{Sausalito, CA. The day was initially stormy, but the sun appeared just moments after}
I promised not to complain about weather, but it’s currently dark, cold, and intermittently rainy here. A tiny bit of sunshine could easily brighten my mood and day. In the meantime, I’ll takes a few moments to reminisce about recent trips to escape the dreariness until my next tropical vacation.
{South Beach ~ Miami Beach, FL}
{Oahu, HI}
{Home. Northern CA}
{View from my window}
I just returned from a weekend in Sacramento and San Francisco where the weather was perfectly chilly, sunny, and breezy. Yet, prior to my flight to nor-cal, I experienced two snowy days in Oregon where I’m sure that I’m the only one who initially stared out the window in fear about having to commute in the snow. I’ve grown accustomed to texting fellow residents for driving tips and religiously checking weather.com to ensure I can tackle the snowy roads without problem, but have decided that instead of being constantly worried, I’m going to savor and enjoy the rest of my second Winter in Oregon no matter how snowy, icy, or rainy the weather may be.
{Is it nerdy that this pic reminds me of bronchioles?}
{Sunset in Waikiki}
Goodbye, Summer. Shorter days, raindrops on the window, dirt splattering onto my cream-colored slacks…just a few initial signs of gloomy Oregon weather. I’m already preparing for my period of weather-dependent laziness that starts around this time. I teach my patients some of the following simple strategies to feel a daily sense of accomplishment…or shed light on barriers towards accomplishing your goals (mine would be dark, rainy weather, which I documented here/):
1. Make a realistic daily task list, and check them off with pride as you complete each one.
2. Set a goal for the day, and if not accomplished, then write the reason why.
3. When you get overwhelmed, feel like you have no energy, or notice yourself making excuses not to complete a task, do something simple for 15 mins that brings you out of lazy-mode (take a walk, short run, read, journal, etc.).
What techniques do you find helpful? Please share before I turn into an even bigger couch potato this Fall.
{Welcome BBQ 2009}
Time flies. One year ago, I packed my bags and moved from my comfortable home in sunny California to a rainy, agricultural town in Oregon for my 2nd year of residency. Though I truly hated the first few months being away from my family and friends (and fabulous shopping malls), I can now willingly admit it was for the best. I work with amazing Psychiatrists, gained friendships that will last a lifetime, and most importantly, I’m learning more about myself. I guess these next two years of residency won’t be nearly as painful as I originally thought.
{Team Building River Raft trip 2009}
{Residency Retreat in Bend, OR}
{Snowshoeing event in Bend, OR}
{End of Year Party at Ankeny Vineyard}
