Fuggle Up!

So, we all know T and I have Eff'd up schedules and such. The one car we rent has been indeed fun, but too fun!. Steering wheel liked to dance ALOT! On right turns, she wanted to turn LEFT, with a bit of a shimmy. Aside it was a POS from the beginning, she went downhill fast. I can say, (but not own), many potholes contributed to the declining health of her.

Two days back I arraigned to drop her off. This shopping was NOT as fun as I would like! I dropped T off at work, then headed to a nefarious area of town to the Rental Place.. "Dependable Rental" exactly. Indeed  it opened on time. The same bong was sitting on the concrete ledge from a month back. Slightly moved for the same time of day break. I really wanted to take it the first time!

Long story short, received a loaner and the car was dropped off at a garage. End of day the CVC joint and swing arm were replaced....BUT WAIT! It was noted that the tires were indeed needing to be replaced! I was finally taken seriously! We get to pick her up tomorrow as T gets off work and I go ON!. So want to get these last 2 shifts done.

Christmas shopping is not as fun as back in the states. I realize how spoiled I have been. I'm not even attempting the postal as well take a picture of what I want to mail, send it by text and be happy with that. I'll bring the gifts when I return! :)

Looking forward to some time off on Thursday Evening with T. It definitely beats watching the lizards!

Still having "iffy" weather. Cloudy and rainy mostly. Hurricane season is over... The locals say its the coolest, and dreariest December they can remember! Well, hot damn! We came in time for a record!

Decorated to the best of our ability. Lot of make shift. Most important for us was finding a Nativity. We found one at the Walgreen's that opened in June. A few lights and some glitter glue, we are FESTIVE!

Tracy went to bed, and I will start the daily "ant death" regimen. Been trying EVERY product we can find! Little sh#ts are just bigger than a pencil lead. Trying Terro tonight. Seems like every attempt gives us 2-3 days respite.

As always. be well and keep warm!

Our Nativity

Pointing at small tree!

Ocean Reeds with some lights!

Lil' Late!

No apologies, it's been a long last 10 days!  I'll include some pictures, to make up for the lax posting!

Lots of rain and cloudy days! Kind of bitching, from our end of things, I know.  Most reading can shoot back retorts of "It's cold", or "It's snowing".  It's  neither here, get used to it! We had 2 full weeks of cloudy sky's and rain. No sun, no tanning etc. We are so prone to complaining, aren't we? We decided not to. 

Settled into work FINALLY! We have a semi workable schedule, thanks to Tracy! Our initial contract read other than what we expected, and both of us fought back. Aside from opposite shifts, we're kind of on same days.  

OMG ! The residents of the Island are pretty much squared away!  Beautiful and gracious. Thankful for everything and they SAY it! It's pretty easy to go the extra mile here. 

Locked out last week by accident! Not cool in this environment. I did my best to make do. Rule one, always have your phone, rule two, have your keys. T had the keys and I had my phone. I text her to let her know I was locked out and taxied to Red Hook. OH! Rule three, always have your wallet. It's weird for me to worry about another in this environment. Onward, with phone  and wallet I indeed got to red Hook and waited for my Tracy.  As I couldn't cook, bought her the dinner I had planned to make. Had a few beers waiting too ;)

A few days back we had the day off together. Unsure of what to do I suggested a trip to the west side of the island. This has been forbidden by every mainland person I have spoken to. "Dangerous", "Nothing to see", "Jungle", all prefaced my decision. WE said screw it! On a rainy afternoon about the 2nd of December, we drove to the west side! Thank god we didn't listen! It was so beautiful and more pristine than the East. Might be scary if you need contact/gas stations/people..... I have now solidified my belief of not listening to others while traveling. We would have made the journey anyway. We found nature in a way a picture could not explain. We also, literally drove to the "end of the road" and saw the most  west point of St Thomas. 

Our drives are still stunningly  hilarious! I wish ONE of us were into technology to the point that we had cool photography etc... I have started taking the Safari Bus, when unable to make our driving schedule fit. 

My inaugural trip consisted of ...while waiting for the bus... a car of Caribbean women, stopping to offer me a ride, to Tutu (nearby town) and having "fun" with them. I politely said I was going to work, and they said I would get a 4 for one and would not be late! I passed....

For those following the Blog... Mortimer the Anole has found a mate and disgusted TK with consummation of said relationship!  Little white stripped Anole girl found her way to our balcony. Mort got busy! 

Trip to West end of island...

Self portrait. Pretty hard to trust others with your phone.

Little Creativity Island!

Found a Tree! 

Found on West  Side, did not go further....

