Married to Medicine...

Bravo! has a show that premiered this season called "Married to Medicine." And it follows the lives of 6 women in Atlanta, GA. Two of the six women are physicians, while the other four are wives of doctors. Let me just start off by saying...Holy COW! My life is nothing like that...and THANK GOD!

For the most part the show is part "Real Housewives" and the other part deals with being married to a doctor. Sadly though I wish it focused more on the actual being married to medicine. One of the women did say, "I'm married to him...and he's married to his patients." This quote really struck a chord with me, and made me happy that my husband isn't an ER doc, an outpatient provider, or even a surgeon. Because if he were any of those, then he would be married to his patients.

I've watched a few of these shows because...well lets be honest...I LOVE the drama! It is five black women and one token white woman. Sounds like Real Housewives of Atlanta if you ask me. ;-) But I watch these women parade around in their "mansions," acting like they are too good for the air they breathe. I don't think any of those women actually cook, let alone know where the kitchen is located in their house.

Today as I was vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the house...I for a second thought about how nice it would be to have someone do all this work for me. Then just like that...I came back to reality and realized that I don't even let my husband clean the house...why on earth would I let anyone else come in and do it! I have this thing about people going through my things, not that I have anything to hide. But it's about privacy and respect for other peoples' space and boundaries.

Also, there is something so nice about sitting down and looking at the work you've done. I get the same sense of accomplishment when I look at the chicken coop or any of the other projects around our house that I've tackled. And even though from time to time I think I want the lifestyle of those women...I realize that I wouldn't be happy if I didn't have a hand in the actual day to day running of my household. Now don't get me wrong, there are some things I'd gladly let someone else do...like clean the bathroom! I HATE cleaning the bathroom!

I guess what I'm getting at is that being "married to medicine" is about more than the money or saying, "My husband is a doctor." I realize that without the income that we have, we wouldn't be afforded the lifestyle we currently live. I wouldn't be able to take care of the household and volunteer, I wouldn't be able to focus on making meals and tackling projects around our house. But I pray that I never come across as these women do. They seem to forget what it is that their husbands actually do on a daily basis.

My husband works 12 hour days. During those days he may see elderly patients, cancer patients, heart attack sufferers, and even those who are fighting for their lives. When Michael tells me about his day, its hard for me to even comprehend how he does what he does. I wonder how he manages to process all of this illness and death that surrounds him on a daily basis. I don't envy him working hard to save the life of a patient that is coding, and subsequently having to tell that patients family if they don't make it. Being a doctor is more than a paycheck.

I know I'm jumping to conclusions about the lives of these women that I don't even know...but this is how they portray themselves. They are so wrapped up in their own drama filled worlds, and their big name labels, that they forget what is at the root of it all. They forget what it is that allows them to have all these things. While yes...I am married to a doctor and he works his tail off...I like to think that I hold my own when it comes to the share of work that is done. My days aren't spent eating bon-bons and drinking red wine while watching "soaps."

Being married to a doctor is not for everyone. People think that money is the key to all happiness, but I can't tell you how many times I wish that Michael could be home with me, or that we could do something together. To be a doctor's spouse takes patience, understanding and flexibility. Luckily we know what Michael's schedule will be in advance and rarely is he "on call." But long days, erratic work schedules, and a physically absent partner...it's not for everyone. I love my husband, I love our life...and I've adapted to his schedule.

Now that I've said all that, I'm going to tell you that I will continue to watch this show. Mainly because the one white woman needs to sue her plastic surgeon because they botched her face! And the drama between these women is pure gold! :) While none of them are Miss Nene Leakes (pitter-patter goes my heart)...these women all have their own quirks. And I guess the appeal of all these shows is that we see a little bit of each character in each of us. But Lord knows that I appreciate my husband and how hard he works!

I'm going to say something that none of the women on that show have EVER said...I need to go and take the chicken stock that I've had simmering all day off the stove. :)

Until next time...Keep Cooking!