1. Pouring rain
2. Extreme heat
3. A limited to moderate mosquito forecast

This is the only place I've ever been where I'm listing to a heavy storm while blasting the air conditioning. Most unusual, for sure.

On a nicer note, though, I did spend one of those stormy days in a bookstore, which resulted in me turning an unreasonable amount of money into paper goods and writing implements. I'm now the proud owner of a new, handmade Italian journal, a fountain pen, a sketchbook, assorted paintbrush pens and some drawing charcoal. Rain has this sort of effect on me. Now I'm thoroughly satisfied on both fronts: a place to rant publicly and a place to rant privately. Perfect! Also, the fountain pen has really encouraged me to write more in my wonderful new journal than I otherwise would; it's very satisfying. This is what the journal looks like:

So, since I'm the next person to escape the land that god forgot, I get to pick our restaurants for the next two nights; this is a blessing and a curse, given my indecisive nature at the end of a work day. That said, I think McGuire's just might have to be one of my choices, and probably tonight since tomorrow night is the night before I have to be up at 4am. Yeah, I'm thinking somewhere quick and involving less beer for that evening...

Well, I think that concludes this post that is of interest to me alone. Ciao.

~~ Alex

Happened upon this online this morning, and simply had to ensure that it was preserved here on my blog. Bless the many people in this world with more free time than myself.

~~ Alex

Pretty much every surface that can have something stapled to it is covered in signed and doodled-on dollar bills, with great effect when you see the place. There's also fantastic Irish music and the surprisingly non-alcoholic tasting drink known as the Irish Wake (limit 3 per customer in an effort to avoid fatally reducing their customer base). Good times all around. They also have the wonder known as the Boxty, a deliciously deep-fried, breadcrumb covered, garlicky, cheesy food that goes very, very well with the wonderful porter they serve there. Ok, just typing this is a clear act of masochism as I have none of these delicious things within reach.

Here's a photo that accurately depicts what you're missing:

If you ever find yourself in Pensacola, FL (and this I somehow doubt) you really ought to go there. Well, that's really all I have to say for now. I'm going to wander off while visions of boxtys (or however you spell the plural) dance in my head.

~~ Alex

At this very moment I'm sitting in a secure naval facility in Pensacola, FL at Corry Station. This trip has the curious distinction of exposing me to both the warmest and coldest ambient temperatures I've ever had the displeasure of experiencing. Outside is hot and humid, with black flags posted around the base to warn you that the simple act of existing outside is likely to lead to the end of said existence. Inside in the control room, however, is the sub-arctic winter simulation known as my work area. If I don't reheat my coffee every five minutes or so it succumbs to the elements and gradually approaches that special place between liquid and solid. Nah, I'm kidding. It isn't gradual.

One moment, I must reheat my coffee.

There, that should help stave off death a bit longer. I kid, though, it's not really THAT bad here. I do think fondly of California, though, and our delightfully temperate "weather". I quote that as we really don't have what people in the other 90% of the US actually call weather, and truth be told I'm fine with that.

Anyhow, the work we're doing here is pretty interesting, and I'm getting to work with some really awesome people in the Navy. It's also been quite an experience spending so much time here in the south. I finally get why everyone thinks us Californians are jerks! See, relatively speaking, we are. Everyone here is incredibly friendly, and when someone greets you on the street they don't want money or signatures; they're just being nice! See how un-Californian that is? Quite.

Well, I suppose I'll wrap this up and get back to doing what I'm paid for. I surely do enjoy writing ramblings about my day to day life, though, even if it is vain and self-indulgent. Heck, that's probably the very reason I enjoy it. In any case, I think I'll do this again soon.

Until next time...

~~ Alex

-- Alex

Ah, it's good to be back.

~~ Alex

This goes hand in hand with this entry in my photo blog.

That is all.

~~ Alex

~~ Alex