Saturday, December 22, 2007

Veni,Vidi,Vici!!!!

Veni,Vidi,Vici--first spoken by Julius Caesar in 47 BC. Translation from Latin "I came, I saw, I conquered." This is how I feel today. I took the FAA Private Pilot Written Exam.

This quest started back in 1972, Dad purchased a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12. He had been a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the late '50s. I guess once it gets into your blood, it never lets go. We would go flying. Going through school, I did very poorly in math, but I could navigate.

1978, took basic Aviation class in high school. Ended up moving to Northern California just after graduation. No chance to take the test.

1979, Took my first ground school class at Santa Rosa Community College. Passed the class. Took the test in the classroom on paper. Sent the results to Oklahoma City and waited about 6 weeks for their return. Missed passing by 3 points--Missed 20 questions out of a 60 question test. I was devastated. I had my girlfriend at the time help me study.

1981-1982 Started flying. made it to 38 hours (40 is the minimum) Got to my last dual cross country flight and my instructor told me it was time to take the written. I started college at the time and really started to get into my studies. College and Flying do not mix. Did take Ground School in college--don't quite remember why I did not take the test.

Fast forward to 2002: I decided to go back and try ground school again. College was finished and I was working. It was a bit complicated-I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I did not think I could pass the physical, but got a waiver. Finished Ground School in the Spring--went to take the test, however, my Dad fell, went into the hospital and died a few weeks later. Did not have the heart to proceed.

2005: I started back at it again. Same teacher and Class as 2002. Passed that class with an A. Put off taking the test for about a month and then the time stretched--Mom took a turn for the worse and I spent time going back and forth to Reno (every few months) to see her and give my sister a break. Unfortunately, she passed away that summer.

2007: Everybody else is healthy, so different college and teacher. This time, I decided to take the test. One week after the class, here I am. I was apprehensive--It was a tough test the first time I took it. However, technology changed everything. Now it is on a computer. It was so much simpler. Instead of the 2.5 hours allowed for it, I finished in 4o minutes. The proctor administering the test was surprised on how quickly I came back.

How did I do?--I missed 4 questions or 93% correct . I kicked its ASS!! I have finally beat this test after 28 years.

Now on to get the medical and back into the Air. I want to say thank you to all of you that have supported me on this quest.

This one is for you Dad.

Friday, November 23, 2007

The Flight from Hell

Early Thanksgiving Morning, Valerie and I headed down to Ontario Airport to board our flight to Reno. It did not start well and went downhill from there.

Ok, first things first: we woke up a bit late and were thirty minutes behind schedule. At o'dark hundred, there is no traffic to speak of and thankfully no trouble finding off site parking (we made reservations--the lot was full when we arrived.) We thought at that early hour (4:30am), we would go straight to the terminals. We had to make several stops to pick people up--it took awhile to get to the terminals. Then when we arrived, we took one look at the line to check in and quickly decided to check in curbside.

We were two people away from checking in when the Skycap escorted some bags in and never came back. We rushed into line to check inside. We make it through the line and went to face the TSA.

TSA--Thoroughly Slow Actions.

With apologies to my Brother in law, Government and efficiency are two words that do not go together. They were backed up and were moving very slowly. Then they changed people and it seemed to speed up a bit. By the time they picked up our bags, we heard the announcement that our flight was closed and leaving. So we make our way to the gate.

TSA Continued

We look at line to go through security. It was almost back to the ticket counters (those of you who are familiar with Ontario Airport will know what I mean)--Imaging 700 feet of people. We finally get through it and out to the gates.

Southwest

We went to our original gate and talked to the agent. They were unable to give us a confirmed flight, so they put us standby for the next flight. It was dicey. To add insult to injury, the weather in Ontario was socked in from fog, and the flight coming into continue our journey was delayed. But we were lucky enough to get a couple of seats to San Jose. Now if we were unable to get a flight from there, I was going to rent a car and drive from San Jose. Valerie was totally against it . If we never left Ontario, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving. Finally, Valerie and I got the last two seats to Reno. Roughly two hours from the time we supposed to arrive--we made it to Reno.

They say that you need to arrive two hours before flight time--On Thanksgiving or other holidays, that should extend to three or four hours. We were late and lucky. Since I have been flying commercially (35 years), this is the first time I have missed a flight. So, next time, Valerie and I will take the day before the holiday(or Tuesday for Thanksgiving) and travel. This way, we beat the crowds. Two hours before flight time, I am at the gate. Do not get upset--it doesn't pay to blow up. We got farther being very nice.

The main question of the day--Was it worth it?

You bet--I had the world best welcoming committee waiting for me and Valerie. Two kids who we love a lot waiting in the car that picked us up from the airport.

That's what Thanksgiving is all about, after all.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Over the Meadow and Through the Woods...

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving.

Valerie and I are heading up to Reno early Thanksgiving morning (o'dark hundred) to stay with My sister and her family. We try to rotate holidays between each side of the family. We will join my brother and Cousin from Ireland.

