How often have we heard someone say that.  I was given that opportunity with my second stint in the Navy.  It dawned on me towards the end of my first stint that I may  have wasted a few opportunities to see the exotic places that I got to visit.  This became apparent when one of the Junior members of the crew introduced me to his parents on return from a longer deployment.  When quizzed by  his parents on what he thought of places like Japan, Hong Kong Singapore, he always started with “Great Pub”.  I had been to some of these locations many times before, and didn’t even think that as a “senior” member, I should educate and mentor the younger ones in the experiences offered by these foreign countries.  Luckily enough I was given the opportunity of Hindsight and with the assistance of another matured sailor, we created Youngy and Baz’s tragical Tours.

Because of the number of times we had visited various Exotic ports, we didn’t need to spend as much time ashore as we had previously.  Ships have become much more comfortable than when I first went to sea and so it was easier to stay onboard and catch up on stuff rather than sometimes go out and explore.  Tours had become expensive and were really touristy, so licenced venues with entertainment were appealing from early in the day to relieve boredom.  Baz and I worked to amend this.

First tour that I remember was in Manila Philippines.  We were there for about 4 days and the usual tours were offered to known tourist spots via Tourist oriented Markets.  Basically there and back and see what the tour guide wanted you to see.  Not for Baz and me.  First night in recon.  An Expat bar just off Rizal Park in the main Entertainment district of Manila.  The Owner was from Newcastle I think and the place called the Angry Ram or similar.  A couple of sherbets and a some talking and we had a Jeepney for the day.

It didn’t take much to gather 10 intrepid adventurers to join us for a day for what turned out to be $25 for everything except food and Beer top-up.  The owner of the Bar, lets call him Trevor, provided the driver, two of his female staff and two large eskys full of San Miguel.  The girls proved invaluable as Interpreters, Security, Tourist Guides and as it turned out Champion Surfers.  We had a couple of guys bring their boards and a couple of breaks were found.

We travelled all day through the back roads of the Manila area, through jungle, up and down hills, along the coast and in and out of small villages.  Most villages we stopped for toilet breaks, beer top up and spend some money on local produce or garments.  By the time we got back, we offloaded at the pub and had a meal and a laugh and unlike other ports, were home asleep by 10 having had a wonderful day.

Clayton (Baz) and I continued to do this throughout the 6 month deployment.  We had tours in Singpaore, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.  In Japan we organised 3 overall.  The cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki being the prime intentions.  We only ever used Public transport and had a great deal of fun trying to interpret Japanese into English.  We got to see the Emperor of Japan come back from an Overseas trip and witness the local people standing 10 deep on both sides of the road for as far as the eye could see to welcome him home.  Imagine that for one of our Leaders.  NOT !!

Hokkaido in Japan also saw us go to Sapporo and be offered a try of Crab meat that was on sale for $150/kg.  And not just a morsel. a whole pincer of this crab that’s body was as big as your two hands together.  Massive from very deep in the ocean.

Our tours started slowly, 3 or 4 at first just joined us to see where the two Old Dogs were going.  By the end of the trip we would have between 20 – 30 with us.  Believe me the troops still partied, but we had at least filled their daylight hours and shown the countries they were visiting from sober eyes and where possible with the assistance of locals to give some more insight about the local culture that they wanted you to see.

Becoming a more mature person doesn’t mean becoming boring. Yes we don’t and can’t play up like we used to, but the things that we did enjoy in the past can still be enjoyable today.  One of the worst things we can start a statement with is “In my Day”.  In those immortal words of Gunny Sergeant Highway in Heartbreak Ridge, Improvise Adapt and Overcome.  We have to look at things through the eyes of those we are trying to stimulate and amend our delivery and memories so they understand.  Otherwise history will be lost.  Remember Sunday drives??   Not want we really want to do anymore as there is too much traffic (around her anyway), make it to an enjoyable way to get there.  Left Right works, or turn after every VW.

In short, Travel and see this world as it gets smaller.  Leave your Attitude at Customs, respect where you are and the country’s customs and if you enjoyed the place, let everyone else know.

