I know, I know....

...It's been ages since I last entered a post. But there has been acceptable reasons. The picture is worth a thousand words, and a thousand hours, and a thousand screws/nails. I've taken on a neverending project I was starting to worry if I went in over my head. Constantly I was second guessing myself. But now, I can take a step back and look at all the progress and be real happy with the decisions I've made. Not only will this house be economically correct, but financially correct. And taking on the responsibility of working on the house myself, I've saved a bunch of loot! I'll be saving even more cash when the heating bills come in. After all is said and done, the whole entire house will basically be new. I've put all new insulation in the walls, all new windows, 2 of the 3 exterior doors replaced (the 3rd will be replaced in the spring), all new drywall in 2 floors, new flooring, new 200amp wire service, all new bathroom, and all new kitchen. It already has a newer roof and siding. I'm definately ahead of the game in this project. So, if you had any questions as to where I've been on the blogging world, this is why. I have been knuckle deep in this project and I can not wait until this is done!!! More to follow...including one more picture!

Home Sweet Headache?

Well, I finally did it...plunged into financial suicide. I would have to say for about over a year now, I've been looking for a house to buy. I was never pressured since we are only renting right now so it was no big deal. Well, once we saw this house, and the location, my wife and I got excited. As you can see, the house is in great shape on the outside, and needs some updating on the inside. Certainly not bad for a "Vintage" house. The neighborhood is really quiet, and it's actually real close to my brothers house. It's almost everything we were looking for...with the exception of a garage, and a little acreage. But all in all, I feel it's a great starter house and a great investment. I've met with a contractor and we went over things that I wanted to get done. Getting a new bath, a new kitchen, and a completely new electrical service to include all new wires, switches, outlets, and so on. All for less than $100k! It really is a steal, and thankfully just inside our budget...just! Inside, it has plaster walls which I'll eventually tearing out and putting real good insulation in and putting up new dry wall. Hopefully sooner than later, but that will come with time. The house was one of the original houses in its area, I'm guessing over 100 years old but still in great shape. The great thing is, just about every house around it is worth well over $150k, so the value should definately be in the positive. Just hopefully everything goes as planned and we can afford things!! Wish me luck!

Ice Skating or Bust!

Well, today was a very productive day. After getting home this morning from working 48 hours straight, I kicked off my boots and started making some home-made pancakes for the family. My daughter was begging me for them, while little she knew I had planned on doing that already this morning. I let her help out also and I must say, she did an awesome job mixing all the pancake goop together. Anyhow, we filled our belly's with our morning feast of delicious pancakes, and got ready to head out of the house. We went to "Blade Runners" down in Warrendale, PA to introduce our kids into ice skating. Once we got there, we strapped up our skates, and to my surprise, my daughter was walking around with absolutely no problems. This was her first moments on ice skates for God sakes! Well, we walk from the common area and head to the rink. Her first seconds on the ice were priceless! She (pardon the phrase) froze and wasn't sure of what to do. I held her hands and we started off. I tried to give her some pointers, but she was too interested about what was going on around her. After several back-breaking minutes of leaning over to help her out, she was starting to get the hang of it. After going about half the rinks' distance, I turned back towards my wife and son, which both looked like they needed some help. So, I swapped our kids out, and took my son for a long, painful 20 feet. I think he found enjoyment falling for some reason. I think it was to touch the ice, and start gathering some ice chunks to attempt to eat. I know, very odd child of mine but we pressed on and focused on skating away. For only being 2, I'd say he did real well. As for my daughter, I was very impressed with how quickly she picked up on it. She still was learning her balance, and stability, but towards the end she made it from the middle of the rink to the door (which was at an end of the ice) pretty much by herself. I only managed to sort of fall once...only cause I was showing off a little. =) Needless to say, I'll be looking forward to the next time we go! And especially now since I got my new skates sharpened!!!

Sticky ass South!

Well, even though it's been over 2 weeks since I've been back, I'm still happy as a pig in mud that I'm not in the far south anymore. The sad thing is, it was the beginning of April when we went down, and (for me) it was way too hot and humid for me. Thankfully, our reserves down there is overwith, and back up north in the nice and cool climate. Most people when they get back get to see their families and spend the day with them...not me, at least not this time. When I got back my family was off at a friends birthday party so I was coming back to an empty house except for my loyal dog. Well, enroute back to home, I decided to call my best friend to see what he was up to. He said, "Bring your new gun down my way, and we'll go shooting at the range!" So, without hesitation, I agreed. I got home, changed, and flew down to his place. I had been looking forward to getting to shot my gun since I bought it. I had next to no time to go out and shoot unfortunately. But I got down there and went through 150 rounds in about an hour or so. As for the review on my gun, I couldn't have been happier with my purchase...a great gun with a great feel. Only somewhat negative thing I have to say is it shoots a little low. I'm taking into account that all the springs are new and just needs to be broken in. To be quite honest, I could tell a huge difference from the first magazine I went through, to the last magazine I went through.

