Deutsch Reisen

Wow...haven't written all December~sorry! This is the only place that reminds me of such :p

So I hope that this little note finds everyone enjoying their holiday season and getting in the spirit of christmas and looking forward to the new year ahead. Though I am not able to see my family, its been great to spend time with my 'italian' family of friends and enjoy good food, good times and great travels! This past weekend I was lucky to be able to travel to Nuremburg Germany as well as take a train to Munich, Germany. I had a great time with some friends and about froze our asses right off! hehehehe...it was in the low 20's all weekend, but after we have been used to our 60-70 degree Sicilian weather, it was a shock to our system.

In Germany we got to explore the city of Nuremburg to include of course the Christmas markets as well as the Nuremburg trial museum (which was very powerful), and it goes without saying we walked till our toes just about fell off and ate our way through the friendly, welcoming markets. Christkindlesmarket is one of the most historical Christmas markets in the world. The food; pretzels, sausages, sauerkraut, egg nog, mulled wine and of course beer were phenomenal.

Nuremburg

In Munich, after a 2 hour train ride we explored the city on one of those hop on, hop off busses. We also got to walk the city and find the Hofbrauhaus which is another historical site; one of, if not, the oldest brew haus in Germany or the world. I had a tasty lemonade light beer called the Radler. Then we walked to go ice skating, which I loved. I might be a little rusty than 10 years back, but I still got some moves :)

Hofbrahaus

Overall a great trip that got me in the Christmas spirit and good preperation for my New Years trip to Florence...just gotta do some of that stuff called work to cushion the trips :)

Merry Christmas!! Buone Feste!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving...if it be a few days late :) I was able to enjoy a delicous feast and the great company of friends at my co-worker and good friend Naomi's house. Her and her husband, Nick, hosted the ER staff and some other friends for a great day. We had the traditional stuff, as well as some lasagna brought by an italian friend. This year was a bit different than last; the girls versus guys games didn't work out as well as us girls had hoped! hehehe

A friend of mine from San Diego, who now lives in Japan; Stacy came to visit me for a week. Though I did have to work many of the days she was here, we had a great time catching up and visiting around the area; showing her the sites of Sicily. I welcome visitors; especially as I leave in 7 months!

Not much else going on, hope everyone is doing well. Ciao Ciao!

Veterans Day and Goodbyes

Veterans Day was just this past week and known to be a "holiday", day off, and/or time for the sales. But this year, even more than years past its important to recognize those who have served. Its been a great honor to serve with all the Navy, Marine, AirForce, Army and Coast Guard members out there! Never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Navytimes just released an article I found to be pretty cool; a new ship named after the first marine MOH recipient; Cpl. Jason Dunham.

I also said farewell to my close friend Heidi. I knew her at Balboa and has been a lifeline here in Sicily. One of my only single friends.. hehehe...She has left the Navy after 5 years and I will miss her so much! :(

Getting rid of a wicked bad cold/sinus infection that 'blessed' me with loss of my voice for 2 days. Am relieved to think it might possibly be over after 2 weeks! Grrr...am the worst patient!

Ciao Ciao!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Though Italians don't celebrate Halloween, they do celebrate tomorrow (All Saints Day) and the ones that live near base do take advantage of dressing up their children and have them trick or treat. But Warren, my coworker and friend had a big bash with a haunted trail and all. I wanted nothing to do with the haunted trail, but I did help make a lot of the food we provided for the 50+ people. Oh, and if you can't tell, I was a beer maid :)

Work is going alright...been on nights still, which is better this time around for my sleep cycle, but I still eagerly await day shift the end of this week!

Not much else cooking, hope all is well! Ciao Ciao!

