I was just surfin' the world wide web, and came across this blast from the past.
I was up in Sitka, Alaska in 2001-02, working with AmeriCorps. It was one of the most interesting and unusual years I've ever had. (I always recommend a year in Alaska to anyone who is not sure what they want to do with their life)
One of the more unusual things that happened was the Episode of the Giant Squid. There I was, in my office, calmly working away (which mostly consisted of e-mail, Solitaire and staring out the window) when I heard about the Giant Squid. I can't remember where I heard it first... I do remember that our entire office decided to take a field trip down to the dock to see it. Our entire office consisted of about three or four people at that time, but that is beside the point. Practically the entire population of Sitka had gone there to see it.
We got to the harbor, got a gander at the giant squid - a big, red blobby thing with really long tentacles - took a few photos and left.
Later, we heard more stories:
- the harbor master had to get people off the docks, because they were starting to sink below the water line, since the ENTIRE town was there
- the squid was removed from the harbor and taken on 'tour' to the schools so that the child/adolescent population of Sitka could see it, too
- when the fishermen caught the squid (tangled in their fishnets), they were so excited, that they gutted it and ate some right there at sea...
- had the squid remained intact, rumors were that the Smithsonian would have wanted it (but Sitka is a small town and rumors run rampant)
I think the most amazing thing about the Episode of the Giant Squid to me was not the squid itself, but the fair-like atmosphere that descended on the town with the arrival of the squid. They practically had a parade.
Things like that don't happen in Winston-Salem. Or Portland.
Dec 30, 2004
I Was in a Syringe
Now I'm in you. (Name the movie?)
Again, apologies, to all my many fans out there for my prolonged absence. I've been in hibernation. Seriously, I have done very little of actual substance in the last one and a half weeks. It has been fantastic! As a result, I've almost completely cut myself off from all forms of communication - blog or otherwise. But I'm back!
Highlights:
1. Vegas: originally, I was going to write a review of all the casinos I saw (casinoes?). Now, I'll just say that I stayed at the Flamingo Hotel and that Paris was my favorite. Vegas was fun and tiring. I gambled a little, lost about $20 total, all on slots (mostly penny). I did earn twenty dollars, though, taking a survey about faucets. Seriously. Danced with Kristin on the bar at Coyote Ugly, cause you just gotta do that (even sober). All said and done, I prefer New York, but I wouldn't say no to another Vegas Vacation. In a couple of years. Oh, the Bellagio fountain thingy rocks.
2. Flu: Arrival back in Winston, I promptly developed a stomach flu, and missed two days of my Family Practice rotation. Yuck, yuck, yuck. My least favorite thing in the world (next to onions and war) is throwing up.
3. Plane ticket oops: Shortly after contacting the people at my rotation to tell them I was sick, I realized that I'd booked my tickets home for Friday afternoon instead of Saturday. Friday afternoon was out test. Yeah. Anyway, I felt like a royal idiot, but it all worked out. And I got to go home a day early! Yay!
4. FOPA: Focused Observed Patient Assessment - our Friday morning test. We were to work on our communication skills, and get graded on that, as well as our basic skills. I flipped out during my patient interview, and completely forgot to ask the things I'd learned about during our FIRST year of school. But I got a 24/25 on the communication. Hmm. Well, at least I learned something.
5. PORTLAND: I heart Portland. No problems on the flight back home. I think my Vegas plane adventure guaranteed that. HOWever, they are calling for snow in Portland on Saturday/Sunday. I leave on Sunday. Portland doesn't do snow well.
6. Lots of sitting around, staring at the wall. Occasional reading, crocheting, playing with dogs and piano playing.
7. Spanglish with me muther. Sehr gut.
8. Christmas party at Elizabeth's. Had fun, but I was still in hibernation mode at that point, so I wasn't terribly sociable or witty.
9. Christmas Eve traditions: church, dining room dinner, open one present, 'go to bed' at ten so 'Santa' can come (the youngest person in the house is 19, but Santa still comes), sneak back downstairs at midnight to play Santa to parents, sleep.
10. Christmas Day traditions: wake up first (after Dad), awaken sisters with dogs, look at stockings (trying to not see what our sisters got, because we all get the same things and want to be surprised), shower, Christmas morning breakfast, help clean dishes (I think my mom gets more help with dishes on this day than any other), open presents. There are five of us, we go one at a time, starting with Lindsay, the youngest. It takes HOURS, but it is fantastic. Opening presents at our house is truly an event. Then we eat and watch movies or whatever.
11. December 26th: Day after Christmas shopping mit Schwestern. I always buy more than they do. Got some goodie-good stuff this year.
