Mark Wood

Final Update: Military application

Mark Wood — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:44:03 +0000

Well, after 16 months of waiting after I first handed in my application to be a member of the Canadian Forces Officer, I have been told 100% that I do not meet the Common Medical Enrolment Standards. This means that my road has come to an end. It also means that I can’t even apply for the reserves as they also follow the CMES.

I feel as though I am letting my family down. I have a long tradition of Military family members and cannot carry on that lineage. I caught long and hard to prove to the CF that there is nothing wrong with me medically, but they are worried about the “what if”‘s and what could possibly go wrong in the future.

So now I continue on my life as I have been with the job I have had now for almost two years. Despite thinking that 2012 was going to be a better year than 2011, it is not starting off that way. Thankfully ITIL only 4 days into the year and there is still 362 days left for things to change and for things to get batter.

For now I drown my sorrows in a pint or two of Guinness and ponder what to do next. I want to tank everyone for all the kind words during my application process and all of the ones when the final decision was given to me. You have all been very supportive and I am extremely greatful to have you all in my life.

Military update: The eerily familiar tune

Mark Wood — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:53:42 +0000

And again this is going to be another HORRIBLE Christmas. The CF has yet AGAIN said that I am Medically unfit despite evidence that there is NOTHING wrong with me. Now I have to either accept it, give them even more additional information saying there is nothing wrong with me by more doctors, costing a bunch of money on my end or lastly, appeal for a secondary review of my medical file with outlines of the aspect(s) of the final decision as to what I disagree with and the reasons why.

I just feel like giving up. I’m going to appeal this but I know it just going to take just as long as it did before and being so close to Christmas, I wont get the appeal looked at until the new year now.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mark.

Military Update

Mark Wood — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:31:52 +0000

Oh yes, I have not given up hope yet on my application to the military. I finally was able to see a specialist on the 25th and was able to get the all clear from them. I received the letter from him yesterday and now I have to go into the Kingston CFRC detachment and have them send the letter to the RMO in Ottawa to hopefully have them finally give me the medical all clear. So now one hurdle has been passed. Several more still to go. The most important one is getting the RMO in Ottawa to see that I am fit for active duty and deployment.

The road has been long and very tiresome. I do feel like giving up from time to time but I know that when you want something bad enough, you will fight your hardest to make sure you reach that goal. It has been 14 months since I put in my application to join the ROTP. I know I have at least another 6 month before I found out 100% if my dreams of becoming an Officer in the Canadian Forces will truly come to fruition.

I’m not a religious person at all, but for those of you that do believe, please say a little prayer that all of this hard work will not be in vein.

Just completed a 2.88 km run

Mark Wood — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:22:21 +0000

Just completed a 2.88 km run

Short run, faster pace.
Duration 0:15:20 | Calories Burned 231
Average Pace 5:19 / km | Average Speed 11.27 km/h | Elevation Climb 15 m

Just completed a 3.21 km run

Mark Wood — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 04:31:22 +0000

Just completed a 3.21 km run

Short run.
Duration 0:17:51 | Calories Burned 249
Average Pace 5:34 / km | Average Speed 10.77 km/h | Elevation Climb 19 m

Wish list

Mark Wood — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:54:27 +0000

Wow, it’s that time of the year again. I get to post my Birthday and X-Mas wish list. I will update this list as I think of more things. If it’s not on my list, please don’t worry, I will cherish any and all gifts.

Over $100
—–
Home gym with as many different exercises as possible (Kijiji)
Treadmill (Kijiji)
Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet 16GB wifi only (Lenovo)
Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard (Futureshop)
LG 47″ 1080p 120Hz LED HDTV (BestBuy)
Espresso Machine
Flight Time on a Cessna 172 (Dual hours for refresher)
~~Managerial Full back Chair~~

Under $100
—–
~~Mophie iPhone 4 Battery Case – Red or Black (Bestbuy)~~
Black pin strip fedora (Lids)
M*A*S*H DVD set
Espresso Machine
Watches (Preferable metal, silver colour band)
Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110

Under $40
—–
Belt Buckles of any kind
8-Bit Tie (http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/hats-ties/9352/)
Scrolling LED Belt Buckle (http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/miscellaneous/7c60/)
USB Rocket Launcher (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/warfare/8a0f/)
Samurai Sword Handle Umbrella (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/japanfan/b625/)
Mirror Universe LED Digital Watch (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/watches/e944/)

Gift Cards
—–
Le Chataux
Running Room
Henry’s Camera
StarBucks
Old Navy
Tip Top Tailors
Star’s Mens Wear
Build-A-Bear
Apple

Camera Wish list
——
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4 L USM
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM

Just completed a 6.43 km run

Mark Wood — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:25:58 +0000

Just completed a 6.43 km run

Combination walk and run. Really sore abs as I am trying to integrate push-up and sit-ups into my work out routine so that I can start to build some more muscle.
Duration 0:41:01 | Calories Burned 487
Average Pace 6:23 / km | Average Speed 9.40 km/h | Elevation Climb 54 m

Just completed a 4.10 km run

Mark Wood — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:44:41 +0000

Just completed a 4.10 km run

Thank you endorphins. Legs feel so much better. Short run to get kinks out.
Duration 0:21:49 | Calories Burned 324
Average Pace 5:19 / km | Average Speed 11.29 km/h | Elevation Climb 39 m

Just completed a 6.31 km run

Mark Wood — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:13:16 +0000

Just completed a 6.31 km run

Started off strong, finished weak.
Duration 0:35:59 | Calories Burned 484
Average Pace 5:42 / km | Average Speed 10.52 km/h | Elevation Climb 36 m

Just completed a 5.08 km run

Mark Wood — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:34:20 +0000

Just completed a 5.08 km run

Race day. Best 5K time. Next year, Half Marathon (21Km)
Duration 0:27:14 | Calories Burned 398
Average Pace 5:21 / km | Average Speed 11.20 km/h | Elevation Climb 50 m

Sportstats Results from the race.
Place: 1312/7353
Bib#: 9042
Time: 28:27.0
Chip Time: 26:59.1
Pace: 5:42
Category: Men 20 – 29
Category Place: 227/494
Gender Place: 954/3056