Happy New Year

New Year's Eve was a quiet one this year. Was in DC, returned from Nebr on the 29th of DC. Went to a movie with a friend and then to a bar and had drinks and then home to toast to the New Year on Time's Square. 2009 in going to be a year of changes, chances and challenges. Here we go!!!

Christmas

I returned from Morocco on the 16th of December and departed for Nebraska on the 18th. It was snowy and windy when I got there. I had a great time - the first time I was truely able to just relax since I've been back from Iraq. I spent time with my nieces and nephew and my brothers and of course my mom and her husband. My mom was recovering from back surgery and is doing well. My brothers had time off work, so it was nice to spend time with them and their families. I gave coin sorters to the boys and Mary Kay to the girls. We contributed to a beef for my mom and her husband and the kids got gift certificates and college contributions from me. A great Christmas!

Morocco

I left December 4th, 2008, to join my good friend Noureddine in Morocco to meet his family and spend time there. A great opportunity to be exposed to a different country from the perspective of the locals. I could not believe the hospitality - everyone was so nice. We had amazing food - they eat from the communal plate in the middle of the table and no silverware. We stayed at his mom's home in Rabat and traveled to many cities including Fez, Khenifra in the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech. Noureddine has three brothers and one sister, including a niece (4yrs) and a nephew (7mos). It was a bit cold, so I am planning on going back in the summer for a different experience. There is no central heat in any of the homes and it was very cold. Basically people just wear layers of clothes, coats and blankets. Anyone who knows me also knows that I am always cold, so you can imagine how difficult it was for me. I know in the summer Morocco will be even more beautiful. I am looking forward to returning in when it is warm and to spending time with Noureddine's brother Hamid. I returned back to DC on the 16th.

Vegas Baby

I met my sister's in law in Vegas from the 9-13 of November. We stayed at the Palazzo near the Venetian, it was a blast. I really enjoy spending time with them.

Last Day in Baghdad

I left Baghdad November 5th, 2008. It was sad to leave all my friends, but I knew that most of them would be right behind me. I took a few pictures of me around the Villa and the IZ before I left. Never say never, but I don't think I will be returning to Iraq anytime in the near future. I think it's time for us to get out.