The Doctor is...

The Update!

2007-03-07T10:28:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been such a slacker with keeping my blog updated. This whole residency thing keeps a girl busy so here are the briefs:

1- Love- I got engaged to Dwayne on Jan 12th, 2007 while on the annual family ski trip to Park City, UT. We haven't yet set a date, but I will make sure you know when it is. If you have any ideas, advice, things you would have done differently at your wedding...please pass it along.

2- Family- As some of you may already know, my Grandmother and second mother, passed away on Dec 9th, 2006. She lost a hard fought battle with recurrent and metastatic breast cancer. I know many of you had met and become acquainted with her over the years and I thank all of you who helped me and continue to help me through such a difficult time.

3- Community- Of course I am always doign something to help someone...As many of you know, last year I did a triathlon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. Well I am at it again this year. I will be doing an olympic distance triathlon at the Memphis in May celebration on May 20th in Tennessee. You can get more info and make a donation toward my goal of raising $4700 at www.active.com/donate/tntwnc/tamieka1. I plan to use my blog mostly for keeping everyone up to date on my triathlon training happenings.

4- Doctor Stuff- I am still plugging away at my residency. I am looking at applying for the Sports Medicine Fellowship in my program to start following graduation. I have been spending some time working with local sports teams (mostly high school, college and special olympics). I think I have made it through the roughest months as a resident. Now comes the part about figuring out what to do with all this knowledge after fellowship and residency. I plan to stay in NC for now unless something really exciting and well paying can change my mind.

Tootles for now,

The 36 hour trip fro E!

2005-09-16T21:33:00.000-04:00

SOOOOO...

I returned from a trip to AZ on Labor Day weekend. I was going to say farewell to a dear friend of mine who is headed off to Kenya to join the Peace Corps. It was really a short trip. And a suprise visit for Eric. I had been telling him since May that I wouldn't be able to make it for his going away party. Boy, did I have him fooled.

On Sat morning, I got on a 7:30am flight out of Raleigh-Durham and arrived in Phoenix about 9:30am. My friend Cristin had arrived the previous day. I plotted with her on how we were going to meet up with Eric to suprise him. She told him that my grandmother wanted to meet them for brunch (Eric loves my grandmother) I knew he wouldn't be ableto say no to that. So when Eric showed up at Cristin's hotel where "grandmother" would be meeting them, I snuck up behind them while they stood at the check-out counter and waited for eric to turn around. I wish I had a million bucks to pay to see the look on his face. He couldn't have been more suprised. Off to lunch we went with the gang. It was one of the better times I have had in a long time. I was with some of my favorite people. Cristin, Eric, Grandmother and my "little brother" Nylin.

Afterwards, we said our goodbye's to G-ma and Nylin then headed to Eric's mom's place. To wait 'til party time. I had to take a nap before the party started, I was one tired cookie from workin' and travellin'. When I awoke, the party was in full swing. Several people had arrived including the parents sister and neice of my good colege buddy, Mikey (aka Mickey P). I hadn't seen them in years. At least 4 if not 5 years. I also got so see a friend of Eric's family, Joan. I've never spent too much time with her, but for some reason I always look forward to seeing her.

So the party was a great success. There was catered food, dancing, a band, booze, a naked lady in the pool (thats a story for another day), a thunder storm singing to Eric's guitar playing and late night swimming and of course lots of people that are gonna miss Eric quite a bit while he is out making a difference on the other side of the globe. I don't think anyone will miss him as much as I will though (mabe with the exception of his mother.) I even start to well up just typing about it.

I don't think I have ever had so many years of fun and laughter with the same person. We've had adventures together with skiing in Colorado, caving in Washington State, exploring Seattle, galavanting around Manhattan, driving from NY to NC and back, Renting motorcycles and putting 500 miles on them in a day. and hoping to make many more memories like that. Even though I only get to see him once a year or so, I always look forward to the e-mails and accessibility by phone. Both of with are going to be scarce in Kenya. Therefore, I will miss him bunches and bunches.

I do plan to head out there in the next 12-18 months to do an international elective in medicine for a month so I can see a new place and get credit for it. And of course, the biggest reason of all is so that I can see my buddy E!

