Value in Vogue

Maybe we did learn something. After years of American consumers spending money like corrupt politicians there is a mentality shift. I see now that our savings rates have increased substantially. So it took a recession for people to realize that maybe a McMansions was not a great investment. Having second thoughts about that Escalade with mortgage type payments, and ten miles to the gallon. That $5 latte and pedicures, now substituted for making and doing it yourself at home. For decades we Americans were known around the world for saving little and charging vast amounts more than financially should have been allowed. All along learning nothing from past generations.

Today more people seem content with what they have, instead of trying to acquire things. Loans are being taken out for useful purposes like home improvement, hybrid cars, and education. Private and community gardens are more popular than ever, with people choosing to grow greater amounts of fruits and vegetables instead of flowers. I like that not even kids think driving a Hummer is cool anymore.

So when times get better how many will switch back to the materialistic way of thinking?

Ice Skating Bear Kills Handler.

I don't think you should be dressing your animals in clothes to start with, but putting ice skates on them is a whole different degree of wrong.
They must have trained him well, because he did it while wearing skates.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/23/russia.skating.bear.death/index.html?eref=igoogle_cnn

New Career?

Now that the Federal government said is not going to go after medical marijuana users, and growers, at least in the 14 States where it is legal. Would that be such a bad career choice?

On the farm in Oregon this past weekend, two of the neighbors have been growing pot (medical marijuana) for years. When he first moved in we wondered why a neighbor down the hill would build a privacy fence around his property. We were in the country, privacy was not an issue. But now we know. Nice enough guy, and neighbor.

So now a lot of people in Southern Oregon, and Northern California seems to be either growing grapes for wine, or pot for medical use (using the term lightly). I don't fault them for trying to make a living.

So for a minute there the thought of taking care of plants versus taking care of people ran through my mind.

Plants won't give you the H1N1 virus, or vast amounts of other diseases, germs and bacteria.

When plants want water they can wait for an hour, or even a day. They are not hitting the call light every five minutes, calling you names under their breath, thinking you are neglecting them.

Growing plants I don't have to get up, or be somewhere at a certain time. I could avoid parking, and driving with other idiots on the road. Then having to work eight hours with some people you like, and others who you don't.

Plants won't sue me, or take me to court if I accidentally provide the wrong care. Threatening your livelihood.

The investment would be smaller. Maybe 10 acres somewhere with a small home. Compare that to all the loans over the next three years for school.

Plants don't have family that come and visit. Getting in the way, asking irrelevant questions, and costing you time that you should be spending with your other patients.

The hospital does not want me hanging out with certain plants, and will have me pee in a cup to prove I wasn't. However, plants don't really care who I hang out with.

Plants don't talk.

I sure there are several more reasons if given the time, but you get my point. On the other hand, I'm going to stay in school. Because I can think of just as many reasons why that is the smarter path. Plus I might end up in one of those other 36 states where it is illegal.

Craving for a tomato and avocado sandwich before class. Off to the produce market to buy what someone else grew. No I haven't been smoking anything.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

You ever get that feeling that everything is going along too well.

School is kind of an enjoyable stress.

Picking up shifts at a hospital where I did some travel nursing previously, and liking it. Co-workers wonder where I went, and whether I'm back permanently? Even though it's a good place to work, it is also a good reminder to stay in school.

Spending some time with a psychology major, but don't feel like I'm being analysed. Maybe I am, but don't care.

Back to even on my stocks. Which in this day and age I'll take as good news, and because it is going to help pay my tuition.

Heading to Oregon for the weekend. So I need to stop over thinking and enjoy life.

Grow or die

So many people are content to live a linear life. I've also been guilty of it. No matter how often some are presented with a chance to improve, or change, they avoid it. We frequently see this in healthcare. But more so outside of it. Dead end friendships, relationships, and jobs, are the most common. Maintaining the status quo takes less work. So then in turn, not changing is the easy way out.
This mythical fork in the road is too often mistaken for just another inconvenience, or speed bump along life's journey. We need to veer to the other path for an opportunity to grow and change. My easy way out would have been to not start school. However, more frightening would have been to stay along the same path. Actually, several recent decisions are not the direction I would have followed in the past. Maybe I'm just getting better at recognizing the alternatives to not changing.

Can't get out of Dodge

Left Tuesday morning, and was making good time. That is until strong headwinds in Kansas. But, it was expected. I may end up here for a couple of days until the winds die. But, better them, than me. If I has stayed more north the weather was looking like a week of snow, rain and cold temperatures all the way to the Pacific. Now it looks like I'll get out of here on Friday.

They gave me a car at the airport so I can explore a little. The only thing is, this town smells like stockyards, and slaughterhouses. Of which there are many. Everything revolves around beef here. I pity if a PETA member got in trouble in this town. Like some bad horror movie, they might be processed, and labeled Kosher. I guess Boot Hill is the most famous thing here, so I'll go see that. And, if it sucks. That's Okay, there is an Applebee's in the same parking lot. I wonder what part of the cow will be the special of the day.