Opening Up Again

So it is time to start over with this whole blog thing. I stopped blogging over a year ago because I was so worn out by the rigors of medical school and the short-sighted idea that blogging is about having people read what you have to say. Really, the purpose is cathartic, to share your thoughts so that they are not stuck in your head, weighing you down, keeping you from freeing your mind and being present in the moment. The person who realized first that I needed to open up again was my dear wife Katrina. I am very thankful that God brought this woman into my life that now knows me better than I know myself and encourages me to be what I need to be.

With all the seriousness out there, I wanted to do something less serious for the rest of this post.

What color are your socks right now? No socks, bare feet just like God intended.

What are you listening to right now? My wife and son on a Skype video call with Grammy in Florida, with the movie 'The Waterboy' paused on TV.

What was the last thing you ate? A 100 calorie bag of Pop Secret with Parmesan Garlic 'Colonel Seasons' popcorn seasoning.

Can you drive a stick? Of course and I wish I still had a stick shift. Driving is so much more fun with a stick!

Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom called a bit ago to discuss hotel arrangements in Omaha next weekend where we are meeting them for a fun weekend out of Des Moines before they follow us to Des Moines for a week in Iowa.

How old are you today? 30. It's a good age.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? I would have to say football is my favorite but I like to watch Baseball, Golf, occasionally Basketball, and I'm even getting more into NASCAR.

What is your favorite drink? This is a tough one. I really like a good cold soda or iced tea, but every once in awhile an ice cold beer from the tap in a frosted glass is wonderful!

Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes I have... and I'm sorry but I don't think I have pictures. For Halloween in 2005 my roommate Nate and I decided to dress up as Gilligan and the Skipper. So to get into the role of the Skipper I tried to dye my hair blonde. Unfortunately it turned out a weird orangish yellow.

Favorite food? When I read this the thing that came to mind first is cold, leftover fried chicken. Mmmmmmmmmmmm!

What is the last movie you watched? Apparently we are watching an Adam Sandler movie marathon on FX today. We watched the Wedding Singer earlier. Yesterday we watched The Red Baron (not great), She's Out of My League on Friday (great except for the excessive language), and recently Invictus and When in Rome which are both really good.

Favorite day of the year? Another tough one. Probably any day that I get to be back in the mountains of Colorado, especially with my wife and little boy. I sure do miss home.

How do you vent anger? Passive-Aggressive. Not good at all. When I do better I usually am writing or doing something athletic.

What was your favorite toy as a child? That's tough, I know I had quite a few favorites at different points. Since I played sports I did a lot of shooting hoops, chipping golf balls in the backyard, and pickup games of football on the street. Video games and baseball cards were also a pass time for me.

Favorite Season? Definitely Fall when the leaves are changing, the temperatures are in the 60's, football season is on, and daily attire consists of sandals, shorts, and a hooded sweatshirt.

Cherries or Blueberries? Neither really. Cherry pie is good. Cherry flavored stuff is good. But plain cherries are not great. Never tried a lot of blueberries.

Living situation? Living in a condo on the very south edge of Des Moines, IA with my wife Katrina, son Ezekiel (22 months), baby girl due in October, and cat Edmund. I am in my 4th year of medical school at Des Moines University. I am completing a 1 year fellowship in Osteopathic Manual Medicine and thus will have a 5th year of medical school.

When was the last time you cried? Last Monday when I talked with my preceptor Doctor about struggles I've been having in the clinic. I'm an emotional person, she's an emotional person and one of my top role models in medicine so it was hard for me to ask for changes in my learning environment. She was so supportive and understanding!

What is on the floor of your closet right now? Shoes, some clothes, a storage bin, and probably a variety of items deposited there by my son 'Z'.

What are you most afraid of? Finances. We have been struggling with money for over a year now and it has taken its toll on my mind, body, and spirit. We struggle to get money and then to use it wisely.

Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Spicy with cheese, mushrooms, and ketchup!

Favorite day of the week? Friday, a great mixture of work and play.

How many states have you lived in? Three; Colorado, Ohio, Iowa. One Canadian Province for a few months - Ontario.

Diamonds or pearls? Pearls. Diamonds are too fancy. Pearls say 'real beauty'

Did you get an H1N1 vaccine? Yes, being a healthcare professional we have to take precautions for our own health, and to not be carriers of illness.