Tag: retirement

HLC US Navy Retirement – www.halflfiecrisis.com – my story

 

Today at midnight I will be retiring from the United States Navy (active duty) as a Navy Senior Chief, and starting my new life’s chapter as a Veteran in the USA.

It feels surreal, but here we are.

This is how this chapter ends.  As I type these words, I am sitting in my living room with my wife and daughter beside me.  My daughter Sammy is watching her TV show while we are sharing a very festive looking blanket.  My wife got us to celebrate, with Kir Royale and sushi (no less).  We all love sushi and Kir Royale!  Sammy had some ginger ale.

And as I get ready to re-start my life as a civilian, a lot of thoughts cross my mind.  The last day I wore my uniform was on February 2024 as I started my terminal leave and some time off for house hunting and job hunting.  The hair on the top of my head and my face is now longer than it has ever been in the last two decades.  I’ve been working a lot on recalibrating for this new chapter with my company BeeZee Vision, LLC and my daughter-dad project Half Life Crisis.  It was hectic but rewarding.

Update as I type, Sammy ran to her room and got the same bear I gifted her when I returned from deployment and put it in in the spot she was sitting next to me, then she moved to the big recliner to continue watching her shows.  I have a very funny kid.  That’s her unique way to be very thoughtful, as she is looking at me giggling, and said “I love you, Dada.”  Then she returned and is sitting next to me again now.

Dinner at home was wonderful, I wanted to ease down as I’ve been adjusting to my next adventure.  It is even interesting that today I’ll be featured on National Television on a Roku channel and other outlets as my US Navy adventure ends.  It is good to see that my transition seems promising, especially as in 2023 I became an author and a writer to put in written word all the craziness that is constantly tumbling on my head.

If you want to see what’s new with me, here is the link about today’s show.  It premieres April 30, 2024 at 8pm Easter Time.

Understanding Authoritarianism and Propaganda (youtube.com)

20 years of military service.

It would be impossible for me to summarize the 20 last years in a few paragraphs.  In fact, one day I might write a full book about it.  But as I sit here, I would like to express how grateful I am.  I did not really know what to expect when I joined the mighty US Navy in 2003.  The world was a very different place back then, and most of the faces who saw me depart are no longer living among us.  I know, it is very sad, and it is extremely sobering understanding how time has changed.

You see, when I first joined, I was ready for a change from my civilian life.  I was disappointed on how dystopian the environment had turned out to be in the town I lived, and I wanted to do something totally different as to escape from what was turning into a very shallow environment, even though I was generally trapped in a golden cage.

The last person who was there to say goodbye to me was my grandmother when the recruiter picked me up at around 3am in the morning.  It was the last time I ever saw her alive.  The next time I saw her was after my first deployment during my first year of service.  She waited for me for as long as she could, yet she died less than two hours before I arrived to her side.  I was still flying over Colombia on my way to Ecuador.  I’ve never been the same since then.

Fast forward several years, and fate had it that in the very same house, in the very same room I lost my mother and my great aunt.  The three women who raised me passed away while I was absent.  All three of them were waiting for me to be there.  But I was answering the call of duty somewhere else.  They understood that, but to this day, it is hard for me to understand it myself.

But paired with the greatest pains in my life were also my biggest joys.  In the US Navy I’ve met the love of my life, my wife Alicia.  She was also a US Navy Sailor, and she retired as a Navy Chief.  We’ve shared a lot more adventures than any couple could ever imagine, but the greatest joy was welcoming our daughter Sammy.  I’ve lost the three women in my life who raised me while in the Navy, and I got the two most important people in my life also because of the Navy.

They are now my family, and my whole world.  I have a lot to be grateful to the US Navy, and they are right about what they say.  You miss the people.  You see, a United States Navy Sailor is a volunteer.  We are capricious, we are arrogant, we are humble, we have flaws, but we also have the biggest hearts you can ever see.  The sacrifices we’ve made individually and collectively are something all the money in the world cannot buy.  Yet we are all volunteers, and we’ve assumed this responsibility with open arms.

And it is easy to see why thinking about it will make you teary-eyed.  Veterans have a bond that is indescribable, but you have to be one to truly understand it.  Only less than 1% of the US population ever earns the privilege of wearing a military uniform.  Only 2% of the Navy earns the right to wear the same uniform I got the honor of wearing as a Senior Chief.  That is something I cannot ever take for granted.

