Busy summer! I spent 5 weeks in 29 Palms, CA where it was an average 114 degrees every day. After coming home for a couple of days, I then went to Seattle - and Holly was able to fly up and meet me for a weekend - now I am finally back just in time for the kids to start school.
I did end up getting a new 55" TV at the beginning of summer, so that was a nice Fathers Day gift. Too bad I haven't been home much to use it.
I won another $200 in another live poker tournament. As in June, there were about 150 entrants. That makes over $500 from live play alone this year, so I have already smashed my goal of making $25 a month from poker for the year. I have also scratched out a small profit online over the summer. Everything for the rest of the year is gravy.
Time off is about as good as it is going to get. Not much I can do about that - just too busy at work.
My physical fitness was getting better (recovering from ACL surgery), but I have slacked off the last 2 months, so I regressed a little. I am about to get back oon track with that now that my schedule will be normal for a few weeks.
How's that Obama vote working out for you?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
SPRING SUMMARY
Now that summer is here, I'll review spring for your reading pleasure.
I started a new job at a new squadron and it is proving to be a challenge. We have a very busy schedule for the rest of the year and lots of personnel and aircraft issues. I enjoy the challenge and won't be bored any time soon.
Progress with my knee recovery is going nicely and I would say that I am at about 75-80% with my overall fitness level compared to pre-injury.
Days off (90) to days worked (74) ratio is about as good as it is going to get - just not many opportunities to take off this year.
As far as Texas Hold-Em poker goes, I am ahead of schedule for my $25/month goal. This is due mainly to a live 150-man tournament I played in last week. I made it to the final table and after knocking out 1 player, the remaining 9 of us split the winnings, so I walked out with $220 after a $25 buy-in. Online poker has been up and down, with no real progress for May and the beginning of June, so it was nice to cash in the live event. I do feel I am constantly getting better, especially at the live events.
I finished my Trigonometry class and that will be the last class until next fall. That puts me at 75 credits and I just don't have the time or energy to get any more classes done this year with our very aggressive schedule at work.
The kids have finished school and are moving on to 4th and 1st grade. Crazy kids keep growing. Faith is doing well and has progressed so much this past year, she suprises us all the time. Dylan blew through 3rd grade like it was nothing, and is ready for some summertime fun.
Mommy keeps it all together for us and I am grateful for it. She does a great job as social director, chef, chauffer, and reality checker. We would be a mess without her. She has begun organizing activities for her circle of friends to go and do together, so I think that helps to keep her from going crazy taking care of us.
Looks like a new TV is going to be needed soon, since our current one in the family room is dying. I really want a 46" LED, but may have to go with LCD instead, since LED is still a little pricey, and we still need to put in some new carpet in the house and concrete outside. Expensive summer coming!
But summer IS here and it is my second favorite time of the year (after Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years season - love it) so it is time to get started, maybe with some 80's re-make movies like the A-Team (awesome) and The Karate Kid...
I started a new job at a new squadron and it is proving to be a challenge. We have a very busy schedule for the rest of the year and lots of personnel and aircraft issues. I enjoy the challenge and won't be bored any time soon.
Progress with my knee recovery is going nicely and I would say that I am at about 75-80% with my overall fitness level compared to pre-injury.
Days off (90) to days worked (74) ratio is about as good as it is going to get - just not many opportunities to take off this year.
As far as Texas Hold-Em poker goes, I am ahead of schedule for my $25/month goal. This is due mainly to a live 150-man tournament I played in last week. I made it to the final table and after knocking out 1 player, the remaining 9 of us split the winnings, so I walked out with $220 after a $25 buy-in. Online poker has been up and down, with no real progress for May and the beginning of June, so it was nice to cash in the live event. I do feel I am constantly getting better, especially at the live events.
I finished my Trigonometry class and that will be the last class until next fall. That puts me at 75 credits and I just don't have the time or energy to get any more classes done this year with our very aggressive schedule at work.
The kids have finished school and are moving on to 4th and 1st grade. Crazy kids keep growing. Faith is doing well and has progressed so much this past year, she suprises us all the time. Dylan blew through 3rd grade like it was nothing, and is ready for some summertime fun.
