The Photograph

For years, there was a bounty on me, a special kind of bounty though, not the type that might come to mind when you hear the word. No, I wasn't wanted to jumping bond or anything like that. Perhaps it was more of a bet, or a reward, but bounty just seems to work better, at least in this case.

During this time in my life, I lead a rather secretive life in some regards, or at least felt it important to protect my identify from most. One of the ways I did so was to 'prohibit' photographs to be taken of me, save 'professional' photos for licenses and such. Imagine the clerk's amazement when I reached across the counter to retrieve the 'extra' photos that had been taken for my file with the state when I got my private investigator's license.

At the time, when one received their license, four photos were taken ~ one for the actual license ~ three for the file. When I asked why this was, the clerk told me, the photos were kept on file should an additional license need be issued at a later date, like if a license was lost. As I pushed the 'extra' photos into my jacket pocket, I told him, where an additional license ever needed, I would be glad to come back for a photo at the time. No way was I going to allow my photo to lie in a 'public' file for 'anyone' to view at their whim.

Whenever I was 'out' with friends and cameras would come out, I remained diligent to the direction they were pointing. Though there were numerous pictures taken of my back in those days, none of my face. So over time it become a bet amongst my friends who could get a picture with my face in it! For years, I remained diligent and 'camera shy' avoiding and continuing to 'prohibit' a picture be taken of me that showed my face.

This went on for several years, until one night a situation arose that was quite unavoidable and permitted my picture to be taken. It occurred while I was on stage, yes on stage, dancing in a ballet no less, in tights! One of the investigations I was on required me to gather information on a dance company – from the inside! Well the 'perfect' opportunity arose with the dance company's performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For the production, a Prince Charming was required. And in steps me!

When a performer is on stage, one of the things you are taught is to remained 'closed' to the audience, in other words, never 'presenting' your crotch to to the audience for viewing! Being as 'shy' as I was, this was no problem for me and took no real conscious effort when it came time for our 'curtain call' after the performance!

Given I was on investigation at the time, the agency was on hand and it just so happened the photographer for 'association' newsletter was a member of the agency for which I worked. Of course, seeing him standing before the stage with the camera poised to take my picture there was nothing I could do but smile. Oh and smile I did, flashing my biggest and brightest toward him for the photo! A great photo I meant for it to be!

With my computer skills and aptitude, I helped out with the newsletter in getting it ready for press and distribution. It was during the following week while we were working 'that' issue of the newsletter, I viewed the photos taken during my performance. Fine looking photos they were no doubt, if I say so myself! But, there was one detail that went unnoticed, at least by me! So we went about laying out the newsletter and 'of course' the agency was quite proud of the investigation and all, we were all more than happy for the photo of me taking my 'bow' to appear on the front page! Working diligently we finished the newsletter and sent it off to the printer to be printed!

Now as a rule, I would have been going 'commando,' or in other words, no underwear. Given that I was in tights though, underwear just seemed 'necessary.' After all, I was the only male in the performance and surrounded my women, I did not want the absence of underwear to be obvious for any reason.

So the day comes and we pick up the newsletter, consisting of several 100 copies, with distribution to several locations, some of them across the country! As we sat in the office reviewing our handiwork with the newsletter before sending it out. 'Everyone' admiring the picture of me on the front page! Ah and what a lovely picture it was! With a 'big' white spot in the 'middle' of my tights! While being intent and sure I had underwear on beneath the tights, I gave no thought to the color of them! Well white does 'shine' through black tights! There on the front page of the 'national' newsletter was me with a shining smile, and a bright white spot – right in my crotch, making it next to impossible to not notice, after all there was a 'big' white patch to 'zero' in on!

Since that time, I have not bought white underwear for myself again!

Toasted Almonds, Bats and Elephants

When we stayed in Africa, while on the 'safari' we stayed a Hilton, nice yes, but it was unique because of the location. While you might imagine it was near or in a big city, it actually was in the 'middle of nowhere!' Out of all the Hiltons and Hyatts and almost every other hotel and motel imaginable, I have never had orientation when I checked in. That was not the case here! After we checked in at the desk, the group of us were assembled and warned about going outside after dark.

