So I went to get online and play a bit of Firefight on Halo 3: ODST last night, and was greated by the Red Ring of Death. So now my box is off to Microsoft for repairs. At least it's all being taken care of for free. They even paid for shipping.
I hope that I have it back by Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Back To School:
Well, I'm back at School finally.
I moved back up to Utah State University this past week. Classes start on Monday. So, hopefully I'll have a degree in Aerospace Engineering within the next four years or so...
More later... If I remember...
I moved back up to Utah State University this past week. Classes start on Monday. So, hopefully I'll have a degree in Aerospace Engineering within the next four years or so...
More later... If I remember...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Catch Up!
It's been awhile since I've posted anything. So, time to break that.
First update: I now have my AK-SAW! I've also installed a tight-bore barrel and begun using MadBull .25g BBs. The result is a SAW accurate up to 200ft! It's awesome! I've used it once in a day game, and in one night game. It rocks!
But that's not what I wanted to talk about today.
What I am here to talk about is a new game coming out next year... Command and Conquer 4!!!! Here's the release announcement: C&C4. I hadn't realized it, but I still haven't even played C&C3 yet... it came out while I was on my mission. I know what happens as far as the story, but I guess it's time to go pick up a copy of it and it's expansion pack now that they're cheap and the sequel is on the way... especially since this is going to be the end.
According to the press release, C&C4 will conclude the Tiberian story line. Questions will be answered: can Tiberium be stopped before it consumes our planet? Who is Kane really, and what have his real motivations been for the past three tiberium wars?
The big question that I have that isn't mentioned at all in the press release is what part the Scrin will play in all of this. The Scrin are aliens that attacked Earth in C&C3. The seem to have a special relationship with Tiberium, and it is rumored that they may even be behind the Tiberium contamination of Earth to start with... But I don't know for sure 'cause I haven't played C&C3 yet.
Time to catch up.
First update: I now have my AK-SAW! I've also installed a tight-bore barrel and begun using MadBull .25g BBs. The result is a SAW accurate up to 200ft! It's awesome! I've used it once in a day game, and in one night game. It rocks!
But that's not what I wanted to talk about today.
What I am here to talk about is a new game coming out next year... Command and Conquer 4!!!! Here's the release announcement: C&C4. I hadn't realized it, but I still haven't even played C&C3 yet... it came out while I was on my mission. I know what happens as far as the story, but I guess it's time to go pick up a copy of it and it's expansion pack now that they're cheap and the sequel is on the way... especially since this is going to be the end.
According to the press release, C&C4 will conclude the Tiberian story line. Questions will be answered: can Tiberium be stopped before it consumes our planet? Who is Kane really, and what have his real motivations been for the past three tiberium wars?
The big question that I have that isn't mentioned at all in the press release is what part the Scrin will play in all of this. The Scrin are aliens that attacked Earth in C&C3. The seem to have a special relationship with Tiberium, and it is rumored that they may even be behind the Tiberium contamination of Earth to start with... But I don't know for sure 'cause I haven't played C&C3 yet.
Time to catch up.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Change of Heart... again...
OK, I know I said that I was going to build a grenadier rig now, but I've decided against that. I'd be too expensive for the effect that I would get out of it. Scary, but not too useful for most games. Instead I'm going to keep my launcher to use as a single shot LAAW, and build my AK SAW rig this week. I've got the money together now, and we'll be able to test it out this upcoming Saturday when we go to play again.
I also got money for my Tracer unit for my birthday, so I picked that up this past week. Man, that SRC Tracer is bright! I could see each BB clearly, and it wasn't even dark yet. It'll work out real well for our night games that are coming up. I can put it on both my MP5 or my AK too, so I can use both depending on our mission.
So, that will give me two rigs to use, depending on the mission. For team games, I'll be using the AK-47 SAW build, and I'll use my MP5 CQC for Free-for-Alls and when I'm acting as a spotter for snipers.
I've also decided what my new rig for next year will be... the entire thing will be a single rifle: JAG's new M82 replica. It's a beast! Almost 5' long and 25lbs. Fortunately, it comes with the bi-pod, cause I don't think any of the ones that I can get my hands on could even hold the thing. I'd have to put a scope on it, but that isn't a problem. It will cost me my entire Airsoft budget for 2010 though. So, I'll probably change my mind before then, but for now I'm going to dream.
Like my Grenade Launcher, it's usefulness would be limited, as it's just to heavy to pick up and run around with. However, I would love to be wielding one of these if I was assigned to defend a target from attack. It would put fear into the hearts of the attackers too. Ah, my dreams, how expensive they are... :(
I also got money for my Tracer unit for my birthday, so I picked that up this past week. Man, that SRC Tracer is bright! I could see each BB clearly, and it wasn't even dark yet. It'll work out real well for our night games that are coming up. I can put it on both my MP5 or my AK too, so I can use both depending on our mission.
So, that will give me two rigs to use, depending on the mission. For team games, I'll be using the AK-47 SAW build, and I'll use my MP5 CQC for Free-for-Alls and when I'm acting as a spotter for snipers.
