Hello, Blog.

Moved some stuff to the new place today. Measured some rooms and furniture to see if everything would fit. Had to sell a couple of things since the new place is pretty small. Took the bed all apart just to get that painful task out of the way. Decided to turn it the short way to have access to one side of drawers. Got a flu shot yesterday, so have been feeling a bit achy and tired, but overall a good day. I did take a nap... Will hit the books tonight and go to bed when I get sleepy.

Tomorrow will see if I can get the storage moved over to the new storage areas in the roof spaces. Pulled a muscle in my back today, though, so may not get too far. Exam on Friday, so will need to stay focused on that as priority.

Bought a dozen donuts yesterday. Felt somewhat guilty after all the nutrition lectures in our cardiovascular classes. But, not that guilty… Been going to the gym more and getting in some runs. Think I will do a run through downtown and see if I can’t raise a little money for the school to celebrate my 50th. Am thinking 7 miles will be plenty doable and a distance that might be short enough to allow others to come along and celebrate with me. Will work on that after I’m settled into the new place.

Am finding the material much more interesting this year. It’s as hard or harder than last year, but has much more of a clinical focus, and we are learning the pathology now. I confess there are still frustrations with contradictions in the material and never really being sure what will be relevant to our practices, but the journey is definitely becoming more engaging. Spending time soul-searching and focusing on a specialty this summer was a productive effort. It has given me a clearer vision and energy for the race. Am curious to see what lies around the bend. Good adventure, I think.

New Year, School Year

Finished the first test. Passed with plenty of room (as though there is much...). Southwest Clinic and the Geriatric and Palliative Care Interest Group seem to be pretty much organized and plugging along now. Am going to try to get focused more over the next couple of weeks and prepare well for the next test. The courses we are now taking are much more relevant to what we will be doing when we get into the clinic. Really enjoying that aspect of this year.

Going to move again. Too many smokers and disrespectful folks in this complex. This, of course, is in spite of the fact that my lease says this is a non-smoking property. Go figure. Found a fantastic house nearby that is owned by an amazing lady and managed by her good-hearted son. Definitely a blessing in disguise as these houses don't come available much here on the hill. Am crossing my fingers it will be a place I can stay until school is out.

The rain and cool weather have begun in earnest. Summer started halfway through August and lasted til mid-September. When people ask if I will be staying around here, I just laugh.

It sounds crazy but I'm really looking forward to learning more about the kidneys and fluid and electrolyte balance. It's really very interesting and critical in patient care. Really want to master this stuff. I know it will make a difference for many people down the line.

Let's see... a confession... I tried to go to a get-together downtown last night. Went to the address and could hear folks up on the rooftop, but couldn’t figure out how to get in. Kind of bizarre, but was unable to figure it out. Went home and got some work done. Could have been worse. :0)