Oui, Oui Paris

Eiffel Tower at night...at 8pm it started to glitter
I must say; I have been extremely blessed and lucky to be able to do so much travel lately...most recently Paris with a good friend Heidi. Heidi leaves to the US in the next few weeks and will be greatly missed :( Heidi and I in front of Notre Dame

And the good with the not so good; after being away from work for 10 months I went back on my first day which was my first "on call" day as well and the following nights back to work in the ER. Its much different! And slow island life is going to be the death of my social life being on night shift, not to mention a skill killer. Luckily I should get to go to Germany in the next few months for some ICU cross training which I look forward to.

So back to Paris; it was AWESOME! By far the most gorgeous, friendly, clean city I have been to so far (right behind London and Edinbourgh). The people were so kind to ask us on several occasions for help with directions. We did a few day trips; 1 was to the Champagne area (countryside, about 2 hours outside the city), the other 1/2 day to Versailles and tour. Both places were gorgeous. The weather over all was the biggest help to a wonderful weekend too! Crisp fall days and cool evenings were perfect. One of my favorite sculptures at the Louve; Pysche and Cupid View from the top of the Eiffel Tower
Of course you can't get enough photos of the Eiffel Tower! Though parts of Europe are part of the increased level of security threat, there were no problems and it was tough to notice any difference within the city at all. There were a few armored military members hanging out in random spots, but other than that.

Hope all is well. Ciao Ciao!

M☀lta

Since I am not just yet back to a full time work schedule, I have been able to maximize and "catch" up on my travel plans on extended weekends! This past weekend I was able to go to Malta. A short 40 minute flight away and an island of so much beauty! The waters were pheonomenaly clear and gorgeous! This upcoming weekend I am headed to Paris, a favorite of many of my friends here in Sicily. Hopefully the rainy predictions clear up and we won't need our umbrella the whole 4 days!

This slow of pace has allowed me to get some study time in as well as planning for my next few courses to take for some instructor courses that our command provides; and of course time to catch up with friends!

This past week was a warrior welcome home breakfast provided by the Wardroom. Here is a link of the AFN news site here on base shot click here

Hope this note finds everyone in great health and enjoying fall back in the states! Ciao Ciao!

Readjustment

Have been back a few days now from the vaca, and here are some highlights;

~ Venice was beautiful, and we got lucky having a hotel close to the bus line that was only about 10 minutes from the main square. Venice, was however, very expensive. We paid 1.50 euro to go to the bathroom! It got expensive for me as I drink lots of water :) Infamous gondola's
Hard to see the detail, but tile mosaics!

~ The cruise was awesome! Norwiegan is who we went through and we had a great time. The ship was rather new and we definitly enjoyed it!

~ My father suprised me with a cake, decorations and spa gift certificates! And made me cry :) It was a huge suprise to open the door of the room and find those things.

~Croatia was very pretty; we did the Krka National Park and did a little walkin around the part.


~ Corfu, Greece was a great beach break for us and perfect for relaxing.

~Santorini we did a Greek Fiesta, with a top of the island tour. Gorgeous views, great food and even the dancers and plate breakers. My favorite stop of all the islands.


~Mykenos activities involved a jeep drive and that was entertaining and fun of course. 2nd pick of the islands

~Irakelion was the last stop and we choose to just walk around there. It was very city and obviously very populated. I am sure it had more potential than the time we were alloted on shore; 4 hours.

Overall a huge success and great break from everything. We had perfect weather till the day we got off the boat, so we sure can't complain there either.

It was great to spend time with my mom, she's the best! I was greatful to not have to go into work while she was here either, made it more relaxing as we explored the island; Etna, Taoromina, Catania and Siracusa. One of MT Etna's Craters

So far am getting adjusted alright; some things are still a bit overwhelming as I get back into the lives of my friends. I have obviously missed so many events and thought I would want a big get together, but I've realized I am enjoying 1:1 for now as I get caught up on all the gossip and share my stories as well. My bosses are super supportive, and I actually won't start back with patient care for a few more weeks. This will allow time for some upcoming travels to Paris and possibly Malta, not to mention getting settled and things straightened out :)

Ciao Ciao till next time :)

Home at Last!

