2008 Holiday News from the Mummerts
As always, when I prepare to write this letter, I reflect on the past year and
wonder where the time has gone. This year is no different. We have had
what feels like a whirlwind year with so much packed into it that I am not
sure where to begin.
I will begin with the most important news to our family; Ken arrived home
from Iraq in April without physical injury. Although he does not talk much
about his Iraq experience, I am sure that it will stay with him for quite some
time. Ken has found his niche in the Army and thoroughly enjoys what he is
doing, so much so that he has extended his service. He went through his re-
enlistment ceremony December 2, 2008. As part of the changes, he is
transferring to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on February 10, 2009. He hopes
to be assigned to 101st Air Assault brigade, where he will train in
rappelling from helicopters. As a medic, he has to learn the same skills as
the unit to which he is assigned, in order to provide field medical care.
Although we have questioned his plan of learning to jump out perfectly good
helicopters, he assures us it is much safer than staying in the helicopter
with Army pilots.
Frank and I have added to our rookery of boats. Along with Little Blue (the
dinghy), and Rockhopper (the Morgan 452), we now have Gentoo, a
Catalina 22 that we plan to use to teach sailing. Gentoo has provided us
with local sailing opportunities that we have not been able to enjoy on
Rockhopper.
In additional to teaching sailing, Frank and I were busy most weekends
from January to May with teaching Merchant Marine Captain courses and
working the boat show circuit. Along that line, I have obtained my Master’s
license, with towing endorsements. This accompanies Frank’s Masters
with towing and sailing endorsements. We are definitely moving along with
our long term plans by improving our knowledge and skill levels.
Frank began his “writing career” with an article in Live Aboard magazine in
mid 2007. He was then approached to write for www.MadMariner.com
online magazine in the fall of 2007. He has since been the front page story
numerous times, as well as the featured story on Boaters’ TV. Frank
writes on a variety of topics from life aboard a sailboat with teens,
acclimating from a house to a boat (think amps), to the beefier stories
related to boating safety, medical emergencies, and boaters’ education.
Yes, Frank is still working at his "real" job in the finance industry!
Frank is not the only one preparing for a boating career change. I obtained
my EMT-Basic a couple of years ago. I am currently midway through the
coursework and clinical work for my paramedic license. I am working full
time in the law firm, carrying 17 credit hours per semester at school through
next summer, and completing 20-24 hours each weekend in the clinical/field
environment, as required for skill mastering prior to testing in August, 2009.
I thank God everyday for giving me a supportive husband, as I would never
be able to maintain this schedule without him. Frank and I joke about our
“free time” between 2AM and 3AM – sleep is over-rated!
As we reflect on the past year and move forward with new endeavors for
our future, we hope that you and your family are healthy and happy during
this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
As always, when I prepare to write this letter, I reflect on the past year and
wonder where the time has gone. This year is no different. We have had
what feels like a whirlwind year with so much packed into it that I am not
sure where to begin.
I will begin with the most important news to our family; Ken arrived home
from Iraq in April without physical injury. Although he does not talk much
about his Iraq experience, I am sure that it will stay with him for quite some
time. Ken has found his niche in the Army and thoroughly enjoys what he is
doing, so much so that he has extended his service. He went through his re-
enlistment ceremony December 2, 2008. As part of the changes, he is
transferring to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on February 10, 2009. He hopes
to be assigned to 101st Air Assault brigade, where he will train in
rappelling from helicopters. As a medic, he has to learn the same skills as
the unit to which he is assigned, in order to provide field medical care.
Although we have questioned his plan of learning to jump out perfectly good
helicopters, he assures us it is much safer than staying in the helicopter
with Army pilots.
Frank and I have added to our rookery of boats. Along with Little Blue (the
dinghy), and Rockhopper (the Morgan 452), we now have Gentoo, a
Catalina 22 that we plan to use to teach sailing. Gentoo has provided us
with local sailing opportunities that we have not been able to enjoy on
Rockhopper.
In additional to teaching sailing, Frank and I were busy most weekends
from January to May with teaching Merchant Marine Captain courses and
working the boat show circuit. Along that line, I have obtained my Master’s
license, with towing endorsements. This accompanies Frank’s Masters
with towing and sailing endorsements. We are definitely moving along with
our long term plans by improving our knowledge and skill levels.
Frank began his “writing career” with an article in Live Aboard magazine in
mid 2007. He was then approached to write for www.MadMariner.com
online magazine in the fall of 2007. He has since been the front page story
numerous times, as well as the featured story on Boaters’ TV. Frank
writes on a variety of topics from life aboard a sailboat with teens,
acclimating from a house to a boat (think amps), to the beefier stories
related to boating safety, medical emergencies, and boaters’ education.
Yes, Frank is still working at his "real" job in the finance industry!
Frank is not the only one preparing for a boating career change. I obtained
my EMT-Basic a couple of years ago. I am currently midway through the
coursework and clinical work for my paramedic license. I am working full
time in the law firm, carrying 17 credit hours per semester at school through
next summer, and completing 20-24 hours each weekend in the clinical/field
environment, as required for skill mastering prior to testing in August, 2009.
I thank God everyday for giving me a supportive husband, as I would never
be able to maintain this schedule without him. Frank and I joke about our
“free time” between 2AM and 3AM – sleep is over-rated!
As we reflect on the past year and move forward with new endeavors for
our future, we hope that you and your family are healthy and happy during
this holiday season and throughout the coming year.
Penguin Dreams
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