12. A Very Long Engagement with Lindsay. Muy bien.
13. New glasses, new haircut (hadn't been cut since March 20th - "THAT" day)
14. Removal of Christmas decorations, and preparation for their removal to new farmstead. My parents call it the 'farm.' I'm going to call it the farmstead. My dad is having a large workshop built, which has these really big doors. I'm pulling for the installation of a large piece of plastic that will make a mooing sound when the doors open. I don't think my dad is really going for that, though.
15. Write blog, during which I get side-tracked by many numerous things on the internet, which was another thing I was avoiding during my hibernation.
I'm sleepy now. But I wrote! Are you proud? :) Happy last few days of 2004 to you all!
Oh, yeah:
16. Tentatively choosing neurology as my career path. Discouraged, however, by lack of neurology residency positions, and complicatedness of residency application process (NEMP vs. NRMP vs. Both; ERAS and SF match... confusing!)
Now all that happy last few days stuff.
Here's to a New Years celebration that meets all your expectations. I'm staying home and watching movies. Hallelujah!
Again, apologies, to all my many fans out there for my prolonged absence. I've been in hibernation. Seriously, I have done very little of actual substance in the last one and a half weeks. It has been fantastic! As a result, I've almost completely cut myself off from all forms of communication - blog or otherwise. But I'm back!
Highlights:
1. Vegas: originally, I was going to write a review of all the casinos I saw (casinoes?). Now, I'll just say that I stayed at the Flamingo Hotel and that Paris was my favorite. Vegas was fun and tiring. I gambled a little, lost about $20 total, all on slots (mostly penny). I did earn twenty dollars, though, taking a survey about faucets. Seriously. Danced with Kristin on the bar at Coyote Ugly, cause you just gotta do that (even sober). All said and done, I prefer New York, but I wouldn't say no to another Vegas Vacation. In a couple of years. Oh, the Bellagio fountain thingy rocks.
2. Flu: Arrival back in Winston, I promptly developed a stomach flu, and missed two days of my Family Practice rotation. Yuck, yuck, yuck. My least favorite thing in the world (next to onions and war) is throwing up.
3. Plane ticket oops: Shortly after contacting the people at my rotation to tell them I was sick, I realized that I'd booked my tickets home for Friday afternoon instead of Saturday. Friday afternoon was out test. Yeah. Anyway, I felt like a royal idiot, but it all worked out. And I got to go home a day early! Yay!
4. FOPA: Focused Observed Patient Assessment - our Friday morning test. We were to work on our communication skills, and get graded on that, as well as our basic skills. I flipped out during my patient interview, and completely forgot to ask the things I'd learned about during our FIRST year of school. But I got a 24/25 on the communication. Hmm. Well, at least I learned something.
5. PORTLAND: I heart Portland. No problems on the flight back home. I think my Vegas plane adventure guaranteed that. HOWever, they are calling for snow in Portland on Saturday/Sunday. I leave on Sunday. Portland doesn't do snow well.
6. Lots of sitting around, staring at the wall. Occasional reading, crocheting, playing with dogs and piano playing.
7. Spanglish with me muther. Sehr gut.
8. Christmas party at Elizabeth's. Had fun, but I was still in hibernation mode at that point, so I wasn't terribly sociable or witty.
9. Christmas Eve traditions: church, dining room dinner, open one present, 'go to bed' at ten so 'Santa' can come (the youngest person in the house is 19, but Santa still comes), sneak back downstairs at midnight to play Santa to parents, sleep.
10. Christmas Day traditions: wake up first (after Dad), awaken sisters with dogs, look at stockings (trying to not see what our sisters got, because we all get the same things and want to be surprised), shower, Christmas morning breakfast, help clean dishes (I think my mom gets more help with dishes on this day than any other), open presents. There are five of us, we go one at a time, starting with Lindsay, the youngest. It takes HOURS, but it is fantastic. Opening presents at our house is truly an event. Then we eat and watch movies or whatever.
11. December 26th: Day after Christmas shopping mit Schwestern. I always buy more than they do. Got some goodie-good stuff this year.
12. A Very Long Engagement with Lindsay. Muy bien.
13. New glasses, new haircut (hadn't been cut since March 20th - "THAT" day)
14. Removal of Christmas decorations, and preparation for their removal to new farmstead. My parents call it the 'farm.' I'm going to call it the farmstead. My dad is having a large workshop built, which has these really big doors. I'm pulling for the installation of a large piece of plastic that will make a mooing sound when the doors open. I don't think my dad is really going for that, though.
15. Write blog, during which I get side-tracked by many numerous things on the internet, which was another thing I was avoiding during my hibernation.
I'm sleepy now. But I wrote! Are you proud? :) Happy last few days of 2004 to you all!
