Well believe it or not 4 years ago today I graduated from the Pennsylvania State University! Wow did that 4 years fly by and if you had told me that 2 years from that day I would be in Germany and 4 years from that day I would be in Afghanistan I would have told you to go pound salt up your rear end. But today I have decided its along over due for a positive post. I will mention one thing though. I went to the medic today and was diagnosed with a freaking aphthous ulcer! It’s basically an oral ulcer caused by you guessed it: stress! I really need to start relaxing and I plan on doing that on my rest and relaxation in Qatar at the end of the month.
Anyway now for the good stuff. I have got to be honest in saying that if I had to pick one year in my life that was my best I would pick 1991! Now I bet you are asking why and how could you pick the year that you were 8 and 9 years old? Well let’s look at it. That was the last full year we were on Connie Drive, a year that we visited my Grandpap Davies at Conneaut Lake many weekends, also spent many weekends in Butler with my Aunt and cousins, the Pens won their first cup, the Pirates were actually good, I had no worries in the world, I cannot recall any family uproars or dissension in the ranks, I would visit my gram in Carrick often, my favorite wrestlers (Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior) were in their prime and just overall a great year. The reason I bring this up is because I have to be honest in saying I have been feeling the 8 or 9 year old bug again! The Pens are pushing their way to the Finals for the first time since 1992. The Ultimate Warrior is making a comeback in Europe as is John Daly who is playing some good golf right now. Also this deployment is building up to allow me to have happiness I have not felt since I was a kid in that time period. I was thinking about this the other day and I said to myself: You have not felt as happy as you will when it’s time to leave here, in as long as you can remember. You do the same thing in your life right now. Flat out ask yourself when was the last time you were so happy you could not keep from smiling and did not have a worry in the world? I am glad to report I have virtually no bills now and regardless of that stupid ulcer I really believe for the first time since 1991 I do not have a worry in the world. Now of course I am in Afghanistan and my security can be an issue, I worry about Robin and Michelle along with everyone else in my family. But mentally speaking once, and Lord willing when, I complete this trip I think I can honestly say that I will be as happy as I have ever been. I think part of that also comes from the fact that I have seen how bad some of the people in this country have it so I know how good I have it. Rob before the trip had issues with his Dad and the whole situation. Now I rarely even think about it. Rob before was worried about money and making it in this world fast, now I just want to be safe and able to enjoy each day. Rob before was struggling spiritually and really questioning God, but now I am as faithful as ever although I still, like many, have so many questions about humanity in general. The point is that this trip has made me realize that happiness should not be dictated by what’s going on around you. Yeah I love to see the Ultimate Warrior wrestle and the Pens win the cup. But in the end I have to make the best of each day and be happy with myself. After this trip for me happiness will be my Wife and dog making smile while at home, my family and friends around me as much as possible,and a few beers on the weekend befor echurch on Sunday.(basically the life of a typcial and historical Pittsburgher) Life really is what you make of it, and as Americans we truly do have the FREEDOM to make it WHATEVER we want!
My favorite wrestler (The Ultimate Warrior) of all time is returning and in Europe of all places and yet again I am in freaking Afghanistan for it. Michelle would love to go to Spain too. O well I am definitely looking to see him maybe next year at Wrestle Mania 25!
This is the newscast that includes my Vietnam story. I hope you guys like it.
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2 comments:
Hello Robbie it was so nice to see your piece on the two men that served in Vietnam, this is a very good story and you did a nice job.
I have to say Im really upset hearing about your health condition. You have had alot of stress in your life and anyone that thinks that was a good thing is completely nuts, the best thing you can do now is change your course of action....its sounds like you have a plan and are trying to do the things that are most important to keep your health in good standing...an ulcer can lead to more serious health conditions so you really need to RELAX and not push yourself so hard and stop worrying (LET GO and LET GOD) Gram had alot of stomach problems when she was young and had an ulcer, she went to the doc's often for it, she followed doc's orders and has been fine for many yrs now. So dont worry it will all be okay just make your life as simple as possiable so that ulcer heals.
Im so glad to see you have found a place to think about that causes you to have great joy....we did have wonderful times in those days and I too will always hold on to those wonderful memories. We have had plenty of really good ones, havent we Rob. I do miss my Dad and how he smiled, joked and like to talk to everyone... it will be 13 yrs on June 11, 2008 he passed away. I really donot know where that time went.
Well its late and I have to go miss you bunches and want you to get well....Please RELAX.
Love you - concerned mom
Hey Bro,
As i read what you said,I start to become very sad not because i am not happy for you but that Happiness you talk about i myself want the very much and i know what to do to get it but then i think about where did i go wrong in mylife, why couldnt i be more like you...robbie i really look up to you and love you very much.. you are such a GREAT person. I am so happy for you and i just want to have a life like yours but i dont know how anymore, i just feel so lost i guess. anyways When you talk about those days back then, they were priceless... i miss you and i love you. I love to read your blog.
love always
sis
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