Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Operation: Behind Enemy Lines
The following story is true. The names of the operatives involved have been changed to protect their identities for future missions. This will be my final write up on the goings-on that occurred this past weekend, 1-23-2010/1-24-2010.
This past weekend I took part in a very dangerous mission. About two weeks ago I received an urgent text with an offer I knew I couldn’t refuse. I placed a call to my team members but due to schedule conflicts and previous engagements they weren’t going to be able to make the trek. I still had every intention of going, even knowing that I would be with a brand new team and probably flying by the seat of my pants for most of the mission.
I made a call to my supervisor to make sure I had nothing else planned and that I had all the necessary papers. Five minutes later I had signed on for what will forever be known as Operation: Behind Enemy Lines.
With Little Pierogi and Dragon out of commission for this, I started to learn more about my new teammates, Aces and Creeper. They had gone on missions like this before, but never to such a hostile environment. It was going to be a complete war zone, and we had no idea what we would find when we arrived. Excitement coursed through my veins, mingling with the slight amount of fear that I just couldn’t shake. I don’t think even a seasoned veteran could say they had no fear. If so, they’re lying. But I digress…
At approximately 0900 hours on the twenty-third day of January 2010, I left my base camp and started the first leg of the journey. This 137 mile trip would land me at the rendezvous point to meet up with Ace and Creeper. Halfway there, I snapped a photo to keep in the mission log, and then within the edge of the green zone my schematics seemed to malfunction. I pulled into a vacant lot and tried to get in touch with my mates. Ace called me back almost immediately and talked me through the final twist and turns to get to their HQ.
After a short break, meeting the K9 members of their unit, Trixie, Mitzy and Brooks, and writing down a few last minute coordinates, we gathered all our gear together, stowed it in the cargo hold of our transport vehicle and set off for the final leg of the journey, the actual trip into enemy territory. A rucksack of rations was on the floor behind me, but we knew that we would need to stop somewhere for more liquids.
At 1400 hours the three of us agreed on a quick stop at a neutral check point. We were still far enough out that enemy forces weren’t everywhere, and we were able to blend in with the civilians since we were in camouflage and not our uniforms (we were saving those for tomorrow.).
Obtaining refreshments was a piece of cake, but when we tried to buy a much needed energy supplement, the machine refused to cooperate. There was obviously some foul play involved, and my guess was that enemy forces were already onto us, watching our movements. I just couldn’t prove it. Ace made a second attempt, but only managed to get the original package into the drop slot. Creeper went up to the machine and used what I can only assume were Jedi-like mind tricks to get things going. She took a breath and punched in 1-4-8 on the keypad and two packages fell into the slot. With our mini excursion finished we high-tailed it back to the transport. I took over the radio control operator position for a while as Ace continued in the pilot seat. Creeper stayed in the back, reading up on the enemy (fine, it was really just a normal book, but it’s more exciting this way*).
At 1430 hours we saw a sign that would lead to the base for our training unit. I would’ve loved to make a side trip and pick up some reinforcements, but hopefully Johnson was going to be enough for now. The rest of the main unit was healthy, but to me, one can never be too prepared.
Half an hour later we passed through the Lehigh Tunnel; closer and closer we were each minute to the war zone. We caught sight of the fortified base at 1630. A solid brick outer layer stared back at us. We slid by, unnoticed hopefully, and finally arrived at our temporary command post. Set among the rest of the buildings near the airport, it seemed like a good place to stay. Right in plain sight.
After checking in and bringing all our gear up to the room, we set out for some chow. The sentry at the front desk had offered up a ‘great place’ and we had agreed, hoping that it would help our cover. We honestly looked like innocent civilians, so I don’t’ think he knew our real purpose. Unless that’s why he had suggested the place. It was in the middle of downtown, what if it was a trap? Hunger won out the debate and we hopped back in the transport. I decided finally that while his intentions were good, he must’ve been a little skeptic, because the directions he gave us were bad. Perhaps he thought that we would give up. He didn’t know us very well.
