Funny!!!!

This was given to me by the Med Group Commander upon my return.  LOL  It's funny :)

I tell you what, I sure miss me some Hawaiian waves.  While myMoana never had any shark bites out of it while I was surfing in the islands, I'm sure there were some around.  As theJudge put it, sharks can smell blood in the water over a mile away...and I know they were closer than that (Rockpile is a little sharky and that's just a little ways away from Kaisers).  However, I would have rented one for that price...$5, that's a lot better than the $25-$35 they wanted on the island.

       . 

It's a small world after all

You won't believe this but I ran into MrHNCC and MrProtocol along with the US Base DV Contingent. Then as I'm walking back after grabbing a bite to eat from Five Guys, I run into the ProtocolMan (Paul Shideler). All are from (or were from) my deployed location.

The US Base DV Contingent is taking our Hosts to a few bases to see how we operate in a mixed ops (fighter and heavies) environment. They looked like they were having fun. MrHNCC and MrProtocol were performing their escort duties like the Pros they are! Smiles and fun all the way! They even ensured our Guests were eating America's Finest Cuisine -- Five Guys Burgers!

As for the ProtocolMan, he is headed to New Orleans so that his wife can become a nationalized American citizen. She is Icelandic by birth! He and his family are making the pilgrimage to get it all squared away!

It's a Small World
It's a Small World
It's a Small World after all!!!!!

Flying High

Well I have been traveling for the past 15 hours. Stops in San Francisco and Washington DC have broken up my legs from Honolulu.

The young lady at the United Airlines counter in Hawaii was AWESOME! She worked really hard to take care of me and ensured my seats were AWESOME! I had an exit row from Honolulu to San Fran and another decent seat (window -- not my preference) to DC. But it was an exit row with only 2 seats in front of me...lots of leg room!

Now the long flight awaits me! It's an Aisle, but not an exit row! But they do have videos at every seat...so better movies (my choice).

I still need to clean up a little before the last leg. Right now, I'm charging all of the e-devices in case I need to watch a surfing video to keep the stoke.

In 15 hours, I should be touching down for my last push. I've been going through emails...work to be done when I return! Good thing for me since that means job security! Believe me, I have plenty of work to get done and not much time left. It will be a fast, neck breaking sprint to the finish of this year long deployment. While I have enjoyed my time in the AOR once again, I'm ready to spend some time with MrsBlue. I realize every time I have to leave her at the airport that I really don't understand why I volunteer for these trips that take me away from her and LilBlue. What am I thinking???

However, I do love myAF and the job I do! No matter what I am doing (IT, computers, people, talking, briefing, Airmen, etc.) I love the BigBlue.

BigBlue has opened opportunities I couldn't have imagined some 24+ years ago. All of this was a pipe dream! Now here I sit, serving in the BEST force worldwide alongside the BEST Airmen anywhere. In fact, these are some smart Dudes! We have Airmen making big decisions each and everyday. These decisions have life changing consequences and they do it with calm and composure. Just talk to a JTAC some day...young and self assured even when under fire.

But it's not just the Airmen, but the leadership. Some of the finest Leaders in the world chose to give up 6 figure incomes to spend countless days away from their loved ones. And what for? A chest full of fruit salad (decorations)? No it is much more of an intangible thing like Patriotism! These Patriots serve to keep us free. It's those 1% of the 1% of the US population that make up the BigBlue. These Warriors (KOA) are the only reason we have Fortune 100 companies and people like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Without Airmen making a small wage with little fanfare, where would these companies be? They do it not because they can't get another job, but because they believe in the United States.

Are you a Patriot? Think about it...what have you sacrificed to make this country great? If you say I'm some MuckiMuck of some big corporation maybe you need to rethink what your contributions to this society really have been.

I remember a friend who served in BigBig for 20+ years and never deployed saying "what have I contributed?.". Well, if you serve or have served in the Armed Services...YOU have contributed!

