According to this article, one in three people have called in 'sick' to work in the last twelve months. Well, go ahead and add me to those ranks today. Evil, evil Brenna. But it is not actually work that I'm playing hooky from... It's a day (probably shadowing) at a private pediatrician's office that is 45 minutes away. And I'm not taking the day to relax - I'm studying for my test tomorrow. I figure my time is better spent studying the TOME of pages we're supposed to read rather than seeing a few more well child checks or ear infections.
But I couldn't very well call in and say I got a case of the "studies" now, though, could I? So, this morning, I woke up with a "migraine."
I was going to call in sick once before, in December (after Vegas). On that occasion, I actually GOT sick. I'm hoping the same doesn't happen today...!
Jan 27, 2005
Jan 20, 2005
Babies Galore!
I'm working in the newborn nursery this week. It's like a flood of babies! Last night, as I was falling asleep, I started hearing babies cry. Hee-hee. Maybe because I'd tucked one of the five pounders into my white coat on the way out yesterday afternoon.
Okay, not really. I cannot even fathom trying to take care of another life at this time.
I killed another plant this weekend...
Send me your babies!!
Okay, not really. I cannot even fathom trying to take care of another life at this time.
I killed another plant this weekend...
Send me your babies!!
Babies Galore!
I'm working in the newborn nursery this week. It's like a flood of babies! Last night, as I was falling asleep, I started hearing babies cry. Hee-hee. Maybe because I'd tucked one of the five pounders into my white coat on the way out yesterday afternoon.
Okay, not really. I cannot even fathom trying to take care of another life at this time.
I killed another plant this weekend...
Send me your babies!!
Okay, not really. I cannot even fathom trying to take care of another life at this time.
I killed another plant this weekend...
Send me your babies!!
Jan 16, 2005
Well, darn.
I thought I could live the life of the sophisticated, academic-ish physician and be all smart and all that jazz. Drive the fancy car, live in the fancy house. Be a smart enough doctor that I could be rude to all the people around me and such. But it turns out that I just like kids too much. Sigh...
I can see myself being a neurologist. But I don't like that version of me as much as I like the pediatrician me. The one with the mini-van and the house in the subarbs (nice, but not nice). The one who is good at what she does, but is only a simple pediatrician after all, so has to be nice to everyone around her. I don't think that will be too hard. And I'd get to play with kids all day long!!
I guess thems the breaks.
Sorry Mom!
I can see myself being a neurologist. But I don't like that version of me as much as I like the pediatrician me. The one with the mini-van and the house in the subarbs (nice, but not nice). The one who is good at what she does, but is only a simple pediatrician after all, so has to be nice to everyone around her. I don't think that will be too hard. And I'd get to play with kids all day long!!
I guess thems the breaks.
Sorry Mom!
Jan 12, 2005
Jan 10, 2005
Yo quiero Mickey Mouse!
I'm on peds rotation now. It has been quite fun - where else does playing with babies constitute a patient visit? How great is that? Except when you have to see kids like those I saw today.
There are a lot of good parents. Most parents, in fact, try really hard to do things right. Every once in a while, I think they get a bit overwhelmed, though. Like when they have a two year old and a three year old at the same time. And when they don't have any good disciplining skills.
Thus the situation leading up to me chasing a three year old boy around the office while he chanted 'Yo quiero Mickey Mouse. Yo quiero Mickey Mouse.' Which, for those non-Spanish speakers (and for those who missed the years of talking chihuahua Taco Bell commercials) basically means 'I want Mickey Mouse! Gimme Mickey Mouse!"
I won't go into any detail, but I found my patience with children (usually bigger than my patience with adults) sorely tested today.
Still really like peds, though.
There are a lot of good parents. Most parents, in fact, try really hard to do things right. Every once in a while, I think they get a bit overwhelmed, though. Like when they have a two year old and a three year old at the same time. And when they don't have any good disciplining skills.
Thus the situation leading up to me chasing a three year old boy around the office while he chanted 'Yo quiero Mickey Mouse. Yo quiero Mickey Mouse.' Which, for those non-Spanish speakers (and for those who missed the years of talking chihuahua Taco Bell commercials) basically means 'I want Mickey Mouse! Gimme Mickey Mouse!"
I won't go into any detail, but I found my patience with children (usually bigger than my patience with adults) sorely tested today.
Still really like peds, though.
Jan 4, 2005
Valentine's Mix
Ahh, dear ones, it is the time of year where I begin thinking of my Annual Valentine's Mix. Ha-HA!! Are you not filled with thrilled excitement? It is only my Third Annual Mix, but I am still excited.
