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This is a completely random picture I took while visiting a random resort in a city in Thailand that I can't remember the name. But that right there is the beauty of my job. I have had so many awesome opportunities to see the world that it's hard for me to remember specifics. Sometimes that makes it hard to get people to relate to my life. I know that I avoid talking about a lot of the things I've done when I'm around family. I think it comes off as bragging. It's so far from that. I have to remind myself sometimes that my day-to-day life is a dream come true...times a thousand! I love getting together with peers and people who have lived this life. Because you can start a sentence with "When I was in Thailand..." and not worry about if the other person is judging you. Because their next sentence is "I know! When I was in Djibouti..." Sure, even we can be envious of each other (I now want to go to Antarctica after hearing a warrant officer tell of his adventures!), but at least we understand that we are just discussing our lives...much like people who have never left their home state talk about the camping trip they took last week. On one hand, I'm a little envious of that person. Somedays a "normal" life seems so inviting. But then I get to ride an elephant in Thailand, sit on a beach in the Philippines or ride the subway in Tokyo. And I remember how special each of those "mundane" moments really are...and I savor the moment! Tonight was a great night of conversation with some of my peers. It was a reminder of what I'll miss about this organization when I get out...be that in 3 or 13 years. I've always related to the military lifestyle and military people. In fact, I search out USO's in the airport just to be around "my" people. It's nice to know that you aren't being judged for the lifestyle you lead or what you chose for your profession. It's nice to know that they may know exactly how if feels to be in an airport and hear that you didn't make it home in time to say good-bye to a loved one. It's nice to know that they understand the sacrifices that you are making on a daily basis...and the rewards that you recieve for blazing this trail. Well this little post turned out much differently than I expected! I guess it falls back a little on yesterday's musings: I'm proud to be given the opportunity to do what I do.
By: ...Just Katie Copyright © All Rights Reserved
Taken: May 5, 2008
Uploaded: March 3, 2010
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