This Tuesday marked our final Tuesday playdate. Tuesdays with all 4 cousins have regrettably come to an end because Kate will start Kindergarten next week. Due to Kate's daily Kindergarten class, Zachary's nap schedule, Matt's transportation and Ashley's activities the scheduling will just be too difficult to continue.
With that in mind, the 4 cousins got together for one final hurrah. We started the morning at Aunt Tonya's enormous playroom. Zach's eyes lit up with excitement over all the toys to play with. I really like the playroom because there is such a huge diversity in toys - from make believe and dress up, to leggos and manipulating toys, to cars and tea parties, from infant toys ranging all the up to oldr kid toys - there is something for everyone. It has been important to me to instill gender neutral or gender equality toys (not sure if that is the correct term I'm looking for) with Zach. I want Zach and Matt to be able to play with dolls and tea party as well as trucks. And Aunt Tonya's playroom allows for all of it.
Despite my ramblings on the benefits of a well-stocked playroom the day did start out a little rough. I could tell that all the kids were in a mood (a range of moods I should say). Certainly the kids are no longer guests at each other's homes and behave like family. Immediately Zach saw Ashley's juice and took it. With the mindset what's yours is mine (and what's mine is mine) inherent in toddlers. Ashley was obviously not finished drinking her juice and snatched it back. Just a minor example of how the day started and progressed.
On the one hand its satisfying to know that these kids know and love each other so much and have bonded over the last 6 months of constant playdates. But on the other hand a little break from the stress of 4 kids will certainly be a benefit to everyone.
We quickly got the kids outside and playing at the park. Each kid went their separate way to explore, climb and discover. The park was a lot of fun - as always. Kate was able to climb on the tallest structure and clearly lead the children in a pirate treasure game with Kate narrating the story and outcomes. Ashley also took on a leadership role (as the younger sister it has been nice to watch her grow into a leader with the boys). Ashley corraled the boys and kept them with the group as they moved through the equipment. Matt is still a consistent climber trying new ladders and steps. He is starting to join in with the group as well. Zach followed the big girls around even managing to climb on some of the more difficult equipment to catch up with Matt.
After a pretty hot and tiring play at the park the kids were in obvious need of lunch and cooling off. We headed to Carl's Jr. for chicken stars for the kids. They ate in shifts (remind anyone of the Army mess hall?) since the table was to small to accomodate 4 kids and 2 adults. Tonya and I took turns feeding and cleaning the kids. Its amazing get 2 moms together and 4 kids in need and it doesn't matter which kids belong to which parent, equality in work distribution prevails.
Carls Jr. also houses a large play structure with climbing stairs some crawl tubes and slides. After a few minutes I realized Zach was gone and I hadn't seen him in a bit. Usually he hangs down at the lowest couple of stairs calling to the kids or trying to climb the wrong way up the slide. But Zach was no where to be found. He had managed to climb to the top by himself with some guidance from Ashley and crawl through all the tubes to the slide. As I watched he went down the slide with Kate! Thank goodness because there was no way I could crawl to the top to retrieve a toddler. Zach was so full of pride he did it again and again! Matt of course was on a singular mission - to climb up and go down the stairs 100 times in 30 minutes. That kid sure is focused and I bet you he accomplished his mission and then some. Sounds like his parents, eh?
We rounded up tired and cranky kids and took them to Aunt Shannon's in preparation of Grandpa Frank's arrival and pick-up. The day quickly went south. Everyone was tired (parents included). Zach fell asleep in the carseat and promptly went to the crib. Matt quickly fell asleep on the couch. Kate had a pretty severe headache and after a long nap ended up doing much better.
While not a huge blowout farewell to Tuesdays, it was a nice quiet ending to our arrangement. Now we'll have to figure something else out until Matt's parent come home! Just a few more weeks to go... Countdown anyone?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Your prayers, please
Today I write to ask for your thoughts and prayers as one of my beloved "old" patients from the DC area goes to surgery. She is a 3.5 year old little girl with a rare heart disorder, and she has been living at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for the past ~ 6 months waiting on a heart transplant. I just received word that the "perfect" heart has become available, and she will be in surgery for the next half-day or so. Her family is the most amazing, dedicated, loving family I have ever seen ... in fact, pasted below is an email I wrote to them as I travelled across the country to my new duty station last summer - you can see the level of respect I have for them from the email. They have been incredibly influential in my life, and now I ask that everyone reading this blog take a moment to think about the little girl with the weak heart and her family who has sacrificed so much to get her where she is today.
Her mother and father have blogs - they are highly recommended and will reveal the strength of this wonderful family!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's my email from Summer 2008 to the family:
I meant to make that "first name" deal with you when I saw you this week, but with all the craziness, it slipped my mind. But it's definitely a deal! Now that I'm officially not the kids' pediatrician anymore, I think dropping the formality is completely appropriate. :) I might have a little difficulty with it at first, and in fact had some hesitancy in writing your names at the beginning of this email, but ..... I'm getting more and more used to it by the second!!!
It seems to me that at the culmination of my residency at Walter Reed, there have been a lot of people outlining what "I've" done for "them". In many different arenas, this one-sided view of the tour has been apparent: my residency director introducing me with my (limited) residency accomplishments at the end-of-the-year party, other patients coming into clinic and telling me how their kids have changed (mostly in a good way!) since I've been their doctor, my mentor discussing personal milestones in my final counseling. But what seems to have been forgotten in large part is how "everyone" has helped "me", how my colleagues, patients, and friends have changed MY life and made me a better person, pediatrician, and mother. This email seeks to remedy this deficiency.
I came into residency three years ago not really knowing which way was up. (Seriously!) And that first intern year didn't help much, either. It was exhausting, annoying, and taxing from a personal, emotional, professional, and medical standpoint. You knew me during that trying time (at least after Lauren was born in January), and you probably saw right through some of my attempts to understand Lauren's condition (which was clearly over my head). What I remember of you during that academic year was a family of amazing strength and resilience, two parents who were willing to sacrifice anything for their children, one little girl who just refused to give up, and two siblings who selflessly gave up many of their own wants and desires when their sister was sick.
My admiration for the family grew during my second academic year, when two important things happened: one, I spent a morning hanging out with the kids at your home, and, second, Lauren tried really hard to die. The "morning at your house" was revealing because it gave me a glimpse into the challenges of your home life (and just how busy it could be). Lauren's septic shock episode taught me what the role of the general pediatrician should be in cases when critically ill patients are transferred to another hospital. You may not have seen it on my face at the time, but I was totally winging it that evening and the remainder of the week. I didn't know what I was supposed to do as Lauren had no blood pressure and was getting loaded up in the ambulance for Children's. I knew that she would be well-cared-for by the medical personnel onboard, but I also realized that you two - as usual - were thinking of and worrying about her without regard to your own needs. Thus, the McDonald's, complete with a regular coke. :) My goal was just to be there for you that night - for translation, for kleenex, for sustenance, for whatever - and for one of the first times in my residency, my instinct and emotion rather than my medical knowledge was the driving factor.
By the time my third year rolled around, I knew that you were a very, very special family. As my own child came into the world, I began to understand the challenges that you always so gracefully negotiated as parents. From you, I learned about asking for help when a child's behavior has become unmanageable, and just how hard asking for help can be. I learned firsthand about the emotional turmoil of pregnancy and childbirth, and tried to put myself in your shoes to understand how you felt when Lauren was born so sick after an essentially uncomplicated pregnancy. I learned about how a husband and wife's relationship changes with the addition of a little one to the family, and you taught me to roll with the punches, laugh a lot, smile a lot, and focus on the positive as far as my marriage was concerned. There has been a lot that YOU have given ME in the last year.
I didn't realize - truly - what an effect your family has had on my life and my training until the Defining Moments presentation a few months back at your church. I was thrilled, elated, jubilant to be there for such a special and meaningful event! I'm sure you couldn't see me in the audience while you were presenting, but I was pretty much bawling. I was so proud of you for telling Lauren's story in the way that you did and so happy to have had the privilege of working with such an amazingly strong family. (PS My mom was crying too, and she absolutely loved the performance as wel!) It was at "Defining Moments" that I realized that while Lauren's birth was a defining moment in your life, it was really a defining moment in my life as well. More appropriately, perhaps I could describe the five of you as "Defining People" in my life - people who have made me stronger, better, and more loving in some big or small way, and people who will remain in my memories forever and ever.
I haven't been too sad to leave Walter Reed. It's been a tough three-year tour for lots of reasons. But as I drove home from work for the last time, I finally became a bit nostalgic. No, I wasn't sad to leave the 80-hour work weeks. No, I wasn't sad to leave the greasy cafeteria food. I wasn't sad to leave the politics of Walter Reed medicine. No, I wasn't even sad to leave the uncomfortable call room mattresses. :) But I WAS sad to know that I would be leaving some wonderful patients and families who have influenced me in ways that I could not have imagined three years ago. Your family is #1 on the influential list!
So - thank you. Thank you for the superior example you have set for my own parenting and my own family. Thank you for not noticing (or at least not letting on that you noticed) my cluelessness during that first intern year, and also during that night that Lauren went to Children's. Thank you for teaching me to ask for help when its necessary, and for asking all of the "hard" questions - you have really made me think! Thank you for showing me that even with three kids, horrible parking, a feeding tube backpack, and some serious temper tantrums, a single parent CAN be on time (or early) for every single appointment and CAN have a smile on his/her face. And finally, thank you for the wonderful book you gave me last week; it will remain in my office until I am too old and gray to have a practice anymore, as a reminder of why I am in this field and why I love taking care of kids and their families. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything!
I will think of you often during my tour at Fort Bliss. I can only hope that we can keep in touch - by email, phone, carrier pigeon, or otherwise - and continue to build the friendship that commenced that moment in January 2006.
I meant to make that "first name" deal with you when I saw you this week, but with all the craziness, it slipped my mind. But it's definitely a deal! Now that I'm officially not the kids' pediatrician anymore, I think dropping the formality is completely appropriate. :) I might have a little difficulty with it at first, and in fact had some hesitancy in writing your names at the beginning of this email, but ..... I'm getting more and more used to it by the second!!!
