This makes me laugh and cry. It represents quite a few factors in my life that have led to my “now”. One thing I have learned to do is to try to tamp down expectations. I’ve learned to honor the incredible relationships that I’ve had. Never expect friendship and never expect forgiveness. I am a veteran, not combat but I have my own PTSD issues nonetheless. I have made some major friendship missteps over the years fueled by alcohol abuse among other things. Last year I spent four months inpatient at the VA where I learned more about myself that I could of dreamed. The VA let me know that I suffer from PTSD, bipolar disorder and deep depression. I lashed out in different ways and I have only myself to blame. The good news is that I am on the right path. I changed my life, nixed the alcohol and have continued to seek counseling. Honestly, if I would have faced my issues years ago and sought counseling I would be in a different place that I am today.

a little about me

I was born in Wisconsin. My father was in the US Army so we moved around a bit but I was raised mostly in the Washington DC area. Early adulthood included school then a 7+ year stint in the US Navy. I settled in Northern Virginia for a long while. It was home. Things change. I now live in New Jersey. I like to think of myself as a food geek, a prog rock music aficionado, and an information technology guy. I have also been the webmaster for dchashing.org since 1996, it is a site to promote the chapters of the Hash House Harriers in the Washington DC area. My home hash is Mount Vernon. I am on twitter and discord as “@ohdrat”.

Check out my music collection. https://www/ohdrat.com/digital