“I’m a Doctor: When I make mistakes – people DIE.”
I’ve been saying it for a full week now, and it simply hasn’t gotten old. Suffice to say (and given the abdominal work out provided by last week’s House (MD!)), I’m fairly to moderately pumped for this week’s episode. I’ve seen the preview. It looks even sassier than last week’s treasure. Check it out tonight at 9 PM if you’re so inclined.
Well, there’s a lot to blog about today. (Translation: This will likely be another marathon post that no one wants to read in its entirety – too bad suckers!)
Chronologically:
Thusday, November 18th, 2004
I mention this day because it is the day my “drama dream” was realized. The Seattle “25 for 25” (previously mentioned) is going on and Cristin set up a dinner at one of the restaurants. (We ended up going to the Market Street Grill – which was excellent and makes for me hitting 13 of the 25 involved restaurants to date). Anyway, the guest list at this dinner included myself, Gwendolyn, Cristin, George, Michele, Dave O (Michele’s new man – a resident in Cristin’s class), and two other residents not so involved in the drama circle. The whole event felt very “couply”, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Anyway, the whole thing went down well and I was glad. And despite the lack of good story potential, I feel a hell of a lot better about things.
Friday, November 19th, 2004
My birthday. I didn’t have to go to work because I took the last day of my research month off. I slept in. Then I got up, went out and did some shopping. Eventually I found myself in a Best Buy where I bought the Simpson’s season 4 DVD and Half-Life 2. Gwen got me a Transformers soundrack (which I had been missing since my SECOND copy was stolen back during 4th year of med school in New Orleans). I’ve always had a special relationship with said soundtrack. It’s got some sweet stuff from seriously bad (so bad it’s good) hard rock songs to cool techno fight songs to the ultimate pick-me-up songs “The Touch” and “Dare”. Needless to say, I put that disc right in the player and rocked out while Gwen and I got ready for dinner. Gwen also got me this really cool “Bone” collection. (Bone is a graphic novel (Joel!) which Eryn could describe better than I – a really great gift, regardless).
For dinner, we went to a ritzy sushi place called “Nishino’s”. My boy Pete (and his taint) and I had the chef’s special dinner, which costs 65 bucks and needs to be pre-ordered. It was elaborate and fantastic, and featured some things I’ve never eaten before, and certainly don’t remember the names of now. It was all quite succulent.
After dinner, those who were able to go (i.e. not working Saturday) went out to a local bar. Eventually, the crowd included myself, Gwen, George, Cristin, my med school friend John, and his date Jackie. Additionally, my wicked-cool-goth cousin Heath showed up for some drinks and dazzled us with stories. Lastly, one John-boy Clemmens showed up. We had a good time. People started leaving one by one, until it was just Gwen, Heath, John boy and I. Finally, Heath left and Gwen, John and I cruised back to my pad. Gwen was pretty sauced, and passed out unceremoniously when we arrived home. This, of course, freed up John boy and I to play Twisted Metal: Black, which we did until about 4:30 in the morning. Just like the old days. Overall, it was a great night.
I’m now 29 years old.
Saturday, November 20th, 2004
I woke up with a mild hangover, but nothing that a tomato juice, coffee, water, and a little Rosebud brunch couldn’t fix. The rest of the day was spent lounging, napping, and relaxing. Gwen got a craving for sushi (tuna, particularly), and thus I indulged her and we got more sushi on Saturday night. Gwen is definitely developing a taste for the stuff (which I strongly encourage, of course). We went to Shiro’s (and old favorite of mine). From there, we cruised to a cool bar/movie theatre place in downtown Seattle and caught a show of “Garden State”. I enjoyed the film – review at Mick Flick’s soon.
Sunday, Novemeber 21st, 2004
Slept in again and then cruised down to the old sports bar to catch some NFL. I would have taken the day off of football viewing, only the Giants were starting Eli Manning this week and I thought I’d better see how the future of the franchise played. Surprisingly, he did OK. His receivers KILLED him, especially in the first half, amassing at least 6 dropped passes. But the kid only got sacked once, and only made a couple of total rookie looking plays. On the other hand, he put some nice throws up and looks like he might have some potential. So there it is. The old Giants are starting to slide backward, which is well what I expected. I would give a lot to see them beat Philly next week, but I’m certainly not counting on it. We’ll see, I suppose.
