Back after a while

Well, it's been a little while since I have posted. No excuses, just staying busy with work, home (the family is here) and now SURFING.

As the weeks have gone by, I keep thinking about things to say here. I never have any profound ideas, but still need to keep the blog going. Life is going well...I have had friends retire, people move and things change here. However, I'm having a blast of a time.

The newest adventure in my life is SURFING. Yes, can you believe this...I have taken up surfing when my new friend and neighbor moved in a few weeks back. He invited me to go and sure enough I loved it. It is nothing like Snowboarding or Wakeboarding. This new sport you have to WORK to get the fun... While snowboarding allows you to rest and ride the lift to your next adventure and wakeboarding is just jumping out of the boat and getting a tow -- surfing requires you to WORK, and I mean hard work, just to get out to where you can catch a wave. Then it's time to try, and I do mean try, to catch a wave. I have been all over the place and my timing is off, but I do get up once in a while. It kind of reminds me of spiking a volleyball...if your timing is off, it doesn't look pretty. With surfing, you can either paddle all day long and not catch a wave or begin the process of pearling. I have had some difficulty "finding" the sweet spot on my board. It is amazing how a 1/2" can make a difference in your surfing experience.

Oh well...I love my new sport. It is A LOT of fun and I get to be in the sun enjoying a great day in Florida.

As for now, I'll close with a thought...make the most of each day since you don't know when it will be your last. Therefore, enjoy...family, friends and life. :)

Words 4 the Weekend

Well, I finally got to see my 1st Shuttle Launch. It was something...different. I went to the Air Force viewing stands and watched. Since the launch schedule was pushed due to the leaking fuel tanks, not as many people showed.

Watching this, I realized a little more about what I am doing here in Florida. I am making a BIG difference in the GWOT. How you ask? Well, without the mission here, many High Technology gadgets wouldn't work.

I do make a difference, My Airmen do make a difference, My Air Force does make a difference.

Friday Fun

Well, we are 'playing war' on the SpaceCoast. I think Field Exercises in AF Space Command is not the norm. However, we had a visitor come and see what was going on.

Involvement is the key to LEADERSHIP. Nice to see the BOSS out in the Combat Gear :)

Words 4 the Weekend

Travel...the necessary evil of business.

It has been (and continues to be) a traveling experience for me in my new life and times. Many would say that traveling the world is fun (and it is), but sometimes traveling is a little bothersome.

Therefore, if you must travel (long term or short jaunts), make the most of your trip. Remember...
1) Use your time wisely
2) Pack appropriately...less is best
3) Don't forget to enjoy the trip and people you meet
4) Look around, you may see someone you know
5) Make NEW friends along the way

Monday's Musing

As I sit working on the holiday, I find myself wondering WHY do we enjoy them?

Well, normally it's just sitting around and enjoying the time off and with family. However, that is not the case right now. In my new life and times, I find myself "working" during this holiday. We have a DV coming to my location and I need to meet him and ensure he is situated. While I wish I could just "relax", I find myself in the waiting game...

Remember, holidays are a time to relax and enjoy...not work.

Word 4 the Weekend

Uncertainty

Why would I chose such a word as "uncertainty"? Well, it's based on what is going on in my life. When sometimes you think you have everything under control, then...BAM...nothing is going like you want or thought.

However, it is times like this that make me appreciate what HAS been good in my life. I have found that I can anchor my life on the things that have already happened. As I speak to Airmen these days, I find myself referring to being "blessed beyond measure". How do I say...it's amazing.

I can't seem to understand how blessed I am. Too many times we find ourselves looking forward and forgetting about the past. Why is that? Are we always searching for the next thrill or adventure or do we just forget about the great successes of the past. I think about the job I currently have...WOW what a blessing. I couldn't have asked for more.

But even during this time of prosperity, I find myself thinking about the upcoming uncertainty of lil' Blue going to college and Mrs. Blue coming to Florida. Also, what about that house we can't seem to sell? So much to be thankful for, but so much to be concerned about.

However, I still have the faith...

Word 4 the Weekend

"Education"

As I teach online at DeVry University, I am learning that a good solid education is crucial. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who just go through the motions of getting an education and expect to be given the grade. What has the world come to???? Just a free ride to get a diploma...I think NOT! I suppose there might have been a time when I was in their shoes, but I guess I have matured into a learning junkie!

Really, I never thought I would be so critical of my students work, but I can't believe that they don't even READ their assignment instructions nor do they complete the minimum requirements for the course. Getting an "A" at DeVry just not that tough...simply post in the threaded discussion areas three times a week or more and do the weekly assignment/homework. Not TOUGH at all :(

As my Lil' Blue gets ready to head off to college, I wonder if she is really ready for the demands of college? However, I wonder if "we" were ready for college when we went some time back...guess not since I didn't stick with it and I still vividly remember the "D" I got from my biker dude, dressed in leathers, Calculus professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. I tell you now...I was NOT prepared for the class size nor the pace at which they expected me to LEARN (and I use that term lightly).

However, with the online educational environment, learning is so much easier...and expectations are up front. Online students can easy get their diploma and be succcessful.

Education...is it really taking place in today's world? I sure hope so, and as for myself I am trying to be a lifelong learner and that is why I teach.