Cool Yer Jets

We got word this past week that our most recent inquiries about my flying in a military jet have not panned out.

...and just when my home
training was picking up

There were concerns about my ability to cope with the physical rigors that I may be subjected to.

Let's be honest, if you operated a multi-million dollar aircraft, would you let someone ride that would have difficulty operating the ejector seat?

Still, all is not lost. I don't think I should reveal too much, but I understand that we are looking in to some other options.

I should cool my jets about this bucket list item, but I can't help keeping my fingers crossed.

Weez

A very happy birthday to Louise! Today is her second birthday.

with love.

Kids' Comments

Cora said, "Daddy, your body isn't working right." She had a point. I was attempting to get up from laying down on a love seat, and all with the casual style of a beetle stuck on its back.

Louise's vocabulary continues to expand. I have nothing but selfish excitement; I believe the phrase, "I love you," is just around the corner.

DITV

Prep for the 4th

The build-up to tomorrow has begun. Cora is giddy at the thought of the traditional kids bike ride down Main Street, Louise is just giddy about everything, and Amanda and I are looking forward to a day of fun, food, and fireworks.

There's a chance of rain, so we're trying not to get too excited.

In other news, the actor James Gandolfini passed away recently. Gandolfini was best known for his lead role in the mob series, The Sopranos. Another performance by Gandolfini caught my attention recently; his recital of Lou Gehrig's farewell speech. I was lucky enough to find the full version of the recital on YouTube, and have placed it at the top of the blog. I think i'll leave it there. Why? Why now?

Lou -- "The Ironhorse" -- gave his farewell speech on July 4th, 1939. Lou's speech is usually clipped when it's played, so I encourage you to check out the whole thing.

Steve Gleason had some publicity recently, by way of a segment on GMA. Watching reports about ALS is always emotional.  At the end of it all, I have to remind myself to at least be thankful that ALS is getting some air time. Check out the story here.