Oh, yeah:
16. Tentatively choosing neurology as my career path. Discouraged, however, by lack of neurology residency positions, and complicatedness of residency application process (NEMP vs. NRMP vs. Both; ERAS and SF match... confusing!)
Now all that happy last few days stuff.
Here's to a New Years celebration that meets all your expectations. I'm staying home and watching movies. Hallelujah!
Dec 25, 2004
Dec 22, 2004
July 16
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will be released! Can you taste the excitement???
Oh, and I know, I know... I haven't posted. My brain seems to be on hiatus. I'll try to kick it into gear tonight...
Oh, and I know, I know... I haven't posted. My brain seems to be on hiatus. I'll try to kick it into gear tonight...
Dec 13, 2004
High in the Sky
I actually wrote this on the plane last Friday. I didn't get any internet in Las Vegas...
Oh, my, my, my. This was the CLOSEST I’ve ever been to missing/catching a plane. But here I am, mid-air on the way to Vegas.
Here’s what happened:
My first flight was to leave Greensboro at seven twenty five (I’m not using actual numbers because I’m basically typing in the dark, and I don’t want to fumble around with those keys. But look at me go! Typing in the dark!!! Using exclamation points, even!)
Okay, as I said: original flight to leave seven twenty five. When I checked in, it had already been pushed back twenty or so minutes. By the by, I arrived extremely early. Not that that really matters, I just felt like mentioning it. And the phrase ‘by the by’ is not used nearly enough, in my opinion.
While I was waiting for the seven forty nine (seriously, that’s what time it said when I checked in) flight, there was the BRIGHTEST flash of lightning I have ever seen and the LOUDEST thunder I have ever heard. In my ENTIRE life. Susan said it was like an earthquake. Oh, yeah. Susan was also at the airport, flying off to Nashville. But she was driving when the world’s biggest lightning bolt hit.
Yeah, yeah. I bore myself even, but really, the story gets more exciting. Slightly more, anyway.
Waiting and waiting… I am very good at doing that in airports, and I definitely got practice tonight. Finally, around eight thirty, our flight took off to Dulles in DC. My flight out of DC was scheduled at nine forty five. We landed in Dulles at nine forty. I got into the terminal at around nine forty five, and MY FLIGHT WAS NOT LISTED on the “departures” board. I wandered around in circles (literally – I was only covering about a ten yard space, just over and over) Then I went up to ask a flight person where the flight was, and he said “follow me!” and went running to a gate that was closed. He used his little badgy thing to beep in and ran down the breezeway yelling “Holly!” And they hadn’t closed the plane door yet! Huzzah! They closed the door immediately after I got on. It was amazing.
AND I’m in row eight, and I am by myself, and I think I’m in the “economy plus” section or something, cause there is TONS of space. Ahhh…. I am so filled with coolness and pleasurosity. Except that they’re playing The Notebook.
Movies I will NEVER watch:
1. Bridges of Madison County
2. Varsity Blues
3. The Notebook
Luckily, I brought my computer (duh), AND a Katharine Hepburn movie that I haven’t seen. FAN-tastic.
Vegas, here I come…
Oh, my, my, my. This was the CLOSEST I’ve ever been to missing/catching a plane. But here I am, mid-air on the way to Vegas.
Here’s what happened:
My first flight was to leave Greensboro at seven twenty five (I’m not using actual numbers because I’m basically typing in the dark, and I don’t want to fumble around with those keys. But look at me go! Typing in the dark!!! Using exclamation points, even!)
Okay, as I said: original flight to leave seven twenty five. When I checked in, it had already been pushed back twenty or so minutes. By the by, I arrived extremely early. Not that that really matters, I just felt like mentioning it. And the phrase ‘by the by’ is not used nearly enough, in my opinion.
While I was waiting for the seven forty nine (seriously, that’s what time it said when I checked in) flight, there was the BRIGHTEST flash of lightning I have ever seen and the LOUDEST thunder I have ever heard. In my ENTIRE life. Susan said it was like an earthquake. Oh, yeah. Susan was also at the airport, flying off to Nashville. But she was driving when the world’s biggest lightning bolt hit.
Yeah, yeah. I bore myself even, but really, the story gets more exciting. Slightly more, anyway.
Waiting and waiting… I am very good at doing that in airports, and I definitely got practice tonight. Finally, around eight thirty, our flight took off to Dulles in DC. My flight out of DC was scheduled at nine forty five. We landed in Dulles at nine forty. I got into the terminal at around nine forty five, and MY FLIGHT WAS NOT LISTED on the “departures” board. I wandered around in circles (literally – I was only covering about a ten yard space, just over and over) Then I went up to ask a flight person where the flight was, and he said “follow me!” and went running to a gate that was closed. He used his little badgy thing to beep in and ran down the breezeway yelling “Holly!” And they hadn’t closed the plane door yet! Huzzah! They closed the door immediately after I got on. It was amazing.
