Strick's Ramblings

As the year of the rabbit comes to an end, the year of the Dragon quickly approaches. 2011 was a good year, filled with many ups and downs, good times and bad times. 2011 seemed to last about as long as a decade. My medical board started around January and lasted until the end of October. So much has happened in this year, I’m not ready to write about it all now.  As I adjust to retired life and prepare for my 2nd career, I find myself missing the camaraderie of my military brother and sisters.  Although I'm glad I have moved on, especially when I think about the deployments and time away from family.

Anyway, enough about that.  The kids had a good Christmas.  Money is tight, but we're surviving.  We are together as a family and safe.  We have much to be thankful for!

My thought are with our troops that are overseas!  May you come home safe and sound!

2012 WILL BE A BETTER YEAR!  And that's that!

Once again, I seem to have forgotten that I even own a website. November 2010 was the last time I wrote in here. guess I just haven't had much to say. So much has been going on in my life and the lives of my precious family.

I have recently updated my website from handwritten HTML/PHP to a CMS (Content Management System). This certainly makes my life easier. As I get older, I seem to get lazier with regards to coding. Why hand code your pages when there is no longer a need. As a comparison, why use an Atlas or a paper map and a hi-lighter when you can simply use a GPS. Technology has certainly made our lives easier in so many ways.

As the summer approaches, our family is bracing for a big change... to be announced at a later date once everything is final. Enough for now...

You know, being on convalescent leave is not too bad.  I mean, I get paid to lay around the house and get better.  In fact, I got 18 days off for free.  These days don’t count  against my 30 days annual paid vacation, which is a good thing. 

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all good… I did run out of my drugs yesterday, and my knee hurts.  The swelling persists, today is day number 8, since surgery.  Walking still is a task, assisted by crutches you’ll see me hobbling around.

I think the worst thing, other than the pain, is not being able to take a shower.  I am addicted to hot showers, and not being able to take a shower is driving me crazy.  What I do, is stick half my body in the shower, with my bad leg out with the knee wrapped so it will not get wet, and shower that way.  Hopefully, next week after my follow up I will be able to take a shower.  It gets boring laying around the house. 

Today we went out exploring/trail riding in the mountains in Norther Japan.  This was an awsome ride and I posted pics & videos on my website.  If you want to download the video's they are in .avi & .flv format here.  Pics are temporarily here for download.