Also since being back, I've worked a lot of overtime at work. It seems for the past month, it's been non-stop and finally, finally starting to slow down. Well, enough BSing for now. More to come later...as usual!

Change of Heart?

Yes, that's right. Upon further review, I've changed my mind. I still may get the Glock 32C, but for now, I think I'm going to get the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec. After going to the gun shop today, I probably handled about 20 different guns. Close runner ups were the Springfield XD-40 and a Sig Arm. But the classy 1911 stole my heart. Not only does it fit my budget, it has a double safety (which is nice since I have kids) and it just has that "perfect" feel. There are some guns you just hold and shoot, but then there are guns you hold, FEEL and shoot. I guess between the weight, ergonomics, and ease of operation...not to mention plenty of good reviews...I'm sold on this gun. Only negative I can see at this point is the cost of ammo. Not like I plan on going through several hundred rounds in a week or anything, so I should be ok. More then likely, I'll be able to get out once a year to shoot! Oh well. Anyhow, just thought I would update. The next one will probably be how it shoots!

Decisions, decisions

There comes a time when a man needs to make important decisions. What kind of car/truck do I want to buy; what should I eat tonight; which girl should I date this week; which beer should I buy; what gun should I get?? As you can guess from the picture, you can take a stab at what my big decision is currently (even though everything else mentioned doesn't really apply to me anyhow...I'm married for Christ sake, give me a break!!). Anyhow, I've been doing a lot of "shopping around" looking for the best bang for the buck...no pun intended. I think I've finally made my mind up after hours of research on the computer, and maybe conversations with friends and my brother. My brother pretty much sold me on the Glock. He swears by them. And after browsing around on the Glock website, I finally decided on the gun I want. Introducing the Glock 32C (the "C" stands for compensator). It seems to fit all my requirements (needs and wants) for purchasing a handgun. This will be my first handgun, and second ever gun. I've shot many kinds, just never really had a reason to buy one. Well, even though I really don't have a high demanding reason to still buy one, I felt it was just finally that time in my life that I wanted to purchase a handgun. The only flaw (personally) I find with this gun (Glocks in general) is how their safety is in the trigger assembly. This won't be a gun that I'll be keeping the magazine full, and in the gun...especially with kids around. Instead, this will be a keep it locked up with the ammo separate kinda gun! Now, down the road I intend to properly educate my children to fully understand any gun, mostly including that they have respect for guns. Never to be treated as a toy or mishandled in any way, shape or form. Getting back to the gun, it was a close call. The other handguns I was looking at was the Kimber PRO TLE/RL II, Sig Arms 220 (or the .357 SIG), or the Springfield Mil-Spec 1911. All were tempting, and I'm sure if I won the lottery, I would own them all...amongst many, many other weapons!! Reasons that I have decided Glock, is the durability of it, and how it can be dropped into sand, mud, water...whatever, and still shoot straight as an arrow. Also, from whatr I understand, a Glock was frozen solid in a block of ice, and then the ice was melted and it fired with no problem. My brother said it could fire any, ANY type of ammo. Crappy ammo, unjacketed ammo and all the way to top of the line ammo. Through thick and through thin...it still fires straight. And since I like to stress test everything I own, the decision was easier than I thought it would be!

The price for getting older!

So recently, my kids wanted to throw me a birthday party. And for some odd reason, they decided to have a Yo Gabba Gabba themed party for me. Every once in a while, I'll watch this show with my kids. The show is so generic and cheesy, but my kids are facinated with it. My wife made me cupcakes that had all the characters faces on it, and put up streamers, and small pictures on the wall. I wasn't to look in the direction of our dining room, since they were preparing everything. Needless to say, I laughed like hell when I saw all the decorations. It was too funny. I bet all you guys wish you were as lucky as me! God help me!