I've been thinking of a theme since last year's left the production room (aka my computer). The previous two themes were: "Love On Estrogen" (songs of female love-ridden angst) and "Ahh... The Single Life" (songs about freedom, or conversely the perils of coupledom). I've rolled through several options: Love on Testosterone (too R&B-y), Fruit (too... fruity), Working it Out (you know... exercise love songs...)
Okay, so I didn't have a good idea. I had squat.
But the Fairy of Valentine's Mixes joined me today: I have a theme!!!
I'm not telling!
I've been thinking of a theme since last year's left the production room (aka my computer). The previous two themes were: "Love On Estrogen" (songs of female love-ridden angst) and "Ahh... The Single Life" (songs about freedom, or conversely the perils of coupledom). I've rolled through several options: Love on Testosterone (too R&B-y), Fruit (too... fruity), Working it Out (you know... exercise love songs...)
Okay, so I didn't have a good idea. I had squat.
But the Fairy of Valentine's Mixes joined me today: I have a theme!!!
I'm not telling!
Jan 3, 2005
Home
Another post written while travelling.
Did you know that the Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky?
Thus I find myself writing a blog in Kentucky. (“Blog” is not a recognized word on Microsoft yet. “Microsoft” is, though)
So, early, early this morning, I left home to go… home. Which is the real one, and which is merely a reasonable facsimile? I’m tempted, of course, to call Oregon my ‘true’ home, mostly because I still exist in the transient world of higher education. No one is actually from Winston-Salem (okay, maybe one or two people are, but deal with it). And few plan on staying there.
But can I call a place home after I’ve lived more years away from it than years in it? Seven years in our house, eight years out.
I’ll just call myself bi-home-al. And bi-coastal!
Last year (cause it’s 2005, now), I went on several vacations, some (i.e. cruise) specifically designed to be relaxing. But! I am here to tell you all that there is NO place as relaxing as your childhood home. There, I don’t have to cook, don’t have to clean (beyond just picking up my own junk), don’t have to grocery shop – or even pay for the groceries. I don’t have to worry about oil changes or the electricity bill. For the whole time you are there, you are transported back into your childhood.
Can you blame us (I speak now for my generation) for putting off such things as marriage and children? Hello?! Can’t you see how good we have it? Why muddle that up with joint finances and dirty diapers?
People (our parents) wonder at the trend of selfishness that is running rampant thru the twenty- and thirty-year-olds of the U.S. We are putting of marriage! How could we?! Yes, of course this has to do with the ease of being single nowadays, and the acceptability of having a career before a family. But I also say it has to do with an unwillingness to give up the one place on earth that allows us to truly relax.
Those of us who grew up in a happy, healthy home anyway. That is not to say, of course, that people who get married or have kids early did not have a happy, healthy home. Maybe they’re just less selfish than me…
Or maybe the ultimate home is when you actually find someone that can provide you with that contentment you get in your childhood home. That would be pretty cool.
Did you know that the Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky?
Thus I find myself writing a blog in Kentucky. (“Blog” is not a recognized word on Microsoft yet. “Microsoft” is, though)
So, early, early this morning, I left home to go… home. Which is the real one, and which is merely a reasonable facsimile? I’m tempted, of course, to call Oregon my ‘true’ home, mostly because I still exist in the transient world of higher education. No one is actually from Winston-Salem (okay, maybe one or two people are, but deal with it). And few plan on staying there.
But can I call a place home after I’ve lived more years away from it than years in it? Seven years in our house, eight years out.
I’ll just call myself bi-home-al. And bi-coastal!
Last year (cause it’s 2005, now), I went on several vacations, some (i.e. cruise) specifically designed to be relaxing. But! I am here to tell you all that there is NO place as relaxing as your childhood home. There, I don’t have to cook, don’t have to clean (beyond just picking up my own junk), don’t have to grocery shop – or even pay for the groceries. I don’t have to worry about oil changes or the electricity bill. For the whole time you are there, you are transported back into your childhood.
Can you blame us (I speak now for my generation) for putting off such things as marriage and children? Hello?! Can’t you see how good we have it? Why muddle that up with joint finances and dirty diapers?
People (our parents) wonder at the trend of selfishness that is running rampant thru the twenty- and thirty-year-olds of the U.S. We are putting of marriage! How could we?! Yes, of course this has to do with the ease of being single nowadays, and the acceptability of having a career before a family. But I also say it has to do with an unwillingness to give up the one place on earth that allows us to truly relax.
Those of us who grew up in a happy, healthy home anyway. That is not to say, of course, that people who get married or have kids early did not have a happy, healthy home. Maybe they’re just less selfish than me…
Or maybe the ultimate home is when you actually find someone that can provide you with that contentment you get in your childhood home. That would be pretty cool.
