Okay, they knock the little kiddie out, then they jam a needle thing-a-ma-bobby into his little hip. The needle is surprisingly not all that big. And it isn't really a needle like you'd picture a needle. More like a blue plastic toy contraption that has a two inch sharp metal piece sticking out of one end. I think the blue plastic part is for traction - it must be dang hard(ish) to jam a needle into bone.
Okay, Lindsay, get up off the floor now. I'll stop talking about bones and needles.
Alright. So, doctor gets bone marrow, nurse lady puts marrow into and on top of several different tubes and slides. Little kiddie is then woken up. Easy peasy, no? It is! The parents even stayed and watched.
I assumed my participation would end with the... Well, actually I didn't really participate per se in any of this. I was merely an observer. But, the attending did invite me to travel with her to the lab to check on the results.
Now, I did say that I didn't have the gold touch, but I do have to tell you that, in Medical Student Land, one-on-one time with an attending is tantamount to bushels of gold. Bushels! Especially when the attending is the clerkship director. ESPECIALLY when the attending is the clerkship director of pediatrics. Smashing!
I got a full half hour of walking around with Dr. Attending, asking thoughtful and relevant questions. All the while thinking "Ha! Someone to ask for a recommendation letter! She actually knows that my name is Brenna, not Brenda or 'that student' This is great. Sound smart, sound smart! And stop talking to yourself!!!"
Then, to top it all off, we went to look at the bone marrow smear of the adorable little two year old whose symptoms were all concerning for leukemia. And he didn't have it! He instead has something called Idiopathic (or Immune-mediated) Thrombocytopenia - ITP. 90% of kids with this recover pretty quickly without any problems.
Isn't that great? I think so.
To celebrate, I went home and had a processed cheese and pickle sandwich. With horseradish. It sounds like I'm pregnant, but I'm really just poor and haven't been grocery shopping for a while.
La di da!
HAPPY DAY AFTER YOUR BIRTHDAY, DAD!!! Way to go!
Feb 23, 2005
Stamping Out Disease!
Putting aside for the moment that I am currently tired, hungry and bored and that no one seems to be feeling the compulsion to send me home (I need to study!!) becauss the upper level left and the intern here is... less than confident, I have had a pretty amazing day.
Not in the everything-I-touch-turns-to-gold-I-can-do-no-wrong-and-here's-my-winning-lottery-ticket way, but in the gee-that's-just-pretty-dang-freaking-cool-and-I-got-to-be-a-part-of-it way. [editorial note: typing with a lot of dashes instead of spaces is really hard]
A two year old presented to his peds office yesterday because he'd been bruising all over. He was sent to the heme/onc clinic here for work up. What is the most likely diagnosis with easy bruising (and oh yeah, toss in some petechiae and an enlarged spleen and low white blood cell count) All the little children say: Leukemia!
So, two year old (whose mother, by the way just had a baby a few months ago and is supposed to go back to work tomorrow) is admitted to the heme/onc service for a bone marrow aspirate. I, eager-beaver of a med student that I am, tagged along.
In the bone marrow aspirate, they start an IV and knock the little kiddie out, then
HA! I was sent home. I'll finish the story later.
BAM.
Not in the everything-I-touch-turns-to-gold-I-can-do-no-wrong-and-here's-my-winning-lottery-ticket way, but in the gee-that's-just-pretty-dang-freaking-cool-and-I-got-to-be-a-part-of-it way. [editorial note: typing with a lot of dashes instead of spaces is really hard]
A two year old presented to his peds office yesterday because he'd been bruising all over. He was sent to the heme/onc clinic here for work up. What is the most likely diagnosis with easy bruising (and oh yeah, toss in some petechiae and an enlarged spleen and low white blood cell count) All the little children say: Leukemia!
So, two year old (whose mother, by the way just had a baby a few months ago and is supposed to go back to work tomorrow) is admitted to the heme/onc service for a bone marrow aspirate. I, eager-beaver of a med student that I am, tagged along.
In the bone marrow aspirate, they start an IV and knock the little kiddie out, then
HA! I was sent home. I'll finish the story later.
BAM.
Feb 18, 2005
Diabetes, Schmiabetes
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don’t search around and look for the “coolest” book you can find. Do what’s actually next to you.
