My husband’s photo: View from Diamond Head, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Whoa! The same US Navy SEAL team that killed Osama bin Laden is again in the news. Earlier today, this team parachuted into Somalia, crept to an outdoor camp, and rescued a 32-year-old American woman and a 60-year-old Danish man, who had been kidnapped by pirates in October. Nine kidnappers were killed. Isn’t that incredible? How much do you want to bet that Hollywood will produce a movie about SEAL Team Six? What a thriller that would be!
By comparison, I lead such a mundane life. True, when I was in my twenties, I circled the globe by myself, working for 10 months in Thailand and traveling through Europe for 3 months, but what have I done since then?
Well, I have given birth to two perfectly normal and healthy human beings. And now, I babysit my little grandson while his parents are at work. In 20 years, Rylan will reach the age I was when I started my trek around the world. In 20 years, I will be 86 years old, if I live that long. What does the future hold for us?
I can only plot my life in 3 year increments, at most. This year, David and I will travel to China. In 2013, we will see India, and in 2014, Bali. I also will babysit my third grandchild, if Maria and Grant decide to go ahead and have another child. I told Maria that as long as my health permits, I am willing to help her with her children.
Meanwhile, as I write this post, my house is being re-roofed. What a racket!
Mundane, huh?
January 25, 2012 at 8:20 am |
Mundane is good. The root of the word, “mund” means world (Spanish “mundo,” French “monde”). I think an important value of this blog is that it continually provides a real picture of the real life and the real concerns of a real person rooted in the real world.
January 25, 2012 at 9:59 am |
Yeah, my blog is like an endless reality show.
January 25, 2012 at 8:54 am |
you have and will have a continued lovely life! Even 3 years to me is a stretch! that’s pretty good planning!
January 25, 2012 at 10:01 am |
I just hope I don’t develop dementia as my mother has. It’s horrible to not have any memory. If I had no memory, there would be no blog!
January 25, 2012 at 10:30 am |
You may not have killed the worlds #1 terrorist or rescued kidanpped citizens from the jaws of the depraved but my good woman, you have done some amazing stuff. I did not have the courage you did to go galivanting around the world at 20 something. I have traveled all over the Caribbean, but not to Europe although, I do hope that’s next. I am never so happy as when I am planning trip. It doesn’t have to be worldly, just somewhere I’ve never been.
But that Seal team 6 – holy cow. You really have to be an adrinaline junkie to do that stuff. I never was. God bless them too because we did men like that. I do think it has to be men too. I am the first to get on the band wagon for women’s rights, but most of us women cannot carry or lift the weight men can. We just are not built for it.
January 25, 2012 at 10:36 am |
Those SEALs must have nerves of steel. I would never qualify for the team, because I get rattled so easily not to mention the fact that I am terribly out of shape!
January 25, 2012 at 11:50 am |
I agree with Kathy: those SEALS are all men, not only having to be strong with nerves of steel, but also capable of amazing physical feats. But you certainly did your share of exciting adventures in your youth, Gigi! With more to come!
January 25, 2012 at 2:47 pm |
Training is tough and horrid for Army Rangers and Navy Seals. Most don’t make it through the deprivation part of the training. There’s very little quiet glory, and more guts than we can imagine. I’ve been honored to have a few as patients. They are the ultimate in tough, courageous guys.
Best to go out shopping when the roofers are scraping and hammering your brains around!
When you think you’re bored or mundane (how dare you in Paradise!,) go on a day trip or walking on the beach!
DrumMajor
January 25, 2012 at 3:50 pm |
My friend’s son tried to become a seal. He was brilliant, extremely athletic, tough and strong mentally. He was not good enough. They are the best of the best.
I see nothing mundane in your life, in fact, you make me feel like a slacker.
January 25, 2012 at 4:54 pm |
I didn’t hear about the SEALS. Wow! That is just amazing! You’ve got lots of adventures to come, Gigi!
January 25, 2012 at 5:10 pm |
Wow! I did not know about the SEALS either. Very amazing. Their parents have to fluctuate between so proud and worried sick. I am guessing their families have some knowledge of their work.
I don’t see anything mundane in your life. I thought seeing China was impressive but you are adding India and Bali to your list.
January 25, 2012 at 5:30 pm |
Every life is an adventure, and every day brings something new. I’m glad I don’t have to live life like a Navy Seal.
My nephew recently finished Army Ranger training and is currently somewhere in Africa. He has a pregnant wife and an adopted five year old. It would be hard to be married to someone in the Special Forces.
January 25, 2012 at 8:13 pm |
it’s a sweet life, Gigi;
Today I got a brusque email from the editors at our local paper:
“Cloudia,
It has come to my attention that you have used excerpts from articles and at least one photo from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser without permission.
Specifically:
http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/2012/01/excellent-news.html
http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/2012/01/battle-for-hawaii.html
Please remove Star-Advertiser material from these two blogs and any others where you might have used unauthorized Star-Advertiser material. The exception would be where you want to use a specific quote and you attribute that quote to the Star-Advertiser, but you can not use lengthy excerpts from a story without permission.
In the future, if you wish to reprint Star-Advertiser stories, photos, graphics, etc., please ask for permission.”
So they don’t want to be quoted, credited OR linked to without permission. Lucky that they rarely have anything interesting besides Shapiro’s column anymore. Word to the wise, tell your local friends. “No Aloha or common Sense at the SB”
January 26, 2012 at 3:05 am |
Nothing is as exciting as being a seal. Wouldn’t it make a great movie! Macho men. They are awesome. Getting up in the morning is enough adventure for me.
January 26, 2012 at 3:37 am |
If I had a trip to China planned I would be very excited. It sounds like you have done a lot that is not mundane and have a lot to look forward to. I think we all hope our health allows us to continue the experiences of life as long as possible,
January 26, 2012 at 5:04 am |
I may not write my posts as often (we’ll see) but I will be around to read blogs including yours. It may be what you call mundane, but that suits me fine for now. Dianne
January 26, 2012 at 7:10 am |
You’re not the only one….I also think that way about my life. Then I tell myself to just accept the person I am. We can’t all be winners (superstars)…that’s a fantasy. But gigi, you’ve done many things most of us wouldn’t dare to do, including publishing and writing your blog. And you have raised wonderful girls…nothing to regret.
L. from W.
January 27, 2012 at 4:08 am |
I liked what Hank said .