I've also decided what my new rig for next year will be... the entire thing will be a single rifle: JAG's new M82 replica. It's a beast! Almost 5' long and 25lbs. Fortunately, it comes with the bi-pod, cause I don't think any of the ones that I can get my hands on could even hold the thing. I'd have to put a scope on it, but that isn't a problem. It will cost me my entire Airsoft budget for 2010 though. So, I'll probably change my mind before then, but for now I'm going to dream.
Like my Grenade Launcher, it's usefulness would be limited, as it's just to heavy to pick up and run around with. However, I would love to be wielding one of these if I was assigned to defend a target from attack. It would put fear into the hearts of the attackers too. Ah, my dreams, how expensive they are... :(
Monday, June 15, 2009
Kaboom!
Well we had an airsoft game this past Saturday, and it was a lot of fun. Too bad we got rained out about 2 o'clock, but I would've had to leave about then anyway.
As I mentioned before, I think, this event was sponsored a bit by Echo1 USA. Everyone who attended received a free kill-rag, muzzle guard, and 1000 rounds of .25g ammo. I was surprised by just how big a difference the heavier ammo made in my games. I usually use .2g, but the .25g cut through the wind much better. I'd say that my accuracy tripled with the heavier ammo. So, I think that's my new standard.
That's not the best part though: we had a raffle for some free stuff the Echo1 sent out, including a 416 model AEG, and a Model-79 Grenade Launcher. I was lucky enough to win the Launcher. So, now instead of my AK rig that I was planning, I think that I'm going to build a Grenadier rig. Palco Sports has some cheap, low cap shells that I can get. So, I'll pick up 4 or 6 of those to add to the one that came with the launcher. Then I'll get a couple more low-cap magazines for my MP5, and us it as my side arm when I have the Launcher as my main. I'm not sure how effective it will be, but I think that it would be intimidating to the other team anyway.
As I mentioned before, I think, this event was sponsored a bit by Echo1 USA. Everyone who attended received a free kill-rag, muzzle guard, and 1000 rounds of .25g ammo. I was surprised by just how big a difference the heavier ammo made in my games. I usually use .2g, but the .25g cut through the wind much better. I'd say that my accuracy tripled with the heavier ammo. So, I think that's my new standard.
That's not the best part though: we had a raffle for some free stuff the Echo1 sent out, including a 416 model AEG, and a Model-79 Grenade Launcher. I was lucky enough to win the Launcher. So, now instead of my AK rig that I was planning, I think that I'm going to build a Grenadier rig. Palco Sports has some cheap, low cap shells that I can get. So, I'll pick up 4 or 6 of those to add to the one that came with the launcher. Then I'll get a couple more low-cap magazines for my MP5, and us it as my side arm when I have the Launcher as my main. I'm not sure how effective it will be, but I think that it would be intimidating to the other team anyway.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Big Update:
Ok, It's been awhile, so I've got a lot to update, and yet, I don't. Ya see, I'm a bit short on time, because I'd like to go to the air show today, which is way more important than millions of people I don't know getting updates about my life. That being said, here's an update for all you digital stalkers anyway:
This past week was E3 down in LA. Halo fans (one of which is me) got a big exciting look at this Fall's Halo 3: ODST. It looks to be way awesome. It's going to be quite different from the Halo trilogy too, despite its being built upon the Halo 3 engine. For example, you're playing as Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, not Spartan-117. So no energy shields, not jumping over tanks in a single bound, and no duel wielding rifles. The life bar is also making a return, with a cusion of "stamina" to make up for the lack of energy shields.
A couple new weapons will be showing up. First, is a silenced version of the SMG from Halo 3. The second, and most exciting, is the return of the "god pistol" from Halo: CE. It's not quite the same, and is now called the Auto-Mag, but the effect is the same. A powerful, long range, scoped pistol of Covenant-slaying death.
One of the most exciting things for me though, is the Non-linear campaign. Once you drop into New Mombassa, the city is yours to explore (quiet though, it's crawling with Covenant, and you don't have shields, and are precariously low on ammo.) Your goal is to find out what happened to the rest of your squad earlier that day. So you explore/fight your way around the city looking for clues to thier fate. Each time you find a clue, you are rewarded with a flashback level (these being more linear), which you will play from the point of view of one of your squad mates. This continues until "everything comes together" (whatever that means) as you find the last clues. By the end of the game, you will have played as all six members of your ODST squad.
Oh, speaking of the rest of your squad, you aren't the squad leader. You're simply "the Rookie." Your squad leader is Buck, played by none other than Nathan Fillion, AKA Captain Mal from the Serenity. They even made him look like Mal. Check it out in the Opening Cutscene. I new the guys from Bungie were Firefly fans, since they gave Mal, Janye, and Wash's characters cameos as marines in Halo 3, but this just cofirms it as they give Mal a leading roll. Hopefully he's not dead like most of the marines/ODSTs are by the end of the Halo Saga. We'll find out when ODST releases on 22 Sept. 2009.
