Costa Rica has been great. I can hardly believe it is almost over. Only one more day for me and then it is back to the U.S. At least I will only have to be in freezing temps for one day before I head to AZ for the month of January. I am looking forward to it.
Last time I posted, I was getting ready to go horseback riding. That was quite an adventure. I saw tucans, a view of the Turrialba Volcano and a boa constrictor. Our guide actually picked it up...EWWWW. It was cool though. There were some great views on the trip. I had the chance to eat a macadamia nut right from the tree and sugar cane straight out of the field. YUMMY!
For Christmas weekend I went to a place called Corcovado. Its a national park with several different areas that have beach resorts. We stayed in a tent resort and spent lots of time in the sun. I was very nice since it rains in Turrialba quite a bit. In fact, we call it Turriagua. At Corcovado, I had the chance to see macaws, white faced monkeys and dolfins. I also saw many different fishe when I went snorkeling. I ate a termite (tastes like wood). Drank Guaro which is alcohol made of sugar cane. It tastes like Ouzo for those of you that have had that. For those of you that havent had it, I imagine that Guaro is good to use as a paint remover.
I had a laid back 30th birthday here in Costa Rica. My new friends and I headed out to a local bar and had a few drinks and good conversation. I had my birthday shot of tequila, complete with lime and a candle. And I got a nifty ashtray from the bartender. I even got gifts from my classmates and other friends. I got plantain chips with chile and lime flavor. They are sooo good. And some chocolate suckers. The best gifts I got were from Dianna. She made me bring my gifts with me to Costa Rica so I would have somehting to open on my birthday. I got two books. One on running for those people like myself who are not completely convinced that running is for them and another on triathlon training. I started the running one. I hope to use the info to start running again when I get to AZ.
That all in the world of my Costa Rican adventures. I hope to share all the great pics I will have when I get back.
Pura Vida!
Dr.T
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Yo estudio mucho español
Me gusto much La Turrialba. Im having a great time here in Costa Rica. My host family is great. Daniel, the older brother, at 11 years old, speaks English very well. He translates when the mom needs to say something she wants me to understand that she is unable to express in very simple spanish. The father in my family is an electrical engineer for the countrys power company. We have a little dog that likes to get into everything. His name is Skippy.
I have been on many adventures since I got here. My first day with the host family, there was a birthday party for a 3 year old girl at our house. That was a bit overwhelming since I spoke no spanish. Tuesday I went to a serpentarium. Yes, it is what is sounds like. A zoo for snakes and there were frogs too. It was actually pretty cool. Then I went to a graduation party for my host moms niece. Today I went canyoning, it involved rapelling down waterfalls, doing a zipline through the forest and walking over a rope bridge. I was a blast. Then, this evening, I just finished a dance class. There was a whole lot of butt shaking going on. I am glad I am going into medicine and not aspiring to become a dancer.
Tomorrow will be another great day. I will be horseback riding through some coffee plantations. It should be pretty neat. I cant wait to share y next round of adventures with you all.
Dr.T
I have been on many adventures since I got here. My first day with the host family, there was a birthday party for a 3 year old girl at our house. That was a bit overwhelming since I spoke no spanish. Tuesday I went to a serpentarium. Yes, it is what is sounds like. A zoo for snakes and there were frogs too. It was actually pretty cool. Then I went to a graduation party for my host moms niece. Today I went canyoning, it involved rapelling down waterfalls, doing a zipline through the forest and walking over a rope bridge. I was a blast. Then, this evening, I just finished a dance class. There was a whole lot of butt shaking going on. I am glad I am going into medicine and not aspiring to become a dancer.
Tomorrow will be another great day. I will be horseback riding through some coffee plantations. It should be pretty neat. I cant wait to share y next round of adventures with you all.
Dr.T
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Not so hot, but very wet
Rafting was a great time today. We had three guides...Ronald, Pablo and Luis. Luis was actually a kayaker who went ahead of our raft and made sure that it wasn´t too dangerous for us to pass. All the guys were great. Pablo was entertaining and constantly making jokes. I had the luxury of sitting in front of him, so I experienced splashes or helmet fulls of water rather often.
The river we were on was the Pacuare. It´s toward the Carribean side of CR. The weather was mild. Cloudy most of the time and sprinkled of and on. The view on both the 2.5 hour drive and along the river were awesome. Didn´t see too much wild life. Just a few birds. In the middle of the trip we stopped for lunch. The guides actually brought it along in this water proof barrel and then prepared it for us. Th place we stopped had these sleeping tents and a cabana type area for cooking and eating. We had to climb a good distance to get to the area, but the views from above were breath taking.
The rest of the trip was just a good as the beginning. Although, I was a bit more prunned at the end. I highly recommend rafting. It doesn´t have to be in Costa Rica, but it´s not a bad place to experience it.
Tomorrow I head of to Turrialba abd begin the stay with my host family. I am a little worried cause I don´t know ANY spanish, but I am also very much looking forward to it.
Dr.T
The river we were on was the Pacuare. It´s toward the Carribean side of CR. The weather was mild. Cloudy most of the time and sprinkled of and on. The view on both the 2.5 hour drive and along the river were awesome. Didn´t see too much wild life. Just a few birds. In the middle of the trip we stopped for lunch. The guides actually brought it along in this water proof barrel and then prepared it for us. Th place we stopped had these sleeping tents and a cabana type area for cooking and eating. We had to climb a good distance to get to the area, but the views from above were breath taking.
The rest of the trip was just a good as the beginning. Although, I was a bit more prunned at the end. I highly recommend rafting. It doesn´t have to be in Costa Rica, but it´s not a bad place to experience it.
Tomorrow I head of to Turrialba abd begin the stay with my host family. I am a little worried cause I don´t know ANY spanish, but I am also very much looking forward to it.
Dr.T
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica
I made it to CR safely on my non stop flight. Met my contact, Carlos and his wife, Francini, who was holding up a sign with MY name on it. That´s only the second time someone has done that for me. It was the first time it really counted. My friend Mari did it for me as a joke when I flew out to London to meet her while she was studying there. Then there was Carlen. And American who studied here in the past and was asked to return and help with the program. So she is living here for now, deciding if she wants to stick around. She´s a hoot. She´s very friendly. Very likeable. Easy to connect with. She drove me and the other two program partipants back to the house.
Right now I am staying in San Jose. I wont go to Turrialba (where my school is) until Sunday. The first evening here was pretty laid back. I walked down Avenida Central in San Jose to a local park with two other girls (Kristen and Sapna) who are part of the program. Kristen is a school psychologist from Oregon who is working on her PhD. She will be going to Turrialba with me. I like her so far. She´s actually a hoot with great stories to tell. I am glad she is going with me. Sapna is, not unlike myself, a fourth year medical student from Texas. She seems very intelligent (was eligible for Mensa as a child) and is very personable. She will be a great doctor.
