Jebus, it's been a while!
Dear LJ,
My oh my, I am a bad LJ-er... oh well. Either that means I don't have enough of a life to document it or I am so busy living the life that I don't have the time to document it.... hmm.... I hope it's somewhere in between!
So, last time I posted it was December 2008, and much has happened since then. At that time I was living in London having finished Officer Training and I was all nervous about starting flying training. I now sit practically at the half way point of that journey to 'wings'.
So, an abridged precie of that life:
However, I can't help but hunger for more. I cannot help my professional situation. I am where I am, and that will improve exponentially as long as I stay on course.
Within my personal life, however, I am developing an unhealthy routine of short-term relationships that come and go far too quickly. I am surrounded by people who are either happily single or in long-term relationships, all of whom I envy for either their restraint or devotion. I crave a stable relationship above all other things right now. It will happen, but I cannot see it happening any time soon.
I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to getting away to the States in August. I haven't seen Lizzie in YEARS and we always have fun. Standby Boston and Orlando, I'm coming!
I will try and update this more regularly in future. It is quite therapeutic.
Xoxo
My oh my, I am a bad LJ-er... oh well. Either that means I don't have enough of a life to document it or I am so busy living the life that I don't have the time to document it.... hmm.... I hope it's somewhere in between!
So, last time I posted it was December 2008, and much has happened since then. At that time I was living in London having finished Officer Training and I was all nervous about starting flying training. I now sit practically at the half way point of that journey to 'wings'.
So, an abridged precie of that life:
- I worked in London, which was great. City Life agreed with me. I met the lovely Joe while i was there.
- I then moved to Helston, Cornwall, where the pace of life around me slowed to that of Jersey (if not slower) and yet the world of flying training consumed me entirely.
- I integrated into my new home well, making new friends and a place in the Naval Aviation community. It is a small family and you soon come to realise it is that group you are going to have to conform with or influence change towards if you are going to get a (positive) name for yourself.
- So, I started and completed the 1st stage of my flying training on the Jetstream. It was a smooth ride through the various phases.... that is until the 'boss level' at the end where I had to face my inner demons! I very nearly stacked it, but thanks to a lot of soul searching and support from those around me, it all came to fruition and I passed that course in November '09.
- I formed a great friend base, all of whom supported me amazingly well when Tom left, leaving me to assume the role of course leader. A role made easy by those I commanded.
- We then split up as a course and go our 3 separate ways to our 3 helicopter types. Some start training immediately, others (like me) are sent to fill time with various Naval departments around the fleet.
- I was sent to Portsmouth where I worked as a Flag Lieutenant to an Admiral. The one in charge of all Naval Aviation and Aircraft Carriers.
- This job I fell in love with. I was in my element. Poncing about, smoothing the path of an Admiral, ensuring his day-to-day life ran as smoothly as possible. Admirals are busy men (no females yet ladies!) and as such they need people like me to sort the niff-naff and trivia from the important business. For a junior lieutenant, I was well above my pay grade... and I loved it!
- In June I move back to Cornwall and refresh back on the Jetstream to get my training back up to standard before I continue. It was basically 2 months where we realise how much your brain can dump in the space of 6 months if you don't keep it busy!
- I now find myself at the beginning of a long road to Wings. I am in the initial 'Groundschool' training package for the Navy's variant of the EH101 - the Merlin Mk1. I have also, yet again, been appointed the course leader. This time, however, I am in charge of 15 Pilots, Observers and Aircrewmen. Some have been in the Navy for much longer than I have. Thankfully they are all okay people. I am sure we will have problems down the line, but it will be my job to ensure that, despite our differences in personality, professionally we work like a well oiled machine! Sounds easy doesn't it ;o)
However, I can't help but hunger for more. I cannot help my professional situation. I am where I am, and that will improve exponentially as long as I stay on course.
Within my personal life, however, I am developing an unhealthy routine of short-term relationships that come and go far too quickly. I am surrounded by people who are either happily single or in long-term relationships, all of whom I envy for either their restraint or devotion. I crave a stable relationship above all other things right now. It will happen, but I cannot see it happening any time soon.
I'm REALLY REALLY looking forward to getting away to the States in August. I haven't seen Lizzie in YEARS and we always have fun. Standby Boston and Orlando, I'm coming!
I will try and update this more regularly in future. It is quite therapeutic.
Xoxo