My Next Big Goal

My next big goal is the Bataan Memorial Death March, which takes place in White Sands, New Mexico every year. Every year, thousands or people from around the world -- military member, civilians, amputees, children, adults, and the elderly-- participate in a march in memory of the soldiers who survived and died during the 60 mile Bataan Death March during World War II after they were forced to surrender to the Japanese. The intro to the movie, "The Great Raid," offers a good summary of the events of the Bataan Death March. It's a bit heavy, but pretty honest too.

Some of my military friends are forming a team to participate. We've been practicing for the last month every Saturday morning on Transmountain Road and through Franklin Mountains State Park. I've decided to be on the "light" team (just carrying water) because I really haven't been able to "PT" everyday and this is my first march, but I did try the 35 pound ruck sack the last time and it wasn't too bad (of course it was only for a little more than half of the 10 mile practice hike we did). Maybe I'll build up. We'll see.

This was after the weird November snow fall going up Transmountain Road. A perk of training on Saturday mornings and enjoying quiet, lovely views like these. A lovely view of Texas and New Mexico (Soccorro, far left)
For more information on the Bataan Memorial Death March, you can go here. Does anyone want to join me??

It's been one of those weeks...

These were my daily goals for Thursday:
1. Have my computer/electronic medical records system working. I was kicked off of the system at 8:30 the night before. I guess that was my sign to go home. Fortunately, it was working the next morning.
2. Talk to the clinical nurse psychiatrist about a patient whose needs exceeds that of a primary care provider. This was also my first "will not see again" patient. I've started THE LIST.
3. Not end the day with a mentally unstable patient, unlike the previous two days. Yeah, one of those weeks.

On an up note, my goals for tomorrow include:
1. Road march 6 miles through Transmountain Road. More details later.
2. Finish about 9 patient notes that had to be put off due to other events this week.
3. Go grocery shopping at the commissary when it is actually open. Open!
4. Prepare my lesson for Sunday school on Sunday. Yep, I'm subbing. It's actually from Preach My Gosple, chapter 2.
5. Enjoy my Bluebelle Groom's Cake ice cream (chocolate ice cream with strawberry swirl, chocolate cake pieces, chocolate covered strawberries, something like that.) I have been thinking about this ice cream for well over a month! It's my reward for setting a new personal record on my physical fitness test -- which I completed when it was 35 ndegrees outside. I think I will remember to bring gloves when it's that cold next time. Maybe keep the long pants on for the run too.

27 Days

Yep, that's 27 days I have until I leave California. I am trying to compile a list of things to do or places to go before I leave.
So far:
1. I went to the beach twice this weekend. I loved it and it hit me how much I'll miss it. It included a couple adventures, including a lifeguard coming up to us saying he received a complaint and proceeding to lecture us on the no alcohol/no smoking rules. It was hilarious since most of us were silent for about 90 seconds. Another beach-goer approached him and said that we were the wrong group and he apologized profusely. It was pretty funny. Maybe I'll throw in one or more beach trips before I go.
2. I had In 'N Out twice last week and I'm sure it won't be my last. My body is starting to revolt against fast food, but it may have to be patient. See #6
3. I will be attending my first Dodger's game next week. It's about time.
What I still need to do:
4. Go to the Getty. Haven't been yet and it's been on my to-do list for years.
5. Enjoy LA. Maybe see a concert or something. Anyone know of any shows?
6. Have a Tommy's Burger. I've never been there and it was brought to my attention recently that I must go there before I leave.
7. Get all the greenery I can. Maybe a quick camping trip or some hiking. Plus the exercise is good and needed.
8. I still have some more dancing left to do at the Coffee Depot on Monday nights.
9. A quick trip to San Diego. I'll probably go to the AAPA conference for a day or so and enjoy the beautiful, non-arid weather.
10. Last and certainly not the least: enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Anyone have any more ideas? Does anyone want to join me?

THIS is what I want to do...

This is something I want to add to my bucket list. I thought it was worth sharing...

25th Post: 25 Feasible Goals

Before my mom retired a few weeks ago, she made a list of 25 goals she wanted to accomplish after she retired. A couple friends blogged their list of entirely plausible things that they wanted to accomplish during their life. Now that I am out of school and hopefully will have more free time, here are just some of mine in no particular order:

1. Learn a martial art
2. Have a garden or greenhouse
3. Learn Tai Chi
4. Write an original song
5. Get published – medical and non-medical related
6. Have my own art studio in my home
7. Learn 1 or 2 more languages
8. Write and illustrate a children’s book
9. Go to Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Denali and hike Half Dome in Yosemite
10. Run a 5K at least once a year
11. Learn how to drive a manual transmission
12. Visit Vancouver, Canada, the UK, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, and Iceland
13. Make a quilt
14. Ride a snow mobile
15. Read at least 8 books a year
16. Plant a tree
17. Receive a compliment on my handwriting
18. Own a hammock and a library card
19. Become an awesome photographer
20. Participate in a Native American/Alaskan drum/chanting circle
21. Complete a “Diabolical” Sudoku
22. Have a secret recipe for homemade ice cream
23. Make a beautiful and delicious omelet and homemade strawberry lemonade
24. Learn to salsa dance
25. Go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

10th post: 10 things I look forward to this year

It seems like 2008 will be a pretty eventful year for me. These are some of the things I'm looking forward to for the rest of the year, in no particular order...

1. Graduating!! No more school...ever.
2. A new niece or nephew in October.
3. Seeing my nephew and sister in May; and yes Becky, we'll have a great time visiting the Huntington Library Gardens and especially the new Chinese Garden.
4. Seeing my big bro Joe in June, it's been over 2 years.
5. Reading some books for fun like finishing The Alchemist, The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, a Jane Austen novel or two, and quite a few others.
6. Getting a job, having an income again and begin paying off student loans.
7. Knowing where I'm going to live for the next 1-3 or more years and settling into an apartment.
8. Achieving my 17-year dream of going to Norway. It's because a few years ago I decided to eliminate the word "someday" from my vocabulary and decided that 2008 would be the year.
9. Seeing old friends I haven't seen for a while, including a sister missionary I lived with in Argentina
10. Going to the Getty, explore Santa Barbara, and other adventures to experience for the first time.