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WOW! It has been a couple of crazy years since I last updated Scooter's World. I have tried to stay in touch with everyone as much as possible, but I must admit I haven't been the best about it, and for this, I do apologize. For those of you who are new to Scooter's World, here is a little bit of background information. Scooter's World started out as a one page newsletter I began sending out over 15 years ago around the end of the year. As my mailing list grew, so did the cost of producing and mailing over 200 newsletters up to ten color filled pages. I decided, with the encouragement of Doug Anderson, that it was time to join the world wide web. Doug faithfully put up with all of my crazy ideas and produced a great site for me to share my thoughts and photos with all of you.
I must warn you. This is a very opinionated site. That's because I am an individual expressing my thoughts in a very public forum. None of what I have to say here is to offend any of you or try to persuade you one way or the other. There are plenty of opportunities out there for others to influence you, just watch the news occasionally if you don't already. When I mention I like something or recommend something, it is simply me telling you what I think. Like I said, I am not trying to persuade you to do anything. Now, on with the news of the last two years.
Back in 2008, I made a career decision that has led me to a change in positions at work. I am no longer a Hotel Director, but instead have returned to the finance department. I ended my career as Hotel Director in December of 2008. In January of 2009, I returned to the Finance Department onboard the ships as a Chief Financial Accountant Senior. Before I joined a ship, I was asked to work on a special project and spent all of 2009 working to implement a new inventory system on all of our ships. This resulted in time spent in Miami and on all 10 ships in our fleet. It kept me on my toes, hauling luggage to and from the airport, packing and unpacking on the ships, and keeping busy with training people on the new system. The greatest thing was being able to see old friends I hadn't seen in such a long time. I learned much about the task of facilitating training, but also learned even more about myself.
Berlin Wall 2008
Brian Lester
I was able to travel extensively around the world in both 2008 and 2009. I finally got to visit Berlin and learn about this great city. One of the funniest things was the fact I sent four friends the picture to the right with me standing in front of the Berlin Wall. Instead of "Wow - that's cool!", the only response I got was, "Wow...you sure are pale!" Of course I was pale. The Baltics and North Sea are chilly, even in the summer time! I spent time in Russia with a private tour guide, taking some awesome photos and spending time with a great friend Brian Lester. If you haven't met Brian, I hope you get the opportunity at some point. He is a fantastic individual with an awesome attitude and a phenomenal friend.
I also spent some great time at home in 2008 with my family and friends. There is nothing better than relaxing and enjoying catching up whenever I go home. Jason continues to be my rock, keeping me grounded as only a true friend can. Susan, Kevin, and Dad continue to keep my world revolving, ensuring the smallest of details are handled while I am away.
Speaking of Susan, Kevin and Dad...we were able to escape together in the summer of 2008 and enjoyed a fishing trip to San Isabel, Colorado. This is the place where we grew up vacationing and it was great to go back and spend time together once again. It was foggy and a bit chilly, but it was beautiful none the less. Everyone had a great time and Susan came away bragging she was the best fisherman. Well, she had me beat before we arrived because I don't fish. But I did hunt. I hunted for photos of the beauty this place possesses. I hadn't been back to San Isabel in years and it gets more and more beautiful as the years go by.
San Isabel, Colorado Dad, Susan, Kevin, and Me
Like I said, in 2009 I worked on a special project. From January 12th until October 19th, I spent only 2 days at home, being able to fly home and celebrate Father's Day with Dad. It was a great visit, but it certainly was tough returning to work after such a short visit. An 18 day break came through on October 19th. I spent this break at home in Texas doing nothing I needed to do and everything I wanted to do. As of this writing, I am due to return home on December 21st for my regular two month vacation. Whew! I am looking forward to that!
I am not sure what my vacation holds except I do plan to work on my photos and update my other site as soon as possible. It too has been severely neglected and I am anxious to get more of the pics I have taken throughout my travels up on the site. With pictures in mind, I hope you don't mind my keeping this portion short. I will, instead, tell many more tales in the photo galleries contained within the gallery section of this site.
Please drop me a line or two when you get the chance. I would love to catch up with each of you and will do my best to be better about it in the future. Until then, keep your chin up, live life to its fullest, and celebrate this great thing we call life. I have learned the hard way that life is too short to take for granted. If you get a chance, check out my article on legacy. I hope it is a bit thought provoking for you.
Take care my friends!
I look forward to hearing from you.
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