The Golf Course started moving

It was hot out there to everyone I think. I learned my lesson about the heat, humidity, playing golf and not drinking enough water and they don't seem to mix sometimes. Here's what happen....

Tuesdays are my golf league days. I play golf with about 20 other women ranging in ages from 30 to 85 years of age. It is a wonderful blend of interesting, caring and fun women, who I owe a lot to after last Tuesday.

This specific day was the first really hot day of the season. The temperature was in the 90's, the humidity was extremely high and believe or not there was not a breeze at all and I live in Kansas where there is always a breeze or wind. I was playing golf with 3 other ladies and we were walking, pushing our golf carts. Okay now you have the setting. I made it through the 4th hole feeling good, drinking a little water. And then.....

The golf course started moving, or at least it felt like it. I starting getting very dizzy. I teed off on the 5th hole and my ball went way left, because I lost my balance. I could not walk straight, having difficulty placing one foot in front of the other. I hit the ball 3 more times and got to the green and decided I needed to sit down in the shade. In fact I needed to lay down in the shade and from that point on for about 3 hours I was unable to lift my head without feeling nausaeous and very dizzy.

It was decided to call EMS. Okay, now the embarrassment began to set it and I tried to act tough, you know, saying "okay call them, but I am not going to the hospital". Ha Ha. The ambulance came on the course, oh my, if I hadn't felt so bad I would have been have been mortified. But actually I was glad to see them. To make a long story shorter, they took me into the hospital. I was diagnosed with Heat exhaustion or dehydration. They gave me two bags of wonderful juice and I began to feel better, at least I could sit up and walk some. I felt a little puny the next day, but today 2 days later, I'm back to normal or at least back to myself.

Throughout the whole episode, I kept my sense of humor. I had just had my first pedicure with french tipped toes about 5 days before. I made sure the EMS guys and the nurse at the hospital saw my toes. They noticed them and told me how pretty they were. I don't think they really cared, but I was the patient and they had to make me feel good.

The precious ladies that I play golf with tried to take care of me. They gave me water to drink and then proceeded to pour water all over me to cool me off. By the time I got to the hospital I was completely drenched and looked a horrible. The registration lady at the hospital took a picture of me for the medical records and I think she could sell it to hollywood for a horror movie.

So, remember, drink water and be thankful for the good people around you.

A New Chapter

Tomorrow I start a new chapter in my life. Have you ever thought of your life in chapters? There is a chapter about your infancy, which someone else would have to narrate. Then there are chapters about childhood, youth, young adult, college, first job and on and on. Some chapters are very short and then a few of the chapters may be very long. The last chapter of my life, I felt was a bit too long.

Tomorrow morning at 8:00 am, I start a new job. I will still be a physical therapist but I will be doing something totally different and challenging. I

As I start this new chapter, I have the usual doubts; am I sure I want to do this. and I will miss the other clinic. But actually, I feel better about this move than any other I have made. I think it is because I finally know who I am and I like me.

In my earlier chapters, my self confidence was lacking and I worried that I would not be able to live up to expectations. Now at my ripe age of 51, I realize that I am not perfect, I will make mistakes, but that's okay, because nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. However, the main concept that has come with my experience, is that I take those mistakes, admit them and learn from them.

I work in a field with young coworkers. Physical Therapy is a booming field and young people think it is exciting, which it is. My point in talking about my young coworkers is that they know more than me .... about some things. They can show me new techniques and they can still spout off every muscle origin and insertion and nerve innervation from memory. Well this experienced individual has learned that you can look these details up if you need to know them, but that the most important thing to the patient is function and action. Okay, I have gotten a bit technical , but what I am trying to say is that at 51 years of age I am in the learning process and some of my teachers are 20 years younger.

At this time, I think that a piece of advice to everyone would be appropriate. Here it is: Never be too full of yourself that you don't ask for help when you need it. Nobody, knows everything. It may be humbling to ask for help, but the benefit you will receive is worth the first uncomfortable moment. You will learn something and you will make the other person respect you more and feel good about themself.

When people ask why I made the switch in jobs, I tell them it is my midlife crisis and I couldn't afford a red convertible sports car. We all get restless at times in our life. We just need to either ride that time out or do something. I have been restless and becoming bored in my job for about 2 years. I tried to ride it, but the feeling was still there. I am making a move. Is it the right move? Will I be happy or unhappy? Will I wish I had stayed at the old clinic?

Who knows the answer to these questions. I am taking a risk and jumping right in. Wish me luck. When the day comes for you to take a risk and do something that is uncomfortable but feels right I wish you the best.

Recognize a Challenge, Stand up to that Challenge, Conquer the Challenge....
and if you need help... ask!!! And May God be always at your side as you go.