On day two we headed on a walking tour of the city. There was so much to see. We went to the zoo, which takes only about an hour to walk through, but we saw the lions at feeding time. Note to self...I dont ever want to meet one of those things in the wild when it´s feeding time. We went into the National Theatre. It reminds me of Carnegie Hall, but seats about one third the number of people. And then there was the walking, and the walking, and the walking. Not sure if I told you all, but I have a sprained ankle, and usually I enjoy walking. But I was hurting yesterday. I was glad to get back to the house with my cerveza in hand.
Today´s activity...RIVER RAFTING!!!
Can´t wait.
Dr.T
Right now I am staying in San Jose. I wont go to Turrialba (where my school is) until Sunday. The first evening here was pretty laid back. I walked down Avenida Central in San Jose to a local park with two other girls (Kristen and Sapna) who are part of the program. Kristen is a school psychologist from Oregon who is working on her PhD. She will be going to Turrialba with me. I like her so far. She´s actually a hoot with great stories to tell. I am glad she is going with me. Sapna is, not unlike myself, a fourth year medical student from Texas. She seems very intelligent (was eligible for Mensa as a child) and is very personable. She will be a great doctor.
On day two we headed on a walking tour of the city. There was so much to see. We went to the zoo, which takes only about an hour to walk through, but we saw the lions at feeding time. Note to self...I dont ever want to meet one of those things in the wild when it´s feeding time. We went into the National Theatre. It reminds me of Carnegie Hall, but seats about one third the number of people. And then there was the walking, and the walking, and the walking. Not sure if I told you all, but I have a sprained ankle, and usually I enjoy walking. But I was hurting yesterday. I was glad to get back to the house with my cerveza in hand.
Today´s activity...RIVER RAFTING!!!
Can´t wait.
Dr.T
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Getting the heck out of Dodge!
I´m sitting in the JFK airport awaiting my flight to Costa Rica. I was picked up by the Super Shuttle at the nice early hour of 4:30AM. I am a morning person, but 4:30??? Geez! My flight isn´t til 8:30. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to this trip. Let me tell you how it came about.
I have been wanting to learn medical Spanish for quite some time. I was plannig to go somewhere tropical in April 2005 to learn it and enjoy my last few weeks of medical school. Recently, I had been contemplating whether or not to plan a relaxing, warm weather vacation for my winter break or to get ahead in my electives and spend time hanging out in the hospital. And then, about two and a half weeks ago, it hit me. I can vacation AND get elective credit. I started out wanting to go to S. America, namely Peru, but the plane tix were way too expensive. I began looking for less expensive Spanish speaking places. That´s when Costa Rica came to mind. I contacted a language shool that I had been eye balling a few months ago and said, "I know it´s late notice, but can I come study with you?" They said no prob. The whole process from coming up with the idea to go "somewhere" to purchasing my non-refundable plane ticket and giving a non-refundable deposit to the program took 4 days. I told myself I need to be more spontaneous...I hope this will be worth taking my own advice.
Most people I talked to about the trip asked who I would be travelling with. "No one" has been my answer, but I partially lied. I do a have a travel companion. His name is Gil- my big green back pack. Large enough to fit a average sized dismembered body in. Maybe even two if you zip open the extendable compartment. Not sure why I am referencing things only a serial killer should be able to identify with. I assure that I don´t know this from first hand experience. And if you ask me for the brand and model number for Gil, I will become very concerned.
So here are the answers to the other questions you are probably asking right now:
You´re gonna be there for Christmas?
Yes, and my birthday. I´ll return New Years Eve. Early enough to still ring in the new year in Manhattan with Erin, at my friend Christine´s in Brewster, NY or with my Sis Dianna in CT. I have yet to decide.
Where are you staying?
With people I have yet to meet. I am participating in a homestay program to really immerse myself in the experience. All I know of my "family" there is Ana Lia (mom), Claudio (dad) and I have two brothers I always wanted, Luis(11 years old) and Javier (8 years old).
Well, until the update from CR itself, that´s all I have to say.
Adios Amigos!
Dr.T
I have been wanting to learn medical Spanish for quite some time. I was plannig to go somewhere tropical in April 2005 to learn it and enjoy my last few weeks of medical school. Recently, I had been contemplating whether or not to plan a relaxing, warm weather vacation for my winter break or to get ahead in my electives and spend time hanging out in the hospital. And then, about two and a half weeks ago, it hit me. I can vacation AND get elective credit. I started out wanting to go to S. America, namely Peru, but the plane tix were way too expensive. I began looking for less expensive Spanish speaking places. That´s when Costa Rica came to mind. I contacted a language shool that I had been eye balling a few months ago and said, "I know it´s late notice, but can I come study with you?" They said no prob. The whole process from coming up with the idea to go "somewhere" to purchasing my non-refundable plane ticket and giving a non-refundable deposit to the program took 4 days. I told myself I need to be more spontaneous...I hope this will be worth taking my own advice.
Most people I talked to about the trip asked who I would be travelling with. "No one" has been my answer, but I partially lied. I do a have a travel companion. His name is Gil- my big green back pack. Large enough to fit a average sized dismembered body in. Maybe even two if you zip open the extendable compartment. Not sure why I am referencing things only a serial killer should be able to identify with. I assure that I don´t know this from first hand experience. And if you ask me for the brand and model number for Gil, I will become very concerned.
So here are the answers to the other questions you are probably asking right now:
You´re gonna be there for Christmas?
Yes, and my birthday. I´ll return New Years Eve. Early enough to still ring in the new year in Manhattan with Erin, at my friend Christine´s in Brewster, NY or with my Sis Dianna in CT. I have yet to decide.
Where are you staying?
With people I have yet to meet. I am participating in a homestay program to really immerse myself in the experience. All I know of my "family" there is Ana Lia (mom), Claudio (dad) and I have two brothers I always wanted, Luis(11 years old) and Javier (8 years old).
Well, until the update from CR itself, that´s all I have to say.
Adios Amigos!
Dr.T
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Airplane Buddies
Sorry its been a while folks. I have been busy writing the script for the next chapter in my life.
So here is the first of many "more on that later" updates.
My airplane fun from a few weeks ago began when I was on my way to Orlando. I was seated next to a tall, black gentleman sitting in a nice business suit. I was in the window seat, he sat in the middle. The aisle seat remained empty. As the plane continued to board, we glanced at each other with that, I hope no one else sits here so we can spread out look. As we waited for the "The main cabin door has been closed. Please turn off all cellular phone and electronic devices" announcement, we started chit chatting.
"Off to Orlando?"
"yup."
"Business or are you from there?"
"Business, I just changed jobs and am going dowm for some training."
"Have you been to Orlando before"
"I've taken the Family. We go every year. But on the last trip I decided I was going to Vegas and they could go to Disneyworld."
And so it began. A non-stop conversation on a non-stop flight from DC to Orlando.
I learned how much I enjoyed listening to what goes on in people's lives. And also, how uninterested many people are in others' lives.