Oh, and Bungie decided to let us in on one more project. It's a prequal to Halo: CE, but takes place after the events of Halo Wars. Take a gander at Halo: Reach. Again, I'm way excited. Halo fans know just how important the Fall of Reach really is to the Halo Saga's story. In fact, it's the event that sends Master Chief and Cortana off on their first adventure on a Halo Ring, and sees the end of the Spartan II program. Too bad we have to wait until 2010 to figure out any more.
Now, for a change to Airsoft News. We've played a few games out at my friend's property, and it looks like we're going to have a huge turnout at our next one, which is coming up this next weekend. So much so, that Echo1 USA is going to be sponsering us by sending out some ammo and T-shirts to give away... and maybe some extra goodies too (they were non-specific as to what). Yay, we're sponsered. Echo1 is an awesome company too, and I really like thier guns. (I really love my MP5 CQC).
In fact, I think my next loadout is also going to revolve around an Echo1 gun. They just released a new AK-47 model that I want. It's light, has a V3 Metal Gearbox, even has real wood furniture. It also has a longer barrel, and higher velocity than my MP5, so it will be a bit better for outdoor stuff, especially as our games get bigger. Though, I think I'll still prefer my MP5 for mid-range combat or when I'm acting as a spotter when my friend is Sniping. That's the beauty of having multiple guns. You get to switch off in between games, thus letting you play a few different styles thoughout the day.
Anyway, my plans for the AK: I want to get a pack of Mid-cap magazines for it, allowing me to use it as a normal assualt rifle. However, I also want to get a Drum Magazine and a Bi-pod for it so that I can also us it as a SAW. Sitting in an enchrenched position and firing 3000 round down into my advancing, helpless enemies just seems like something that would be fun. Unfortuantly, even with the discount that I get working for AirGunDepot.com... I'm still looking at about $250 to build that rig. And that doesn't even include the Tracer Unit that I want to get! (Fortunatly, the Tracer Unit will be intercangable with my MP5, so I only need one.) Sigh... Maybe I'll get a raise sometime soon... and my birthday is next Friday... I can dream.
Now, time to go get ready for that Air Show I was talking about.
This past week was E3 down in LA. Halo fans (one of which is me) got a big exciting look at this Fall's Halo 3: ODST. It looks to be way awesome. It's going to be quite different from the Halo trilogy too, despite its being built upon the Halo 3 engine. For example, you're playing as Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, not Spartan-117. So no energy shields, not jumping over tanks in a single bound, and no duel wielding rifles. The life bar is also making a return, with a cusion of "stamina" to make up for the lack of energy shields.
A couple new weapons will be showing up. First, is a silenced version of the SMG from Halo 3. The second, and most exciting, is the return of the "god pistol" from Halo: CE. It's not quite the same, and is now called the Auto-Mag, but the effect is the same. A powerful, long range, scoped pistol of Covenant-slaying death.
One of the most exciting things for me though, is the Non-linear campaign. Once you drop into New Mombassa, the city is yours to explore (quiet though, it's crawling with Covenant, and you don't have shields, and are precariously low on ammo.) Your goal is to find out what happened to the rest of your squad earlier that day. So you explore/fight your way around the city looking for clues to thier fate. Each time you find a clue, you are rewarded with a flashback level (these being more linear), which you will play from the point of view of one of your squad mates. This continues until "everything comes together" (whatever that means) as you find the last clues. By the end of the game, you will have played as all six members of your ODST squad.
Oh, speaking of the rest of your squad, you aren't the squad leader. You're simply "the Rookie." Your squad leader is Buck, played by none other than Nathan Fillion, AKA Captain Mal from the Serenity. They even made him look like Mal. Check it out in the Opening Cutscene. I new the guys from Bungie were Firefly fans, since they gave Mal, Janye, and Wash's characters cameos as marines in Halo 3, but this just cofirms it as they give Mal a leading roll. Hopefully he's not dead like most of the marines/ODSTs are by the end of the Halo Saga. We'll find out when ODST releases on 22 Sept. 2009.
Oh, and Bungie decided to let us in on one more project. It's a prequal to Halo: CE, but takes place after the events of Halo Wars. Take a gander at Halo: Reach. Again, I'm way excited. Halo fans know just how important the Fall of Reach really is to the Halo Saga's story. In fact, it's the event that sends Master Chief and Cortana off on their first adventure on a Halo Ring, and sees the end of the Spartan II program. Too bad we have to wait until 2010 to figure out any more.
Now, for a change to Airsoft News. We've played a few games out at my friend's property, and it looks like we're going to have a huge turnout at our next one, which is coming up this next weekend. So much so, that Echo1 USA is going to be sponsering us by sending out some ammo and T-shirts to give away... and maybe some extra goodies too (they were non-specific as to what). Yay, we're sponsered. Echo1 is an awesome company too, and I really like thier guns. (I really love my MP5 CQC).
In fact, I think my next loadout is also going to revolve around an Echo1 gun. They just released a new AK-47 model that I want. It's light, has a V3 Metal Gearbox, even has real wood furniture. It also has a longer barrel, and higher velocity than my MP5, so it will be a bit better for outdoor stuff, especially as our games get bigger. Though, I think I'll still prefer my MP5 for mid-range combat or when I'm acting as a spotter when my friend is Sniping. That's the beauty of having multiple guns. You get to switch off in between games, thus letting you play a few different styles thoughout the day.
