Friday, December 30, 2011
hmmm no surprise here
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
DM
Or as is the case in my current life.... Marrieta has two bowls of ice cream, 4 cupcakes, 6 snickers bars, a big bowl of pasta, some french fries and somehow got pregnant a few months ago...
What does she have now?
Gestational Diabetes and an oversize baby she'll refuse a C-section for.
(ok sure, its not all diet, I'll give that)
I hate Diabetes
Friday, December 16, 2011
Too school for cool
As I log onto facebook while watching The Office's Christmas episode (not nearly as good as the Moroccan Christmas when Meredith sets her hair on fire) for another eventful Friday night while on ob/gyn service I see a link a good number of my friends have posted throughout the day. This link gives some advice on "how to date a medical student." Well kids, first we've put out a pretty pathetic view of ourselves and most of us need to put a bit of an effort into realizing that our lives are not standing still for these 4 years... or the following 3-7 for residency and fellowships. Second... they refer to the medical student as a male. This really pushes my buttons... and in a bad way.... But more importantly back to number one. All I really have to say is B is for balanced. A very good friend of mine told me this a while ago and I've agreed with it and practically lived by it ever since (ok well maybe not this year... A is for you have common sense in rotations) Sure I use school as an excuse to not take the time to get know boys but then again I know perfectly well that if I really liked someone I met I'd definitely put in the effort to make the time. Yes, GASP, I'd even skip a workout or so a week. I often think the "I'm too busy" or "I don't have time for that" are just excuses some medical students make to allow their relationships to dwindle, to shake off responsibilities, to always have something to complain about, and to get the whole world to pity them for something.
As might be noticed by a recent post... I'm scheduled to be working 96 hours this week. After staying late a couple nights this week it turns out I'll be coming in just a hair over at 98... that is if my upcoming 24 hour call shift is limited to that. Ok, so with an average of 10 hours off a day... cut out 1.25 hours for driving (damn that traffic on the way home) and we're down to getting home, maybe eating (note: not cooking), and sleeping for 7 hours. Somehow I've managed to get in 3 short workouts including in a 3 mile run, an hour of cardio (with books for most of it), and an hour swim. I was able to laugh a lot, have some hospital lunches with friends, catch up with the doorman, and see a friend for a really quick beer in the middle of the week. Unfortunately I did have to cancel a birthday dinner celebration tonight... Kristi, I really owe you :( I just didn't have it in me tonight. And Kate we'll get an exchange in on those shoes... Sunday? During these work hours I've been in on an emergency surgery on a 25 week old pregnant woman; saw a teratoma (complete with teeth and hair); pulled a uterus, GIANT fibroid, and ovaries out through a vagina; saw endometriosis that was so extensive the ovaries were "kissing"; was involved in several robotic surgeries one of which was emergently converted to full open abdominal procedure; saw a lady with a placental abruption at 27 weeks gestation and saw what a 27 week old baby looks like (unfortunately baby didn't make it); got "pimped" on physics... fml; and saw two babies take their first breaths as well as had one patient tell me I'm the funniest doctor they've ever met and another that I'll be an amazing future physician and they'll be looking for me in a few years (in fact they even told me not to get married just so they'd be able to find my name :) Sorry, it's possible to be happy, stay social, live healthfully, get some sleep, learn, make friends with new residents, be a compassionate caregiver. My dear medical school friends, feel free to send angry thoughts my way... but lets all stop making excuses for ourselves... I know this week I've used my excessive need for personal time as an excuse for sketching out. I'd like to point though despite what the medical student in your life might try to make you believe: These are not average work hours. As a resident yes averaging 80 hours. But as a student, ha no. Surgery and OB/gyn being the potential (but no for sure) exceptions.
Yeah, saying I'm looking forward to being post-call on Sunday to sleep half the day, workout, and maybe make it to zoo lights, as well as cook up the eggplant that's sitting on my counter is an understatement. But I can't say I'm at all cranky about it (right now)
But anyway... until attitudes change here's some advice to for you all if you haven't already seen the article
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,452186,00.html
As might be noticed by a recent post... I'm scheduled to be working 96 hours this week. After staying late a couple nights this week it turns out I'll be coming in just a hair over at 98... that is if my upcoming 24 hour call shift is limited to that. Ok, so with an average of 10 hours off a day... cut out 1.25 hours for driving (damn that traffic on the way home) and we're down to getting home, maybe eating (note: not cooking), and sleeping for 7 hours. Somehow I've managed to get in 3 short workouts including in a 3 mile run, an hour of cardio (with books for most of it), and an hour swim. I was able to laugh a lot, have some hospital lunches with friends, catch up with the doorman, and see a friend for a really quick beer in the middle of the week. Unfortunately I did have to cancel a birthday dinner celebration tonight... Kristi, I really owe you :( I just didn't have it in me tonight. And Kate we'll get an exchange in on those shoes... Sunday? During these work hours I've been in on an emergency surgery on a 25 week old pregnant woman; saw a teratoma (complete with teeth and hair); pulled a uterus, GIANT fibroid, and ovaries out through a vagina; saw endometriosis that was so extensive the ovaries were "kissing"; was involved in several robotic surgeries one of which was emergently converted to full open abdominal procedure; saw a lady with a placental abruption at 27 weeks gestation and saw what a 27 week old baby looks like (unfortunately baby didn't make it); got "pimped" on physics... fml; and saw two babies take their first breaths as well as had one patient tell me I'm the funniest doctor they've ever met and another that I'll be an amazing future physician and they'll be looking for me in a few years (in fact they even told me not to get married just so they'd be able to find my name :) Sorry, it's possible to be happy, stay social, live healthfully, get some sleep, learn, make friends with new residents, be a compassionate caregiver. My dear medical school friends, feel free to send angry thoughts my way... but lets all stop making excuses for ourselves... I know this week I've used my excessive need for personal time as an excuse for sketching out. I'd like to point though despite what the medical student in your life might try to make you believe: These are not average work hours. As a resident yes averaging 80 hours. But as a student, ha no. Surgery and OB/gyn being the potential (but no for sure) exceptions.