Now, this was without a doubt, one of the most unique Hiltons, I had ever seen or stayed in. It was only 2 stories, and square shaped, with 'everything' inside the square. Everything that is except the garbage receptacles. It is for this reason, we were told to stay 'in' the square at night. The reason the 'wild' animals came up at night to 'check out' the garbage receptacle. To be outside the square made one 'subject' to being dinner for a wild animal!

After our orientation, we were escorted to our rooms. Now the rooms held another unexpected surprise! When we entered the room, a net was found to be suspended over the beds. Of course in my innocence and inexperience, I asked about the need for the 'mosquito nets' at night. Promptly the bell help corrected and enlightened me that the nets were not mosquito nets and they were not there for convenience! More so, they were snake nets and 'required.' Another interesting thing about this hotel – there was no air conditioning! Therefore the sliding doors were apt to be open and snakes apt to crawl into the rooms and beds! Point taken and I did sleep with the net securely fastened about the bed – as I am most certain 'everyone' else did that night!

With check-in and orientation over, it was time for a little relaxation and exploring before dinner. After getting cleaned up and'squared away' my friend and roommate for the night, Bryan and I, went downstairs and outside the square while it was still light. It was close to sunset, and while outside got to view what must have been the most beautiful sunset, I could ever imagine! Almost the entire sky was orange and surrounding an even darker orange orb which was the sun! The vast expanse of the savannah and the desert lent dust to the air which filtered the sunlight, giving it the orange cast we observed! Trul unique, as well as magnificent!

After a short time, we all met up in the dining room for dinner, where we had an awesome dinner and some socializing. After dinner, there were not any clubs or bars nearby, so were limited to the hotel bar and lobby for our entertainment. It was here on this night I became familiar with Toasted Almond cocktails! The delightful combination of coffee and almond liqueurs make this creamy concoction a great indulgence. They are awesome, to say the least! So that evening, myself and a few other shipmates sat in the lobby enjoying the 'new' fond concoction and conversation!

While sitting, enjoying the evening, someone looked up into the 'tower' which loomed over our heads in the lobby. Upon closer observation we noticed it was 'full' of seemingly 1000's of bats! An inquiry with the hotel staff, to confirm what we thought we saw, which was indeed what we thought. The tower was open to the outside allowing the bats access to the interior where they roosted during the day, and made their way out for the foraging and hunting at night! Truly a unique and interesting experience – a night of Toasted Almonds, bats in the lobby of the Hilton in the 'middle of nowhere!'

The Riot

Sometimes a 'vacation' is full of events and activities, but only a few standout and are memorable. Such would be the case in I visited Sicily. Sadly, much of my interest and focus in these days of my youth and worldly travels as always about the party. Though I regret now not seeing more of the country and all that it held, much of my time in Sicily was spent 'in town' and on the bases. Yes there were two bases in Sicily, an operations base and an administrative base.

There are not a lot of memories of my time in Sicily, just a lot of drinking and partying. One evening, I ended up touring the streets of Sigonella, in search of one party place to another. It was in Sigonella, that I saw my first transvestites, at least that I was aware of. Many of the streets there brick lane, winding among shops and apartments. The fleet was in town and the girls and gurls were out in 'force.' The party scene wasn't the same as it was is in many locations so after one night of 'touring,' our focus centered on the EM [enlisted mens] club.

The EM Club was located on the Administrative base and we were on the Operations side, so a bus ride was required from one base to the next. No worries, it was a military shuttle, so we just hopped on board and made our way to the EM Club for the evening. At the time, the EM Club, though not necessarily the desire location was good for cheap drinks which lent itself to the purpose ~ copious amounts of alcohol. Another 'plus' begin amid other military persons, you were 'pretty safe.' Now one unique thing about the Sigonella bases at the time, the consisted not only of shore sailors [Sea Bees – slang for CB or Construction Battalion], but also marines, and at this time at least fleet sailors.

