Believe it or not, I joined the US Army Nurse Corps 1 year ago today. So much has happened in the past year. It's hard to believe how much my life has changed since I drove onto Ft. Sam Houston to start my first day of Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).
BOLC was a great experience for me. Each time I was there (thanks to my ankle), I made friends and memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I especially feel blessed for the friendships I made with the 6-pack + 1. I've never gotten so close to military people in such a short amount of time. While I was truly upset when I refractured my ankle, I now know that I was meant to return to BOLC to meet these truly special people. Who would've thought that I could've gotten so close to them in only 5 weeks?
I've settled into my routine in El Paso. Work keeps me busy. I'm involved in lots of things in the unit, trying to make it a better place and improve the competency in the unit. There are plenty of times when I question why I care so much and why I allow myself to get so upset over how things are done there. Then I remind myself that I care because the ultimate recipients of our care are US Veterans, US Soldiers, and their dependents. I care because this was what inspired me to rejoin the military. I care because I take pride in my work. I care because I believe things can always get better. So, I keep on plugging along. Perhaps I'll make a difference. Perhaps not. Either way, I know I've tried.
Although my life has changed dramatically in the past 12 months, I know it is going to change even more in the next few months. The Captain's Board meets in less than a month. With any luck, I will be CPT Valdivieso by the end of the summer. Another board meets in May to determine if I will be able to go to CRNA school. That will mean heading to San Antonio in a year from now. All very exciting things that I am truly looking forward to.
Another big change is LJ's college graduation. After 5 years of education, he will be graduating with a BS in BioChemistry. Wow! All of his hard work and our worries will finally pay off. I'm proud of him for making it through the ups and downs. I know he's put a lot of his soul into this and I look forward to seeing what happens in the future for him.
Although I am still apart from my honey, we use technology to keep in touch. We've had dinner "together" while Skyping. We've watched the same movie, at the same time, through Netflix. We talk at least 2 times/day on the phone. We have laughed at my silliness and gotten frustrated at the B.S. together.
Shadow has recovered completely from her knee surgery. She is back to running around with her doggy buddies whenever they come around. I can see her on Skype and she is as fluffy as ever. It's so good to know that she's back to her old self. That pink cast from her surgery will always stick in my mind.
So, the ups and downs will continue as time marches on. I am blessed that I can look back on the past year and recognize more ups than downs. I'm grateful for the love and support of my family and friends. I'm grateful for the new friends I've made and the old friends I've kept.
Wishing you well!
--DV
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A wonderful visit home!
I went home the last weekend in February. It was so great to go home and see Jorge and Shadow.
We celebrated Jorge's birthday early with the traditional dinner at Eddie Martini's. That was great! Man, they make incredible steaks there. It's too bad LJ wasn't around so we could've indulged in the amazing ocean martini.
We attended the car show, which has been a birthday weekend tradition. I love looking at all of the incredible cars they have. If only we had a 20-car garage!!!!!
Returning to El Paso was a bit stressful for me. I was trying to ensure that my packet for CRNA school got submitted on time. Not exactly the easiest thing to do from 1700 miles away. My smart phone is handy, but not as smart as I need it to be. Luckily, Jorge suggested that he log into my account and send the necessary paperwork. For those of you who know AKO, imagine talking someone through navigating that system when they aren't very computer-savvy. Yeah, a little difficult. Once I landed in El Paso, at 2200, I drove to the hospital to check e-mails, just to make sure all was in order. Thankfully, everyone did their part while I was gone. Whew! Another checklist marked off. (-: Now for the waiting game.
The CPT's board meets on 17 April. With any luck, I'll get picked-up for CPT! That will be awesome! Less than a month later, a whole bunch of exciting stuff happens: LJ graduates from college on Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The CRNA board convenes on the 14th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should know by June 19th if I've been accepted into CRNA school! I am so completely stoked! April-June are going to be very exciting months.
Until then, I'm trying to make changes in the ICU. It's going at a glacial crawl, but we'll get there. We have a lot of talent and experience. . .just need the right motivation. I'm going to come home in April to see my Heinz and Shady-girl! Cannot wait for that.
I hope all of you are doing well, too. Sorry that there aren't any pictures. I cannot get the "smart" phone to send pictures to my e-mail. Darn technology!
--DV
We celebrated Jorge's birthday early with the traditional dinner at Eddie Martini's. That was great! Man, they make incredible steaks there. It's too bad LJ wasn't around so we could've indulged in the amazing ocean martini.
We attended the car show, which has been a birthday weekend tradition. I love looking at all of the incredible cars they have. If only we had a 20-car garage!!!!!
Returning to El Paso was a bit stressful for me. I was trying to ensure that my packet for CRNA school got submitted on time. Not exactly the easiest thing to do from 1700 miles away. My smart phone is handy, but not as smart as I need it to be. Luckily, Jorge suggested that he log into my account and send the necessary paperwork. For those of you who know AKO, imagine talking someone through navigating that system when they aren't very computer-savvy. Yeah, a little difficult. Once I landed in El Paso, at 2200, I drove to the hospital to check e-mails, just to make sure all was in order. Thankfully, everyone did their part while I was gone. Whew! Another checklist marked off. (-: Now for the waiting game.
The CPT's board meets on 17 April. With any luck, I'll get picked-up for CPT! That will be awesome! Less than a month later, a whole bunch of exciting stuff happens: LJ graduates from college on Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The CRNA board convenes on the 14th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should know by June 19th if I've been accepted into CRNA school! I am so completely stoked! April-June are going to be very exciting months.
Until then, I'm trying to make changes in the ICU. It's going at a glacial crawl, but we'll get there. We have a lot of talent and experience. . .just need the right motivation. I'm going to come home in April to see my Heinz and Shady-girl! Cannot wait for that.
I hope all of you are doing well, too. Sorry that there aren't any pictures. I cannot get the "smart" phone to send pictures to my e-mail. Darn technology!
--DV
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)