Day 252 - Gettin' Ready

In less than two weeks, I will be surfing in HAWAII.  Can you believe this...my first REAL surf trip!  And MrsBlue bought my Birthday present, she was surely thinking about the trip...

So now I need to start packing for the trip.  Let me see...what to take!



- Surf T-shirts ✓ 
- Rash Guard ✓
- Flip Flops ✓
- Sun Tan Lotion ✓
- Surfboard soft car rack ✓

- Board shorts ✓
- Spring Suit (we'll see about taking this) ✓

I hope I'm not forgetting anything \m/

Day 251 - Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!!

Today was SUPPOSE to be a very quiet day for me!  In fact, I thought I had it all worked out where NO ONE knew it was my birthday.  Little did I know OTHERS had other plans.


In fact, after a little tour for the local school at the base, I headed back to the office for the next tour group (just call me Tour Guide Barbie).  When I arrived, the staff was awaiting my arrival for a little birthday surprise :)  It really made my day...even though I've never been one of those who celebrates my birthday.  They sang to me and had a cake...Baskin Robins...yum yum!  I even got a card from the group to wish me a happy birthday.

theCake...yum yum chocolate ice cream cake

Even a little message from theExec

theStaff gathering around for me OR for cake?  You decide...

I still can't believe it!

 

Let's get this party started....let's eat cake!

Sexy 3D glasses...

thePhotog

After the cake party, I realized I had a box on my desk...who could have sent me some goodies for my birthday?  Let me guess, it had to be MrsBlue, but when I looked, it wasn't from her.  It was from my deployedDaughter :)  it was a wonderful surprise...

Thanks KatiePerry...I LOVE the Bday present.

Then to end off the day, I went to Right Finish and they also sang happy birthday to me!!!  I'm loved (or someone forced them to be nice to me LOL).  Anyhow, it was a very good day for my birthday!

Day 250 - 2 weeks until............HAWAII

WOOOHOOOO only 14 more days until I am in HAWAII!  Land of waves, warmth and wax (sex wax (you have to check out this site...the intro video is AMAZING) for all of my surfing friends.

I can't believe today it's been 250 days since I left the United States.  While I did get a short visit back last month, it just seems like such a long time ago that life was...normal.  While at the same, it feels like it was just yesterday.  How can this be...two disposing times for the same days?  I'm not sure, but it could be the exhaustion.

Things are looking up.  I have some great people who lifted me up in my time a "mood"!  A smile or a talk about something we both enjoy takes my mind off the "crap" I deal with.  Will someone just listen and take some action?

As I prepare for my R&R, I am reminded of planning.  I need to plan for the future and especially for the last few months I have in this "undisclosed location in SWA".  It was brought to light when my replacement called to say hello. We had a good but short talk.  WOW...time is running short.

Also, last night our travel agent (MrsBlue) sent me the I-10 for the upcoming trip.  She has us doing a lot of things on the island?  Really, I'm so blessed to have her making the plans for us and 'lilBlue when she arrives.  I know I can't just surf all day, every day (but I wouldn't mind trying).  We have a full menu of things to do and I can't wait for the fun to begin.  It will be such fun doing FIRSTs on the island with the fam.  They are so cool to hang out with...and best of all, I LOVE myWife more now than ever before.  

MrsBlue has Luau's, daily drives, snorkeling among other things planned to keep us enjoying the trip.  I can't wait to experience the tropics with the two ladies of my life...thanks to the both of them for joining me on this Adventure in Blue.

  

Day 248 - Holidays in the AOR

I'm not sure, but someone said today was a holiday.  What's with the holidays in the AOR?  Do they really take place or is it just another day?  I think when I get back to the world, the AF is going to owe me a lot of days off!  I have found that time is lost while deployed.  You lose track of time and days all run together.

Today was the memorial for our Airman who died last week.  The Defenders did a great job of running this and making a fitting memorial ceremony for the one we lost.  

As I listened to TAPS, it brought back a lot of feelings...Arlington, Afghanistan and here.  I remember standing at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for hours on end watching, waiting, listening...I don't think 'lilBlue remembers those many Sunday afternoons, but they ring clearly in my mind during this war.  In fact, I often think back to those afternoons, safely standing and watching with precision those professional soldiers from the Old Guard.  How much time was needed in practice to make these soldiers so precise?

Sometimes, we need to lose track of time so that we can focus.  Other times, it's to get away from it all.  

Time -- oh how precious
1) take time to spend with your family
2) don't waste time...once it's gone you can't get it back
3) never forget, every minute counts

 

Day 247 - Enjoy Life

It's been a LONG and tiring week, but with that comes good and bad news.  So what do you begin with?

Well, let's start with the good news.  This week theBoss was back in states for some medical treatment.  It is amazing, but they took care of it all during the initial procedure.  While we still need to get a read on the results, things look promising.


Then the week ended with a death on our team.  An Airman assigned here was involved in a motor vehicle accident on base.  He was taken by LifeFlight downtown and did not make it through the surgery. 