Believe it or not, and with all due respect to all members of the military, there is a big rivalry between fleet sailors and shore sailors and marines. And whether people like to admit it or not, the Marine Corp is a Division of the Navy – there is no Department of the Marine Corps, and the Corp 'sits' below and with the Department of the Navy. Hence the saying a marine is often times only a 'seagoing bellhop.' Again, no disrespect meant at all, I have a great respect and love for all military members, even the Air Force.

So we 'piled' onboard the bus, fleet sailors, shore sailors [Cbs] and marines during which the love was felt among the mix. Swapping tales and making comparisons on the way, all of us thirsty and with the final destination and what it mean in mind. Memories of the EM after arrived are lost, other than the memory of vast quantities of alcohol and BS, and that we did see the inside of the club until closing time.

It was on the bus ride back to the Ops base that things got interesting. All of us, tanked and feeling our 'oats,' the atmosphere changed from the ride over and the BS and rivalry began and rose. My shipmate and I were sitting in the front seat of the bus near the door and he and I were probably two of the loudest, slinging 'insults' and stabs the whole way back! When we reached the Ops base, the bus began making stops letting people off the bus.

The first stop was the marine barracks. All of us riled and slinging our slights and jabs for 30 or 45 minutes had only fueled the emotions, which was fueled by the copious amounts of alcohol. As the marines lined up and filed to the door to depart, the 'dings and BS' reached an all time high and the last marine off the bus, turned the verbal assault physical! With moi' being closest, I took a slap which grazed my eye. The marine's finger nail raking across my eyeball. Along with the alcohol and emotions all ready high, the physical 'assault' only fueled me on and made a retaliatory return mandatory. After all, I had to 'uphold' the honor of fleet sailors. As I was sitting down, the logical thing to do was kick and I did, landing square in the marines crotch! This fired the marine up who was ready for more! The bus driver, a foreign national was pushing the marine out the door as he screamed for him to get off the bus. The marine gets off the bus, the driver closes the door and proceeds to his next stop. End of story right? LOL Actually just the beginning!

When we reached the final stop, the gymnasium where we were staying, my shipmate and I being in the front row, were the first to exit the bus. Laughing and joking, we ended up in the arms of shore patrol! Taken by surprise, we boisterously asked 'what the hell?' The funny thing, the Shore Patrol was accompanied by an officer – not unheard of in all occasions, but that was most often seen in the streets, not on base. Well after we all 'calmed down,' we were told we were no under arrest, more so they were they for our protection and pointed out the battalion of marines marching toward us! Seems the marine who last exited the bus had 'riled up the troops' and they were coming to finish what was started!

So my shipmate and I were 'encouraged' to grab our things from the gym and accompany them. Seems we were to be put up in 'five star' accommodations for the night. Actually, more than just five star, it was an empty EM apartment. So we 'gladly' accompanied' them to avoid the coming tide. So we 'checked in' with explicit instructions we were not to leave quarters without an escort, where we were to remain until transportation back to the ship was arranged. Oh yeah, we were in Sigonella, because we had missed ship's movement previously, another story for another time.

So everything looked to be cool and that we would only be 'locked up' for one night, the helicopter was scheduled to deliver us to the ship the next morning. Next morning 0500, the phone is ringing and I awake and answer the phone to talk to the OOD [Officer of the Deck – or duty officer], the helo developed mechanical issues and our flight out was OOC [out of commission], we would not be going anywhere, for another day or two. Before we hung up, he reminded us of the 'deal' and that we were not to leave the room without and escort, call SP when we were ready for chow [breakfast].

Awake now, might as well stay up and face the day of 'confinement.' A short time later we called for our escort to the chow hall. Wow! What an experience breakfast was, nothing like on the ship! It was basically request to order 'whatever' you wanted! Definitely a change I could get used to! So after a 'nice' breakfast, we were escorted back to our quarters to wait out the rest of the day. During which time, we did get a call to inform us we would be leaving the next morning, but not to go to our ship but a tender that was going to rendezvous with our ship in a day or two for refueling.

