The spiral of life!

2008-12-19T18:13:00.002-05:00

It has been a really long time since my last post...I think I have been way too distracted by life, facebook, work and other random tangents. Anyway, it is snowing a ridiculous amount right now. My day started with a sketchy but safe drive to work. Then after a mere 3 hours there, my staff sends me home. I was elated and packed up my stuff and merrily got into my car.

I drove slowly but carefully home only to have to turn back as the residential areas were not plowed yet....In fact there were a few cars stuck and I would not be able to get past them. So I went back to work and got a ride home with a friend with a 4 wheel drive and determination.

So my poor car is at work, hanging out while I am cozy at home. I will be back tomorrow to get her so it is not so bad. Just in case, I did pick up a car shovel :)

2007-03-26T16:52:00.000-04:00

So Saturday night was the night of my grad formal. I got my hair cut, got into my beautiful dress, and had my make up on when disaster struck: The building where our ball was to be hosted was on FIRE!!! in fact part of downtown lost power due to this (including Anna's house :( )

So our grad ball was cancelled but we were not going to let that affect our night. I coordinated a nice dinner for my 30 closest friends and most of the class came dancing at the same club afterwards. Everyone wore their dresses and suits.

2007-03-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

I AM GOING TO BE A PAEDIATRICIAN!!!
I matched to Paeds!!!

Urology

41.2%

Pediatrics

41.2%

Family Medicine

11.8%

Emergency Medicine

5.9%

total votes: 34

Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey :)

2007-02-17T13:36:00.000-05:00

Well this year has been full of final rotations in my last year of medical school and applying for residency. After shuttling back and forth for electives from Vancouver to Halifax and random spots in between, I sat down to apply to residency programs.

I was a little over zealous and applied to numerous programs across four provinces and three specialties. The past two weeks have been hectic to say the least as I traveled across the country interviewing for these residency programs. I flew from east to west starting in Halifax, and it seemed like I was in a different city each day. I have no idea how many flights I took, how many shuttles, how many trains but I do remember the obnoxious woman who took my face cream and toner because the bottle was 120ml not 100.

Interviews were a little crazy but nothing tops off the day when I had four interviews in one day. Of the 17 interviews I was offered I only attended 14 in order to preserve some form of sanity :) Now I am in the sticky situation where I must rank these programs by the beginning of March.

The match is a complicated system: Each programs ranks the individuals that have been interviewed and each applicant must rank the programs as well. All this information is entered into some computer and then on Match Day out spews the results... which is a legally binding contract. Hence each applicant MUST go to program that they are matched to. As such if you do not want to go to a certain place, you do not rank it!

So right now I am making up my mind as to which specialty to rank first and next what city to rank first. In case you have not put in your two cents about which specialty you can vote NOW (ignore Emergency Medicine... I did not apply for that)

As for cities, Vancouver is currently very appealing but am I ready to leave the Ontario-Quebec corridor??

Match Day is late in March, so keep an eye out for an update at the end of March.

2007-01-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

So I have taken a long holiday from my blog but I am now back!! The past few months have been filled with nothing but long applications for residency, electives in various cities, and some core rotations in Surgery. Do not do General Surgery again in Fourth year, it sucks the very last drop of energy out of you!

Now the new year begins with a core rotation in Internal Medicine (yecch) then Interviews, then ER/Anesthesia, then Elective....then DONE!!! For all the people who are counting down to CARMS deadlines, interviews, and match day... forget it. Countdown should be to June 6,2007 when we finally officially graduate!!

well, there will be more to come. I start back tomorrow and Kirsten Arrives!!!

2006-08-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe I am ¾ of an MD.

And now, DOCH 4 done!!

I have completed our only true four year longitudinal course in medical school!! WAHOO!!

Scary but true. One small step in terms of the real world, but one huge step pour moi!

2006-08-17T18:10:00.000-04:00

Stripes are In

As the door opened to the elevator, I was attacked by a little whirlwind of cuteness. My 18-month old neighbour literally attacked me. I was wearing a stripey dress with a cool texture and as she came out of the elevator and she launched herself at my dress. She loved the texture and kept grabbing and touching the hem of my dress. She is soo cute. Her parents were a little mortified at the assault but I was amused. Apparently she loves Stripes!

2006-08-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

So off I went to Montreal for a final blowout before returning to my last year of medical school. I started my travels in style on VIA 1 which was fabulous. Great food, free drinks, and fabulous truffles. Shelina picked up my somewhat wobbly self at the train station and we spent the night chatting and gossiping away J

Thursday we went shopping…. I forgot to pack my underwear so we make a quick trip to La Senza. It was all my sister’s fault! Oh well, nothing beats an excuse to shop! Then later that night after a lovely cinq a sept with Mike, we hit the St. Laurent strip. We started at GoGos with Stacy for drinks then went back and forth between there and Tokyo! We had lots of fun… too much fun! We called lots of peeps that evening.

Friday we had big plans for brunch, shopping and much more. Sadly, I only became vertical around 3pm; I also began to tolerate sound around that time. I realize that I am not the animal I used to be back in my McGill days. Am I old??

Friday night was a mish mash of dinner with Malik and Clare, Rouge, Tokyo, and …. I forget the name of the last place we went. Anyway, this night ended with poutine from Mama’s. Oh how I love that poutine. It was soooo good!

Saturday we had brunch with Stacy and Chris and then I took off back to Toronto. I tried to make it to Kimmer’s BBQ but sadly I missed my connecting GO train. Boo. So I spent the night in lovely company of lil Shan and Tola. Tola recently returned from a last minute trip to Australia and had lovely pictures. I particularly loved a set of them J

Sunday was a day of last minute cleaning and sorting out my room before school started the next day. What a lovely two weeks off!

2006-08-08T21:49:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Femi and Carlee!!!

So this weekend, I trekked down to Indianna for Femi's Wedding!! My mother, my brother, and I verntured to smalltown. USA for a big style bash. It started off with the Engagement, which is a party to introduce family and close friends on both sides the night before the weeding.

This was followed by me crashing the Bachelor party... not really as I have been one of the boys for a long time. We went Go Karting and let me tell you I kicked some serious ass!!

The next day was the actual wedding which was beautiful... and surprise surprise I did not cry. The bride was dazzling and the groom fabulous as per usual. Also, there was a mini McGill reunion with some old friends which was nice.

2006-08-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

Me and the Boys in Vancouver:

First week there a bus driver tried to pick me up. I was waiting at the bus stop for another bus and he tried to convince me to come on his bus. ‘I never get to take you anywhere, just give me a chance,’ I was flattered but chose to wait for the right bus.

Last week there I go the wine store and I had to ask them a question. So I went up to the super cute and tall guy who worked there:

Z: I have a question for you

Guy: yes I am single

Z: oh that was my second question; I just wasn’t sure how to ask but thanks for making it easier for me. But back to my first question…

I really had a good time in Vancouver.... ;-)

2006-07-31T22:26:00.000-04:00

Week Three:

I started on pediatric urology and I loved it. The residents here were also super awesome and we just had lots of fun. Clinics were good and the OR was cool. I had never done pediatric surgery so I was not familiar with the smaller instruments but they were cute. I even got to do a whole circumcision by myself! Well with my staff assisting me. It was awesome, and as far as I know he did not come back bleeding.

I met up with my favourite peasant, Trevor, who just started his residency in Vancouver this year. He seems quite happy. We just had coffee and chatted. Any good Queen should always check up on her subjects.

Anyway, this week ended with a late day on Friday. We were in the OR all day and then we had a late consult so we didn’t get out till 7pm. Missed going out for drinks with the boys from VGH, and couldn’t call my mother to wish her happy birthday as it was already so late back home.

So off I went to meet Sio and Sonny for dinner then off to the Art Gallery for a night of Haida Art and Sky dancers. Good times all around.

Saturday: Was a packed day I had to tie up all my loose ends and meet Sio for dinner and the lantern festival. It was fun but a little sad. I knew I was heading back the next day and I didn’t want to go. I wanted to see family and friends back home but I wanted to stay in beautiful Vancouver and hang out with the peeps out here at the same time.

2006-07-24T22:25:00.000-04:00

Week Two:

I started this week on a friendly note. I arrived for rounds to meet my friend Andrew from McGill; he is one of the third year residents there. It is always fun to have an old friend on the same team as you. We goofed off a lot and I was able to poke fun at him and not worry about him not taking it well.

This week, Ceci stopped by on her way to Toronto. We had a nice dinner and enjoyed my favourite…green onion pancakes. I gave her the Harry and the Potters shirt I got her which said “Save Ginny” and she loved it! She had actually seen the band play on campus in Seattle. Cool h!

This weekend was tons of fun. It started on Friday with movie night. Then on Saturday Andrea and I hit the shops. I mean really hit the shops, my credit card was blazing a trail through Vancouver’s shopping district like no tomorrow. I got some fab clothes, accessories, but no shoes. Afterwards I met up with Sio and we went for dinner at GUU. Crazy Japanese restaurant that serves food tapas style but they yell all your orders back and forth. It was crazy but really yummy. Sunday I went to the aquarium and also checked out a bit of Stanley Park. Afterwards I met Sio’s soon to be roomie and went to Naam with Sio, her, and her friends. Naam was a super yummy vegetarian restaurant. Afterwards, I went home to study some pediatric urology for my last week at the children’s’ hospital.

2006-07-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

On arrival at the airport I start looking for the brother of the girl, Jasmine, that I am subletting from. She is so sweet she got her brother to pick me up at the airport. I have never met either of them before. So this random guy comes up to me and asks if I am “Miss Star”, I say no with a puzzled expression. It turns out that based on my email Jasmine thought my last name was Star. It was very funny as we cleared things up and started our trip to my new home for three weeks.

