I know I shouldn't be writing this. I know I shouldn't be writing at all. The truth is; I'm drunk as a skunk. It's been 2008 for 3 hours now in the Philippines. We ate, we partied, we sang with the videoke and we set off fireworks like you wouldn't believe. Some people were afraid to come out of their houses.

Do you want know something peculiar? I outlasted every single relative I know about. Yes, every single one. When I realized I was the only one left at the party, I knew it was time to pack it in. The peculiar part is that I don't drink very often and they do — yet, I still managed to outlast them. I credit many years of self-discipline.

Speaking of many years… I have 16 days until the US government no longer owns me. January 16, 2008, is the end of 30 years of military service — 20 years active duty and 10 years inactive. Freedom day is a little over 2 weeks away. Yippee kay yay, *** !

I hope you enjoy your New Year's Day celebration as much as I have. I'm looking forward to writing about it again NEXT YEAR!!

[Thank you, Sandee, for beating me to the punch.]