Thank You Patriots
Man In Blue

Let the journey begin

Today is our last day on the island and we planned to go see and art gallery and the State Capitol.  However, it's Prince SomethingOrOther state holiday and everything is closed.  We only found this out after feeding the parking meeter for 2 hours of park time, walking around downtown to nothing being open, finding a Cupcake place the supposedly rivals Sprinkles in Beverly Hills only to find it was SOLD OUT...did we realize that you don't have to feed a parking meter on Saturdays, Sundays and HOLIDAYs (yes today is that...a holiday)!

But all is good!!!  We were together for the day spending our last few hours together before we depart to three locations again!  We decided to stop by Hilo Hatties (a Honolulu icon store -- it wasn't anything to spend too much time there IMO).  However, it was some place we hadn't been on this trip...and we had some time to kill.

After that we made a final trip to Hickam BX and Pearl Habor NEX for some last minute items (goodie food for the trip).  As we started toward to the airport to drop off MrsBlue and LilBlue (they were flying out a little earlier than I was), we got notified that their flight from Honolulu to Dallas was delayed for...SNOW!  Who would have thought.  We did see that OhMyGod Omaha had snow last night, but Dallas delayed for snow!!!!  That's why MrsBlue chose AA as a carrier so that they wouldn't have weather issues in March!  However, this allowed us to spend another few precious hours together as a family.

During our trip to the BX, we purchase new rings since we are celebrating our 25th Anniversary on this vacation!  MrsBlue picked out a nice Hawaiian sterling silver ring and I picked out a Titanium inlayed with Koa wood...BOTH are beautiful and something for us to keep for years to remember this trip.  While I love my ring, I wish I could have figured out how to keep myMoana!!!  Oh well, I'm over that (well kind of)...LOL

We are now sitting at the USO Honolulu awaiting out boarding of the planes.  We all leave within 30 minutes of each other.  However, I have another day of travel to get to my destination.

MrsBlue is working on the finances, LilBlue is ready magazines and here I sit (MiB) typing on my blog!!!  I really need to get a life!

This will be my last blog until I return to my undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.  I'm sure I'll have more stories to tell about this trip as well as new stories of my deployment.  However, time is running short on the deployment...only 83 days left before I return home (where ever that is) to be with MrsBlue once again!

Things to remember:

- Family time is ALWAYS great time

- LilBlue is all grown up...where did the time go?  (oh yeah, I was deployed a lot of it)

- MrsBlue is the BESTEST wife...I am so blessed to have her

- If taking a vacation, find someplace closer...half way around the world is a little far to go (but if Uncle Sam is paying for the tickets...go for it)

Until my next trip to Hawaii, ALOHA!  I will miss the island experience, the surf, sun and FUN!  

Why I'm not in the PA career field - A video I shot of the Vaca...simply AMAZING

Well, if you watch this video you'll understand why my blog doesn't have more photos (or videos).  This is my wonderful videographer capabilities.  Try to stay with the shot!!!!

 

Going, Going, Gone

One more day before it's back to work (or at least traveling back to work).
The time with MrsBlue and LilBlue has gone by TOO fast. I can't believe I have been in Hawaii for two weeks! It seems like I just got here!

We have done a lot and checked out the island...there are so many beautiful places here that I could spend years looking at and enjoying this place. However, MrsBlue thinks it's costly to be here with gas prices at over $4 per gallon, avocados at $2.79 each and red peppers at $4.98 each... Also, soda was twice the price of stateside!

Also, my Hawaiian surfboard is now GONE as well...I feel so so so NAKED without her....like I'm a tourist or something!

It's kind of interesting how the selling of the surfboard went down. We posted the ad with pictures on Honolulu Craigslist at 0930 and took down the ad by 0940! Yes, it was only up 10 minutes and would have been even shorter if I could have deleted it faster. Before we could get the ad to load on my computer, we had a text message and within 5 minutes I had over 8 calls. Caller number 3 was the lucky winner and was ready to come get it right away. However, I needed one last session with my girl "myMoana" so that LilBlue could surf in Hawaii. So I told the guy we'd meet at 1500 and LilBlue and I headed to Queens for a few smaller waves.

