Day 81 of 400

Back from Greece! Katie and I had a fabulous time away. We spent 10 days exploring Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Athens and Santorini were definitely my favorite by far and I cannot wait to visit them again... if I am so fortunate. We visited practically all the ancient ruins in Athens. It was amazing to think that were walking on the same paths that some of the famous ancients had walked. It was quite overwhelming and fascinating and indescribable. I recommend a visit to anyone that gets a chance. Mykonos is known as the windy island. The wind was constant and fierce. We enjoyed the relief from the heat. We spent time relaxing by the pool and on the beach as well as a day of shopping. The views were gorgeous... you will have to check out the pictures on facebook. Santorini was our last stop on the trip. We took a tour to view the land and was fascinated by what we discovered. The island is known for his volcanic existence and our views from the top of this island were amazing.

For the first time in months I was in the same time zone as Brian. I thought it would give us ample time to skype... unfortunately I was wrong. He was off on a run in the beginning and ended up stuck at another base for around 3 days. We were able to email and AIM... but nothing is the same as hearing his voice. Were able to skype a couple of times while I was gone and we skyped last night. He is doing ok. He got the 2 packages I sent before he left. He is having trouble sleeping and we don't know why. I am really worried about him. He is working 12 hour shifts and not sleeping. They have to repair the trucks as they were left in not good condition from the last unit that was there. Unfortunately they are still waiting on parts so it sounds like ALOT of sitting around.

Well that's all I have for updates. He could use some fresh baked goods if someone can send something out. It needs to be something that does ok in the heat.

Please keep in your prayers.

Rebecca

Day 68 of 400

Seven days is a long time not to update, but there has not been much to update.  Brian has been very busy in Iraq.  His company is rather sick and Brian is no exception.  It sounds like he might have bronchitis.  Not good.  I guess most of the company has the flu that they are comparing to H1N1 or Swine Flu.  Brian said he is not that bad.  He is working the night shift in Iraq which he seems to enjoy as they don't have the hot sun to deal with.  They are in the midst of doing repairs on all the trucks.  The previous company didn't keep on top of the maintenance for the last few months that they were there.  If they are doing maintenance I feel like they might not be out making deliveries which equals safety in my mind!

On the home front...

Yesterday I ran in the Crisman 5K.  Ok I walked most of it, but I still participated.  Maybe one of these days they will have beer for me at the finish line!  HAHA - inside joke.  We had a lot of fun and there was somewhere between 200 and 300 people racing, not to mention spectators.  As always, it was a great event!

Tomorrow I head out on my 10 day excursion in Greece.  We are doing 3 days in Athens, 3 days in Mykonos and 3 days in Santorini.  We can't wait!  It will be so much fun!  I am going with a very good friend of mine and this has been a dream of ours for a while.  Needless to say, I may not have the opportunity to update the blog or talk to Brian as much as I would like.  

Tomorrow Brian turns 26.  Make sure to wish him a Happy Birthday!  Wish I could be there with him.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Rebecca

Day 61 of 400

I got to skype with Brian today!  It was really good to see him.  He looks great and other than a slight cold is doing well.  He has been really busy in training and has yet to go out on any missions.  Unfortunately the idea of him staying on base at a check station is not going to fly.  He will be doing what the transportation department does... drive trucks.  He still doesn't know his day to day tasks and things seem to be kept pretty tightly under wraps.  Just know that he is doing well and is keeping safe.  

Continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers!

***ADDRESS UPDATED***

Please look below. I have updated the address to send stuff for Brian. This update just came in. Please scroll down to the first address and copy the address as I have posted it.

Rebecca

Day 60 of 400

It is 7:25 p.m. in Iraq as I write this.  I was hoping to be able to Skype with Brian today, but as every minute ticks by, that seems even more unlikely.  Now that he is in Iraq it seems that he is extremely busy.  I was able to AIM with him yesterday, but distractions with kids (the ones I nanny) made it hard to actually really "talk."  I have been trying to keep him updated on everything that is going on with the house, but as things get more complicated, my explanations don't fair well.  Email and AIM are hard to express everything and unfortunately I am not a very expressive writer.  I am hoping that blogging will help me with that.

On the home front, I have been trying to stay busy.  I nanny for 3 amazing kids that make me smile all the time I am with them.  Yesterday we sat down and wrote letters to Brian.  Being 4 (twins) and 6, they did an amazing job.  I know Brian is going to be blow away when he receives their letters.  They are always full of questions about what Brian is doing and I know they miss him too.  Fortunately, being kids they get distracted by toys and sibling fights to always express that they miss him.  They keep me busy!  I get to take them to swim lessons and watch them improve every day!  They are so imaginative - it is great!

I also have been working on buying a house.  We are on our 2nd extension for a commitment letter.  The seller wants to push the closing date out to October 1 from September 15.  I was already generous with putting the closing out to September 15 since our offer was accepted in June.  Who knew buying a home was so stressful.  I am trying to get everything complete before I leave for Greece on August 10.  Which will be a wonderful 10 day distraction from LIFE.  I know Katie and I will have a blast.  Keep your fingers crossed that everything will work out with the house!

Sorry I don't have more updates for Brian.  As soon as I hear more - I will fill you all in.  Keep praying for his safe return.  I need my hero back with me.

Rebecca