Monday, November 22nd, 2004
A day off. I have the whole week off, which feels great. I ran around doing errands most of the day and arranging to have my car get new tires (which happened today). I also had my house cleaned. The service I hired sent a flamingly gay guy (aptly named “Peter”) who has hilarious. I think he was trying to feel out whether or not I was gay in the beginning with questions like “Do you have a favorite bar over here?” and such. It was pretty funny, and for half a second I was tempted to say “So you’re finished, huh? You know, there is just ONE more thing…” (Cue the music). Damn it’s got to be easy for gay men to hook up. They’re both GUYS, after all. Nothing happened, unfortunately, but on the upside my place looks great.
Which brings me to today. Got new tires on the car. Slept in again. I’m awaiting the arrival of Adam and Diana into town tomorrow, which should be a blast. Hope those guys are ready for some metro-sexual city livin’! (I wonder if Adam packed his rubber shirt…)
Anyways, I best be off. That’s the recent haps.
HOUSE M.D.
So, while folding laundry last night I flipped on the television. This is strange in of itself. And that is because normally, my television use is reserved STRICTLY for intentional NFL football viewing, Playstation 2 use, DVD watching, and an assortment of other rare special occasions (such as election night coverage, other sporting events, etc). Hence, I'm honestly not sure what propelled me to merely "flip on the TV" last night. (Normally, performing a mundane activity such as folding laundry would be accompanied by me either putting on music or being on the phone.) But, for whatever reason, I flipped on the TV, and it must have been fate.
I flipped around a minute at first and ended up catching the end of "Rebel Billionaire" (or whatever it's called) and I watched Richard Branton (name of Virgin guy?) throw his well spoken british rich boy tude around in yet another ridiculous reality show. There was some bungy jumping, a mock barrel over Victoria Falls, a bunch of strung out professionals competing, and finally a lot of ridiculous cliff hanger type cutaways with dramatic music, but nothing all too exciting that made me want to put down that sweater and pay more attention.
After that, however, the TV rambled on and on rolled out a little piece of magic called "House M.D.". Billed as the new brainchild of Bryan Singer (The Usual Supects and X-men guy), I had seen about 42,312 ads for the show through my hours and hours of NFL football watching. (The show is on FOX). I remembered thinking the ads were hilarious - it looked like it was going to be one of those ridiculous overly dramatic Doctor Shows (Tm) where indignant people scream things like "You're putting my patient's LIFE in danger!!!" and the like.
Lucikly, it didn't disappoint.
This thing wasn't just good, it was gold. Pure gold. I could never come close to writing unintentional comedy this staggeringly brilliant in its scope. After about 10 minutes of watching, I was sitting energetically forward on my couch, eyes wide, mouth open, big smile, and stomach hurting from repeated belly laughs at the sheer inanity of the entire show. (It was one of those times when you would try and keep yourself from laughing more just so you wouldn't miss other things going on as you laughed outrageously about the last thing.)
I don't even know where to begin in describing this gem. From the "edgy" doctor tude displayed by House, to the horrific yet hilarious continuity errors regarding the field of medicine, this show is a veritable gold mine of entertainment. Now, admittedly a lot of this may not be quite as funny to someone not in the medical field. And that fact is exactly why I called George about 20 minutes into the show. By the grace of God, he had ALSO been randomly watching and we both agreed it was the funniest shit ever. Ever.
Its really hard to describe why it's so funny, but a lot of it has to do with how ridiculously over-dramatic everything is. No one that is writing this show has ever been in a hospital. I'm convinced of it. For one thing, hospitals have light - LOTS of light. Not devious mood lighting. And that's just the beginning.
For those who don't know, the show is about some crazy-renegade-doesn't-play-by-the-rules-but-is-tolerated-because-he's-supposedly-brilliant DOCTOR guy. That's House. (House...MD, that is). From what we could gather, he's some sort of infectious disease doctor; but he's really more of a super doctor in that he has three fully trained, cutting-edge physicians who work directly beneath him. (If this sort of set up exists anywhere in the US, it would be complete news to George and I, btw). And you better believe that House and his peeps are masters of thinking outside the box. They sit around in the radiology reading room looking at various scans and the young docs toss out medical dogma while that Crazy House (MD!) brushes them off and rebuts insight with witticisms. Boy, is he crazy! Then he pulls some ridiculous diagnosis out of his ass (for no real reasons and based on no clear evidence whatsoever) and all the young pups in his presence are wowed.
(ASIDE: Medical shows are hilarious for the "big words" they throw around. They're definitely using real terms, but the linkages and associations often make no sense or are downright funny. Always a hoot; sadly (and fortunately for FOX ratings), most of the non-medically trained folks miss out on this brilliant unintentional comedy. Which begs the question - aren't doctors helping write these shows? (a la the technical advisors on Star Trek). My guess would be yes - but I suspect that they probably merely show up, make sure things don't sound totally assanine, then take their paycheck and get the hell out of there. Good times. I'd love to help out with dramatic "doctor writing".)
