Everyone loves to talk. About anything that comes to their mind, about their day, their likes/dislikes, their significant others, bad drivers, current stresses, and about that neighbor who needs to put more clothes on when they go get their mail.
That's what is so special about communication. Each and everyone of us has a special way of expressing ourselves to one another. Some of us word vomit for hours at a time while others type furiously to release the bombardment of words that are synapsing within their brains. But, in the end, it is communication.
Marriages will last a lifetime with good communication. Relationships thrive with good communication. However, some of us (or most of us) find a way to avoid adequate forms of communication. Avoidance of a problem will never solve it, it just buries it for the moment. That problem will always be there, always lingering in the back of your mind, and you will never have that peace of mind.
I will be the first to admit that there are certain issues, problems, and situations that are difficult to discuss with friends, significant others, and family. It is always much easier to put it off until tomorrow or next week or next year. Not dealing with it at that moment allows you to maintain the status quo of your current situation and leads to further procrastination of a solvable problem.
Poor communication can ultimately lead to suicides, homicides, addictions, and low self-esteem. Communication is not only related to speaking with our fellow human beings, but it is even more imminent with talking with our Maker. The theory of "out of sight, out of mind" is bogus. He is everywhere around us and He wants us to talk to Him. Our relationship with Him will grow so much deeper and stronger if we talk to Him as if we were talking to our boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, husbands, best friends, parents, brothers, and sisters. He wants to know how we are feeling, what is bothering us, what our wishes are, and what we want to change. The best part about is that He is always there! We don't have to worry about calling him to talk to an answering machine, He will always answer and will always listen to anything we are ready to talk about. If you think about it, it's almost too good to be true, but I'm starting to realize more and more each day that life can become too good to be true if we let it.
But, we keep putting it off don't we? Just like the rest of our problems, issues, and dilemmas. I never really put much thought into the whole "seize the moment" idea, but I am finally start to realize the importance of it. Realizing that what you have right in front of you is all you need is invaluable.
Take advantage of today and stop worrying about what will happen tomorrow or what you put off until tomorrow. And a simple "hello" or a simple "I love you" is sometimes more than enough communication to solve any problem you may have.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A Sleeping Giant
Today, at clinic, I was working up a new patient with the whole history, physical, labs, medication review, and teaching session bit. While I see patients, I wear my white coat and I also wear an Alabama Crimson Tide pin on my left collar. Well, I get more comments about that pin than I originally expected and it is actually a great way to relate to all of my patients. Every once in a while, I get that obnoxious Auburn or Tennessee fan that is just looking to make me mad or poke fun at how downright awful Alabama has been over the past decade.
While I was completing my history and physical on this particular patient, he pipes up by saying, "Is that an Alabama pin you're wearing?!"
I reply, "Yes sir, It is. " Throughly interested, he says, "Where are you from?"
With a huge smile on my face, I say, "I am from Birmingham, Alabama. Are you an Alabama fan?"
After a little chuckle and sitting up nice and tall in his chair, he goes on to say, "Well, I'm afraid not. I'm a big fan of all that orange in East Tennessee. The University of Tennessee is where my allegiance lies."
Of course, it is taking all what I have not to get into a full fledged argument with this pleasant gentleman because he has clearly just made an incredible mistake of rooting for Tennessee. Fighting the urge to say something sarcastic, I politely say "Well, the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the greatest in the country."
And then he says something I never expected him to say, "To be honest with you m'am, I think Alabama is about to come out of that 'hole' that they've been in for the past few years. If i remember correctly, I think the saying is 'we have just woken a sleeping giant.'"
At this point, I'm grinning from ear to ear about to burst with all of the excitement that is building within me because of the ridiculously high expectations I have for the Alabama football program. I reply calmly, "I hope you're right, sir. It would be ashame to see poor results after all of the publicity and money that has gone into that program."
He goes on to say, "I am worried about playing Alabama. Very worried."
Well, I could have talked to that patient, or any patient for that matter, all day about college football and how we only have 63 more days left until College Football 2007 kicks off. But, if I want to pass this rotation, I decided that I better move along with my assessment and send the sweet man on his way with his refilled medications and some extra knowledge about his diagnoses.
I can almost taste the tailgating food and the cold beer in my mouth and waking up at 7 AM on gamedays because I'm too excited to sleep. College football season, at least in the South, is one of my favorite , if not my very favorite, time of the year. Growing up in Alabama and on SEC football, tradition and winning is all I was exposed to and what I grew to love.
As for this year, there is definitely an added sense of excitement due to all of the drama that has recently surrounded the 'Bama football program with the recent hiring of Nick Saban and a complete overhaul of our coaching staff, including the young and talented Major Applewhite as our creative, enthusiastic offensive coordinator. But, of course, with excitement always comes expectations and the expectations down on The Capstone have never been higher.