AND I’m in row eight, and I am by myself, and I think I’m in the “economy plus” section or something, cause there is TONS of space. Ahhh…. I am so filled with coolness and pleasurosity. Except that they’re playing The Notebook.
Movies I will NEVER watch:
1. Bridges of Madison County
2. Varsity Blues
3. The Notebook
Luckily, I brought my computer (duh), AND a Katharine Hepburn movie that I haven’t seen. FAN-tastic.
Vegas, here I come…
Dec 10, 2004
Apologies
To my numerous fans (or maybe really just Ari). I didn't go by to get my computer yesterday, so I still don't know the fate of my novel...
And NOW, it is time to go home and pack, cause I'm going to Vegas, baby! Five hours from now I will (hopefully) be on a plane. The plane will still be on the ground in Greensboro, but at least I will be on it. Hopefully. Yippee!
I've never been to Vegas. I don't even know what to expect other than BIG BIG BIG.
Stay tuned for reports from the front line.
And NOW, it is time to go home and pack, cause I'm going to Vegas, baby! Five hours from now I will (hopefully) be on a plane. The plane will still be on the ground in Greensboro, but at least I will be on it. Hopefully. Yippee!
I've never been to Vegas. I don't even know what to expect other than BIG BIG BIG.
Stay tuned for reports from the front line.
Dec 9, 2004
ACK!
The computer people are done with my computer. Time to go find out if any of my novel was salvaged...
I Can't Really Define Irony
But I know it when I see it.
Presentation this morning:
1. Don't go over time limit - check
2. Don't trip and fall flat on face - check
Sounds like a good presentation in my book! Yippee! Now it is almost weekend...
But, first: an adventure (of sorts).
Refer back to the Flashing Lights incident, and you will realize that I need to register my car. To do that, I need to get someone to verify my Vehicle Identification Number here in North Carolina to prove that my car is NOT in Oregon.
First stop: DMV. They seem knowledgable about... cars and stuff. Plus, I knew where it was, based on one prior foray into the bowels of licensing. I didn't actually go into the bowels, but I did fail the written driver's test, so I felt like... It was after that, though, that I realized that I don't have to sacrifice my cherished OR license (I love it mostly because I have the # memorized. If I got a NC one, I'd have to memorize an entirely new number. Plus I look really funny in the picture) leading to the whole 'verify the VIN' situation I am in currently.
So, DMV lady (very nice, but really weird tie on) said they didn't do it, so sent me to the State Troopers' office in the same building. Who knew that was there? Not I.
Second stop: State Troopers' office in the DMV building. State Trooper lady (also nice, but mumbly) told me I needed to go to the DMV Enforcement Office. Actually what she said was, "Mmph-mmmm-DMV-emmmeomm-ofemm" She gave me directions that were relatively simple, but completely un-understabdable. I pulled out a piece of paper and played stupid to make her tell me the directions slow while I wrote them down. That worked like a charm!
Third stop: Take 52-North to the Patterson Exit, Turn Left and the DMV Enforcement Office will be on your left. But beware! You may get there and, like me, discover that all of the officers who verify VINs are 'on special assignment' until eight tomorrow morning. Grrr. Then, if you, like me, are wearing your badge proclaiming to the world that you are a med student, the clerk at the DMV Enforcement Office may try to get some free medical advice. Oh, yeah, and you may be, like me, completely dripping wet cause it was pouring during the whole experience.
So, no VIN verification for me today. Great. And tomorrow I can't go, cause I'm going to LAS VEGAS. Yeah, baby.
But, not getting VIN verification did leave me time to go home and watch Reality Bites.
I had not seen that since it came out in 1994 when I was 16. I didn't particularly care for it then, but now? Now I really like it. The acting is not always stellar, but the pop culture references are fantastic. Go Lisa Loeb! I recommend it for good rainy afternoon watching. I may even have to add it to my collection...
There is a lady here at the office wearing a purple sequined dress today. I think that means it is time for me to go home.
Presentation this morning:
1. Don't go over time limit - check
2. Don't trip and fall flat on face - check
Sounds like a good presentation in my book! Yippee! Now it is almost weekend...
But, first: an adventure (of sorts).
Refer back to the Flashing Lights incident, and you will realize that I need to register my car. To do that, I need to get someone to verify my Vehicle Identification Number here in North Carolina to prove that my car is NOT in Oregon.
