Rancho Remembers 2014

Vladimir, this does not directly involve you, but I wanted to share my experience from today. I took part in the the 7th Annual Rancho Remembers event out at Rancho Cucamonga High School. I had actually participated in this event  last year as well. I was really excited to participate again because I had such a great time last year. My day began at 300am. I actually went to work for a few hours before I headed off to the school. A bag of M & Ms that your mom gave me for my birthday (Yes, that was my birthday gift from her) would serve as my breakfast. I drove another 23 miles out to the school and got out there around 815am. I was greeted by a young man who escorted me to the entrance. From there, a group of young ladies awaited and greeted all the Veterans with a good morning. One young lady led me inside and got me where I needed to be.

Once I got there, I met my first interviewer. The young man in the white shirt from the first group of kids. I got right into it and introduced myself. We began talking and getting to know each other. Soon after, the other two kids joined the group. The whole purpose of this event is to have Veterans from all eras share their experiences with the students. Today, I saw Veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and there were actually Pearl Harbor survivors as well. Amazing to see such a vast group of people.

I had a great time. I got a couple of Krispy Kreme donuts which made it sweet. The kids were fairly interactive with me. I think they opened up more once I shared more of my life experiences. I guess I was pretty popular because after the first group left, the second showed up and I had double the kids. That's right, I got to speak with 6 kids the second time around. I thought it was great. It just meant that I got to entertain a bigger group. It was a bigger challenge to keep everyone involved, but I think it went well.

With both groups, we talked about such subjects as my military experience, my childhood, work experience, and both you and your mother. So you did have a part in today's events. I told the kids how much you mean to me and how your mom and I have a tough road ahead of us trying to raise you. I also gave them some life advice and hoped that at least one thing stuck with them.

Overall, I had another great experience. I'm proud to be part of such an event and I look forward to participating again. I was really sincere in what I shared with these kids because I know one day I'll have to have such conversations with you.

dpgmarine

Basketball 2014

Hardcore

Today, we had quite the morning. We headed down to my ol' stomping grounds of Camp Pendleton. I participated in the Heart Break Ridge Half Marathon. Coming back to the base brought back quite a few memories. I was very excited to finally be able to take part in the run. However, thanks to a nasal infection at the beginning of the week, I wasn't feeling too well for the run. It probably didn't help that on yesterday I had an all carne asada burrito from King Taco and a Pepsi. That was followed by two conchas for dessert. This morning I had a chocolate chip muffin from Portos as well. I also didn't hydrate as much as I would have liked to.

So here's a rundown of the day's events. The weather was actually pretty good. Between mile 2 and 3 we hit the big incline. It kicked my butt right off the bat. The fact the my nose was running like a faucet wasn't too pleasant. Luckily, I had a pocket full of tissue to combat all that snot. I also knew that I would have to see that incline on the way back. The run was tougher than I thought, but I was able to pull through.

Once again, you found a way to steal the show. Just as I'm closing in on the final quarter mile or so, I see you and your mom at the top waiting for me. She was taking pictures and you're telling me hi as I pass you guys. The next thing I know, you I hear you say that I'm going to get you. I look back and there you are running after me. I thought it was funny and figured you'd stop. As you can see from the pictures above, you chased me all the way to the finish. I couldn't believe it. It must have looked funny to anyone watching. You're pretty fast for a little guy were skinny jeans and a vest sweater. You almost beat me, but you still have lots of work to go. I'm glad that you guys were able to see me finish.

Final Run Time: 1:56:24

I dedicated this run to my friend Michael Barnes! Rest in Peace.

dpgmarine

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

It's been a while since my last post, but I thought today would be a great day for a new post. Your friend Camilla came over for a visit along with her mommy Maria. We all had a nice little dinner. You and Camilla had a blast since you haven't seen each other in a while. You guys played with the puzzles, played in the tent, and endlessly chased each other around the house.


More exciting, was the fact that we experienced a nice little 5.3 earthquake. That's right! You guys were running around and making such much noise, that I was a bit hesitant at first. After a few seconds, I decided to jump up because the shaking became really strong. Sure enough, we were experiencing an earthquake. We all huddled together in the hallway while the house coninued to smoothly roll. The whole thing lasted about 20 to 30 seconds.


We made it through will only a few shook nerves (from the adults). The two of you (Camilla & Vlad) were pretty much oblivious to the whole event.


I'm just glad that we can all have a good laugh about it...For now!


dpgmarine

Goof and Stuff

Well, we finally made it to Golf N' Stuff. Thanks to a free coupon, we only had to pay for our game. We grabbed our gear and headed off to Course #3. It took a little bit of coaxing, but you finally got into the game. You liked all the little traps and mazes that the golf ball had to travel through to get into the hole. I think after another visit, you'll be that much better. Finally, whenever we drive past there you ask about when we're going to go back. This is the case with every place we go to and that you have fun.


dpgmarine

Christmas Parade 2013

The AYSO VIP soccer team that you were on participated in the Downey Christmas Parade this year. Luckily, the rain had came and went yesterday. However, it was still rather cold today. Add to that, we had to wait around for a few hours while everyone was assembled. Anyways, a little out of the four VIP teams showed up. The kids from our team that participated were Cyrus, Erika, and Elisa. Prior to the beginning of the parade, we took you to view some of the horses and you even got to sit on a donkey. You and I had a good chuckle when we say one of the horses dropping lots of green turds on the Downey streets.