It seems to me that at the culmination of my residency at Walter Reed, there have been a lot of people outlining what "I've" done for "them". In many different arenas, this one-sided view of the tour has been apparent: my residency director introducing me with my (limited) residency accomplishments at the end-of-the-year party, other patients coming into clinic and telling me how their kids have changed (mostly in a good way!) since I've been their doctor, my mentor discussing personal milestones in my final counseling. But what seems to have been forgotten in large part is how "everyone" has helped "me", how my colleagues, patients, and friends have changed MY life and made me a better person, pediatrician, and mother. This email seeks to remedy this deficiency.
I came into residency three years ago not really knowing which way was up. (Seriously!) And that first intern year didn't help much, either. It was exhausting, annoying, and taxing from a personal, emotional, professional, and medical standpoint. You knew me during that trying time (at least after Lauren was born in January), and you probably saw right through some of my attempts to understand Lauren's condition (which was clearly over my head). What I remember of you during that academic year was a family of amazing strength and resilience, two parents who were willing to sacrifice anything for their children, one little girl who just refused to give up, and two siblings who selflessly gave up many of their own wants and desires when their sister was sick.
My admiration for the family grew during my second academic year, when two important things happened: one, I spent a morning hanging out with the kids at your home, and, second, Lauren tried really hard to die. The "morning at your house" was revealing because it gave me a glimpse into the challenges of your home life (and just how busy it could be). Lauren's septic shock episode taught me what the role of the general pediatrician should be in cases when critically ill patients are transferred to another hospital. You may not have seen it on my face at the time, but I was totally winging it that evening and the remainder of the week. I didn't know what I was supposed to do as Lauren had no blood pressure and was getting loaded up in the ambulance for Children's. I knew that she would be well-cared-for by the medical personnel onboard, but I also realized that you two - as usual - were thinking of and worrying about her without regard to your own needs. Thus, the McDonald's, complete with a regular coke. :) My goal was just to be there for you that night - for translation, for kleenex, for sustenance, for whatever - and for one of the first times in my residency, my instinct and emotion rather than my medical knowledge was the driving factor.
By the time my third year rolled around, I knew that you were a very, very special family. As my own child came into the world, I began to understand the challenges that you always so gracefully negotiated as parents. From you, I learned about asking for help when a child's behavior has become unmanageable, and just how hard asking for help can be. I learned firsthand about the emotional turmoil of pregnancy and childbirth, and tried to put myself in your shoes to understand how you felt when Lauren was born so sick after an essentially uncomplicated pregnancy. I learned about how a husband and wife's relationship changes with the addition of a little one to the family, and you taught me to roll with the punches, laugh a lot, smile a lot, and focus on the positive as far as my marriage was concerned. There has been a lot that YOU have given ME in the last year.
I didn't realize - truly - what an effect your family has had on my life and my training until the Defining Moments presentation a few months back at your church. I was thrilled, elated, jubilant to be there for such a special and meaningful event! I'm sure you couldn't see me in the audience while you were presenting, but I was pretty much bawling. I was so proud of you for telling Lauren's story in the way that you did and so happy to have had the privilege of working with such an amazingly strong family. (PS My mom was crying too, and she absolutely loved the performance as wel!) It was at "Defining Moments" that I realized that while Lauren's birth was a defining moment in your life, it was really a defining moment in my life as well. More appropriately, perhaps I could describe the five of you as "Defining People" in my life - people who have made me stronger, better, and more loving in some big or small way, and people who will remain in my memories forever and ever.
I haven't been too sad to leave Walter Reed. It's been a tough three-year tour for lots of reasons. But as I drove home from work for the last time, I finally became a bit nostalgic. No, I wasn't sad to leave the 80-hour work weeks. No, I wasn't sad to leave the greasy cafeteria food. I wasn't sad to leave the politics of Walter Reed medicine. No, I wasn't even sad to leave the uncomfortable call room mattresses. :) But I WAS sad to know that I would be leaving some wonderful patients and families who have influenced me in ways that I could not have imagined three years ago. Your family is #1 on the influential list!
So - thank you. Thank you for the superior example you have set for my own parenting and my own family. Thank you for not noticing (or at least not letting on that you noticed) my cluelessness during that first intern year, and also during that night that Lauren went to Children's. Thank you for teaching me to ask for help when its necessary, and for asking all of the "hard" questions - you have really made me think! Thank you for showing me that even with three kids, horrible parking, a feeding tube backpack, and some serious temper tantrums, a single parent CAN be on time (or early) for every single appointment and CAN have a smile on his/her face. And finally, thank you for the wonderful book you gave me last week; it will remain in my office until I am too old and gray to have a practice anymore, as a reminder of why I am in this field and why I love taking care of kids and their families. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything!
I will think of you often during my tour at Fort Bliss. I can only hope that we can keep in touch - by email, phone, carrier pigeon, or otherwise - and continue to build the friendship that commenced that moment in January 2006.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Low-tech Blogging
If you're reading this, I'm confident you think as I do about OIT (Operation Isosceles Triangle): it's a good place to get your weekly dose of the Fantastic Four's (Matt, Zach, Ash and Kate's) adventures with moms, aunts, and grandparents. Once in a while you also get an update from Afghanistan and Iraq, much like the Voyager spacecraft send telemetry when they encounter something interesting (but just send "I'm here" otherwise).
Before I left, I tried to assemble some pictures to tape to the wall to remind me, laptop or not, what home looks like. I asked for pictures in some cases, drew from the thousands we have on hard drives at home, and Autumn was nice enough to get some posters printed of collages. The result was a wall of pictures in my room, and assorted pictures that I cycle through at work.
When Kate and Ash discovered they could mail things to me, I started getting short notes expressing their various musings (like "this is a cat", written on an abstract reimagining of a cat) and their art masterpieces. Tonya advised me to enjoy the art briefly, then not worry about preserving it because there would be another wave in the mail in a couple days - good lord was she right about the production capability of the girls! I have actually managed to keep most of it, and I post the best ones on my ceiling and one of the wall panels next to the pictures Autumn sent:
My iPhone camera is kind of crappy, so there's not too much of a wide angle on it, but you get the idea. Anyway, I thought I would chronicle what happens each time I get Kinderart, since to the girls it must seem like Uncle James always says "wow, you guys did a great job on the last batch" but I never show them where their stuff ends up. Here you go, Kate and Ash!
Step 1: Select the best of the batch and prepare the duct tape.
Sorry, girls, there's not enough duct tape in theater to put up everything you've sent me. However, the best of it makes it to this stage, where I figure out what wall/ceiling panel it goes on:
Step 2: Roll duct tape and affix to perimeter of Kinderart.
Yes, everything you need to know about wallpapering a steel storage container that was converted into housing, you will learn in Kindergarten ...
Step 3: Press Kinderart onto wall.
Duct tape is amazing; it sticks even with dust covering the wall!
... and that's it! One "Ashley is Cool" sign on my ceiling just above where I look up when I sleep (thanks, Ash!).
Before I left, I tried to assemble some pictures to tape to the wall to remind me, laptop or not, what home looks like. I asked for pictures in some cases, drew from the thousands we have on hard drives at home, and Autumn was nice enough to get some posters printed of collages. The result was a wall of pictures in my room, and assorted pictures that I cycle through at work.
When Kate and Ash discovered they could mail things to me, I started getting short notes expressing their various musings (like "this is a cat", written on an abstract reimagining of a cat) and their art masterpieces. Tonya advised me to enjoy the art briefly, then not worry about preserving it because there would be another wave in the mail in a couple days - good lord was she right about the production capability of the girls! I have actually managed to keep most of it, and I post the best ones on my ceiling and one of the wall panels next to the pictures Autumn sent:
My iPhone camera is kind of crappy, so there's not too much of a wide angle on it, but you get the idea. Anyway, I thought I would chronicle what happens each time I get Kinderart, since to the girls it must seem like Uncle James always says "wow, you guys did a great job on the last batch" but I never show them where their stuff ends up. Here you go, Kate and Ash!
Step 1: Select the best of the batch and prepare the duct tape.
Sorry, girls, there's not enough duct tape in theater to put up everything you've sent me. However, the best of it makes it to this stage, where I figure out what wall/ceiling panel it goes on:
Step 2: Roll duct tape and affix to perimeter of Kinderart.
Yes, everything you need to know about wallpapering a steel storage container that was converted into housing, you will learn in Kindergarten ...
Step 3: Press Kinderart onto wall.
Duct tape is amazing; it sticks even with dust covering the wall!
... and that's it! One "Ashley is Cool" sign on my ceiling just above where I look up when I sleep (thanks, Ash!).
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Getting Chased by Wild Geese
What a last couple of weeks for me! I lapsed into a typical period of malaise where I seldom write, call, or communicate in any way - mostly to stay afloat amidst the many plates I had spinning. Sorry for the lean posting, but here's what has happened to me recently:
These guys are seasonal guests of the lakes that surround the Al Faw Palace and its satellite buildings, in one of which I work. They were here for a couple weeks when I first arrived, along with some other fowl, but they left when it got cold. It more than warmed up by the time they came back.
On my way into work from the chow hall, I pass by the path in the pictures, and the geese demand their "toll". That many geese usually chow down three or four pieces of bread or a couple croissants in only a few seconds, and they are pretty aggressive about collecting; I wonder if the Port Authority of NY & NJ knows about this technique. When one spots you coming, it makes a distinct sound that alerts the others to get up and surround you. Once you are surrounded, they cock their heads to the side a little, mainly to get a good view from the eyes on the sides of their heads, and the caucauphony of honks begins. If you cough up enough bread, they leave you alone on their own, but if you don't have anything, prepare to wade through the mass of geese ... and don't fall down!
- 3 big projects at work, with 3 different sets of people. It's the old high school/college situation of all your professors assigning you huge assignments all at once because they don't know the other is doing it. For the last month, my three-man section was down to two people (one went on his two week vacation, which turns into 3+ weeks with travel), and for the last week it was down to one: me (The other guy went on vacation too). I inherited their projects :)
- I was studying for the CISSP exam (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - it is a certification that helps both in the civilian world and in the military, as it is an industry standard Information Security certification. Unfortunately, the test is fairly comprehensive, though reasonably deep that you can attempt it with a fair shot of studying.
