I've been going through a lot of changes lately. Some good, some bad. I've been restationed and therefore I have moved to Southern California. San Diego to be exact. Sure, it's nice to have a change of scenery and all, and to be perfectly honest, I am glad to be away from the east coast for many reasons. The fact that it's flat and that it's humid there during the summer rank for the top reasons. I can't say there was much there to stay for except for two things. Where I was working last is one, but more than that is now I am very far away from Val.

I really enjoyed where I was working. If I had a choice, I would have stayed there for much longer than I was there. I enjoyed everyone that I worked with inside, and outside of the office I was in. Just when I got comfortable was the time of change and moving on. Go figure. I was working on network administration and troubleshooting computers, and in the short time that I was doing that, now I am really wanting to change my navy job to what I was doing there. Of course, I can't even think about doing that for another 10 months or so, but it's a goal that I am pretty sure that I will set. First, I want to check out what it is like for them on the boat. Then I will work on it from there. But as for where I was working, I just want to say a few things.

Reid, even though you are now down here with me, we will not be working together, or probably even seeing each other much. I hope we can get together now and then and do things, even if it's just hanging out drinking a couple of beers for a couple of hours. You have become a good friend, and I hope to keep in contact with you far into the future. You were not only a friend to me, but a mentor... helping me along with things that I needed. You were always there to offer your help in my time of need, giving me sound advice and examples. I don't think I can express to you how much that means to me. Sometimes, it may have even seemed like I wasn't listening, but I guarantee you I was. I still think about some of the advice you told me before I do things. Thank you very much.

Woody, it was so sad to see you go. You were another good friend with whom I had a lot of laughs with. You taught me a lot and you were a great person to hang out with. I enjoyed coming over to your house for a game or two and the few times that you helped me, supplying your computer for things that I could not do. I wish there had been more that I could have done for you, but sometimes people do things for me that I just cannot repay at the time. If you ever need anything, you can ask, even though I am on the other side of the country. You are also someone I hope I never lose touch with and I hope we can have some more laughs in the future. Good luck to you my friend.

Mike, oh if only I could live up to the jokes you can pull. I wish I had your self confidence at times. I think it would do me a lot of good where I am going. I am hoping you could set a little of an example for me for where I am going next. You don't take crap from anyone, and I hope I can do the same. You have also taught me a lot. I don't think I will ever be seeing you again as you have left the country and I don't know where you will be going after that. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday. Take care!

Theresa, I cannot even think of words to say on how much I would like to thank you. For putting up with me through my good times and bad. For having faith that I could make it in that office in the first place. You were somewhat like a mother to me. I always felt like I could talk to you if I had no one else to talk to. You are also someone to look up to. You put your heart and soul into everything you do, and seeing you do that just made me want to do the same. I always wanted to help, even in places where I didn't need to be. I hope things go well for you in the future also. And I do so hope to see you again someday. Whenever you look up at that picture above your fireplace... just think about us and all the good times we had together. We all care for you deeply, and speaking for myself, always will, and I'm sure the others feel the same.

I personally think we all made an excellent team. At times, especially toward the beginning, I felt like an outcast, I admit. But looking at it all now, after I got more integrated, we all had our strengths and weaknesses. We all had our ideas, some good, some bad. Some that worked out, some that never really made it past the drawing board. I cannot think of a time when I have worked with a group so well. I hope that it doesn't end there. I wish that time would have never ended, but we all must move on at some point. I hope to hear from you all in the future.

Now that I'm done with that little note, I would like to talk about Val.

What all can I say. I'm terrible with words I know. I cannot do anyone justice with it. Val I love sincerely. I love seeing her smile. I love seeing her laugh. I love just seeing her. I really do think we her and I are also a good team. So what is my big issue? Why isn't she here with me now? Why am I so unsure? I wish I had answers to that. I guess deep down inside I have my own insecurities to deal out before making any kind of commitment. I feel that if I don't sort these out, it will only hurt in the long run. Will she wait for me, I hope so... but if something else were to come along, I also hope she would take that. Val deserves something truly special. To be happy for the rest of her life. Can she be happy with me? Yes, I'm sure she could, after I am ready. Will I ever be ready? I wish I could answer that truthfully, but to be honest, I don't know.

For years I felt so alone. So sure that I would be spending my life on my own with no one else there for me. A couple of women came and went. But when you came along, I felt whole in a way that I never had before. We like doing so much of the same things together. I always have fun and a smile on my face when I am with you. I enjoy being around you and your entire family. Oh, how I wish you could meet mine. In the future, I hope you will.

As you say to me all the time, we do work so well together. We seem to be a team in ourselves. We are always so supportive of each other. I know you are going through a hard time right now, and I am going through one as well. Will time and distance win over us? Only time can answer that question. But as I always tell you, I am sure the future holds good things for both you and me.

I know that probably sounded a little bit corny. I wish I could put it into better words, because I read over it now and it doesn't even do justice. Words have never been a good thing with me. I am working on it for the future though. That way I could tell people what they really do mean to me in a way that they can understand it. But for now, all I can do is try my best.

Now, how is San Diego? Well, so far, I am sorry to admit, pretty dull. I really can't find much to do yet, a hangout place like I had back east at JoJo's, but I haven't give up hope yet. (JoJo's... hmmmm... the last night there, now there is a whole other story in itself, but we won't go there yet.) I just want a small bar with not so many people, a pool table, darts, and karaoke once or twice a week. Is that so much to ask for? Right now I am thinking so. At least somewhere nearby. I will work harder on looking for a place like this after I get more settled. There are some other things that I need to take care of around here first.

Last night was rather exciting though. It was the forth of July, and a new friend (Cregeen) and I went down to the beach to watch the fireworks display. First we looked around the beach for a while, and then we got up on some rocks and watch the tide come in for a bit while we waited on the fireworks to begin. After they did, we noticed we could see two other shows going on at the same time. There is nothing quite like the feeling of watching three different fireworks shows and having the sound of ocean in the background. Very relaxing and a wonderful time. I am thinking I am going to have to go to the beach more often just because I like it there so much... the sound of the waves crashing and such. In due time I'm sure. I am going to be here for a while so I better start finding some stuff I enjoy doing.

Until next time.......