After the booze dried up and we were all pooped, I pulled up a piece of tile flooring and off to sleep I was til sunday morning. we all got up, a few of us headed out to grab some Krispy Kream donuts then some more pool time (minus the naked lady). Cristin left mid day for her flight. Eric and I did some shopping for his leatherman that he is taking on his trip and then it was off to the airport. It was a rather sad goodbye. And a very short one, cause I knew I would cry if I said the goodbye I really wanted to say. so I just did the quick "good seeing you, I'll miss you, talk to you soon, tell me what you want me to send." then a quick hug and I immediately turned toward the door of the terminal before the waterworks began. (dammit, I am welling up again).

Anyway, lets just say it was well worth the 36 hours I spent in AZ, getting to see two very good friends (Eric and Cristin), Eric's mom, friends and other family and getting to see my family.

I spoke with Eric earlier today on his cell phone. He was doing some last minute shopping before he heads to Philly for some training tomorrow. I tried calling him a few minutes ago, but ...sigh...his phone has been disconnected. It's all beginning. Only a few more days in the U.S. for him.

I'm gonna miss him. But I can't wait to visit in about a year.

Dr. T

2 months and counting...

2005-08-30T21:28:00.000-04:00

ABOUT THE JOB

I'm sitting here on my last call night of my pediatrics rotation. And thus far, I have managed to survive with only a few minor breakdowns. I knew coming into this that it is impossible to know everything, but I didn't realize that not knowing everything was more like knowing close to nothing. I've come to realize that I really do learn by doing rather than by having someone tell me/lecture me/rattle off the thousand tests I have to do to figure out how to fix the sickle cell kid. I did have a great experience of doing my first spinal tap (lumbar puncture in doctor terms) on a 2 week old baby. I got it first try. Yay me! And my upper level resident gave me a bottle of white wine since it was also a very clean "tap" meaning little trauma. The tradition is actually that you get a bottle of champagne, but alcohol is alcohol in my world.

For the month of Oct I will be doing Obstetrics. Yup, delivering slippery little babies from the warmth and padding of their mother's womb. I am so glad that I don't remember that experience for myself. It just doesn't seem like it would be a good memory. I liken it to having to crawl out of a nice warm bed in the dead of winter as the shade draws up and instantly brightens a once darkened room.

ABOUT MY HOUSE

I had my RED SUEDE couch, chair and a half and ottoman delivered to my den a few weeks ago...oh so compfy. MUCH, MUCH better than the futon that has been retired to the formal living room til I figure out what decos and color of paint (besides the current powder blue) that I want to have in there. The wall paper is still pretty U.G.L.Y. I started taking some of it down, then realized that I don't really like taking wall paper down. Oh well, it will happen one of these days.

ABOUT DATING

Things with Dwayne and I are going great in general, but...

I am selfish...not like "it's all about me" kind of selfish (although if you think it's all about me, I won't try to change your mind), but more like a I am an only child who has mostly lived on my own for the last 13 years and is pretty independent and not used to having someone else around that likes to spend time with me. It has been an adjustment. I have no complaints other than that.

Dwayne is the best. He knows I have long nights at the hospital and will often swing by my house and have dinner when I get home. He even mowed my lawn and cleaned the house while I was working overnight at the hospital so I wouldn't have to worry about it and could sleep the next day. He is even doing weight watchers with me to help me/us lose weight. He has gotten flowers for me for no particular reason and understands my need to have time to myself. Might be a keeper...We shall see.

ABOUT LIFE IN GENERAL

Things are good. I will be walking/running in a women's only 5k on Oct 1. I have been swimming at the YMCA and bike riding. I hope participate in the YMCA's winter indoor Y-Tri triathlon. I went mountain biking for the first time about a week ago. It was a blast til my handlebars came loose. We had to abandon the days fun a little early. But, handle bars are now back in place and I can't wait to hit the trail again.

I think that's it for now. Sorry I have been such a slacker with updating this. I will try to be better.

Tootles

Dr. T

Still Alive...

