the mistral
The first session of ground school was this morning in the classroom. Just a basic introduction, wherein we all went around and gave tidbits about ourselves interspersed between war stories and inspirational proclamations from Mr. Hahn, the professor. He’s a very genial fellow, with loads of experience in teaching and in the field and with the great sense of humor that you know comes only when someone has to be dead serious in other, more essential areas of life. He certainly stressed the seriousness of the endeavor. We have to be the best pilots in the world, not for ourselves but because a mistake or an oversight will endanger not only ourselves but our passengers and more than that, the efforts in whatever field we’re placed. Flying isn’t a forgiving pursuit. The overwhelming emphasis on serving others was brought to the forefront in a way it hadn’t been before. We may be operating “only” in a support capacity, but we’ll be doing a very necessary job.
I really feel like I’m meant to do this. There’s a semantic, though not hierarchical, difference between feeling meant to do something and feeling called to do something. Both propositions are equal to the extent that we’re in His will and partnering with Him in whatever He’s doing, but I think being meant to do something means more of our natural talents and inclinations converge around the activity in which we’re immersed. This stands in contrast to being called, where our natural abilities may or may not play a prominent role in the task at hand (and more credit to God’s provision in the situations where they don’t, really). But this, this… All my interests, hobbies, passions, personality seem to close in around everything I see, hear, study… This has been so long in coming. If there’s been one constant interest in my life, it’s been aviation, and now to be so close and so involved… I didn’t even think of flying as consciously unattainable for years and years–it just placed itself subconsciously in that category, and now to be studying with the goal that I will be at the controls, in charge, all the instruments on the panel will be operating for my benefit as the pilot in command–it scares the daylights out of me. But also excites me more deeply than I was really expecting. I don’t really know what to do with it all except channel it into more diligence, more focus on making sure I learn absolutely everything I need to, and more. Of course I’m completely open to God’s will and timing in my life–if I’m only supposed to be here for a season, I will be content with that, but for now…I’ve come home–maybe not just yet physically, but directionally, oh yes.
I’m really happy for you, Matt. Not everyone finds whatever it is that they were meant to do, you know. You are very priveleged. As someone who knows you (somewhat) i’d say that you’d make an incredible pilot. We’ll miss you in this neck of the woods, but i’m glad you feel that way about where you are. Makes it all worth while, dont it? ;-)
Thanks John :) Honestly I don’t think of being meant to do something as a far-reaching, blanket statement over one’s life in the sense that we all have just one or two life purposes, but I consider it on a more local level, time-wise. So in that sense feeling meant to do this essentially means I’m really excited about it :)
I miss you guys too. But I’m sure I’ll be back many weekends once I get settled. I’ll be sure to give you a call when I do return.
No no…i understand. Perhaps not a whole life’s calling kind of thing, but just something that you do where you ‘fit’…where all your interests and talents and abilities meet. You’re still lucky. I’m definately NOT meant to do school. At least not like this. Hopefully i’ll be getting that feeling once i start getting some track time in the 7. ;)
Uh huh…sure you will. That’s what they all say. But that’s cool. Either way, man, you’ll still be around sometime.
And now to go pick up my R1 strut tower brace from UPS… :-D
congrats on your first day, matt! you were in my thoughts.
i think it’s wonderful that you found something you feel so strongly about.
looking forward to hearing how it goes!
Thank you Erica :) It went very well. My enthusiasm shows no sign of abatement so far, which is generally a good sign :) Have a great weekend!
And now to go pick up my R1 strut tower brace from UPS
*cough*ricer*cough*
:)
(had to)
Ricer is all show and no go. If i got both and want a little more show, what’s the problem??? Besides, it’ll never get 1/10th the street recognition that the ’69 does. I’m spoiled. In the FD people just think you’re some yuppie/punk kid/rich business man or something. Can’t help that much, now can i?
And about the strut tower bar…you think that’s bad? You’re gonna have to brace yourself, buddy. I have several ideas for this car that don’t seem to be very ‘John-like’ in the least. :-)
Changed my tranny fluid and rear diff fluid this afternoon at Joel’s. Filled everything with some good ‘ol Amsoil synthetic SAE 75w-90 API GL-4. Got rid of some of the tranny noise and makes me feel better all ’round knowing that’s been done. The diff fluid was pretty nasty.
On a separate note, i wanna get a sticker made for the ’69 that reads something along the lines of Straight USDM…or something else clever that i just haven’t thought up yet. But it has to use the acronym USDM. Any ideas??? I haven’t been able to think up a counterpoint to ‘JDM-tight, yo’.
Have a great day!
I know, I know… I’m just giving you a hard time :)
What about a sticker that plays on the “USDA Prime Beef” slogan you see at the grocery store, like “USDM Prime Muscle” or something like that. I dunno.