First surprise: There is a kitty litter in the apartment…uh oh...did I forget to ask if they had a cat. Apparently so. Thankfully, it ended up that the cat was being kept at jasmine’s roommate’s parent’s house for the first two weeks and she extended it to three weeks for me.

Second Surprise: Her brother did not know the home number. We did some super sleuthing to discover the number and we were on our way.

Third surprise: VGH (Vancouver general) was a two minute walk from the apartment…literally. I literally rolled over and rolled to the hospital for the two weeks I was there. Considering we started at 0630h this was great.

Week One:

So I scared to start but I made my way to the ward meet the residents to round at 0630h. I joined the team which consisted of all guys and me, the token female. They were a great team. We had fun in the OR, rounding, and doing random consults. I even went in on the weekend to round with Crack one of my senior residents as he was on call.

On Tuesday of my first week I took an adventurous bus ride to Sio’s for a lovely dinner. Lindsay H was also in town so it was a small high school reunion as well as a time to meet new people as we met Jess. Sio made her mother’s fabulous Moroccan chicken with couscous yummy, and we just all sat around and chatted. We also had this yummy Persian bread… need to find it here.

Saturday: After rounding I met up with Sio and off we went. Our adventures started with a lovely brunch then fortified we went to a concert at the ...library. We watched Draco and the Malfoys as well as Harry and the Potters. These two bands rocked it out in front of the Vancouver library it was sooo much fun. There were some serious fans there who knew all the words. I just sat back and enjoyed all the songs about life at Hogwarts. I also bought a shirt for myself and one for Ceci for her birthday. Sio also bought a shirt.

After a rocking afternoon, I convinced Sio to have her second slurpee (EVER), then we set off to Granville Island. There I bought too many beads and other jewellery making paraphernalia. Finally we bought some lovely BC wine and fancy chicken sausages for dinner. We made a lovely pasta dish with smoked turkey kielbasa, chicken sausages, and yummy veggies.

Sunday was another day of frolicking this time with Andrea. We went back to Granville Island where I made some jewellery, bought fresh produce, and ate lots of gelato.

2006-07-09T18:13:00.001-04:00

End of Ottawa

My time in Ottawa ended on a high note. My sister, Tola, and I went to a really nice Chinese restaurant. Good food, good company, and great conversation. Here is an excerpt:

My sis to waitress: Can we please have some of the fried hot sauce

Waitress: here you go...very hot sauce

Sis: thank you… finally I can eat

Tola swoops in and tries a small spoonful of sauce

Tola: oh my...its HOT….what kind of sauce is this

Me and my sis: Hot Sauce :-)

Short crazy weekend in Toronto/Thornhill then off to Vancouver. I was on the cheap airline known as Air Canada so I took some lunch on with me. I had some Montréal bagels…yummy.

2006-07-03T20:25:00.000-04:00

ADVENTURES IN MIRAMICHI…land of Rivers, Garlic fingers, and weddings :-)

So after being on the train for 20 odd hours (supposed to be 18 but you know VIA), I finally arrive in the lovely Miramichi. Laura’s mum and Bexy were there at the train station to get me which was really sweet considering I was supposed to be there two and half hours earlier. I got to say a quick hello to the bride and bridesmaids at the house... oh and I fell in love. His name is William and he is 7 months old with killer blue eyes. I love babies.

Anyway after this I went to meet up with Mel at the hotel. I took the bypass, which is s till a highway but it was fine. Fred arrived soon after I did and off they went for a walk, I took a much needed shower and crashed for a little bit.

On their return from their walk soaking wet as there was a freak thunder shower, I felt it was necessary for me to introduce them to the equivalent of Poutine in the Maritimes: GARLIC FINGERS. Oh so yummy. Basically it is like a pizza with cheese and garlic sauce that is cut into these strips. And you dip it in Denair sauce. And we ordered from Greco’s so it was authentic :-)

After frantically brushing all the garlic off, we headed off to the church. I met the groom 30 or so mins before the ceremony which was handy. I somehow always missed meeting him. Thing about being in med school you miss a lot of the ‘jams’.

And then before you knew it Laura was walking down the aisle and Mel was crying, I tried to hold back. She looked so beautiful, her dress, her hair, I am at a loss of words. Also, Bexy looked stunning as well in her bridesmaid dress.

We headed back to the hotel for the reception and open bar. Lets just say open bar before dinner = very shaky dinner. The dinner was lovely, I perhaps overindulged in the wine but it was okay. No scenes.

Than came the dancing: apparently I saved all my tears for the first dance. David and Laura were so cute, so in love, dancing to Lauren Hill. It was really beautiful.

Then once the dance floor opened up to everyone, I do not recall getting off it till 2am when they were about to play the last two slow songs. At the end it was mainly Mel, Fred, the happy couple, and some of the bridal party left. We really cut it up on the dance floor. I had such a fabulous time.

Oh what a night! Congratulations to Laura and David Again!

And No I did not catch the bouquet; I came back from retouching my lip gloss to see them tossing it. There was one girl there who practically lunged for it. It was funny because I think all the other girls took a step back from it.

The next day we had brunch at Laura’s family home and I spent some more time with my new love. Then we set off to Moncton for the girls to catch their flights and me to catch the train. The way back was not too bad actually. I watched all the first season of Grey’s anatomy, and the wedding crashers.

2006-06-29T20:03:00.000-04:00

So this week we had to do THREE renal biopsies, it was amazing. The first two I mainly watched and assisted with positioning and such, but the third one I was right in there. I scrubbed, I prepped, and I assisted. It was so cool. The renal biopsies are ultrasound guided and to be honest the only things I ever recognize on non-baby ultrasounds are kidneys and bladders. Uh-oh, I think I miss the OR. I guess it is a good thing, since I am off to Urology next :-)

2006-06-28T20:52:00.000-04:00

Lake House:

I just saw the Lake house with Alisa and Rich. We ran late with dinner so this was the only one playing when we were done. Rich was the absolute gentleman and agreed to watch it with us. I really liked this movie. I also like Keanu so no mean comments on him please.

Thing about these kind of movies is that there should be warnings preventing Pisceans, who are already prone to living in a fantasy world, to be encouraged to continue dreaming so.

2006-06-27T19:47:00.000-04:00

Brockville Land of Predatory Owls:

So at the end of my first week, we all went for drinks from the office. It was super fun actually. We had drinks on the patio with my staff, the fellow, Melissa and me. We celebrated my Journal Club presentation and me making it through my first week. Afterwards I went to my sisters and we had yummy Malaysian food for dinner. I really want to go to Malaysia…land of super yummy Halal food!

So Saturday, after putting in a few hours at the office working on a paper with one of my staff, I went shopping with my sister then got on the train to the lovely Brockville. On the train I realized I never asked Ian if he had pets. He has four cats and a dog…oh dear. And he lives in the country…like really in the country. There were cows mooing across the street. I began to wonder if there are any side effects of taking too many reactine???

Well despite the crazy allergens swirling all around me, I had a great time. Most of the TO peeps did not make it up but the Brockville crew were lots of fun. We had a BBQ dinner and chatted. Drank some wine. Watched Arrested Development. I have to say, I had never really watched that show before and it was really funny. So I start really getting into it, just to hear that it has been cancelled. Why? Why?

At the end of the night, we spent the night in the trailer not in the house as all of us were allergy wrecks. So Everyone seemed to fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows but I find it hard to sleep in new places. I lay there listening to what I believed to the calls of the predatory owls. Basically, I spent the night in fear that some owl would somehow get into the trailer and mistake my toes for a juicy treat.

Apparently, all I was hearing were the loons…ah well. I slept on the train back to Ottawa. Then my sister and I finished off the weekend with a big crab leg cookout. It was super yummy.

2006-06-20T21:50:00.000-04:00

Tuesday: Saw the dialysis unit and the plasma exchange machine. Then off to clinic and then lunch. The cafeteria may be smaller than the one at sick kids but I have to say it kicks ass. Great options and cheap. Yesterday I had a large helping of pasta with chicken, shrimp, and artichoke that was only 3.99$. Today I had grilled Thai chicken with brown rice pilaf… yummy and healthy.

Pimped: Twice (kind of... does 'what do you think' count as pimping?)

Dictated: 3 clinic notes

Addendum:

As I walked home I stopped by a small plaza. I had a few things to pick up. As I was heading to get some items at the next store, I saw a lady with an oxygen tank smoking in front of it. Let me tell you I quickly backed my ass up and took off home in the opposite direction. In the event that she blows the whole plaza down, I did not want to be one of the pieces. Thankfully as I was scurrying off, I looked back and she put out the cigarette. No one realized what danger they were in during those few short drags.

Scenic Walk to Work:

The walk to work takes me roughly 25 minutes door to door. It is a pathway through residential areas, and some grassy knolls. On my way home the first day I encountered a rabbit or was it a hare on my way home. (Don't wory Priya ... I never even thought about eating it :)

2006-06-19T21:47:00.000-04:00

The Ottawa Elective Adventure begins:

Sunday: Arrive in Ottawa by train, which was surprisingly on time. My sister picked me up and drove me to my other sister’s place which is close to the hospital. As we drove there I realized I didn’t even know the number of the house…thank goodness for family. We took a quick walk to the hospital so I could learn the route and then went back to her place. We got some goodies on the way including real Arabic style shawarma, roasted potatoes, and my favourite cheese flatbread thingy.

Monday: I didn’t want to get up, and I didn’t want to go. I was scared like a schoolgirl on her first day. What if they don’t like me? What if they think I am stupid? What if they ask me questions? Grill me? Pimp me?