2005-07-19T23:24:00.000-04:00

On Being a DoctorMy first two and a half weeks as Dr. Howell has been quite interesting. First of all, it took me a while to get used to people introducing me as Dr. Howell. I would always expect someone else to extend their hand and give a firm hand shake. "Oh, yeah! that's ME!" I still answer my pages with "This is Tamieka, I mean, Uh, Dr. Howell." And to say, "MY nurse..." How weird is that? Actually my nurse is great! Her name is Michelle. She has been wonderful. Clues me in when I have the completely blank, I've been here for 2 weeks look on my face. She even makes sure that I have a place to be for holidays, weekends and happy hour. She even gave me my first ever tomatoe plants from her garden which I have planted. I am up to 3 tomatoes and 3 more should be ready for picking tomorrow. Back to doctor stuff. It's quite weird to think that people trust me to make decisions that could affect their lives forever. I prescribe medications (even have my own prescriptions pads with my name printed on them), I get to check out some pretty intimate parts of people, and they share with me things that they may not share with their husbands, wives, mothers or best friend. Quite a job I have. I think I am going to really love it.

On Being a Home Owner
My car know the way to Home Depot and Lowes all by itself. I am suprised they haven't given me my own parking space yet. I have mowed the lawn 3 times now, cut some tree branches, planted flowers around the mailbox (apparently thats what people do in NC), planted my tomato plants and, my most recent endeavor...Beginning to take down the crazy wallpapered rooms that I bought. I began with the foyer. About 20 minutes into it, I realized that I have taken on quite a task. For anyone that knows anything about wallpapering, the wall paper is stuck directly to the dry wall. Yep. It sucks! The good thing about being a homeowner is that I have had several neighbors stop by to introduce themselves and say welcome to the neighborhood. I even got a welcome to the neighboorhood zucchini bread from someone. Its been a nice month of homeownership! Now if only that wall paper would peel itself off the wall.

On Being Me
I've been dating a guy that some of you have met. His name is Dwayne. He has made my transition to NC great. It's weird for me to include someone new in my life. Being that I am the independent, mostly self sufficient, used to being by myself, only child type person, you can imagine the adjustment. It's still all about me, but I come out of my world everyone in while to play in everyone else's world with Dwayne (and his cute dog, Lexus. Lexi for short). While being with Dwayne is good, I think it is keeping me from getting out as much and meeting people. I have put some of my hobbies on hold cause we spend so much time together. I haven't been flying since I moved here. Although, we have been able to enjoy some things like golf, wine and live music together. Not necessarily at the same time.

On Being Fat
I checked out this interesting site today about a guy who weighs 400 pounds and is walking from CA to NY. talk about adventurous (or crazy). His site is www.thefatmanwalking.com. Check it out! And, btw, I started Weight Watchers again. This time at 210 pounds. I am down 5.6 pounds my first week. I have also been swimming and walking to get in shape. I would say I am training for sprint distance triathlon, but a friend of mine is already doing that so I feel like I need to find some other goal. She's always a few steps ahead of me in terms of what I want to do to get in shape. Kind of takes the fun out of doing what I want since, well, someone's already done it. I know, its my own weird way of thinking, but that is how my brain works. I like to be the originator of an idea, not a copy cat. With that said, I am looking for my first NC 5K to get involved in. I'm looking at doing it in about 2 months. We shall see.

Well, thats all for now. I will be posting pics of the house and the updates on the site soon. Until then...

Dr. T

Pictures, pictures, pictures!

2005-06-13T15:49:00.000-04:00

Well, not too much to report since last post. I close on the house this friday. It seems like it is taking forever for friday to get here. I went funiture shopping for a bed and kitchen table yesterday. I didn't buy anything, but did find a few things I liked. I don't feel like I can rely buy anything until I am actually in the house and can visualize what I want and where.

Right now I am in NC staying with a friend of mine til I get to move in. So I am in NC, but not REALLY in NC. I can't get my new driver's license or car registration cause I don't really have an address yet. So I sit around most days, doing all those little things that I can. I set up dates to have my gas, water and electricity turned on, got all my graduation photos online, got some quotes for a professional carpet cleaner and other stuff here and there.

I finally got all the pics online. Here is a preview of what's to come!

The original Single Girls Club graduates!

Anyway, I just wanted to get the links up for my pictures. They are on ofoto and listed below. You will have to create a log in to view them. Hope you like 'em!

Pre-Graduation Stuff

Graduation Day

Graduation Party

Hanging out in North Carolina

Enjoy!

Dr. T

A month in the life of the real Dr. T

2005-05-31T10:53:00.000-04:00

I know, its been a while but I will try and give you the short version of a long story.

