Hey all,
Been a stranger to the forum for the last three months or so, and likely to remain that way for the next 6-12 months. Quick note to say hi and let those interested know what I've been doing.
In July, I left sea duty for the last time in my Navy career (fifth sea duty for me), and effectively switched career paths to Acquisition. Acquisition professionals manage the acquisition process of DoD weapons systems. My current assignment is at the Washington Navy Yard in DC. I'll likely remain there until I decide to retire.
My wife, daughters and I left Washington State in mid-July and "camped" our way across the country in our RV via SoCal visiting numerous national parks, family and friends on the way. Camped deserves quotes because the closest I've been able to get my wife and daughters to what I'd call camping (backpacking in the Sierra Nevada) is in a 32' RV that sleeps 8 in air conditioned comfort, with a 19" widescreen TV, diesel generator power wherever we need it and a full shower. But, our month on the road was an experience I hope my daughters don't soon forget.
Opting to live in the country vice the more populated areas near DC, we bought a beautiful house in a rural county of VA near Dahlgren. My commute is long (60 miles each way), but not on the busy I95 cooridor as I go to work via MD. In trade, we live on a gorgeous 2.5 acre lot in a real neighborhood, which was important to my wife and daughters, and my daughters go to a brand new high school that they are both enjoying. They have made the transition better than I had hoped. For me, the house came with a large 3 car garage on the house and a 3 car shop garage in the back, with an RV and trailer pad next to it. All my toys in one place.
Time has been short for me as I learn my new profession. Long days on a busy project plus the commute as resulted in little to no ability to get online during the week. Add to that, Acquisition requires me to get what is effectively a Masters in the profession, mostly online, and mostly on my time. My weekends have been mostly mine, but have been busy working on getting the house we will likely live in much longer than we have ever lived anywhere else set up to our desires. Yesterday, I wired our newly finished basement for cable as an example. Last weekend was all about leaves amazing how many leaves 2.5 acres of trees can generate. A signifcant part of my next years racing budget likely to go to lawn and garden equipment.
I still have my 02 Z06 and am hoping to race it again next year, but time and money will be short, so I'm likely not to take the racing very seriously.
If you made it this far, thanks for listening.
P.S. Though I haven't been on the forum to browse, I'm still answering PMs and emails regarding AMSOIL/racing.
