Dating. Is the game over yet?

I am tired of dating.  Yes, especially when I don't have time, but I make time anyway, and then am reminded why I shouldn't date.  There are no quality men left out there.  Ok, there are, but not around these parts.  Ok, truly there are (literally just a handful), but they are just as busy as me and don't have time to date.  At least that's what I'd like to think.

I've been out with PLENTY of guys in my dating career.  And yes, it's a career.  A career w/out promotions or advancement so far.  I've been out with guys 9 inches taller than me, 4 inches shorter than me, 8 years older, 6 years younger, an NBA basketball player, a milk man, a lawyer; I've dated those who are outgoing & talkative, those I've struggled to carry a conversation with, those who have a serious demeanor, those who are funny & like to joke around, optimists, pessimists; I've been out w/ guys in my ward, guys not in the ward, good friends, new acquaintances and many blind dates.  I've been kissed on the first date and yet never been kissed by someone I dated for over 3 months; I've been to sporting events, concerts, hiking adventures, and just to dinner.  As you can see, the boys I've been out with represent a pretty broad range.  You'd think one of them would have worked out by now.  But to be honest, I'm glad it hasn't.  I've come to the conclusion that the guy I'm looking for can be described in simply one phrase.  This is all I want and all I'm looking for....it encompasses so many characteristics than just one.  And that phrase is "on the ball."  No, I do not want to be asked out via text message.  No, anything less than a bachelor's degree does not cut it (education is a big deal to me...how do you expect to provide for a family?).  No, do not ask me where you want to eat or what I want to do after you pick me up.  Choose something and go with it.  No, I do not want to make cookies and deliver them by knocking and running (that's what the girl scouts are for).  No, I do not want to watch tv when I'm with you.

I could add two other words to my "on the ball" sort of guy and be completely happy.....such as funny and active.  I need someone to joke around with and make me laugh.  And I hate sitting around waiting for things to happen - I like to stay busy.  I, of course, could add plenty of more characteristics like adventurous, optimistic, etc, but I'm pretty happy with my selection of = "on the ball" + active + funny.  "On the ball" encompasses so much in and of itself.  For example: career oriented, successful, responsible, smart (liking to read is also very important), reaches out to others, is a go-getter, is fit, is spiritual, and so many other words that are hard to find the right word for.  As I was re-reading this, I realized something else...I'm looking for a leader, a leader at work, at church, with friends...someone others look up to.  Yep, that's definitely it.  I also need someone who challenges me.  Yes, it should definitely go both ways, but I feel like I have been the sole challenger in the relationships I have been in recently.  Am I asking too much?  I really don't think so.

I had a few dates recently that must have provoked all of this.  Do I really have to start from square one all over again?  It's getting old.  Where is that "on the ball" guy? If you find him, somebody please let me know.....because I'm patiently waiting.

The 12 Days of School (in a row, mind you....)

Just imagine the music and sing the tune along as you go....

On the twelfth day of school

My professors asked me to identify:

12 main categories of post-operative complications

11 or higher pH effects in the eye

10 mL/hr trophic feeding – parenteral or enteral?

9 – 0.9% NS IV fluid – hypertonic, isotonic or hypotonic?

8 megacodes for ACLS (VF, pulseless VT, PEA, asystole, bradycardia, tachycardia, MI, CVA)

7 steps to altered mental status (glucose, O2, pump, structural, infection, toxins, seizure)

6-0 suture over 3-0 suture

5 types of shock (hypovolemic, distributive, obstructive, cardiogenic, neurogenic)

4 suturing techniques (simple interrupted, vertical mattress, simple running, SQ w/ buried knots)

3 knot tying skills (two-hand, one-hand, deep tie)

2 surgery instruments (needle driver & forceps)

and an Admit Note for the hospital!

I shared this w/ my classmates and they got a pretty good kick out of it, but FINALLY we have a break, at least until Monday.  12 days of school in a row will take it out of you!  Another successful pass on my Surgery test today, then just 3 more classes until I start seeing my own patients.  INCREDIBLE!  

I just went through a month of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, both of which I thought I might want to go into upon graduation.  Not thinking Surgery as much, but DEFINITELY Emergency Medicine.  I had a blast this last month.  I learned AND practiced everything from casting broken bones to drawing blood to putting in IV's to suturing lacerations to advanced CPR to shocking cardiac arrests back to life to sterile-ly gowning & gloving in the Operating Room to caring for a trauma patient to taking care of Sim Man's acute asthma attack, acute heart failure and pulmonary embolism.  LOVED IT.  Here's some action shots.......

Remains of our IV's.  Should have taken the picture w/ them still in.......oh wait, too painful.  Get that thing off me!

Operating the cast saw

Can you tell which one is me??

First steps in treating a trauma patient

My suturing skills - Simple Interrupted, Running, Vertical Mattress and Subcuticular (can't even see this one it's so good!)