Since my last blog, I've spent time on the high seas (well, I've crossed the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, North Arabian Sea and the Arabian Gulf. I've crossed the Strait of Malacca and the Strait of Hormuz (several times). I've met Laird Hamilton, Peter Kim (google him), a few reporters, Bowling for Soup, a few ambassadors, and some admirals and generals from a few foreign countries. We have traveled thousands of miles...and we're not done yet.
I'm actually seen a dust storm at sea...trust me, it was messy. I've seen a snow ski slope in a shopping mall (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE). I've seen Chief be commissioned as officers in the morning then COD off the ship in the afternoon. The best thing I've seen is when the last jet lands safe and sound aboard each night and the flight crew all high 5's each other after flying missions in Afghanistan supporting our troops on the ground for Operation Enduring Freedom.
I actually live in a 7x10 stateroom under the second catapult. I haven't had a decent night sleep since I left Everett which seems like years ago. It's loud...just believe me on that fact.
Most days are groundhog days...I wake, eat, and have 2-4 meetings in before lunch depending on the day of the week. I will occasionally stop at Jittery Abe's around 0930 with my coffee club for a nice cup of caramel yumminess...I eat one meal with the HODS (department heads) and one with my friends. I wrap up the evening making a wonderfully prepared Powerpoint brief for the Admiral (with no animations)! Then I usually head to my rack (32 in x 74 in) around 2230 (10:30 pm for you civilian types) to get a few hours of rest before the next groundhog day begins.
So here's my list of favs that I miss (no particular order):
Spudnuts, Ted's, Braum's, gingerbread men, driving my Jeep, baseball games (live and not on TV), Tim & Pam, Pike's Place in Seattle, playing gin w/Ma, cooking, Crossings Community Church, fishing, vacations, playing my congas, singing with Betsy, drinking Sicilian vino in Sicily, rollercoasters, Peeps, peanut patties, going out to dinner, my boots, golf, sushi, M&M cookies (the dough out of the bowl), OU football games, driving thru West Texas (yes, I don't mind), family get-togethers, my cousins, climbing trees, John Denver, Borders (well any bookstore for that matter), Chick-fil-A, sandals and shorts, steak fingers, catfish, friends in OKC, feeding the ducks (Tuck's fav too) and more...I could go on and on. But it's getting late and I need to do some reading for the week...
What do I miss the most? My kids. They are my pride and joy...I would anything for them. They make being a Dad easy...they are my blessings and I'm grateful that God gave them to me. They love my unconditionally...all of the time. Isn't that the point of love?
I guess what I'm asking is...is this worth it?
Most definitely...it just makes me appreciate what I have more each day.
Off to bed...Scooting continues...
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