RetirementWho would have thunk that I'd retire from the military. I certainly didn't think I'd get this far. I'm pretty sure that I was voted least likely to join the military in High School.

Now, my EAS is Feb 28th of next year. My earliest separation date is November 14th. 254 days away. I'd have to say that I'm relieved and scared out of my wits at the same time. The marathon is over. I can quit my post. I've been properly relieved. But now what?

College beckons. A new career of possibilities awaits. But wait. Another race begins. A four year race to the degree of choice. The key to unlock the entry level door of the dream second career is four years a...

RetirementWho would have thunk that I'd retire from the military. I certainly didn't think I'd get this far. I'm pretty sure that I was voted least likely to join the military in High School.

Now, my EAS is Feb 28th of next year. My earliest separation date is November 14th. 254 days away. I'd have to say that I'm relieved and scared out of my wits at the same time. The marathon is over. I can quit my post. I've been properly relieved. But now what?

College beckons. A new career of possibilities awaits. But wait. Another race begins. A four year race to the degree of choice. The key to unlock the entry level door of the dream second career is four years away. OOOHHH NOOO! I might be focusing on the wrong key! I have to run a different race? With summer internships? How will I finance that? The GI Bill won't. What about the first key? 18 credit hours a semester???? When would I sleep? The first year classes are unwaiverable? So I have to wait until after my wife graduates to start? That's the opposite of what I planned? Couldn't I start right away? Five years of college? I can't afford that either!

I knew the grass wasn't greener over there, on that side of the fence. The kool-aid stopped making the grass grow on this side and the bullshit was piled too high allow the sun in. Challenge accepted: win every scholarship I can and save it for the summer and my eventual fifth year. No other choice.

Still, Texas Forest Ranger can still be cool. Right?