Well, LilBlue got up a few times on the board...I was a little worried since myMoana is a little "skatey"! However, she decided only a few waves were good enough and we called it a day! Great she surfed Hawaii!
When we made it back for the rendezvous with Brandon (the buyer), I thought we were heading out for some covert op! We had a plan in case something went wrong with the "transaction". The plan was I would go out and wait for Brandon to show while MrsBlue and LilBlue would hang back and watch! If something happened, we would have multiple groups in pursuit! Yeah, some cloak and dagger for selling myMoana, but she is beautiful and you never know with buyers on Craigslist deals!

We decided to meet at the Volleyball courts on Waikiki Beach and Brandon showed up on a skateboard. Dude, this guy was a LOCAL!!! He did a cursory look at the board, asked if I would take less and then handed over the money...transaction complete...myMoana was now GONE. A new rider for the rest of her life!

It was interesting while I had myMoana. Several times, including the day I let her go, people commented on how beautiful she was with the triple stringer and glassed on fins. MyMoana was no "rental board". She was my pride and joy! I even considered how to ship her back with me but knew MrsBlue wouldn't go for that. It would have cost me more to ship her home than I paid for her...a No Go from the Get Go!

The vaca is just about over. One last day of relaxing before heading our separate ways as a fam! MrsBlue to MO, LilBlue to NE and me to my undisclosed location! Only 90 days before we are reunited once again who knows where!

This has been an adventure in blue (blue waters, blue sky, with the blue family).

Aloha and Mahalo!!!!

Another Reef Injury

My feet have been taking a beating since arriving.  Today was no different.  

Tide was out during today's surf session.  At times, I think the water was less than 2 feet deep in places!!!! Here's what my foot looks like after hitting the reef.

BTW: I don't think it attracted any sharks even though you see blood...I didn't see blood in the lineup!!!!

Mahalo
\m/

Wonderful Wednesday -- meeting an old friend and Aloha swap meet

We met up with an old friend this morning for breakfast!  He works the night shift and it was the best time that worked into our busy and dwindling schedule.  

MrsBlue was checking her iPhone all night long waiting for KJs words fora GO!  I finally checked the BB at 0700 and there was the response email.  Everyone was still in bed and we had to be at Hickam in less than 30 minutes.  If you know Hawaii traffic, you know this is mission impossible!

But we made a go of it and I really didn't speed to get there but we made it to see KJ on base!!!!!  Only a little late.

It was awesome seeing KJ -- same old guy we remember from 20 years ago.  Still a great guy who is great to be around--someone who lifts your spirits :)

We talked about old times and current events in our lives.  He's retiring this May...another one leaves the BigBlue :(

After our breakfast and uplifting get together, we went to the Aloha Swap Meet at the Aloha Stadium.  It was fun looking for some "stuff"!  What we found was an ice-cold coconut!!

Another surf session this afternoon at Kaisers.  It was a little less crowded at first, but the strong winds made it really not to much fun...but it was surfing :). I guess I will need to list my board on Craigslist tomorrow.  If I don't sell it some Airman at Hickam will become it's owner for FREE!

Another good day but time is coming to a close for this trip. I'm not ready to leave the family just yet.  Good thing we only have 90 days left before we are together again.

Terrific Tuesday -- ChaChing

What a day today...

This morning we started off the day a little later than normal since we were heading to SeaLife Park for LilBlue to ride the dolphins :) Let me tell you, this ain't no cheap adventure. Even though we picked up the tickets from base, everything else was FULL price!!! After checking in, we found out that all of the other participants had cancelled or attended the previous day, so this was going to be a LilBlue ONLY event. However, at the last minute, some rich divorced father trying to show his daughter some love for being absent all the time, ponied up the $220 x 2 (daughter and father tickets) to join LilBlue in the tank. However, the trainer got the info a little late and had already started the time in the water with LilBlue, so she got an extra 15 minutes with the dolphins.

