Man in Blue (aka MiB)

Surfing is SAFE...even if there are Men in Grey Suits out there

2012-02-12T20:40:00.002-05:00

I found the article on Texas Surfing and the pictures below the article really told the story!!!!

So I am republishing the photos here...in order....

Offutt...Loved being On It!!!

2012-02-02T18:45:00.001-05:00

Well, the trip to Offutt was divine! First, I stepped off the plane and I ran into the STRATCOM Protocol who is a friend and spouse of an old CMSgt friend. It was a pleasant surprise to see someone I knew! Sandy did a great job taking care of our Keystone group.

It only got better...next I ran into Jen...a former Admin NCO from Offutt. It was good seeing her and now she works for the Command Sgt Major!!! Look at these folks moving up!

Sandy, Jen, and me, of course!

Finally, I got to see LilBlue :). This was the best treat and getting to spend just a few hours with her made my soul well! I am continually amazed at how GREAT this little lady has grown up! With very little help from me, she has turned into a wonderful young lady. Thanks MrsBlue...you did good rearing our daughter when I was the absent father serving in TheBlue! I missed so much and wish she was closer! That means TheBigO is still a player in retirement...even if it is cold (10+ inches of snow predicted for tomorrow).

We are now headed back to DC where our trip finishes out! Good thing cause I'm ready to get home.

I very much enjoyed this professional development...but it has got me to thinking. What's next??? Where am I headed? I do enjoy serving, but think getting really close to that time of moving up or moving on! I'm ready to tackle the challenges of the CSEL world...I really want a NAF, MAJCOM or other CSEL job! But who knows...not me said the ManInBlue!!!!

Yogurt

2012-02-01T21:36:00.001-05:00

Eating OrangeLeaf...Yummers

2012-02-01T21:35:00.001-05:00

LilBlue took me to a yogurt (like ice cream) place...like I need it! But it was yummers :)

Offutt

2012-02-01T18:05:00.001-05:00

I've arrived...

So EXCITED!!!!!

2012-02-01T16:56:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited and I can't hide it!!!

I'm so excited because.....

I get to see LilBlue TONIGHT!!!!! We are flying into Offutt (on the plane right now). Then it's off to a social and then see LilBlue.

It will do my heart some good to spend the evening with my wonderful daughter. She always makes me smile ;)

Looking forward to seeing her.....

From Miami to St Louis

2012-01-31T18:04:00.001-05:00

We have arrived in America's Heartland! East St Louis, Illinois...or better yet, Scott AFB home of TRANSCOM.

We had our briefings at SOUTHCOM today and quickly departed on our charter flight (via AirTrans) to Scott AFB. Tonight we will have a little BBQ Social and then maybe, just maybe, I'll get some work done!
Time is now running short on our trip around the COCOMs...we didn't get to hit them all, but the ones we did were very enlightening. It was nice to get an better understanding of some of the mission sets...would have been really nice to go to Europe or PACOM...but you know...the budget cuts.
Tomorrow we have more discussions and briefings on TRANSCOM...the command that move people and stuff (military equipment) around the world...whenever and wherever needed.
Then it's off to OFFUTT where I'll get to see LilBlue. I'm so excited to see her! It's only been a few weeks since she was in LA for the holidays, but I miss her being around! LilBlue needs to spend MORE time with her parents...hopefully, the social tomorrow night will be quick so that I can escape a little early. More time with LilBlue.
Looking forward to tomorrow, but really looking forward to getting home to MrsBlue....I miss her!

Digs in Miami

2012-01-30T17:54:00.000-05:00

You can't make this stuff up!!! Last night's accommodations left a LOT to be desired and then you get this spacious plush HUGE bungalow tonight. I think I'm going to like Miami!!!! Too bad we're only here for the night and a few hours tomorrow.

We are headed down to Bay Side tonight for dinner on our own. So it's take a short break right now and then off to catch the bus...hopefully tonight will be an early night to get some sleep. If not, I'll catch some ZZZZ's on the plane ride to Scott AFB tomorrow afternoon.
Livin' the dream...what a great opportunity to be on this trip :)

Key West

2012-01-30T07:40:00.001-05:00

Headed back to the US from GITMO and landed in Key West. Oh, how I love being in Florida. Who wouldn't love Palm Trees and 80 degree weather in January!!!
While I didn't get any surf in, I did enjoy the warm ocean breeze.

After getting to the hotel around 1900, some of the Fellows decided to go for a 5 mile run out to the dive school. It was a dark run along the road and I thought the road would end on the way out. As usual with Type A personalities, we had those (including me) who had to run at the front of the pack. But as usual, you quickly realize there is always someone fast (and slower) than you! On the first mile back (if the road painting was right) we ran a 6:20 mile pace. Way too fast for this old guy!!!! Especially when you have been eating way too much. Also, I'm feeling it a little this morning with the lower legs hurting (shin splints seem to be starting...wrong shoes I guess).

