Smith of the Long Field

General happenings in the life of John Longfield-Smith

An Inspiration to Us All

I saw this video for the first time yesterday, and it blew me away.

Here’s the beginning of a great story about Paul Potts, a normal guy, that took a chance and did something he always dreamed of doing. Truly inspirational…

October 26, 2007 Posted by smithofthelongfield | Inspirational, Miscellaneous Ramblings... | , | 1 Comment

The Comical Side of Revenge…

Everyone knows the cliche’, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Which just means that if you don’t act in haste, and bide your time, those that do you wrong will present you with an opportunity to get them back in a manner which is many times worse than anything they may have done to you.

In other words, Karma.

I was reminded of just how true this saying really is this morning when I received an email from a long lost friend from the Marines. Funny how certain times in your life are permanently etched in your mind by circumstances and events, but better still are the times etched in photos that bring back great memories.

You see, back in the good ‘ol days, I was usually the instigator of many pranks on my fellow marines. One of my favorites was taking a new marine out on the flightline, “looking for a piece of gear”, guiding him to the jet-wash station, and then dousing him with 10,000 gallons of water/minute. Hilarious. Other times, if it was someones birthday, I would organize a group of guys to grab the celebrant, and drag him to the safety shower where we would soak him down. Sometimes I was even known to make birthdays up, just to break the monotony of the day. Sometimes we did worse, but for the most part, my practical jokes mainly entailed soaking someone down. Let’s face it, it was not altogether unpleasant for anyone see as how we were in Yuma, AZ where the flightline temp routinely hit 130 degrees. I was doing them a favor!!!

Well, after two years of pranks on my buddies, I was getting ready to ship off to Japan. It just so happened that it was also my 21st birthday. They took this opportunity to pay me back, and they did a helluva job. The entire shop cornered me and duct taped me to a chair. Then they poured 90wt oil all over me, put bearing grease in my hair and down my coveralls, and poured quick dry (kitty-litter for you civilians) all over me. They then wheeled me out to the road where they left me for all the cars to honk at for about 30 minutes. It wasn’t until someone finally had some pity on me, and cut one of my arms free that I was able to get loose. It took about 2 hours in the shower to get all the crap out of my hair, ears, and every other crevice of my body.

Big thanks to Kent Ellard for sending this pic, and reminding us all – What goes around, comes around…

Payback…

The face I’m making is actually a scream as I rip out my leg hair while pulling off the duct tape….

I have another pic from this day that I will be sure to post showing all the perpetrators. Hope you are all doing well, get in touch if we aren’t already.

Semper Fi!

JLS

October 26, 2007 Posted by smithofthelongfield | Funny Pictures, Miscellaneous Ramblings..., Photos | , , , | No Comments Yet

Too Much Time On My Hands… As If!!!

I have run into many of my friends lately who have been inquiring about a new blog entry. I didn’t really think anyone was paying attention, but it is nice to know that people like what I write from time to time.

I know I’ve stated that I would work on writing more in the past, but I will work harder this time, I swear!

To be honest, I had decided several months ago to hold off on any new posts until life settled down a bit. Today, I figured if I wait until life settles down, I’ll never write again.

As an update for those of you that know me:

  1. The lawsuit still trudges onward, further proof that America’s legal system needs reforming.
  2. Two of the kids have moved back in, so our peace and quiet were very short lived…
  3. Taylor is following in Ryan’s footsteps, becoming a star athlete at her school.
  4. Taylor is following in Ryan’s footsteps, deciding it is no fun to do homework…
  5. Business is good, despite the attempts of the aforementioned lawsuit, good customer service and a solid effort are making headway.
  6. The Bills are not as bad as their record would suggest.
  7. The Cubs were not as good as their record would suggest. (I knew they sucked, I am NOT a fan)
  8. The Sabres are bad this year, so far.
  9. I’m getting very tired of all the political rhetoric being spewed by party hopefuls…
  10. The biggest threat to our national security is us. History should teach us a thing or two about powerful nations that seek to impose their morals on other countries. Inevitably they dwindle in power and stature.

That’s my top ten list, in no particular order, just to show I’ve been paying attention, and that my life is not all consumed by the craziness we are currently experiencing. More to follow, stay tuned…

October 23, 2007 Posted by smithofthelongfield | Miscellaneous Ramblings... | , , | No Comments Yet