It was a great event for LilBlue since she got to get a foot push and ride two dolphins along with swimming with them.

As I mentioned, this was an expensive day...since we HAD to have photos and the DVD of the event!!! I'm not complaining since LilBlue LOVED it and I can't justify anything after buying a surfboard while I was here...again no complaining for this once in a lifetime adventure for LilBlue.

We ended the day as we have many days here in Hawaii...going to the beach, surfing followed immediately with a trip to the Hot Tub. I think LilBlue is getting spoiled having the hot tub every night. I know I am and I may have to speak with the Pool Staff when I return to my "undisclosed location" since the hut tub has not been working for a few months!

Tomorrow is a big day as well. We plan to see KJ (Kevin Johnson) who is an Airman from back in my 3rd Herd days. He's stationed at Hickam...who does he know? It's been 20 years since we have seen him!!!!

Mahalo...for the great day!!!!

Snorkeling - a 1st

Today we finally got lilBlue over to do some snorkeling. It started out a little "iffy" but turned out in the long term.

Telling lilBlue about sea urchins and other creatures made her a little apprehensive with touching the reef. We also didn't go out in the sandy area which contributed to her "I don't like this" attitude. It took quite a while for her to get over it and let me pull her around the bay. The second dip was much better!!! We saw lots of cool fish and especially the state fish (trigger or Humuhumunukunukuapua'a).

A first for lilBlue...
- snorkeling
- snorkeling in Hawai'i
- seeing the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a fish
- seeing a large multicolored fish (name unknown but it was BIG)

Makes you think

Today was suppose to be a day of snorkeling, but with wind and rain on the windward side of the island we decided to head west...and went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial.  We got to see the USS Arizona and Mighty MO!  We also went on the USS Bowfin...a submarine who took the fight to the enemy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. (http://www.bowfin.org/) 

The visit really hit home thinking about all of those lost lives in such a short time.  Made me think of the countless Fallen Warrior ceremonies that pass through our station!!!  Also, it made me grateful I have not paid the ultimate sacrifice myself...

Here's a picture of the USS Arizona Memorial...

After returning from the morning tours, we hit the beach.  My girls laid out and I went surfing at Kaisers.  It's very interesting when there is more water over your head than under your board.  Exciting and dangerous all at the same time.  Makes you want to stay on the board even more!  I had a few good waves, but it was crowded and hard to maneuver around all of the surfers.  But I had some fun :)

BTW: there are about 125 AFA cadets here on a sponsor base trip during Spring Break.  A few were on the beach this afternoon and in the hot tub tonight.  Interesting crew...fun, talkative and intoxicated (somewhat).  During our time at the hot tub, they had everyone entering tell -- where you were born, where you live now and you story!  It made the hot tub very enlightening.

My Girl's

Today, I spent some much needed time with my girls!

We started off the day a little later than normal and headed toward the North Shore. The idea was to go by the Dole Plantation, see some sights along the North Shore and get pie at Ted's Bakery. Well, we made it to all that but the rain kept coming and kind of put a damper on the day. So we decided to come back to Waikiki and enjoy some sun!

This is the two ladies gather some rays. I thought about hitting the surf, but decided against it!

'lilBlue has arrived :)

'lilBlue has arrived in the Hawaiian Islands!

When arrived, the first thing she did was update Facebook!!

However, we were ready to receive our little lady and we lei'd her with fresh flower leis from Maunakea's Lei Shop in Chinatown. It is suppose to be world famous and the Leis are BEAUTIFUL! MrsBlue got Leis for all of us...yes even MiB had a Lei.

Another day of surf

Today was another GREAT day! It started off nice and slow with an easy morning of hanging out at the beach. MrsBlue was glad to head to the beach to lay out, but only a few minutes of "sitting" and I couldn't take it anymore...there was surf going off and I needed to part of it. So, I grabbed the board and paddled out to the lineup.

This was a repeat surf spot (Kaisers...it think). The lineup was crowded and I tried to stay out of the way of the locals. When one started yelling and cursing, I was afraid it was at me...but it was at another local (I think in jest about going right or left).

