Oh so close...

Merry (respective holiday here) everyone!

Got to looking at web stats... and I'm thrilled to see that there are still some folks checking in on my blog. I have a couple of updates for those still reading.

Kevin is doing MUCH better. I spent about three hours today just sitting around talking with him. He remains seated for the better part of the day however he does attempt at walking now with the aid of a cane (and a walker at home). Those two items were sent to me by a very generous reader who has been thanked thoroughly. I think it's a little early for Kevin to be walking so much but... he's stubborn and determined so I gotta hand that to him. His former employer will be sending him to the green zone to see an American doctor for the colostomy bag removal and removal of setting pins that were drilled into his leg bones. I'm not sure when that will be but I'm very happy to see him making such good progress.

Update numero dos. We are getting so freakin close to leaving I can taste it. I can't give out any specific dates but I can tell you this... I'll be enjoying a nice steak dinner, an ice cold beer, and the company of my beautiful wife Heather hopefully in less than 2 weeks. Speaking of which, my Sweetheart, went in for surgery on the 18th (I know... she's had a GREAT year already... what else could go wrong. lol) for a ruptured cyst on her right ovary that leaking blood into her abdomen (about a cup). The doctor said that everything should heal up just fine and it shouldn't cause any childbearing issues thank God. I spoke to her on the phone for Christmas and she sound so good, which was the biggest spirits lifter I've received all year. Hearing her regular cheery motivated tone created such great feelings for me... I almost forgot all about where I was simply because of the overwhelming relief I felt. I still wish they had sent me home early considering we aren't doing much right now, but I understand it wasn't a life or death situation. I would have just liked to be there to care for my wife while she healed and was in bed.

Things are pretty quiet here... mostly because it's freakin freezing I guess. It feels VERY cold here now with the onset of winter. Acclimation to 135 degree weather made even 70 degree weather feel a bit chilly... and now that it gets down to the 40's it's sort of a body shock. Ridiculous I know... cold deserts... psh. Insurgents must not like cold weather lol... hallelujah.

Most of our guys are already gone and I am ready for my number to come up so I can get on that chopper and get the heck out of dodge. This deployment has FLOWN by thanks to the support of my wonderful wife, my family, and the continuous efforts of SGT David Milholen to keep our internet and our gaming to the max! LOL

Thank you to all of my readers and emails. It's been a very interesting year and now it's time to go back and be everything I've missed. Also I'm psyched that I'll get to go back and enjoy a little bit of my beautiful country. America!!! F-YEAHHHHH!!! (From the movie Team America: World Police) I love that movie and my country. ;) Later everyone.