Rest and Recuperation

Here I sit, in MY living room, laptop in hand, relaxing a bit.  Yes, I have made it to my mid-tour leave!  I made it home a few days ago and have done a lot of things since then, not even really seeing my house except to sleep.  The family and I have spent a lot of time together, and except for my strange sleeping habits on this side of the world (8pm falling asleep till 4am) they have had no complaints.

Its amazing how much piles up while you are away.  My first few days were spent just getting things straight.  I had to go buy a new car because our old one gave up and died after 11 years of faithful service.  One day before I came home too. I had to get some business done around the house and with the army, some of which is still outstanding.  We went and bought some guinea pigs for my daughter since dogs and cats aren’t really gonna work for us right now and she really wanted a pet.

I have, however, gone and eaten a ton of real food.  Hamburgers made from real meat (angus beef), fries that haven’t been sitting around, drinks that aren’t from concentrate, etc.  I am hoping to indulge in a great piece of steak cooked rare here soon. Nothing deep fried or cooked into shoe leather for me!

So now that most of the major business if out of the way, and things caught up, the R&R really begins.  Ice skating and swimming for the kids, dinners out, sleeping in late and doing nothing, and even a real mini-vacation for me and the wife – away from the kids and everything!  That I am really looking forward to!  Its at a great resort not far from here.

Finally, on another note, I passed through the Dallas USO again.  That has to be the best USO I have ever been too, and I give them props.  They have a place outside security to leave your bags and the USO is awesome.  If you have the time, you must stop in there.  There is even a small USO by the boarding gate the soldiers returning from R&R use.

Well, I am now off to go do something non-military related.