Next Tuesday at midnight I fly out of Brisbane for the last time this go 'round. It will be nice to get back to my toys, closer to the family and to all that great pizza again.

Well, it ain't Denver, but at least I can have my guns and knives handy. I will also be able to drive on the right side of the road again, with a rig that feels like it will hold together if I have to leave the pavement. I'll also get access to some of that real bacon and real Jimmy Dean sausage for breakfast. Oh how I have missed my Costco and Sam's Club...

Another couple months, and the wife will be booting the kid out for the summer and packing up to come join me permanent like. Then I will have regular access to something else I been missing a lot, heh heh heh...I was a good boy while she was here for two weeks and didn't break her or damage anything so I am sure I will get more soon.

For now, though, I am trying to get through saying goodbye to all my new mates here, and get my goodies all packed up and ready to go. I am cooking one more big dinner for those I am leaving behind; all the expats I was here with. Hopefully they will help me get rid of all that fine Aussie beer still in the fridge in my apartment.

I've spread myself kinda thin for the past couple years. It will be nice to retract a little and get back some of my real life once again. Still got a long ways to go to get it all back, but I reckon I have to finish the journey I started. At least I ain't going back to Baghdad again.

welcome back to NY - if you want to discuss the world over a beer (or a cup of Dinner coffee) - email me

Congratulations and welcome home!

Welcome back. Fly safe. PM me if you are ever in NYC and want a lesson in urban pub crawl survival.