Time flies when you're having fun?

It's hard to believe that I haven't posted anything since before Halloween.  What the heck have I been doing with my free time?  It feels like the days fly by and I hardly get anything done.  I'm sure you have all felt the same way.

Well, I've done a couple of fun things.  Last Sunday I met a couple of co-workers and we had a brunch buffet (holy yumminess!) and then went to the Renaissance Faire in Las Cruces, NM.  I was really impressed with the number of art vendors at the Faire.  It was more like an art show rather than a Ren Faire, but there was still a good supply of tarts and tramps in their revealing costumes!  (-:  One cool thing was a not-for-profit that rescues birds of prey.  The birds were amazing.  Forgive me, but I didn't take a picture of the vulture (I know they're a necessary part of the circle of life, but they're really ugly).

6-year old female bald eagle!

Harris Hawk



Barn Owl

 I was amazed by how big the eagle was.  WOW!  Unfortunately, I didn't capture her with her wings outstretched.  That was a beautiful sight to see.

I ran McKelligan Canyon again today.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day.  It was so sunny that I couldn't tell it was in the mid-50's.  I loved being outside.  It cracks me up to see people dressed in down jackets when the temp gets below 60 degrees.  Too funny!  I tried taking pictures so you could all see the road through the Canyon, but it just doesn't highlight all of the hills.  You'll just have to believe me that it's a hilly course.  It's beautiful, though.

Can you see the road going up the hill in the distance?

My half-marathon training is going well.  I ran 7 miles (on the treadmill) last Saturday.  I had to ice my knees that evening, but I still ran 7 miles.  Tomorrow will be an easy run day-maybe only 5 miles on the straightaway instead of all the hills I did today.

Unfortunately, Jorge has a fracture in his femoral condyle.  He won't be doing any running anytime soon.  Poor guy.  He's been complaining of knee pain for the past 6 months.  I feel for him.  He's off of work through the end of the month.  I'm hoping he'll be able to come here for a couple of weeks.  I'd love to see him and Shady girl.  She got her cast off this week. . .no more pink leg!  Strange that the two of them have messed-up right knees.  What's in the water out there?

I hope you are all doing well and not feeling too much cold weather yet.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. . As you hear people grumble about the mail not being delivered, the banks being closed, or what to do with your kids who have no school, remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.  Please remember to thank a Vet for their service and their sacrifices for our great country.  Thank you Tony, Pop-pop, and Jorge for your service!  I'm so proud of all of you.

--DV

The week in review

This past week has been a glimmer of my reality as it will be for the next few months.  My days are consumed with work, training for the half marathon, and trying to understand Biochemistry.  Sounds like fun, doesn't it?  I know, you're all jealous!

Of course, I am making time to do fun things, like running through McKelligan Canyon with a co-worker.  It's approximately 5 miles through a beautiful desert canyon.  It's very hilly and has some of the highest elevations in El Paso.  It was a great morning to run, only 40 degrees when I left my apartment to meet her.  We had a fun time, with plenty of laughter.  It reminded me of runs with Ninette.  No matter how early the run, we always found something to talk about and, inevitably, laugh about.

I've also had fun looking at posts on Facebook.  Here are some of my favorite pictures others have posted:

Fitting with Lady Liberty undergoing renovations starting this week.

 And, my favorite. . . . . . . . .




Need I explain this one?  (-;

 Other than that, I've really enjoyed texts and phone calls from friends and family.  I miss all of you, whether you're in Wisco, stateside, or other countries.

I'm coming home in December, so that gives me something to look forward to.  I also purchased a ticket to listen to the El Paso Symphony Orchestra in a few weeks.  There will be a dual-piano piece.  I cannot wait!

I hope you are all doing well. 

Take care!

--DV

Air Show!

I have decided that it doesn't make sense to sit in my apartment and feel sorry for myself.  I need to get out and do things in El Paso, even if it means that I do them by myself.  I'm a big girl, right?
There was a going away party for one of the nurses last Thursday at PF Chang's.  I had a great time and enjoyed the group of people who attended.  I learned that there is a Star Wars application for smart phones.  I downloaded it and had a "light saber fight" with one of the guys at dinner.  Nerdy, I know, but worth a few laughs.  When I got back to my apartment, I found there is a Star Trek app, also.  So, anytime I get a phone call, I hear the voice-over from Star Trek, "Space, the final frontier."  Each time I get a text, I hear, "Priority message from Star Fleet incoming on secure channel."  It makes me laugh every time I hear either one. . .so keep calling and sending those text messages!  (-:

Last Saturday, I went to the Amigo Air Show.  This is an annual event, held on Biggs Army Air Field (part of Ft. Bliss).  Wow!  What a great day.  The weather was absolutely perfect, barely a cloud in the sky, 80 degrees, slight breeze.  The Blue Angels performed (they haven't been at this show for 14 years).  The Golden Knights jumped (the Army's Elite Parachute Team).  It was incredible.  I watched a jet and a truck, with 2 jet engines on it, race down the runway.  Believe it or not, the truck won the second match. 

