Tick Tock

Why do the weekends fly by so fast? I told Mark yesterday as we hung out watching TV and eating steaks from the grill that I could really handle retirement --- is that pathetic or what? That I'm looking forward to being retired already? It seems that so much happens during the week, that so much of work is rush, rush rush, that by the time the weekend comes, I am physically and mentally exhausted. I spend the entire weekend catching up on rest and home chores and then before I know it, it's time to go back to work again. Especially in the summer with all of its celebrations and events, time whizzes right by. Today on the history channel they are talking about Armageddon, the Antichrist, the possible end of the world in 2012 --- even though I'm a believer, I still get a bit nervous when thinking about the end of the world. I know since time began that people thought the end was near. I know that I am saved, but why does the devil sometimes sneak in and make me wonder if I'll be "Left Behind" - guess that's when faith takes a coffee break or something. If the end really is so very near, then I need to try not to waste this time that flies by so fast . . . and I do waste time a lot ---too much sleep, too much beer, too much worry --- moderation in all things and the awareness of how short life is needs be my focus now. Not only that, but I'm working on a better appreciation of the small things in life - the beauty of the road down by the river where I walk or run with the dog each day -the melodies of the birds as they keep me company on my mile long journey - the warmth of the sun on my face as my breath becomes ragged from pushing my heart and lungs further than they've been pushed in a year or two - and the unexpected gifts that come from situations I'd never expected -a new friendship begun this week as I struggle at work to improve on my efficiency at my job. Before Selina came I was so worried that she would look at all I've got on my plate and tell me there's no way I can bring it all together. Instead she taught me to eat this elephant one bite at a time. She was compassionate to my situation and yet gave me tools to improve and eventually conquer these challenges that are present in my current career. She didn't judge - she encouraged - and that's just what I needed. So I guess my thought of the day is: moderation in all things, look for the simple gifts and never take time for granted . . . wow, that's pretty deep for me :-)

Groovin'

Kelley's turned out great - what a fun time we had! The weather was just about ideal. We drove a golf cart all around the island all day, stopped at the winery for cheese and beverages and ate at the Captain's Corner. We also checked out the Glacier Grooves - didn't even know they were there . . . I know, I know, world famous grooves due to their size and accessibility and I didn't even know they were there. Here are the parental units at the grooves - it was a wee bit hot after the climb so they are looking really thrilled - but seriously, it ended up being very educational and quite interesting. http://www.kelleysislandnature.com/kelleys_island/about_kelleys.htm

It's been quite the busy week thus far. I've got a Master Sergeant here from the Kansas Air National Guard, Selina, and she's been helping me all week to prepare for this big inspection we're having in July. She's been a Godsend and I wish she could stay for a month to help me get everything in tip top shape - we've been working some long hours, but we're going to try to get out on time tomorrow and I can't decide where to take her out to dinner. We ate at Phil's Inn for lunch yesterday because she loves Italian, but I'm wondering if I should take her to Margaritaville's for something different - that's not a bad idea - "if" she likes Mexican.

Trying to get back into shape again and realizing that the longer I put it off the more it hurts. Ran about a mile after work tonight and it was quite relaxing - I probably won't be able to get out of bed in the am, but it was fun at the time.

Time for some dinner and perhaps a glass of vino . . .

Weird Week

This week was, well, weird. There were some high highs and low lows, but overall it ended up being kinda neat. I was exhausted after drill, overslept and was late on Thursday for work and had a multitude of issues come up at Camp Perry, but other than that I also took a last-minute trip to Put In Bay on Thursday evening and spent a nice few hours with our friends Patrick and Jane at our favorite place, the Ole Wharf Lounge, last night. Mark had to take a quick trip to Montana for work but returned last night around 7pm. Even though he was only gone for a few days, it was nice to have him back.

I'm looking forward to Father's Day tomorrow - hopefully it won't rain because we're going to attempt to head to Kelley's Island. Mom and Dad say they haven't been there, but I swore we went once when I was young and rode bikes around the island, but maybe it was Put In Bay that we did that. At any rate, it's been a long, long time for them - maybe never - so we're going to check it out if the weather holds. I'm taking my camera and hoping to get some good pictures.

I thought I'd post a few from the other night at the Bay - Tracy, Craig, Bob and Greg - all friends from work, went with me and it was great - not too crowded, no cover charge at the Round House, Paradise Island singing awesome jams and ice cold beers and margaritas. Smooth sailing on the Jet Express too - I'm really glad I went!

Mistaken

Well, I hate to admit it, but I was wrong - actually I am wrong so often but this is a cool mistake. I went to the dentist last week, and he looked and looked but said I didn't have a cavity. Here it was only a really embedded popcorn kernel. On one hand I felt like a wussy because I couldn't believe that a popcorn kernel could cause so much pain - on the other hand, I was tickled pink that it wasn't a cavity.

And the other pain in my arse, drill weekend, actually went well too. With a portion of the unit deployed, it was kind of a calm and quiet drill weekend.

The weather has been good, I've been good, and I bought a 1/2 gallon of tofts peanut butter cup ice cream, so I guess I really have nothing to complain about . . . I think this must be a first!

Too Much of a Sweet Tooth

I've got a cavity - I just know it and I don't wanna go to the dentist. I have a really great dentist, Patrick Reineck, and his staff is excellent too; I'm just being a wimp. Thankfully I haven't had a cavity in many years, but I'm being a big wussy because I keep putting off going to have it taken care of. It's getting more and more painful though, so I know I'm going to have to break down and make an appointment. I might as well get it over with this week if I can - I'm already not looking forward to drill weekend this coming weekend - I love seeing everyone, it just makes for a long few weeks without a day off - I know, I know, I've got that government worker mentality going on :-) - if I get the dentist and drill over with this week and weekend, then I can look forward to enjoying another month before I have to drill again. That drill will really be fun - NOT - because we've a Unit Compliance Inspection going on - yippee! I'll really need a beer after that . . .