Well they were super nice and welcoming. They gave me a quick run down of the place and of the clinics. Oh and before I forget no call!! Some consults during the day possibly but no night call! There are only three nephrologists and they run a fairly busy clinic and dialysis unit. Currently one staff is away and the fellow does not start till next week. So for now just me and the two Dr. F’s.

Pimped: 0 times

Dictated: 2 Clinic notes (I hope I didn’t ruin them)

2006-06-16T16:32:00.000-04:00

Meme a la Bexy

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Receptionist
2. Teacher in a Day care Centre (1-1/2 to 2-1/2 year olds)
3. Financial Director of a Camp
4. Consultant Biostatistician

B) Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Jurassic park (don’t ask)
2. Gone with the Wind
3. My Big FAT Greek wedding
4. The Rock

C) Four places you have lived: (in Canada)
1. Sudbury
2. Waterloo
3. Montreal
4. Toronto

D) Four TV shows you love to watch
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. CSI
3. Law and Order
4. Y&R

E) Places I have been on vacation: (there are more but here are four of them)
1. Mexico
2. Cuba
3. Scotland
4. Ireland

F) Websites you visit daily:
1. Ceci Ceca
2. Bexy's blog
3. Magpie and Cake… oh so crafty
4. Cecilia's Blog

G) Four of my favorite foods:
1 Thai food…mmm glass noodles
2 Vietnamese: Seven Kinds of Beef
3 Meat pies and Samosas
4 Ewa Riro Mummy Styles

H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Ireland
2. Australia
3. March 15^th, 2007 (day after match day)
4. At my parents house... chillin’ with the fam

why don't you give the meme a try....

2006-06-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

Pediatrics

50%

Urology

42.9%

Family Medicine

7.1%

The polls so far... pediatrics is winning, now all I need to do is build up my immune system :) I am slowly getting there and catching every virus along the way too.

I think I will leave the poll up for another week or so just to give everyone a crack at it.

2006-06-05T22:19:00.000-04:00

Lumbar Punctures:

So today I was involved in yet another attempt to perform a lumbar puncture. These procedures scared the heck out of me when we did them on adults let alone on these squirmy little babies. We had a super strong baby today who was not going to let us go for a free ride. We tried her in two different positions. I had the first go and it resulted in what one would call a bloody tap which got clogged up with clot. Then my senior resident had a go and out came the clear untainted CSF fluid.

I am really going to get over my wariness of performing procedures on wee babies if I am going to do this. I think it is mainly due to my lack of comfort with most of the procedures on such a small playing ground. I got to practice most of these procedures a number of times on a variety of rotations on adult hence I had time to become comfortable. I had never tried half of these on children before.

2006-06-04T21:10:00.000-04:00

Fear of Dying with your pants down:

So last week at some point I remember running to the bathroom dying to pee. I had been on call and the post call rounds seemed to be taking forever and my extra extra large tea was really kicking in. So I between patients I ran to the closest staff bathroom on the floor. The moment that I should be feeling extreme relief, I am assaulted by an entirely different feeling. Shortness of breath, gasping, coughing, light headedness, and tightness of the chest… no I was not having a heart attack. The bathroom had just been cleaned, read as doused in bleach, and I am allergic to bleach. For a brief moment I was so scared I would pass out or go into some form of shock only to be discovered with my pants down hours later. That thought got my ass in gear and I got the heck out of there… not before washing my hands…in case public health sis is reading.

2006-05-24T00:37:00.000-04:00

Today was a long but awesome day today! Firstly I was in clinic from 9am to 6:30pm…what a day! Thankfully there was an hour for lunch. Today was a good day because I had tons of babies in my favourite age range 0 to 24months. I had about 3 babies I was seriously considering taking them home! I know that this age range is not for everyone but it is so exciting to see them reach their milestones and smile at you. I guess it helps that they tend to really like me, and try to eat my fingers, stethy, heck anything that goes their way. I also enjoy these visits as I do not give the shots, so even at the end of the visit they still love me :)

After that the Zammer and I went for PHO at Hung Pho, which was super yummy. I had the “everything” beef noodle soup, it is amazing how huge the small is. Afterwards we attempted a study date but I bailed. I am having a lot of problems getting into the mood and actually doing some work. I would rather just hang out, so off I went to hang out with some of the girlies. Sitting on the couch chatting, laughing, hollering, and exchanging stories of psychosis…what away to wrap up the night.

Yeah med school sucks but the people in it really make it all better.

2006-05-23T08:38:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEXY...I hope all your dreams come true :)

2006-05-21T19:48:00.000-04:00

Promiscuous by Nelly furtado: I am a big fan these days!

2006-05-21T16:56:00.000-04:00

Comical Ladies Night Out:

So the evening started at my place with a lovely bottle of Riesling appropriately named RELAX. Especially after the madness of four exams in one day, I think Taz appreciated it. After some relaxing we headed off to the Supermarket, which was fun bumped into some friends, did some dancing. They played a lot of retro hip hop which was a lot of fun. Next we headed off to Crystal room, the old Left Bank, we peaked in and it was empty. They also wanted $10 or $15 for cover, so we left. Next we hit Up Lounge which was fun, then Cayo Coco Club which was dead. We thought about the other clubs on the strip but seeing three or more policemen hanging out in front of most of them we bailed on that idea. So we went back to Up Lounge for the rest of the evening. The night ended with yummy pizza, mine had spinach on it, but a part of me really wanted Poutine. This city really needs some good poutine! I miss Montreal.

If I was in Montreal this night would have gone more like this: drinks at GoGo lounge, dancing all night at Tokyo with Stacy behind the bar, and ending at Mama’s on Avenue des Pins for some hot ooey gooey poutine baby.

2006-05-21T16:54:00.000-04:00

Good IKEA Evening:

Thankfully, the evening made it all better. It was an adventure into the darker depths of Etobicoke in search of IKEA. I had the hugest dinner ever at John’s favourite diner, The Magic Spot. The dinner consisted of Greek salad (John ate my onions), potatoes, rice, a generous portion of chicken, and garlic bread. I guess they wanted to make sure to cover all the carbohydrate food groups. It was very yummy, but I was so full. After this gigantic meal, we managed to make it to one of my favourite places IKEA!!!

I was in search of the last part of my roommate’s birthday gift. Her birthday is today so Happy Birthday Roomie! It was the kind of gift that was not big enough to warrant the shipping fee yet not small enough to successfully hide in the apartment for long periods of time. Hence, I had to get it the day before her birthday. Of course, it being Ikea we ended up with more than we came for, although for the first time ever someone spent more than me at Ikea. I restrained myself, mostly due to the fact that every free wall in my bedroom has some form of Ikea furniture next to it. I really need another bookcase but damned if I know where I would put it. So as I have done for many years I use my study table as a storage space mainly for the more current study materials.

2006-05-21T09:53:00.000-04:00

Bad Hair Day:

So yesterday after calling to make sure that I would indeed be done my hair appointment at 5pm (considering it started at 3:15pm), it was still a disaster. Firstly, the guy CUT my hair…what the hell. He just started snipping away and before you know it just above the shoulder bob becomes a just around the ears bob. I was sooo pissed off. To top it off I left there looking like a mushroom. Imagine the 6 year whose mother cut her hair using a bowl… ick!

2006-05-20T09:38:00.000-04:00

It is official, my roommate and I are now counted in the Census 2006. As a statistician it was the message from the chief statistician that got me. It wasn't what he said but rather the fact that I recall the pain of survey statistics and the non-responders. I felt obligated, so I went online and inputted all our information. They ask you very interesting questions like are you a farmer? They also asked if I wanted to have all my information released and made public in 92 years. I thought about this for a while and in the end I chose no. In retrospect, I will likely be dead by then and so the information would be quite useless but still I chose no.

2006-05-17T10:02:00.000-04:00

Since I can't decide what I should be maybe you can give me an idea of where you see me in the future.

Please take a moment to vote (located on the right side panel)!

Thanks!!

2006-05-15T23:42:00.000-04:00

So I know I am not the token pretty girl, the blond with the big boobs, but I can’t help but wonder am I like Izzy from Grey’s Anatomy. I definitely do not go as overboard with emotional attachments to my patients and I would never have done what she did. Still at the end, when she says she could not be a surgeon, it made me quite afraid. Would that happen to me one day I the middle of my residency? Will I wake up and wish I had not done it or had chosen a different path.

I don’t know how I will figure this out, but I need to know if I am meant to be a surgeon or not. It is by no means an easy route to be a surgeon, there will be long grueling hours in residency. How am I supposed to know?? I enjoyed Urology … a lot, I am intrigued by the pathophysiology, and the renal-collecting ducts system intrigues me to no end. I love doing cytoscopy, I enjoy the OR, and I love the clinic. I think as I get higher on the ladder I will go from enjoying to loving the OR, as a human retractor you can just appreciate the anatomy.

And you know what, although I am sick of defending this choice, I will reiterate for those of you out there who think I will only be working with Prostates all day: Urology covers renal issues including kidney transplants, ureteric problems including stones and UTIs, and the bladder be it tumour, or stones, or inflammation in BOTH sexes. And specific to men it covers prostate and testicular issues, and in women urinary incontinence. Children also have their own special set of problems.

Maybe I am trying to convince myself... Maybe I should just go to bed... I am really too tired to assess this properly

2006-05-14T03:49:00.000-04:00

Bachelorette Party/Bridal Shower/ Laura is getting married Extravaganza!