For you see, I was born in Quito, about 2 miles above sea level in the Republic of Ecuador.  Yet the United States Navy not only welcomed me as one of their own.  It trusted me with placement and access that very few people alive get to earn in a lifetime.  Something that not all the money in the world can ever buy.  And today all that is a wonderful memory.  All those adventures, the good, the bad, the rough days, the happiness, the silly things, the prideful, the frustrating, the honorable, the adventures, different leadership styles, and so much more I could list for hours… all that is now a memory.

Being a US Navy Sailor.

Starting tomorrow I can finally start a story by saying “when I was in the Navy…” – and speak as a veteran.  A proud recipient of the coveted DD-214 (the discharge military document).  No longer do I get any midnight phone calls that need my attention for a Sailor, somebody else’s capable hands stand that watch tonight.

I, like many Sailors before me, stood watch.  While the world fell asleep at night, we were there ensuring they would exist in a free society when they woke up.  Now my life is in the capable hands of my shipmates who remain in uniform.  I cannot thank them enough, because I know what it is like to stand those watches.  I know what it is like to do what they do.  And they too will feel what I feel when their time to hang their uniform also arrives.

When I was wearing my uniform, a lot of times I had people approach me and “thank me for my service.”  I have to admit although I was always appreciative, I didn’t quite know how to respond.  As I am now on this side of my military service, I think I can finally understand.  You see, it is not as easy to see the road when you’re in the driver’s seat.  But if you’re seeing it from a bird’s eye view – the context becomes a lot clearer.

I’ve met some of the most wonderful people in the Navy.  I’ve also met in the flesh some of the most insufferable people alive.  But the latter group is almost like a caricature, and actually today makes me laugh.  Though I might not have been very happy with them at the time.  But you see, the US navy is a living mega-organism.  There are so many personalities, but we do have something in common.  It’s hard to explain with words.  If you’re a Navy veteran, you know exactly what I am talking about.  If you’re not, hopefully you will still be able to join to find out.  Seriously, my words, no matter how eloquent will come short.

As the day ends, I just want to bask on the fact that I am in the company of the two most important people in my life.  They are my family, and at the end of the day they are the ones who were waiting for me at the end of the pier.  I am very grateful to all my shipmates who were there with me at any point in my military career.  It will take me hours if not days or weeks to tell you all the wonderful stories about them all.

All I can say is that I would not have traded the last 20 years for anything in the world.  Today 30 April 2024 is 20 years, 6 months, 2 weeks and 1 day, or for you eagled-eye mathematicians 7,503 days since I’ve let my home in Fort Lauderdale, FL to start my US Navy adventure, and end it here at my home in Chesapeake, VA in the company of my two girls.

I’ll just end by saying that once you’ve been a military member, especially a Navy Chief, then your commitment to the US Navy is perpetual.  I might not shave or cut my hair (and don’t intend to) but I still have my uniforms crisply pressed and inspection ready should our nation ever needs us back.  I startlingly have a looming feeling that scenario is possibly not too farfetched, based on the deteriorating geopolitical instability.  If that is the case, I’ll be ready to put my uniform back on again.

Until then, I just want to thank you for spending this time with me.  As I said, it is still very surreal – and I am sure I will be writing more about this in the near future.  Unsurprisingly, I do have a lot to say, but I know you only have so much time to read my words.  Thank you for reading this far.  HLC

I put on my military uniform for the last time on February 9, 2024 until I retire at the end of April.  I finally get to spend quality time with my daughter.

 

The wait is finally over!

Only about 1% of the population in the United Sates of America has earned the privilege to serve in uniform, and have been authorized to wear the cloth of our nation.  For a little over 20 years, I was one of those privileged few who have been authorized to serve.  For the longest time, staying in uniform was very challenging, not just because of the actual required sacrifices linked to the military service, but because there were some force-shaping tools that were hellbent in discharging as many service members as possible.

To be honest, a few times my name (like everybody else’s) was near the chopping block because of these manpower policies.  But based on my merit and performance I was able to make it above the cut.  While all this was happening, I kept moving up in rank and finally reached enough tenure to be eligible for retirement.  It is very humbling and almost surreal to see it from this perspective – as far as time is concerned.  There are literally thousands, if not millions of memories linked to my service, and it would take me 20+ years to recount them all.  But the coveted date finally arrived.

