2009 was definitely not the year of blog for me, or anyone at Queen Anne Chiropractic Center. I thought I would find a few minutes a day to post a blog or two, but between family, the office, and quite a bit of travel, it wasn’t meant to be.
Seattle Snow Days
Photos courtesy of queenanneview.com
If we were to base predictions of the future on the previous year, 2009 looked to be a bit bumpy. We started off with the most snow I have ever witnessed in Seattle, which included a week’s closure of Queen Anne Hill, and stranding at the top of it. This combined with predictions of economic chaos, the feeling of many office members, family and friends was less then joyous for that time of year.
Life Changing Chiropractic Seminar
Shortly following the snow, I decided to book myself for a Chiropractic seminar. I felt I needed to refine my focus, and at the very least recharge the batteries.
Having had Chiropractic being one of the main themes of my life, my exposure to seminars was plentiful. I still remember celebrating my 9th birthday at a seminar(followed by dinner at a Showbiz pizza.) I have been to seminars with 50, 100, 1000, and 2500 other Doctors of Chiropractic.
While considering my options, and reviewing my vast history of seminar attendence, I felt I needed something new. Something challenging. That is when I remembered a fellow who I had spoken to two years prior. The best part is, he wasn’t a Chiropractor. He is simply a patient who loves Chiropractic so much, he dedicated his life to it.
His name is Bill Esteb, and the seminar was called The Conversation.
Without getting into great detail, 5 Chiropractor’s and Bill met in Denver to discuss Chiropractic for two days. It felt like a life changing point in my life and career. I left with a crystal clear understand of my chiropractic profession, a better outlook on life, and a better understanding of who I was as a person. I didn’t have this expectation, but I was glad I was open enough to receive it.
Thank you Bill. There are a select few names of people I would love to see in charge of our entire entire profession. You’re at the top. I dream of the day that all of my colleagues care about the health and wellness of our profession as you do.
Vacation and Travel
I am a creature of habit. I like my schedule staying the same, and I rarely veer off course. This includes seeing patients at our office, exercise, and anything that interferes can really throw me off. Yes I had a really tough time with those snow days!
In spite of these limitations, I managed to go with some friends to Las Vegas for a ball hockey tournament(we came in third), followed by The Conversation in Denver in February, my brother-in-laws graduation in June, and now Kate and I had plans to go to Sonoma, sans Gordo! Wine country. We had no plans, no expectations, we were just going to go have fun. It was fantastic.
Just a week after we arrived back from Sonoma, my family and I headed to Toronto to spend a very special 90th birthday with my granddad. It was a long trip to spend two days, but we wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Ever since my mother, Beth, and aunt, Lorie, passed in 2006, the bond between each side of our families has truly been strengthened. It was an honor to pay tribute my granddad, and wonderful visit.
The End of the Year
In early September, Kate and I found out that she was expecting, and that Gordon would soon be a big brother. At this point I felt relieved that I got more travel in, since it might not be happening in 2010!
With all of the amazing travel and great experiences at the beginning of the year, I managed to have more then enough time and energy to keep focusing on helping people get well via Chiropractic adjustments. For as tough as 2009 was for so many, I was determined to stay positive, and serve as many people who wanted care.
In spite of the general tone from the media and the economy, I chose to stay positive all year long. I chose to help out and stay as responsible to my family, friends, and the members of our practice. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I could not be happier with how my 2009 turned out for my life, love, and Chiropractic profession.
A special thank you goes to my family and friends for making it such a great year. 2010 will be even better!