DocWard

Let me stress I am allergic to dogs. And cats. And the timothy grass which is in hay. As in I took shots for years, and do a twice daily inhaler, an as needed inhaler and an antihistamine. It was adult onset, and I missed one deployment due to needing a Medical Review to see if I would be medically discharged. When I deployed to Kuwait, I pretty much stopped all of my medications. I kept an inhaler handy, but don't recall using it after a month or so there. I even sat through a Methacholine Challenge (a type of asthma test) while in Kuwait and passed. In essence, I am allergic to my lifestyle. All three (!) of our dogs are horse show dogs. That is, all three were purchased at horse shows from what I would call "hobby breeders." People who take good care of their dogs but happen to have an enjoyment of a particular breed. They also didn't cost an arm and a leg. Our oldest, Rowan, is an Australian Shepherd, we picked up because my kids wanted to go through the "puppy tent" at the Quarter Horse Congress. We had another Aussie, that was an excellent dog for us, protective, friendly and patient. Her herding instinct was on display early on, with cats and kids. Rowan has been all of that, although a little more willing to challenge for alpha status on occasion. Second is Olive, a Jack Russell. I almost feel she is a rescue because she was a runt, and all of the people that looked at the puppies kind of ignored her. My wife was instantly attracted to her, and we got her for much less than they wanted for the others. She is the most "one person" dog I have ever seen, being completely devoted to Mrs. Doc. She is happy to be with me or one of my daughters, until Mrs. Doc comes around, then she is right over to her. The reason we got her was because my wife wanted more of a "lap dog" while I was deployed. By all accounts, with all that went on during my deployment, Olive helped her keep her sanity. Finally, Piper, a Border Collie, was picked up while I wasn't around. I got a call from Mrs. Doc while I was on my way to my my first ever match, at Miami Valley Cowboys, asking what my thoughts were on getting another dog. She insisted if I said "no" it wouldn't happen, but I was pretty sure by the tone of her voice that wasn't the case. I told her I thought it was "a horrifically bad idea, but if she did bring one home, I would treat it as well as the others." It seems the "horrifically bad idea" part got lost somewhere along the way. My daughter claims another lady wanted the dog, but her husband seemed the abusive kind and insisted the dog would stay in the basement. Again, we didn't pay an arm and a leg. My wife's horse trainer got Piper's full sister, and she is amazingly intelligent. Piper, not so much. She is as sweet as can be though, and very loving, so that makes up for it. My youngest daughter suffers from severe anxiety, so it was suggested she get a "support dog." She picked up a true rescue dog from a "no kill" shelter. Part Dachshund and part Beagle, and all attitude and rottenness. He is a handful. Fun and loving, but a handful. Thankfully, she is living in an apartment off campus, so he only comes by on occasion. Oh, did I mention we have three cats, that like to sleep around me at night? I love dogs, tolerate cats, but I want my own apartment, with wooden floors, multiple HEPA filters, and an aquarium. I bet I could breathe easy then. Literally.

I recall singing the following in high school as part of our show ensemble my junior and senior years. Some very fond memories, sadly made melancholy, but ones I cherish:

Serious? Me?

This one kind of confuses me. It is a matter of record that John Wayne sought to get into Annapolis and failed. When WWII broke out, Wayne was 34 years old, with four kids and was exempted from the draft. He would have also needed a medical waiver to enlist, due to a shoulder injury. My understanding is those were somewhat uncommon until later in the war, and kept one out of combat arms units. Even then, the National Archives have his application to join the OSS. dated from 1943. Not to take anything away from Jimmy Stewart, who was only a year or so younger than Wayne. Other than being underweight, Stewart was physically able to be drafted into the military. After being rejected due to his weight, he sought to put on weight until he was accepted. Stewart also had two other advantages over Wayne, a commercial pilot's license and a college degree. Plenty served in combat. Plenty more served on the home front. To denigrate the latter is an insult to those who couldn't do the former, or had jobs and reasons for not.

I can think of few reasons as good to celebrate, and i agree!

I'm still trying to figure out on what basis I am supposed to be choosing. As an actor, Clint Eastwood. John Wayne played John Wayne better than anybody else could ever try. Doesn't mean I don't love his movies, but I think Clint gets the nod for better acting chops. Although, it must be noted John Wayne had good comedic timing and did plenty (not all) of his own stunts, even after surviving cancer. As a patriotic American, I think I have to call a tie. Clint Eastwood served, after being drafted, but John Wayne was without a doubt a patriotic American who did what he could for American morale. As the person I would most like to sit down and share a beer with, I think I would have to give a very slight edge to John Wayne, as I've heard that he was quite funny and a practical joker. The person I would most like to have my six in any kind of an altercation... Either one.

Darn near choked on my drink when I read that! He means it!!!

I'm thinking I'm as important as said phone yap person. We are living in a time when people feel entitled, regardless of the comfort of those around them. Even on public transportation, there ought to be a notion of civility and respect for others that is sadly lacking. It is one thing for a person to be absorbed in texting for hours at a time, but to be forced to sit next to one half of a conversation, often loud and animated intrudes upon my personal space. Now add to that the possibility of safety issues involved as Joe Yapper doesn't hear and keeps me from hearing information imparted by the flight crew, and the issue becomes even more important. Think it won't happen? Tell that to the people who talk and drive, text and drive and what have you. They could not care a wit less about what is going on around them. That won't change on aircraft. Heck, even missing which gate my connecting aircraft is going to be located can cause me to miss a connection. I can see far more downsides than advantages.