Mommy keeps it all together for us and I am grateful for it. She does a great job as social director, chef, chauffer, and reality checker. We would be a mess without her. She has begun organizing activities for her circle of friends to go and do together, so I think that helps to keep her from going crazy taking care of us.
Looks like a new TV is going to be needed soon, since our current one in the family room is dying. I really want a 46" LED, but may have to go with LCD instead, since LED is still a little pricey, and we still need to put in some new carpet in the house and concrete outside. Expensive summer coming!
But summer IS here and it is my second favorite time of the year (after Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years season - love it) so it is time to get started, maybe with some 80's re-make movies like the A-Team (awesome) and The Karate Kid...
Friday, May 28, 2010
THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. — General George S. Patton
Friday, May 14, 2010
EVERY DAY I THINK I HAVE SEEN IT ALL, BUT...
The same week Obama cut off anti-terror funding to New York City to "save money", we give the IMF 54 BILLION to help bail out Greece.
Every day we get to hear another elected politcian tell us how unfair and racist and unconstittional the new Arizona law is. And then we learn that THEY HAVEN'T EVEN READ IT.
Why is building a muslim mosque in downtown New York City a good idea? Anyone?
I believe a Supreme Court nominee (Elena Kagan) who wrote a college thesis stating that socialists must stick together instead of fracture in order to advance a socialist agenda is a GREAT PICK, don't you?
The Healthy Choices Act–introduced by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee…AMENDS the Public Health Services Act by stating that health care providers must record the Body Mass Index of all children ages 2 through 18. WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF THEY CARED MORE ABOUT TRACKING ILLEGAL ALIENS THAN FAT KIDS? OBAMACARE IS MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR, I PROMISE. YOU WILL SEE.
I DON'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.
Every day we get to hear another elected politcian tell us how unfair and racist and unconstittional the new Arizona law is. And then we learn that THEY HAVEN'T EVEN READ IT.
Why is building a muslim mosque in downtown New York City a good idea? Anyone?
I believe a Supreme Court nominee (Elena Kagan) who wrote a college thesis stating that socialists must stick together instead of fracture in order to advance a socialist agenda is a GREAT PICK, don't you?
The Healthy Choices Act–introduced by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee…AMENDS the Public Health Services Act by stating that health care providers must record the Body Mass Index of all children ages 2 through 18. WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT IF THEY CARED MORE ABOUT TRACKING ILLEGAL ALIENS THAN FAT KIDS? OBAMACARE IS MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR, I PROMISE. YOU WILL SEE.
I DON'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
THE UNITED NATIONS ELECTS IRAN...
...a seat in the COMMISSION ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS. An excellent choice. This will give them a chance to clean up their own country first - you know, the one where women lack the ability to choose their husbands, have no right to an education after marriage, no right to divorce, no right to child custody, have no protection from violent treatment in public spaces, are restricted by quotas for women's admission at universities, and are arrested, beaten and imprisoned for peacefully seeking change to such laws. Oh, and also the occasional beating or murder for such things as wearing a bra or going out without a male family member - or for being raped. Sounds perfectly resonible to me.
And the U.S. delegation to the U.N. didn't raise a finger to stop it. Why do we fund 22% of the U.N. budget - well over 4 BILLION and support this Mickey Mouse organization?
And the U.S. delegation to the U.N. didn't raise a finger to stop it. Why do we fund 22% of the U.N. budget - well over 4 BILLION and support this Mickey Mouse organization?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A WORD ABOUT ARIZONA'S NEW LAWS
So everyone is going crazy about the two new laws Arizona has passed - one makes it legal for people to carry a concealed gun and the other gives cops the ability to question someone about their citizenship status.
Some think both are great and others think they are terrible, especially the citizenship issue.
I, however, have a different view. It is great that the people of Arizona can now carry a concealed weapon without a permit, and the people might be a little safer if they get some illegals caught.
My problem with both of these laws is that THEY WEREN'T NEEDED. I think it is pathetic that we have to celebrate when any form of government "GIVES" us a right. The constitition I read and defend already says that my right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon and we already have laws against illegal immigration, they just need to be enforced without liberal crying.
Celebrate if you want, but I think it just shows how pathetic and weak we have become.