I’ve enjoyed writing this one, enjoy the world and Go Chooks,

Youngy

 

As I get older in life and become more philosophical, I have discovered the one thing that any of us can talk about to at least start a conversation.  Sport.  We have our favourite teams in Ball sports, or we just don’t follow one.  Either way, if asked a question about sport, we can develop a conversation from it.  Some of those among us are possibly more passionate than others.  My good lady wife is such an example.  We can be having dinner, shopping or just watching the news, and the very mention of the Bulldogs (AFL) or Storm (NRL) will stop the conversation dead in its tracks.  Currently it is the Tour de France.  Hundreds of very fit men riding through the incredible scenery that is France in Lycra, trying to be the first to Paris.  I must admit, I watch about 10 minutes of it for the three months that it seems to go on for.  I am astounded at the speed, skill and endurance but it doesn’t do much for me.

My game used to be Hockey, but I just seemed to walk away from it and concentrate on my Golf.  I became reasonably good at golf, but miss Hockey.  My good friend Alan just came back from Barcelona as an Umpire in the World Seniors Championships.  I congratulated him on his selection with a large amount of jealousy, but a great sense of pride that I knew him and that we used to work together years ago.  We also used to watch The Blues Brothers, drink a carton of beer and eat 2 family pizzas every saturday night.  Two cigarettes and a stubby of VB at half time used to be the norm during the hockey season to boot.

It’s funny really the ex-Navy community.  Those that you served with remain acquaintances for life.  Some become firm friends, others you catch up with on ANZAC Day, others you don’t see for years, but the reunion remains the same.  You catch up from where you left off.  You unfortunately slip into Navy Slang and the stories get better each year.  The wives and partners roll their eyes, laugh with embarrassment and watch to make sure you don’t make too much of a goose of yourself.  But strangely enough, they are confident in the fact that you have found your comfort zone for a while.  Most of us long-termers do struggle with a lot of outside life.  We survive, get frustrated and angry and wish everyone thought the same as we do.  Contact counselling should sometimes be encouraged!!

Back to Sport.  This is a tough time of year for lovers of sport and sleep.  You either have one or the other.  We suddenly become experts in our chosen fields, we understand the terms Peleton, Touchdown, Albatross, Deuce etc.  Never used again in everyday language, but for about 12 weeks in the depths of Winter.  It gives us a chance to develop new games to consolidate our viewing pleasure, or to plan our next European holiday.  One good game I heard of was to complement the Tour de France.  Find out what region of France they are driving through, and drink wine from that region whilst watching.  For me that would make it bearable.

Sport used to be the highlight of my early deployments overseas, and at times back in Australia.  I have been fortunate enough to play Golf on some of the best courses Asia has to offer in Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Japan etc.  Played Hocked from the lush Artificial Turf in Malaysia and Singapore to the Dusty bowls that are used in India and Indonesia.

The upside is the mateship that comes from playing or being involved in Sport.  My enjoyment of turning up to a golf course anywhere on Gods Great Earth is matched by the fact that in most situations, you have to spend 4 hours with people you may have never met or in a field that you have no knowledge.  I spend my Saturdays with a GP, a Dairy Farmer and a Mortgage Broker.  An eclectic group.

We have to use this kind of situation to help us assimilate and fit in to a Civilian life and sport provides us a platform to learn what makes the long haired dope smoking hippies tick.  But we must never lose where we came from.  We must never lose what makes us the person we are and that no-one can take away from us the experience and knowledge that we gained during our service.  Sometimes its tough, no one understands and we just retire to our quiet spot.  When it gets like that, walk around the house, silent and look at the family that have stood beside you.  They understand, we may not accept what they are trying to tell us.  Accept their comments, translate it into military speak, accept and then give them all a big hug.  Go and get everyone a McFlurry, without asking and get on with life.

We are supported.  Go Chooks, til later.

