A Non-Call Month

After 7 months of working unbelievably long weeks and most weekends, Andy started his cardiac rotation today. It is a non-call month, which means that he leaves in the morning at 7:30 and gets home every night about 5:30. This is good. What is better is that he will be home every weekend for the next two months. I think a celebration is in order!
We had a busy, somewhat stressful weekend. After a trip to Wisconsin was cancelled due to a nasty stomach bug at Cathy's house, we spent the weekend playing host to my nephew, Kaden. He came up with a friend to play in a hockey tournament, and Andy went down to become his official hockey servant. After 3 days of running him to games, checking out sporting goods stores, and eating at their favorite restaurants, the boys declared themselves tired on Sunday. Kaden's dad and sister came up for the games on Saturday and Sunday, so Andy got some assistance, but it was still a busy weekend!
On my end, I received a phone call from an old friend on Thursday, stating that she was going to be having her baby on Friday at noon. Her blood pressure was out of control, and there were other issues affecting the baby, so the doctors decided to do a C-section, even though she was only at 34 weeks. After a night filled with worry and prayers, Chris delivered a 3 lb. baby girl on Friday. Baby was on a respirator over night, but was breathing well by Saturday. Mom and baby (and even dad!) are doing well, and Chris is going home today. They are holding baby a while longer, as she has developed a bit of pneumonia. As I understand it, this is fairly common with C-sections and premies, as the fluid wasn't forced out of the lungs as would happen in a vaginal delivery. I am optimistic that Dan and Chris will have their little girl home with them very soon!
As we get closer to spring break on campus, I find myself staring at my thesis work. In my paltry attempts to work on it in my spare time, I have built this project into a veritable mountain. My goal was to have a first chapter completed by spring break, and unless I spend several quality hours each day working, it is not going to happen. Clearly I need to regroup and refocus, breaking it down into smaller pieces. Perhaps then I can conquer this mountain. Or conquer the demon, as I have begun to view it.
A few weeks ago I started swimming at the YMCA 5 days a week. The daily exercise resulted in a more relaxed, more energetic being, and I have found that I really enjoy it. This was a surprise, as I have always done my best to avoid exercise of any kind. However, due to an infection, I have been out of the water for 6 days and I am starting to notice the tension creeping back into my shoulders and the energy draining from my body. I think it's time to ask the doctor if I can go back to the pool.