So this past weekend we went to Philadelphia for a wedding, which was beautiful from top to bottom. We arrived Friday night for the rehearsal dinner etc without incident. We woke up in our fancy hotel Sat morning to some snow, not a lot but a few inches and snowing. We took our time getting ready and headed out to see at least something before the wedding started in late afternoon. We proceeded in the snow thru downtown headed for the birthplace of America, Independence Hall. We made it to be greeted by a park ranger. Well I don’t know if greeted would be the correct term. Here’s the conversation.

Park Ranger: “We’re closed”

Me: “Huh?”

Park Ranger: “We’re closed”

Me: “Why?”

Park Ranger: “We’re closed for safety”

Me: “HUH?”

Park Ranger: “We’re closed for safety”

Me: “So it’s safer to be outside in the cold and snow?”

Park Ranger: no reply

Me: “Is the Liberty Bell open?”

Park Ranger: “No but you can see it thru the glass”

Where to start? It is no secret that I’m pretty patriotic and love my country. I haven’t had to yet, but I’m willing to be shot at in war as a member of the military, which I’m allowed to do, but I can’t see where the values I serve to protect were signed, because there’s 8 inches of snow on the ground. Do you think our fore fathers would have closed down if it had snowed on July 4^th 1776? NO. Although they probably would be pretty stupefied that it was snowing in July. This is just more and more of people telling me I’m too stupid to make my own decisions like whether I can go to a museum in the snow or not. God bless America unless God forbid it rains.

We had a good time in PA for Thanksgiving where I got to see my family. I also got to show my nephews know how to play backyard football. Being the yougest growing up my brothers gave me a beating in such instances. Still bitter I took it out on my poor nephew Noah. Who was knocked down about a dozen times, but hes a tough little guy who kept getting up.
So on Tues we decided to see the infamous tree lighting at Rockefeller since we walk by everyday. We got around the corner and again stopped. People stopped even though they could not see around the corner. This story isnt nearly as exciting because turned around right away. Especially when we found out it was a 2 hr event. We did randomely see our friend outside St Pats and had a nice chat making the 8 block trip worth it.
The good news it was still lit yesterday morning.
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Well last week I had the pleasure of attending a public affairs conference in VA just outside Washington. I decided to drive to make life easier at the conference. I mapped out my route and the first stop was Reagan National Airport where I was picking up a friend.
I made it within a mile of the terminal. “Reagan National Airport next exit,” the sign read. The next exit was three exits and none of them indicated an airport. So I panicked and took a turn, and drove, then drove further, I quickly realized I was lost and ended up by a huge building that had five sides. I regrouped and put the trusty iPhone to work. I was back on track and back on the freeway. “Reagan National next exit” I see again and low and behold it was correct. I get off then come to a “T.” If you haver ever driven to an airport you know that typically the freeway takes you pretty much to the door, however this was not the case. So I followed the arrow which took me to another arrow. About a dozen arrows later through a business district I arrived. It was quite the hassle.
My friend, Chatwin a member of the UT Nat Guard, now joined me. We set out to our hotel where we got our rooms (maybe she could blog about that expierience.) We woke the next day checked out and had all day before we needed to head to the conference, so DC was the logical choice right?
We began to make our way and the iPhone pretty much said if you keep going straight you’ll end up in the President’s garage. So of course that was not the case and that was a pain but we finally found the capital mall. “We’ll just find a ramp,” I said. Apparently someone forgot parking when building our capital. Litterally took a total of 45 min 10 of which to circle the block after seeing a public ramp.
Kudos to you if you’re still reading.
The National Conference Center was our next destination. Well we had to eat lunch and if you read this blog or know who I am, then you know where lunch was at. We made it to the conf miraculously with only getting lost once. I checked in and then off to the room. I got on the elevator I totheir up one floor where I got off on the fourth floor. This was correct mind you so you do the math. I had all my stuff on a cart then I came to some steps. So I went and I got back on the elevator. OHHHH I got off at the wrong 4.
Day two started with a trip to the dining facility where I had an omlett. It was time to go so I started walking. I should note I was on level two, one below the ground. I went up a floor and out an exit. I found myself in a small courtyard so I used my spidy sense and set off in the right direction. A few turns later I came out an exit only to find myself in the same courtyard.
Over the next few days Chatwin and I guess we were about 15 for 15 getting lost and not because we cand find our way. During this trip I developed a theory. The closer you get to our nation’s capital the more common sense gets left behind. Sure there’s the obvious $200 wrench, pay raises during a bad economy, but I spent a week in a governnment facility where I got lost every day just walking around. A facility where my government had to pay far more than your avg hotel room to a facility owned by my government. Only the government could screw up a facility so badly. Honestly I think it was a terrorist plot to build a place to drive us nuts.
So that’s my story about DC or the parts i’m sharing for now.

If you made it this far and have an idea of a blog topic let me know.

