Archive | June, 2013

Bad_Sir_Brian

For now, you can call me Plain Mr. Harrington (S.)

It has been three weeks since I stepped into the void. Taking that step means I gave up one of the most responsible jobs in the workforce, making decisions for patients that had life or death consequences. Did I expect that change to make me feel small, reduced, insignificant? I think I did, and for a […]

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red_buoy

Unmoored and learning to drift

Now this is a bit of a surprise. Sam is two weeks into our Gap Year and apparently enjoying his freedom. He has the normal worries (logistics of packing and travel) but he doesn’t seem particularly anxious about his yet-to-be-made-up future. I, on the other hand, am feeling confused and discombobulated, set adrift. I seem […]

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Puncturing a lampshade and crossing the Rubicon

After leaving Milwaukee I returned to DC. I needed to clear my desk and I had a medical check up scheduled. Getting close to the action created temporary feelings of inadequacy and purposelessness. But being a patient at the overly technological office visit reminded me of the outrage I feel at the complexity medical care […]

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Stepping into the void after 31 years

I have stepped into the void. After 31 years in private practice, I have graduated. I have finished my charts at the hospital, changed my status from Active Staff to Honorary Staff, turned in my office parking pass and key card, and carried home the detritus of my career in three cardboard boxes. Self-unemployed. It […]

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Debbie_Sam_1972

Why it’s OK to have a (non)plan for a Gap Year

It’s here! Our Gap Year officially starts today, June 1, 2013. Sam and I haven’t gotten very far with planning. (Except for two things, see below). The truth is that we’ve been so busy the past few weeks, we haven’t had time to sit down and articulate every dream that will come to fruition in […]

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