Graduation

This past Saturday was the culmination of 2.5 years of diligence and restraint.  I was surprisingly calm and ready to take the walk.  My husband and son were both looking extraordinarily dapper (ties, vests) and the car ride there was a wonderful time of reflection and thankfulness.
Before the ceremony, I was excited to find out that Gen. Shinseki was my commencement speaker.  His speech revolved around the life of a volunteer at the VA who was proudest of his service as a volunteer than his service as a Marine.  He spoke of giving your time, effort and love to the job that makes you happiest and not just a position or company that looks good on a paycheck or a resume.
I wonder how many other graduates found his message right on time?

It Is Done

Yesterday I turned in my final for Capstone.  I thought I'd burst when I hit the submit button, but I felt somewhat ambiguous about the whole ordeal.  Its like the last turn on a the rollercoaster. You know it has to end and you have to hustle on to the next ride, but deep down you'd want to relive it again. Well, money nor time allow me to relive the grad years again, though I have about a year to decide if I will tack on the dual MBA.

On to better things...

This American Life

OK. I'm a huge NPR fan and if I'm not on NPR, I'm probably listening to This American Life.  Last week they teamed up with ProPublica for a great story called "Inside Job" about the hedge fund Magnetar.  It was so informative and engaging.  Well, this week, its all about "Babysitting". This should be hilarious!

Side note: How interesting is this photo slide show? (Yes, I love those little things)

Well back to my studies, two case studies are in the works and Id like to be done on Monday so I can go out to dinner with my family and celebrate the end of this journey!

Summer plans

One of my favorite topics.  This summer, I plan to go in depth and look at how teaching facilities are maximizing their reimbursements. Should be an interesting find.

I also plan to supplement all that brain-work with a ton of outdoor fun.  This is what I'm talking about. Yes, I will be patronizing all the local farms for cherries, berries, peaches and veggies.  No matter where I live, I can always find a local source for fruits and veggies.  This weekend, I will be purchasing my first pressure canner so I will be ready for first harvest of cherries and strawberries!!

Minimalism

I am an avid user of Google Reader and I frequently come across new sites that I want to add.  Problem is, I have so many feeds coming in that, while they are sorted by category, I rarely read more than 2 of my 10 folders at a time.  Generally, I switch between Finance, Interior Design, Food and a grouping I call the Thinkers.  This has worked for a little over a year and I liked my system until I began researching Minimalism.

First, let me clue you in on my train of thought.  I find a fact, statement, study, product and I create a knowledge base around its beginnings and that leads me to its application, benefits, etc.  

How did I get into Minimalism? I bought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, that's how.  Doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but VFF's are the reigning champ of the minimalist or barefoot movement and I went searching down the minimalist road.  Minimalism, for me, is an ongoing quest to purge my life of the unnecessary, take stock in quality, streamline my sources and simplify my relationships.  

The first step for me was to go room by room and eliminate 50% of the items in each.  It was really easy and after each room I felt more in control.  My husband even pitched in and while he will not give up his Transformers, he did part with about 3 weeks worth of clothes that he had been hoarding for years..(small victories, people).  

The second step was to minimize my obligations to those that are in general a benefit to myself, my family and society.  A few years ago, I would have considered HBO to be a necessity, or the latest, greatest Apple thingy...(hold up, I really love Apple).  Today, I consider shelter, food, clothing, exercise and education to provide the greatest return on my investment.  

I have a few ideas as to what my step three will be, but I have to slowly work them in with the significant other.  Until then, check out Minimalist Guru Everett Bogue and I'm going to work on minimizing my kitchen appliances and utensils...Hey, I cook a lot!

Quote

Focus on your present career. Don't worry much about your next job, but concentrate on doing a good job and learning now. If you are productive, then other opportunities will come along. There is a tendency among young professionals to be impatient, and I was the same way at that age. They see a hospital CEO or a system president and exclaim, "All the good jobs are gone!" They think that those leadership opportunities have passed them by and will not resurface in the future. That is simply not true. Balance your family life and your career. Allocate enough of your best times to your family. This way, in 20 years you won't wake up to realize that you weren't there when your kids were growing up or to find that you missed out on something.

Jack O. Bovender, Jr., FACHE,
Chairman and CEO,
Hospital Corporation of America.