George Stradtner:  

Well, what can I say about the last decade and a half? It started out rocky, but everything pans out as it should in the end. I am currently living in Italy with my family and this is the second time in the last 6 years that I have done so. I am in the Navy still and I have to say it is getting tiring. Been here done that and it is all running together and getting rather old. Like the fridge you forget to empty out before you go on a summer-long vacation. Life on the other hand is still full of surprises and wonder. Don't know how that is possible seeing as I have lived the life of someone twice my age. Still so much that is still new and shiny. Which rocks once the "shiny-thing syndrome" kicks in. I am embracing my age and my experiences and I would not trade my successes or my failures for anything, as usually in the nature of life they lead to each other. Gotta stumble on that cracked sidewalk before you patch it up, right? Let's see, I have lived in Colorado, Washington (state), Maine, and Italy (now twice). I have been lucky and fortunate to have visited places like Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia (country), Greece, France, Germany, U.K., Portugal, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Bahrain, U.A.E., and then the easy hops to Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. I plan on getting out as soon as this current enlistment is done in 2012. That will put my time at 14 years doing this and I think that is a full enough belly. Hard to grow old gracefully when life is passing you by. I want and need to realize my own dreams instead of running around satisfying mission after mission. They point, we go. Again, tiresome. The organ grinders arm is about to fall off and the monkey has long since stopped dancing. Time for a new tune. (Anyone got a monkey I can borrow until then?) I have long been fascinated with the design and construction of houses and such. I know a place right there in my beloved Michigan where I can put the finishing touches on my degree and I already have a sharpened pencil in my hand. Enough about me, I mentioned a family, right? Well, I got married in July 1998 and our middle daughter showed up that following December. I was halfway around the world in the Persian Gulf when she was born, so that right there pretty much tops my sacrifices list. Too many to mention, but believe me, all the blood, sweat, and tears shed would give Michigan another Great Lake. Wonder if it would be named after me? Nevermind, not a glory hound. We have a total of two daughters, ages 14 and 9. The car is already getting ready for another driver and that is fine, because I get my Mini when we hit stateside again. We will more than likely end up in Florida or Virginia for my wrap up tour of duty, so I am already looking ahead. My daughters are every bit like their parents. Smart, tall, and versatile. Not to mention they will be knockin' em dead in High School, so unfortunately, I will need a pretty strong hockey stick, as guns are too much of a hassle. There is not a waiting period or background investigation to wield a handy piece lumber either. :) After a couple of years wherever we end up in Michigan, I am also going to be looking into coaching hockey. Since it is rather seasonal, I can undertake that in the slow days while my brain gets over "architects block". And since both professions deal with building something from the foundation up, hey, what a perfect fit into my reportoire. That might wrap up my life into the twilight years, so now you have the nutshell version of my PAST 14 years, and my Present, and my plans for my Future. See you at the 20 Year. 2014. Just noticed the little IDEA thing on the side over there and it is asking "How do you hope old friends remember you?" Well, now, let's try to scale through a couple of these and dish some answers. I hope my old friends remember me as I was, because I want to surprise them with how I now am. I was told by a teacher who shall remain nameless that I would most likely be dead by 21. Well 34 just punched me in the eye and I am still kicking and loving it. Next topic. Oh, a fill in the blanks question. Here we go. "I always wanted to be a (professional wrestler) when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a (stupid) idea. As it turns out, they were (right). NEEEEEEXT!! "How do you blow off steam? Describe your favorite way to relax." Well, I think about places I have seen and I close my eyes and imagine myself there again. Case in point, Venice. I was there and I was in the Piazza San Marco with hundreds of pidgeons. I walked into the middle of them and closed my eyes and just listened to them all around me. That one helps a lot. "What is the wildest thing you ever did in High School?" ummmmmmmm.....next question. OK, I skipped a few, but it started to sound like a sleepover. I was waiting for them to ask me if I'd like to play spin the bottle!! Next interesting question. "Parent? Share what you've learned from your kids." This is a good one. One of the biggest things I have learned is that my exterior hides a soft interior. I have a huge soft spot for my girls. I do a lot to put smiles on their faces and everything I do is worth it. They bring out the smooshiness in me. Meet them and you will see. OK, fine, I'll answer a cheesy one. "What happened to your first crush?" God only knows. Well, at least I took a stab at it. Ah, here's one. "What about you would surprise everyone at your high school reunion?" 1. Showing up. 2. Married with children and incredibly friggin' happy. 3. I would have so much to say considering I barely spoke in school. Have you actually read this far? OK, there's more. I have over 14,000 characters left on that little counter. Aww, man, last question on that little list of IDEAS. "Share a childhood memory you'll never forget." Going to the Disney park in Florida, (DisneyWorld or DisneyLand, not sure which), and I went into the Haunted Mansion with my Mother. I was 6 or 7 and was trying to act all brave as little boys do. I told my Mother to stay next to me and I would protect her. Well, the Mansion got the better of my imagination and I started screaming lik...Expand for more