Cruising in Cali ...

New Years 2009 - Staying in and watching the sunset in Malibu

2009-01-01T22:15:00.000-08:00

28th Birthday in Chicago

2008-12-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

Training in Colorado

2008-09-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

JDRF WALK FOR THE CURE

2008-09-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! It's that time of year again for the JDRF Walk for the Cure. If you are interested in donating, please see my fundraising website at http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87186951'>http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmID=87186951">http://walk.jdrf.org/walker.cfm?id=87186951. Thanks for all of your love and support!

I am ....

2008-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

For mom and Candice .....

i am me.

i am: goofy :)

i think: the human body is fascinating and the human mind is intriguing.

i know: that my family is my foundation and an incredible blessing in my life.

i have: limited time, but an endless capapcity to love.

i wish: my family could be my neighbors. Wouldnt you love to be close to the beach? ;)

i miss: being in college.

i fear: that I won't live up to my high expectations for myself.

i feel: happy that my friend Jen asked me to be a bridesmaid.

i hear: Jen and Nieves talking about the upcoming wedding and Leona Lewis on satellite radio.

i smell: Pink Sugar perfume

i search: for the words to write.

i wonder: where I will be in 5 years.

i regret: not pursuing medical school (although there is still time!)

i care: about my loved ones and hope for the best for them!

i always: sing at the top of my lungs while driving alone.

i worry: about my patients when I scrub into surgeries.

i am not: perfect, but that's ok with me. :)

i remember: having tea parties and making potions with my sister, going for Thrifty ice cream with grandpa, and grandma making crepes.

i believe: that being loved is essential to well-being.

i dance: when I am happy and music moves me.

i sing: in my car and around those I am comfortable with.

i don’t always: arrive on time.

i pray: that my family will find happiness in life.

i argue: when I think someone doesn't know what they are talking about.

i write: not enough on my blog. Sorry mom!

i win: when I get competitive and focused.

i lose: when I workout like a maniac. ;)

i listen: to my mom's priceless advice.

i don't understand: why the sky is blue.

i can usually be found: in a hospital, my comfy bed, or with friends/family.

i am scared: of sky diving.

i need: love.

i will: live life to the fullest.

i forget: how old I am. I stopped counting at 21.

i am happy about: my new job.

Small Joys

2008-06-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

At Arizona State University I took the best journal writing class from Dr. G Lynn Nelson called "Writing and Being". In this class we would always start with a few minutes of recording things called "Small Joys" and I would like to make a habit of sharing them here. Now Small Joys aren't big events such as a promotion or buying a new car. Small Joys are just as they sound, those little details that so often go overlooked and are underappreciated unless we acknowledge them.

Here's to the small joys that made me happy this week ....

being able to sleep with the windows open at night and enjoy the cool California summer nights
watching a gentleman open the door for an elderly lady with a walker
exchanging smiles with strangers
listening to custom-made cd's . . . extremely loud in the car and getting caught by another driver while singing along :)
hearing the chime on your cell phone alerting you to a new text message from loved ones
waking up to the sound of peacocks which automatically reminds me of my dear grandparents in Idaho
unexpected emails from family members back home with pictures to share

In Honor of My Mother ....

2008-06-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

... I will join in on the blogging. Not only will this ease her mind by letting her know exactly what I am up to at all times :) , but I thoroughly enjoy reading what's on her mind and the minds of my family. I miss you all!

Here is a recent email I received at work that explains why I am in California and working for Medtronic ....

"Chris - I had a patient die a few days ago of diabetic complications, leaving two adolescent girls and a husband. She had lifelong heinous diabetic control and was already nearly to dialysis when we met. After a year or so of convincing (and 8 DKA admissions) I talked her into a pump. She died with an A1C of 6.2%. Six hours after she died her husband came to my office personally and asked to see me. He cried when I walked in the room and said "I'm relieved it's over for her, I'm crying because I don't know how to thank the man that gave my daughters a mother for five extra years."