Let's Get Started--Originally Posted March 22, 2014

AND A GEEK

An Officer...

Taking the leap

I've been thinking about it for awhile. And I've decided to blog. I don't know if anyone will be interested in reading what I have to say, but I figured, I'm interested in my musings, so I may as well muse away. One day, when I'm gray and have lost some memories, maybe I can check out my musings and some memories will come back. This is my introduction:

WHAT I WILL DO

I will share a little about me, and if you know me, you already know these things. I will share adventures and random thoughts . . .

  I have been in the Air Force for a really long time.When I joined, I never imagined I would stay this long. Sometimes I forget that I'm not waiting to get out of the Air Force to start my career, the Air Force is one career. When I retire one day from the Air Force, then I can start another career.  I probably won't talk about this much, but it's a really important part of who I am.

I am an Infertility Doctor. I went into this field of medicine because I really believe that mental health and physical health are connected. Many women (and couples) really identify themselves by their ability to have families. If I can help them achieve this dream, maybe I can contribute to their global health as well. A lot of what I do focuses on healthy living before and during pregnancy. I also picked this field because I want people to choose to see me because they think I am the best person to help them, not because they are sick and desperate. I know, it's an ego thing, but at least I admit it. I may talk about great days or great patients or interesting tidbits I learn from research, colleagues, and patients.

 I am a crazy animal person.  I've been called an "animal extremist" in some cases. But, to me, that means not hurting the sentient creatures that share this world with us.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my dogs and you may see lots of their pictures. But, hey, they are the cutest things in the universe, so why not share them with everyone else. I love all other animals too. I will advocate for all animals, regardless of species (well, maybe not snakes and spiders, but who knows . . .).  Cute animal pictures make me smile. I may talk about my animals or other animal related topics.

 I am NOT an athlete, but I do like to swim, bike, and run. Sometimes it's because I like the adrenaline rush. Sometimes it's because it makes me feel good and I know it's good for me. I also like the swag and bling, and often pick a race for these very things. Mostly it's because of the friends I have made and the friends I continue to make doing these things. Also, I like the cute exercise outfits. I know it's not in fashion to match, but I match. No one ever accused me of having fashion sense.  I may give race reports.

I made the paper

 I eat a plant-based diet for a variety of reasons. You already know I love animals and I just can't eat dead ones, regardless of the species or culture. I care about the environment and how the animal industry contributes to worldwide famine and greenhouse gas and habitat loss. And, I care about health and feel it's my responsibility to be as healthy as I can to lead by example. How can I ask a patient to be healthy, if I am not living the healthiest lifestyle I can? I will probably talk about a plant-based life.

I am a Christian. I believe strongly in my faith and know that I am where I am through the grace of God. I might share some of what I believe in from time to time, or values I hold strong.

WHAT I WON'T DO

1. I will NOT talk about my work . . .unless it's happy, funny, favorable, and not privacy or security related. No one wants to hear a rant. Besides, if I'm unhappy at work one day, all I have to do is wait, it will eventually get better. And then, how embarrasing would that be to have just vented something so silly where everyone can read about it?

2. I will NOT talk about my patients . . .unless it's in a favorable way and it isn't unique and identifiable. I am privileged to take care of them. I will never violate that trust

3 . I will NOT post graphic photos of animal abuse. I may share when I just can't contain myself, but I don't want to see those things, and I don't want to have them stuck in anyone else's head, either.   

4. I will NOT post daily about how much I exercised. I know that no one really cares. Heck, probably no one cares about my blog.

5. I will NOT post daily pictures of my food. I will NOT criticize anyone for making different choices. I may educate, but I won't denigrate.

6. I will not talk about controversial political or religious topics. My beliefs are mine. Everyone has a right to their own. Even if yours are different, I'm not in a position to judge or condemn. You probably won't change my mind and I probably won't change yours. My heart doesn't have room to hate or judge. One thing I love about this world, and my friends, is that everyone is different. It sure would be boring if we all did everything the same way.