Forgive me now, for I find it hard to keep everyone updated about my life when I live a very repetitive and regimented lifestyle. Most of the time, each day is no different than the one before it. There will be at least twelve hours of work, a gym session, college work, books, and finally, sleep. Not exactly things that would keep you captivated, but it is my life all the same. I will add that I seem to thrive in this setting, with my days laid out before me.
Time is not such an issue in Iraq. Monday is not a very significant day, nor is the weekend. Each day blends into the next, seamlessly and without any semblance of demarcation. It's unlike any feeling I've ever encountered, but harboring resentment for these unremarkable days is just as pointless as the days of the week themselves, so I withhold such feelings. It would be easy to become intoxicated by the prospect of the future and all the promising allure of it, but as it turns out, the fresh air, the bounties of life, are experienced in this moment. Be here now.
Regardless, I'd like to talk about the future, which is infinitely more interesting that my day to day life here. In mid-November I will fly back to Georgia and see my family, my friends and my cat. I will get to see familiar sights such as clouds and rain and grass and drive my car, which will be welcomed. Somewhere in there is a road trip to Asheville, NC. Following my two week stay in the US I will fly to India and spend two weeks there before returning to work. Blame it on Shantaram (a great read thus far, by the way) but the mystique of India is beckoning me.
It's quite the privilege to be able to read about an intriguing place in a book and then visit it weeks later. I'm incredibly grateful to have such travel opportunities that this job affords me. The travel opportunities are the very same factor which vie for my residency in Iraq beyond the one year contract. Although I cannot see myself conceivably staying here for more than two years, the thought of at least fulfilling a two year contract is tempting, despite the very mauve lifestyle that working in Iraq itself fosters. The travel time outside of Iraq and the footholds for the rest of my life that it provides are what continue to tempt me.
My beard itches.
