Hits & Misses (Jan 1-7)

I suppose it's better to post late than not to post at all. So here's a look back at the week that was....

HITS

• I enjoyed the last few days of vacation in the Geriatric Ward. It was great to get to have some deep conversations that needed to happen. I'm blessed to have parents that love me unconditionally and want nothing but the best for me.
• Meetings were not too painful and I managed to get ready for the semester before my next HIT happened.
• On Friday, I left Plainview behind (again!) for La-La Land. I was honored to witness John & Michelle exchange marriage vows. After the wedding, I spent the rest of the weekend with Jeff and Paul. So much laughter! I don't suppose I often admit to myself how important these relationships are to me that have weathered many years and have witnessed the best and worst times of my life. Few people know me quite like these two brothers do....and I'm a better person because of their influence. Glad we're already intentionally planning our next gathering.

MISSES

• As I loaded up my car on Monday evening, I had to pretend that I didn't see the tears in my Dad's eyes. As the Geriatrics get older, it gets more difficult to live so far away. I find myself torn because I really love my work, but also feel a perpetual pull back to Arkansas. God knows what the future holds....and I'm just gonna trust Him.
• My body is not built for cold weather! On Thursday night we experienced a wind chill of -2! When I climbed out of bed on Friday, there was snow on the ground. All of those years in Southern California spoiled me!
• Because of the snow, I had to change my departing airport. That cost me a little more than I would have liked, but in the end, it's just money....

Hits & Misses (Dec 25-31)

Dear Reader, I have returned from my holiday break. It was a much needed respite that I enjoyed very much. And I'm ready to begin sharing my thoughts with you once again. Rather than attempting to catch you up on every detail, here's a look back at the week that was......

HITS

• Christmas Day was a joy in the Geriatric Ward. The entire family gathered around the table and shared the day together. Despite the occasional moments of extreme loudness (which have become a huge challenge for me in recent years), I enjoyed being surrounded by family on this most special day.
• I upgraded my phone -- something that had been long overdue. Now that my device could support it, I enjoyed several days with Spotify Premium services. I'm loving the music without the commercial interruptions.
• As the year came to a close, one of the local PBS affiliates aired a marathon of Downton Abbey. I fell in love with the series when it first aired. The marathon was a wonderful way to revisit some of my favorite characters and stories. I didn't watch the entire series again -- I needed some sleep, after all -- but I did watch a large number of episodes over the three day event.

MISSES

• I hate making returns! It's not that I am unappreciative of the gifts. I just despise having to walk in the store, make new selections, and try to get all of the math to work. This year's trip was fairly painless at least.
• As the year drew to an end, I knew that my time at home was also ending. So I found myself fighting the blues. Truthfully, I simply miss my family while in Texas. Things will get better in a few weeks as the semester gets into full swing. I think it would be much easier if I had memories with the Geriatrics in Plainview to draw on, but it doesn't appear as though that will happen any time soon.
• The crazy weather hasn't helped my mood either. I don't know if I need sweaters or shorts for December in Arkansas. It's wreaked havoc on my sinuses in the process.
• I get irritated when I have to listen to uninformed people passing judgment on others. When they pronounce their solutions to situations that they truly have no reason to comment on, they simply display their ignorance for all to see. Truthfully, it's just embarrassing and made worse because they have no concept of just how foolish they appear.