The dog

I saw the puppy today.  She got close enough for me to feed her some cheez its and a bit of water from my water bottle.  As you can see, she's a very pretty pup.

Today was the beginning of our real education as officers.  It was very informative.  The field exercises are going to be lots of fun.  I'm looking forward to what we're going to learn. 

Otherwise, I'm hanging in there. 

That's it for now.  Have a great night.

Week 2

Thank God for the weekend.  I accomplished quite a bit this past weekend and had some very much needed down time.

On Saturday, I was fitted for my dress blues.  One of these days, I will try to figure out why I constantly find myself clothes shopping with women who are significantly smaller than me.  Nothing makes you feel like a big 'un more than taking a size 7 times bigger than your counterpart.  OK, so there's some consolation in knowing that I'm 6 inches taller than them. . .but not much. 

Sunday was a breezy day, but I went to the track, ran a couple of miles, and did some additional arm and ab work-outs.  Silly me. . .my heels were feeling so much better on Saturday that I didn't even protect them on Sunday.  I was definitely feeling the pain of that mistake.  If I didn't know any better I might think that I don't have  a lick of medical background.  What a goofball.  My blisters were so noticeable that a civilian in the laundromat pointed them out to me.  In a soft southern drawl she said, "Oh honey!  Those look like they hurt.  You wearin' new shoes?"  As my youngest sister said, they are "leper heels."  Hey, no pain, no gain!

On Monday, we had our first morning of PT (Physical Training).  It wasn't too bad.  I was definitely feeling the little bit of arms/abs I had done on Sunday, though.  Man, I feel so out of shape.

I did find a stray dog on Monday.  She's a young lab/golden mix (I think).  She's really skiddish, but beautiful, and probably only 4 months old or so.  I wish I had a way to get her someplace safe.  She followed me across the parking lot, so I was able to get her away from traffic.  We saw her this morning, too.  At least I know that she was still safe as of this morning.  I guess there's a whole pack of feral dogs on post.  Sad.

We also received all of our field gear.  It'll be 3 weeks in the field.  Since we're in Officer's Training, we come back to our rooms on the weekend.  Remember, this is a "kinder, gentler" basic training.  (-:  Even the tents are air-conditioned.  It blows my mind.  I look forward to seeing the Combat Support Hospital set-up, though.  Who knows, I might find myself in one of those, caring for the soldiers who are putting their lives on the line every day.

Speaking of which, if you haven't watched "Restrepo," I recommend it.  What a powerful movie.  It's available through Netflix.  We've watched almost all of it.  Again, if you ever have a doubt as to why I've made this move in my career, just watch that movie.

We're starting our platoon-specific education tomorrow.  That should be good.  No more briefings.  Thank the Lord!

I found out that I will be the Platoon Leader for the nurses in my class platoon.  I'm looking forward to the leadership opportunity.  We'll see how it goes.  It doesn't sound like too much responsibility, so that'll be good.  I'm still trying to get my mind into the Army mentality again.

I hope everyone's doing well.  I think of you all the time.  I even think about those yummy tater tots at Joe's.  If anyone's reading this from Joe's, have a few tots for me one morning!

Thank you for your support, calls, e-mails.  They mean the world to me.

--DV

Blistered

I know I told all of you that Officer Basic wasn't going to be anything like regular basic.  For the most part, I was right.  Unfortunately, I was wrong on several counts.

As you've read, our first day was ridiculously long with minimal food.  I promised I'd show you the results of wearing my boots.  For those of you who are squeamish, avert your eyes (Nin):

Right heel

Left Heel

With Jorge's guidance, I was able to patch up my heels to make it through Friday.  I also helped patch up a couple of new Lieutenants in my platoon, too.  They've taken to referring to me as "Mom."  Some things will never change.

I passed my Diagnostic Physical Fitness Test, despite having these blisters, too.  I was thoroughly surprised, but pleasantly pleased!  (-:  We have another one on the 8th of April and the 24th.  I'm hoping my push-ups and sit-ups will get better and my time will get faster. 