The Giant is no longer sleeping.
While I was completing my history and physical on this particular patient, he pipes up by saying, "Is that an Alabama pin you're wearing?!"
I reply, "Yes sir, It is. " Throughly interested, he says, "Where are you from?"
With a huge smile on my face, I say, "I am from Birmingham, Alabama. Are you an Alabama fan?"
After a little chuckle and sitting up nice and tall in his chair, he goes on to say, "Well, I'm afraid not. I'm a big fan of all that orange in East Tennessee. The University of Tennessee is where my allegiance lies."
Of course, it is taking all what I have not to get into a full fledged argument with this pleasant gentleman because he has clearly just made an incredible mistake of rooting for Tennessee. Fighting the urge to say something sarcastic, I politely say "Well, the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry is one of the greatest in the country."
And then he says something I never expected him to say, "To be honest with you m'am, I think Alabama is about to come out of that 'hole' that they've been in for the past few years. If i remember correctly, I think the saying is 'we have just woken a sleeping giant.'"
At this point, I'm grinning from ear to ear about to burst with all of the excitement that is building within me because of the ridiculously high expectations I have for the Alabama football program. I reply calmly, "I hope you're right, sir. It would be ashame to see poor results after all of the publicity and money that has gone into that program."
He goes on to say, "I am worried about playing Alabama. Very worried."
Well, I could have talked to that patient, or any patient for that matter, all day about college football and how we only have 63 more days left until College Football 2007 kicks off. But, if I want to pass this rotation, I decided that I better move along with my assessment and send the sweet man on his way with his refilled medications and some extra knowledge about his diagnoses.
I can almost taste the tailgating food and the cold beer in my mouth and waking up at 7 AM on gamedays because I'm too excited to sleep. College football season, at least in the South, is one of my favorite , if not my very favorite, time of the year. Growing up in Alabama and on SEC football, tradition and winning is all I was exposed to and what I grew to love.
As for this year, there is definitely an added sense of excitement due to all of the drama that has recently surrounded the 'Bama football program with the recent hiring of Nick Saban and a complete overhaul of our coaching staff, including the young and talented Major Applewhite as our creative, enthusiastic offensive coordinator. But, of course, with excitement always comes expectations and the expectations down on The Capstone have never been higher.
The Giant is no longer sleeping.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Birth Order
Growing up in a family of five, which included my parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister, I was always trying to convince them that I was, indeed, the smartest out of all the children. Note sibling picture below:
Well, the newly published article in the Science journal gives me even more credibility as well as empowering all of those eldest born in the world. In this news about birth order and IQ , the first born is, in fact, the smartest in the family.
I knew it all along.
Well, the newly published article in the Science journal gives me even more credibility as well as empowering all of those eldest born in the world. In this news about birth order and IQ , the first born is, in fact, the smartest in the family.
I knew it all along.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Red Bull Flugtag 2007
Flugtag, which is German for "flying day," took place this weekend in Nashville. Essentially, it is daredevil pilots launching themselves off of a 30-foot ramp aboard their own hand-made flying machines. So, on a clear, beautiful Saturday afternoon, we decided to check this out for ourselves. See stage below:
Exhibit A
The stage was placed on the river for these "daredevil pilots" to take off in their handmade machines to plummet straight into the water. Notice "plummeting into the water" below:
Exhibit B
Unfortunately, it was about 250 degrees outside and there were approximately 20,000 people down at the Riverfront; so, we didn't last very long at this "aviation history in the making" event. However, those 20,000 people or so decided to stay and laugh their asses off at these not-so-intelligent people:
Exhibit C
Aside from Flugtag, some of my good friends were in town to raise hell in Nashville. The solid Kenny S. and his sweet girlfriend, Kristen, came to Nashville this weekend to visit, play, and drink with me and MD. And, by George, we drank.
Hitting just about every single bar on Broadway and 2nd Avenue, we made our rounds in downtown Nashville giving the Ohio natives a fair, good taste of how to Honky Tonk. As a city with so much character, Nashville has so much to offer to tourists, friends, and residents. Good food, good music, and good people epitomize this little big city that seems to be growing by the day.
All in all, having these amazing friends and visitors in town made for an unforgettable weekend and quality time to catch up on each other's lives and reminisce about old memories. Enjoying the weekend with incredible people in an incredible town has left me wanting nothing but more. As each of the guests left one by one on Sunday, I couldn't help but start wondering when I would see everyone again to relive the fantastic moments we experienced just 24 hours earlier. Well, I can think of at least one event where the entire crew will be in one city dancing, singing, laughing and eating....
