Saturday, September 26, 2009

Security

Just started a part time security gig working the USC football games and concerts/events. So far so good. Worked the USC games against Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss. Also worked the Zac Brown band concert in Simpsonville last night... www.zacbrownband.com It was a good concert and a lot of rowdy drunks but no problems. I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell as this goes along! lol Got a few already...

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

oh the humanity...

Forgive me Father for I have sinned... I said I was going to keep up with this blog...well I havent been, but big time updates coming soon...I promise!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Howdy Friends and neighbors!

Don't know why I used that title but I have always liked it..lol Well Week 2 of school started today and things are going pretty well. Only got 4 assignments back so far and they have all been in political science. A, A, A+, A+ so I wish I could just be done know and have that 4.0 haha... They were just homework and weekly stuff for the online course, so no need to get excited yet. Just got back from working out at the YMCA. Nice 45 minutes split between the treadmill and the stationary bike. There was actually a woman there complaining to the staff that it was too hot and they needed to turn the AC down! Uh, hello isnt part of the point to sweat when you work out? I know my big ass sweats just walking in to the joint! I just thought it was funny someone was actually complaining about being hot when they were working out. Today was also Day 12 since I quit smoking! It has been a pain, but absolutely neccessary to get back in shape and do what I need to do. Dumbest thing I ever did was start, and did'nt start until 21. You would think if I made it through high school and beyond I would have never started, but stupidity knows no bounds I guess!

Philosphy class has been probably my most interesting class this semester. Only about 9 of us in the class, but we have some good conversations. Kind of hard to "philosiphise" at 8:00 am, but i've always been a morning person anyway! Of course the only people who seem to actually talk are me, another lady and the teacher..haha, but we have a good time. The first night of FBI citizen's academy was last Thursday and it was very informative. They fed us a nice dinner and the assistant director gave us a brief history on the FBI. We also toured the facility here in Columbia, well most of it ;)This week the First assistant to the district attorney will be speaking on the role of the US attorney and a special agent will be giving a polygraph demonstration.

Until Next Time,

Jason Owen

Sunday, May 17, 2009

And It Begins...

Well after waiting for so long I am officially starting back to school this week. Hopefully 6 or 7 months from now I will finally be finishing my Associates degree in Criminal Justice. Also starting the F.B.I Citizen's Academy Thursday night. Looking forward to both of these new adventures. Will try and keep my blog updated as best as I can, but I can tell from my Political Science orientation I will be writing ALOT already..lol

Other than that not much else has been going on. Went to the Darlington Sprint Cup race last weekend and had a blast! This was about my 3rd or 4th time going and Darlington is always alot of fun!

Just wanted to drop a quick note to let everyone who cares what is going on. Feel free to email me at expressfootball@hotmail.com anytime!

Take Care,

Jason

Thursday, April 30, 2009

More Citizen's Academy







Just a couple of pictures they took at the graduation dinner. We got together as a class and got Deputy Steegal a plaque to show our appreciation. I got to present it to him. I'm sure the Academy Awards will be calling nay day now.. "The winner for best new picture goes to.." haha

Take Care,

Jason

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Catching Up

Been kind of busy lately. School starts May 18th! I changed my criminal law clasds to Political Science 201. I will be taking that class online so I will be free on Thursday nights, as I have been selected to attend the F.B.I.'s citizens academy starting May 21st! I got the call the other day and am definitely looking forward to that! We are 1-4 in softball losing our last game 10-8, and then last night 17-15. We are doing good, just losing some close games! I am batting .650 now so trying to do my part. Working out is going good, going at least 4 times a week and really like the YMCA. What about that wreck at Talladega this weekend!!! Glad no one got hurt. Other than that just getting ready for school, bowling on Mondays and Thursdays and playing softball on Monday nights. I suck at bowling..lol I blowled a 213 one time and a 201 but only carry a 135 average, that game is aggravating!

Take Care,
Jason

Monday, April 20, 2009

RCSD Citizen's Academy Graduation








Richland County (WLTX) -- The streets in Richland County are little safer Wednesday night thanks to some local residents.

Twenty-eight citizens graduated from the Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Police Academy.

Sheriff Leon Lott, along with family and friends, celebrated the graduation at the Columbia Ramada Hotel.

