5 Things to be Happy About

I have alot to be happy about right now. As I was sitting in church on Sunday morning, it just kind of hit me.. life is good. I could probably go on and on about what I'm grateful for, but these are the top 5 things that are making me smile!

1. My new job- I started my career this week. I'm working at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center as an infectious diseases physician assistant. The field is very exciting and I love being at an academic institution, where everyone is so passionate about education. My coworkers are very nice and have made the transition a smooth one. Between orientation, paperwork, and navigating my way around a maze of a hospital, I also spent a few mornings and afternoons in clinic. My first patient ever was a memorable one, as she just so happened to have the swine flu. "Soap and water, soap and water, soap and water"... ie- my new favorite mantra. I am equally excited and overwhelmed by the plethora of knowledge I have yet to learn. My feeling are perhaps articulated best by the eloquent RD Lang in his poem "Knots."

"Knots"

There is something that I don't know that I am supposed to know. I don't know what it is that I don't know and yet am supposed to know, and I feel I look stupid if I seem both not to know it and not know what it is I don't know. Therefore I pretend I know it. This is nerve-racking since I don't know what I must pretend to know. Therefore I pretend to know everything. I feel that you know what I am supposed to knowbut you can't tell me what it is because you don't know that I don't know what it is. You may know what I don't know, but not that I don't know it, and I can't tell you. So you will have to tell me everything.

Despite feeling utterly clueless at times, I am amazed at how much I am learning each day. In the mean time, I am truly loving my job!

2. Fall- It probably wouldn't be farfetched to venture to say that I am utterly obsessed with autumn. From the beautiful foliage to the crisp weather and endless football... I am a fan of it all. Although fall doesn't officially kick in until September 22, 2009 at 5:18 pm, I always choose to start celebrating a little early. For me, the fall fesitivities begin when candy corn hits the shelves (and in case you were wondering.. I'm partial to the autumn mix- the perfect combination of little pumpkins, yellow and indian corn). To me, there is nothing that says fall more than walking around a college campus, preferably on a Saturday when football is involved. I can't wait to get back to Virginia to stomp around Mr. Jefferson's grounds.


3. Friends- My friend Ann turned 30 this weekend, and to celebrate she had a backyard birthday party themed "29 going on 6." It was so fun to be invited to a "little kids" birthday bash which featured an inflatable jumper, cornhole, pinata, party hats, and party favors. As if that could get any better, the guest list absolutely rocked. I got to spend quality time with some of my favorite PA girls who I haven't seen since graduation. It was so fun to laugh, dance (yes, I did my signature worm), and catch up over the last couple of months. I am truly blessed to have amazing friends!


4. Church- I have been church hopping in Winston for the last 2 years and am excited to say that I have found a church I love! Saturday night, I randomly googled "Winston-Salem churches" and this church named "Pinedale" was among the first to appear. I checked out the website which held my interest enough to give it a try the next day. I showed up Sunday morning to the "blended service" and was blown away. I loved the praise and worship team, was impressed by the choir, and challenged by the sermon. The cherry on top was the friendly congregation, sense of fellowship, and peaceful feeling that I was somewhere I belonged. I'm already looking forward to Sunday morning!


5. Holidays- As if things could get any better, I enjoyed a wonderful Labor Day weekend. After a busy first week, I was very thankful to have an extra day to relax, work around the house, spend time with my friends, and of course enjoy some awesome food off the grill (smoked brisket + blueberry cobbler = a winning combination). Labor Day always invokes wonderful childhood memories of starting the new school year. Our family had a tradition of packing a picnic and renting Jon boats for the day. We would always sneak aboard Chelsea, our beloved sheltie. I love the way holidays make you feel... happy and carefree.

So ya, I'd say that life is pretty good right now! Can't wait to share more adventures :)