A Break for Thanksgiving

There are many things to be grateful for, but family is at the top of that list. We never had the chance to pick our family but somehow they find a way to make dinner more entertaining than a comedy show. Ironically, it is very difficult to convey that humor after the fact or explain why it was funny to someone that was not there. Either way, it is a memory not soon forgotten. It is hard to say how many family holidays I will be able to attend. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family that will support me no matter what I do, but it still does not make it easy to be away. Therefore I cherish anytime I have to spend with the family and those I love. What else can I really do?

Josh joined me for the annual family dinner and saw firsthand the inexplicable nature of my family. He handled himself well and aside from the hours of driving required, it was very relaxing. We took the opportunity to visit Amy and her family including Colin who was born the 15th of this month. He shares the same initials with me so I believe he is destined for greatness. He will be a remarkable addition to the family. Not because of the initials, but because he is very good hands.

As for systems, five down, one to go then graduation. It is coming quick. As much as I have learned in this class it does not feel like it has been that long. Hard to believe that the nineteen and a half weeks will be over in a mere three weeks. Everyone has come a long way. Knowing that we will depart from each others company in a few short weeks sheds a new light on the camaraderie developed. I will be the first to say that certain personalities will conflict, there will be issues and nerved will be a little aggravated. That is the reality being in close proximity with the same group for a long period of time.

Fortunately, respect is forged along the way. I can respect the fact that they have made it through the course. I respect the fact that they have earned the title we shall all carry upon graduation. All things considered graduation is just as stepping stone. We will still have to work very hard in the fleet, but out there it will be a matter of someone’s well being. My shipmates may not be the best of friends, but they will be respected shipmates. It is a small service; chances are I will work with many of them again.

The respect for the system has taken time to develop as well. The performance tests, high expectations, and discipline demanded by the training center and instructors. I suppose it is like basic in the respect that we do not fully understand the system. What I do understand is the success rate of this group. We have lost a few, but most of those were lost to unfortunate family events. The group has passed the performance evaluations with 100% accuracy. Much of that credit goes to the hard work of the students, but the instructors have played a part as well. I do believe that success fall on the students. We have worked hard to learn and execute the knowledge of the material. The instructors have been there to guide us and have done a very nice job. Like I said before, there is still much work to do, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Beautiful Season of Fall

It seems that the weather cannot make up its mind. Sometimes it wants to be like a warm summer day and other it feels like snow should cover the ground. Unfortunately we are not that lucky. There may be utter chaos if the roads on base were slippery, but there would be snow and maybe a little entertainment. If you have ever lived in a snow area or are an experienced snow driver, that reference should make sense. All in all, Fall is here as displayed by the color and dropping of the leaves, the nice wind storms and even thunder and lightening. I enjoyed every moment. I got the opportunity to snap some picture of this incredible change and like always, it captivates the senses to the various colors in the cycle of nature.

I found myself remembering the school days in fall when my mother was the carpool for the day. She would always take the same route, purposely driving by all the trees as they changed color. She would always comment about the fall colors and ensure that everyone took a look at them. I suppose those were the carefree days before I had to be a responsible adult. At the time the fall colors seemed like such a trivial thing, but now they are a wonderful distraction from the stresses of life.

As for School, I can say that it is going. Last week was a pretty rough week for the entire class. Fortunately like any challenge we face, we can find a way to succeed. The time remaining here is short. I suppose the time in the continental US is short for me as well. I have done everything I can to prepare for it and have come to conclusion that “it will be an adventure”, there I go with another quote from Mom. Only two more systems including tomorrow. I still have to work hard, but time has flown since being here. One of the instructors commented that we would refer to these as our good old days, I am not fully convinced of that statement. I can only hope that my days keep getting better.

Until I write again, enjoy life and the fall colors. Thanksgiving is almost here, Kensey you will be missed. Congrats to the Wetstone family for the birth of Baby Colin, he is as precious as they come. I may be working hard, but I will enjoy every moment I can.

Light at the end of the tunnel

I cannot say that anything really eventful has happened in the last week, but it has been busy.  One more performance evaluation is complete and although there is light at the end of this “A” School tunnel, I am not clear yet.  The overseas process is coming along and as much as I am looking forward to this upcoming adventure, the weight of it is beginning to settle in. 

I am sure it will be beautiful, but to be 7141 miles from the places I know will be a challenge.  Port Clarence was 2599 miles from home, but the circumstances were very different.   Interesting how the reason I joined the Coast Guard is exactly what I am getting.  I asked for an adventure and so far it has been.  I was home for a little while to wait for school, and it has been one of the best year of my life.  I have had family, friends and some wonderful individuals I did not know before.  To be honest I do not know when I will be home or close to home again.  Long story short I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have had the fortune to have been home. 

But enough of that I intend to focus on the positive of this opportunity and adventure.  In little over two years in the coast guard and my next assignment,  I will have seen three parts of the country.  Covering one extreme to the other.  The desolate wilderness of winter to a tropical environment with incredible beaches.  In just a few words, I am fortunate. 

Wherever I end up or the circumstances I face, it is the attitude that matters.  I cannot deny the fact that long distance relationships may have it challenges, or the drastic change in lifestyle.  I can only hope that the people affected by this adventure understand  why I am doing it.  From the responses of my family and friends.  If all goes well, I will have plenty of visits.  Overall life is great, The world is beautiful and the future is full of prospect.              

Halloween!

Halloween is one of those holidays that is never the same as it was before. There are always new costumes and it always seems more important when you are a kid. I suppose the candy and sweets are the draw to that, before you have to worry about cavities. Still, it is an enjoyable time of year even if all you get to see is how all the kids dress up.

This year I spent time working on the haunted cruise ship for the class. It turned out quite nice. The kids seemed to enjoy it. I usually enjoy doing those sorts of projects even if it does take time from a weekend or relaxation. Who ever said that a little manual labor was not relaxing. It definitely does take a fair amount of work, but I did not stress over it. It was a competition, but who really cares who wins or loses. When it comes to medical I can expect nothing less than 100 percent, but for recreation, I can settle for a good time and spreading some smiles.

Unfortunately, some let the stress get to them, but I suppose that is who they are. I think that we did an absolutely fabulous job on our section. The whole cruise ship was good though. A little scary for the really young ones, but overall it was a fun experience. How often do you get to be really obnoxious in a mask or not be called strange to wear roman battle armor or a cloak? Last year I was a priest, dispensing fine liquor. This year I did not have a costume, but enjoyed the work for the class competition.

Puerto Rico is becoming more of a reality, it was a little difficult to accept initially with the necessary sacrifices, but who am I to say no to a new adventure? Life will be what it is, I am here for the ride. Fortunately it has been full of blessing of family, friends and experiences. Simply stated, life is good. I know that those that matter will stand by me no matter what I end up doing or where I end up.