Killing My Next Victim

Off Center has been completed. The first part of this challenge is done. But the first part is only the first part. It’s easy to do something once. As any first-time Oscar winner will tell you, the pressure hits immediately: can you do it again or were you a one-hit wonder? I’m already developing the … Continue reading Killing My Next Victim

Leave it to California!

Trigger warning: controversy time as I take a direct shot at the Democratic Party. Need it be said, no the Republicans are not perfect and I think Paul Ryan has proven completely inept as a leader in the House. But at least he is not trying to restrict my actual RIGHTS. Leave if to California … Continue reading Leave it to California!

The Good Times: Beauty and the Beast

I make no apologies for writing about the dark things in life. I believe sharing my struggles and my successes in coping will help increase awareness of mental health issues, at least a little. However, my life is not all dark. As I race towards the conclusion of my naval career, I will rest my … Continue reading The Good Times: Beauty and the Beast

I Miss My Standing Desk

I miss my standing desk. I’m serious. I miss it. There is a hole in my life where my standing desk used to be. A void, an eternal pit of black despair mired in the knowledge of the lost freedom and blood flow I used to enjoy while conducting the Navy’s business. Now my khaki-clad … Continue reading I Miss My Standing Desk

Inner Visions

Writing is good for me. I have attempted suicide many, many years ago. I have dealt with a serious fight with depression and anxiety for my entire adult life, and it was not always recognized for what it really was. This left me to muddle along without proper treatment and support for a very long … Continue reading Inner Visions

What Was It All For?

Right out the gate let me tell you that I have been living with chronic depression and anxiety for, well, most of my life. Despite the jovial, irreverent facade most people see during the day, the core emotional reality I experience nearly all day long, every day, is a dark melancholy, a Black Hole. No … Continue reading What Was It All For?

Nuovo Inizio

SUFFOLK, Va. (Feb. 20, 2017) - It has been a highly kinetic week at work before this holiday. I’m not merely the chief of production at my command; I’ve taken over as chief of operations too. The assumption of additional responsibilities happened while I was in Naples, so I had to hit the deck plate … Continue reading Nuovo Inizio

Across the Pond 2

(Written Feb. 12...again!) I'm sitting in Washington Dulles International Airport. Flew a Lufthansa Boeing 777 across the pond, and it was one of the most comfortable flights I have taken. Unlike my trip to Italy, on this trip the plane was only half full, so instead of being packed in next to four other men … Continue reading Across the Pond 2

Preparing to Fly

(Written Feb. 12) - Sitting in my room. Packed up, TV is on, and I'm finishing my coffee. Soon as I finish this, I'll pack up my computer, go down and check out. My buddy Gary picks me up at 1130 to get me to the airport. I hate endings. I hate vacation endings. I … Continue reading Preparing to Fly

Walking the Path of the Past

(Written Feb. 11) - Last full day in Naples; fly out for Virginia tomorrow. This has been a very hard trip in many ways. Partly by the news of not getting into William and Mary, partly by the reality of having to start planning for a different future, and partly by the simple fact that, … Continue reading Walking the Path of the Past