
	Yeah I've been horrible at keeping up communication, I know it, but that's just me lately. For those that may not know, I have left the land of sand and returned to the gorgeous United States of America. I'm currently residing in Oregon for a bit to visit family and return to life as "normal". Although I've never been normal myself, it's weird to get back to the consumeristic, hectic, populated world again. Everybody is in a hurry, I'd forgotten how each person is running around like a turkey with it's head cutoff to try to make up for lost or limited time. Well I'm here now, and will try to respond to messages and shoot out a few emails! Working on getting a new phone today, which will be my main line for, well who knows how long. I'm going to put forth effort to visit friends and family. I do miss talking to you, I swear! It's nice to be back, the green is overwhelming, the sky is bright, even the rain is refreshing.


	I had to cancel my trip to India, due to tweaking my back to the point that I wouldn't be able to travel on short notice. So I will be hanging out in the desert for a while longer. The pain in my back has been a good wakeup call to exercising regularly again though. I've jumped back on the train, I'm sick of the pain and worrying about it. I was going to India to get some certificates for the industry I work in. It would of made my background even stronger and helped me figure out the next path in my career. It will have to wait till another day! I've extended my stay in Iraq until November now, due to making up some time for my medical leave in previous months. So as long as my back hangs in there, I'll be staying out here to work and study until the next step life throws at me. Unfortunately, I'll be missing my high school reunion, but I'll be there in spirit! I'll make the next one.


	So where to start, updates have not flowed as intended, but I have a good excuse! Nah, not really, I've actually been on medical leave in the states to get my sciatic problems resolved once and for all. (knock on wood). So let's see if I can sum up everything.... My party was great, thanks to all that helped make it run smooth and set it up. It was great to see all my friends in one place and be able to relax in a comfortable and private atmosphere. I'll post some more photos when I get a chance, here's a few photos as a preview: Party Photo 1 Party Photo 2 Party Photo 3 Party Photo 4 I had Thanksgiving and Christmas in Oregon with my mom, that was wonderful, that hasn't happened in a decade. I saw my aunt and cousins I hadn't seen in a decade, it was great to catch up after all these years. I was all packed and ready to head back to Iraq when I realized I still couldn't sit down for more than 15 minutes without pain, nevertheless extreme measures were taken and I am now getting an 8 week intense back rehabilitation done, the treatment is outlined on their website here. I'm psyching myself up and keeping up with my colleagues in Iraq to get ready to return to the desert and continue my job that I do actually enjoy. My hair is reddish orange, why you ask? Why not? I had never dyed my hair before, and decided to have some fun. It'll grow back soon enough. Here is the result : Photo of "Red" I'll try to post some more pictures of my November trip to Colorado Springs and Oregon. Here are a few to get an idea: Vacation Photo 1 Vacation Photo 2 Vacation Photo 3 Vacation Photo 4 Vacation Photo 5 Vacation Photo 6 I want to congratulate my friend Tina on having a beautiful baby boy! Congrats Tina, he's precious. I also want to congratulate my friends Mike and Amy on having a beautiful baby girl! Although I have no pictures yet, congratulations guys, that's amazing and I am very happy for you two. I know I'm missing some other events, but I hope that will give you a rough idea. Take it easy my friends! Updates January: Updated Links page with more current links and more job sites. Added Mountain Mike (A friend of mine also in Iraq, he updates a LOT, and has a very healthy sense of humor)