I passed the knowledge exam! The next step is the practical exam or “check ride”. It has an oral examination follwoed by a flight with an FAA approved examiner. When Pass that I will have my Private Pilot license. I am looking forward to accomplishing this goal and flying my wife somewhere.
I made my first dual CC on Saturday. I planned the trip from LA to Santa Barbara and everything went great. The weather was perfect with over 10 miles of visibility and clear skies. Total round trip was about an hour and 1/2. Next up…NIGHT FLIGHT! I can hardly wait…...
I have been following the program at www.hundredpushups.com and have completed the first week and 1/2. It is a very doable goal!
Today I spent two hours flying “the pattern” around the airport. It is basically a rectangular pattern at a predetermined altitude. I made 16 takeoffs and landings. There was an eight (8) MPH crosswind to keep things interesting. I was proud as a peacock on 5 or 6 of the landings – they were what I’d call “greased” landings – just perfect! I was pretty happy with nine of them – just a few minor issues (not exactly over the center line, etc..) . But I was hanging my head in shame on one simply ghastly landing. It was a real bouncer! THere was no danger of getting hurt or anything, it just looked really really bad. Overall it was a great day!
I ran the LA Marathon in 4 hours and 32 minutes back in 1992. I never ran another marathon after that. In fact I quit running a few months later in favor of biking (far less stress on the knees!. I can say I did it though, and I am very proud of the achievement. It is truly a worthy goal, go for it!!
I just watched a movie called “In Bruges”. It is set in a small town in Belgium called “Bruges”. Very funny movie and the town looked incredible. I must admit, the beer is a huge attraction…...
I’d love to see the Holy Lands. I am not religious, but I would love to see the beautiful old churches and temples.
I want to see Paris. While I am there I will visit the Louvre, drink great wines, eat smelly cheese, enjoy some foie gras, and have lunch at the Eiffel Tower.
I was a smoker from age 12 until age 30. I quit by giving up coffee for a few weeks, exercising every day and by brushing my teeth whenever the urge to smoke hit. The first day was pretty easy, the second day was freakin’ brutal, day three I was ready to kill people, day four I wanted to smoke so bad I thought I would die!! After two weeks the physical cravings were gone, but I still wanted to smoke (the psychological cravings are much stronger than the physical). I missed my cigarettes! They were like an old friend. I’d smoke after meals, whenever I was drinking, when drinking coffee etc.. I had to break those connections and realize that I was a slave to nicotine! I don’t want to be a slave to anyone or anything! So, I just kept with it and reminded myself of the damage smoking was doing to me daily. I went to the American Lung Association and picked up literature and photos’ of damaged and diseased lungs. Whenever I was weak, I’d look at the those photos and it would give me strength. I kept gum and carrots with me at all time too….. After about 3 months, I was out of the woods and knew I was going to make it. One year after I permanently quit smoking I ran the LA Marathon in about 4 1/2 hours. I knew then that I could do anything I set my mind to. If I can do it, then you can too. What one man can do, another man can do.
So to all you nicotine addicts still smoking. STOP TODAY!!! I know it is not going to be easy, but it must be done. You know that you cannot continue to smoke and have any self esteem. SO, stick with it! You can do it!!!!!!
Since I am learning to fly and getting my Private Pilots license, why not learn how to jump out of a perfectly good airplane? LOL…
What good is being rich and successful if you die too young to enjoy it? There are so many things I want to do in my life that I’ll need to live to at least 100 to get them all done! I want to live to age 100 and be healthy and vigorous in my older years too. To achieve this goal I will need to take care of my health. An exercise regimen with equal parts Cardio, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility training is the first step.
I believe that “moderation in all things” (including work!) is the key to a long and enjoyable life. WHo wants to live to be 100 if you’re not having any fun? I want to have a nice balance in my life and not become obsessed with anything. Sure, I want to be healthy and I am willing to do the work (exercise, diet, etc..) but I’d still like to enjoy alcohol and rich foods, or a cigar from time to time too!
I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, so a few months ago I decided to go for it! I am taking lessons 2 days a week and recently completed my first solo. I have about 30 hours of flight time so far. I am looking forward to completing this goal.
Financial Independence (to me) is the ability to live the lifestyle I desire without having to work. Where my entire income would be from my investments. The experts figure that a person can safely withdraw about 4-5% of their portfolio balance each year and never run out of monney. I figure that I will need at least $3 million (thats 150K/ year at 5%) and preferably $5 Million. It would be nice to have some extra cushion and let’s face it, 250K per year buys a pretty nice lifestyle!
