A Few Things

Well hello there. Life is busy, and work is crazy. Per the usual. So, I haven't really blogged in awhile.

Oh well.

But now, I have a few things to share.

Nothing truly witty or profound. Just some things that are going on in my life.

Ready?

1. I recently started the Couch to 5k running program. There was a time when I could run 4 miles, without passing out. Then residency began. I'm supposed to fit exercise into 14 hour days, or 80+ hour work weeks? Uh, no thanks. So now, I can barely run a mile without having to rest.

The problem is, I just don't feel healthy without doing some sort of exercise, whatever type it is. And I love to eat things like this.

So, I've really just started the program. I've only done two days so far. What I love is that when you first start, you alternate walking and jogging for 30 minutes. If I were to start running on my own without some guidance, I would try to push myself to hard and run for a full 30 minutes, feel terrible afterwards, and not run again for weeks at a time.

I don't want to become obsessed with exercise. I just want to feel healthy, and to feel like I'm taking care of myself. And I'd like to be able to do a 5k again.

2. Very soon, my sweet husband and I will be going on a cruise! I haven't had a vacation since October, and I am more than slightly pumped for this trip. We are leaving out of Charleston (my second love), and will be headed for Key West and the Bahamas. Just the thought of sunning, beaches, and lounging by the pool with a margarita or daquiri in hand makes me smile.

Neither of us have ever been on a cruise, so I've been doing a lot of searching to know what to expect, and what to bring. Obviously there are no brainers like - sunscreen, sunglasses, magazines, swim suits, etc. But will I really need my crossword puzzle and sudoku books (don't hate!), or my ipod. What about my long black semi-formal dress? Or my exercise clothes and gym shoes? Adam is skeptical that I'll actually use them - I'm determined to show him wrong.

So, with all my searching for the ultimate cruise packing list (i love lists), I have made an overwhelmingly long one, including the items stated above. It'll be interesting to see what I actually will and will not use (such as the already mentioned running shoes...HA!)

3. The Lord has been teaching me much these past few months about patience. Patience has always been something I struggle with. I can be impatient with people, specifically my husband and the parents of the little kiddos I take care of. I'm impatient with lines, crowds, etc. These last few months at work have been incredibly challenging. The patient load has been overwhelming and leaving me exhausted. I have seen many sick children this winter season, along with their very worried parents. Even if it is a simple infection, such as a cold, parents don't necessarily know that - that's why they're coming to the ER! I'm not exactly sure what has changed. I still have moments where I feel like I'm gritting my teeth and going through the motions just to make it through the day. But, I do feel like the Lord has been changing my heart. He has been faithful to give me the strength and the ability to patiently explain to parents what is going on with their child, and how to best take care of them. He has also helped me to love them better. There is much growing to do, but I am thankful that the Lord is showing me where I need to change, and that He is helping me to do so.