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Chronicles of a Late-Blooming Child Prodigy

I'm an unrelenting aficionado of Chess, Toastmasters and acoustic music (Celtic and Bluegrass--Turquoisegrass?). Audio and Video Blogging gives my visitors a chance to hear and see my triumvirate of interests in action. Cheers! --GT

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Location: Olympia, Washington, United States

My recurring illusions of grandeur: (1) winning a state-level chess tournament, (2) winning the World Championship of Public Speaking, and (3) playing Flight of the Bumblebee on the guitar at the Annual Flatpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas. Until then, I'll relish all three pursuits with the enthusiasm and fearlessness of a late-blooming child prodigy. :)

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Wrapping up the Marathon

The Army sent me to Naval Postgraduate School in January, 2006. I kept the family back in Olympia, Washington in order to help my sister overcome the harsh aftermath of our father's suicide back in Jamestown, Ohio--the third death in our immediate family and the second by suicide.

This is perhaps the best assignment in the Army--earning a Master's Degree on the Army's dime in Monterey, California. Those 18 months were very rewarding personally and professionally. I earned a Master of Science in Low Intensity Conflict while playing acoustic music downtown, sharpening my chess game at the NPS Chess Club (thanks Professor Arquilla!) and my public speaking skills with the NPS Toastmasters Club (Thanks Carl and Arnie!).

That 18 month "geographical bachelor" stint was followed by a two-year assignment with the 2nd Infantry Division in Uijeongbu, South Korea. Again, with the family remaining home to look after my sister. Another professionally rewarding assignment with the US Army in a great organization. Time to return to Olympia, Washington to resume duties with the Army's I Corps at Fort Lewis. Finally, I can come home from work and sleep in my own bed!

2 Comments:

Blogger Kimberly Michalski said...

I'm so sorry about your dad and hope life is feeling better for you and your family. When will you begin writing? :)

5:46 AM  
Anonymous ' said...

Hi Kim--ya, been home since July of last year and life is good. Afghanistan is on the horizon, but we'll see this summer where Uncle Sam needs me next. Family has taken a beating over the years, but my attitude about family suicide is "grieve over the dead but return quickly to your obligation to the living." Funny you should mention writing... I need to get off my duff and publish something. Thanks for the words of encouragement! --GT

6:59 AM  

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