Some think both are great and others think they are terrible, especially the citizenship issue.
I, however, have a different view. It is great that the people of Arizona can now carry a concealed weapon without a permit, and the people might be a little safer if they get some illegals caught.
My problem with both of these laws is that THEY WEREN'T NEEDED. I think it is pathetic that we have to celebrate when any form of government "GIVES" us a right. The constitition I read and defend already says that my right to bear arms shall not be infringed upon and we already have laws against illegal immigration, they just need to be enforced without liberal crying.
Celebrate if you want, but I think it just shows how pathetic and weak we have become.
Friday, April 16, 2010
THE "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" MOMENTS OF THE DAY
Arif Alikhan, a "devout muslim", the son of Pakistani immigrants, is Assistant Secretary for Policy Development in the United States Department of Homeland Security.
AND
Kareem Shora, "a devout muslim", who was born in Damascus, Syria, is a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) in Washington, D.C.
What could go wrong?
AND
Obama said Thursday he is "amused" by the anit-tax tea party protests that have been taking place around tax day. Obama claimed he has cut taxes, contrary to the claims of protesters. "You would think they would be thanking me," he said.
This arrogance and smug attitude displays just how out of touch he really is while speaking at a fundraiser where the dinner plates were $30,000 each.
Nevermind the $787 Billion Stimulus that we are now paying interest to the Chinese for. Nevermind the new cigarette tax that tripled federal taxes on cigarettes.
Nevermind that Medicare will be cut by $50 Billion, causing the sick & elderly to pay more.
Nevermind that he quadrupled the federal deficit with new spending.
Yep, thanks for that tax cut, buddy!
AND
Kareem Shora, "a devout muslim", who was born in Damascus, Syria, is a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) in Washington, D.C.
What could go wrong?
AND
Obama said Thursday he is "amused" by the anit-tax tea party protests that have been taking place around tax day. Obama claimed he has cut taxes, contrary to the claims of protesters. "You would think they would be thanking me," he said.
This arrogance and smug attitude displays just how out of touch he really is while speaking at a fundraiser where the dinner plates were $30,000 each.
Nevermind the $787 Billion Stimulus that we are now paying interest to the Chinese for. Nevermind the new cigarette tax that tripled federal taxes on cigarettes.
Nevermind that Medicare will be cut by $50 Billion, causing the sick & elderly to pay more.
Nevermind that he quadrupled the federal deficit with new spending.
Yep, thanks for that tax cut, buddy!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
THIS SUMS UP EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT O
http://
I don't know about you, but I kind of like being a superpower, along with everything that brings us. What this statement shows, along with everything else he says, is that he does not, and believes we need to change. Well, if you are on top, there is only one way to go...
I don't know about you, but I kind of like being a superpower, along with everything that brings us. What this statement shows, along with everything else he says, is that he does not, and believes we need to change. Well, if you are on top, there is only one way to go...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
20 DAYS AND 20 NIGHTS
That is how long I have before I have to go back to work. I love it.
I just finished an 11 day deployment to the deserts of Nevada and now I am enjoying some time off before I check into my new squadron where I will be taking over as the Maintenance Chief for the next deployment.
Anyway, enough about work. March ended nicely as far as poker goes, I continued to improve my run time, and with these next 20 days off, my work/off ratio will be looking good.
Spring is in the air!
I just finished an 11 day deployment to the deserts of Nevada and now I am enjoying some time off before I check into my new squadron where I will be taking over as the Maintenance Chief for the next deployment.
Anyway, enough about work. March ended nicely as far as poker goes, I continued to improve my run time, and with these next 20 days off, my work/off ratio will be looking good.
Spring is in the air!
Monday, March 1, 2010
LOOKING GOOD
So I finished February strong as far as poker goes. With that $100 win at a friends house and a few dollars made on-line, I easily made my monthly goal for Feb and even made up for Jan. March is starting off well also - I just finished 1st place in an 18-man tournament on-line for $21.
Days worked to days off ratio also looking good and I will be taking 3 weeks off in April, so that is solid.
I have decided on my 3rd goal for the year - to be in the same physical shape that I was when I tore up my knee and before surgery. The months before that I was in the best shape I had been for many years, and it really stunk to get hurt and lose that. So, by the end of the year, I intend to be back to where I was, just as fast and just as strong.