And man how that House MD is quirky! He's got a great comeback for any line anyone can throw at him. He quotes the Rolling Stones. He doesn't even LIKE seeing patients, claiming that they lie! He doesn't wear a white coat. He limps and uses a cane because of a "thigh muscle infarction" (the scene in the first episode where he describes this is particularly over-dramatic and satisfyingly funny). He tells one chick he hired her because she was hot. He sends Omar Epps to some patient's house to "search for clues" like some sort of medical CSI. (we knew this was coming). And the list goes on and on.
"He's uncontrollable. He's a 'wild man'. His methods are completely unpredictable!"
"But he'll get the job done!"
And of course, by the end of show, House is on the money, winging diagnoses around and nailing them. Even his arch-rival (the overly hot 31 year old hospital administrator lady - yeah, that exists) has to admit "He's the best damn doctor we have!" Everyone sings his praises, especially the 29 year old patient whose life is saved when House (MD!) correctly nails the parasytic neurocystosarcosis diagnosis and prescribes the proper medication. In the process, of course, everyone learns a little something about themselves, and yes, maybe even a little bit about life.
There is a HUGE list of hilarious stuff from this show. But I won't list it here. Some of my favorite quotes:
"Worms LOVE thigh muscle."
This exchange:
"What's wrong with making a mistake?"
"I'm a doctor - when I make a mistake, people DIE."
(Yeah, that was the best exchange ever. Today at work George and I have been tossing that around as often as we can. It really never does get old. [and it helps if you slam your fist on a table or desk when you say it])
"Dr. House cured you. You didn't cure him." (LOL)
And more. Oh so much more.
And that leads me to the problem with TV. I may have to start watching this show. I thought I would never go back to routinely "watching shows", but thinking about how entertaining this is, I don't know if I could sleep at night knowing what I would be missing. Good old TV. I would strongly encourage one to check out House (MD!) if you are around Tuesday nights at 9 pm. It's funny shit.
-Discostup
PS - Haven't read enough today? - try this old "Sport's Guy" column out about he and his buddy going to a real UFC match. One of his best. And reminds me of the time that Rich, Gabe, his boys and I went to "Bash at the Beach" back in San Diego.
So, while folding laundry last night I flipped on the television. This is strange in of itself. And that is because normally, my television use is reserved STRICTLY for intentional NFL football viewing, Playstation 2 use, DVD watching, and an assortment of other rare special occasions (such as election night coverage, other sporting events, etc). Hence, I'm honestly not sure what propelled me to merely "flip on the TV" last night. (Normally, performing a mundane activity such as folding laundry would be accompanied by me either putting on music or being on the phone.) But, for whatever reason, I flipped on the TV, and it must have been fate.
I flipped around a minute at first and ended up catching the end of "Rebel Billionaire" (or whatever it's called) and I watched Richard Branton (name of Virgin guy?) throw his well spoken british rich boy tude around in yet another ridiculous reality show. There was some bungy jumping, a mock barrel over Victoria Falls, a bunch of strung out professionals competing, and finally a lot of ridiculous cliff hanger type cutaways with dramatic music, but nothing all too exciting that made me want to put down that sweater and pay more attention.
After that, however, the TV rambled on and on rolled out a little piece of magic called "House M.D.". Billed as the new brainchild of Bryan Singer (The Usual Supects and X-men guy), I had seen about 42,312 ads for the show through my hours and hours of NFL football watching. (The show is on FOX). I remembered thinking the ads were hilarious - it looked like it was going to be one of those ridiculous overly dramatic Doctor Shows (Tm) where indignant people scream things like "You're putting my patient's LIFE in danger!!!" and the like.
Lucikly, it didn't disappoint.
This thing wasn't just good, it was gold. Pure gold. I could never come close to writing unintentional comedy this staggeringly brilliant in its scope. After about 10 minutes of watching, I was sitting energetically forward on my couch, eyes wide, mouth open, big smile, and stomach hurting from repeated belly laughs at the sheer inanity of the entire show. (It was one of those times when you would try and keep yourself from laughing more just so you wouldn't miss other things going on as you laughed outrageously about the last thing.)
I don't even know where to begin in describing this gem. From the "edgy" doctor tude displayed by House, to the horrific yet hilarious continuity errors regarding the field of medicine, this show is a veritable gold mine of entertainment. Now, admittedly a lot of this may not be quite as funny to someone not in the medical field. And that fact is exactly why I called George about 20 minutes into the show. By the grace of God, he had ALSO been randomly watching and we both agreed it was the funniest shit ever. Ever.