- I am applying to stay on Active Duty with the Army, stationed with Autumn. I have been debating doing this for years, but our situation in Maryland with my contracting job, house, etc was better than I would have gotten in the area with the Army. In El Paso, it's a different story - I'm not sure I can find a job when I get back! Besides that, I have other reasons which could make a post of their own, the most important of which is that with a civilian job I will be split three ways (job, Army, home - four if you count school). I am stuck in the Army no matter what for three more years, minimum, which is the amount of time they require you to serve if you apply for Active Duty like I am. I'm not leaving my wife, son, and Tita for some job or the Army, so the job's pretty much the only thing that can go. Anyway, the application process is insane - I had to get a physical, take a Physical Fitness Test in 110 degree heat, produce every shred of documentation on myself in the Army, and I had to do it all ASAP! Bastards.
- I've been harassed by semi-domesticated geese on the way to work. Actually, this wasn't that bad ...
These guys are seasonal guests of the lakes that surround the Al Faw Palace and its satellite buildings, in one of which I work. They were here for a couple weeks when I first arrived, along with some other fowl, but they left when it got cold. It more than warmed up by the time they came back.
On my way into work from the chow hall, I pass by the path in the pictures, and the geese demand their "toll". That many geese usually chow down three or four pieces of bread or a couple croissants in only a few seconds, and they are pretty aggressive about collecting; I wonder if the Port Authority of NY & NJ knows about this technique. When one spots you coming, it makes a distinct sound that alerts the others to get up and surround you. Once you are surrounded, they cock their heads to the side a little, mainly to get a good view from the eyes on the sides of their heads, and the caucauphony of honks begins. If you cough up enough bread, they leave you alone on their own, but if you don't have anything, prepare to wade through the mass of geese ... and don't fall down!
Bagram by the numbers
By now, you all know that I am a "numbers" person .... I like to crunch them, analyze them, and manipulate them to show what I want! So here's a different take on a blog post - one that includes some statistics which you might find surprising!
General and Trauma Statistics
# of trauma patients seen in the ER in the month of June = ~206
# of outpatient appointments at our hospital in the month of June = ~2240
% of trauma admissions that are US military members = 51%
# of total admissions to our hospital in June = 228
# of total admissions to our hospital in February = 114
# of beds available on the medical-surgical ward = 28
# of patients admitted to the ward this morning = 32
# of discharges from the ward today = 15
Medevac Statistics
# of blackhawk medevac helicopters at the Bagram dust-off = 4
# of medevac missions in eastern Afghanistan yesterday = 27
# of soldiers per room at the dust off living quarters = 1
# of airmen and soldiers that currently live in my room = 6
Maximum # of daytime flying hours before the medevac crews must rest = 8
Maximum # of nighttime (e.g. night vision goggle) flying hours before the medevac crews must rest = 6
Maximum # of work hours before hospital medical personnel must rest = infinity
# of weapons integral to the medevac blackhawk = 0
# of personal weapons carried by each flight medic = 2
Hospital Staff Statistics
# of clinical surgeons assigned to Bagram hospital = 11
# of clinical nonsurgical physicians assigned to Bagram hospital = 18
# of pediatricians assigned (as pediatricians) to Bagram hospital = 1
# of Army pediatricians assigned (as general medical officers) to Bagram hospital = 3
Minimum # of doctors on shift at the hospital = 3
Fun Stuff
# of gyms at Bagram = 4
# of hours the gyms are operational per day = 24
# of miles around the perimeter of the base = ~8
# of weekly yoga sessions on base = 5
# of weekly salsa sessions on base = 5
# of Green Bean coffee shops on base = 2
Personal Statistics
# of days spent at Bagram = 145
# of minutes spent at Bagram = 209,587
# of days I have worked at Bagram= 143
# of scheduled days left in my tour = 43
# of days left in my tour (with an extension through early October) = 69
# of inpatients I have cared for and discharged = 120
# of outpatients I have seen in clinic = 455
General and Trauma Statistics
# of trauma patients seen in the ER in the month of June = ~206
# of outpatient appointments at our hospital in the month of June = ~2240
% of trauma admissions that are US military members = 51%
# of total admissions to our hospital in June = 228
# of total admissions to our hospital in February = 114
# of beds available on the medical-surgical ward = 28
# of patients admitted to the ward this morning = 32
# of discharges from the ward today = 15
Medevac Statistics
# of blackhawk medevac helicopters at the Bagram dust-off = 4
# of medevac missions in eastern Afghanistan yesterday = 27
# of soldiers per room at the dust off living quarters = 1
# of airmen and soldiers that currently live in my room = 6
Maximum # of daytime flying hours before the medevac crews must rest = 8
Maximum # of nighttime (e.g. night vision goggle) flying hours before the medevac crews must rest = 6
Maximum # of work hours before hospital medical personnel must rest = infinity
# of weapons integral to the medevac blackhawk = 0
# of personal weapons carried by each flight medic = 2
Hospital Staff Statistics
# of clinical surgeons assigned to Bagram hospital = 11
# of clinical nonsurgical physicians assigned to Bagram hospital = 18
# of pediatricians assigned (as pediatricians) to Bagram hospital = 1
# of Army pediatricians assigned (as general medical officers) to Bagram hospital = 3
Minimum # of doctors on shift at the hospital = 3
Fun Stuff
# of gyms at Bagram = 4
# of hours the gyms are operational per day = 24
# of miles around the perimeter of the base = ~8
# of weekly yoga sessions on base = 5
# of weekly salsa sessions on base = 5
# of Green Bean coffee shops on base = 2
Personal Statistics
# of days spent at Bagram = 145
# of minutes spent at Bagram = 209,587
# of days I have worked at Bagram= 143
# of scheduled days left in my tour = 43
# of days left in my tour (with an extension through early October) = 69
# of inpatients I have cared for and discharged = 120
# of outpatients I have seen in clinic = 455
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Post-Deployment
Autumn’s information on the stages of deployment was really interesting. I began to consider how the family “left back home” by the soldier deals with deployment. I researched online and found a few articles. Frankly, most sites that discuss families with children focus on children atleast 3 years old. While articles that specifically detail emotional/psychological stages for children under 3 are rare, there are a few that attempt to guess (since kids this age have difficulty verbally expressing their feelings) at how the children cope by interpreting other means of expression in young children. Even rarer still are articles that discuss dual-deployment in families with young children. So I suggest we get the best researchers in the country and document the Richards Family! :)
In fact, I think the post-deployment reunion will be quite interesting since both Autumn and James are returning at almost the same time. And there is a large pack-up and move back to Texas that will need to take place. While I’m sure it will be difficult for the parents to reintegrate, I’m confident that with hard work they’ll be fine. But I wonder how Matt will cope?
Here is some information about post-deployment considerations for families. I’ll send a copy to Loretta as well. Information taken from Hooah For Heatlth with significant edits by me: http://www.hooah4health.com/deployment/Familymatters/emotionalcycle2.htm
The post-deployment stage begins with the arrival home. This stage starts with the "homecoming" of the deployed Soldier. This can be a wonderfully joyous occasion with children rushing to the returning parent followed by the warm embrace and kiss of the reunited couple. Homecoming can also be an extremely frustrating and upsetting experience. The date of return may change repeatedly or units may travel home piece-meal over several days.
Typically, a "honeymoon" period follows. Eventually, Soldiers will want to reassert their role as a member of the Family, which can lead to tension. This is an essential task, which requires considerable patience to accomplish successfully. Soldiers may feel pressure to make up for lost time and missed milestones. Soldiers may want to take back all the responsibilities they had before. However, some things will have changed in their absence: spouses are more autonomous, children have grown, and individual personal priorities in life may be different. It is not realistic to return home and expect everything to be the same as before the deployment.
During this period, the caretaker at home may report a lost sense of independence. There may be resentment at having been "abandoned" for six months or more. The caretaker may consider themselves to be the true heroes (watching the house, children, paying bills, etc.) while Soldiers cared only for themselves. At least one study suggests that the stay-at-home parent is more likely to report distress than the deployed Soldier. Basic household chores and routines need to be renegotiated. The role played by the spouse in the marriage must be reestablished.
Reunion with children can also be a challenge. Their feelings tend to depend on their age and understanding of why the Soldier was gone. Toddlers (1-3 years) may be slow to warm up. In addition, children are often loyal to the caretaker that remains behind and do not respond to discipline from the returning Soldier. Some children may display significant anxiety up to a year later ("anniversary reaction"), triggered by the possibility of separation. In addition, the Soldier may not approve of privileges granted to children by the non-deployed parent. However, it is probably best for the Soldier not to try to make changes right away and to take time renegotiating Family rules and norms. Soldiers may feel hurt in response to such a lukewarm reception. Clearly going slow and letting the child(ren) set the pace goes a long way towards a successful reunion.
Post-deployment is probably the most important stage for both Soldier and spouse. Patient communication, going slow, lowering expectations and taking time to get to know each other again is critical to the task of successful reintegration of the Soldier back into the Family. Counseling may be required in the event that the Soldier is injured or returns as a stress casualty. On the other hand, the separation of deployment - unlike civilian couples - provides Soldier and spouse a chance to evaluate changes within themselves and what direction they want their marriage to take. Although a difficult as well as joyful stage, many military couples have reported that their relationship is much stronger as a result.
In fact, I think the post-deployment reunion will be quite interesting since both Autumn and James are returning at almost the same time. And there is a large pack-up and move back to Texas that will need to take place. While I’m sure it will be difficult for the parents to reintegrate, I’m confident that with hard work they’ll be fine. But I wonder how Matt will cope?
Here is some information about post-deployment considerations for families. I’ll send a copy to Loretta as well. Information taken from Hooah For Heatlth with significant edits by me: http://www.hooah4health.com/deployment/Familymatters/emotionalcycle2.htm
The post-deployment stage begins with the arrival home. This stage starts with the "homecoming" of the deployed Soldier. This can be a wonderfully joyous occasion with children rushing to the returning parent followed by the warm embrace and kiss of the reunited couple. Homecoming can also be an extremely frustrating and upsetting experience. The date of return may change repeatedly or units may travel home piece-meal over several days.