I am officially, Tamieka Howell, MD. It's a strange sounding title. I had an awesome time with friends and family from near and far. The festivity weekend began with a service to have our hands annointed (rubbed with oils that were blessed by a priest for those of you who are wondering). I know it was risky for me to participate in this activity, and I too thought I ran the risk of my hands spontaneously combusting, but it all worked out fine, blessed palms and all. There was an awards ceremony where I was awarded not one, but two awards. One was for commiment to Family Medicine and the other was for service to school. I also received a few gifts from our minority student associations. A pen with my mew name on it and an alumni license plate. I will be putting it on my car today.

The big grad party was on Saturday, May 21st. It was so mush fun that I am not sure if it was legal. I a had friends that I hadn't seen in a while there, but I was very excited to see them help me celebrate. Some I have known since before I was ever in med school, but most were people I had met in the last 4 years at school, in hospitals, at the airport or in my various jobs. It was awesome. And Thanks to Christine and Rena who were determined to find a bar to shake their rumps, that just made the evening that much better.

Graduation day itself was great! It was held in Carnegie Hall on Monday, May 23rd. Yes, THE Carnegie Hall. There are more ways to get to Carnegie Hall besides practice, practice, practice. I had some people there I love and can't ever be able to express how much I appreciated having them at my ceremony. Of course there was the famous and bestest Aunt in the world, Aunt Viv. I had my mother and family friends Denise and Nylin there as well as two of my good college friends Eric and Nelson who all came in from AZ. My best friend Cristin drove up from VA and of course, my sister Dianna (aka bestest sister in the world) was also there with Jason from CT. And my friend Dwayne came up from NC. Aunt Viv and Eric had air horns (yes, in Carnegie Hall). It was way too cool. I got to be on stage, have my name called, Dr. Tamieka Howell, and I didn't trip on the stairs or go sliding across stage in my new shoes. It was a GOOD night!

Things have been coming along with getting the house. I am just waiting for my closing date of June 17th. Everything else is in order. I shared a moving van with a friend and moved all of my belongings down last week and put them in storage. It was cheaper to do that than to wait and move my stuff by myself. Eric came down with me a got to see the house. The owner was there and was nice enough to give us all the tour and tell me things about the house that the realtors could never fill me in on. Of course, since it was Erics first time in NC, we had to do something fun so we rented motorcyles and rode our little hearts out for a day and half. We stayed with Dwayne who doesn't ride, so he had to be my 'bitch'. (That's motorcylce lingo for the person on the back seat). I dropped Eric off back at the La Guardia airport on Sunday evening for the the longest aiport run ever (we drove straight from NC).

Whew! What a week! I am worn out. I am now back in CT spending my last few days in the Northeast with Di and Jay and the Doggies.

No updates with WW...too much partying, vacationing, spending time doing other things. Will be back on track soon.

Well that's for now! I will try to figure out how to get some pics on here for you guys soon.

Ta Ta for Now!

Tamieka Howell, M.D.

3 miles and counting

2005-04-19T10:57:00.000-04:00

I am procrastinating. I should be in the anatomy lab taking advantage of the gift that some aged, very thin woman has left me to improve my anatomy knowledge. But instead I decided to post to my blog.

I ran again yesterday, and before I bore you with the details, I'll tell you that I ran 3 miles in about 36 minutes. Not so fast, but I was running. I went a new route. Decided I was sick of the loop. I did an out and back this time. I think I liked it much better. I'll probably do the same one a few more times.

I went to see my friend Erin run her first marathon Sunday as part of the Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was a beautiful day down on the Jersey Shore. I was with my friend Lisa. We were there early and walked a few miles of the boardwalk to pass the time and then people watched for a while. We cheered on the runners that went by as we waited in an area that they would have to run past again. Then there was Erin. Go Erin! You're doing great! I got a high five on her way by, then it was time to wait the 1.5 hours for her to get to the finish. So we sat and cheered and people watched some more. I didn't mind. It was a chance to support a friend, spend time with another and take advantage of some great weather. Erin finished around 4:20, not sure exactly what her time was. It was great to see her at the end. I'm impressed. You can check out her training adventures and post race perspective at tntnycerin.blogspot.com.

That's all for now.

Dr. T

I was Ruuunniiing....

2005-04-15T10:37:00.000-04:00

For those of you who think there is humor in bodily functions, it occurred to me that the title of my last post sounds like I have bowel issues. I hope you read beyond the title and found otherwise. My bowels are good. I will let you know if things change.

