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Lorenzo's Goals for 2011

Lorenzo's Goals for 2011

I.  SPIRITUAL FAITH

This year, I will continue to have a closer relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ, Church Leaders and members, then the year before.  

In order to achieve my goal this year, I will do the following steps. 

1. I will do my Time Alone With God, read and meditate on the Word Daily. 
2. I will expand my knowledge by reading my bible and Christian related resources. 
   
3. I will participate more in Life Cell, Intercessory Prayer, and ROTV Ministry.
   
4. I will learn more about my camera and other TV media equipment, and video making techniques within the ROTV Ministry and become an expert at it. 

II.  FAMILY

I will prepare the house and grounds for Rhoda, Larraine, and Rafael Frenz's arrival from the Philippines prior to their later arrival this year. 

1. I will continue to support Rhoda, Larraine, and Rafael Frenz's spiritual, physical, and emotional needs in the Philippines.
2. I will continue to work on important documents for U.S. Immigration so that Rhoda, Larraine, and Rafael Frenz's will gain approval on their entry to relocate to Guahan. 
   
3. I will make it a point to chat with Rhoda and Larraine daily on Yahoo Messenger or Skype, but no less than 2 times a week.  
4. I will continue to tell Rhoda, Larraine, and Rafael Fren, that I love them everyday.
   
5. I will visit Rhoda, Larraine, and Rafael Fren, at least 2 times this year, and our family in Butuan City.

III.   HEALTH

I will lose 50 more pounds, and continue to eat organic healthy foods, this year.

1. I will follow the CrossFit HQ's Workout of the Day and scale it to my workout level.
2. I will eat healthy organic foods by reading labels, or growing my own vegetables and raising my own livestock.
3. I will drink 1 gallon of water daily and supplement my fluid intake with natural juices from fruits grown on the ranch. 
   
4. I will continue to see my VA social worker and Doctors at my appointed times. 
   
5. I will continue to take medications prescribed to me by VA, but look for herbal alternatives to those medications. 
   

IV.  CAREER

Within 10 years, I will have a sustainable organic ranch near Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental; and Texas, by God's Grace.  My ranch here on Guahan will be in full operation producing organic crops and livestock.

I will have no less than 3 sources of income this year. 

A.  This year, I will continue to build a successful sustainable producing ranch here on Guahan, growing organic vegetables and livestock by God's design.

1. I will grow vegetables using proper organic methods and raise beyond organic livestock that is healthy to myself, family, and future clients.
2. I will respect and care for the livestock in my care.  I am their steward, not their master..
3. I will start my own direct sales market from the ranch and grow consistent produce for my clients/customers.
4. I will plan, develop, and produce my own Value Added Products for Matua Ranch.
5. I will incorporate Matua Ranch before year's end. 
   

B.  I will establish a safety training company this year.  Also become an instructor with GCA's Trades Academy. 

1. I will complete my Safety Technician Skills Training at GCA's Guam Trades Academy this year. 
   
2. I will obtain an LLC Business license for a safety training company and to teach at the GCA Trades Academy.
   
3. I will continue to take OSHA related courses to further my skills and knowledge to become a Certified Safety Technician Instructor.
   

V.  SCOUTING VOLUNTEER WORK

I will re-establish Venture Crew 26 and Scout Troop 26 and have them re-chartered this year.

1. I will invite neighborhood teens from the Backroad Rt.15 and Gayinero Area to participate in the Matua Scout Program based on Christian Faith, Extreme Outdoor Activities, Character Building, and Leadership Training. 
2. I will "ONLY" work the position that I volunteered for: Scoutmaster/Adviser.
   
3. I will encourage parents or young Christian adults to fill needed adult leadership positions to help the Crew and Troop.
4. I will only work with youth ages between 14 and 18 years old.
   
5. I will lock out and reserve 6pm to 7pm,  Tuesdays as our meeting days, and 1 weekend a month as our adventure days.
   

I will choose a Mentor(s) to help keep me on target for my goals this year.  I will plan to meet monthly with my mentor to go through my monthly goals. 

I will remember that these are my goals for this year 2011.  Should I not meet the time line for any of my goals, I will not become discouraged.  I will simply readjust the time on target for a later date. 

I will review these goals monthly on the 1st of each month. 



Lorenzo Taitano
January 1, 2011

Unsubscribed from lots of mail lists and groups to clean up my email inbox. Getting lots of junk mail.

Cleaned up a bit in the ranch. Trimmed back some of the banana trees, pulled some debris cuttings to the hedgerow, and burned some wood.

Have a Blessed New Year!

Reviewing Goals for this Year, and Making New Goals for the coming Year, 2011.

Looking over my goal sheet from this year.  I did accomplish a lot.  There were some goals that I did not finish or did not even do for one reason or another. I'll have to do some reflection on those. 

All my goals either accomplished or not accomplished boiled down to availability, convenience, and available financial investment. I may have to do better planning on my goal setting for next year. 

It'll take a day or two to finalize my goals for 2011. 

ESTA...

Desert Christmas Eve Gathering.

This evening after service, I was reflecting on a special Christmas years ago.  Not the one with my wife and daughter in my wife's hometown in 2008.  This one was while I was on deployment with the 82nd Airborne Division during Desert Shield in 1990.  

Word had spread around the base camp that there would be no Christmas Eve service at the makeshift theater turned chapel.  The news from the chain of command from XVIII Airborne Corps was that, we are not to offend the host nation, Saudi Arabia, with our Christian Christmas Services.  It was actually illegal to have any other Faith in the Kingdom other than Islam.  Our Chaplains were not allowed to wear their branch insignia on their uniforms.  That was replaced by their actual rank.  

So when Christmas Eve came, we treated it like any other routine work day.  I even volunteered to pull another Sergeant's shift on guard duty, so he can call home to CONUS.  We didn't have access to call Guam back then, like they do now with today's technology.  All we had back then was snail mail and AT&T.  So I pulled the day shift, supervising a machine gun team on one of our bunkers along the wire.  It was pretty much an uneventful day.  

Later that evening after chow, our chaplain's aide told us that there was a small get-together at the helipad at 2300.  A small group of troopers were getting together to celebrate 'quietly', Christmas Eve.  My squad had decided that we would go check it out, since there was nothing else to do.  It's not like the First Sergeant was going to have our necks for breaking lights out.  

When we got to the small area of the helipad.  I noticed that it was one of our chaplains from my regiment that was leading the small group in singing Christmas carols quietly.  It was weird singing in whispered tones.  But slowly more small groups were approaching our little area of the helipad and joining us.  Someone had brought candles and we were lighting it up, one by one, in the cool desert night.  It was funny.  Our small platoon size group turned out to be two brigades in the helipad.  Every trooper standing shoulder to shoulder in this standing room only crowd.  

A senior ranking chaplain had come out, with other chaplains from the other units.  A couple of troopers brought guitars and a trumpet.  Next thing I noticed.  The Filipino workers who manned the base fire station were also there.  Our quiet singing turned out to be a loud affair with paratroopers singing in unison different carols led by the small group of leaders to our front.   I thought the MP's would come and disperse the crowd.  But they were there singing along next to us.  As I turned to my right, I noticed familiar faces, my Regimental Commander and Command Sergeant Major; next to them was my Battery Commander and First Sergeant; behind them was my Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Leader.  My Platoon Sergeant caught my eye and gave me head nod to face forward and carry on.  I nudged my team leader on the side and pointed at the command group to our right.  I guess we're good to go if the command is there singing along.  

For an hour we sang, well past midnight.  We left the helipad the same way we arrived, in small groups, back to our unit areas relishing what Christmas meant that night.  Out there in the desert surrounded by a faith that didn't like us, but we were there to protect.  That night, I knew what Christmas meant.  It was about Jesus.  And no Order, was going to stop us from celebrating the Lord's Birthday.  

Merry Christmas 

Guam High - DODEA Pacific Protecting Their Own, Retaliates Against Local Decision Exonerating Referee.

A Guam High wrestler, Ronicko Cabe  is reported to have hit the chin of an officiating referee, Joey Lopez Jr., during a wrestling match with his head. That would make that strike a head butt.  News reports state the wrestler didn't like the calls that were being made by Referee Lopez.  

Here is the first report:     

Wrestler Penalized For Assault On Ref

Here is the second report:  Guam High-DODEA Pacific's Response.

Lopez Not Permitted To Participate In DoDEA Events

Guam PDN reports that Cabe was disqualified for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. 

It seems Guam High School - DODEA Pacific is retaliating against the suspension placed on their wrestler by banning the referee from officiating at their events.  

That's their call.  It might work for their home games.  But, what happens when the team has to go to another school for a match with Referee Lopez officiating.  It looks like they'll have to forfeit those matches.  

All this because one student/wrestler was way out-of-bounds and head butted an officiating referee.  It would seem that Guam High Officials would rather see their student/wrestler continue his assault and didn't want Lopez to defend himself.  

