience anything new by seeing the Steelers get every call in the Super Bowl. I wasn't too bothered either way with who won, but I hate seeing the officiating have that kind of impact on the outcome. I'm still fuming from the 2005 Super Bowl with the Seahawks. I'll get over it. Maybe.
Anyway, my new thing at the superbowl party was learning how to count to six in Japanese from my friend's wife. She was going to teach me how to count to ten, but she forgot how to say seven. So if you need six beers in Japanese at a restaurant, once I learn how to say 'beer', I'm your guy.
Anyway, my new thing at the superbowl party was learning how to count to six in Japanese from my friend's wife. She was going to teach me how to count to ten, but she forgot how to say seven. So if you need six beers in Japanese at a restaurant, once I learn how to say 'beer', I'm your guy.
Day 9
Tonight I was in Charleston visiting friends Faust, Rob, and Jordan, and got to check out a few new places in the city.
For those of you that haven't been, Charleston is an amazing city. Great things to do, good restaurants, amazing architecture, beautiful natural setting, fun people...I never get tired of going there.
The new places we went were a riverfront place called Red for dinner, where I had a low country boil (a steel bucket with boiled and spiced shrimp, corn, potatoes and onions.) Then we went to an upscale Tiki Bar called Voodoo, where I had a rum concoction called a Suffering Bastard, served in an elaborate ceramic mug with umbrellas. We finished at a dive bar called John's (I think) that is my new favorite dive bar on the eastern seaboard. Great live music, plenty of PBR and a good mellow but upbeat atmosphere.
Viva Charleston.
For those of you that haven't been, Charleston is an amazing city. Great things to do, good restaurants, amazing architecture, beautiful natural setting, fun people...I never get tired of going there.
The new places we went were a riverfront place called Red for dinner, where I had a low country boil (a steel bucket with boiled and spiced shrimp, corn, potatoes and onions.) Then we went to an upscale Tiki Bar called Voodoo, where I had a rum concoction called a Suffering Bastard, served in an elaborate ceramic mug with umbrellas. We finished at a dive bar called John's (I think) that is my new favorite dive bar on the eastern seaboard. Great live music, plenty of PBR and a good mellow but upbeat atmosphere.
Viva Charleston.
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