As the day wore on, the taste of a beer lingered and the 'need' for alcohol grew in my shipmate and me. On the Ops base there was a gedunk [a snack bar or canteen on a naval ship or naval base]. So I placed a call to the OOD [Officer of the Day] explained our situation and our thirst and need for a beer to quench our thirst. After a little convincing, he acquiesced to allow us to visit the gedunk [which also has a bar] for a couple of hours, with an escort. Well worth it for the end result.

A short time later there is a knock at the door and upon answering it, we are not surprised to see Short Patrol standing there, ready to escort us to the gedunk. A short while later we are walking through the doors. Low and behold what is the first thing I see upon opening the door? Well apparently he saw me at the same moment, as I saw this 'blur' headed towards me! While a night of sleep had pretty much all but erased the memory of the previous night from most people's mind ~ or at least the need to release frustration.

This obviously was not the deal with the marine I had kicked the night before! The quick reactions of one of the Shore Patrol saved me from being hit, by a 'freight train!,' as he pulled me out of the path! Letting go of my arm the two SP's formed a 'shield' between me and the marine and with a few words of 'advice' were able to get him to 'cool his engines.' That done, SP turned to my shipmate and I, pointing to the door to indicate it was time for us to depart. Out the door we went, voicing our thoughts, feelings and disgust at not being able to quench our thirst, we headed back to the room.

Reporting to the flight deck the next morning at 0500, we were soon loaded aboard the helicopter to ferry us to our next stop on the 'road' to catch up with our ship! Thirsty and no alcohol in sight for several days!

Happy New Year 2012

As we enter 2012 – Happy New Year to you! May you know many blessings, much abundance and many smiles and joyful memories.

We all have a responsibility to seek and find the balance in our lives. But to

seek and find such balance comes with a price – responsibility, not only

responsibility but, also personal responsibility. As we move into a new year,

there is rumor once again that we will realize the end of the year again.

Truly, I believe that it will not be end of the earth, of life as we know it,

but do firmly believe we will take steps closer to it.

There are continuing threats against Mother Earth and humanity and it seems

largely that were turn the other cheek, have a blind eye and a deaf ear to it

all. Choosing to ignore it, unless it in someway effects us directly. Surely,

the Creator must have a sense of humor, for despite all the warnings and

warning signs, we continue to pretty much live our lives as we 'always' have.

The Creator will not have to bring about the destruction of Earth, merely one

only need sit back and let mankind continue to destroy it.

Many of the resources of the earth, the essential things are constantly

assaulted, abused and turned to poison – the air, the water, the food supply.

Yet we all for the most part sit back foolishly and let it continue to be so –

all in the name of progress. We allow the things which will be our demise for

our 'survival,' at least in the 'moment.'

More than one warning came to light in this previous year, 2011, yet there is

no outcry to change things. In 2011, the people of the earth saw a number of

disastrous events, all which move us 'steps' closer, closer to our demise.

Though many went without heed, many more went on with no notice to most at all.

Mankind continued the assault against our “Mother,” against humanity – all a

step closer to our demise.

In 2011, we realized continued assault against our water and food supply in the

way of the Deep Horizon oil spill, the effects which continue as do the

continued steps that will continue to perpetuate the effects. The plastic

island, created by 'our' continued use, misuse and dependence on plastic. The

effects of both these things continue to change our oceans – our water supply,

our food supply – our way of life and survival on this 'big blue marble' we

call home.

In this past year, the use of the fracking mining technique continued to grow

and despite the 'cries' of the danger, it was allowed to continue to grow in

popularity. Now, the EPA admits the danger and hazard of the practice, yet it

still goes on. This despite the poisoning of our water supply, with the

potential of harm to our 'Mother's skin.'

The assault on our water supply and health is further perpetuated through the

introduction of fluoride in our water supply. This despite all the warnings of

health issues to be realized through such 'treatment.'

The assault on our food supply continues despite the many warnings. Earlier

this year, the government released a report telling of the danger of chicken

because of mankind and the introduction of arsenic into chicken feed. We are

what we eat. Would the animals we eat be any different?

