I haven't really been in the mood to post since Brian left.  I planned on posting this exciting blog about his departure, but the departure wasn't exciting.  It was at 6:30AM, and who even cares about anything at that time in the morning.  Kennedy was not happy when I woke her up at 6AM, and she cried when I made her get in the car.  Once we arrived at the office, Brian was immediately called into formation while we stood out in the 40 degree temperatures.  25 min later he was getting on the bus to leave.  We were glad to see him one last time, but if there is a 7AM departure time in the future I think we'll say goodbye at home.  He is still traveling to his final destination; estimated arrival will be in the next few weeks.  The good thing is his year countdown has already started.  In some ways the past few days have gone quickly, yet I can't even imagine spending another year without him.  Emptiness...that's how I feel.  Kennedy already is missing him, and asking when he's coming home.  We will be stronger for this!  Come quickly 2009! 

On a negative note, when it rains it pours!  Well, nothing too horrible has happened, but this afternoon was filled with annoyances.  First, I get a speeding ticket on my way home.  I drive this road everyday to and from base, and I drive 65 mph like everyone else. Now I know the speed limit is 40 mph, but that is ridiculously slow for that road. I have lived in Italy for almost 3 years, and now...a few days after B leaves... I get a ticket.  Tickets in Italy are not like Stateside tickets.  There is no defensive driving, you must pay.  I am lucky that my ticket is only 148E.  I've heard of tickets costing 500E and more.  Also, I get to keep my drivers license and I didn't have to pay on the spot.  Some towns have a policy where they take your license for 30 days; now that would be a big mess for me since my husband is gone.  Prior to driving home, I turned in books at the library. When I arrive home I have an e-mail from the library.  They are telling me that I must pay for a book that I supposedly damaged.  I didn't damage this book or doctor it up with tape.  I don't know how to dispute the accusation, but I'm going to try.  The library is really trying to crack down on book/dvd mishandling, but I'm annoyed right now.  This is something they just started last week; I checked out the book 2 weeks ago.  They have no way of knowing that the person before me didn't do the damage.  Anyways, I really don't like the idea of being fined twice in one day.  

I will try to get pics up of Brian's last few days at home later this week.  We miss everyone!  K & I can't wait to go Stateside at the end of October!