Not just blah, blah. Isn't he adorable!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Nutty reflections
I've been home for over a week and it's great! My reason for coming home, my new grandson made his grand entrance on August 6, 2012 weighing 8lbs. 6oz. (What a coincidence!) He is remarkable and already has a personality..he enjoys being up on my shoulder to check everything out and is so quiet, but sometimes it looks like he wants to talk- yep, he takes after me, so cute!
The first week at home, I stumbled around a bit. It was a culture shock. I flew on a plane (not American) during Ramadan and half the plane had children. My first thought was to run screaming in horror, then I thought how could I get a refund and just skip R&R. It was a 14 hour flight, good grief! So I did the next best thing and popped a couple of sleeping pills. My fears were unfounded. Those children were some of the best behaved kids that I've ever seen. In fact, I didn't hear them until breakfast time and then it was really only the babies.
The culture shock came at Dearborn's Homecoming. Some of the kids were rude, arrogant, loud and...what makes them think they can come to this country and carry on like that?WTH...parents standing by with their monsters out of control. I think maybe it's the rules of the country. They are so well behaved there. Bad children must be a capital offense.
My recent experience in Afghanistan has had the most amazing effect on my life. For example, the nut next door- or rather her nut tree droppings on my driveway doesn't faze me. They're just nuts after all. And even while she sweeps them on my yard everyday which use to drive me crazy...now I feel, who cares..they're just nuts and I clean them up. I'm fortunate to have a good healthy back and God on my side.
My good buddy that I encouraged to come to Afghanistan with me said it best, "I'd rather be poor at home than working in Afghanistan." Although I've loved my time there and I love the people and I love my job...minus all of the paperwork, I also love my family, especially the new little guy. I think he may be onto something...stay tuned.
The first week at home, I stumbled around a bit. It was a culture shock. I flew on a plane (not American) during Ramadan and half the plane had children. My first thought was to run screaming in horror, then I thought how could I get a refund and just skip R&R. It was a 14 hour flight, good grief! So I did the next best thing and popped a couple of sleeping pills. My fears were unfounded. Those children were some of the best behaved kids that I've ever seen. In fact, I didn't hear them until breakfast time and then it was really only the babies.
The culture shock came at Dearborn's Homecoming. Some of the kids were rude, arrogant, loud and...what makes them think they can come to this country and carry on like that?WTH...parents standing by with their monsters out of control. I think maybe it's the rules of the country. They are so well behaved there. Bad children must be a capital offense.
My recent experience in Afghanistan has had the most amazing effect on my life. For example, the nut next door- or rather her nut tree droppings on my driveway doesn't faze me. They're just nuts after all. And even while she sweeps them on my yard everyday which use to drive me crazy...now I feel, who cares..they're just nuts and I clean them up. I'm fortunate to have a good healthy back and God on my side.
My good buddy that I encouraged to come to Afghanistan with me said it best, "I'd rather be poor at home than working in Afghanistan." Although I've loved my time there and I love the people and I love my job...minus all of the paperwork, I also love my family, especially the new little guy. I think he may be onto something...stay tuned.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Life is what you make it
I leave in a couple of days for home wondering if I have a job to come back to. Always the same thing and same feelings when I go home. Not just me...everyone gets this voodoo hokey icky's. This model employee says to me on his way home..."it was nice knowing you!" And I'm thinking, wth? If he's worried, I should be sweating bullets! Of course he came back, no problem.
I was told that I hadn't made the bad girl list, but I don't know. When you see a boss run for the hills, it gives you cause to wonder...now Wat is it that I gat myself into Lucy? (from, I Love LUCY). I loved that show. I can so relate. Half the time I think I'm Ricky trying to keep numskulls out of trouble and the other half I'm Lucy thinking of another hared-brained plan. But it always works out. Someone once said, Life is what you make it. Let's just say I wouldn't have missed out on Afghanistan for anything. It has been a remarkable experience. Stalked by the Taliban, Missile attacks, Rabid dogs...I would've done without the spiders, but I even found peace with that. I decided that I would think of them as daddy long legs, but uglier. I've met the most remarkable people and seen some of the most breath- taking countryside in the world. If it's over, OK. I am so glad I came on this adventure and another waits around the corner.
