TRACI'S GOOD-BYE PARTY

Traci, a traveler from Florida, moved back home in the middle of July. She came from a busy trauma centre, where she'd worked for a number of years, and had been in the Air Force for 7 years before that. This was her first travel assignment -a decidedly cushy position. She's off to St. Louis next, from what I hear, to be closer to family.

We sent her off in style with a good-bye party at the Carolina Ale House. Aside from some drama later in the night, it was a great way to say goodbye.

Traci and I

Traci and Christine

Turning red over something. Probably only a semi-embarrassing comment...but we all know how easily I manage to blush.

Denise and Traci

Oh, I forgot to mention....DENISE FINALLY GOT HERE!!!! She had some issues with the job (yes, AMN sucks balls and I feel horrid for referring her to them) but, thanks to K, actually ended up with a job that pays a lot more per hour and is closer to our apartments. Plus....it's not nearly as sketchy as the other one. Sorry...even though Duke University is there, Durham is just not the nicest of cities. Overall, I think she'll have a better experience at Rex (the same hospital K works at). And she'll probably a better introduction to the hell-hole that is US healthcare.

Yes, I called it a hell-hole. There are many other words I could have used.....but I'm not sure who reads this blog and I don't want to offend anyone. Social medicine has it's drawbacks, but it's nothing like this bankrupt-inducing system. I've been on both ends of it, so I feel for the people here who don't have any other choice.

I'll be quiet now.

That aside, K and I are very happy to have Denise here. The Canadian Contingent is going strong. We're getting ready to take over the city.

Just don't tell anyone. We'd rather take them by surprise.

Michael, another traveler who was finishing up his contract just as I started mine. He's working in the Cancer Clinic now, and liking the change from the ER

This is actually at the dinner we had two nights before Traci left. We went to Kanku (or something like that) where they cook your dinner Hibachi-style in front of you. Quite a tasty meal.