Two Whole Years!

Has it really been 2 years since Hurricane Ike hit? Crazy how time flies. Actually, it doesn't seem like that long ago I was writing on the 1 year anniversary of Ike.

Not too much has changed in the last year. Galveston Island is definitely coming back--there are new buildings and restaurants going up all over the place. The hospital is coming back as well--more faculty, more nursing stations, more patients. So that's good.

As for me, my life has taken a huge turn for the better since that fateful day two years ago. I remember being huddled in my bunkbed, waiting for the worst of the storm to hit, not knowing if I would have a job, a house, a car, a life the next morning. It turns out that I still had a job (albeit a little hectic for the next 8 months), but lost my home (condemned, that is), eventually got a car, and my life was, well, altered.

Despite the chaos that was my life for 8 months after Ike, I don't regret it, and I'm not sorry it happened. I look back at that time in my life with pride and sentimentality. Through those times, I met a lot of amazing people, got to work at a bunch of different hospitals, and I learned to be 1. flexible (mentally, emotionally, and physically (ie: hello inflatable mattress for 3 months)), and 2. resilient. People can make do in whatever situation they are put in. The lives of my co-residents and the lives of people in Galveston are testimony to this.

Learning to Balance

For those of you that don't know, I'm now doing research for two years while I get my Master's degree in Clinical Science. This means that so far I've spent a lot of time in my cubicle, reading articles, editing papers written by my students, and writing my own papers and abstracts. My classes start August 30. It's been alright--it's definitely an adjustment to the slower pace. But, as Dr. Riall says, I'm just going to "enjoy being bored."

So, I have decided to use this time during the next two years to better myself in all areas--mind, body, and spirit--by doing the following:

1. Working out more
2. Experimenting with cooking more
3. Traveling to visit friends and family (if I can afford it)
4. Reading for leisure
5. Studying surgical textbooks
6. Getting back into going to church regularly, now that my schedule is not so hectic

I hope I can do these things. I'm excited to see what God will bring my way during the next two years. :)

Travels--Physical and Emotional

I realized the other day that I have spent way too much money on travelling this year--yes, it's been worth it to see my friends and some cool places--but all my spending has resulted in multiple "mini-financial mental breakdowns" in the last few weeks. Yikes. So far in 2010, I have been to Colorado, Ohio (twice), New Orleans, Ireland, Arizona, and Austin. Phew!

So, while I continue to pay off some credit card debt (not entirely due to my travels--thanks in part to the US government, my Step 3 board exam, and some less-than-awesome hospital bills), I have instead decided to take an emotional and spiritual journey, rather than a geographic one.

Instead of being in an airplane, I will be in awe.
Instead of being a foreigner, I will be forgiven.
Instead of buying gas, I will receive grace.
Instead of speaking another language, I will speak the truth, honestly and lovingly.
Instead of putting on a seatbelt, I will put on the armor of God.
Instead of seeking out a new country, I will seek healing and hope.
Instead of turning a corner, I will turn to God.

Off to Ireland! :)

Hi everyone (or anyone who reads this)!

I know I haven't posted in approximately a millenium, but Casey La Turista is at it again--this time heading to Ireland! So I figured I'd better start up the blog, as appropriate as it is. I don't know how much I'll be able to update while we're there, but I'll try my best during and after.

I'm leaving this Saturday, March 20, and returning Sunday, March 28. I'm heading over with my college buddy Kerry (European traveller extraordinaire), and we're spending about 4 days in Dublin and 3 days in Killarney. We're pumped! I can't believe it's actually here.

More later--off we go! :)