MORE RUNNING NEWS!!!

I did what I set out to do today. I really had to push myself. But I completed the entire loop that I have been running and walking with only running. It was a slow run, but a run nonetheless and I was even able to push just a tad bit extra at the end as if going for the finish line. It was only 2.7 miles, but that is 2.7 miles more than I was running 2 months ago. I had to really convince myself that I could to it this morning cause I wanted to stop and walk several times. My muscles are tired this morning. I think it is because I don't do enough stretching. That's got to get added to my list of goals. Stretch after every run! I will probably do the same run the next couple of times and try to speed it up a bit.

AND IN WW NEWS...

My usual Thursday morning Weight Watchers weigh-in rolled around once again. I've had a good week of eating minus a party last fri night. But I still think I managed to stay within my 35 flex points that I can use whenever throughout the week. But after a few drinks I quit counting. Well, I strolled into my meeting, said hello to the old lady that always takes my money and is all business, no time for small talk. I stepped on the scale and she says, "good job!" Good job? What does that mean? I wanna know what exactly a good job is. Well...are you ready for this...I lost 4.2 pounds last week AND I am now officially under 200 pounds, barely under, at 199.8. YAY for me. There's no going back now.

I FEEL GOOD!

DR. T

I've Got that Running Feeling

2005-04-13T10:23:00.000-04:00

Things are going well for me this last two weeks. My WW weigh in was GREAT! Down 3.2 lbs after my miserable Easter Evilness. I have been running about every other day. Even when I really dont feel like it. Last week I ran about 2.4 miles for the first time in a long time without stopping. And didn't feel like I was gonna die. It may seem like small potatoes to you real runners, but its a whole bucket o' russetts in my world.

Today I just returned from a 2.5 mile run. It took me 30 minutes and then I walked for another 5-10 minutes afterwards to get back home. The run I do is a pretty good one. Lots of those long but subtle uphill areas then there is one big down hill and big up hill area. The worst part comes at about the 2 mile mark when there is this .5 mile gradual uphill. It's just at a bad place cause thats right about when I am ready to quit. But not today. I finished .4 miles of it to one of my distance markers (a stop sign), then pushed myself to run an extra .1 to the next stop sign. Friday I hope I can make it the last .3 miles to home and complete my almost 3 mile loop. Heck, at this rate I'll be running a 5K in no time.

AND...

The preparations for the big NC move have been interesting. I have learned lots about what goes into buying a house. Its a bit scary to think that I may be paying this off for a good portion of my adult life right along with my $250,000 in student loans.

I am preparing for my graduation soiree. My actual ceremony is set for May 23rd, however, I only get 7 tickets to the ceremony so I am having a cocktail party on Sat, May 21st in White Plains, NY so I can celebrate with all my friends and family that are able to attend. So if you think you will be around that day, let me know so you can celebrate with me.

I met with an Army Reserves recruiter yesterday. I'm considering doing the medical corps reserves. It involves me not doing much while in residency and get payed for it. Then after I finish I would do 6 years in the reserves, 1 weekend a month, 2 weeks a year. As of now it sounds like a decent idea. I would never be on the front lines for fighting, as a matter of fact, I would't even get firearms training. Not sure how I feel about that. And besides, isn't that the point of going in, so you cn shoot guns?!?! Just kidding. Don't want to get all my political activists all worked up. The pay of for me is being a Captain, getting about $1500/mo plus $50,000 paid for my student loans. Additionally, after I finish residency, I would get a $10,000 per year bonus for 3 years since I am going into Family Medicine. I dont know if I am doing this for sure, but it doesn't seem like a bad thing to consider.

Please check out my friend Erin's blog and her Team in Training Site. She is running her first marathon this weekend. All well wishes (or donations) for her would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I am off to one of the last of 8 working days before I finish all my requirements for graduation. I can't wait.

Dr. T

Easter is EVIL!!!

2005-03-31T18:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I knew it wouldn't be pretty, but I didn't realize it would be down right U.G.L.Y! And I ain't got no alibi! I have gone back a step in the weight loss war. But only back a week. Up 2 point something pounds. I don't remember exactly, or maybe I don't WANT to remember. Either way, I should have had a few less chocolate eggs and bake and break chocochip and sugar Easter cookies. Oh well. Its a new week now.