To great friends, great times, and great memories....Cheers.
Exhibit A
The stage was placed on the river for these "daredevil pilots" to take off in their handmade machines to plummet straight into the water. Notice "plummeting into the water" below:
Exhibit B
Unfortunately, it was about 250 degrees outside and there were approximately 20,000 people down at the Riverfront; so, we didn't last very long at this "aviation history in the making" event. However, those 20,000 people or so decided to stay and laugh their asses off at these not-so-intelligent people:
Exhibit C
Aside from Flugtag, some of my good friends were in town to raise hell in Nashville. The solid Kenny S. and his sweet girlfriend, Kristen, came to Nashville this weekend to visit, play, and drink with me and MD. And, by George, we drank.
Hitting just about every single bar on Broadway and 2nd Avenue, we made our rounds in downtown Nashville giving the Ohio natives a fair, good taste of how to Honky Tonk. As a city with so much character, Nashville has so much to offer to tourists, friends, and residents. Good food, good music, and good people epitomize this little big city that seems to be growing by the day.
All in all, having these amazing friends and visitors in town made for an unforgettable weekend and quality time to catch up on each other's lives and reminisce about old memories. Enjoying the weekend with incredible people in an incredible town has left me wanting nothing but more. As each of the guests left one by one on Sunday, I couldn't help but start wondering when I would see everyone again to relive the fantastic moments we experienced just 24 hours earlier. Well, I can think of at least one event where the entire crew will be in one city dancing, singing, laughing and eating....
To great friends, great times, and great memories....Cheers.
Employment?
Holy shit.
I have a job. A really good job.
Really? Do I really have a job? A really good job?
A couple of weekends ago, I was in Houston going to a series of interviews trying to convince someone that I was the employee of their dreams and that I would never let them down. Well, folks, mission accomplished.
This past Friday, I accepted a job offer in Houston, Texas as one of the first Trauma ACNPs (Acute Care Nurse Practitioners) at Memorial-Hermann Hospital. I walked into the Human Resources department with that proverbial lump in my throat trying to convince myself that I knew what I was doing. Honestly, the interview process is quite nerve-racking and, sometimes, just downright intimidating. Over the course of two days, I interviewed at this respectable institution and began to get a feel for the type of people that worked there and the type of people I would be potentially calling my co-workers and colleagues. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with the facilities, the model of care being implemented, and an innovative idea that I would be a part of if hired. Now, I should not fail to mention that the certain guy I keep calling my fiancee lives in Houston as well as an amazing group of people I admire and love. Perfection.
In the model of care that I have become a part of, the patient is, once again, put at the center of care. With the addition of ACNPs (i.e. Me), important, specific tasks in patient care will not be overlooked as well as an increased amount of patient education and teaching will be offered and done with the patient.
One of the coolest things about my job is the variety of injuries, diagnoses, and people I get to deal with on a day to day basis. All of the motor vehicle crashes, gun shot wounds, cheerleaders falling off the top of the pyramid, and boating accidents will be things I get to treat and, hopefully, get individuals back to their baseline function with a little bit more knowledge about smart decisions and good health. And, of course, let's not forget about all of the broken bones I get to diagnose and fix everyday.
I guess I'm still a little shocked at the fact that I do, in fact, have a job that will actually pay me for what I love to do. Two words: Thank God. He has been so good to me, my family, my fiancee, and my friends. This year, thus far, feels like a dream with everything that has happened and everything that will happen: from New Year's, to our engagement, to nailing down a job, to graduation in August, to moving to Houston, and all the way to planning one of the most amazing weddings with the most amazing fiancee.
Now, only one month and 9 days left until graduation.
Good God, I have a job.
I have a job. A really good job.
Really? Do I really have a job? A really good job?
A couple of weekends ago, I was in Houston going to a series of interviews trying to convince someone that I was the employee of their dreams and that I would never let them down. Well, folks, mission accomplished.
This past Friday, I accepted a job offer in Houston, Texas as one of the first Trauma ACNPs (Acute Care Nurse Practitioners) at Memorial-Hermann Hospital. I walked into the Human Resources department with that proverbial lump in my throat trying to convince myself that I knew what I was doing. Honestly, the interview process is quite nerve-racking and, sometimes, just downright intimidating. Over the course of two days, I interviewed at this respectable institution and began to get a feel for the type of people that worked there and the type of people I would be potentially calling my co-workers and colleagues. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with the facilities, the model of care being implemented, and an innovative idea that I would be a part of if hired. Now, I should not fail to mention that the certain guy I keep calling my fiancee lives in Houston as well as an amazing group of people I admire and love. Perfection.
