We just finished bidding for our Feb 2009-Jan 2010 schedules at work. My first choice of shift was 11:00pm, which handles departures from the western half of the U.S. I’m happy to say that I got my wish. That start time allows me to spend my evenings with family and friends and gives me and Jenny extra time alone after Brenden goes to bed. In general, the weather is better on that shift as well. We have a saying in the office: “West is Best”. I didn’t get Christmas off, but that’s to be expected for someone as far down the seniority list as I am (110/146). The fact that I have Christmas off this year is highly unusual. We’ll bid for our vacation time over the next couple of months.