Here are some skiing pictures of the family. We had a fabulous blue-sky day on the mountain. It was the kids' 2nd time skiing and they did great. They want to go again soon. It's still cold here, but the snow is slowly melting. The kids are growing up too fast! Ike lost his first tooth today, and he "likes" a girl in his kindergarten class. He asked if he could kiss her, or if he should wait until marraige. I told him to wait, of course.
Went back to work this week. I missed being there. I had students my first two days, so I didn't actually "work" until yesterday, and it was nice to do anesthesia again. A lot of people at work do a double-take when they see me, and then realize I am back, then they hug me. Heather is throwing me a welcome home party in a few weeks, with a 70's/80's theme, complete with DJ and disco ball. I will have to post pictures later.
Going away this weekend for our anniversary--snowmobiling in Idaho.
Well, thanks again for reading.........

home

Back to the real world

I don't know if anyone is reading this anymore now that I am home, but I guess I will write for the sake of writing. It is strange being home, and hard to believe where I was just a few weeks ago. I am back to helping the kids do homework, cooking, laundry (sure missed that!), cub scouts, etc. I bought some home gym equipment so I can attempt to keep up with all the working out I did while I was gone. It's easy to do when you don't work. I start back to work on Monday. Work for two weeks, then go to Utah, then I have Jury Duty for two weeks! I am so lucky. I was just wishing I could do more service for my country, and then I got a summons for Jury Duty.
This morning I was working out, and I heard a scream and little footsteps running around frantically. Dillon was hysterical because one of the cats had vomitted all over him and his bed; I had never seen so much emesis come out of a cat! Never a dull moment here, and it gave me more laundry to do--yipee! I am glad to be home and I am looking forward to going back to work. We are taking the kids skiing this weekend, should be fun. Well, comment if you still read this, and thanks for reading.

Home sweet Home

As most of you know, I am home, in Spokane. In my house, with my family! I slept in my own bed for the first time last night. Brian said, "what should we have for dinner?", and it took me a minute to realize we actually had to cook something, instead of just walking to the DFAC. He cooked for us, and it was very nice to have a home-cooked meal, even if I had to do the dishes. This morning, my cute boys brought me coffee in bed, and Dillon cooked me eggs and toast--I have missed that weekend room service while I was gone. Today, I finally got to do something I have been dying to do for months: I soaked in my new tub, with candles going, a glass of wine, and the jets on. The kids even let me have the tub to myself for 15 minutes of pure heaven. Funny how you learn to appreciate the smallest things. I am learning to do laundry again already--isn't that terrific? Still good to be home again. Love, ali

Valentine's Day

I have not had internet for the past week, traveling and all. I am now at Ft. Benning, GA, and I hope to be on a flight home to Spokane tonight or tomorrow. We have had a very long week. We left our CHU's in Al Asad last Friday afternoon, spent hours and hours trying to get on a flight to Kuwait, but the AirForce kept telling us we had too many of us, and too many duffle bags. Finally got to Kuwait after midnight, and we had to be up at 5am to start customs for our flight back to the USA. Well, after minimal sleep, we got up and hauled our duffles out, only to be told our flight had been pushed back, and we had to report at 2100hrs instead (9pm). So that night, we actually had to start moving bags at 7pm, then stood around in lines, going through customs all night until we finally boarded a plane, which took off at 8am Sunday! Then we flew to various countries, finally arriving in Georgia after 24 hours. We arrived here around 2am, and had to be up at 5am, but also had to rearrange all of our equipment for turn-in before that time. Therefore, we didn't get to sleep at all that night either, so we were all going on several days of minimal sleep. We have spent the past few days getting processed out of here, and we all hope to go home soon. I can't wait. I will let you know when I make it. Thanks for your thoughts and concerns.

Day 90

Well, here we are winding down. The superbowl party was fun for all, and we stayed up all night for the big upset. (lots of Patriots fans here) Been packing up stuff and mailing stuff home. It's amazing how much stuff one can acquire in just a few months. We are all very excited to get out of here, and head to our respective homes. I can't wait to see all the snow! It warmed up here again this week and I was able to sit outside in the sun once more. Our replacements are due in very soon, and we will get to leave shortly thereafter. Funny, how we have had nearly no cases for a while, but since we are trying to leave, we are here in the OR working away. I will report back in when we are on home soil again. Thank you all for your love and support to me and my family during this time. Lots of love, ali

Read this superbowl poster--the game starts at 2:30 AM! That is crazy, especially since we don't even have real beer here. They are serving hamburgers too, but I don't know if I can eat a burger at 4AM. Don't you feel sorry for us, having to stay up and party all night? ha-ha. I will let you know how it goes.
I thought you would all get a chuckle out of this speed bumps sign. And, no, I was not the one who decorated the sign.
Well, keep in touch. Miss you all. sending love.....