More than just an Honorable Mention

I need to take a moment to tell you all about someone. A while back I met someone who has forever changed my life. I don't rightly know how or why I was allowed into her world, that story is far to complicated to relay in this forum. What I do know is that ever since that fateful day she walked into the liquor store where I was working, Erin has continued to improve my life in ways I never knew possible.
It was five years ago today (that's tomorrow for most of you) that many of you gathered together with us. But that was not the beginning. I remember the first day I saw her as she moved so confidently around that store, familiarizing herself with her new job. I think the reason I fell in love with her that day was the same reason so many people love her so; it is the aura of confidence she displays while she disarms you with her innocence. As she walked out the door that day I turned to my friend and said, "That is a girl I could marry!" Maybe not quite the "I'm going to marry that girl!" ultimatum so often rumored, but at that point there were still some serious road blocks in my way, the biggest being myself.
From that day on I pursued her as if nothing else in life mattered, and it seems now that nothing else really does. Until recently, of course, that was true. Now, she has given even more meaning to my life, our little Rosemary.
When I look at myself, I see my days on earth split into two categories: those before Erin and those after. Before she came around I was lost in the sea of myself. I look back on those days as void of the meaning that now fills my every moment. And now, in the days after, I feel her strength moving me forward, improving me, everyday. Even from this distance, it is Erin that brings me through all of this mess that is before me. It would be impossible for me here, if she were not the pillar I so depend on.
And so it is today that I tell you about the love of my life, who has sacrificed so much for me without ever asking for anything in return, the one I miss: Erin Kay Hagen Paulson.
I love you, Honey. Thank you for the best years of my life. I'll be home just as soon as I can.
Happy Anniversary,
Cliff

Quickly

I have to write quickly as I am on my way to work. I thought I was busy before but things have gone wonko! In short, the entire fleet of our airplanes was grounded due to cracks found on the frame work surrounding a newly installed antenna. This has made work a new challenge and put everyone on edge. Secondly, I have been promoted to lead mechanic. It doesn't make a lot of sense and I don't have time to even try, so I will leave that for later. What it does is increase my work load, change my shift to third and make my day off not so much off. So until there is time to say more I bid you farewell and I will see you all soon,
Cliff

A tour of my temporary home

Hi there, I put a video together so you could get a little taste of what this place is like. Just click on the link below to go to my google album, then click on the blue picture to the right to watch it. I can do more of this but it takes time to put together. Let me know what you think,
Cliff
http://picasaweb.google.com/Clifford.Paulson/LSATour

Mea culpa

So, it's been a while. Sorry about that. I have been a little discouraged lately and I just hate to get on here and tell you about awful I feel, so I tend to skip it instead. But, last night as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep I thought of when I can come home and here is a little snip-it of my logic:
I have been here a month and a half, and I will go home for a visit around Thanksgiving time. That is about four and a half months into my stay. I will get back here in the early part of December. Then my next trip will be just three months, maybe three and a half, away. That puts me back here again in late March and from there it is just a hop skip and a jump to June my last month here. So, if I can make another three weeks, I'll be half way to home. Once back here again it will be two easy three month jogs to get back to reality.
That's what I've got to keep me sane, and I'm sticking to it. I have to go right now but I'll be back soon. I don't see a lot of comments so it doesn't feel like people are reading this, but in my letters I always hear about how so-and-so likes to keep up and cousins and distant family so I will try harder to keep it up and upbeat. But, it sure would be nice to see some comments. Not to mention letters. I know I owe some of you letters out there and I am working on that, if you send one you will get one. I think of you all often and look forward to seeing you soon,
Cliff