The route was nice and I had the chance to see FamCamp...it was "packed" with RVs. I think this could be one of those destinations we find the AdventureAfterBlue coming to!

Then we all decided to head down to the famous Duval Street. We weren't sure what would be happening on a Sunday evening. The place was hopping and lots of people roaming around. While we did drop by "Sloppy Joes" bar, we picked a nice little pizza joint to eat and people watch. So you know...that's always fun people watching especially when they have been drinking.

Finally, it's up this morning after another short night. We are off to see JIATF (Joint InterAgency Task Force South. Looking forward to another day of briefs and learning about being JOINT! Then it's off to Miami this evening!!! May have to have a fru fru drink there!

Mahalo AF...lovin' this trip!!!

Gitmo

2012-01-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

WOWZA...
Today was a great day for the Keystone Fellows. It was up early to load the bus at 0445 to drive over the Langley for our charter flight to Gitmo, CUBA!!! Yeah, we were headed to Gitmo to see detainee ops, up front and personal.
After the three hour flight we arrived to a little warm 80+ degree heat at Gitmo. Then it was a little ferry ride over to the main part of the base and some intro briefs. Good overview of the ops from the Admiral...
However, the highlight was visiting the courthouse and Area V and VI to see how we handle the detainees. Note: it's detainees and not prisoners...for a $37M facility, not too bad!
In fact, very NICE!!! We had a tour of two of the facilities and got to see how great our Guards (Army and Navy) were taking care of this important mission. You can rest assured that our Armed Forces are doing it RIGHT! No matter what you hear in the news, I have seen it first hand (or eyeball) and we are taking good care of the detainees.
Now we are back in flight headed to Key West Florida. I hope to see some waves, but who knows! If I could find a surfboard, I think I'd give some night surfing a try. We'll see, but I'm not holding my breath. A few of the Fellows want to go for a run when we get to the hotel...good thing cause I need it!!! Been eating Way Too Much!

The Wheels on the Bus...

2012-01-25T18:08:00.001-05:00

So we finished up today with our time DC at the Pentagon. In fact, the SEAC was with us all day long.
But now we are headed to Suffolk VA for the JOM (Joint Operation Module) training. It's a few days of JTF training which should be fun with some scenario based groups.

These photos are of some of the Joint SELs as we stop at Golden Corral for dinner. It wasn't too bad and hit the spot. Best part of the trip from DC to VA was the nap I got! I didn't get much sleep last night because I've been "thinking" about some "things". Hopefully, tonight I'll make up for the lack of sleep last night.

Ribs and Spar

2012-01-19T22:59:00.001-05:00

It's not pretty but it's slowly coming together. As MrsBlue says it's kind of like putting together a model airplane. However, I am having some fun doing this. Only thing is...I need better tools to do this RIGHT, but this is test run #1!

Lazy weekend

2011-12-11T22:07:00.001-05:00

This weekend saw no NEW movement on the SUP building. Why you may ask??? Well, I was just being lazy! In fact, it's Sunday and we (yes...MrsBlue and I) never got out of bed nor did we get dressed. Well...technically, we did get out of bed to get some food and perform various little things around the house, but we didn't do ANYTHING and it was NICE!

You may ask, how could someone just lay around in their PJs all day long and not do anything... Well, it's much easier to do than you can imagine. In fact, we took a few little naps throughout the day. I'm not sure what's up, but we just seem to be exhausted right now.

Exhaustion...I'm sure this has nothing to do with our Party Hopping everyone weekend to all of the unit parties. We have been driving around the town, stopping by to wish our holiday best's to all of those in attendance. I will say that several of the units have done quite well with prizes and gifts. I believe most of them have over $1500 in give aways...multiply that by all of the units...equals loads of money!

Also, we had several messages and calls with the Gman today. He's doing a lot of things including the moving (from the sale of his house) and trying to find new employment. Today we knocked off several things on the ToDo list...Resume rewritten--check, Cover Letter written--check, etc. Lord willing, he'll have a job offer soon and be on the road to a new career! I wish him the best in making the transition from his "home grown" entrepreneur plans and moving on to large scale businesses and companies. These Big Businesses offer some stability in regards to pay and benefits.

Hopefully, tomorrow the Gman will have good news and a new JOB!

Eye Opening

2011-12-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

There is nothing worse that realizing how "inadequate" you really are! This week I found out that I'm NOT "all that"! In fact, I'm not sure what I am!

