2018 - A Common Theme

It has been a great year from start to finish.  From the Disney Marathon to Carlisle, PA to NYC, to Regensburg, Germany the best part of 2018 was sharing it with Lisa.  

to 

Christmas 2018

As we head into the New Year here are some memories from Christmas:

For his 8th birthday, Grant went to Chicago with me for the unit holiday party and had a great time!  I took him to Giordano's for deep dish pizza and he was only able to eat one piece!  He also enjoyed playing in the snow banks - not something you can get in North Carolina too often.  

Our tree went up a little late this year because of our trip to Germany.  But once it was up it was filled with family ornaments and presents. Sam was in NY by the time we got settled enough to decorate the tree but we sent her pictures of her decorations going up.  We have had this tree for almost nine years and putting it up still requires Lisa to pull in the pieces because she is the only one who can do it correctly.

Christmas morning and the boys (and Lucie) waited patiently for pictures and presents. This is a family tradition that extends back to the Blockus family. The kids pose for a picture on the stairs before being allowed to see what Santa left. Going back through old albums there are pictures from Homosassa from our first year married with Sam and her cousins, Miller Street with Sam and TJ, and Fuquay with all three kids.  

We visited Bobby in the rehabilitation center in Clayton and played "Dirty Santa".  He suffered heart failure and pneumonia and is going through a long recovery. To make sure Bobby was included in Christmas we took his presents over to him along with bag of small gifts, thanks to Linda.  Betty pulled out this pirate headband and stuck out her tongue for a great memory!

Lisa learned that toys bought in Germany come with German directions and lots and lots of parts.  This toy looked like a great idea at the time - something to engage Grant's STEM mind.  Unfortunately, Grant is still of the mindset that the toys are built for him and then he plays with them.  While I quietly built my Lego set - Lisa took on the task of building the marble-maze-monstrosity.

(Still a work in progress)  

We spent a nice evening with two of my former Cadets who are now Majors in the Army.  It is always fun to catch up with my students who are now out in the world doing great things. it is a reminder of how much I love the Army and dedicated part of my life to developing people like these two into leaders.  Of course - I just started the process.  I refined the raw material and cast the die.  Their abilities were developed for years after I taught them.  It's a proud moment to see them all grown up.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

Our Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving Weekend is coming to a close.

We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving - if quiet means running a 5k for charity, making a turkey dinner for five, and going to the movie theater to catch the latest Disney release.

I have had some free time to catch up on some projects that I have wanted to do for some time.  I painted the garage to make it look a little neater than drywall and spackling marks.  For $30 I got a couple of gallons of primer and sealer and made the walls a solid white.  I bought three state flags, one for each state we are from; Ohio for Lisa, New York for Sam, TJ, and me, and North Carolina for Grant. Plus, a US flag for all of us.  I also remounted some of the other posters, artwork, and family-centric things like the Key West Mile Marker 0 sign and Lisa's sunset oil painting. The finished look of the garage is nicer.

This holiday was funny in that Samantha played a great prank on me.  The college aged demographic have been texting their parents asking for advice on how long to microwave a 20-25lb turkey.  The joke works because parents think their kids are actually uninformed enough (read: dumb) to try it.  My responses to Sam consisted of, "No. No, no, no, no," and then "Call me."  Other responses - posted on the internet - were much funnier.  But I thought she was serious for a while there.

Thursday morning we went to the park to meet some friends for an annual - and informal - 5k run around the local Kohl's to raise food and funds for local animal shelters.  Everyone brings a bag of dog food or other charitable item.  It's a great way to do something good while having fellowship and little work out to make room for the dinner.  We all ran, even Lucie, and then celebrated with mimosas after the run with our friends Lisa, Rob, and Ian.  We wore our turkey hats and bundled up for the sub-40* weather.  

Samantha went to New York to be with hers mom's family. Betty traveled to Missouri to be with Linda and her daughter.  We couldn't find anyone else to invite for dinner!  However, Bobby joined us at the house for a "small" dinner of turkey breast, broccoli, rolls, and stuffing.  I taught TJ some of the finer points of carving the bird with an electric carver but he was sort of freaked out by the speed of the blades.  Yes, we failed to make gravy. Oops.  No, there were no mashed potatoes.  Not oops.  However, Lisa did a phenomenal job in the kitchen and made a chocolate pie with a homemade crust that was yummy.  No one went hungry!