I was told that I hadn't made the bad girl list, but I don't know. When you see a boss run for the hills, it gives you cause to wonder...now Wat is it that I gat myself into Lucy? (from, I Love LUCY). I loved that show. I can so relate. Half the time I think I'm Ricky trying to keep numskulls out of trouble and the other half I'm Lucy thinking of another hared-brained plan. But it always works out. Someone once said, Life is what you make it. Let's just say I wouldn't have missed out on Afghanistan for anything. It has been a remarkable experience. Stalked by the Taliban, Missile attacks, Rabid dogs...I would've done without the spiders, but I even found peace with that. I decided that I would think of them as daddy long legs, but uglier. I've met the most remarkable people and seen some of the most breath- taking countryside in the world. If it's over, OK. I am so glad I came on this adventure and another waits around the corner.
...or not
I'm leaving for home. I had to get a physical right after leaving from 6500 feet to sea level, then a missile attack where we had to sit in the hot bunkers for 2 hours. I then went for my EKG. I didn't fail it, but it looked very different from any that I've ever had before. Usually my blood pressure and pulse are so low that the medical people are looking for the nearest dopamine drip and climbing up on top of me to thump my chest. No romance...it's to speed up my heart. This never happens when I have a "hot" male attendant. Usually it's someone from the Geritol crowd with bad breath. So, that I'm heartless "B" must be a true statement...or not.
I can say that in days gone past it was true. I remember when I once made my boss shake. He was from that day forward forever to be known as Chihuahua boy. Now that I'm know as the nice girl, I do feel bad about that and will be spending the remainder of my days making up for my bad behavior...or not.
I can make it up by being the nicest person that I can be. I have totally alienated the higher ups by my advocacy for my patients. They all want you to be nice to the client, but not mouthy to the boss (I'm still working on that one). Absolutely advocate for the patient unless it goes against their will. Let me clue you in to a secret not publicly known. Nice people do not get sued. I don't know if the big boss knows this cause he is one of the nicest people that I have ever met...but they don't. There was a study that I read 10 years ago and passed around at the Tree Hospital that I worked at that showed smarts had no value with the perspective of how patients rated you (or you sue-ability rating- my term). What mattered the most was their bedside manner. So think about that while you sit in the doctor office hour after hour until they get around to you. And check out that Harvard degree and notice that it never says if they graduated first or last, or if they were the party boy or sulked around and wore girls pantie's on their faces or dumb as a button or top of the class. They could be truly competent... or not.
Think about that in everyone you see. I chose nice, ( not only because I have genius jeans..haha I know it's genes. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention.) But also I see no value in being mean and degrading others. It's parochial and just another way for small egos & brains to tower over others... or not. I give them a laugh and you can too!
I can say that in days gone past it was true. I remember when I once made my boss shake. He was from that day forward forever to be known as Chihuahua boy. Now that I'm know as the nice girl, I do feel bad about that and will be spending the remainder of my days making up for my bad behavior...or not.
I can make it up by being the nicest person that I can be. I have totally alienated the higher ups by my advocacy for my patients. They all want you to be nice to the client, but not mouthy to the boss (I'm still working on that one). Absolutely advocate for the patient unless it goes against their will. Let me clue you in to a secret not publicly known. Nice people do not get sued. I don't know if the big boss knows this cause he is one of the nicest people that I have ever met...but they don't. There was a study that I read 10 years ago and passed around at the Tree Hospital that I worked at that showed smarts had no value with the perspective of how patients rated you (or you sue-ability rating- my term). What mattered the most was their bedside manner. So think about that while you sit in the doctor office hour after hour until they get around to you. And check out that Harvard degree and notice that it never says if they graduated first or last, or if they were the party boy or sulked around and wore girls pantie's on their faces or dumb as a button or top of the class. They could be truly competent... or not.
Think about that in everyone you see. I chose nice, ( not only because I have genius jeans..haha I know it's genes. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention.) But also I see no value in being mean and degrading others. It's parochial and just another way for small egos & brains to tower over others... or not. I give them a laugh and you can too!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Random thoughts
I heard that Michigan got a bit of a hot blast that won't quit...110 degrees the highest recorded temperature there. Let's put out hands together and pray for comfort. While we're talking to the big guy, let's give thanks for the weather in the sandbox. It finally cooled off today. It was 105 degrees and a nice breeze. Good grief, I can't wait to take a dip in something that is not 2 percent chlorine.
