Adjusting to Florida

 This adventure called life has sent me many places. Countless experiences have shaped who I am today. Looking back on the last 28 years of my life, I am grateful for everything along the way. Even for the very difficult things I had to face.  Somehow, I always grew from the experience. I can say that I have not forgotten, and that I have not let go of the things that are most dear. In all my days, both good and bad, I have found a way to maintain my inner strength. I can only hope that the people that have been a part of my life, know what they mean to me and the important role they have played in my adventure. But now to what you really want to hear about. I assume, how I am enjoying Florida.

Demonstrating a Smoke Signal.

Flight Crew doing the swim in full gear.

 Today I got to see the perplexing look of an aircraft just hovering over the water again. The Air Station did Wet Drills today and it was a morale day for everybody if they chose to attend. I was the duty HS, so I had to be there, but there are much worse things I could be doing. Later in the day, one of the helos came out to give us the experience of being raised in the basket up to the helo. I was about to get into the basket when the helo had to go back due to fuel. Still, just being under the helo was a humbling experience. There is a lot of force holding that helo in the air. I can see why the swimmers wear goggles, otherwise you can’t see from the movement of the water. Either way, it turned out to be a good day.

The Rescue Swimmer jumps into the water from the Helo.

So what can I say about living in South Florida? It is hot and humid, but I suppose you already knew that. It is just another chapter of the adventure. All things considered, I have no complaints. I have a roof over my head, a job, a comfortable bed and opportunities to pursue. My house is starting to feel like home now that I have hung my picture of the places I have been. Every time I walk by, at least one memory comes to mind. It will truly feel like home once Hobie makes his way out here. Then I can say that I truly have something to look forward to at home. I will admit I need to work on my cooking skills, now that my kitchen is functional. As reluctant as I am, I may have to venture beyond the BBQ and plan more balanced meals. All that will happen in time, for now the house is good. I have been running to the beach and back a few times per week. It is about a six-mile loop and is absolutely stunning if I am running the boardwalk as the sun is setting. As for the things I want to do while I am in Florida, there is too much to really mention. Swim with the dolphins, see the everglades, Universal Studios, Disneyworld and of course the keys. I hope to do more than just that, but those are a few.

Now to the more comical aspects, otherwise known as the lighter side of life, at least if you can relax and laugh about it. The drivers and diverse population, I suppose I mean to say that people are funny in general. It seems that you see it no matter where you go. People are willing to work so hard to gain one car length on you that does not matter once you merge on to the freeway. Refusing to let the right lane merge because they may have to let someone in. I wonder if people understand that an onramp is like a fire drill. It flows smoothly when people are not panicking. Everyone gets out safely and quickly. Then they surprise me one more time, and only drive forty miles an hour. I have had a few run-ins with a particular crazy guy that acts like he is homeless, yet he seems to live in a hotel. He is from somewhere in Africa as he claims and always seems to find a way to see something wrong with the world. Usually that means insulting me then telling me he does not want to talk to me in a very condescending voice. Now this usually does not bother me, but when I am trying to help an older man that got clocked in the head and is having some sort of seizure, I take issue with his lewd comments. Fortunately, the police were there to escort him away. On my way home he was arguing with the bus driver at the bus stop. As you can imagine he is an excellent example of character. Other than the one I just spoke of, most people are very nice. Hollywood is a very mixed area. People are as diverse as they are unique. It should be an interesting several years. I hope that all is going well for my friends, wherever you may be.

My backyard, hopefully Hobie will like it.

 PS: I forgot to put a photo of the backyard, so I made up for it this time.