Its really hard to describe why it's so funny, but a lot of it has to do with how ridiculously over-dramatic everything is. No one that is writing this show has ever been in a hospital. I'm convinced of it. For one thing, hospitals have light - LOTS of light. Not devious mood lighting. And that's just the beginning.
For those who don't know, the show is about some crazy-renegade-doesn't-play-by-the-rules-but-is-tolerated-because-he's-supposedly-brilliant DOCTOR guy. That's House. (House...MD, that is). From what we could gather, he's some sort of infectious disease doctor; but he's really more of a super doctor in that he has three fully trained, cutting-edge physicians who work directly beneath him. (If this sort of set up exists anywhere in the US, it would be complete news to George and I, btw). And you better believe that House and his peeps are masters of thinking outside the box. They sit around in the radiology reading room looking at various scans and the young docs toss out medical dogma while that Crazy House (MD!) brushes them off and rebuts insight with witticisms. Boy, is he crazy! Then he pulls some ridiculous diagnosis out of his ass (for no real reasons and based on no clear evidence whatsoever) and all the young pups in his presence are wowed.
(ASIDE: Medical shows are hilarious for the "big words" they throw around. They're definitely using real terms, but the linkages and associations often make no sense or are downright funny. Always a hoot; sadly (and fortunately for FOX ratings), most of the non-medically trained folks miss out on this brilliant unintentional comedy. Which begs the question - aren't doctors helping write these shows? (a la the technical advisors on Star Trek). My guess would be yes - but I suspect that they probably merely show up, make sure things don't sound totally assanine, then take their paycheck and get the hell out of there. Good times. I'd love to help out with dramatic "doctor writing".)
And man how that House MD is quirky! He's got a great comeback for any line anyone can throw at him. He quotes the Rolling Stones. He doesn't even LIKE seeing patients, claiming that they lie! He doesn't wear a white coat. He limps and uses a cane because of a "thigh muscle infarction" (the scene in the first episode where he describes this is particularly over-dramatic and satisfyingly funny). He tells one chick he hired her because she was hot. He sends Omar Epps to some patient's house to "search for clues" like some sort of medical CSI. (we knew this was coming). And the list goes on and on.
"He's uncontrollable. He's a 'wild man'. His methods are completely unpredictable!"
"But he'll get the job done!"
And of course, by the end of show, House is on the money, winging diagnoses around and nailing them. Even his arch-rival (the overly hot 31 year old hospital administrator lady - yeah, that exists) has to admit "He's the best damn doctor we have!" Everyone sings his praises, especially the 29 year old patient whose life is saved when House (MD!) correctly nails the parasytic neurocystosarcosis diagnosis and prescribes the proper medication. In the process, of course, everyone learns a little something about themselves, and yes, maybe even a little bit about life.
There is a HUGE list of hilarious stuff from this show. But I won't list it here. Some of my favorite quotes:
"Worms LOVE thigh muscle."
This exchange:
"What's wrong with making a mistake?"
"I'm a doctor - when I make a mistake, people DIE."
(Yeah, that was the best exchange ever. Today at work George and I have been tossing that around as often as we can. It really never does get old. [and it helps if you slam your fist on a table or desk when you say it])
"Dr. House cured you. You didn't cure him." (LOL)
And more. Oh so much more.
And that leads me to the problem with TV. I may have to start watching this show. I thought I would never go back to routinely "watching shows", but thinking about how entertaining this is, I don't know if I could sleep at night knowing what I would be missing. Good old TV. I would strongly encourage one to check out House (MD!) if you are around Tuesday nights at 9 pm. It's funny shit.
-Discostup
PS - Haven't read enough today? - try this old "Sport's Guy" column out about he and his buddy going to a real UFC match. One of his best. And reminds me of the time that Rich, Gabe, his boys and I went to "Bash at the Beach" back in San Diego.
MICK FLICKS REBORN
Poor Mick Flicks. I have posted there again today for the first time in nearly half a year. Hopefully I can keep that site more up to date. Enjoy.
In other news, a slow day. Worked some clinic this morning. This afteroon I should get out of here relatively early. I watched most of Monday Night Football last night. When the Cowboys play the Eagles, its the game I love to hate. And will somebody please destroy the Eagles before they win a super bowl? (This really has to happen).
Terrell Owens. Love him or hate him, I think he is good for the NFL. That guy would crack me up if he were on any other team. He's a hell of a player, at any rate.
Poor Mick Flicks. I have posted there again today for the first time in nearly half a year. Hopefully I can keep that site more up to date. Enjoy.
