Surprise!

Just when you think its safe to get comfortable in a routine, that's when they get you. I woke myself up coughing this morning at 4 AM. I got up to go to the bathroom and there was a note slid under the door. It said in a nutshell that due to the incoming DVs (distinguished visitors) my roommate and I were being asked to check out of the hotel and move to the armory. Now, I knew that the generals were expected this weekend. I also knew that SOME people would have to move. The last thing I expected was that I, a LtC, would have to move. I laid in bed for awhile stewing. It really bothered me that had I known last night I would have packed. Now I'm stuck trying to pack and get ready for work. In addition, I awoke quite emotional since it is Lydia's birthday. I laid in bed and cried.

My roommate wakes up an hour later and promptly informs me that she had heard through the rumor mill yesterday that this would happen. She assumed I knew since I am high ranking. Apparently I don't rank that high.

The instructions are to check out before going to breakfast or work. So we get packed up and take the luggage down. We stand in line to check out. Despite telling myself to stay calm, I can't help but make smart alec remarks to anyone who dares talk to me. As I talk to those around me, I discover that there are several lower ranking folks including enlisted who are staying in their rooms. Matter of fact, I outrank all of them. Plus, it is not just a certain floor. We are scattered across all three floors. Now I am livid. I cannot think of any good reason why this is happen. Since all the male providers are still in their rooms, I feel particularly disrespected. I get on the van to go to the armory. I throw my stuff in a corner, literally. When they call for rides to the hospital, I am the first to volunteer. When my roommate asks me about breakfast, I tell her I am too mad to eat. The driver can clearly hear me.

I round on my pediatric inpatient and get to do his discharge. I promised his mom I would see him and I do. I then report to the high school to do school physicals as directed yesterday. By then, I run into my boss. He asks about my morning, and I tell him that I skipped breakfast to round. I felt rushed for time since I was kicked out of my room. He insists I go get food. I run into my ANG liason and promptly tell him that something is definitely wrong and he should find out what it is. By lunchtime, I have done 17 physicals and head back to the hospital to finish my discharge paperwork. I run into one of the command officers, a LtC. He proceeds to apologize profusely and tell me that I can go check back into my room. There has been a mistake. The apology makes me feel surprisingly better. I'm not sure whose mistake it is or why. I don't need to know. I threw a fit, didn't get in trouble, and got shown some respect. I tell my roommate who immediately offers to help me move my bags back.

After moving back in, we try to make a hasty retreat to clinic. I'm late to start my afternoon. We round the corner of the hotel and of course run smack into the commander and a 2 star general. I snap to attention and say hello sir. He doesn't really acknowledge us. Thank God. We are off to the clinic.

Folks in the clinic were happy to see me. Good to know that I do good enough work that they appreciate it. I see a 3 year old with a huge abscess in his armpit. We have to hold him down and drain it. 75cc came out! He will come back and see me on monday. Another lady tells me about numbness in her finger. She tells me how she cut it to "let the air out". I knew there had to be home remedies around here and I finally find some.

I get to see a couple of cute babies. The sun is shining outside. I am back to my old self cracking jokes and smiling. It is the simple things that make me happy on deployments. Respect is important. A little privacy is a close second.

Happy birthday my baby!