St John Visit

      Awoke refreshed ... Tracy was at the pool, shaved/showered then called the cab. T and I scrambled to make sure we had what we needed, then left.
       Roy the Taxi driver brought s to the ferry landing with two others. Not uncommon for him to add passengers en-route.
       We got to the gate, paid for tickets, noticed the full service bar!. Tracy was concerned about my head, as I left without a cover.Going to to the shop in the gateway, only one hat to stupid looking to buy.

      We boarded. It was my first time on a Ferry, much less on a ocean going trip!. T did not remember this... On board (on the top level), I noticed I was queasy.  Made it known to T, and the gal in front of us offered "Ginger Gum". It worked swell, as did our talk en-route to John.

      We arrived and Andy was waiting in the town square, as planned. T had to point him out as the din of the diesel engines obstructed my hearing... my sight was distracted by my stupid contacts and too much light.

Greeted by Andy, we went to the Beach Bar for Nachos and some refreshments. We left it up to him to give us the game play.  He decided on Trunk Bay.

      Hailing a cab, we were on our way. On arrival we saw the most beautiful beach, along with lots of tourists! Andy guided us one way, then a turn around back. I pointed out a snorkeling guy and made fun that he just did't look right.

      We settled in, made our blankets, even T got a quick swim.... Andy saw CPR starting and 3 of us our responded.  On arrival I noted it was the snorkeling fellow ...Between the 3 of us and a lifeguard, we worked him for 40 minutes. EMS arrived and they allowed us the privilege of working him until transport.  We did NOT want to work today....

      After a douse in the ocean, post unwanted working, we went to relaxing. ....

      Went to Castaways, and LOVED it. Then off to Woody's for more Happy Hour fun!

Trace and Tonya

TK and TJ

TK and Andy at Woody's!

Enjoyed the day. Ferried back in silence. Enjoyed the day and the time. So good to see TK let loose!

Until later....

FRIDAY!

Finally Friday! Tracy and I were separated all week due to work. Testing a bit with one car, separate checking and not a lot of friends to hang with!

At about 0700 this morning Tracy came to work, allowing me to leave with the car to return home. I arranged for her to work triage as she broke two toes... Pool depth is difficult in twilight ! I left for a 3 hour nap.

I had to visit the Board of Nursing for the last time, thank God. My license was ready for me as was the Director of the Board. She apologized much as to how I was treated, waiting so long, and given so much misinformation. I had a goal to get a picture, but merely left. Did some shopping for provisions, and home. Spent time on the balcony, waiting to pick up TK. Mortimer visited, a bit less crabby today.

It was a challenging week at work. Got through some of the 'new guy' crap fairly clean. When you fire back accurately, the recipient takes notice;) TK has found that sooner than I, no surprise.

Love the patients! I've decided I'd like to take a few of the grandmas home! So sweet and straight forward! I'm learning this is possible.

Saw a sign for a 'Spineologist'. Curious about what happens behind those doors!

We will be heading to St. John tomorrow morning for the first time. Very excited! We'll be greeted by a hometown Paramedic that we knew via Abbott. He's living here and looking forward to getting all of his insight.

Lots of stray dogs and cats here. Quasi adopted the 3 cats near our place in the compound. TK got food, go figure...

More Soon,

T

Sharing Time

       Despite the adventure and all, we have had a few issues with our travel assignment. I won't go into bitch mode. I will say that if one chooses to go forth with this, be on your toes. It reminds me of the Army in many ways. Broken promises, late answers, long lines... but YOU provide your own cot and food ;)

       Tracy and I were separated by shift on our unit as we are "involved". So during our interview were promised working the same Calendar day, but I work nights/she days.  Pretty much BS on arrival and into the schedule for December. The manager on the unit could easily be replaced by random floor nurse in any hospital in the mainland. I wouldn't blink with lack of work ethic, hiding, and lack of personal skills.  Coming off a three day stretch, I power napped so T and I could have some time together.

       The weather today was "off" as far as rain and sunshine.  We trekked to the highest point on the island instead.  World Famous Mountain Top was the goal. After a few hair-pin turns and some horn honking we arrived . Pretty kitschy, Banana Daiquiris are only $11 ! Pretty tasty stuff! Found a beautiful view of the island north side. Magens Bay was at our feet. I wouldn't let anyone hold my phone, so I did a self portrait of Tracy and I. It's not flattering, but you'll get the idea!

Mountain Top

Lot's of nice touristy stuff. So sad to overhear people complaining from the cruise lines,  Poor bastards had no clue where they really were.  We bought a few things to include a beach bag for Tracy and water shoes for me.. 

       Off to Havensight to get flip-flops, and then to Red Hooks for Happy Hour! Duffy's Love Shack . It's the ONLY place to get a beer under $2.  If you hear otherwise let me know!