Good to have goals, don't you think?
Days worked to days off ratio also looking good and I will be taking 3 weeks off in April, so that is solid.
I have decided on my 3rd goal for the year - to be in the same physical shape that I was when I tore up my knee and before surgery. The months before that I was in the best shape I had been for many years, and it really stunk to get hurt and lose that. So, by the end of the year, I intend to be back to where I was, just as fast and just as strong.
Good to have goals, don't you think?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
1st Place & Valentine's Day
Last night I played in a Texas Hold-em poker tournament at a friend's home and crushed the competition to take 1st place, for a tidy profit of $100. We started with 11 players buying in for $20 each and a little over two hours later I brought home my Valentine's Day present for my wifey - mo' money! Now that is love...Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2010 GOAL RESET
Although I hate to change goals once they have been set, if the goals are no longer realistic, then there is no point in keeping them as they are.
I had set goals for 2010 of having 182 days off, 6 college classes, and making $50 a month from on-line Texas Hold-Em poker.
When I got selected for promotion to Master Sergeant, I also received orders to a helo squadron deploying this time next year. What that means is that I will not have time the second half of this year to take much time off at all, and that after my one planned spring class, I will not have time for any more this year.
I am currently taking two classes, so that will make three for the year after my spring class. Nothing else to add there.
I think I could easily not work for 140 days this year, so I will shoot for 155. That means 210 days of work. Terrible, but realistic.
As far as poker goes, January can be marked as a FAIL. I didn't get to play much and ended up down a couple of dollars. I don't think I have the time (I hate even writing it) to play enough $1 games to make $50 per month. I am going to adjust this to $25 per month. Still a tough goal, but more realistic.
So, to summarize:
I had set goals for 2010 of having 182 days off, 6 college classes, and making $50 a month from on-line Texas Hold-Em poker.
When I got selected for promotion to Master Sergeant, I also received orders to a helo squadron deploying this time next year. What that means is that I will not have time the second half of this year to take much time off at all, and that after my one planned spring class, I will not have time for any more this year.
I am currently taking two classes, so that will make three for the year after my spring class. Nothing else to add there.
I think I could easily not work for 140 days this year, so I will shoot for 155. That means 210 days of work. Terrible, but realistic.
As far as poker goes, January can be marked as a FAIL. I didn't get to play much and ended up down a couple of dollars. I don't think I have the time (I hate even writing it) to play enough $1 games to make $50 per month. I am going to adjust this to $25 per month. Still a tough goal, but more realistic.
So, to summarize:
- $25/month from poker
- 155 days off
That is only two goals, soI need another challenge. I will think on it and let you know.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
-----Original Message-----
From: Carpenter SgtMaj Kiplyn (USF-W SGTMAJ)
Cc: Tryon MajGen Richard T (USF-W CG)
Subject: FAREWELL OF THE MARINES FROM IRAQ
UNCLASSIFIED
Please pass on,
SgtsMaj, MGySgts, CMDCMs, Marines and Sailors, Saturday, 23 January at 1100 will mark the end of the Marines in Iraq as an organization. II MEF (fwd) will conduct a Transfer of Authority Ceremony with the First Armored Division without a Relief in Place from any incoming unit. USF-W (formally MNF-W) will merge with USD-C (formally MND-Baghdad) and will cease to exist.
After 6 years, over 850 Marines and Sailors killed in combat and another 8800 wounded we have completed our mission. At our peak, we had almost 26,000 Marines and Sailors on deck, close to 200 aircraft, over 380,000 pieces of ground equipment, and were averaging close to 2000 significant events a month. We have added a whole new generation of Heros; and names like Al Nasiriyah, Fallujah and Ramadi will be added to our History books.
Words can't begin to explain the magnitude of effort and sacrifice our Marines and Sailors have gone through to help the Iraqi people. Each year since the initial invasion, Marines and Sailors from all over the Corps have been a part of the revolving I MEF (fwd) and II MEF (Fwd)Commands. Each year has been different with its own sets of unique challenges and each successive year, the incoming organization has built upon the successes of the outgoing organization.