In 2011, mankind witnessed and continues to experience the worst man-made

nuclear disaster ever, in Japan. Though largely downplayed to the people in

the effects and dangers of it, the radiation in the U.S. Milk supply is 2000

times the level 'permitted.' At least two countries have taken steps to

'remove' their dependence and use of nuclear energy. All the same, there is

the danger of all the 'spent' nuclear fuel and what to do with it. The answer

is largely these days to 'bury' the waste. What an archaeological find the

like that will potentially make! Though deemed to be 'safe,' the 'immediate'

effect and affect, we have no way of knowing.

The assault on our food supply continues to proliferate and escalate in the

danger it poses. The dangers of GMO crops and other food continues to be a

major concern. Despite the implied and confirmed dangers of it – and the

assaults against mankind, both in the ability to survive and know good health.

The causes and effects which I could write copious pages alone. The 'feared'

and much talked about Agent Orange, considered to be a WMD [weapon of mass

destruction] is currently being petitioned by large corporations to allow the

use of 2,4D one of the major components in Agent Orange seeking permission to

use this agent on our food crops.

The continued growth and spread of acceptance of the 'goods' put on the market

by the drug companies is merely one more assault which mankind 'gladly'

accepts. Believing seemingly blindly the claims 'it will make us better.'

There are countless examples. One of most prevalent and widespread, vaccines.

Despite warnings of health concerns the HPV vaccine has been widely accepted

despite the health warnings of many against it. The 'recent' H1N1 'scare' and

the 'need' for the vaccine to 'prevent it.' This even though only 1.5 in 100

people realize any benefits from the vaccine. All of this, there is still a

'big push' to vaccinate as many people as possible. A number of the retail

chains offering sales incentives to their staff for the 'shots' sold to

customers. The utilization and dependence of vaccines continues to grow,

despite one of the major scientist admitting the potential and harm of vaccines

in causing cancer.

The assaults continue in many ways, against 'Mother Earth' and humanity. One

of the greatest, through the 'wonderful Internet' and computers. The use of

these 'tools' have been turned into a weapon against 'us.' Yet again, we have

accepted convenience and instant gratification without understanding or

considering the implications, the long term effect.

As we progress into the new year, I wish you a happy year with many blessings

and much abundance. Just remember blessings occur often and in many different

ways. Also that abundance does not necessarily mean the weight of the coin in

your pocket. Our responsibility should not be selfish and self servicing, but

should be to one another. Do not accept things blindly, for as nice as it

would be to believe 'the other guy' as our best interest in mind, far too

often, it only 'his own' of which he is concerned. Remember the Golden Rule –

consider the actions you are about to take and how they effect others, not just

yourself. Don't be selfish and do be responsible.

We should not forget or lose sight of the assaults against humanity and our rights. Evidenced from the numerous riots [protests] occurring around the world in response to the continued assaults. The economic conditions point to the 'intent of the ruling class' contributing to and lending to the decline of the 'common man.' Do not forget now, and I pray you will not know the affects of the NDAA, which went into effect as law on the first day of this new year. It is without a doubt, one 'document' nearly as powerful as our Constitution and Bill of Rights, although in complete assault of 'all' things we know. With the signing of the NDAA, which not only goes against federal law, but also international law, all the things we know and hold dear to, are now for naught, brought on with mere 'swipe' of a pen.

As always, my prayers and wishes are with you, now and always. In this letter, I am enclosing a copy of my 2012 New Year letter to share with you. If for nothing else to give you a view of one of the traditions I 'follow.' Traditions and 'signs' are something that I take somewhat significantly. Such things, to me at least are important often times. So let me know what you think of the letter! As always, with all things, your comments and input are sought after and greatly appreciated!

As Mickey's hand slide to indicate the 3:00 a.m., hour, I will now bid you my leave, for the time and close this missive, but never my heart! Looking forward to and hoping to hear from you soon, as always! Be well, take care and keep smiling! Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you now, and often!

Warm regards, thoughts, wishes and prayers,

Kevin

The White Dove

Although it probably has little significance to anyone other than my mother and me, previously, I wrote about the white dove, in an earlier blog entry Sunday afternoon and the white dove, this is the continuance of that tale.

