Mission Complete ... Time to Relax!

I have graduated from Health Services Technician School and am now officially a Petty Officer in the Coast Guard. It was a lot of work, but well worth the reward and future it offers. On the 17th of December I was able to walk across the stage with 27 other shipmates that I can now call colleagues. Although this was a small milestone in the grand journey of life, it holds an achievement to it that I am very proud of. I am grateful for all the people that work with me, helped me and supported me along the way.

It was my honor to have my mother and HS1 Capra pin me at the ceremony. It felt fitting considering my mother has been a role model throughout my life and HS1 Capra was my mentor at Air Station San Francisco. And although all my friends and family that came were not able to be in the ceremony, I felt like a very lucky man to have so many I care about take the time to attend the graduation. So Thank you if I have not said it before, and even if I did, Thank you. The ceremony was nice, weather was a little cloudy, but I was still able to give to tour of the classroom, wet lab and campus. This was followed by a very nice brunch in Petaluma with those who attended and then a very stormy day in San Francisco. Unfortunately the Kirkland’s saw a very dreary side of the city, not as picturesque as it has the potential to be. I was glad to show them around regardless.

I am still adjusting to the minor change that just occurred; yet I am doing virtually the same thing. Now that my place in Coast Guard Medical is certain, it feels different, as if it is more of an achievement than it was before. Don’t get me wrong after pulling 19 weeks of 18 hour days, it better be. I believe it is, but more importantly I know I must be humble. I may be a member of the smallest rate in the smallest service, yet I must do the task for the people I serve. Now the responsibility is officially on me with the appropriate expectations. I took the oath and now I must step forward with courage, confidence and ethics to do what is best for the patient. Fortunately I will always have some direction, but I am now part of that team. Now the real job begins when all that I learned matters.

But enough of that, Happy Birthday to Brendan and Uncle Cam. We did our annual dinner at Morton's followed by an unknown night with the family. Who knows what we end up doing after that dinner. We are the Watt Family, it is always a good time. For the first time my parents came and met me at the fancy hotel I was staying at. The view was spectacular, both city and bay 24 stories up. It was nice to just relax and have a good time after graduation. I can honestly say I am a very lucky man to have the family and friends I have. Have I said that already?

Now I prepare for the Christmas and the New Year before I depart my home turf once again. I saw the Lunar Eclipse, which was spectacular and Life is good. Until we meet again, Happy Holidays and many blessing along the way.

Hurry up and Wait for Graduation!

The task is done. The goal I set out to achieve mid-summer will be realized on the 17 Dec 2010. I did not doubt my abilities to get through, nor the drive to do what had to be done. Still, it feels like a major achievement to have succeeded. I know in the grand scheme of things this is just a milestone to my life long goals. For the first time in five months I can mentally relax.

I have done the work, now I just wait on gradation, but more importantly the responsibility I have chosen to partake in. I will be graduating as a Health Services Technician third class. As for being a HS, we will be able to do Venipuncture, IV’s and Medical Assessments. We will always work under an MD, but will have the opportunity to be very diverse in our duties.

The final tests we had to perform were things we had done on several occasions, but to have someone look over your shoulder and judge every step adds a different kind of stress. I suppose to be able to perform the task under those circumstances served a dual purpose. One, to ensure we understood and executed every step with precision. Two, to make is more stressful than it would be in the real world to ensure we are prepared. As my instructors know, I am one to question many things and ask many questions. I considered not asking anymore questions some weeks back, but that did not last very long.

I can summarize it as 19 week of high expectations; expectations of our behavior, decision-making, skills, precision, attention to detail and dedication. We had to perform every task without error. Along with this expectation came the support of the instructors and the support we would have to forge as a class.

It has been a long road to where I can proudly stand now. Well almost, I just have to keep my nose clean until the 17th. Those that have read the blog know the experiences I have had the opportunity to partake in. In reflection, I would not have changed that journey.

Just today I had the opportunity to visit a place I believe I visited during my childhood. Ever since I have been here I have wanted to make a visit to there, but always found something else to do if I was not working on the next section of class. It was a somewhat dreary day with the fog rolling over the hill, but still reminded me of a beautiful morning that may have been a reality hundreds of years ago. Olompali State Park is about fifteen minutes south of Petaluma and is a combination of Indian and early settler structures. It is preserved for the period in history in which the traditional ways of life gave way to the modern ways. As you can see from the pictures, it is quite beautiful. I believe I went there with the Boy Scouts years ago. I did not find the ceremonial smoke shack that I thought was there before, but it was still a relaxing morning.
 