Coach Chris got his name when he started a community track club in Northern VA. His son was in middle school at the time and had competed a little bt and done very well. So someone recommended to Coach Chris that he put his son on a youth track team and if there wasnt one in his area, he should start one to get his son some exposure as he got older. Well, now it is a full club that takes kids around the country to compete in track competitions and even the Junior Olympics.
Chris son is a great track athlete, but like your average teenage high schooler, he's a bit lazy, sometimes irresponsible Like the time he left his track shoes behind before a national competition), has a need to be cool (I can't get grades that are too good. I dont want people to think I am a geek.) Is that what its like to be a teenager these days?
The last thing that I found interesting about Chris, is that he was willing to share some personal stuff with me... a complete stranger! HE told me how he had just reunited with his dad over Thanksgiving weekend after several years. He was in tears as he told me about it. I can't remember why he hadn't spoken with his dad. But he was glad to have him back in his life.
My other airplane companion was the first class guy who had never flown first class. He was just as much a kid in a candy store as I was about the whole thing. We spoke about life in general. Why we have accepted it as ok that our kids listen to lyrics with swear words or that talk about "my hoes and my bitches". I am not sure why. The changing society, the changing norms. It used to not be ok to get a divorce. Now no one whinces much when it gets announced. I still whince. It's NOT ok!
That's it for now. I am off to Costa Rica tomorrow for two weeks. I will be doing an intensive spanish course for the time I am there. Should be fun...and warm! Yay!
Until then.
Dr. T
So here is the first of many "more on that later" updates.
My airplane fun from a few weeks ago began when I was on my way to Orlando. I was seated next to a tall, black gentleman sitting in a nice business suit. I was in the window seat, he sat in the middle. The aisle seat remained empty. As the plane continued to board, we glanced at each other with that, I hope no one else sits here so we can spread out look. As we waited for the "The main cabin door has been closed. Please turn off all cellular phone and electronic devices" announcement, we started chit chatting.
"Off to Orlando?"
"yup."
"Business or are you from there?"
"Business, I just changed jobs and am going dowm for some training."
"Have you been to Orlando before"
"I've taken the Family. We go every year. But on the last trip I decided I was going to Vegas and they could go to Disneyworld."
And so it began. A non-stop conversation on a non-stop flight from DC to Orlando.
I learned how much I enjoyed listening to what goes on in people's lives. And also, how uninterested many people are in others' lives.
Coach Chris got his name when he started a community track club in Northern VA. His son was in middle school at the time and had competed a little bt and done very well. So someone recommended to Coach Chris that he put his son on a youth track team and if there wasnt one in his area, he should start one to get his son some exposure as he got older. Well, now it is a full club that takes kids around the country to compete in track competitions and even the Junior Olympics.
Chris son is a great track athlete, but like your average teenage high schooler, he's a bit lazy, sometimes irresponsible Like the time he left his track shoes behind before a national competition), has a need to be cool (I can't get grades that are too good. I dont want people to think I am a geek.) Is that what its like to be a teenager these days?
The last thing that I found interesting about Chris, is that he was willing to share some personal stuff with me... a complete stranger! HE told me how he had just reunited with his dad over Thanksgiving weekend after several years. He was in tears as he told me about it. I can't remember why he hadn't spoken with his dad. But he was glad to have him back in his life.
My other airplane companion was the first class guy who had never flown first class. He was just as much a kid in a candy store as I was about the whole thing. We spoke about life in general. Why we have accepted it as ok that our kids listen to lyrics with swear words or that talk about "my hoes and my bitches". I am not sure why. The changing society, the changing norms. It used to not be ok to get a divorce. Now no one whinces much when it gets announced. I still whince. It's NOT ok!
That's it for now. I am off to Costa Rica tomorrow for two weeks. I will be doing an intensive spanish course for the time I am there. Should be fun...and warm! Yay!
Until then.
Dr. T
Saturday, December 04, 2004
All I Want for Christmas...
As you all should have figured out by now, while I am what I would consider a pretty low maintenance friend and family member, I can be one of the toughest people to shop for when it comes to getting gifts.
This year I have decided to challenge you all (even if you aren't someone who would have normally bought me a gift) to donate to your favorite charity this holiday season or get a gift for a Holiday Angel, or adopt a family in your office or with your own family.
For those of you that would normally get me a Christmas gift, I ask that you take on this task in lieu of presents for me.
Once you have completed this mission, I would love hear about what you did. Please post on the website about whose holiday season you made brighter. Or what it felt like to give to those in need.
So, in keeping with the tradition of making a Christmas wish list, I am listing a few charities that I wish would get some support this holiday season.
Tamieka's Christmas Wish List
for donations of time or money or gifts to the following groups:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Tucson, AZ
Christmas Angel Tree found at most local malls
Serve Christmas Dinner at your local soup kitchen
Donate your old coats and blankets to the homeless
Genesis Youth Center- short-term 12 bed facility for children who have endured the negative effects of violence, neglect or sexual abuse. P.O. Box 546, 535 Hornor Ave, Clarksburg, WV 26302
Please feel free to post names of groups and charities that you would like to see be helped by some of the people that visit my site.
And dont forget to tell us who you helped this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
Dr. T
This year I have decided to challenge you all (even if you aren't someone who would have normally bought me a gift) to donate to your favorite charity this holiday season or get a gift for a Holiday Angel, or adopt a family in your office or with your own family.
For those of you that would normally get me a Christmas gift, I ask that you take on this task in lieu of presents for me.
Once you have completed this mission, I would love hear about what you did. Please post on the website about whose holiday season you made brighter. Or what it felt like to give to those in need.
So, in keeping with the tradition of making a Christmas wish list, I am listing a few charities that I wish would get some support this holiday season.
Tamieka's Christmas Wish List
for donations of time or money or gifts to the following groups:
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Tucson, AZ
Christmas Angel Tree found at most local malls
Serve Christmas Dinner at your local soup kitchen
Donate your old coats and blankets to the homeless
Genesis Youth Center- short-term 12 bed facility for children who have endured the negative effects of violence, neglect or sexual abuse. P.O. Box 546, 535 Hornor Ave, Clarksburg, WV 26302
Please feel free to post names of groups and charities that you would like to see be helped by some of the people that visit my site.
And dont forget to tell us who you helped this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
Dr. T
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Life as a "First Class" Citizen
I wrote part of this on paper as I was traveling up the east coast Tuesday night. All I had was a pencil. I hate writing with pencil. But things were coming to mind and had to be written while they were fresh. So here it goes.