In other news, a slow day. Worked some clinic this morning. This afteroon I should get out of here relatively early. I watched most of Monday Night Football last night. When the Cowboys play the Eagles, its the game I love to hate. And will somebody please destroy the Eagles before they win a super bowl? (This really has to happen).
Terrell Owens. Love him or hate him, I think he is good for the NFL. That guy would crack me up if he were on any other team. He's a hell of a player, at any rate.
DC, DRUNKEN MADNESS, AND MY FUTURE
Well I’m back from DC and there is a lot to tell. The trip was pretty fun, overall. It’s always fun to travel with a bunch of people who realize that they are all of a sudden away from a stressful job, away from their home lives (spouses and kids, etc), and can celebrate by going somewhere fun in a cool city and get drunk. And Washington DC is a cool city. And we did get drunk.
I flew out last Wednesday – a nice direct flight from SeaTac to Reagan National Airport. Landed, went to the hotel, and then met everybody at some Irish bar where we proceeded to get tossed. Ridiculous. About 20 of us from work were there, including nearly all second and third year residents, multiple staff docs, my program director, and a few others. Next thing I know it’s 2 in the morning and about 7 of us are back in a hotel room. Two people turned over a mattress where Pete was lying and then massive wrestling broke out. There was a lot of laughter. There also now exists a picture of me riding Pete like a horse complete with that “giddy-up spank” move. It’s hilarious. I’ll post it up if I can. Good times.
Thursday the conference started. Everyone was a little sluggish, but not too bad. After waking up late we went to breakfast. Some of us talked about skipping out on parts of the conference to cruise over to the Vietnam War Memorial on Veteran’s day (last Thursday), but it didn’t work out. I hear it’s a sight to see, however. Come to think of it, my uncle was probably there. Instead we cruised down and “participated” for awhile. A lot of residents were giving presentations in the various subspecialty rooms set up and so groups of us with nothing to do at particular times would go watch their talks and hence support our peeps.
Thursday afternoon I went and talked with the internal medicine consultant (discussed below). Thursday evening we had a nice dinner in Georgetown, had a few drinks. Then four of us stayed up until about 2 am playing Euchre, a fun card game. It was a more mellow night, but we knew we had Friday night to go nuts.
On Friday Pete and I got up and skipped the morning talks to check out the Holocaust Museum. Of the Smithsonian’s, it’s the one I hadn’t been to, and I’m glad I went. Not the most uplifting experience in the world, but its is REALLY well done. It’s incredibly informative (as well as horrifying) and I enjoyed reading about the millions of little aspects surrounding world war II Germany, including Hitler’s rise, the ideology behind the racism, the indoctrination, etc. Sadly, Pete and I could only spend about 2 hours there the first day (before we had to get back to the conference) and thus we only got about half way through and then had to leave.
Friday afternoon was full of more presentations and poster viewings. It was also nice to see former residents from my program (now stationed in or doing fellowship in DC) wandering around and to catch up. Friday evening there was the medicine resident Jeopardy team competition and my program’s team (which includes my boy George) did very well, advancing to the final and providing the main competition to the eventual winning team (the Walter Reed team from DC).
After Jeopardy there was a reception for the medical students and in between attempts to hook Pete up with some chicks we kept hitting the open bar. Whoa – talk about starting a night up. I must have had 5 drinks in an hour before 8 pm. Trouble.
Friday night turned into madness. Everyone from my program (probably 30-40 of us in all including staff) went down to “Adam’s Morgan”, which is apparently a popular hang-out district in DC. We had some good east coast pizza (so good, I mean really, the difference between east and west in this regard is ridiculous), and then launched ourselves over to this bar called “Madame’s Organ”. (Of course, this place is a play on words for the district itself, you see…)
At the bar it got ridiculous. Madigan personnel, old and new, gathered and went nuts. Drinks were flying. Shots were flying. It got nutty. It was good to see everybody and there was a whole lot of “I love you man” stuff coming out between all the residents.
The rest of the night I spent drunk, very drunk, and talking to old residents. We reminisced and told stories and played pool and joked around. There are some hilarious stories from the night but to truly enjoy them you really have to know the people. One resident fell drunk down some stairs at the bar and is still limping. Another kept commenting on some married resident’s breasts – it was so out of character for this guy that it was hilarious. Again, the “I love you man” stuff was flowing. Eventually we ended up in the street, eating more pizza, dancing in a pizza place, hoisting various people in the air over our heads while yelling, and doing a lot of other nonsense. Eventually we ended up back at the hotel where we pissed off security royally and had one if not multiple formal complaints before going to bed. Beware a group of drunken, pent up physicians. But all in all, no one was hurt (minus hangovers and the guy who took the spill on the stairs) and all had fun.
