2010 in review

My first year of Blogging my random scattered thoughts…. So WordPress sends me my stats, and I guess it wasn’t a total disaster!!  So I thought I’d share some of my blogging stats on this Jan 2nd of 2011

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Wow.

Crunchy numbers

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 4,500 times in 2010. That’s about 11 full 747s.

In 2010, there were 75 new posts, not bad for the first year! There were 274 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 150mb. That’s about 5 pictures per week.

The busiest day of the year was July 6th with 82 views. The most popular post that day was Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death ~ Part 3 ~ Little Bighorn River ~ June 2010.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were facebook.com, digg.com, healthfitnesstherapy.com, dating-online2u.blogspot.com, and storagesavvy.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for general charles krulak, livingsocial interview process, giants rookie of the year, buster posey, and livingsocial interview questions.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death ~ Part 3 ~ Little Bighorn River ~ June 2010 July 2010
2 comments

2

Buster Posey ~ San Francisco Giants~ Rookie of the year ? July 2010

3

Professional Ethics ~ Speech by General Charles Krulak April 2010

4

Living Social ~ New Company, New Career November 2010
3 comments and 2 Likes on WordPress.com

5

Custer’s leadership during the Battle of the Washita~ 1868 June 2010

Maintaining the focus ~ Or how to hit a wall and leap over it

Since the first of the year, I’ve managed to accomplish a lot.  I’ve set some high goals in regards to my fitness and have made great strides in that area of my life.  It’s very rewarding to attempt to do something that on the surface seems very unattainable.  When I started P90X, I really wanted the challenge to do a workout program that, if completed, would give me a real sense of accomplishment.   Each and every day that I pushed play on my DVD player and did my day’s workout gave me power.  It  re-enforced to me that it ALL was in my power.  I had the power to push play and do my workout.  I had the power to sit on my rear and NOT push play and NOT do my workout.  Mentally I knew how much it meant to me to start, and finish this.  It was a huge life goal for me.  I finished off the first round of P90X, then did another.  After completing the second round of this extreme program, I realized that something wonderful had happened.  I no longer struggled with pushing play and mentally  had done a 360 in regards to my previous views on exercise.  It had become a lifestyle, and I’m very grateful, because the mental pain in working out far exceeds the physical pain each and every time.  In fact the mental aspect in all areas of our lives seem to either drive us to greatness or sink us into mediocrity.  My next workout challenge then became P90X+ the big brother to P90X.  I was joining the millions of people who found out what I had found out,  that now I needed more challenge, I wanted more for myself.  I wanted another wall to climb and defeat.  So now, as do my normal catchup of workouts that I’ve missed for some reason or another in a 90 day program, I’ve hit a mental and physical wall.  My energy level  is way down.  My mental energy level is also down, and my passion is waning today.  For 7 months, I’ve been able to kick it and kick it hard, with the energy to be the driving force for myself and many others who want the same thing as I do, a healthy and happy lifestyle.   So, as I was doing my Kenpo/Cardio + workout today.  ( Yes, I pushed play regardless of my energy level)  I realized that I had my subject for today’s blog post.  So, I’d like to share with you all on my thought process in regards to how to overcome this ” heavy mental ” state when you hit a wall.   

 I realized quickly that I needed to have a goal in order to accomplish anything.  Work, play , health… all areas of our life needs passion.  When I didn’t want to work out, I mentally went to myself being out of shape and trying to lead my Cavalry group.  Remembering how sore I used to be after riding, how my back pain was ruling my life.  Then remembering now, how much quicker I recover from everything now that my core is strong.   

So now that my Horse riding and Cavalry career are coming to a close, I’m re-pushing my focus to play baseball again.  Why?  Because I have such passion for baseball, and why not?  Is it hard?  yes?  Am I a great player? No… But….. I’ve quit playing in the past because of my frustration in my inability to hit the damn ball with consistency.  Last time I walked away from the game was 10 years ago.  Guess what? I’m in much better shape now, both mentally and physically than I was then, and I’m going to go at this thing again.  And that focus… will drive me.  Now that I’m just about done with P90X + I need a new challenge.

So, I’ve chosen TurboFire, the new cardio program by Chalene Johnson.  I chose this because, heavy cardio is my weak spot.   So, regain your passion, pick out a goal, regardless if it’s work related, fitness related, hobby related, family related.  Find that hotspot that turns YOU on and make it happen.  Leap over that damn wall,  picture yourself the way you want to be and that picture will come true.

And as I start my journey towards new goals and a new hobby, I’d like to share a short video with you on why I love horses so, and why I’ll miss riding, but realize it’s time to move on.

