Rest & Relaxation

Absence makes the heart grow fonder - This source credits Eleanor Roosevelt with this quote. I don't know about that, but this quote certainly applies right now in my blogging life. For most of July, as you know, I've kind of stepped away from posting.

What have I been doing? Well, I got an iPhone - and I'll talk more about that in a minute. One of the commitments I made to myself this summer was to take a little bit more rest and relaxation for myself. Getting away from my computer is a major challenge for me, but I got outside, and made a new commitment to exercise (I've been a slob for quite a while now).

I've also tried to re-connect with my non-blog friends. We've talked about them before on this blog. Unfortunately, I've neglected my blog friends somewhat. Thanks for your understanding for me being away. And, thanks for all the e-mails that people have sent me just to say hello or to check up on me.

I wanted to clarify again that I did not take a break because "someone" stopped me or because I was afraid of blogging. I never thought about quitting. As Dr. Crippen so eloquently said, sometimes you just need to recharge the batteries. (In no way am I comparing this piddley little blog to the mighty NHS Blog Doctor. Hope you come back soon Dr. Crippen.)

So, I've put the training wheels on and trying to find my way back to blogging. In the past, I've done a lot of news items. I'm thinking of taking a slightly different direction, but not sure yet. We'll just see how this thing evolves (again).

As previously mentioned, I purchased an iPhone. And, besides the total coolness factor, I've really tried to apply it to my professional life - and I may be blogging a bit about that. This thing has wi-fi and so does my hospital. So, I'm trying to do things like look up my patient lists and labs. We'll just have to see how that goes.

I've also been trying to read all that I can about medical applications for the iPhone. I've been reading Medgadget and some iPhone sites out there. If anyone out there has some suggestions, post a comment here and I'll check it out.

I also have a new interest in listening to podcasts - Of course, My Three Shrinks and Dashing MD are my favorites. But, I've also found some iPhone podcasts and trying to find some iPhone podcasts specifically dedicated to the iPhone in medicine.

So, that's the short story of what I've been doing this month. Maybe I'll share more of what I've been doing this month in future posts. It's great to be back blogging again....

iPhone

Guess what I got last weekend? To be fair, I have to give you the full disclosure. I own an iMac, iBook, and iPod. Plus, the first computer I ever sat at was an Apple IIe. So, this definitely qualifies me as an a Apple advocate - or, as others call me, an Apple freak.

All that being said, this is the coolest gadget ever! Like I don't have enough reasons why I haven't been blogging lately. The iPhone has successfully made me forsake my work and family for the joy of an iPod, cell phone, and organizer - all rolled into one device. LOL

Maybe I can blog from my iPhone, or write and post to twitter? That is in addition to sending text messages, checking my e-mail, watch videos, listen to podcasts, and all the other cool stuff this thing does. Forget Harry Potter - iGot the iPhone. Yay!

Update: What would you do for an iPhone? Check out what this guy did....

Update

Seve Ballesteros, one of my favorite golfers, announced his retirement Monday on the eve of the beginning of the British Open this week. Here's a quote from the Associated Press article.

Ballesteros officially retired from golf on Monday, ending a charismatic run filled with spectacular shots that carried him to a record 50 victories on the European Tour, five major championships and a Ryder Cup career that helped Europe shed its underdog image.

Ballesteros didn't just win majors. He won them with shots that won't be forgotten, perhaps the most famous a recovery from the parking lot along the 16th hole at Lytham in 1979. He also won in 1984 at St. Andrews, beating Tom Watson, and he captured his final major in 1988 at Lytham by holding off Nick Price.

I remember watching this guy on television. And, he would come up with these crazy shots, and actually pull them off. It's sad to see him go. But, when asked why he was retiring, he simply said this...

"I don't have the desire," Ballesteros said.

That quote has been circling in my mind since yesterday when I heard it. And, that basically sums up my attitude toward blogging right now - I just don't have the desire. It's not that I hate it, and I certainly don't want to quit. But, right now, so to speak, "I'm just not feeling the blogging bug."

So, my blog break will continue. I just wanted to update everybody on what was going on. Thanks for all your e-mails checking up on me. I want to make it clear that there was no "event" or no person (other than me) that suddenly halted my blogging.

I am enjoying my summer and hope to be writing new posts soon. Don't worry, I'll be blog hopping and leaving comments every once in a while. Take care and talk to you soon....

Blog break

Taking a little time off to enjoy the summer. Back soon....

Independence Day Podcast

Opening Music: In honor of the closing of this club in New York City.

In The News:
Courtesy of Cathy's Place: The banning of smokers by the Cleveland Clinic

From Fat Doctor: AMA News article, "Blog At Your Own Risk."
(I'm mentioned in this AMA article - Yeesh!)

Around the Blogosphere:
The #1 Dinosaur talks about Ratings, Rankings, and Grades (oh my)

Next, just some really random thoughts on the first days of residency.

Closing Music: In my opinion, the most patriotic song I've ever experienced.
(I'd give it away with a link, but, this time you have to listen to the podcast. HA!)

I've been messing a little bit with my Garageband software. I think the sound quality is a little better. Enjoy Podcast #7! Download in mpeg-4 (11mb) or mp3 (32mb) format.

Happy Independence Day

I know July 4th is tomorrow, but ever since 1996 when the movie Independence Day was released, I always think of this cheezy speech near the end of the movie. What can I say, I'm pretty silly, or, maybe I just need some sleep. Sorry I haven't updated the blog in a while. Work has just been crazy/busy. Hopefully, more updated coming up soon.....

"We will not go quietly into the night!
We will not vanish without a fight!
We're going to live on!
We're going to survive!"
Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!