2012 US Endurance Event?

...or a trip of a lifetime. Well, actually both. My brother and I are planning a trip touring the corners of the USA and everything in between. It may even get it's own blog page, who knows. More to follow on that. Anyhow, we wouldn't be riding crotch rockets like pictured here, instead we would have enduro's...F650GS to be exact. Well, that's at least what he has currently and I currently don't own a motorcycle right now. I sold mine about a year or two ago, and been having the "itch" to get another one since I sold it. As far as the idea of the trip, it kinda was a joke at first. Even though I've always wanted to do something like this, I never imagined doing this kind of trip on a motorcycle. But after he suggested it, and after a few seconds thinking about it, the shenanigan was pure genius! After making several trips to AAA to get maps of the lower 48 contiguous states, we are in the beginning stages of mapping out our epic adventure. Of course, like I said before, none of this is going to be possible unless I get a motorcycle first. My primary requirement is that I get a house for the wife FIRST. I don't think this is far out of the question, but definately throws a curve ball into these plans. Now, depending on the house we decide to buy, may depend on what bike I get. I think worse case scenario, I'll get the same as my brothers (BMW F650GS) but a different color. I would be 100% happy with that decision as well, however, the model I was really hoping to get has been discontinued. (Why in God's earth would BMW discontinue the F650GS DAKAR EDITION!!!) So, instead I'm interested in getting the newly released F800GS. Unfortunately, it's about $4000 more than the 650. That decision will be a difficult one down the road. Anyhow, I would say our love for "2 wheeled" vehicles started when we were young. He was real big into road bikes, as I was big into mountain bikes. Of course, I'll give him credit for more than likely getting me interested with anything with 2 wheels...or I guess anything else for that matter. My brother has been a big inspiration in my life (I know, save the sappy or comical comments please!) mainly because he lives life one day at a time. It would probably be safe to say that one of our biggest inspirations for this trip is Long Way Round and Long Way Down. Both are amazing trips and my brother and I could only dream of an experience such as that. Instead, we will stick to our means of budget and complete a trip around the United States. Again, maybe I'll have to open a blog up just as a documentary of how it becomes planned and also a way to help organize this incredible journey.

What was I thinking!

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2007 D'OH of the Year Award goes too...

...Folks, was there much competition? Yes, I got the award. And I really have no defense to receiving this wonderful award other than, D'OH! As you may have read in my previous posts, I got a new job and of course I'm getting all the little things out of the way that needed to be done. Things such as getting them proper documentation, a physical, and so on. Well, Tuesday I had an appointment to meet with a doctor to go over my flawless physical to deem me "fit for duty." Well, Monday comes and goes...Monday night comes and goes...Tuesday morning comes and oh, wait. I have a phone call. Oh, it's just my boss asking why I didn't show up to the doctor's appoinment. WHAT!!!!!!!!!! Oh $#*@!!! After a complete loss of time, and a smack back into reality, I was still confused. How could something like this have past right through that piece of tissue between my ears called a brain? And just to bring you up to speed, the day before (Monday), I put in my two weeks notice with my current job to let them know I would be leaving. After giving the notice, and given a laudry list of things to do, I continued to work and start this list. Then next morning rolls around and I get an early start. So early, in fact, that I totally lost track of time, and didn't even think about the appoinment I had set that day...Tuesday. Moving along, while in the conversation with my new boss, he asks if I still wanted to job. My heart sank. My ears started to ring. The sickness began. Despite all the feelings, I quickly replied (and probably my quickest/smartest response ever), "Yes, absoultely I do! 100% I totally lost track of time because I was so busy with my current job getting things done." To make a long story short, I got rescheduled and the rest is history. As expected, my physical came back with no problems, and I'm good to go. For someone who is usually so organized, almost to the point of OCD, I really couldn't believe I let that appointment slip my mind. Am I disappointed in myself, absolutely! Am I greatful that I was able to be rescheduled and no harm was done, you're damn right I am! Will I most likely be the butt-end of some jokes when I start my first day at my new job? Would I expect anything less!!! I'll be working back in a Fire Department! That's the nature of the beast!

My newest passion!