We cleaned up, packed up, and headed to the movies for, "Ralph Breaks the Internet," the follow up to "Wreck It Ralph."  It was a fun movie that highlights the ubiquitous of the internet in our lives and the importance of friendships; growing up doesn't mean growing apart, even when you're apart.

On the topic of friendships we had a party on Saturday with our friends.  The first ever Brown's Friendsgiving.  Lisa - again in the kitchen - did a great job of getting everything ready for the party.  She baked cookies, prepped the hors d'evours, and replaced all of the batteries in the electric candles...and then forgot to turn them on for the party <snicker>.

The three hour party lasted four hours but only broke up once Rob had won the second round of Cards Against Humanity.  

Maybe we have started a new annual event.

This year, again, we have a lot to be thankful for.

  

Now it is Sunday - the party is cleaned up, Samantha is back from NY, the kids are playing outside.  It is a rare moment for me to sit and enjoy the quiet of a Sunday afternoon without creating chores for myself.  There is a fresh pot of coffee brewing - the aroma is filling the kitchen.  

There is a peacefulness to be thankful for in that too.

As Told By Grant

This is a story that Grant wants to have posted in the blog:

A few weeks ago, TJ wanted some milk.  He went into the refrigerator to look for some milk.  He picked out a carton and poured it in a cup.

He took a big sip. He immediately scrunched up his face and spit the milk into the sink.  He looked at the milk carton and saw that it was buttermilk!  He was totally grossed out.  

I laughed at him and I still think that it is funny.

UNC

UNC is an intense school.


I'm swamped with work all the time, I've really struggled this semester to get ahead on work like I was able to before I came here. I'm really enjoying it though.


Social stratification is probably my favorite class. My professor, Ted Mouw, is awesome. He gets really excited about certain topics and really rallies the class to discussion. We all typically agree on most things, but sometimes I pull out really different views than the class. I'm going to write my final paper in that class on the concept of the American Dream and how it deludes and arguably pacifies the population to believe escape from social class through work is an attainable dream. I may also analyze the historical effect of the relative newness of our county and how it very recently provided massive economic expansion, and that the American Dream may be a relic of a time passed when a market and land vacuum existed with very little governmental regulation that allowed people to more easily grab wealth. I'm also really interested in the adverse effect of present market/demand vacuums on industries. For example, technological advancements further some American Dreams and hinder others.



Anyway, UNC is good. ROTC is good. My friends are awesome. I'm excited to go back to Ithaca for thanksgiving.


Here's a picture of me from this weekend.

26.2 fun facts about our NYC Marathon Weekend

1. Weekends away as husband and wife are always fun! But this one was one for the YOLO (You Only Live Once) record books. How cool that Rich got to run the NYC marathon and that BOTH of us were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience for this world-famous race.  

2.     The only time you get denied with “super credentials” is when you try to walk into the trailer that is serving as the back stage for the podium – even in uniform. How awesome to be able to walk up to the starting line of the NYC marathon with no one questioning your intent? Seriously, having these credentials really gave us a behind the scenes perspective on how a large event is executed and how many people it takes to make it happen. Impressive to say the least. We were honored to be so up close to everything. 

3.     The Navy Lodge is the BEST place to stay on race day, but is mostly reserved for the NYC Marathon Start Crew.

4.     Approximately 1,700 port-a-potties are brought in for the start of the race. And they are all locked until the day of the marathon. I wonder whose job it is to go around and unlock them all? Can you imagine if that person forgot their zip-tie cutter?

5.     People in uniform really do stand out in a crowd. I had a taste of being conspicuous as Rich and I rode in a golf cart around the “Race village” at the start. A sea of runners and then a man in uniform, much easier to find than Waldo.

6.     Major Norden is an intense guy.  Every team needs a MAJ Norden.  He’s the guy who takes his job as serious as a heart attack and makes sure that everyone around him rises to his level instead of him backing down to theirs.  We realized all of this right around the time he told us about placing snipers on the roof tops.