I thought after 25 years of service in the Air Force, I would be someone who could easily walk out of the Air Force some day and land a job. However, as I continue to review my "skills" I find that I have really atrophied in my Technology Skills. I guess I'm a manager...but of what? I guess I manage "details"!!!! But not really sure what I am doing or how this relates to my life after the Air Force.

Therefore, I guess I'm going to need to go back to school!!!! I need to refresh my skills and plan for what I want to do in the future. I thought at this point in my life, I would be ready for the impending change of profession, but I not there. At least I'm not ready to make the transition since I need to get back into the books and learn some more IT!

I was always a generalist...now I need to be a specialist! What to specialize in??? HMMMM

Looks like I have the next 5 years to figure out what skills I need to learn to make myself marketable!

Cement and Surfing...does this really go together

2011-12-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I finally found some time to do a little work on the Surfboard Shaping Stands (SSS). The first thing was to get the upright pieces in the bucket with some cement. I figured using 40 pounds of QuickCrete was going to be easy...not so much. I had to mix up the mix by had and I was doing it in on...

After I started "mixing" the quickcrete, I quickly found myself having a few problem: 1) the bucket was not large enough to mix 40 pounds of this stuff and get it mixed properly, 2) I needed more water...3 pints was NOT enough water to make this stuff mix up, 3) I was making a mess quickly...and had cement going everywhere, 4) planning is the key to making it work RIGHT the first time...you know measure twice and cut once -- same thing goes for quickcrete.

But MrsBlue was quick to point out, she could have helped and also provided some "pointers" about what I should have done...wish I would have had that BEFORE I started :) But I always love the feedback MrsBlue provides...it's always SpotOn!

If the quickcrete sets up by tomorrow, I should have the stands assembled and ready for use. Then I'll need to figure out what I'm doing to use for the spare and ribs??? I haven't found any 1/4 inch marine grade plywood around here...guess I'll make a stop by the local boat dealer to see what they have! Maybe I'll have some luck there. The local Home Depot and Lowes ain't making it happen for me.

Here are the pictures of the stuff I put together tonight...

Buckets with quickcrete...the tape is for leveling

Drill it!

Pieces Parts together with screws

BTW: CHANGE in the air!

What SUP - let the building begin

2011-11-27T21:09:00.001-05:00

Today, I finally got off the couch and have started a new adventure (read this a project). This adventure is another Adventure in Blue, but it will be blue water and not Blue AF.

This adventure all started with "Q"and his brother, "P". When I was departing the fav local of Cocoa Beach, I had the opportunity to see a Hollow Wood Surfboard in action. Then again in January of this year, I got another glimpse of the famed Hollow Wood surf machine in action, when "Q" showed off his wooden Longboard...yes he owns a hollow wooden longboard and it's a beauty!! However, he only surfed it a little while because of a crack in the glass and she was taking on water.

So I had the bite and wanted to have me one. Over the past 15 months I have researched on the net for a way to "build" my own surfboard. I have looked at hollow wooden surfboards, DIY Home Depot pink/blue foam boards, kits, EZ-foam blanks and every other possibility. However, I keep coming back to those beautiful hollow wood surfing machines.

I think I may become close friends with Lowes or Home Depot during this project...today we made the first deposit on some basic items...

So today, I started with getting the pieces/parts for building the Shaping&Glassing stands. I am still looking for the materials to build the rib&spars for my hollow wood behemoth of a 11 foot 6 inch SUP (standup paddleboard). I have used the starting shape from a 9 foot 3 inch PIG longboard and made it longer and wider.

Some supplies for the Shaping Stands

The 9'3" PIG dims are:
Length - 9'3"
Width - 22 9/16"
Thickness - 3"
Volume: 71.25 litres
Tail: width 16 1/2" x thickness 1 3/4"
Center: width 22 1/2" x thickness 2 15/16"
Nose: width 16 1/4" x thickness 1 1/2"

The "BigBlue" SUP dims are:
Length - 11'6"
Width - 30 3/4"
Thickness - 4 1/4"
Volume: 169.89 litres
Tail: width 20 5/16" x thickness 2 1/16"
Center: width 30 3/4" x thickness 4 1/4"
Nose: width 20 3/8" x thickness 1 5/8"

After I assemble the Shaping Stands, I'll need to get the 1/4" marine grade plywood for the rib and spars. Didn't realize that it was going to be so tough to get some of the materials. Once I have the Rib and Spars together, I'll need to make a trip to Ikea for some paulownia blinds...yeah I know, crazy but you can supposedly get a set of blind at Ikea to surface the board...going to give it a try.

The biggest challenge I see is the shaping/building the rails. This still scares me a LOT!!!! Not sure if I will get this right and the buildup is strips or solid design. Still thinking through this.

Then comes the glassing of the SUP. New ground for me, but I think I can do it. I plan to practice a little before putting glass on the board.

