Taking a look back, it's been a crazy awesome year for me, one of the best and one of the worst all at once. I met a really awesome gal last year that I spent a few fantastic months with before reality caught up to us. No pain no gain I suppose, that kicked me pretty low but at the same time I came away with the realization there was hope for me after all. I've had a few girlfriends here n there but none that lasted for very long and had pretty much given up on finding one. She hit me with a semi. Picking myself off the road has been rough but worth it. Going from South Georgia to South Korea has had other challenges too. These I'm used to and have handled before. Moving and new places is always stressful but it's life. Being a nomad I'm used to it and I've got pretty good at stuffing my life in a suitcase and a few bags.
South Korea has been really fun. The people are great and the public transportation is extremely accessible even if you don't speak the language (I can say hello and thanks ><). I love to travel and have been indulging myself quite a bit. I've mostly just gone to Seoul and Busan with a few places in between. Experiencing a new culture has been great. I went to a crazy thing called Mud Fest in Beoryang, which is essentially lets get covered head to toe in really nice mud for two weekends and every day in between with lots of fun and drinking along the way.
Making new friends
laughing at typos
and getting piss drunk together!
this stuff is sneakier than soju! ><
It's been a very busy year for me professionally, I've had two good size structure fires and got to kick a door in on a call where sprinklers had activated in some dudes closet. Plus tons of training, preparation and readiness for the crazies up north, you know just in case = ) I've learned a lot and had some great bosses to work for that've made that possible. I've had a fantastic visit home on mid tour. I spent the most time in my hometown since I joined the Air Force seven years ago. It was really great catching up with old friends in person. Going to my ten year high school reunion (and feeling old for half a second >< lol) and catching one of my best high school buddy's wedding in TX. I got lucky and gave myself an early Christmas gift going to see the Blackheart Burlesque show as it passed through my hometown, VIP style! Plus a short week with my brothers in Dallas.
Not only did I have a great seat to a super awesome fun show but I also got to hang with these lovely ladies afterwards and party! A very epic night bouncing around Portland. Cherry on top I got a free membership (woohoo!) and discovered the awesomeness that is the SG community! Ya'll are really something! = )
Going back to work has been a blur and 2014 is near. Christmas really snuck up on me and as much as it sucks being away from home it hasn't been without it's cheer. I got lots of love from home, warm wishes from here and went snowboarding for the first time in almost five years. The Korean government even gave me a piece of the DMZ wire!
Goodies from home!
Standing on top of the world
Keeping warm with a beard hat that can pick up chicks!
I posed for a random photo with three Korean gals, made an awesome day better! = )
It's been a great year not only for me but my family too. Both of my brothers are getting married next year, so I'll have two awesome sisters soon. One I was expecting, the other...well I didn't think my crazy younger brother would get engaged to his girlfriend while visiting her and her family in Australia the first time. That was a little out of the blue. Looking ahead I'll be moving on to my next base in Japan in a few short months, visiting home briefly in between bases, catching most our birthdays, and then crossing my fingers and most likely attending two weddings on two continents. So the craziness and travels continue!! Korea was a stepping stone to Japan for me so I'm increasingly excited to be finally heading that way. I'll also be there for a few years so all my household goods, my comfy foam mattress, the rest of my clothes, and my books will be reunited. I can't wait to no longer share a bathroom and have my own kitchen again...as weird as that sounds. I'll be getting a new car with the drivers seat on the wrong side and I'll get to drive on the wrong side of the road with it, legally Muah haha ha ha ha haaaaaaaa! >= ]
So 2013 has been really great and a year to remember! 2014 is already making out to be equally as wild, I wonder what surprises it has in store. Have a great New Years ya'll and be safe = )
