NMPS

This week has been processing. The Navy calls it NMPS (Naval Mobilization Processing Site). Its basically review of medical records (again!), uniform issue and basic briefs on things like fraternization, Sexual Assault, etc...It gives more people time to get stuff done they should have had done before now. There are about 130 people and we'll all be going to 1 of 3 locations for further training (Ft. Bliss, Ft. Dix or Ft.Lewis) before heading to Kuwait. Below is a picture of our gas mask pressure setting; 8 minutes of patiently waiting.

This week is also a great time to catch up (more!) on favorite American restaurants and coffee...Hello Starbucks! So eating like a fatty and getting the last chance of good food :) One of the girls, Cayce; her parents live locally and have been amazing host's for 2 meals so far this week. They have a beautiful home near the Chesapeake Bay and I know I have been very greatful for their hospitality.

The living arrangements here aren't terrible; much better than the BOQ in Sigonella, and I am betting much better than we'll have down the road the next few months. Things are going well and I look forward to the upcoming weeks. Eager to get to Afganistan and have the action start, but being patient...or trying :)

da dum

I am back in America (arrived 05 Jan) and am loving it! Oooh the conveniences! Its the little things in life my friends; the little things (Target, Starbucks, controlled driving, television, commercials, and the English language).

After traveling to Michigan and having some MAJOR luggage delays, frustrations, and just 1 angry outburst (related to my luggage), I alas enjoyed the time with my parents, brother and friends before leaving for California after 1 week. California just feels like home to me...though many friends have moved on via their military journey, it was great to spend time with those who remain. Of course, was very sad to leave, but I will be back. 3 days before my departure I got word that my deployment is still on track, just delayed by 1 week. I will still be reporting and processing through Norfolk and fly from there to FT Lewis (Washington State). It was frustrating to figure out a plan of travel, though it has worked out well for me to spend some time with my brother, Ben, and his wife Tanya for a few days in Cape Cod. Its been great to spend time with them and I am happy that I was able to see all my immediate family members. I especially enjoyed the time and entertainment of my grandmother, Mary. She is a pleasant little 89 year old who I got many of laughs from. In good humor and intention of course. Bless her heart; and my parents who primarily help her out.

Those who know me well know I am not a huge fan of sitting still all the time, so I am ready to get on to the next destination and get this show on the road. As I start training this upcoming week I will keep you all updated as my address in Afganistan becomes available.

Caio Caio for now!

Happy New Years

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a Happy New Years celebration too! The weather here has been absolutely amazingly warm! Its awesome...in the high 70's during day and still warm evenings. My 3rd Christmas in a row in the sun! And no snow! The way it should be :)

As of tomorrow; 01 Jan, I am an LT in the Navy. Its an automatic promotion which falls just a few weeks after my 4 year anniversary of active duty. Had a nice little ceremony this morning with my boss; Kaz and my favorite corpsman, Maddy. Rose, another nurse who promoted 01 Dec and I had a party slash wetdown slash going away party with a group of friends. Some of us maybe didn't feel so great the next day :p

Buon Anno!

always sayin goodbye

My farewells and farewell celebrations have started already. My unit, the ER had a very fun barbeque/paintball evening last night which was a new experience. If anyone says it doesn't hurt, they are lying! I am pretty sure myself and the other girls were screaming like wild banches when we got hit and have bruises and welts to match. It was fun though, I laughed my ass off more than a few times. And drinking some good beer helped too :) Getting shot in the face was the only place it didn't hurt.

Its almost Christmas, hard to believe it though. All I did this year was put up my little nativity scene...my tree would be just another thing to take care of before leaving. The packing has already began as well...my 'gift' suitcase as well as sea bag and clothing bag are growing by the day :p I have to remind myself the more I bring, the more I ship...but its hard to narrow down clothing :)

Happy Holidays to All, Caio from Sicily and see some of you very soon!

The Countdown Begins!

Hard to believe in a little over 3 weeks I will be back in the States visiting with family and friends before the new adventure starts. I am eager and excited to get the show started; probably won't believe it all or have it all sink in till I get there, but I will enjoy the ride and love the time in Michigan and California :)

Its a good thing the shopping won't do me much good as I can't bring much to Afganistan, its tempting to splurge before I hit the sandbox. And for those that don't know much on Afganistan; Wikipedia has some basic, informative information. Without going into specifics some people have not a clue. I am guilty at times as well, but this is the hot spot of War this past year; you can't hear enough about our involvement there.

Speaking of; dropping some helpful hints of "care package" ideas; I will be purchasing a Kindle (electronic book via Amazon) and would love gift cards to load up the Kindle with books before I leave. Just an idea :) Below are the nurses from the hospital (well most of em). I am the Co-Chair on one of the committee's and we had our holiday Christmas party this past weekend.

The trash strike thankfully only lasted 3 days, but that was plenty by me. The weather has been cooperating for the most part; warm and sunny in the days and very cool at night. Using the space heater for now till I get my landlord over to help turn the heat on. Or I will just grin and bear it for 25 more days. We'll see. Below is Etna; its gorgeous right now with all the snow. I hope to go up there this weekend.

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 :)