I finally arrived safe and sound to Catania last Friday to a warm welcoming and a cold crisp Blue Moon Beer at the Airport. It was great to see my mom and a few friends upon my arrival to combat free soil!

The last few days have flown by with adjusting back to a somewhat 'normal' life and routine, and showing my mom around the tourist spots of the Island. So far we have done Mt. Etna, Taoromina, the beach and the market. Tomorrow we leave for Venice to board our cruise ship for 1 week! Can't wait for a true vaca :)

A Few Final Thoughts from Kandahar

My trauma team at the 80's throwback end of tour BBque

Well the countdown has moved to simply 1 hand of numbers before I leave. Goodbyes have started and new fresh faces have arrived to take our places. My time has been bittersweet, but I can understand why the military typically sends us out for just 6 months. I made a list of thoughts that are my own, and some colleagues;

Things I miss the most:

♥ A space I call my own

♥ Privacy and not being surrounded by people 24/7

♥ Colors of flowers, trees, blue skies

♥ My pets; Molly and Mercedes

♥ My family (even if I do live in another country from them normally)

♥ Wearing what I want, when I want

♥ Cooking!!!

♥ Fresh produce!!!
The First EnRouteCare Flight team in Afghanistan

Things I will miss the most;

☪ The people...95% have been awesome to work with! I will miss them greatly

☪ My beeper

☪ ...Just kidding about #2

☪ Flying in Helo's (yeah, I did that, and no, no one knew this...now my parents and everyone else does)
Me awaiting a flight on the FlightLine

☪ Hockey every Monday! And dominating the boys!

If you look close, its 123 degrees and we are out there playing hard!

Things I WILL NOT miss;

☹ Rocket attacks several times a week

☹ Wearing my Kevlar for ground attacks and changes in dress code

☹ My weapon

☹ My beeper...which I even brought to the bathroom
Our last ground attack...wearing this get up home :(

A few final, deeper thoughts;

✭To the families of the wounded: We did everything we could. You have the hard job ahead of you of helping your soldier heal. I wish you well.

✭ To the families of the dead: We did everything we could. Your soldier received the best care possible. We treated them as we would our own son or daughter. I can't begin to imagine your pain. I am so sorry. I truly will never forget those we lost under my team's care, those names I can too easily share.

✭ Most people here are more affected when someone from their own country is injured or killed. When a child is injured or killed, everybody hurts.

✭ I went to Kandahar in 2010. I saw many horrible things. I saw many good things. I will never forget this place.

✭ Simply put, this has been the most professionally rewarding experience of my life.

✭ Simply put, I would gladly accept a less rewarding experience for just one less injured soldier or child.

I will of course continue this blog, but my next write up should be from Kuwait or hopefully Sigonella!!!! Thank you to everyone who has sent e-mail, mail, care packages, etc...Its kept my spirits up though some tougher times!

Ciao Ciao till next time ✻

ScatterBrain

Over the last few weeks for one reason or another I have been slowing becoming more scatter brained. I don't know if its the thoughts running through my mind of getting back to reality in a few weeks, being able to drink beer, wear what I want and not be attached to my pager like its my left hip, or what. I have unfortunately lost 2 items of monetary value in the laundry. May my I pod and brand spanking new (poohy!) camera rest in piece in laundry heaven. My Id's, keys and back up camera are a constant chase as well. Thank-fully my co-workers keep me in check : )

Today was the Chiefs Run 5K for new CPO selectees and current Chiefs also. With the urging of myself (aka team momma) my Trauma Team and I ran the race. Though we ran at various paces, we all finished together at the end; crossing the finish line 4 times. Made me proud : ) As the other 4 had never ran a race period, let alone a 5K in Afghanistan.

In the next few weeks I will move into tents and then depart theater. Hard to believe as time has passed quickly, but the events we experienced were extra ordinary. Bittersweet time for all of us. I will miss many of the people I have enjoyed the journey, and will be happy to finalize a separation with those who have been and made things more challenging for me. To each their own, and soon our own will truly be ours!