Armed Forces Day ~ Ft Lewis Washington ~5-15-10

This weekend we’ll be in Ft. Lewis participating in Armed Forces Day.
In past years over 30,000 people have come through to view Military hardware of the past. From Rev War, Civil War, WWI, and WWII re-enactors from all over the west coast will be there, in uniform to talk about what they do to keep living history alive.
There are food booths and it’s just a wonderful day to bring the kids to teach them about our countries past and present military. This event is open to the public and is a great opportunity to mingle with Military men, women and their families throughout the day.
Our group, the 1st US Cavalry will bring our horses, set up our Cavalry camp and answer any and all questions regarding our impression of the mounted warriors of yesteryear. We’ll put on a riding demonstration which will show mounted firing and saber fighting. As I’ve mentioned before, this will be my final season of Cavalry reenacting. I really enjoy going to the annual Armed Forces day, as it’s my chance to thank the brave young men and women of our armed forces for their service.
The people really seem to swarm to our camp to see the horses and gear that was used in 1863.
We use McClellan saddles, black powder weapons and ride hard, hard hard. This hobby is very hard work, but very satisfying indeed. As commanding officer it’s my job to assure each that each and every rider has been working his horse and training them to be around the public and has the ability to handle all situations they might encounter there. Our multi level safety testing has been developed over time and working with these horses training them to put up with all the stimulation we throw at them, takes patience and time.
We have to train all season long and constantly work and develop a trust between horse and rider.
The fact is, that were dealing with a live animal here, not a jeep that you can turn the key to and have them operate the same time after time. Our animals are very good, and very trained, as our riders are. However the fact remains that as a living thing, they have good and bad days. They have days where the gunfire, tents, bugles, cannons, sabers, et all simply do not bother them. They’ve been taught that those things albeit scary, will not hurt them and that they can trust the person on their back will not lead them into danger. Some days the best horse will just not want to play. Some days the perfect veteran horse will balk at galloping towards a group of men that plan on shooting at us. Real or not, the smoke, noise and stimuli just gets to them. When that happens, we back off and start the trust and training again. It really never stops.
So, come on down, bring the family. You’ll see all things Military and get to see how the soldiers of yesterday fought and saved our nation.

Heres some video of us in action:

Headin for Selah Washington

Our Cavalry unit has for some time struggled to raise funds.  We’ve sold T-shirts with our Cav logo on them,  but most of the fundraising is little stuff.

This is a very expensive hobby.  The horses, truck, trailer, saddles, uniforms, tents, weapons….  All has to be purchased from Sutlers who remake the old equipment of the past, and it’s not cheap.  If you’re a Civil War Re-enactor, most of the times, you can go to a few drills, learn how to shoot a musket, or Cannon, and be on the field within a day or so.  And that’s the way it should be.   If you’re a Cavalry  re-enactor it’s a much larger and time-consuming commitment.  We train often, working on formation riding, quick turns, put them in stressful situations and see how they react. In today’s world, most horses are pets.  Standing around in the pasture, getting fed, and crapping every hour on the hour.  That’s their world.  And if they’re lucky they get to break their boredom by being worked a bit.  Yes, they’re lazy, but if they have a good owner, who let’s them play, they enjoy their lives.  And by play, I mean, let them out of their stalls, run in a pasture, and take off their damn blankets!!!   So often, I’ll see a sunny day, it might be in the 40’s or so, and these poor animals are wearing blankets,  it’s sad to see.  They like to roll and get dirty just like kids, but some horse owners don’t want to have to brush them out, so they leave their blankets on most of the time.  I see it as borderline animal cruelty.  So, back to my point.   The lucky ones will be taken on trail rides, worked in an arena, become barrel racers… ya know have a life of some kind.  To become a Cavalry horse, and to actually get on the field where the guns, smoke, noise and chaos are…. takes months of constant training for both rider and horse.  We have 3 levels of safety testing B4 we allow any horse/rider combo onto the field.   The first test is a basic course, which.. if passed will allow the rider to “ride before or after battles at the events ”  which consist of, walking around obstacles, bundles of 2 by 4’s, a bridge, flags, we circle them around a barrel, grab a pole and put them into a lope tossing that pole by their heads to the ground, etc.   This test is designed to see how they react to stimulus.  And there is one black powder round fired at a random time during this test.  When passed, we move to battle testing.

Level 1 battle testing consists of a few guns at one end of the field, and the horses at the other.   We’ll go as a group and attack the guns at the other end of the field, we take off in files ( one following the other, a long single line )  and when we get to within 50 ft. the lead horse turns, and fires, all following horses firing at the same spot as the leader did, while the guns on the ground fire back.  Then the line turns and once again approaches the line, this time firing from the other side of the horse. Once again, all rider and horse combinations that can handle this while controlling their animals are now allowed to be on the battlefield while the battle is going on, in a limited role.

Level 2 testing is the same test, but solo.  You do it alone.  Horses are herd animals and we need to see if they have the confidence to do it alone. If passed, you now can become more engaged in the battles.