In the model of care that I have become a part of, the patient is, once again, put at the center of care. With the addition of ACNPs (i.e. Me), important, specific tasks in patient care will not be overlooked as well as an increased amount of patient education and teaching will be offered and done with the patient.
One of the coolest things about my job is the variety of injuries, diagnoses, and people I get to deal with on a day to day basis. All of the motor vehicle crashes, gun shot wounds, cheerleaders falling off the top of the pyramid, and boating accidents will be things I get to treat and, hopefully, get individuals back to their baseline function with a little bit more knowledge about smart decisions and good health. And, of course, let's not forget about all of the broken bones I get to diagnose and fix everyday.
I guess I'm still a little shocked at the fact that I do, in fact, have a job that will actually pay me for what I love to do. Two words: Thank God. He has been so good to me, my family, my fiancee, and my friends. This year, thus far, feels like a dream with everything that has happened and everything that will happen: from New Year's, to our engagement, to nailing down a job, to graduation in August, to moving to Houston, and all the way to planning one of the most amazing weddings with the most amazing fiancee.
Now, only one month and 9 days left until graduation.
Good God, I have a job.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Home in Cashville
After arriving in Nashville late last night following a Southwest employee having to pry me from the boarding gate in Houston, I found myself falling back into my "routine" early this morning. Thinking that I was still in Houston, I kept hitting that snooze button without a care in the world. Well, reality hit. And it hit fast.
Rushing to make it to the clinic on time and hoping that there isn't a patient waiting for me, I kept thinking about my weekend and noticing the smile plastered to my face despite my self-imposed panic mode. The weekend, of course, did have it's stressful moments due to the interviews and tours and the whole nine yards. But, spending time with this guy I keep calling my fiancee (and, yes, he is totally awesome) and these amazing individuals, which I am lucky enough to refer to them as friends, is always an incredible recipe for a happy, fun-filled weekend.
A phrase that I will always live by: "It's not where, but who you're with that really matters" exudes nothing but truth. Humans have so much potential and have so much to offer to their fellow man (or woman, to be politically correct), and it is always so refreshing to witness potential-filled individuals share their gift of friendship and share their love with other people.
Back to my panic filled morning, I did, indeed, make it to the clinic with enough time to sneak a quick peek at the schedule and develop some sort of tentative plan for my day. Throughout the entire day, all I could think about was that amazing burrito I had at Freebirds or that great conversation I had at Chili's or that suspense-filled Rice baseball game on Sunday night. But you know the one thing that remained constant in all of those experiences......it was the selfless, amazing, potential-filled, genuine people.
If you ask me, I'm one lucky son of a gun.
And now, back to the "routine."
Rushing to make it to the clinic on time and hoping that there isn't a patient waiting for me, I kept thinking about my weekend and noticing the smile plastered to my face despite my self-imposed panic mode. The weekend, of course, did have it's stressful moments due to the interviews and tours and the whole nine yards. But, spending time with this guy I keep calling my fiancee (and, yes, he is totally awesome) and these amazing individuals, which I am lucky enough to refer to them as friends, is always an incredible recipe for a happy, fun-filled weekend.
A phrase that I will always live by: "It's not where, but who you're with that really matters" exudes nothing but truth. Humans have so much potential and have so much to offer to their fellow man (or woman, to be politically correct), and it is always so refreshing to witness potential-filled individuals share their gift of friendship and share their love with other people.
Back to my panic filled morning, I did, indeed, make it to the clinic with enough time to sneak a quick peek at the schedule and develop some sort of tentative plan for my day. Throughout the entire day, all I could think about was that amazing burrito I had at Freebirds or that great conversation I had at Chili's or that suspense-filled Rice baseball game on Sunday night. But you know the one thing that remained constant in all of those experiences......it was the selfless, amazing, potential-filled, genuine people.
If you ask me, I'm one lucky son of a gun.
And now, back to the "routine."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Best Brains in Sports
Ah, Chancellor Gee. Let me refresh your memory:
Yes, that goofy looking man with his signature bowtie is the well-known Chancellor Gordon Gee. This picture was taken at my brother's graduation. He is clearly one of the most influential people in collegiate life today.
A while back, Chancellor Gee decided to abolish the athletic department at Vanderbilt University, which would require all athletes, like all students, to survive the rigorous admission process at Vanderbilt without receiving preferential or special treatment due to their "athlete" status. Upon first reaction to this news, I did not agree with it at all. Given that Vanderbilt athletics were sub-par to poor with an Athletic Department in place, I could only imagine the nose dive all of the athletic teams would have taken. However, SI.com has named Chancellor Gee one of the Best Brains In Sports. Vanderbilt athletics have started to experience more success and athletes' GPAs are rising.
