The longer you live, the more stories you collect that help prove points (and that make for good entertainment at parties!). I have a bunch of ‘m (many — but not all — thanks to the Navy). Here’s one of my favorites. It may just be the ultimate tale of government inefficiency, and it is a guaranteed 100% true sea story! [Spoiler alert: Scroll down slowly, so you don't see each photo until necessary!]
This isn’t a spiritual quest article. I’m not talking about love or friendship or intangibles like a good reputation or a clear conscience. Nor am I talking about that other form of intangibles, financial “securities” (which many of us have recently learned can disappear into the ether as easily as love or a clear conscience). No, I’m just talking about physical, buy-and-sell-without-cosmic-implications kinds of “things”. Short of cars and houses (which I didn’t actually own anyway; several banks did), I’ve held title to one physical item so far in my life with a five digit market value. And since it’s now gone, I’m going to take a moment to document it; after all, it’s possible that in my next 43 years of life I’ll not own anything this cool again.
And now, my other MIA VIP: Elizabeth Anne Shirey-Mizobuchi, a.k.a. Beth. When we met in Gainesville, FL, in 1985, Beth was the accompanist for and best friend of my girlfriend at the time, Vanessa Kissel. [Vanessa isn't missing, tho. Hi, 'Nessa!] When I needed a roommate to help pay the rent, ‘Nessa suggested Beth and believe it or not, it worked out fantastically well. We became friends and re-connected now and then up until about twelve years ago. Since then, nadda.
