Exciting New Developments

We have recently received some good news that will be very beneficial for both of us. . .

Sean has been given the 2 weeks of "leave" he requested for the beginning of April! He was skeptical that he would get this time-off, so we were both pleasantly surprised. He will use the 2 weeks primarily to study for, and then take, the GRE. This is a huge relief, because Sean's GRE score needs to be above a certain level for him to get accepted to the CRNA training program. It is also helpful because it allows us some much-needed time to devote to our relationship (and to just relaxing together in general) that we didn't have when we thought he would not get time-off to study.

Our other bit of good news is that Sean's deployment date has been pushed back to mid-August!! This is a relief for many reasons, which are still revealing themselves to us. For one, Sean will now be here to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. And, he will be here for my 30th birthday. Also, he will have more time to devote to preparing an un-rushed, quality application packet for CRNA training, which he can now save to work on after his Chem II class is over in May. His orders are still for 4 months, so if they don't get extended, he won't miss Christmas either.

We are so greatful for these unexpected changes, and are happy to share them with you!

Dani & Sean

Deployment Update

Although we've spoken to many of our friends and family and have addressed their specific questions regarding Sean's deployment, it's been a while since we posted anything new on our blog. Here are a few more answers to some of the questions you may be thinking, but just haven't gotten around to asking. . .

We still do not have a specific date for Sean's departure, although his orders state that he will be on base in Iraq by the middle of June. He could actually leave a week or more before that time, but his specific departure date depends on a lot of factors that won't be determined until the time draws nearer.

Sean should be back home around 6 months after his departure. His orders are actually only for 4 months, but it is typical for people with his job to have their time extended to 6 months. We feel it's just better not to expect him back any sooner than 6 months. If he is, then it will be a very pleasant surprise!

Sean has gotten his deployment prep well under way. He has attended his first deployment briefing. He has received his vaccinations and physical. He also has some medical readiness and weapons training (which is only needed as a precaution) coming up soon.

As far as preparing his application for CRNA school. . .Well, that is something Sean is having to fit in when he can. When he has free-time from Chem II classwork and his Air Force duties, he spends time studying for the GRE. He hopes to take the GRE sometime in April and will then continue with the paperwork portion of his CRNA application. If accepted to CRNA school, he will start those classes in June 2008.

Sean will also be receiving CCATT (Critical Care Air Transport Team) training in April. In this training, Sean will learn how to adapt his current skills to be part of a team of nurses and doctors working on a jet that has been converted into a flying ICU for those ciritically injured in the war who need to be taken back to the United States. Although he will not be deployed in a CCATT role during this deployment, the training will be a big help in preparing him for his deployment and will mean he is eligible to do CCATT the next time he is deployed.

Several people have asked what I will do while Sean is gone. . .I will keep up my normal routine here in San Antonio for the most part. I plan on volunteering more of my time at the assisted living center, and may take up a new hobby or two. I also plan on visiting Colorado and having family members come visit me a few times to keep my spirits up. I have a good support system of people here and feel like I will be taken care of as needed. I don't want to change much of my routine because it would only have to change again when Sean returned, and because Sean being at home again will be a huge adjustment in itself, I want to reduce the stress of having too many big changes at one time.

Hopefully this has answered any questions or concerns. If there is anything else anyone wants to know, just post a comment.