7.     Elite athletes stress about the last-minute pee, just like you and me! And yes, Rich got to pee in the same port-a-potties they used.

8.     Tiki Barber is shorter and smaller in person. While at the VIP tent, Rich and I were able to meet several famous people and known runners. One of the highlights was meeting Tiki Barber. This is Tiki’s 5th marathon and is doing it for charity. I enjoyed listening to him talk about he came about his particular cause. No surprise, there is a personal element behind it all.

9.     Rich can transition from Colonel to Runner in just about 5 minutes flat. No joke. I am so impressed with his ability to strip out of his uniform and be race ready right there on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. I’d want a little more personal space and time to get dressed for a marathon.

10.  Expect the howitzer to be LOUD! You can’t help but jump when that gun goes off.

11.  The Verrazano Bridge is a beautiful way to start the race. People run on both levels of the bridge, but only the people on the upper level have the best view.  To the north is a great view of the New York City skyline.  To the south, at eye level, is a NYPD helicopter just hovering about 100’ away.

12.  The weather makes a difference.  Sunday, November 4^th, was a perfect day sandwiched between two rainy, windy, chilly days.  The race day weather was about 54 degrees with a light wind and no clouds.  It was a perfect fall day.

13.  New Yorkers really represent.  It was estimated that over one million people lined the streets from 92^nd Street in Brooklyn to Columbus Circle at Central Park in Manhattan.  Every borough was packed with people offering high-fives, signs of encouragement, water, food, and lots of spirit.  If ever there is an event where NYC gets to show its very best, this marathon is it.

14.  Always anticipate that Rich will run faster than his predicted time and he will NOT slow down when you need him to the most. Damn him. I tried to meet him at mile 18. I really thought I had it for a moment, there. But he was faster than his predicted time and I ended up missing him by 2 minutes. I hate that I put so much effort into getting to mile 18 only to end up missing him. I really wanted to see him then. Check to see how he was doing. To celebrate with him. My decision to go to mile 18 cost me the opportunity to be at the finish line. No really, the actual finish line by the TVs and the red tape the winners run through. I wish it would have worked out. Being at the finish would have been the ultimate way to wrap up the experience. Instead, I was frustrated that I did not see Rich nor did I get to enjoy the spirit of the race.

15.  The marathon course is very, very flat.  This means that when you run across a bridge, from the approach to the brigade to the apex/zenith feels like you are climbing Mt. Everest.  …and the downhill doesn’t feel any better!

16.  No matter how good you execute your plan, you need to be able to think on your feet. I hate that I missed Rich at mile 18. I really had a good plan and knew exactly how to get to where I needed to be. But, it did not happen. I should have thought through a plan B, because once I realized that I missed Rich I felt a bit lost; unsure what to do next.   So I walked about 10 blocks trying to figure it out. It was wasted time. I eventually did get back on the subway at a different location to get to the finish, but after that I could not shake that feeling of being defeated.

17.  The best time of day to take the Staten Island Ferry is at sunset. The golden hour never disappoints.

18.  On your mark – leave your mark. Rich Brown left his mark at Central Park (and on the Staten Island Ferry). I knew Rich did not feel well after the race. He just had this look about him. What I did not expect was that he would throw up not once but TWICE after the race. The first was at a discreet location right outside of the VIP tents by the famous Tavern on the Green. He puked in the bushes. But the second time was a little more public: as we were boarding the iconic Staten Island Ferry. Thankfully, Rich found a corner where the staff kept their mop and dust pans. He had almost perfect aim.

19.  Don’t start a conversation with every Uber driver you meet.  Most drivers did not want to talk.  The Crazy Albanian? He liked to talk.  About trees.  Trees that smile.  Smiling trees. And a bunch of other craziness that we were forced to listen to. 

20.  This ain’t Disney World.  Yes, I ran the Dopey Challenge in January – 48.6 miles over four days – but that run was easy because I stopped a lot to take pictures.  In fact, I think my time was about 5h30m-ish.  People ran in costumes. Lot of people started up conversations with strangers to make the time go by.  The whole event was very light.  Not this time.  We didn’t see a single costume or tutu.  No one talked.  Everyone was seriously running and running seriously.