First stop: DMV. They seem knowledgable about... cars and stuff. Plus, I knew where it was, based on one prior foray into the bowels of licensing. I didn't actually go into the bowels, but I did fail the written driver's test, so I felt like... It was after that, though, that I realized that I don't have to sacrifice my cherished OR license (I love it mostly because I have the # memorized. If I got a NC one, I'd have to memorize an entirely new number. Plus I look really funny in the picture) leading to the whole 'verify the VIN' situation I am in currently.
So, DMV lady (very nice, but really weird tie on) said they didn't do it, so sent me to the State Troopers' office in the same building. Who knew that was there? Not I.
Second stop: State Troopers' office in the DMV building. State Trooper lady (also nice, but mumbly) told me I needed to go to the DMV Enforcement Office. Actually what she said was, "Mmph-mmmm-DMV-emmmeomm-ofemm" She gave me directions that were relatively simple, but completely un-understabdable. I pulled out a piece of paper and played stupid to make her tell me the directions slow while I wrote them down. That worked like a charm!
Third stop: Take 52-North to the Patterson Exit, Turn Left and the DMV Enforcement Office will be on your left. But beware! You may get there and, like me, discover that all of the officers who verify VINs are 'on special assignment' until eight tomorrow morning. Grrr. Then, if you, like me, are wearing your badge proclaiming to the world that you are a med student, the clerk at the DMV Enforcement Office may try to get some free medical advice. Oh, yeah, and you may be, like me, completely dripping wet cause it was pouring during the whole experience.
So, no VIN verification for me today. Great. And tomorrow I can't go, cause I'm going to LAS VEGAS. Yeah, baby.
But, not getting VIN verification did leave me time to go home and watch Reality Bites.
I had not seen that since it came out in 1994 when I was 16. I didn't particularly care for it then, but now? Now I really like it. The acting is not always stellar, but the pop culture references are fantastic. Go Lisa Loeb! I recommend it for good rainy afternoon watching. I may even have to add it to my collection...
There is a lady here at the office wearing a purple sequined dress today. I think that means it is time for me to go home.
Dec 8, 2004
I'm an ANIMAL
I have a fifteen minute presentation to do tomorrow on immunizations. I have spent the ENTIRE night working on it. And there is still stuff that I want to change around. I am a person obsessed. Actually, it is quite interesting. I'm looking at reasons that parents would refuse to vaccinate their children - there are so many websites that LOOK like they're all official and smart, that are saying things like
Let's guess what Brenna's opinion is on the matter, shall we?
Though I must admit, I'm a tad wary of the Varicella vaccine. That's chicken pox to all y'all lay people out there. (ha... y'all... I think I'll keep that in my personal vocab even after I move back to Oregon) I had chicken pox (she says, with her nose turned up) why shouldn't my kids? Plus, it was only started in 1995, and I don't believe that they know that it provides lifelong immunity. And chicken pox when you are an adult is MUCH worse than when you's a wee child. I had a horrible time, and I was only ten. I looked like a toad. And I couldn't wear my glasses. And it was about 10,000 degrees outside. Such fond memories...why shouldn't any of my kids have the same?
BUT! Look at me go on still. I must get a grip. I must get sleep.
Nighty, night, y'all.
"It is very clear from reviewing CDC documentation on the National Immunization Registry Plan, that U.S. government agencies and officials are ostensibly using public health to create a massive networked computer database to create a national surveillance and enforcement system. This system will monitor, intimidate, harass, and punish conscientious parents, their children, and their health care providers if they do not conform with every government recommended vaccination health care policy."Boo-yah. You KNOW the government is out to intimidate, harass and otherwise bully people who don't try to protect their babies from horrible, awful PREVENTABLE deaths.
Let's guess what Brenna's opinion is on the matter, shall we?
Though I must admit, I'm a tad wary of the Varicella vaccine. That's chicken pox to all y'all lay people out there. (ha... y'all... I think I'll keep that in my personal vocab even after I move back to Oregon) I had chicken pox (she says, with her nose turned up) why shouldn't my kids? Plus, it was only started in 1995, and I don't believe that they know that it provides lifelong immunity. And chicken pox when you are an adult is MUCH worse than when you's a wee child. I had a horrible time, and I was only ten. I looked like a toad. And I couldn't wear my glasses. And it was about 10,000 degrees outside. Such fond memories...why shouldn't any of my kids have the same?
BUT! Look at me go on still. I must get a grip. I must get sleep.
Nighty, night, y'all.
Dec 7, 2004
Flashing Lights!
Really, there are like ten kajillion things a day that I mean to comment on on my blog here (like the resident saying tes-ti-kyoo-lur cancer yesterday all weird) but then something else happens and I totally forget... Isn't it tragic? I know.
There may have been something that I was going to write about, but then I got pulled over by a police car. (aside: a whole web site for pictures of police cars??? Okay, then.) I knew it was coming - he actually backed up from where he had been turning right to get behind me, and then apparently looked through a little magnifying glass thing on his dash board. Ahh, yes. Light turned green, I started, and he turned on his flashy blue lights.