Hi team,

bit delayed this one due to a disturbance in the Force.  No, not the latest star wars movie.  I had a bit of a wobbly the other week and have been told I had a small stroke, or as close as you can get to one.  A TIA they call it.  Just the body being told by the body to slow down a bit, drink (water) and take care of yourself.  All good though.  Must have been, because I drove myself to hospital.  So it was brought to my attention by absolutely everybody (including a cleaner) that if you have an existing condition that you need to slow down for, then maybe you should do.  Scare the sh1t out of me, so it is less stress at work, and more time thinking about and maybe playing golf.  Maybe I will eventually change old habits.

I thought I would try and relive some of the better moments I have had with the dogs in my life.  Most families I knew growing up had a pet.  Be it a cat or a dog, and in some cases both.  We always seemed to be blessed with one or both for most of the time I remember.  My grandparents in Tamworth had a Ginger cat called Timmy and a Red Setter Labrador cross called Penny.  My memories are they were old when I met them and didn’t live much longer having two rambunctious toddlers running around with my sister and me.  Penny used to love her walks, however, wouldn’t go anywhere unless she was carrying the lead.   Sort of defeated the purpose, but seemed to work.

We moved into our new house that we rented from the government, and were promised a dog.  Along came the most placid and loyal labrador called Suzy.  We had to call her Suzy because my grandfather couldn’t remember names very well and all girls were Suzy.   Probably not quite PC these days.  Suzy went everywhere with us and particularly on Sunday Mornings when I used to do the Paper Run.  Some may remember that papers were sold door to door in the 70’s, not at the 7/11 or servo only.  I used to do a paper run 6 days a week during my first years in High School and at times earned more money with tips etc than my Dad working 40 Hrs/week.  Saw some sights too, wandering out the door not wanting to miss the paper.  Various states of undress, sobriety and new found friends.  One person complained though and said my dog was vicious because she barked at them and that was the end of my Dog on the Worksite.

Suzy passed away and we had Timmy the ginger cat.  A lot like Garfield.  Would only eat fresh mince and then would lie on your chest whilst you were trying to get some sleep.  Had to move him because he was so heavy you couldn’t breathe.  That and the toothless breath and loud purring keeping you awake meant for some long winter nights.

Then I joined the Navy and I missed the companionship of a dog greatly.  Someone to sit with and discuss the days issues, throw the ball for, go for swims.  You get the idea.  After having had a dog for my whole life, the next 10 years were pretty empty for the companionship that I had been used to.

After Adelle and I married, we decided that a dog was needed by us both in our new home.  Little did we know that owning a dog as an adult is way different to a child.  Dog proofing a yard for starters, vets bills are another.  Unfortunately our klutz of a dog combined both of these for quite a while.

It should have been a sign when we bought our first dog from Pets Paradise.  I put my hand into the pen to decide which of the two German Shepherds we would take home.  One of them crawled to my hand and dropped their head on my wrist and hand and looked so comfortable.  Aaaww this is the one I thought.  The other one (his sister) just sat in the corner watching.  I hate spending money and we decided to only purchase the one.   Unsuccessfully, we went back the next day to buy the girl as well, but she had gone.  Disappointed, we returned home to our first borne and a new way of life.

 

Well it certainly appears that the long days of sunshine, BBQ’s out the back and shorts are behind us.  At least in my neck of the woods.  I’ve noticed that the beanies and scarves are out and that a few of my golf partners have put on long pants.

You know you would think I had a plan when I sit down to write these.  But No..  I just start and finish when I’ve had enough.  There was a couple of things I wanted to say.  Anzac Day has been and gone.   A day full of hope, praise and promises to our current and ex Serving Members.  Mostly forgotten by the 27th.  My long suffering bride and I celebrated our Wedding Anniversary a couple of days later, which helped soften the deflation of the Post Anzac celebrations.  28 years she has put up with me.  I salute her and appreciate her being around me every day.  With my deterioration with Parkinson’s, I fully appreciate her efforts to keep me on Mother Earth.  Some days you just want to stay in Bed..

