First I want to start out by telling you what brought about this post: I was doing a little casual browsing on iTunes and found out that one of my favorite bands that not many people know about have a new album. The band is called Braddigan, and you can check them out either by clicking that link, or typing it into an iTunes search.

I have a really fond spot in my heart for this band for a few reasons. I first heard of them when I was back in Japan for a short time between our summer and winter cruises in Sept. ‘06. I was utterly tired of the ship and always being gone and all I wanted to do was enjoy my friends and enjoy being back in Japan. Apparently they were playing at some sort of surfing conference in Yokohama and were staying at the Lighthouse (the outreach center I was very involved with) and playing a show at a park on base. I had never heard of them but got asked to give them a tour of the Kitty Hawk (being that was one of my several jobs). They were extremely nice and I especially clicked with a videographer they brought with them named Jonathan. That night I got the chance to hang out with them more at the Lighthouse and eventually hear their concert the next day.

Ok, so getting back to what I was talking about - they really touched me with their very chill music and positive lyrics. After being surrounded by so much negativity all summer long it was great to be amidst all that positive energy. Even though I remember being annoyed by not having a house and having to go back out to see less than a month later, I remember that as one of my best times in Yokosuka. The weather was beautiful the entire month and all of my friends meant so much to me.

I think it was easy for me to look unfavorably at the Navy while I was in, thinking only of my civilian freedom, but now that I’m out I really don’t bear any ill will. It was all an experience in my life, and I cherish it as helping make me what I am today. Actually, from the outside looking back in, I’m a little nostalgic. I did well at my profession, but knowing that I was eventually leaving let me focus more on what I wanted to be in the future. Most of all, it introduced me to several different cultures and people, most notably Japanese culture and people, and I now feel overwhelmed and grateful for that opportunity. Heck, if it weren’t for the Navy I wouldn’t have found my perfect soulmate - Kana.

So, the point of all this? I’m not angry about anything I’ve had to go through in life. If anything I’m happy and feel amazingly blessed. I thank God for my ability to grab hold of the good memories and forget the bad ones.

As far as an update for where I am right now: For the past couple weeks I’ve been working freelance doing video editing work. It’s not a full-time job, but the money and experience are all great. The guy I work for is a great mentor, being that he’s been doing video in Tulsa for 30 years. Besides that, I think I’ll be working at the Apple Store in Tulsa very soon. I’ve been through two interviews so far and I have another one sometime soon. Anyone who knows me well knows that I’m very passionate about Apple and everything they make, so I think it’ll be a good fit for me. If I do stay with Apple, my dream would be to move all over the world working for them to help gather up more amazing experiences with my beautiful future wife.

Sorry for not updating much lately. I’ve just been collecting my thoughts =)

So, after 3 1/2 fun-filled weeks, Kana went back to Japan and now I’m out looking for work again. I knew that the “real world” would rear it’s ugly head again, but I guess when you’re with a wonderful girl like Kana it’s easy to think that that day will never come.

We had a great time seeing Oklahoma City, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Tulsa, and St. Joseph, Missouri, just to name a few. I think I gave her a good whirlwind tour. Kana remarked that visiting Yokohama after her vacation was like reverse culture shock. Is this city-raised girl turning into a country girl? Only time will tell!

I’m trying to post as many pictures as possible on my Flickr site, so check back for more updates as they become available. I think I only have one more batch to get up and then I’ll be up to date.

As for the job hunt, I’ve actually already got a part-time/temp job editing video. Yes, I’m using my expertise in a job, but I’m going to have to continue the search for a full-time job that’ll allow me to support Kana and myself. If anyone out there in internet land is looking for a good cameraman/video editor, please feel free to drop me a line.

Happy leap year day, everyone. This often elusive little day sometimes gets overlooked, but it is worthwhile to note that if I were born a mere 3 days earlier, I’d only be celebrating my 6th birthday this year instead of my 24th.

I know I haven’t posted in awhile, but that’s mainly because someone amazed has crossed that great pond known as the Pacific Ocean and completely captured and monopolized my time. Yes, my beautiful finance Kana is finally over in the states! She arrived here a little less than two weeks ago and we’ve already been all around Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Ft. Worth. I’ve taken some great pictures, so as always, look for those on Flickr.