Typically, a "honeymoon" period follows. Eventually, Soldiers will want to reassert their role as a member of the Family, which can lead to tension. This is an essential task, which requires considerable patience to accomplish successfully. Soldiers may feel pressure to make up for lost time and missed milestones. Soldiers may want to take back all the responsibilities they had before. However, some things will have changed in their absence: spouses are more autonomous, children have grown, and individual personal priorities in life may be different. It is not realistic to return home and expect everything to be the same as before the deployment.
During this period, the caretaker at home may report a lost sense of independence. There may be resentment at having been "abandoned" for six months or more. The caretaker may consider themselves to be the true heroes (watching the house, children, paying bills, etc.) while Soldiers cared only for themselves. At least one study suggests that the stay-at-home parent is more likely to report distress than the deployed Soldier. Basic household chores and routines need to be renegotiated. The role played by the spouse in the marriage must be reestablished.
Reunion with children can also be a challenge. Their feelings tend to depend on their age and understanding of why the Soldier was gone. Toddlers (1-3 years) may be slow to warm up. In addition, children are often loyal to the caretaker that remains behind and do not respond to discipline from the returning Soldier. Some children may display significant anxiety up to a year later ("anniversary reaction"), triggered by the possibility of separation. In addition, the Soldier may not approve of privileges granted to children by the non-deployed parent. However, it is probably best for the Soldier not to try to make changes right away and to take time renegotiating Family rules and norms. Soldiers may feel hurt in response to such a lukewarm reception. Clearly going slow and letting the child(ren) set the pace goes a long way towards a successful reunion.
Post-deployment is probably the most important stage for both Soldier and spouse. Patient communication, going slow, lowering expectations and taking time to get to know each other again is critical to the task of successful reintegration of the Soldier back into the Family. Counseling may be required in the event that the Soldier is injured or returns as a stress casualty. On the other hand, the separation of deployment - unlike civilian couples - provides Soldier and spouse a chance to evaluate changes within themselves and what direction they want their marriage to take. Although a difficult as well as joyful stage, many military couples have reported that their relationship is much stronger as a result.
La Mirada Museum Details
written by Aunt Tonya
We went to the La Mirada Children’s Museum this week. Since I was attempting to pull this thing off by myself, planning and prayers were key. Frank and Loretta arrived exactly on time. Matt greeted me once again with a smile and a toy. I setup some immediate activities in the playroom for him. He loved the electric piano – so I sent it home with Loretta. It’s a great toy for Matt because it creates lots of noise when touched and encourages pointing to individual keys. Also, send home the Gymboree tunnel that he enjoys so much. He will get so much more use of it. I tried a new strategy with making the transition easier. When everyone arrived, the car was absolutely packed and the girls completely ready. I asked Loretta to snap him in the carseat while I got the girls done. Before he realized what was happening, Loretta was gone and we were on the road. Not a tear or whimper….accept from Ash. Ash shared with him a picture that she made at school. He promptly ripped it sending her to tears. Lessons learned: Matt knows that paper makes a cool sound and doesn’t taste very good. Ash learned that she should probably not give him any more of her prized artwork. Good experience for the both of them. Toddler music, luvie and having car books shifted the odds for a pleasant car ride. We so efficiently got out the door that I had time for a small errand – drive through car wash. I admit to this being a necessary evil for adults but kids just love it especially the rainbow colored soap that drips and mixes. Matt did okay coping with the loud noise once I put my hand on his leg. We arrived at the museum exactly at opening. Again, tried a new strategy that was very successful but could have been an absolute disaster but I’m glad that I took the risk. I took girls from car and made them “buddies”. I then took Matt from the car and he was my “buddy”. No carrying. No stroller. No extras. From the onset, I made it clear that Matt would be expected to walk with the group. I could hardly believe the success. We managed the parking lot, street and entrance with our buddies in a safe, orderly fashion. Girls made it to the train depot first and we proceed to the dino garden. In the garden are dinosaur foot prints in the cement filled with sprinkler water. Girls knew better that to be splashing in the puddles. Matt did not – he set his foot in the first puddle. OK. I know that I should have been appalled when I applauded but it was funny. It was even funnier when he got to the next puddle and got both feet wet. I was laughing so hard that I forgot to clap…the girls did it for me and were annoyed at my forgetfulness. The museum is set-up in a series of themed rooms with the first being the science room. As soon as we hit the door, Matt realized that this was a play area and took off running to the first room. I waited in line and sent Kate after him. Good opportunity for both. She brought him back by the hand….he was not thrilled with her and resisting every step of the way. Kate was persistent but supportive. Again, another learning opportunity successfully captured. The first room was the centered on science. Matt loved the car and repetitively used the trunk as a slide. The girls played next to him in the dino dig and by practicing driving. We quickly moved onto the performing arts room and it was Ash’s favorite. There is player piano, outfits of every sort, real microphone and stage. Ash became the prima dona and Kate, naturally, was the director controlling the lights and music from the backstage. Matt moved things on and off the stage. He quickly learned that he could go behind the curtain, pop out and everyone would applaud. This turned out to be a game that he really enjoyed. Next it was onto the “neighborhood” room. This contains the grocery store, bus and carousel. Ash shopped at the store. Kate handled the register and Matt pushed the basket. Girls took a turn at the carousel. (Matt was not big enough to ride.) Everyone took a turn at driving and riding on the bus. Though this is always a crowd pleaser, we moved to the transportation room. Three race cars for three kids was perfect. We tried the spaceship, trains, hot air balloon, and airport. Everyone tried riding the pretend horse. By now, Matt had figured out that staying with group gave him lots of freedom. (Not staying with group resulting in him having to stay at my side.) He came out a strategy: he would watch where the girls went and then follow them to the activity. On time, he did forget about the group rule. I redirected him back to my side and he actually glared and pouted about my intervention. (Again, I should not have laughed but should have been quicker with camera to capture the moment.) He’s learning that no really does mean no. He is also learning that following the rules gives him a great amount of freedom…at least with me. He also learned that following the girls had advantages. He could follow and see how things were done by watching them. Once they were finished, he could then give it a try. If there were enough items, he would watch them first and then get one of his own. Ash did get a little annoyed with him helping on the car controls while she was driving…..I let them work it out. Briefly stopped to see the global treasure room and play the gong. We had a heavy snack in the animal room and quickly moved to our final destination. Preschool Playground has always been a great place to end the day. After chasing them around for the entire morning, this is a safe place where the kids can roam free. I just sat and watched them each do their own thing. Ash played in the house with dolls and dishes. Kate made a friend and built a block house. Matt found a dump truck that needed to be moved through the entire room. Finished the trip with a few final minutes at the outdoor playground…to hot for much activity. It was after 1:00 and we all needed real food. Stopped at McDonalds on the way home. We did a drive through lunch. The three ate happily in the backseat. Kate handled the fries. Ash distributed the nuggets. Matt feed himself putting his hand out when he wanted more. Amazingly, the car was still clean when they finished. Got the little ones their nap items and turned on the classic music. Matt and Ash were almost instantly asleep. Kate fought the sandman every step of the way and won. Dropped Matt to Glendora and we continued to upland. Swimming was the girl’s reward for behaving while at the museum. Who says bribery is not a legitimate negotiating tactic?
We went to the La Mirada Children’s Museum this week. Since I was attempting to pull this thing off by myself, planning and prayers were key. Frank and Loretta arrived exactly on time. Matt greeted me once again with a smile and a toy. I setup some immediate activities in the playroom for him. He loved the electric piano – so I sent it home with Loretta. It’s a great toy for Matt because it creates lots of noise when touched and encourages pointing to individual keys. Also, send home the Gymboree tunnel that he enjoys so much. He will get so much more use of it. I tried a new strategy with making the transition easier. When everyone arrived, the car was absolutely packed and the girls completely ready. I asked Loretta to snap him in the carseat while I got the girls done. Before he realized what was happening, Loretta was gone and we were on the road. Not a tear or whimper….accept from Ash. Ash shared with him a picture that she made at school. He promptly ripped it sending her to tears. Lessons learned: Matt knows that paper makes a cool sound and doesn’t taste very good. Ash learned that she should probably not give him any more of her prized artwork. Good experience for the both of them. Toddler music, luvie and having car books shifted the odds for a pleasant car ride. We so efficiently got out the door that I had time for a small errand – drive through car wash. I admit to this being a necessary evil for adults but kids just love it especially the rainbow colored soap that drips and mixes. Matt did okay coping with the loud noise once I put my hand on his leg. We arrived at the museum exactly at opening. Again, tried a new strategy that was very successful but could have been an absolute disaster but I’m glad that I took the risk. I took girls from car and made them “buddies”. I then took Matt from the car and he was my “buddy”. No carrying. No stroller. No extras. From the onset, I made it clear that Matt would be expected to walk with the group. I could hardly believe the success. We managed the parking lot, street and entrance with our buddies in a safe, orderly fashion. Girls made it to the train depot first and we proceed to the dino garden. In the garden are dinosaur foot prints in the cement filled with sprinkler water. Girls knew better that to be splashing in the puddles. Matt did not – he set his foot in the first puddle. OK. I know that I should have been appalled when I applauded but it was funny. It was even funnier when he got to the next puddle and got both feet wet. I was laughing so hard that I forgot to clap…the girls did it for me and were annoyed at my forgetfulness. The museum is set-up in a series of themed rooms with the first being the science room. As soon as we hit the door, Matt realized that this was a play area and took off running to the first room. I waited in line and sent Kate after him. Good opportunity for both. She brought him back by the hand….he was not thrilled with her and resisting every step of the way. Kate was persistent but supportive. Again, another learning opportunity successfully captured. The first room was the centered on science. Matt loved the car and repetitively used the trunk as a slide. The girls played next to him in the dino dig and by practicing driving. We quickly moved onto the performing arts room and it was Ash’s favorite. There is player piano, outfits of every sort, real microphone and stage. Ash became the prima dona and Kate, naturally, was the director controlling the lights and music from the backstage. Matt moved things on and off the stage. He quickly learned that he could go behind the curtain, pop out and everyone would applaud. This turned out to be a game that he really enjoyed. Next it was onto the “neighborhood” room. This contains the grocery store, bus and carousel. Ash shopped at the store. Kate handled the register and Matt pushed the basket. Girls took a turn at the carousel. (Matt was not big enough to ride.) Everyone took a turn at driving and riding on the bus. Though this is always a crowd pleaser, we moved to the transportation room. Three race cars for three kids was perfect. We tried the spaceship, trains, hot air balloon, and airport. Everyone tried riding the pretend horse. By now, Matt had figured out that staying with group gave him lots of freedom. (Not staying with group resulting in him having to stay at my side.) He came out a strategy: he would watch where the girls went and then follow them to the activity. On time, he did forget about the group rule. I redirected him back to my side and he actually glared and pouted about my intervention. (Again, I should not have laughed but should have been quicker with camera to capture the moment.) He’s learning that no really does mean no. He is also learning that following the rules gives him a great amount of freedom…at least with me. He also learned that following the girls had advantages. He could follow and see how things were done by watching them. Once they were finished, he could then give it a try. If there were enough items, he would watch them first and then get one of his own. Ash did get a little annoyed with him helping on the car controls while she was driving…..I let them work it out. Briefly stopped to see the global treasure room and play the gong. We had a heavy snack in the animal room and quickly moved to our final destination. Preschool Playground has always been a great place to end the day. After chasing them around for the entire morning, this is a safe place where the kids can roam free. I just sat and watched them each do their own thing. Ash played in the house with dolls and dishes. Kate made a friend and built a block house. Matt found a dump truck that needed to be moved through the entire room. Finished the trip with a few final minutes at the outdoor playground…to hot for much activity. It was after 1:00 and we all needed real food. Stopped at McDonalds on the way home. We did a drive through lunch. The three ate happily in the backseat. Kate handled the fries. Ash distributed the nuggets. Matt feed himself putting his hand out when he wanted more. Amazingly, the car was still clean when they finished. Got the little ones their nap items and turned on the classic music. Matt and Ash were almost instantly asleep. Kate fought the sandman every step of the way and won. Dropped Matt to Glendora and we continued to upland. Swimming was the girl’s reward for behaving while at the museum. Who says bribery is not a legitimate negotiating tactic?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
La Mirada Children's Museum
Aunt Tonya took all three kids (Kate, Ashley and Matt) to the La Mirada Children's Museum on Tuesday. Aunt Tonya had been promising to take Matt for a while and finally got the opportunity. Its a really great hands-on discovery place for kids. I'm sure she'll post more details about the trip soon. And how she did 3 kids by herself I'll never know...