This task can not be understated. Picking your profile is more important than picking your childrens’ names, so yeah it’s a big deal.
Some choose simply the best photo they can find, which is not reccomended because you’re going to be a big let down when you see old friends. Set the expectations low. in my case I chose a photo where I don’t even have nice clothes on.
Next is the funny photo. Everyone’s a comedian these days. this too can be disracting. I may not want to be your friend when I get a request of you in you Halloween costume from 5 years ago as Napolean Dynamite. Or maybe you’re making a goofy face in a photo. Again in my case I have an avg photo of me on a typical hot day at the beach just looking like my everyday self.
With all that being said you’re not running for office. I’m talking to you realtors. “I have a suit on and Bluetooth headset, I must be really important.” Using myself as an example again just be yourself.
Lastly we all know what Photoshop is so no need to put yourself next to the president, or accepting the gold medal, or God forbid your head on a stuffed animal. It’s just tacky and the worst offense of all.
Your profile pic says everything about you. Keep it simple, true to yourself, and most of all keep it real. That’s what I did and I get comments on my photo all the time. Hope this helps.

Well it has been a while and I’m done with my military school, Christina passed her test and we’re being evicted….sort of.  I’ll have to talk more about school and Christina in a later blog.

Well we decided to move NYC and we felt the best way to do it would blind would be to sublet  for a short time.  We found a place for six months with that a nice girl, so we thought.  It all started with taking about 10 min to open the front door on move in day due to a defective key.  See earlier post.

As we began moving stuff in it was quite evident of two things.  The place was not even close to clean and there was a lot of stuff left behind.  We were told she would leave a trunk in a closet, a box under the bed and a filing cabinet, plus the misc kitchen furniture.  Well the closets were about half full, the desk was packed full despite that being a specific request of ours.

Meanwhile our gal was traveling the west coast trying to find work I think.  She had her purse, cpu stolen, and said she was living in her car for a bit.  I had to fed ex her old cpu which oddly enough was left behind.  I was also asked to deposit the rent into her bank because she didn’t know where to have me send it.

Finally she came back to NY and we got to meet she was nice.  A few days later she was concerned about all of our stuff that we had and suggested we store it.  I gently explained we would have room if she had removed everything she promised in the lease but maybe she could store her stuff.  She did take 2 small boxes though

A couple of weeks ago our HBO and Showtime was turned off.  I didn’t really care because I think there is only one show I ever watched anyway.  However per our lease agreement we were paying for it, so I asked.  I was told the electric bill (which we pay a flat fee for) was more than it used to be so the premium cable had to go.  Really not a big deal except for the fact that A) we’re paying for it, B) at least tell us.

So yesterday after tripping over some stuff I decided to ask her once more to agree to move her extra stuff.  It was then I received a response that we need to be out in two weeks because we’re “petty” about the lease agreement and apparently the things she put in it.

So I guess we’re just small town folks that assume you will move stuff out of you apt if you are subletting it to someone, provide working keys, keep the cable on and expect you to forward your mail or at least pick it up sometimes.  We must be the worst renters ever when we complain about the heat being off for two days when it is 40 degrees etc.

So imagine our happiness when we were told we could move out early.  We’re looking for a place and I’m sure we’ll find one this week.  Hopefully the approval process will be smooth.

Well I feel it is time to put up a post, but I’m not sure what to talk about so we’ll just wing it.  I guess I should first mention that for the past three days I’ve been “confined to quarters,” that’s military for being sick and in your room.  It has been a ball my first day I watch Modern Marvels all day.  I knew it was too much when I watched the same episode “Barbeque Tech” which was pretty awesome.  I’ve had Extra Noodle Soup I think 4 days in a row, along with about 100 cough drops and I am once again officially an alcoholic with all of the shots of Nyquil and cough syrup I’ve been taking.  I don’t feel all that bad but the cough is still bad.  I did go to the doctor on Friday who confined me to quarters.  It was about a 2 hour process since I missed the “sick call” only because nobody ever told us when it was.  I had my vitals taken which was normal until the throat culture.  The nurse was surprised that I found it hard to keep my tongue out and it was uncomfortable when gagging me with a Q-tip.  Then the doctor came in a while later and gave me his diagnosis.

Having a wife as a med student, which made me go to the doctor, is always fun.  She was concerned but also I think a bit excited to compare diagnosis with the doctor’s.  I felt I had good information when I told her I had an upper respiratory viral infection.  It sounded pretty bad to me and I got a prescription to back it up.  Well when I told Christina she started laughing and said, “that’s just a cold.”  So I felt all the time I spent at the doctor was waisted.  However she got a good laugh.  Special thanks to the gal that gave me a ride back to my room as I was walking after missing the bus.

Well back to the Food Network and Modern Marvels.

