Wind. Rain. Snow flurries. All this and I'm supposed to brave the pass over Mount Hood tomorrow so I can work on a remodel. Wait, I'm a Naturopath and acupuncturist and mother of two, why a remodel, you ask? As fate has it, the Oregon Sturms are returning to Bend after a (long) intermission in Portland. Ah yes, the dry air, blowing snow and crisp mornings beckon our family to take respite from the highway sounds (and fumes) of I-5. Thus the remodel.
When I began my 6 year medical school endeavor in 2000, my new husband, Bill and I were fortunate enough to purchase a tiny house on the "posh" west side of Bend, a smallish mountain town on the East side of the Oregon Cascades. Smallish has turned to booming and now a once light on culture community is thriving with relocated Californians, seasonal boarders and wealthy retirees. With money comes demands for the better things in life, like exclusive health clubs, fancy sushi bars and lucky for us, a music scene and even venues to boot. The growth in Bend is bitter-sweet and both serves us and disturbs us. Our respective businesses will prosper, our children will have options and we'll get to eat unagi with the best of them. But what once was a quiet "mirror pond" is now laden with drunken teens on palm tree floats in the summer and what was a mellow mountain is now a powder-hog's haven. Such is life and we will continue to be swept up in it; gracefully, I hope.
Since this is my blog, I guess I get to talk about me! That sure feeds my Leo self. As I said, I am a licensed Naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. For those of you who just said, "what?", I will try to educate you. Naturopathic medicine is a practice strongly rooted in its philosphy. First do no harm, the healing power of nature, find and treat the cause, treat the whole person, prevention and doctor as teacher are the 6 principles. My training was at a four year accredited natural medical school, where I opted to obtain a masters in Classical Chinese Medicine as well; thus I was there for the 6 year dual degree program. My husband patiently and supportively stood by as I came home talking about pemphigus, homeopathy and speaking in Chinese. In the course of my study, Bill and I thought it a good idea to have children, too!
When I began my 6 year medical school endeavor in 2000, my new husband, Bill and I were fortunate enough to purchase a tiny house on the "posh" west side of Bend, a smallish mountain town on the East side of the Oregon Cascades. Smallish has turned to booming and now a once light on culture community is thriving with relocated Californians, seasonal boarders and wealthy retirees. With money comes demands for the better things in life, like exclusive health clubs, fancy sushi bars and lucky for us, a music scene and even venues to boot. The growth in Bend is bitter-sweet and both serves us and disturbs us. Our respective businesses will prosper, our children will have options and we'll get to eat unagi with the best of them. But what once was a quiet "mirror pond" is now laden with drunken teens on palm tree floats in the summer and what was a mellow mountain is now a powder-hog's haven. Such is life and we will continue to be swept up in it; gracefully, I hope.
Since this is my blog, I guess I get to talk about me! That sure feeds my Leo self. As I said, I am a licensed Naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. For those of you who just said, "what?", I will try to educate you. Naturopathic medicine is a practice strongly rooted in its philosphy. First do no harm, the healing power of nature, find and treat the cause, treat the whole person, prevention and doctor as teacher are the 6 principles. My training was at a four year accredited natural medical school, where I opted to obtain a masters in Classical Chinese Medicine as well; thus I was there for the 6 year dual degree program. My husband patiently and supportively stood by as I came home talking about pemphigus, homeopathy and speaking in Chinese. In the course of my study, Bill and I thought it a good idea to have children, too!
Marie was born in April at the end of my 4th year and Willie was born in November, one month after my board exams. Although school was an intense, fulfilling and amazing experience, having children has been the most rewarding and challenging process in my life. Marie is truly a beautiful little girl who is as creative as she is sassy. She always has a project going and she rarely stops singing. Our sweet little Willie has recently turned one. He is an absolute joy and could melt the heart of the iciest of individuals. He feeds my soul. The universe has rained down some true blessings on this family and we will certainly soak it all up.
1 comment:
Yay! We're all on the blogosphere. Love the post, keep 'em coming. ;o)
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