It's hard to be anything but
happy - thankful - pleased -
etc etc etc
I was a bit nervous coming into 2006
because 2005 had been a simply awesome year
and I do believe I said the same going into 2005 from 2004
imagine
a life that improves with the passing of the years
imagine a life that leaves nothing but smiles …
The running season is all but over
it was a good one for me
in total
8 marathons
(including my 4th Boston Marathon)
a few 1/2 marathons
a 10K in which I was the top senior master
a 5K where I finished top of my division
I qualified for the
Canadian Forces National Running Championships
in all distances
5K - 10K - 1/2 marathon and marathon
I also qualified for the next Boston Marathon
My favorite running accomplishment though
was the 50 km run I did on my 50th birthday
I had a stress test recently
(the Dr was checking out my heart)
it was very excellent
absolutely nothing the matter with it
other medical tests included
an abdominal scan – A1
pulmonary function tests – above average
PSA – normal as was the rest of the blood work
2006 was the year where I had in my hand
registration as an LPN in 3 different provinces
British Columbia –
Ontario and Nova Scotia
and registration as a Paramedic here in Nova Scotia
continuing on education
I completed a 3 year long project by
graduating from an Oncology Course I was taking,
upgrading was the word of the day when I attended and passed
a refresher as a
Paramedic
I became an AED Instructor and redid
my first aid / CPR instructor status
I also did a navy course since I was aboard the ship,
an environmental introduction on what to do in an
emergency aboard while at sea
In November I completed a physical examinations course
that was hosted by my second employer,
the Dartmouth General Hospital
December saw me attaining
certification as an aftercare coordinator
for those dealing with addiction problems
I’m joining a team of counselors in Jan to help
those who wish to find recovery
I spent the year posted aboard the
HMCS Charlottetown
in hindsight a wonderful experience
I learned an awful lot and met some new friends
I also helped to raise money for Wishes for Kids
and as I understand it – because of our efforts
15 kids on Prince Edward Island will get their wishes
My name was submitted for a medal
because of the work I did and the time I spent
involved with disaster relief efforts in the
Gulf of Mexico - Hurricane Katrina
on the 30th of November I was
promoted to Master Corporal
I remember from my last career
that this was my favorite rank
I thank the CF and the
medical services for their support
and belief in me
it’s at this point I feel proud to look back
over the past 3 or 4 years and smile as I
think about my financial situation
I am debt free now vs the
$40,000 that I owed at the end of my separation
as a matter of record
I still enjoy photography
this past year I must have taken hundreds of pictures
this one though,
I will present as my favorite for the year
As 2006 draws to a close I received news that
I had been chosen to represent the Canadian Forces
and CF Medical Services in Afghanistan, where my
role will be to teach and work with the national army,
personally, I think this is quite the honor and compliment
so I go, as a proud medic.
it was nice to be reminded in 2006
that women were still interested in me,
I’ll score this year as a 10 out of 10
in the “fairer sex” category
HMMOG what wonderful memories I have
If I were to present a play list of my
favorite songs for 2006 it would look
something like this
I Will – Beatles
Chasing Cars – SnowPartol
Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s
When The Night Feels My Song – Bedoin Soundclash
No Where With You
You’re Beautiful – James Blunt
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Thunderstruck – AC-DC
English Tea – Paul McCartney
If anyone out there wants a copy of the CD –
Let me know, I’ll send one to you
Nae nae bother
So folks
What’s the secret??
Simple
“laugh – love – run”
Enjoy life my friends
Strive to be the best you can be
and believe it’s within your grasp
I now stand on the edge of 2007
ready to accept new challenges
that are presented by both life, and myself
ladies and gentlemen
let the New Year begin……….
I’m ready !!!
I trust you are too