21.  The advice, “Do Not Try Anything New On Race Day,” is really good advice.  The aforementioned #7 was the result of trying a new nourishment gel that I had never used before.  I “gelled” four times during the race, twice with a product I never used before.  The results were left in Central Park and on the Staten Island Ferry.

22.  The NYC Road Runners put on a great show. The details to put on this race are mind boggling. But the NYCRR has got it down to a science. Fast to set up, fast to clean up. And great volunteers and race officials everywhere in between. It was a rare event to peak behind the curtain and fascinating to see.

23.  This was the LOUDEST event I ever participated in.  From the howitzers, to the helicopter fly over, to the masses of people cheering us on, to the choirs outside the churches, to the bands playing outside bars, the NYC Marathon was incredibly loud.  In some neighborhoods the buildings were really close together which made the noise even louder.  It drowned out my RunKeeper pacing app but carried me through to the finish line.

24.  “The Wall” is real.  We put this here because right around mile twenty-four I hit the point in the race where my body just wanted to quit.  My quadriceps balled up.  I was reduced to walking a few steps before the voice in my head said, “If you stop now, you’ll never start up again.” I pushed myself beyond the limit of my endurance. While that sounds kind of silly, it is also true.  I was at the end of my reserves and ran on sheer will to the finish line.

25.  Please be careful of the subway stairs after the race and use the elevator and escalators if given the choice!

26.  It is easy to spot the runners in the airport after the race.  Even without any running gear on, it is easy to spot the hobbling, slow-motion, slow-to-get-up people in the Newark Liberty Airport and make a safe assumption that they ran the previous day and are not suffering from arthritis.  The people in the airport must know this too because a nice woman approached us and said that United Airlines would engrave my medal for free right there on the spot! 

.2  It is good to have someone who loves you at the finish line.  Period.

Scenes from the Last Few Months

The last few months have flown by.  From July to November the family has been busy. Lisa has been traveling the country and Rich has been traveling Europe.

Even with all of the work and school we were all still able to play a little at Disney to finish off the passes we started in January.  Grant and TJ both went on upside down roller coasters for the first time as well as Grant's first (and second time on Tower of Terror)!

We managed to get up to the mountains for a nice retreat at our friend's cabin in Boone, NC. We hiked a through cow pastures in the rain. TJ saw a HUGE snake that absolutely scared him to death.  We drove to Grandfather Mountain and climbed to the swinging bridge with an awesome view of the Carolina Mountains.  The next day we went up to Elk Knob and hiked for a mile up to the one of the best views in the state.


Lisa traveled to Reno for the Disabled American Veteran's convention and spoke to about 3,000 people - she got to use a teleprompter too!  Lisa did a great job and looked like a natural up there on the big stage.  All this while her cell phone got stolen, and with some great detective work by Rich, was found, and later recovered! But that is a story for another time!

Rich traveled to Ukraine and Poland to visit with his Soldiers. He really enjoyed Lliv, Ukraine, spending two nights in the Beer Theater with the coolest brass band he's ever heard.  Rich returned to Poznan, Poland, during a much nicer time of the year than last December.  Eating on the square and walking downtown at night were the highlights of his trip. He even went native and purchased a satchel/man-purse!

Grant continues in Y-Guides for the second year.  The Saber-tooth Storm Troopers are back!  We visited a local farm for a Fall Festival.  After a tractor ride and corn maze he showed his patience and engineering skills by getting this golf ball all the way to the top of this maze! A-maze-ing!

TJ has started cotillion practice. It is a chance for him to learn a young man's manners when being in public and around young ladies.  TJ gets to dress up and he loves it (despite his grumblings to his mom). He looks very handsome in a sport coat and tie.

Sam continues to love the university experience - thriving in both her classes and ROTC.  She is proud of both - and deservedly so.

That is what is going on here.  Pretty soon Rich will run the NYC Marathon, Thanksgiving will be here, Lisa and Rich will travel to Germany, and then it is Christmas!  

Milestone

Last month I completed my Master's Degree in Strategic Studies - the culmination of two years of "distance" education - through the US Army War College.

This is a tremendous milestone that I share with my entire family who supported me while I completed readings, wrote papers, and participated in on-line forums. I could not have done this without Lisa cheering me on, Sam telling me she was proud of me, and the boys giving me space and time to apply myself.