Blue Angels

A Naval Helicopter

A 40-pound engine mounted on a glider (what a beautiful show he did)

A couple of Golden Knights, coming in for a landing.

Imagine the smoke when 8 of them were together!  They free-fall at >120 mph!

POW-MIA Flag

The Blue Angels fly with little more than 18 inches between their wings.  It's an amazing sight to see.  The Warthog demonstrated it's flying prowess, simulating dropping bombs on the runway.  That was truly amazing.  The whole day was awesome.  You know what, I was OK with being alone.  I treated myself to a hot dog and a beer and enjoyed the show. 

On Sunday, I went for a 6.3 mile run (for those who don't know, I'm training for the El Paso 1/2 marathon on February 5).  During the run, I looked up at the mountains and saw a couple of the planes from the airshow.  They were on my side of the mountains, doing a practice run.  I think they did it just so I could have a private show!  It helped spur me on for the remainder of my run.

I also started tackling my Biochemistry class.  I realized that I had made a huge mistake. . .I thought I should read the chapter first and try to answer the objectives.  Uh, wrong!  On Tuesday, I watched the lecture on DVD.  Yeah, that made it much more understandable.  What I loved, however, is that I was studying for a distance Biochemistry class, from the University of New England, while sitting in El Paso.  When I was stumped, I texted my son, in Wisconsin, for assistance!  Now I'm blogging to all of you about it.  Ten years ago that wouldn't have happened.  I guess having technology isn't that bad!

I hope many of you have some fun plans for Halloween.  I really miss putting up my decorations and preparing for the kids.  I'll be working on Halloween, so have a cup of witch's brew for me!

I hope you're all doing well.

--DV

On my own again!

I had an absolutely wonderful time with Mom and Tony here.  It was so much fun.  We did a bunch of sight-seeing, which is really neat.  I never saw a lot of things in El Paso when Jorge was stationed here.  Mom and Tony couldn't believe how big the base is!  We saw West Side Story in a beautiful theatre downtown.  That was really neat. 

We also went to Old Mesilla.  It was a beautiful drive, passing hundreds of pecan orchards!

This is beautiful, especially when you're living in the desert!

We had lunch at La Posta. . .not the greatest food I've ever eaten, but we enjoyed a pitcher of beer together.

Yes, they planned on wearing the same shirt!

I even tried on some of the latest fashions in headwear. . .

Does the fur bring out my eyes?

Mom and I took the tramway up to the top of Ranger Peak.  It climbs 1200 feet in 4 minutes and brings us to the elevation of . . .

It was especially awesome that Mom went.  She is deathly afraid of heights.  Whoever comes to visit me next, we're going up.  The view is spectacular!

Three states and 2 countries!

We even enjoyed some time at an Indian/Spanish festival.  It wasn't as neat as Indian Summer in Milwaukee, but there was dancing, artwork, and lots of fun stuff to buy.

New artwork for my apartment.  See the buffalo?

Now, I am alone again.  I'm trying to occupy my brain by studying for the GRE and will, eventually this weekend, start on my Biochemistry class.  What fun!  Tomorrow is an Airshow.  I can't wait to see the Blue Angels and the Golden Knights.  How awesome!

I hope you are all doing well and not having too terrible weather.  I won't tell you how beautiful it is down here.

--DV

Mom and Tony are here!

It has been so nice seeing my parents!  I haven't seen them in over a year, so I was definitely looking forward to seeing them.  Plus, it helps decrease my loneliness of being back in El Paso.


So cute!



We had a nice Oktoberfest dinner last night.  German beer (from Wisconsin) and brats.  Let's not forget the sauerkraut!  Yummy.  I bet that's a staple for all of my new friends in Germany (miss you guys).

The plan for today is seeing West Side Story.  I cannot wait.  I love this musical and have never seen it performed live.  The El Paso Opera is performing it. . .so it will be my first venture into the arts of El Paso since Jorge lived here.  I'll let you know how it is.  The goal is to keep Tony awake.  (-:

Can you believe this. . .I just spent 1.5 months around a ton of people, in a less than sanitary environment (Bullis).  We tried each others' food, drinks, etc.  We spent nearly every waking moment together and none of us got sick.  Now that I'm back to El Paso, and by myself most of the time, I have a cold.  How does that make any sense?