I've always thought Guam High had higher standards.  It does appear to be those standards have been tainted.  There are no reports that the student/wrestler was suspended from school for his actions.  Guam High sends a wrong message to it's students and wrestlers.  It is not okay to hit an officiating referee for any reason, especially if you don't like the call.  By banning Lopez from their events, it sends a loud message to their students that it is okay to strike an official.  And if you do strike an official, we will ban them from our games.  We will protect you.  That is not what sports is all about.  

Players have to understand that refereeing, although there are trainings involved, it is still the interpretation of the rules by that officiating referee.  I know...I used to referee Volleyball in Germany for DODEA and other sports associations.  As a player, you cannot see what the referee is looking at.  It's all perception.  You think you do, but you don't.  Your job as a player is to play the game the best you can by following the rules and the techniques taught to you by your coach.  

Referee Lopez has been exonerated by the MSOA.  Banning him from their events is wrong, even if he acted in self-defense.  

By banning Lopez, Guam High - DODEA Pacific took this issue from the sports arena and made this a military versus locals issue.  It's them against us all over again.  

Then they wonder why us locals don't want the military buildup.  

ESTA

Grady Phelan's Pancake Mix

Description:
Grady Phelan is a former apprentice out of Polyface Farm in Virginia. This is his recipe from his blog; Life As A Polyface Apprentice.

Ingredients:
3 cups grass-fed raw milk (I bet normal milk will do but...)
2 cups whole flour (don't use bleached or enriched... not good)
2 large eggs (from pastured hens if possible)
1 teaspoon baking powder (Not Soda... Powder)
1 table spoons lard (self rendered from hog fat)

Directions:
1. Mix milk and whole flour.
2. Beat in eggs and stir in baking powder and let set.
3. Heat skillet to medium and add lard to coat pan.
4. Pour 1/2 cup of batter into skillet and cook till bubbles raise in pancake.
5. Flip.
6. Finish cooking... add butter... add maple syrup...
7. Add fork in hand and smile on face.

Makes enough for 2 hungry apprentices.

Ranch Update 17DEC10

The weather is nice and sunny.  Strong breeze coming from the NE.  Temperature is in the mid-80's.  

The rabbitry is doing well.  The month old kits are getting bigger.  It looks like their dam weaned them off already.  Found them drinking water from the waterer and eating the alfalfa pellets.  The other does are doing well.  All nicely muscled and ready for breeding.  The buck is nice and lean.  He'll be busy soon when I start putting the does in with him.  My plan is to do it a week apart with the 3 senior does Starting on Sunday.  The two junior white does are not yet ready for breeding.  I'm looking for a white buck to breed them with.  I'll have to make a flea market run one of these weekends to the guy who sells rabbits there.    

The goat herd is now down to one goat, a polled buck.  He's a Spanish Kiko with some Alpine/Nubian percentage thrown in.  I sold the rest of the goats for a variety of reasons.  I knew I wouldn't have time for them, once I started back going to school next year.  Also, they didn't make my breeding standard, that I've adopted from attending the Livestock and Grazing Academy at the University.  

• One buck has one testicle.  Even though he successfully bred one of the does.  I didn't want that genetic in the future herd.  I need a fully intact buck for a herd sire.  
• One doe took 4 years to get pregnant.  That's to long for the meat herd that I want to establish.  Another trait, I did not want.
• Another doe was to thin and had her horn tips pointing in.  Both not a good sign.  I want well muscled goats and horn tips pointing in meant that any goat my get caught in her horns and break a leg.  I prefer wide based horns that open out.  
• Another doe was to skittish.  She would run from the slightest noise and/or movement.  She always kept her distance from me and was hard to catch when she needed to get treated.  Another trait that I can do without.  

So I was going to sell the last buck.  But reconsidered after I redid his body condition score.  He actually outgrew the older buckling and he's only 8 months old.  I'll keep him around awhile longer and use him to maintain the paddocks to keep the grass low.  I'm looking into investing in registered Boer and Kiko Meat Goats next year.  After, I am settled in with my classes.  

The Guinea Flock took a hard hit last month.  9 of the older keets died from the Brown Tree Snake.  I put them out in the outside ground brooder to early at the ranch.  That was my fault, bad judgement.  I should have waited.  Now, I have 3 keets left.  I'm leaving them in the brooder until they gain their pearl feathers.  The first group of keets are now mature with nice pearl feathers with helmets and watles to match.  The two older guineas are roosters in the circular pen.  The female that was in with them died, reasons unknown.  I was able to catch my alpha breeders, a rooster and hen.  I know I have a hen in with the young keets.  I'll have to wait until she's older to actually tell her apart.  So the flock is currently at 7 birds.  I may have to order keets from Metzer Hatchery next year to upgrade my flock's bloodline.  

I bought some seeds for my garden.  I'll be planting beans, melons, sunflower, lettuce, pechay (bok choy), onions, and marigold.  I'm going to put my organic training to the test now.  I did grow organic cherry tomatoes last year, and currently  still growing organic bananas.  Now, I'll have to keep actual records for my organic production.  The marigold above is not for eating.  It's for insect control.  Plus, I like the colors.  I was looking for eggplant and winged beans, didn't find any.  I'll start working on the garden beds next week during the mornings.  Since, I have class in the afternoons, until Wednesday.  

Still haven't received word if I passed the Organic Inspector Basic Course with IOIA.  Patiently waiting on that.  I'll be working on the new ranch goals for next year before the year's end.  

ESTA.  

Morning Appointment at the VA Clinic.

I was able to visit the new VA clinic this morning.  My first visit since it opened.  Got there pretty early, since I had left an hour before my appointment to bypass the construction traffic at the Tri-intersection in Barrigada.  Now they have a security guard in the lobby.  That's a new one.  

I did the normal in-processing, filled out the form and turned it in.  Sat down for close to 45 minutes.  The movie on the TV was 10,000 B.C., which the security guard turned the volume because he thought it was to loud.  I wasn't paying attention to it anyway.  I thought my appointment was to see the clinic psychiatrist.  But I was surprised when I was called and went to see a new doctor from Hawaii.  

He asked the same old questions.  I gave the same old answers.  Then he checked my right knee and my lower back.  You know, if these guys only read my medical file they would find all they needed to know in there.  Yes, I damaged my right knee during a volleyball game, that we call combat volleyball in Ft. Bragg.  Yes, I broke my lower back in a car accident when I was ordered to retrieve a paratrooper from his house for beating his wife.  I don't understand why I have to keep repeating the same thing every evaluation.  READ MY MEDICAL RECORDS!  

Anyway, the Hawaiian doctor told me that it'll take anywhere from 3 to 6 months before the Benefits Office does anything.  That's just to long for me to wait.  I did not hesitate when the first Gulf War happened.  I answered the call.  I gave more than 100% of my time to the military.  I served with Honor.  And now, that I need this disability upgrade, not for myself, but for my family.  I'm told it'll take 3 to 6 more months.  And they still may not approve my request.  

Everything with the VA is wait...  It is so frustrating.  

I did have questions for the doctor.  But what was the point in asking them, when I already know the answer.  

My chances with winning the Washington State Lottery is a lot better than waiting for my disability rating.  

Twitter...Twitt...Twitting...Tweet...Tweetering--Why I don't?!

A friend of mine sent me an email 'suggesting' that I get on twitter.  That was over a month ago.  I'm sorry for the late reply.  But, I've been thinking about it for a long while.  As with any decision I go through the pros and cons decision making process.  It wasn't really that hard the first day after I thought about it.  I had decided not to do it.  But I had failed to send my reply to my 'friend'.  So I got a followup email 'suggesting' that I 'really' should try out twitter. 

Let me try twitting here on my blog first to see how it works, okay. 


TWEET:  In the bathroom taking a dump.  Smells like roses! 

TWEET:  Just picked my nose.  Got a crusty on my finger as I'm typing this!

TWEET:  Saw a guy hit his wife.  Went up to guy and beat him up!

TWEET:  Punk cut me off on Marine Corps Drive.  He's lucky I don't have my gun with me!

TWEET:  Had a great lunch with my Pari' with his chatmak.  I wonder if Mali' will read this.

TWEET:  Mali' invited me to dinner with her chatmak.  Hmmm, Pari' is lucky!

TWEET:  Some girl busy putting making up on at the stop light.  Light is Green! 

TWEET:  Guy talking on his cellphone runs into truck in front of KFC!

TWEET:  I'm running out of things to Tweet!

TWEET:  Just read above, again!


I prefer blogging.  Twitting/Tweeting is just not my thing.  It's bad enough I see guys grab their phones in class the minute it goes off, then runs outside to take the call or read their text.  If I wanted people to know what I'm doing every minute of the day.  I'd be in a reality show. 

I do have a cellphone.  But, that's only for my wife and work related issues.  Everyone else can email me, message me on Facebook, or hit up my comment section here on Multiply. 

I'll leave Tweeting to the birds. 

ESTA. 

Raising Up Larraine.