Well this weekend was an buffet of public transportation.  I was off to celebrate Christina taking her step one of her board certification.  Some say it is the most important test a physician will ever take.  So it was necessary to get to NY as fast as possible.  So I took the Amtrak train, recently described on Big Bang Theory as twice as expensive and three times as long.  Actually when calculating cab rides, security, the train is is perfect for me.  It was very nice too.  Comfortable seats and smoothe as silk.

We had a great weekend together with Christina being stress free except for the fact that I was quite sick with a bad cold.  We saw our first broadway show, Chicago.  It was good for a musical and neat to see, although I’m sure the one actress lipped-synched her first number.  We also saw a pretty good movie called Sunshine Cleaners and ate dinner at Gino a New York Institution.

After a wonderful weekend with my beautiful wife it was time to head home.  Since the train was a bit spendy I decided to try a Chinatown bus.  I have heard good things and they have internet access so how could you not trust them.  I was told to catch the bus on 7th Ave between 33rd and 34th across from FootAction.  That’s right meet at the shoe store.  I arrived on time to a line of people and confirmed I was indeed in the correct area.  The bus pulled up and appeared to let people off.  “Here we go,” I told myself.  All the time thinking at the very least this should be a funny experience.  Another bus pulled up behind the first.  After a short time the busses left with none of us on them.  It was about 45 min late when another bus pulled up.  I climbed aboard one of the seats ready to go.  We started off and I noticed the organizers and driver were indeed Chinese thus the name for the busses.  I don’t much about the language but there was a little discussion and everyone seemed angry.  Oh well no big thing.  I was ready for some strange conversation, some crazy guy busting out an instrument and giving an imprompt conert, or something you would expect to find on a bus.  No such luck it was actually nice ride, hit a little traffice but very peacful, most everyone slept.  Finally we made it to Baltimore my destination.  We drove into town and by the inner harbor.  Made a few turns and then again we saw the inner harbor.  It was the third time that I suspected something was up.  Thankfully a passenger spoke Chinese and had an iphone.  Once again the iphone saves the day.  It took a good 20 min and another passenger to actually find our destination.  Then I grabbed a light rail to the airport, then a taxi back to base.  It was all quite a trip.  You can see me updates on my new twitter sight if you’re interested.  http://twitter.com/piratejonny

I’ve been getting lots of inquiries about the eye and even more theories.  What makes the last post so funny to me is that most people who know me, know the idea of me getting hammered and doing something stupid is pretty ridiculous.  However I get the impression  from a few people that I might really have a drinking problem.  I do enjoy a drink or two every now and again but the important thing is to always drink responsibly.  I think Abraham Lincoln said it best,

“It has long been recognized that the problems of alcohol relate not to the use of a bad thing, but the abuse of a good thing.”

the other guy is expected to make a full recovery in 6-8 weeks

Apparently it’s official, I’m an alcoholic.  I went out to dinner with some friends Friday and we did have a drink in my room before bed.  When I woke up the next morning I had a big black eye and I have no idea how it got there.  As I looked at myself in the mirror I thought it was funny.  I then looked around to see if I bumped it on the nightstand, bed or something.  Then the only conclusion that I could think of was spider bite.  So what was funny, now became a life-threatening incident.  So off to the base clinic to get checked out and guess what was closed?  I then called the number to have an on-call doctor reach me.  He told me where to go.  He didn’t seemed to concerned, so I asked if I could wait until Monday.  “You’re looking at either mild irritation to total blindness,” he calmly stated.  So I guess I’ll get it checked it out.
I arrived at a clinic in shopping development where I kept getting funny looks.  After the blood pressure and temp, it was suggested I took an eye exam.  You should know in Grenada I was something of an eye doctor.  I volunteered at a lot of health fairs and my job was giving eye exams.  That being the case I have most of the chart memorized.  So I’m standing there with my black eye covered.  “Can you read this line,” the nurse asked.  I imagined I look like someone who is either illiterate or doesn’t speak English.  I knew the letters, but I was trying to work it out in my head whether or not I could see them or just knew them.  “Can you read this line,” he asked again.  Turns out my “good” eye was worse than my black eye, which is why I already had an eye appointment scheduled.
So then came the doctor.  And it when something like this:

working at the healthfair

Dr:    What happened?
Me:    I was hoping you could tell me.
Dr:    Did things get rowdy at the bar last night?
Me:    No not at all
Dr:    Are you sure you didn’t have too much to drink.
Me:    No, I just woke up like this
Dr:    Did you wife beat you up (was that implying I couldn’t take Christina… I can’t)
Me:    No she is far away.
Me:    I think I got bit by something
Dr:    No it would be red not black.

It went on and he did some tests.  We concluded that I somehow slugged myself while sleeping or someone broke in, hit me and left without taking anything.  All in all it is pretty strange and next I have a follow up apt with doctor on base.  Which I may have to walk two miles for because the bus has a lunch break during lunch time which is the only time we would need to go somewhere.