And on the seventh day...

We have finally developed a rest rotation that allows a few soldiers every day to have some time off. Today is my day and I'm enjoying the opportunity to lounge around and do whatever I feel like. We do have down time on the days that we aren't called out, but because we're on call you can't stray very far from the building. It helps a lot to have a system that is more predictable so that you have a good idea when you'll be able to call home or run some errands. My plan for the day is to type a few emails, make a few calls, and waste the day away on my bunk watching movies. It rained again last night (Take that you bastards!) so it will be nice to hang out in my room away from the mud and mess. Nearly any place you go in Iraq is zigzagged with irrigation and sewage canals. The roads that run along side of them are usually narrow dirt roads, and when it rains it makes it a pain in the ass to navigate them. I'm glad I don't have to today and I hope the other guys can avoid them also.

In other news, we should find out within the next few weeks when we'll be able to go home for mid-tour leave. I think it is going to be a lottery decision which allows a few soldiers a month to take a few weeks off. Everyone will get their turn. I'm hoping for August or September. I'd like to be home when everyone's out of school and the weather is nice. Also, as you can imagine, the weather in Iraq is going to be pretty unbearable around that time of year so it would be nice to avoid it as much as possible. Some guys want to go as early as April but I would personally prefer to wait awhile longer. Of course I miss my family and friends and want to be with them ASAP, but I'd like to return to Iraq from leave knowing that I only have a few more months to go until I get to leave for good. It's always nice to have something to look forward to and right now it looks like our mid-tour break is what we're most excited about. I'd be depressed to know that I'd used it up and still have another seven months in country to go. Regardless, I should find out soon and I'll be sure to let you know.