Thursday, May 31, 2007

THE OFFICE
Yesterday was officially my last day of working as a pediatrician at Alamo Heights Pediatrics, a place I have grown to love over the past three years. I received lots of hugs and kisses, flowers from my colleagues, a crystal butterfly from Kaitlyn, potpourri and a candle, and (my personal favorite) a drawing of a bouquet of hearts from a sweet boy named Joey. I didn't leave until 7:30 pm partly because we had tons of paperwork, and partly because it was difficult to make myself leave. For additional insight - meet the office:

Lindsay (Pediatrcian, owner and general manager): fabulous physician, expert in cardiology, passionate about her patients, witty, accomplished, insightful, great colleague.
Leah (Pediatrician): A bundle of energy, leader and public servant, very thoughtful, well-known in the community as expert physician for special needs children, juggler of family, home and career.
Beth (Medical assistant): Constant as the North Star, always on time, dependable, down-to-earth, predictable, non-complainer, very tactful, a "get the job done" kind of person.
Becky (Nurse): A fireball, initiator, fast-paced, can be a little bossy (to her advantage), a "go the extra mile" type person, motherly, confident, upbeat and opinionated.
Lindsay (Medical assistant): Great worker, easy-going, can be bold when the occasion demands, adaptable, able to take a stand, dependable, fun to work with.
Letty (Collections): Eternally happy and smiling, the first person you want to see in the morning, proud mom to five girls, aggressive about collections - in a very nice way, a "make it work" type person, knowledgable.
Lucy (Collections): A "no nonsense" gal, smart as a whip, very competent, a little guarded, down-to-earth, honest, tells it like it is.
Christine (front desk): Quiet and reserved, very polite and professional, good work ethic, pleasant.

My cousin once told me the hallmark of a great relationship is that you can look back and realize you're a better person for having known them. I can honestly say I'm a better person for having worked with these ladies. Thanks for a great three years!

Sunday, May 27, 2007

MEN AND THEIR TOYS
Have you ever noticed that men LOVE electronics? OK, that's not a big surprise to anyone. But have you noticed that it's easier to get your man to the store if the trip has something to do with electronics?

Two recent conversations related to me by my friend:

Conversation #1
Dorothy: Craig, could we go to the mall? I need to get a purse.
Craig: I thought you had a purse.

Conversation #2 a few days later while watching TV

Dorothy: Is this picture a little fuzzy?
Craig: You're right. I think I need to get you a new television - there are some plasma screens on sale. I'll get the car.

Instead of getting frustrated about our differences, take advantage. If you want your husband/boyfriend to remember your birthday, mother's day, valentines, anniversary - suggest electronics - ipod, blackberry, computer, television, palm pilot, etc. For my husband it's not the big TV's he wants. He loves little business trinkets, ipods, but most of all CAMERAS. In fact, I got a new one for my birthday, even though I already had one.

Recent conversation while on vacation: (we were going out on a small boat)
Michael: "Did you remember your new camera?"
Me: "Of course. It's right here."
Michael: "Great, because I don't want to bring mine on this boat. It might get wet. Actually, when I bought your camera - it was kind of a little for me."
Me: "Really? I would have never guessed."

The good new is - no matter how many times I lose my camera, break it, drop it in the toilet, or wear it out - there will always be one waiting for me for the next big event. And an expensive one at that! So, I really can't complain.

Monday, May 21, 2007


WHAT I LEARNED ON MY SUMMER VACATION


I recently had a great PAID vacation to Kohunlich (jungle and archeological ruins) and Cozumel (beach) compliments of Nextiraone Mexico. Not only did I have a great time, I learned:

- To dance! My husband also learned to dance, but only because I told him he was not a true mexican if he couldn't dance.
- That Mexicans are very animated and talk with their hands, which helps figure out the spanish. And if you don't know the words at least you can pretend to understand by nodding in agreement, acting disgusted, surprised, or merely stating Si! or No!? simply by watching them.
- That Mexicans truly know how to party.
- That it's not a great idea to stand under a tree staring at a monkey - they
tend to get irritated and can surprise you with a shower
- How not to throw up on a boat - Yes, I actually spent one hour on a small boat out in the ocean without puking once.
- Never buy a churro from a street vendor. (Said churro more than made up for not vomiting on the boat.
- New spanish vocabulary: mono/chango - monkey, chilango - person from Mexico (what my husband calls himself), codo - tightwad (what his colleagues call him), probecho - no true definition that I could elicit but they say it before a meal, like "bon appetit", beber - to drink (not water), and the difference between correr - to run and coger - (well just don't use that one)
- And the most important - I enjoy spending time with my husband and his friends and am looking forward to moving to Mexico.