Important things to remember from this week
- Miracles are still happening today
- Life is TOO short...we never know when it's our time.
- What really matters?  Keep the focus on these!

Day 242 - Confession does the body good

What do we know...sometimes God puts people in our path when we least expect it.  That happened to me tonight!!!

Tonight on my way to a meeting, I ran into a friend by happen chance.  We got to talking (well I was doing most of the talking...imagine that) and he was listening (along with providing some wise counsel).  What I thought I needed was where I was headed, but that is NOT at all what I needed.  I needed a FRIEND...

Friends

Don't you be ashamed of how you feel when someone
Lends you a helping hand
Because the bottom line is bein' for real in
Every way that you can

Ask yourself, after all that you've learned
Would you do the same thing if the tables were turned
Well, my answer is, "Yes"
'Cause I've been through the test, now I'll never forget my Friends 

Whenever I am feelin' down and out, they help me
Get through the rainy day
They lift my spirits and erase my doubts then
Chase those gray clouds away

If I had a dollar for every time
That they have stood by my side helping things turn out right
I would be a millionaire
And my wealth they would share 'cause I'd be nowhere without my Friends 

The Real Values in Life 

A Hawaiian vacation with the family -- $5K 

Owning a SmartCar - $15K

A great job -- $70K 

Retirement pay - $1.6M

FRIENDS -- PRICELESS 

Day 241 - Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all who read this...


As I sit here far away from my Valentine, I think of the wonder woman she is and how blessed I am to have her Be My Valentine all of these years.  She is truly a Saint for having to put up with me, my travels and being away during so many of the holidays.  

Elmo says it best...I Love YOU

You would think I would have to pay for being away so much over our time together, but she is not like that at all.  In fact, jewelry and other gifts are far from her want list.  Her wants are more in line with our lives...   

Here are the things MrsBlue wants:
- More time with ME!  (I"m not making this up...MrsBlue really likes being around me)
- More time with 'lilBlue (that's an easy one...we all like being around 'lilBlue)
- More time to just relax with a good book and some quiet time (I know theLittles are around)


MrsBlue is a one of a kind Valentine...best of all she's MINE!  and will be forever.

I am blessed to be married to a lady who is my best friend, my wife and the mother of our one and only child.   


This Valentine's Day means so much to me when I think about MrsBlue and what she has given up to be with me...


Happy Valentine's Day MrsBlue!  I love and miss you!


143
MiB

In every language, I LOVE YOU

MrsBlue would gladly allow this...

Day 240 - Space Kadets in the AOR

Coming back made me wonder why do I agree to do these things that take me away from the ones I love.  Maybe I'm just not too smart!  However, I am looking forward to spending time with MrsBlue again very soon...this time in Hawaii!!!!  R&R will be great as we head to the Oahu to catch waves, catch sun rays and catch some time together.

We had some heavy hitters here this week with the Undersecretary of the Air Force and the Vice Chief of Staff (General Breedlove...my old wing commander from Aviano) coming through for a visit.  It was nice to see him, even though he doesn't remember me...back then I was a New CMSgt Select...nothing in the big scheme of things.  However, he is good friends with my current boss...interesting how small the Air Force really is.  

After these folks came and went, we were then blessed with another group from my past...Air Force Space Command's leadership (the Vice Commander...Major General Basla and my old boss from the 45th Space Wing...Major General Bolton).  It was good to see them both here in the AOR...nice to see familiar faces :)  I think I even surprised Maj Gen Bolton when I was waiting for him at his quarters upon arrival...he almost walked right past me as he was going to his billeting.  We had a quick conversation, but they visited the Wing on Saturday.  We gave them the "real deal" tour to show off our planes, people and mission...something we love to do.  With great people here, this is easy to do...their professionalism speaks for itself...they are taking the war to the enemy...every day!

There is some sad news this week when theBoss was told he needed to head back to the states for some medical support.  I am worried he won't be returning, but am lifting him up!!!  It won't be the same without him around...he's a great man and a gentleman for sure.  Hopefully, this trip will be short lived and he'll be back in no time.

Anyhow, I am back in the swing of things and during my first week back...I found myself frustrated (many times) throughout the week.  At times, I would say...it's time to throw in the towel and move on with life.  In fact, I look at each day and wondered (sometimes for hours) why do I continue to serve.  However, I'm not sure if it was just a bad week or if I really need to make a change.  Some of this has to do with the unknown...what my next job will be, where we will be and other things...  I will tell you, giving it all up and living in a van with surfboards attached on the roof, sounds pretty enticing right now.  We'll see...maybe this week, some news will come about the future.
 

Day 233 - Only 31 days until Hawaii

Being back on station has me running around trying to play catchup!  I have performance appraisals and awards that have been waiting and need to get finalized.  

Also, during the trip I found out that theBoss has a medical condition that needs to be addressed.  Lifting him up in prayer!  Hope it all works out and he is back at the helm soon!!!  Until then, MrVice will be in charge...We will have a fun time since he is a lively guy.  