I joined the United States Navy when I was 24 years old, which is kind of late for many people who usually join after high school.  By the time I started basic training I was already 25, and at that point I did not know if I was going to make it a full career.  It was actually one evening while underway on my second ship USS LAKE ERIE CG 70, when my then-Commanding Officer was speaking with a few people in an area of the ship we used to call “Maine and Vine,” given by some novelty street signs we had placed in the ship.

The Captain was speaking with a few Sailors about reenlistments, and retirement, and asked me how old I was when I started bootcamp, and since I mentioned 25, making quick math he said, “so BeeZee (that’s me) can retire the Navy at the young age of 45…” and he was right.  I am 45 now.  So, in a way, ever since it was a goal of mine to reach the age of 45 and retire.  Afterall, I have recently gotten meritoriously promoted to Second Class Petty Officer.  And looking back, 20 years is a very long time, especially if you have been serving in the military.  And to be honest, I left a lot of interesting projects on the back burner because of my military duties.

Fast forward a few years, and I married Alicia and a year after Sammy was born.  I will be speaking in length about Alicia and Sammy in my articles, because there is so much to talk about them both… and they are indeed my whole world.  In fact, the reason why I decided to retire wherever 20 years of service got me was because I promised as much to Sammy.  Alicia, Sammy’s mom served for 24 years, but she retired from the Navy a couple of years ago.  Yes, she joined the Navy before me.  Being a dual military couple is very tough, especially on the family, and this of course means Sammy had to be very patient.

For so many years Sammy was patiently waiting for this quality time with either one of us.  We dedicated to her all the time we could, but the call of duty would take us away from home for extended periods of times.  In my case, for weeks and months at the time.  I would return home and Sammy already looked taller each time.  This was heart breaking for me as it was for her.  But I am happy that that time apart is finally over.

As I type this article, Sammy and I have been spending some quality time.  We have this nice couch in our house where she can pop a recliner, and we have been sharing a blanket as she is watching her favorite TV shows.  Whenever it’s dinner time, she helps me enough, but I love seeing her clearing her plate.  She has a very good appetite.

She also likes playing with my newly grown beard, and when she does, I could not be happier.  We had developed a good routine, and the more time we spent together, the more I was amazed by how wonderful my daughter truly is.  She is such a fascinating child, and the more I get to hang out with her, the more I see how beneficial this closeness has been for both of us.  It was definitely well overdue.

 

Let’s keep in touch on Social Media!

 

Becoming a stay-home dad.

After so many years of being away, and the countless times I saw my daughter looking at me from her bedroom window as I was leaving for work insanely early in the morning, I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that those days are over.  Seeing Sammy’s saddening face as I was leaving every day was devastating.  Yet, whenever I used to come back home, she would receive me with a big smile.  I could see her smile behind the window from the street as I approached the house, she would then run to open the garage door for me, and wait for me to get out of the car to give me a big hug.  It was the happiest part of my day.

Fast forward to the time that I finally have a different level of control over my schedule – in other words, not having to commute to work anymore, it is so liberating.  But that does not mean that it is boring.  Not at all.  Although my house is very clean and well maintained, there are countless chores and other unfinished projects that I’ve been tackling little by little.  And there is so much more to do.  The good news is that they are no longer in the back burner, the bad news is that there are a bunch of items in my to-do list.

But every little line item I cross out makes me feel so much better.  Especially when it comes to some projects that were just lingering, even if they were minor projects, like changing the rubber gasket in a faucet, or reorganizing a closet.  These simple projects were put on the back burner for a long time, and finally I am tackling them down.  For example, I had to replace a light bulb for a while, but I just didn’t have the time to climb on a ladder to do so for several weeks, because the bulb was so high up.

But the best part of the day for sure is when I get to receive Sammy when she gets off her school bus.  The house becomes alive once again with her smile and her limitless energy.  This kid has a lot of energy, I only wish I was as energetic as she is… but I do my best to keep up.  But make no mistake, there is always so much to do at home, which makes me wonder how it is that I was able to do so much before I had this additional time.

The truth is that I never really had that much time, my catch phrase for years was “I’m busy” – that is still true today, but it is a “better” busy – if that makes sense.  When I put my post about my last day at work, I received a lot of love from my friends, and family – it was very heart-warming then as it is today.  I am so happy to be able to take care of my tasks without having to deal with a bunch of other stressors outside my control.

