The Places We Enjoy

In the time I have been here, I have found some places that I enjoy. As for me, I enjoy these places due to the atmosphere, good People, Good Food and a the beautiful view. I figure when it comes to meeting people, it will happen or it won’t. If you try to hard, you will probably be disappointed. With that that said, I have written about one of those places I enjoy. As you probably know, I enjoy my adventures and my sunsets. They always seem to make life a little sweeter even when that is all there is at the moment. Puerto Rico offers a multitude of beautiful beaches, sunsets and weather.

I have to admit that the rain feels very different here, but like all things, it is a matter of perspective. When it rains in the Bay Area I am usually wearing something that is fairly waterproof and designed for colder weather. When it rains here, I usually get caught in a short torrential downpour that soaks you in the time it takes to reach your car fifty feet away. In addition, I am wearing shorts and a t-shirt. As you can imagine, it would be slightly different than wearing a gortex jacket and jeans. I still love the rain, it just takes some to get used to.

 One of my favorite places to go in Ola-Lola’s Garden Bar. It is a small place out by Shacks Beach and is literally a garden with a small bar and tables to serve food. The catch is that the food is absolutely delicious and it feels like you are going home when you eat there. No offense meant mother, just saying that it feels like your part of the family. There are a few others places that offer great food and service in the area, but few compare to the caliber of quality. I pose the question, where else can you get a peanut butter burger. It may sound a little different to your taste buds, but it is one of the best burgers I have had in my life. And don’t forget about the dessert. I would attempt to describe in words, but that would not do it justice. I was going to take a picture of my dessert tonight, but unfortunately forgot to take the picture before I ate it. If that does not say that the food is delicious, I don’t know what does. If you ever come out here on a weekend, this is definitely a place I will bring you.

Work is going as well as it can. I am still waiting for some light at the end of this tunnel, but I have done all I can, so no need for me to stress anymore than I already have. On a better note, I start my SCUBA classes tomorrow and have already spoken with the local SCUBA group. I will keep you updated, until then enjoy every moment.

Lives Ordeals

Many things can happen in just a short time, life can change in an instant without any notice. As can any other factor in which we have the inability to control. I have been working in an alternate location for the last seven weeks due to an unfortunate situation at my place of work. The crew there has been good to me and the station has done as much as it can to ease the tension for the moment. Needless to say, it has not been easy to work out of rate and be confronted by nothing but uncertainty. Regardless, I have done my best and kept my head above the water. It has taken longer than I expected to find a resolution, but I have done my part to the best of my ability.

The Air Station has been as busy as it always is. Constant flights, work, training, and some major changes for the entire Coast Guard on the horizon. The repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell should prove to be very interesting considering the diverse workforce of both the enlisted and officers. I was able to observe the Cliff Operations training and get some nice photographs. Something still looks strange when I see a large object like a helo hovering off the ground. The sunsets have been nothing short of stunning, and have kept me going even on the most difficult days of this ordeal. They are one of those few things you can consistently rely on.

Although I did realize something very helpful that is like a weight off my shoulders. To this moment, I have already done all the things I felt I had to do. I set off in the world to help others, found love and was the best man I could be in the process. There are still many things I plan to do, but I am content with what I have experienced. As far as I am concerned everything else is a bonus. So when it comes down to it, I can’t really complain. I am alive and breathing, I have my health, and I am content with how I have lived. So I suppose that the only way to feel is grateful for the blessing that have been a part of my life and the ones that will be present in the future.

One of the next experiences will be getting SCUBA Certified. I have done a little before, but it was one of the guided tours where you just follow the leader. It was stunning to swim with the Sea Turtles in Hawaii. I can only imagine what Puerto Rico has to offer under its beautiful waters. I will keep you informed of my progress and hopefully some photos. Until then, enjoy every moment and live life to the fullest. Keep in mind, that not matter how far away your support system is, They still care and will do what they can for you, as you would do for them.