Happy Belated (by a day) Birthday to my brother Moe! Damn, you are old! hehehe...Love you!

Till next time...

Few and Far Between

Due to some suspicions from our command, its been in my best interest to not post any more, if very few, blog posts. Seems as though as the end draws near the rules are being bent in some people's opinions. I have removed some context in my blogs as to respect these rules and not tamper with the potential of further reprimand. Personally I had thought my blog was very benign, but I would much rather error on the side of too safe and sure.

I will post a few picks as I can, but more than likely most will be towards the end of the tour after I leave. Rumor has it a few more weeks, but I am in no big rush. As I have said before its been a great challenge and rewarding experience here.

On a good note, I am looking forward to a 7 night cruise with my Mom in September from Venice to Croatia and the Greek Isles. Should be a great time and I look forward to seeing family soon!

And as I have wrote in an e-mail; we move into tents soon and the time has come for no more packages please! The letter, e-mails, care packages and support has been overwhelming at times and I thank everyone who sent things!!! It was always like Christmas to get a care package or letter :)

Until next time, Ciao Ciao!

En Shalla

En Shalla is a term that the Afganni's use often as a way to say "its Gods will". They say this about life, death and work ethic! Its becoming our motto a bit as well at work as we've had an increase in severity of injuries and decrease in survivability from these catastrophic, as we call them, injuries. I am not numb to the deaths, but they are all becoming too familiar of a process. We do all we can to help out the young men who come in, as their medics have in the field as well, but sometimes "its God's will" to take them all too soon.

On a happier note, one of my favorite corspman (and the one who teases me the most) HM2 Jones, became a father. I was honored to raise the flag to fly on the day of his son's birth, and in true fashion- rocking the grass skirt, as it was also the day of our latest party. This month's theme was Hawaiian luau to include local goats, chickens and na'an bread. Although we did have to retire the pool (it blew a hole), it was another successful MWR endeavor.
Raising the Flag on the 16th
HM2 Jones, Myself, CAPT Lucha and LCDR Burns, the party planners

The US Navy and military in general, is extremely strict on uniform guidance while back home and here in theater. This includes only official Navy PT gear, with a glow belt (otherwise you get a ticket....yes a flippin ticket), and you can sit in the sun, however no rolling of the sleeves or shorts or you may cause the whole group to have to wear the very warm and thick Desert Cammie Uniform we wear at work. As we live in NATO barracks, there are other nations with other rules for clothing and thus explains the next picture. You might think these gentleman were on a beach in Europe if they weren't lying on rocks with barb wire fences within feet. Now, these aren't the good looking buff guys you want to look at. In true Euro fashion, they are fat, hairy and wear inappropriate swimsuits. Ick! This is the view from the stairs;

Until next time...with just 5 weeks to go, En Shalla and Ciao Ciao :)

Time sweet Time

Congratulations Julie and Joe!

Congratulations to my cousin Julie and Joe who just got married this past weekend. Though of course I could not be there, she made a true to life cut out of myself and brought it around. "Cardboard Stacy" got down and drank too much so I am told :) Thanks Jules; it was a special surprise for my absence. Thank goodness for skype as well, it made the ability to see and talk to her while she got ready. Which in turn made me sadder since I was missing, but it was priceless to be there for a part of her big day.

The clock is ticking! Our replacements have checked into processing this past week and they are due to arrive by mid August! This means I should be leaving by the end of next month. Time has really flown by, and I have enjoyed my time, but as the tempo has increased and injuries become much more severe, I will surely be ready to turn over to the next group of fresh energized folk.

Part of what we do around here to keep ourselves sane and entertained is to have people send things to break it up. For the 4th we had silly glasses, stickers, ribbon and garb, and this past week one of my friends, Cayce, who is stationed in Japan had her friend send her Kimono's, so a few of us sat outside and entertained ourselves and some of our colleagues I am sure got some good laughs too :)

Breaking the Monotony

Well until next time, take care, hope you are all enjoying the summer fun and heat (its still well over 115 every day here). Ciao Ciao!

