Thursday, December 27, 2007

Because it's Thursday, that's why.

Obviously, I am a liar. As well as a tease. I have yet to post, as promised, my "appropriate response." I hope I haven't gotten your hopes up that I plan on commencing that now. Because, I'm not. I can only say that I am spending ridiculous amounts of time on that particular post, that it is a work in process. So much time has been spent for 2 reasons: 1) Y'all deserve a well thought out response as a tribute (and a thank you) for your entertaining and at times heart felt assistance in my cry for help 2) I'm finding it very cathartic to contemplate an alternate plan for myself.

But. I wanted to check in.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas . . . looking forward to some holiday blogs. I am convinced that humor happened and expect, as a result, to be entertained with stories of family and friends:) Christmas day passed quietly for me and I was shocked the next morning when I realized that everyone had abruptly stopped playing Christmas songs on the radio. I guess I should have expected it but it caught me very unawares. Still going through mild withdrawal!

Today is the 1 year anniversary of the opening of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center. I think I'm the only person that has noted the date. Perhaps it's because every day of the past year is somewhat painfully etched in my memory. Regardless, it seems that the day will pass without fanfare. This is also my last 24 hours on call and tomorrow will be my last day. Expecting (hoping) that day to be sans drama and hoopla as well. Will definitely be saying goodbye to some really good people but know without any doubt that my exit is long overdue. When I think that I actually spent an entire year in this situation I'm a little shellshocked. There's another feeling there as well. Can't quite pinpoint it. It's either pride or an overwhelming sense of stupidity . . . :)

Flying home to Missouri tomorrow evening and am planning on a 2 week stay. I need a little "show me state" and some serious Haller Family time. Not to mention my mom's cooking! Also really looking forward to catching up with friends. In fact, this is an open invitation to anyone within the tristate area to come hang out in Toastyville with me and my dad . . . :)

Monday, December 24, 2007

"Press 7 to delete message."

Again with Mr Carwash? This time it was a voice mail asking for medical advice. Merry Christmas to me. Where do I find these people?

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Patience is a virtue.

Ok. After the past 60 hours I've had on call, I'm definitely giving serious thought to the alternate career path idea . . .

Only another 24 hours to go and I promise I'll provide an appropriate response to all y'all's feedback. Oh yeah. And, the prize:)

Sunday, December 9, 2007

a little help please

Ok, all. I need your help. If I wasn't a doctor, what would I be?

Not thinking of abandoning the career I've basically spent my whole life preparing for. Not exactly anyway. Just really wondering what else is out there.

So, what could you see me as? What hidden talents might I have? What part of me should I let out to shine?

Just a little experiment I'm working on. Humor me. There may be a prize in it for you:)

Untitled. Because sometimes it's just too hard to be witty.

I slept in this morning, trying to hold onto a dream. It's not the first time I've tried to accomplish this feat, certainly not the first time that I've failed miserably. The dream was lost and perhaps the true memory of it ruined a bit by the effort. My reward? The tiny hint of a headache and several less hours of my Sunday to enjoy.

I decided to move beyond this less than stellar start and hoped that the experts are wrong. Hoped that you can actually stock pile a little extra sleep for an upcoming week that is sure to be a little light on the "z's" . . .

Coffee. Coffee was indubitably what I needed.

A whole pot? Yes, please.

The beans were loaded, the filter in place. 10 cups of lukewarm water were added to the most beautiful coffee maker ever made. Fool proof. I pushed the grind button and prepared myself for the - always a little shocking - sound that would mean my morning was about to be saved. The grinding began and with it a sense of comfort that unfortunately would be short-lived.

I turned from the counter to choose a coffee cup and all hell broke loose.

The mechanism controlling the filter drawer popped open mid-grind. Seriously. Coffee grounds everywhere.

Well, shit.

I pushed the drawer back in an attempt to save what I could. I then allowed my back-stabbing machine to complete it's cycle and poured a cup of the result into a festive red mug. It actually looked a little like the caffeine-infused liquid that I had previously hoped for. Only with a few bonus grounds decorating the surface. I gamely fished out the offensive tag-alongs and added a little milk. Next, a tentative taste.

Not bad. Really. Actually, pretty good.

And, I thought, ok. Morning saved. Now, let's see what the rest of the day has in store.

Saturday, December 8, 2007

This is what I need: more fun, less responsibility.

Josh Howard just shot a 47 point game against Utah. And I was there. Eating a hot dog.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Ok 'Boys. Don't let me down.

It has been a football season full of disappointments.

My usual unwavering loyalty for the Chiefs has been strained by one loss after another.

My joy at Mizzou's journey towards number one was crushed by the "top spot" curse (Have fun in New Orleans LSU fans, knowing that the wrong Tigers made it to the big game. BUT, definitely pulling for you against Ohio!).

And, now? I've just layed down way too much money for my NFL playoff tickets, banking on Dallas to come through this year. Tony, it's up to you and the guys to save the season for me. Counting on you!


Ok. So actually, it's not nearly as dramatic as all that. I'm just tired of all the stuff that really matters and have decided instead to focus on something that is 100% outside of my control. May be slightly cowardice . . . But, I think I'm ok with it:)