If you ask me, it doesn't have anything to do with brains, it's all about the bowtie. Go 'Dores.
Yes, that goofy looking man with his signature bowtie is the well-known Chancellor Gordon Gee. This picture was taken at my brother's graduation. He is clearly one of the most influential people in collegiate life today.
A while back, Chancellor Gee decided to abolish the athletic department at Vanderbilt University, which would require all athletes, like all students, to survive the rigorous admission process at Vanderbilt without receiving preferential or special treatment due to their "athlete" status. Upon first reaction to this news, I did not agree with it at all. Given that Vanderbilt athletics were sub-par to poor with an Athletic Department in place, I could only imagine the nose dive all of the athletic teams would have taken. However, SI.com has named Chancellor Gee one of the Best Brains In Sports. Vanderbilt athletics have started to experience more success and athletes' GPAs are rising.
If you ask me, it doesn't have anything to do with brains, it's all about the bowtie. Go 'Dores.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
My Girls
One down, Five more to go. This past weekend in the great state of Alabama, the first of my lifelong teammates said her "I do" and got herself married. The six of us girls started playing on the same team when we were 10 years old. We stayed together every since that team and we made history in Alabama and won a National Championship together. We were always referred to as "The Core." Nothing could have broken us apart. People were dying to get their daughters on our team because of the reputation that we had built for ourselves. We won pretty much every title there was to win in the state and the region. Those summers were some of the best times of my life.
We would always play against one another in high school ball, always trying to out-do one another, but somehow helping each other out in the process. And once one of our teams won the high school state championship in softball, we would meet that following week to start practice for summer/travel ball. I had always heard about the bond a team makes with each other and the bond that we made with one another is unbreakable. We would always joke as to who would be the first to get married and, sure enough, the time is upon us.
Annie Ski, the greatest second baseman a shortstop could ask for, tied the knot Saturday evening. Teams referred to us as quite possibly the greatest middle infield ever seen in the state of Alabama. Hobie and Micky, 1st and 3rd base, respectively, rounded out our infield as the greatest corners on a softball diamond and Tanner could count the number of people who stole on her with one hand. Of course, J.B. was our All-American centerfielder with a cannon attached to her left arm. And, finally, Boo, yours truly, was the shortstop. The six of us made names for ourselves through one another and the core team that we developed the day we all met each other at the mere age of 10 will never be rivaled.
I guess the reason I talk about those days so much and the reason why I'm so proud is because of what I learned during those years. I learned everything there was to know about friendship and honesty and loyalty. I learned about myself and what I could accomplish and the potential that I had. Without those summers with my teammates and all the tournaments that we traveled to and dominated, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
As for the wedding, it was spectacular. Dancing, drinking, and singing with all of those old friends and teammates and catching up on everyone's lives made the night incredible. As for my six teammates (minus Micky because she was in California for work), see below:
Best wishes and congratulations, Annie.
And if you're wondering who's next........ well, that would be that shortstop I was talking about and may God help us all one year from now when the greatest throwdown in the history of weddings happens. Yes, Boo is getting married to her best friend and the love of her life.
Let the countdown begin.
We would always play against one another in high school ball, always trying to out-do one another, but somehow helping each other out in the process. And once one of our teams won the high school state championship in softball, we would meet that following week to start practice for summer/travel ball. I had always heard about the bond a team makes with each other and the bond that we made with one another is unbreakable. We would always joke as to who would be the first to get married and, sure enough, the time is upon us.
Annie Ski, the greatest second baseman a shortstop could ask for, tied the knot Saturday evening. Teams referred to us as quite possibly the greatest middle infield ever seen in the state of Alabama. Hobie and Micky, 1st and 3rd base, respectively, rounded out our infield as the greatest corners on a softball diamond and Tanner could count the number of people who stole on her with one hand. Of course, J.B. was our All-American centerfielder with a cannon attached to her left arm. And, finally, Boo, yours truly, was the shortstop. The six of us made names for ourselves through one another and the core team that we developed the day we all met each other at the mere age of 10 will never be rivaled.
I guess the reason I talk about those days so much and the reason why I'm so proud is because of what I learned during those years. I learned everything there was to know about friendship and honesty and loyalty. I learned about myself and what I could accomplish and the potential that I had. Without those summers with my teammates and all the tournaments that we traveled to and dominated, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
As for the wedding, it was spectacular. Dancing, drinking, and singing with all of those old friends and teammates and catching up on everyone's lives made the night incredible. As for my six teammates (minus Micky because she was in California for work), see below:
Best wishes and congratulations, Annie.