"Patients commonly present with polyuria (including nocturia), polydipsia, polyphagia, and rapid or unexplained weight loss."
From First Aid for the USMLE Step 2
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the sentence in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don’t search around and look for the “coolest” book you can find. Do what’s actually next to you.
"Patients commonly present with polyuria (including nocturia), polydipsia, polyphagia, and rapid or unexplained weight loss."
From First Aid for the USMLE Step 2
Feb 16, 2005
It Be Done!
Two things are done:
1. I'm done with call for peds, and after our ONE admission last night, I have a grand total of 3 patients that I admitted/saw while I was on call. Two of the interns I worked with woke up the next morning (after an almost page-less night) and called it their 'best call ever.' They call me a white cloud. Somehow, I think I annoyed my upper level, though, who I've never been on call with and who keeps having the world's WORST calls ever. While I'm happy to bring the white cloudness, I fear that it may backfire on me, and I'll develop a big ol' black cloud while I'm a resident... Time will tell.
2. My Valentine's CD! I 'finished' it the other night, but as I'd only put in 6 or so hours of work into it, it just didn't feel right. I listened to the prelim CD on my way home from Susan's (my computer is having more identity issues and doesn't seem to believe that it has a D drive, so I'm borrowing Susan's), and I just shook my head and said NONONO! It was not right. Usually I spend MONTHS planning the perfect Valentine's CD. (Usually, too, I was supposed to be studying and found searching for the perfect song much more rewarding.) Anyway, I think I've fixed it all today, and finally can breathe a sigh of relief for a job well done. And this version won't leave people despondent and suicidal at the end. (KEY: If you choose to include depressing songs - sandwich them with happy ones!)
All that said: who wants a CD? Let me know. I have a list in my head, and if you read this and I know you, you're probably on it. But, heck, even if I don't know you - if you want a CD, let me know. I love to spread musical joydom.
ONWARD! I have a Career Planning Seminar tonight. I'm pretty dead-set on peds, but I want to see what this thing is all about. Plus, free dinner. Yum!
1. I'm done with call for peds, and after our ONE admission last night, I have a grand total of 3 patients that I admitted/saw while I was on call. Two of the interns I worked with woke up the next morning (after an almost page-less night) and called it their 'best call ever.' They call me a white cloud. Somehow, I think I annoyed my upper level, though, who I've never been on call with and who keeps having the world's WORST calls ever. While I'm happy to bring the white cloudness, I fear that it may backfire on me, and I'll develop a big ol' black cloud while I'm a resident... Time will tell.
2. My Valentine's CD! I 'finished' it the other night, but as I'd only put in 6 or so hours of work into it, it just didn't feel right. I listened to the prelim CD on my way home from Susan's (my computer is having more identity issues and doesn't seem to believe that it has a D drive, so I'm borrowing Susan's), and I just shook my head and said NONONO! It was not right. Usually I spend MONTHS planning the perfect Valentine's CD. (Usually, too, I was supposed to be studying and found searching for the perfect song much more rewarding.) Anyway, I think I've fixed it all today, and finally can breathe a sigh of relief for a job well done. And this version won't leave people despondent and suicidal at the end. (KEY: If you choose to include depressing songs - sandwich them with happy ones!)
All that said: who wants a CD? Let me know. I have a list in my head, and if you read this and I know you, you're probably on it. But, heck, even if I don't know you - if you want a CD, let me know. I love to spread musical joydom.
ONWARD! I have a Career Planning Seminar tonight. I'm pretty dead-set on peds, but I want to see what this thing is all about. Plus, free dinner. Yum!
Feb 14, 2005
I'd Rather Be Reading Jane Austen
I believe you belong in Pride and Prejudice; a
world of satire and true love. A world where
everything is crystal clear to the reader, and
yet where new things seem to be happening all
the time. You belong in a world where your
free-thought puts you above the silly masses,
and where bright eyes and intelligence are
enough to attract the arrogant
millionaire/prejudiced young woman of your
choice.
Which Classic Novel do You Belong In?
brought to you by Quizilla
HVD!
When you put Happy Valentine's Day into an acronym, it sounds kind of like an infectious disease. Huh.
HAPPY HEART DAY ONE AND ALL. Much love to all the peeps out there - family, friends, teachers, patients, people who sell me coffee... all those near and dear!
