Monday, April 25, 2011

Made up

Do you ever feel like you make the same goals over and over again without success? If not then I want to know your secret because I can’t seem to hack 99.9% of my goals.

But I am happy to report I kept my goal of taking more pride in my appearance, and not just for one week, but two. It sounds kind of silly but having a small simple goal made it easier. I will try to keep it up.

I was really interested to hear the things other people do to feel pretty even on those crazy mornings. Thanks for the tips and encouragement. My routine is pretty simple which I guess is good. Here is what works for me in case you need some extra ideas…

First, I shower at night. This makes a huge difference for me. I get to sleep in a bit longer. I also get to wash off all of the hospital germs (and body fluids) at night. Def a perk! I have been washing my hair less (about every 5 days) and blow-drying it before bed. If I do other things while it air dries it only takes about 5-10 minutes. I comb it into a ponytail everyday for work and my bangs seem to help me feel a little more feminine.

As for make up, I usually only do eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara. That’s it. I’ve never figured out the foundation/blush thing. Should I reconsider? If I’m not at work I may try some lip gloss. Right now I’m sporting orange most frequently (my cousin who is a hollywood makeup artist said recently it was the hot new lip color—and right up my alley). I’m also trying to brave the red lipstick more. I think eyelash curlers make a big difference although I worry it makes my eyelashes fall out.

I also think painted FINGER nails help. I am liking red and blackish hues currently. I also got a new haircut with feathers and colored extensions while on vacation and a mani/pedi. I’ve never felt like a pink girl so I like some more bold, funky colors.

I would like to hear more of your tips for feeling pretty on the go. I like the idea of the tinted moisturizer. I may try that Miranda.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mirror mirror

It’s bed time. So why am I writing and missing a few extra minutes of precious sleep? Because I need some accountability.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the the concept of a time and a season for everything--the idea that I can’t do everything so I have to pick and choose what is appropriate for me to be doing at this time. One thought I had tonight as I was getting in bed regarded my personal appearance.

“Hmmm, one day when I have more time I will make sure I wear makeup and look my best every day.”

Sounds like a great idea, right. And then,

“It really shouldn’t be too hard, it only takes about 5 minutes more a day.”

I’m really fast, so it took me a minute or two to realize,

“Well, I guess if it really only takes a few minutes, why don’t I do it now?”

My answer in the past has been really one issue: SLEEP.

Somehow, an extra few minutes in bed seems so much more fun than a little eyeshadow and mascara. Especially when I wear scrubs and a ponytail almost everyday. When I am being splatted with blood and saliva on an hourly basis. When I am working with a bunch of guys I’m not trying to impress (at least not with my good looks).

But, I think I will feel better having a little more pride in how I present myself. I think Abe will appreciate it. And although I’ve spent years trying to avoid being high maintenance and to tell myself and believe that no matter how I look from day to day, I am the same important person on the inside, it doesn’t hurt to help yourself out. I read an article recently that also stated that women in business are viewed more negatively if they do not wear makeup, I guess because they come across as not caring.

So here’s where the accountability comes in. I am going to start with this week (gotta start small) and wear makeup (and maybe earrings) every day. I may still look like a scrub but it can’t hurt! And you can keep me to it.

Bring on the longer lashes and a little color. I’ll let you know if it makes a difference. Do you have any tips on making yourself beautiful everyday? I’ve never been very good at consistency in this department.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Prison Tats

When I am working full time at the hospital and not at one of our other locations, I average treating about one inmate per day. At first I used to be a little nervous about these shackled, orange jumpsuited individuals. Now, I am starting to get to know some of the guards (who usually great me with a “How’s it going, Doc?”) and overall have had good experiences with the patients. In fact, they are almost always more well behaved and less whiney than our patients from the general (free) population. I’m not sure how much of this has to do with the fact that they are always accompanied by one or more armed guards. I am starting to learn a little more about the prison system (Fort Madison is Maximum Security for the dangerous guys; the guards in black that are huge are the maximum security detail guards who come with the guys you should be nervous about; inmates with 2 guards are more dangerous than those with one) and have been meeting a lot of people with sad stories.

Many of my colleagues advise me to avoid speaking with them more than I have to to get my job done. However, I think that feels more awkward (usually) than trying to be quiet and I figure it can’t hurt to be nice (usually). But it occasionally leads itself to uncomfortable situations.

Last week, as I admired a tattoo:

Me: “Oh, who is X.Y. (initials have been changed)?” pointing to the tattoo.

Inmate: “My victim.”

Me: ……………………………………………………………………………

My brain: “AWKWARD!!!!! Um……Should I say something?”

Nurse: “Why would you put your victim’s initials on your arm?”

Inmate: “Because he was my friend.”

Nurse: “Well what happened?”

Inmate: “He’s dead now.”

Me, Nurse: ………………………………………………………………………

My brain: “When did you say you were getting out? September?”

 

This is the second time I’ve had a patient admit to murder while in my chair. Not an experience you have every day.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Supposedly today was the best day ever. Or at least so far this spring.

I've been told by multiple people that it is a wonderful day outside. My husband has been bestowing his confectionary successes upon his family (panipopo and bread pudding--check out his blog http://www.ironsheff.blogspot.com/ for the recipes), enjoying a day off church and for those of my faith--watching general conference. I am missing it all, on-call at the hospital.

But, while you may be out reveling in the sunshine, or eating yummy treats made by my husband while watching the Mo-Tab choir in your PJs, I have been enjoying my day. Or at least trying not to "resent the very things that are helping me reach my potential" (in other words, I am trying to have a good attitude about being on-call and missing out on such a beautiful day for the sake of educational experiences which are the whole point of residency, right?). I am also getting a chance to practice qualities like patience, compassion, kindness, and maybe suturing.

So what have I been doing all day? Answering phone calls about what is and isn't normal after tooth extractions. Yes, pain is normal. And yes, smoking will cause a dry socket (told you so!). Organizing my desk (first time all year!). Reading 50 pages of anesthesia topic review. Learning 2-handed surgical knot tying (and practicing through the entire session of afternoon conference session)! Reading 4 scientific journal articles. Turning in my daily log for March. Eating in the cafeteria (bleh). Somehow watching almost the entire two sessions of conference.

Still 13 hours to go. I am hoping to add to the list, "Sleeping soundly through a quiet night despite a hard bed."

P.S. I am still pretty stoked I taught myself the surgical knot tying. Ha! Bring on the appendices (sp?), General Surgery!