2021 - Hello!

 I haven't posted in forever...  Hasn't been much to talk about...  New year, new goals which I won't publicize after the 2018 debacle!

 

Quick recap - aside from COVID-19, I had a decent year - 2701 miles ridden; more than in 2019 and feeling good about that!  I was able to commute to work 18 days - focused more in the milder temperatures.  I'm pondering trying something - again, goals not to be shared.  I love riding to and from work; it just sets the stage for a good day and allows time to wind down on the way home.  I used two different bikes - my Cx and my road bike.  I like the road bike better, but not sure I want to keep putting the wear and tear of the bike lane garbage and the gravel parking lot we have to go through at work b/c of COVID gates on it.  My Cx works well for commuting, it's heavier, and a tad smaller.  Either works. 😁

 

Today I did 22.3 miles on it while riding around doing a virtual scavenger hunt that P&R is doing for January - I made like 15 stops along the way and spent almost 2.5 hours out playing.  It was almost 60 here today!!!   😛

 

2020 was also good to me in July - I decided I had had enough of my previous boss, had interviewed for one job back at Carilion in late February or was it March?  Also, sort of had a meeting with some folks at GE Healthcare.  I withdrew after the Carilion interview when I heard that department was being reorganized and I never heard another word from GE.  Either way, I think with COVID; it was probably a good stroke of luck that I stayed at VA.  We were all deemed essential workers so that pretty much guaranteed we would be working throughout the pandemic.  We had Joint Commission show up literally on the 2nd day of restricted entry at work; I had been sick for 4 days the previous week.  None the less - my job in QM was not what I had hoped it would be.  My boss took work away from me that I liked doing; was willy-nilly on post-survey expectations - she's good at using WE then that turns into YOU.  Whatever, I didn't care for her behavior when it came to a lot of things either.  I'm sorry that I have high expectations of leaders - I guess a lifetime in private sector with true accountability has created this.  I have had great leaders in my life; this person is not on the list.

 

So there was an opportunity to apply to the same job title I initially had at VA; this time in Primary Care. A much larger service with a lot of work and responsibility.  It would be a lateral move for me (no more money), and in my 5 years at VA, there had been 2 people in the job.  I really had nothing to lose.  I was very familiar with PC due to some of my QM work; they had a new Chief come in in February, so I figured I'd give it a go.  Several friends were very supportive; many thought I was crazy to do it.  I don't listen to others' crap much.  Thinking long term, every VA has PC; so the likelihood of the job going away is not great; one never knows about the future.  This also would get me exposure to some things I've not done yet, but have a basic knowledge of...   So I got the job and switched in July. I couldn't be happier.  I love my boss; I love being busy every day.  Sure there are many frustrations and I'm always behind, but being in a cooperative, forward thinking department is fun.  Group think is encouraged.  I enjoy going to work again.  I don't even mind when I've had to stay late or bring it home.  It feels like work is purposeful and meaningful now.  

Just wanted to share a few words.  Hope anyone who reads this is in good health and staying safe.  Please wear a mask, minimize contact with others and wash your paws!!!  I'm getting my first COVID-19 vaccine on Friday - a bit nervous about it, but everyone i know so far has done ok!

Peace!! 2021 is going to be good.