On another note, I've declared today to be National Stair/Stare Day! What happens on NS/SD? Let me elucidate: Today, all day, you either 1. take the stairs whenever you are moving from one floor to another or 2. Stare at someone on the elevator as you move from one floor to another.
I've generally been choosing "stair," and man! eight flights is a lot! Especially after lunch. But I'm not too keen on being that weird girl who is staring at everone on the elevator. But thems the rules, people, I didn't make them up. (oh, wait...I did...)
HVD and NS/SD!!!
HAPPY HEART DAY ONE AND ALL. Much love to all the peeps out there - family, friends, teachers, patients, people who sell me coffee... all those near and dear!
On another note, I've declared today to be National Stair/Stare Day! What happens on NS/SD? Let me elucidate: Today, all day, you either 1. take the stairs whenever you are moving from one floor to another or 2. Stare at someone on the elevator as you move from one floor to another.
I've generally been choosing "stair," and man! eight flights is a lot! Especially after lunch. But I'm not too keen on being that weird girl who is staring at everone on the elevator. But thems the rules, people, I didn't make them up. (oh, wait...I did...)
HVD and NS/SD!!!
Feb 13, 2005
Slow Motion Day
Yesterday, being the proactive person that I (sometimes) am, I made a schedule for today. It looked like this:
9-12: Study at Panera
12-2: Laundry and bills
2-4: YMCA, shower, etc.
4-11: Chill
Here's what has happened so far:
9-12: Sleeping. Every once in a while waking up, with a bad stomach ache
12-2: Up, lunch, watching TV, trying to make stomach ache go away
2-3: Shower, dress
3-3:30: Go to Panera to study, realize that their internet isn't working, leave
3:30-4: Come to school to study, mess around on the internet
Somehow, I haven't even made it onto my schedule for the day! I decided to no work out because my stomach still hurts - I blame it on my diet over the last few days. (Diet here meaning 'the food I've eaten' rather than 'an attempt to reduce caloric intake and improve health')
Sigh. I don't really feel like studying, but I figure I ought to do at least ONE thing from my list. I still do intend to do laundry. And bills. Eventually...
I'm in the Fishbowl right now, because all the private study areas are taken. This place is crawling with little first and second years... They must have a test or something coming up. It is weird to be back in here after so long. To think I used to practically live here! Thank goodness for change.
But right now, to make myself feel a bit better, I'm going to Google people that I didn't like in High School. Tee-hee! It always makes me feel good to find no references to them... Like they don't exist.
9-12: Study at Panera
12-2: Laundry and bills
2-4: YMCA, shower, etc.
4-11: Chill
Here's what has happened so far:
9-12: Sleeping. Every once in a while waking up, with a bad stomach ache
12-2: Up, lunch, watching TV, trying to make stomach ache go away
2-3: Shower, dress
3-3:30: Go to Panera to study, realize that their internet isn't working, leave
3:30-4: Come to school to study, mess around on the internet
Somehow, I haven't even made it onto my schedule for the day! I decided to no work out because my stomach still hurts - I blame it on my diet over the last few days. (Diet here meaning 'the food I've eaten' rather than 'an attempt to reduce caloric intake and improve health')
Sigh. I don't really feel like studying, but I figure I ought to do at least ONE thing from my list. I still do intend to do laundry. And bills. Eventually...
I'm in the Fishbowl right now, because all the private study areas are taken. This place is crawling with little first and second years... They must have a test or something coming up. It is weird to be back in here after so long. To think I used to practically live here! Thank goodness for change.
But right now, to make myself feel a bit better, I'm going to Google people that I didn't like in High School. Tee-hee! It always makes me feel good to find no references to them... Like they don't exist.
Feb 11, 2005
Friday!
I made it! It's officially my thirteenth day in a row. But tomorrow I GET TO SLEEP IN. I'm so happy I could cry.
Oh, yeah, and I'm going to the circus tonight!! What a fantastic day!
Oh, yeah, and I'm going to the circus tonight!! What a fantastic day!
Feb 8, 2005
PMS, a Primer
Assuming that half the world is of the male variety, and that a good number of women manage to control their hormonal ups-and-downs, I believe that I can safely say that more than half of the world does not personally know what PMS is like.
