Giving Thanks

I have been away from home now for 153 days.
I am thankful that I only have 79 days left.

No really, I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday.
I have to admit, it really is hard to get into the spirit when you're deployed. The day started off just like any other day here: woke up at 0630, had an oatmeal breakfast, and checked my email. At 1000 I participated in the 5K Turkey Trot. Although I didn’t quite make it in less than 30 minutes as I had hoped to, I was close with 32 minutes. I blame it on the elevation…uh huh…yep that’s what it was.

Our “Turkey Dinner” will be served within the hour and I have to say I’m really looking forward to it. It’s not my parent’s house or grandparent’s house or even a friend’s house with fancy side dishes, nice clothes, or even a glass of wine. And there is no Macy's Day Parade or Lion’s football on the TV (well at least until the wee hours of the morning...yeah...I’m not that big of a fan) but I am thankful that I’m not alone. We may be missing our homes but we are a family here and I am truly blessed with some wonderful friends. I was deployed to Saudi Arabia 8 years ago and I also spent Thanksgiving there. I remember a similar feeling back then...except the weather was much warmer. I left there with friends that I still talk to today. I guess what I'm saying is, yes, I sometime wish I was with my family but there are several holidays ahead, some I'll be there for and some I won't and I'm okay with that. I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world.

Well, I have to go unload some new equipment and scan some computers now.

Happy Thanksgiving!