The wind was once again blown out and stiff...however, I wasn't going to let this deter me one bit. I caught several waves during the 2+ hours in the lineup. I need more surf!!!

Memories of the day --
- watching a coral reef speed by as you ride a wave only feet from danger
- island pineapple cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory is to die for
- relaxing at the beach is so much more fun than running around the island
- who do I need to know to get a job HERE?

One Week

Correction to yesterday's post...we didn't go for noodles last night. It was a little far over to the location and rush hour so we chose to hang around the hotel. It was great to just lounging around for the evening...we even went to Starbucks to hijack some free WiFi and clean up some of our email accounts. It has been great not being so connected. I wish I could just throw these electronic devices in the ocean...that would make me smile.

Today marks the one week point for our time in beautiful Hawaii.

It was a little windy, but we made the most of it. We started the day off with a little stop at Leonard's Bakery for there famous pastry -- Malasadas and Paodoce. Our malasadas was filled with coconut cream (yum yum).

After a short stop for breakfast, we made our way to snorkel at Hanauma Bay. With the winds up, the water was a little cloudy and the surf was choppy, but that didn't hold us back. MrsBlue gets a little chilled in the water so - tried to get her to wear my spring suit, but she wasn't up for that. Instead, she shivers all the while we are viewing fish... This mornings viewing was once again amazing. We saw the state fish -- Humuhumunukunukuapuaa .... A Long name for a small fish ... as well as so many others. We even had this pink and blue fish go by which really caught our eye as well as the LARGE colorful fish. Who would ever have thought we could see so many beautiful fish in a few feet of eater!

After that, we took a short drive to find a spot which is called the Blowhole Overlook. We had been by this spot before, but missed seeing where the water comes up through this hole in the rocks which looks like a blowhole. However, today with the wind and crashing waves, it was very visible.

We then were in search of the Toilet Bowl...but even with the help of MrsBlue's handy dandy iPhone GPS app we couldn't locate the spot. Guess we'll try to find it again some other day.

After getting back and cleaning up, we headed to Chinatown for some noodles...the food was great! I would totally recommend the Little Village Noodle House. The area is a little "interesting". We even took a stroll down through the market area!

I closed out the day with a little surf session at a new spot. It was once again a LONG paddle out and the strong off shore/side winds made it almost impossible to catch a wave. I had to be aggressive and with a shallow coral reef, unknown waters and a long way back to shore, I chose to hold back. I finally did catch a few, but not as many as I should have. The waves were shoulder high and some a little bigger, but I should have been willing to go 4 it and would have caught more. I was tired after the session since the wind was so strong. Not as fun as the previous sessions, but still surfed.

Finally, we hit the hot tub to finish off the night!

Tomorrow is another day and it begins week 2! BTW 'lilBlue arrives on Friday.

Mahalo

Tuesday in Hawaii -- what to do?

NOTHING silly, I'm in Hawaii!!!!

This morning we awoke with a plan top find another snorkeling spot...we drove over to another bay only to find NO ONE there. Since we weren't too adventurous to go out, we headed back and decided to wait until tomorrow for the REAL DEAL (again).

Then we headed down for a little time at the beach. Boy, it's warm here. I can only last about an hour or so before I need to head to the shade. As we were lying there, I noticed some groups going for a surf. Would have like top join them, but no need...I can wait a day!

We are back right now in the room to clean up and head to Chinatown for some world famous Noodles!

Still loving it, but time is beginning to escape me. Soon, I'll be back in the AOR far far away from paradise.

Tonight's paddle out

Day 5 -- Did I Remind you I'm in Hawaii

HI --- That's the abbreviation for the state of Hawaii. What a coolio abbreviation!

Today' activity included -- A hike to see a Lighthouse, an hour at the beach, a drive around the island (North Shore had high surf warnings), a sunset surf session, Hot Tub and a walk around Waikiki for window shopping...