All is well and I hope to see everyone soon. Thanks for all the support.

So close to the beggining of something new

Nine days remain until graduation and it is hard to believe that we have learned such a multitude of skill, mastered the very basics of medical theory and will be Petty Officers. It may not sound like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it does have some stature. For those that do now know, Petty Officer Third class is the fourth enlisted rank in the service. It is the first rank in which specific responsibility is expected. As HS3’s we will be responsible for the health of our shipmates, their safety and well being. I suppose no matter how you cut it, that is a big responsibility. We are confident and ready to take on the challenge.

It has been a long 18 weeks, yet is has seemed to have gone by so quickly. Now that systems are complete, our test outs are still performance oriented, but not nearly as stressful. As I had hoped, my last test out was my best. As Chief Elliott stated during test outs today, if we do not know what we are doing, we do not belong here. Although I have learned more than I have ever know about the body, disease and treatment; it has directed me to realize that I know very little. Don’t get me wrong, I know enough to get by and do my job well, but there is still experience and knowledge to gain. The world is large; I can only hope to make a difference.

Now as we do our final preparations to enter the fleet we are keenly aware of the responsibilities we will soon uphold. We have all worked very hard and shown the dedication required for job. It seems that what remains in trivial, yet as critical as everything that came before it. One of the most emphasized concepts is attention to detail. It is the importance that once we provide care, we cannot take it back. That we are providing medications, and treatments that may have long term effects on the well being of that individual. It has been a bonding experience a well. The people I succeeded with may have gotten on my nerves a little, but as I said before, a mutual respect was forged. I don’t know where to start when it comes to gratitude. Just know that I am grateful.

I will miss this group and everything we have been through. Fortunately is a small service and I will probably see them again. Yes Chief, these are potentially the good old days. I say potentially because I don’t really know what the future holds. All I do know is that I will do my very best to enjoy every moment and make life better by the day. As stated by HS1 Zaragoza stated today, If you are prepared there is no such thing as pressure.

A Break for Thanksgiving

There are many things to be grateful for, but family is at the top of that list. We never had the chance to pick our family but somehow they find a way to make dinner more entertaining than a comedy show. Ironically, it is very difficult to convey that humor after the fact or explain why it was funny to someone that was not there. Either way, it is a memory not soon forgotten. It is hard to say how many family holidays I will be able to attend. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family that will support me no matter what I do, but it still does not make it easy to be away. Therefore I cherish anytime I have to spend with the family and those I love. What else can I really do?

Josh joined me for the annual family dinner and saw firsthand the inexplicable nature of my family. He handled himself well and aside from the hours of driving required, it was very relaxing. We took the opportunity to visit Amy and her family including Colin who was born the 15th of this month. He shares the same initials with me so I believe he is destined for greatness. He will be a remarkable addition to the family. Not because of the initials, but because he is very good hands.

As for systems, five down, one to go then graduation. It is coming quick. As much as I have learned in this class it does not feel like it has been that long. Hard to believe that the nineteen and a half weeks will be over in a mere three weeks. Everyone has come a long way. Knowing that we will depart from each others company in a few short weeks sheds a new light on the camaraderie developed. I will be the first to say that certain personalities will conflict, there will be issues and nerved will be a little aggravated. That is the reality being in close proximity with the same group for a long period of time.

Fortunately, respect is forged along the way. I can respect the fact that they have made it through the course. I respect the fact that they have earned the title we shall all carry upon graduation. All things considered graduation is just as stepping stone. We will still have to work very hard in the fleet, but out there it will be a matter of someone’s well being. My shipmates may not be the best of friends, but they will be respected shipmates. It is a small service; chances are I will work with many of them again.

The respect for the system has taken time to develop as well. The performance tests, high expectations, and discipline demanded by the training center and instructors. I suppose it is like basic in the respect that we do not fully understand the system. What I do understand is the success rate of this group. We have lost a few, but most of those were lost to unfortunate family events. The group has passed the performance evaluations with 100% accuracy. Much of that credit goes to the hard work of the students, but the instructors have played a part as well. I do believe that success fall on the students. We have worked hard to learn and execute the knowledge of the material. The instructors have been there to guide us and have done a very nice job. Like I said before, there is still much work to do, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

The Beautiful Season of Fall

It seems that the weather cannot make up its mind. Sometimes it wants to be like a warm summer day and other it feels like snow should cover the ground. Unfortunately we are not that lucky. There may be utter chaos if the roads on base were slippery, but there would be snow and maybe a little entertainment. If you have ever lived in a snow area or are an experienced snow driver, that reference should make sense. All in all, Fall is here as displayed by the color and dropping of the leaves, the nice wind storms and even thunder and lightening. I enjoyed every moment. I got the opportunity to snap some picture of this incredible change and like always, it captivates the senses to the various colors in the cycle of nature.