A Master's Degree always eluded me for my adult life. I started at Cornell but did not finish.  I considered going to UNC Keenan-Flagler but talked myself out of it.  At my age, continuing education is possible, but unless it is necessary for your career, there are too many other things going on in life to add the course work required for a degree. 

When I was selected to attend the Army War College I paused - just briefly - to pass on it but my heart wanted to do it. My brain, on the other hand needed convincing for the first few months of course work.  

As I sat waiting through a very nice ceremony and a great guest speaker in GEN(R) Barry McCaffery.  As I sat there I told myself to soak the moment in. The gleaming white paint of the band stand where the VIPs sat, the blue of the sky, the heat on the back of my head, the discomfort of the tight uniform, and sense of pride I felt in my accomplishment.  

As we stood and moved to the stage I urged my brain to enjoy the moment crossing the stage, shaking hands, smiling and making eye contact. And I did.  

Lisa joined me.  The kids were at home watching a live stream of the ceremony on school's website. It was a collective accomplishment - even if it has my name on the paper. 

And now I have all this free time on my hands - I almost thought about starting more courses!

Gettysburg 101

I visited Gettysburg for the fourth time in my life - the second or third where I could spend some time absorbing the battlefield and understanding the importance of specific points of those three days and not just my personal favorites - Little Round Top and 20th Maine's fight and the march of Pickett's Charge. 

I know that, in my mind and the minds of many historians, Gettysburg was the most important three days of American history. Had there been a different outcome 155 years ago we might have a far different geopolitical map than what exists now. Many, many Americans do not realize what might have happened if Buford hadn't dismounted his cavalry, if Chamberlain had gone down, or entire Pennsylvania line had broken. 

On a gorgeous summer day we visited Cemetery Hill, Oak Hill, the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field, Little Round Top, and Culp's Hill. We walked the open field where Pickett left over half his division in pools of blood up to the Angle. 

It is hard not to walk that field and think of the men on who marched to their doom. I believe in service to the nation requires an understanding of the sacrifices of those who went before us. 

For me, it is a touchstone to the importance of what we do in the military.  Some day, when they can understand and appreciate it, I will bring the kids here.

20th Maine Fighting Position

Little Round Top looking into Gettysburg

The National Cemetery

Pickett's Charge towards the Copse of Trees

Camp Sea Gull 2018

My boys are at Camp for 4 weeks. . . 27 days. Both of them. At the same time. 

This is the first year that both TJ and Grant are at Sea Gull for the whole month and this is also the first year since TJ started going to camp that I am not working for YMCA Sea Gull and Seafarer. It’s weird to just be a “parent” and not come up with an excuse to be at Camp while they are in session. One of my favorite times to come up with the excuse to visit is over the 4th of July. Where else can you get front row seats to the fireworks and not have to worry about parking? It was the best! 

But now, I am just a mom and living vicariously through my children, sending letters every other day and checking bunk 1 for their pictures non-stop. I know they are having fun— how could the not, but I just kinda want to share the experience with them and keep tabs on all the fun they are having. 
This is TJs 5th year at camp. He first attended Starter Camp when he was 6. Mariners the next year at 7 and the 4-week session at 8, 9, 10, and now 11. Oh wait, this is TJ’s 6th year!? Really? Good grief. This summer he is in Cabin 35– also known as the Rivera because of its location close to the river. One of the best views at Camp, if you ask me. 

This is Grant’s 2nd year at camp. He first attended Starter Camp last year— when he was 6. After that one week he told Rich and I that he was ready for the 4-week session, so we skipped over the two week Mariner’s program. He can handle it. He may not wipe his own butt at home, but at Camp, he is gonna have to. I am excited for him and the confidence and independence he is going to gain. He is in Cabin 15 which is the youngest of the 4-week campers. In the past this used to be known asCabin 1. 

Two weeks in, and it sounds like TJ and Grant are having fun. TJ made the paddle sports team, has completed his Master Paddler (highest rank), and apparently played a big role in the cabin’s Stunt and Talent performance. Grant has been seen playing golf, shooting skeet, and it is reported that he already earned his Alpha! I think TJ finally completed that first rank last year!