And if you're wondering who's next........ well, that would be that shortstop I was talking about and may God help us all one year from now when the greatest throwdown in the history of weddings happens. Yes, Boo is getting married to her best friend and the love of her life.
Let the countdown begin.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Divine Intervention?
The NBA finals started last night, which doesn't really interest me all that much ever since Michael Jordan retired. But, for the 2007 NBA Finals series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs, I now know who the Pope and all Catholic alike are rooting for.
Have a great weekend.
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Put the cigarette down
I'm probably going to step on some people's toes by the time I'm finished, but I'm sick and tired of walking around every corner just to see a group of two or three people puffing away on their favorite cigarette. The most depressing thing is that the majority of the smokers are my co-workers, the so-called "healthcare professionals." How can we, as doctors, nurses, and the like, promote a healthy lifestyle to our patients who are dying from lung cancer or dealing with COPD and emphysema when we participate in the same nasty habits as them?
I'm not really sure what it's going to take. The numbers continue to rise, the cancer diagnoses continue to skyrocket, and eventually the mortality age is going to start to drop instead of increase. Young America will probably die at a younger age than our parents because of the obesity crisis and the unfathomable things we are injecting and inhaling into our bodies.
We live in an addictive society. Everyone has their one or two "things" that they just can't live without: alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, marijuana, magazines, shoes, shopping, cigarettes, blah, blah, blah. I'm trying to figure out where the line is. Do we just keep erasing it and re-drawing over and over again to satisfy whatever we allegedly "need"?
I walked into a patient's room who had been coughing up blood for the past two days and I completed my history and physical. I answered any questions that he had and did a little bit of teaching about smoking cessation. Of course, his pack per year figure was astronomical, I had to re-calculate it just to make sure I didn't make a mistake. I can't even imagine what coughing up blood may feel like, but I'm going to go ahead and assume that it's not too pleasant. As I was walking towards the door, he asked me if he could walk outside to have a cigarette. Now, I'm not on some crusade to change every smoker in the world, but it blows me away when people continually kill themselves in the slowest way possible when they have every opportunity to quit.
Now, I'm not perfect. I have my faults and I have my certain "thing" that I just can't live without, but I make sure that it isn't something that will cut my life in half or that will prevent me from watching my children graduate from college or get married.
I know what their argument is: I'm stressed; It feels good; I only have one life to live and I'm going to do it the way I want. Well, I can't take that away from anyone, their life is theirs to live it however they would like. But, I ask you this, when you're 55 and you're lying in a hospital bed with a basin underneath your chin because you keep coughing up blood every two minutes, are you going to ask me permission to smoke a cigarette or are you going to ask me how to make it to your 56th birthday?
Make a choice.
I'm not really sure what it's going to take. The numbers continue to rise, the cancer diagnoses continue to skyrocket, and eventually the mortality age is going to start to drop instead of increase. Young America will probably die at a younger age than our parents because of the obesity crisis and the unfathomable things we are injecting and inhaling into our bodies.
We live in an addictive society. Everyone has their one or two "things" that they just can't live without: alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, marijuana, magazines, shoes, shopping, cigarettes, blah, blah, blah. I'm trying to figure out where the line is. Do we just keep erasing it and re-drawing over and over again to satisfy whatever we allegedly "need"?
I walked into a patient's room who had been coughing up blood for the past two days and I completed my history and physical. I answered any questions that he had and did a little bit of teaching about smoking cessation. Of course, his pack per year figure was astronomical, I had to re-calculate it just to make sure I didn't make a mistake. I can't even imagine what coughing up blood may feel like, but I'm going to go ahead and assume that it's not too pleasant. As I was walking towards the door, he asked me if he could walk outside to have a cigarette. Now, I'm not on some crusade to change every smoker in the world, but it blows me away when people continually kill themselves in the slowest way possible when they have every opportunity to quit.
Now, I'm not perfect. I have my faults and I have my certain "thing" that I just can't live without, but I make sure that it isn't something that will cut my life in half or that will prevent me from watching my children graduate from college or get married.
I know what their argument is: I'm stressed; It feels good; I only have one life to live and I'm going to do it the way I want. Well, I can't take that away from anyone, their life is theirs to live it however they would like. But, I ask you this, when you're 55 and you're lying in a hospital bed with a basin underneath your chin because you keep coughing up blood every two minutes, are you going to ask me permission to smoke a cigarette or are you going to ask me how to make it to your 56th birthday?
Make a choice.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Thoughts
I was driving around today to take a little break from studying and it was around rush hour in Nashville. I find my way up and down familiar roads and observing all of the cars speeding past me and people standing on the sidewalks waiting anxiously to cross the intersection. Of course, I realized that people wanted to leave work as quickly as possible and return home, wherever that may be, but what is the point of work if we can't stand going to it?
