Double Anniversary Weekend

This weekend marks two very important milestones in my life. The first comes tomorrow when I will officially reach 13 years of service in the United States Air Force. It seems like just yesterday I was stepping off the plane in San Antonio for basic training and now here I am, rapidly becoming one of those crusty guys I used to joke about when I was an Airman. Indeed, the last few years have left my very frustrated and burnt out with the Air Force. Yet, I cannot help still being proud of these last 13 years. 13 years is a long damn time to be doing one thing. There are times I still have a sense of wonderment that I've been doing it this long. Tomorrow also means that I've got 7 years left until I'm retirement eligible. While the Air Force has been good to me, I'm starting to concentrate more now on getting my ducks in a row for what I'm going to do post-Air Force. This doesn't mean I'm giving up with the Air Force and won't bust my behind as I always have. It just means I'm done doing it for my career. My only hope now is to set as many Airmen and junior NCOs on the right path as possible so that they can do my job long after my crusty self is gone. Still...13 is my lucky number, so who knows. Maybe this year will be better than the last few. We shall see.

Even more important than my Air Force anniversary date however, is Sunday. This will mark 6 years of marriage to Kristin (the story of how we met can be found here). Just like my years of service in the Air Force, I look back and can't helping wondering where time has gone. I guess the saying is true that time flies when you're having fun. That's not to say that our marriage has always been a bed of roses. Honestly though, who's ever is 100%? I don't think I've met a couple yet who has. It is certainly true though that I grow more fond of her with every day, week, month and year. When you first meet someone and fall in love with them, you think that is the ultimate level of relationship. As the years go on though you learn that you can indeed grow even closer. I was definitely blessed that Kristin came my way. Her more laid back demeanor has always been the perfect compliment to my...well...less than laid back demeanor. Every day is a new adventure and I could never imagine (not that I would honestly try) life being any other way. There are so many things to do and adventures to have with her and I can't wait to do it all.

I love you Kristin. I look forward to many more years with you!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.