1.1.2015 I located a new Greek restaurant called The Greek Spot. The prices are competitive, and the food is delicious! Best fried calamari I've had in 20 years. The gyro was delicious, too. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!
1.2 I learned the names of two DaVita teammates yesterday. There’s no reason that I shouldn’t know the name of all the DaVita personnel. I will extend that to the staff at our apartment complex this year.
1.3 DaVita Rx has been providing excellent customer service recently. Yesterday they called to see if I needed binders.
1.4 I turned off the television before going to bed last night, and I had a series of vivid dreams. I actually woke up briefly, got some water, returned to bed, and continued the same dream! The dreams didn’t have any specific meaning, but they did relate to things I’ve been thinking about lately. And I definitely dream in patches of color -- there’s a lot of black and gray scale, though.
1.5 Yesterday we lost Stuart Scott and NYPD officer Wenjian Liu was laid to rest. The outpouring of sorrow and respect for both of these individuals was very impressive. Their lives truly made a difference to a great number of people.
1.6 This morning's snow event hasn't been too bad as of yet - but it looks like the totals will be more than the estimate. The snow didn't keep me from getting to dialysis, which was a good thing because I was over four liters over my dry weight! The extra weight is from the orange juice and soup I was pounding all weekend to fight off a cold -- so far, so good!
1.7 Last night’s conference call with the Network 5 Patient Subject Matter Experts was very encouraging. There were fresh voices - a welcome change of pace - and lots of lively discussion. I am pleased to be a part of such a distinguished group. I hope that the good work continues throughout the year!
1.8 I hate the treadmill with a passion! With that said, I am attacking the thing with gusto until this cold snap ends. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me!
1.10 I had a really long talk with Mom last evening. ‘Nuff said! I am blessed to still be able to spend time with her.
1.11 I want to teach coding to those Americans who would like to learn it -- minorities, women, and 50-plus looking to reboot their careers.
1.12 I signed up for the free “21 Immutable Laws of Leadership” seminar series, which begins on January 20. Today also marks the first day of my “Introduction to Classical Music” e-learning course (coursera/Yale University). If you’re not learning, you’re not living!
1.14 Here we go again. I’m about to have my second medical appointment cancelled in three days due to weather. The appointment is at 8:30AM. I have to leave home at 6:30AM to be absolutely sure that I get there on time, and I just know that while in transit I will get the phone call that cancels my appointment. Nevertheless, I will proceed to hold up my end and go to my scheduled appointment. It is a good character-building exercise, and there is a small chance that the appointment will hold. If this is how 2015 is going to go, so be it. Bring it on!
1.15 Yesterday's angiogram and angioplasty went off as scheduled with no problems. I enjoyed the attention to detail and the thorough explanations throughout, and I was even able to observe the area in question during the procedure. There were no aftereffects worth mentioning. I'm glad the procedure is behind me.
1.16 I just returned from Shoppers in Coral Hills - a quick ride on the F14 bus. I left the house at 7:10AM, and am back home typing this at 8:56AM, already in my skivvies and with the groceries put away. Among other things, I purchased a big rack of ribs for $8.00. I need to start going in the other direction to do more shopping!
1.17 My brain got an excellent workout yesterday, as I studied Spanish, JavaScript, and classical music before taking a break. I had to refrain from falling back on the boob tube again and again, but I persevered. I have to get used to doing this on a regular basis.
1.18 Boredom is a good thing. Another word for it is productivity.
1.19 Baking ribs just might become my new hobby. My pork ribs came out excellent! I dry-rubbed them and baked them uncovered in a little standing water for 3 hours, then added a little more water and covered both sides with barbecue sauce and cooked them for another hour. I will eat like a king for at least three nights for $8.00.
1.20 I would be remiss if I did not write about the popularity of my MLK profile picture on Facebook, which has been shared multiple times in advance of MLK Day. I'm proud to make a small contribution in any way possible.
1.21 I got in a so-so workout today, because I wasn't up to facing the cold and wind. I did an indoor workout instead. Better some work than no work....