We had this spectacular event at Bexy’s fabulous digs in the midtown region. It was soo much fun. In fact, I have not seen Laura, and some of the other girls, in ages so it was also a reunion. We had so much fun, telling stories, eating cake, and doing dares. I was in charge of formulating games to play through the night. Here are some of the winners:

Pin the Penis on the Man (poster): Updated version of pin the tail on the donkey. For this sassy game, I had to go into a sex shop on Yonge Street in broad daylight. I just held my head up high and walked in, asked for the games section, and laughed at most of the suggested games for a bachelorette night. Sadly, they were out of the penis gummies…too bad :(.

Truth, Dare, or Draw: Just Truth or dare with a third option as we were only meeting some of the out of town friends today. Thought it was only fair to give everyone an out. I had to do my cow impression which is pretty darn good if I must say so.

MadLibs: Good Times as always. Bexy actually wrote the story instead of buying one of the pre-made ones. Go Girl!

Little Papers: Bringing back some RVC/McGill memories… sniff sniff

After all the fun and games, and armed with a list of dares to be performed by the bride to be, we headed off to Devil’s martini for a night of dancing and debauchery. Let me tell you there are tons of women getting married, I think there must have been about 5 brides to be there. I think it is an epidemic; watch out it might be catchy.

2006-05-12T21:35:00.000-04:00

First Week of Paediatrics:

So I am doing the split rotation for paeds with three weeks in the community and three weeks on the general paeds floor at sick kids. I am starting with the community in Dr. G.’s office. I am quite enjoying the experience. The children are sooo cute and I am becoming quite efficient at the well baby visit. The only down part is that I never got over my pharyngitis from the last rotation, so I was hit super hard this week by some baby bugs. Not sure what I have, but I am very congested, coughing or rather hacking, and feeling like crap. On the upside we, Zam and I, were taken to an Asthma lecture dinner at Bymark, which is one of the top 5 restaurants in Toronto. In fact, some of the appetizers were 29.95$...eep!

2006-05-07T23:24:00.000-04:00

So post rotation, I went home to soak up some much needed TLC. Hanging out with the family was fabulous as always. I ate yummy food, relaxed, chatted about life, and just be me. I guess we all like to think we are always being ourselves, but I have to say there are a few sides to me that probably only my family are really privy to. Its not that I hide these aspects of myself but I guess the situation never presents itself in interactions with other people.

Saturday was the much anticipated boat cruise, which was organized by my classmate’s boyfriend so he could propose to her on the boat. Very sweet but I would have been mortified. I am huge romantic but I guess I would like a more private setting for something like that. Anyway, it was lovely lovely.

I also wore my green contacts for the event. I have had them for ages, but I never wear them. I don’t think my classmates here have ever seen them, peeps at UW have seen them a few times. The main reason I don’t wear them is that they are not prescription, so they are just for colour. I had quite a range of responses to them at the boat cruise, mostly positive.Most people thought they were fun and different, although I had a few odd responses. Claire was convinced I was hypnotizing her with my eyes, it was pretty funny whereas some of my male friends could not even look at me. I thought the latter was an odd response, especially when one of them told me I looked like I had glass eyes. I didn’t think they looked so odd thankfully most of them came around, but apparently some people really couldn’t handle it. Nothing beats people making you paranoid about the way you look.

2006-05-05T23:10:00.000-04:00

Okay, once again I have fallen off the updating bandwagon. I‘ll start with some of the pressing issues:

Lobby Day: Went well, met with Minister Smitherman, who was quite touchy and got super pissed off with one of the questions. I thought it was good for people to remember he is not an ally but rather a businessman who views healthcare as a business. Otherwise, the day was good.

Family Medicine: Amazing rotation! I had a great time! I thought that I would be scared of the diverse problems and the amount of knowledge required; instead I found it quite fun. You never knew what was waiting behind the door. There was such variety, from elderly patients with hypertension, to middle aged patients with weight concerns, to the much loved well baby/child visit. I think it appealed to my adult like ADHD. I need variety in my life to function.

I think that is why I like Urology, from cystocopy, to clinic, to the OR, its always something new. Being able to provide three different treatment modalities is what I like about it. Whatever you choose you still continue to follow them, not often the case in surgery.

2006-04-23T19:43:00.000-04:00

OMSA Leadership Day:

My day today was supposed to be focused on leadership training, and skills as well as preparing for the med student lobby day tomorrow at Queens Park. Instead half the day was spent on deciding what colour personality you are and what that means. In truth you are always a mix of these but apparently one usually dominates. I initially thought I might be red, but I am a True Blue. Try it for yourself: http://www.uta.edu/english/V/students/collab16/TESTPAGE.HTML.

Sadly, I think many students got confused about the issues and are going into their meeting with politicians really quite unsure of what to expect. Thankfully, I did this last year, am very familiar with the issues, and I am meeting with the same person again. I just felt that most of today was spent on irrelevant things and not properly preparing students for the lobby day.

The best part of the day was when they said maybe we should leave the CaRMS issue on the backburner. To this I had to raise my voice: Frankly we are going there talking about increasing the financial resources for med students and getting more people to apply from all demographic groups as well as repayment strategies, this cannot be done without thinking about the residency spots and the matching process at the end of one’s medical degree. I was glad that many students came up to me and agreed with me, we should use our time wisely but CARMS is NOT a backburner issue. Sadly, I think this comment is a reflection of the overwhelming pre-clerkship representation at the lobbying level and lack of representation from the last two years. I think I am only one of two or three clerks to be present tomorrow.

NB: For non-meds CaRMs is the matching process that medical students go through at the end of med school for residency programs.

2006-04-22T18:09:00.000-04:00

The Week in Review:

Earlier in the week I attended the memorial of our Academy director who died recently and unexpectedly. It was really nice to hear from his family, friends, colleagues and other students like myself. I have to admit I did not know him as well as the others did as I was part of a different academy until this year. I remember once being in the OR on surgery and he was the anesthesiologist, he spent the whole time joking around with the nursing staff. In the short time I knew him, I can say that he was very loud, gregarious, and extremely truthful person who always shared his opinion.

As the week progressed I did more of the same as last week: I jabbed some poor victims, did a gazillion full physicals, and just chatted with my patients who were more there for the social rather than the medical. Family Medicine is a very social specialty, with emphasis on getting to know your patients and their families. For example, I would see mother and children one day then aunt the next day.

I find that aspect quite interesting probably because I like to chat as a general rule. Then again I guess I don’t chat too much considering two of my staff told me I had a rather surgical approach as well. I guess it just depends on the situation. If they were there just for a blood pressure or diabetes check up I don’t mind chatting but if there is an acute problem I like to get to the bottom of it. Well that’s my story and I am sticking with it.

Other interesting things that happened this week: I became increasingly convinced I had strep throat especially after seeing all these kiddies with it. Yesterday I felt really crappy and stayed in watching Ray, excellent movie I highly recoomend, and eating Indian food with an old friend. Today I mustered up the courage to ask my staff to look examine me and tell me if they think my pharyngitis is bacterial or viral in nature. She thinks it is likely viral so that is a good sign, I really didn’t want to take antibiotics.

Okay I am famished... I hope there is something to eat in my fridge!

2006-04-16T15:31:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDSAY AND DAVID on the arrival of their baby boy!! All three are overwhelmed with joy and are doing very well! Way to go Lindsay, not only did she beat us (the RVC gals) all to the chapel but also to the hospital. Hey Fred, I guess she drove the car all the way from the chapel to the hospital!

Made me start to think about my life and where I stand now. So where am I? I am getting closer to finally checking off that career thing as done, just another year or two and I will become part of the working world. Still technically learning but at least I will start paying off some of my humongous loans off. Lease don’t ask what I am going for, I am still in a conundrum over that. All I can say is that by March 2007 (i’sA) I will be able to answer those questions.

So that is one aspect down, and that would lead into other things like buying a house and buying real grown up furniture. I will buy a ridiculously large bed, a King, just because, and don’t forget the matching bedroom furniture. Right now, the matching in my bedroom is limited to the fact that everything is from the same store, and I generally stuck to light wood.

Question is what is my checklist for life? I am going to ruminate over this for a while then let you all know. I invite you all to think about it too and publish it!

2006-04-15T23:41:00.000-04:00

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it.
You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less.
You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way.
Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

The Muppet Personality Test

2006-04-15T23:36:00.000-04:00

So I know this is not exactly the best thing to have on your blog but how could I resist.
I love this song, and those who know me know the special meaning.

Your Stripper Song Is

Baby Got Back by Sir Mix-A-Lot

"So Cosmo says you're fat
Well I ain't down with that!
'Cause your waist is small and your curves are kickin'"

You've got a boomin' body, and you're not afraid to show it off.

What Song Should You Strip To?

2006-04-15T23:21:00.000-04:00

Your Monster Profile

Hungry Doctor

You Feast On: Pie

You Lurk Around In: Sewers

You Especially Like to Torment: Lawyers

What's Your Monster Name?

2006-04-13T21:13:00.000-04:00

Family Medicine:

I love the babies on this rotation!! They are just so cute and happy , well until we jab them in the thigh for vaccinations. I hate being the evil pain inflicter but I do enjoy playing with them!

2006-04-03T23:10:00.000-04:00

O'Malley ... you are my McDreamy....

2006-03-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

OPTHO Sucks!

So apparently I am horrible when it comes to direct fundoscopy. According to my staff today my technique was deplorable, the best part being he told me this in front of the patient. I can take the heat, but do you mind not totally embarrassing me in front of the patient or is that too much to ask for.

This week and the next are a horrid mix of lectures and clinics rounded off by four exams next Friday. Once again I ask myself: Why???