       T works in the AM tomorrow and I will get some needed rest! Plans for the weekend? Most likely hitting St John. Hoping to find a paramedic that used to work for HCMC, back home. I've made contact, and pray to meet up for some advice, re-acquaintance and fun! 

Out for now! 

"Island Time"

      Delayed post, again, to island time.  Internet is pretty much a luxury here.  You can get a random signal, but not for long. Even using your phone as a 'hot-spot' is not assured. I am finally over the angst of it. I used to hate the phrase, "It is what it is", looking at it as an excuse for being lax, late, not vested in life. I actually get it here. You have what you have here, but do not be surprised when it breaks, or dies. Then you deal.  It may be funny coming from a person with "Improvise, adapt, over-come" and "drive on", as a motto. I learned to have EVERYTHING at my disposal. Proof of innate ability to go the "easy" route. We're in Paradise and I started bitching that my schedule was messed up.... 

       The scenery gets more beautiful every time we go out.  FACT: All beaches in the USVI are public. Government or municipal beaches do charge a fee, but private ownership is not possible. We found one to our liking today that had the best sand, clear water etc. Excuse my naivety, but ocean swimming is so fun! I had Tang fish and others at my feet. Not quite a Disney film, but they were there. My brain is constantly running, curious about everything I see. The feral chickens provide me with laughs and remind me of how much I want my own. I was chased a couple of times for the Trail Mix in my hand. They love peanuts and the corn-nuts I have found in the rental car.

       We now have a pet baby (assumed), Iguana that lives on our balcony. Tracy spends more time there and has named him/her/it Mortimer. He has serious personality! For reasons possibly obvious, he gets defensive of the territory when I come out, even more so if Tracy is present. He does his push-up dance and swells his throat! I guess I keep calling him a 'he' as he seems protective of Tracy.  I love to watch him silently as does T. 

 He liked lettuce for a while, but quit eating it.

  In the spirit of 'mix-it-up' I offered him some Ritz crumbs. Fail. He came and looked at them, and did his 'mad' routine. I wish I knew about reptiles....

       

  

       Finally found a place to get less expensive groceries... PriceSmart! Cost-Co must have a hand in it, it features familiar Kirkland stuff. It saved a few pennies ;)  We needed a membership, but $25 was so worth it!  Also found a hidden DVD rental joint in Red Hook. Score! Since you could never stream a movie, and a download would take 2 days, it was nice to add to the 'routine' stuff we miss. 

       I experienced a little "Island Fever" a few days ago. Surely an anxiety type thing.  I awoke with the feeling of "I can't get off the island, but I want too!".  Humbling experience, but nonetheless fairly normal.  Got through it, but not without a call to Tracy while she was working.  It's an odd feeling. Never had it on deployments with the military. 

     All is well with us, and please don't hesitate to get down here while we are! The weather should be about "perfect" in a week.  We still have rain and wind on occasion, but it's minimal. 

Miss you all!

 

Couple of Pictures

                                                   

Found in local store. Laughed my butt off thinking of Grandma and "Mercurochrome".

View from our balcony. St. Johns is a half-

step to the right (east).

A Little Catch Up

It's been an interesting week for sure....Made it to the first day of orientation ON TIME! Discovered that there is indeed a "rush hour" from about 0730 to 0830.  Speed limit on the whole Island is 35... do the math. Schools slow things down much.  From what I see they are private and exist about every mile, so the crossing guards are part of the issue. The children are absolutely beautiful in their uniforms, bright eyes and cheerful faces! 

Made a trip to VI Nursing License Board to get Tracy's approved credentials on Wednesday. I was told to arrive with her to see if my License was complete by HR. I had to park illegally, on European style side streets that I've only seen in movies. She was back in a flash. While she guarded the car from tickets I ran in....to the kindest ass chewing I have ever had. To fill you in I had called 3 times prior, only to be met with, "Do not call, we will call you". I was told that coming to the office was not parliamentary procedure... then told to call!  I cannot go into the rest of the story, as I do not want to destroy territorial relations with my hosts. Needless to say I reported to my HR person and Manager what had transpired.  By days end I was told my License was "currently in effect".  

Today while leaving for work, I backed into one of our neighbors cars. It was a pretty loud crunch. Not due to speed, but the vehicles are so old, they are brittle. I left courteous message and number to the unknown neighbor. She called during my work day and I said we could meet on my return to the compound. 
Pleasantly surprised to meet a 60+ transplant from New Jersey with a wonderful attitude. Linda gushed about leaving a note... and then said it was fine as her car was as beat up as my rental.  I promised her dinner when we had more than lunch meat and Ra-men. 