Things have changed over the years, We used to go over Grandparent's house in Long Beach, CA or they would join us in Orange County--Less than 20 miles away. As we moved around the country, it started changing. With our year in Canada, we celebrated it in October. As we lived in different areas, we celebrated with our parents.

When Ma moved to Reno, we started traveling up to my sisters. Instead of driving--we now fly. Two years ago, Valerie and I drove up there and ended up snowed in for two days. Now, we worry about making the flight, parking and getting through security. And of course, the weather.

This is all about family and now our family is concentrated in the Reno-Sacramento area. We will spend Christmas with Valerie's side. They are located in Long Beach--not too many issues such as parking, security or snow.

I will enjoy celebrating with nieces, nephews and the rest of the family. I will eat too much good food. Most importantly, I will share the experience and create memories with family.


Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Ten Years and Counting

Last Thursday was our tenth anniversary.

I am amazed! Valerie is my longest relationship by far - I've been with her for 12 years. We have been through a wild ten years of marriage--birth of my niece and nephews, the loss of my parents and on my side -three job changes. She has seen my highs and lows and is still here. We have faced parents getting older, changes in our health and watching kids we saw as babies grow into young adults.

I still remember our wedding day. It was windy and warm and the air felt electric. Since I lived so close to Knott's Berry Farm (we were married in the 100 year old Church inside the park), I wanted to walk from our apartment, across the street, to the wedding in my tuxedo. Valerie wouldn't hear of it and sent one of my best men and her friend to collect me. Her friend was offering me a last minute ride to the airport.

What a friend. Thanks for the offer, but I will pass.

It was a heck of a party and even today, I hear how everyone enjoyed it. My father often spoke of how it was the best wedding he had ever attended.

Last night, we celebrated at Ruth's Chris Steak House. We always enjoy ourselves there, and Saturday night was no exception -Good Steak, Good Food and a Great Time. I am so glad that Valerie and I share a love of a good steak.

Would I change some things? Of course, hindsight is always 20-20, but I also realize I am a very lucky man. Looking back, would I make the same decision and marry Valerie after all this time?

In a heartbeat..

I love you Valerie, and hope I am lucky to spend the next eighty years or ten million miles with you --whichever happens to comes first.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Visits with the Family

I received this email from my sister today:

How am I supposed to sneak in on your life to see what you're up to (like I do to Valerie) IF YOU NEVER UPDATE THE STUPID THING???? IT"S BEEN OVER A MONTH since you updated it.

Just thought I'd share...
Love,
Your Sister

(OK, I know. However, to my sister, do let your presence be known. So, Sister, I will write and you now need to let me know you were there--no more sneaking. Deal?)

Onward.

This past Thursday would have been my Dad's 75th birthday. Five years ago this month, my brother and I spread his ashes over the Pacific Ocean. We flew my Dad's old airplane and dropped him off of Solana Beach. I try to visit twice a year. I bring tea leaves--Dad used to love drinking tea. I guess it was a nod to his upbringing. He was born and raised in Ireland--hence my my name.


Yesterday, Valerie and I drove down to Solana Beach to visit Dad. She was kind enough to give me some alone time with him. It had been awhile since I visited last and I still miss him. What I have learned through all of this is to tell your family how you feel when you still can or you will have conversations like I have with my Dad.

Before my Dad died, I tried to tell him how I felt, however, he would not let me say anything because he was still fighting cancer and needed to keep his spirits up. He said to me, "You will never say everything that you want to say to your father. I went through the same thing with my Dad and to this day, I have things I wished I had said to him."

With this blog, I share my thoughts and by sharing, I examine and hope to understand them. Along this journey of life, it helps to examine the road and sometimes make course corrections. So until next time...

And yes, I will try to be a better blogger.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Back to School

To dovetail with Random Thoughts, I thought I would share my thoughts upon returning to school. I am taking two classes this semester. Aviation Ground School and Intro to computers and programing.

Ground School: This is the third time I am taking this class. It its not that I do not get it. It is to prepare you to take the FAA Private Pilot exam. Now if you do not take it right after the class, you start to lose your edge. As one of my teachers put it, Stuff keeps leaking out of the bucket. Unfortunately, I didn't take the test right off and later on that year, my Dad died.

Time two: Same teacher, Same Class four years later. Got out to take the test, however, Mom got sick and passed away that summer.

This time: New College, New teacher. This is a review. Everybody is healthy. Will take the test right after the class finishes. Then I have two years to finish flying.

Intro to Computers and programing: First non flying or Business related Class I've taken since my undergrad days. The registering process reminded me of good ol SDSU.

As I walked the campus, it felt exciting to be back. Even though, I am old enough to be the father of most of the students. I think I will like going back to school. Call me when you have no Class (Thanks to the late Rodney Dangerfield)

So like Valerie, I too feel odd venturing on to a college campus. But as humans, I believe we are wired to keep learning. After reading what happens to people as they age, I believe I will keep exercising my mind.