Zach and I couldn't make it this time because Zach had a fieldtrip at Red Brick Pizza where he learned how pizza is made and got to make his own pie!
Here are some really great pictures of the trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtsadsad/LaMiradaChildrenSMusuem?feat=email#
Zach and I couldn't make it this time because Zach had a fieldtrip at Red Brick Pizza where he learned how pizza is made and got to make his own pie!
Here are some really great pictures of the trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtsadsad/LaMiradaChildrenSMusuem?feat=email#
Kidspace Museum
This was actually last week's playdate that I'm just now posting. Sorry!
Thanks to Aunt Tonya for documenting the trip with details below as well as being the group photographer and chaueffer. I'll never know how she does it all...
Kidspace Museum is located in Pasadena, CA and an amazing place for kids and adults to spend the entire day. It is a day for exploring with a new adventure around every corner. We left Corona. Stopped in Glendora and arrived just as the park opened. We started at the indoor exhibit hall where you can go on a dino dig, pretend to drive a rescue jeep or climb the “raindrop” climber. This year’s exhibits features bugs and everything is focused on being the size of an ant.
We dug for dinosaur bones in a pretend dirt pit. The dirt was made from ground rubber and very cool to the touch. The girls and Shannon crawled through a dark anthill with all the twists and turns. The boys and I climbed “leaves and stalks”. Don’t worry – everything is covered in nets to prevent falling. The leaf climber is surprising high but easy for the kids to manage. The boys moved onto the earthquake exhibit and “tested” all of the supplies on display.
Ever wondered what a bug eats? All the kids visited the Buggy Café. Kate was the chef and waitress. Shannon, Zach and Matt were the customers at the counter. Ashley served the patrons. Matt explored the menu options and Zach actually tolerated posing with a super-size beetle. We quickly moved on to the visiting the bee colony and the artificial flower garden. The girls loved painting on a over-sized leaf and laughed as a light mist washing the colors so they could start again. Matt and Zach were more interested in the huge flowers where each one provided a different tactile experience. 
We stopped briefly at the craft corner and then moved to the raindrop climber. The raindrop climber is the absolute must do activity. It is a series of various size plastic disks that are placed in a circular pattern and then the outside is covered with netting. It goes up over 50 feet to an observation area. It was quite a climb for the little one but the girls make it in record time. Zach moved right along following the girls. Matt was not sure that to make of this strange thing. He got up about ten feet off the ground and decided that it was high enough…we played on the first few steps until everyone got down.
Then, we moved to the central patio that has multiple fountains coming from the ground and a construction zone. The girls could not get wet fast enough. We stopped and had a quick snack before moving to the construction zone. Kate built a castle. Ashley created a tower. Matt was in charge of knocking down the blocks so everyone could start again. Shannon won the prize for the tallest tower. Zach worked on his stacking ability with blocks that half his size.
The back patio has a standard bike track and one set-up just for the little kids. Kate and Ash each took a turn. For Kate, it was quite easy to stay on the painted path so she had to try at full speed. It took Ash a moment to understand that she must stay on the path. Once she did, you could hear her laughing from the other end. The boys were not interested in bike but water. The toddler water table is very cool. This was Zach’s favorite thing. He climbed, dumped and poured with the best of them. He could not resist sitting in the little pool. Matt was not interested in the water but the other things that the toddler area had to offer. He moved on to examining the toddler bikes, small slide and house. Pit stop for lunch and then onto the garden and wilderness area.
I happen to love the creek that runs through this area. The kids are allowed to walk up and down the creek bed, collect rocks and wade through the pond. Shannon and I sat in the shade for about a hour watching the girls play. The boys also watched from the sidelines but getting them down for a nap was unsuccessful. Ash and Shannon did the rock climbing wall. We played the water drums and climbed the spider web net while waiting for the dinosaur bones show. Girls got a front row seat. There are multiple education shows and presentations done daily but this is the only one that fit our timeframe.
Quick change into dry clothes for the kids and then we moved onto the Early Childhood Development Room. This is like a Gymboree. Matt entered the room like a wild man and there was no stopping him from the minute that we entered the door. He was so busy climbing, jumping and crawling. Zach played puzzles, stacked toys and played tiny tot basketball. The girls drifted from activity to activity. I sat and rested just thankful that everyone was happily playing. Shannon joined me on the mats but she did still have the energy to play with the kids. Where she found the energy, I will never know. It was after 3:00 in the afternoon and we had been there since 9:30.
Finally, we left and returned Matt to Glendora. I have never seen such excitement like when Matt saw Loretta. He screamed with delight and waved as we approached. The rest of us continued the long trek back to Corona.
Check out all the great pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/mtsadsad/KidsSpace?feat=email
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The stages of deployment
When I arrived here in Bagram, I was provided a briefing which detailed the "Stages of Deployment". These are well-recognized, well-studied, reproducible stages that almost every soldier, sailor, airman, or marine will progress through during a year's deployment to a war zone. I found them very interesting, especially since James and I have been at different points in our deployment cycle. (I have said all along that during his R&R, we had different goals since I was pre-deployment and he was mid-deployment, but until this briefing I didn't know that anyone had actually studied the concept.) Some sources say there are 5 stages, some say there are 7, still others say there are 11, but all agree as to the general idea. (I must clarify that these stages are those experienced by the deployed member, not the spouse, family, or friends left at home. Those stages are different, better understood, and, arguably, more difficult.)
James and I are a bit unusual as far as these stages are concerned. Not only are we a dual-military couple facing separate deployments during the same year, but his stages of deployment were thrown off somewhat by the fact that I got orders to deploy and therefore he returned home so quickly for R&R. My stages will also be different since I (supposedly) will be in theater 6 months rather than 12; therefore, I have experienced the honeymoon phase through fourth-month slump, then skipped to the topping out phase and the 11th-month slump since I will not be afforded mid-tour leave. So these stages obviously need to be individualized for each military member depending on his/her circumstances and the length of the tour.
THE STAGES OF DEPLOYMENT
The Honeymoon Phase - Occurs immediately upon arrival to the deployment zone. Feelings of excitement and high expectations abound. Begin to feel initial separation from friends and family. (See posts entitled "Arrival in Bagram" and "My first package!", which describe my initial feelings about Bagram.)
The Wilting Phase - Excitement wears off. Begin to miss luxuries of home. Begin to really miss friends and family. Wonder if you can do this for X months. (See post entitled "One-way conversations", in which James describes the trials and tribulations of the internet in Baghdad. My post "Father Time" also describes the Groundhog Day effect of time in the theater of deployment.)
The Leveling Phase - Become adjusted to the daily and weekly routines of the deployment zone. Understand that you're going to make it, if only by surviving one day at a time. Begin to pursue personal objectives outside the workplace, e.g. physical training, classes, knitting, learning a language, teaching, etc. (James has made a practice of getting in shape and running races like the 15k and 5k, and I have been involved in various types of medical training at the medevac hangar and the Korean hospital on base.)
The Fourth-Month Slump - Physical and emotional exhaustion sets in. Become bored with long days at work and the "groundhog day" effect in which every day is just like the next which is just like the next ..... (James' post "One-way conversations" may actually belong under this stage; because his R&R was forcibly moved up a few months secondary to my deployment, he didn't exactly follow the typical algorithm. He may not have had a "leveling phase" because he only spent 3 months in theater before returning home for R&R.)
MidTour - Mid-tour leave approaches. Soldier gets some much-needed relaxation. Understands that its all downhill from here. Elation ensues. (See "A Child's Dream" in which I attempt to describe the fun we had at Disneyland during James' R&R.)
Post-R&R Blues - Difficult to say goodbye to family and friends a second time and return to the difficulties of deployment. (See post entitled "Back on line, back on duty"; here James clearly describes his difficulty in returning to work after his trip to the US. I also experienced some difficulty getting back in the swing of things after my 9 days downrange at Fire Base Lilley; one might equate this experience to R&R for the standard 12-month tour. It took me around 10 days to reintegrate into Bagram life, and many of you noticed that I didn't blog much in June when I returned because of my difficulties with reintegration.)