Being a long distance parent is not easy.  Normally, I would say, 'yes', to whatever Larraine wanted.  I guess the distance and me not being there physically reigned on my decision.  Later on, I would learn from Rhoda, that she had told Larraine, no.  However, since our daughter is techno savvy with the computer and cellphone.  Larraine would get a hold of me on chat or text me via her mommy's phone to get my approval.  Without knowing the background of the situation, I would, of course, say yes, to my little girl.  So this went on for awhile.  When Rhoda said, no.  Larraine would get a hold of me knowing I would say, yes.

One day, Rhoda discussed with me the situation about Larraine getting a hold of me.  It was primarily my fault for not talking with Rhoda regarding why Larraine wanted certain things.  So we discussed Larraine's needs.  And since, Rhoda was there to actual see the situation first hand, I would defer to her judgment.  I have learned to stop saying yes to Larraine.  Now, I would tell her that her mommy and I would discuss it and let her know 'our' decision. 

Today, I called Rhoda to see how things were going over there.  Rhoda told me that Larraine wanted to join a dance contest.  The entrance fee was $40.  I said, "That's too much for an entrance fee, especially for young children".  Rhoda had talked to Larraine earlier and gave her a choice, the dance or a remote car (yeah, my girl is a tomboy) that she wanted.  Larraine wanted both.  So Rhoda and I had discussed it.  I told her that whatever she decides, I'll support.

Later, Rhoda gave Larraine the cellphone to talk with me.  After we had talked a little while.  Larraine asked me if she can join the dance.  I told her that her mommy and I will discuss it and let her know.  After Rhoda got back on the phone with me.  She informed me that our daughter was still upset.  She was hoping for me to say, yes. 

Apparently, Larraine had been practicing for this dance contest for awhile.  I'm not even sure what type of dancing style will be judged.  But, she's looking to competing and trying to win.  I'm glad that she's trying new things in school, especially for her young age.  I never thought about dancing contests when I was in 2nd grade. 

Anyway, Rhoda and I discussed it some more.  I didn't like the idea of forking over $40 for a dance contest for children.  Rhoda's plan is to have Papang (her dad/my father-in-law) bargain with the teacher to lower the fee for Larraine due to unforeseen circumstances with the family last month.  If it's $10, then Larraine may dance.  If not, then she'll have to learn that she can't have everything she wants. 

I used to laugh when Rhoda would tell me that I'm in Larraine's hands.  At first it was a compliment.  Of course, I would do anything for my children to keep them happy.  But, when it starts interfering with Rhoda's decision in raising our children, especially when I'm not there.  It puts a bind on things.  Most importantly, when it comes to discipline. 

I'm still learning.

Amazed...

I'm taking one of the last courses for my Core Subjects, which happens to be Construction Math.  It is really basic general math subject, Junior High School level type math.  Going through the material yesterday during class was nothing more than a refresher for me.  BUT, it amazed me how some of the students were having a hard time trying to figure the measurements of a ruler during the class exercise.  I was like, "Are you serious?". 

My grandfather taught me how to use the ruler when I was a young boy going to elementary school.  He was a really good carpenter and sheet metal worker.  I really didn't have a choice in the matter when he wanted me to cut something either a piece of wood or conduit for a house or ranch project that he was working on.  I had to know the exact length of what I was cutting. So he took the time to teach, not only me, but my cousins how to use the ruler. 

Converting metric is easy, as well as standard rule.  IMHO, I believe we (in the USA) should move to the metric system.  It so much easier.  Anyway, back to the subject at hand, using a ruler should not be that hard.  Especially in construction, wasting material because you measured it wrong is not an excuse. 

I really wonder what how the rest of the class will do when we move into angles and fractions next week. 

I really should test out. 

I woke this morning and discovered my last doe is limping. When she is walking around and doesn't see me, she looks fine. Hmmm...I don't think she wants to leave the ranch.

I'm glad that it's fellow ranchers, who I know, who are buying up my goats.

My goddaughter, Rissa, is cooking porkchops for lunch. Smells good!

Because I Can...

I don't understand my family here.  Not one of them wants to help with the ranch.  Which is fine by me.  Or, when they do try to help.  They do things that I don't like or want them to do.  There were promises of help that never happened.  It doesn't bother me. 

What bother's me is when I start selling my livestock, some members ask why?  Well, first off, they're my animals and I can do whatever I please with them.  Second, unless they have some type of financial and/or physical labor investment, they don't have much say. 

My wife and I decided that it's time for me to go back to school to better my career opportunities to support my family.  Starting in January 2011, I will not have time to take care of the goat herd.  Managing a ranch is labor intensive.  Most of my family will know that if they actually helped me with the ranch, but they don't. 

I realized that my study time is less than I should have allotted for it.  I noticed that last week while I was participating in the Organic Inspector Basic Course.  That course was similar to taking a full load of classes at the university.  It was very intense and demanding of my time. 

Going back to school will not be fair to my herd of goats.  They need to be moved twice a day if not more.  It will not be fair to me, compromising my studies.  With deep reflection, this is the better choice.  My animals will be taken cared of by ranchers that I know of.  When I do get back into it, in a year or so.  I'll know exactly where to buy breeding stock.  I still have my rabbits and Guinea Fowl to take care of on a small scale. 

I do have long term plans that I've discussed with Rhoda.  I have been networking with breeders in Hawaii concerning the Kiko and Boer Breeds of Meat Goat.  In a year or two, I'll have a whole new herd of meat goats to manage.  My primary ranch, in the back family property, will be open for operation.  Best of all, my family will be here from the Philippines to help me. 

There's a time for everything. 

ESTA...

Frens's Starting his Chore Training Early.

Rhoda was telling me last night during our chat about a funny event regarding our son, Fren. 

While in our kitchen, Rhoda told Fren, who is 1 years old, to scrub the floor.  Without hesitating Fren started to scrub the floor with the coconut husk with his foot, while holding onto the shoe rack to keep his balance.  His grandfather and aunt were laughing when they saw him start scrubbing the floor. 

Me, I can only imagine. 

My kids are so funny. 

Downsizing to a sustainable small-scale ranch operation while I complete my courses.

Almost done with my Core Subjects at Guam Trades Academy. Only two more courses to go to finish off. Already working on my Skills course.

Julian Assange is nothing more than a terrorist. He should be in the next cell with Bradley Manning. I wonder how much his bounty will be.

Buzz on internet: Incident with Wikileaks is nothing more than the USS Pueblo, again. This time Cyber style. Conspiracy theorists at it again. LOL... The internet is truly entertainment.

View from the Lens of my Camera -- Delta Cam.

I've been with the TV ministry going on two years, this coming March 2011.  I started out as the cameraman for Bravo Camera.  Now, we call that camera, Charlie.  I've been on Delta Camera for a long time, now.  I forget when I first started operating Delta cam months ago.  Being in the TV ministry is fun and challenging at the same time.  I really enjoy doing what I do during our Sunday regular morning service. 

It wasn't easy moving to Delta Cam.  My focus shots are not of the pastor or whoever is giving the sermon for the morning.  My focus is the audience.  I mainly get head shots, one or two shots, a group shot of three or more, and reaction shots.  Reaction shots are the hardest because I have to time my shots with the pastor's sermon.  Trying to catch people responding to his questions or jokes, or when the sermon gets powerful and people clap in response, and/or cheer with a chorus of Amen's or other suitable reply, is hard. 

What was the hardest part of operating Delta Cam is not getting the shots for my director to record.  But the physical part of actually standing up during the whole service.  In the beginning it was hard.  I had back spasms during the service as I operated the camera.  But, I had a job to perform for the ministry.  I wasn't doing this for myself.  We have to get the Word out through our ministry.  So as time went by, week by week, I grew stronger.  The pain was less to where it is no longer bothering me, now.  I prefer operating Delta Cam to any other camera in the studio (sanctuary). 

I have always wondered if the congregation actually realizes what I realistically see on my monitor.  A minority of the congregation look like goats or cows chewing away on their cud as they listen to the sermon.  Some are subtle in their movements.  While others want to make it known, maybe to me, that they're expressively chewing their gum.

Then there are those, for lack of a better term, who I call, the nodders.  It seems this small group stayed up late on Saturday nights and occasionally nod out during the sermon.  And only catch themselves, when they feel the jerk of their head falling forward.  The other tenacious group is what I call the sleepers.  There are not very many of them.  Maybe for the same reason as the nodders, this group stayed up a lot later than they should have on Saturday night.  It's not that hard for a nodder to become a sleeper. 

It used to be funny catching someone nodding out or sleeping.  I admit...I used to suppress my laughter many times when I would catch anyone through my lens, doing one or the other.  A couple of weeks ago, it stopped being funny.  It's hard getting a really good shot and framing it, and then to notice there is a sleeper behind my main subject of focus within my shot.  I would have to abort the shot and look for another one.  Can you imagine if that shot was recorded and aired on our ministry page on facebook?  I'm pretty sure the editor would catch it before it made it to final production.  But on the off chance a nodder or sleeper did slip into the final production teaser and then aired. 