I know that I may not make much sense, but sometimes I start thinking of these abstract, and sometimes, unsolvable issues. It makes me wonder what people do all day at their "jobs." When individuals leave in the morning, do they go to work for the sole purpose of making money to feed their habits, their hobbies, and their fetishes or do they go to work planning to make a difference in their lives or someone else's life? And if they go to work with a purpose to change something or help someone, would they rush home as quickly?
I'm not real sure where these thoughts come from, but I always find myself doing a good bit of self-evaluation and constantly examining how happy I am with my current situation and where I am headed. The profession I chose changes every day. I feel myself running to the clinic rather than running home. That is a trend that I would like to continue because I find a smile on my face everytime I leave a patient's room or everytime I give a patient good news. There are those certain moments when I have to deliver bad news, but I am able to give that patient and their family options. Options to improve their quality of life or options to further their life 4 more months. Every job will have a downside and everyone will probably want more money at one point or another in our life. But, when we're standing face to face with St. Peter is he going to ask to look at our bank account statement or is he going to ask to look into our soul to gain a unique perspective on how many lives we changed during our short time on Earth?
Sure, money is nice. We get nice things with money and money is one of the main reasons, if not the only reason, we go to work everyday. But, where is the fulfillment, the joy, the happiness if that is all we go to work for? There has got to be something more that we are searching for.
Work. It's a funny word. Most of the time, I believe that it is all in a state of mind. I wonder if we started calling it "play" whether or not we would have a completey different attitude to our lives and to our "work." Everything we do is all determined by our state of mind, our attitude. If you believe that you can pass that test, then you probably will. If you believe that you teach that teenager to practice safe sex, then you probably can. If you believe in what you do, then others will fall in line most of the time.
I wish more people had a purpose for their monotonous schedules every day: Wake up, take a shower, eat breakfast, drive to work, work, drive home, eat dinner, watch t.v., sleep, and start all over. There is so much that we can accomplish in 24 hours. We just have to take advantage of it instead of watching it pass us by every time we punch our time cards.
It starts with me. And You.
I know that I may not make much sense, but sometimes I start thinking of these abstract, and sometimes, unsolvable issues. It makes me wonder what people do all day at their "jobs." When individuals leave in the morning, do they go to work for the sole purpose of making money to feed their habits, their hobbies, and their fetishes or do they go to work planning to make a difference in their lives or someone else's life? And if they go to work with a purpose to change something or help someone, would they rush home as quickly?
I'm not real sure where these thoughts come from, but I always find myself doing a good bit of self-evaluation and constantly examining how happy I am with my current situation and where I am headed. The profession I chose changes every day. I feel myself running to the clinic rather than running home. That is a trend that I would like to continue because I find a smile on my face everytime I leave a patient's room or everytime I give a patient good news. There are those certain moments when I have to deliver bad news, but I am able to give that patient and their family options. Options to improve their quality of life or options to further their life 4 more months. Every job will have a downside and everyone will probably want more money at one point or another in our life. But, when we're standing face to face with St. Peter is he going to ask to look at our bank account statement or is he going to ask to look into our soul to gain a unique perspective on how many lives we changed during our short time on Earth?
Sure, money is nice. We get nice things with money and money is one of the main reasons, if not the only reason, we go to work everyday. But, where is the fulfillment, the joy, the happiness if that is all we go to work for? There has got to be something more that we are searching for.
Work. It's a funny word. Most of the time, I believe that it is all in a state of mind. I wonder if we started calling it "play" whether or not we would have a completey different attitude to our lives and to our "work." Everything we do is all determined by our state of mind, our attitude. If you believe that you can pass that test, then you probably will. If you believe that you teach that teenager to practice safe sex, then you probably can. If you believe in what you do, then others will fall in line most of the time.
I wish more people had a purpose for their monotonous schedules every day: Wake up, take a shower, eat breakfast, drive to work, work, drive home, eat dinner, watch t.v., sleep, and start all over. There is so much that we can accomplish in 24 hours. We just have to take advantage of it instead of watching it pass us by every time we punch our time cards.
It starts with me. And You.
Cameron Crazies
I found these pictures, instead of studying, and I thought they were priceless. I have a slight obsession with Duke basketball and Coach K. Hope you enjoy the pics.
Body paint anyone?
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programs. Or, in my case, the art of procrastination may re-commence.
Body paint anyone?