Speaking of hot, tempers flare and people are vicious when it's hot. It's a desert out here. Fear, weather, isolation, bugs, snakes, rabid dogs and the bad guys always breathing down our necks. I had a friend, good guy (not from the US), that was kidnapped, tortured and killed. He taught me that all locals are not bad...he was a real sweetheart. He helped me to understand the peaceful lifestyle that they live. My heart will always hold a special place for him. You grieve and try to make sense of it all, but it was his own people. He played by humanity rules not by the Talibans. A really special man...a real tragedy.
Then there's a new guy in town, the verdict is still out on him. I've been a Medic for 16 years, the new boss has been one for 2 years. It's a little like watching a toddler walk for the first time. I get the gooey's when he works on a patient... and then he opens his mouth. He believes himself to be more intellgent then all the peons in his kingdom. I have to shake my head at some of his random thoughts that he actually tries out on patients and doctors alike.- like a child trying out language for the first time. I hold that sacred, plus anything that will crack me up here is worth it. However, this guy is very articulate and a military doctor that he tried to set down the rules to did not take too kindly to being told how the treatment system works here. Eventhough I promised not to bring him to the aid station again, I think the lashings may trickle down to me.
Let me hold me breath, because...Praise God it's R&R time! I only have to watch the dirty glances his way for a few days more. He's such a nice chap too and funny. How can one person totally alienate and piss off a whole camp in one week? I'd love to help him out, but I'm going home! Sorry pal! Put a muzzle on it and...I don't care! My 2nd grandson will make his grand entrance (I hope and pray), while I am home. I'm going to entice the little fellow with grandma love and try to get him to pop early. If that doesn't work, I can always barter or badger the doctor. Yes, it's funtime very soon!
Speaking of hot, tempers flare and people are vicious when it's hot. It's a desert out here. Fear, weather, isolation, bugs, snakes, rabid dogs and the bad guys always breathing down our necks. I had a friend, good guy (not from the US), that was kidnapped, tortured and killed. He taught me that all locals are not bad...he was a real sweetheart. He helped me to understand the peaceful lifestyle that they live. My heart will always hold a special place for him. You grieve and try to make sense of it all, but it was his own people. He played by humanity rules not by the Talibans. A really special man...a real tragedy.
Then there's a new guy in town, the verdict is still out on him. I've been a Medic for 16 years, the new boss has been one for 2 years. It's a little like watching a toddler walk for the first time. I get the gooey's when he works on a patient... and then he opens his mouth. He believes himself to be more intellgent then all the peons in his kingdom. I have to shake my head at some of his random thoughts that he actually tries out on patients and doctors alike.- like a child trying out language for the first time. I hold that sacred, plus anything that will crack me up here is worth it. However, this guy is very articulate and a military doctor that he tried to set down the rules to did not take too kindly to being told how the treatment system works here. Eventhough I promised not to bring him to the aid station again, I think the lashings may trickle down to me.
Let me hold me breath, because...Praise God it's R&R time! I only have to watch the dirty glances his way for a few days more. He's such a nice chap too and funny. How can one person totally alienate and piss off a whole camp in one week? I'd love to help him out, but I'm going home! Sorry pal! Put a muzzle on it and...I don't care! My 2nd grandson will make his grand entrance (I hope and pray), while I am home. I'm going to entice the little fellow with grandma love and try to get him to pop early. If that doesn't work, I can always barter or badger the doctor. Yes, it's funtime very soon!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Home again!
I'm back at my home base! Yeah!!!! Just in time to find out that the short list of people living here was not a mistake. Everyone is leaving- WTH? Gone are so many pals that I spent all of my time with. But the contract world is a small place to be. One fellow once said, I'll see you on the next contract. I laughed, but that's how it is.