Jan 1, 2005
Happy New Year!
And good riddance to 2004. The year that was contained some of the best and some of the worst events of my life. Phew. I'm glad that's over. I'd prefer '05 to be nice, smooth sailing. Don't get me wrong, I love roller coasters and all, but I also enjoy It's a Small World, and I'm ready for a few of those clackety-mouthed kids to keep me company for a while.
2004:
Finished second year
Washington DC
Took Step One of the Boards
Got dumped by friends
Fantasia on American Idol
West Coast Tour
Started clinical years of med school
Passed Step One of the Boards
Ohio
Parents sold house, building farm
August vacation: NYC, Charleston, Disney World, Miami, Cruise
My Novel!
Losing my novel (oh, yeah, it be gone...)
Las Vegas
There's much, much more of course, but I'm starting to bore myself.
I feel compelled to do a "Top Ten" list for 2004. Like Brenna's Top Ten Movies of 2004 (maybe I could work on that title) Here's what I have so far:
The Top Ten Movies Brenna Can Remember Seeing in 2004
(in no particular order, cause it is hard enough to just pick ten)
That's it! Too much writing, not enough packing.
Pack, young lady! Time is a flyin'. I'll see you soon, North Carolina...
2004:
Finished second year
Washington DC
Took Step One of the Boards
Got dumped by friends
Fantasia on American Idol
West Coast Tour
Started clinical years of med school
Passed Step One of the Boards
Ohio
Parents sold house, building farm
August vacation: NYC, Charleston, Disney World, Miami, Cruise
My Novel!
Losing my novel (oh, yeah, it be gone...)
Las Vegas
There's much, much more of course, but I'm starting to bore myself.
I feel compelled to do a "Top Ten" list for 2004. Like Brenna's Top Ten Movies of 2004 (maybe I could work on that title) Here's what I have so far:
The Top Ten Movies Brenna Can Remember Seeing in 2004
(in no particular order, cause it is hard enough to just pick ten)
1. The Incredibles - we all know I love children's stuff anyway, but this one was custom made to allow adults admit to liking cartoons.
2. Garden State - who hasn't seen this and fallen a little bit in love with Zach Braff?
3. A Very Long Engagement - I don't know if this should officially make the list since I haven't had time to distance myself from it yet. But, goodness, for a movie coming from the Amelie guy, this movie containes some of the bloodiest/goriest war scenes I've ever seen. Oh, and a good mystery plot with lovely Audrey Tautou.
4. Kill Bill Vol. 2 - I want to be Uma Thurman. I'd even wear yellow, which makes me look like a banana. Anyone else practice the finger-distance punch? I haven't made much progress...
5. Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights - movie was really quite bad, but the main guy was hot, and we all left the theater shouting "Cuba!" while throwing our arms in the air. You've GOT to love a movie that can turn you into a mini-insurgent for even the slightest period of time.
6. Spider Man 2 - Wasn't a huge fan of the first Spidey flick. Which was why I was so shocked that I liked this one. I'm working on one of those octopus-y (no movie references intended) things for myself. I will be the next Doctor Octopus! But I'll only do good.
7. The Station Agent - I'm cheating, cause this is actually a 2003 movie, but I. LOVED. IT. Watched it like three times one weekend. I can't even really tell you why I loved it so. Maybe for the guilty pleasure of being able to watch an achndroplastic without feeling guilty for staring. Remind me to tell you the story about my three year old self and the midget convention some time. (Or ask my mom)
8. Super Size Me - Gutsy, gutsy man. In more ways than one. Imagine what his poor intestines were going through during his month long adventure. People: this movie is amazing if for no other reason than he caused McDonald's to get rid of Super Sizes. MC-FREAKING-DONALDS! Hello!? Not to say that I didn't crave a nice McChicken something upon leaving the theater. With a large fries. Mmmm. And a milkshake. Yeah, baby. Seriously, though, rock on with the stuff about childhood obesity.
9. Sideways - Again, maybe I saw this a bit too recently to put it on my list, but I couldn't think of anything else! Plus, I know that for the rest of my life, I will think of this movie any time I drink a glass of wine. Maybe not for the rest of my life, but at least for the next few months. Or days.
10. Dogville - Wow. Who knew this movie even existed until my sister told me about it?? Wowsers. I doubt that I will ever watch it again, but it will stay with me. Much like the story The Most Dangerous Game which my sixth grade teacher told us we would never forget. I haven't.
That's it! Too much writing, not enough packing.
Pack, young lady! Time is a flyin'. I'll see you soon, North Carolina...
Dec 30, 2004
Giant Squid!
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.
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.
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.
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