During the course of my mother's treatment, there came a time when she had to be admitted to the hospital overnight, a routine stay, for tests and such, to determine the efficacy of the treatment she had received thus far.  Though it was not something she or I relished, her stay in the hospital afforded me the opportunity for a 'night off' and some time to stop by the office to 'catch up' on somethings there.

Not wanting to leave my mother along, but knowing I needed to, at the same time I wanted to give her some reassurance that though I was not there physically, I was still with her.  As she got checked in and settled into the room, I excused myself to 'tour' the hospital, possibly seeing something I never had before in all my visits there.  

As she got settled in for the night, I wondered the halls of the hospital, seeing what I might see.  While on my venture through the halls, I came upon the gift shop and decided to wander in and see what trinkets I might find.  Something I had 'always' done was deliver gifts or trinkets to my mother and grandmother, for no reason - often times merely flowers, 'out of the blue' as a sign to let them know I cared for and appreciated them.  Usually in the way of flowers and cards, my mother and I did have one tradition.  Every year for her birthday, I would show up to her house, not with a cake but a cupcake, her preference.  That has begun when one year, I stopped by the bakery to get a cake and there none available that were suitable, so I opted instead for cupcakes.  The beginning of what became a tradition.  I deviate though, allow me to return to the main purpose of this blog entry.

Venturing into the gift shop, my eyes were met a huge 'beanie baby' display.  'Beanie babies' being a 'rage' at the time, I wondered to the display to take a closer look.  While browsing through the selection, I happened upon a 'beanie baby' in the image of a white dove.  Symbolizing to me more than what most people would associate with it, it also represent  peace, healing, and release from her current situation.  It seemed the 'perfect' gift to me for the occasion.  Upon returning to my mother's room and presenting the gift, she expressed her gratification and let me know it would 'always' be on the bedside table beside her. 

 Promptly, she placed it on the bedside stand taking care to ensure it faced the 'right way' so she could see it and it could 'see' her.  When she packed to go home from the hospital, the dove was not placed in her bag, but instead carried by her.  When she got home, she made a 'bee line' to the bedroom to place the dove on her bedside stand to ensure the dove as near and visible to her, and anyone else coming into the room.

Hey that's not me

Hey that's not me!

With a common name like mine, I am constantly being mistaken for someone else.  Although a nuisance it is also laughable.  Often times costly though!  It is funny to go to the doctor and learn about all the diseases the other guy had before they learn they have the wrong chart!  Or to go the pharmacy and be mistaken,  man they are not prescribing me the right medication sometimes, I want some of what he is getting!

There is the time I was almost arrested for being a 'cop killer,' fortunately I was the 'wrong' color!  Everything else fit closely enough, we even had the same birthday!   Then when I was getting my license renewed down in Texas, and just as I walking out the door, I heard someone call, "Mr. Johnson, I need to see you."  It was a state trooper and he wanted to take me to the back.  Oh brother what did I forget?  The trooper was very polite and kind as I stood against the wall for height measurement, telling me all the time it was what he thought was a mistaken identity.  After getting measured for height, I was invited to sit in the metal chair (with handcuffs on it!) while they checked a couple more things! 

Fortunately, I had the wrong color hair, the wrong height and way too many tattoos from the guy being sought for outstanding warrants!  The trooper apologized and let me go on my way!  What a heart stopper!

Collection companies have 'tracked' me down in a bid to collect money!  When finally I did talk to them, we both learned it was the wrong guy they spent all the time and money on to track down.  I had never lived or went to school in Wisconsin!

Of course all the instances can't end in happy endings!  The last time was also the most dramatic one!

Last year, I found a contract position that I was most interested in and seemed a perfect fit!  Apparently the company did as well since I ended up there for their application process  Everything was looking good and as I sat through a training class for indoctrination 'they' came to get me. Taking me out of the class, they proceeded to tell me, I had failed the background (criminal) investigation.  Thinking to myself, "No Way."  This was the part of the process I dreaded the least.

