Work and Play

Its nice when those two things aren't so far removed from one another, isn't it? Recently it seems there have been lots of after-hours work engagements. And that's cool because I really do love the people I work with at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and really, evenings are pretty quiet these days with the absence of Mr. Morris.

Without sounding too chipper, every day I feel blessed to have my job at the pediatric dental clinic at Nationwide. I have to say that I genuinely feel like the people I work with are family, and the institution itself is a second home. I love that the department runs so well. I love that the residents are so motivated and so hard working and so fun to teach. I love that in any given day, I have a half dozen professional mentors pass by, and they are never too busy to chat or offer professional (or personal!) advice. I love that the job is challenging. I love that I leave at the end of the day feeling energized and not drained.

(But there is also this small voice in the back of my head saying, "You still have a lot left to learn, don't you? What do you think you're doing, young lady?")

At the end of the day, I am but a small part of a big machine that simply aims to care for children. Benevolence has its merits.

Speaking of benevolence, and mentors, here's a great example of both: Dr. Ashok Kumar:

This was taken at Indian Oven, which could also be described as the Pediatric Dental Department Cafeteria. On a magnificent autumn evening, the whole department got together to celebrate the arrival of Dr. Kumar's Green Card. Now, after 15 years of patient waiting, he will get to return home to India, see his mom and sister, and enjoy all the perks of being a law-abiding member of American society. Next stop, citizenship, my friend! No one has helped me more during my years of pediatric dental training, but he should already know that. And, I have already made him a big list of items to bring me from India...I know, I'm so grateful.

NOTE: I have just discovered Picasa and will be glued to my laptop evermore, I fear.

Now for the "play" part of this post! Jeremy and I had a busy weekend in the Akron/Cleveland area last weekend. In 48 hours, we watched our good friends Kaye & Neil run the Akron marathon, celebrated our anniversary with Carla & Craig, and met up with Jeremy's law school cronies Jen and Mike (and Mike's new baby, Sydney!). We had a GREAT time. Lola was everything we'd hoped!

Oh, and did I mention it's fall? Hooray!