The Next Big Thing

Having made it past the first few years of practice, I am now faced with the decision of what will be the next big thing. There must always be one, it is essential to keep growing and progressing. Each New Years celebration is marked by a period of reflection on challenges met and those yet to be addressed. I feel the need to decide if a Doctoral degree will serve me well for the next stage of my development, or would it be an unnecessary expense from which I will not recoup my investment at this stage of life. My decision is that I should indeed endeavor to reach for the higher educational goal. It has become evident that in order to function in the clinical field, the additional education can only enhance my current level of experience and if I have to compete for employment with my younger counterparts, it will be a necessary feather in my Nurse’s cap! I would like to ensure that my achievement will be from a University that will emphasize innovation and leadership, as those are the compelling attributes prized in a growing profession. Nurse Practitioners are gaining recognition and respect in the world of medicine, however there are still many who do not know the value we offer our patients and colleagues. I would like to encourage my patients, friends and colleagues to reach for something new often. Looking forward to the Next Big Thing as always is the best way to stay relevant, and to feel renewed! Wish me luck! 

A New Thread

It's been a while since my last post. So to update: I've lost the weight I was complaining about, married off another child, become a grandmother, and I am making plans to return to school for another round. The bathroom remodel turned out fabulous! I've redecorated my bedroom again and have another couple of checks on the bucket list: a hot air balloon ride (a birthday gift from a dear friend) and a trip to Ireland with my Mom and siblings! The adventure continues...I figure I have about 35-40 years to go, so what else is on the list? Well, more travel, both domestic and abroad, painting, photography, writing a family anthology (it is already started), and learning to build furniture! I have 2 more children preparing to marry, and the monumental albatross on the list: CLEANING OUT THE GARAGE! I know, everyone has that one task on the list that seems insurmountable, and I am no exception. There is no way around it, just has to be done. I almost have a panic attack every time I contemplate getting started! I have stored all the baggage from my past here, anything I could not decide to get rid of. Broken dreams, I planned to fix, treasures saved for a future I cannot even envision as yet. Periodically, I sift through the things I've held on to and realize they no longer fit the plan. I often find myself thinking "what on Earth was I holding onto this for?" Occasionally I run across something I could now donate to a museum! It is time to let go of things that no longer matter and make room for here, now. There are still a few things to retain, treasure and guard for the future, but many more to share, donate, or discard. A metaphor? Perhaps.

Belated update

The colonoscopy went well, not as bad as I always thought. I certainly felt skinny (within reason) for a few days! The changes were short term, though. Flu season is here, in fact it started last Spring and has persisted all summer. We had the first burst of Swine flu, and a few of the regulars (colds, bronchitis) seem a little worse than the flu so far this year. The bronchitis is a real hanger-on! As usual, time flies by like I could never have imagined a few years ago. My son is due home from Iraq in less than a month now. The bathroom project is taking much longer than I expected (figures!), and I am struggling as usual to have time for everything I need to get done, much less for things I want to do! This has been the year to get caught up on all the health maintenance I postponed for the past few years. Visit the dentist, have the mammogram, bone density and colonoscopy. Next on the agenda is the eye doctor. Maybe I can have my vision fixed and quit complaining that I can't ever find my glasses! I am looking forward to getting all caught up on the tune ups! So then I can start the body work! More as soon as I can. Stay in forward motion!

50 thousand mile overhaul

Today I am preparing for my first colonoscopy. I am on a clear liquid diet and tonight I will start drinking the magnesium citrate and Nulytely that will leave me squeeky clean from my nose to my knees! This is a rite of passage (no pun intended). And I understand that some people find they have lost up to 10 pounds from the process of eliminating the sludge buildup in the colon that occurs with people who do not eat enough fiber or who eat lots of red meat. Let's hear it for not being full of.... well, you know! I am also doing a little bathroom remodeling at home. What wonderful timing! I can chisel the tile off the wall opposite the toilet at the same time without missing a beat!

Truthfully, I can complain, or I can realize that this is nothing compared to the changes I would have to make for colon cancer! This is easy compared to finding out about colon cancer after symptoms start, or after it has invaded other organs. I would rather be proactive. Besides, I have this great black dress that will fit much better after I prepare for this colonoscopy! Bring it on I say! Here's to you! Cheers! Wasn't there something about a colonoscopy party? You prepare together (better have a bathroom for each guest!) playing cards or another game to pass the time while drinking the prep solution. Then you go to the surgery center together in a limo, and afterwards, celebrate with a good meal. Now I've heard everything! I have mine in progress, next, it is your turn! Join the club!

Seasonal changes

The kids are back in school. Mine are grown, but this means the summer freedom is winding down and routine again rules the day. We reorganize the closet, look at the wardrobe and prepare to change color schemes, find out what fits, what is worn out and ugh...replace things in the closet that have seen better days. Good news! some of that stuff that had gotten too snug really did shrink! It will be cooler soon, the rain is back and we still have summer fruits and vegetables. As the weather cools, you are less likely to roast as quickly as the meat while using the barbeque grill.

I am gathering Fall recipes, making shopping lists, and preparing for the Holidays so I won't be caught in the old habits of grazing on comfort foods. Football parties, gatherings outdoors, dancing in the moonlight all have an emotional appeal that combines with getting organized, and if I think ahead, I can have some lovely, elegant meals that support my goals.

I am also getting out more, planning to learn a few new things like swing dancing and scuba diving. This will be a great season! I invite you to comment and share your seasonal plans and progress. I will post some of the recipes I find as we go.

New website, change in direction

Welcome to my blog! Now that I have patients actually joining me on the blog, I will be stepping up my efforts and accountability! I have the first year at Brehm Medical Center under my belt, I have quit smoking, and the countdown is on for bringing all my children home to Dallas. I still have one in Bhagdad, and one in Los Angeles. My son who was stationed in Afghanistan is now home and starts Grad school in August! My other son lives in Plano, so yes, I am spoiled! I am gearing up for a dance class and a more stable routine. Stay tuned, and visit often. Please feel free to comment when you visit. The more we share our successes and challenges, the more support we will have. Remember, this is a journey, not a destination!

An Ongoing Project

As many of you know, a midlife makeover is an ongoing project. For every firm decision you make, there are 10 reasons why you get de-railed. All you can do is figure out what went right and what was a stumbling block. Then you work to reduce the barriers, and go again with new resolve and an adventurous spirit. If the project is urgent to protect your health, then you resolve to try again. If your health is in the danger zone, you need to stop the world and work very hard to get it right. Either way, some days will be better than others. Keep what works and find a new approach to what doesn't. Today, I am making out a new schedule. I am going to the store to stock up and start over again. Most of us know what to do, and with each new try, some barriers are defeated. Perseverence, resiliance, and a smile makes all the difference. Send me some feedback. Tell me you tales. We will do this together. On to another new day, and another chance to get it all right!