2006-03-25T20:08:00.000-05:00

Clerkship goes on....

so four rotations down: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, and Obstetrics and Gynecology. I think I already commented on the first two in earlier entries..sparse as they have been. Psychiatry was interesting, nothing beats not being able to predict your patients. I spent three weeks on the Acute Care Unit with patients who were floridly pschotic or manic. I learned a lot of about delusions and other psychotic symptoms. The last three weeks I was on the consultation service and saw lots of depression, anxiety, and delirium. On call in Psychiatry was not that exciting for me, I rarely had any admissions but the residents were fun to hang out with.

On Obstetrics and Gynecology the learning curve was huge. I delivered a lot of babies, and assisted with many c-sections. I marveled at the stoic ladies who did not have epidurals and delivered without the pain medications. I thought they were crazy but they did it. Generally, the women were all very happy and very thankful for all our help. I especially loved the cuddle time with the babies, as the parents love showing them off. Its funny how many people think that babies are scrunched up when they are born, but all these babies were gorgeous!!!!!

Now I am moving onto ENT/Optho for the next two weeks, then family med for four weeks.

2006-03-24T19:59:00.000-05:00

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Math?

Thank goodness I passed,..with two math degrees that would have been quite shameful.

2006-03-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

You Are a Chick Rocker!

You're living proof that chicks can rock
You're inspired by Joan Jett and the Donnas
And when you rock, you rock hard
(Plus, you get all the cute guy groupies you want!)

What Kind of Rocker Are You?

2006-01-05T11:32:00.000-05:00

OKAY... you are now reading the blog of a FULL G Licensed driver!!! I passed my road test today and I am soooo happy. Honestly, that is the most nerve racking experience. Hurrah, it’s over!

2005-12-29T19:39:00.000-05:00

A YEAR IN REVIEW:

10 things that happened this year that I am really happy about!

My family is still amazing and will always be there for me.
One step closer to becoming a physician.(Don’t ask what kind, I am not quite that sure yet :)
I went traveling this summer and visited Ireland, Scotland and Spain.
Some close friends of mine got Engaged: Lindsay, Laura, and James.
Alice and Bethany both got married this summer.
Puja lived with me for a month while she did an elective and we both survived. Better yet, we became closer and I got addicted to Gray’s Anatomy.
My friends (from Lo-Ellen to Travel buddies) are good to me, and understand the hectic life of a med student.
I passed the USMLE Step One.
I keep meeting new friends: my new roomie, residents, etc.
I learnt a little more about the person I call ‘me’

2005-12-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

RANT:

Sometimes I really hate New Years. You spend so much time planning and somehow things always seem to start falling apart. People back out last minute, people refuse to commit, it’s not like it’s a flippin’ relationship. It is just one night…that’s it. Oh why do I bother? I guess I really should blame myself; after all I let myself get too into it. Frankly, it is just another night out, the only difference is that all the bars can rip you off even more!

Why does it matter so much, so it’s another year…great? Whatever. Isn’t it funny how we make new years resolutions; we make promises to ourselves to change whatever we have been doing in the last year. In a sense we regard this previous year as one that we have failed in some way. Yet another year for me to examine under scrutiny at all the things I did not do, the missed moments, the lost….

Really we should look back at all the great things we did and if you must or if you really feel the need make a resolution. A Year in Review that would be cool!

2005-12-25T21:38:00.000-05:00

It has been literally months since my last post, and for that I apologize. Clerkship sucks all your time away especially when you start with the two heavy hitters: Surgery and Internal Medicine.

Well I think I already wrote a little bit about Surgery: It was amazing, crazy hours, but great time and excellent experience. I learnt that I did absorb some of the anatomy from the first year of med. Also, I like seeing a problem, getting right up in there and fixing it, and being able to see the results of your actions quite quickly.

Imagine, patient groaning in pain, feverish, positive Murphy's sign and off you go to the OR. You take out their gallbladder without even hacking them open, laparoscopic surgery (a.k.a. keyhole surgery or the horrible misnomer laser surgery) eliminates the use of the big incisions allowing people to be up and moving earlier.

After that I went on to Medicine, which was totally different. I went from acute problems to more long term problems and issues. This rotation definitely made me a stronger person, and hopefully one day a better doc. I dealt with palliative care issues, and was able to provide what I hoped was the best care for my dying patient. I was also able to manage resources and collaborate with other allied health workers to optimize my patients return to the community.

Both these rotations made me a stronger team player, and definitely started to build on role as a medical expert.

So life begins…

I look forward to my next rotation: Psychiatry, a service I consulted many a time in the past 3 months for patients. I think too often we consult on them expecting them to clarify everything and present us with a totally different patient.

Anyway, Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

Also happy Birthday to all my December peeps: Mel, Lee, Shelina, Wig, Tracy, Q, HRH Y, and I hope I did not leave anyone out!

2005-10-23T23:16:00.000-04:00

Okay here is the update: School started with a month of class stuff, essentially a countdown to clerkship with assignments and an exam really. Anyway, I made it through somehow, since I have not received any emails or phone calls I will assume that I did not fail ;)

FIRST ROTATION: SURGERY

So we started off with a week of seminars and more time to get nervous. Then it began, I was a clerk on a general surgery team. It was really neat. My supervisor and I got on really well and I got to do stuff. I did lots of DigREs and saw lots of scopes. I was only on gen surg for two weeks but as the time passed I graduated, from putting in staples in the OR to sewing Scarpa’s fascia!!! I was on top of the world. Also, I got to remove staples in clinic, and removed some of my own handiwork…continuity of care…it’s a beautiful thing.

Then I switched to Urology, and so far I am having a great time. I did mostly clinics last week and feel very comfortable with the urologic history now. Let me tell the first few times you have to ask a man about his sexual function are a little uncomfortable. I was in the OR once so far, but look forward to Cystoscopy and more ORs, and clinics this week. Also I finally get to meet my supervisor this week; he was gone on conference last week.

Also I went to see Body Worlds 2 at the Science centre… really cool, but gets a little creepy near the end of the exhibit when the bodies are in some questionable positions.

Once again I am all over the place in this post... oh well what is new???

2005-08-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

due to some wierd computer glitches I was NOT able to write the exam today
they kept us there for over 2hours before they told us...grrrrr
so now I must write it on SUNDAY, the day before school starts
I am pissed!

2005-08-22T21:06:00.000-04:00

TWO MORE SLEEPS TILL THE USMLE!

I realize that I have become a frequent user of med acronyms so for those who don’t know, the USMLE is actually a set of exams leading to licensing in the states. I am actually taking the Step One which is an 8 hour exam based on the first two years of medical school.

Before you all get up in arms about the shortage in Canadian docs, I assure you I have no plans to move south of the border to practice. I plan on doing my residency in Canada and practice here. It’s just that sometimes after residency many people do a fellowship in their area of specialty. As you can imagine once you specialize and sub-specialize there will be a limited number of places to do a fellowship in your area. Anyway, in the event I must move south for a year to 18months to complete this fellowship I need to have completed all the three steps in the USMLE.

I am just trying to keep my options open really. After all, you never know!

Anyway, I can’t believe school starts next week! August 29 is my first day back, ridiculously early as per usual. Its funny isn’t it? I will be forever in training and will not get a summer between third and fourth year, yet they can’t give us an extra week this summer! Oh well.

2005-08-19T13:24:00.000-04:00

So apparently I have been at U of T for the past two years, yet I know nothing about this school. Since I had some time to kill today I thought I would have lunch on campus, so I called Anna to find out where to go since I was not headed to Hart House.

So I get to Robarts and I have to ask where the cafe is, and the washrooms! I live in a bubble in med. I only go to the Med Sci Building and then the hospitals. And this year it will be more hospital time than anything. Oh well, I guess I am ok unless someone asks me where some random building is. At least I know where the convocation hall is, that will be key in a few years!

Okay off to get some titres done, damn I hate needles!

2005-08-17T22:09:00.000-04:00

One more week till I write the USMLE and I am already tired!!! I don't know how I will make it. The bloody exam is 8 hours long!! aieee! I am so tired of studying! I sitll have a few more subjects to go then review then mock exams!

Oh well, on the upside, we had an unplanned Toronto MiniJAM at Christine's last Saturday! I don't think I had seen AMT in over four years, crazy huh! We even got into some serious RVC antics and left Fred one of those insane 5 people yelling into the phone type messages! Ah the life!

I miss CSI, I can only watch it once a week now that I don't get cable. Who knew I would miss SPIKE TV the most. CSI on 7pm and 8pm every night, the ORIGINAL too, none of this NY or Miami crap!

2005-08-08T22:10:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I had been tagged by a Tiger no less !!!

Book Tag

Total number of books that I own:

There are sooo many: on the shelves, stuffed in random places, and let’s not forget the boxes in my parent’s basement.

Last book I bought:
Monday Mourning
by Kathy Reichs

Last book I read:
Recently finished Hideaway by Dean Koontz. Currently, I am reading Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz and A fine balance by Rohinton Mistry.

Five books that mean a lot to me:

Gone with the Wind
by Margaret Mitchell

She’s come Undone
by Wally Lamb

Kitchen Table Wisdom
by Rachel Naomi Remen

The Witches
by Roald Dahl

Desert Flower
by Warris Dirie

Five people I tag to do their own book meme:

Bexy

Melanie

Fred

Cecilia

Jen (aka the latest Ms. President)

2005-08-08T22:06:00.000-04:00

Some Pictures of Scotland! and the Loch Ness Monster!

2005-07-20T16:16:00.000-04:00

I did a fabulous cit tour and saw the famous Edinburgh castle as well as the Whisky Heritage Site. Next I went on a three day tour of the highlads entiltled: Disco Dave and El Presidente Pricey´s Sexy Highland Scotland Extravaganza!!!! It was tooo much fun, I met some fun people, lots of Aussies and Canadians actually. We rocked it out each night and just had a fab fab time!!