Yeah, saying I'm looking forward to being post-call on Sunday to sleep half the day, workout, and maybe make it to zoo lights, as well as cook up the eggplant that's sitting on my counter is an understatement. But I can't say I'm at all cranky about it (right now)
But anyway... until attitudes change here's some advice to for you all if you haven't already seen the article
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,452186,00.html
Sunday, December 11, 2011
84, 60, 96
No... not football plays but my work hours the past two weeks and the one coming up. OB/gyn is cramping to my style to say the least. Yesterday was my only day off form the beginning of the rotation til Christmas break so of course I needed to get a decent workout in, a chilly 8 mile run it was.... In the sun!!! first time in the sun in over a week. I'm feeling it baaaad today, the stairs at this hospital hurt! I hate feeling out of shape like that. Good thing I have minimal appetite from lack of sleep and too much work to balance out and lack of calorie loss from runs / rides. It's a little out of my hands right now but I'm going to make every effort I can to not allow it to get worse. So here I sit taking a break from some case reviews and uptodate reading and presentation preparation and pt monitoring to share a cheerful song for the morning. I'm feeling a bit bitter towards life right now with the work hours, a unfriendly message from an extended family member about why I won't be at a family holiday party when I'm post call next Sunday (sorry your kids are drop outs and doing nothing...), a snide comment from a friend yesterday, and no time to partake in my normal (or any) Christmas festivities, not to mention the current state of my apartment, and that the hospital only had the shittier of two bad coffee options this morning with no skim milk to add to it (white people problems).
Friday, November 25, 2011
Obligatory Thanksgiving Post
Happy Day After Thanksgiving! Today I'm actually thankful I had to work (despite my grumbling about it) because it meant I could not find an excuse to go shop and spend money I don't actually have. But really I have so many more things to be thankful for despite my regular wishes to buy a new pair of jeans or lined wool pants or a ruffled blouse, or a pair of boots. I could spend hours writing a post about things I am thankful for and believe myself to be truly blessed with but I think I'll spare the cyber world from that exhaustive list. Well ok, one... I have 18 months until I will graduate and receive a piece of paper declaring me a doctor :) And yes, I'll deserve it, I don't even care if I sound cocky saying that.
While a good proportion of Chicago and the country was out hunting for the best deals (which by the way, I was reading in the NYT this morning actually are not today) I worked (as previously mentioned) and then enjoyed the 58 degree unseasonably warm, though windy, Chicago weather and my sister and I took what will likely be our last bike ride of the year. By no means am I trying to belittle the Black Friday traditions, I too have spent my days roaming Michigan ave at 6AM with friends (cough Julie cough) having lots of fun and leaving happy with my purchases. In fact I would be out there if I had bank account that could help boost the economy. My one regret is that it couldn't have been longer. But what was exceptionally delightful about it... other than the obvious that road bike of sane individuals should have long been placed on indoor trainers for convenient in house workouts at any hour.... was that the lake front trail was empty of small individuals commonly referred to as children :) Very few people to dodge today, undoubtably one of the best rides of the year. Possibly second to a couple night time rides and a day spent riding to the gardens with a stop for delectable egg white omelets with salsa. My favorite sights along the lake front path today follow. Short shorts with a sports bra and very warm hat and gloves and face warmer (they obviously dropped the rest of their clothes somewhere, I don't blame them, Fleet feet has sale right now anyway). 3 beach volleyball games. A wave runner out splashing around in the playpen. NO obnoxious 4 person bicycles moving impressively slowly and blocking the whole path. A 4-yr-old looking like she was about to fall out of child's seat in her back seat while sleeping. Song inspirations of the ride: "Bicycle Race" --Queen "Running against the Wind" --Bob Segar and "Last Dance" -- Donna Summer
While a good proportion of Chicago and the country was out hunting for the best deals (which by the way, I was reading in the NYT this morning actually are not today) I worked (as previously mentioned) and then enjoyed the 58 degree unseasonably warm, though windy, Chicago weather and my sister and I took what will likely be our last bike ride of the year. By no means am I trying to belittle the Black Friday traditions, I too have spent my days roaming Michigan ave at 6AM with friends (cough Julie cough) having lots of fun and leaving happy with my purchases. In fact I would be out there if I had bank account that could help boost the economy. My one regret is that it couldn't have been longer. But what was exceptionally delightful about it... other than the obvious that road bike of sane individuals should have long been placed on indoor trainers for convenient in house workouts at any hour.... was that the lake front trail was empty of small individuals commonly referred to as children :) Very few people to dodge today, undoubtably one of the best rides of the year. Possibly second to a couple night time rides and a day spent riding to the gardens with a stop for delectable egg white omelets with salsa. My favorite sights along the lake front path today follow. Short shorts with a sports bra and very warm hat and gloves and face warmer (they obviously dropped the rest of their clothes somewhere, I don't blame them, Fleet feet has sale right now anyway). 3 beach volleyball games. A wave runner out splashing around in the playpen. NO obnoxious 4 person bicycles moving impressively slowly and blocking the whole path. A 4-yr-old looking like she was about to fall out of child's seat in her back seat while sleeping. Song inspirations of the ride: "Bicycle Race" --Queen "Running against the Wind" --Bob Segar and "Last Dance" -- Donna Summer
I'll miss this part of my life.