Folks, I am here to educate you.
Lesson One: When you're PMS-y, things annoy you more. Things like... drivers, traffic lights, girls on the elliptical trainer next to you at the Y talking really loud on their cell phone, old men on the elliptical trainer in front of you sweating buckets all over the floor, residents who smile too much, residents who talk too much, unit secretaries who won't answer your questions, and basically just... people.
Lesson Two: When you're PMS-y, you get teary at more things. Things like... little kids, patriotism, sports events, people being happy, people being sad, being tired, being frustrated, reallity television.
Lesson Three: When you're PMS-y, you say things you didn't even realize you were thinking. Usually kind of mean things. And usually when you're annoyed (see Lesson One).
That's enough for now. Maybe I'll write more later, but MAN The Amazing Race is FREAKING me out.
Folks, I am here to educate you.
Lesson One: When you're PMS-y, things annoy you more. Things like... drivers, traffic lights, girls on the elliptical trainer next to you at the Y talking really loud on their cell phone, old men on the elliptical trainer in front of you sweating buckets all over the floor, residents who smile too much, residents who talk too much, unit secretaries who won't answer your questions, and basically just... people.
Lesson Two: When you're PMS-y, you get teary at more things. Things like... little kids, patriotism, sports events, people being happy, people being sad, being tired, being frustrated, reallity television.
Lesson Three: When you're PMS-y, you say things you didn't even realize you were thinking. Usually kind of mean things. And usually when you're annoyed (see Lesson One).
That's enough for now. Maybe I'll write more later, but MAN The Amazing Race is FREAKING me out.
Feb 5, 2005
Back Where I Belong
Well, maybe anyway.
For the first time in over three months, I'm back on an inpatient service. It is easy to forget how different things are. I am on peds inpatient now, which is cool since I've decided that this is what I'm going to do with my life.
Today, however, I'm on call. And it is Saturday. And it is beautiful outside. And it is overnight call, so I'm here until tomorrow. And I have to be back on Monday, which means I'll be working twelve days straight by the time I reach next Friday. AND I'm having an 'I Feel Stupid' Day.
It started because I had no idea what to do this morning. I eventually got to the right place (not late, either), but everyone was SO grumpy! Even a fellow student who I have never, EVER seen even remotely CLOSE to being grumpy before. My team (of which I was the only one present at that time) got chastised for not keeping the list up to date. Then the upper level who had been on call proceeded to bash all of her fellow residents, most of whom I think are wonderful people.
Anyway, that just starts the day off on a bad note.
And then, I didn't have a red sheet done, I didn't know (still don't) what Bicitra is/does, and I just feel all-around incompetent. And this is going to last until tomorrow morning! ACK!
Sigh. Back to doing something... smart-seeming.
Why anyone is letting me be a doctor, I'll never know... Beware!!
(Ha-ha, not really! I'm sure I'll be feeling relatively smart again at some point...)
For the first time in over three months, I'm back on an inpatient service. It is easy to forget how different things are. I am on peds inpatient now, which is cool since I've decided that this is what I'm going to do with my life.
Today, however, I'm on call. And it is Saturday. And it is beautiful outside. And it is overnight call, so I'm here until tomorrow. And I have to be back on Monday, which means I'll be working twelve days straight by the time I reach next Friday. AND I'm having an 'I Feel Stupid' Day.
It started because I had no idea what to do this morning. I eventually got to the right place (not late, either), but everyone was SO grumpy! Even a fellow student who I have never, EVER seen even remotely CLOSE to being grumpy before. My team (of which I was the only one present at that time) got chastised for not keeping the list up to date. Then the upper level who had been on call proceeded to bash all of her fellow residents, most of whom I think are wonderful people.
Anyway, that just starts the day off on a bad note.
And then, I didn't have a red sheet done, I didn't know (still don't) what Bicitra is/does, and I just feel all-around incompetent. And this is going to last until tomorrow morning! ACK!
Sigh. Back to doing something... smart-seeming.
Why anyone is letting me be a doctor, I'll never know... Beware!!
(Ha-ha, not really! I'm sure I'll be feeling relatively smart again at some point...)
Feb 2, 2005
Jan 27, 2005
I Couldn't Find My Shoes
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...!
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 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...
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