Anyway, my plans for the AK: I want to get a pack of Mid-cap magazines for it, allowing me to use it as a normal assualt rifle. However, I also want to get a Drum Magazine and a Bi-pod for it so that I can also us it as a SAW. Sitting in an enchrenched position and firing 3000 round down into my advancing, helpless enemies just seems like something that would be fun. Unfortuantly, even with the discount that I get working for AirGunDepot.com... I'm still looking at about $250 to build that rig. And that doesn't even include the Tracer Unit that I want to get! (Fortunatly, the Tracer Unit will be intercangable with my MP5, so I only need one.) Sigh... Maybe I'll get a raise sometime soon... and my birthday is next Friday... I can dream.
Now, time to go get ready for that Air Show I was talking about.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Seven
I just installed Windows 7 RC on my laptop. Working a lot better than Vista so far. I really like the modified interfaces too.
More as I play around with it.
More as I play around with it.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Dust and Echos
Well, I turned on my X-Box360 for the first time in over a month on Saturday. I used to play all the time, but between work and sleep, I haven't really had time.
I forgot how much I love Halo 3. I was a little burned out on it (I only have three games, and Halo is my favorite, so it get's played a lot.), but since I've walked away from it this past little while, I really enjoyed playing again.
I thought I was going into work on Saturday, but found out we weren't working at the last minute. So, I had a whole day with nothing to do, and I couldn't get ahold of anyone else, so I spent a few hours online. I got to explore the three new Mythic Maps as well. I've had them for a few months, but again, just haven't played that much.
I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make is. I guess no matter how long I go without playing Halo, it always feels right to come back and play some more... even if I'm not all that good anymore (though, I'm still pretty good it turns out...).
I forgot how much I love Halo 3. I was a little burned out on it (I only have three games, and Halo is my favorite, so it get's played a lot.), but since I've walked away from it this past little while, I really enjoyed playing again.
I thought I was going into work on Saturday, but found out we weren't working at the last minute. So, I had a whole day with nothing to do, and I couldn't get ahold of anyone else, so I spent a few hours online. I got to explore the three new Mythic Maps as well. I've had them for a few months, but again, just haven't played that much.
I'm not sure what point I'm trying to make is. I guess no matter how long I go without playing Halo, it always feels right to come back and play some more... even if I'm not all that good anymore (though, I'm still pretty good it turns out...).
Monday, May 11, 2009
To boldly go...
So, I went on Friday to see the new Star Trek movie. I've been a bit aprehensive about it, as I wasn't sure there was any hope of it being any good. I've been a fan of the franchise since I can remember. (The Next Generation began to air the same year that I was born). I spent one weeknight a week almost every year growing up watching Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. However, all good things must come to an end, and so they did with with Enterprise... an ill concieved prequal revolving around a temporal cold war... The only series I never bothered to watch past the first season. I regreted every time I tuned in to see what was going on. Enterprise was so out of touch with Star Trek, that I couldn't (and still don't) accept it.
Star Trek got too big for itself. What it needed was a reboot. Look at Transformers, or Batman Begins. Did they pick up where past left off? No. They started over. Erased all the bad, and rebuilt a better franchise from the ground up. So, imagine my concern when I found out the new Star Trek movie would be a prequal... not only a prequal, but one once again based on time travel shenanigans! No good. Esspecially when they said that it wouldn't be a reboot.
Fortunatly, Mr. Abrams is brilliant.
*Spoilers Below*
Imagine my joy when the new movie WAS a reboot... just not what I expected. The use of the time travel was limited: just a catalyst to set off the story... and create an alternate timeline! So, a brand new universe, with a blank slate, and yet all previous incarnations of Star Trek remain valid... Brilliance! I'm excited to see my favorite SciFi franchise rise from the dead. Hopefully they don't screw up the sequal.
*Spoilers End*
By the way, if you haven't seen Star Trek (even if you're not a Star Trek fan), you should. It's awesome!
Star Trek got too big for itself. What it needed was a reboot. Look at Transformers, or Batman Begins. Did they pick up where past left off? No. They started over. Erased all the bad, and rebuilt a better franchise from the ground up. So, imagine my concern when I found out the new Star Trek movie would be a prequal... not only a prequal, but one once again based on time travel shenanigans! No good. Esspecially when they said that it wouldn't be a reboot.
Fortunatly, Mr. Abrams is brilliant.
*Spoilers Below*
Imagine my joy when the new movie WAS a reboot... just not what I expected. The use of the time travel was limited: just a catalyst to set off the story... and create an alternate timeline! So, a brand new universe, with a blank slate, and yet all previous incarnations of Star Trek remain valid... Brilliance! I'm excited to see my favorite SciFi franchise rise from the dead. Hopefully they don't screw up the sequal.
*Spoilers End*
By the way, if you haven't seen Star Trek (even if you're not a Star Trek fan), you should. It's awesome!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Revelations:
So, we've been hunting for a place to play airsoft for awhile now. It just hasn't been working out. Either property owners are out of town, or other teams already have places claimed.
