Wish I had pictures to post, but alas, nothing more than my words. Just wanted to post a little note since it has been a while since I have done so. Things are pretty much business as usual with me, working as much as possible (gotta pay them bills somehow) and flying as much as I can. The second part is the harder of the two. Ever since I've been flying the R44 (the bigger guy), it seems like it doesn't wanna fly. It's tired and ready for it's overhaul. Things keep causing trouble and needing to be checked before I'll fly it. A couple nights ago I had my first real scare in helicopter. We were departing Tucson International to fly to Ryan Airfield to do a couple practice approaches and as I accelerated through 75 KIAS (Ben, you know what I mean) we got a wicked vibration. We turned back around slowed down to 60 knots and things were OK, but we still had a little vibration. When we landed we inspected the main rotor system (the most likely cause of the type of vibration we experienced) and found the swash plate assembly (the thing that translates the control inputs to the rotors) was moving more than it should have. That kind of problem wouldn't have caused a crash or anything, but the aircraft bucking was a little unnerving. But that is the great thing about flying helicopters, if we hadn't been so close to the airport I could've just set it down anywhere to see what was going on instead of having to try and make it to an airport.

That being said, I really love what I am doing. There is no greater thrill in my life, other than my beautiful fiance, than flying. I really am glad that I have found this opportunity to do something that I truly love. I know that I would have had a safer profession if I had finished school, but I know that I would never have been satisfied by a job in engineering. I know that I would have been good at the job, but I love that fact that I have the opportunity to follow my passion. I really want to thank all of you for being supportive of that desire that I have.

But, that being said, on the home front, things are really going well. Jenn and I are planning the wedding and things are really moving along. Lynette, I know that you and the kids won't be able to make it, I while I really want you guys here, I understand the constraints you have. I hope you know that I love you and your kids, and will really miss you guys. That being said, I don't hold it against you. I fully understand that it is VERY diffiult for you to travel with the kids, just know that you will be missed. If you don't know already I love you like a sister. You are part of our family and I love that fact.

By the way, in case anyone really cares, Jenn and I bought a dining room set the other day. It's a high table with barstool type seats that looks great in our dining area. If I had a digital camera I would how a picture, but alas, again, I am restricted to word. I can't wait for you all to see it.

On that note, I'll sign off and say that I love you all and that you all are always in my thoughts. Zach and Lynette, you and your kids especially. I really miss you guys. But, I don't even see those of you that I live near often enought. I am grateful that I am a Justesen, and that it entails. I am proud of what me mean to each other.