1.22 So far, I am enjoying the “21 Immutable Laws of Leadership” book. The first chapter discusses the leadership lid; the second chapter discloses leadership in its purest form: the ability to influence people. It complements “The Seven Habits” nicely.
1.23 I was able to download some free music yesterday, including music from Rebelution, one of my new favorite groups. That was in addition to the usual study-filled morning, two-hour afternoon workout, laundry, and cooking dinner (burgers and salad). All in all, another pretty good day.
1.24 I had a lovely moment of clarity early yesterday morning -- my assignment to find people to grade my leadership qualities was exactly the kind of exercise I need to evaluate my leadership potential -- i.e. my ability to influence people.
1.25 Yesterday I had the supreme pleasure of knowing that I stuffed the maximum amount of knowledge into my head that was possible for the day.
1.26 I am doing my best to accept the fact that being boring is a good thing. In my case, it means that I am doing the things that will get me where I want to be.
1.27 I woke up yesterday full of energy, and went to the gym for an early workout. I was on the treadmill for 40 minutes (albeit at a slower speed) before I started breathing hard. I ran 3.5 miles, so I don’t think that cardio conditioning is an issue.
1.28 It’s two mornings later, and there are similarities in the air! I’m off for another early workout. I like getting it out of the way early!
1.29 I attended my first “Leaders are Learners” workshop last night, and it was worth the wait, the weather, and the anxiety. I learned that there is no better time for me to sharpen my focus and fill the current leadership void (or do my best to do so). I’m privileged to be working with J.R. and two similarly-minded leadership prodigies for the next seven weeks. I’ve already started the necessary changes. More to come soon, I’m sure!
1.30 I just finished participating in an educational session while on dialysis with some second-year GW medical students who had never visited a dialysis clinic. I told them a little about my story, what living with kidney failure is like, and stuff like that there. I also learned a little more about the dialysis process. It felt good being a resource! Leadership points….
1.31 I ran 4.9 miles on the treadmill yesterday. My tootsies are a little sore, but I feel fine otherwise. Slow and steady wins the race!
2.1 At my dialysis clinic social worker’s request, I called DaVita’s newest Patient Liaison and introduced myself. The call was a little awkward, but I let him know that he could contact me if he had any questions regarding Network 5 or the position. Servant leadership.
2.2 I enjoyed Missy Elliott’s cameo appearance during the Super Bowl halftime show. Missy is establishing herself as a true American legend.
2.3 I received a lesson in leadership in the gym yesterday. A lady educated me on how to use the sanitary wipe dispenser in a way that would not render the remaining wipes unreachable by everyone. I broke out of my gym mantra long enough to recognize that she found a teaching moment and did not hesitate to add value for herself, me, and all other gym users. Good for everyone!
2.4 The new bus shelter automated information systems are a godsend. They will make getting around town even easier (in some parts).
2.5 I was stopped by a gentleman who recognized me from the gym. He said that I looked so much better than I looked last year! Of course, I thanked him profusely. And my next thought was "wow, I must have looked pretty rough last year."
2.6 Yesterday’s Patient Engagement LAN Kickoff meeting was well-attended - by the patients! Ed, Ted, and I pretty much led the discussion, and the clinics and professionals came along for the ride. This bodes well for this year’s campaign and quality improvement activities.
2.7 Keeping up with my work assignments and self-study these last few weeks has definitely been a positive experience! I am becoming a great time manager.
2.8 Aunt E called yesterday, after I promised to call her on the same day and missed my deadline! I wonder if I would have called … probably not. It’s good to know that we’re on the same wavelength, though!
2.9 Yesterday I started reading Chapter Eight of 21 Immutable Laws of Leadership, titled “The Law of Intuition”. It states that intuition is a combination of natural ability and learned skill, and that it is crucial to effective leadership; I saw instantly where my seemingly natural inclination to buck my intuition has held me back over the years. I realized immediately that this is one of the areas where I will have to improve the most if I intend to be a consistently effective leader.
2.10 I had my Career Plan review with J, and it was an eye-opener to say the least. I need to resolve my internal problems before I can resolve any external ones. With that in mind, I need to completely re-do my plan. James in general is making me think hard about my direction and purpose.
2.11 I was physically and mentally tired all day yesterday. It was not my best day, but I put my best foot forward and soldiered on. That in itself felt good. It feels good to be “all in”.
2.12 My takeaway from this week’s Leaders are Learners meeting is that positive and successful people attract positive and successful people, so I will be as positive and successful a person I can be over the next seven days to see what happens!
2.13 Yesterday I had dialysis on the last shift instead of the first shift, and that gave me an opportunity to meet a whole new group of people, and reconnect with some old friends. I was more outgoing than normal, but I could have been even more outgoing. Connecting instead of communicating takes a lot of purpose and a lot of practice. The results are immediate, though, and it felt pretty good making a small difference yesterday. I need to continue projecting myself as a person who is positive, successful, and LOVES to connect!
2.14 Positive Dave connected with the DaVita staff on Valentine's Day with chocolates! Enough said.
2.15 Positive Dave put an extra flourish on the Valentine’s Day gift-giving by making a last-minute addition: a fellow patient who hasn’t been doing well recently. When she arrived for dialysis early, I knew that I had to give her something. So I did! It made her day, and the staff noticed my generosity. Connection made! Now it gets challenging, because there’s only one Valentine’s Day a year….
2.16 I cruised through 326 push-ups yesterday afternoon. Upper body feels fine this morning.
2.17 Due to today’s anticipated snow condition, I was called in for dialysis yesterday. The center was relatively quiet, and I had an opportunity to observe N, one of the dialysis technicians, doing her job. I was thoroughly impressed by her customer service and all-around pleasant disposition. N clearly “gets it”, and does everything in her power to make what can be a harrowing experience for everyone involved as pleasant as possible. She embodied Leadership Law #9 - The Law of Magnetism.
2.18 The Patient Advisory Committee has selected a strong project - researching alternate transportation options for dialysis patients during inclement weather. Great leaders ask tough questions! Bringing this home will require the use of many Leadership Laws!
2.19 My takeaway from last night’s Master Mind session (one of many) is that I must expand my inner circle. I have a couple of candidates already, but I absolutely MUST contact my old boss FV. She recognized my leadership potential 22 years ago, way back when I had leadership potential but was coasting on my natural abilities. That is my main task for the week.
2.20 My new printer was delivered yesterday - almost a week early!
2.21 We were briefed on the upcoming Kidney Patient Summit on Capitol Hill yesterday. It well be the usual logistical challenge, but I am looking forward to seeing what the lobbying experience is like, and seeing what leadership laws I can exercise during the visit.
2.22 My new slacks fit nicely and only set me back $25.00. That’s the best I can do for a positive experience today, and that’s not good. Remember the Ninth Leadership Law - the Law of Magnetism! You are who you attract; you attract who you are.
2.23 I spoke with Aunt E yesterday evening. She was in good spirits as always. We are both looking forward to warmer weather and her next backyard social event.
2.24 Living with an abundance mindset is a sea change! I can see improvement in my outlook already.
2.25 I have a big day today: a medical procedure at 1PM, a doctor’s appointment at 3, and a seminar at 6. I’m normally anxious in these situations, but I am not so today. My biggest worry is whether I’m going to wear an overcoat (if temperature hits 40, no).
2.26 I've come to the realization that professional leadership is a 24/7/365 commitment. There are no off days!
2.27 I started the Personality Strength Finder assessment Wednesday evening. My leadership coach said the process would take about an hour; to be more exact, it will take about an hour to extract the information that he is looking for. There is much, much more to it. My personality tends toward Decisiveness and Stability; my values peak in the Politics and Theory areas; my top 5 themes are Deliberative, Relator, Competitive, Futuristic, and Learner. There’s still much more information to develop and absorb; more to come.
2.28 My StandOut assessment says that I am a pioneer and a teacher -- a pretty good combination. My value to the team is that I am willing to take risks on other people. The most interesting insight at this point is that the business cards I had made a year ago now fit perfectly into my revised growth plan! The best way to jump-start my career will be to do what I do best - manage IT departments.