Of course I wanted to speak someone and find out what the hell was up.  The Personnel Manager was nice and told me, I would be receiving a letter but not much more.  So I returned home and awaited the letter which came a couple of days later.  I had to laugh as I read the letter and the accompanying report.  As I read the report, I had to think a 'thank you' to the Mr. Johnson's that had been screwing up my life for years!  Still I wasn't mad at them, they just happened to have the same name and other stats.  One had the same birthday and the other had an SSN (Social Security Number) that was one digit off from mine.

Oh I was pissed off though, more so at the company and whoever 'reviewed' the report.  How the hell could they miss out that the persons named on the report looked nothing like me!  One was black and the other blond haired and blue eyed!  I was livid!  How the hell could the company miss such important details, especially after they came courting me for the position!

Of course, I went through all the red tape and procedure 'required' to remove the errant entries on my criminal background but it did nothing to help me regain the lost income, nor did it do anything to correct other errant information with other reporting agencies.  Come on why the hell do I have a 'unique' SS Number?  Isn't this supposed to 'protect' me from such bs? 

The Wager

After my vacation and returning aboard ship, I was ready to assume my new position and start life back up!  Things were busy as things 'ramped up.'  The days were filled with the creation of policies and procedure, 'choosing' the staff, setting schedules, both for the students and the 'instructors.'  As I grew 'shorter' my life became busier and filled my days and nights!  Life was good! 

The vacation and the trip home quickly became a memory as time was filled with 'new' responsibilities and demands.  Along with all the 'worries' that came with the job, I also had the added 'pressure' of my upcoming date of [permanent] departure, sure I was getting out and returning to civilian life.  All the while the reasons why I should extend continued, but I remained resolved that I was 'getting out.' 

There was although one other 'concern' that plagued me ~ between me and 'freedom' there was another 'trip' to sea looming on the horizon for me.  Right after the stay in the shipyard for 'refurb' came the period of workups.  Having been through workups before, it was not something I was looking forward to, or wanted to be a part of!  Another 'trip' to see and the workups just did not 'fit' into my plans nor desires, some way I had to get out of it.  Getting out early wasn't an option so it seemed the 'trip' was my destiny and in my future.

Not one to be quiet though, and fortunately having some friends that even though they were senior officers, I could talk to them openly and honestly.  So I made my 'concerns' known to them.  A good thing too!  So one officer, Lt. Breland, indicated that there was the potential for me to catch a temporary assignment 'shore side' and thus avoid the trip to sea and work ups. To say the least, I was 'all in' and began investigating ways to make this potential a reality!

Now Lt. Breland was one of my 'biggest fans,' but he was also the main person 'behind' the plan to get me to extend on board for a year and be the system administrator.  After all, it was his 'project' for the time and he was ultimately responsible for the success of the new system  The fact he was willing to impart this information to me was in some ways surprising, but the fact he did caused me to admire him more for it.  As much as he wanted me to stay, he also became one of the person's the most behind me to see my realize my dreams and goals of not going to sea again.

 The final decision maker though was my boss, Commander Loy, also fortunately a good friend.  Though there were specific regulations regarding fraternization between enlisted and commissioned officers, these were essentially ignored and were careful to not 'step over any lines' for it to become an issue!  After several months and working closely together, Commander Loy and myself, had become pretty close friends, even going out drinking a time or two.  So I wasn't 'too worried' about him accepting and approving the temporary assignment ashore, there was always the possibility!


The Indoctrination Division is a part of the Executive Department, which I had been assigned to for my entire time on board ship, almost four years.  As the Department Head, Commander Loy was my 'big boss.'  On the schedule while the ship was in the shipyard for rehab was the refurbishing of the Executive Department berthing and head.  So being an administrative department and the fact that many people were otherwise distracted - vacations, schooling and such, there were not a great many people to oversee and supervise the project.  Seeing my chance, I 'jumped' on it, but not without a wager!  