Jorge just worked the last two nights, also.  Now he's feeling the hangover effect that I am living with.  Poor guy.  At least it's nice and warm in Wisconsin.  We had a cold front blow through El Paso, so you are feeling warmer weather in Wisco than I am feeling down here.  Need I remind all of you in Wisco that I also endured 55 degrees and rain for nearly 2 weeks straight while I was home?  Aren't you all glad that I left so you could have warm weather again?  (-:

That's it for now.  Gotta get ready for the play.

I hope you are all doing well.

--DV

El Paso

I got to El Paso safely.  Not even a little hiccup during each of my flights.  Thank God for dramamine!

I know lots of you are excited about the crisp Fall weather, but it felt great to feel 80 degrees when I stepped out of the terminal today.  Tomorrow's plan . . .pool time.  I need to work on the tan I got during BOLC.  Being in Wisconsin, I lost a lot of my tan.

Of course, it's not all positive being back in El Paso.  It is incredibly lonely in my apartment.  I miss my husband, my dog, my family, and my friends.  Shadow tried climbing out of the kennel this morning when I was leaving.  She must've known I was going away again.  It was horrible to watch.  I just have to get back into the swing of things at the hospital.  That will help me get my mind off of missing everyone.

Jorge and I had a great dinner last night at Fleming's.  Yummy!  My poor stomach doesn't know what to think of the past few nights.  I have eaten steak 3 out of the 4 last nights.  UGH!  Tonight's dinner is a big salad.  That's right, I'm going to have to go cold turkey from all of the good food at home.


I hope you are all doing well.  I miss you bunches.

--DV

Back to reality!

I head back to El Paso tomorrow.  I've had a lot of fun while I've been home, but it stinks that it's over so soon.  Jorge and I got a lot of projects done around the house and Shadow is slowly improving from her immediate post-op period.  I spent time with friends and neighbors and made new memories.  The sun came out these past 2 days, but I didn't get a chance to ride my motorcycle.  Oh well!  I filled my time with plenty of other stuff.

Dinner on Friday was loads of fun.  Thank you Erin, Scottie Dog, Peggy, and John for coming over.  I hope you got enough food in your bellies!  I know Shadow enjoyed having her cast signed by all of you.  I would love to be in the vet's office when he sees that on her leg.  Too funny!

Dirty martinis with blue-cheese stuffed olives!  Yummy!

Cheers!

Cigar time.

Erin, you're so cute.  You look like a kid in a candy store!

Glad you could make it, John!

Scottie Dog!

At least I have something to look forward to when I return to El Paso (besides the 90-degree weather).  Mom and Tony are coming at the end of the week.  I can't wait to see them.  It's been far too long since I last saw them.

My youngest niece sang the alphabet song to me yesterday. . .twice!  How cool is that?  You should've heard her, especially when she got to the STU section of the alphabet.  Her voice sounded all gravelly.  Too funny! Keep up the singing, Willow!

For those friends I didn't get a chance to see, I'll be home soon.  I don't know when, but I will keep you posted.

I hope you are all doing well!

--DV

Progress

Shadow seems to be improving quite well.  I only gave her pain meds twice yesterday.  She wants to do more walking around the house than she's supposed to do.  That part is difficult.  She hasn't been in her kennel for years.  Now, we have to kennel her if we aren't going to be right next to her and preventing her from moving.  Whenever I leave the house, I put on an e-collar, too.  Poor baby!  She actually ate some dog food last night.  That's a step in the right direction.  Today she had her first BM since surgery.  I know, more than you wanted to know, but definitely progress.

We have some friends coming for dinner tonight, so I'm spending the day cleaning!  What joy.  How is it that a husband can recognize something splattered all over the kitchen walls and ceiling a month ago, but I'm the one who gets to clean it?  Hmmmmmmmm.  Anybody know how to get blinds off of the wall and how to clean those same fabric blinds?  I really wish I knew what the heck sprayed all over the place.  Gross!

Believe it or not, I have seen some blue sky today.  It's crazy.  I didn't think blue skies still existed in the wild of Wisconsin.  Perhaps they're just an endangered species around these parts?  Of course, Mom tells me yesterday that they're in 115 degree weather.  Oh yeah?  Well, I was in 51 degree weather today.  Ha Ha Ha!  (-: 

Not too much else going on.  I cannot believe that I return to reality in a couple of days.  Wow!  This time home went really quickly and it's the longest I've been home since I left in March.  I'm so glad I've been able to see as many friends as I have.  That means so much to me.