Saturday morning was painful. I had forced myself to drink water to the point of vomiting before going to bed Friday night, which I’m thankful for. It helped prevent full pain, but I was still hurting the next day. I went to bed at 4:30 am and was up at 9 am. I showered and packed and we went to breakfast. There my program director taught me the secret of tomato juice and I’m never going back. That stuff is a golden compliment to the essential water one needs. (My new hangover trifecta is water, tomato juice, and coffee; the water is the mainstay, the coffee prevents further headache (from caffeine withdrawal), and the tomato juice it the vitamin punch that seals the deal).
Following breakfast Pete and I stared earnestly at each other and decided we had better go finish the Holocaust museum. This may have not been the world’s best decision. Picture me, bleary-eyed and tired as hell and with a slight headache, standing in a crowded somewhat stuffy museum and checking out videos of bulldozers and dead, emaciated bodies depicting the full depths of the depravity of humanity. Whoa. Again, the museum exhibit is fantastic but incredibly sobering. I was surprised at how much footage there was from the time period. Tons of photos and film. The US response to everything was interesting, as well. I can’t believe some people still deny that it happened with that overwhelming evidence. At least that’s a small percentage.
The museum has lots of stuff. Actual train cars used to transport people to Auschwitz which you walk through. A replica of the gate over the camp which reads (In German) “Work and be free”. This is the ultimate insult. Full models of gas chambers and creamatoriums. Actual poison gas canisters. And ALL sorts of other stuff. The most horrific stuff involves pictures and videos of prisoners and the medical experiments (such as seeing how long it takes someone to die in freezing cold water or air pressure expirments). Also, there are shots and films of empty-eyed, staring, emaciated children which are nearly unbearable. And they have actual art work from the children, done mostly in the “ghettos” where they were forced prior to transfer to the actual camps. I was pretty much holding back tears at that point. Ah well, everyone should see it. I would just recommend avoiding it with a hangover.
Pete and I walked out and sort of nodded. Yeah. The Holocaust. Go humanity.
After that we headed back to the hotel and headed for the airport. The flight back involved a lot of sleeping at first. Then, a friend and I played a marathon game of chess (lasting 3.5 hours). We didn’t even finish because we had to land. One of the best games I’ve ever played. A total grudge match. It was dead even for the longest time and then a mistake by me gave him the edge. Then he made a mistake and we evened up again. Then I went up. Then even again. I’m kind of bummed we couldn’t finish the game. We vowed to play more at work, though with timers and time limits.
We arrived and Gwen picked me up. It was great to see her. We hung out and a had a quite Saturday night (I was exhausted). Yesterday I watched football again. I think I’m taking next weekend off of football. I can’t handle the Giants anymore. More stress than fun. It’s time for a break, methinks.
Last night Gwen and I watched “The Last Detail”. It’s a 1973 film starring Jack Nicholson and a very young Randy Quaid. The film was solid, if not fantastic. Sort of a character driven piece about some guys in the Navy. Good old Jack delivers as always.
And that’s my weekend.
THE CONSULTANT AND MY FUTURE
“The Consultant” is a high ranking internal medicine physician with the final say on where every graduating internist goes after this year. It’s kind of funny, because at this meeting he literally sits on a couch while a bunch of residents line up and wait their turn to speak with him. You walk up, introduce yourself, kiss his hand (well, not really) and start telling him what you would like. You suggest a region, he tells you the odds, you make an informal list. You ask some questions, he answers them. He was a nice guy.
And so here’s the deal. Right now it looks like I’ll most likely be headed to Germany after graduation. Nothing is set in stone, yet, but I was told there are several openings over there and I have always wanted to see Europe more extensively. I would most likely (and this could be changed) be stationed near Lahndstuhl medical center, which is in the western central part of Germany. (This is the hospital where all the casualties from Iraq are currently being flown to.) Here’s a map (the red star - you will need to zoom in and out).
The bad side is this: Its most likely a THREE year commitment, meaning I’m out of the US for a full three years. I would prefer a two year deal, but there it is. (This doesn’t count leave of course, so I could come back to the US once or twice a year on vacation during those years). The other problem is that Germany is an Iraq funnel. Everyone stationed in Germany is on cycle for Iraq. However, this latter notion is now tempered by the fact that nearly everyone, at EVERY station (including the continental US) is more or less on cycle for Iraq as well. Since there’s no getting out of it, it’s actually best to just ignore it and accept that I’m going to go and pick a location based on where and what IT is, rather than worrying about potential deployment. That’s it.