Then I left Scotland, a little sad back to Dublin where onJuly 16 at 12:01 am I bought the secnd copy of the new Harry Potter fromthe airport bookstore onteh arrivals level!!! Hey i had nothing to do till my connection at 6:45 am to London\madrid.

Finally got to Madrid, met Denise and was happy till my luggage did NOT show up.... super high security in London was holding up all the luggage from connections through there. So I had to buy something to wear the next day. Madrid was a whirlwind of ZARA, shopping, dinner (lots of Paella), sightseeing, and beautiful plazas, squares, and one amazing Royal Palace, Place Real.

ALso we took a half day trip to Toledo, which had the most amazing architechture. picture this a synagogue with Islamic architechure and a Catholic dias. It was beautiful. I wish my camera could put up pics onto this computer...sorry peeps!

Then today we took a first class train trip to Seville. The train was awesome, it was like VIA 1, free beverages, a little meal, and newspapers. Tonight we saw a FLAMENCO show which totally wowed us. I could not believe how talented these dancers were, the guys the girls...amazing!! I am sooo taking flameco lessons whenever I have free time again. Okay, so we have more fun stuff planned including the city tour of Seville, an overnight trip on the train ina private sleper car!, more fun inBarcelona, and of course, sunny Portugal before we head home for a REST!!!

2005-07-12T06:37:00.000-04:00

Scotland vs Ireland:
U of Edinburgh wins over Trinity in terms of accomodation.
I mean Trinity was beautiful and the location was excellend. The only problem was that the rooms are a little bit old and the bathrooms, which are shared, were a little dodgy. The residences inEdinburgh are much newer and beautiful. I look back onto the mountains literally a few feet away, but best of all the rooms are first class. I have my own ensuite bathroom and it is all very nice and new. Also, for some reason they skimp on the breakfst at Trinity only providing you with continental, read as cold stuffs, for breakkie and ask you to pay for any hot food. I had yogurt and granola every day which was fine with me. Here the breakfast is lavish with smoked fish, veggie and meat sausages, eggs, cereals, I could go on and on. It was really nice, although I shall probably have some granola and yogurt tomorrow :)

Anyway, its time for me to go and see how the cities match up. I am so excited for Edinburgh Castle and all the other sites.

2005-07-10T13:02:00.000-04:00

Crazy Night in Dublin....

I met some cool people on my tour yesterday including a fun Alaskan, Tracy, who is currently working in London. The tour was fabulous and full of other fun people. We had a lot of fun seeing the beautiful country side, waterfalls, and an old monastery. I have some lovely pics. After the tour ended we had some coffee and tea, walked around for a bit before having some dinner.

Then we began our pub hopping. We met some cool people at the first place we started, Temple Bar, then we went to the Porter House again. We met up with some girls I had met on my first tour to Newgrange. Then we went to this club/pub across the street, that was also lots of fun. We ended the night at this Irish pub with a live Irish band, and people were dancing up a storm. After a jig or two, a bunch of us left. I was tired and it was close to 3am. aieee.

This morning I was tired and slept through breakfast but woke up in time to meet Tracy for some shopping. After that and some lunch, she went off to catch her plane. Now I am going to pack up my stuff and get ready for Scotland. Wahoo!

2005-07-08T12:11:00.000-04:00

okay so yesterday I was totally confused.. Today I went to see Newgrange not Wicklow/Glendaglough. Newgrange is a neolithic site older than the stonehenge and the pyramids. It was super cool. I met some nice people on the tour and had fun.

Also we went to the Hill of Tara.... that was the closest I have ever felt to Scarlet O'Hara. FOr those who have not read/seen it as many times as I have; the O'Hara family home is named Tara after this hill where 142 kings of Ireland were ordained. Also, in the knockoff sequel, Scarlett, she comes to Ireland and makes a point to visit the hill of Tara. They even mentioned it on the tour.

So currently my biggest dilemma is where to go for dinner and how I can work out the crazy time difference so I am able to call people at somewhat decent hours. Okay off I go :)

2005-07-07T12:39:00.000-04:00

After many delays and much fiasco I arrived in Dublin Tuesday Afternoon. Lets just say that Heathrow is a freakishly huge airport that does not allow for short time betweeen connections.

Anyway, after arriving and finding Trinity College and dumping my stuff I met up with some friends: Dave Wan, Eoin (his cousin), and Steph L-Q. They took me for some pub fare for dinner and then showed me some of the 'hip' area Temple Bar. I saw the hotel owned by U2 and apparently there was a club in it but it burnt down recently...oh well. Afterwards we went off to the Porter House which very similar to the Bier Markt with lots of different crazy beers and stuff. I tried a pear cider, it was rather nice. Afterwards, Eanna met up wit us and later, we had a late night stop at Burger King before I went home to my rez room.

I was so disoriented to time and since I had not slept on the flight over I was super tired but could not fall asleep till 3am local time (10pm TO time).

On wed, I woke up around 11am and my stomach revolted. I don't know if it was the crazy flying and stress or the pear cider and late nite BK? but we settled down intime to go SHOPPING with Dave Wan in the afternoon...HIS suggestion! Although food is super expensive here and rather ridiculous there is some rather FABULOUS shopping going on over here. I am defintely going to get a pair of fab shoes before I leave.... Later we had a tour of the Royal College of Surgeons medical school and then had a lovely dinner of Tapas with Steph.

Today, was my first day on my own and I had fun. \i did the open bus hop on hop off tour. I went on the Guinness tour and sawthe museum of modern art. I was going to go to the zoo but my allergies are already a little crazy. I also returned to the scene of the first shopping crimes from the day before so I could fully appreciate some of the stores ;)
Now I am off to get some dinner and relax. Tomorrow I am off on a day trip to see Wicklow, and Glendelough. should be good!

2005-04-11T22:54:00.000-04:00

2005-01-16T21:49:00.000-05:00

I have lost any motivation to do ANYTING!!! I have lots of schoolwork, a study to execute and analyze, and a life to plan. I could work on any of these but instead I find myself watching the Simpsons (not a good one today), and waiting for the Bachelorette tomorrow. What is wrong with me???

At least I found motivation to BLOG! So what has happened since the last entry. Well, lots of birthdays and holidays and New Years. All good times. I went to Montreal last weekend for MedGames, it was a total blast. I shopped till I dropped literally. Then I hung out with some Montreal Peeps and dances all night at Tokyo!

What else, still working on Sioux Lookout for the month of June. Hoping to get some hands on experience there during a rural health elective. We’ll see how it all goes down. NOMP please pick me!

Things closer in the future, I am hoping to get away to somewhere HOT in March. I need a holiday from all my procrastinating. Then there is talk of another Jamboree in…BOSTON. Oh so excited.

2004-12-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

Okay, so my exam is in roughly 14 hours and I am writing in my blog instead of studying. I am just so darn tired of studying, I feel like this is my whole life. On the upside, I am going to see BLADE: TRINITY tomorrow, with my movie buddy from long ago. I am really excited; I have seen all the BLADE movies. I admit it, I like Welsley Snipes. He rocks, and he does all his own stunts, you gotta respect a man for that.

2004-12-08T01:31:00.000-05:00

Today I decided I hated everyone in my class because some peoples really pissed me off. Then I went to the ORBITAL GROOVE concert and had a FABULOUS time with all my classmates. The peeps in the band were amazing, from En Vogue to Bon Jovi they really rocked our world.

Okay, this week is insane, I have something every single night, from the Rae Review to a dessert party. Oh and did I mention I have an exam next tuesday? Wish me luck!

2004-12-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

It has been months, if not years, since I last wrote. This year has been in a word INSANE. This is supposed to be our more chill year with lots of extra time in the first half before craziness of the second half yet I feel overworked and abused. We had to hand in a proposal for our community research projects, which took forever. And to top it all off my supervisor changed my topic a week before it was due! I was a minor stress case. And now tomorrow we are having the third and final exam in the trilogy. Then I have another exam in a week and a few days after. The fun never stops in med. It’s a go go go kinda life. Am I sure I want this to be the rest of my life. EEEP?

For Christmas break, I plan on Sleeping lots, seeing some peeps, that means you!, and going up to the Big Nickel for some fun times if possible.

By the way, who want to go to Europe this summer. I NEED A HOLIDAY!!!!

2004-10-11T17:57:00.000-04:00

So what’s been going on in my life as of recent? I saw the Opera of The Handmaid’s Tale. It was very interesting to say the least. It was weird seeing an opera sung in English. I find the English language a little jarring when it is sung in an opera, the words just don’t flow the same way as Italian for instance. Anyway, it was a fun time, one of my classmates hosted a Wine and Cheese before it to get us in a Artsy Fartsy shi shi poo poo frame of mind for the Opera.

What else, I made it through my first exam and it was not too horrible. Sadly, I am told that is the easiest exam we will ever have this year. I am not opposed to easy exams, I wish profs shared the same view.

Then my dear friend Krebs came to visit me for a week. We had a fabulous time visiting McGill Peeps, and hosting my very first Veggie and Vegan potluck. The tofu curry and satay tofu were a HIT!

Sadly, I had to miss C and H’s wedding this weekend. CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO! They are living evidence that I am indeed a good matchmaker.

Now I am feeling a wee bit stressed, I did not do any work while Kirs was here and I hate Genetics. Oh well, what’s for dinner?

2004-09-19T22:10:00.000-04:00

I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up? And to be honest, it is beginning to drive me nuts. I admit it, I don't have every aspect of my life planned. I don't even know where I want to live during residency. This is all rather unsettling. As I got to each career night, each specialuty looks so attractive. How will I narrow it down?