Last night was Taco Cabana and a margarita.  A nice way to unwind.  I needed it after this past few days. 

The plan today is to get the rest of my uniform, another pair of boots, and be fitted for my Army Service Uniform (the dress blues).  That'll be a $1000 bill.  UGH!  And you all know how much I love to go shopping.

Speaking of shopping, this is for Ninette (thank you for feeding Jorge):

This is in the Post Exchange (PX)

I guess that's it for now.  I'll write more as more happens.  Thank you all for continuing to send your love and good thoughts my way.

1LT Valdivieso

Love to all.

In-processing

It is sooo hot in San Antonio.  It's already 85 degrees and probably 90% humidity. 

I drove onto Ft. Sam Houston today around 1100.  I went to Clothing Sales immediately and picked-up some essentials, Physical Fitness Uniform, Rank, etc.  When I went to the housing bldg to check in, I found out that I was going to be housed off-post, at a Holiday Inn.  I have a room-mate.  She is coming in as a Biochemist, but her profession is that of a Toxicologist/Geneticist.  I've never met a toxicologist before, so it's been interesting talking with her. 

Luckily, I didn't have to wait around too long before I was able to complete the first day of in-processing.  Believe it or not, they issued me 2 hand-sanitizer sprays, bug spray, and chap stick.  I was also sized for a kevlar helmet, registered for the class, and had my height and weight taken.  I'll admit it, I'm a chunky monkey, so I needed to be taped.  At that point in time I was really regretting the "going-away" parties and sumptuous dinners at home before my trip down here.  Not to fear, however.  It's so hot, I'll probably lose 10 pounds in the first week.  All of you know how much I love to eatbut it's so hot that I had 2/3 of a baked potato for lunch, no breakfast, and a small salad for dinner. 

Tomorrow should be interesting.  They are picking us up at 0415 (that's 4:15 a.m. for you civilians).  We have to be in the hotel lobby at 0345.  As Jorge put it, not even the new recruits are up that early.  According to the schedule, we're not done with training until 1900 or so (7:00 p.m.).  It should be a long, grueling day.  Since I didn't get much sleep last night, I'm going to hit the sack early tonight and hope for the best.

Shadow is already driving Jorge crazy.  It's too cold, wet, windy, snowy for her to play or get outside for very long.  She's going a bit stir-crazy.  Plus, she goes to the door at every little sound, thinking it's me coming home.  I feel so bad for both Shadow and Jorge. 

I truly appreciate that so many of you have called Jorge to see how he's doing.  This is incredibly difficult on both of us.  Thank you for the love and support you're giving him.

Day 2

I finally made it to San Antonio.  I drove 650 miles today.  I hit a few patches of construction and a little rain, but, for the most part, it was smooth sailing.  For those of you who have a heavy foot, you would've loved today's drive.  Most of Oklahoma had a 75 mph speed limit, while most of Texas was 70.  It made the barren landscape fly by a little bit faster.  It was fun to see the oil drills in the fields.  It made me remember driving from Georgia to El Paso, TX with my husband and parrot.  She rode the whole trip on my shoulder and practically fell off the first time she saw one of those "monsters" off the side of the road.

When I hit the TX state line, I called my husband to tell him of my progress.  He replied with, "Is everything bigger in Texas?"  Shortly after our conversation, I drove past the Texas Motor Speedway.  The pictures just don't do it justice.  What a massive building!  Holy cow.  I guess they really do make everything bigger in Texas. 

At some point in time, I drove past a Czech hotel/restaurant.  I tried taking a picture of it for my step-dad, Tony, but I was too late.  Sorry.  At least you know you were in my thoughts, Ton!

The last 80 miles of the drive were brutally slow.  I hit traffic in Austin and construction.  All of us were routed off of the highway at one point.  The North-bound traffic was at a complete standstill.  The caustic smell in the air helped me figure it out.  I couldn't believe the still-smoking hull of a bus in the median. 

I finished the audio book my friends at St. Joe's gave me.  What an incredible story.  I will definitely be loaning that to my parents for their next long RV trip.  Thank you so much for that book.  It helped make the miles bearable.