Question: I've been looking online, but can't seem to find out if there is any difference between red or blue or red and blue flashing lights. Anyone know?
Okay, so I was driving forward, with my blinker on, because I was FIFTY YARDS away from my apartment. Mr. Cop Man followed me into my parking lot, AND left the lights flashing. I'm sure all my neighbors think I'm of the criminal persuasion now.
Why, oh, why was dear, sweet, law-abiding, speed-limit heeding (most of the time) Brenna pulled over? Yeah, my license tags are expired. Since, like, September.
But, listen: I'm working on it! Kind of. I have the papers that need to be filled out to prove that my car is not actually in the state of Oregon, but have not had time to stop by the vehicle registration place to get the signature proving that my VIN number matches. Sigh.
I explained to Mr. Cop Man that I was working on the wholething. That was while I fumbled around trying to find the vehicle's registration. I didn't know what it looked like! I've never been pulled over before! Anyway, he ended up just jotting down my driver's license number and registration or something, then left. I don't think it was because I was so convincing, though, I think it was because he was being called away for a more pressing emergency.
Blah, blah. Ended up being kind of a boring story, huh? My sincere apologies.
Testimonial of the Day: I LOVE Goodwill. I spent (too much) time there tonight, and got: a sweater, a purse, and eighteen books (hee-hee!) for $16.05. How fantastic is that? Really, really fantastic, that is the answer.
Ugh. Research now for 15 minute presentation on Thursday. Blah, blah, blah.
There may have been something that I was going to write about, but then I got pulled over by a police car. (aside: a whole web site for pictures of police cars??? Okay, then.) I knew it was coming - he actually backed up from where he had been turning right to get behind me, and then apparently looked through a little magnifying glass thing on his dash board. Ahh, yes. Light turned green, I started, and he turned on his flashy blue lights.
Question: I've been looking online, but can't seem to find out if there is any difference between red or blue or red and blue flashing lights. Anyone know?
Okay, so I was driving forward, with my blinker on, because I was FIFTY YARDS away from my apartment. Mr. Cop Man followed me into my parking lot, AND left the lights flashing. I'm sure all my neighbors think I'm of the criminal persuasion now.
Why, oh, why was dear, sweet, law-abiding, speed-limit heeding (most of the time) Brenna pulled over? Yeah, my license tags are expired. Since, like, September.
But, listen: I'm working on it! Kind of. I have the papers that need to be filled out to prove that my car is not actually in the state of Oregon, but have not had time to stop by the vehicle registration place to get the signature proving that my VIN number matches. Sigh.
I explained to Mr. Cop Man that I was working on the wholething. That was while I fumbled around trying to find the vehicle's registration. I didn't know what it looked like! I've never been pulled over before! Anyway, he ended up just jotting down my driver's license number and registration or something, then left. I don't think it was because I was so convincing, though, I think it was because he was being called away for a more pressing emergency.
Blah, blah. Ended up being kind of a boring story, huh? My sincere apologies.
Testimonial of the Day: I LOVE Goodwill. I spent (too much) time there tonight, and got: a sweater, a purse, and eighteen books (hee-hee!) for $16.05. How fantastic is that? Really, really fantastic, that is the answer.
Ugh. Research now for 15 minute presentation on Thursday. Blah, blah, blah.
Dec 6, 2004
Threes
Things come in threes, bad or good, right? Here's my latest three. You be the judge of goodness vs. badness.
1. Yesterday was our final Nano gathering of the year, and we all got together to celebrate our writing (did I mention that I'm a winner?) and then went to Arigato, a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. I had the shrimp and salmon, cause I loves me some little fishy things from the sea. After dinner, I was driving home, and called my sister and realized I was all itchy, which I attributed to an allergy to her voice (cause I loves me some her like that). Anyhow. Once home, the itching intensified, and I discovered that I had HIVES all over my face and arms. HIVES. Yup. Those little fishy things from the sea are apparently harrassing my immune system. Mean little fishy things. So: allergic to shrimp.
2. On Friday, I started my computer, only to get the message "Disk Error. Press Any Key to Restart." I pushed any key several times. Actually, I probably pushed all keys to restart, but no restarting happened. "No worry," I assured myself, "probably some faulty wiring or some such nonsense. The miracle-workers in academic computing will get this all shaped up and shipped out in no time." Fade in to this afternoon:
Well, darn it. Okay,not as big a deal as it would have been when I acutally had all my lectures, etc. stored on said computer (I lost all of those a couple of months ago already) BUT! Guess what is on the computer, that is not completely backed up? Have you guessed? That's right. MY NOVEL. My freaking, 50,009 word novel. I've only posted thirty thousand or so words on my site. They are going to 'try' to recover it.
