Writer's Workshop

Choose a prompt, post it on your blog, and come back to add your name to the link list below. Be sure to sign up with the actual post URL and not just your basic blog URL (click on the title of your post for that URL). For good comment karma try to comment on the three blogs above your name!!
The Prompts:
1.) One pet peeve that shouldn’t drive you crazy, but does.
2.) Share 10 “Must Haves” this Spring!
3.) What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed?
4.) What inspired you this week?
5.) Perform a random act of service. And then tell us about it.

I'm really trying to get back in this blogging spirit thing. I used to really enjoy writing, even if I have friends who are much better at picking the right words. So, I'm going to use some helps to get back in the swing of it, and maybe turn off a few of the filters along the way.

3. What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed?

The reason I chose this, was that the answer is actually *nothing*. And, the reason for that is filtering. What was going on in my personal life, dating life, was pretty rough. And, there's a very good chance that person could stumble on my blog, and I didn't think he would much care for me to have it out there. But, in the year that we were dating/talking/together (what DO we do in the 20 something year?) I discovered I filtered a lot of myself out, and that wasn't fair to me OR to him. I like McDonalds food. And I like country music. And I believe in God. And I have no problem with my dog sleeping in my bed. And if any of those are issues to the guy I'm dating, they are HIS issues. I can negotiate on brands of toothpaste, but there are some things that just are what they are. And I have spent the last year learning to like, and to be ok, with those things about myself. The strange thing is? There are people out there who like me just the way I am. Country music, french fries, and all.

I've made a really good friend over the past year plus or so. He told me this week I'm a growth stock. Now, being a banker and all, I found that rather funny. He said he'd buy my stock. There are some days you might feel like you're losing your shirt, but if you stick with me long enough, you're going to come out ahead. I'll take that.

Professional Responsibility?

I read an article today on CNN.com about too few doctors telling their patients they are overweight. Can I get a little amen? There’s no secret that I’m not a skinny girl. I don’t always eat right, and I don’t exercise every day. However, I’m working on it. And, I have a LONG way to go. But. I wonder if my trip might not have been shortened by a doctor 13 years ago saying, “Hey, you’ve gained 10 lbs since your last visit. What’s changed? You need to keep an eye on that.” Instead, you know how I realized how bad it was? When during one visit, the nurse left my chart in the room with me. There, in the doctor’s notes, it clearly stated, “Patient is obese.” And, I’d been seeing this doctor for a couple of years! Not once, in any check-ups, ‘I’m sick’ calls, or any other time, did this doctor mention it to me. The only way it got discussed was when I said, (after reading that), “Hey. I don’t like being fat. What do you recommend?” He then promptly put me on Meridia, and that was the end of it. When I have a client come into the bank and do a transaction, how upset is that client going to be if I don’t mention, “We didn’t receive your loan payment.” Or, “I see you got a service charge last month. Let’s do something about that.” If the professional that you are working with sees that there is a problem, don’t they have an obligation to SAY something about it? Yes, being overweight is a sensitive, touchy subject. But, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be addressed. And, I would have much rather had 10 lbs to lose, than what I’m faced with today. So, yes, doctors. Please say something sooner, rather than later, to your patients!

Oh, and yes. I’ve switched doctors. To one that regularly does blood work, takes the time to discuss my current personal situation, and keeps me in check as far as diet and exercise. Isn’t that what they are getting paid to do?