Things have been quiet around here lately. The rumors of when we are leaving are still circulating and boy are some of them funny. I have heard everything from May 1^st (no way in hell) to July 31^st. I learned a long time ago not to listen to the rumors because the chances of any of them being right are slim to none. I myself have a feeling it will be the last week of May but I don’t go around spreading that. That is my personal pick. I should start something like an office pool with all the dates flying around. I could make some money around here. One thing for certain is this upcoming week we are packing one of the containers with all the equipment we don’t need (i.e. cold weather gear) to be shipped back early. That, my friend is a good sign. It still doesn’t tell us when we are leaving but you know it isn’t much time left. I am sure the “brass” know a round-a-bout date but they are not putting it out yet which I personally understand. When you are in a combat zone, you don’t want information like troop movements, or troop withdrawals being loosely talked about. So I figure we will find out about 14 to 30 days out our official date, and that will change 5 times before the move.

On to other news, I still haven’t been pinned my Purple Heart. I think the company commander is waiting for a day where our battalion commander can present it. Personally, I would be happy with them handing it to me and saying “Good job of staying alive.” But that isn’t how the Army works and I know this. They are going to hold a little impromptu formation and drag the ceremony out. I dread that day, I really do. I also haven’t chatted online with the “X” in quite awhile. A lot has to do with I just don’t go looking for her online. The last time I chatted with her online it was too painful. Now we just occasionally email each other and it is a lot easier on the heart that way. I know deep down I am in for more heartache once I get home and see her again but I am prepping myself now for it. All I can do is prepare myself for my return home. I just hope I have a few days of peace and solace so I can enjoy my return before having to face her. Until next time…..