I am the STIG!

Thats right folks, school is in session and I will be sitting in the front row with a notebook and number 2 pencil.   After a 5 year break from graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science in Buisness Administration, I have made the conscience decision to return to a Univeristy and pursue a MBA degree.  Getting my Masters has been something I wanted to do for quite sometime, but never really had the time, or motivation until recently.  With my wifes health improving, and my life back to a normal state, I really couldn’t find any reason why not to take the pluge and become a student.  I am still working full time as Government fodder in the Air Force, but that was even more reason as the Air Force frowns upon those not continuing education during thier career. The decision was even easier to make when one of the benifits of being in the military is having tuition assistance.  That means, the Air Force will fit the bill while I improve knowledge.  To date, I some how miraculously missed a deployment, giving me more time at home station to pursue things like education.   The opportunity presented itself and now I am taking that journey to a higher education.   I am very excited and very anxious.  But I am of the belief that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.

This unfortunatly means making sacrafices, and one of those is my MINI.  I am NOT selling it, but rather will be spending less time behind the wheel, and more time behind a book.  For the next two months, every Saturday will be filled with classes, then after that, just my weeknights will have classes.  Its a small sacrafice to make to ensure when the time comes to leave the military, I will be setup for success in this changing economy.  A small price to pay to “git mo edumacation” for the future.  This means I’ll be skipping out on MINI adventures and ralleys with my dearest friends.  If they read this, I am sure they will understand and wait for me in the long twisty road ahead.  I will still look forward in mods, and already have a few lined up.  I’ll definitly be saving tons of money since I’ll be busy hitting the books, rather than the pavement. Yes, I will still blog, and still keep active in the forums.  Once I adjust, and those Saturday classes are over, I will definitly be getting out and doing many events, including more track time.  It will be needed to help balance the stress of work and school.

Of all the schools, I chose Fayetteville State University.  They have on-base classes with a real instructor.  They are VERY military friendly and accept tuition assistance.  The value, support, and quality of education seemed like a good fit.  They have a big presence at Seymour Johnson AFB.

My first day is this Thursday.  I’ve dug out my old book bag, dusted off a new notebook, and filled my mechanical pencil…  I say, or couch, the stig says, bring it on…  I’ve slayed the dragon, driven the ring, now its time to get smart… er…

Another year has passed and another Thanksgiving has been thrusted upon us.  But let me take a minute to explore my thoughts on this holiday we all look forward too.  At first glance, Thanksgiving tends to be a man’s holiday.  A holiday where we all stuff our belly’s with no regard for diet or conservation, then sit on the couch with our pants unbutton and watch as much football as possible, then dose off until its time to wake up and eat dessert.  I am not trying to be sexist but I just don’t see the woman taking on this role.  Indeed this describes a good day, but let me take a different view on this holiday only Americans celebrate.  This day is much more than just food, but the gathering of friends and family, enjoying each others company.  Its a day we all gather around the table, regardless of past squabbles.  Its a day we take a moment and reflect on those things we have to be thankful for and for those who has touched our lives.  Its the one time of year many of us get a home cooked meal and truly fill our belly into a bliss of satisfaction.  Its about spending time with loved ones and doing the catch up game.  Where we share stories of old and new.  Here is one of them…

This Thanksgiving, I have many things to be thankful for, but for the first time, I have stepped outside of myself to truly understand the meaning of this holiday and what it means to take part in it.  These are things that I am thankful for and those reflections I have succumb…

1)  My Wife.  The one single greatest individual in my life that brings me inspiration and strength everyday.  She has beat cancer, built a successful career, and has gotten her life back on track.  To top this off, she has put up with me and all my crap that I dish out.  I appreciate her for all the sacrifices she has made, not only for herself, but with dealing with my decision to re-enlist in the Air Force and sticking with me through it.  She has supported me throughout every decision, and every day she provides that bond in a marriage that gets tested through time.  I am thankful for her every day, in every breath I take.  She is a rockstar !!!  My hero… My wife.

2) My family… Even though this goes without saying, you only get one set and you can change that fact.  Each year they stick by my side to heal wounds and develop new bonds.  They are always ready to lend an ear and give advice.  They are the foundation by which you come from.  But for me, I have a few members from my family that have departed to the next world earlier than expected… This is a time to reflect on those good times that were had by all and to enjoy the life we have now, which brings me to point 3.

3) I am thankful that I am ALIVE and well.  I have my health, my mind, and my spirit.  I am living in the now and taking advantage of every moment that is given to me. Thankful that I am enjoying life, no matter where I am at.  If the Air Force shall send me to an undisclosed location, then I shall take that as an opportunity and look for ways to see the positive.  I could be 6 feet under, wishing I was somewhere else.  Where ever I am at, I take enjoyment out the smallest of things, to bring out that subtle smile for that I am thankful for.  This will bring me to my final, and equally important thankful point…

4) My friends and for those I have never met… I am thankful for those men and women serving in our Armed Forces.  For those unsung heroes that make sacrifices that we take for granted.  I have a good friend, Art, who is currently downrange in Baghdad.  Like him, many others are having to spend this Thanksgiving apart from their families.  I have the up most respect for these people as I can not imagine what it is like for them.  For these folks, I will not forget, as I end tonight, I will keep them in my thoughts, praying that they will make it back to their families safely, hopefully sooner to spend the next Thanksgiving, a better turkey day.

These are just some of the many things I have to be thankful for… This by no means is an all inclusive list.  However, it is important to step back, reflect, and have thought to all that we have to be thankful for.  If all you needed was these reasons, then by all accounts, life is good… and from where I stand tonight, it is.  All it takes is a thought…  For next Thanksgiving will bring more friends, food, and stories, and yes… there will be football, napping, and the coveted dessert.

Yea Baby… That’s right… The Rumors are True… Its time to tighten down your belts people… I’m BACK !

RudyT is back in the saddle again… after over a 1 year hiatus, I am back with my very own blog, thanks to a great friend, Twister.  Last night as I am searching for the end of the internet, posting on THMMC, I get an IM saying, “We need more MINI blogs”.  Naturally I agree since all my good friends have one, I am now joining the ranks of the elite.  Just my view of my adventures, as I seem to have them quite frequently. And now I have a place to document all the goodness of each story I have to tell.  A place for thoughts, information, and other random goodness, where in time, I could look back and reminisce on both the good times and bad. If but only one person’s gets value or smiles, then I have done good, even if that one person is me. 

Remember…  Life is better when one can look at one’s self and laugh…  I say we all need more of that…  Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out… Its is here where I can document that wild ride I am taking… now its time for part 2 so…

Welcome, Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy !