I've come to realize that I have become increasingly obsessive-compulsive in my old age. I don't know exactly when this change occured, but I can assure you that I wasn't born this way. Procrastination was my middle name. Growing up, I always did my homework at the last minute, waited until the very end to send in college applications and always pulled all-nighters to finish up papers and other assignments due to poor time management. Medical school wasn't much of an improvement, and the lack of sleep and constant fatigue during residency ensured that I rarely did anything ahead of time. Utility bills were often paid late and I once had my water shut off because I wasn't home enough or even cared enough to dig through the mail. I could hardly call myself a very organized person.
However, I've had an almost 180 degree change in character since starting my practice. Some might even call me "anal" these days and I would not dispute that description. Certain facts indubitably point to this metamorphosis:
- I've already submitted my tax return for 2007.... one month ago.
- I check labs and vital signs on my inpatients from home every night even though one of my partner is on call.
- I pack for trips on the eve of my departure. (trust me, huge improvement!)
- I try on outfits and pack for longer trips at least 3 days before departure day.
- I brush my dogs teeth almost every day.
- I brush my own teeth BID. OK, I've always done that, but some might consider that "anal".
- The cat gets a manicure/pedicure (by me) once every two weeks. Actually, so do the dogs.
- I frequently wake up before the alarm clock goes off.
- I set my alarm clocks on weekends... even when I'm not on call.
- I arrive to appointments on time, often even a few minutes early.
- I get really annoyed when other people are late.
- Online bill pay has ensured that I pay 100% of my bills 100% on time. But I still check.
- I know when my next haircut will be (May 24th if you were curious)
Is this enough proof? The scary thing is that I could go on...Why have I turned into a Blackberry?
Perhaps it's because I have lost the "student mentality" and feel more like a responsible member of society. Perhaps it's that electric jolt I got at work from a defective toaster a few years ago. Perhaps it's the core strength finally going to my head after years of Pilates. I don't really have an answer, but in any case, I want to believe this change is for the better.
PS: I'll write again in exactly 5 days 9 hours and 35 minutes. See you then...