I found myself remembering the school days in fall when my mother was the carpool for the day. She would always take the same route, purposely driving by all the trees as they changed color. She would always comment about the fall colors and ensure that everyone took a look at them. I suppose those were the carefree days before I had to be a responsible adult. At the time the fall colors seemed like such a trivial thing, but now they are a wonderful distraction from the stresses of life.

As for School, I can say that it is going. Last week was a pretty rough week for the entire class. Fortunately like any challenge we face, we can find a way to succeed. The time remaining here is short. I suppose the time in the continental US is short for me as well. I have done everything I can to prepare for it and have come to conclusion that “it will be an adventure”, there I go with another quote from Mom. Only two more systems including tomorrow. I still have to work hard, but time has flown since being here. One of the instructors commented that we would refer to these as our good old days, I am not fully convinced of that statement. I can only hope that my days keep getting better.

Until I write again, enjoy life and the fall colors. Thanksgiving is almost here, Kensey you will be missed. Congrats to the Wetstone family for the birth of Baby Colin, he is as precious as they come. I may be working hard, but I will enjoy every moment I can.

Light at the end of the tunnel

I cannot say that anything really eventful has happened in the last week, but it has been busy.  One more performance evaluation is complete and although there is light at the end of this “A” School tunnel, I am not clear yet.  The overseas process is coming along and as much as I am looking forward to this upcoming adventure, the weight of it is beginning to settle in. 

I am sure it will be beautiful, but to be 7141 miles from the places I know will be a challenge.  Port Clarence was 2599 miles from home, but the circumstances were very different.   Interesting how the reason I joined the Coast Guard is exactly what I am getting.  I asked for an adventure and so far it has been.  I was home for a little while to wait for school, and it has been one of the best year of my life.  I have had family, friends and some wonderful individuals I did not know before.  To be honest I do not know when I will be home or close to home again.  Long story short I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have had the fortune to have been home. 

But enough of that I intend to focus on the positive of this opportunity and adventure.  In little over two years in the coast guard and my next assignment,  I will have seen three parts of the country.  Covering one extreme to the other.  The desolate wilderness of winter to a tropical environment with incredible beaches.  In just a few words, I am fortunate. 

Wherever I end up or the circumstances I face, it is the attitude that matters.  I cannot deny the fact that long distance relationships may have it challenges, or the drastic change in lifestyle.  I can only hope that the people affected by this adventure understand  why I am doing it.  From the responses of my family and friends.  If all goes well, I will have plenty of visits.  Overall life is great, The world is beautiful and the future is full of prospect.              

Halloween!

Halloween is one of those holidays that is never the same as it was before. There are always new costumes and it always seems more important when you are a kid. I suppose the candy and sweets are the draw to that, before you have to worry about cavities. Still, it is an enjoyable time of year even if all you get to see is how all the kids dress up.

This year I spent time working on the haunted cruise ship for the class. It turned out quite nice. The kids seemed to enjoy it. I usually enjoy doing those sorts of projects even if it does take time from a weekend or relaxation. Who ever said that a little manual labor was not relaxing. It definitely does take a fair amount of work, but I did not stress over it. It was a competition, but who really cares who wins or loses. When it comes to medical I can expect nothing less than 100 percent, but for recreation, I can settle for a good time and spreading some smiles.

Unfortunately, some let the stress get to them, but I suppose that is who they are. I think that we did an absolutely fabulous job on our section. The whole cruise ship was good though. A little scary for the really young ones, but overall it was a fun experience. How often do you get to be really obnoxious in a mask or not be called strange to wear roman battle armor or a cloak? Last year I was a priest, dispensing fine liquor. This year I did not have a costume, but enjoyed the work for the class competition.

Puerto Rico is becoming more of a reality, it was a little difficult to accept initially with the necessary sacrifices, but who am I to say no to a new adventure? Life will be what it is, I am here for the ride. Fortunately it has been full of blessing of family, friends and experiences. Simply stated, life is good. I know that those that matter will stand by me no matter what I end up doing or where I end up.