Today marks the official countdown on the Hawaii trip.  We are one month out to seeing MrsBlue and surfing the Pacific Ocean....never done that (surfing I mean).  I can't wait to walk the beaches hand in hand with MrsBlue at my side.  In fact, this could end up being a tentative "could we ever live in Hawaii" trip.  You never know, but I think I could learn to like the islands and enjoy spending a lot of time there...it meets one of the qualifications for MrsBlue on retirement living...warm climate.  However, the distance away from family is on the NoGo side :(  I sure hope MrsBlue likes Hawaii and then maybe I can talk her into it as a possible retirement location (at least part time).

Also, I spent a few hours poolside this afternoon...if I'm going to Hawaii I need a tan.  If only I could get my body in shape to look good in my Speedo (LOL...I wear Boardshorts).  However, I do need to drop a pound or two before heading to the island...don't want to look like a tourist (all pasty white [no tan] and FAT).  Now matter if i lose weight or not, I'm still heading to the beaches for Locals Watch Out!

The transition back to this time zone has went off without a hitch.  I have slept pretty good so far...trying to keep myself tired so that I can easily fall asleep.   

Day 231 - Computer don't let me down

Started off the day dealing with Computer Problems.  I coulndn't sleep and MrsBlue told me to get up when that happens...so I did.  Only to find that the computer in my room won't access the network  Must be something they "pushed" while I was gone.  However, at 0430 I had a computer technician in my room

So after No Joy with the computer decided on a morning run!  During that run, I noticed very little has changed.  Someone was parked in the 3 button's parking slot over at the Plaza.  Yeah, I don't think the 3 button drives a Hilux pick up truck...so I called it in to get the BOOT!  Then halfway through my run the Comm Helpdesk calls and is sending over CommGuy #2 to work my computer issue.

Day 230 -- Back in the AOR

Here I am back in the AOR!  It was a LONG flight, but I finally made it.  Now I hope I can adjust quickly and easily again to get back to work.  I only slept a very little bit on the airplane and hope this allows me to sleep tonight.  I need to be rested for the morning...another Right Start!!!!


The last few days have been amazing.  Getting to spend time with MrsBlue again...nothing can compare :)  She makes me complete.  How I often think that BigBlue has gotten ripped off during this assignment...without MrsBlue at my side, they only have of the team!  She is one amazing lady who is truly the Love of My Life!  I couldn't have dreamed of a better lady in my life and to spend my time with...


The time did go by a little too fast, but we made the most of it.  Just hanging out and walks on the beach...these are the things I cherish the most of the time I spent with MrsBlue.  While the SURFing was great and hanging out with theCrew was phenomenal, it's time with MrsBlue I will miss the most.


What did I ever do to deserve someone as GREAT as MrsBlue?  Who knows????  but I'll gladly take it :)


Time like the past week has me thinking much about the future when MrsBlue and I hang up the Air Force...the time together will be AWESOME...just hanging out together, talking until late into the night and walks...long walks on the beach among other places.  The future is bright as long as MrsBlue is at my side!

Day 228 - Day 10 Session 11 Last Session

Today was the LAST session before I return to the AOR.  I was thinking about a morning session before heading to the airport tomorrow morning, but no need in rushing it...and I am a little tired from all of the surfing over the past 10 days.  But it was well worth it :)

Kelly Slater LOW!!!

The surf was a little small this morning, but they had some 1-2 foot stuff reported a little south of here...I did drive down to check it out, but decided to not drag the board on top of the Smart!  When I finally made it back to thePlace, the wind had changed to on shore (not good) and there was some wind chop.  But do you think the stopped me...I think NOT!  I suited up before an afternoon office call with BEEGEE! 

I knew I had about an hour or so and made the most of it.  Like I said, it was ALL OVER THE PLACE (3 seconds and coming from the east and south wind swells).  I did manage to catch a few decent sets, but found myself in the wrong place most of the time.  I guess this is what happens when ANYTHING goes and you need your surfing fix.  Since I know it will be another 30+ days before my next surf session, I wanted to make the most of it.  

Once again, MrsBlue was more than willing to document my session...not sure this is a good idea since she captures what I really look like vs what I think I look like.  In fact, I see what I need to work on over the next 30 days...staying low, working on the IndoBoard, strengthen my shoulder, strengthen my back.  Biggest thing is quick pop-ups and staying LOW!

Thanks to everyone who made the trip a GREAT event.  My friends and family (MrsBlue) made the trip well worth it!  I couldn't ask for better friends...To Q, Paul, RocketBoy, BEEGEE and Burke...thanks for making surfing FUN!!!!!

Surf session was for...The Birds

If pelicans are floating next to you eating, should you be in the h20?  Can you say BAIT

Mrs Blue...until we see each other in Hawaii!  I can't wait to spend more time with YOU!  You are one amazing woman and I am blessed to be married to you!  Thanks for making the trip...more fun, sun and surf in about 30 days!  

Aloha
143
MiB