So far I can cross of the following specialities:

1. Urology ( no interest)
2. Pediatric Oncology ( don't have it in me)
3. Psychiatry
4. Medical Genetics
5. NeuroSurgery

That still leaves well over 30 specialities to choose from. EEEEKK!

2004-09-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

Manicure and Pedicure Day!
Why?
Because I'm Worth it!

2004-09-10T18:23:00.000-04:00

So schools in for the year! So long summer picnics, summer romance, and all those other summery things I forgot to do! We have just finished our second week of school and I have an exam in 2 weeks. What a fabulous life I live! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time can pass by. Honestly, we should start a petition since summer never really began. This “summer” was mostly rain and cloudy skies. Surely we cannot have fall until we have had a true and complete summer. We could all have a chance at short skirts, deep tans (for those who tan), and wearing white! Forget the rules; I shall wear white after Labour Day. Let the fashion police come after me, see if I care.

All this aside I have discovered yet another great chick lit author. Please welcome into our realm Ms. Mary Janice Davidson, author of books such as The Royal Treatment. If you want to have a quick laugh and enjoy a very girlie moment or two please seek out her books. I am pacing myself with them. I should receive my next shipment of her books after my first exam.

Rant/Thought of the Day: If everyone around you is so damn selective and you are not, who the hell are you going to end up with?

2004-08-18T14:43:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I went to a Magazine Launch for the Shore Magazine at the Drake Hotel. A friend of mine is the associate Editor. IT was a fabulous event at a fabulous location. If you want to go somewhere with lots of intrigue and an artsy flair go! They had great rooms and the atmosphere was pretty chill. I had a great time. Bexy and my sis joined me for the event and I think we all agreed that it was a great place. I think they inspired all of us to send in a submission to the mag at some point.

2004-08-18T14:37:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I am becoming the queen of quick visits. A few weekends ago, I was in Ottawa for about 12hours total. Last weekend I was in Sudbury for less than 24 hours. I had a blast in Sudbury though, seeing all my old peeps. Hitting up places like Little Habana and Yesterday’s. No Ralph’s or Cactus Pete’s! Anyway, I had lots of fun, especially on the drive up with my brother and my cousin.

Confession Time: I bought two pairs of shoes yesterday. I did need a pair of black shoes to wear with skirts and such so it was not an entire waste. And I also got a pair to wear for clinical days. Actually both can be worn during clinical. So there! Then Today I bought a shoe organizer thing that holds 10 shoes. So hopefully my roomie won’t freak out too much about my shoes taking over the apartment.

By the way: I am coming to Ottawa on Friday till Sunday. Ferd can you send me your Ottawa deets pls?

2004-08-10T22:52:00.000-04:00

You're Jurassic Park!

by Michael Crichton

You combine all the elements of a mad scientist, a brash philosopher, a humble researcher, and a money-hungry attracter of tourists. With all these features, you could build something monumental or get chased around by your own demons. Probably both, in fact. A movie based on your life would make millions, and spawn at least two sequels that wouldn't be very good. Be very careful around islands.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

This is so cool! I LOVE this book.

2004-08-09T23:17:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Bexy:

Question #1: List the minimum you'd have to be wearing in order to feel comfortable doing the following :

a) go to work - pants and some sort of top
b) hang out at friend's place - sweats
c) attend a house party - pretty dress, plus makeup and hair
d) go to the gym - sweats
e) run to the dep to get milk – sweats but the cuter ones, cute boys live in the McGill Ghetto
f) take out the garbage - sweats
g) attend an at-work lunch celebration - coordinated bottom/top/shoe combo plus makeup and hair
h) go on a movie date - expressly picked-out outfit, plus makeup and hair- Yeah I am a total girly girl

Question #2: You out with a group of half a dozen or so people when you notice someone in the group whom you do not know well yet whose fortunes are not quite separate from yours (ie. coworker, friend's spouse) making one of the following faux pas. Choose your reaction from the numbered list. (Obviously some reactions listed are ludicrously inappropriate for some faux pas. Compact list, yada yada yada

a)spinach in teeth - pull the offender aside and mention it
b) bra strap showing - ignore it - some call it part of the outfit these days?!?!?!
c) actual bra showing - pull the offender aside and mention it
d) factual errors in conversation - point out the error in front of everyone; if they disregard your opinion, leave it
e) becoming unfortunately inebriated - pull the offender aside and mention it
f) stating controversial opinions as fact - ask someone who is closer to her to mention it later
g) saying they hate a certain minority group – I hope to never be in this situation or the next!
h) saying they hate a certain minority group...don't you? - point out the error in front of everyone; continue to argue the point until she either capitulates or one of you storms off
i) spraying food while speaking - ignore it but duck when necessary
j) drinking from your water glass - ignore it and get another glass ASAP

2004-08-09T23:07:00.000-04:00

FOR LOVE OR MONEY? Well, once again love persevered, despite the fact that the girl was a total knob and the guy had some issues. What can I say, there goes 16 hours of my life that I will never get back. Could have been worse. I did get a wicked quote:

"I am Relationship retarded" – Mike, For Love or Money 4

2004-07-26T13:50:00.000-04:00

I realize my last long entry might have been a little deceptive. Although, I would like to write a book at some period in my life that is not my current work. I am writing a Biostatistics Module for one of the course we take in Med School. Essentially it is an on line set of lessons, I sometimes refer to the lessons as chapters.

Anyway, today is going well! I am feeling pretty up! Bring on the world yeah!

Happy and Broke in TO!

2004-07-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

In a period of 36 hours, I read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. It was fabulous! I loved it. I couldn't put it down... literally. If you have the chance please go borrow, or buy this book. WOW!

2004-07-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Okay, so today I got my Hep B titer results. It is official I have antibodies against Hep B, and they will let me back into the hospitals. In addition, I checked my Potassium level and I am back in the good zone, apparently a banana a day is the way to go to keep the doctor away. Sorry Apple, but that was so last decade.
So what else has been going on, I feel like last week was my reunion week. First I had the Tropical Nights Pot Luck, which was a ton of fun. Got to see lots of peeps, and everyone had a good time. Then I went off to Waterloo to visit all the peeps there. I had a fun time whooping it up with my girls at Abstract for 80’s night! More Madonna! Sadly I did not go to the concert. Sniff Sniff. My roommate went but not me.
So after my brief interlude in KW I returned downtown for another McGill Reunion. It was all the SSMU peeps, I think we nearly had quorum, how sad! I love catching up with random peeps I never see anymore. The next day, like true Montréal- ers we went to Eggspectations for breakfast. The new one that just opened downtown is quite good. So after all of that I relaxed on Sunday and now the workweek is drawing to a close. What did I do all week? Not very much yet I managed to miss For Love or Money!
Oh yeah, I saw my cousin, which was lots of fun. I think we have lived in the same city for nearly a year and that was the third time of seeing each other. So work is alright, having some major writers block in Chapter Six. Not sure what to do, so I just moved onto Chapter Nine instead. Slowly but surely this will be completed. I need to be done in time to help my sis move and help out with orientation!

2004-06-21T20:01:00.000-04:00

How to make a Zedbuffer

Ingredients:

5 parts success

5 parts humour

1 part empathy

Method:
Layer ingredientes in a shot glass. Top it off with a sprinkle of caring and enjoy!

< div align=center>

Personality cocktail
From Go-Quiz.com

2004-06-06T19:59:00.000-04:00

The end of Rural Week: On my last day, my preceptor gave me the honour of performing a lumpectomy all by myself. I removed a small lump from a lady’s left armpit. I did the whole thing step by step. I injected the anesthetic then proceeded to dissect out the lump, and, icing on the cake, I got to suture the wound closed. I felt like a surgeon, cutting for the very first time, like a surgeon (sing to theme of Madonna’s Like a Virgin). In addition, I got to be Scully from X-files for a brief moment. I was called to act as an expert for the OPP. They had found a bone and were wondering if it was possibly human. Thankfully, I was able to deduce that it belonged to some large quadruped, probably a big deer or a moose. WOW, Rural Week kicks some serious ass, and I thoroughly recommend it to each and everyone.

2004-06-02T12:51:00.000-04:00

I arrived in New Liskeard on Sunday night and everything has been a go since then. Monday morning bright and early, I reported to the OR (operating room) and literally got right in there. After watching some procedures, I was scrubbing in and actually helping remove an infected appendix. I also got to see patients in the ER since my doc was on call.
Yesterday, I was in the clinic with my doc seeing patients. I got to do some physical exams including my first DRE (ASCM II). Today is another clinic day and we saw a very difficult patient, along with a lot of others.
Tomorrow we are right back in the OR doing some procedres and scopes. I am quite excited, especially now that I know how to scrub in properly. Then Friday is lumps and bumps day. We do a whole day of derm, and take out moles, skin tags, and carcinomas in the clinic. I hope to learn how to suture or inject local anesthetic.
Funny note, I was quizzed on the anatomy of the male today. It was a little embarassing but I knew the corpus this and that.
Also, I met my new role model yesterday. She is amazing! She is a doctor who does tons of international health, rural health, and managed to have kids and a family. WOW. She is making me a little package on HIV/AIDS projects across the globe.