Lott says these citizens went through a 12-week program designed to provide an overview of the department's structure, services, and personnel. He says the mission of the Citizen's Police Academy is to provide a forum for police through community interaction; to identify community problems, needs and concerns; and to foster a partnership with the community that will solve problems and work towards creating a safer environment.

Those who enroll in the academy have the opportunity to participate in the following courses: Uniform Patrol Division, Investigations, Narcotics Enforcement, Gang Unit, Special Response Team, Physical Evidence, Canine Unit, School Resources Officers, Deputy Sheriff Selection, Professional Standards, Youth Crime, Victim's Assistance and the Training Division. Lotts states that citizens participate in several hands-on demonstrations that give them a more realistic view into what law enforcement officers do on a day-to-day basis.

If you're interested in enrolling in the Citizen's Police Academy, the next one starts May 26th. Classes are held every Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. To apply, click here or call 576-3118.

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=72640

Saturday, April 18, 2009

I'm alive and all is well

Been a hectic few weeks and have'nt posted on my blog in so long! My step sister is in the hospital with pnemonia... She is recovering and will be fine and today had to take Grandpa to the hosital. We think some new medicine gave him a bad reaction and after 8 hours and 2 different hospitals he is at home and resting. Been doing ride-a-longs with Richland County Sheriff's office and our Citizen's Academy class graduated last Wednesday. It was an awesome class and we all learned so much. We had a nice dinner and were presented our ceritficates and t-shirts by the Sheriff, Leon Lott. Getting ready to start school on May 18th, really looking forward to that! Been working out at the YMCA once a day, doing 45 minutes on the treadmill now! Trying to get myself back in to shape by working out, bowling twice a week with Grandpa and playing in a softball league once a week. Playing with a buddy from high school on his team. First game I was 3-3 and made a couple of good plays at First base, the second game not so much :( lol. We won the first game 17-12, but lost the second 10-9. Also went on a tour of the Richland County court house last week with the Sheriff's dept, that was an eye opener! Then on Thursday I went to the Dutch Fork Magistrate court to watch the criminal trials. All of the RCSD deputies had court that day and it was very interesting to see the "court" side of what an officer has to due. Everything from simple possession of marijuana to prostitution to drunk in public was being charged that day. Good to see how the court process in carried out and what the officers have to do in court. Just taking the time right now to see all the different facets of law enforcement while I have the chance! The more I see and take in the more it makes me more determined to be a part of it! Well I am going to finish watching the Phoenix NASCAR race and pledge to do more blogging for the few people who read my blog! :)

Take Care,

Jason

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Back to School, Back to School....






Well since I was laid off 02/04/09 I have been thinking what to do, what to do. Well it is now official I'll be going to Midlands Tech to finish my Associates degree in Criminal Justice starting with Summer Session on May 19th. I should be done this year as I am only 7 classes short ( I know, why did I quit the first time? dumb ass?) I plan on taking 4 classes this Summer and the remaining 3 in the fall. I am excited and eager to return and finish, but at the same time a little nervous as I have'nt been in school in a while. Any hints, tips, words of encouragement?

These are the classes I will be taking this Summer..

Math 155- Contemporary Math?- This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics

Honestly I know my ass is in trouble here. I hate math, always have, always will, Thank God this is the only math class I have to take. I hope my 16 year old step-son will tutor me. He is in 10th grade and takes honors math classes, he's my only hope

Computers 101- Intro to Computers- This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system

Not to worried here. 15 years of using computers at work I have either learned by trial and error or repetition how to do the basics.

Philosophy 115- Contemporary Moral Issues- This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics

This looks kind of interesting. I can see some heated debates going on in here!

Criminal Justice 115- Criminal Law I- This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed

Yea kick ass! Looking forward to a "major" related class. This is the one I am looking forward to the most.





In the Fall I will only have (2) Political Science classes and CRJ 242- corrections and I'll be done. On another note what is it with book prices!?!?! I have to have 5 books total for these classes and they are going to run around $500.00+ ? geez what's the deal.

Well I'm excited and looking forward to finally finishin and beginning my new career, but at the same time nervous....