Last night, I didn't sleep very well.  Despite the fact that I have a travel pillow with my husband's shirt and cologne covering it, I just couldn't get comfortable.  I wedged the other pillow against my back, pretending it was Jorge.  To make matters worse, the TV in my room apparently was possessed.  I turned it off. . .and it turned itself back on.  This went on for approximately 10 minutes until, in my exhaustion, I pressed "mute" and tried my best to sleep.  This morning, both my sister and husband asked me why I didn't just un-plug it.  I maintain it didn't cross my mind due to being so tired, but I'm sure part of it was my fear that it would stay on, like a scene from "Poltergeist."

One good thing happened, however.  Our dog, Shadow, injured her hind leg 2 weeks before I left.  She hasn't been able to get onto our bed since then and cries whenever she wants to be lifted onto the bed.  When Jorge arrived home tonight, she had found a way to get herself onto our bed.  She's still limping, but she figured out a way to make herself comfortable. 



My Shady-girl before I left.

Although I had a nice dinner tonight and I'm relaxing in my room, I still feel the vibrations from the road.  We'll see what tomorrow has in store for me.  I'm hoping the weather won't be quite as sticky as it was today (85 and really humid).  I will keep you all posted with my contact information once I get checked in.  I hope tonight's sleep is better.  I will be dreaming of my love, wishing we were together.  Good night.

Day1

I'm halfway to San Antonio.  I drove 700 miles today and had smooth sailing nearly the whole way.  Despite multiple episodes of gut-wrenching sobs, I've made it to Oklahoma.  Tomorrow's drive shouldn't be too bad, as long as I can see through my continued tears. 

Along the way, I saw miles and miles of barren farmland.  I also saw signs for the "Vacuum Cleaner Museum."  Who would go to a museum about vacuum cleaners?  Just before I hit St. Louis, my sister Lori called.  She suggested that I take a detour to see the Arch.  Here are a few pictures for you, Ree.



It really seemed closer than this picture.

 About 3 hours before I stopped for the night, my niece called.  She informed me that they were having meatloaf and "mashed potatoes to die for" for dinner.  Yummmy!  Of course, that put a hankering for meatloaf in my mind.  The diner I had dinner at tonight had meatloaf and mashed potatoes as their special.  I thought I was in luck.  I guess I should've known better; the restaurant (the only one near my hotel) is in a truck stop.  So, the salad bar, which was included in the price of the meal, had iceberg lettuce, pickles, broccoli, and carrot sticks.  Those were the only vegetables.  It also contained an impressive assortment of mayo-based salads: cole slaw (which my husband calls "cold slop"), macaroni salad, some sort of black-eyed peas salad, and other items which shouldn't be consumed from a gas-station diner.

My drive was made tolerable today because of all the phone calls I received from family and friends.  You can't possibly know how much they all meant to me.  I also was able to keep my mind busy by listening to a book on CD from my friends at St. Joe's, "Unbroken."  It doesn't make the drive any easier, but it keeps my mind from thinking about all I've left behind in Wisconsin.

My heart is throbbing in agony.  I miss my husband so much.  I just pray that this was the right choice for us, that I won't look back on this and have regret.  I know that I need to see what opportunities I will have through the Army for my furthered education.  I know that this is something we spoke about for the past 3 years.  I know that he would've never told me not to go.  He wants me to succeed and capitalize on the opportunities I will have.  It just doesn't make this any easier.  Good night,  my love.  I will dream of you tonight.

Wrapping it up.

Now the reality sets in.  It's Friday afternoon and I'm leaving for San Antonio on Monday morning.  How the time flies. 

I've had 2 excellent goodbye parties; one from my friends at St. Joseph's Hospital and one with all of my other friends I've met in Wisconsin. 

