I missed my daughter’s birthday, and that is something that crushes me inside more than I can begin to describe. These are my thoughts about this day.

I’ve been married to the love of my life for more than a decade, and we’ve been together for almost two decades! My wife has been there for me this whole time!

Celebrating your birthday underway it is not a fun thing to do at my age. And no, this is not the first time I’ve celebrated while floating around!

Holiday routine out to sea is like having a “day off” – except that you’re still floating in the middle of the sea, and probably have some work to do.

I get like this once in a while before my birthday. Just pondering on how my life has moved up to this point. And if I am ready to move to the next year.

Sometimes we forget to live while making a living. We can all be victims to that, I know I have. But it is important to regain perspective and escape!

There is so much I want to accomplish, and literally there is not time to even plan about it. It can be frustrating, but I will not be giving up!

Never take for granted the bliss of privacy. While deployed onboard a Navy warship privacy is virtually non-existent. Today I’m by grateful to be by myself.

Sammy uses her artistic expression through painting as a window to her mind. It is always mesmerizing to see her focus, and then be welcomed into her world!