September 22, 2005 - Birthdays
I’ve had 34 of them. Seems like a lot to me sometimes. But, for some reason, I can’t seem to see myself as that old. It’s not that 34 is old. It’s just that when I was really young (back when I had a paper route, or at least helped my friend, John Murphy with his), 34 seemed so far away. People of authority were 34. Now, I’m 34 but I don’t think I’m quite ready.
I think about many of my peers. We went to college together but at some point my friends became adults. For most, it was quite a bit of time ago. They finished college or graduate school and started on their lives. I think there is a very problematic side effect of being in “training” for a career for so long….becoming an adult gets put on hold. I’m not equating becoming an adult with having responsibilities. It’s just different. Many friends have enjoyed their youth while they were still young and are now ready to settle down. I’m 34 and I can’t sit still.
I’ve had adventures and wonderful experiences. I’ve been fortunate in many ways and am thankful for that. But, I believe that for so long, this medical training has defined me to such a great extent. Now that it is finally time to move on to the next phase (medical practice), I guess I’m not ready to have that define me to the same extent.
Paul and I landed in San Jose, Costa Rica a few hours ago. We made it to the Hotel Amon and had a pleasant dinner. The flan was delicious as well as the sea bass ceviche. I feel strangely unprepared to be here, however. This trip has somewhat sneaked up on me and I don’t even know the monetary unit of Costa Rica. I have a lot to learn in a short period of time.
I have very much appreciated the warm birthday wishes from friends and family. Even being so far from home, I received a birthday card…special delivery from Paul.
Tomorrow, I will spend the first day of my 34th year in a foreign country. I’m quite ready for the adventure…I guess I’m ready for 34.
I think about many of my peers. We went to college together but at some point my friends became adults. For most, it was quite a bit of time ago. They finished college or graduate school and started on their lives. I think there is a very problematic side effect of being in “training” for a career for so long….becoming an adult gets put on hold. I’m not equating becoming an adult with having responsibilities. It’s just different. Many friends have enjoyed their youth while they were still young and are now ready to settle down. I’m 34 and I can’t sit still.
I’ve had adventures and wonderful experiences. I’ve been fortunate in many ways and am thankful for that. But, I believe that for so long, this medical training has defined me to such a great extent. Now that it is finally time to move on to the next phase (medical practice), I guess I’m not ready to have that define me to the same extent.
Paul and I landed in San Jose, Costa Rica a few hours ago. We made it to the Hotel Amon and had a pleasant dinner. The flan was delicious as well as the sea bass ceviche. I feel strangely unprepared to be here, however. This trip has somewhat sneaked up on me and I don’t even know the monetary unit of Costa Rica. I have a lot to learn in a short period of time.
I have very much appreciated the warm birthday wishes from friends and family. Even being so far from home, I received a birthday card…special delivery from Paul.
Tomorrow, I will spend the first day of my 34th year in a foreign country. I’m quite ready for the adventure…I guess I’m ready for 34.
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