Topping Out - After 7-9 months, the light at the end of the tunnel draws near. Feelings of excitement take over as soldier imagines returning home. Moments of euphoria are punctuated by continued long days at work. (This is probably my current stage, although I am also feeling some of the "11th-month slump" anxiety, below. My post about the friends I have made at Bagram echoes some of the "topping out" emotions: I saw everyone around me leave, which made me excited to know that I would be the longest-standing physician at the hospital, but also sad to see so many friends move on to bigger and better things. This is the exciting-but-exhausting part of the tour. I think this is likely where James is as well.)
11th-Month Slump - Just before the tour ends, a feeling of anxiety takes over. Has everyone changed since I left? Have I changed? How will the kids respond to my return? What if they don't know me anymore? Questions clog the mind and temper the excitement of the "topping out" phase. (I am already beginning to feel the stress of redeployment. For us, this phase is doubly nerve-wracking because we're BOTH coming home within a few weeks of each other and we've BOTH changed and grown during our deployments. We also have a lot to do when we return - James has to move his stuff from Delaware, Tita and Matt have to move from CA, the house in Texas has to be turned back on and filled with food .... meanwhile attempting to have some time to reintegrate as a family. James and I talked about the challenges that lie ahead yesterday on the phone, and it seems quite daunting. You'll probably hear more about this as my redeployment date draws near.)
I hope this gives you some insight into what James and I have gone through, are going through, and will likely go through in the coming months ...
James and I are a bit unusual as far as these stages are concerned. Not only are we a dual-military couple facing separate deployments during the same year, but his stages of deployment were thrown off somewhat by the fact that I got orders to deploy and therefore he returned home so quickly for R&R. My stages will also be different since I (supposedly) will be in theater 6 months rather than 12; therefore, I have experienced the honeymoon phase through fourth-month slump, then skipped to the topping out phase and the 11th-month slump since I will not be afforded mid-tour leave. So these stages obviously need to be individualized for each military member depending on his/her circumstances and the length of the tour.
THE STAGES OF DEPLOYMENT
The Honeymoon Phase - Occurs immediately upon arrival to the deployment zone. Feelings of excitement and high expectations abound. Begin to feel initial separation from friends and family. (See posts entitled "Arrival in Bagram" and "My first package!", which describe my initial feelings about Bagram.)
The Wilting Phase - Excitement wears off. Begin to miss luxuries of home. Begin to really miss friends and family. Wonder if you can do this for X months. (See post entitled "One-way conversations", in which James describes the trials and tribulations of the internet in Baghdad. My post "Father Time" also describes the Groundhog Day effect of time in the theater of deployment.)
The Leveling Phase - Become adjusted to the daily and weekly routines of the deployment zone. Understand that you're going to make it, if only by surviving one day at a time. Begin to pursue personal objectives outside the workplace, e.g. physical training, classes, knitting, learning a language, teaching, etc. (James has made a practice of getting in shape and running races like the 15k and 5k, and I have been involved in various types of medical training at the medevac hangar and the Korean hospital on base.)
The Fourth-Month Slump - Physical and emotional exhaustion sets in. Become bored with long days at work and the "groundhog day" effect in which every day is just like the next which is just like the next ..... (James' post "One-way conversations" may actually belong under this stage; because his R&R was forcibly moved up a few months secondary to my deployment, he didn't exactly follow the typical algorithm. He may not have had a "leveling phase" because he only spent 3 months in theater before returning home for R&R.)
MidTour - Mid-tour leave approaches. Soldier gets some much-needed relaxation. Understands that its all downhill from here. Elation ensues. (See "A Child's Dream" in which I attempt to describe the fun we had at Disneyland during James' R&R.)
Post-R&R Blues - Difficult to say goodbye to family and friends a second time and return to the difficulties of deployment. (See post entitled "Back on line, back on duty"; here James clearly describes his difficulty in returning to work after his trip to the US. I also experienced some difficulty getting back in the swing of things after my 9 days downrange at Fire Base Lilley; one might equate this experience to R&R for the standard 12-month tour. It took me around 10 days to reintegrate into Bagram life, and many of you noticed that I didn't blog much in June when I returned because of my difficulties with reintegration.)
Topping Out - After 7-9 months, the light at the end of the tunnel draws near. Feelings of excitement take over as soldier imagines returning home. Moments of euphoria are punctuated by continued long days at work. (This is probably my current stage, although I am also feeling some of the "11th-month slump" anxiety, below. My post about the friends I have made at Bagram echoes some of the "topping out" emotions: I saw everyone around me leave, which made me excited to know that I would be the longest-standing physician at the hospital, but also sad to see so many friends move on to bigger and better things. This is the exciting-but-exhausting part of the tour. I think this is likely where James is as well.)
11th-Month Slump - Just before the tour ends, a feeling of anxiety takes over. Has everyone changed since I left? Have I changed? How will the kids respond to my return? What if they don't know me anymore? Questions clog the mind and temper the excitement of the "topping out" phase. (I am already beginning to feel the stress of redeployment. For us, this phase is doubly nerve-wracking because we're BOTH coming home within a few weeks of each other and we've BOTH changed and grown during our deployments. We also have a lot to do when we return - James has to move his stuff from Delaware, Tita and Matt have to move from CA, the house in Texas has to be turned back on and filled with food .... meanwhile attempting to have some time to reintegrate as a family. James and I talked about the challenges that lie ahead yesterday on the phone, and it seems quite daunting. You'll probably hear more about this as my redeployment date draws near.)
I hope this gives you some insight into what James and I have gone through, are going through, and will likely go through in the coming months ...
Sunday, July 5, 2009
5 weeks on Facebook
I didn't post much on the blog in June, but I did post on Facebook almost daily. Facebook is a new addiction of mine, and it's pretty quick since I only have to post a few words or a sentence at a time! For those of you who have not seen the Facebook posts, I have pasted them below so you can see what June was all about for me. NOTE: there are some posts below which refer to a Facebook quiz I took, such as "What do your eyes say about you?" or "Which time era are you from?" I have included both the quiz results and my comments about the quiz.
==============================================================
Autumn Richards is thinking about just how lucky I am to be stationed at a relatively large, relatively safe base in Afghanistan. Other soldiers are far less fortunate - they make do with minimal amenities and maximal safety risk. They are truly amazing and are the heroes of this war.
June 1 at 9:39pm
Autumn Richards is thinking about the flight medics here in Afghanistan and how difficult a job they have at the point of injury, en route, and during offload. Today I have gained a different perspective of the challenges of their job.
June 2 at 7:38pm
Autumn Richards is thinking about a favorite Bon Jovi song: “It's my life/ It's now or never/ I ain't gonna live forever/ I just want to live while I'm alive”
June 2 at 10:34pm
Autumn Richards is wondering how a long hard night of Rock Band resulted in a blood blister on her right thumb ....
June 5 at 12:07am
Autumn Richards is listening to Sting from a delta's computer ....
June 7 at 10:30am
Autumn Richards is (for a change) NOT sad about NOT getting off the ground today!
June 7 at 3:26pm
Autumn Richards has a tummy full of king crab legs and na'an bread! Planning to have a banana split and play some Rock Band later ... hopefully with less "non-battle injury" than last time!
June 7 at 8:54pm
Autumn Richards can't get Madonna's "Like a Prayer" out of my mind....
June 7 at 10:46pm
Autumn Richards is back at Bagram after an 8-day trip to Fire Base Lilley, 4 miles from the Pakistan border in southeast Afghanistan. The trip was the highlight of my deployment so far!
June 8 at 1:36pm
June 8 at 6:01pm
Autumn Richards is ready for a nap after chasing PTT values all night in a patient on a heparin drip.
June 10 at 8:19am
Autumn Richards is still tired after sleeping for several hours this morning. Perhaps another nap is in order ......
June 10 at 2:43pm
Autumn Richards can't breathe.
June 10 at 7:33pm
Autumn Richards feels somewhat better after a decent night's sleep.
June 11 at 5:57am
Autumn Richards just returned from a 2-hour coffee date with a friend .... it was almost like home!
June 11 at 7:58pm
Autumn Richards is reminded of the old adage that "people you deploy with are your friends forever." Here's to forever!
June 12 at 1:30am
Autumn Richards is working on getting some much-needed supplies and books down to the medics who protected me last week.
June 12 at 10:06am
Autumn Richards is pretty excited to have a local cell phone! (For those of you in theater, the number is Roshan 079-353-1511 ... call me!)
June 12 at 1:33pm
Autumn Richards is quite annoyed that the Department of Defense hired the lowest bidder to provide mattresses and bed frames to deployed troops.
June 13 at 8:46am
Autumn Richards just took the most luxurious combat shower ever using Origins gingersnap body cleanser. :-)
June 13 at 5:54pm
Autumn Richards is addicted to coffee in Bagram....
June 14 at 12:21am
Autumn Richards was introduced to deep-fried french toast at the North DFAC today. :) I have been avoiding it for 16 weeks .... but now it will have to become a weekly routine!
June 14 at 9:33am
Autumn Richards hates hates HATES the act of putting clean sheet on her bed, but loves loves LOVES the way they feel!
June 14 at 4:35pm
Autumn Richards: On the one hand, yes I have worked hard to get where I am today. On the other hand, I am so fortunate to have a fabulous family, safe deployment, indoor plumbing, and awesome friends! So no, maybe I'm not spoiled in the traditional material sense, but there is very little in my life that I would change.
Autumn Richards can't wait for her massage this evening.
June 15 at 2:39pm
Autumn Richards is going to be super sore tomorrow thanks to yoga this evening......
June 16 at 10:13pm
Autumn Richards nearly forgot that she needed to put on a "real" uniform this morning.
June 17 at 6:55am
Autumn Richards needs a few moments to cool off after being accused of "not being able to handle" clinic. If I had access to alcohol, now would be the time to chug it .....
June 17 at 6:45pm
Autumn Richards is annoyed that her entire drugstore.com shopping cart has somehow been lost in cyberspace.
June 17 at 8:32pm
Autumn Richards has decided that the MRAP must be the most awesome vehicle known to man! Bulletproof, mineproof, soundproof, light disciplined and very heavy, it's almost impossible to be killed in one!
June 18 at 2:19am
Autumn Richards should really go to bed.