Level 3  is where half of the horses to one side and the other half to the other side.   This is a gunfire joust test, where you gallop towards one another and when you’re within distance you fire at the other rider while the horse is in a full gallop, phase one is in a column of horses, one after the other, phase 2 is alone.  The horse must not balk, turn off or be out of control in any way.  Passing this test will allow full engagement during all battles, this horse and rider proven that they are a team and can handle anything that will come their way.  This kind of training is very important, as we have quite a few people who watch our battles, and an out of control horse can be very dangerous to all.  As we head to our first paid school event ever, our training will become apparent, and I’m confident our riders, members and horses will do a great job as they always have.  We’ve performed in front of thousands of people, and many are amazed at how these beautiful horses allow us to do what we do.  And make no mistake about it, they allow it because they trust us and actually have fun, once they realize the big bag of the gun going off is NOT going to hurt them.   Some horses never do get it, and I personally have bought and sold 4  of them because I couldn’t get them to overcome their fear.

So, this school event looms large for our group, as if we can put on one show a year, it will pay for our fundraising needs for that year, and it’s a big load off of the Commanders mind to have that covered.

New Season is about to begin…..

Another reason why springtime is so cool is that it begins our Cavalry show season. 

 I’ve always been fascinated by History, and Civil War history in particular.  So about 10 years ago, I was just surfing the web, wondering if there was any Civil War reenacting groups here in my state.  I didn’t think there would be, but what the hell, I thought I’d try.  Well, there sure was, and as I scanned the different units available I became fixated on the Cavalry.  Don’t know why, except to say I’ve always liked horses and have never been afraid of them.  And since my family roots were from Georgia I zeroed in on the 14th Virginia Cavalry.   I always seem to root for the underdog anyway, and the Grey Cavalry had a history of being quite the riders and fighters.  So I contact them, and join up.  We later changed to the 1st US Cavalry cause the club had no Federal Cav.

  Now keep in mind, I don’t have a horse, any gear, or know the first hand thing about Cavalry.  But I’m willing to learn.  I’m lucky enough to become friends with the best horse/rider trainer I’ve ever known, and I drive 3 hours, every other week to his place to train, and by god, we get me past all of the safety tests and I’m a Cavalry Trooper.   My wife just couldn’t figure out what the hell I was up to, she was really confused, as this was SOOOOOOO out of my comfort zone.  I’d never shown an interest in horses B4 and it just blew her away.  So, I bought my uniforms, weapons, saddles, etc…. Thank god the business was going well at the time, so we could afford it fine.  And I was also lucky enough to have been allowed to ride this fireplug Mare(female) all white Arab horse named Whisper.  Now Whisper at that time, was a typical Mare, and Arab breed.  She was full of piss and vinegar, hard to handle and unpredictable at times.  In hindsight, I’m wondering if they were trying to discourage me from riding….    she was a handful for all who rode here, and I was the FNG.  ( Friggin New Guy )  But something amazing happened the minute I got on her back.   Also keep in mind that I was too inexperienced and dumb to be afraid of her.   The minute I got on her back, we bonded.  We became a team…. she knew what I wanted to do B4 I did it.  It was remarkable.   I fell in LOVE with this beautiful animal, and I was one of the few people she or her owners would allow to ride her.  She just hauled ass, and did all the moves, and didn’t freak out with all the crap we were throwing at her.  Everyone of  the experienced Cav guys later on told me that there was NO way Whisper was going to be able to handle the guns, flags, tents and all that the Cav dishes out.  But she did and them some.   And I was blessed to ride her for about 4 years until a vet inadvertently killed her by mistake during a routine exam.  It was heart breaking for sure, but I’ll NEVER forget Whisper… I have many pictures of her, and a lock of her mane in my office to this day, and she’s been gone for 6 years or so now. 

Well, to cut this novel short, I was blessed with the opportunity after that to ride Shawnee, a gorgeous Jet Black pure bred Morgan for the last 3 years and I can’t believe what a great animal she is, again, I’m very fortunate to be allowed to ride her as well.  Something about Mares… most people don’t like ’em, as their moody and pissy.  But I like the spunk in them, the fire, the passion.

Well, as time went on I made Corporal, then Lt.  and was elected the Unit’s Commanding Officer, and this experience has made me a better person and a better leader.   As I enter my final year as a Cavalry Officer and reenactor, I wouldn’t change a thing (except for being that jerk horse that reared and pasted me into the ground, sending me to the hospital with a crushed leg)   But you can’t imagine what a thrill it is to gallop by a crowd at full speed, eyes watering, smoke, all hell breaking loose, and you’re in control of a 900 pound keg of fire.  What a friggin head rush.

This weekend we put on a Living History encampment and Cavalry show for 600 school kids, teaching them about what life was like in 1862 for Soldiers. 

This final year will also see us ride the battlefield of the Little Bighorn in Montana, joining over 70 other Cavalry riders from the US and engaging around 100 Indian Braves in one of the largest reenactments in the Western US.

A season of Lasts and firsts for this boy, and I’ll savor each and every last-minute of it.