I hope you are all doing well.

--DV

Shadow's Surgery

Shadow made it through her surgery just fine, but the aftermath just may cause me to have a psychotic break from lack of sleep (and it's only been 1 day)!

We went to see her on Tuesday evening.  She was definitely not having good pain-control.  After more than 30 minutes in the room with her and having to call the front desk to remind them that she needed pain meds and to be brought back to her kennel (yes, I guess I'm one of "those" dog-owners), one of the techs finally came into the room.  When I said that she needed more pain meds and to be brought back to the kennel, the woman said (with a scowl), "Oh, so you're already ready to have her brought back?"  I explained that she wasn't comfortable and needed something more for pain.  I asked what they are giving her.  Her reply, "Hydro!"  Imagine how hard I had to bite my tongue at that point?  I said, pleasantly, "Hydro what?"  She told me Shadow was getting Hydromorphone (Dilaudid).  I explained that she probably needed more because she was obviously in pain.  I then asked how they handle it when a dog has to use the bathroom.  She said, "Well, dogs who have had this surgery don't like to walk, so they just go where they lie and then we clean them up!"  I know that humans hate to go where they lie and dogs hate it even more.  I finished with my questions and she then informed me that she was going to go get the muzzle.  A muzzle for Shadow?  Really?!?!  When she came back into the room, I asked why she was putting a muzzle on my sweet dog, especially since Shadow didn't have a muzzle on her when she was brought in.  She responded, again with a scowl and a sassy shake of her head, "Well, she tried to bite us when we brought her in to see you and you don't want us to get bitten, do you?" 

How many of you would have gone off on this woman by now?  Not me!  I remained calm, knowing that giving her a piece of my mind would result in ill-treatment of my Baby-girl.  When we got back to the house, I called the office and got her name.  The pen is mightier than the sword, so I wrote profusely about her on my comment card!  So there!  I also shared with the day tech how nasty this woman was.  She wasn't surprised by what I shared.  Oh well!  At least someone wrote it up.

I promised you pictures of Shadow.  Sorry I didn't send these last night when we got her home, but it's pretty intense taking care of her.  Poor baby!

Who would've guessed she has freckles under all that fur?

Really, a pink cast?  Don't they know her favorite color is Blue?

Even Jorge wasn't upset that she laid on his pillows.  Poor baby!

While we waited to pick her up, we finished the grouting on the backsplash.  That was loads of fun!  Not!!!

It's amazing what a difference it makes.  We just need to seal it and put on the outlet covers.  Can't wait to see the final product!  (-:

I slept on the floor with Shadow last night.  Hence my premonition of a psychotic break!  She is really not supposed to do much walking at all, except for Physical Therapy (right now it's 2.5 minutes of walking 2-3 times a day).  The tech told us that there are aqua treadmills in our area if we'd like to use that for Shadow.  Can you imagine her on an aqua treadmill?  She doesn't even like stepping in wet grass.  Submerge her in water and have her walk on a treadmill?  Never going to happen!

It's still raining and cold.  The good news is it's supposed to reach nearly 70 today, for about 2 minutes, before another cold front and rain storm moves through.  Patience!!!!!!  (-:

One of my buddies left for Germany on Tuesday.  She will be missed.  Thank God for e-mail and Facebook.  My new friends are scattered across the globe and I am really glad I will still be able to keep in touch with them.  I am also glad I can keep in touch with my Wisconsin friends via Facebook.  Now, to figure out how to Skype with my whole family!  Baby steps with the technology.

I hope you're all doing well.

--DV

Things I've learned

So, I've learned a few things since I got home on leave.  I'd LOVE to share all of them with you:

1)  The beginning of Fall in Wisconsin is really cold and wet, especially when you've spent the past 6 months in 90+ degree weather.

2)  Just when you think your dog couldn't get more pissed at you after giving her a bath, make her have surgery on her leg.  New meaning to "pissed."

Talk about the "evil eye!"

3)  When meeting with girlfriends, it's always best if everyone has a margarita and there are several bowls of guacamole at the ready!

4)  When trying to rid your mind of the aforementioned surgical procedure on your dog, tile the backsplash in your kitchen.

We'll grout tomorrow!

5)  Running magazines suggest putting your treadmill at a 1% incline to equal the wind resistance you would feel if running outside.  They don't have suggestions for running in 25 mph winds, though.

It's really nice to be home, but I wish I could ride my motorcycle.  Perhaps the weather will clear before I have to return to El Paso.

Shadow had her surgery today.  The doctor said she did well and we can go see her in a couple of hours.  I can't wait to see my Baby-girl!