You know, I am always writing negative stuff.  Last weekend I had the privilege of speaking to a group of people who had recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons.  I am used to standing in front of people telling them how to get out of burning buildings, run away from an Active Shooter or similar, but this one  filled me a kind of fear.  Am I  unusual in the way I have dealt with the condition and would what I say be what the Group wanted to hear.  I themed the whole 15 minutes on 007 – James Bond, Shaken not Stirred.  15 minutes and I was sh1tting myself.  Anyway, the Seminar went for 2 hours and I was the last one up.  First off, I had prepared a little slide show of my life and my considered achievements since being diagnosed.  Jaynet Photos and this blog being one of them.  Then I went into the way I deal with the condition, working, driving, playing sport and trying to be a dad and husband.

As the seminar progressed, the Key Note speaker and Neurological Nurse specialising in Parkys and the head of Parkinsons Victoria had a slide show showing symptoms, treatments, drugs to assist etc.  I had to take notes, there was me on the screen.  My wife Adelle was with me and every symptom, dot point etc was what I dealt with on a regular basis.  Did I have to change my presentation because of it.  No.  I was shown to be a normal person with Parkinsons.  My confidence levels grew and I felt empowered to present to the group my history and where I am today.

People were inquiring about holidays.  I told them that all the photos they were looking at from around Australia and the UK were since I had been diagnosed.  They inquired about Sport.  I had to remind them that we will never be the same but that my handicap in golf had come from 21 to 14 in the last 15 months.  An achievement for any golfer.  Set your mind to it and with a bit of work it may come to fruition or very close to.

It reminded me of the tasks given to me during my second time in the Navy.  Being one of the older members of my Peers, I was generally tasked with mentoring the new lads into the ways of a Disciplined workforce that is the Military.  Despite having to do the same training as them to gain promotion, I accepted the challenge with pleasure.  In some instances it worked both ways, because a number assisted me in the new ways of the Navy.  One particular sailor was given to me as a personal project.  He was threatened with discharge if he did not correct his insubordinate ways and knuckle down.  I was given 6 months.  In that time we were deployed throughout Asia.  I assisted him in completing his requirements for promotion, but more importantly a little of me rubbed off on him as he “Mentored” other sailors to be better at what they did.  Bzzz-Ah went on to complete 12 years I think before he left the Service to spend more time with his young family.  A decision I of course tried to talk him out of, but nevertheless supported as it was for the right reasons.

Sadly, today the young family don’t talk to me and mine.  They believe I was trying to poison their relationship, but they have found God, not just another ‘P’ Rate.  Many of our colleagues are disappointed for us, as they know what a special relationship Cedric and I had.  Still, I continue to give fatherly advice to anyone that will listen.  I’m not always right, or what they want to hear but I speak what I believe is right.  As I always say to friends, I am not religious, but I still live by the adage, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.   Would you like someone to do that to your Mum or yourself.

Just to finish up, I am stuck on YouTube at the moment.  The views from Space from the 4K Space Station, and I found a channel with Warships featured in rough seas.  God I miss being at sea.  The mateship, the trips, the loneliness or the solitude of being at sea is an experience only Mariners can explain, but one I miss every day.

Still there is Golf.

Goodnight Trendsetters, and go Roosters

Brigham Young

Hard to believe but Summer is over and the Footy season is back with us.  I say hard to believe because as I write this I sit in a pair of shorts with the AC on.  Being in Melbourne you know the hottest months are ahead of us.

The forecast of heat to come and the memory of the passing of my Dad this weekend two years ago, helps me remember those scorching summers back in Tamworth growing up. Over 40 during the day, dropping to the 30’s overnight, no Aircon then.  Wetter after drying yourself from a shower than when you stepped out, and trying to stay awake at school while your arms stuck to the desk with sweat.  No hats, Slip Slop Slap or even sunglasses then.  I remember waking up and the sheets had a wet imprint of you from sweating overnight.  Had the same experience on my first sea posting on HMAS Melbourne, the old Aircraft carrier.  Combined with the diesel that had had impregnated your skin, your sheets didn’t last long.  With very little water, though, they were only washed once a week.  We tried to stay hygenic but whilst in the tropics, room temps were not conducive to doonas and blankets.  Thought I would beat it after a visit to the Philippines.  I bought a hammock.  Thought I would sleep on the open deck area under the flight deck.  South China Sea, Tropical Islands left and right, glorious sunsets, cooling afternoon sea breeze.  Idyllic eh??  Forgot about night flying didn’t I.  Started at 10, launching aircraft by a steam catapult straight above my head.  First and Last night in that great spot.  Last time I didn’t read Daily Orders at sea.

