Week Four: Smoked Turkey

I woke up earlier than usual on Monday to travel to Nantucket Island with two coworkers, Tai (HS2 Mori-Laren) and Zach (HS2 Love). Our mission was to vaccinate the Coast Guard activity duty ("Coasties") stationed on the island. We drove out to Hyannis on the Mid Cape, and caught the first ferry to the island. It was a cold and windy day, which made the trip rather rocky. I was embarrassed to admit that I felt slightly seasick, and was relieved when we arrived 45 minutes later.

My initial impressions of Nantucket were positive. Smaller and less spread out than Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket has a more intimate feel with old, cobblestone streets and boutique shops. However, it is quite pricy. Apparently, many celebrities (including Drew Barrymore) live and vacation there.

Upon arrival to the small Coast Guard base, the three of us divided and conquered the line of people waiting to be vaccinated (mostly influenza). It was interesting to see a fresh face of active duty members; I was struck by how young some of them were.

After grabbing lunch, we caught the ferry back to the mainland. Overall, it was a great opportunity, and I enjoyed the company on the trip. I felt happy knowing that I contributed, even if in a small way.

On Tuesday, I had prepared a presentation to give to the daycare staff on base. The training revolved around the theme of medication administration. I covered the basics, educating the small group on common medications, proper measuring techniques, and inhaler and EpiPen use. With CDR Greenwood on leave, HS2 Coombe came along for back-up (luckily). I felt more comfortable giving the training with her support. We also visited her new baby, Maggie, afterwards!

It's interesting to see how the military seems to exist in its own world, cut off from the civilian world. Everything needed is on base--work, housing, gyms, a market and gas station, daycare... It makes me wonder how people come to work at say, a military daycare. Perhaps it's common for dependents to work on base with the difficulty of having a stable job when their spouse is forced to move every few years.

During the lunch break, I enjoyed a solo trail run on base, having a moment to sort through, well, life.

Thank goodness for Wednesdays (aka Hump Day). Taking advantage of the extra "built-in" workout time, I went for a morning run before reporting to the clinic at 9:00. That morning, I sat in on a training given by one of the dentists. She educated us about patient-centered wellness, and how to take an extra step to optimize the health and well-being of our patients. I very much enjoyed her teaching method, noting that she seemed naturally comfortable with public speaking.

Due to the holiday, the clinic staff was granted an early release after lunch. I headed straight to Starbucks, where I planned an epic New England weekend road trip. After a few hours of research, the gentleman sitting next to me informed me that my plans were too ambitious. Brought back down from the clouds, I admitted that he had a point, and cut out my trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. It was too far, and I wanted to spend more than one day there anyway. By the time I left the coffee shop, I had a pretty good idea of the places that I wanted to see that weekend.

On my way home, I stopped at the market to pick up a few quiches for the holiday, and grabbed a beer with Tai at Beer in Boots in Falmouth. Good conversation with good company.

Before I knew it, Thanksgiving had arrived! I started my holiday with a long, 22-mile run through Falmouth. It was a strangely warm and sunny day, reaching the mid-50s by mid-afternoon. I passed many people out for a stroll or jog, enjoying the weather and time off. I assumed that all of their turkeys were already marinating.

I got back just in time to catch the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I also took time to call and send warm messages to family and friends. Everyone seemed concern that I was alone for the holiday, but it turned out that I wasn't! Before I knew it, it was time to go the clinic to celebrate with coworkers. I came bearing vegetable quiches, but Eric made another juicy smoked turkey, Tai made a rockin' backed mac 'n cheese, and all of the other essentials were covered. We even lucked out with four pies for dessert! Although I was away from "home," I felt grateful to be with new friends for the holiday. It was an enjoyable evening, sharing laughs with my coworkers and their families.

That night, with an uncomfortably full tummy, I packed for my big road trip that lied ahead...