I am off to a great start. The weather was nice this morning so I took it as an opportunity to get outside for some exercise. I actually did some running. It wasn't as bad as I thought carrying around over 200 pounds would be. I did a combination of running, well, jogging and walking. I did about 20-25 minutes of it in the faster of the two modes. Then I made it into the gym to do my usual shoulder and ab workout. I think I am going to start running regularly again. I just really enjoy being outdoors.

Tomorrow I will be getting my exercise by attempting to snowboard in NH. I am am heading there tonight with my friends and ex-roommates Lisa and Brad. It's Brad's mother's b-day and she wanted to go skiing with everyone so that's what we are doing. I dont think my legs will be in much of a running mood on Saturday, but I hope to get in a little bit of a run on Sunday morning.

I sent off my contract to my residency program today, complete with fingerprint cards for my medical license application. I'm starting to feel even more official. I haven't done much in the way of house hunting yet. life has been a little hectic. I hope ot really get on it next week though. I dont have much of a choice.

Signing off for now.

Dr. T

More Losing...but in a Good Way!!!

2005-03-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

Went to WW this week. Was down 2 more pounds. And, I am starting to see muscles on my arms. How cool! I know they have been there all along, just like my six pack of abs, they are just buried under the six pack of flab. I am making slow but sure progress. I was even able to put on a pair of jeans today that I weren't very comfortable to wiggle my hips into.

I got an official letter from my residency program this week. I have to sign my contract, get fingerprinted, and the coolest part...apply for my medical training license in NC. I'm starting to feel all official now. I am in the process of trying to figure out a living situation down in NC. I am hoping to buy a house but I don't even know the first thing about it. So this should be an interesting journey in more ways than one.

BTW...Thanks to all everyone that reads my blog regularly, especially those of you who make comments (Aunt Viv, Dianna and AG).

Speaking of Dianna. Today is her birthday and she, if you remember, is my crazy running friend who does marathons and will be doing a triathlon in the near future. Yeah, did I mention she was crazy? Anyway, for her birthday, she ran a 5k, the first race of the season and placed 2nd in her age division. Happy Birthday to Her! You go SIS! You can check out her awesome blog at www.runningchick.blogspot.com.

Well, that's all for now. Hope you don't get sick from eating too many peeps this weekend.

Dr. T
(-6lbs)

North Carolina...Are you ready for me?!?!?!

2005-03-17T16:15:00.000-05:00

Well. Match day is here and I got my number one choice. I AM GOING TO GREENSBORO, NC! Yay! I am soooo excited. I've been drinking since 12:15PM. I Don't think I have ever been drunk before people have finished their lunch breaks. It's not so bad.

Anyway, just had to let you all know. The suspense is over. Congrats to ME!

Dr. T

Check out pics from Match Day. I am on the 14th row in the middle picture.

Weight Watcher's Update

2005-03-17T01:08:00.000-05:00

Down 2.6lbs this week and 3.6lbs total. My hard work is paying off. I wonder if it would have been more had I not had sushi last night with all that salty soy sauce. I'm sure I was retaining crazy amounts of water when I weighed in. This will be a tough week. I have match day and all it's eating and drinking. Then I am off to a conference all weekend and hanging out with my buddy Cristin. We like to eat when we are together.

Only 14 hours to the Match hour. High noon is when we get our envelopes and our fates are sealed. Actually they are sealed already, but we just don't know the details of it yet.

Keep your fingers, toes, eyes, wires, whatever crossed for me...

Dr.T

Making my way

2005-03-14T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I have posted but I am back now. My initial attempt to slim down wasn't so successful, but now I am doing well. I started doing Weight Watchers again and have been exercising regularly. I made it to a WW meeting on Wednesday, March 2nd. I went shopping for groceries immediately afterwards which wasn't such a successful endeavor. I bought all kinds of bad for me foods cause I figured I would have one last feast before I began. Well, that feast lasted for 5 days. But on Monday, March 7th, I started sticking to it. I returned to my weekly WW meeting on March 9th and wasn't too dissapointed when I was only down a pound to 209. Afterall, I had only been doing it for 2 days. Well, I have officially been sticking to it for an entire week and been working out as well. I do 45 minutes of cardio on weekdays followed by weight training 4 days a week. Weekends are variable. I am really looking forward to my weigh in this Wednesday.

What else is going on in my crazy life???

