It was a busy week in clinic and I really enjoyed being back to “normal”.  We are transitioning to an EHR (electronic health record) in the office and it can be a nightmare.  The process takes almost 12 months and we are nine months in.  The learning curve for the staff has certainly been stressful, but in the end we are hoping for a smoother running, more productive office.  I also really missed operating and have bumped up my volume.  I have 22 surgeries next week. My yoga instructor told me to watch how busy I get and offered a quote from a Buddhist teacher, “young people of today are sacrificing their health to assure wealth, and when they get old will sacrifice their wealth to assure their health”.  I appreciate my health more than ever before and will try and heed this advice.  Unfortunately, I happen to be one of those trying to assure people’s health. 

I have an exciting weekend with Ella and Lily with a Daddy-Daughter Dance at our country club.  The girls have new dresses and of course I will be wearing my tux.  They are very excited for the fancy evening and Kathy promised them some elegant hairstyles.  Kathy and Hugh have a big “date” planned of their own.  Hugh and I are planning our Star Wars I 3-D for Sunday. 

My physical rehabilitation continues to improve.  I have continued my 5 mile runs and starting to get under 50 minutes.  Still about 18-20 miles per week.  I saw the cardiologist who gave me a green light for more weight-toning/training.  He never wants me lifting really heavy weights again.  That’s OK.  I am awaiting the results of some tests, but hopefully everything checks out.  I haven’t gained much of my weight back and with my exercise schedule and improved diet, I decided to stay in this range.  I upgraded the wardrobe a little to accommodate.  My strength is really turning the corner and I have no pain.  I feel so good about my future.  This far out, as tough as it was, I have perspective enough to know I could do it again if some unfortunate relapse were to occur. 

The view I have of the world has continually changed throughout my life, as it should.  Experience in life, love, death, health, occupation molds the way we look at ourselves and those around us.  I think that the ability to adapt to the dynamics of life is what brings us a fuller appreciation of the world around us.  I don’t want to change my core values, but I do want to be able to adjust my daily activities positively as a reflection of my ability to see my pitfalls and potentials in a clearer light.  Facing your own mortality, real or imagined, is a very cathartic and awakening process and I encourage everyone to try and imagine your own life in this spotlight.  It will help you appreciate all that you have.