Our meal was delicious, and afterwards, we got lost trying to get back to the command post. The enemy is very good at confusing you. They must set up their roads on purpose. Those from the area might get it, but we found ourselves going up and down streets… not to be swayed, we continued until we caught a lucky break and found the right route.
Getting back to command, we sat out on the landing, thinking perhaps the unit would be staying at the same place. It made the most sense. We stayed out there until 2200, hoping they’d sneak in. We did see one of the trainers, but no actual unit members… deciding to call it a night, we headed up to our room for a good night’s sleep before the insanity of battle the next day.
We woke up at 0700. Well, Creeper woke up, I didn’t rise until about 0720, and Ace refused to get up at all at first. She was the last one to bed last night though, staying up later on the computer, making sure things were ok on the front line, talking with other operatives, etc.
When the three of us were finally up and about, we donned our uniforms and a slight amount of war paint. What can I say, it never hurts to get a little dolled up* We checked out of the command post and packed everything up for a final time. We left for the enemy camp with haste, arriving there armed with only some Twizzlers and neon signs. We got by the sentries easily… by paying them off. $15 seemed like a small price to pay. And with the early arrival we were able to find a spot near the exit, in case we needed a quick escape after the battle was over.
Exiting the vehicle I scanned the area, seeing enemy operative after enemy operative. We were probably insane to take on this mission. We were going in there without any type of disguise. The enemy forces would know exactly who we were and why were there. Turning once more I saw a flash of black and some light blue. Could it be?? I yelled out a code phrase to see how they would respond. “Hey… PENGUIN PEOPLE!!” And held a hand up. They responded with hoots and laughs and motioned for us to join them. You seriously cannot imagine my relief to find friendlies so close to our flanks. It did a lot to boost morale and silence fear among our small team. Making our way to them, I kept an eye on the enemy the whole time, making sure none of them came at us.
After some idle chit chat with our newest comrades we all discussed where we would be stationed during the battle. It seemed as though we were spread out around the base, and this pleased me. It would be harder for the enemy’s forces to take us all out if we weren’t all together. I fetched my communicator out of my pocket and passed a look along to my teammates. We bid our allies farewell and snapped a final photo, in case any of them were lost during the fight.
Entering the war zone wasn’t as scary as we had thought it would be, and after getting bands that would allow us better access, we headed down to mingle among friend and foe. There were some members of each side inside already, and I was surprised that it was cadets instead of seasoned operatives that were starting trouble with us. (real good parenting)
We arrived at the neutral zone where we would stay until just before battle time. The first enemy agent stopped us there, but the twinkle in his eye told me that this man could be more than he seemed. We stood there, dealing with a slight interrogation, and I found myself smiling and laughing along with him. we were just getting ready to enter the room when Ace piped up with a “Hi Sid!” I turned and watched the captain of our platoon walk by with one of our snipers. I felt like it was going to throw up or pass out… so I dropped down into a crouch and glanced at Creeper. She seemed to be handling things about as well as I was.
I took a couple deep breaths and leaned my head back and almost bumped into one of our protectors. Skoula just laughed as I let out a gasp and tried to apologize. He just smiled calmly as Goose walked with him, laughing hysterically. I missed Cookie; he snuck by me on the other side. And one of the wingmen, Billy, sauntered by.
I was literally star struck I think. We’d had no idea that this mission would bring us in such close contact with the unit we’d come here to support. Our instructions for the mission were to cheer. To help keep morale up if the enemy took the lead. But being so close… the double agent, that’s the only way I can describe him, laughed at our enthusiasm.
We went to find a place to sit down and collect our thoughts. And pass on this amazing info the only way we could while being trapped in the war zone. Our communicators. As we sat there, gathering some sustenance before the battle, the double agent came over to us, with that twinkle still in his eye.
“Now, you didn’t hear this from me but,” he glanced around to make sure no one was listening and then leaned in close. “The cap’n and that sniper just went back through the doors, and I bet some of the others will be coming out again. They’ve got a pre-battle maneuver to run over before they suit up. If you were to come out, you might be able to get their attention, maybe get their signatures.” This sounded like a prime opportunity to see some of them up close, and it was an offer that I once again couldn’t resist.