I'm sitting on a plane enroute to Pittsburgh or Philly. They become one in the same when you are simply passing through. La Guardia is my final destination. I am a first classer for the first time in my life. My flight through Charlotte was delayed for at least 2 hours, so I asked if they could get to my New York any other way since I would have missed my connecting flight. I was put on the next thing smokin' out of there. "Here you go. Seat 2F. It's in First Class." I wanted to be like a kid who just found out she was going to Disneyland and say something like, "Oh boy!" or "SWEET!" But I nicely thanked the guy and went to the plane. I pretended like I really knew what I was doing and that I flew that way all the time. I ordered wine when they asked for my beverage order, and knew how to pull out the fancy tray tables and drink holders when the time came cause I had scoped it out when I sat down. The guy next to me seemed to do everything I did, including order red wine, but he did it about five seconds after me. Later, I realized, it was his first time there too. His dividend miles were going to expire soon, so as his family sat behind the curtain, he tried to recover from yet another trip to Disney World with the family. I don't remember his name, but he is an engineer. We'll call him, Engineer Eric for now. More on him later. I alos have a story of Coach Chris from my flight down to to Florida
Daytona was great. Right at the beach. Nice folks. Beautiful weather for most of the year. And when its ridiculously hot and humid...there's the beach. I think I may miss having four seasons if I were there. But I do love my sun. So now there are three programs I have seen that are all tied for first for their own reasons. Moses Cone in Greensboro, NC. Lawrence in Massachusetts and now Halifax in Daytona. I'll have to give you all the whole rank list run down sometime.
Unfortuantely time is calling and I have to head off to my Geriatrics rotation. Look for my next post about my conversations with Coach Chris and Engineer Eric.
I'm sitting on a plane enroute to Pittsburgh or Philly. They become one in the same when you are simply passing through. La Guardia is my final destination. I am a first classer for the first time in my life. My flight through Charlotte was delayed for at least 2 hours, so I asked if they could get to my New York any other way since I would have missed my connecting flight. I was put on the next thing smokin' out of there. "Here you go. Seat 2F. It's in First Class." I wanted to be like a kid who just found out she was going to Disneyland and say something like, "Oh boy!" or "SWEET!" But I nicely thanked the guy and went to the plane. I pretended like I really knew what I was doing and that I flew that way all the time. I ordered wine when they asked for my beverage order, and knew how to pull out the fancy tray tables and drink holders when the time came cause I had scoped it out when I sat down. The guy next to me seemed to do everything I did, including order red wine, but he did it about five seconds after me. Later, I realized, it was his first time there too. His dividend miles were going to expire soon, so as his family sat behind the curtain, he tried to recover from yet another trip to Disney World with the family. I don't remember his name, but he is an engineer. We'll call him, Engineer Eric for now. More on him later. I alos have a story of Coach Chris from my flight down to to Florida
Daytona was great. Right at the beach. Nice folks. Beautiful weather for most of the year. And when its ridiculously hot and humid...there's the beach. I think I may miss having four seasons if I were there. But I do love my sun. So now there are three programs I have seen that are all tied for first for their own reasons. Moses Cone in Greensboro, NC. Lawrence in Massachusetts and now Halifax in Daytona. I'll have to give you all the whole rank list run down sometime.
Unfortuantely time is calling and I have to head off to my Geriatrics rotation. Look for my next post about my conversations with Coach Chris and Engineer Eric.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Daytona or Bust!
I am sitting at Panorama Flight Service (my part time job) this morning. I do customer service here. It's also where I got my private pilot's license. They asked if I could come and fill in for a few hours this morning. What better way to pass the time before my next travelling adventure than to get up at 4:30am so that I could work at 6am? I can think of nothing more exciting. RIGHT!
I am off to Daytona, FL for an interview today. It's with a program called Halifax. This is my "How fun would it be to live at the beach?!" interview. I don't know that I REALLY want to move to Florida, but the program actually sounded like it has a lot of what I am looking for in a residency. Getting there should be interesting on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I will be among all of the people who couldn't get back home on Sunday. So I imagine that the airport will still be a little hectic. There is definitely something to be said about being able to check in and print your tickets online ahead of time and then not having any checked luggage. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!
Also on my list of things to do in this life is take up a sports hobby. I need something that keeps me active, but doesn't necessarily require me to be part of a team. I have considered doing a marathon, but I get bored just running 2 miles. So my next thought is taking up triathalon training. Seems like I wouldn't get too bored since I can mix up my routine quite a bit. It's a little more expensive than just running. I need to buy a bike and helmet, a swim suit and swim cap and a wet suit, and then I've already got my running shoes. We shall see. I may just stick to running...but never a marathon. 5k's are more my cup of tea. I couls even see myself doing a 10K, but the 26.2 miles of a marathon I just don't see in my future. My friend/sister Dianna ran in the Hartford Marathon in October. Check out her blog site and her running adventures at www.runningchick.blogspot.com.
If you have any suggestions for how to attain and then maintain my girlish figure, feel free to pass them along.
Dr. T
I am off to Daytona, FL for an interview today. It's with a program called Halifax. This is my "How fun would it be to live at the beach?!" interview. I don't know that I REALLY want to move to Florida, but the program actually sounded like it has a lot of what I am looking for in a residency. Getting there should be interesting on the Monday after Thanksgiving. I will be among all of the people who couldn't get back home on Sunday. So I imagine that the airport will still be a little hectic. There is definitely something to be said about being able to check in and print your tickets online ahead of time and then not having any checked luggage. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!
Also on my list of things to do in this life is take up a sports hobby. I need something that keeps me active, but doesn't necessarily require me to be part of a team. I have considered doing a marathon, but I get bored just running 2 miles. So my next thought is taking up triathalon training. Seems like I wouldn't get too bored since I can mix up my routine quite a bit. It's a little more expensive than just running. I need to buy a bike and helmet, a swim suit and swim cap and a wet suit, and then I've already got my running shoes. We shall see. I may just stick to running...but never a marathon. 5k's are more my cup of tea. I couls even see myself doing a 10K, but the 26.2 miles of a marathon I just don't see in my future. My friend/sister Dianna ran in the Hartford Marathon in October. Check out her blog site and her running adventures at www.runningchick.blogspot.com.
If you have any suggestions for how to attain and then maintain my girlish figure, feel free to pass them along.
Dr. T
Saturday, November 27, 2004
The Single Girls Club
I promised an explaination about this SGC thing I've been talking about, so here it is.
Somewhere back in the first or second year of medical school, a few of us ladies, unhappy with the state of our dating lives, decided to start the Single Girls Club. It was origianlly comprised of myself, my friend Tessa and another classmate, Kate. Well, when I mentioned name of the club, they seemed all excited an ready to take it on, but I don't think they really thougth I was serious. Kate kind of dropped off, and Tessa was still on board, an we were able to recruit my friends Erin and Danielle shortly thereafter. There were no rules, no official membership, no real agenda.
We all met up at a local bar, talked about our love lives, or lack thereof. Wings, onion rings and beer were the fare for the night, and so began our tradition of wings, 'rings and beer for every meeting. Erin has the wimpy palate so she gets 'em naked (the wings). No sauce for her. Danielle and I are a bit more daring, so we generally get the hot. Just the way we like our guys...HOT and NAKED!!! Notice no mention of our dear friend Tessa in all of this. Yes, well, Tessa missed enough meetings (she really only came to the first) that the other three of us decided..."Thanks for playing, you can apply again later." Not sure what our rule is on attendance or reinstatement for that matter. We pretty much make it up as we go along.