I wonder if the pastor would allow me to mount an air-soft rifle to my camera to shoot the nodders, especially the sleepers, from falling asleep.  That would keep them from nodding out or sleeping. 

All in all, the rest of the congregation are alright, especially those who sit up front towards the pulpit.  It's only a small group towards the back and in the middle right that makes it challenging to get my proper frame for the shot. 

The way I see it, if I have to stand up during the whole service operating my camera.  At least, those in the audience who are sitting comfortably should stay awake and listen to the message the pastor is bringing forth in the Word of God.  Anything less is Tai Respetu,  not just to the pastor or whoever is speaking, but to God. 

Power Nap

I didn't realize how tired I was.  I knew I was exhausted from the weeks training at the university.  After returning from the Trades Academy this morning.  I did some catching up on the internet, enjoyed some lunch, and then took a power nap.  That was supposed to be for an hour.  Woke up a couple of hours later.  Just enough time to feed the animals before the sun went down.  Feel refreshed.  

What part of "NO", don't they understand?

For over a year, many people on this island have been protesting to the firing range plan along a stretch of Route 15, locally known as the "Backroad to Andersen", between the Guam Race Track and the Nelson Family Compound.
We went to the townhall meetings and voiced our concerns.  Many of us wrote letters against the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.  Yet, the Department Of Defense has the gall to send a deputy secretary here on a "listening tour" and trying to make a compromise with island leaders in regards to their firing range plans in village area of Pagat.  We said, "NO", back then.  And, it's still "NO", now. 

Here's my message to them again.

Keep your Firing Range inside your own bases!  No more land grabs! 

Organic Inspector Basic Course

This week I was able to participate in the Organic Inspector Basic Course at the College of Agriculture and Natural Science Building at the University of Guam.  Since the first day, it was a very intense course with lots of information handled to us.  The class started at 8:00 am and getting out after 6:00 pm.  It was like that the whole week.  The daily homework had us burning the midnight oil.  Sleep was starting to be a challenge up until the last night.  Where most of the students had little sleep or none at all working on their field reports to turn it in this morning. 

This course was the Crop Inspection portion of the basic course.  I would have to take the Livestock portion and Handling./Processing portion at a later date. 

My class was diverse as the subjects that were being taught.  There was Felix from Palau, Jackson from Pohnpei, Soko from Fiji, Valetine from Chuuk.  The rest of the class was from here on Guam.  Majority were from the college itself.  A couple of farmers and gardeners rounded out the class structure. 

My instructors were Luis from Costa Rica and Garry from Canada.  They are instructorsfrom the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA).  They have so much knowledge in regards to the Organic Farming Industry in both the National Organics Program (NOP) and personal experiences as Organic Inspectors.  That, I have learned so much from them.  It was a fun but intense class. 

I now understand that Organic is bigger than Organic Certification.  It makes it a lot easier for me to transition from a conventional ranch to an organic ranch.  I thought it would be hard.  But, seeing the perspective from my instructors viewpoint, makes it a lot easier.  Especially, when I now personally know what synthetics are allowed and what non-synthetics (aka as natural) are prohibited in the organic certification process. 

I am praying that I pass this course and earn my certification as an Organic Inspector.  I will not know my official results for a couple of days. 

I recommend this class to anyone who would like to become an organic inspector.  The knowledge will also help out in your farm/ranch operations. 

Attending Classes, While Ranching

It's been a long while since I've actually blogged.  Not having a computer is challenging and stressful.  Especially, when I'm dependent on using the internet as my primary means of communication between my wife and I.  Skype and Yahoo are really cheap compared to the phone cards that I've been using.   Since my primary PC went down due to a blown power module. 

I'm still not out of the woods, yet.  I'm temporarily using a used PC tower for the mean time.  I need to start saving to invest in a new tower in the next couple of months.   

Since, I last blogged in June.  I'm no longer with the construction company that I was working with.  I resigned.  I have moved forward going back to school at the Trades Academy taking Safety courses to become a Safety Officer.  I started taking my first safety class this past Saturday.  Safety Technology is normally the second course to take when I start the skills portion of my course schedule.  But there happened to be a mix-up with the class scheduling.  I was supposed to take Field Safety, first, then Safety Technology.  It's okay.  I'll just back track after I complete Safety Technology. 

I'm all most done with my Core Requirements at the Trades Academy.  I just passed my Material's Handling exam on Saturday.  I have a Basic Rigging exam on Wednesday.  I'll have to take time off my Organic Inspector Class at the University to take the exam.  Which will not be hard.  It's all basic anyway.  Been through that already.  To bad, they don't give us the opportunity to test out at the beginning of the class. 

I'll be taking the Organic Inspector Course at the University of Guam this week.  It's been planned for a while.  I've already invested a lot of time in researching the opportunity and committed to the seminar before I started attending the Guam Trades Academy.  It's funny though.  I was the first one to sign up for the course a couple of months ago.  Yet, I was the last one to receive the packet.  Two days before the pre-course assignments were due to the instructor via email.  That was a lot of reading in a very short amount of time.  I completed most of the assignments except for the last one.  I had trouble accessing the website. 

Yeah, I know what you're thinking.  Classes for Safety Officer, Organic Inspector...How about my ranch?  I'm still working on it.  Well, working on what's left of it.  Since I began working construction in March.  The ranch started falling to the wayside.  Trying to do ranch work after I've been working construction the whole day is not easy.  Especially, when a lot of the work is manual labor.  But, now that's behind me.  I'm working on the ranch on days that I don't have classes or before going to class.  It's challenging.  But, a whole lot better than working construction.  At least, I can pace myself with my ranch work. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy the wonderful weekend coming up, where ever you are at. 

I am blessed with a wonderful family.  My beautiful wife, Rhoda; two beautiful children, Larraine and Fren; wonderful friends and close relatives, and a great church family. 

I am thankful for all that God has provided.  Yes, the Blessings and Challenges this past year.  I am praying for more Blessings and hopefully, less challenges for the future. 

TSA and National Opt-out Day.

National Opt-Out Day was to take effect in the U.S. mainland today.  It was a bust.  What a joke!  Travelers, especially seasoned travelers, won't risk their flights to make a point.  It's to much invested time and money to take a risk like that. 

I've traveled so much during my time in the military.  Every chance I get, I'll catch a flight to anywhere in the U.S.A or in Europe to see the region. Why in the world would I risk my flight for a moronic move like opt-out day.  Even now when I fly back and forth to the Philippines.  I will not risk my flight and miss seeing my family. 

Yes, it seems that TSA dumped this whole scanner and invasive pat down on the traveling public.  You can't blame the TSA agents doing the work.  It's their management.  But, also on the other hand, some of those agents really have to use some common sense. 

With today's technology.  Any inappropriate pat down will become viral on the internet.  Soldiers coming back from Afghanistan shouldn't be held up for a nail clipper.  Especially when that soldier and many behind him are carrying rifles, pistols, and/or bayonets.  A rifle is just as deadly without bullets.  Try being on a receiving end on a butt-stroke to the head. 

Toddlers, elderly, or disabled getting patted down is above the norm.  Most terrorists are middle eastern and males.  TSA needs to start profiling. 

There needs to be a compromise between security and common sense. 


ESTA...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm currently taking Basic Rigging Class at the Guam Trades Academy. I don't understand why. We're unable to rig loads to any type of crane system. Only certified Riggers, which is a different construction skill in itself, are allowed to do that. Basic Safety nullifies this class.

North Korea and START.

People are so funny at times.  Yeah, North Korea shelled a South Korean Island close to a disputed border.  So what is new?  It seemed after the attack was aired on CNN and Fox News.  People thought of the end of the world.  "We're at War!".  Really?! 

For those who don't have a clue.  These types of events have been going on at the Korean Peninsula since the cease fire.  There is no Peace Treaty signed.  It's been going on for so long that the elitist MSM stopped reporting it, except for "big" stories like this.  When American Soldiers patrolled the DMZ before the ROK soldiers took over.  Our soldiers were getting Hazardous Duty Pay.  It's no big news. 

Here on Guahan, we have lots of Chicken Little's sqawking, "That we're a target!".  Let me clue them in.  We've been a target since the Cold War.  Tell me something that I don't know.  If you're that worried.  Then relocate to Australia. 

I'm not going to worry and stress myself on what I can't control.  If North Korea wants to really test the resolve of the USA.  Then they should bring it on.  I'm confident that our military assets will send North Korea back into the dark ages. 

As for the START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), I hope our Congress refuses to ratify it.  Why tie our hands when there are countries like Iran, North Korea, Cuba who don't follow United Nation (UN) policies or the Geneva Convention.  Don't get me started on the UN.  I think that institution is a joke and a big waste to US taxpayer monies.  Let's keep our weapons available to use if we ever get attacked by so called rogue nations. 

ESTA...

Wierd...

I know I posted a blog earlier this afternoon.  I even proofed it after I posted it.  So I know it was posted.  But, it's missing now.  Second time this happened here on Multiply. 


Hmmmm. 

ISOM class tonight was definitely for me to see. Lots of confirmations during the presentations.