June 20 at 1:41am
Autumn Richards is very proud of all the medical graduates out there. To those graduating from residency and fellowship: congratulations!
June 20 at 1:42am
Autumn Richards is putting on mega sunscreen. The sun at 5000 feet can be a killer!
June 20 at 10:51am
Autumn Richards probably shouldn't be awake.
June 21 at 4:22am
Autumn Richards had forgotten how nice it is to work out early in the mornings!
June 22 at 6:56am
Autumn Richards found grass today. In Bagram, Afghanistan. About 20 square feet of it. My feet were very happy and are requesting that I return tonight.
June 23 at 3:04pm
June 24 at 10:56pm
Autumn Richards is wondering why suddenly there are many, many new Air Force duffel bags stacked in her already-squished dorm room. More importantly, she wondering how they ended up on her desk, her armoire, and her chair ..... six to a room is NOT going to be fun, even for a few days.
June 25 at 5:09pm
Autumn Richards is now happy to return to her room really late and find 4 sleeping roommates and a relatively clean 5 x 10 living area!
June 25 at 11:16pm
Autumn Richards is going to avoid the hospital LIKE THE PLAGUE over the next few days while the new airmen move in and the old ones redeploy. It's such a disaster to have twice the number of people fighting for the showers and the dining hall, plus teaching all the newbies the ins and outs of BAF life. Please save me!
June 27 at 12:22am
June 27 at 2:27am
Autumn Richards is pretty concerned about Matt's recent speech eval. Trying to manage developmental delay from Iraq and Afghanistan is nearly impossible. :(
June 27 at 11:47am
Autumn Richards spent a day at the Bagram spa getting a mani, pedi, and massage.
June 27 at 4:48pm
Autumn Richards slept through breakfast this morning. Instead, she enjoyed omelettes and french toast at midnight chow!
June 28 at 1:23am
Autumn Richards just got involved in a massive clinic waterfight. We started with syringes, then progressed to water balloons and, finally, 20 oz water bottles. I can't say that I won the fight ..... but I can say that it was quite fun! :)
June 28 at 12:37pm
Autumn Richards: Remember this one? "A whole new world/A new fantastic point of view/No one to tell us no/Or where to go/Or say we're only dreaming....." It applies.
June 28 at 9:36pm
Autumn Richards is going to sleep early tonight.
June 29 at 10:17pm
Autumn Richards apparently looks like a "naughty librarian" (according to her yoga instructor). Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. Please comment.
June 30 at 10:19pm
Autumn Richards: Check out this video ... I think everyone's seen the story, but I just encountered the video for the first time!
Autumn Richards was having a "skinny" day until her company commander pissed her off and the cookies and milk came a callin'.....
July 1 at 9:50pm
July 2 at 10:47pm
Autumn Richards definitely shouldn't be awake at 2 am Bagram time. But Matthew is worth it!
July 3 at 2:30am
July 3 at 9:52am
Autumn Richards had the best workout in a month or more!
July 3 at 12:20pm
Autumn Richards: This is not exactly what I was expecting. At some times of my life, I have been exactly the OPPOSITE of Mod New York: homely, nerdy, reserved, careful, and risk-averse. There have also been (relatively few) moments in which I have fit this era well: OBC ('nuf said), Ft. Benning for the rugby national finals, San Diego with Philla for the kidney conference, the past few weeks here in Bagram .... I think maybe I need to find a happy medium between the homely, sweet, innocent, intelligent pediatrician and the rambunctious, rule-breaking, energetic, adrenaline-junkie wild child!
Autumn Richards: Now that's more like it!
Autumn Richards is planning to nap today and admit patients all night. We had somewhere around 25-30 admissions yesterday .... and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon thanks to the continued surge in Southern Afghanistan. :(
July 5 at 10:05 am
==============================================================
Autumn Richards is thinking about just how lucky I am to be stationed at a relatively large, relatively safe base in Afghanistan. Other soldiers are far less fortunate - they make do with minimal amenities and maximal safety risk. They are truly amazing and are the heroes of this war.
June 1 at 9:39pm
*Editorial comment: I wrote this during my first day at Fire Base Lilley, after I had snooped around enough to understand the differences between Bagram and Lilley.
Autumn Richards is thinking about the flight medics here in Afghanistan and how difficult a job they have at the point of injury, en route, and during offload. Today I have gained a different perspective of the challenges of their job.
June 2 at 7:38pm
*Editorial comment: I wrote this the day I cared for a patient blown up by an IED. In a moment my perspective had changed.
Autumn Richards is thinking about a favorite Bon Jovi song: “It's my life/ It's now or never/ I ain't gonna live forever/ I just want to live while I'm alive”
June 2 at 10:34pm
Autumn Richards is wondering how a long hard night of Rock Band resulted in a blood blister on her right thumb ....
June 5 at 12:07am
Autumn Richards is listening to Sting from a delta's computer ....
June 7 at 10:30am
Autumn Richards is (for a change) NOT sad about NOT getting off the ground today!
June 7 at 3:26pm
*Editorial comment: Our planned return to Bagram was delayed by one day - usually I would complain about NOT getting to fly!
Autumn Richards has a tummy full of king crab legs and na'an bread! Planning to have a banana split and play some Rock Band later ... hopefully with less "non-battle injury" than last time!
June 7 at 8:54pm
*Editorial comment: I was quite fortunate to enjoy the crab legs and na'an as a result of the canceled flight....
Autumn Richards can't get Madonna's "Like a Prayer" out of my mind....
June 7 at 10:46pm
Autumn Richards is back at Bagram after an 8-day trip to Fire Base Lilley, 4 miles from the Pakistan border in southeast Afghanistan. The trip was the highlight of my deployment so far!
June 8 at 1:36pm
*Editorial comment: This was my first announcement that I had been somewhere other than Bagram. The FaceBook community thought I was kidding!Autumn Richards is trying to unpack in complete silence and near darkness .... and is getting frustrated.
June 8 at 6:01pm
Autumn Richards is ready for a nap after chasing PTT values all night in a patient on a heparin drip.
June 10 at 8:19am
Autumn Richards is still tired after sleeping for several hours this morning. Perhaps another nap is in order ......
June 10 at 2:43pm
Autumn Richards can't breathe.
June 10 at 7:33pm
*Editorial comment: I wrote this after finding out that one of my best friends at Bagram had been hand-picked to join the General's staff at ISAF headquarters in Kabul. I felt like the bottom had dropped out of my world.
Autumn Richards feels somewhat better after a decent night's sleep.
June 11 at 5:57am
Autumn Richards just returned from a 2-hour coffee date with a friend .... it was almost like home!
June 11 at 7:58pm
*Editorial comment: We talked about everything from home remodeling to weekend activities while sitting in the coffee shop. I felt like a regular person for a few hours.
Autumn Richards is reminded of the old adage that "people you deploy with are your friends forever." Here's to forever!
June 12 at 1:30am
*Editorial comment: Around this time, I began to realize that this deployment will create memories and friends that last a lifetime.
Autumn Richards is working on getting some much-needed supplies and books down to the medics who protected me last week.
June 12 at 10:06am
*Editorial comment: I have pretty much made it my life's mission to send supplies downrange to the medics at Lilley. They deserve only the best.
Autumn Richards is pretty excited to have a local cell phone! (For those of you in theater, the number is Roshan 079-353-1511 ... call me!)
June 12 at 1:33pm
Autumn Richards is quite annoyed that the Department of Defense hired the lowest bidder to provide mattresses and bed frames to deployed troops.
June 13 at 8:46am
Autumn Richards just took the most luxurious combat shower ever using Origins gingersnap body cleanser. :-)
June 13 at 5:54pm
*Editorial comment: The body cleanser was a gift from some dear old friends in the DC area. I actually felt feminine afterwards!
Autumn Richards is addicted to coffee in Bagram....
June 14 at 12:21am
Autumn Richards was introduced to deep-fried french toast at the North DFAC today. :) I have been avoiding it for 16 weeks .... but now it will have to become a weekly routine!
June 14 at 9:33am
Autumn Richards hates hates HATES the act of putting clean sheet on her bed, but loves loves LOVES the way they feel!
June 14 at 4:35pm
Autumn Richards: On the one hand, yes I have worked hard to get where I am today. On the other hand, I am so fortunate to have a fabulous family, safe deployment, indoor plumbing, and awesome friends! So no, maybe I'm not spoiled in the traditional material sense, but there is very little in my life that I would change.
Autumn has taken the Are you spoiled? quiz.
According to quiz analysis, Autumn is 11% spoiled!
You are definitely not spoiled. You've worked hard for what you have.
Down to earth and grounded, you don't need a lot to make you happy.
June 14 at 4:51pmAccording to quiz analysis, Autumn is 11% spoiled!
You are definitely not spoiled. You've worked hard for what you have.
Down to earth and grounded, you don't need a lot to make you happy.
Autumn Richards can't wait for her massage this evening.
June 15 at 2:39pm
Autumn Richards is going to be super sore tomorrow thanks to yoga this evening......
June 16 at 10:13pm
*Editorial comment: My first yoga experience was somewhat painful, but since then it has been pure bliss.
Autumn Richards nearly forgot that she needed to put on a "real" uniform this morning.
June 17 at 6:55am
Autumn Richards needs a few moments to cool off after being accused of "not being able to handle" clinic. If I had access to alcohol, now would be the time to chug it .....
June 17 at 6:45pm
*Editorial comment: One of the LtCol's in clinic was appalled when a patient was waiting to be seen at 5 pm. Little did she know that two patients checked in just before we closed and hadn't been waiting all day!
Autumn Richards is annoyed that her entire drugstore.com shopping cart has somehow been lost in cyberspace.
June 17 at 8:32pm
Autumn Richards has decided that the MRAP must be the most awesome vehicle known to man! Bulletproof, mineproof, soundproof, light disciplined and very heavy, it's almost impossible to be killed in one!
June 18 at 2:19am
*Editorial comment: I wrote this post after taking a night ride in an MRAP with music blaring (inside) and night vision turned on!
Autumn Richards should really go to bed.
June 20 at 1:41am
Autumn Richards is very proud of all the medical graduates out there. To those graduating from residency and fellowship: congratulations!