I hung around with you and your mom until the parade kicked off. I then walked down to the end of the route so I could take some pictures. Finally, you guys appeared and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Your mom would later tell me that you were Mr. Popular. Apparently, your named was called on more than one occasion by various spectators. You guys had a blast walking by and waving to the people. I was later joined by Marissa and Josh who came to root you on. To end the festivities, we headed off to King Taco for some greasy food!

dpgmarine

Mountain out of a Molehill

Today was yard work day. We had been avoiding it for about two months now. I got up and busted out the new lawnmower and with the assistance of your mom, we were able to get it ready to rock and roll. Once we got started, it was hard to stop. Almost four hours later, we had success. While I was pushing the lawn mower back and forth, look at the creation you were able to come up with.

Guess what? We'll get to do it all over again in another month! Hoo-ray!

dpgmarine

History in the making

The second day of our Thanksgiving week off, we decided to take you to the Natural History Museum. It's next store to the Space Center where we took you earlier this year to see the Space Shuttle. I think the last time I stepped foot into this museum, I was still in elementary school. Well, the prices sure have gone up since then. Anyways, right when we walked in, you were already asking about going back outside. Unbelievable! The first area has two humongous dinosaurs bone sculptures for us to view. After that we went from room to room looking at all the dinosaurs and various animals that were on display. We also went upstairs to see lots and lots of stones and birds. In one area, it was almost like a rain forest complete with sounds. It was dark and once the bird calling started, you actually got scared and wanted to leave. That my friend, was too funny. We ventured around a few more areas before we went back outside and let you run around like a wild animal. Overall, it was a good experience. You may not care about it now, but one day you'll look back and say "Wow, it only cost $12 per adult back then!"

dpgmarine

Knotts Berry Farm 2013 #2

Well, this was the first time that I took off the whole week of Thanksgiving. I thought the extra three days would provide us with lots of opportunities to have fun. So, I decided since the weather was going to be nice that we should venture off back to Knotts. We had actually just taken you there a few weeks back for our annual trip. However, since we only have to pay for you and parking, it wasn't going to hurt our pockets too much to take you again. First, we kicked off the morning with a breakfast at Ihop. Man, you sure can scarf down those pancakes. It's really amazing to see how much you can shovel down your throat. After we got our filling, we headed straight to the site. This time around, it wasn't as packed because it was during the week. We actually started off by going on the sidewinder roller coaster. It does live inside of Camp Snoopy, but it is a pretty exciting little roller coaster. You then wanted to go on the blue skate and then it was off to the hot air balloons. After that, we all went on the Ferris wheel and then it was onto the boat ride. By then we were hungry, so we grabbed an orange bang and headed off to Johnny Rockets for some fries. Well, thirty minutes and fifteen dollars later we had our fries. Finally, there were some new rides in that section of the park that we had neither seen nor been on. We decided to try a few out for size. First it was the swinging fish ride. You and your mom went on and you really seemed to enjoy it. After that, we went on this solo car roller coaster. Only one car is sent off at a time with up to four passengers. So all three of us went on and you and your mom sat up in the front. It was a really fun ride and it had a pretty big drop right at the beginning of the ride. You did very well and it just made me and your mom realize how quickly you've grown and how brave you've become. Another fun day added to the books!

dpgmarine

Encino Tournament 2013

Well, today was our second soccer tournament of the season. This location brought back a lot of memories for me in particular because it was just down the street from where I was stationed as a Reservist in the Marines. Taking the route up the North 101 freeway and exiting Balboa Blvd certainly kicked up old memories of making the same drive on Friday afternoons to go to drill. Those are times that I hope to share with you when you’re older. Back to the matter at hand.


We had to be there very early because the games were kicking off early as well as photos of the teams. We started off with our usual ritual of going to Portos first. Luckily, the weather was very cooperative and it turned out to be a very nice day for soccer. After we checked the team in, we took our photos. We then set up shop at the first field where we would be playing at. Our games were scheduled to be played back to back at 1015 and 1130am. You were definitely eager to get out there and start kicking the ball around. You did very well as you have all season. Scoring has become something that you really strive for. I’m so proud of your progress and efforts. It’s truly been an amazing feat to watch you play out there. The only thing that you and all the players can improve on is passing the ball.

In the first game we played a team with only 5 players, but everybody had a great time. I believe you got stepped on once by another player’s cleats and had to come out for a bit. You were then able to get back out there and seek out the ball a short time later. We then had to break down our area and move two fields down and set back up. In our second game, we played a team with more than double our players. It was still a great time. We cut this game a bit short because it was warmer and it seemed like a lot of kids wanted to go play in the jumpers including you.

We packed up our stuff and put everything in the car and then took you to play. You were primarily interested in the jumper with the slide in it. For some reason, I was really exhausted after the events. I laid down on the grass and shut my eyes for a bit, while you mom sipped on her smoothie drink. Finally, it was time to go. One last look in the direction of my old unit and then we headed back onto the South 101 freeway . We ended up stopping at King Taco to get some chow. You were really into feeding the pigeons and sparrows on this day.

Finally, we headed home and jumped into our bed for a family nap. Your mom had went out the night before so she was definitely looking forward to that moment. Another day, another adventure!

dpgmarine