I was so excited to come back after being on the road for so long. I filled in at bases for people that go on their vacations. I'm always alone and in a new place. I love it. So who filled in for me while I was away? The answer is many, many people. And 2 quit out of those...going back home missing their lives, their families
.So I thought to myself...do I miss my family any less? The answer is NO. I really miss everyone, but I need to work. Everyone has someone they miss. We all want to go home, but work is what we must do.
It's been 100 degrees since I've been back and I left 120...big difference. My skin has never been darker or my hair whiter. If Miss Clairol comes anywhere near my hair, I'm afraid I'll have to smack her down! I live in frizz city these days and very light hair.
So I look a bit different, but home is where I'd like to be too. It's R&R time once again, so expect me at Dearborn's Homecoming- YEAH!!! expect to see me at the LC Taylor Reunion- YES!!! and expect me at my own home and drop by. I'd love to see you all August 1st and for 10 days after. I'm counting down!!! I'm coming home....
I was so excited to come back after being on the road for so long. I filled in at bases for people that go on their vacations. I'm always alone and in a new place. I love it. So who filled in for me while I was away? The answer is many, many people. And 2 quit out of those...going back home missing their lives, their families
.So I thought to myself...do I miss my family any less? The answer is NO. I really miss everyone, but I need to work. Everyone has someone they miss. We all want to go home, but work is what we must do.
It's been 100 degrees since I've been back and I left 120...big difference. My skin has never been darker or my hair whiter. If Miss Clairol comes anywhere near my hair, I'm afraid I'll have to smack her down! I live in frizz city these days and very light hair.
So I look a bit different, but home is where I'd like to be too. It's R&R time once again, so expect me at Dearborn's Homecoming- YEAH!!! expect to see me at the LC Taylor Reunion- YES!!! and expect me at my own home and drop by. I'd love to see you all August 1st and for 10 days after. I'm counting down!!! I'm coming home....
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Good grief!
I left the carefree comfort base...we did have a little blip for a few days and it was hot- 120 degrees, but with good friends all around who cares. They also had these big terrifying snakes. I wore my combat boots everywhere...even to the showers and back. I believe one snapped at my boot and I have a tear to prove it. There was one hanging around the medic tent, so with appropriate terror, I was especially careful to look inside and out for them. I never saw it- thank God for that too (I mean besides keeping me safe). So the real medic of that base announces that a Saw Scale Viper was found right outside the medic tent today. These snakes are very deadly and we do not carry anti-venom in our back pockets. I'm betting that he thought, finally, the "B" is gone and promptly left his nesting spot and ....died! Oh good grief! Poor thing probably starved himself. What's that saying- that they're more afraid of humans than...oh never mind. I never believed that anyways.
Another thing that happened at that base was the blip of terror. Later the next day, one of the guys was laughing at my rock weapons. Hey, we do what we can! He remarked of what a hellion that I am. HUH? Who me? He stated that if the Taliban did capture me, it would take less than an hour for them to offer money to take me back saying, "she won't stop talking".Really now! I know someone that talks more than me. 'Course they're not in my sandbox... good grief!
Yes, I'm missing the base and my buddy's. Again I can say thanks to Facebook. We can talk and talk. Again with the talking thing- good grief!
So I'm back at home base and what do I find? Camel spiders. The things are as big as your palm and walk on their hind legs...visual here. They chase you down supposedly to stay cool in your shadow. Don't you believe it. If that was true why do they move their fangs while chasing you down? I think I heard one whisper to another about payback. They are out to get me! Good grief!
Another thing that happened at that base was the blip of terror. Later the next day, one of the guys was laughing at my rock weapons. Hey, we do what we can! He remarked of what a hellion that I am. HUH? Who me? He stated that if the Taliban did capture me, it would take less than an hour for them to offer money to take me back saying, "she won't stop talking".Really now! I know someone that talks more than me. 'Course they're not in my sandbox... good grief!
Yes, I'm missing the base and my buddy's. Again I can say thanks to Facebook. We can talk and talk. Again with the talking thing- good grief!
So I'm back at home base and what do I find? Camel spiders. The things are as big as your palm and walk on their hind legs...visual here. They chase you down supposedly to stay cool in your shadow. Don't you believe it. If that was true why do they move their fangs while chasing you down? I think I heard one whisper to another about payback. They are out to get me! Good grief!
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