Take Care,

Jason

Monday, March 23, 2009

Waiting...Wating...then I'm gonna wait some more..`

It is now a proven fact that anything in the World takes 7-10 days to be processed!copy of wife's birth certificate? 7-10 days.. hear back on your financial aid for school? 7-10 days.. Everytime I go or call anywhere to get anything done I am told it is going to take 7-10 days. That is the honest truth. Well I finally got my unemplyment and will be on the government teet for awhile. Trying to get back in school and finish my associates degree in criminal justice, hopefully will hear back on my financial aid status this week, it's been 7-10 days! My sister and I started walking again today, I guess every little bit helps. Actually been so busy it has been hard to find time to post on my blog but will try and do a better job.

Keep in Touch

expressfootball@hotmail.com

Take Care,

Jason

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Thinking of everything....




Hey it probably worked for this guy?! Still on the job hunt. Got alot of things going on right now... Lot's of "possibles" but nothing definite yet. We are both still waiting on unemployment, don't get me started on what we have been thru concerning unemployment, there's not enough room on the internet! Also checking in to going back to school and finishing my Associates Degree in criminal justice. I only have about 2 full semesters left. We'll see how it all goes from here. I'll keep ya updated!

Take Care,

Jason

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ride-a-long is no joke...



Went out on a ride-a-long last night with the sheriff's dept., don't want to say alot, but let's say police work is no joke. Awesome experience and only fuels the fire more. The gun above was confiscated from a car stop. I am going to check before I give a full report on the ride-a-long...let you know in a few days...don't want to be talking about things I might should not be talking about on my blog.

Take Care,

Jason

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Citizen's Academy Update




Tonight we learned about the School resource officer program, the Richland County Dive team and the Youth arbitration program at Citizen's Academy. The dive team has 12 officers who train and specialize in evidence recovery, body/vehicle recovery and to assist the tactical team. You can learn more about the dive team here http://www.rcsd.net/dept/specops-dive.htm.

Also We were informed about the school resource officer program. Richland County has 54 officers that are assigned to schools in Richland County. They provide security for the schools, help develop programs at the school and other functions. It is one of the biggest divisions in the department. More can be found about the resource officers here http://www.rcsd.net/sro/sro.htm

The last speaker of the night told us about the youth arbitration program. The arbitration program is available to non-violent first time offenders in Richland County schools. The students who are accepted in the program complete any number of things from restitution, community service or writing papers to get a charge expunged from their record. The speaker Seargent Kim Myers was very informative and entertaining. This really looks like a good program and anyone may volunteer. For more information click this link http://www.rcsd.net/prog/arbitrationprogram.htm

Also two deputies stopped by with a seizure that was done on a traffic stop tonight. Marijuana and about $6,000 in cash taken on Bush River Road. All in all a very informative night. I also got my ride-a-long paperwork approved tonight and will probably be riding in Region 2 ( Dutch Fork) or Region 4 (Two Notch Road) later this week.



On the job front things are still slow, but I am finishing up my application for Lexington County Sheriff's office to work in either the jail or as a communications officer. Still keeping my options open, but taking the time to learn as much as I can and visit as many places as I can as far as law enforcement while I have the chance.

Take Care,
Jason

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Let's go Burton!!




Well tommorrow is the Daytona 500, can't wait! Once again I know my boy Jeff Burton is going to take it. The picture is from last year's all-star race at Charlotte. The picture on the left is of him and his new car this year. Can't say I'm enthused about him driving for CAT, but I pull for the driver, not the car.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Answering Telemarketers, my new sport

Since my recent unemployment I've had plenty of time to enjoy the finer things in life, filling out endless online applications, watching mind warping infomercials and my all-time favorite answering random telemarketer calls at home. I have caller id, don't need to answer them if I don't know the number, but since things have been a little slow in the Owen Household I randomly answer a couple a day to entertain my sadistic side. Typical conversation just yesterday,

Your Hero (me, for those who are a little slow, like you didn't know I'm your hero ;) ): "Hello?"

The Villain (obviously anyone opposing your Hero, once again, me!): "Hi, May I speak to the man of the house?"

Your Hero: "Austin's at school."

The Villain: "I am looking for Jason"

Your Hero: "You got him"

The Villain: "Yes Sir, this is (insert random name here) you have been randomly selected..."