3. I was driving over to Susan's house tonight to blog about the things that had happened, and to leave spot #3 open, wondering what would fill out the triad. Then Susan called.
Okay, okay, so it wasn't quite like that, but Susan managed to stick her hand in the mouth of her German Shepard as it tried to bite off her other dogs head. She got Susan's hand instead. (At this point, I'd like to remind you all that Susan will be a doctor someday. Possibly yours.)
I called my mom for some Urgent Care advice (thanks, ma!) and finally got to Susan's. The wound itself was not terrible, mostly a puncture wound - three main spots. Her hand was all swollen, though, so brilliant med students that we are, we determined a plan of action: Augmentin and Vicodin. Problem: no pharmacy anywhere would accept our word or our signature.
So we ventured out to "The Baptist" to visit the nice ED docs, as Winston-Salem lacks a good after hours urgent care facility. Being med students did help us get through a little faster, but it still took us nigh on three hours to get (drumroll) Augmentin and Vicodin. (And a hand x-ray and tetanus booster, but we are only third years after all)
I thank Susan for nicely rounding out my triad of the last 24 hours. Didn't affect me personally as much as the shrimp or the computer, but it still fits.
Good or bad?
I guess it depends on your point of view. Example: someone who didn't like me very much (say for instance, a shrimp) might wish the loss of a novel upon me and pain upon my friends. Mean little fishy things.
1. Yesterday was our final Nano gathering of the year, and we all got together to celebrate our writing (did I mention that I'm a winner?) and then went to Arigato, a Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. I had the shrimp and salmon, cause I loves me some little fishy things from the sea. After dinner, I was driving home, and called my sister and realized I was all itchy, which I attributed to an allergy to her voice (cause I loves me some her like that). Anyhow. Once home, the itching intensified, and I discovered that I had HIVES all over my face and arms. HIVES. Yup. Those little fishy things from the sea are apparently harrassing my immune system. Mean little fishy things. So: allergic to shrimp.
2. On Friday, I started my computer, only to get the message "Disk Error. Press Any Key to Restart." I pushed any key several times. Actually, I probably pushed all keys to restart, but no restarting happened. "No worry," I assured myself, "probably some faulty wiring or some such nonsense. The miracle-workers in academic computing will get this all shaped up and shipped out in no time." Fade in to this afternoon:
Brenna: My computer won't start.
Dennis: What happens?
Brenna: It says "disk error."
All three miracle-worker academic computing gurus, in unison: Uh-oh.
Well, darn it. Okay,not as big a deal as it would have been when I acutally had all my lectures, etc. stored on said computer (I lost all of those a couple of months ago already) BUT! Guess what is on the computer, that is not completely backed up? Have you guessed? That's right. MY NOVEL. My freaking, 50,009 word novel. I've only posted thirty thousand or so words on my site. They are going to 'try' to recover it.
3. I was driving over to Susan's house tonight to blog about the things that had happened, and to leave spot #3 open, wondering what would fill out the triad. Then Susan called.
Susan: How far away are you?
Brenna: (thinking, uh-oh) I just left. Why?
Susan: Well, my dog just mauled me, and my hand is falling off in a bloody mess. Hurry!
Okay, okay, so it wasn't quite like that, but Susan managed to stick her hand in the mouth of her German Shepard as it tried to bite off her other dogs head. She got Susan's hand instead. (At this point, I'd like to remind you all that Susan will be a doctor someday. Possibly yours.)
I called my mom for some Urgent Care advice (thanks, ma!) and finally got to Susan's. The wound itself was not terrible, mostly a puncture wound - three main spots. Her hand was all swollen, though, so brilliant med students that we are, we determined a plan of action: Augmentin and Vicodin. Problem: no pharmacy anywhere would accept our word or our signature.
So we ventured out to "The Baptist" to visit the nice ED docs, as Winston-Salem lacks a good after hours urgent care facility. Being med students did help us get through a little faster, but it still took us nigh on three hours to get (drumroll) Augmentin and Vicodin. (And a hand x-ray and tetanus booster, but we are only third years after all)
I thank Susan for nicely rounding out my triad of the last 24 hours. Didn't affect me personally as much as the shrimp or the computer, but it still fits.
Good or bad?
I guess it depends on your point of view. Example: someone who didn't like me very much (say for instance, a shrimp) might wish the loss of a novel upon me and pain upon my friends. Mean little fishy things.
Dec 3, 2004
Dec 1, 2004
Things I've Wanted to Blog About
My novel has been consuming all of my writing abilities lately, so I really have not blogged much, but every day I have a few things I want to mention. Because I really feel that the world needs to know these things. Really, I do.