The next rule came when our the lovely Danielle began dating a man that we dubbed "Pizza Boy." She should have been studying pathology, but instead she was taking an extended study break, a.k.a. procrastinating, at one of the local pizza joints. Started chatting with Pizza Boy and next thing we know, she going to the movies, out to dinner, getting a little somethin' somethin', yada, yada, yada...HMMMM. So, if you are dating, are you allowed to still be part of the SGC??? It IS the SINGLE Girls Club, afterall. Well, Erin and I debated about this and before we could make a decision, Danielle took initiative. Just like a good club member should, she wrote us a letter of why she should be allowed to remain a part of the SGC. Or maybe that letter came when she was dating Priest Boy...She sent the poor man to the priesthood. He's out now. Anyway, she wrote us a lovely "reasons why she should be allowed to remain in the SGC, even though she wasnt single" letter. Erin and I read it, thought about it and without too much resistance, decided to keep Danielle. Besides, its not much of a club with only two members.
So, as I see it, the real stick to it, follow through founding members of the SGC are Erin, Danielle and myself. Here we are:
Rule #3 One who is not single may become an honorary member if we like you enough to want to drink beer with you and share our wings and 'rings. We have had many occassions where our married, happily dating and unhappily married friends have joined us. It makes for a nice break from our usual boy stories and med school gossip. Actually, it usually adds to the med school gossip, but gives us some good perspective on how the in love people live.
Well, that the intro to the SGC. I hope to get Erin and Danielle to add to this. So if you are single and looking for a good woman, we have three right here for you.
Erin- Athletic, participates in triathlons and will be completing a marathon in the spring with Team in Training. She wants to be an OB/GYN shen she grows up.
Danielle- Athletic. Was a collegiate softball player. Comes from a great Italian family and can make a mean pot of gravy. (that means red sauce or spaghetti sauce). She wants to be a Pediatrician when she grows up.
Tamieka- Athletic. Has done amatuer boxing and played rugby at SUNY Buffalo. Enjoys the adventurous life like motorcycle riding, being a pilot, and scuba diving. She wants to be a Family Physician when she grows up.
So here's a short, but not all inclusive listing of some people that have been able to enjoy some SGC time.
Potential Members- (not sure how we make them official members) Cristin, Rena, Ivy
Honorary members (and reason why they are honorary)- Laura (married), Alex (has a penis), Lorna (married)
Somewhere back in the first or second year of medical school, a few of us ladies, unhappy with the state of our dating lives, decided to start the Single Girls Club. It was origianlly comprised of myself, my friend Tessa and another classmate, Kate. Well, when I mentioned name of the club, they seemed all excited an ready to take it on, but I don't think they really thougth I was serious. Kate kind of dropped off, and Tessa was still on board, an we were able to recruit my friends Erin and Danielle shortly thereafter. There were no rules, no official membership, no real agenda.
We all met up at a local bar, talked about our love lives, or lack thereof. Wings, onion rings and beer were the fare for the night, and so began our tradition of wings, 'rings and beer for every meeting. Erin has the wimpy palate so she gets 'em naked (the wings). No sauce for her. Danielle and I are a bit more daring, so we generally get the hot. Just the way we like our guys...HOT and NAKED!!! Notice no mention of our dear friend Tessa in all of this. Yes, well, Tessa missed enough meetings (she really only came to the first) that the other three of us decided..."Thanks for playing, you can apply again later." Not sure what our rule is on attendance or reinstatement for that matter. We pretty much make it up as we go along.
The next rule came when our the lovely Danielle began dating a man that we dubbed "Pizza Boy." She should have been studying pathology, but instead she was taking an extended study break, a.k.a. procrastinating, at one of the local pizza joints. Started chatting with Pizza Boy and next thing we know, she going to the movies, out to dinner, getting a little somethin' somethin', yada, yada, yada...HMMMM. So, if you are dating, are you allowed to still be part of the SGC??? It IS the SINGLE Girls Club, afterall. Well, Erin and I debated about this and before we could make a decision, Danielle took initiative. Just like a good club member should, she wrote us a letter of why she should be allowed to remain a part of the SGC. Or maybe that letter came when she was dating Priest Boy...She sent the poor man to the priesthood. He's out now. Anyway, she wrote us a lovely "reasons why she should be allowed to remain in the SGC, even though she wasnt single" letter. Erin and I read it, thought about it and without too much resistance, decided to keep Danielle. Besides, its not much of a club with only two members.
So, as I see it, the real stick to it, follow through founding members of the SGC are Erin, Danielle and myself. Here we are:
Rule #3 One who is not single may become an honorary member if we like you enough to want to drink beer with you and share our wings and 'rings. We have had many occassions where our married, happily dating and unhappily married friends have joined us. It makes for a nice break from our usual boy stories and med school gossip. Actually, it usually adds to the med school gossip, but gives us some good perspective on how the in love people live.
Well, that the intro to the SGC. I hope to get Erin and Danielle to add to this. So if you are single and looking for a good woman, we have three right here for you.
Erin- Athletic, participates in triathlons and will be completing a marathon in the spring with Team in Training. She wants to be an OB/GYN shen she grows up.
Danielle- Athletic. Was a collegiate softball player. Comes from a great Italian family and can make a mean pot of gravy. (that means red sauce or spaghetti sauce). She wants to be a Pediatrician when she grows up.
Tamieka- Athletic. Has done amatuer boxing and played rugby at SUNY Buffalo. Enjoys the adventurous life like motorcycle riding, being a pilot, and scuba diving. She wants to be a Family Physician when she grows up.
So here's a short, but not all inclusive listing of some people that have been able to enjoy some SGC time.
Potential Members- (not sure how we make them official members) Cristin, Rena, Ivy
Honorary members (and reason why they are honorary)- Laura (married), Alex (has a penis), Lorna (married)
Monday, November 15, 2004
Great to know...
It's great to know I have friends out there who I was sure had long forgotten me. People I haven't spoken with in a year or more, but who I met as long as 20 years ago. Thanks for letting me know you were still out there. Still plugging along in world of business and work til you're too tired to deal with friends and family. Its hard, I am just as guilty as the next person of forgetting to take time for myself and my friends. Don't forget that the work will still need to be done whether its today or tomorrow, but you never know if your friends will still be there. So call, e-mail, snail mail someone today.
Dr. T
Dr. T
A Day in the Life
Life is great today! I had one of the best weekends in a while. The only thing that would have topped it off would have been an SGC meeting. I decided to forego a few social activities this weeknd in order to make it back to N. Windham, CT (my home base for now) in rain and sleet. It was one of those times where I hadn't been back to base in a while and needed to go, regroup, relax and do laundry. I arrived mid-afternoon on Fri met by Jake and Darren (the doggies) and the house guest, Riley. Two dogs are pretty manageable, but three is definitely pushing it. Anyway, I relaxed with the doggies, sorted through weeks worth of mail that had piled up. Bills, junk, magazines, residency info... My sister Dianna arrived (yes I am an only child...more at a later date) any way, she arrived a little after five and we decided to do Chinese take out for dinner while catching up, enjoying each others company and keeping Darren from killing the house guest. I wathced TV with Di until my eyelids were so heavy that you needed a pulley to keep them open. Bed time for me.
