Life’s Inventory

I have long said I refuse to conduct an inventory of my life for fear I will “come up short”.

I think that is my nature, I will always somehow come up short.  It is not due to seeking adventure or being open to new experiences, I am.  It is simply that there are not enough hours in any day to fulfill one’s life.  Or at lease those of us who are not content.

As i continue to seek my next career, people ask what it is that I am looking for?  Hell of a question… What indeed is my quest?  Do you know yours? Really?…  If so good on you!  For one cannot set achievable goals without clear understanding of that which is being sought.

I need to start there.  Currently I am in the “Make ends meet” mode, trying as hard as I can to have enough income to match my outflow…  That’s not working, the bucket has a bigger hole in it than the spigot filling it. 

So who am I… And what do I want to do?

I am a philosophical sort.  Seeking reason for actions and the logic therein.  That inventory is often short in today’s world.  Illogic is in astounding abundance as I’m sure we have all experienced.

Some would say I’m a bit of a “Renaissance Man”.  As I see it, that is a complimentary euphemism saying that I am a Generalist plagued with a suitcase of Attention Deficit Disorder!  I have a formal education in Rhetoric, Philosophy, Leadership, Sciences, Mathematics, International Affairs, Law and even windsurfing, golf and waterskiing…  (Tell me that San Diego State University isn’t a great place to earn a degree!) 

I have, arguably, artistic talent in Photography, Debate, Writing (so long as grammar and spelling don’t count against…) Wit, and to a limited degree furniture construction.  Don’t ask me to play a musical instrument anymore but I once could play a Violin and Saxophone with reasonable skill.

I can still hit a golf ball over 300yards (in the fairway even… occasionally).  I can shoot pool better than most but worse than many, And you will have your hands full playing me in racquetball.  As for wrestling… well let’s just say I was the best and oft the quickest…  …  at counting ceiling tiles! To this day I think I hold the Far East record for fastest pin… against… Hey! That record is still in part thanks to me!  

I have lived an amazing life to date, and I want more.

I have lived in 39 different addresses across this country, across the world and across this town.  I have traveled to over 400 cities in the United States alone and have logged a lifetime total of over a million air miles (I certainly regret not flying on a single particular carrier for that…).  I have met countless entertaining, exciting, talented and yes even boring people, from Heads of State, Heads of Industry, Tails of Industry to a single Mother of four sitting security duty in a Denver office tower, she too, simply trying to make ends meet.  I learn something from all. 

I have flown airplanes and airships,  I have “stick time” in gliders, a T-39, my father’s Cessna 172SR and even the monstrous C-5A Galaxy!  I have flown 4 simulated carrier landings in the F-14A simulator at Miramar (as a 17 year old).  And the piece de resistance I have flown the Goodyear Blimp over the Pacific Ocean transiting from San Diego back to it’s base of operation in Tustin California.  Never before had I flown backwards and up!  In a airborne machine!

I have driven cars fast, beyond their stated parameters proving that cars will indeed become airborne but alas still not “fly”. 

I have presented to a packed house of over 400 professionals, on a Friday… at 3:00pm… on the last day of a trade show… in New Orleans…  expecting only a couple of dozen interested nerds…  What followed was a great dinner, fantastic cigar, excellent drink and enjoyable company of powerful men and women in the entertainment media manufacturing industry.  Where they were honestly interested in what a 28 year old Technical Sales Executive had to say on this new technology called DVD.

I have “held court” in a coffee shop… populated by civic leaders and nose picking millennials. 

I have stocked grocery stores with liquor, building impressive displays to better attract party minded consumers.  I even put a full sized volleyball court (sand included!) in a Southern California Vons!  Surrounded by over a hundred cases of Jose’ Cuervo Gold Tequila!  

I have shaken hands with two US Presidents, and saluted another from the 17th tee box at NAS Miramar! 

I have written and executed Multimillion dollar contracts for my employers.

I have rolled 46 straight winning numbers at a craps table!  More impressive were the $100’s of dollars in tips I received from the Gang Members occupying the other endzone of the table!

I have dined with heroes… my idols…  Countless Naval Aviators of every vintage!  I have toasted them and eulogized them… I am honored by their willingness to include me in their cadre. 

I have cried at the unexpected death of a far too young dear friend.

I have some of the best friends one could ever ask… and my best friend, my wife of 10 years (best friend for 20).

And finally all of my experiences are due in large part because “I was raised… not ‘dragged’ up”!  My parents are a blessing that I never earned, but welcomed everyday of my life!

 

So… What am I looking for? you ask… 

More sentences that begin with “I have”…