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!!