Wish me luck. This will be a LONG term project...no need in speeding through this!!!!

Mahalo to all of the websites and diagrams I could find on the net. While I think a "kit" would have been the best way to start this, I want to give it a go...so here we GO!

MiB

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T17:35:00.001-05:00

Thankfulness is something to behold. I am very thankful to be HOME this year. Also, it's nice to be hanging out doing NOTHING!!!!!

Really, there are many things to be thankful for and being with MrsBlue is only one (but it's a big one).

Thankful for:
- LilBlue -- she's grown into such a wonderful young lady...I'm loved and love her SOOOO much!
- MrsBlue -- she still loves me even when my brain is stuck on SURFING (Mahalo) I'm not sure how she does it, but MrsBlue is an AWESOME "teammate"
- BigBlue -- for giving me a job. Who knows how long I'll stay Blue, but it has provided so many opportunities
- TheJudge -- great to have a friend who enjoys talking about surf as much as I do...you are a real friend and lifesaver (you kept me sane for a year)
- RocketMan -- he taught me to surf and LOVE it...you have changed my life
- BEEGEE - for being a leader who is REAL...you can be a GO and still be down to earth...stay this way
- Fitness -- (this one's a stretch) but I did get a 100 on my PT test this week. I think I need to reward the young Airman who did my waist measurement...I asked him to be sure it was within the tolerance...he measured it 3 times and each was G2G (good2go)

.

Game Night

2011-11-12T10:32:00.001-05:00

Last night was a FUN night in the neighborhood! We went over to play "games". The game was "The Game of Things"!

At first, it started as thinking for real, but quickly turned to some of the CRAZIEST comments and THINGS... It was fun hanging out and playing this game!

While I'm not a big game player. In fact, I find it to be very little fun playing games. In my mind, what a waste of time. However, since arriving here, we have had two games nights with our new "friends"! I guess I better get used to it...looks like a games location that I'll have to keep playing.

The "Roseeees"

AMMO Man

Old School

2011-10-28T12:19:00.001-04:00

Love wearing my 1st field jacket...it still fits and looks good as a surfer jacket

Mahalo
\m/

Barksdale AFB Airman Leadership School Graduation

2011-10-25T23:35:00.001-04:00

Here are the Reeves (him and her). Both graduated from ALS tonight. She took home some "wood"! They are both assigned to the MUNS...

MUNS had a good night with 3 of their 8 graduates getting an award!!! Way to go AMMO!!!!

This was our First ALS here...they did a good job. Only some minor teaks needed. We'll work it later. I know MrsBlue will be giving me a list of things they need to work on. It's nice to have another set of eyes for me to "see" things.

Best part of the night was spending it with MrsBlue. ;)

Mahalo MrsBlue \m/

Kelly Slater on CBS Sunday Morning

2011-10-23T11:17:00.000-04:00

What a way to start my Sunday! Seeing Kelly Slater on CBS Sunday Morning.

Maybe some day we'll legitimatize Surfing in America!!! Wouldn't it be cool to have surfing on TV just like Baseball and Football? I know I'd watch it!

Surprise

2011-10-21T22:30:00.001-04:00

I love MrsBlue so much, I made a trip to DC for Sprinkles to bring home!

She was Surprised :)

General Pickett's Battle

2011-10-21T16:14:00.000-04:00

Today was our final day at Gettysburg! It was a wonderful week and gave me much to think about -- leadership, decision making, how to deal with difficult communication situations, negotiating with the Gettysburg battle as a way to remember and ponder.

One of the key exercises I learned was to "reflect". Some use a journal and others To Do Lists, I found thinking and talking about it as very productive in keying in on the crucial topics.

One key phrase that caught my attention is:

"It's okay to use the 'F' word!"
(That F word we many times don't talk about or think about is -- FOLLOWERSHIP)

Why do we only discuss about being leaders? Are leaders, leaders if they don't have any followers? Why don't we develop followership more...since we spend much more of our time doing it?

BTW: Even your word processor doesn't like the word Followership -- type it in a document and it will gladly underline the word in RED!!! What's that say about followership?

The pictures attached are from the final battle at Gettysburg. Pickett's Charge was a disaster for the Northern Virginia Army.

Check out Pickett's Charge at: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickett's_Charge. It's some good info on this battle.

Ready to be back home with MrsBlue!!! I miss her so much when away...she should have traveled with me on the trip. Even though it got cold and rainy, she would have enjoyed the FALL in the Northeast :). However, we'll be coming back...this is something MrsBlue and LilBlue need to see!

PSSSSS...I have a surprise for MrsBlue when I get back home! I really appreciate her and want her to know...She Makes Me WHOLE!