Now only if the body can follow.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Technology I Can't Seem to Live Without

As I am studying for this online class, I was struck by the technological systems I have grown accustomed to and cannot do without:

DSL-- I have gone from a 1200 baud modem and calling bulletin boards (Pulled my first computer all nighter) to a wireless network and DSL. When the Internet started to gain popularity, I had dial up--talk about frustration, I used to hate waiting for pages to load. Sometime back through a problem with our ISP, We were without service for about a week. I felt that I was disconnected from the world.

E-Mail: At work, it is indispensable--I have a Blackberry to monitor it when I am away from my computer. My Dad had outlandish phone bills talking his contacts throughout the world ($3000 per month), once I dragged him into email--he dropped his phone bill down to $50. It makes it much easier to communicate with friends and family throughout the country and world.

DVD Player: What I can't say. Valerie and I went to the movies recently--we purchased tickets, 2 hotdogs, 2 sodas, one popcorn and candy. We were down about $35-45 bucks. I can rent a second run movie (a few months later) for about $ 4 . Soda is about $ 1.00 each. Popcorn (Microwave) is about $ 1.00. Do the math! Plus, if we have to take a biology break, we can stop the movie.

Computer: I have had a computer since 1987. The times I have been between computers, I felt like I am was in the stone age. I remember when I dragged my Dad into the 20th century. He fought me tooth and nail, but once he got to used to the idea--I could schedule time to do my homework at 2:00am. Funny, the more we rely on computers--the longer we wait for them.

DVR: A recent addition. Being in Orange County, CA--You could put a coat hanger on the back to the TV and get quite a few channels. I finally sprung for Dish when I was working nights--Valerie would have good TV to watch. After exploring Ebay, I found a Digital Video Recorder. I can pause live TV, rewind and fast forward through the commercials. Plus, it is real easy to set to record programs weekly. Beats the daylights out of the old VCR.

Cell Phone: When I was growing up, I always carried change to make an emergency phone call. After college, I was working in Sales--I knew the location of every pay phone in my territory. Now, I complain about coverage. Of course, it brings up a whole new set of rules--like no calls on that biology break.

Car Stereo: for those of us whose first cars were 60's era, the radios were at best AM Mono. Now, I have a hard drive that holds my music. With traffic in Southern California-a good radio is essential to keep your sanity.

Air Conditioning for Autos: Up until I bought my truck (1995) , I never owned a vehicle with air conditioning. Boy, I didn't know what I was missing--especially, this past Labor Day weekend. Here in So Cal, we had 100 degrees and 100% humidity--To all of you in other parts of the country--I know, quit whining. But if you are not used to it--welcome to the gates of Hell.

PDA: This I dub my electronic brain. I have my phone numbers and appointments in it. Tried the paper planners, but I kept forgetting to take them. I am I more organized? Not really, but I do not forget phone numbers or Doctor appointments.

This isn't the whole list and it will change in the future, however, isn't this what technology is supposed to do? Please share with me--The technology you can't live without. It will be interesting to see different interpretations.

Saturday, September 8, 2007

Thank You for the Welcome

Thanks to the lovely Valerie for giving me a little boost. To answer some questions that were raised from all of you who were kind enough to visit and leave a response.

I created this blog as part of a computer class I am taking. After many years of building, modifying, folding, spindling and working with computers--I have decided to learn programing. The last time I took a programing class, the Apple IIe (1981) was the big computer on campus. So not to worry, I am not an English major and far be it from me to comment on spelling and grammar. Heck, if it wasn't for spell check, I would be in deep trouble.

Nifty Nicknames: With a name like Brendan and the Irish surname I have, I have been called many unflattering nicknames when growing up. I was Brendan before it was cool. As I was growing up, I was called Brenda by 99 of every hundred substitute teachers I had. I had one teacher who pronounced my full name correctly--I used to have him say it a lot. I am more interested in the journey than having a cool nickname.

For those of you that invited me to your blogs: Thank you , I look forward to visiting and reading your interests and experiences.

Cast of Characters: I have my lovely wife Valerie--check out her blog and Elvis the Wonderkat. As for the family, I have my brother, Sean, Mary and his boys Brian and Kevin--want to feel old?, just watch kids grow. My Sister, Maureen, Don my BIL and her two Dean and Erin. Recently, there was Hurricane Dean and Tropical Storm Erin--Both of them got a kick out of having storms named after them. I see a lot of my sister in Erin--Sorry Maureen, but payback is a bitch.

Be Gentle--Student Blogger

Well, here is my first blog. My wife has been blogging for the last few months and has been enjoying it. I am starting this as part of a class I am taking at a local Community College. I guess I am starting to join the 21st Century.

I am old enough to remember the days pre PC. No, I am not standing out in the yard with my pants up to my chest--yelling at the kids to get off of my lawn. Since the beginning of the PC age, I am constantly amazed at how technology changes rapidly. I guess the saying " The best is yet to come." is quite valid.

I welcome anyone to join in and share random thoughts and experiences. To paraphrase an old cliche "Life is not a destination, it's the journey." So I will share my journey and hope you will share yours with me.