splitting the baby

i forgot to write yesterday that the issue with the void in aeromedical crews for 20 days has also been fixed.  the crew that was to leave first is staying an extra 6 days.  4 of them are active duty, so extending them for <14 days is easy.  the 1 reservist volunteered to stay an extra 6 days with his crew, for which i was very grateful.  so, issue resolved.  the MCD (medical crew director)–the one who’d previously argued with me about how to solve the problem and had been teary–thanked me for my efforts a few days ago when i let them know what was going to happen.  so, that’s that.

judging by some of the emails i received today, i was not clear yesterday about my replacement.  he’s not here yet…it’ll be another 30 days or so.  and he is the flight nurse i referred to earlier whom i wasn’t sure the squadron commander would accept.  so, that has worked out, too.  i’ve known ltc sanders a decade and know he’ll do a great job here.

i received an unexpected surprise today–several of my neighbors from boulevard heights in atlanta sent me christmas cards, treats, stockings, etc. in a large consolidated package.  it was very kind of them.  i know of no one who has received a package from their neighborhood like that; i am very lucky to live in such a close, supportive neighborhood.  i miss it.  usually, we have a progressive new year’s eve dinner party in our ‘hood that i will be sad to miss.  i typically put it together and send the evite.  luckily, this year another couple is hosting a party that i will have to attend “in spirit” (while at work at 0800 on january 1st)! 

my guard unit also sent several boxes of toys that i will give to the hospital, since we sometimes take care of iraqi kids.  a mother and child were in our ICU just last week.

i’m still sickly, so i’m having to continue to abstain from exercising, which i hate.  since i have a roommate now as part of the moves we’re doing, i’ll likely sit in the library a couple hours and read before going to bed and encouraging the flight nurse staying with me to go elsewhere for 7 hours.