Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Catching Up on my Fabulous Life!

NOTE: This was written December 13th and I never posted! Sorry!

I know I’ve been a bad blogger, and even worse, I haven’t been keeping my promise that I would update “soon” (but what does soon mean anyway??). I hate not keeping my promises... SORRY!

This year has been on full of ups and downs.  I applied to graduate schools last winter, and my plan starting in the fall was moving someplace fabulous and starting a Public Health Program.  Things didn’t work out as planned, and while I was disappointed, I don’t think it was necessarily a bad thing.  Things at work have gotten a little crazy lately, but I have really enjoyed getting unique opportunities and have really learn a lot lately, I don’t think I would have learned so much if I had started grad school this fall.  I still plan on getting a Masters in Public Health and plan on applying for 2013 (wow, how did I get so old!?!?).  Next time I will be even better prepared and will have much more valuable experience that I can contribute.

I have also recently started volunteering for two organizations at the University of Michigan Health System.  This week the brand spanking new UM Motts Children Hospital finally opened it’s doors after a massive 10 year effort evolving millions of dollars and thousands of people. Housed within this state-of-the-art building is a Ronald McDonald House, I will be volunteering here.  Tonight is my first shift! I’m incredibly excited to lend what ever help I  can to parents and families of kids who are very sick.  The intent of having a house within the hospital is that families with children in crisis can get some much needed rest without having to leave their child’s floor.  It is meant for short term stays and the main house will still be open down the street for more long term stays. I can’t wait to share my experience after tonight, it is such a great organization!

I am also VERY excited to start acting as a patient/family advisor for the Patient and Family Centered Care Program (PFCCP) at UM where they strive to be a Patient and Family Centered Care provider.  My experiences both as a patient and a family member will be valuable to make improvements in the healthcare provided.  PFCCP volunteers are placed in different committees within healthcare providers where they are asked for their opinion and can collaborate and help with policy making or important decisions.  I have not been placed yet, but last week they had their annual conference and it was inspiring.  More to come on that! But what better way to feel involved and in control of your healthcare than helping make the policies and decisions  that affect it!

Other fantastic things that have happened in the past year (more on some of these soon!):
  • My sister married the man of her dreams (and the best brother-in-law ever)! The wedding was fantastic and I am so blessed I was a part of it...even though I sobbed through giving the WHOLE Maid of Honor speech (seriously, the WHOLE thing). 
  • I moved!
  • I met someone special who has stolen my heart and makes me completely happy.
  • I decided to run a ½ marathon this summer...Dr.’s okay pending!

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