In fact, probably the most drama I have nowadays is when some people get rambunctious on the social media sites.  But as I am moving into this new phase in my life, engaging in social media is part of my new life as an author.  A lot of people I engage with are super cool, and once in a while I get a few people who clamor for a lot of attention, and some of those can be very frustrating to deal with.  But fortunately, at my age I don’t care about external validation, but still, it can be taxing trying to process some of the stuff that they are saying.  But fortunately, I can always look away and do something that makes me happy.

And to be honest, my house is super cool – I got all my cool gadgets and toys to enjoy.  And making my house even more cozy is one of my favorite things to do.  Having a nice comfortable home, or a place to work is always important to me.  I have many places where I can sit down and enjoy my time at home.  Either in front of my big TV, or in my bedroom, or the big jetted tub, or in my yard, or my home-office, my garden, or playing my musical instruments, or even painting what comes to mind on a canvas, it is awesome.  And of course, I get to write, and love writing.  And interesting enough, my favorite place to write is this… the very surface-pro tablet that I bought before my long deployment.  I love this thing.

At home, one of my favorite places to sit is on my big couch in my living room.  I have this “lap desk” where I prop my tablet and I can just type away, or design stuff where I don’t have to think too much while I enjoy my TV shows on my big TV.  It is a very good feeling.  I don’t really spend that much time outdoors because it is pretty cold out there right now, and the temperature inside my home is just perfect.  For years I’ve had to deal with weird temperatures – therefore I’m indulging now that I can finally do so, and it is a good feeling.

When Sammy is at school, I do all the things we cannot do together, so I can be more productive.  This includes errands, or other activities that are easier done without Sammy, such as phone calls, social media engagement, yard work, etc.  Then when she arrives, my attention turns to hanging out together and doing activities that are both entertaining and part of her development.  For example, we’ll do some combined chores, go for a walk, make dinner, fold the laundry, clean up the house.  Sammy likes to be part of those activities.  Then when we are done, we like to spend some time watching TV.  This is actually part of her development, because we use images as a way to chat and laugh together.

Most importantly, it helps Sammy know that I am here and I am not leaving – as has been the case for many years.  For years, Sammy was very patient while I had “to do something” – and I could not sit still for very long.  Now, we make a point that we can sit for a while, sip on our favorite beverages.  For instance, we have become big fans of fruit juices, and we like to try different flavors.  And of course, we enjoy our candy!  We have a cool tradition of opening a bag of jelly beans, or gummy bears, and we make a “shhh” sound, because usually mom does not like it when we have candy.  But this is like our little [open] secret.  And by the way, we don’t do that every day, but Sammy likes this tradition, so we keep it alive.

And no, this does not spoil her appetite.  Sammy can eat a gigantic NY strip in one sitting, and make all the sides disappear.  Not sure how she is able to pack all that food in such a little frame, but she does.  And I’m glad she is enjoying it, because she has a high metabolism and she is still growing.  That is good news, because she’s at an age that she can eat like a freight train and be ok.  I’m at an age that I look at a cupcake and I turn into a balloon.  But at her age I was able to eat an elephant and still be hungry.

And seeing this part of her is so refreshing.  For many years, I felt as though I’ve only got to see some glimpses from my child as the duties and responsibilities kept me away.  Sammy and I have always been very close, whenever I am around – but these long separations did create a lot of damage to her upbringing.  She patiently waited at the end of the pier until I returned.  She waited patiently when I had to finish projects for work even at home, she waited patiently when something work-related was robbing her the opportunity to spend time together.  And even when we were together, there would be something interrupting.  Being a phone call, text messages, etc.  Yet, she patiently waited, now my little girl does not have to wait any longer.

 

Let’s keep in touch on Social Media!

 

How is life after the Navy?

Simple answer, it is great!  But with that said, I am grateful and would be dishonest if I said I did not enjoy my time in uniform.  True that this lifestyle is not for everyone.  And I’ll be the first to tell you that the military is not the right fit for everybody.  I won’t delve into all the reasons, because that can be its own article, or even its own book.  But what I can tell you is that I’m happy I joined and even happier that I crossed the finish line.

The part I like the most is that I don’t have to commute.  Yes, I can stay in my house, and travel the world via the internet if I wish to.  I do have a nice yard, and sometimes I hang out there, but most of the day is pretty cold, therefore I enjoy spending time indoors.  Also, because I do take different “chore breaks” – which is like a “reverse break” – what does that mean?  Well, it means that I am doing something I have fun with, or even watching a movie, and take little breaks to do stuff I wanted to get done.  It is fun, I recommend it.  I’ve actually gotten a lot done because of it.