A Time to Study, A Time to Relax

One more Performance Evaluation passed and one step closer to completing this course. It was not quite as difficult as the first one, but I knew how it all worked this time. Still, there is stress in knowing that I cannot miss anything. I cannot say it was the smoothest execution, but that grace in examination comes in time, not by memorizing the exam. We now move on to HENT (Head, Ears, Nose and Throat). Although it is a complicated process, it can always be broken down to manageable parts. At least that is how I figure it all out. There are many lessons left to learn, and many hours of studying left. So I still must be diligent. I am looking forward to Puerto Rico, it will be a great adventure. I can say that it will probably be good for the blog as well.

In the meantime, I have spent some time with family, played some soccer and spend a very relaxing weekend in South Lake Tahoe with Amy. I have not spent to much time with family, but that is the drawback of a very active family. They are not always home when I am available to be there. It has lead to a very good life, so I find myself grateful for an adventurous family.

For base relaxation we have an HS plus some soccer team. We are not to picky about who plays on our team or who we play against. It is for fun, although some people take it very seriously, but that happens no matter what you do. I enjoy it, I get to run around and chase a ball. My ball handling skills have improved, but like most things I still have a lot of practice to be any good at the sport. Puerto Rico may be a good remedy for that problem.

The most relaxing trip was to South Lake Tahoe. Believe it or not, I went to Tahoe and did not have the jitters to be active the whole time. We went up there and had some food, checked out the casinos, relaxed and relaxed some more. The place we stayed out had a very beautiful but interesting view into Nevada. It is a strange sensation to be in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and look into a vast expanse of flatness. I suppose it gave some perspective on how the original settlers felt when they saw the mountains rise before them. The area up there is beautiful once you get away from the casinos. On the way home, we took Highway 50 and it was absolutely gorgeous with waterfalls coming down the rock face the highway is carved into. It was raining and the roads were wet, which made for a fun drive home. Call me crazy, but I like adverse weather. The river was running very high filling the drainage built into the road. I would have taken some photos, but there was not a safe place to pull over or set the camera up. If you want to see it you will just have to see Lake Tahoe.

So overall, life is great. Until I write again, Have a wonderful day and Enjoy Every Moment.

The Path is Revealed, but still much work to do.

I had to reflect on why I first joined the Coast Guard to accept the next chapter of my life. I suppose that happens on the horizon of any major change in our life. Nothing somber, but the review of blessing and opportunities before me.

I passed my Performance Evaluation and although it was a lot of work, it was well worth the accomplishment. Still much more work to follow, but it is not such a mystery anymore. That is what the remaining weeks here will be. Cover a system and then test out. It is amazing how fast the time has gone, only eight weeks remain and it feels like I have barely been here. I have met some people that I truly respect and others I can do without, but that is the way of life. Made some friends for life and some experiences I will never forget. Never the less, there comes a time to move on and that will be in December. I still have to work hard even though we know were we will be going.

I joined because I wanted to go on an adventure. I wanted to have a life story worth talking about. I wanted to help people most of all. There were a myriad of reasons, and so far the Coast Guard has been good to me. Life is what you make it and I have done my best to have many good days (Thanks Dad). Port Clarence was the wilderness of Alaska that I had always wanted to see. I did not intentionally choose to go there, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Then I was fortunate enough to make my way back home for a short time. It was not the billet I directly asked for, but still turned out to be a wonderful experience. If I have learned anything from the guard, it is that I can make the best of any experience that I partake in.

When I found out I was nearly at the bottom of priority list, I just had to take a leap of faith and trust that I would end up somewhere that would enrich my life. To no surprise, my initial choices were not available. Ironically I am thankful for that because it forced me to do something I would not have done otherwise. I had the choice of two standard type stations or one that would satisfy the adventurous spirit. If you have not guessed already, I chose to partake in the adventure. How does Aguadilla, Puerto Rico sound for a change in life?

I cannot say it was an easy choice to make because I knew I was leaving some things I cherish for a while. The family being close by, friends, Hobie and Jasmine, the area I know and the women I adore. I would have been on the east coast regardless, so followed my gut and made it another adventure as well. I never thought that a year ago, that I would be headed overseas for a second time. But I suppose that is how it was meant to happen. Who am I to know what my life is supposed to be?

I am not looking forward to being so far away, but I am going to enjoy every moment that I can and live life to the fullest. All things considered I have nothing to complain about. I am going to be in Puerto Rico, how bad could it be?

A Toast to be Grateful ...

I may not be a big drinker, but I raise my glass (usually a Shirley Temple, the manliest drink on the planet) of Don Julio 1942 to being grateful. Grateful for the opportunities, the experiences, and the challenges in our lives. It all starts with how we wake up in the morning and of course the things we choose to partake in during our day, both volunteer and voluntold.