Happy 4th of July!

Corey and I

Happy 4th of July!!! Well this year I am missing the annual Syrstad Cornhole tournament (which my father annihilates all other competitors time and time again)...its not the first year to miss, but its the most bittersweet 4th of July being here. When I think of the National Anthem as it was sang this morning before the 10k, I couldn't help but hope NOT to have “the rockets red glare and bombs bursting in air” today on America’s birthday. The Taliban seems to love our American and Christian Holidays and thus far, as of 11:43 am, they are behaving themselves. We all brace for the busy day that could still become and pray for the safe missions of our men and women doing the tough jobs out past the wire.
Corey, Tim, Franchi, Kelly, Me, CAPT Lucha

So I ran my first race in many, many months this morning. A 10K hosted by the Army’s 43rd Sustainment Brigade. It was an impressive turn out of over 850 people and it was a very motivating start to the day at a bright and early 0515! It was different to run a race with tanks and humvees driving next to and past us, but all in all it was a great time with some of my awesome co-workers from the hospital. When I got to work it was time to fly the 75+ flags we sold for MWR bragging the rights of being flown over Kandahar Air Field on the 4th. Thanks to over 15 volunteers, we folded these flags in short order and with great pride.
HM1 Barb Mayer and HM3 Roger Nottingham (my new coprsman)

My new trauma team and I started to work together for the first time on the first of July and we sure have had a run for our money. Many of the things I hadn’t seen before came through our door, all in all, it was a great learning experience for my corpsman (Barb and Roger) and our new doctor (Shane). The 34 patients we had come through trauma in just 24 hours was a record for our facility and surely for all personnel. With this new team I also had my 2 of my 3 total deaths in the trauma bay since I have been here. It lightens the emotion knowing they were both “bad guys”. We pay the same cultural respect at the time of death regardless, but a death certificate is something that is becoming all to familiar.

Enjoy your beer's and say a little prayer for all those soliders, sailors and marines who have, and continue to risk it all for our homestead we call the USA :)

Ciao Ciao till next time :)

7 Dollars

7 Dollars...doesn't seem like much, but it was I paid for a haircut last week. Any female that does not live or work in a 3rd world country knows that a 7 dollar haircut is scary! In a bad, bad way. I swear the Romanian contractor hair lady was about to give me a mullet before I firmly said NO several times and she got a better English speaking woman to come over. This after waiting along with 20 other people, all men of course, in line as they quickly shaved, cut and moved on to the next. Much like an assembly line of sorts. All I will say is that though I paid 7 dollars, I will never have to pay that EVER again and it did get rid of my dead ends. No style, shape, etc...



The NA Beer for the Pool Party

Quite the experiences here in Kandahar. Some days I forget that I am here, in Afghanistan. It seems strange maybe, but its easy when I live in "college dorm" style room and work in a "real" brick hospital. I am quickly reminded when I step outside in the oven-like heat and head back to the hospital for a new trauma patient, most recently lots of amputations (or they just stick in my head a bit more). I have been reading many of my co-workers blogs and what they tell their families. Mine is much different and when I get home, my family can read theirs and maybe it will all be put into a better perspective of why I am most often optimistic and simply venting about the latest in leadership frustrations instead of the day to day.

On a more uplifting perspective, we had a pool party last week. This was a huge shocker for us as our Chain of Command (bosses) are EXTREMELY strict about what we can/can't do, wear, etc...So it was a HUGE morale booster for us all. As one of the MWR members, it was a great feeling to see so many smiles and hear so many laughs.