So, I was talking to my friend at work, and we were saying that it would be great if we had someplace to play whenever we wanted, where we controlled who played and when... At this point my friend got this funny look on his face and said, "hang on." He then called his father and got premission for us to play on a rather large chunk of land that his father owns a little south of here...
So, it turns out that we've had our own private airsoft field for years. Brilliant.
Anyway, we're now making plans to salvage some scrap and build a shanty town in the middle of the desert so that we can go play airsoft whenever. Yay!
So, I was talking to my friend at work, and we were saying that it would be great if we had someplace to play whenever we wanted, where we controlled who played and when... At this point my friend got this funny look on his face and said, "hang on." He then called his father and got premission for us to play on a rather large chunk of land that his father owns a little south of here...
So, it turns out that we've had our own private airsoft field for years. Brilliant.
Anyway, we're now making plans to salvage some scrap and build a shanty town in the middle of the desert so that we can go play airsoft whenever. Yay!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Severity...
So, my shoulder may be worse than I thought. It probably hasn't helped that I've continued to work on it as though nothing were wrong, including climbing selves like a monkey at work today so that I could get what I needed of the top... I actually don't notice it to much while I'm working. Since I got home this evening though, it's been quite sore, and hurts when I even do little things. It even stung when I shook the dice playing Yahtzee.
Again, I still have hope that it's ok. It feels REALLY tense, so I think that it may just be really stressed out. If only I had a while to rest it, but I don't. I work six days a week, and spend all day at church now on Sundays. So, I don't have time to lay down with an ice pack and pain killers until my shoulder decides to stop rebelling against my comfort.
My ankle has been acting up again too lately. It's been fine most of the time since I got home, but the past few days... I even had to bug out of some night games tonight because it feels like it might give me grief.
Maybe I just need a break in general. No work, no early morning church meetings, and lots of rest. Sigh. I guess I can keep dreaming. It only makes you depressed right. Of course, if you've been reading the last couple of posts that I've made, you already know that's a theme of many of my posts...
My life really isn't that bad, I promise. Y'all just get a disproportionately large amount of my depression 'cause I use the blog to vent.
Also, at least two more of my friends are getting married for sure now, with a third looking more likely. What's with everyone! I definitely missed whatever train they're all riding.
... Maybe next time I'll actually find something more positive to post about. I'm getting sick of myself already.
Again, I still have hope that it's ok. It feels REALLY tense, so I think that it may just be really stressed out. If only I had a while to rest it, but I don't. I work six days a week, and spend all day at church now on Sundays. So, I don't have time to lay down with an ice pack and pain killers until my shoulder decides to stop rebelling against my comfort.
My ankle has been acting up again too lately. It's been fine most of the time since I got home, but the past few days... I even had to bug out of some night games tonight because it feels like it might give me grief.
Maybe I just need a break in general. No work, no early morning church meetings, and lots of rest. Sigh. I guess I can keep dreaming. It only makes you depressed right. Of course, if you've been reading the last couple of posts that I've made, you already know that's a theme of many of my posts...
My life really isn't that bad, I promise. Y'all just get a disproportionately large amount of my depression 'cause I use the blog to vent.
Also, at least two more of my friends are getting married for sure now, with a third looking more likely. What's with everyone! I definitely missed whatever train they're all riding.
... Maybe next time I'll actually find something more positive to post about. I'm getting sick of myself already.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I'm Dying...
...At least, that's what I would say if I were dying. Fortunatly, I'm not. I just have a messed up shoulder after work today, but it's ok. It only burns like a million hot needles swimming through my right shoulder blade... and turns into plain old fantastic pain if I dare to lift anythin over my head... but I'll be ok.
Now, expected injuries aside, it was an ok day. We finally managed to get caught up for the first time this week... and I've got my next airsoft purchased planned. When I get paid next week, I'll pick up a five pack of mid-cap magazines, a foldable foregrip, and a full face mask. Then I'll be ready to go and play hard as soon as we get a game going. I'm also excited that the weather is finally getting a little warmer. When the weather stabilizes in a few weeks, we'll see about going camping one weekend and playing some games out in the woods/desert, depending on where we decide to go.
In other news, I just found out that another one of my friends is apparently engaged. More weirdness.
Speaking of weirdness, my stomach is feeling funny... to be more specific, I'm hungry. I think I have some chicken patties upstairs... mmmmm, chicken sandwiches...
Now, expected injuries aside, it was an ok day. We finally managed to get caught up for the first time this week... and I've got my next airsoft purchased planned. When I get paid next week, I'll pick up a five pack of mid-cap magazines, a foldable foregrip, and a full face mask. Then I'll be ready to go and play hard as soon as we get a game going. I'm also excited that the weather is finally getting a little warmer. When the weather stabilizes in a few weeks, we'll see about going camping one weekend and playing some games out in the woods/desert, depending on where we decide to go.
In other news, I just found out that another one of my friends is apparently engaged. More weirdness.
Speaking of weirdness, my stomach is feeling funny... to be more specific, I'm hungry. I think I have some chicken patties upstairs... mmmmm, chicken sandwiches...
