Burnerblog

I’ve been busy. So busy, in fact, that I’ve neglected ol’ Burnerblog once again.

Here is the kind of post I hate to read on other people’s’s’s’s’s blogs.

I’ve been playing bass in two bands, playing Age of Conan online with friends, racing in NCNASCAR (and winning some races!), having friends over from out of town, reading neat websites with cool ideas, and many other things.

Next up for me is making a compost pile, organizing one corner of the garage, and waxing my car.

And maybe keeping this place a little more up-to-date than I have been.

As a kid, I always thought that Memorial Day was an important holiday since I was always so interested in history. Having met many WWII and Viet Nam veterans as a kid and talking to them about their experiences, I remember how highly they regarded the day. I wondered if I would ever revere it as they did.

I do.

I have lost former troops of mine in the latest Gulf War and in Afghanistan. I don’t want to go into their stories, their names, etc.

I guess the point is that I will remember them and their sacrifice.

I hope everyone else thought of those who have laid down their lives for our country, our nation, our people.

No, I’m not referring to my bank account balance (which after checking this morning is, unfortunately, right). I’m talking about the song I woke up with in my head today. FINALLY, A GOOD SONG!!! By Depeche Mode, it’s a song I really liked back in the 80’s. I remember sitting on Bravo 5 one Sunday afternoon listening to KROQ on my tiny radio and listening to an entire day of Depeche Mode. That day, I think three cars went through my checkpoint, and I sat there as bored as could be. I had forgotten to take a book with me (I used to tear through novels back then to combat the boredom of flightline duty), and there was nothing to read on post. I’d done my best to sweep and straighten (the things you do to stay awake…), but I finally reached the point where I could do no more. And then this song came on. I sat there just enjoying the music, the sun, and the serenity of my checkpoint.

Theres more besides joyrides
Little house in the countryside
Understand, learn to demand,
Compromise, sometimes lie

Get the balance right, get the balance right

Be responsible, respectable,
Stable but gullible
Concerned and caring, help the helpless
But always remain ultimately selfish

Get the balance right, get the balance right

You think youve got a hold of it all
You havent got a hold at all
When you reach the top, get ready to drop
Prepare yourself for the fall, youre gonna fall
Its almost predictable

Dont take this way, dont take that way
Straight down the middle until next thursday
Push to the left, back to the right
Twist and turn til youve got it right

On this day in 1775, at a place called Tun Tavern, the United States Marine Corps was founded. Yes, 1775; a good nine months before the official declaration of independence.

I’m proud to have served as a U.S. Marine for nearly 12 years, and of all the men and women with whom I served. They have all touched my life, and I am a better person for having served with them. I’m fortunate in that two of those Marines I served with are now my best friends, and that they live so close to me. They are my family, and I am truly a fortunate person to have them and their families here near us.

To those Marines with whom I served that are far away (you too, Chris), I wish them the best on this Marine Corps Birthday, and I hope they put back at least a few libations in celebration (’cause I sure will!).