Highs and Lows.

What an emotional stressful roller coaster ride of a weekend.  Went from riding the clouds, after acing my test.  Then down in the valley trying to figure out, how to get out.  I'm just glad things worked out the way it did.  I'm especially glad for those who helped me out.  Well not exactly me, but mainly my children.  They needed the help more than me. 

A lot of it was due to an unexpected outcome of a couple of my sales.  The buyers didn't pull through or wanted extensions.  Or, in the case of one buyer, who never showed up, even though he kept telling me that he would buy one of my female goats, yesterday.  It was like getting the rug pulled from under you. 

Part of it was my fault. I should have demanded a non-refundable deposit.  Which would have been half the value of the doe.  If I had done that, maybe yesterday would have at least been uneventful. 

I also have to force myself to stay within my monthly budget.  But that's hard to do when unexpected things happens that I have no control over.  I just have to learn from this weekend, like any other. 

A lot has happened in the last 48 hours, especially the last 10 hours.  I was able to buy off some time that my family in the Philippines needed.  That was due to great people from my church family.  My Children will get their meds and food.  That was my biggest concern.  I have to start saving for their medications.  Especially, when the unexpected happens.  You just never know.   I am grateful that it worked out the way it did today. 

PTL <><

ESTA...

Keeping Myself in Check.

At class today, I would have gotten a perfect score on my homework on the Review Test and Trade Terms Quiz for Construction Drawing.  BUT, I got two wrong on each.  My instructor was not collecting the assignments.  He was just asking us what we got.  After we went over both in class to correct it.  So it would have been easy to just say I got 37/37 and 10/10.  He would have never known or would the rest of my classmates.

However, I would know.  And God doesn't sleep. 

So I was honest and gave my reply; 35/37 for the Trade Terms, and 7/10 for the Chapter Review Test.  My instructor was surprised that I did what I did.  While everyone else claimed perfect on both assignments. 

It's not about me anymore...But who I represent, Him. 

It's no longer a label.  It's a lifestyle. 


ESTA


P.S.
I aced my final test later in the class. 

Oldest Ranch Dog -- Lucky, now in K9 heaven.

Lucky, our old ranch dog passed away sometime after morning checks, today.  We had her since 1997.  Her territory was wide, beyond the ranch.  She helped train our current dogs: Stormie and Duchess.  Great guard dog to the goat herd and our poultry.  Gonna miss that old dog. 

Came back from my morning ranch check. Dang, brown tree snake killed 5 of my Guinea keets. 2 of the small ones are missing, 3 of the big ones were laying on the ground of their pen. Not a good way to start my day.

Okay, done catching up on most of my sites. Forgot most of my passwords...had to request for it, then change it after I got back onto each of the sites or accounts. Everything looks good now. Sorry if any of you received some bogus emails from my yahoo account. Hopefully, the new PW will stop that. Have a good one...

Talk About Timing.

I got my computer tower back this evening.  It's working alright. I wouldn't be posting this if I didn't get it back today.  I'm sorry if you sent me emails or messages since I was last online.  I had to dump over 5000 emails on both my accounts to clean out my inboxes. Sorry about that.

As I've posted in my earlier post.  I'm a full time student at the Guam Trades Academy.  I'm taking the Construction Safety Officer course there.  I'm currently working on my Core Subjects than moving over to my skill courses soon thereafter.  I should be finished up with my core subjects by January 2011.  I'm doubling up my courses to finish faster. 

Starting in January 2011, I'll be  back at the University of Guam as a full time student.  I'm going to finish up my degree in Tropical Agriculture, emphasis in Animal Science.  I only have a year and a half left to get my degree.  Might as well do it and get it over with.  I've been on the long term graduation plan for way to long now. 

I'm also waiting for the upgrade to my VA disability rating.  I'm really surprised on the new pension rates for 2011.  It's about time...is all I can say.  I'm glad that were finally getting what we deserve, after what we did during our time in service for our country.  I'm hoping the VA finds my paperwork that was misplaced in Seattle.  Had to do all my physical evaluations out here on the island, again.  But, it's finally looking better.

I'm not working for IAN's Construction anymore.  I resigned last October.  I got tired of being placed on Standby, one to many times.  There were to many reasons to leave.  Main reason was lack of leadership, or none at all.  Other reason was trying to work a major project with lack of materials or equipments.  Then the boss ask why we're not on schedule.  Poor planning on managements part.  To bad, we don't have a Construction Union on Guam. 

I'll be posting more.  I've been writing a journal again since I wasn't able to post blogs. 

Laters...

Still Here, will be checking back once in awhile when I get a computer to use.

Computer Still Down, checking in, when I get a chance.

I'm curently at the University of Guam, College of Natural and Applied Sciences doing my precourse homework for Organic Inspector Class in two weeks.  Taking a break, I know I'll be here tomorrow to finish it off and then faxing it to the instructor. 

Lots going on with me.  I'm currently a full time student at the Guam Trades Academy taking the Safety Officer course.  I'll also be back here at UOG finishing up my degree in Agriculture in January 2011.  The VA will be paying for it. 

Hoping my PC is repaired soon so that I can get back online soon.  Have to catch you all later. 

ESTA

I'M BACK! You're all in trouble now!

Back Online!

It's been a long while.  My PC crashed over a month ago.  Still waiting to get that repaired.  Then the laptop I was using got a virus.  Had to turn it in to get fixed.  It took a long while.  In the mean time, I invested in a used but upgraded PC tower.  It still needs upgrading.  I'm working on that.  Slowly, but surely.  I'll be back full speed.

Updates on me.  We'll I'm still working on the project at DODDEA's middle and elementary school campus at Andersen Air Force Base.  The biggest news was the terrorist threat a couple of days ago.  The whole based was on lockdown.  The whole construction crew was supposed to stay in one place in one of two  buildings.  But, our 'wise' supervisors told us to go back to work.  We were not supposed to go outside the building.  But we did anyway.  Smart move there supervisors (sarcasm). 

I am praying for new opportunities. 

Ranch is doing okay.  I'll post as much as I can in the next couple of days. 

 

ESTA!

Rainy Season Started Yesterday.

The rainy season started yesterday.  I am so glad.  The downpour of rain really helped the ranch.  Unfortunately, it shutdown our work site at the Airbase.  But, I got 3 hours out of it.  Two hours for the shutdown.  The extra hour was heading back to the shop, only to be told to go home.  That was 18 minutes past the hour.  So I logged in 3 hours yesterday.  I got another 2 hours today reporting to work early at the job site.  Called the Chief at 0710, to be told the site is shutdown, that's another 2 hours. 

Yesterday, after I got home.  I just crawled into bed and slept most of the day away.  It was so good to feel the cold air and hearing the rain hit against my windows.  Reminded me off when we used to live in a tin roof home.

It's a beautiful rainy day.  Have a great day y'all.

Keep Smiling

Lighting Strike at SmithBridge Compound knocked out my modem and PC yesterday around noon. I'm using a new modem from GTA and my sister's laptop. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the PC repaired.

That's Gonna Leave a Scar.

Didn't realize that work started 0700 this morning.  got to the shop a little after 7.  Jeff told me that I just missed the crew heading up to Andersen Airforce Base.  So I left the shop and headed to base.  I got to the gate and didn't realize that the whole crew was waiting at the Pass and I.D. Office.  After I parked and went to the Supervisors to let them know that I'm there.  A few seconds later the boss drove up.  Talk about timing.  I went ahead and applied for my vehicle pass.  Then I drove straight to the job site, Andersen Elementary School. 

While waiting for the other workers to come in from the Pass and I.D. Office, one of the supervisors asked me if I knew how to operate the Boom LIft.  It's actually called Articulating Boom Lift.  With confidence I told him,  "Yes, I know how to operate it".  So that's what I did all day.  I actually had 1 prior experience operating that piece of equipment.  But he didn't need toknow that.  So I drove that thing out of the parking lot, practicing  operating the controls, and parked it next to the school building. 

Water blasting the side of the building and trying to operate that boom lift at the same time, is not easy.  The whole morning I asked for a partner to help me.  The supervisors' agreed that I could handle it.  Well, I did pretty good water blasting the gutter and side of the building by myself.  But it was slow.

After lunch, Trevor was assigned to help me.  I was glad.  We moved a lot faster with him water blasting and me operating the boom lift.  Now, after we had almost finished today's mission.  The supervisors realized we move a lot faster with a 3 man team.  Two on the lift, one water blasting, the other operating, and one below to move the water blaster and act as a spotter. 

Anyway, I had a little accident operating  the 4200 psi water blaster set on high.  While operating the boom lift.  I lost a good chunk of surface skin on the top of my left hand,.  When the nozzle hit me.  I'm glad it's not deep.  I could have lost my hand or fingers.  It's my fault.  I wasn't wearing gloves prior to the accident.  Stupid move on my part.   I got tangled up with the hose and my life line.  I was trying to untangle myself without shutting off the wand.  Stupid, Stupid Move.  That's gonna leave a scar. 

