Don't let it snow, Don't let it snow, Don't let it snow!

Today I was 15 minutes late for work. I'm never late. I hate being late. I hate when my patient's are late. I even left early.

Let me just say...I wake up and perform my morning routine which runs like clockwork minute by minute. I'm finally ready and am in the kitchen throwing peach yogurt in a cup, slicing a banana to add, and throw in some granola and cranberries for the ride to work. I am debating on whether or not to make coffee because it might make me late, and, I can just run through Dunkin Donuts when I get to work because chances are I'll be a little early like always. My roommmate comes into the kitchen and says 'Oh no'. "What's the matter?" I say. "Look" she says. "CRAP" I say. As I look up and see white covering the building across the street. So much for even debating the coffee issue. Out the door it is....almost. I need to throw something in a bag for lunch since the drug reps only cater lunch on Tues and Thurs and it is already a Manic Monday (The last thing I want is the leftover lasagna from last week since I made an entire pan and have been eating it daily. Lasagna it is.) Then, I head out to the car. Time to clear the car of the ugly white stuff. CRAP AGAIN. Then the morning really began.

It took 15 minutes just to get through the light. Another 10 minutes to get on and off the short ramp onto the freeway. 10 minutes to begin moving on the freeway (when I say moving I mean 5-10 mph). And then I hear on the radio "1 hour and 45 minutes to O'Hare airport" from the city. I am coming from 'the city' and I didn't leave an extra 1 hour early just to get to work...I only left 20 minutes early. Shoot. At this point and grinding my teeth, thinking about whether or not I need to call in to have someone call my first patient. Luckily, 30 minutes later I am passing O'Hare and call the office to call my patient to let him know I will, officially, be late. Did I mention that I am NEVER late, I hate being late, and I hate when my patient's are late? By 8:45 I make it to my office and realize I can't find my patient. I look in the Doctor's office...not there. Someone saw a man in a red jacket who said he was my patient. I run back into the PT office to find a happy, smiling man sitting and waiting patiently. THANK YOU nice man for making my morning better and not hating me or leaving! I apologize and quickly evaluate him to realize his problem is rather uncomplicated and am able to relieve a good portion of his pain before he leaves. This is GOOD because now I hopefully I have redeemed myself for being late. And...before he leaves he says..."I'll be back on Wednesday...and if you're not here, I'll just wait for you!" Sometimes, it just takes one person to make or break your day...today my patient made mine and redirected my morning in the right direction :)

A lot changes in 6 months

I last blogged 6 months ago. WOW. When I sit and ponder the changes--new home, new city, new people, new places...it just goes on and on and on. I admit leaving life as a student was frightening, I mean, this was all I knew for 20 years! (Kindergarten-Grad school WOW!)

Beginning a life completely on my own is an exhilarating experience and I am enjoying every minute of the ride (most of the time). I work 4, very long, 10-hour days; however, extremely worth it for Fridays off and a 3 day weekend every week! And, with Winter on the way, it is one less day of bumper to bumper traffic because of a few flakes/few feet of snow (it doesn't matter in Chicago how much snow we get--everyone freaks freaks out). I also began working registry at RUSH University Medical Center in acute care at the hospital, 1-3 days a month, for some extra experience and cash.

I am finally learning my way around. These 6 way intersections still get me driving in circles; but that's what the GPS, maps, and trains are for.

I still don't get home as often as I would like; however, I've learned a 4-5 hour drive or train ride really is not that bad (considering I spend up to 2 hours a day in traffic).

Steve and I are still dating. Yes, long distance is a pain, but nevertheless we make it work. He will graduate in May from Law School at Wash U-- and will move to Chicago for his job with the Seventh Circuit Court!

I'll be more consistent with my posting, because trying to catch up after 6 months is way too difficult and could end up being a 6 page long post if I didn't make it short and sweet.

So.... from sweatpants to dress pants, I'm living each day by the minute, anticipating anything! I also would love visitors....so this is an open invitation! (although I know winter is not the most appealing time to visit Chicago!)