Breaking the Silence

Keeping up a blog is hard work, or at least, I make it look hard.  One post, that's all I've accomplished.  My life has gone through a tremendous change since December 2011, when I created the blog, and there have been enough experiences in that time for a new post every day.  I want to say, that I'll do better, but I want to start this blog relationship off on the right foot and be honest... instead I think I'll say, I want to give this blog a chance.

Stories and Adventures, that's what this blog is about,  I've been on an adventure, and I know there are some people in my life that don't even know.  I'm sorry for that.  I'll cut to the chase, after eight years of living in California, and eighteen years of pursuing filmmaking, thanks Forrest Gump, I joined the United States Air Force.  Crazy?  Yes.  It's safe to say that life has changed in radical ways.  In some ways for the better, and in some ways, the jury is still out.  However, one thing is certain, it's been quite a ride.

For obvious reasons, I can't unload the last 10 plus months in one post, but in the coming days, weeks and months - I'm going to try.  There have been times of joy, pain, loneliness, victory, new love, and so much more.  It's time to unpack this suitcase, and I'm going to do that here.  I'm excited about this, sharing funny stories from training, and all the experiences that occurred along the way to where I'm today.

Press On,

R

Welcome to Stories and Adventures

The helmet's buckles snapped, straps were tightened, knee and elbow pads were secured, and shoe laces were looped into double knots.  Peering down the sloping residential street, I  carefully eased into the wagon, and grabbed the tongue that steered the Radio Flyer.  Cameron, my friend, held onto the back panel keeping the wheels in place.  With a deep breath, and subdued fear and excitement, I said the magic words, "Let's go."  The wagon lurched forward as Cameron began running, pushing me forward towards the drop, and finally letting go only when he could no longer keep up.  I hunkered down, and my world became the wagon.  The world whizzed by, everything was a blur, and life couldn't get any better as I cruised through the cool winter air.  The ride was everything I had dreamed it would be.

It wasn't until I noticed the fast approaching dead end that I realized I had no way to stop.  In a split second, I made the decision that my best option was to ride it out, hold on, and hope that the wagon would protect me from the upcoming crash.  I had no such luck.  The ground dipped right where the asphalt ended, and when the wagon wheels reached the end of the road - the earth cupped the front tires like a boot.  It was in this moment, or perhaps it was a half a moment, that I flew.  My journey through the air was ended when my 7 year old body hit the ground; which, was a combination of gravel, dirt, and dandelions that felt like a super sized version of sandpaper.  When I pulled myself up, I was the proud owner of a skinned torso, split lip, numerous other bumps and bruises, and a huge smile.  My mother went ballistic.  Dad asked if I had fun.

I am older now, my Radio Flyer is gone, but I still get a thrill from peering over the edge of something new.  Whether it's a literal mountain side, a work or personal related challenge, or even something as simple as trying a new micro-brew.  I like new experiences.  With this blog, I'm embarking on a journey.  A journey of storytelling, and a mission to document a few of my adventures - both big and small.  I'm hoping to learn something.  I'm even hoping for a few bumps and bruises.  The ride is worth it.

Now, before you think that I'm trying to paint myself as a fearless swashbuckler, let me clarify - I have fears.  I won't give you the laundry list just yet, but there you go.  I'm just man who likes stories and adventure.

I hope you join me.

Let's go.