I'd say for about the past couple years, my hunger for knowledge has steadily increased day by day. In the past few months, it's possible that it's growing into my latest passion. Every night, I'm usually outside to see if it's a clear night so that I can think, dream, and imagine my daily stress away. Several times a day, I find myself thinking about things going on "out there" and often have to snap out of my deep thoughts...no, not by Jack Handy either! (For those who remember, a SNL skit). Anyhow, my favorite star is Sirius, and not because of the satellite radio provider Sirius (although, I LOVE my Sirius Radio!!) but because it's the brightest, and clearest looking star in the sky. No matter of my location (Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, where ever!!) I always try to make sure I see it before going inside for the night. Even though there is SO much to learn about astronomy, I'm eager to learn it all-or as much as I can. After I get a book or two on constellations, planets, stars and I guess the Universe as a whole, I hope to put some of that readings into work by using telescopes. My brother has 2 he wants to get rid of, and I just may be the buyer! Down the road, I may even see about looking for a local astronomy club and see about going to a place with a really big telescope. The greatest part about is all, is the learning of it all is endless. And even better yet, my daughter loves to go outside with me at night, and watch above as well. You can't buy bonding time like that! Of course, she's more interested in watching for shooting stars, but that's ok. And who know's...maybe my son will be interested in it as well. It could go from a personal passion, to a family passion! Anyhow, back to researchin' I go!!! Happy gazing!

A breath of fresh air...finally!

Well, on many occasions, I have alot to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving was definately one to remember. Earlier on in the week, I had 2 interviews. One was a person to person interview (as most are) on Monday, and the other was a telephone interview on Tuesday. Well the interview I had on Tuesday, I received a call back later that afternoon I was offered that job...a Fire Inspector position. Only bad thing is, I would have to relocate to a different state and start all over again with the family. Which we were all ready to commit to...UNTIL the next morning. I get another phone call about the job I interviewed for on Monday...the local Firefighter job. Well once again, I was offered that one too. 2 job offers in 2 days??? INSANE! Now the toughest decision to make...which one! Of course one paid more, but meant moving. The local one was nothing to turn your head at, since the pay was still very attractive. I of course decided to stay local, and accept the firefighter job...not the fire inspector. Anyhow, as good as it felt to have the "ball in my court", I feel like a ton, no make that a million tons of bricks off my shoulders. I don't remember the last time I felt this relaxed. A true breath of fresh air! FINALLY!

Bon Voyage!

Well, it's that time finally and I am dragging my heals the whole way. For one week, I'll be busy from dusk to dawn...and yes I said that right. I'll be on the night shift for our "War Game" and I'll be draggin' ass the whole time! Hopefully all goes smooth, and I really hope the week goes quick. Soon, we'll be all lined up just like this picture and heading south. Yeah. Can you feel my enthusiasm?? Oh, how bout that sarcasm...did you sense that? Well, just in case you didn't, I'm totally not looking forward to this next week. Well, time to go and finish packing. See you all soon!

Got Stress?

Ok, so it's not as bad as what some people may be going through. But it certainly adds stress to myself as well my family.

Jobs.

One of the biggest stressors (I feel) we have due to countless factors...job security, job application, job interview, did I even make the list for an interview, how much does it pay, is it a permanent or temporary position, the list goes on and on. Well, since I'm an impatient person, it drives me nuts to wait and find out if I either made a list of referred people, when the interview is, and did I get the job. Right now, I have about 3 things going for me, but it's the "sit and wait game." And I'll be leaving for a week for reserves here pretty soon, and I'm afraid that I'll miss a phone call and worse yet...miss the opportunity for an interview. Now, I know there are laws to help protect that about military reserve members and allowing them time to still get the opportunity for an interview. But none the less, it's a stress factor. I've been told once before, "It's out of your hands so don't worry about it." I disagree since every application has a fighting chance...just as long as your qualified for the job, and you don't get screwed by the "good ol' boy" syndrome. You know, the people that know people and get the "special referral" to the person that hire's. I guess I'll leave all that to fate, but still between the time I put my application in, and the time I get an answer back...the stress will be there chipping away at my lifespan! Isn't life wonderful??

How much?!?!

This just in...

According to the USAToday, the cost to support both wars (Iraq & Afganistan) could reach astronomical levels. Lets put it this way...no way our current generation would pay for this which brings me to this point...how the hell are we going to pay for this? So far, we've spent $604 Billion dollars! 604! That's crazy. And the expected number for the cost of both wars...$2.4 Trillion dollars...TRILLION! Honestly, I don't know what else to say. I just can't believe that this much is being spent on a war that no one really supports. I'll leave my personal opinion out of this, but as one of the troops, all I ask is that the American public to please support the troops. It's their hard work, and determination that allows us to wake up every morning to be free. Oh, and one more request, please pay proper respect to the American Flag. God Bless America!

About time for a review!

Recently, I broke down and bought another mountain bike with the intention to ride several miles a day, but never really go to the riding part so much. I'd say I have about 100 miles logged into it so far, no where near what I wanted on it yet. Anyhow, I figured I would do a short review on the bike just incase someone else is shopping around.