-- Ok a little break here for discussion. How have I been randomly selected? Was this like the lottery? Do you have the S.C. phone book on the wall and today was the day the dart hit my house? I really want to get to the bottom of this "randomly selected" thing! If anyone has any ideas feel free to email me. Obviously I'm on some total schmuck list somewhere so these people call me. I guess being randomly selected is a lot better than randomly getting hit by a bus or randomly having a piano fall on your head, but I think being randomly selected can be just as painful.

The Villain: "You have been randomly selected to take a cruise for two. Today and today only we are offering a cruise to the Bahamas for $250.00 per person."

Your Hero: " Well that's all well and good, but I got laid off from my job last week and don't think that would be a good idea right now."

The Villain: " Oh, I see, well this offer is so good I don't think you can pass this up!"

Your Hero: "Oh yeah?! Hmm (insert random name) let's see.. where does this cruise leave from?

Villain: "Florida, Once you arrive in Florida, we take care...

Your Hero: " Hold on, let me get this straight, you want me to pay for gas to drive to Florida, pay $500.00 for my wife and a to go on a cruise, take the next week off from job hunting and take this cruise?"

Villain: "yes Mr. Owen this deal is too good to pass up!"

Your Hero: " Well I hate to disappoint you, but I don' think it would be a very responsible decision to take this cruise right now. Unless (Insert random name here) you can come and give me a ride to Florida and let an unemployed guy borrow a couple thousand dollars?"

Villain: "Well sir I can't..."

Your Hero: "Well I can' either"

Villain: "I'm sorry you can't take advantage of this offer, do you have any friends or family members whose numbers you could give me who might want to take advantage of this offer?"

Your Hero: " Oh Hell yeah, I got a list of friends and family that have pissed me off enough to give you their numbers, hold on"

--click--

I'm a glutton for punishment, what can I say?

Take Care,

Jason

Sorry no updates

Got layed off last Monday and have been really busy the last week trying to take care of things and get another job. It's funny I'm busier now than when I had a job. Haven't had a chance to update the blog lately, but have a lot of ideas running around in my head.


"Don't go to Monday bowling with Grandpa unless you want your ass kicked by Senior Citizens!"
" The Job Market SUCKS!!"
" Do people in general just not give a damn anymore?"

Stay tuned, it's going to get interesting around here...

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Emails

Anyone that emails me please contact me at expressfootball@hotmail.com, my email jasonowen@ieccolumbia.com is no longer valid and I will not get anything sent there..

thanks

Monday, February 2, 2009

Super Bowl Party






We had a great time at our Super Bowl Party..Camera died before I could get a lot of pictures, but I did get some of the decorations. Look forward to next year. Don't laugh at my decorations ;) hahahaha

Thursday, January 29, 2009

** Update **

Here is the news article from the drug bust that occured the other day in Richland County. This was the one we saw the evidence from at the Citizen's Academy.

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=9753935

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Citizen's Academy Week 2

After being cancelled last week due to snow (hahahaaha) I attended Week 2 of Richland County Sheriff's Citizen Academy. Tonight we had Captain Lynn Week's from the Victim's Advocate office and Investigator Brian Metz from the Internet Crimes Division as our speakers. Both were very professional and told us about the services they provide the community. During Investigator Metzs' presentation the RCSD drug team popped in with some evidence from a bust that occured earlier in the day. They showed us a kilo of cocaine, 2 bricks of marijuana and several semi-automatic weapons that they had confiscated that day in Richland County. Kind of opened alot of people's eyes in the room to see that yes, it does happen in our town.

I was surprised to see how much the Victim's advocate office does for the victims of crimes in Richland County. They offer a wide variety of services from counseling, to court representation, food, shelter, protection and many other things. You can check out more information at http://www.rcsd.net/inv/vicassistance.htm

Investigator Metz schooled us on the Internet and told us about various cases he had worked on over the years. He provided many tips on Internet safety and provided us with an informative CD that could be used to track your child's activity on the Internet. Also RCSD is offering free Internet safety classes to anyone in the community, more info can be found her http://www.rcsd.net/media/jan09/1-8-internetsafety.html

Overall an enjoyable night again. Up next week out topics will be Internal Affairs and Civil Process...

