23 years old

I’ve set foot on every continent other than Africa & Antarctica, rummaged through the rain forests of Costa Rica, viewed the remnants of the Roman Empire, learned another tongue, dwelved into the world of Chebychev filters and imaginary numbers, snorkeled the North Shores of Hawaii, 4-wheeled across the island of Saint Martin, Jeeped around the arid lands of Aruba, Helped in the rice patties of South Korea, Driven on the autobahns of Germany, Crossed the Swiss Alps, Walked throughout the magnificent city of Prague (Czech Republic), Flew out of an airplane back to earth, Jumped off the cliffs of Newport (Rhode Island), Sailed in the Long Isand Sound, Spent 6 weeks aboard a Barque (Eagle) climbing riggings and dousing sails, flown over the Outer Banks in a sweet Coast Guard Helo, Fired multiple firearms, wrestled fellow teenagers, learned about a sport called Lacrosse, driven across the United States, made many friends, lived some awesome adventures, and enjoyed my 23 years so far. 

Yet there’s still a void that I haven’t been able to fill yet.  Some people say you haven’t truly lived until you’ve found someone to love you as much as you love them in return.  I’ve opened up to four girls in my life, intimately with two of those four, and I don’t know if those people are right in their saying.  Maybe there isn’t a void, but a leisurely comfort - something you don’t need, but just desire.  I hate thinking about the future and pondering if I’ll ever meet this girl somewhere, because I may not consciously think about it on consistent basis but it dwells back there in the confines of my thoughts. 

In the meantime, I’m going to live my life and enjoy the adventures I’ll pursue.  Maybe I’ll meet that girl sometime to share them with.  If not, they missed out on incredible journey.  Pura Vida \m/

Out to sea….

back in July.  

Officer Evaluation Report (OER) - My Report Card

Came out really well.  Basically captures my 11 months since reporting onboard my Cutter.  Should only get better as we gain more responsibilities this upcoming year.  Still unsure on where/what I want to do after my first tour here.  Too many options!  Either way, it’s a stress reliever knowing that your boss has the utmost confidence in your abilities and congratulates you on a job well done so far.  

Possible 2nd tour jobs:

• Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) Leader - San Diego, CA or Miami, FL
• Maritime Safety & Security Team (MSST) Leader - Boston, MA or San Francisco, CA
• Intelligence Officer - Washington D.C. or Chesapeake, VA or any other major port city along the coast
• C4IT (Electrical Engineer in the CG) - Washington D.C. or Portsmouth & Alexandria, VA

All the doors are open so far, it’s just a daunting decision considering whichever I choose, it will close the doors on the others.

Then there’s Grad School through the CG or get out after 5 years and pursue a job in the civilian sector (Possibly Department of Energy, FBI, CIA, and any defense contractor)?

Decision, decisions, decisions…..