I've been crashing at my friends Danielle's place (one of the origianl Single Girls Club members) for the last week or so while I wait to get an apt to sublet. It's been a good time. I haven't seen nearly enough of her this year. I have had the chance to do some catching up, have same good dinner conversations and never ending laughs. It's weeks like this that remind me of what I will miss when I leave for residency.

Speaking of residency...

Today is the day that every 4th year medical student in the country finds out if they have an intern position somewhere in the country. But no one will know where yet. If one has not matched, they have the next two days to do what is called "scramble". This involves calling all the residency programs in the country that have not filled their spots and hoping they will take you. AND THEN...Thursday, March 17th (St. Patty's Day) is THE DAY. That's when we all find out WHERE we will be for the next chapter of our medical training. I REALLY, REALLY want to go to the Moses Cone program in Greensboro, NC. I had a great time when I visited there a second time and had all of my reservations about the program cleared up when I was there. And, there is a good chance my friend Cristin may be able to move there with me while she completes some more grad school.

Anyway, keep your fingers crossed for me this week. And check back for my weight loss updates and residency match results.

Ciao,
Dr. T

Get Down, Get Down...

2005-01-31T02:59:00.000-05:00

So folks...here's the deal. I managed to put on a "winter coat" starting in Sept '04 or so and my winter coat has become more like something one would wear to in the middle of the frozen tundra. About 25lbs worth of winter coat! YUCK!!!

My new plan is to start eating healthy as of Mon, Jan 31, 2005. I am going to get at least 4 days of exercise in a week. I'd like to start running again, but I need to drop a few pounds first. My plan is to walk for the first few weeks and then work my way up to jogging.

I reconsidered the triathlon thing, but I just dont have the time and resources to put into it for now. Maybe that will be my new thing when I start residency. My goal is to find a 5K in about 2 months to run in and hopefully work my way up to a 10K for my graduation gift to myself in mid-May. We shall see.

I've enjoyed my several months of good eats and way too many treats, but when I can't fit into any of my pants and the seats on the airplane are more comfortable with the armrests up, I know it has gotten out of hand. And it makes it worse when I have friends that make it to the gym on a regular basis, run a billion miles a week, lift massive weights like they are lifesavers on a toothpick and all I can say I did was sit on my spreading butt and ate another donut whose sweet taste had to be offset by half a bag of chips which of course needed to be washed down with a homebrewed beer. What has happened to me? I feel like I dont even fit in with my active friends anymore. I dont like even being around them. I am the token 'fat friend'.

Anyway, my goal is to be able to fit into my 'not as fat jeans' by graduation time. That means I need to drop about 35lbs by May 23rd.

I can do it. I just need to get myself motivated and if I can get through the next week, I think I will be ok.

This is one time I won't mind being called a loser. So...Let the losing begin.

Dr.T
210lbs

Do you know the way to San Jose?

2005-01-27T06:43:00.000-05:00

I completed my final residency interview on Monday in San Jose, CA. I wasn't going to interview there originally, but decided to schedule there last minute after several people I know said they thought I would love the area based on my interests and personality. I just figured I wouldn't like the program because they are going through some major changes for the next year and I wasn't interested in being the guinea pig class of residents.

Well, I was wrong. (That rarely happens). I loved the program, loved the people and I already knew I was partial to the area. I have friends there and a place to stay until I can get settled into my own place. The weather is warmer. (it was 7 degrees in NY last night). And I get the chance to experience a new place...you guys know how much I like to do that.

SOOOO...My top choices right now are Greensboro, NC, Daytona, FL and San Jose. Feel free to give me some input on this issue. Let me know what you know or have heard about these places and what you think of them based on what you know about me. I need all the help I can get on this decision.

Tootles,

Dr.T

Dreading the Cold

2005-01-21T22:47:00.000-05:00

Things in AZ have been great over the last 3 weeks. The weather is wonderful (70's and sunny). Seeing old friends and their kids has been GREAT! Spending time with the firefighters has been a good experience too.

I returned from a trip to San Antonio last weekend to attend the American Academy of Family Physicians Winter Assembly. I've never been to San Antonio before. It is a neat little city. Kind of wish I would have applied to residency there. The meeting was good. I serve on the Commission for Resident and Student Issues and I was also there to train the Regional Family Medicine Interest Group Coordinators. I am the National Family Medicine Interest Group Coordinator. I have an awesome group of Regional Coordinators this year. They are eager to get things done and have all sorts of great ideas. I can't wait to see what great things will come of this year.

