Trash

Not sure if its largely known or not, but Naples is notorious for the trash problems they have. Its either the trash men strike often or just don't work at all. Not sure...BUT its spread to Sicily now : ( Its terrible and its just been a few days!

The city usually picks up trash daily; people place trash in bins that are located randomly on streets. Well since this strike its started to spread and almost block roadways. Luckily it hasn't been too warm where its smelling yet...but there are bins within 150 feet of my place, so I am hoping they get their shit straightened out and get back to work.

Heres to hoping :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Okay, so a day late and a dollar short, BUT I wanted to wish everyone back in the States a very Happy Thanksgiving. I know many will never, but please remember to pray for and thank the sailors, soldiers and marines in Iraq, Kuwait and Afganistan that are protecting us.

Was able to get together with some fellow nurses on Tuesday to have my 1st thanksgiving of the week (thanks to Rose and Sam for hosting) and then Thursday with my E.R. co-workers (thanks to Naomi and Nick). It was fun to relax and enjoy some delicious meals :) And I made my first ever Pecan pie (ewe...I despise pecans, but non the less). And it was entertaining to explain to some Italian's that joined the 2nd thanksgiving why we do thanksgiving and why its the 4th thursday of the month. I still don't understand reposto (the 3 hour break from 1p-4p in which NOTHING is open; everyday), so whatever :)

Am getting a lot accomplished for my pre-deployment training, shots, appointments, legalities, etc...so much is to be done; am very thankful to have supportive chain of command, friends and family. I can't imagine deploying a few months back; its easier to lean on others when you know them better and can trust them with your finances :) Everyone has really been awesome. Thats a perk here; in SD my command would have said 'oh, good luck'. Molly and Mercedes will go with some friends I knew from San Diego (Missy and Warren), so that is a huge help. I will miss them a lot though; they are my little buddies :)

Afgan

Today I found out for certain that I will be headed to Afganistan for several months in 2010. I will be leaving Jan for training in the US and then fly to Afganistan. Out course there is a lot to be done and many details unknown, but I look forward to this opportunity and lucky enough to be able to serve and support our sailors, soldiers and marines.

I will keep everyone posted on address info, etc...but for now its on to the next adventure :) I am excited and a little nervous, but will be fine; it really is a great opportunity!

Hope everyone is well!

Back to Life

Well its been a bit, but I suppose I will just get used to getting on here once or twice a month. Life is going well; still the slow island life that I am slowly getting better at adjusting to. Things this past week were extremely busy in the emergency room, so that helped me bring back some of my intensive care skills :) They were getting rusty for while! Lots of people have asked; and yes the swine flu is here too. There are at least 15 confirmed cases of our active duty members and 1 death on the island (not an american). Its everywhere; sounds like the States have it the worst? Being a health care provider I will get the vaccine; but I have already been exposed I am sure in the ER. Eh...what do you do?

No travels off the island recently, hit up a few wineries and finally got off night shift and back to life to see my friends. I never did adjust very well to nights; this past rotation was no exception :) The next guaranteed travel is Paris in Jan; but trust me I have several ideas in mind before then.

There is more and more snow on mt. etna; so it will be fun to go skiing soon. I can't wait to see what the italians wear on the slopes! They are pretty much ridiculous on the streets and stores :) hehehehe....

Caio Caio!