With two boys at Camp that would mean that Rich and I are sans kids for the month. Yes. We are without kids, but we only got to spend 8 of the 28 days actually together. Rich is at Fort Knox and I am either at home alone or traveling for Camp Corral. It is wonderful that I have the freedom to do so and not have to worry about leaving the family behind, but it would have been nice for Rich and I to have a little more time together without the kids. Sigh, maybe next year?!

At least we had Disney. 

WDWWTK

Our summers are not lazy affairs.  The kids are at Camp, Lisa is traveling more and more for her new job, and I have expectations for both my careers that takes me away from home.  In fact for several times this summer no one will be home and, if you take Sam into account, we will be in four different states in the month of July.

This is the first time Lisa and I have had more than two days apart from the children since TJ was born.  The question is how do you fill that time?  During the week we watched the shows we wanted to watch, had time to exercise, and not have to pick up after anyone but yourself.  The other answer is that you take a trip.  In this case a trip to Disney - Disney Without The Kids.  We did not have a lot of free time because of our work so we took advantage of the days we still have on our passes from January.  To be adventurous we took a train over night out of Cary, NC and arrived the next morning in Orlando, FL.  

The train was a different experience to be sure.  We had a nice room with bunk beds and after a cocktail and some looking out the window into the North Carolina darkness we were lulled to sleep with the rocking of the train and the occasional horn blast as we crossed roads.  

The first day we walked around the new shops in Disney Springs, had a wonderful nap in our room at Old Key West Resort, and had a nice dinner at a Cuban restaurant.  Lisa looked amazing in this cool dress she bought and I tried to help her look classy.  

As the family all knows, I love to plan the trips to Disney - down to the day and attraction.  Rarely does it ever work out that way - and I don't mind.  While I love the planning,  I also love the spontaneity to try something different.  The plan was to go to Epcot. So, when Lisa said, "let's go to Animal Kingdom," I paused for the briefest of moments before giving over to tossing the plan out the window. 

We laughed at ourselves for trying to get to the park in time for the E-Ticket attraction called Avatar: Flight of Passage - there was a two hour wait before the park even opened!  We DID get to ride Expedition Everest in the front row and loved it! 

We made our way over to Epcot and had a great day visiting attractions and areas of the park we had never seen before. It really was different; being able to go at our pace. Without the boys I turned into the big kid, excited to be with the woman I love, in a place that means so much to me. We liked Soarin' and Living with the Land. Lisa even braved the Orange line on Mission: Space! We made our way into the World Showcase and ate and drank through six countries before the skies shot lightning and rained buckets.  We discovered the DVC lounge and stayed out of the rain while sipping on Diet Coke and good coffee.

Regaining our energy we headed over to the Magic Kingdom for a great dinner at the Skippers Canteen, a soggy evening around the park, stunning fireworks, and even a favorite ride or two.  

The best part of the day was spending it with Lisa.  We love the kids and we love to go places with them.  The boys are great travelers - they do road trips very well and always seem to appreciate where we go.  In the years ahead we hope to have more museums and less amusement parks to show them the larger world out there. Traveling as a family is fun.  However, for a couple days to go to someplace fun without being asked for candy, toys, this and that was a nice reprieve from the "can I get" years they are in right now. And just spend it with my Lisa was great.  At some point - way down the road - it is only going to be us.

Our last day we met up with Pat and his family.  I have not seen Pat in a few years since he moved to Colorado.  I have been friends with Pat since we were in 10th grade.  That is a long time.  A lot of friends have stopped keeping touch.  In adulthood everything seems to be harder - even keeping old relationships up.  However, Pat and I have an easy familiarity about us that allows us to pick up right where we left off.  Only now, when we tell our stories our kids are more likely to look at us quizzically as if to wonder if those stories are true or not. We played in a water park and used the time waiting on lines to catch up in person - even for the briefest of times.

One quick story about my wife - in our rush to get off the Disney bus into the water park she left her camera bag on the bus and did not realize until after the bus departed. Lisa was the epitome of calm under pressure. She merely walked over to the bus station, spoke to the person in charge, and within 5 minutes the bag was found.  Ten minutes after that it was back in her possession.  Not once did she freak out.  

What an amazing woman.