Thanks to all of the support I've gleaned from my friends, I have made the decision to change the hours of my practice.
Unfortunately, change is always difficult for me and Phil. We shy away from it like slugs to salt. We have been stressing continuously since I changed the calendars.
It's for the better of our family without a doubt, but we feel such a huge responsibility to our patients and our practice....
Of course, right now, I'm listening to Lee sing in the shower and Emma talking smack to the Wii, and I'm really glad we're going to have more time to spend with them.
I haven't written a blog for a while, mainly because I've been killing myself at work, and I'm so exhausted when I get home that I just don't feel like it. I have a lot to say, but haven't had the energy to say it.
Speaking of lack of energy, I told Phil today that if it snows again, I'm going to have to kill myself. (figuratively, don't go calling the cops). I guess I'm not going to be here tomorrow, because they're calling for 8 inches tonight. Of course, it WAS a man calling for 8 inches, so it'll probably be more like 4...
Anyhow, we, in the great state of WV are in the "OMG I'm so over it" state of mind. We're all bitchy, argumentative, touchy, etc... - men and women alike. March is a REALLY hard month. We have had bad, cold, snowy weather since November, and we're done. We get a couple of teasers in March when we can drive with the top down and coats on, and it just makes things worse. Tuesday, it was beautiful and 58 degrees. We had the top down, giggling along to Lee's favorite song, "Supersonic" by DJ Fad, and having a grand old time. Today, it's 25 degrees and snowing. The schizophrenic weather causes MAJOR issues in the general psyche of the community.
My receptionist is experiencing her first March in medicine. I sat her down today and had to discuss with her the very real difficulty of being in medicine this month. I can remember even back to residency and what a horrible month this is. Lots of people die. Lots of people kill themselves. Mostly, we all feel like crap and take it out on others. Patients are MUCH more grumpy. Doctors get more irritated with patients and probably say things we shouldn't. Staff gets irritable. It's just something we have to get through, but it's really hard for newbies. I think if she makes it through March, she'll make it through most anything.
Did I mention that I want to be a teacher? It's probably not any better for teachers in March in this state, though. I'd bet that the kids are just as grumpy and upset.
So, anyhow, my new schedule will start in June: monday, tues, thurs, and fri from 8:30-2 with no lunch. I'll do my paperwork from home when the kids are doing their homework. We got a magic jack so that we can call from home without our number showing up on everyone's caller ID. Wednesday, I'll still see patients till 5, and Phil will leave early. This way the kids have at least one parent home every evening. Hopefully this will give us more time to be parents, coaches, den leaders, etc... and do it well.
Wish us luck - especially with getting through March!! And, thanks for the support in making this decision. Actually, it really helped!
Dr. Mindy
Unfortunately, change is always difficult for me and Phil. We shy away from it like slugs to salt. We have been stressing continuously since I changed the calendars.
It's for the better of our family without a doubt, but we feel such a huge responsibility to our patients and our practice....
Of course, right now, I'm listening to Lee sing in the shower and Emma talking smack to the Wii, and I'm really glad we're going to have more time to spend with them.
I haven't written a blog for a while, mainly because I've been killing myself at work, and I'm so exhausted when I get home that I just don't feel like it. I have a lot to say, but haven't had the energy to say it.
Speaking of lack of energy, I told Phil today that if it snows again, I'm going to have to kill myself. (figuratively, don't go calling the cops). I guess I'm not going to be here tomorrow, because they're calling for 8 inches tonight. Of course, it WAS a man calling for 8 inches, so it'll probably be more like 4...
Anyhow, we, in the great state of WV are in the "OMG I'm so over it" state of mind. We're all bitchy, argumentative, touchy, etc... - men and women alike. March is a REALLY hard month. We have had bad, cold, snowy weather since November, and we're done. We get a couple of teasers in March when we can drive with the top down and coats on, and it just makes things worse. Tuesday, it was beautiful and 58 degrees. We had the top down, giggling along to Lee's favorite song, "Supersonic" by DJ Fad, and having a grand old time. Today, it's 25 degrees and snowing. The schizophrenic weather causes MAJOR issues in the general psyche of the community.
My receptionist is experiencing her first March in medicine. I sat her down today and had to discuss with her the very real difficulty of being in medicine this month. I can remember even back to residency and what a horrible month this is. Lots of people die. Lots of people kill themselves. Mostly, we all feel like crap and take it out on others. Patients are MUCH more grumpy. Doctors get more irritated with patients and probably say things we shouldn't. Staff gets irritable. It's just something we have to get through, but it's really hard for newbies. I think if she makes it through March, she'll make it through most anything.
Did I mention that I want to be a teacher? It's probably not any better for teachers in March in this state, though. I'd bet that the kids are just as grumpy and upset.
So, anyhow, my new schedule will start in June: monday, tues, thurs, and fri from 8:30-2 with no lunch. I'll do my paperwork from home when the kids are doing their homework. We got a magic jack so that we can call from home without our number showing up on everyone's caller ID. Wednesday, I'll still see patients till 5, and Phil will leave early. This way the kids have at least one parent home every evening. Hopefully this will give us more time to be parents, coaches, den leaders, etc... and do it well.
Wish us luck - especially with getting through March!! And, thanks for the support in making this decision. Actually, it really helped!
Dr. Mindy
Great news guys! I am doing the same thing here...I now work T-F from 10-3, and in the summer/during breaks etc. I stay home unless marks around. (plus a Saturday or Sunday a month). I'm still transitioning, but looking forward to being myself, mom and wife when I am home, and not being aggravated with work that always needs to be done with a home business =)
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you all. Familytime is so much more important than anything else. Our kids are only kids for such a brief time. Enjoy all your extra special time. Miss you guys and if your ever in our neck of the woods...less snow by the way...come and visit we would love to meet Lee and see the beautiful girl that Emma has grown to be.Vickie
ReplyDeleteMindy, You made a great choice. I pick Cambria up from school T, TH, and Sometimes Fri though I usually home early to do things. I cannot tell you have great it is to be able to be home and be Mom and not the pressures of work on those days. good luck. You will never regret this decision!!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, I can tell you that we have the same problem with Marches as you guys. The teachers are irritable, the kids are cranky and wacko, and we all get on each others' nerves. We are dying for a break from one another, but we have nothing coming until the end of April. Instead, the adults keep plugging along, trying to be extra reasonable and interesting, and occasionally succeeding. The kids...well, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally with you on the March crazies. I get them myself, and have the pleasure of working at the electric company and getting to hear it from everyone else! Fortunately, spring is almost here!
ReplyDeleteAnd kudos to you and Phil for doing what you think is right for yourselves and your family. You will probably find that it will make you a BETTER doctor for your patients. Good luck!