I've worked at St Joseph's Hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit, for nearly 11 years.  I've learned how to be an ICU nurse at St. Joe's.  I've become comfortable with a myriad of patient populations, with high-tech equipment, and with the various personalities inherent in the Intensive Care Unit.  Since I started at St. Joe's fresh out of Nursing School, you could say I've grown-up with these people.  Besides the excellent Mexican food (my fave) and tasty margaritas, I received a beautiful necklace that will always remind me of my friends, a book on tape for the 1200 mile journey to San Antonio, and a book about dogs.  We closed the place down and shared a lot of laughs.  It was a great evening!








A hug for Jill-thank you for the gifts.





The second party was hosted by my friend Peggy.  Almost all of my close friends were able to come and celebrate.  Again, a great time was had.  I received beautiful, thoughtful gifts.  Most importantly, I received the gift of their time and friendship.  I have never lived in one place for as long as I've lived in Wisconsin.  These friends have been there for me through parenting difficulties, job difficulties, the death of my father, the death of my ferret, and all of the happy times in between.  They have become an extended family for me and I will greatly miss them.

Can you believe we're all in pink?  Susan would be cracking up.

 

My hubby, buddy, and son.

Yesterday, I spent 4 hours at Firestone, getting my car ready for the trip: new tires, oil change, transmission flush, alignment, coolant flush, etc.  Bring on the road!

As I say good-bye to the people I've met in Wisconsin, I become acutely aware of the fact that so many people have come into my life.  The butcher where we buy our steaks promised a care package (I don't know if the blue cheese butter will make it to San Antonio or not).  My vet hugged me and wished me the best.  She'll be calling to check in with my husband to see how our dog, Shadow, is doing.  Even my friends at WineStyles have promised to keep in touch.  I'm so blessed to have all of these people in my life. 

I still have a little bit of time to spend with friends and family before I leave.  I plan to make the absolute most of my time with them.  They will all be missed.

Thank you so much

My youngest sister, Gail, came for a short visit last week.  It will probably be her last time visiting Wisconsin.  We had a great time!  Even her flight landed early!  How often does that happen?  (-: 

I truly appreciate that her family: husband, 10-year-old daughter, and 1.5-year-old daughter, held down the fort while she was with me.  The youngest daughter was sick most of the time Gail was visiting, yet Eric, her husband, managed to hold it all together until Gail's return.

While I'm preparing to leave (in less than 3 weeks now), it's an incredibly stressful time for me.  I'm trying to finish-up with my job, packing things for San Antonio, and getting other stuff ready for my first duty station, El Paso.  At the same time, I'm trying to clean up the house, go through things that I can get rid of, and still find time to spend with my husband.  It's amazing how much stuff one accumulates in 7 years of living in a home! 

Gail's arrival allowed me to rest, relax, unwind.  She kept offering to help pack things up, but it was more important that we spent some quality time together.  I hope she enjoyed the spa day as much as I did and that she felt comfortable and relaxed during her visit.

In uncertain times, family is the one constant.  I'm so lucky that my family loves and supports me. 

You're doing WHAT?

You have no idea how many times I am questioned as to why I want to return to the Army and serve as an ICU Nurse.  Most often, the people who ask me this question have never served in the military, nor have they known anyone who has. 

Aren't we lucky to live in a country where military service isn't mandated by the government?  Aren't we blessed that enough people volunteer to serve our country and protect our freedom? 

We live in a time where our military forces reach all of the corners of the globe.  We act as police, as enforcers, as health-care providers.  We parachute into hot landing zones to support and protect people who might turn into our enemies tomorrow.  We put our youth on the front-lines, engaging in battle with unseen enemies.

If you haven't already seen it, I recommend watching the movie "Taking Chance."  It stars Kevin Bacon as a Marine Officer who is accompanying the body of a fallen marine to his family.  It is one of the most moving dramatizations I've ever seen.  If more people had seen this movie, I feel confident that the question of "Why would you want to join the Army" would never be asked again.

I want to care for those soldiers who are fortunate enough to return from war.  Our soldiers are being wounded overseas and stateside; training accidents, combat wounds, etc.  Our veterans also deserve excellent health care.  They've served and defended our country.

I, too, desire to serve our country, by caring for those who defend it.