Dooley Noted: 3/17/2014 As a high school senior, I had aspirations to be a theater major in college. Always an overachiever, I did my best to excel at both arts and sciences. I loved advance placement chemistry as much as I adored English literature. When I started applying for college scholarships, I was eager to win the $25,000 scholarship offered by my father’s employer. I wanted to make him proud. To this day, that scholarship … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/16/2014 My dear friend and colleague Dr. Randy Menser had 6 strokes in one year. Defying the odds, he survived all 6. He was told he would never walk or talk like he had. Of course, these crystal ball theories tend to only pan out when you believe them. After one year of rehabilitation and excellent medical and not-so-medical treatment, Randy made remarkable recovery strides. He returned to his doctor. Doctor: “After a … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/15/2014 While in Australia, I observed some kangaroos at a wildlife preserve. I noticed their eyes rarely fixated on a target, and their bodies darted quickly from unexpected stimuli. My Australian friend and colleague Simon Tydd said this: “Yes, kangaroos are quite skittish. They’re used to bring prey.” This prey mentality made me think of my students and patients. Many of them have moments when their eyes dart as I challenge them with … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/13/2014 While on our Australian road trip down the Great Ocean Road, the great Jenny Richardson drove on the left side of each street. I was the annoying passenger, marveling constantly that I was in the American driving seat but was sitting shotgun. Dooley: “Jenny, this is tripping me out! How are you doing this?” Jenny: “Kathy, we’ve always driven on this side.” As passenger, I became flabbergasted with the alterations in signage. … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/12/2014 Jealous mates, jealous friends, jealous family, jealous colleagues, jealous Facebook acquaintances. Jealousy runs rampant, and it is everywhere. Social media seems to make it even more intense, with folks who post all that is rainbow cheery and joyous, purposely leaving out the flip side to every joy coin. I have felt jealousy from both sides, as have my readers. But my understanding of jealousy is starting to become clear as day. Whether … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/11/2014 In 2005, I literally felt my heart break. A six-year love and commitment fell apart. The love changed form, and I resisted. A friend suggested I run to help me cope. I’d never run more than 2 miles in my life. So desperate to find comfort, I laced up. I remember weeping through my first three-mile run. I looked at my tear-faced reflection after that first run. I looked at her thick, … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/10/2014 Ten short days ago, I left to lead instruct NeuroKinetic Therapy Level I in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. I visited a different continent in a different hemisphere. I left my New York winter season to experience Australia’s summer. It only took 2 flights – plus years of dedication to clinical anatomy. It was 4 years ago that I was alone in a lab at midnight, singing at the top of my lungs … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/8/2014 No matter how young or old you are, I am not helping you get off my treatment table. And no matter how much pain you have, I am still not helping you get off of my treatment table. Does that read as mean? I am sorry if you feel that way, but I won’t be changing. The way you get off that table means as much to me as the drills you … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/5/2014 After teaching NKT in Sydney, my good friend and colleague Jenny and I set out on a road trip across the Australian southern highlands. As we exited the city traffic, we weaved through winding roads, farmland, and hills. As we edged farther and farther from the city life, we were taken aback by a strange sign. “Fudge and Toffee: Self Service.” I was in shock. Self service? How was this possible? I … Read more
Dooley Noted: 3/4/2014 Yesterday, an amazing Australian helicopter pilot named Brett flew me around Sydney. The view was remarkable, but I was most taken with Brett. I watched this very skilled pilot do a log and ten minute systems check before take off. Although he’s flown thousands of miles, he knew the best way to keep a safe and effective record was to have a checklist. While airborne, I admired Brett’s flying technique. This skill … Read more