Creeper and I glanced at one another and almost stepped over one another to get out to the area.
Billy came by with their training supplies in hand and Creeper got his attention because I was too excited. “Billy G,” she said in a high-pitched voice.
“Will you sign my jersey?”
“Sure.”
“Thank you Billy.”
“No problem.”
He signed my ticket and then I offered the use of my pen to another allied operative. A moment later, while talking to Creeper, Billy came over to me to hand me my marker.
One of our enforcers, Godsy, was the next man out. He was all smiles when we stopped him for a signature. But, like we’d expect anything else from him. Pretty sure he realized who I was, he did that head tilt thing that to me means ‘you look familiar but I’m not 100% sure why.”
Gronk saw the allied forces around and made a quick side step so that he wouldn’t have to deal with any of us. Shy misunderstood giant. Another defender, Eats, walked by. Creeper yelled out a “Good Luck Mark!” and he turned, a big smile on his face and thanked her. Then, after he’d gone through the doors he made a circle, possibly thinking of coming back out.
As Rupper went by for the maneuver Creeper said “Good luck Rupp!” and got no response. When he went back the other way, to suit up, she tried again with a “GOOD LUCK MIKE!” and he looked at her, chuckled and replied “Thank you.”
The sniper we’d seen early, the one who’d been injured in a recent battle, was walking toward the doors that would lead him to his armor. I wanted to wish him good luck, but I didn’t know if he was taking part in this battle. So, it came out more like this. “oh...uh... mmm... ugh... I hope you feel better soon Duper!" He smiled and said thanks. I thought he was through the doors and turned to Creeper and said "Wow, those were some tight shorts!" He wasn’t through the doors yet though… HA!! I swear, that man must think I’m a complete idiot.
As Adams was walking by I yelled out “Yeah Craig Adams” for Dragon and he laughed and shook his head. He loves the attention, don’t let him fool you.
One of our Russian operatives, known as Geno, was wandering by and I called out “Good luck today Geno!” and was gifted with a smile before he passed through the doors. To me, the mission was a success now because he was the last member of the platoon that I need to talk to/be acknowledged by!
Our mini escapade finished, we gathered our battle gear and headed up to find our seats. Creeper and Ace headed down to see the platoon up close once more as they warmed-up. I stayed behind to watch our things, and met an operative and his cadet. They had traveled from afar for the battle as well, and I couldn’t help myself. The cadet was so cute, and so enthusiastic in his love for our side… I traded tickets with him, giving him my Billy G signed version. Seeing the excitement on his face, and hearing the honest thanks from a fellow operative, I sat down, feeling calm and excited at the same time, happy with the deed I had just done.
I had seen the boys, met some allies, and now I knew that we were near some more allied forces. Today would be a good day. Ace and Creeper came back up and informed me that our ever-friendly sniper had seen Creeper and smiled and waved. I think they have to know us now! LOL
Three hours later the battle was over. We were victorious and we made our way back to our transport. After taking stock to make sure everything was okay, and no damage had been done to us or the vehicle, we started the drive back to their HQ. And I ended up at my home base slightly before 2300 hours Sunday night.
Our mission was a success, Operation: Behind Enemy Lines was hard fought and won, and now we’re in planning mode for another mission in the future, hopefully Dragon and Little Pierogi will be able to go on this next adventure.
Rebel Heart out.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Ha! Jersey Shore! LAME...
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pittsburgh Excursion, and moments with sexy hockey players*
We arrived at the arena hoping to see the guys after they came out from the morning skate, but we weren’t sure when that would be. So, umbrellas in tow (it had been iffy all morning) we went down and waited with a group of people for the players. The only person who stopped was Sid, and we all have his signature on things I believe.
Decided on the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, DELISH! And then we waddled (yeah, the Factory will do that to ya*) to the book store there on the South Side shopping area. Found a couple magazines about hockey for Erin, and Amanda and I both picked up a new romance novel with the main guy being a hockey player. We’re a bit obsessed recently, but it’s not our fault* It’s theirs!!