This year was no different, we didn't have anywhere near the level of fighting that previous MEFs have done. However, we did conduct many operations, maintained security, continue to professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces, develop good governance and economics, assisted with the continued establishment of the Rule of Law and oversaw the peaceful transition of the provincial government. We also had one unique mission that we can call our own. That was to finally bring the Marine Corps home. Over the past year, we have simultaneously conducted the responsible drawdown of 24,000 Personnel, over 34 COPs and FOBs, including Baharia, Rawah, and TQ and sent six years worth of equipment out of theater.
For those of you who served with me this year, thank you. It was long and difficult at times, with our own set of challenges, but we did it. It has been an honor to serve with you.
For those of you who have left your boot prints over here at least once during the last six years; thanks to you too. You set the stage for us to finish the job. It has been costly, it has been challenging, it has taken a while with quite a few dark days. But, in the end, it was worth it.
All Marines and Sailors, including those who remained stateside have contributed to the overall success of the Marines and Sailors in Iraq and; all of us have known someone who didn't make it back alive or has permanent injuries. It is up to us to ensure that those who follow never forgot their sacrifice or what we did here.
Collectively, we have added another illustrious chapter to the successful story of our Marine Corps. One that all of us can be proud of.
Semper Fidelis,
K. Carpenter
Sergeant Major
United States Force - West, Iraq
(Previously Multi National Force - West) II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)
21 January 2010
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Carpenter SgtMaj Kiplyn (USF-W SGTMAJ)
Cc: Tryon MajGen Richard T (USF-W CG)
Subject: FAREWELL OF THE MARINES FROM IRAQ
UNCLASSIFIED
Please pass on,
SgtsMaj, MGySgts, CMDCMs, Marines and Sailors, Saturday, 23 January at 1100 will mark the end of the Marines in Iraq as an organization. II MEF (fwd) will conduct a Transfer of Authority Ceremony with the First Armored Division without a Relief in Place from any incoming unit. USF-W (formally MNF-W) will merge with USD-C (formally MND-Baghdad) and will cease to exist.
After 6 years, over 850 Marines and Sailors killed in combat and another 8800 wounded we have completed our mission. At our peak, we had almost 26,000 Marines and Sailors on deck, close to 200 aircraft, over 380,000 pieces of ground equipment, and were averaging close to 2000 significant events a month. We have added a whole new generation of Heros; and names like Al Nasiriyah, Fallujah and Ramadi will be added to our History books.
Words can't begin to explain the magnitude of effort and sacrifice our Marines and Sailors have gone through to help the Iraqi people. Each year since the initial invasion, Marines and Sailors from all over the Corps have been a part of the revolving I MEF (fwd) and II MEF (Fwd)Commands. Each year has been different with its own sets of unique challenges and each successive year, the incoming organization has built upon the successes of the outgoing organization.
This year was no different, we didn't have anywhere near the level of fighting that previous MEFs have done. However, we did conduct many operations, maintained security, continue to professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces, develop good governance and economics, assisted with the continued establishment of the Rule of Law and oversaw the peaceful transition of the provincial government. We also had one unique mission that we can call our own. That was to finally bring the Marine Corps home. Over the past year, we have simultaneously conducted the responsible drawdown of 24,000 Personnel, over 34 COPs and FOBs, including Baharia, Rawah, and TQ and sent six years worth of equipment out of theater.
For those of you who served with me this year, thank you. It was long and difficult at times, with our own set of challenges, but we did it. It has been an honor to serve with you.
For those of you who have left your boot prints over here at least once during the last six years; thanks to you too. You set the stage for us to finish the job. It has been costly, it has been challenging, it has taken a while with quite a few dark days. But, in the end, it was worth it.
All Marines and Sailors, including those who remained stateside have contributed to the overall success of the Marines and Sailors in Iraq and; all of us have known someone who didn't make it back alive or has permanent injuries. It is up to us to ensure that those who follow never forgot their sacrifice or what we did here.
Collectively, we have added another illustrious chapter to the successful story of our Marine Corps. One that all of us can be proud of.
Semper Fidelis,
K. Carpenter
Sergeant Major
United States Force - West, Iraq
(Previously Multi National Force - West) II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd)
21 January 2010
UNCLASSIFIED
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