Hello Again - Z06Vette.com

Subdriver · 11-15-2009, 05:59 AM

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.

**YumaZ06** · 11-15-2009, 08:04 AM

Welcome back

bobby778 was looking for you:

Attention SUBDIVER--

fcar · 11-15-2009, 09:37 AM

Best of luck Brad; we appreciate your service. Now get the costs down on those "overpriced" weapons systems.

Mufflerbearing · 11-15-2009, 11:14 AM

Glad you are getting settled in, and knowing you don't have to pull up stakes and move again must be a good feeling.

Once you have your new position squared away and your place done the way you want it I'm sure you will have more time for the Vette.

Take care.

proexpert · 11-15-2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks for your continued service, and the RV sounds sweet.

Tomasy · 11-15-2009, 03:17 PM

Welcome back. The home sounds great. Hard to find that kind of room for your toys.

GR8 WHITE · 11-15-2009, 05:11 PM

Welcome home and what a great adventure you have shared with us. Sounds like all has worked out and you are happy where you decided to live. I am in the same boat as you now, looking at my 8 year projected goals.....

IN 8 years, I hope to have a success story like yours.....minus the RV.

Congrats and be safe out there!

Top Cog · 11-15-2009, 06:16 PM

Wishing you many happy times in your new home. Sounds very nice. That is a tough commute you have. Thanks for what your're doing for us.

**dwjZ06** · 11-16-2009, 06:00 AM

Glad to see you settled in Brad. We need to get some MD, DC, VA guys and do a lunch thing on the weekend sometime. I'll buy you that beer or whatever you drink

take care and hope to see or meet up with you soon.

By the Way thanks for all your sea duty and service. Don

**DennyM** · 11-16-2009, 11:12 AM

Good to read the update, Brad ... sucks for you right now but it reads like you did the right thing for your family and (in time) for you. All the best!

maineyak_2000 · 11-16-2009, 02:33 PM

Brad Thanks

For Your Dedication & unwavering service, we sure as heck need more like you in DC these days.

Thanks for taking the time to do the detailed update, I am pleased and proud to join most here not just wishing you well, but as happy you are seeing you & fam settled in a really nice place.

Altho limited it is nice to hear you will have some time for recreational racing too.

ALL THE BEST

***mdickie*** · 11-16-2009, 05:49 PM

Hey Brad, glad to hear you are doing well and the the relo went well. Now you have to come to the Fest next year since you will be so close. Hook up with the NE crew and they will get you here.

Thanks for all your service to your country, you are a good man.

mark

ZO6 AL-X · 11-16-2009, 06:44 PM

Thanks for dropping in to say hello. Good luck as you venture into a new profession.

BigJimZ16 · 11-17-2009, 03:55 AM

Good luck with your new career path. It sounds like a great move for the family. Being a teenager is tough enough these days, to be one without real roots is even tougher. Good friends are more important to them than anything else. Make sure to make time for you and your needs!!

DavePro · 11-17-2009, 06:10 PM

Hi Brad:
I have been wondering where you were. I am glad to know that you and your family have moved into a house that you like and that your daughters are enjoying their school. I hope that you visit the Bay Area sometime and we get a chance to meet. Best wishes to you and your family.

Dave