Roto 5 has officially taken over!

So today was my first full official day in the 2IC chair, (second in command for you non military types). It went ok, lucky for me the Roto 4 girls were around for a good portion of the day so that I could suck more info out of their brains, but it wasn't that bad a day. Funny how completely exhausted I am though, having done more admin than anything. Had a few patients come through, had the change of command parade, it was a pretty half decent day. So all in all, things are good. I'm exhausted, but what else is new. Missing home, of course, but content. 218 days to go I think! haha! That's not very motivating at this point in time.
Time for bed, I can barely keep my eyes open.
Thanks for all the well wishes and emails, I would love to write to each of you individually, and I will write you back soon.
lots of love,
mary ann
xxoo

Alive and Well in Kandahar

Well I made it safe and somewhat sound, back in Afghanistan again. It's like deja vu here, a few changes to the camp but not many. It kinda feels like I never left. Its crazy!!! Really missing some of the people I was here with before, like Joni and Jacques and Tim, but our new team is great, and I'm really excited to be here with them. The new facility looks amazing, its crazy how many changes they've made to the Role 3, always for the better.
I am finally somewhat settled into my room, man did I ever bring alot of shit. I haven't even got my UAB yet and I'm full up! haha! oh well, lots to donate to charity! Brandy McKenna is my roomie right now, it took us a couple days to finally be living together but alas, we are! Its nice to have a familiar face and friend with me for a few more days!
So all is well, I am second-guessing at this point what the hell I was thinking when I decided I should come back over, but this will be good for me. I do have super high speed internet and cable in my room, its alittle pricey, but now I can webcam chat from my room, and it is pretty fast for satellite internet and cable.
Anyway, I'm missing home something fierce, missing Derek more than anything. We finally chatted today, I miss him so much and I miss all you guys too.
Lots of love.
I'll try to write atleast daily on this, just to keep you updated.
Love, Mary Ann

My Last Day in Canada

Well, the last 24 hr countdown has begun. I have to turn in my luggage today, and try to survive on a carry on bags worth of stuff! not! I have a bag that Derek is going to bring home for me! haha! Edmonton is just as we remember, dirty, windy, but its warm here, and sunny! We went for lunch yesterday with Sandy and she surprised me with a visit from CJ! So sneaky! It was great to catch up with old friends! Then we ventured out to see Mom and Hugh, Gramma, Todd and Brit, it was a great night! I swear I gained 5 lbs yesterday! But always hard to keep saying goodbye to people. But a great night nonetheless!
So today is my last full day with Derek until June, we are having date day, so the phone will be turned off, my computer gets shipped out today so I won't have to worry about emails or anything for atleast a few days!
Anyway, so the next time you hear from me, I will be overseas. Again!
Lots of love, and thanks for all your support in getting me ready to go! Its meant alot! Please keep an eye on my hubby for me!
Mary Ann

In Edmonton

Hello, well we finally made it to Edmonton. What a long day yesterday was though, Derek was able to get on my flight, (he was booked on a different one than me) but we waited an hour on the tarmac, then we got in, Air Canada lost our luggage, along with some of my stuff I needed to deploy with! Went for lunch, they screwed up our order, got to the base, got my DAG done, so I don't have to go in today, so that was fine! Checked into the hotel, and the room is disgusting, but at this point we don't care! Got to go out with some friends for dinner and beer at Brewsters! Delicious! And then crashed early, it was a long day! But our luggage made it, thank God! And we are here safe! and I have uniforms to wear for Monday! whew! So today we are going for lunch, going to West Edmonton Mall! yeehoo! and then hanging out with the in-laws for dinner, going to be tons of fun! So a good day today will easily make up for the drama of yesterday, actually, the beer last night did!
Was a hard week of good byes though, said good bye to work, close friends and family, and then now a weekend of more goodbyes. Its starting to really sink in, I'm leaving again. I am treasuring every meal, every minute with Derek and every time I see anything green, even the snow. The land of khaki is approaching! I am wearing red today! haha!
Anyway, enough of my babble! More before I leave the country I am sure.

My last week at home

Hi all, well, I finally have a departure date, Derek and I are heading to Burlington on the 14th, then fly to Edmonton on the 15th, and then I leave for Afghanistan from Edmonton. I can't put that particular date on here, but those who have talked to me know exactly what the date is. I'm alittle more relaxed now that I have a date, I guess its easier when you know when you're leaving, but now I really realize how little time I have left.
So we dropped off the dogs at Mom and Dad's last weekend. We had a great weekend ice fishing, and snowmobiling and being spoiled rotten by Mom and Dad! But it was really hard to leave the dogs. (and you guys too Mom!) but I will be able to talk to people, but I won't be able to interact with the dogs while I am away. If you can't understand that, and the connection Derek and I have to the dogs, then you shouldn't be reading this page, or bothering to keep in touch with me. They are our kids, and we love them as such.
So, we've been home, snowed in most of the week, and I've been shopping like a fiend! Thank you Sommar for rescuing me from spending more money than I need to! Aich! Did I really need new purple luggage? I think so! It'll be easy for me for travelling that is for sure! haha
Oh well, I should go to bed and get ready for a busy weekend! Derek is having a dinner for me tomorrow night with our friends to say goodbye, and then Sat we are heading to Ottawa for our Valentines Day/Derek's bday/Date Night, we're staying at the Chateau Laurier, should be a good time! Can't wait!
Until later,
MA