Grateful

For the past 18 days I have been in the US. I have been doing a temporary duty (TAD) in Portsmouth, VA working in the ICU at the Naval Hospital. I didn't think I was going to have much of a plan other than working lots as I didn't know many people here. But thankfully, I was honored to work with a great team of people who welcomed me with open arms. They all treated me as I was their own permanent team member! So many thanks to Phil Boyer, LT Kim, Elise Holmes and Demetrius Brown, among a few others!

Mom also came to visit, which was an awesome not expected part of the trip as well :)

So now begins the ever bridging gap of time to depart Italy! I am so excited!!!! I have solidified my plans that I don't ever want to be stationed overseas (excluding deployments) ever again. The distance from my family and the state of living in the US is something I have missed terribly! I have no regrets and feel blessed to have the opportunity to live in Italy, but am ready to be stateside again for a very long time.

Carnivale

So Carnivale kicked off a few weeks ago. Carnivale is similar to Mardi Gras, though down graded so much more. There were floats, no beads, alcohol, but no craziness. It seems to be directed more towards the children as they dress up in costume as well and people throw confetti and shoot silly string all over the place. It was fun though, for sure!



Winter is almost over here...the rainy season is about done and summer is just about here. Was able to go snowboarding today on MT. Etna which was a very challenging day, but lots of fun, laughs and many sore muscles to be had. Next time I need a butt pad for cushion :)


Also got word this week that I am going to head back to the states for some cross-training in the ICU at Porsmouth, VA. I am pretty excited to go back stateside as its been over 1 year now! But it won't be much play, all work to absorb as much as possible during the 18 days I will be gone. I am preparing to take my Critical Care Certification exam in the next few months, so that gives me some fresher as its been a few years now since I have done ICU consistently. ER world is much different. And I will be making a few stops at Target...my favorite store to do some major damage in : ) And scoping out cars so when I move to Cali I will know what to buy.



Ciao Ciao