The other thing I have been doing is trying to figure out where to go for residency. I've narrowed it down to three programs and I have one more interview left in San Jose, CA. I will be doing second looks at the programs I am interested in over the next few weeks. This is such a tough decision. Part of me would love to return to AZ, but the other, more exploratory and adventurous side of me wants to go somewhere new. Experience a new place. Decisions, decisions...

Well, I am not looking forward to returning to NY next weekend. Its been cold. High of 19 and low of 7 this weekend. I'll be shell shocked when I leave my 75 degree weather. But I am looking forward to see my East coast friends again (Dianna and Jason, Cop Tom, Chris S., Changa and others). And, we are WAY over due for an SGC meeting.

Anyway, I am going to sign out for now. Thanks to you guys that have been replying to my posts.

Dr. T

Men in Uniform...Yummy!

2005-01-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned before. I am working with the Phoenix Fire Department doing an elective in Emergency Medicine. The guys are great. Nice and laid back. Fun to be around. Let me give you the run down on an average day.

7:30A- arrive, have coffee. Check e-mail, watch the news, relax. Maybe go on a call if there is one.

9:30A- Head to the gym to work out. go on a call.

11:00A- Down time. Sometimes we check fire hydrants or the guys will practice drills.

Noon- Lunch

1p- Nap, play ping pong, watch tv. oh yeah, go on calls.

6p- Dinner

7p- poker, more ping pong, more tv watching and calls.

10p- Bed. Wake up for calls.

6-7A- wake up.

7:30A- Adios

Life is great! I'm enjoying the view. And since they get to work out everyday, the view is that much more enjoyable.

Tootles,
DrT

Bienvenidos a Los Estados Unidos

2005-01-04T03:29:00.000-05:00

Feliz Año Nuevo!

I am back in the U.S. Not happily, but I am back. I didn't want to leave Costa Rica. My host family was very sad and my little brother cried. He was just way too cute. I cant wait to get pictures up of my trip.

On my last day in Costa Rica I went on a river trip on the Pejabaye River in a Duckie. A Duckie is a two person inflatable kayak. It was a fun time. I got splashed quite a bit and I had a great female guide in my kayak with me. as we were driving to the river, I mentioned to the guides that myself and the other girl that was with me really liked the sugar cane we had while horse back riding. So they stopped and broke some off for us to have after our trip. Ask and you shall receive really works.

I am now in Arizona doing and Emergency Medicine rotation with the Phoenix Fire Department. It's a great gig. I live at the firehouse with the firemen/paramedics (woohoo!) and do 24 hour shifts, eat "chow" and go on the calls. I get to ride on a fire truck!!! I have done one shift so far. It was pretty slow, which is good, but I am hoping to get some interesting calls. The two most exciting things we had were a 300lb woman who had fallen and couldn't get up and then a car fire.

While I am in AZ I hope to get a lot done. I want to gain some flight time, but the weather has been pretty cruddy. I also really want to catch up with friends I have seen in quite some time. I need to plan my graduation party, work on my computer elective for school (which I should be doing this second but blogging is so much more fun) and I just started reading "The Da Vinci Code". It would be nice to get through that in the next four weeks.

Well folks. That's all for now. What I am hoping for in the next week is posting the Costa Rica pics for you all.

Happy New Year!

Dr.T

Pura Vida!!!

2004-12-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

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

Yo estudio mucho español

2004-12-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

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

Not so hot, but very wet

2004-12-19T00:56:00.000-05:00

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

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica

2004-12-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

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

Getting the heck out of Dodge!

2004-12-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

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

Airplane Buddies

2004-12-15T05:29:00.000-05:00

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

All I Want for Christmas...

2004-12-04T00:09:00.000-05:00

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

Life as a "First Class" Citizen

2004-12-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

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.

Daytona or Bust!

2004-11-29T11:05:00.000-05:00

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

The Single Girls Club

2004-11-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

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)

Great to know...

2004-11-15T17:12:00.000-05:00

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

A Day in the Life

2004-11-15T03:20:00.000-05:00

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

This Ain't Yankee territory!

2004-11-09T02:03:00.000-05:00

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

Where in the World am I?

2004-11-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

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