I retire in two years. Okay, a little more than two, but that's essentially all I have left until I'm eligible to retire. And while I was rejuvenated by my little trip to Alabama (seriously, I was), this place has effectively knocked the wind right out of my sails. It's nobody's fault, not really. there is a culture here that I have problems buying into and it stresses me out having to conform to it. I'm not trying to complain, really I'm not. I still love my job over-all, even if I'm not a fan of where I'm doing it, and I'm proud of what I do and the organization to which I belong. But it's getting to be the time I move on; end this life and begin another.
And that's what I've been thinking about for the better part of a week now...moving on. I've done nothing epic in my life. I believe, especially given how I was growing up, that the mere act of my enlistment took more courage than I thought I possessed at the time, but I wouldn't call it epic. I've literally flown around the world in support of a deployment, but again, not epic. I'm talking something that challenges my endurance, courage, will-power, drive. I shall create cold fusion!!! Not really. I've come up with something epic to help with the transition from my military life to my civilian life. I'm gonna ride home.
3300 miles and change. According to Google maps that's how far it is from Las Vegas (or, to be more specific, my apartment complex) to my friend Sean's house in Anchorage, AK. 3300 miles. I want to make that ride on a bicycle. Alone. Well, okay, I'll have my debit card, but no people. Just me with my thoughts. My mom would lose her mind if I told her I was thinking about doing this, but thinking about it I am. Seriously. I will have no bills to pay (not even a car payment, although I will still have insurance), no job to get to, and about 90 days of leave saved up where I'll still be earning full pay and allowances. I figure if I leave about the last week of April (before it gets too hot here) I should be in Anchorage by the end of June; riding 80-100 miles a day taking a day (or two) off every three to five. This little adventure has consumed all my thinking abilities for about a week or so now. Logistically it shouldn't bee too difficult (except for getting my car back to Alaska), I'll have plenty of dough for hotels and meals. I plan on packing light: spare parts (cables, brake pads, tubes, maybe a tire), riding clothes, tent and sleeping bag (just in case), first aid kit and a means to carry water/food. I think I can do this and what's more important I want to do this. I shall do this.
And that's what I've been thinking about for the better part of a week now...moving on. I've done nothing epic in my life. I believe, especially given how I was growing up, that the mere act of my enlistment took more courage than I thought I possessed at the time, but I wouldn't call it epic. I've literally flown around the world in support of a deployment, but again, not epic. I'm talking something that challenges my endurance, courage, will-power, drive. I shall create cold fusion!!! Not really. I've come up with something epic to help with the transition from my military life to my civilian life. I'm gonna ride home.
3300 miles and change. According to Google maps that's how far it is from Las Vegas (or, to be more specific, my apartment complex) to my friend Sean's house in Anchorage, AK. 3300 miles. I want to make that ride on a bicycle. Alone. Well, okay, I'll have my debit card, but no people. Just me with my thoughts. My mom would lose her mind if I told her I was thinking about doing this, but thinking about it I am. Seriously. I will have no bills to pay (not even a car payment, although I will still have insurance), no job to get to, and about 90 days of leave saved up where I'll still be earning full pay and allowances. I figure if I leave about the last week of April (before it gets too hot here) I should be in Anchorage by the end of June; riding 80-100 miles a day taking a day (or two) off every three to five. This little adventure has consumed all my thinking abilities for about a week or so now. Logistically it shouldn't bee too difficult (except for getting my car back to Alaska), I'll have plenty of dough for hotels and meals. I plan on packing light: spare parts (cables, brake pads, tubes, maybe a tire), riding clothes, tent and sleeping bag (just in case), first aid kit and a means to carry water/food. I think I can do this and what's more important I want to do this. I shall do this.