Let me see, what was the MOSTEST Fun? Just hanging out with MrsBlue all day. If this is what I have to look forward to in retirement, Sign Me UP!!!

It has been great just hanging out and enjoying the days together...no agenda (well not really, but we do make plans...that's the way MrsBlue is wired).

The hike this morning was fun. MrsBlue said it was only a mile, so I thought, no need for anything but flip flops were called for on the feet! A little mistake...it was a LOT longer an a mile! However, we had several whale sightings along the hike and also saw the cool Makapuu lighthouse. We still need to make it back to Barbers Point to see that lighthouse! This was well worth the hike in flip flops...but it was more of a workout than I was expecting.

Then we headed for Kailua beach and had fun "people watching". There was this one family that really got us tickled when they decided to rent canoes and a SUP. I did a little commentary for the sequence of events that followed...we are lucky they all didn't drown or get lost at sea. The 12 year old boy had the darnedest time trying to get that SUP to go...anywhere. At the same time, the waves were dumping over the canoes with the father and daughter as well an Mom. It was a Clampett's Go To Hawaii moment!

I did enjoy the Sunset Surf session, but let me tell you the paddle out was LONG...this ain't no quick paddle, catch a wave, surf and you're done. No, it's a workout just to get to the surf break. Then you surf and when all tired out, you think...okay, time to go in. But that's when you realize you still have a long paddle back to shore. Tonight I paddled out and almost didn't make it in time before the sun went down. On the way out, two Outrigger Canoes almost ran me down as they tried to catch a wave. I thought I was a goner. However, I got a few waves in before it went dark. Then I had the long paddle back to find MrsBlue sitting on the beach waiting in the dark for me to arrive.

Anyhow ---- Great Day!!!!

Snorkeling photo

This is snorkeling...Hawaiian style

Snorkling

Today I thought I would let MrsBue sleep in. However, the best laid plans don't normally work out! The family next door have an infant who chose to be our alarm clock this morning with wailing and crying baby.

So, let's change plans and head to Hanauma Bay...let me just day Gorgeous!!!! Since the bay had been closed for 2 days due to the tidal surges from the Tsunami, we weren't sure today would be a go!!!

We arrived around 0730 and had our little Don't Touch the Reef brief and we were off for some snorkeling.

I wasn't sure how MrsBlue would do in this environment, but she's a real trooper. I couldn't talk her into going out past the reef break, but we saw some cool fish and plenty of them. The water was a little cool and MrsBlue was covered in goose bumps, so around 1000 we headed to shore for a little sun to warm up. It was a good choice since streams of people were arriving and churning up the water.

Now we're off to breakfast at Wailana Coffee House!

Surf Session #1

Early morning today...couldn't sleep with a new surfboard in my room calling me to the water. So I had to oblige!!! Got up for a DawnPatrol on the new board.

It was a little scary when the guy next to me is paddling out with a...HELMET on! What's up with that? Didn't know I needed protective equipment for this sport... It's not like snowboarding or race car driving!

However, I quickly got over this fear as I paddle out into the line up. Only thing was, I saw LOTs of REEF (read this a rocks). Not sure how to surf through this stuff...too used to beach breaks in Florida.

Well, soon after arriving in the line up, I catch my first wave. Wasn't sure what to expect with the feel of the new board...it's fast and loose. As a thruster longboard, I felt it was a little "racey", but I made it up for a shirt little ride. The ride wasn't the interesting part....it was the reef only 18 inches under the surface when I came off the board. Landed right on the lower part of my back hard on the rocks. OUCH! But of course I paddle back out into the line up and adjusted a little to the left where a few others guys were at.

The next wave was much better...rode it a while longer, but didn't fall off...

Let me tell you, knowing the reef is only a few inches away, adjusts your mental thinking on making the wave! For sure, you want to stay on top of the wave.

As I continued to reposition myself in the line up, I saw whales jumping out of the water a little further out to sea. WOW, what a site to see. Since MrsBlue was on surfer watch patrol this morning, I was hoping she saw the whales (something on her bucket list). I also, watched the sun come up out there in the line up...beautiful!

