what, exactly, my husband does for a living

I can't tell you everything involved with 007's job, or I'd have to kill you.

But, I can tell you a little, because many of you wonder what in the world he's doing over here. We like to tell Graham that when he goes on "work trips," Tony is out fighting pirates. Which is true. Essentially true. I think Graham imagines something more like the above photo when we tell him this, but, in reality Tony's job looks a bit more like this:

 

He spends a great deal of time organizing conferences with people from all over the world. He books the conference rooms and hotel rooms. He ensures that everyone's flights are paid for and correct and that they get in on time and that their embassies will take care of whatever they need to take care of and that there's enough coffee for everyone. The purpose of the conferences is to plan exercises for and build partnerships with Navies from African countries. So, along with all the logistical organizing, 007 also has to present information and ideas at these conferences. Then, after a few planning conferences, he has to lead and organize the execution of these exercises, which is what he is currently doing in Tanzania. An exercise, for those who are wondering, is like a practice event where the US and other European Navies help teach the African Navies good Naval tactics so that the African Navies can protect their seas from fishing poachers and, yep, you guessed it, pirates.

So, yes, from behind a computer screen and inside a conference room, my husband does, in fact, fight pirates for a living.