3.1 Rescheduling next Tuesday’s dialysis session went smoothly. The “plant a seed” method works very well!
3.2 I spent an hour connecting with myself yesterday, and I am putting that into my weekly schedule (Sunday) for the immediate future.
3.3 Kidney Summit! Kidney Summit! Kidney Summit! I am so glad that I signed up. Lobbying for kidney disease awareness on Capitol Hill was a fascinating, grueling blast! I was with a great group. Kidney awareness folk are great people to be around - particularly the patients and caregivers! Between them and the Congressional leadership, I don’t know that I’ve ever been around so many leaders at once! I’m still trying to soak it all in, so I’m probably not done writing about the experience. Put me down for 2016!
3.4 Our Leaders are Learners group met yesterday without our leader, JR. No one has heard from him since Monday. We sincerely hope that nothing is wrong. The good news is that we went ahead without him, had our meeting, and became closer as a group, and better leaders overall. This ended a grueling but incredibly successful two-day stretch for yours truly.
*** Growth and challenge go hand in hand.
3.6 I did my laundry a day early!
3.7 I learned another name at dialysis today - C. She’s been working there almost as long as I’ve been dialyzing there. I’m on a roll, so I’m going to try to learn a name every day.
3.8 I found a new gift store that is much closer to home - the Chocolate Moose on L Street between 17th and 18th. Now I don’t have to travel to Pentagon City to get greeting cards!
3.9 It was nice that the Selma protesters were honored this weekend. The ceremonies brought to light events that have not been widely reported on by the media in years past. “Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it.”
3.10 I used the Law of Magnetism - you are who you attract - as well as R’s “ABCD” technique to transform myself into an opportunity-seeker. I followed up with GC of IT WIZ KIDS to meet at the Paul Charter School and observe him teaching IT concepts to a class of middle-school students. The kids were disassembling and reassembling computers! They then took apart a hard drive and put it back together so G could explain the parts and tell them how it worked. I was thoroughly daunted! After the class, G gave me a ride to the Metro and we connected. In short, this appears to be a great opportunity -- if I make the most of it. I must overcome my fears and shortcomings and lead myself to victory!!!
3.12 We finished our Master Mind class yesterday. I am astonished at how much progress we have made in seven weeks, and am confident that I am on the way to becoming a significant servant leader.
3.13 Breakthrough! My mission is to save lives by preventing kidney disease in as many people as possible. It was literally right in front of me! Game on!
3.15 Yesterday was very interesting, as I spent the first part of the day at a church in Northwest setting up a PC inspection center for IT WIZ KIDS. It’s a group that mentors kids in PC repair and maintenance, among other things; my volunteering there is part of my interview/tryout. Things went pretty much as expected, as I am pretty rusty at PC maintenance and customer support, but I gave my best effort. My interview with the group’s director went pretty well, and it looks like I will get to try my skills at customer support next week. Time will tell. At least I’m giving it my best shot. I went directly to dialysis afterward, so it was a grueling day.
3.16 I’m calling this one in advance - I get to run outdoors today for the first time in weeks! I promise not to overdo it, as my shoulder is still sore (from what I don’t know).
3.17 One positive effect of dialysis is that I am in great physical condition. I ran outdoors yesterday for the first time in many weeks, and it felt fantastic! Running on the treadmill all winter has paid off handsomely.
3.18 The Law of Magnetism Revisited - After dialysis today I stopped at CVS before walking to the bus stop. I saw my bus coming from a block away and I RAN AND CAUGHT IT. I would not take no for an answer. I am becoming that person….
3.19 I spoke briefly with a former mentor yesterday - my former boss FV. She pulled me from the chorus in 1994 and sent me on my way to a pretty nice corporate career, providing great mentorship every step of the way. I was able to thank her yesterday and chat very briefly. She called me back the very same day - the same trait that she was famous for way back then!
3.20 Yesterday I made baked zucchini chips for the first time. They cooked nicely, and are a healthy alternative to Doritos and potato chips. I think I will make them on a regular basis.
3.21 Leadership is demanding and exhausting. Sometimes a mental and physical break is in order. Yesterday was the day. I slept in, had a great workout, did laundry, made dinner, and that was all she wrote.