Well, time ran out for the session, so I wanted ONE more wave. No luck, so I paddled in. That's a little interesting as well. As you did in during paddling, my hands hit the reef...worried me a little with the fins of the board (would the drag, would I knock one of my glassed fins off on day one, what's the best way in, etc.) Were going through my mind.

What a way to start the day...surfing, whale watching and a sunrise! I think I could learn to like this place!!!!

DawnPatrol New Board

It's 0610 on Saturday morning and headed out for a dawn patrol...have the spouse awake (oops), but she's happy to be with me. I think she may come along to watch :)

First Hawaiian session on Day 3...

\m/
MiB

Taking the board home

Let the surfing begin

It has been a crazy time coming on this Hawaiian vacation.  

It all started with my bags taking an European vacation in Germany.  Still after 2 days, I have not clothes...

Then last night, we had the Tsunami Warning.  I stayed up until the waves arrived at the island...uneventful!  Good thing.  But really, the hourly giant voice updates kept getting in the way of sleep.

Now, today, went looking for a surfboard since the daily rate is $25...too costly.  I am now the proud owner of a  9'8" glassed on thruster!  All I need is wax and a leash, but tomorrow starts the surfing sessions...mornings should be good.

Got to love a wife who allows this!!!!

\m/

Day 1-- Hawaiii a day S

It's already been an adventure! Lost luggage, 4 rooms the first night and NOW...a Tsunami Watch.

Oh, the S is...
Surf
Sushi
Tsunami

Day 263 - Ready for R&R

In about 13 hours, I will be on a jet plane making my way to Hawaii.  It will take me 8,674 miles, if I went the short way (that would be East).  However, I'm going WEST for this trip and spending about 36+ hours flying and waiting for planes (I may be off on the calculation since it's all in one day).  But it will be a LONG flight!

MrsBlue is SOOOOOOO excited about this trip.  psssss   I AM too!  I can't wait to get to Hawaii and see MrsBlue.  This R&R will probably be the best vacation we have taken in a long time.  Much needed and wanted.  

I will also get to see 'lilBlue next week.  It will do my heart good to have the family together after spending so much time apart.  

Finally, I get to see the Pacific Ocean and check out the waves.  

Priorities after I arrive:
- HUG MrsBlue 
- Get a room (for sleeping)
- Take MrsBlue for a walk on the beach
- Check out the North Shore
- SURF!!!
 (yeah, surfing has taken a back seat, but don't kid yourself, I will get to it during the trip)

Day 260 - Great seeing Great People

It is once again the time for friends to visit my location.  Yes, we have all of the DVs in town that you can shake a stick at.  In fact, so many Chiefs running around, I can't see straight and all of them have an opinion on how I am doing...Got to LOVE 'em! 

Really, it's great having them in town for a few days to see how we live here.  I know many of them have some rotten living conditions and this is like Shangri La.  I do believe we have some great facilities and they are reminding me every 5 minutes.  Too bad they don't realize the IRON we place overhead on a daily basis...too much to count and more than any of them!  However, I'm okay with the "ribbing"!!!!  It keeps me honest!

The BEST event was yesterday when an old Commander I hadn't seen in a few years happened to be in town for the event as well.  I was totally taken off guard when he walked up to me in a crowd of Chiefs and gave me the BIGGEST hug to say hello!  I felt....HONORED since I have such a deep respect for this gentleman!  

Then tonight, we had a little social and "Rev" came over and said hello again.  It was good to catch up with him a little and hear how the family is doing.  In fact, it's nice to find out where the family will be while he is deployed...  You won't believe it, but he is relocating the family to Omaha Nebraska!!!!  A place they fell in love with while stationed there.  In fact, it looks like this could be their retirement location of the future!  

It made my heart jump for joy to have a LEADER like this one take the time to come over and talk!  Boy, I would love to work for him...any time, any place.  WOW!!!!!!  Real leaders are hard to come by, but this one is just that a REAL LEADER!!!!