I awoke the next day to 3 INCHES OF SNOW...yes, 3 maybe even 4. More than I am ready for. I am in denial about the winter being here. I wore only a sweatshirt for warmth up until this day. Winter is here...no more denying it. Out comes the peacoat, away go the open back shoes. SIGH... But, it was a pretty snow. The dogs were happy and I was to, cause I was there to enjoy it. My day way great again. We relaxed on the couch til noon, watching tv and keeping each other entertained, then it was time to wake up Di's husband Jason, he's like my older brother that hasn't outgrown his late teens. We sent the dogs to go wake up 'daddy'.
Jason and I had kicked around the idea of doing homebrew. I did it back in March with my friend Scotty mentoring me, but I was ready to do my own. We called up our friend Brace and it was on. I had a date with two guys for Sunday to make homemade beer. After a trip to the natural foods store to get most of the brew supplies, we were off to see "The Incredibles". I highly recommend it. But dont eat too much popcorn and M&Ms...I think my stomach still hurts. We topped off the day with homemade chicken soup (thanks Dianna) and a relaxing evening at home, among friends.
Then there was Sunday...Brew day...I was up at 7:30a and Jason couldn't wake up soon enough for me. It was probably close to 10 when he quit hitting the snooze buttong and we called Brace and the day began. Remember that little thing about forgetting something on a trip??? Well, I forgot something for the brew...The grain! Very important ingredient. We had a few more things to get together for the brew so we made lists and and Brace and I headed to the natural foods store for some barley while Jason was off to the hardware store for some homemade brew items. The brewing was fun. Hopefully it will ferment. We left Jason in charge of keeping the temp and making sure it is fermenting. I'm a little anal when it comes to projects I am involved in and really wish I were there to read the thermometer twice a day and see if there are bubbles in the airlock...I know, simple tasks, but we've all been in group projects where you just want to do it yourself instead of trusting someone else.
Ok, so the brew is started and my weekend has yet to end. My friend Ivy is leaving me on Thurs and since I will be leaving for NC again tomorrow and not returning til Fri, we had a little going away dinner for her. It was myself, Ivy, Rena, Michelle, Neil and Mickey O. Fun time at the Cheesecake Factory with the waiter from Indiana who moved here cause he was at a cousins wedding and someone told him there was tons to do here and he stayed. Been here since June.
Well, I think thats enough for now. There's so much I want to tell and share with everyone. My trip to NC last week, my boy issues, my Single Girls Club, life in general. Stay tuned for more fun. If there is something in particular you want to hear about, feel free to let me know.
Until next time,
Dr. T
I awoke the next day to 3 INCHES OF SNOW...yes, 3 maybe even 4. More than I am ready for. I am in denial about the winter being here. I wore only a sweatshirt for warmth up until this day. Winter is here...no more denying it. Out comes the peacoat, away go the open back shoes. SIGH... But, it was a pretty snow. The dogs were happy and I was to, cause I was there to enjoy it. My day way great again. We relaxed on the couch til noon, watching tv and keeping each other entertained, then it was time to wake up Di's husband Jason, he's like my older brother that hasn't outgrown his late teens. We sent the dogs to go wake up 'daddy'.
Jason and I had kicked around the idea of doing homebrew. I did it back in March with my friend Scotty mentoring me, but I was ready to do my own. We called up our friend Brace and it was on. I had a date with two guys for Sunday to make homemade beer. After a trip to the natural foods store to get most of the brew supplies, we were off to see "The Incredibles". I highly recommend it. But dont eat too much popcorn and M&Ms...I think my stomach still hurts. We topped off the day with homemade chicken soup (thanks Dianna) and a relaxing evening at home, among friends.
Then there was Sunday...Brew day...I was up at 7:30a and Jason couldn't wake up soon enough for me. It was probably close to 10 when he quit hitting the snooze buttong and we called Brace and the day began. Remember that little thing about forgetting something on a trip??? Well, I forgot something for the brew...The grain! Very important ingredient. We had a few more things to get together for the brew so we made lists and and Brace and I headed to the natural foods store for some barley while Jason was off to the hardware store for some homemade brew items. The brewing was fun. Hopefully it will ferment. We left Jason in charge of keeping the temp and making sure it is fermenting. I'm a little anal when it comes to projects I am involved in and really wish I were there to read the thermometer twice a day and see if there are bubbles in the airlock...I know, simple tasks, but we've all been in group projects where you just want to do it yourself instead of trusting someone else.
Ok, so the brew is started and my weekend has yet to end. My friend Ivy is leaving me on Thurs and since I will be leaving for NC again tomorrow and not returning til Fri, we had a little going away dinner for her. It was myself, Ivy, Rena, Michelle, Neil and Mickey O. Fun time at the Cheesecake Factory with the waiter from Indiana who moved here cause he was at a cousins wedding and someone told him there was tons to do here and he stayed. Been here since June.
Well, I think thats enough for now. There's so much I want to tell and share with everyone. My trip to NC last week, my boy issues, my Single Girls Club, life in general. Stay tuned for more fun. If there is something in particular you want to hear about, feel free to let me know.
Until next time,
Dr. T
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
This Ain't Yankee territory!
Greetings from North Carolina. The events of the last several weeks have been quite interesting for me. As I alluded to in my last post, I have been traveling the country for various reasons. This turned out to be a long writing session...So bear with me...they wont all be this long.
For those who aren't aware, I am involved very heavily with Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs) and serve as the National FMIG Coordinator for the American Academy of Family Physicians. I was elected to this position this summer. My friend Jocquese did a long distance "it's the night before I have to give a campaign speech and I have no idea how to put my thoughts into words" coaching session. He has a way with words thanks to his law background. Anyway, in this position I oversee the Regional FMIG coordinators who are in direct contact with the FMIGs at all the medical schools in the country. I get to do some traveling for presentations at various conferences around the country. This took me to Orlando in early October. I had never been there before or to Florida for that matter. It was alright...not much going on but quite a number of tourists. No mouse sightings. The two best parts of the trip were that my grandmother and her sister were able to join me and hang out with me for a few days and that I rented a Harley for 2days. That was fun. I woke up early one morning, before the sun came up and got on the bike to head east. and east, and east...not that east is really that far in Florida, but it seems like it at 6 in the morning. Anyway, I headed east to see the sun rise at Cocoa Beach. It was pretty cool. About a 50-60 mile ride. Then I headed up to the Kennedy Space Center and thought I might check it out til I saw the entry fee was about $50 bucks...Thats ok, I just took picts at the entrance and got back on the bike to Orlando. I did see my first wild crocodile on the way back, or maybe it was an alligator...which ever one doesn't have the pointy mouth. He or she was just hanging in a swampy area about 20 feet of the side of the road. That was a great way to top off my riding adventure.