All in all, the Cannondale F6 with CO2 Frame Technology is pretty good. It's my first mountian bike with the Rapid Fire shifters, and it's taken some time getting used to them. My previous bike (which I stupidly sold to a friend in Alaska!) was a Cannondale Super V-500. Yellow in color, this full suspension was a great bike. I should've never sold it. But I did, and time to move on. This year, I finally bought another Cannondale but decided to go with a hardtail this time...the F6. For what I was using it for, and since I'm in need of some conditioning for riding again, I started off in the middle-lower range. But it's almost a sin to call this a mid-lower range bike. It's got a lot to offer, at a "not a lot" price. With the front suspension traveling in harmony with the roads, its smooth. The shifting is flawless, and the braking is appropriate. Although there could be some more bells and whistle's to it, I certainly can't complain. Later on down the road, I wouldn't mind upgrading some of the components since those are kinda "entry level." As far as looks, there is the "Race Red" pictured above, then there is the "Lightning White" color which is what I have. At first I wasn't a fan of the "Lightning White", but it grew on me. In summary, if you're looking to get back into riding and plan on upgrading after some time...this is the bike. I'm a firm believer in the quote, "You get what you pay for." After a few weeks of shopping around, this was a wise choice. Now if I could just get the time and motivation to get back on the thing, and log in some miles!

Am I hooked?

...I would have to say yes. I'm hooked on blogs. I don't know what is was, but since about two months ago, I've been on this blog kick and I can't seem to knock this habit free. Wait, not a habit, but an addiction. Of course it started off reading one of my friends (Bluey) blogs and was fascinated with all the sorts of things you could do. From that moment on (a little over a year ago) I started Seawall Times. Since then, I'm also a part of 2 different private blogs, and now just recently started my 2nd personal blog dedicated to nothing but all firefighting. Another hunger I've been starving for is reading other people's blogs. If I saved everyone I've enjoyed reading, my favorites list would probably be maxed out(if it could do that). Anyhow, I have a few select saved to my favorites, and I'm just addicted to reading what other people have to say. Am I becoming obsessed with this? Is it just a phase? Is it possible that I'm becoming educated in some way? Who know's, but I actually enjoy hoping onto the computer and reading as many posts as I can. Then I try to post something myself about something that has happened in that day or my life and I throw it all out there. Regardless, I think it's a no-brainer decision that I'm "hooked like a fish." Thanks to all that developed Blogger.com, and all of those who take the time to write. Ain't technology great?!?

Personal Tug of War

Sure there are millions of decisions we all make each day. Some are for the good, and some are for the bad. But what about career changing decisions? Now, granted my decision isn't necessarily a career changing, but it's about as close as you can get. I'm talking about my career in the Air Force Reserves. I just reached my 10 year mark about 2 months ago, and I've pretty much made my decision to stick it out for another 10, and retire. Now, just in case you didn't know, I'm a firefighter both civilian side, and reserve side, and have been for all 10 years of service. I love my job, and would never trade it for the world...civilian side. Now, reserve side, I'm weighing my options about what I should do, because to be honest, I don't think I can take much more the of B.S. anymore. It used to be fun, it used to be educational. Not the case anymore. So I begin thinking, maybe I'm just burning myself out with all this firefighting. Maybe I need to learn another trade to kinda balance myself out. And lets face it, learning another trade is nothing but beneficial to anyone. As far as my options? Well, there are a few jobs that I'm real interested in that have vacancies. Public Affairs(PA) being one. I want to learn more about photography, and I like writing stories...could you tell? I'm not necessarily good at it, mainly because I'm not exactly "politically correct." You see, my bluntness hurts me in that department. Another job prospective is a Historian. I love, LOVE history, but this job will only be base specific and it's one of those jobs that aren't in the spot light(which is ok by me). Another catch is I'll never make more than E-7 (more than likely). And the last job I'm seriously interested about is one that I found out about today. It's called Readiness. It's kinda like being a firefighter, but not. Did I lose you? Well, from what I understand they are closely related, but I don't have to put on all the gear that military (Air Force) firefighters have to put on. They respond to HazMat incidents, and in war time scenarios, they check for damage, UXO's, chemicals in the air, etc. It seems like a pretty good deal, and the more I think about it, the more I wouldn't mind persuing it. BUT, here's the catch. Will I let my guilt and pride get in the way of perhaps bettering myself? What I mean by this, I'm proud to wear the Fire Protection badge on my uniform. I worked my tail off getting to the point I'm at now. I tend to think that I'll feel guilt after (and if) I leave the fire service...but technically I'm not leaving it since I do it civilian side. Just as the title of this post says, I'm really in a personal tug of war. It's been on my mind for about 3 years now...actually 4 if you count when I was active duty. Is it time for me to just swallow my pride, and move on? Hundreds, if not thousands have already and are completely glad they moved away from the fire service. But is it for me? I guess I could argue with myself endlessly. Do I want to??? What do you think. I got better things to do than sit and ponder what to do. I suppose I should make out a "Pro's/Con's" sheet, and decide from there. But, I think I should follow my heart on this one. The only thing I can really say now, is stay tuned...(to be continued).

