I'm a lucky gal

Thank you to everyone. I am so lucky to have such great friends. I have recieved some of the nicest cards with thoughtful words, and fun gifts to keep my spirits up while I am gone. And I don't have to worry about my family starving while I am away. I am surrounded by great people, and I consider myself very fortunate. Thank you all.
We are going to Utah tomorrow and I am very excited to see my friends and family there. The vacation is much needed. Love you guys!

Friends

Well I am down to 11 days left before I leave home. I thought I was doing a good job getting ready to go, and then my good friend took her own life last week. So needless to say I have been in a whirlwind of grief and stress and almost forgot I was leaving. I am forced to push my sadness aside for now so I can manage the task at hand, which includes tending to my family and packing, etc. I can grieve some more later, sitting in the desert.
My coworkers had a fabulous going away party for me this weekend. It was a lot of fun hanging out with friends. We drank, and laughed, and moved furniture so we could dance. I have some great pictures. I really am blessed to work with such a great group of people who truly care about one another. I will miss them.
We are going to Utah next week to see family and friends there, and have another party. I am looking forward to some relaxation at "home". I really need a vacation :-)

Prep time

As most of you know, I have been very busy at home trying to prepare to go to Iraq. I have been trying to prepare my family for my absence too. Been making things for the boys to have to hang on to when they miss me. I feel very fortunate that I am able to go to Iraq and take care of people involved in this mess. I am also very lucky that I wont be gone as long as most soldiers. Brian has lots of support at home, and lots of people that want to help him when I am gone. We are blessed to have such great friends and family. I have been a little sad about leaving my "babies", but I know they will be fine and time will fly by.
One going-away party down this weekend, two more parites to go........