Rick...I've got everything but the 'F'...working on it. :)

After reading all of these posts, I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I actually kinda like my day job! If I'm having a stressful day, there is always the opportunity to take someone's dog for a walk and do a little centering. I happen to love the science, and am lucky enough to be damn good at it too.

I made my living and tuitions with music/painting/photography while I was still in school. I was tempted at times to chuck it all and hit the road, but I'm glad now that I didn't. I ended up with equally satisfying work and un-work.

Singing at the clinic drives my co-workers to the brink of homocide every once in a while, but surgery suites have GREAT acoustics, I can't help myself. And I have expanded their horizons a bit as well. (The previous selections 'for your listening pleasure' in surgery were LynardSkynard's greatest hits, and the Miami Vice soundtrack..)

If I had a 'Way-Back' machine, I don't think I'd change any of it. But, once again, I love my work. For advice's sake, I wouldn't push my kids into a trade just for the sake of a paycheck. The chances of burn-out are just too great, and there is no reason to plug away at something that doesn't make you happy.

~Elle