Random Ramblings

September 1, 2007 was the day that I officially retired from the Coast Guard, so this past Tuesday was my 2 year anniversary of my retirement. People are always asking if I miss the Coast Guard. In one way, I do. The friends I made, cool places I visited, awesome jobs I did, cannot be replaced by anything in memory. I left after accomplishing my goals, I left after 20+ years, as a Chief Petty Officer (full 3 years), and did all the things I set out to do during my career. I honestly didn't expect to do 20. It was going to be 4 and out, then college, and work. Plans change and the time I spent in the service of the country I love was more than worth the toil, strain, and tears. Spending 6 years in Washington, DC was a glorious ending to my time. You learn alot serving your country in the Nations Capitol. I got to work for the Executive Office of the President (George W. Bush), did time at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and topped it all of being one of the first ever enlisted Intelligence Officers supporting the Coast Guard Commandant. All in all, for someone as patriotic as I am (still get teary eyed when THINKING about "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood) I was honored to serve and honored to be a Coast Guard Veteran.

So, yesterday was Sept 2. It was Lourie's birthday. What exciting things happened? Well, my car battery is about to die and our middle child is still recovering from bronchitis. So, as far as birthdays go, it was pretty crappy for her. Good thing the party is on Sunday where we can all get together and celebrate. I'd like to go on record (since millions of people read my blog, right) and say how much my wife is appreciated by not only me, but by her children, even though we may not say so as often as we must. Being a maid, chef, bookkeeper, chauffeur, and all the millions of things she does isn't easy, but she seems to always do these things cheerfully and without much of a complaint. I respect her, I honor her, I love her, and I am grateful to have her as my eternal companion.