3.25 The Fourth Annual Forum of ESRD Networks "Creating a Culture of Quality” conference was a great experience from beginning to end. The accommodations (Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor) were very nice - I’d give the place four out of five stars. It made for a comfortable environment for discussion of reconciling patient-centered care with the federally-mandated cost and quality constructs. For me, it was a nice mix of familiar faces and an opportunity to connect with like-minded patients on a national platform. I made some nice connections, and will not forget to contact and thank everyone who made it such a pleasant experience.
3.26 I’ve made two major life decisions: 1) health care advocacy is my new career field; 2) IT management is no longer my career field. A corollary to these decisions is that I need to identify and develop new income sources. This means, of course, more planning!
3.27 Yesterday morning, I arrived at dialysis a little early to discover that the waiting room was empty! Not only that, but I rode the elevator to the __ floor with an Hispanic lady whom I’d never seen before who was going to dialysis as well. I immediately questioned whether I was there on the right day. I asked the lady “Is today Thursday? ?Hoy es jueves? and she answered “Si”. Español en acción!
3.29 Pope Francis’ seeing the homeless in the Sistine Chapel, asking for their blessing, and feeding them was a heart-warming gesture that displays servant leadership at its finest.
3.30 This was an excellent basketball weekend! Most of the Elite Eight college basketball games were excellent -- especially the Notre Dame-Kentucky game!
3.31 Yesterday I finally grilled the two tuna steaks that have been on the freezer for a while, and mashed one of them up and added it to my salad. It was delicious and filling, not to mention healthy!
4.1 Yesterday I visited a Toastmasters meeting in downtown DC. It is just what I need to work on my public speaking. The meetings are to the point and chock full of constructive criticism. I found out that going after dialysis is not a good idea, because I crashed towards the end of the meeting. That’s why we do trial runs! I’ll need to try another chapter on another day.
4.2 I created a to-do list based on R's "ABCD" technique and used it for the first time yesterday. I definitely was able to focus more on what was important - the reticular activator kicked in almost immediately. Game on!
4.3 Just had Bonchon chicken for the first time. I don't eat much chicken skin nowadays, so i was really up for the experience. They're not the best wings I've had, but they're better than most. Will I go back for more some day? Damn skippy!
4.4 Mom called yesterday -- she loved the picture! She hasn’t called in over a week, so I was concerned she wasn’t feeling well. It turns out that she’s just been busy. Excellent!
4.5 Today is a most holy day for Christians that signifies rebirth and renewal. Jesus Christ died for our sins so we could live in eternal bliss and continue doing the Lord's work in this realm. For some people, Easter may also mean easter egg hunts, a day at church (maybe), and/or a new outfit. And for others Easter means a combination of the above, or nothing at all. For me, the first description fits best, but Easter also gives me reason to reflect on our diversity, for that is what makes us truly special. Our ability or inability to respect our differences determines our personal growth, the growth of our society, and our faith in each other.
Be good to yourself, and be good to the person next to you! Happy Easter!
4.6 Yesterday my wife a) said what I was cooking smelled good (turkey burgers) and b) asked for one and said it was delicious! I’m good until 2017 or so….
4.7 The ABCD prioritization technique seems to be working well. Yesterday I did all of my A tasks, and the daily exercise is becoming rote. The Law of Process is in full swing, along with the Law of Priorities.
4.8 The trees are blossoming right on schedule! The next week or so is going to be a wonderful time to be outside, allergies notwithstanding.
4.9 Today’s positive experience is my reaction to a negative experience: My monthly blood work came back with a phosphorus level of 7.0, the highest it has been in many months. After the obligatory teeth-gnashing, I quickly identified the culprit -- egg yolks. I’ve been eating more eggs recently, and the labs did exactly what they are supposed to do: stop bad eating habits in their tracks. So, it’s back to Egg Beaters, and the train keeps rolling….
4.10 I wrote an essay pretty much in one shot yesterday while on dialysis. It’s about how I used my experiences to give hope to others on dialysis. I’m stoked because I persevered and came up with an excellent story. I’m entering it the Renal Support Network’s annual essay contest!
