My name is Rob, I grew up in New England, moving from New Hampshire to Massachusetts when I was 6.
Just a baby
My first communion
I was a bad kid. Always stealing, fighting, lying, and bullying. Because of this, I was sent to live at an alternative school from the age of 10 up until I graduated High School at 17.
When I graduated High School in May, I already had my Army enlistment papers signed. I started boot camp in September. I stayed in the Army for 6 years, went to Iraq twice, and then moved to Florida to go to welding school. While living in Jacksonville, I held many different jobs. Sure, welding was paying me well-I just didn't enjoy working in a factory; Especially in the summertime. I moved on from welding, to selling cars, to installing air conditioners, to door-to-door sales, then to landscaping.
Boot camp graduation, with my father
Bored of the grind, me and an Army buddy decided to become firefighters in Colorado. Literally, we talked about it one night, and the next morning renting a Uhaul trailer.
We went to EMT school, and after graduating, realized the list was too long to become firemen, so instead of making $10/hr working on an ambulance, we worked at a DirecTV call center.
One night, after work, me and my Army buddy-Cody, were watching the travel channel. Was about Bangkok's temples and street food. On the spot, we decided to move to Thailand, and use our GI Bill to be able to stay over there on student visas.
Cody and I. Florida fishing trip
I got my ticket within 5 minutes. Found a one way flight for just $505. Cody didn't have the money, so he vowed to work for a few months, and meet me there.
The following month, I sold all my stuff, and headed to the airport.
Not two months into my newfound life, and Cody had his confirmation email, for his tickets to Thailand.
Cody. RIP brother.
One night, playing Call of Duty online, I was waiting for Cody to join my party as he always did at this time-And he never did. See, the thing about Army buddies, is they are always reliable, and punctual. I knew right away that something was wrong.
An hour later, on Facebook I got the worst news imaginable. His ex-gf messaged me, and told me Cody was killed in a DUI crash. He was on his way home from work on his motorcycle, and a drunk driver killed him. He was on his motorcycle, since he sold his truck to move to Thailand with me.
This destroyed me, and even as I write this 7 years later... My eyes still well up with tears.
After living for 2 years in Bangkok, I moved to Cebu, Philippines. I had two Uncles retired here at the time, so I wasn't so worried about where to stay, and how to make the transition.
Now, I have been living in Cebu for the past 5 years, and getting ready to move to South America with my Filipina girlfriend. We will split our time between Ecuador, and Peru... Since we will just move on tourist visas.
Me and my girlfriend, traveling
Anyways, if you read this... I appreciate it. I will be a positive and productive member of Steemit, and will always lend my support when needed.
_Rob