June 20 at 1:42am
Autumn Richards is putting on mega sunscreen. The sun at 5000 feet can be a killer!
June 20 at 10:51am
Autumn Richards probably shouldn't be awake.
June 21 at 4:22am
*Editorial comment: This was the night of the mortar attacks which killed 2 soldiers at Bagram. It was a very long night for all of us. See the full post here.
Autumn Richards had forgotten how nice it is to work out early in the mornings!
June 22 at 6:56am
Autumn Richards found grass today. In Bagram, Afghanistan. About 20 square feet of it. My feet were very happy and are requesting that I return tonight.
June 23 at 3:04pm
*Editorial comment: I enjoyed coffee on our "lawn" with a friend this evening .... almost like I would in the states.Autumn Richards must get to bed for her early-morning workout tomorrow.....
June 24 at 10:56pm
Autumn Richards is wondering why suddenly there are many, many new Air Force duffel bags stacked in her already-squished dorm room. More importantly, she wondering how they ended up on her desk, her armoire, and her chair ..... six to a room is NOT going to be fun, even for a few days.
June 25 at 5:09pm
Autumn Richards is now happy to return to her room really late and find 4 sleeping roommates and a relatively clean 5 x 10 living area!
June 25 at 11:16pm
Autumn Richards is going to avoid the hospital LIKE THE PLAGUE over the next few days while the new airmen move in and the old ones redeploy. It's such a disaster to have twice the number of people fighting for the showers and the dining hall, plus teaching all the newbies the ins and outs of BAF life. Please save me!
June 27 at 12:22am
*Editorial comment: see the full post here.Autumn Richards has enjoyed checking out the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale.
June 27 at 2:27am
Autumn Richards is pretty concerned about Matt's recent speech eval. Trying to manage developmental delay from Iraq and Afghanistan is nearly impossible. :(
June 27 at 11:47am
Autumn Richards spent a day at the Bagram spa getting a mani, pedi, and massage.
June 27 at 4:48pm
Autumn Richards slept through breakfast this morning. Instead, she enjoyed omelettes and french toast at midnight chow!
June 28 at 1:23am
*Editorial comment: I slept through breakfast because I had the day off. Really! It was my second day off here at Bagram, and it made me feel like a real person again.
Autumn Richards just got involved in a massive clinic waterfight. We started with syringes, then progressed to water balloons and, finally, 20 oz water bottles. I can't say that I won the fight ..... but I can say that it was quite fun! :)
June 28 at 12:37pm
Autumn Richards: Remember this one? "A whole new world/A new fantastic point of view/No one to tell us no/Or where to go/Or say we're only dreaming....." It applies.
June 28 at 9:36pm
Autumn Richards is going to sleep early tonight.
June 29 at 10:17pm
Autumn Richards apparently looks like a "naughty librarian" (according to her yoga instructor). Not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. Please comment.
June 30 at 10:19pm
*Editorial comment: The general consensus from the Facebook crowd is that I was being hit on!
Autumn Richards: Check out this video ... I think everyone's seen the story, but I just encountered the video for the first time!
US docs save burned girl, 8, victim of Afghan war
Source: www3.signonsandiego.com
Source: www3.signonsandiego.com
Autumn Richards was having a "skinny" day until her company commander pissed her off and the cookies and milk came a callin'.....
July 1 at 9:50pm
*Editorial comment: My CO just can't understand that certain medical conditions - combined with the 5000-foot altitude - just don't mix with Army physical training. I wept several tears this night and was very, very angry.Autumn Richards can't wait to try the new clothes that arrived in the mail from Victoria Secret today .....
July 2 at 10:47pm
Autumn Richards definitely shouldn't be awake at 2 am Bagram time. But Matthew is worth it!
July 3 at 2:30am
*Editorial comment: I got up at 2 am Bagram time in order to participate in the social services evaluation for Matt's speech therapy. Although it was the middle of my night, I was so glad I did it!Autumn Richards is headed to the gym then to cover the ward for the afternoon. The new call schedule is quite confusing. I can't say that I'm all that excited about taking care of inpatient big people!
July 3 at 9:52am
Autumn Richards had the best workout in a month or more!
July 3 at 12:20pm
Autumn Richards: This is not exactly what I was expecting. At some times of my life, I have been exactly the OPPOSITE of Mod New York: homely, nerdy, reserved, careful, and risk-averse. There have also been (relatively few) moments in which I have fit this era well: OBC ('nuf said), Ft. Benning for the rugby national finals, San Diego with Philla for the kidney conference, the past few weeks here in Bagram .... I think maybe I need to find a happy medium between the homely, sweet, innocent, intelligent pediatrician and the rambunctious, rule-breaking, energetic, adrenaline-junkie wild child!
Autumn took the What Era Should You Time Travel To? quiz and the result is Mid-Century Mod New York
You like things simple and fun. Bold and daring, you don't hide how you feel, so you're a natural born leader. You love music and good times with your friends, especially nights out on the town! You want a no-fuss life style that is also totally chic. Going wild is your specialty and you love to be the center of attention, so why not go to the center of fashion and good-times: New York City! Better yet, slip in with the hip crowd, play it up in the latest pop fashions, and savor the British Invasion! It's artsy, suave, sexy, and totally you, baby! Boys, bring on the Beatles and ladies wiggle into your Twiggy mini dresses because Mid-Century Mod NYC is calling!
You like things simple and fun. Bold and daring, you don't hide how you feel, so you're a natural born leader. You love music and good times with your friends, especially nights out on the town! You want a no-fuss life style that is also totally chic. Going wild is your specialty and you love to be the center of attention, so why not go to the center of fashion and good-times: New York City! Better yet, slip in with the hip crowd, play it up in the latest pop fashions, and savor the British Invasion! It's artsy, suave, sexy, and totally you, baby! Boys, bring on the Beatles and ladies wiggle into your Twiggy mini dresses because Mid-Century Mod NYC is calling!
July 3 at 10:08 pm
Autumn Richards: Now that's more like it!
Autumn took the What do Your Eyes Say About You? quiz and the result is: Boldness.
When people look into your eyes, they can see that you're an energetic, happy, and cheerful person. You're outgoing and fun, and love to make new friends. You're not afraid to speak your mind, and you never stop laughing! People realize that you're a bouncy, loud person, that can sometimes be obnoxious, just by looking into your eyes. They can see that you're a unique, stylish, and one-of-a-kind individual. You're independent, and you don't let anybody get in your way.
When people look into your eyes, they can see that you're an energetic, happy, and cheerful person. You're outgoing and fun, and love to make new friends. You're not afraid to speak your mind, and you never stop laughing! People realize that you're a bouncy, loud person, that can sometimes be obnoxious, just by looking into your eyes. They can see that you're a unique, stylish, and one-of-a-kind individual. You're independent, and you don't let anybody get in your way.
July 3 at 9:55 pm
Autumn Richards is planning to nap today and admit patients all night. We had somewhere around 25-30 admissions yesterday .... and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon thanks to the continued surge in Southern Afghanistan. :(
July 5 at 10:05 am
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Carpe Diem
Carpe Diem, by definition, is
1) Seizing the day (Latin).
2) The completion of a purposeful task with military precision that even Autumn and James could admire (Contemporary).
3) The satisfaction that come from having four happy, exhausted kids and executing one very successful play date (Parental).
Thankfully, I got to have all three of these things rolled into a single event at
Matt arrived with Loretta and Frank totally prepared for the day's events and exactly on time. When he arrived, I was offered his toy mail truck at the door and a happy smile. Had to remind the girls not to love on him too hard or too much. My warnings fell on deaf ears. We had just a few minutes to play and make the transition. Matt was so involved with collecting toys that he did not even notice when Frank and Loretta turned to leave until the very last second. We had a little whining but quickly stopped with the opportunity of a car ride.
We started on out trip with three car seats for three kids, each wearing a swimsuits and smelling like sunscreen. Towels, clothes and toys all neatly packed. Autumn's camera sitting at my side – we will need no less than 200 pictures of this single four-hour event. (I will leave it to the IS people for posting the pictures.) We sang "Old McDonald" while we drove. Such a corny image but what can I say? It should have been a car commercial. We took the short drive with Matt babbling, Ash singing and Kate pointing out every truck on the road. We pulled into the parking lot with
Moving all the kids and all the stuff usually is a monster task. Somehow today, it was surprisingly easy. Since Matt and Zach are now walking well, our adult arms were free to carry everything else.
Sadly, the pool was closed for the day but we would not be deterred. We set up camp next to the sprinkler park and let the kids run free. They ran and ran and ran. There are two approaches to playing at a sprinkler park.
There is a wonderful playground adjacent to the water activities. We played in the sand and sat on the swings but the favorite was an old fashioned merry-go-round. Parents, take note: sand and water don't really mix. The kids were covered. A merry-go-round immediately after snacks is not a great timing. I was holding my breath waiting for an outcome that thankfully, never came. Kate loved the rock wall, monkey bars and anything else that she could climb. (Autumn, is it too late to be an orthopedic surgeon? I have a feeling that we will have a constant need.) Ash was intent on building a sandcastle and spending her time on the merry-go-round. Matt loves to swing and Zach just loves to try everything. This kid will hit the independence stage with a vengeance.
Big thanks to
After lunch, we played for at least another two hours with kids running from activity to activity. They were alternating between activities that made them wet, sandy or dirty. The pictures tell the story. Zach and Matt stayed with the group and on track very well considering all the people and chaos. There were several pieces of play equipment build just for them. Matt and I spent sometime playing quietly with his trucks on the blanket. I was hoping that he would nap – it was almost
We ended the day with feeding the ducks while walking back to the car. This is one of the few California parks allows wildlife feeding. Those poor ducks and tadpoles must have been on sodium overload because we only had pretzels and tortilla chips. People like us are probably the reason the practice is prohibited. I am sitting on the bank of the pond. Matt is next to me racing his trucks. Zach is happily gathering and throwing duck food. The girls are at the water's edge with a dozen hungry birds. I am thinking to myself that it has been a perfect day. No crying. No tears. No injury. Everything was just so smooth. Who needs real life? Everyday should be a fieldtrip. I finish my thought on how to create a perfect world, looked up and Ash is just falling into the pond. She is a little startled and trying to climb back onto the muddy bank.
Now, the day is truly perfect.
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