Back to Tamworth and summers.  Without even daylight saving (can’t remember when that started), it was light relatively early and the sun didn’t go down until late.  I can hear people going Deerrrr!!  For a young kid growing up early was probably about 6.30 and late was after 8.  I started playing golf at a relatively early age and used to go to the cours on the way home from school to practice or just play a couple of holes until I thought I would have to walk home in the dark.  Summers and most holidays were spent at the course.  50 balls, 9 holes, 100 balls, 18 holes.  Every day except when it rained.  Wanted to be a Golf Pro, but discovered Alcohol, cigarettes and girls.  Basically in that order.  Golf wasn’t a great enticement for girls, so I tended to concentrate on the first two.

After my parents split, we spent the summer holidays going to our Grandparents place on the other side of the river.  Mum would drive us, or I would ride my bike.   Had a couple of good prangs when I was forced off the road by cars or trucks.  Still got some scars today.  Pa was offered a holiday shack over near Coffs Harbour, and found a great little hotel in Sawtell and that was where we spent a couple of weeks each summer.

Then I got a job that included weekends and that was the end of that.   I was never out of a job, but back then we had 6 day trading, with Retailers shutting at 12, yes 12 lunchtime on Saturdays.  I was on the tee by 1.

You would think that with all the exposure to golf I would be good.  Alas, as they say it is 75% in your mind, and mine was easily distracted.  When it’s on it is very good, but when it is off, ho boy, it is terrible.  I got down as low as 4 as a Junior and 9 as an Adult, but after I joined the RAN, my rounds of golf were sporadic and were driven by wanting to show everyone how good I was.  Could never repeat it, but started to show me how insecure and desperate for approval I was and to an extent still are.

I have always worked, since I was 12.  Paper runs from 12 – 15, Golf Caddy, Pulling petrol, Sales assistant at Big W, then the Navy.  Post Navy 1, I did Customer Service and Estimating, Storeman, Process Worker (Dog food), and then back for Navy 2.  Since then I have been a Manager, Trainer, Auditor in Australia and Overseas and all in the Fire and Emergency Response Industry.  As one of my old bosses said to me, it is not common to find your niche in life, but I think I have.  Having said that, I would love to work because I want to, not because I have to.

That might do for today.  I want to write a bit about my pets that I have had, but will keep that for another day.  Parky’s is starting to slow me down this afternoon, taking longer to type than I would like.  I hope you don’t mind reading a bit about my early life.   You won’t read much about my parents because I don’t have a lot of memories of them.

Go Roosters

Youngy

Afternoon trendsetters, another chapter that I have been thinking of for a while.  I started this believe it or not at 35000 feet on a Qantas A380 on my way to the UK with Adelle and a quickly organised White Christmas trip.

I don’t know if it is just me, but I lose my way every now and then and forgot what direction if anything I am going.  I need direction, purpose and Goals.  Any of my former bosses reading this would raise their eyebrows at Goals, because I am unable to really set them.  I have targets but refuse to set timelines, because in most things I want to achieve, I can’t plan for all contingencies.  I am not OCD, ADHD or anything like that, I just like to achieve.  I want to get my Golf Handicap back to single figures (21 last year with a swing change, 14 now, pleasing but not there), I wanted to retire from full time work at 55 (8 months to go but a GFC wasn’t kind).  Things like that.  I am sure that a lot of my ex Navy colleagues are in the same boat.  A lot harder to control your destiny as a civilian than it was in Grey.   In Grey, you had a checklist, complete that, keep your nose clean and you will achieve the next rung in the ladder.  You control it.  Not the same achievement structure coming home every night.  But that is the tradeoff we face.  Sometimes hard to swallow, but that is it.

