Update

OK, it’s been about a week. It’s just been tough to find time and get to a computer to be able to do anything more than Email lately. No big long stories to tell but just some random thoughts:

-I’ve taken X-Mas for granted the past few years. I just can’t get into the “Christmas Spirit.” I get tired of the constant Christmas music and having Christmas shoved down my throat all the time. Well, this year has offered me some perspective. I’d actually really like to be at my parent’s place and have Ma drive me crazy with the non-stop Christmas music.

-Other Eric left this past Thursday morning. We pulled another, much milder, all-nighter to send him off. I’ll miss him but I have his Email and we’ll keep in touch. H is just a fun guy to hang around with.

-I have about 25 more days left here. I’m really enjoying it. I practice speaking Spanish to my Spanish co-workers.

-Many Spanish here don’t seem to get married until they get about my age or older. We have about 8 Spanish girls (and they are gorgeous) working in our Pax section. Almost all have boyfriends that they’ve been dating for at least 3 years, are living together but they aren’t married. I’ve talked to a few of them and it seems there are a few reasons:

Weddings are big and expensive. They don’t want to have to spend a lot of money on it.
People tend to wait until they can buy a house and make many big purchases until they get married.

-I feel like I’m smoking a pack of cigarettes a day here. *Everyone* here smokes. The military folks I work and hang out with and most of the Spanish. So I’m always inhaling second-hand smoke. I now have what I think is a smoker’s cough. It stinks. And my throat is always sore. I’ve not gone out the past two days and have tried to avoid the smoke. I’m starting to feel a bit better. But the constant smoke around here is something I won’t miss.

-I will miss the Spanish people though. Europeans don’t normally see eye to eye with what I think traditional American values and attitudes are. They’re reaction to the Madrid bombings is a prime example. Most Americans, when they are punched in the face, will turn around and punch back. It’s what we do. Not Europeans. They just want to avoid the next punch. So I’ve had a few really good discussions about the differences and why I think America is a great country. Certainly not perfect or even close but a great country. They have been good conversations that have allowed both of us to get a good feel for the other person’s point of view.

So to end, enjoy your time with your family and friends this Christmas season. I miss ya all and love you all. God Bless.