To all my family and friends,
I wish you all the merriest of Christmas' and the happiest of all New Years.
This past year has been one for service and travel. On, the Navy front, I returned from deployment on the Abraham Lincoln last December and finished working on some qualifications to become a section (2 planes) and a division (4 planes) lead. There have been several trips with the Navy to Key West, San Diego, Fallon, and off the Southern California coast. All have had both plenty of hard work (well, maybe not Key West) and some time for fun. I have also completed some courses for becoming a better Air-to-Ground Training Officer. Professionally, I am doing well and enjoying the challenges before me.
Besides work, I've had some time to participate in some new sports as well as some old ones. The year began with a sun and snow trip. First, I went to Key West to sail with the awesome Purcell crew on a Farr 40 for Race Week. Great to get back in the East Coast game. Then, off to Aspen for a week of snowboarding. Stayed with a group of friends there--Tommy, Keith, Jeff, Roy and Mitch. Besides a little flu, had a great time boarding. Several other regattas throughout the year kept me sane. Bicycling was a large part of the spring for me. I was training for the CA AIDS Ride from San Francisco to LA. With the gracious support of many friends, I completed this ride raising money for essential services in both cities. I also got back into mountain biking, realizing that there is some incredible off-road riding around the central California area. Thanks to the guys and girls at the Lemoore Bike Shop for plenty of great rides and good friends. I also picked up competitive motorcycling. Although, I tried my hand at some motocross races, I wasn't nearly good enough or fearless enough for that. I tried an enduro race and loved it! So after a few races and beginning to get the hang of it, I think it will be a good sport to continue next year. A vacation to DC, NYC, and Newport was a nice touch for summer. I got to spend the fourth of July with my friend Tom on the mall in DC watching the most incredible fireworks show I've ever seen. Then to NY to visit friends and a regatta the following weekend in Newport with Skip and the boys. After this, back to work in earnest… Thanksgiving was spent in Phoenix with Mom and Dad and Pam, Glenn, and Bev. I'll be in Texas with my brother's family for Christmas.
I look forward to enjoying another year and continuing and renewing friendships. Until then, take care and keep in touch.
Kyle