2004-05-29T18:39:00.000-04:00

Okay, after nine grueling months of non-stop exams, bell ringers, and labs, I am now done my first year of med school. I have now achieved the M in M.D. I can’t believe the year is over, and summer is now officially beginning. To kick start the summer, I am off on a rural health adventure up North to New Liskeard! I will be shadowing a general surgeon there for a week and I will actually get to help in the OR and in his office! After that, I will return and start working. I will be designing a biostats module for one of the courses we take; I will use this opportunity to rejuvenate my statistical side. (Sniff Sniff, I am missing SSC this year in Montreal).
So to all my friends who have been ignored and seemingly cast aside, I hope we can all get together and hang out. I apologize for the craziness but sadly it was unavoidable. Also, when is TAPJAM….Bexy fill me in.

2004-02-24T22:11:00.000-05:00

I bought three pairs of shoes today and the government is to blame. I had to renew my health card today and the subway entrance was through a mall and Lo and behold there was a shoe sale. I bought lovely red boots, black shoes, and some white Adidas type shoes. Time spent well not studying. I feel justified, a little gift for me ;) or two, or three. Tee hee. Now back to studying!

2004-02-15T20:55:00.000-05:00

Well, its been a while since I last updated so what’s been going on? Let’s see... We finished our crazy exams. I threw a wine and cheese to celebrate which was attended by quite a few people. My roommate freaked out a little when 61 or was it 71 people RSVPed. Then I saw a whole lot of movies including Mystic River, Along Came Polly, and Monster. I found out my high school chum got engaged, CONGRATS to Alice.

Then came the first of the series of Iron Chef Challenges. Dave and John went first, preparing a wonderful 5-course meal. The presentation, as well as taste was amazing. These boys went all out especially with the Cherry Jubilee dessert, which was lit on fire in front of Wogs and I. Wogs and I will be going next and hoping to top these boys. We will be keeping the menu a secret until after we have presented. Perhaps I will put up the recipes afterwards.

Then came Valentine’s Day: We had a lovely dinner at Sarah’s then off we went to INSIDE where we danced the night away. It was rather nice actually, and if girls wore red they didn’t have to pay the $15 cover charge. Red being one of my favourite colours I did not hesitate to comply. As per usual I wore insane shoes and by the end of the night I was in a great deal of pain. I need a pair of black boots!

Now, I am at a weird point in time. I need to figure out what to do for the summer and at the same time I have an exam in two weeks. I barely had time to enjoy myself and now I am off to the library to log in a few more hours. So sad so sad. Oh well, I must go and try to read some renal physiology so I don’t fall too far behind.

2004-01-22T14:34:00.000-05:00

One exam down only 3 more to go. Happy Birthday to my peeps: Laura, Tia, and Vera. After my exam today I bought myself a Valentine's Day Present! It is a rather lovely bright red heart shaped pillow with roses sewn onto it! I rather like it... a lot. I felt empowered taking the initiative to add a bold colour to my decor and for buying a gift for myself ahead of schedule :)

2004-01-12T17:48:00.000-05:00

Quickie Update:

December:
Had a relaxing break at home for the most part. Had a wonderful New Years in Montreal. I was initially supposed to go to New York but last minute there were some drastic changes. I am glad I got to go to Mtl. I got to hang out with some people I had not seen in ages including Bertha. Also, had the chance to party it up at my favourite bar, TOKYO. And it is always fun when one of your close friends is a bartender there.

January:
Went to chilly Sherbrooke, Quebec (-46 C) for MEDGAMES. It was crazy and took 9 hours to get there on a bus. In fact we took 3 busloads of students there from the 1st and 2nd year classes. There were 1700 med students there and it was as crazy and unorganized as you can probably imagine. Also the food was quite hideous, but thankfully there were places to eat nearby. I got to see some McGill peeps that I had not seen since undergrad.

Now I am entering another insane Lockdown. I have 4 Exams at the end of the month and I am beginning to freak out. So as I delve into the depths of hell, I wish you all a Happy New Year!

2003-12-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

Ever had a super stressful period but manage to make it through, only to have an emotional meltdown a day later. That would be my day in a nutshell. After going MIA for two weeks studying for a killer 4-HOUR final, I go see LOTR III: Return of the King (EXCELLENT) another ~4hour event then off to post exam party. Then at the ER till 4 am because one of my classmates decided to party a little too hard. So today, I had my meltdown, I call it post stress syndrome PSS.
Anyway, Happy Belated Birthday to Melaniah. I was in the library all day, they had to kick us out. Its funny all this month all I have done is school, school, school. Even my â€œfunâ€� things have really been school events i. e. going to an academy mixer. Anyway, I am back at least for the next two weeks before another crazy lockdown begins. Will try to update with all the fun things I do or mundane activities to fill up the space :)

2003-10-29T21:52:00.000-05:00

Guess who I hung out with yesterday evening?? My roomie, myself, and about 30 others had an intimate and interactive session with Sarah McLachlan up in the Horizons Café in the CN Tower. I was literally 5 feet away from her. She sang songs from her old albums (including my favourite- Ice Cream) and some from the new album (to be released November 4). She looked amazing as per usual and sounded even better in person! I bet you are all wondering how I got invited to such an event, well… my roomie won a pair of tickets and took me as her date :) In addition to seeing and hearing Sarah first hand, we had an amazing buffet beforehand and free drinks!! Yesterday was a GOOD day, which was a welcome break after my embryology exam on Monday!

Countdown to next exam: 12 days

2003-10-18T18:27:00.000-04:00

Okay so I made it through my first Anatomy Exam! Then I went home for Thanksgiving but came back to school even more tired than I left. Adjusting to the 8am classes again sucked this week. On the upside, we interviewed real patients yesterday! On the downside, I had to buy equipment this week and spent tons of money I don’t have. On another upside, I had dinner made for me yesterday and attended a Tropical themed party. On the downside, only 4 of us out of ~30 people dressed up. Okay time for me to go.

2003-09-27T20:07:00.000-04:00

I am utterly swamped with my anatomy class but I NEED to take a break. I feel as though I am knee high in the abdomen rummaging around in the viscera. Anyway, yesterday I attended a Professional Faculties party (Pro-Fac). Well first I went to a pre-pre-party then a pre-party then the actual party. It was my first time out since I got sick so it was nice to have a bunch of stuff all crammed into one night. Also, it was especially fun because the LOCKDOWN began today, which pretty much means no more fun outings till after my exam in two weeks. Anyway, the night was interesting and I bonded a lot with some people. Sadly, when we got to Pro-Fac there was not a lot of mixing among the faculties, I pretty much hung out with my med friends all night. Until the very end, when Wogs and I met some people in Law. Don’t get me wrong I love my new med peeps but I was hoping to do a little more mixing. All right, time to get back to it!

2003-09-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

Okay hello stress ball! This is my fourth week of med school and I am super stressed! Good stress level though. We have tons of schoolwork, I feel as though we have learnt a semesters worth of anatomy already. On a good note, I was elected as one of the co-class presidents for our first-year class. So now, I am excited about that but a little worried about the time commitment.

2003-09-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Well, the House Warming was quite a success! Peeps from all three levels of my university education mingled freely and had fun! It was great seeing some people I had not seen in a long time, friends who have just moved to the city and those who are preparing to leave the country. Some people had a little too much fun and are paying for it today, thankfully I am feeling quite fine. In fact, I am off to study in a few minutes. Gotta get into geek mode early here! I am presenting my heart dissection tomorrow so I have to review all the structures of interest, and little tidbits I have to tell my group members. For those who could not make it last night, I hope to see you sometime over the year!

2003-08-25T23:57:00.000-04:00

WOAH>…craziness! First day of O-Week was madness. I met so many cool people and some old friends. In the morning, my roomie Kika, who is excellent, helped my pick out what to wear this morning. First off, I was quite nervous when I got there and felt out of place because everyone seemed to recognize each other from undergrad and I felt Old! But then as we got into our groups and just chatted in smaller clumps we had fun. My group kicked ass and we got to now each other and just had some good times. Also, this guy I spilt tea all over in my English class at UW is in my class. Surprise for me! Overall, good times, now need sleep, big breakfast event tomorrow, Dress to Impress kinda thing…EEK!

ps Shannon how is that thesis coming?

2003-08-24T10:12:00.000-04:00

My last free day before school starts tomorrow. EEP! I feel as nervous as a school girl. Oh well, better channel all this enery into sewing my curtain! I might not update for a week or so, first couple of weeks will be a little crazy for me I am sure!

2003-08-21T15:16:00.000-04:00

I am now certified in First AID and CPR Basic Rescuer, which means I can also help children and infants. It was a great time and I met some cool people. Feeling a little empowered at the moment!

2003-08-18T22:25:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize to my girl Toya! I voted for you last week but this week I was so taken in by Malcolm Mania, I just had to vote for him. He just looked so cute with his glasses and curly hair. For those who think I am insane, I’m not…I just started watching Canadian Idol. I can’t help myself; I have to watch something before Paradise Hotel comes on!

Well, the blackout came and went and we sure felt the effects. My parents told me stories in the dark and we reminisced about the old days, or rather they reminisced and I listened. Thankfully we only lost power for less than 12 hours but the whole weekend was totally off kilter after that. My CPR/First Aid weekend was cancelled, my cell phone was totally out of whack, and getting gas took over an hour and a half. Still managed to make it all better by going to IKEA not once but twice and spending money I don’t have. Thankfully I spent the money on things I need.

Less than a week to school starting and I am getting a bit nervous. I need to get a comfy office type computer chair. I think I have finally finished setting up my room and our living room is also coming together. I can’t believe how much I crammed into my bedroom: 2 desks, bed, bookcase, dresser, and lots of those blue storage bins. Watch out IKEA and Martha! I could work on Trading Spaces man!

Congrats to Ceci on her first draft! I knew you would have no problems with that deadline. And Denise where are you?? (to both Denises) I need to email some of the peeps I know and I will. I have been caught up with my stuff I admit it.