The wager being, I would oversee and manage the refurbishing of the spaces, in exchange for the completion of the job, as required, I would get orders for temporary orders ashore [to Houston] thus avoiding 'workups' and another trip to sea!  Even though the stringent requirements were made known to me, I still made the wager and it was accepted.  It was, to say the least the source of a joke during the course of the project and my remainder of time aboard ship.  Determined not to 'miss out' on this deal, I did all I could and all that was necessary to complete the job and collect on my wager.  Almost daily, Commander Loy, was 'by' to check with me on the status of the project.   Almost always with good natured goading of the 'impossibility' of completion of the task, and my loss of the wager.  The loss of the wage would mean my staying aboard ship for another trip to sea and the 'enjoyment' of work ups!  Determined not to lose the wager, I 'pulled' every trick and favor owed to me to ensure its 'success.'


It all did not occur without some stress and worry though!  The biggest actually coming the night before my target date to ensure the wager was done!  On this night, one task remained to be completed - having the head painted and labeled according to policy.  The whole day, I had been 'sweating' how I was going to accomplish this. In the end, I did though and all for the price of a case of beer!


Realizing things were at the 11th hour and 'failure' loomed before me, I 'stressed' in trying to come up with a solution to the problem.  A trip to the compartments with Commander Loy that day did not do much for my spirits as I was assured I was apt to 'fail' and lose the wager!  Not to be dissuaded, I thought until I came up with what I hoped would be the solution!  What I needed was someone with an air sprayer and in the Navy, that equated to a Boatswain mate!


The 'I' Division staff was comprised of essentially one person from each department on the ship, so I 'had' a boatswain mate - on 'my' staff!  Problem was, it was his night off and he was all ready home and doing no telling what at 9 o'clock at night.  If nothing else, maybe he could 'hook me up with another boatswain's mate who was on board ship that night.  So I called and 'pleaded' my case and my need for him to come in and see to this final step of the task for me.  After several moments of hearing my 'pleas,' he consented to see that it was done in the time needed, but for a price!  Well of course naturally, I did not expect if for free!  So as I fretted on the price this was going to cost me, we bartered back and forth for a few.  In the end, agreeing on a case of beer!  To say the least, I was shocked, I was figuring, and willing to pay at least $100 to see it done!  A case of beer?  Gladly, no problem, a done deal!


Though sweating it, I 'gave in' to the words and assurance of Petty Officer Reavis, that would be done as needed, and called it a night and went to my slumber.  Upon awakening the next morning though, like a kid on Christmas morning, I flew from my rack and went to see - fully expecting to find the job 'undone.'  You might imagine my surprise and joy when I entered to see the most wonderful 'Christmas gift' I have ever received!  A fresh coat of paint complete with all the required labeling on the fixtures and pipes!  Now, as then, I am not sure which gleamed brighter, the new coat of paint or my smile!


With one final walk through to inspect everything, I made my way to the shower and to start the day.  Today which was to begin with a visit at 0800 sharp to Commander Loy's office.  His words to me as I stood in his officer were 'is it done?'  With pride, and to his seeming amazement, I stated it was and that I would be awaiting his inspection.  He indicated that he would be to the space shortly and I departed his office to make my way there and stand by for his inspection.


Awaiting his arrival, I made my way through the space one more time for my final inspection, looking for anything that might be pointed out to me and cause me to 'fail' the inspection.  There was none that I could find.  


When Commander Loy entered the space, with all formality and respect 'expected' of a senior officer, I snapped to attention and stated that I was standing by for his inspection!  After acknowledging my presence and statement, I began escorting him through the space pointing out the things that needed to be there!  Though the mood was 'playful' with joking of my 'imminent' failure, I awaited him to point out any one thing which would indicate 'failure' I still maintained all the formality the situation dictated, trying to appear confident and assured all things would 'pass' his inspection.  We finished the inspection and the 'moment' never came!  The space passed!  And I won the wager!  As he turned to go, he told me of when to be in his office to pickup my orders for the temporary duty that guaranteed I would not be going to sea again, or enduring workups!


Still with a couple of days before my departure, I moved through the task of 'shutting down' 'I' Division, and collecting and packing my things in anticipation of my departure to go ashore, a little shorter, I would be completing my time as a shore sailor!