Monday I start OB/Gyn with 6am - 6pm work hours (at minimum).
Goodbye sunshine! I won't even be close to getting home in time to visit the greenhouse down the road from me for a little haven of happiness :( ... Lentil soup from Nesh, I think we'll become tight
Bring on the ice skating, snow shoeing, boarding, skiing, and cold weather runs!
Another little tid bit of news that's saddening my life currently is the situation by best friend is going through. She is the proud mother of two pups she has had since early in college. They've been so stable in her life and I think there are few things in life she loves more than these two little ones. Just a few days ago she found out one of her dogs is very sick in renal failure and likely doesn't have much longer to spend with her. I want to do something so badly to be able to lift her spirits but I have no idea how to make this one any better. But my thoughts and prayers go out to her and Abby (and yes you too Elle). Love you so much!!!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A store in Chicago where inflation doesn't exist? Does it exist?
My friends and family have heard me complain countless times about not having money and not being able to afford what I used to or be able to shop at all really. Have I mentioned J. Crew pencil skirts used to run about 80 for wool with a silk lining but their most recent catalogue has the lovely flattering well fitted skirts marked up to 135 now? Don't even get me started on their cafe trousers and tissue tees. At least while Anthro is pricey they haven't increased and their sale rack is still one of best I've ever found. Ok... so superficial item inflation maybe but may I point out I paid 3.95/gallon for gas today??? That's a necessity folks. I can't ride my bike in the wee cold dark hours of morning 40 miles to Dyer, Indiana. Gas prices may be the only beneficial thing about spending 4 weeks working in Indiana; there I can fill up for 3.20/gallon. Enough whining (but wait, isn't that what med students do best?)
Most locals in Chicago who live on a budget are well aware of the gem of a market I'm about to mention. Yes, a place that hasn't given in (much) to rising prices. It's nicely tucked in on the corner of North and Elston. Stanley's.... sigh <3 This place made my weekend, not mention my day almost every time I stop in. As a neurotic individual regarding what I eat (most days) and my workout schedule, one might think I spend A LOT of money of fresh produce. Fortunately Stanley's has made my lifestyle affordable, so long as I'm willing to stop for fresh food about every 5 days. What really earned them five stars this past Saturday was their sale on Blackberries.
Most locals in Chicago who live on a budget are well aware of the gem of a market I'm about to mention. Yes, a place that hasn't given in (much) to rising prices. It's nicely tucked in on the corner of North and Elston. Stanley's.... sigh <3 This place made my weekend, not mention my day almost every time I stop in. As a neurotic individual regarding what I eat (most days) and my workout schedule, one might think I spend A LOT of money of fresh produce. Fortunately Stanley's has made my lifestyle affordable, so long as I'm willing to stop for fresh food about every 5 days. What really earned them five stars this past Saturday was their sale on Blackberries.
59 CENTS a carton!!!!
I bought 8 :)
1 for Coco, 2 for a fruit salad for brunch with friends, and 5 for me! (gluttony?)
 |
| blackberries and greek yogurt for dessert / study snack |
Not to add onto reasons why I have a have a high opinion of Stanleys (59 cent blackberries should be enough to get anyone there) but they also had 90 cent avocados this weekend! I suppose I haven't been in a full size supermarket in some time but last I checked they were nearing about 3 bucks for a Haas avocado. Don't even worry, I bought four. I'll be making some Mango guac in the next few days if anyone wants to come over for dinner! Also they have free parking incase you don't want to cart your pounds of produce home on a bike or public trans.
It's the simple things that make my day :)
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