Actually spent time on the floor in the ER today. The tediousness of corporate type orientation is over. LOTS of lessons learned. Keep in mind, VI is Represented in Congress, does NOT vote in Presidential election, has taxes, both Federal and VI, all are citizens of the US, has the same Army National Guard .

There is ONE Hyperbaric Chamber. Its serves ALL the islands, and exists in one of the most visited dive areas in the world.

2 Ambulances, with 2 Paramedics and 2 EMT's for the St Thomas. 250+ calls per day.

17 bed ER. I won't do the room break-down...

1 EKG machine from circa 1980.

As an RN you draw AND run majority of your labs,  EKG's, transport patients, casting, bed cleaning, plus all of the usual RN scope. 

No water fountains. T.V.'s, Fish tanks, Phones, Meal trays for ER Visitors or Patients.

Computers are from Y2K and still display the time they stopped, yet are able to run the Electronic Medical Record system software. 

No interpreters.

Break-room has a toaster and a Dorm fridge for your lunch, table, coffee maker that is 10 years old, that you could get for 15$, plus coffee from the staff's donations, and a cork board with some PSA's tacked on.

All staff are upbeat and happy! They ENGAGE the patients! They welcome the new people! They deal with everything with a "it is what it is" attitude. Protect what you have and be happy with it. No shipment of supplies are guaranteed, so be responsible. ALL Nurses are responsible for ALL of the patients. 

I could contrast and compare for 10 pages. It's amazing. 

I was speechless at the end of the day.  

Work

Orientation starts tomorrow morning, 0800. Roy Lester Schneider Hospital is where we'll be for the next 3 months. It will be good to settle in. Tracy had her license verified at close of business Friday. I will be crossing my fingers in the morning to see if mine has been.  The board of nursing is also on "island time". Planning to flash a smile and laugh if it's not confirmed.

We've had a great time with witnessing wildlife one doesn't see often in the Midwest. Mongoose, Iguanas, Hermit Crabs all surround our condo. We even saw a Barracuda cruise by while we ate lunch the other day.

Taking a wrong turn today, while looking for Office Max, was interesting. We ran into the wealthy area of the island. The palaces couldn't compete with the beauty of the terrain though.

Smartass, I mean smartphone found the store however. Needed a cheap printer. Really no cyber café open to get things like that done. Most open, then go out of business. No updates of same seen on internet. We've learned not to trust the web and either go with what we know, or have time to explore. Thankfully we'll meet new people to resource with soon!

Getting The Game On

Leaving MSP

Sassy Gal Arrives

Tram under construction

Arrival in St Thomas

       Arrived to St. Thomas, USVI safely. Three plus months in the planing, while working and catching up from time off work, we were off! October 30th was a scramble to the end, with a 40 minute nap before setting out. Having only minimal sleep in 72 hours was daunting, but we prevailed...Luke (Tracy's son) was our transport to MSP airport. Not only was he on time,,. Bailey (Luke's Girlfriend), and he had Lei's for our sendoff! Awesome work in my opinion.
       We set off at 0528, on time to Atlanta. After a short lay-over, we were on our way to STT. Neither of us truly slept. Mostly a combo of exhausted and excited. Balancing each others mood and outlook was not difficult at all!
       Arrived on time at Cyril King Airport. Landing was perfect, except by appearances, we would land in water. Touchdown was a 5 count after seeing the tarmac. Yikes!
       Due to NOT having our rental vehicle ready, we had an awesome surprise of a local (Our condo manager, Leah), greeting us with a sign, with our names! It felt kind of 'rock-star' in my opinion. She loaned is a kick-ass Jeep Sahara '14 for the days until we got our rental!
        Leah gave us much in the way of being local and not a tourist. Great way to start out! Did I mention we were tired yet? I took driver and Tracy was definitively the co-pilot extraordinaire. We now had to get from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook. Unbeknownst to me, ALL roads are up OR down. no in-between. I knew I would be driving on the Left, but sitting on the Left made it a little daunting. Tracy was so awesome! We laughed hard at the mistakes and noted future "albatrosses" en-route.
       We stopped at a tourist grocery to get what we thought we needed, and were pretty much molested on cost. It was what it was. Arrived at our apartment in Sapphire Village intact and ready to haul our stuff in...let's say island clean is not Tracy or my clean. We settled in and I literally took the first "nap" I've taken in over a decade. It lasted 3 hours. Tracy 'nested'.  Upon waking I was wired and hungry. Went to town for immediate type food. Parked by Taco Hell, literally. It smelled great, but decided on a Calzone from the pizza place. I assumed it would feed me, but had no clue it was a pizza folded in half! It was delicious. Tracy finally got hungry after seeing the cheese! Part of the uniqueness was indeed the cheese. Unsure if it may have been goat, but the texture was heavenly.
        Then there was sleep.