The good side: Germany and the Army locations there are a HELL of a lot better than the areas I would be looking at if I stayed stateside. Compare beautiful Europe to rural Georgia, rural Kansas, north Louisiana, rural texas, and the like. Those places SUCK with a capital “S” and the highlight of many areas where the army has Podunk bases is the local wal-mart. Damn. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible for me to get to a major US Army medical center right out of residency because these spots are most sought after and I am lowest on the totem pole (right out of residency). The other good side is this. When not in Iraq, I will have a mostly mild lifestyle. Most weekends off. A month of leave per year. Many long weekends. And I will be able to see all of Europe and go anywhere and everywhere on weekend trips.
The bottom line is that I always wanted to travel more. I always wished I had gone abroad in college and here is my chance to do Europe while making good money. (They give some ridiculous bonuses for living outside of the US). I’m still single and can do all this. And even if things with Gwen and I escalate, she can be stationed in the same area too.
So there it is. By this time next year, I will most likely be in Germany (or Iraq FROM Germany). I’ll keep everyone posted with more details as they arise.
OK, that’s enough for now. I will add that I had to take my car in earlier today for some repair work to a local mechanic. What ensued was a series of hilarious encounters with my dad eventually being involved by phone. Good stories. But I’m tired of typing. More to come.
Well I’m back from DC and there is a lot to tell. The trip was pretty fun, overall. It’s always fun to travel with a bunch of people who realize that they are all of a sudden away from a stressful job, away from their home lives (spouses and kids, etc), and can celebrate by going somewhere fun in a cool city and get drunk. And Washington DC is a cool city. And we did get drunk.
I flew out last Wednesday – a nice direct flight from SeaTac to Reagan National Airport. Landed, went to the hotel, and then met everybody at some Irish bar where we proceeded to get tossed. Ridiculous. About 20 of us from work were there, including nearly all second and third year residents, multiple staff docs, my program director, and a few others. Next thing I know it’s 2 in the morning and about 7 of us are back in a hotel room. Two people turned over a mattress where Pete was lying and then massive wrestling broke out. There was a lot of laughter. There also now exists a picture of me riding Pete like a horse complete with that “giddy-up spank” move. It’s hilarious. I’ll post it up if I can. Good times.
Thursday the conference started. Everyone was a little sluggish, but not too bad. After waking up late we went to breakfast. Some of us talked about skipping out on parts of the conference to cruise over to the Vietnam War Memorial on Veteran’s day (last Thursday), but it didn’t work out. I hear it’s a sight to see, however. Come to think of it, my uncle was probably there. Instead we cruised down and “participated” for awhile. A lot of residents were giving presentations in the various subspecialty rooms set up and so groups of us with nothing to do at particular times would go watch their talks and hence support our peeps.
Thursday afternoon I went and talked with the internal medicine consultant (discussed below). Thursday evening we had a nice dinner in Georgetown, had a few drinks. Then four of us stayed up until about 2 am playing Euchre, a fun card game. It was a more mellow night, but we knew we had Friday night to go nuts.
On Friday Pete and I got up and skipped the morning talks to check out the Holocaust Museum. Of the Smithsonian’s, it’s the one I hadn’t been to, and I’m glad I went. Not the most uplifting experience in the world, but its is REALLY well done. It’s incredibly informative (as well as horrifying) and I enjoyed reading about the millions of little aspects surrounding world war II Germany, including Hitler’s rise, the ideology behind the racism, the indoctrination, etc. Sadly, Pete and I could only spend about 2 hours there the first day (before we had to get back to the conference) and thus we only got about half way through and then had to leave.
Friday afternoon was full of more presentations and poster viewings. It was also nice to see former residents from my program (now stationed in or doing fellowship in DC) wandering around and to catch up. Friday evening there was the medicine resident Jeopardy team competition and my program’s team (which includes my boy George) did very well, advancing to the final and providing the main competition to the eventual winning team (the Walter Reed team from DC).
After Jeopardy there was a reception for the medical students and in between attempts to hook Pete up with some chicks we kept hitting the open bar. Whoa – talk about starting a night up. I must have had 5 drinks in an hour before 8 pm. Trouble.
Friday night turned into madness. Everyone from my program (probably 30-40 of us in all including staff) went down to “Adam’s Morgan”, which is apparently a popular hang-out district in DC. We had some good east coast pizza (so good, I mean really, the difference between east and west in this regard is ridiculous), and then launched ourselves over to this bar called “Madame’s Organ”. (Of course, this place is a play on words for the district itself, you see…)
At the bar it got ridiculous. Madigan personnel, old and new, gathered and went nuts. Drinks were flying. Shots were flying. It got nutty. It was good to see everybody and there was a whole lot of “I love you man” stuff coming out between all the residents.