I was, and to a degree still am, heavily conflicted with what I want out of this life.  That includes the life I  chose to leave the Service for.  I have a strong desire to find a small coastal village somewhere (maybe no in Australia), and just be that fella that sits in the corner of the bar, always got a half glass, watching the sport of TV and living just a quiet existence.  No more decisions of a First World Nature, no more rolling my eyes at these Knuckleheads sitting in the seats of Power, making big about a trivial matter.  Just walking up the street, getting the paper, saying good morning to Joe and Mrs Smith, and playing golf twice a week.  I know it is not possible as I have commitments, but at the same time it is just getting harder.

My Neurologist says I am managing and living with my Parkinsons quite well, and I shouldn’t be frustrated, but it is frustrating when you come from what I was doing 10 years ago, both at sea and ashore, and now you have times when you can’t put your change in your wallet, you can’t stay out because fatigue causes your body to shut down and you are driving yourself to not let down other members of your family.  Despite saying it’s ok, personally it’s not.  That is  my self indulgent release for this edition.

For those that haven’t been to the Mother Country and continue to travel to Asia, take a punt.  I too still miss Asia, as it is comfortable, we can order beers in about 10 languages and we want to show our loved ones where we committed carnage.  Having said that, the feeling of comfort and and security whilst walking around the UK was one I have not felt since I left home.

I understand but don’t appreciate why us, when we talk about depression.  A lot of us have PTSD but can’t relate a specific incident that caused it.  There may not be one, it may be cumulative, long hours high intensity, STG all over us, all contribute.  I think a lot of us have Separation anxiety from the loss of structure.  Some FIFO workers have a sense of comfort when at work, moreso than at home, because their workplace is a structured environment again.  If you’re nodding your head, see someone, VVCS is a good number to contact.  Supported by DVA but not part of, so that unease of dealing with DVA is removed.

Gotta go, but I thank everyone on my Facebook page that commented on the last chapter, I might write a book, but mostly the people that get something out of this.  We are not doing this alone.  This is cleansing for me and helps me focus and enjoy life.  If I help someone talk to someone else – Job Done.

Go Roosters, and I will try and liven it up for the next one.

Youngy

I often sit amazed at the news on the TV, particularly following the Leader of the Free World in the US.  We all in this fine planet thought it ominous when the Donald was elected 12 months ago, but thought, give it a go, a chance to have a businessman in the Oval Office, not a Career Politician or Lawyer.

We, I think, are all bemused however at the response to the continued use of weapons and the tragic loss of life in the US.  Innocent people going to school, church or even a Music concert.  The Donald’s reaction.  It’s  a US Citizen, lets promote more weapons for all.  A mindset that I simply cannot understand.  A naturalised, Mid Eastern gentleman, drives a car through a crowd, Close the Borders is the cry.  Both incidents are abhorrent, but the solution from the White House is poles apart.

I have said publicly and now here, these Martyrs/Patriots are nothing more than cowards.  Once they start planning strategic targets, they may get more attention.  At present, people are committed to living their lives as normal and stuff em.

I fully appreciate the world has changed.  I grew up leaving the house open, didn’t get a front door key until I was 15.  Didn’t need it.  Joined the military and started travelling the world.  It was free and easy and despite a few “altercations” with locals in my first couple of years, the world was sorting itself out.

In 2001, just after the World Trade Centre, myself and three other colleagues were finished with our course and posted Immediately back to sea.  Terrorism had hit the Free World not just the Middle East.  A scary time for all as we had no clue what was in front of us.  The next 12 months were the most intensive of my life as we prepared for what we thought might occur and deployed to the Persian Gulf.  More about that and my return to Life without a War Footing later.

How does this relate to the Donald.  The world in 2001 confronted full on to the threat and recognised the tools of trade.  Arming yourself at home (whilst applauded by the US Constitution) did not intend for civilians to arm themselves with fully automatic weapons (note plural) that were designed to kill other humans at long range and painfully.

The US like to tell us what to do with out Military Policy, maybe its time to raise our voice back with this ridiculous and frightening policy.

Rant Over….

 

I have often wanted to write a book, but thought this may be the best way to test the water.  As ex-military people know, we have way too many stories and experiences to remember and forget, but don’t really want to do either.