One the way back to Mellon Arena we drove by Diesel (famed nightclub) and Max’s house. What… it’s right there, don’t judge!
Got back to the arena and changed into our game outfits! Then it was down to the gate to wait for them to come in. then we would yell good luck or something after they parked. Well, I guess I should mention that we gave a Christmas card to the one sign-in lady, in hopes that she could get Godsy to sign it for Miriya! Anyways…
Max comes driving in, and my sign for the game was about him. It said ‘I just wanna GOBBLE Max up!’ Well, he gets out of the car and when he’s almost below us we yelled good luck to him. He looks up, sees the sign, and goes “Gobble Gobble,” with a head jiggle and everything! I didn’t know whether to laugh or just stand there with my mouth open. Pretty sure I did both… LOL
Amanda had her sign up for Dupes and Addsy. One side said ‘Super Duper’ and the other simply said ‘Yeah Craig Adams.’ They were both very appreciative of the fact that they had a fan* LOL
We joked that Adams probably ran into the locker room all excited about his blonde girl with a sign, and then Duper would burst his bubble with a “Oh yeah, well, I have a sign too. And mine was a blonde girl! So ha!” (This comes into play later, I swear!)
Oh, and, when Godard came in, he DID sign the card (he and Mir have this connection, it’s pretty awesome!), and he even wrote a personalized note! How freaking sweet is that?!
Lord, how could I forget about this… Amanda is in lust with Brooks Orpik ok? But she can never get up the nerve to tell him good luck or anything like that. Well, when he went walking by to go into the arena, I nudged her and she finally spoke to him. With a murmured ‘Good Luck tonight Brooks’ he finally acknowledged her. But instead of a thanks, it was just a piercing stare. And she just about passed out onto the walk way! I’m pretty sure we could’ve lost the game and she wouldn’t have cared*
Well, onto the arena adventure*
As soon as our tickets were scanned we booked it down to the glass so that we could be there when the guys came out for warm-ups! I had my sign pressed against the glass, and after Max came out he glanced over, saw the sign again and laughed. It was a pretty good sign if I do say so myself*
We were taking pictures, and Amanda kept turning her sign so that Duper and Adams got an equal amount of love* And then I stopped watching them and focused on Sid. I can’t help it, it’s natural*
So, here I am, not paying any attention, minding my own business, etcetera etcetera; when all of a sudden the pane of glass is shaking and there’s a body flung up against it. I see a rush of jersey, a giant 25, and I shrieked! I couldn’t help myself, it was pretty shocking!! Seriously scared the bejesus out of me, and I had to kind of crouch down to try and get my breath back. Jumped-up Frenchman… LOL
He and Cookie seemed to get a big kick out of it, I did not. I think he scared 10 years off of my life! But the fact that he loved the sign so much, yeah, I guess that was worth it*
We won the game, didn’t get on the jumbo-tron, but it was a good game anyway*
And now the final part*
We like to wait for the guys to come out after the games as well. We yell congratulations for the ones who scored goals. Maybe someone who landed a really nice hit, things like that. And that night was no different.
When Max came out, I think I freaked out a little* haha! I yelled MAX and waited until he turned to hold up my sign one more time. He smiled (HUGE SMILE!!!), gave me a thumbs up, and ‘gobbled’ me once more. So I had to tell him good luck in New York, and he let out an excited “Whooo!” noise that was surprisingly high-pitched*
And Brooks was the final guy out, and Amanda was standing above his car. So, we kind of forced her to talk to him again. And she told him good game, which he responded to with a thank you. And then she wished him a Happy Thanksgiving and he did the same. I think she died a little that night* HAHAHA! We were walking back to the car and she let out a squeal of pure excitement*
There were other parts to the night, and there’s funny things that happened the night we played Boston and won in overtime… but I can’t focus enough right now to write them*
Friday, October 30, 2009
Middle School Hell...
Never teach middle school... never sub for middle school... if you can help it, never GO NEAR a middle school!
