Washington in Springtime

I recently attended a week-long course in Bethesda, Maryland, and had a great visit in Washington DC. What a treat to see the sights and visit some amazing museums. And it's ALL FREE!!! Not that I would trade our health care, but it was still pretty cool.

I really had a good time at Julia Child's kitchen, and have the DVDs and souvenirs to prove it!

I even had the chance to pop into Canada - yep, visited the Canadian Embassy while I was there. The Medical Liaison Officer invited myself and Maj Hache to a movie premiere. No popcorn, though.....

The weather was gorgeous, the people were SOOOO friendly!

Harassment Advisor

I spent a week on a course with the Good Working Relations people (who are, by the way, good people themselves!) learning how to be a harassment advisor. Now I get to advise my Commander on how to avoid prison by dealing with issues as they arise. Yep, that's what the instructor kept saying: You have to keep your boss out of jail.

Really, we just have to learn to get along, regardless of our differences.....

Because the alternative can be some pretty prickly situations......

And you don't want things sneaking up on you...

Moose Jaw has a sense of humour

A crosswalk in Moose Jaw. Words escape me. Laughter spilled out too.

So it begins, so it ends...

Yep, springtime in Saskatchewan. It was almost over, but then again, no...

Fortunately it was only a dusting, and even better, there were no flight delays.

However, when I got home, and found an ant AND moth problem, and I forgot my pillow in Saskatchewan, AND my hot tub was cold, I was ready to go back to Moose Jaw!

But no more whining, because as Chiu said, Jeez, Menard, you sound Air Force!!

Love is everywhere

You just have to be ready to see it. Not merely able to see it. You have to be READY. Only one person can take down the walls, only one person can open the door, only you can open your eyes.

And see the love.

Moose Jaw TD

Two weeks down, two weeks to go. So far, this is as close as I've been able to get to a Snowbird (the plane; the Snowbird pilots lay down for me everyday, but that's just my job....)

It's a great clinic, great

staff, and I'm learning a lot about being 'in charge' from the 'Sarge' (who is

obviously really in charge!)

It's just too bad about the smell - too much fertilizer, too many cows in the stockyard near the base, too many mornings with eyes watering! Enough said!!

It's also been a great chance to see old friends, like Monika, who gives great hugs! I also got to visit with Den and Gayle and their family, and Anjani (and new baby) and Brian and Lauretta! Definitely the best part about a TD to Moose Jaw!

I left Victoria for THIS?!?!

Drove through this (handily supplied photo from the Weather Network) from Regina to Moose Jaw. So far, nice digs, great people, and got to visit the Snowbird hangar. Did NOT get to fly in one. See photo and fog and you'll know why!!

Also met with a personal trainer at the gym - a whole month with no cooking or cleaning - I have no excuse to not get in better shape!! Here is a photo of some of the great staff I had the pleasure of getting to know while in Moose Jaw.

Thanks for the great laughs!

(And, oh yeah, Carol? W-V!!)

Regional CE

Gathered from across this great country of ours - well, the great Western half - dental personnel from Shilo, Moose Jaw, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Comox, and a few token Ottawa guys, met in Victoria for a few days of Continuing Education. The highlight? A hike around Thetis Lake, and for the military members, a bigger hike up Mount Finlayson. Apparently, to prairie folk, this is HUGE.

When asked by fellow hikers if this was for fun or for training, I replied: "When you're being paid to do it, it's training." (BTW, it was fun. It just wasn't FOR fun!).

Apparently the large number of soldiers wearing combats needed explanation....

Fortunately, on our Recce hike, the Warrant Officer found the most important piece of equipment. Unfortunately, he left a piece of it attached to his pants.....

Do Soldiers Cry?

Soldiers cry because people cry.

During training, it is common to hear (women) soldiers being told to 'stop crying', to toughen up, to, as it were, 'soldier up'.

But - soldiers cry.

It is not an inherent weakness in a woman that makes her cry, any more than a soldier showing emotion is showing weakness.

It is her strength. A soldier who can cry, who can express emotion, and still BE a soldier, is far stronger than those who are uncomfortable with that expression of emotion.

Perhaps then, it is those who cannot abide the tears who are weak. Anyone who can be so intimidated by a little bit of salt water should consider the old saying:

If you can't handle getting yelled at, how are you going to handle getting shot at?

To wit - if you can't handle the consequences of yelling at people, how are YOU going to handle the repercussions of shooting at them? If you can't stand to make someone cry, how are you going to handle making someone bleed?

Secure and protected

Ah, the PPE of the military. My personal protective equipment apparently does NOT end with gas masks or surgical masks, rubber gloves or latex gloves, tactical vests or dental scrubs.

It apparently includes my bobby pins and hairnets, because nothing screams safety like a nice tight bun......

New Book, New inspirations

Bob made the mistake of giving me a book for Christmas, so the poor guy didn't get a lot of attention yesterday.

The writing is clear and concise, with excellent stories, and Gen Hillier reminds me why I joined.

The stories also remind me about the way to lead, and not to lead. Unfortunately, it doesn't give a lot of advice on how to be a follower!

I guess I am still learning that part.....