Monday, April 27, 2009
A detailed analysis of an Awesome mind:
Strange happenings last night. One of my best friends that I've known since 1st grade got married. It was a lot of fun to attend his reception, and he and his new bride seem very happy together. Strange that this should make me feel so oddly depressed.
I look at my friend, and he seems to be living the dream. He's my same age (actually a couple months younger, if you want to get picky), and yet he's got his career, his girl, a house, and soon some little versions of him running around. He's not even LDS and he's practically living the LDS dream anyway. On the other hand, I'm still trying to figure out how many years it's going to take me to pay for school, I'm still living in my parents basement, and I've never been out on a date with any girl more than once... the new perspective made me feel rather pathetic actually.
Anyway, this train of thought left me to a startling revelation about myself... I think I actually felt lonely last night. I've always been kind of a loner... in fact I often feel VERY uncomfortable in social situations with lots of people (even when I'm with people that I trust). However, I don't think that I've ever really considered myself to be lonely. I mean, there have been lots of brief instances in my life where I've been lonely... at parties when no one talks to me, first days in new wards or classes, or when girls I like haven't given me the time of day. None of those times ever lasted long though, or made me feel like I was really missing something from my happiness.
In fact, ever since I got home from my mission, I've really downplayed the expectation to start looking for a wife. It just wasn't that high on my priority list, despite the many pressures regarding such that most returned missionaries experience (which include some people even trying to set ridiculous goals and deadlines for me. Seriously!) Last night though, I think that I realized for the first time that I really do want that kind of a relationship with someone. I'm not sure that I'm going to be in anymore of a hurry than I was before, but I know for sure now that marriage and a family is something that is missing from my life, and without those things, I don't think that I can ever consider myself to be truly happy.
In other words, for the first time, I'm lonely.
Weird.
I look at my friend, and he seems to be living the dream. He's my same age (actually a couple months younger, if you want to get picky), and yet he's got his career, his girl, a house, and soon some little versions of him running around. He's not even LDS and he's practically living the LDS dream anyway. On the other hand, I'm still trying to figure out how many years it's going to take me to pay for school, I'm still living in my parents basement, and I've never been out on a date with any girl more than once... the new perspective made me feel rather pathetic actually.
Anyway, this train of thought left me to a startling revelation about myself... I think I actually felt lonely last night. I've always been kind of a loner... in fact I often feel VERY uncomfortable in social situations with lots of people (even when I'm with people that I trust). However, I don't think that I've ever really considered myself to be lonely. I mean, there have been lots of brief instances in my life where I've been lonely... at parties when no one talks to me, first days in new wards or classes, or when girls I like haven't given me the time of day. None of those times ever lasted long though, or made me feel like I was really missing something from my happiness.
In fact, ever since I got home from my mission, I've really downplayed the expectation to start looking for a wife. It just wasn't that high on my priority list, despite the many pressures regarding such that most returned missionaries experience (which include some people even trying to set ridiculous goals and deadlines for me. Seriously!) Last night though, I think that I realized for the first time that I really do want that kind of a relationship with someone. I'm not sure that I'm going to be in anymore of a hurry than I was before, but I know for sure now that marriage and a family is something that is missing from my life, and without those things, I don't think that I can ever consider myself to be truly happy.
In other words, for the first time, I'm lonely.
Weird.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Transplants:
Thanks to some old burnt out guns donating thier organs to my cause, my new MP5 is up and running... and shoots really fast. It's fun, and it's going to help me rule when we start playing in a few weeks.
Also, we got in some new magazine packs. Each pack includes five, 100-round mid-cap magazines. I think that I'm going to pick it up as I prefer Mid-caps to hi-caps. You can go 100 rounds straight without winding the mag, and it doesn't take any longer to switch a mag than it does to wind a hi-cap, they don't rattle when you walk, and most places let you carry as many hi-caps as you can, as opposed to hi-caps, which are usually limited.
I'm on my way!
Also, we got in some new magazine packs. Each pack includes five, 100-round mid-cap magazines. I think that I'm going to pick it up as I prefer Mid-caps to hi-caps. You can go 100 rounds straight without winding the mag, and it doesn't take any longer to switch a mag than it does to wind a hi-cap, they don't rattle when you walk, and most places let you carry as many hi-caps as you can, as opposed to hi-caps, which are usually limited.
I'm on my way!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Defects...
Well, I got my new AEG today. I made up my mind and got the Echo 1 USA JP-21: MP5 CQC. It's the gun that I wanted, but there is an issue... It came defective. When I pulled the gun out of the box, the latch that holds the magazines in place simply fell off the gun. The little screw that holds it to the gun is sheared.
So, I'm going to have to wait one more day for my gun. I'll have to take it back into work tomorrow, and get it exchanged. We should be able to just send the defective one back to Echo 1 for a replacement. In the mean time, I'll take on of the other ones we have in stock. Hopefully that's how it will work out anyway.
I also ordered a Shotgun Scabard from Voodoo Tactical. It should be here within a week. With that, I'll be ablel to carry my MP5, Shotgun, and Pistol into battle, and switch between them based on my tactical (and ammo) situation. It's going to be way cool. Now if we could just get a game organized.