Be Safe! 

Keep Smiling 

Rafael Frenz: Measles

Talked with Rhoda after I got home from church service this morning.  I found out my baby boy, Fren, has "Measles".  It's not the German type.  It's the other one.  I'm trying to keep my head up.  It's not easy being so far from my family, when something like this happens.  I'm trying to figure out, how he contracted measles when he stays in the house the whole time. 

They doctor had Fren move from a ward to a private room.  Which is good, so Fren will get some peace and quiet.  But it costs more.  Actually, it's so the other patients don't catch the measles.  If they don't already have the shot. 

At least now, he's sleeping.  I claim his healing. 


Happy Father's Day to all the Daddy's out there. 

Keep Smiling

Happy Father's Day!

Trailer: What's "Organic" About Organic?

Transitioning from Conventional Farming to Organic Farming.

I've been attending these organic workshops provided by the Cooperative Extension Service from the University of Guam, for a couple of months now.  The workshops are great and very informative.  The last one dealt with Organic Certification and the process to go about getting it.  It was for both the producer and those interested to become Inspectors. 

It has piqued my interest somewhat attending all the seminars and workshops.  I didn't think it would be feasible for a local producer to go into organic farming.  But when I heard Marty talk about how he transitioned from conventional farming methods to organic.  I became more interested in the process. 

Marty Mesh is from Florida and owns an organic watermelon farm there in the Galveston area.  He was brought out here by the University of Guam CooperativeExtension Service on a grant to give an organic workshop to the local producers.  I learned a lot during the organic certification seminar that Marty presented. 

In hindsight, I have been moving towards doing organic farming.  But more towards raising organic livestock and poultry.  So instead of farming, it is organic ranching, a play in words.  Most of the local producers present at the seminar are interested in organic farming.  I was the only one interested in raising organic livestock.  Which is a lot harder to do by the National Organic Standards (NOS). 

One of my farmer friend's asked me why am I going organic.  Well, certainly not to get rich.  Although the prices for organic products are high, but affordable.  I'm doing it for my family.  I want my children to be able to eat fresh produce and meats raised on the ranch.  None of that store bought adulterated processed junk that we're all eating.  Because we think it's cheaper.  That is what we were taught.  I want to provide good clean healthy food for my family.  Any surplus, I'll sell to family, friends, and clients.  If I make money, so be it. 

A lot of the transition would be on paperwork: doing a farm plan (done that), farm map (done), and record keeping (needs improvement-working on it).  The next step is preparing my land areas.  I have gotten rid of lots of chemical pesticides and fertilizers prohibited on the NOS the last couple of years.  So the ranch area has been cleaned the last 8 years.  I don't spray chemicals for pest control or fertilizers.  So I'm good in that area.  I do need to get rid of lots of metallic junk on the ranch grounds.  That is a work in progress. 

Having gone through and reading the NOS,  I'm about halfway done to transition.  I'll have 3 fields in Transition as of today.  The other four, I can get certified this year using the 3 year rule in the NOS.  I may hold off until next year though to actually get certified.  There are no inspectors on island.  If I do pay for my certification, an inspector will have to fly out from Hawaii to inspect my ranch areas.  So in the mean time.  I'm working on my Farm History and building up my funds for the certification application.

Today, I grow "organic" Cherry Tomatoes.  All my fruits; mangoes, bananas, siniguellas, lemai, are raised organic by the NOS definition and standards.  All my livestock are organic in a sense.  But because I am not certified organic by an accredited certifying agency.  I can't use the term organic on my products.  All in time...  I'll use "Ranch Fresh" for the time being. 


Keep Smiling 

Rafael Frenz

Rafael was admitted into the hospital yesterday.  He had a high fever of 104.  But today, it's down a bit.  His doctor suspects that he has some type of abdominal infection.  So they did some tests.  Rhoda is waiting for the tests results to return and talk with the doctor. 

Rafael, Fren or Frenfren, as the family calls him, is a very active happy baby.  He easily tires out his mommy and big sister.  He's at the stage where he can crawl really fast, stand with assistance, climb, and knock things down.  He knows how to say, mama, papa, and Daddy.  Rhoda and Larraine were surprised when he said, "Daddy", a couple of days ago.  So now they're working on the word, Mommy. 

Fren loves to eat.  He loves rice, hard steamed rice, not soupy or wet rice.  Since he started staying with us in CDO.  He's been drinking lots of milk.  He loves ripe mango too.  He is an explorer, likes to get into everything.  He likes to play with his sister and mommy.  According to Rhoda, he is very smart for his age. 

Fren is also teething.  I guess that was one of the reasons why he's cranky and crying.  The cure for that is ice cold ice candy.  Let him suck on it to cool down his mouth and numb his gums. 

My mom told me to tell Rhoda to have Fren drink Guava Tea.  It's an old family herbal remedy that helps with abdominal ailments.  It does work.  I should have thought of that in the first place.  Hopefully, it will help him.  I know it's helped many in our family. 

Keep my boy in your prayers.   

Please keep my son in your prayers. Fren is very sick today. He is not eating and has a fever of 104. Rhoda is taking him to the hospital this evening. They are in the Philippines.

Got back this afternoon from The Neurological Clinic. I underwent an EMG exam on my left hand. Procedure was pretty cool seeing my fingers moving from the electrical pulses. I was told I have Severe CTS. The specialist couldn't tell me anymore. I'll have to see my primary doctor this week. Funny thing...I'm not upset about it. It's a whole new adventure.

Pruning my citrus trees.

It was fun seeing my son last night on webcam. Watching him, he certainly gives Larraine and his mommy a challenging time. He definitely has lots of energy. Trying to make my way back to help Rhoda with the baby.

Organic Certification Seminar

Woke up about 0300 to cold wind coming through the window.  It was hot before that.  So the sudden drop in temperature had me scrambling to find my blanket.  It didn't help with the fan blowing directly at me.  But I was too tired to get up to turn the fan away.  Anyway, I can't sleep without feeling any type of breeze. 

Got back up at 0600, at breakfast and got ready to go to the Organic Certification Training being held at the University of Guam Business College.  I was given the wrong information and was waiting at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences building.  It's a good thing I got word of the correct location and headed over to the Business College. 

We covered the National Regulations covering organic farming.  It's not hard to read, just boring with all the legalese.  You know the saying, "There is no such thing as a stupid question".  Who ever said that, probably never heard a stupid question.  It's amazing the people asking the instructor "What if" scenarios.   I think it's just plain laziness on their part not to read the materials given to them.  But, a couple of people busted that 'no stupid question" myth today.  Amazing, and they have college degrees.  Sometimes, I wonder if they're asking questions because they have a legitimate question or just for star points. 

Anyway, the organizers broke up the class into 7 groups.  I was placed in Group 2, and our group was to solve solutions for team exercises that the instructor prepared for us.  There are 7 in my group.  It was 6 before lunch.  But a new participant flew in from Luta and came into class after lunch.  So he joined my group.  Roland Q. is the team leader for Group 2.  He was unceremoniously volunteered by the rest of us. 

I like the interaction the organizers provided by placing us into working groups.  A lot better than sitting there going through an 8 hour lecture on organic regulations.  I would have been bored. 

The temperature in the classroom was uncomfortably warm.  The AC was running but we were not getting enough air.  The smell of brewing coffee and rise in temperature was making me sleepy.  I know I drank liters of water just to keep myself awake.  The dry air was also affecting my throat, making it dry and itchy. 

This is a four day course, ending on Thursday.  I didn't realize it was all day, until I got my books this morning.  When I was talking to Ann.  I thought it ended at 12.  All this organic training will help local farmers get ready to prepare to transition their farms from conventional farming to organic farming.  I'm interested in becoming one of the first group of many local Certified Organic Inspectors on the island.  I know the testing for that is sometime in August.

Keep Smiling

Snake Lilies Blossoming.

A blossoming Snake Lily outside my bedroom window. 



This one is on the planter above the first one. 


There are more snake lilies blossoming around the house and ranch.  The stench is unbearable.  I don't like this plant.  If you have ever smelled a rotting carcass.  That's exactly what it smells like.  The flowers last for a couple of days, then dries out.  But with many blossoming.  The smell around the house is unbearable. 

Moving Forward for Something Better.

Woke up today at 0600.  I had a restless night, waking every now and then, then falling back to sleep.  I looked at the clock and decided to sleep in a bit.  No, need to rush to get ready.  Had no work to go too.   Yep, I got laid off again.  Or, placed on standby as the boss calls it.  I doubt if I want to go back anyway. 

At 0800, I finally got out of bed, went and got cleaned up.  Then out to breakfast, which consisted of a hot glass of Lemon flavored Vita Plus, 2 over hard eggs with bread, and fresh ripe mango.  The morning air was warm.  Not one bit of cool in it.  I went out to the back and moved the goats south in the jungle.  So they won't be in the sun during the heat of the day.  I really miss working on the ranch.  These weekend ranch work doesn't cover what I want to do. 

