MELANCHOLY

Mel-an-choly [mel-uhn-kol-ee] noun:

1. a gloomy state of mind, esp. when habitual or prolonged; depression.
2. sober thoughtfulness; pensiveness.

That is the word of the day; my last day in Okinawa. I have feelings of moderate depression, definitely pensive, but not apprehensive. I am excited to be starting something new and anxious for it to begin, but it leaves a lot behind. I can't honestly imagine what it must be like on death row awaiting the day that your life will end, let alone that day arriving and having to deal with the emotions that inevitably accompany that. That is kinda what I am feeling...like looking at things for the last time. Combine this with all the reflection I have been doing over the past weeks and you understand the definition as stated in number 2 above.

Anyway, today's picture is of the wine that my lovely wife, Lubica, sent for me to celebrate with during this last day in Japan. I appreciate the sentiment and it is perfect for the emotions I am feeling.

KAMPAI--Cheers--Nosdravia!!!

COUCH SURFING

My post to http://www.couchsurfing.org/:

I recently found this site thru friends who have traveled and mentioned I should join up. That was the best advice any of my friends have ever given me. I have simply sat back and read the posts and continue to be further inspired and committed to my own upcoming personal "sojourn."

I think everyone is on their own personal quest, journey, or adventure and I am also aware that EVERYONE has an agenda. An agenda isn't a bad thing, you just must ensure that it is YOUR agenda.

I have been reading the threads and have now felt compelled to write a quick post. I am in my early 40s, retiring from military service, and instead of doing the obvious, which most friends and family are encouraging me to do, I am turning away from govt work and hope to never return again. I do have the fortune of having healthcare and a pension provided, but I have also accumulated debt and several mortgages (but no car), and must use a large portion of my pension (if not all) to continue to pay them. So, I will technically be traveling with little or no money...and that's the way I want it.

My journey will begin in two days. I will leave Okinawa, Japan (where I have lived for the past 3 years) and visit my adopted state of HI for a few days. I will then travel on to CA where I must go to separate from the military. After that, it is back to my homestate of SD for a BRIEF visit and then I am backpacking across the US from SD thru MN (1st leg) then into IL (2d leg) continuing south to TN (3d leg) and finish by meeting my best friend who lives in FL (4th leg).

After that? Who knows. I will set my sails with the wind and see where this "ship" takes me.

To all who have ideas of giving it all up and moving on with life, I commend you. For those that take action upon it, I admire you. Come join me anywhere along my journey if at all possible. I would be more than happy to join you for a coffee or a beer.

"Fair winds and following seas..."

DB Robertson

robertsondb@gmail.com

http://www.robertsondb.blogspot.com/

FINAL CHECKOUT

Here it is! The LAST EVER USMC checkout sheet! This is from the last unit I will ever serve with after 22 years, 3d Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion, G-3 Training Section.

This volume (Volume II) is coming to an end and I am anxiously awaiting the start of Volume III. It will start on Wed (29 Jul) when I depart for Hawaii and continue on to Camp Pendleton, CA to separate and then the "learning" and experiences will truly begin with my Sojourn through the United States of America.

ORDERS

Apologies to all. I have been extremely busy over the past month or so working on one thing and one thing only...ORDERS! And they have arrived as of 0900 this morning, 22 July 2009. Exactly 4 months after I made the conscious decision to retire! I will OFFICIALLY be retired on 30 Sep 2009 (22 years and 16 days from the day I stood on the "yellow footprints" aboard MCRD, San Diego, CA on 14 Sep 1987).

So, I am back on my blog.

First things first. I have adjusted my travel plans on numerous occasions for as many numerous reasons...so let it be known for here and forever more that I am no longer traveling to Europe (I am broken hearted about it, but I think I would prefer to share that with the love of my life rather than random strangers.):

- I am leaving Okinawa for Hawaii on 29 July for a period of 5 days which I will gloriously spend with my lovely wife, Lubica.

- I depart Hawaii on 2 Aug for Camp Pendleton, CA for my separation period.

- Possibly/presumably by 7 Aug I will travel around CA then on to Phoenix and finally to SD for a period of time to catch up with friends and family (all not to exceed 10 days).

- Next begins the original plan for the URBAN TREK! It is back and will be in full swing. Save this blog to your favorites if you haven't already done so!!!

I gave it a lot of thought and to be honest, the weather conditions in Europe were the deciding factor (along with I really liked my original plan).

SO STAY TUNED!!!