WTH have i been?

I have just rediscovered this blog and realized i havent posted since before i came out here to the Marshall Islands...SHAMEFUL!!

As of yesterday, I have put in my official notice of contract-end. Looks like my last day of work here will be May 1, 2013. Getting on the ATI flight out of here on May 3, 2013. In the mean time, i'm looking forward to a last big hurrah of a vacation starting January 3rd. One week in Japan riding around on the bullet train. I bought an unlimited JR Pass while in Los Angeles at a travel agency. Cost me about $350.00. If i take 2 long rides across Japan then it will have paid for itself. Can't wait to try the Kobe beef in Osaka! Since I'm a government contractor with a CAC, i am staying on Yokota Air Force Base at the Kanto Lodge.
From Narita Airport, I will fly into Bangkok and hang out there for two days...shopping at MBK here i come!
From Bangkok flying into Ho Chih Minh City where i will spend two days. Im not really sure at this point what ill do while i'm there. I know one thing only; i have to try the Pho soup somewhere. I've already gotten my pre-approval letter for my visa. I just have to show up at the airport with two passport sized photos and I'm in!
From Ho Chih Minh City to Kuala Lumpur for two days. THIS i am excited about. I have always wanted to see the Petronas Towers. Lucky enough to be staying at Traders Hotel right next door. Incredible view at night according to the hotel booking site photos. Kinda pricey, but this is the most expensive part of my trip.
From KL to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 3 days. Angkor Wat is the name of the game here. A "must see". I'm sure i will be "templed-out" once i leave here. Another temple i want to see is nicknamed "Angelina Jolie's temple" Made (more?) famous from the movie Tomb Raider. So much to see here but only 3 days. I will make the most of it.
From SR back to KL one way and from KL to Chiang Mai, Thailand on the same day. Chiang Mai...(sigh), i just LOVE this place. Spent 3 weeks there last March and April. Much to my dismay i missed Songkran by three days. Once again, i will miss it this year as well. I console myself with the thought that a water fight is just a water fight anywhere in the world. Still i understand it is not to be missed; and yet I'm doing JUST THAT...AGAIN!! Staying in CM as of now for three weeks.I have 11 days open at the end of my vacation to mull over about where i'd like to go during that time.

In the mean time....all the hotels and flights are booked. I'm just waiting. I get more stir-crazy on this small chunk of land with each passing day. At least the holidays are upon us and tonight is the tree-lighting ceremony in front of Cafe Roi. Afterward we will all meet up at C-building to stuff gift bags for the children on Enniburr.