Our day in class was relatively uneventful. It made for a very long day. My brother and I had taken Jennifer out to the range earlier in the week to familiarize her with the weapon and get some practice in before the qualification. She practiced hard. If there is one thing true about my wife, what ever she decides to do, she does 100%. Learning to shoot a handgun proved no exception. The night before the class, we practiced loading and unloading, working the slide (we intended to qualify with a Glock .40 SA), and safe gun handling.
When we went out to the range, we had no idea what to expect. Neither of us had been there before. It turned out to be outdoors on a very cold and blustery day. I was a little nervous for Jennifer because we had practiced on an indoor range in perfect conditions. But, my fears were unfounded. She shot a 218 with ease. Both of us passed the class and qualifications easily. We still have to submit our paperwork to the state. I anticipate that will occur next week.
Jennifer and the boys really enjoyed the range. In fact, Nathan shot the .40 pretty well. I was impressed with my 11 year old handling the larger caliber. Pierce shot the Ruger .22 target pistol very well also. He's not quite ready for the big gun. Everyone has asked when we're going back. Maybe we found something new to do as a family.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Handbrake
Recently, I have been looking for a way to put some of my DVD movies onto my hard drive. I found that it was not as simple as just copying the files over. That would have been way too easy. What you need is software that will allow you to rip the movie similar to the method you would use to rip a CD. Handbrake seems to fit the bill.
Handbrake is an open-source, GPL-Licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 movie converter. Just download and install the software, place the non-copy protected DVD into your machine, point Handbrake to the DVD/Video_TS folder and start ripping. Be prepared to wait a while, the process takes some time.
I have converted several DVD's into a format that I can view through iTunes. No more having to work on an airplane or simply sink into boredom. Now, I can watch movies without carrying the discs.
Handbrake is an open-source, GPL-Licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 movie converter. Just download and install the software, place the non-copy protected DVD into your machine, point Handbrake to the DVD/Video_TS folder and start ripping. Be prepared to wait a while, the process takes some time.
I have converted several DVD's into a format that I can view through iTunes. No more having to work on an airplane or simply sink into boredom. Now, I can watch movies without carrying the discs.
Monday, January 5, 2009
CHL
My wife and I have discussed becoming licensed to carry a concealed handgun for some time. I think it is right to have the option should we decide to do so. There have been times in my past that I wished I had the extra protection with me, but by the grace of God, I have never been in a threatening situation where I feared for my life. Except maybe once...
About seven years ago now, I was in a situation where I innocently attempted to assist someone in the office where I worked. They were out and I was alone. A message come in and needed an answer. In my ignorance and haste to do a good job, I accessed the information and answered the question. To my surprise, when I told the person about the incident, rather than thanking me for helping, I was berated about my accessing the information. After discussing the situation and apologizing, I thought the event was over. It was not.
Later that day, as I was again alone in the office, the person's husband, an equity partner in the business, came in and confronted me. The situation become more threatening the more I tried to apologize. All of my desire not to fight this man or resist what he was saying resulted only in his becoming more enraged. I had no idea what was about to happen. All I could see is that he was between me and the only way out of the building.
After I realized that he was not going to let me out. I decided that if I was going to get beaten, I was not going down without a fight. Amazingly, I bowed up to this much larger man and it stunned him. I that moment of confusion, I made my exit and escaped the building without injury.
Several things came to light about that incident. One, there are times when non-resistance will not diffuse a conflict. Two, I didn't know a darn thing about self defense, and I needed to learn. Three, the reason for the anger and conflict is that they were embezzeling from the company and they thought I found out. Later on the next week, I was fired.
I don't know if having a firearm that day would have made a difference. I hope that I would have had the calmness to deal with the situation similarly and without injury to me or anyone else. I did enroll in a self defense class and learned a few things that I hope to never use.
We will, however, take this class. It will be a great responsibility if we decide to carry. I believe we have thought about it and are ready to accept it. It will be a busy week as we practice shooting and brush up on those skills before Saturday.
About seven years ago now, I was in a situation where I innocently attempted to assist someone in the office where I worked. They were out and I was alone. A message come in and needed an answer. In my ignorance and haste to do a good job, I accessed the information and answered the question. To my surprise, when I told the person about the incident, rather than thanking me for helping, I was berated about my accessing the information. After discussing the situation and apologizing, I thought the event was over. It was not.
Later that day, as I was again alone in the office, the person's husband, an equity partner in the business, came in and confronted me. The situation become more threatening the more I tried to apologize. All of my desire not to fight this man or resist what he was saying resulted only in his becoming more enraged. I had no idea what was about to happen. All I could see is that he was between me and the only way out of the building.
After I realized that he was not going to let me out. I decided that if I was going to get beaten, I was not going down without a fight. Amazingly, I bowed up to this much larger man and it stunned him. I that moment of confusion, I made my exit and escaped the building without injury.
Several things came to light about that incident. One, there are times when non-resistance will not diffuse a conflict. Two, I didn't know a darn thing about self defense, and I needed to learn. Three, the reason for the anger and conflict is that they were embezzeling from the company and they thought I found out. Later on the next week, I was fired.
I don't know if having a firearm that day would have made a difference. I hope that I would have had the calmness to deal with the situation similarly and without injury to me or anyone else. I did enroll in a self defense class and learned a few things that I hope to never use.
