Don't Worry ... I'm Still Alive

Been a while since my last post! Had a great first R&R in France with Mom and Dad in mid-October, and have been going full steam since I got back.

France was fantastic. After having studied French for six years, it was wonderful to finally get there and see it. We spent four days in the Cotes du Rhone area (wine region in southern France) and four days in Paris. In Cotes du Rhone, we stayed at Domaine de Cabasse - an excellent working vineyard and B&B. Most importantly, I got my fix of lots of good wine ... something I've been missing very much!

In Paris, we rented an apartment in the 7th Arrondisement - what a luxury. We ate in all but one night, and it was delightful to be back in the kitchen with Mom again. Our one meal out in Paris was by far one of the best I've ever had. All in all, a very memorable trip. Pictures in the links below:

Rhone Photos
Paris Photos

Now that I'm back in Basra, work has been a bit of a whirlwind. I've been handed oversight of our Women's Awareness and Inclusion Program (along with a new title and a direct report - yikes), and this has entailed a lot of activity! The time already flies, but now it's feeling warp-speed. No complaints.

I will be back in Portland for R&R #2 on December 21st. So looking forward to spending the holidays at home with my family, and catching up with all my Portland friends! Will be in town until the 6th or so, so hope to see many of you when I'm there!