So, after Orlando I returned to CT (I'm staying with some family there) for a few days. Then it was off to Phoenix. Met up with some old friends for 2 days, then went out to San Jose, CA to see my friends Matt and Patty and their new baby boy, Silas. What a cutie he is!!! I am so excited to be his Auntie Meeka. I just wish I were closer so I could see him grow up. And get to hang with his way cool parents. I took a little side trip to San Francisco and Sonoma with my mom since she happened to be there for a conference. Have you ever been wine tasting? It was my first time...The biggest thing I learned from the trip is eat before you go and bring some snacks for the car. Not sure if I should have been driving back to SF from Sonoma or not. And I didnt even drink all the wine they gave me. I took about a sip of most and pour the rest into the discard bucket. But I did have fun.
After that trip I once again returned to CT mostly to do laundry and repack my suitcase. And off to Valhalla, NY I went for a couple of days before my next trip. So it was a weekend of pretty much non-stop drinking. I think it was 5 days in a row I consumed enough alcohol so that I felt like I should be asking myself the C.A.G.E. questionnaire. It was a fun 5 days. Now keep in mind that I was also attending and presenting at a conference in Rye, NY over this same weekend. A party in Danbury, CT on fri. Then the annual Halloween Party at my boss' house in Brewster, NY on Sat. A Sunday afternoon quarter poker game in Norwalk, CT...I can't do laundry for 2 months now. When I ran out of quarters I decided to keep the wine bottle company while watching everyone else play. This brings us to Monday...following my orientation for the NYC marathon medical team, we decided to meet some friends in Manhattan for a few beers and some pool. Tuesday rolled around and I spent a night out for the Single Girls Club (SGC), more on that in a later post.
Things brings us to my most recent soon to be string if new cities I will have been in. I headed off to Anderson, SC for a residency interview. Anderson was nice and quaint. The people were friendly. But I was glad to get back to NY.
I spent the weekend with my friend Erin (one of the original SGC members) and some of my new 1st year med student friends. Again, way too much alcohol consumed. We all worked the ING NYC Marathon Sunday morning providing medical care. That was fun. I was stationed at the finish line this year. I was at mile 20 last year, which was a bit more interesting because I was able to actually see people in the race. The finish line medical tent was set up in a way that I didnt get to see any of the finish line. Only what becomes of people after they cross the finish line.
So that brings me to North Carolina...my current place of being. I am writing from the O. Henry hotel business center computer. I am here for an interview with Moses Cone Family Medicine residency program. I just returned from a great evening out with some of the current residents and another interviewee. Very friendly people they have here in Greensboro. And a cute little city with greenery and lawns. A slight contrast from the concrete of Manhattan that I was in yesterday. I like it so far, we shall see what the interview holds for me tomorrow.
Of course no trip is complete in my world without something not quite going right. You know when you pack for a trip and you're thinking 'I know I'm forgetting something'? Well, if its a toothbrush or comb, no biggie, you drop another $2 and you're back in business...Well, I forgot my dressy shoes to go with my interview suit. All I had was my sneakers. So needless to say, my first stop after I checked in to the O. Henry was to the mall that was conveniently located across the street. I was able to get my black shoes (and 2 other pair) before heading off to dinner with the residents from the program. Life goes on, shoes or not and mine shall too...
Until next time...
Dr. T
For those who aren't aware, I am involved very heavily with Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs) and serve as the National FMIG Coordinator for the American Academy of Family Physicians. I was elected to this position this summer. My friend Jocquese did a long distance "it's the night before I have to give a campaign speech and I have no idea how to put my thoughts into words" coaching session. He has a way with words thanks to his law background. Anyway, in this position I oversee the Regional FMIG coordinators who are in direct contact with the FMIGs at all the medical schools in the country. I get to do some traveling for presentations at various conferences around the country. This took me to Orlando in early October. I had never been there before or to Florida for that matter. It was alright...not much going on but quite a number of tourists. No mouse sightings. The two best parts of the trip were that my grandmother and her sister were able to join me and hang out with me for a few days and that I rented a Harley for 2days. That was fun. I woke up early one morning, before the sun came up and got on the bike to head east. and east, and east...not that east is really that far in Florida, but it seems like it at 6 in the morning. Anyway, I headed east to see the sun rise at Cocoa Beach. It was pretty cool. About a 50-60 mile ride. Then I headed up to the Kennedy Space Center and thought I might check it out til I saw the entry fee was about $50 bucks...Thats ok, I just took picts at the entrance and got back on the bike to Orlando. I did see my first wild crocodile on the way back, or maybe it was an alligator...which ever one doesn't have the pointy mouth. He or she was just hanging in a swampy area about 20 feet of the side of the road. That was a great way to top off my riding adventure.
So, after Orlando I returned to CT (I'm staying with some family there) for a few days. Then it was off to Phoenix. Met up with some old friends for 2 days, then went out to San Jose, CA to see my friends Matt and Patty and their new baby boy, Silas. What a cutie he is!!! I am so excited to be his Auntie Meeka. I just wish I were closer so I could see him grow up. And get to hang with his way cool parents. I took a little side trip to San Francisco and Sonoma with my mom since she happened to be there for a conference. Have you ever been wine tasting? It was my first time...The biggest thing I learned from the trip is eat before you go and bring some snacks for the car. Not sure if I should have been driving back to SF from Sonoma or not. And I didnt even drink all the wine they gave me. I took about a sip of most and pour the rest into the discard bucket. But I did have fun.
After that trip I once again returned to CT mostly to do laundry and repack my suitcase. And off to Valhalla, NY I went for a couple of days before my next trip. So it was a weekend of pretty much non-stop drinking. I think it was 5 days in a row I consumed enough alcohol so that I felt like I should be asking myself the C.A.G.E. questionnaire. It was a fun 5 days. Now keep in mind that I was also attending and presenting at a conference in Rye, NY over this same weekend. A party in Danbury, CT on fri. Then the annual Halloween Party at my boss' house in Brewster, NY on Sat. A Sunday afternoon quarter poker game in Norwalk, CT...I can't do laundry for 2 months now. When I ran out of quarters I decided to keep the wine bottle company while watching everyone else play. This brings us to Monday...following my orientation for the NYC marathon medical team, we decided to meet some friends in Manhattan for a few beers and some pool. Tuesday rolled around and I spent a night out for the Single Girls Club (SGC), more on that in a later post.
Things brings us to my most recent soon to be string if new cities I will have been in. I headed off to Anderson, SC for a residency interview. Anderson was nice and quaint. The people were friendly. But I was glad to get back to NY.
I spent the weekend with my friend Erin (one of the original SGC members) and some of my new 1st year med student friends. Again, way too much alcohol consumed. We all worked the ING NYC Marathon Sunday morning providing medical care. That was fun. I was stationed at the finish line this year. I was at mile 20 last year, which was a bit more interesting because I was able to actually see people in the race. The finish line medical tent was set up in a way that I didnt get to see any of the finish line. Only what becomes of people after they cross the finish line.
