My first days always result in a headache. First day at work, first day at school, first day of vacations, it doesn’t matter! Today was my first day at the hospital, and I decided to treat my headache prophylactically by taking some Ibuprofen mid-morning.

The day started out with a lot of information from HR regarding insurance and TSP (Thrift Savings Plan – their version of a 401k). After that we had about an hour and a half break. Since home is only a 10 minute drive away, I hopped in the car and headed home to take Bear for a walk (and get my Ibuprofen). I love working so close to home!

On the way back to work, one of my favorite songs came on the radio and I took it as a good sign. The song is “It’s a Great Day to be Alive” by Travis Tritt. I don’t think I know any other Travis Tritt songs, but that song has a way of relaxing me no matter what…

“I got rice cookin’ in the microwave,
Got a three day beard I don’t plan to shave
And it’s a goofy thing but I just gotta say
Hey I’m doin’ alright

Yeah I think I’ll make me some homemade soup
Feelin’ pretty good and that’s the truth
It’s neither drink nor drug-induced
No, I’m just doin’ alright

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?

It’s been fifteen years since I left home
Said good luck to every seed I’d sown
Give it my best and then I left it alone
Ohhh, I hope they’re doin’ alright

Now I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A lone wolf there starin’ back at me
Long in the tooth but harmless as can be
Well, I guess he’s doin’ alright

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?

Sometimes its lonely
Sometimes its only me
And the shadows that fill this room
Sometimes I’m fallin’
Desperately callin’
Howlin’ at the moon
Ah-hoo
Ah-hoo

Well I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a 3 day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Man Chu
Oh-ooo

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?

And it’s a great day to be alive
I know the sun’s still shinin’ when I close my eyes
There’s some hard times in the neighborhood
But why can’t every day be just this good?”