Greetings foolish mortals.  It's been a couple of days since the anniversary but I wanted to acknowledge it, even if it is a couple of days late.

September 8th has held special memories for me.  It was on this day in 1986, 34 years ago, that I left home as a young, naïve, 18 year old kid, and joined the United States Navy.  It was a far cry from easy and there were several times I felt like quitting, but in my stubborn mind, that would not happen.  I didn't start my career the way I wanted to as I wanted to fly, and later on, fly in helicopters.  It took me about 1 1/2 years to finally begin the journey down the path of my chosen profession in the Navy.  I was going to be an AW (Aviation Submarine Warfare Operator/Rescue Swimmer).  I began this path with determination and tenacity and a little bit of arrogance, as these were all needed to be the best you could.  It took me a year and a half of further training to finally earn my "Wings of Gold" as a United States Naval Aircrewman.  It was a long process and a dangerous one at the same time but I wouldn't have had it any other way.  I had some great times during my career and also some of the worst in my life.  However, they all added up to make me who I am today.

Then there was the second coming of September 8th in which I began my second career and by starting school and making something else out of my life.  Who would have thought that on that day in 1998, I would be starting all over by getting into a totally different path than what I expected.  I began by studying Electronic Engineering and that in turn had me getting hired by Intel before I graduated so I had a job waiting for me.  It's been a curious 20 years since I graduated and have worked in several different positions ranging from a Manufacturing Technician for Intel up to a Senior Systems Administrator and Information Systems Security Officer for my present company at SARA.

It's been an amazing journey and it keeps getting better.  Looking forward to more great times.

Until next time...

BBP out!!!