Jason

Friday, January 23, 2009

Dutch Fork Football Banquet






We went to Austin's football banquet last night and had a great time. Austin was awarded his first letter in football. Most importantly he was honored as 1 of 30 players who had maintained a at least a 3.0 since they started high school! Austin's current GPA is 3.4 and this is mostly honors classes. As proud as I am of his football accomplishments I know his academic aclomplishments will take him farther. The banquet was well put together and was at Gateway Baptist church in Ballentine. Shealy's BBQ catered the event and the auditorium was decorated in Dutch Fork Colors. Coach Kimrey gave a good speech and has held true to the same thing he told our team 16 years ago. His advice has always been 4 things in life that are important.

#1 Your Faith
#2 Your Family
#3 Your Education
#4 Football

It still rings true to this day. I know this seems like a brag post because it is...Congrats Austin, We're proud of you!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

SNOW!!












It's snowing this morning!! Just light, barely dusting anything but by gosh it's snowing....

back to work...haha








Friday, January 16, 2009

Misc. Thoughts

Wow, what a dramatic rescue and happy ending yesterday with that plane crash! That pilot deserves some serious praise for that! When I fly again I hope he's the pilot! Man it's cold here this morning...23 last I saw. My mom lives in Wisconsin and emailed me yesterday and said there low was -41 with the wind chill! I guess we have it better than we know. Not much going on this week, looking forward to the weekend and relaxing and watching some football. May ride up to Lexington County and sit in with one of my dispatcher friends and check that place out, we'll see.

My NFL Picks for this weekend

Steelers- 24
Ravens-14

Cardinals- 31
Eagles- 21

Also have a friend from The Palmetto State Rivals Message Board who is trying to win a contest online, please go here and vote so she can win!

http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=784031_49696282&=HP_all_PPIMEMAIL&isep=1&pbapi=1800262&pbvi=55804315

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

First Night of Citizen's Academy

Wow! What a cool experience last night. It was the first class of the Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Academy. The class is held at Headquarter's on Two Notch Road and I arrived about 6:30 and we all took our seats in the Media Room. We got started around 7:00 and the class has about 20-25 people in it. We met Deputy Kevin Steegal and Deputy Steven Tapler who will be leading the class. Soon after we started Sheriff Lott came in and spoke with us and thanked us for being there. He talked alot about the department and how that everyone that works for him are one of his "kids". He talked about how they take physical fitness very seriously in the department and how the sheriff's department cannot do their job without the members of the community's help. He seemed very sincere to me and seems like he would be a good man to work for. We then went around the room and introduced oursleves and told why we were there. There were several employees from the records department and other positions in the Sheriff's office in attendance as well as several retired persons who were there to learn more and learn how to volunteer. When it came my turn I told them who I was and where I lived and that I was there to learn more and was thinking of a career change. I also commented after Sheriff Lott's speech I had some serious work to do on the physical fitness side of things if I ever wanted a job, this got some good laughs...

We were informed of what the CAT team does and basically they are the community's link to the Sheriff's Department. They are officers whose main focus is to work with the community and identify problems. They hold meetings, offer classes on crime prevention and numerous other things in the community. Their main mission is to to develop long term solutions for areas of Richland County with specific problems. We went through a presentation and they showed us pictures of the Departments website and told us a little about each member of the CAT team. Some things of interest are that the Department offers free home security checks. They will check on your home at least once a shift if you are out of town and request it. Also they will do a free home/business safety inspection of your home. All you have to do is call the Sheriff's office and schedule it.

At a participant's request Deputy Tapler showed us and explained everything on his duty belt and told us what it was like to get hit with the tazer. He actually showed us the video of him getting tazed during his training. It is required that all deputy's that carry the tazer see what it feels like during training.Deputy Steegal activated his tazer and that is the first time I saw one up close. That thing looked like it would do some serious damage. They also went in to some of the vice work they do and told us a couple of stories about running prostitution stings and a certain rookie hazing incident Deputy Tapler underwent on one bust.

Overall I was really impressed with Deputy Steegler and Deputy Tapler. They seemed genuinely focused on the class and answering all of our questions. They were very professional and in our short time last night covered a wide range of topics. I am really looking forward to the rest of the class and can't wait until next week. Next week the topics are Region Overview and PIO and Media in Law Enforcement. So far this has really peaked my interest and I hope it can serve as motivation to make some chages and do more things if I want to move forward in this possible career change.

