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 . . .

A Lovely Day Off

I had decided to make it a four day weekend and boy was I glad. This turned out to be a beautiful day. After an already fun weekend, including an awesome family graduation party, today was spent sleeping in and watching chick flicks (Love Actually and Notting Hill). Then I decided to take a dip in the condo pool. Now mind you, the pool is about the size of a postage stamp, (and each of the 30 units spent $50 to get new pool furniture - must be inlaid with gold or something) but it was cool and refreshing and I was the only one in it. I'm reading an enlightening book entitled For the Love of God, Handbook for the Spirit. It includes writings from The Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Barbara De Angelis and many others, and it was sent to me while serving in Iraq --- did I mention I procrastinate from time to time? Anyway, I've actually taken the time to do some reading instead of so much TV watching, and this has been delightful. The only fly in the ointment was that I had difficulty actually getting inside the fence of the pool. The key the condo association provided would go into the lock, but it wouldn't turn. Now I was determined not to let this ruin my day, so I did what any red blooded American would do. I hopped the fence. No cops came with guns a blazin' so I think I'll be OK, although in the next newsletter, I'll bet somebody puts a "gentle reminder" in to use the key instead of bounding over the fence. The condos have eyes . . .

Monday Monday

Ugh - glad it's over - just finished watching "The Secret" last night about the Law of Attraction and told myself it'll be a good day. Even after I got a splinter in my finger walking the dog because I took the corner of the steps too fast, even after I got to work 5 minutes late and everyone was waiting on me, even after I got a stain on my uniform . . . then I finally said screw it, I must be attracting negatives today . . . will try again tomorrow :-)

Too Long Gone

Where has the time gone? Can't believe it's been a few weeks already since I posted last. Sure was a lot easier to post while taking a break during work - faster computer there but probably not what I should be doing during the duty day - hehe. Must get DSL here at home - dial up is toooo slow.

May is flying by - Mother's Day was very nice - went to Mel's Crow's Nest- http://www.anchorsawaymarina.com/crowsnest/ - Love that Place - with the folks and then went for a walk on Catawba Island back in some hiking trails on cemetery road. Other than being just a bit muddy, it was a nice and relaxing walk. We did see some poison ivy along the trail but thankfully none of us got any on our skin. I used to get it so bad that it would drive me crazy.

We've also had a few retirement parties at work in the last couple of weeks. While I love the partying part, I'm very sad to see these people go. We've all been through a lot together and it won't be the same there without them. There are so many young kids coming up through the ranks and so many of those (to whom I was a protege) leaving that I'm realizing that I am now becoming one of the old farts in the unit. It doesn't seem possible that I've been in the military for nearly twenty years. I remember stepping on the plane to leave for basic training as if it were just yesterday. April 4th, 1988 - kids in the unit now weren't even born then - oh my gosh - I'm OLD!

Tomorrow is my sister Lisa's birthday - woo who - hope her present gets there on time. I'm such a procrastinator that I'll probably be late for my own funeral . . .