So that brings me to North Carolina...my current place of being. I am writing from the O. Henry hotel business center computer. I am here for an interview with Moses Cone Family Medicine residency program. I just returned from a great evening out with some of the current residents and another interviewee. Very friendly people they have here in Greensboro. And a cute little city with greenery and lawns. A slight contrast from the concrete of Manhattan that I was in yesterday. I like it so far, we shall see what the interview holds for me tomorrow.
Of course no trip is complete in my world without something not quite going right. You know when you pack for a trip and you're thinking 'I know I'm forgetting something'? Well, if its a toothbrush or comb, no biggie, you drop another $2 and you're back in business...Well, I forgot my dressy shoes to go with my interview suit. All I had was my sneakers. So needless to say, my first stop after I checked in to the O. Henry was to the mall that was conveniently located across the street. I was able to get my black shoes (and 2 other pair) before heading off to dinner with the residents from the program. Life goes on, shoes or not and mine shall too...
Until next time...
Dr. T
Friday, November 05, 2004
Where in the World am I?
A question not only asked of my friends, family and acquaintances, but of myself as well. I decided to start this blog for a number of reasons.
#1 So all of my dear friends and family can keep track of my whereabouts since I have been in 8 cities and 6 states in the last 3 weeks and that list will only continue to grow.
#2 So I can have a place to post my latest accomplishments, upcoming activities. There's a lot coming up. BIG decisions to be made. Residency interview time is now and I will soon have to decide where in this great big U.S. of A. I will choose to plant my rear end and make my mark on the world as I begin my 30 something years.
#3 They say its good to write, that it's therapeutic. I figure I'll save a few hundred bucks on shrink bills this way.
Feel free to respond to anything I write, inquire about whatever comes to mind, give your two cents worth or just say hi.
So here it goes...Let the therapy begin.
For those who haven't been updated on my life in quite some time or for those who are wondering in by chance, I am a 29 soon to be 30 year old medical student due to graduate in May 2005 from and school in NY. I have decided to go into Family Medicine for my specialty. There is a humanistic quality and some sort of societal duty that draw me to this area of medicine. Some say, "oh, your gonna be a doctor so you can make the big bucks?" Let's clear one thing up from the start...I haven't chosen to enter medicine for the prestige, the monetary reimbursement or the desire to be $250,000 in debt when I am finished. I have chosen the wonderful specialty of Family Medicine because that is where I am needed. That is where I feel I am at home. I would much rather spend a long day in the office caring for a young mother who delivered 19 years ago whose baby I delivered last week and whose grandmother I see in the nursing home on Wednesday mornings to manage her diabetes. Followed by a drug addict, who just needs to know that someone is in his corner as he tries to kick the habit and move on in life. I look forward to the friday nights away from home because I am spending time at the local high school football game ready to jump into action should a player be hurt on the field or a saturday morning in the local boxing gym covering as ringside physician for a group of 8-18 year olds that have nothing else they think they can be proud of until they step into that ring. I am not going to mind the 3am page because my 25year old single father patient doesn't know what to do when his 3 year old son (also my patient), has a temp of 104. I'm not going to mind when Mr. Jones walks into my office at closing time feeling like his life can't go on. Why? Why would I choose such a busy life, a life filled with relationships built on trust, trust that my patients have chosen to have in me to insure that they are well, to educated them on the ways to stay well, to listen when it hurts in their bellies and in their hearts? Why would I chose to live such a filled life? Because it is just that...Filled with the reward of knowing that I am making a difference in at least on person's life and maybe an entire family's life. I may not change the world or even change my community, but making a positive change in that one person's life will mean the world to me and my patient. This is why I don't need the glamour of the money making plastic surgeon, the hours of the Benz driving dermatologist. I just need to be in my world, in my patients world, where they need me, where they want me and where I can be me.
I think this is it for now...I will continue to write more and update you all on where I am and where I am coming from in the coming months. I hope to post at least twice a week if not more.
I look forward to your comments and words of wisdom. Peace be in your hearts.
Dr. T
#1 So all of my dear friends and family can keep track of my whereabouts since I have been in 8 cities and 6 states in the last 3 weeks and that list will only continue to grow.
#2 So I can have a place to post my latest accomplishments, upcoming activities. There's a lot coming up. BIG decisions to be made. Residency interview time is now and I will soon have to decide where in this great big U.S. of A. I will choose to plant my rear end and make my mark on the world as I begin my 30 something years.
#3 They say its good to write, that it's therapeutic. I figure I'll save a few hundred bucks on shrink bills this way.
Feel free to respond to anything I write, inquire about whatever comes to mind, give your two cents worth or just say hi.
So here it goes...Let the therapy begin.
For those who haven't been updated on my life in quite some time or for those who are wondering in by chance, I am a 29 soon to be 30 year old medical student due to graduate in May 2005 from and school in NY. I have decided to go into Family Medicine for my specialty. There is a humanistic quality and some sort of societal duty that draw me to this area of medicine. Some say, "oh, your gonna be a doctor so you can make the big bucks?" Let's clear one thing up from the start...I haven't chosen to enter medicine for the prestige, the monetary reimbursement or the desire to be $250,000 in debt when I am finished. I have chosen the wonderful specialty of Family Medicine because that is where I am needed. That is where I feel I am at home. I would much rather spend a long day in the office caring for a young mother who delivered 19 years ago whose baby I delivered last week and whose grandmother I see in the nursing home on Wednesday mornings to manage her diabetes. Followed by a drug addict, who just needs to know that someone is in his corner as he tries to kick the habit and move on in life. I look forward to the friday nights away from home because I am spending time at the local high school football game ready to jump into action should a player be hurt on the field or a saturday morning in the local boxing gym covering as ringside physician for a group of 8-18 year olds that have nothing else they think they can be proud of until they step into that ring. I am not going to mind the 3am page because my 25year old single father patient doesn't know what to do when his 3 year old son (also my patient), has a temp of 104. I'm not going to mind when Mr. Jones walks into my office at closing time feeling like his life can't go on. Why? Why would I choose such a busy life, a life filled with relationships built on trust, trust that my patients have chosen to have in me to insure that they are well, to educated them on the ways to stay well, to listen when it hurts in their bellies and in their hearts? Why would I chose to live such a filled life? Because it is just that...Filled with the reward of knowing that I am making a difference in at least on person's life and maybe an entire family's life. I may not change the world or even change my community, but making a positive change in that one person's life will mean the world to me and my patient. This is why I don't need the glamour of the money making plastic surgeon, the hours of the Benz driving dermatologist. I just need to be in my world, in my patients world, where they need me, where they want me and where I can be me.
I think this is it for now...I will continue to write more and update you all on where I am and where I am coming from in the coming months. I hope to post at least twice a week if not more.
I look forward to your comments and words of wisdom. Peace be in your hearts.
Dr. T
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