New Years Resolutions

Well, the year 2008 is a whole 6 days old now and I thought it was a good time to put some resolutions down in writing. I usually don't do this... you see I kinda constantly think about the things I need to do better, so making resolutions at new years isn't something particuarly special for me. And it doesn't really make me any more likely to follow through with them, but hey... Gotta have something to write in a blog right? Anyway, my resolutions this year aren't only my own. My squad leader and I sat down the other day and had a long talk about things he thought I could be doing better. So my resolutions have also been somewhat imposed upon me by the military. Anyway apparently I need to work on developing leadership qualities. I personally am not sure if I want to be a leader, especially not the type of leader I usually see in the military, but I have noticed that sometimes, when I need to tell another Marine what to do, they will argue with me and try to get out of it. I know it's important for me to act in certain ways that will earn the trust and respect of others.... But that's an entirely different thing in the millitary world than it is in the civillian world, and I can't bring myself to act in a way that isn't me. All my life, I've tried to be a friendly likeable guy, I like to think I succeed most of the time, but friendlieness and kindness aren't always the best traits for a millitary leader to have. They aren't always repected traits and people may take advantage of them. I have a hard time yelling and screaming at people, and when I do yell and scream it usually comes out more like a temper tantrum than intimidating. The fact of the matter is, I don't think I'll ever be able to intimidate people into obedience. But I don't believe I need to. Intimidation isn't the only way to earn respect, and it's not even the best way, in truth repect from intimidation usually lacks trust. I know I've earned the trust and respect of a few people by being friendly and etc. But there's also quite a lot of people I think who don't really have much trust or respect for me, and being friendly with them isn't going to get me any further. I need to find a happy medium so I've decided I'm going to take particular note of people I know who I think are good leaders. Who get the job done, and people respect them, trust them and obey them without resistance. I want to see how they do it and see what I can do to adapt that to me. The person I think who is the best example right now for is is my Platoon Commander. He seems to get the trust and respect of everyone, but I've never seem him lose his cool. He can be firm without being degrading or rude and he is an overall likeable person, I think, if I need to be a leader... That is the type of leader I want to be, I'm going to try and learn all I can.... Aside from that, I also resolve to work out more (pretty typical), renew contact with some old friends I haven't talked to in a long time and... eat more ice cream... Yeah, that's about it. Well got to get going. Maybe if anyone else ever decides to write on this blog they can share some resolutions too.

All I want for Christmas...

Ever since I got here, people have been asking me what I want them to send me. Makes me think I should go to war more often.... Ok not really. I've told a few people a few things, but I'm always bad at thinking of things. Which is why a couple years ago I started making a wishlist on Amazon.com. There you can find two pages of gift ideas for me. Most applicable to my current situation is probably some of the Arabic language recourses. I particularly like the flash cards, and the 501 verbs book. There are many movies and tv shows that I've been interested in. I probably wouldn't reccomend sending a Playstation 3 out here though. Obviously the list hasn't been edited for some time, and there are a few things I'm not so interested in anymore, but really I would appreciate anything on that list... It's all mostly for fun and impracticle stuff. Use your discretion, I'm sure you can find some good gift ideas from it. Meanwhile, I have no idea what anyone else wants for Christmas. It took forever for Kendra to admit she would like some new pajamas. Everyone just tells me, "You don't have to send anything." Well, of course I don't have to send anything. It wouldn't be any fun sending it if I had to. Of course that's no promise I will either. But Circumstances permitting I would like to get something for as many people as possible so give me some ideas guys!!

Love ya!

My Facebook profile

So, for those of you who don't know, I have an online profile on facebook.com, so if you just can't get enough of me, you can click here and you can see all kinds of pictures of me and my family and friends, and also links to my friends profiles and all kinds of things. Although, I really don't get a lot of chance to keep it updated right now. You may have to create an account to view my profile I'm not sure anymore. Be warned though, it can be addictive.

Hooray Hooray for Sneer Citis Day!!

Hey everyone! I don't have a whole lot of time but I thought I'd get started posting here. I'll try and stick a little snippet about me and a picture or two now and then to keep everyone entertained (or bored out of thier minds more likely) Anyway, I've got to go.

Love you all

Hi all,
I'm a terrible awful lousy letter writer. We'll see if I can do better as a contributor to a blog. Heh. I can't think of anything exciting to report for a first blog entry. I passed my Defensive Tactics test yesterday with a score of 179/188, which is pretty good. Elaina is taking the same class. (Police Acadamy, for those who don't know. I'm hoping to get into wildlife or parks and recreation work.) She got 175/188 and she's only been taking the class for a couple of months! (She already had the first section when she got into Corrections 10 years ago, and they wouldn't let her retake it.) *grins* Hard to imagine your old man as a cop, I expect, but maybe not so hard as a game warden or park ranger. I've lost over 30 pounds since I started the class. It seems to be helping with my remaining brain injury issues too, which is a good thing. Marion asked me to try posting a pictures, so... One of my Demonic Innocents. Guess that's it for a first post. More later, if I'm good.

Jim (I'd sign it Dad, but there are probably several Dads who could be posting. ... Possibly several Jim's come to that.)

The Howes Family

Just a brief update on our family in general, of course I may be misinformed and any of you are welcome to update this if you feel the need. Dad and Mom are living in Salem (I'm sure this will come as a shock to all of you). Dad is training to be a forest ranger (right?) and Mom is working for the State Hospital. As far as I know Beth is living in Salt Lake with Ben, her youngest. Aaron is living in Washington, I believe right outside of Seattle. He is in the Navy and as far as I know still working on a submarine. Elaina currently lives in Magna but has undertaken a huge remodel job on her home which she hopes to sell before she moves to Idaho. Marion and her husband James live in Denver with their two children Abby (3) and Stephen (5 mos.). Eva and her spouse Mike live in Salem with their children Jaedon (6) and Naulie (7 mos.). Leon just got married in Sept. to Kendra. Leon is abroad in Iraq with his Marine unit and Kendra is at home in Salem with her parents. John is serving a mission in Singapore and from his emails sounds like he is doing very well. Eldon is, I believe, living in Spanish Fork with his wife Becca and their son Don (almost 2). Eric is living in Salem with Mom and Dad. I hope all of you will post some more in depth updates or just add your witty comments.