So, I'm going to have to wait one more day for my gun. I'll have to take it back into work tomorrow, and get it exchanged. We should be able to just send the defective one back to Echo 1 for a replacement. In the mean time, I'll take on of the other ones we have in stock. Hopefully that's how it will work out anyway.
I also ordered a Shotgun Scabard from Voodoo Tactical. It should be here within a week. With that, I'll be ablel to carry my MP5, Shotgun, and Pistol into battle, and switch between them based on my tactical (and ammo) situation. It's going to be way cool. Now if we could just get a game organized.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time to get a new gun:
Well, it looks like my buddy may have secured us a place to go play Airsoft without getting the cops called on us. That means that I need an AEG so I can compete... and a reliable one at that. Aparantly, this place is an old store, that was then turned into a haunted house before being abandoned a couple of years ago. The property manager has been letting some of his friends go and play re-ball there, and they've made some extra holes in the walls and stuff, so it's like a maze in there now. AKA: A perfect Close Quarters Combat zone. My buddy got the ok to play Airsoft earlier today, after putting himself on the line in a few games of re-ball in exchange. The first game is going to be in a few weeks.
So, I've got a little bit of time, but I need to get really serious about getting a better AEG to take with me if we're going to be doing this more often. Fortunatly, as I work at an Airsoft place, I've got some connections. I also made enough money this period in overtime alone to play for a new gun, so I won't hurt to bad after I pay for it.
Anyway, it's a CQB field, so I need a CQB weapon. I've narrowed it down to this MP5 (yes, that is me in the picture holding it), or this M4. The M4 is a way good deal, and is all metal. It's also an M4, which means that there are tons of accessories available for it, including electiric box magazines (something that would be way fun, even if they are frowned upon in CQB games...). However, I've tinkered with this gun in the warehouse, and it gets a bit heavy after a while of holding it. The iron sights are also so tall that you can't really mount any scopes or red dot sights very well. I'm leaning more towards the MP5. It's a slightly shorter range weapon, and can be reconfigured in a lot of different ways. It even comes with a conversion kit so that you can go with or without a stock. I've also tinkered around with this one, and you can wield it one handed if you want, and you won't get too tired in the arms. The battery is a pain to change, but JAG Precision makes a foregrip that can hold a spare minibattery, so you can avoid mid-battle changes.
In fact, I think that I'll build a configuration similair to the one on our website. I'll put on a red-dot sight, and the tracer unit. Instead of the battery box though, I'll use the JAG Foregrip. I think I'll probably put a laser sight and a tactical flashlight on eventually, but that probably won't be for a couple of paychecks. Thanks to my connections working at the sight, I should be able to build the whole rig for around $250... though I'll start with just the gun this week... (Don't want to get too carried away...)
Eventually, if I decide to dump an extra $100 into the rig, I may also get an Echo1USA RIS mounted M203 Short grenade launcher for it... it would stick out from the front, and I'd have to take off the Foregrip, but it wouldn't be too bad with the tracer unit extending the barrell... But that is MANY paychecks away... sometime after I come up with $10K for college this next year...
So, I've got a little bit of time, but I need to get really serious about getting a better AEG to take with me if we're going to be doing this more often. Fortunatly, as I work at an Airsoft place, I've got some connections. I also made enough money this period in overtime alone to play for a new gun, so I won't hurt to bad after I pay for it.
Anyway, it's a CQB field, so I need a CQB weapon. I've narrowed it down to this MP5 (yes, that is me in the picture holding it), or this M4. The M4 is a way good deal, and is all metal. It's also an M4, which means that there are tons of accessories available for it, including electiric box magazines (something that would be way fun, even if they are frowned upon in CQB games...). However, I've tinkered with this gun in the warehouse, and it gets a bit heavy after a while of holding it. The iron sights are also so tall that you can't really mount any scopes or red dot sights very well. I'm leaning more towards the MP5. It's a slightly shorter range weapon, and can be reconfigured in a lot of different ways. It even comes with a conversion kit so that you can go with or without a stock. I've also tinkered around with this one, and you can wield it one handed if you want, and you won't get too tired in the arms. The battery is a pain to change, but JAG Precision makes a foregrip that can hold a spare minibattery, so you can avoid mid-battle changes.
In fact, I think that I'll build a configuration similair to the one on our website. I'll put on a red-dot sight, and the tracer unit. Instead of the battery box though, I'll use the JAG Foregrip. I think I'll probably put a laser sight and a tactical flashlight on eventually, but that probably won't be for a couple of paychecks. Thanks to my connections working at the sight, I should be able to build the whole rig for around $250... though I'll start with just the gun this week... (Don't want to get too carried away...)
Eventually, if I decide to dump an extra $100 into the rig, I may also get an Echo1USA RIS mounted M203 Short grenade launcher for it... it would stick out from the front, and I'd have to take off the Foregrip, but it wouldn't be too bad with the tracer unit extending the barrell... But that is MANY paychecks away... sometime after I come up with $10K for college this next year...
