Okay, no throwing darts here, but I really want to give this a whirl. Since I always tell my kids that “the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step”, I want to begin the journey.
Why am I doing this… Hmmm, for a number of reasons. First, I like to write and it is enjoyable for me to place my thoughts “on paper.” My penmanship is atrocious, and my typing (keyboarding) skills are even worse. So, I’m now hacking away on the keyboard, with my mind moving oh so much faster than my poor two index fingers can keep up. It can be frustrating at times, as fleeting thoughts come and go before I can place them all on my computer screen. I used to send out long and deep e-mails to close friends. I still do, but not as much anymore. It appears no one likes to receive long, well-written, and witty e-mails anymore. Too hard to read on their crack-berries, I guess. Plus, once I hit the send button, those thoughts are gone forever. So, maybe I’ll enjoy this format… We’ll see.
Okay, back to why I’m doing this. I’ve always wanted to keep a journal (and have done so a few times in the past, and then promptly misplaced the journal every time). I’ve been sent off to war more than a few times, and that alone is worth writing about; but training for war and deploying to war is much more exciting and fun than being in a war… Or a pitched battle… At night.. when you are surrounded… I will say this: “fair gunfights” are not. I always enjoyed the fact that I could call in artillery and air support most of the time. Sometimes, even naval gunfire support. I’m just saying. And yes, for all you purists out there, I know it’s now called naval surface fire support, but hey, I’m old school, so let it go. Yeah, we’ll skip this topic for now.
Anywho, where was I, ahhh, yes, why I’m doing this. A very good friend of mine recently lost his wife, and the shrink he’s seeing recommended to him that he should maintain a journal. Since he too has lousy handwriting, and didn’t want the world reading his feelings, he has sent out a daily e-mail to his close friends and family. Good stuff. It’s helping him cope, and his path to recovery and happiness is well on its way. I’m proud of him. Even if he was US Army SF…
So, as my name implies, I’m married; have been so for 20+ years. My wife is a wonderful lady; I just wish she would be more happy and content. I wish she would slow her life down and focus more on her family. I also wish she would exercise… But I digress.
I have two amazing kids (hells bells, tell me one parent that doesn’t dote all over their own kids). My daughter is now in 8th grade. She is a beautiful ballerina and an awesome field hockey player. My son is my namesake, and he is too much like me, only smarter, better looking, and more athletically gifted. He’s now in 7th grade, and is pretty good at basketball and baseball, but his passion is lacrosse. That is a very cool sport, and unfortunately it was not around when I was growing up in south Louisiana back in the day. They both go to an expensive (but worth it) private Catholic School. The school is an outstanding learning and growing environment, and I’m very involved with the school’s social, educational, and fund-raising events; and sports activities. There was no way in hell they were going to go to the politically correct and dumbed-down public schools. If you’re reading this, and love public schools, then let’s just respect one another’s opinion, okay! Thanks!
As for being a Yachtsman… I have a nice 40 foot powerboat. It’s my escape from everyday life. The funny thing is that most of the other boaters I hand with are either very old or retired or both. They bitch about the price of fuel, and don’t like to cruise very often. In the summer I take the boat out every weekend. I call it poor man’s water front property. The kids love it, as does the dog. She is an amazing swimmer, and is so totally relaxed in the water.
Now the Adventure Rider gig. A total conflict of interest with the boat, as I can’t do both at the same time. Bummer… Maybe one day I’ll purchase a yacht that can carry my big Beemer, then again, maybe one day I’ll fly the space shuttle as well. I have a super-cool network of friends that I ride with. We all met at Rawhyde; except for the Rat. I met him when I was active in Civil War reenacting. He’s a good friend. But every since my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, my heart is no longer in “recreating” war; and there is very little civil about war. I do enjoy the Civil War dances; they are a screaming good time! Anywho, we’ve been on some epic adventure rides to the Smokey and Blue Ridge mountains; to Canada; down south, and all points in between. Next year I turn 50 and will go on the Continental Divide Ride. A good friend went on the tour this year, and his stories and pictures were incredible. So in 2012, that’s one of the many places I will be!!! We often get together for local rides and lunch. This also keeps me sane… The best part of my work day is the ride to and from on my bike. Some folks “Live to Ride”. That’s cool for them. For me, I ride so I can feel alive and be free!
With Labor Day weekend starting tomorrow, I need to get the boat ready. Normally, we do a family motorcycle trip to Sherando Lake, but since we have a Colombian exchange student in town with us for two months, I thought we would go boating on the James River for three days. It should be a grand time, as the weather forecast looks great. Anchor’s aweigh!
Okay, this is one helluva long first step. I just wanted to place some thoughts here, and see where it goes. Have a relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day weekend yourself!
I would appreciate any feedback. But don’t worry, as I’m really doing this for me. Thanks for reading!
Semper Fidelis, Buck
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