Oh Canada...(insert their national anthem melody)

I just watched a video from Military.com and I gotta tell you...it doesn't get any closer than this! The sounds of bullets whizzing by, the tone in their voice shouting commands like "Let's go Bravo!", the battle gets intense. But thanks to our Canadian counterparts, they get the job done. End result, Taliban compund was raided, and by the looks of things, terminated. Best quote of the clip is the final words..."Right on boys, their definately going to wonder who the Canadians are from here on out, thats for sure!! Does it get any better than this???

Every dog has it's day

Lets just set the mood, shall we?!

You just cut the grass, edge the grass on the sidewalk, and sweep up all the clippings. You yard looks great. Next thing you know, hours later, there lies a huge pile of something foreign, sometime foul, something brown and lumpy...yes it's fresh dog crap. 5 occasions later, you start to fued and get filled with anger, thinking a walker-by let their dog do their business in your yard, and not cleaning up afterwards. Bloody savages.

It's 8 o'clock in the morning, and everything is usually quiet. You throw some breakfast down, and your quiet morning suddenly comes to an end from hearing a dog barking. Apparently, this dog has bit a child, and took off running. The next day it runs down someone who was jogging by. And the next day, it gets into another fight...this time with a passer-by walking their own dog.

In a span of 2 weeks, there has been 7 huge piles of dog crap, 1 kid bit, 1 runner run down, 1 dog-walker incident, countless livid neighbors...it's almost starting to sound like a chirstmas song. Well, oddly enough I talked to the police about it, and apparently the owner has been fined for her dog running loose 5 TIMES! Now, for what I'm about to say, do not take out of context. Not only do I own a dog, but I love them dearly. I've had my fair share of getting bit by dogs, and I'm not talking about a minor flesh wounds...I'm talking a gaping puncture wound and being able to see tendons, and bone and lots of blood loss. I mentioned to the police officer that the next time, I wasn't going to be so nice and "shoo" him off to the horizon. I'm not going to use my own hands, nor a broom stick...but I have a non-lethal way of hopefully taking care of this myself...a paintball gun. Come'on Fido, bring it on, cause I got several paintballs with your name on it! No more snarling or snapping at me, no more biting kids (especially mine) and no more crapping in my yard. You ass is history!

I'm hooked!

For most of you that know me, I'm not usually a health nut when it comes to food. But lately, I kept hearing that green tea is so good for you, blah, blah, blah. So, I decided to see what all the hype was and bought some Diet Lipton Green Tea. I actually bought the diet accidentally, not looking at the bottle. After about half way through drinking this, I was really enjoying it...until I looked at the label again, noticing "DIET." I blurted out "Damnit! Why did I buy diet!" But I finished the drink with mild disgust and went on with my day. Well, a few days later, I bought another bottle making sure it wasn't the diet. After cracking the cap, and taking a swig, I wasn't as impressed. I thought to myself, "You know, the diet was actually better tasting than the regular...odd." So before I left the gas station, I ran back in and bought the diet...just for instant assurance that I did like the diet. Sure enough, I did. So now I'm on this big Diet Green Tea kick, buying cases from Sams Club. I'm so addicted to this stuff, it's not funny. And maybe it's a mental trick, but my body does actually feel better. And it's the little stuff too, like I always had sinus blockage...I just never seemed to breathe a fresh breath of air. I don't notice it much anymore. Day-to-day energy seems better. And surprisingly I tend to keep better focus on things. It's really weird how this actually makes me feel better. Hell, usually it was the Jim Beam that made everything better! Not that some green tea drink could ever replace my bourban/whiskey! What kinda Scotsman would I be if I gave that up! But long story short, this stuff rocks and I'm totally hooked. And for only $10.88 for a 24 pack of this stuff, it's a steal! That's about .45 cents per bottle! Sure beats the $1.29 I was paying at the gas station...crooked bastards!!