A new group arrived this past week, so the light seems to be getting more vivid for us all! We have now seen at least 2 groups of Dutch medical folk, as well as 3 Canadian groups rotate in and out, so its about time we get some fresh American blood that we know are lessening our load. With that, we are going to 5 trauma teams. Though I have worked with an amazing group on my team, I am super excited for a fresh start with one of the new ER doctors and new corpsman. Clean, fresh start! With this I will be the senior nurse, an excellent opportunity for leadership within a small group and I look forward to the challenges and education opportunity it brings.

I hope this note finds everyone back in the US doing well, in good health and humor. Lord knows I can use it! Ciao Ciao!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Fathers Day Dad!

I love you!

Happy Fathers day to all who are both near and far from their loved ones and kiddos alike. Especially those serving the country away from friends and families.

Pickin Up Tempo

HAPPY 60th Birthday MOM!!!!

I love you!!!!

(well technically tomorrow, you don't look a day over 35 ; )

From time to time I get letters from distant family friends. 99.9% of the time I appreciate these letters as they distract me from what I see most days. I will just remind those that yes, of course there is more to the story and of the situations I see everyday, but now is not the time to speak of those things. So please keep the positive, day to day happenings coming my way :) And I will keep my stress relievers here in place; hockey, volleyball, cricket and great friends :)

My teammates and I enjoying a Timmy Ho's (Tim Horton's) awaiting our next Trauma

Things are picking up tempo big time! Anyone can watch the news and see that its been a happening month in Afghanistan for June. Anytime you see that, you can expect that the hospital is busy as well. Doing what we do best, and reminding those that cross our beds that they are in the best place for the best care possible.

Hard to believe that 1 year ago I was moving from California to Italy, when I first started this blog! My how time has flown by!! I sure didn't think the time would pass so quickly and that I would be here already, but in 1 more quick year I will be back to the states. Location still to be decided. Though I should be talking with my detailer very soon about a new set of orders. I am still on the fence of staying active or going reserves...tough decisions!!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer and be sure to have a cold brew or two for me ;)

Ciao Ciao!!

"Are You Hot?"

There are many times in my nursing career where I have laughed, smiled and joked with my patients and being in Afghanistan has not changed that one bit. The other day a young Soldier came into the bay with his leg traumatically tangled and twisted (later to be amputated) by an IED. My usual spiel includes "my name is Stacy, I am one of your nurses...there is going to be a lot going on for a while here, but be patient and we'll keep you updated as we go...blah, blah, blah" Well this young guy was covered in mud and dirt from head to toe which left him not able to open his eyes and his only question was "Are you hot?" I just laughed and moved along, but its the times like that in the Trauma Bay that leave me smiling and realizing how rewarding this whole experience is. And even in the worse of situations to the average person back in the states, is still another day of an important role we play here. Despite all the BS and bickering, its all worth it in the end. So again I say to my family; don't worry about me! Worry about the guys who are patrolling in uncharted territory and cross the wire on a daily basis. The military takes care of their Medical personal. Promise!

And what's another birthday without a little celebration in Khandahar? I turned 27 this past week and had the best a day can be out here; got to take a nice nap after being post call (in house), played some Hockey, got some Schwarmas (like gyro's) and drank some near beer with friends. What more can a girl ask for?

My ankle was coming along nicely and I even ran yesterday, almost 2 miles without pain...until today when I played soccer without my brace. Big mistake. I cranked it pretty hard and I won't be playing sports for another few weeks now. If I wasn't so stubborn it would be easier :)

Until next time, ciao ciao!!

Opportunist

Stitchin' up

Life in Kandahar is much like groundhogs day, so there isn't too much to update on. My foot is healing well and I hope to start sports again on Monday, 3 weeks post accident. The swelling is down considerably and I no longer need Motrin, so I think I am ready. My 4 Ortho pod's at the hospital ask about it often too...but I just listen to my body and I am all good.