Friday, April 17, 2009
A little about me:
Alright, I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Devon. I intend to conquer the world at some future point in time. I'm a fan of Halo, Model Trains, Nuclear Explosions, and Airsoft.
Ah, yes, I suppose that I'll do a little advertising by mentioning that I work for AirGunDepot.com. We sell pelet guns, BB guns, and yes, a lot of Airsoft guns and equipment. I have a basic backyard airsoft rig right now, consisting of a UTG Vest, as well as a UTG Mutlishot Combat Commando Shotgun, and a Walther P22 Pistol with a laser sight. I find backyard style airsoft to be the most fun, but then again, I've never gone large scale Airsofting with AEGs before, but I hear it's a blast. I only own one AEG, but it's not reliable. It's a Crosman Pulse R72 Black, which I got for free because it has some defective parts... it's fun for target plinking in the backyard, but it ends up breaking every time you pull it out to shoot. I've always managed to get it working again, but I wouldn't trust it in a real game.
Anyway, I'm saving up for a better AEG right now, though I won't buy one unless I find someplace to play around here on a regular basis. One of my friends that I work with has a couple leads on places, and we may start a team if we have somewhere to play. That's all still up in the air right now though.
Despite all I've just talked about, which may lead you to believe I play a lot, I don't. I'm trying to get money together to get back to college to complete my Aerospace Engineering degree. Unfortunatly, that means that I work... a lot. In fact, that's pretty much the story of my life right now. Sleep, eat, work, be lazy in front of computer, repeat, with a break for church on Sunday. Ok, it's not that bad. I do get out for FHE on Monday nights, and I do go play Airsoft with some of my friends on occasion, but it's still a lot more work than play. Summer is coming up soon though, and everyone will be out of school. So, things should change a little around then.
Let's see, oh, I did mention that I served a two year LDS mission in my first post. Since someone may ask where I went, I'll tell you that I served in the Georgia Macon Mission, and it was great. Humid, hot, and full of mosquitoes, but still great. My mission had a major impact on how I view my faith, and some of my goals in life.
Well, I guess that's a bit about me. One last bit of housekeeping though, before I start posting whatever I feel like talking/ranting about whenever I feel like it, I'd like to get some ground rules established:
1. I'm Always right because this little blog is part of my universe, and therefore, you should never forget that I'm the most Awesome thing here.
Ok, now that we've got that out of the way, we'll see what the future holds for this little universe I've just created here.
Ah, yes, I suppose that I'll do a little advertising by mentioning that I work for AirGunDepot.com. We sell pelet guns, BB guns, and yes, a lot of Airsoft guns and equipment. I have a basic backyard airsoft rig right now, consisting of a UTG Vest, as well as a UTG Mutlishot Combat Commando Shotgun, and a Walther P22 Pistol with a laser sight. I find backyard style airsoft to be the most fun, but then again, I've never gone large scale Airsofting with AEGs before, but I hear it's a blast. I only own one AEG, but it's not reliable. It's a Crosman Pulse R72 Black, which I got for free because it has some defective parts... it's fun for target plinking in the backyard, but it ends up breaking every time you pull it out to shoot. I've always managed to get it working again, but I wouldn't trust it in a real game.
Anyway, I'm saving up for a better AEG right now, though I won't buy one unless I find someplace to play around here on a regular basis. One of my friends that I work with has a couple leads on places, and we may start a team if we have somewhere to play. That's all still up in the air right now though.
Despite all I've just talked about, which may lead you to believe I play a lot, I don't. I'm trying to get money together to get back to college to complete my Aerospace Engineering degree. Unfortunatly, that means that I work... a lot. In fact, that's pretty much the story of my life right now. Sleep, eat, work, be lazy in front of computer, repeat, with a break for church on Sunday. Ok, it's not that bad. I do get out for FHE on Monday nights, and I do go play Airsoft with some of my friends on occasion, but it's still a lot more work than play. Summer is coming up soon though, and everyone will be out of school. So, things should change a little around then.
Let's see, oh, I did mention that I served a two year LDS mission in my first post. Since someone may ask where I went, I'll tell you that I served in the Georgia Macon Mission, and it was great. Humid, hot, and full of mosquitoes, but still great. My mission had a major impact on how I view my faith, and some of my goals in life.
Well, I guess that's a bit about me. One last bit of housekeeping though, before I start posting whatever I feel like talking/ranting about whenever I feel like it, I'd like to get some ground rules established:
1. I'm Always right because this little blog is part of my universe, and therefore, you should never forget that I'm the most Awesome thing here.
Ok, now that we've got that out of the way, we'll see what the future holds for this little universe I've just created here.
First Post
Well, since I have nothing better to do at this moment, I've decided to create a blog. (Ya, I know it's sad 'cause it's a Friday night and I'm just messing around online, but I'll get over it.) I used to have one a long time ago, but it kinda got abandoned when I left on my LDS Mission for two years. Some of my friends used to be amused by the game and movie reviews that I would post every now and again, as well as my [Frequently Sarcastic] comments on current world events. Perhaps they will be again, or perhaps this blog will be nothing more than a zombie infested, post-apocalyptic ruin within a month. It will be fun to see.
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