enjoy the first quarter of 2008 by having one new and fulfilling experience in January, February, and March

When I thought I was done doing that!
:)
http://chrispine.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

I am celebrating my 20th anniversary today and it is very fullfilling not only that I ave been with her for 20 but that there are only plans to stay married! Heres to the next 20 years together!

It is often taken for granted what we do for a living. I would say for those of us that are so blessed that we have a secure job for the most part and have worked at the same place for many years we probably take some things for granted. I began my full time career with the Air National Guard in 1989. I have been in the Air National guard militarily since 1987. It can confuse people when I talk about the two sides of my careers.. As simple as I can I will explain the difference: I have two careers so to speak, my “guard” or reserve commitment and the full time civilian side. I work 40 hours a week on the civilian side and then I have the same commitment as all guardsmen (One weekend a month and two weeks a year) although that has required more time the last 4 or 5 years with the whole thing in Iraq.
I am very thankful for this position and the provision it has given my family and myself. I am proud to have been able to serve this long and I hope to for a few years to come.
I have worked on or around fighter aircraft for all of these 20+ years and most of the time it just feels like what I do and I am fairly used to most of all the things that go with it.
The other day an aircraft landed on our airfield and this was not that unusual for me. I have seen it many times over the years. It is unusual by most any standard however. I am posting a picture that was taken literally out my office window. Doing what I do and being around these type of things is still very fullfilling to me!
We live in a wonderful Country! This is an election year and most of us grow tired of the whole thing by the time election time comes. We should remember however that the whole process we use to elect our President and other leaders is very special and we should never take it for granted!
Have a great weekend!
http://chrispine.blogspot.com/

Last year I wrote an article for our Church newsletter. I am the driving force behind the newsletter so I get to take some liberties when I see fit and include my article as appropriate. Well the article was a tale about my childhood and a good friend of mine and his Family. This family was a large one with 7 children and two committed and great parents!
I shared how their home was a second one for me in many ways and how amazing it was that the house was always a hub of activity with all the friends of the children over visiting and enjoying each other. Much more than this the parents of my best friend were the most special people. They were always free with their home, friendship, food and love! It was always a good time to go there and feel so accepted and special!
Well I on a whim tried to find these special people and get them a copy of my article. It has been many years since I have seen them. Well it was achieved and though it has been some time, I got a wonderful note back from Clarice the mother of my best friend growing up. (Also a photo) She expressed such gratitude and love back in her note. I just felt so good recieving it. She also enclosed a picture of her wonderful family. It is very humbling to see this picture after so many years not being in contact with any of them, how did they all get so big (old) when I am still so young. :) Must mean I am getting older to?
It is wonderful to hear about them and to see that they are doing well!
http://chrispine.blogspot.com/2008/01/blessing-of-friends-old-and-new.html