And the truth is that for many years I haven’t really had a no-kidding vacation.  Every time I had off, or I was on leave, maybe I’ll have a day or two to just chill, but in reality, I had a bunch of stuff that I needed to address on that time when I was not “at work” – and that is another reason why some of those things have been accumulating.  And I knew for a fact I could not tackle them, because it would literally take a few hours to accomplish.  For example, I want to reorganize my attic.  That is going to take forever, so I am first doing little tasks that I can knock down quickly.

And THAT has been therapeutic.  How?  Well, it is instant gratification.  I do something, and it is done, and I don’t have to worry about it for a while.  It is great!  Other stuff does take longer, and I don’t’ believe in a “just get it done” type mentality.  Why?  Because that often does not really solve the problem, only patches it for a little bit.  I like my problem-solving sessions to yield long term solutions.  And that does take more time and effort.  And of course, you have to make a bit of a new mess before you clean up the old mess.  I know it sounds counterintuitive, but in my experience that is how it goes.

A big thing that I am doing with my new found free time is re-engaging in Half Life Crisis.  Particularly on the social media platforms.  Not all of them at the same time though, because engagement actually does take a long time.  It might not seem like much, but just tweeting alone can make time move really fast.  Not always in a fun way, but hey… I do get a lot of people to visit Half Life Crisis via Tweeter, so I guess it can’t be too bad.

Visit us at uwww.halfifecrisis.com

Let’s keep in touch on Social Media!

However, all the groundwork being done right now will be laying the stage for many things that I’ve been getting prepared for a long, long time.  And to be honest, a lot of the things I will be doing are in some form a continuation of my Navy days.  Except that I am no longer subject to the many rules and regulations.  For example, I haven’t shaven my face, and I am letting my hair grow.  I can finally put back my earrings and there is quite a story behind each piercing.  So, it is like bringing a tsunami of memories that make me remember who I was before I joined the Navy.

And that is a thing we don’t normally get to think about.  Who were we before a chapter in our lives took us in a different direction?  When I stop and think about it, the answer is both long and nostalgic.  And little by little I’ve been remembering this.  The other day I had the pleasure to have some conversations with childhood friends we have not spoken to in more than 20 years!  And in their memories of me, I realized how much of me has both evolved and changed.  Yet, I cannot help but realize the obvious.  Time has flown and there is so much more of me left behind than I realized.

As I wrap this article, I want to reiterate that I am in the process of moving forward a lot of projects that have been put aside.  I realize it will take a lot longer than I anticipated.  But that is ok, because everything I am doing is getting me closer to reaching that ultimate goal.  Meanwhile, I set myself a rule that when Sammy is home, she takes top priority on my span of attention.  I’ve been doing that, and it is working great for both Sammy and me!  HLC

 

I have been waiting for this for a while – and from there will be some “waiting” to go.  But you know, retirement is on the horizon, and i love it!

 

One year until I retire!  

This is another instance where it feels as though it was a blink of an eye, but here we are almost 20 years in the U.S. Navy as I write these words. It has been a busy day of sorts, currently in my career whatever is it that I do for a living is quite frankly very easy. And I can get it done pretty quickly… as it should… For the most part I’ve been working on what I leave behind once my time in uniform comes to an end. As I write this, it is about 6:00pm for all you civilian folks, or 1800 for us in the military. I have duty; therefore, I’ll spend the night here. Meanwhile, I figured I should take a break and ponder on the significance of this moment.

One of the questions I’ll get often will be: “Do you miss it?” Referring to my time in the U.S. Navy. And that is a loaded question, there is a lot I will miss – and there is a lot I’ll be happy it is in the rearview mirror. This response is not disparaging in nature – but 1/5 of a century its quite a long time. And I entered the service already when I was 1/4 century old… I was 25 years old… I had a lot of interesting experiences before the Navy, and I’ve gathered so many new memories ever since. I don’t regret it for a minute, but this chapter of my life is ending, and I am ready for it.

One thing I will miss is the Sailors. There are so many wonderful people wearing this uniform. As I type this, I am eye-balling a mango one of the junior culinary specialists gave me. As I was putting my dish this morning from breakfast, he greeted me with a smile, asked me if I like mangos, and got me this mango. I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy it… and there is a non-zero chance I won’t chow down on that as soon as I finish writing this article. But the point of this anecdote is illustrative of the little surprises of kindness you get to be part of this team. Sure, it is only a mango – but the human connection and kindness is a lot larger than the actual fruit, and I appreciate it. It’s hard to explain, but it is fun.