That's it for now.  I'll post some pictures of Shady when we get her back home tomorrow.

I hope you're all doing well!

--DV

This is what my last weekend in San Antonio looked like.  Amazing how drab it was, huh?  It was very fitting, though.  Those of us who had to say good-bye to friends felt just like the sky looks.

Now I'm in Wisconsin and it's in the 60's.  What the heck?  I've been living in 80-90 degrees for the past 6 months.  My body is in shock!  (-:

Despite the weather, it is nice to be home.  Jorge and I are doing some projects around the house.  He changed out the fan in the master bathroom yesterday.  Poor guy was covered in insulation when he was finally done.  Today will be yard work.

We had an awesome dinner last night of homemade tomato sauce made from tomatoes out of the garden, homemade bread, and nice wine.  It was yummy.  Oh yeah, there was spaghetti in there, too, but it wasn't home-made.  Move over Martha Stewart!

I am looking forward to seeing friends.  Gym with Peggy today.  A play with Karen Sunday.  Drinks with the girls on Monday.  Friday is with Scottie Dog.  Can't wait!

I'm sending lots of pink light to my sisters as they travel to our grandmother's house today.  It may be the last time one of us gets to be in the house.  The rotten B is selling it.  It's definitely got to be hard on my sisters.  Thank you for going there to get our family heirlooms before the rotten B does a clean sweep.  Remember, there's always Hormel chili!  (-:

I hope you are all doing well. 

--DV

Home

I got back to Wisconsin yesterday evening and Jorge and I had a great dinner at Bravo! How cute are we?  We both had on grey t-shirts, blue bottoms (he was wearing scrubs *shocker* and I was wearing blue jeans), and black shoes.  We couldn't have coordinated it better!  It was definitely what I needed after such a ridiculous start to the day. . .but I'll tell you more about that later.

 Tuesday was my last day at BOLC.  As we were out-processing, it turned-out that the company didn't have my out-processing folder.  As a result, I had to go to the company to find my paperwork.  I walked back to the hotel and hopped into my car.  It made me smile when I realized that I had flowers on my windshield, left from one of my new friends:

I also had an invaluable opportunity to refine my vacuuming skills.  You know, that's a perishable skill.  Go Nurse Track!

When  I finally got on the road, it was after 2:00 p.m.  I wasn't exactly happy about the late start, especially since I had 8 hours ahead of me.  It was worth it, though, since I was able to have 1 more meal with my new friends Tawni, Matticus, and Melinda.  Thank you for a few more laughs, guys!

During the drive back to El Paso, the sky kept me entertained.  There is something magical about sunsets and storms in the desert.

       

Can you believe how beautiful these pictures are?  It took my breath away.

As I got closer to El Paso, I called our buddy Barry and asked if he could give me a ride to the airport the next day.  Turns out he was in the hospital for bradycardia.  Poor Barry.  If he didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck.  Looks like he'll be getting a pacemaker tomorrow morning.  Barry, it sucks getting older, my friend.

After visiting with him, I checked on my leave form to see if it was all in order.  Surprise, surprise!  It hadn't even been signed by my head nurse.  Out of sight, out of mind, I guess!  I got in touch with him Wednesday morning, at 0700 and explained that my flight was leaving at 0845!  OK, here's the frustrating part of the morning.  I drove like Mario Andriette to the hospital to send my leave form to him again (paperless society sucks).  Once I did that, I couldn't find him to get the form signed-off.  So, I ran down to the company and waited for the acting Company Commander to get into the office.  I explained the situation to him and he signed off.  I had 30 minutes to get from the hospital to the airport and my gate!  Talk about pushing it!  Here's the best part of the story. . .I was in flip-flops the whole time.  How stupid am I?  Thankfully I made it to my gate with 5 minutes to spare.  I'm sure I looked like a complete fool running all over the hospital, airport parking lot, and the terminal.  I thoroughly medicated myself with Dramamine and slept the whole way home.  I barely woke up for the layover in Kansas City!  Better than passing out like I did after my visit home on Labor Day weekend.  It's never a dull moment with me!

Shadow was supposed to have her surgery tomorrow (Friday) but they've rescheduled it to be on Tuesday.  I was pretty ticked-off that they originally wanted to reschedule for next Friday.  I had to pull the Army card and explain that I don't have the flexibility of those who live around here.  She is still going to have a nice steak tonight, despite the reschedule.

Not too much else going on.  I hope all of my new friends from BOLC are doing well.  I miss them tremendously.  I've never felt closer to a group of people in such a short time.  I love you all!

I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to seeing friends while I'm home.

--DV