My day job in the AF is administrative, but I am trained about clinical work and that's my passion. So, when I had the opportunity to spend a few months in Alaska providing manning assistance for the OBGYN department at Elmendorf, I jumped at the opportunity ... and then I got nervous. I was excited, but had great trepidation at the same time.
I've always wanted to spend time in Alaska ... but in winter? It's cold.
I want to get back to clinical work ... but I'm a subspecialist and I'm a little nervous about pulling all night labor & delivery call.
It's a great opportunity ... but I will miss the Musician and my pups.
The TDY assignment came up quick and I had a hard time wrapping my head around getting organized. The weekend before I had to go, I decided I just had to bite the bullet and pack. I couldn't decide what (weather) and how much (2 months) to pack. So, I packed all my sweaters and tossed in anything I thought I might want to stay warm. Clearly unorganized, I packed too much.
Monday was a holiday and I was scheduled to fly on Sunday. A day to get settled in before starting work. Well, nope. Flight was delayed and the gate agent said I wouldn't make connection. Choices ... leave 24-hours later ... or overnight in Chicago airport. I chose to spend an extra night at home. Sunday, I left San Antonio in 80-degree weather. Connection was delayed and I arrived in Anchorage 18-hours later, 32-degrees. I picked up my rental and drove to base. GPS sent me to a locked gate. Stressed out, but arrived to lodging around 2 AM.
I was definitely going to be tired when I reported to work the next morning. Thank goodness, they were understanding. Did a little inprocessing and was sent home to rest and finish inprocessing the next day. First night, Flinnster and her family were going for a Munchkin run. I decided I would join for a 1.7 mile trail run. I was greeted to the first of many incredible sunsets. But the trail run and the cold was a shock to my system. My asthma was going to be feeling this cold dry air.
What a first month it was. I returned to my roots in general OBGYN. The nurses on L&D said they "could tell I was experienced." Does that mean old? Apparently, I have the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. I had forgotten just how messy the whole delivery process is. And, although I hadn't forgotten that I don't like the wee hours of the morning, I forgot how hard it is to stay up so long. Why are most babies born in the middle of the night? I operated, and in addition to putting tubes together, I had chest pain when I did tubal ligations ... more business for later? Maybe? And GYN basics ... hysterectomies. It's like riding a bike. It all came back quick and my brain turned back on.
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When I could, I enjoyed what Alaska has to offer. Apparently, it was a very mild transition to winter. We had days in the 40s and rarely dipped into the 20s. Had a brief dusting of snow that made me giddy, but it melted. I did a few races and tried to hike as often as I could. I watched as the terminal dusting marched down the mountains.
Tried out lots of great restaurants. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes just randomly looking for a place to eat. Surprising that there are so many places offering vegetarian and vegan offerings. Middleway Cafe became a frequent hang-out spot. Had a great Nepalese bowl at Yak N Yeti. The blackened, fried brussels sprouts at Spenard Roadhouse are sinfully delicious. Organic Oasis has a Spirulina salad dressing that I could drink from a bottle. I have missed pho and Pho Saigon has a vegan pho with a mushroom (instead of traditional beef) broth and vegan curry. Fried cauliflower options and some of the best beets I've ever had were found here. All said, I have eaten very very well. Who knew it would be so easy in Alaska? I didn't.
If you know me, you know I obsess about Wyland murals. I love the sea life and the way he captures it. I have tried to collect pics from murals wherever I find them. How surprised was I to find a 1994 Wyland wall on 6th street?
Anchorage is a small city of 300K, but there is plenty of cultural activities. Saw this little show ... it was amazing. Made it to the symphony and they had a mixed media performance with an amazing show of the Northern Lights put to music of the orchestra.
Went aurora hunting when the lights were supposed to be good. My bad luck, I was either at work on the best nights, or too much cloud cover. Saw some green hue and a hazy pillar, but no dancing lights. No lights filling the sky. I can't complain too much, though ... the skies here are beautiful in many ways. The color of the night sky ... the blues are breathtaking. The sunsets are pink and vibrant. The darkness is darker than dark. It's just inexplicable. 
I have been made to feel very welcome here. The people I work with ... physicians, advanced practice nurses, nurses, technicians ... just among the best of the Air Force. Even some old friends have re-entered my life. Flinnster has been incredible making me feel so welcome and helping me with the navigation of the system. Ran into WonderNurse. She was an L&D nurse at Keesler when I was a wee resident. Now, she's a big bad women's health nurse practitioner. Small little AF world. I never worked with Chief, but we have been in the same place at the same time and know lots of the same people. And, my new friend DD thought it would be funny to put these on my desk. What a welcome!!!
I have also appreciated how nice it is to just drive. As I finish my first 30 days, I enjoyed a view from the Seward Highway going down Turnagain Arm. Musician comes next week.
