Karen’s Place

The agenda for my trip out East is coming together.  Things have changed from the initial plans, it’s getting more exciting all the time.  I’m still not at all happy about why I have to go out there.  I won’t get into a political tirade this time.  I’ll just say I wish it didn’t have to happen.  I’ll also say this one other thing on the subject-I’ve now discovered a new friend who is also going to Iraq.  This is not unexpected, and won’t be for as long, but unlike my Navy friend.  My new friend will be in the heart of combat…

Now, on to my trip.  I’ll be flying into Virginia Beach on a Thursday.  Unfortunately, we’ve found out his ship, The Roosevelt is now preparing for inspection so until Saturday, his time would be limited.  I’d been wanting to drive down to Fayetteville, NC to see some old friends who play music anyway, so the decision has been made that I would drive down without him and stay a couple nights.  This way I’ll get to see two of their shows.  I talked to one of the guys last night and they were genuinely ecstatic I was coming down.  He’s ready to bend over backwards for me.  When he asked me where I was staying and I told him I was staying at a motel, he insisted on finding one for me then told me he’d make me breakfast, cook me dinner whatever I needed.  The generosity these folks are placing toward me is really amazing.

This vacation is going to be really different for me.  I’m not taking anyone from home with me.  I’m going to be on MY own time.  I’ll get to do what I want to do, stop where I want to stop, eat where I want to eat,  not to mention how welcome my friends are making me feel.  I know that sounds selfish, but I’m so ready for this time to myself.  Who knows, I may get used to this way of vacationing.  I just hope the next one isn’t because someone else I care about is headed off to war…