Lists

I've been trying to think of how to make this blog more enjoyable to read (and maybe even widen my audience that includes my family and Jackie).  One think I love is lists. I know I am not alone in this. I call it a good shopping day when I have a list made out. I love to do lists, and crossing items off. In my head I organize things with lists. So, because they are SO much fun, I think I will try to make a list on my blog weekly. This seems like a lot because sometimes I only post 5 times in a month, but it might get me posting more. If you want me to write a certain lists, leave a comment or tell me. I have been thinking great things, like top fitness gear I have, what other profession I would be, my top recipes, my favorite places in KC.  This could be the beginning of a great thing. I think I will start with a list of jobs I would want to do if I wasn't already a pediatrician.

1. Before medical school, I was a special education paraprofessional. It's a big title and it was also big fun. I really liked working in the schools and I think I could be happy there. I don't think I would want to be an actual grade school teacher because I find it depressing that you have to leave the kids after a year. In special education, you can work with them for years. Because I have done that already, I think I would want something besides special education. I did substitute for a speech teacher a couple times, but I still don't think I talk good enough for the job (although that teacher did says I do just fine).  I think I could be a good vice principal because I'm good a reading people and trying to come to solutions. Every day as a pediatrician I have to size up where the parents are on certain issues and plan a solution where everyone is happy (well most of the time they are). Anyway, as a vice principal, I would have to be a teacher first, so no. Actually, what stands out for me is being an ESL teacher. You would work with the same kids through the year and really help them out. Also, you could learn a lot about different cultures. Yes, that seems like fun. That would be my first pick for another job. Man, if I write this much for all the entries, this will be one LONG post.

2. Looking at my skill set, I like to craft and create. I see something in normal life and think "now how can I make this." This has brought me down various ventures from making my own stained glass center pieces for my wedding to sewing my own wallets (which by the way  I really need to make another one for me). The best way I could see this becoming profitable would be to open my own etsy shop. It could be a lot of fun.  The only down side I see is that I don't like the thought of mass producing something. There is fun making something a few times, but 20?  Also, I don't know if I could actually make money there.

3. After these two ideas, my next job I would like to have would be a stay-at-home mom.  I think I could do a fairly decent job of it, but I would definitely have to have some "mom" time. I would probably need to find a good play group and lots of projects to do with the kids, but we could have a great time. This of course would mean that Aaron would have to get a job outside the house or make a tremendous amount of money on the book he is writing.

4.Oh, I can't believe I forgot this one. Still, this would be in the right place. Ok, I will admit it. I have natural talent. When I started playing trombone, everything came naturally. I barely practiced, but constantly placed above my peers. In college I made it into the top jazz band freshman year. Not many did. I think if I actually tried a little harder and practiced more, I could have been a good trombone player. Ideally I could work for a symphony by day and be in a jazz band by night. That would be perfect. Actually, I wish I were in a jazz band now. I found one I want to join, but currently don't have enough time and, oh, yeah a TROMBONE. It got stolen in Uptown 10 years ago. Someday, maybe when the kids are bigger.

5. Wow, this is already getting hard. When I applied to medical school and was put on several waiting lists, I had to think about what I would do if I didn't get in. I read a book about it and seriously considered paleontology. I think the lifestyle is real unique and my children could have fun all over the world. I think I would like the actual meticulousness about digging up bones and the medical analysis. The one thing that seems to bother me is all the medical information is mostly speculative. We will never know if they actually flew or ate their young or were brightly colored. Everything is guesses. I supposed if I were a real paleontologist, I would be very upset with that statement, but alas I am not.

6. There seems something romantic about being a writer. I've been reading some non-fiction books that have been really good, but also make me think maybe I could do it. Honestly, I'm not much of a writer, but if I had time and maybe some classes, I could crank something out. I would want to drop of the kids at school and sit in a coffee shop and just write. If I could write anything and be good at it, of course I would write something like Harry Potter. Realistically, I could write about me being awesome, or maybe just being me.  Maybe I could take my family all over the world and write about that. See, sounds romantic doesn't it?

Well, I think that's a pretty good list. It took longer than I thought. Not all will be like this, but it is a good one to get started with. The truth of the matter is that I love being a pediatrician. Most days it challenges me and teaches me and makes me a better compassionate person. I don't know if any of the other jobs could do that.

If anyone wants to tell me what's on their lists, go ahead.