March 2021

Greetings from the Mojave Desert,

Aaron and I ate our way across America and Rory the dog is happy to have a new backyard.

What is life like here? En route, I found out I would be the deputy of the FSS (#2 in our small 420 person organization). While interesting to navigate work in COVID, it is SO rewarding to work with and serve amazing people. For fun, I am trying to document our new adventure.

Day 1: We lost a fellow wingman to a surgery complication. I met with her parents to arrange the funeral and memorial plans. Life is short.

Day 3: I get a call about a rabid coyote roaming the golf course...sadly my military training has not prepared me for this.

Day 9: I learn that cycling in 40 mph winds and dust is not my ideal workout.

Day 17: I get attacked by a military working dog (on purpose), learn about the use of force in simulation training, play with babies at the child development center, and analyze our $2M operating budget. We also spotted a bear near base housing.

Day 25: I attend an amazing ZOOM on psychological safety, determine what metrics we should use for the AF coaching initiative, and finish my 19th course in my doctorate.

Day 26: Hadn't seen my brother Jason and his girlfriend Katie since our wedding. We are all trying low carbs and mourned ice cream, bread, and popcorn.

Day 29: We had a civilian plane crash at Edwards. Grateful the two pilots survived.

Day 34: Bobcats love to hang out near the gas station...maybe it's the taco truck? Also, we keep forgetting no food places are open past 7 pm and it's a 45 minute drive to the nearest restaurant. No uber eats?!

Day 39: Amazon prime does not take 2 days out here :( Aaron and I had a bonding experience putting bookshelves and a grill together. Rory has three main holes in the backyard and we both have over 900 unread emails in our work inbox.

I pray you are doing well and I hope you share a few of your days with me! Blessings,

Liz