Class is going as it should. Nothing but 100 percent is expected of us and it can be a significant source of stress at times. I relieve some as I write this now. I do not have a problem with the knowledge itself, but the test can be a little nerve racking for me. I may not show it most of time, but I can assure you I take it very seriously. The most challenging thus far is the upcoming Performance Evaluation (Perf Evalve). The process makes perfect sense, every step plays a part in determining what ales the patient, but the test itself put me a little on edge. I try not to show this stress, but the same challenge is always making things a little harder than they have to be. As many of you know I tend to overanalyze, over think or just look way to far into things for the moment. Now normally this is strength, ensuring that I am thorough. Unfortunately the timed test does not feel that way. I have to throttle back a little to just give the info that needs to be given. Our first test is this coming Monday and I am ready, but my mind is always running through the steps. I am confident, but it is just me to be as effective as possible. This really is a change in me, probably due to age, but it surely is a change. I never worried about school to this degree in college, but I suppose that would explain a lot from that time in my life. Here I go, I will succeed, there is not other option. This is my future and my career, only I can make it happen.

Off the stressful aspects of life and the things I do to keep myself balanced. This past two weeks have been incredible in terms of seeing the beauty of the world. I went on a short drive down Highway 101 in the cover of fog at dusk. The fog blanketed the entire area like a curtain to remind us how small we really are. Needless to say it was absolutely beautiful and provided for some great photographs. I ended up at a diner were only cash or check was accepted; I did not have either on me but they took my word that I would pay my bill later. The reason was because I was in the Coast Guard and we take care of them. Now that is hospitality, the trust given to me at that moment. The food was wonderful as well.

Fleet week was also a highlight of the week. The trip turned out to be just my parents, Chief Casey, Lisa and Myself. It turned out to be a very relaxing trip on the bay even with the sound of the aircrafts flying all over. These show are for those thousands of people on the shore, the city and the bay that look forward to seeing them every year. I have seen them at least four times in my life and I still am amazed at the skill of their piloting. I remember the first time I saw them from Coit Tower and being able to read the writing on the pilot’s helmet from the ground. Now that I have a nice camera, I enjoy getting some good shots of them flying. The Guard was out in full force, a good portion of the fleet represented themselves very well on the bay. I am betting it was a busy day for the units in that area, considering all the people out for fleet week.

And to top it all off, I was able to go riding for the first time in a while. There are few things like riding a horse. It is an exercise in body language that you rarely get. Your movement, position, tension on the reins, pressure with your legs, where your head is looking is all significant communication to the horse. They get their confidence from the rider and respect that rider enough to follow their lead. It is an amazing experience and unfortunately many people only get to ride a horse that know how to follow another horse on a set trail. It can be a frustrating past time, but when you can get a good canter going, there are few things more exhilarating. You have to be the leader, otherwise the horse will. Hopefully you can find that balance where the slightest move will communicate what you want, and you can read what the animal is about to do.

So here I go, headed into another week and many things to look forward to. Until I write again, Have many wonderful days and life to the fullest.

Respect

Enjoying some freedom in the redwoods.

The world is more diverse than the mind can imagine. The life story of an individual is what has defined them, but not what we are capable of being. I mention this because we as a class had the opportunity to take a trip to the Armstrong Woods. Part of this trip was a chance to open up to our shipmates and instructors if we chose to do so.

The majesty of the redwoods was as I remembered. It is never something that can be put into words, but a picture can be worth a million of those. Even then, justice is not done unless you stand among them. The attention to detail in its design is beyond our perception. It is intricate from the cellular level of the tree to the structure that supports the incredible height. Although we never see the millions of smaller steps in the process, we see the effect and how it has shaped that tree, forest and ecosystem. I suppose the same it true about people.

Macro shot of the smaller aspects of life in the redwoods.

Redwood Leaf.

Everyone has a life story that has shaped who they are today. I cannot say that mine is extraordinary compared to anyone else, but it has similar components, to a different degree. I can say I have had a wonderful life. I am grateful for even my most painful challenges because they shaped who I am today. I am great at one thing in this life, being myself and no one will ever change that. Hearing the stories of others was beneficial for the class. It was an opportunity for insight into the mindset and drive of one another; to help us cope, assist and succeed as a class.

I consider character to be paramount, yet I could not tell you what exactly it is. Everyone has their own definition. I see it as introspection in regards to the person we desire to be. It is something that respect is based on, both personal and of others. How we define character is personal, yet we will compare everyone else to that standard to some degree. I must constantly remind myself to respect people for who they are, not to who I am. I hope that my character is demonstrated through my actions.