18,474.

Numbering Days

This morning, I heard a sermon from the Air Force Chief of Chaplains at the National Prayer Breakfast here in Ankara.  He preached a stirring message on Psalm 90:12 - "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom."  I thought to myself, "Hmm... if I'm lucky enough to live to 85 years old, how many days would I have left?"

The number is 18,475.  I have 18,475 days left on this earth if I'm lucky.  Tomorrow it will be 18,474.  Can you live waking up each morning with a number in your head?  I shall try.  And we'll see how life changes...

Also this morning, we had our annual emergency training on WMD attacks and got new gas masks.  The first symptom of a mild nerve gas attack is miosis, or constriction of the pupils.  The second symptoms are an incredibly runny nose and drooling of the mouth.  The instructor said, "I like to call this 'juicy face'."

Year of the Pig

My year, dammit.  They say whatever you're doing at the exact moment the new year comes around, you'll be doing for the rest of the year.  Most past New Year's eve activities have included praying, partying, or both.  To get ready for this most eventful year, I did something I haven't done since I was 15.

I slept.

YOUR FORTUNE IN PIG YEAR:

Expect the best year of a twelve-year life cycle. Pigs benefit greatly
from the energy of their own year. Good fortune is foreseen in romance,
family affairs, and business endeavors. New ventures bring success.
Pigs could inherit or find money. An excellent year for marriage,
romance, or having a child. Luck is with you throughout the year.