I told myself on Tuesday when I filled in throughout the day as teachers went to their IEP meetings that I would NEVER return to be a substitute here. I don't even know why, but to me, I'd rather take on those scary teenagers of the high school! It's weird, but it's like there's less discipine... I know that sounds crazy! But AHHHH!!
So today I'm woken up at 7 o'clock in the morning and asked if I'll fill in for an 8th grade math teacher... and for some unholy reason I agreed! I think I must be masochistic... that's the only thing I can say to explain why I said yes.
1st period wasn't bad. They were the more gifted children and there were only 8 kids there, compared to the 24 that should've been! Some field trip. This made me a little giddy because I was thinking to myself, 'maybe all my classes will be like this.' Oh how mistaken I was... sort of...
2nd period there were 5 kids! FIVE!!! They were pretty good too, and I'm starting to feel really good about myself and the situation.
3rd period was my prep time... and since I had nothing better to do I went downstairs to visit a friend who was also filling in and had the same prep period! We shared horror stories of previous assignments and laughed at the stupidity of some children.
4th period was lunch. It's split into 3 sections, 6th, 7th, and 8th. For some reason, unknown to me, I had lunch duty and then lunch and then lunch duty. Why not just put my lunch at the beginning or end instead of fucking me over like that?? Makes no sense to me! But I had 'bricks and blood' and that made my day almost calm. For those who I've never explained this to, that's code for grilled cheese and tomato soup! It was one of my favorite lunches while I was in school, and after being out of the system for 5 years.... it's still as good as ever!! I was in the teacher's lounge, using the bathroom and grabbing a drink, and some of the teachers were like, 'good luck next period.' This didn't make me happy, but I was still in my post-blood and no student-filled classes. oh how naive...
5th period was complete hell!!! Almost all 27 of the students were there, and they were loud because they had just come up from lunch and didn't want to quiet down yet... I'm generally a nice, easy-going person. Ask any of my friends... I'm 'Little Miss Bubbly' and I don't think I cracked a smile for most of that hour of class. I had to yell at them to be quiet so many times that I finally just gave up and when one of them started getting out of line I wrote them a pass to the office to get reamed out. I just didn't care. And that made me feel horrible. But I couldn't take it. I've never been so disrespected before, and I didn't like it. After the fifth kid walked to the office the principal just came down to see whta could be done. If I tohught I was loud... man, he is one scary som'bitch! I just didn't want to deal with any more demons, so when the bell rang I almost hitmy head off the desk a few times...
But then something amazing happened. Someone must be looking out for me, and not want me to hurt myself... because when the bell rang for class to start I had 3 people sitting at the desks. And then I found out that even though there are a bunch of names on the page of his grade book, he only has 4 people in his final class of the day!! I was so happy I almost wept, or jumped for joy... We were supposed to work in the computer lab, but couldn't so we were to use the computers in the room to do this lame assignment. Well, the computers wouldn't work. So they asked if we could go to the gym. I sent one of the boys down to see if it was alright with the gym teacher. He came back and said that yes, after 3 we could join them. Deciding to cover all the bases, I sent the second boy down to the office to make sure it was ok with the principal... damn that man...He sends the boy back says that the computer lab was open so we could go down there. They didn't like the idea, but trudged behind me, down the hall. We go into the room and every chair is taken... WTF! So I talk to the teacher who is in there with his class, and ask him if he thinks we could just go to the gym then,. He agrees with me, so that we aren't just sitting in that room doing nothing. We walk down toward the gym and they're all excited to play kickball, or dodgeball, or whatever it is that's going on. And in the doorway to the gym is the principal. He gives me a questioning look and I explain everything to him, starting with what we were originally supposed to do, and ending with that my colleague had suggested. And he gives me this patronizing look and tells me that he would rather they just went back to their room to do work... THEY HAD NOTHING TO DO!!!So for the final 30 minutes of my day we were all boredo ut of our minds. The janitor came in because she thought we'd left and they ended up helping her clean the room, wash the chalkboards, and even sweep the hallways. They had a blast so I was happy for them... but seriously, why couldn't those ppoor kids just play with their peers?! UGH!!
NEVER subbing for middle school again...