By 1100, I was back in the shower getting ready to head out to my VA appointments this afternoon.  I have two scheduled today, back to back.  The first one was at 1300 with Trish, my social worker.  It's good talking to her on a monthly basis.  We talked about the family and work, and other issues that maybe affecting me.  Same hot issues as before, but I'm learning to work with it.  Rhoda is happy with the changes and new skills I've learned to use and cope with anger issues.  Kind of funny, how pastor preached about, Anger, a couple of weeks ago. 

At 1400, I was out the door and heading into my next appointment with my primary care doctor.  Dr. L.G. went into private practice.  So now, I've been assigned to Dr. Head.  I only saw her once before, when I had the spider bite on my leg last year.  She's alright.  She listens and encourages me to try different things to cope with my chronic painful injuries.  Today, though was my annual checkup.  So lots of questions was asked.   I have many answers.

Doc:  Do you smoke?

Me:  No.

Doc:  Do you drink?

Me:  Everyday...then I laughed...because I knew what she meant.  Yes, Doc....only once in a blue moon, maybe 2 or 3 cans. 

Doc:  How's the pain?

Me:  The usual...Painful.

Doc:  Why are you taking so-so pill?

Me:  Anger issues.

Doc:  You don't sound like you have anger issues.

Me:  Thanks doc.  But other people think I do.  I thought I was being normal.


Then we started talking about my kids and Rhoda in the Philippines.  What they're doing and how they are doing?  How are things here at home and there?  I tried to answer honestly.  I think. 

Looking at my medical history.  Doc congratulated me on losing lots of weight, to keep it up, and take it slow.  I mentioned it wasn't easy.  But I'm doing it for my family.  Hard to believe that I lost more than 50 lbs.  I have to give credit to God though.  If it wasn't for Him, I would have never been able to get through Crossfit, Ranching, and Construction work. 

It was good finally meeting with my primary care doc.  My last check up was two years ago.  That was long.  I have several up coming appointments with a hand specialist and nerve specialist, and the dermatologist later...when they call me for my appointment.  I may have carpal tunnel.  If I do, it may require surgery on both hands.  Looks like my construction days are coming to an end, really fast. 

After leaving the VA Clinic, I went to HomeDepot and did some I wish shopping for a while.  I went from the far right of the building where they had the ladders, down every aisle, and into the garden section on the left side of the building.  Lots of things I want to get for the house and ranch.  Taya Salape (No Money).  I did buy some bar and chain oil, and 2 cycle engine mix for the chainsaw.  I'll do some timber work this weekend, after the fiesta at St. Paul-North Compound. 

I went to the shop, to see if my check was ready.  I didn't say anything to the boss and GM as I walked in.  Just went to talk with Rita, who told me, the checks weren't ready for another 45 minutes.  I went back outside and talked with Roque and Rick.  Roque asked me if I was off.  I told him that I was for the last 3 days.  He told me to not hang around here.  Go look for another job.  I kind of gave him the nod that I was.  I found out through talking with Roque earlier this week.  That he's my primo (cousin) from the Pedan side of the familia.  When Marie, the payroll clerk, came back.  That's when the checks were issued.  I didn't say goodbye to the guys.  I guess they'll figure it out when I don't show up anymore.  They're a great crew to work with. 

I was referred to a hospice company to work as a Caregiver.  I'll check that job out on Monday.  I was told they actually pay more than what I was getting at the Construction Company.  More money is good news to me and my family. 

Roque told me to check out Core Tech and Nippo Construction.  Both companies are hiring.  I'll do that too, on Monday.  I'm not sure if I want to go back to construction.  But I'll apply just to be safe.  Have to keep all options open. 


Have a great weekend Y'all.

Keep Smiling

Ranch Log: Getting back into the Ranching Lifestyle, not that it ever left.

Posted a couple of cherry attempts at video blogging aka vlogs.  It's not easy as I thought.  Camera is okay, not top of the line type.  But it'll do for now.  I still prefer writing.  It's a lot easier to back space to delete.  Than to figure out how to erase or start over on the video camera. 

I finally got the tarp up to the ranch shack.  Which is now located behind the house.  It's a lot bigger than I thought it was.  I'll take a video shot of it after I'm done cleaning under and around it.  At least I have some shade to work in, out of the sun. 

The heat has been unbearable the last couple of days.  I am now praying daily for rain.  My ranch is turning brown and fruits are drying up on the branches.  I love the sun and heat.  But this is unbearable.  I shower at least 3 times daily, jump in to cool off and out again to work.  I should build an outside shower and just wear quick dries as I work the ranch.  Whenever I get hot, just jump in and cool down. 

The goat kids are getting bold.  They've walked into the house through the back door numerous times.  Mom thinks it's funny.  I don't.  Hercules knows when I actually feed the poultry.  So he comes over and waits until I open the feed bin to get feed out.  Then he tries to force his muzzle into whatever I have that is carrying the feed.  Alinnah, Larraine's goat, is still shy with me.  But now comes close, especially when I have feed in the bucket. 

The Guinea Keets are feathering out nicely.  They are approximately 3 weeks old.  Soon they'll be molting their feathers again to the beautiful pearl design.  I heard 3 females so far in that brood.  That is great news to me.  I'll have a bunch of new eggs next season to grow my flock. 

Kyle loves to catch chicks.  He has a black one in a box.  Soon that will grow to big to be kept in there.  He still wants to buy or catch more poultry chicks. I'm glad he's active though.  I just need to dial down his enthusiasm a bit.  I need him to start thinking, "Safety First" when  working or playing in or around the ranch.  Other than that, he's a good ranch hand. 

I have so much ripe mango in the kitchen, refrigerator, and freezer.  I'm going to have to start cutting them up and making bunelos manga (mango doughnuts) and or cake.   Lots to do in the next couple of days. 

Vietnam Mango aka Russian Mango

Larraine's Chicks...Well, sort of.

Guinea Keets

Two week old Guinea Keets that hatched out from my Hovabator Incubator. 

Ranch Shack

My first attempts at Video Blogging.  Not as easy, as I thought it was. 

My nephew Kyle placed an empty bottle back into the freezer after he drank the water out of it. Then tried to blame me, that it was mine. Not realizing that I still had my water bottle next to me. Then he inadvertently ratted himself out when he tried to explain his story. LOL...Kaduku!

Took time off this morning, to take mom to the doc/pharmacy. She changed her mind this morning. Might as well, use the time off to pay, "BILL". Have a Blessed Day, Y'all. Keep Smiling :)

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE 2010

For the Chelu's who gave their lives in the fight for Freedom. 

Ranch Log: Saturday Lite Work.

Awoke at 0500, to the sound of barker frogs barking outside my window.  Laid in bed, just contemplating what I am going to do this day.  The roosters from the surrounding area were at their morning posts, battling it out during their crow fest. 

I fired up the PC to check the news and catchup on emails.  Ate some fried rice, while I was doing my morning browse on the various news sites.  After, breakfast was done.  I went out to pasture the goat herd to the south side.  The humidity this morning was really high.  I was sweating before I even got to the south side. 

Got back to the house and jumped on the PC again.  Checked my various sites and posted some things here and there.  Then I went back out and looked at my nephew Kyle's new bird.  No, it's not a chick from a chicken, but an actual bird.  I looked around the area to see if I can make the bird a bigger cage.  The box he's in was small but has a huge hole that I took as a door that was covered with cardboard.  Sooner or later, a snake or rat will discover that unsecured entrance.  I got some stainless steel hardware cloth and bent that into shape.  I need to find a wooden board for the floor, and another piece of wire cloth for a door. 

I started to move some pens toward the house.  Not to close, just close enough for Kyle to be able to feed the poultry without going to the far side of the ranch.  I'll finish moving the rest later in the week. 

During siesta, I was trying to figure out how to download video from my sister's camcorder to the PC, then upload into Youtube.  I was dowloading my first video, when the PC froze.   I'll have to figure that out later. 

Today's work was pretty light.  I'm still assessing what I will do for the ranch with this reorganizing.  . 


Keep Smiling

As small as this island is, We don't need more traffic lights. The gov't needs to build pedestrian overhead walkways. We have more traffic lights than Big Island Hawaii.

Update: Trying to Catch Up with my Posts.

It's been awhile since I posted any blogs without the Libertarian Conservative rhetoric.  I'm going ease off on that.  Why stress on things you can't control, yeah? 

Anyway, I have done a lot of things this month.  It is my Birth Month Celebration and it's slowly coming to an end, in a couple of days.  One of my friends sent me a private message asking why I celebrated a whole month for my birthday.  My reply to her was, "Why not?".  Why should we be limited to just one day.  I'm pretty sure like most everyone, we have friends and family that may not make the primary celebration.  So why not just celebrate the whole month with close friends and family. 

I spent the day with Primo Ted, James, and the boyz and ladies down at the Gaue Ranch, a couple of weekends ago.  It was nice and cool down by the ocean.  It's been so long since I've been down there.  I was surprised at a lot of changes down in the valley.  BBQ's down at the ranch are still and always are awesome.  Missed the food, big time.  Lots of talk was about politics, Chief Suba, and family. 

