I'm back...

Jessie took this pic of me upon arrival into Norfolk.

Well, hello there...it's been a long time since I've blogged and I can't wait to get back in the swing of things.

I am actually writing this blog from my happy place...Starbucks. Since I don't have my HHG yet, I'm am sipping my caramel cup of yumminess with free wifi...what a bonus?

Being on deployment, yes, the twice-extended world cruise of USS Abraham Lincoln, enabled me to reflect on who I am and the man I want to be. I am not perfect...far from it. I am a divorced, ISTJ-middle-aged man with two great kids who love him unconditionally, with a plethora of friends from all over the world (most of who love cheese, wine and Starbucks as much as I do) and a somewhat dysfunctional family who supports him.

So let me catch you up on a few things.

Thanks to Corey Barker for this photo...first time
I saw the kids in Mayport, FL. What a rush!

I'm back from deployment. I had the most talented group of mass communication specialists working for me...they were all a blessing and always seemed to lift my spirits when I was literally pulling out my hair!

I didn't get to talk to the kids that much...I tried to call them every week but I was able to send them emails to their cellphones to say hi and let them know I love them and miss them...still miss them. Seeing them on the pier in Mayport was probably the happiest day I've had in years...what a blessing they are.

I'm not living in Seattle anymore...but the rain has found me here in Norfolk. It's rained nearly every day since we arrived.




I found a nice condo near the beach in Norfolk, VA. The kids have their own bedroom and plenty of stairs to run up and down on...yes, it's a four-story condo. The 4th floor is going to be my office (once I get my household goods). It has nine windows and you can see the ocean from all of them. So once I get all settled in, my goal is to write more blogs...travel the area and take tons of photos. I so want to go back to Washington, DC and soak up all of the history there again. Loved that place. I will also hit Williamsburg, Yorktown, Monticello, and more...so much to do.

The FOS (friends of Steve) on the ship kept me from going crazy...they are my circle of friends that I actually picked (remember, you can pick your friends not your family).  Between meeting them for lunch or dinner, occasional

drink in port (Bahrain, Dubai, Pattaya and Antalya), emails, prayers, venting sessions and more...they reminded me that I can be me...it's okay to be me. I can laugh, scream, yell, giggle, dance, sing and just be...it's not the quantity of your friends, it's the quality of them. To Steve, Steve, Jason, Shannon, Jen, Noel, Stephanie (X2), Laura, Heather, Tim, SMO, Lauren, Mike, Chaps, and more...thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I'm trying my best to find my way...Norfolk is a big place and I've been lost several times. One day, I left the base in the left-hand turn lane only to find myself in the lane to reenter the base...crazy I know. But, I'm trying...there is really a lot to do...just have to make the time and go see everything.

I will be heading to Plainview and Omaha for a much needed vacation this week...I can't wait to see everyone and spend more time with the kids.

I'll scoot for now...but stay tuned. There will be scooting soon!