Day 365 - What a year!

In case there was any doubt I would make it. Still here, in one piece, still Standing!

I look back and it's been quick. I may not have enjoyed this last year, but I have survived it. I am also better for it. I came out here with a goal of getting out of debt. Mission accomplished. I lost a few things along the way, Wife, weight, fear of being alone. Many say I am very lucky to have the opportunities that I have before me. I am grateful for them. I also don't forget the pain I went through to get here. Please don't take away that I am whining about being out here. I got a chance to set myself straight and took it.

I also got a chance to see what our soldiers experience first hand. They sacrifice a lot to be here. Supporting a country that most of them don't like. Many have no understanding of why we are even here anymore. (I am one) They are ordered to be here away from civilization and family. Many have nothing to do but sit around. Boredom is a painful way to live. Yet, they do it. It is said they are here defending freedom, giving others a chance at what we have in the States. I'm not going to stand here on a soap box about the why. I will say this, if you know someone here or someone that has been here, talk to them about it. See the difference from what the media spin is. Thank them for what they have sacrificed. (This includes Afganistan too!)

As a contractor over here, I have mixed emotions. The military cant do it without us, or can they. I got paid a decent amount of money to be here, not astronomical by any means. So I don't feel I need thanks. Granted people for some reason feel the need to say something. I appreciate it. Many contractors here are prior service like myself. (We cant seem to get enough torture)

What's next?

Good question. To be honest, after being out here, I have a new appreciation for life. I am at a point I have lost everything important to me. Luckily I have also gained more freedom than most will ever get. We are all free in the sense that we get to make choices, yada yada. The freedom I am talking about is the ability to decide where i want to be, what do I want to do, and how I want to do it. To put it simply, I have nothing holding me back but me.

Right now, plans are coming together. I have a couple of lists in my head that continue to shift and shape.

Some of those ideas and plans:
Travel the US. At some point I want to be able to say I have been to all 50 states.
Get Certified in VMware.
Finish my MCSE 2003 certification.
Travel to Europe.
Learn to Fly.
Complete a world trip that encompasses the earth in one trip.
U.S. Transplant games.
Gencon.
Star Wars Celebration 5.
Dragon Con.

Some of the Stops I will be making when I get back:
Alaska
Dallas
Owasso
Vegas
Atlanta
Indianapolis
Holland
Ireland

At this moment, the summer is going to be a busy time for me. I hope to visit family, friends and places I haven't been yet. I don't see myself slowing down and settling down anywhere till September.

If I am going to be near you this summer, let me know if you want me to stop by!

I have only about 2 months left here in Iraq. My last day reporting for work will be April 1st. After that I begin the process of getting out of here. I look forward to the day I leave this hell. As I know many of you do as well.

Thanks for the support.

Chris

PS. Yes, when this is over, I am going to Disney World...