Later, I went to the company picnic on another weekend.  That was interesting.  But the boss talked to me and told me himself that I was going to safety officer school and I will become a team leader.  Supposed to happen in June. 

The only set back this month was not working for two weeks.  I was placed on Standby because there were no jobs.    Those were two really hard weeks.  But if it wasn't for my wife and Pastor Liz reminding me to have patience and Trust in God.  I would have gone off to do other things.  I am so glad that I listened and trusted in God.  Let me tell you, I was elated to be told to report to work on Monday, at the company picnic. 

First day back brought back a lot of military memories.  I was tasked to work with one crew doing repair work at the Rappel/Parachute Shakeout Tower at Big Navy.  Those flight of stairs, literally kicked my butt!.  I was winded, and okay at the top of the tower.  It was when I had to go down one flight of stairs and into the motor fan room.  That my acrophobia hit me like a rock when I walked in and realized that I was standing on a grated floor. 

Nothing like seeing 50 feet of air and the concrete floor, right through the grated floor.  I tensed up so bad, I developed cramps.  I started thinking about my airborne and air assault training and the other crazy stuff I used to do.  That I finally was able to walk around the motor room without problems. 

Today, I met an old friend of mine.  Brenda is one of the committee moms to my scout troop.  Her sons, Shaun and Shane were part of the Matuas'.   The last time we saw each other was in 2008, right after I got home from my wedding and honeymoon.  Now, she is working for DZSP 21 as a backhoe operator.  It was a surprise to see her.  We were working the same job site but with different companies.  The last time that I saw her.  Brenda was working for Guam Telephone Authority.  I forgot to let her know that the Matuas' are starting back up again. 

I won't be working tomorrow.  Have to get the car inspected and registered.  Prior to that, I have to do a forced fasting for lab work to be done at Naval Hospital of the VA. 

had fun talking with my daughter via chat/cam tonight.

My niece asking her mom, "Can you fail a blood test?". Without skipping a beat, I replied, "Sure, if you don't study for it". You should have seen the confused look on her face. =))

Rise of the Matuas'.

I've been working for a couple of weeks now to get my Matua Scout Group, refitted, reorganized, and running again.  I have the kids.  I need adults. 

We'll be starting up the Venturing Crew, Scout Troop, and Cub Pack.  The District has reserved our numbers for us,  Good Ole "26" .  I've had the unit's registration paperwork for awhile.  I was not procrastinating to get it done.  I can only move as fast as the youth members want to move.  Now that the membership is now climbing, albeit slowly, but climbing.  I can now move forward with our program.

We'll revert back to the program that made us successful in the past.  The Matuas' are a High Adventure Unit.  We do things other Venturing and Scout Units don't do.  My youth leaders love that. 

It's time to get our Mas Maolek Flag back and other trophies the other scout units kindly held for us. 

The Matua's Annual High Adventure Trip will be White Water Rafting in the Philippines. 

Getting ready to head out to dinner with mom and Arissa, and meet up with the Life Cell to celebrate Birthdays and Anniversaries for the month of May.

‘Los’ Suns: Stuck on Stupido

Link

http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | "What if the owners of the Suns discovered that hordes of people were sneaking into Suns' games without paying? What if the owners had a good idea as to who the gate-crashers are, but the ushers and security personnel were not allowed to ask these folks to produce their ticket stubs, thus non-paying attendees couldn't be ejected. Furthermore, what if Suns' ownership was expected to provide those who sneaked in with complimentary eats and drink? And what if, on those days when a gate-crasher became ill or injured, the Suns had to provide free medical care and shelter?"--Phil Mushnik, NY Post, May 16th, 2010

Nothing illuminates the bankruptcy of liberalism better than liberalism itself. The above quote was a composite of fan responses to Phoenix Sun owner Robert Sarver's idea that his team wear "Los Suns" jerseys to protest the new Arizona immigration law. Is there any doubt how Mr. Sarver would react if what he claims to believe in were directly applied to his interests? How about his players? How many of them would take a salary cut so that "undocumented attendees" whose "only crime" was a desire to see an NBA basketball game could attend one?

There is a reason the expression "limousine liberal" came into being. It aptly describes those who fervently believe in the theory of liberalism--as long as they remain largely immune from its practical application. It is the cabal of self-righteous souls who are positive that Arizonans are racist, xenophobic bigots--but would never stand for illegal aliens sneaking across their property in the middle of the night. It is the same people who encourage family-destroying, welfare dependency--as long as the socially dysfunctional stay in their own neighborhoods. It is those who support all manner of alternative energy--as long as it doesn't despoil their ocean view.

It is those who bemoan the deplorable condition of public schools--even as they send their own children to private ones. It is those who champion financial "reform"--because they already have their wealth, and they don't want any competition. It is those who applaud government-run health care--because they have lifetime access to the best hospitals and doctors in the world, and will never spend a minute in any emergency room rubbing elbows with the great unwashed. It is those who wax poetic about the innumerable shortcomings of the country--from the tenured safety of a college campus.

There are none so enlightened as those for whom "do as I say, not as I do" underlies the totality of their worldview. Unabashed hypocrisy is the foundation of modern-day liberalism. It is the ideology of people who consciences are completely assuaged by the idea of "throwing money" at every problem they encounter--as long as it's other people's money, and someone else is doing the heavy lifting.

How about it, Mr. Sarver? How about allowing free admission to one of your remaining playoff games? How about serving free refreshments? Certainly such a magnanimous gesture is doable. Perhaps you could persuade your players, concessionaires, parking lot attendants, etc., to take a one game pay cut as well--or you could simply pay them and take the hit personally. And since you're apparently comfortable with illegals remaining a permanent part of the Arizona landscape, perhaps the occasional "Free Game and Refreshment Night" could become an equally permanent part of the Phoenix Suns schedule.

And why stop there? Maybe it's time to start replacing some of our mainstream media personnel with undocumented workers. After all, who would be more effective blasting Arizonans and other Americans for their "racist" attitudes than those who have had personal experience with them? Who would make a more effective advocate for "comprehensive immigration reform" than someone who would directly benefit from it?

That is not to say working in the media is one of those jobs "Americans refuse to do," but why should illegals be limited to such work? If we're going to make millions of border-busters part of America, shouldn't some upper-echelon jobs be included in the mix? Isn't that what liberals mean when they talk about "fairness" or "social justice?" Doesn't "spreading the wealth around" apply to everyone? Shouldn't all neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, businesses, etc., experience the "richness of unassimilated multiculturalism" that liberals demand of Arizonans?

Shouldn't everyone walk a mile in someone else's shoes?

Talk is cheap. And no one makes it cheaper than the American left, for whom "feeling good" is all about them feeling good at someone else's expense. There isn't a scintilla of doubt in my mind what the reaction of most liberals would be if millions of stock brokers, journalists, celebrities, college professors, et al, were sneaking across the border and demanding that America "accommodate" their needs and desires.

The late Leona Helmsley once said that "only little people pay taxes." Liberalism has precisely the same price tag: only "little people" pay for the excesses of the self-anointed. Phoenix is the kidnap capital of the United States? I don't live there, but I'm sure Arizonans are racist. Arizona rancher Robert Krentz gets killed on his own property in an area officials already know is an illegal "smuggling corridor?" I didn't get killed and it's not my ranch, and Arizonans have no right to protect their lives and their property if it conflicts with my ideology.

Modern day liberalism is a cancer. It is fascism being sold as progressive thinking by elitists for whom all things counter-culture have become the traditional. It is a knee-jerk contempt for everything that makes this country the envy of the world. Only liberals could believe that importing millions of illegal, low-skill, under-educated people "enriches" America. Only liberals could conclude that "celebrating our differences"--differences which precisely separate Third World nations from First World nations--are "no better or worse" than expecting immigrants to adopt our culture and our values.

Only liberals can lump illegal and legal immigrants into one philosophical package in order to brand those who make the crucial distinction between the two xenophobic bigots.

And only a contemptible media would be such a willing accomplice to such obvious mischaracterizations, misinformation and outright lying perpetrated by the American left. And that's by commission. Here's a statement by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder speaking to the House Judiciary Committee that's been virtually ignored by the MSM:

"I have not had a chance to, I've glanced at it. I have not read it. .. I have not really, I have not been briefed yet. I've only made, made the comments that I've made on the basis of things that I've been able to glean by reading newspaper accounts, obviously, looking at television, talking to people who are on the review panel, on the review team that are looking at the law. "

To what was Holder referring? The Arizona immigration bill, which is all of ten pages long.

Think Holder's the only one? Of course not. Liberal outrage isn't about informed opinion. It's all about uninformed emotion whipped up by those with an agenda--including an Attorney General who ought to be thoroughly ashamed and embarrassed by his ineptitude and his bias, but most assuredly isn't. The Arizona law feels wrong? That's good enough for liberals.

We'll see how good liberals feel in November.

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A really good read.