There is still time I believe if anyone else wants to join the class, just give me a call or email if your interested.

Jason

Monday, January 12, 2009

A Good Website

For those interested in Law Enforcement/Public Service I ran across this site the other day. YOu can listen live to police/fire/ems/etc.. just about anywhere in the United States..

http://richland.sc.scanamerica.us/index.php

Statrting the Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Academy tommorrow night, looking forward to that! The first class is titled:

Community Orientated Policing/ CAT

I'll keep you updated!


** Also got a call from the FBI last week to attend their citizen's academy sometime in August. I have to have my application approved, pass a background check and get security clearance, but hope it works out! **

Jason

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Yea!! Something new to worry about!





Well my step son Austin passed his drivers liscence test with flying colors this morning and will now be terrorizing roads in our area. I can't help but think of that song...

"Why me Lord? What did I ever do?...."

I feel a strong sense of impending doom, a lot of late nights waiting up, constant worrying and the ever present, "Can I have some gas money?" I guess the age difference is so close I feel like I'm "before my time". I should'nt be dealing with all of this at 33!! The good news I guess is 2 more years and he will be gone!!

I'm just kidding folks, in all seriousness Melanie and I are very proud of him and thanks to his "Gran" he will be tooling around in his 1997 Mercedes C280 or the "Benzo" as me and my friend Brian like to call it. I have the utmost faith in him and his driving instructor insured me he was one of the best students he has had. Doesn't mean I'm not going to be a nervous wreck from here on out. So if your up late with nothing to do give me a call, I won't be sleeping much for awhile :)

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Man I could get used to this...















Well the Holidays are officially over after today. Sitting here watching the Miami/Baltimore playoff game and playing a "play" money tournament on Pokerstars and a thought hit me. As much as I like my job (haha) I sure could get used to not having to work for a living. Now bear with me here I know I have to work and provide for my family, but lately I have been having a pre-midlife crisis. I just can't shake the thought that there is so much out there in the world to do and see and I'm missing out on it. It's like I'm stuck in a grind and life is just going by and damn it I'm missing out! My recent trip to Ohio back in November got me started. I have always loved to travel and every trip I get to fly I feel more alive, out of the slump, and ready to do "something"! It's so easy to get stuck in a rut and I just think it's time for me to bust out of it.

Now realistically I know I'm at a point in my life for the next 2-3 years I can't really do anything dramatic. Austin (my step-son) has 2 more years of high school left and the most important thing is to provide a stable environment for him to finish up and get ready to go to college. So in the mean time I think for this year I am going to make some changes and do somethings to give myself some options for the future. First decision I made this year is after about 5 years of coaching minor league football is to not be involved this year. It was a hard decision and I know I will miss it, but there are just some other things I want to get involved with and football takes up ALOT of time. I know I will miss the guys with the Carolina Express and enjoyed last year, but felt like stepping aside was the right thing to do. I may still do the weekly internet radio show, but that will be the extent of my involvement.

I am going to do some things that I have been putting off for a long time. Ine being losing some weight and getting in shape. I am starting working out again tommorrow and will also be hitting the softball field again in March as I had a blast last year playing (Go Outlaws!) Also starting January 13th I will be attending the Richland County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Academy. It's a 13 week class that meets one night a week for 2 hours that gives a look at the whole department. I took criminal Justice at USC for 2 years and did'nt finsh and have always still been interested in law enforcement. I always regretted not finishing and getting in to police work and dammit I'm not too old to still do it. I don't know what the future might bring, but I want to at least put myself in to position to try if I decide to. I'm not fooling myself that I can do it or saying I AM going to do it, but I'm keeping my options open.

I knwo everyone laughs at me but one of my favorite places is Las Vegas. I've been once each of the last two years and have had a blast both times. Call me crazy, but I would'nt mind living there and working security or something in the casino field. This too is probably a pipe dream but if you can't dream what's the point of living?

No one knows what the future will bring and this year I am going to "think outside the box" and do some things that I have always put aside and at least stick my toe in the ocean per say..

Who knows what will come of any of it, but if you don't try you never know...

Of course I asked Melanie if she was ready to move to Las Vegas in two years when Austin graduates....

"So you're saying you want a divorce do you?" she replied

oh well I got two years to work on her... ;)

Jason