One of the things that has been keeping me busy is the deployment cruise book. I volunteered to put it together. And yes, it has been taking a long time. Then again, it is only one of me putting this thing together and I’m using my own computer, my own software, my own media, and for the most part the several thousands of photos I took during this deployment time. It is time consuming, but I rather make people wait for something that is worth-while than rush it and just “get it done” – also, it is because I want to make sure this will help them tell the story of our shared adventure to their loved ones. And there are literally hundreds of small easter eggs hidden all over the book. I really want this to be something nice for them. Thus far everyone who’s seen the preview likes it very much. And I am glad.

Of course, that it does take time, effort, and expertise.  I am among other things a professional graphic designer, so it is not just a book with a bunch of pictures slapped on the pages. Hopefully I’ll be done with it in the next few days. The truth is that if I am spending time working on the book, then I am simply not doing something else. And I’ve even been using the little bit of time off I have, even on vacation time to work on it.  And for anybody who has worked on creative design, you know that this can be a very time-consuming endeavor. Especially when there is a sense of complex creativity and continuity involved. This particularly merges hundreds of events and stories – as well as actual history. It is easy to slap images and text onto something. But it is a lot different to design it and write all the text and create a feel that marries the images to the context in the shared lives of an entire crew. That’s the intent with this book.

I’ll be able to put samples of the book in the future.  I plan to use it also as a recent example of graphic design. Afterall, it is something I would like to do for “professional fun” once I leave the Navy. And when I think about it, I’ve done so many graphic design projects in the last 20 years for the Navy – really pro-bono because it is not like I’ve been given a computer with the specialized software I am utilizing. All specialized graphic design I’ve created have been in my own computers, in my own time.

But of course, my Naval career has been so much more than graphic design. I’m just talking about it right now, because it is the last thing I was doing before I sat down to write this article. And it is the next thing I’ll do once I proofread this article AND eat my mango.

So, what’s next for me?

Well, a lot… actually. And I do have a plan for all that.  Some of those plans are not 100% solidified, but that’ s the nature of the beast.  I am not worried necessarily, but I do realize there are timelines and a bunch of stuff that needs to be in place in order to finish my transition.  I can’t wait.

As I sit here, I know my daughter had been acting up a bit.  And that’s normal given the circumstances.  But I want to be there for my child and of course for my wife, because it is a lot to deal with for any one parent.  I feel I am in the right track to get this sorted out properly.  It has been stressful, and there is a lot that has not been started yet.  However, I’m a big proponent on being positive even in the face of adversity.  Not to say that I won’t contend and complain if I’m not happy during a period of discontent. But then again, I find it healthy to vent – if this will help me moving forward to complete these goals.

And with that, let’s start the countdown. In one year from today, it will be Wednesday 31 January 2024. By then I should be spending my last several weeks of leave and other time off I’ve accrued. And you know what? I’m going to look feral and happy. I’ll let my hair and beard grow, I will put earrings in my already pierced ears, and it will be awesome. I’ll spend time at home whenever I want and give that free time to my wife and daughter. There is so much we’ve missed, and time won’t wait for anybody. But at least we can make some new memories together.

Of course, I’ve been getting ready for years with my little company BeeZee Vision, LLC which specializes in web-development.  The company will turn 10 years this 2023!  However, because of the very dynamic Navy schedule I chose not to scale up, but now I can finally work on doing so. And of course, I have this very project you know – Half Life Crisis (this site), and all the cool stuff that’s in store related to this. There is a huge chance I’ll be getting 100% disability after all these years in uniform, so I would not technically need to work unless I really want to. That’s good news because I want to do what I love. And what I love doing is ranting about all kinds of stuff I find interesting. That’s why I created Half Life Crisis. Aside from that, I love spending time with my girls, but that also implies they want to spend time with me too. Which normally they do, and I appreciate that.

As the countdown dwindles down, I’ll do an update every now and then. Possibly at the end of each month. But who knows, life tends to be crazy on this ship. For now, I’m just going to sit down, proofread this AND eat my mango. Thank you for hanging out with me. Let me know if you’ve retired already, and what do you like most and least about it. Let’s continue the conversation. HLC