Well, a year ago I was still in school, thinking I'd never get my nursing degree. And here I am now, working on New Year's Eve. Somehow that wasn't quite how I pictured it. Where is that glam life of a nurse? Where's Hot Lips Hoolihan? Instead I'm tired from working nights, in pain from carting patients around, but loving my holiday pay.

So what are your aspirations for the upcoming year? How do you feel about the year that's just behind us? Those of you who are banded, did you set time-directed goals for weight loss? And if so, did you meet them?

My goals for the year are go find a job I love (and pediatrics ain't it) and to get the band. Hopefully obtaining goal number one won't make goal number two difficult. I have a job interview for a position as a L&D nurse next week, and I'm hoping that a) I'll get the job (naturally), and that the benefits will include the surgery. If they don't, I may have to rethink a possible move.

Looking forward to your responses, and I hope everybody's having a wonderful New Year's celebration.

As I sat alone in my living room I thought about the year past, and the year ahead. I'll set no goals for weight loss, because I didn't do this to lose weight, I did it to gain life. So one thing I want to accomplish in 2005 is to do just that, gain more life. Make some memories.

Also I did it so I could be a better husband, and caregiver for my wife, Patty. Now, I couldn't possibly love her more, but I could show it more. I could have more patience, with her, with myself, with day to day life. I can be a better man, and caregiver, with the added energy and self confidence this band can bring.

And I also plan on continuing a project I have been doing. Warning nurses. My wife was a nurse, and it's the job that got her where she is today. Be careful. You have a more dangerous job than you know. Needle sticks, lapses in sterile procedure, combative patients, are a few of the pitfalls. But the real bugaboo is lifting. When lifting alone, be careful, use safe lifting techniques. When lifting with others, be even more careful. Know your lifters, their character, and their strengths. Patty's partner dropped her half of a patient, just to hurt Patty. And it worked. Very well. Patty will never wear scrubs and walk the halls again. She passes meds only to herself, now. She needs a nurse, but her days of nursing have drawn to a close.

Take care Vickie. I don't think you'll ever find the glamour of your job. But you will find the caring sharing side. You'll be a great nurse. But take care of yourself first.

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!