Merry Christmas!

It is indeed that time of the year. Snow, Christmas tree, Lights, Presents, Hot chocolate, and my personal favorite....SAND! Christmas in Iraq. There is really no way to describe it. It has been a tough time on everyone. Most of the guys here are kinda down, Heather has been a little more emotional than usual, but we have all pulled together and I think all of us are going to make it out of this bit of a rut together. I have been able to feel at least a little bit like a part of everything. Heather has done well with calling and letting me talk to everyone and has also sent a few pictures and videos of various things to give me a little feel of home. She is the most amazing person in some of the simplest ways. I never knew how much receiving a card on a regular basis could really give you something to look forward to. On this holiday I have found myself getting out of the slump that I was in by looking at all I have to be thankful for. I have the most wonderful wife and family to support me and still include me from half way around the world. I would like to thank all of them for that.
Things have been crazy around here like usual. I have still been running the station here. I am looking forward to the break I am going to get when I start class next week. I will be in the final classes I need for my official promotion. I have 12 days of class. I am looking at it as a break from the hustle and bustle of the station.
We have also had a few special guests here on base this last week. On Thursday of last week, Kid Rock and Kelly Pickler were here for a concert. I got to go to that one. Wasn't that great but was at least something to do. Then on Saturday, Craig Morgan and Mark Wills were here in concert. We did not make it to that show, but we had a suprise visit at the station around 2:30am. A few of our good friends from the Military Police (Thanks Paul and Semko) brought Mark Wills by the station. He stayed and talked for about 15 minutes. Other than that, not a whole lot going on here now. Counting down the days until Rome (47 to be precise!) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Here it comes...the HARDEST time of my year!

It has been a hectic few weeks once again. I am now running the busiest bas in Iraq! I still have to do the inspections program but on top of all of that I not have to do the schedule, send up all reports to HQ on a daily basis, take care of making sure all personnel get in the vacation request and follow up on that...EVERYTHING! I stay busy which makes the days fly by. The only hard part is convincing myself to get out of bed every morning. After I get up..I'm fine.
It is that time of year....already. CHRISTMAS! The season already has me a litle down just because I am so far away from everyone. I wish I could be home to spend the holdiays with everyone especially Heather. She seems to be handling it so far. She seems a little down, but for the most part, she is doing well.
Heather and I are both getting excited about out upcoming trip to Rome! I can't wait to get out of here for a few days and I am looking forward to seeing Heather again. Only 58 more days until I fly out. That will be here before I know it.
Hope this finds everyone well! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!