Okay, so it's been a while since I've written a journal entry. Just want you all to know I am alive and well. A little update for you all.

1. I am now at Camp Pendleton awaiting the return of my squadron 367.

2. My son Harrison is a little over 2 1/2 and believe it or not he actually remembers who I am. Now he clings to me when I am around. My absence in no way prevented him in learning to play the parents against each other. (I come home and am immediately asked, "Daddy, can I have cookie?” The immediacy of the question struck me as odd, and I responded with, "You have to ask mommy". He looked down, mumbled something and changed the subject to his "Thomas the Train" set. But that is all surpassed by me getting out of the shower this morning and finding him on the bed, watching TV, with a box of cookies next to him. (They were on top of the fridge!!!).

3. Had a great X-Mas. We have decided to celebrate Chrismakkah, solely so Harrison can open all the gifts he got one day at a time ;-) He's more spoiled than I was! But I have to say; watching him open presents was by far the best part of the holidays.

4. I have started flying civilian aircraft again. If you want a ride, you'll have to coordinate for a time when I plan on going, because it's slightly expensive. $80 an hour to be exact.

5. Jenny has started her flying career by beginning her journey to her Private Pilot's Certificate. The bookwork is hard, but she loves the flying and is very comfortable on the radio. We even bought a scanner on E-Bay so she can get the lingo down.

6. I'm waiting for some friends from LA to all get back in town so we can link up in the near future, but the holiday havoc from weather and travel agencies might dampen that not so distant dream. Time will tell.

7. Our long beloved Passat will be going back to VW as the lease has run out. It has been degrading rapidly in the past year. Little things are coming apart or breaking. The check engine light just came on. (Fortunately it is still under warranty). I love the car, and it is incredibly safe, but there have been too many problems, and so "Off to the dealer with you!".

8. Marine Corps Ball was in Vegas, but the ceremonies were rather somber due to the high number of casualties we suffered. On the upside I was awarded a Navy Commendation medal for my service and actions over there. Fortunately it was in Vegas so we all ended up having a good time in the end.

9. I bought a used 2000 BMW Police cruiser, and I scare the *&%# out of people when I'm driving around. But that's a good thing when you look at it as a safety issue. It's a great bike with heated grips and anti-lock brakes! (If anyone wants one, let me know. I have a source.)

10. Astounded by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis... I hope there was no one there I knew. Really hoping they send USMC volunteers. I've already put my name in the hat, but they sent a battle group down to assist, so I don't foresee being pushed out there.

There is most likely a plethora of other items to cover but I'll end this one. Don't want to make it too unpalatable for those with short attention spans like myself. For all of you out there who responded to my posts in Iraq, thank you very much. For all my friends who have emailed me in the last few months, I will be catching up soon. I have been totally focused on my family, so sorry for the wait. But my Emailing début, Grand Re-Emailing, or my triumphant return to the world of electronic mail; will commence soon. Hope I haven't missed too much.

For all of you still deployed out there, take care of your friends, watch your back and kick some ass.

507th, I'm having little luck finding 1st MARDIV patches in desert colors, will the standard blue do? If not, I'll continue looking. Please continue to take care of my Marines out there! You have done so like few could ever hope to. I am honored to call you my friends.

Keep up the good fight on the home front, I'm here to help!

Koyote