Thank you, again. I feel fortunate to have so many here I consider friends, despite having met so few. Merry Christmas, everyone!

I was referring to your first post on the thread. I just wanted to be sure you knew that a wish of "Merry Christmas" is not something to avoid in my case. I agree with you wholeheartedly, and believe that whatever greetings and well-wishing is done, if it comes from the heart, that is all that matters. It didn't occur to acknowledge Bodhi Day here on December 8th, now I wish I had! Maybe next year. You have, and I am continually humbled. I thank you.

And Ditka still receives grief for not giving the ball to Walter.

I spotted the posting as I was looking for continuing education courses. I keep my eye out, but I am not "actively" looking. I have considered being more aggressive in searching for a job I would enjoy that pays better, but as of yet, I have not done so. I typically don't discuss the reasons I left the prosecutors office, particularly in a public forum, in large part because it is a rather long story that is somewhat involved and personal. I believe a couple of people here know most of the story, but it is something I'm still not comfortable putting out to the "community at large." Based on my own experiences, I believe I would find the job fulfilling, if it is the same position I interviewed for previously. It is also one in which I believe I can have empathy for those I would work with, again, based on my experiences. I did not enjoy the majority of my time in private practice. I enjoyed working as a Guardian ad Litem, and still work in that capacity on a limited basis, but that is not something one can build a practice around. I also appreciate the stability of a regular paycheck. Starting out a private practice, our credit took a hit because I was trying to juggle bills, not quite sure when I would receive payment I was owed for work. As for my faith, I am a Buddhist. So, while I have no "higher power" to look to, I have attempted to contemplate the matter as best I can. Oh, as an aside, my faith has come up a couple of times the past couple of years (About this time of year, in fact). I mention this so it is clear I am appreciative, even humbled, by those here whom I respect who choose to include me in their prayers, despite our different faiths, as they have in previous posts. And Del Rio Pete, if you see this, I do celebrate Christmas, for reasons I've explained (see that explanation here: http://www.sassnet.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=244972&page=2&hl=docward#entry3202224 at #44 if interested), so let me take the time to return your greeting! Quite a post! I need to be going!

Wait... You bought the farm? Oh, you mean literally... Whew!

My daughter was with her boyfriend up in Mentor, near Cleveland, for a funeral. Wasn't sure they were going to make it back. In other news, I might have an inch or two in my driveway to clear. Time to pull out the snow shovel. My snow blower croaked a couple of years back, and I haven't been able to afford a new one.

Thanks again for the well wishes and prayers. Since posting, I've realized that the hardest part may be waiting for a call to ask if I'm interested in an interview! If I don't hear from them at all I will be disappointed, to say the least.

Whenever someone at the shop tells me "I don't need another gun," I tell them there becomes a point, usually early on, when it is no longer about "need."

Pretty sure I'm on safe ground there, but thanks for adding to my list of worries! They know I like my job there. I enjoy what I do and the people. I think they would also understand me saying "it pays twice what I make here, when I am constantly juggling funds and barely keeping my debts at bay." Thanks for the advice and well wishes everyone. I read it and take it to heart. I will probably re-read it a few times at that.

If I am so lucky as to get an interview and an offer, I will have to take it. Financially, I can't not take it. I think I would enjoy the work, just not the commute, but that is only about 15-20 minutes more than I do now, so, not a big deal.

So, I stumbled across a job opening for an attorney, working for the State Medical Board. Lower end of the salary scale is about double what I make selling firearms, so, on a lark I applied. I had applied for a similar position with them not long after leaving the Prosecutor's Office, and was one of their final candidates, as in they took the time to call and let me know if the top candidate didn't pass the background check and drug test, they would be in touch. I can't really mention it at work, until I have an idea what is going on, because I don't want to panic management needlessly. I can't really discuss it at home, because Mrs. Doc has enough going on without me making her crazy. So, I thought I would at least mention things here. I am just a tad nervous thinking about it. Worried I won't get a call for an interview, and then worried I will... And possibly even get a job offer. Hoping I am up to the task if I do. At any rate, I felt the need to share a bit. Wish me luck.

We usually have them at 7.99 or so for a box of 100.

By all accounts I've heard, he was a good man, generous with his time, and didn't have the ego that he very well could have had, considering his accomplishments. Rest in honored peace, Sir.

Awesome idea!

I'm going to be rooting for the Buckeyes, but will be shocked if Alabama doesn't win it all. Having said that and acknowledged my bias, my understanding is that Ohio State made the cut above Penn State for multiple reasons. First and foremost among them was that Penn State had not one, but two losses, to Pitt and Michigan. It is hard to justify letting a team in with two losses over some others with only one, even if there was a head to head match up. Also, in looking at their win over Ohio State, Penn also had the advantage of a week off, while the Buckeyes had been in a brutal game against Wisconsin the Saturday prior. Did the committee get it right? I don't know, but the reasoning that I have heard makes sense to me.

Tacti-CAS?

And it has been an ongoing joke ever since! You can even get tee shirts. http://inkfidel.com/collections/vintage-style-military-veteran-t-shirts/products/military-t-shirts-rock-or-something?gclid=Cj0KEQjw9vi-BRCx1_GZgN7N4voBEiQAaACKVmO1xwIdPDqLMCNtktIMCHBnpktS2icbwXPIFxlIhbwaAlKk8P8HAQ