So, we actually do get PAID for this!

Hola everyone (that's how you say "hi," in Sapnglish).
It is an oddly and uniquely quiet day here at Ft. Sam.  Over the next two days, the entire company must go through the SRP (Soldier Readiness Program).  This is the Army's equivalent of a periodic health exam.  The best part for all of us: only half the company is assigned to each day, so the other half gets the day off!  Woo Hoo!  Nothing like an unexpected free day.  My only complaint: free days on a Tuesday are a quasi-letdown.  You are already one day removed from the weekend, so you couldn't stay up late on Sunday night.  And you haven't made it to the meat of the week, because there are 3 work days until next weeend.  Regardless, it's great to have a day to yourself.  I still woke up at 0345 this morning to do voluntary PT...the only problem was that our instructor wasn't there!  Another let-down, but a minor one at that.  So I took advantage of the early start, worked out a bit (nothing as intense as other mornings), took a shower, changed clothes...and promptly fell back asleep for three more hours!  Have I mentioned that I love having Tuesdays off?  No? Well, I do!
The next best thing to happen to me was that my first chunk of pay finally came through yesterday.  So, on behalf of every officer and soldier on this post, I thank you, the American taxpayer, for suppling me/us with employment and income!  Although, ironically, Uncle Sam took a big chunk out of my own paycheck, too, so I guess I'm paying myself as well...that's just bass-ackwards.  But I guess someone has to feed the Congress during their exhausting debt debates...they're hard-working Government employees too, you know.  It feels great to be earning a good paycheck again; most of my off-duty time during the week is spent trying to find a permanent full-time place in the Army to make sure the opportunity to serve and work and earn continues.  Thanks for the chance to be here and serve you; it's an honor to do so.
As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially my beautiful ladies on the homefront.  One week from tomorrow...can't hardly wait to hold you in my arms!  I wish everyone happy days, quiet nights, and, as always...
Peace.