Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone. Hope you all had a nice holiday. Here is a picture of me opening my presents under our "christmas tree" in our CHU. Overall, it was kind of a sad day--I thought I was doing fine, but I had a hard time yesterday. I really missed my family. I got to Skype Brian and the kids at my mom's house, and I had sent them some gifts from Iraq, so I got to see the kids open their presents. As great as technology is, it actually made things a lot more difficult for me emotionally to see them, but not be there. But, my time here is on the downhill slide--halfway done! No more major holidays to get through here (no, the Superbowl doesn't count).
On a happier note, I got to go for a ride in an Osprey. One of the surgeons here arranged for the Marines to take a handfull of us up, and since it was my birthday, I got included. I was actually terrified, as I don't really like to fly, and I hate helicopters and little planes. We had to wear our body armor and kevlar. It was freezing that day, and we had to meet at 0530. And I just read an article about how Ospreys fall out of the sky on occasion. This is the first time they have ever been deployed in combat, by the way. I took Meclizine to prevent motion sickness, which worked, but I was a nervous wreck. Everyone said, "Once in a lifetime opportunity, so you have to go!" So, I did--and it was absolutely awesome! It was so incredible. We had so much fun.
We flew around the base for about an hour, they did test fires of the weapon, and they kept the back ramp open the whole time--yeesh! I captured some cool video clips of the flight. We did 8 or 9 touch-and-go's, and it was the greatest! (In the bottom picture, I am second on the right side. ) The Ospreys have a lot of power, and they can move. It was great. Now I can say I was on an Osprey for their maiden deployment--yea!
Well, happy holidays, everyone. Take care, keep in touch. Please keep the emails coming. Love you all...

Birthday

Well, as most of you know, yesterday was my birthday. My Chu-mates threw me a surprise party. I was completly surprised! Most of our doc's were there, and they ordered pizzas, and we had fake beer. They also got a cake sent from Germany! It was yummy! It was a very nice surprise. Thank you everyone who sent me birthday wishes--I really do appreciate it. Not a bad birthday for being so far from home. It got very cold, and windy today--well our heater went out in our CHU last night, so when we woke up, my thermometer said 52--inside. I know, still warmer than what you are all in. But it was 40 outside--brrrrr.
I Skyped the family today (that means I called them computer to computer on the webcam, so we can see eachother), at my mom's. So I have done this with Brian and the kids, but this was the first time my mom could see me, so that was fun. Technology is a great thing. It seemed like I was in my mom's kitchen today. Christmas day is "hump day", day 45 of 90. Hard to believe I am halfway there. The time has really gone by quickly. Thanks to everyone who sends me emails, cards, and stuff. Happy holidays. love you all.

lets see if it works this time......

December Sunshine

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't posted for a while. We had a run of traumas, and we were up every night for a few nights in a row. One night we had 8 GSW's at once at about 2am. We worked on them in the ER, flew some out, and took some to the OR, where we worked into the next day. It was very sad, especially the kids, but I was happy I could be here to help them. Then I came down with a cold, and I couldn't sleep. And I have had to get some Army paperwork done and turned in. So I have rested for a few days, and went back to the gym routine today.
The first of the above pictures is the Christmas decorations we put up on our CHU. Notice the plants Brian sent me sitting on the sandbags. Very festive. We have recieved a small Christmas tree with lights, and many stockings, and other decor. Everyone is worried we gals will need a U-haul to get all this stuff we have acquired back home. The next is the main entrance to the CSH (hospital). Notice the cement T-walls that surround every building here for blast protection. The last picture was taken today, as I was soaking up the sunshine. The sky was blue and the temp was 79, it was perfect. Hard to believe it's December. Most days here are sunny and warm, and the nights are cold. I try to sit in the sun and read a book when I can. I have to say I am enjoying having other people do my laundry and cook my meals. Speaking of meals, we have more food here than we know what to do with. So thank you all who have sent me food, but please don't send more. We have to go to the gym for hours each day just to work off all this food. And thanks again to those who are feeding my family back home. It is so nice of you all to do that, and I know they have appreciated it. Brian and the kids are going to Mexico for Christmas with my folks, and I am sure they will have lots of fun.
Thanks to all who read this, and many thanks to those who write. I really love to hear from you. love to everyone, ali

Pictures

Here are some more pictures: Me in the anesthesia work room--ready for action. An Osprey landing at sunrise. And four fine females on our 6 mile hike to the top of the berm--the only elevation here, which kind of surrounds our base. More later, love to everyone. :-)

Brian's birthday

Today is Brian's birthday--happy birthday, honey. I feel bad I am not there, but he isn't coming here for my birthday, either--so I guess we are even. I miss him, and my cute boys like crazy! I keep getting packages of great comfort items from friends and loved ones--thank you all. We all get so much stuff sent to us, that we are trying to donate what we don't need for the chaplains to give out to soldiers in the field. And Tracie was right--it is really easy to gain weight here, with all the cookies and brownies we get sent to us. The OR break room is literally filled with snacks. Yummy, but dangerous. I will try to post some more pictures soon. We had a detainee in the OR, with two armed guards, and he had to be blindfolded until he was asleep--weird, huh? Thanks for writing, so I know someone is reading..........