We will, however, take this class. It will be a great responsibility if we decide to carry. I believe we have thought about it and are ready to accept it. It will be a busy week as we practice shooting and brush up on those skills before Saturday.
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Year
It's the new year and I haven't had a chance to rest. During this week off, I have hunted, shopped, cleaned, visited, celebrated, cooked, repaired and created. Not much time there for rest and relaxation...well except during the hunting.
We started off the holiday week with a visit from Jennifer's Grandma, Cora. We had a great visit before she went on the Albuquerque. She celebrated Christmas with us which was truly a blessing. I know Jennifer really enjoyed having her here.
The weekend after Christmas, I went hunting in Groesbeck with Benton; great time. As always we had long conversations about strategy and tactics. His wife, Holly, even saw what we think was a cougar. Benton called Texas Parks and Wildlife to report the sighting and they did not seem surprised. The most exciting point for me was a 14 yard head shot on a squirrel with my bow. It was a shot to be proud of; at least is was for me!
The remainder of the hunting has taken place at Lake Bardwell as Koby and I chased ducks. I haven't really duck hunted in about 6 years, but it seemed to come back. Maybe my calling was a little weak...OK it was really weak. But that did not stop a few from decoying. Nathan went with me one morning. As usual, I had to constantly remind him that if he was up moving around the ducks would see him. It is hard to convince an 11 year old that the ducks can see him before he sees them. Anyway, after it was all over, which soon was due to cold toes, he mentioned to me that he had fun...it was worth it! I have one more outing planned, maybe two, maybe we can repeat the experience.
Several months ago, Jennifer had the kitchen floor tiled. When I got home, I thought it looked great. The I noticed that the base trim was not re-installed. "When are they coming back out to install the base trim, Honey?" "Oh, they're not. I told them you could do a better job and I wanted new trim anyway." SO...I started the project. I got most of the way through the kitchen except behind the refrig. And, I can't lie. It took several attempts at coping the trim at the bay window. I never really did get it right, but it's close enough that a little painter's caulk will make everything alright. After I finish the kitchen, I'll still have the laundry and the half bath to go. Hopefully, I'll finish before Monday.
As usual, I cooked my mashed potatoes for Christmas. They really aren't that special, but people seem to like them, so I do it every year. Butter, pepper, sour cream, oh my!
My last project during the break, is to make some background boards for Jennifer's mosaics. She has promised several to people over the last few months and I am the hold up. Yesterday, we outlined what shapes she wanted and the sizes. I think after I get the kitchen trimmed, I'll work on the mosaic bases.
Kinda scattered, but that has been my life lately. I believe that in spite of the hectic nature of things, I am doing better at getting it all in order. I am continuing to organize my time better and focus on balance. It will continue to be a challenge and it in one I must accept. Maybe that will be my New Year's resolution...
We started off the holiday week with a visit from Jennifer's Grandma, Cora. We had a great visit before she went on the Albuquerque. She celebrated Christmas with us which was truly a blessing. I know Jennifer really enjoyed having her here.
The weekend after Christmas, I went hunting in Groesbeck with Benton; great time. As always we had long conversations about strategy and tactics. His wife, Holly, even saw what we think was a cougar. Benton called Texas Parks and Wildlife to report the sighting and they did not seem surprised. The most exciting point for me was a 14 yard head shot on a squirrel with my bow. It was a shot to be proud of; at least is was for me!
The remainder of the hunting has taken place at Lake Bardwell as Koby and I chased ducks. I haven't really duck hunted in about 6 years, but it seemed to come back. Maybe my calling was a little weak...OK it was really weak. But that did not stop a few from decoying. Nathan went with me one morning. As usual, I had to constantly remind him that if he was up moving around the ducks would see him. It is hard to convince an 11 year old that the ducks can see him before he sees them. Anyway, after it was all over, which soon was due to cold toes, he mentioned to me that he had fun...it was worth it! I have one more outing planned, maybe two, maybe we can repeat the experience.
Several months ago, Jennifer had the kitchen floor tiled. When I got home, I thought it looked great. The I noticed that the base trim was not re-installed. "When are they coming back out to install the base trim, Honey?" "Oh, they're not. I told them you could do a better job and I wanted new trim anyway." SO...I started the project. I got most of the way through the kitchen except behind the refrig. And, I can't lie. It took several attempts at coping the trim at the bay window. I never really did get it right, but it's close enough that a little painter's caulk will make everything alright. After I finish the kitchen, I'll still have the laundry and the half bath to go. Hopefully, I'll finish before Monday.
As usual, I cooked my mashed potatoes for Christmas. They really aren't that special, but people seem to like them, so I do it every year. Butter, pepper, sour cream, oh my!
My last project during the break, is to make some background boards for Jennifer's mosaics. She has promised several to people over the last few months and I am the hold up. Yesterday, we outlined what shapes she wanted and the sizes. I think after I get the kitchen trimmed, I'll work on the mosaic bases.
Kinda scattered, but that has been my life lately. I believe that in spite of the hectic nature of things, I am doing better at getting it all in order. I am continuing to organize my time better and focus on balance. It will continue to be a challenge and it in one I must accept. Maybe that will be my New Year's resolution...
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