Okay, not really, but I feel like writing them anyway, so deal with it. Punk.
1. Yesterday, the resident I worked with looked like Ferris Bueller. I couldn't figure out at first who he reminded me of, and then right in the middle of a pelvic exam, it was like WA-POW! You's workin' wit' dat Ferris kid! Thus spinning me off into fantasies of my life being like Sex and the City. (Two points for you if you follow my logic. Only two though, cause it ain't that hard.)
2. I have determined that I do not want to enter a field of medicine that requires me to do pap smears and/or pelvic examinations. Eew. Really, gynecology? Why? There are very important things that go on 'down there,' and, as a medical semi-professional, I do care deeply. I just don't want to be privy to everyone's hoo-hoos. (Does anyone call them hoo-hoos? I may have made that up.)
3. I had lunch today (okay so this was not something I have been burning to blog about, but it happened nonetheless) with the doc who set up a scholarship that I am receiving. Awesome thing to do, set up a scholarship - one of my goals in life is to do the same. (Listen to the class shout "DIGRESSION!" Holden. No one cares about your uncle's farm.) Anyhoo. (Heh. Anyhoo-hoo.) Anyway, the topic of the eighty hour work week, recently instituted for house officers came up.
My opinion: awesome, I only have to work eighty hours a week for 3-5 years. Maybe I'll actually manage to get some sleep and avoid killing a few patients. The doctor's opinion: (keep in mind that he is about five hundred years old) I had to do it, why should they get coddled; how are they suppsed to learn anything in 80 hours - that is losing one third of their educational time (yes, folks 120 hr/week was the preferred method before); and finally: the pendulum of change has swung too far, and needs to swing back a bit towards common sense. In short: 80 hours a week is ridiculous, no one can learn anything in that amount of time. 100 hours makes more sense, obviously.
Why do doctors get God complexes again?
4. I dropped off my crocheted items at the Sawtooth Center for their Deck the Halls event. Gak! People are going to look at my things and decide whether they are worthy of spending money on. Is that not crazy? It is. It is certifiable. If that idea showed up in the emergency room, it would have to be escorted out in the company of a sheriff and driven to the state hospital.
5. I forget everything else. And I gotta go to the bathroom now. Maybe I'll write more later.
HAPPY DECEMBER! Do the Christmas Dance. I'll give you ten points if you do...
Okay, not really, but I feel like writing them anyway, so deal with it. Punk.
1. Yesterday, the resident I worked with looked like Ferris Bueller. I couldn't figure out at first who he reminded me of, and then right in the middle of a pelvic exam, it was like WA-POW! You's workin' wit' dat Ferris kid! Thus spinning me off into fantasies of my life being like Sex and the City. (Two points for you if you follow my logic. Only two though, cause it ain't that hard.)
2. I have determined that I do not want to enter a field of medicine that requires me to do pap smears and/or pelvic examinations. Eew. Really, gynecology? Why? There are very important things that go on 'down there,' and, as a medical semi-professional, I do care deeply. I just don't want to be privy to everyone's hoo-hoos. (Does anyone call them hoo-hoos? I may have made that up.)
3. I had lunch today (okay so this was not something I have been burning to blog about, but it happened nonetheless) with the doc who set up a scholarship that I am receiving. Awesome thing to do, set up a scholarship - one of my goals in life is to do the same. (Listen to the class shout "DIGRESSION!" Holden. No one cares about your uncle's farm.) Anyhoo. (Heh. Anyhoo-hoo.) Anyway, the topic of the eighty hour work week, recently instituted for house officers came up.
My opinion: awesome, I only have to work eighty hours a week for 3-5 years. Maybe I'll actually manage to get some sleep and avoid killing a few patients. The doctor's opinion: (keep in mind that he is about five hundred years old) I had to do it, why should they get coddled; how are they suppsed to learn anything in 80 hours - that is losing one third of their educational time (yes, folks 120 hr/week was the preferred method before); and finally: the pendulum of change has swung too far, and needs to swing back a bit towards common sense. In short: 80 hours a week is ridiculous, no one can learn anything in that amount of time. 100 hours makes more sense, obviously.
Why do doctors get God complexes again?
4. I dropped off my crocheted items at the Sawtooth Center for their Deck the Halls event. Gak! People are going to look at my things and decide whether they are worthy of spending money on. Is that not crazy? It is. It is certifiable. If that idea showed up in the emergency room, it would have to be escorted out in the company of a sheriff and driven to the state hospital.
5. I forget everything else. And I gotta go to the bathroom now. Maybe I'll write more later.
HAPPY DECEMBER! Do the Christmas Dance. I'll give you ten points if you do...
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