Catching up

It's been a long time since I posted - I've been busy. But there are a few things to talk about.

1. My ex-wife was awarded 30% of my retirement pay as part of our divorce settlement. She willingly gave it back to me. An amazing and unexpected development. I don't know her motives, but I'm very thankful. She'll be on my Christmas card list from now on. :)

2. I've been thinking ever more seriously about retirement in the last few months. I've completed all my career goals. Although I love my job and I think I'm pretty good at it, there's no reason to stay.....other than every day I stay on active duty means more money when I retire. I've told my boss while I'm not actively seeking retirement, ie, I'm not looking for a job, I'd retire if the right opportunity appeared. Two weeks ago, my boss offered me exactly the kind of job I want post-retirement. I told her I wanted the job, but there is one sticking point. It's a gov't job, and to apply, I have to retire first. I'd like to get the job locked and loaded, and then retire. No risk that way! Because of the way the gov't system works, I can theoretically not be hired even if I'm the most qualified. I'm not willing to take that kind of risk. Stand by for news...

3. Congress passed the latest war funding bill yesterday. Part of this bill includes a new G.I. Bill. I am stoked! I wasn't eligible for the Montgomery G.I. Bill, as I joined the AF at the wrong time. But I get this one. For a couple of years, I had loosely been planning to attend seminary if the money were ever to become available. But the best thing about this bill? Portability! While the details are still pending, it appears I'll be able to send my youngest daughter to OSU......and it will be fully funded! Obviously, that's more important than seminary.