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programs. Or, in my case, the art of procrastination may re-commence.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Crash and Burn
Last night, Vanderbilt played Michigan for the right to advance to the Super Regionals, which would take place this weekend at chosen sites across the nation. Saturday afternoon, Vanderbilt lost to Michigan, sending Vandy to the losers bracket. Winning a game against Austin Peay and beating Michigan once Sunday evening, forced the if necessary championship game re-match Monday night.
As the number 1 National seed, Vanderbilt was expected to win hands down and show up in Omaha two weeks from now. Well, as in any sport, anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Monday night, Vanderbilt fought back in the 8th inning to tie the game at 3 runs apiece and forced extra innings. Well, Vandy lost in extra innings bringing their season to an unexpected screeching halt. The city of Nashville, the Vanderbilt faithful, and the college baseball nation were stunned.
I feel for that entire team. I know what it feels like to have the rug pulled from right under your feet when you are expected to win a championship/tournament/game. In my 20 years of playing softball, I played on a championship team every season. We were expected to show up at the national tournament every summer and either win or play in the championship game. The pressure that goes along with those expectations is unbearable at times. One of the greatest accomplishments in my life was winning that national championship with my amazing teammates down in Texas. We beat Cat Osterman twice during our rout to the championship and people kept asking who those "girls from Alabama" were? Yes, we know how to play softball in Alabama and we know how to play it well.
Every year we started, our expectations/goals were as high as they could get: have less than 10 losses in a 60-game season, win the state championship, win the regional championship, and win the national championship. In all my years of playing travel ball with my teammates, we never had more than 10 losses in one summer. Never.
So, I can always relate my own experiences to what the Vanderbilt baseball team is feeling, but the expectation to reach Omaha is unlike any other. Being so close to meeting those expectations is what hurts the most. As a spectator, I loved watching every game this season and the respect they had for the game of baseball. They have nothing to be ashamed of.
Now, I guess i'm going to have to root for those damn Owls. Shoot.
As the number 1 National seed, Vanderbilt was expected to win hands down and show up in Omaha two weeks from now. Well, as in any sport, anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Monday night, Vanderbilt fought back in the 8th inning to tie the game at 3 runs apiece and forced extra innings. Well, Vandy lost in extra innings bringing their season to an unexpected screeching halt. The city of Nashville, the Vanderbilt faithful, and the college baseball nation were stunned.
I feel for that entire team. I know what it feels like to have the rug pulled from right under your feet when you are expected to win a championship/tournament/game. In my 20 years of playing softball, I played on a championship team every season. We were expected to show up at the national tournament every summer and either win or play in the championship game. The pressure that goes along with those expectations is unbearable at times. One of the greatest accomplishments in my life was winning that national championship with my amazing teammates down in Texas. We beat Cat Osterman twice during our rout to the championship and people kept asking who those "girls from Alabama" were? Yes, we know how to play softball in Alabama and we know how to play it well.
Every year we started, our expectations/goals were as high as they could get: have less than 10 losses in a 60-game season, win the state championship, win the regional championship, and win the national championship. In all my years of playing travel ball with my teammates, we never had more than 10 losses in one summer. Never.
So, I can always relate my own experiences to what the Vanderbilt baseball team is feeling, but the expectation to reach Omaha is unlike any other. Being so close to meeting those expectations is what hurts the most. As a spectator, I loved watching every game this season and the respect they had for the game of baseball. They have nothing to be ashamed of.
Now, I guess i'm going to have to root for those damn Owls. Shoot.
Monday, June 4, 2007
More parties and graduations
For the past four weekends, I have been traveling back and forth between bama and nashville for family graduations and parties. The youngest of the Boo clan graduated from high school and will be attending The University of Alabama in the fall pending a physical, drug screen, singing of the Alabama fight song, and a keg stand.
What would a Boo graduation be without a family picture:
May God guide my sister down paths of success and personal growth, which include a degree, another Crimson Tide Football National Championship, and a free place for me to stay for four years while tailgating my ass off during football season. I believe these are all lofty, but achievable goals.
In all seriousness, I couldn't be any prouder of my younger sister and all that she has already accomplished. I know that there are many happy and good times ahead of her and a time for growth as a woman, a student, and a child of God.
As for her expectations, she has a lot to live up to. She better start practicing those keg stands pronto.
What would a Boo graduation be without a family picture:
May God guide my sister down paths of success and personal growth, which include a degree, another Crimson Tide Football National Championship, and a free place for me to stay for four years while tailgating my ass off during football season. I believe these are all lofty, but achievable goals.
In all seriousness, I couldn't be any prouder of my younger sister and all that she has already accomplished. I know that there are many happy and good times ahead of her and a time for growth as a woman, a student, and a child of God.
As for her expectations, she has a lot to live up to. She better start practicing those keg stands pronto.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