I like to call this True Combat Nursing; I am wearing my flak vest for a drill while we have a patient in the bay

Have gotten to do some cool stuff lately at work. The other day was an intubation (breathing tube down the throat) for a surgery with the assistance of CAPT Pizzaro, one of the anaesthetists. Then later that day I was given the opportunity to scrub in with one of the Dutch Orthopedic surgeons to remove some pieces of shrapnel from a patients arm and finger. It was surely an opportunity far out of my realm, but one I could not pass up. I had a blast, needless to say and learned to cut, stitch and maybe a few terms for surgical tools :)

Until next time...

My foot...Again

Small chip at the malleous (ankle) near the arrow

As you've all read on these blogs, I do a lot of sports here for the MWR stuff in the hospital. Every week hockey, volleyball, soccer, cricket, etc...not to mention I am just a super active person anywho...well last Monday I twisted my ankle hard enough to create a small avulsion fracture which is thankfully treated like a bad sprain. So I am rocking the black brace with green socks look while wearing my shorts :) Its pretty bad ass :) hahaha I am taking it easy for a few days, but successfully can do the eliptical and the treadmill slowly. No running or sports for a few weeks. And yes, its my same foot I broke 1 year ago and had the surgeries on. Trust me, the worst thought that went through my head was I had done that all over again. And though I really enjoy working with the various nations of nurses and doctors (being a NATO hospital and all), its challenging to have 4 Orthopedic Doctors looking at my xrays giving opinions. 1 wanted to do surgery, 2 wanted it to be cast and the last, an American, said I was fine and rest it, ice it, elevate. Simple.

The hospital is getting a bit busier these days. Its still hit or miss like back in the states, but more nights are spent awake with patients when we are "in house" than a few weeks back. The heat has backed off a bit too...but thats fine with me. 108 degrees is not comfortable in May especially. They say it gets to 140!!!

Me and Keith in the OR helping out

If anyone wants to sent anything, I could use V-8 (regular, small cans), rice cakes, rice krispie treats, and lifesaver gummies. I run through those items pretty fast as any combo of the above is sometimes a meal substitute. Or just cards and letters...the little kids letters are priceless...special thanks to Lannie's 3rd Graders at Soo Township :)

Ciao Ciao!

CNN

Hard to believe we have been here for over 6 weeks already. Things are continuing to go well. There have been a few bumps in the road, but otherwise life is good! The volcanic ash affected mail deliveries and more importantly some staff members arrival/departures as well as patient flow (they got to Germany and then ‘stuck’). Work has been going well also, getting into some more projects and keeping myself busy. It helps the time pass and keeps my mind focused. The sports have been a nice break for sure; cricket, hockey, volleyball, soccer, etc...being 1 of 2 rec people has its perks :) Especially the interaction with the Aussies...love the accent!

In fact just a few weeks ago CNN was filming (though we didn’t know it was them) while we played volleyball with some members of the Slovician Army. The broadcast came out later that week and my parents, as well as a coworker in Bagram saw it. Michael Holmes did a bit about several different nations coming together in Kandahar. It shed a nice light onto this place. It finally came online this week and I have watched it; it sure is me...hehehe....here is the link if you’d like to watch, its about 2 1/2 minutes long.

http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/04/22/holmes.kandahar.air.base.cnn

We have had some change over for teams at work, Brent, our old team leader went back to Canada after 8+ months here. Now, Shannon, is working with us and has been a great addition. We will have another change in a few weeks as another Canadian counterpart will go back home. Its sad to see them go and I haven’t even been here that long. Thats the good and bad thing about Roto's (Rotational groups) overlapping. They bring a lot of what works/doesn't work and shares knowledge, but then they go after you become good friends.

The spiders here are ridiculous. This camel spider was caught near the hospital. They actually grow to be much larger...ewe, ewe, ewe. Of course I had to share this nasty experience :p

I thank everyone who has sent care packages, they have been GREATLY appreciated by myself, my roommate and co-workers with whom I share. I am fully stocked for a long while and really don't need anything for a few months. I do appreciate cards, letters and postcards. They are pleasant surprises in my day. Thank you for the continued prayers and support of all the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines here in Afghanistan!

Ciao Ciao for now!