Happy Jazz

Have I mentioned previously how insane 2008 has been? I think I have. Instead of lamenting again (and sounding like one of Hemingway's parrots - if he had any), I henceforth resolve to be more optimistic than usual.

The holidays were... quiet. Fine by me, really. I wasn't into Christmas this year. The spirit just never grabbed me, I suppose. I am only hoping (optimistically!) that 2009 holds more promise, more hedonistic fancy, more productive (and enjoyable!) work, more spontaneous moments, more drama-less days, and a lot lighter heart.

I make the switch to pediatrics on January 5. I no longer have to wear anesthetic ceil blue or stark white. I can wear scrubs with butterflies and all that happy jazz on them. It'll still be three 12 hour shifts a week, but I'm used to that routine. The position actually came with a $2 an hour pay increase. Yay money.

I had a birthday on December 27... I have arrived at an age of contentment. I'd be fine with never getting any older, but I wouldn't want to be any younger either. I've decided that it is also rude of people I don't know to ask how old I am. Yeah, I've arrived at that, too. Especially when it is totally obvious that the asker is at least a decade younger than I am... Time is a bitch, indeed.

No worries. Last night at M'Coul's, a fetching 22 year-old fella bought me a drink... and never inquired about my age.

Yep. Still got it.

Comments

[Anna]

Wonderful! Thanks for the...inspiration. :)

[Levi S]

Just before I visited your page here, I was reading a poem a friend of mines forwarded to me. It's written by Max Ehrmann and you've probably read it. I think for me atleast, it will bring inspiration in 2009 and maybe more fulfillment.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.