Once again both kids have tested positive for strep throat. That is at least 3 times since arriving here in August. Both kids and Karen have had a touch of the stomach bug over the last few days, and it didn’t seem to be going away for the kids. Last night, Ben had an all over body rash again and has been generally pale and tired. The doctor ran a full blood panel on him today to see if anything else might be going on. Since Thanksgiving, he has had pleurisy and lost a fair amount of weight around that time that he hasn’t gained back. We hope to hear back by Friday as to the results. The school nurse sent him home again yesterday, and Delaney was already home not feeling well. They both stayed home today (and visited the doc). Now they are both back on anti-biotics. We are wondering if he may have mono or something. Based on our current experiences and our past experiences when I was assigned at the Pentagon, I have determined that there is certainly something in the air here that does not sit well with the kids….especially Ben.Â
We finally made a firm decision to stay in Virginia for the holidays. We had contemplated a trip to Vermont, but have been unable to find a local kennel for the dog. This meant that we would have to bring the dog with us and kennel him in Vermont. While this was a viable option, it is not one we were very enthused about. Packing up the family and driving almost 600 miles north during the holidays (and then 600 miles back) is stressful enough without having to worry about having a dog in tow.  We had considered a shorter visit, since Christmas and New Year’s fall on Monday…..but trying to see everyone in such a short time period ends up being stressful as we try to run around and spend a little time with everyone, but not really much time with anyone. We decided that we need to relax and rest over the holidays given the traveling we have both been doing lately, and the fact that the kids have been sick so often. Lastly, I have a couple of trips right after the New Year (down south and out west), and I don’t want to rush back from Vermont and be exhausted as I launch into a very busy couple of months in my new job. While we are bummed about not being able to be with family for the holidays, we are thankful that we have gotten to see everyone a couple of times since arriving in Virginia in August (including a 10-day trip to Vermont and visits from several relatives at our new place in Virginia). Hopefully everyone understands.Â
Over the holidays, I need to start seriously thinking about our plans for our post-Air Force life. I now have less than 3 years (2 years, 10 months to be exact) until I can retire. While that still sounds like a long way off, I am positive it will fly by very fast. I need to start thinking about what part of the country we would like to live in and what line of work I would be most interested in so that I can start orienting myself and our family. The defense business makes the most sense and would be the most relevant to my experience, but I am still undecided as to whether this is what I want to continue to do. In many respects, I love the defense program management business. In other respects, I wouldn’t mind trying something different….something at a different pace with a little more creative outlet. Every time I think that, however, I wonder if I would be unhappy or bored by not being “in the mix” of the interesting and challenging things that we get to do in the defense sector. I also think it would be somewhat foolish to walk away from the knowledge/experience that I acquired over 18+ years….especially in a business that takes years to become proficient at. Then again, if I won the lottery, it would all be optional now….wouldn’t it? 
 But you have to play to win, so I guess I had better keep on planning.