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...