The rest of the night I spent drunk, very drunk, and talking to old residents. We reminisced and told stories and played pool and joked around. There are some hilarious stories from the night but to truly enjoy them you really have to know the people. One resident fell drunk down some stairs at the bar and is still limping. Another kept commenting on some married resident’s breasts – it was so out of character for this guy that it was hilarious. Again, the “I love you man” stuff was flowing. Eventually we ended up in the street, eating more pizza, dancing in a pizza place, hoisting various people in the air over our heads while yelling, and doing a lot of other nonsense. Eventually we ended up back at the hotel where we pissed off security royally and had one if not multiple formal complaints before going to bed. Beware a group of drunken, pent up physicians. But all in all, no one was hurt (minus hangovers and the guy who took the spill on the stairs) and all had fun.
Saturday morning was painful. I had forced myself to drink water to the point of vomiting before going to bed Friday night, which I’m thankful for. It helped prevent full pain, but I was still hurting the next day. I went to bed at 4:30 am and was up at 9 am. I showered and packed and we went to breakfast. There my program director taught me the secret of tomato juice and I’m never going back. That stuff is a golden compliment to the essential water one needs. (My new hangover trifecta is water, tomato juice, and coffee; the water is the mainstay, the coffee prevents further headache (from caffeine withdrawal), and the tomato juice it the vitamin punch that seals the deal).
Following breakfast Pete and I stared earnestly at each other and decided we had better go finish the Holocaust museum. This may have not been the world’s best decision. Picture me, bleary-eyed and tired as hell and with a slight headache, standing in a crowded somewhat stuffy museum and checking out videos of bulldozers and dead, emaciated bodies depicting the full depths of the depravity of humanity. Whoa. Again, the museum exhibit is fantastic but incredibly sobering. I was surprised at how much footage there was from the time period. Tons of photos and film. The US response to everything was interesting, as well. I can’t believe some people still deny that it happened with that overwhelming evidence. At least that’s a small percentage.
The museum has lots of stuff. Actual train cars used to transport people to Auschwitz which you walk through. A replica of the gate over the camp which reads (In German) “Work and be free”. This is the ultimate insult. Full models of gas chambers and creamatoriums. Actual poison gas canisters. And ALL sorts of other stuff. The most horrific stuff involves pictures and videos of prisoners and the medical experiments (such as seeing how long it takes someone to die in freezing cold water or air pressure expirments). Also, there are shots and films of empty-eyed, staring, emaciated children which are nearly unbearable. And they have actual art work from the children, done mostly in the “ghettos” where they were forced prior to transfer to the actual camps. I was pretty much holding back tears at that point. Ah well, everyone should see it. I would just recommend avoiding it with a hangover.
Pete and I walked out and sort of nodded. Yeah. The Holocaust. Go humanity.
After that we headed back to the hotel and headed for the airport. The flight back involved a lot of sleeping at first. Then, a friend and I played a marathon game of chess (lasting 3.5 hours). We didn’t even finish because we had to land. One of the best games I’ve ever played. A total grudge match. It was dead even for the longest time and then a mistake by me gave him the edge. Then he made a mistake and we evened up again. Then I went up. Then even again. I’m kind of bummed we couldn’t finish the game. We vowed to play more at work, though with timers and time limits.
We arrived and Gwen picked me up. It was great to see her. We hung out and a had a quite Saturday night (I was exhausted). Yesterday I watched football again. I think I’m taking next weekend off of football. I can’t handle the Giants anymore. More stress than fun. It’s time for a break, methinks.
Last night Gwen and I watched “The Last Detail”. It’s a 1973 film starring Jack Nicholson and a very young Randy Quaid. The film was solid, if not fantastic. Sort of a character driven piece about some guys in the Navy. Good old Jack delivers as always.
And that’s my weekend.
THE CONSULTANT AND MY FUTURE
“The Consultant” is a high ranking internal medicine physician with the final say on where every graduating internist goes after this year. It’s kind of funny, because at this meeting he literally sits on a couch while a bunch of residents line up and wait their turn to speak with him. You walk up, introduce yourself, kiss his hand (well, not really) and start telling him what you would like. You suggest a region, he tells you the odds, you make an informal list. You ask some questions, he answers them. He was a nice guy.
And so here’s the deal. Right now it looks like I’ll most likely be headed to Germany after graduation. Nothing is set in stone, yet, but I was told there are several openings over there and I have always wanted to see Europe more extensively. I would most likely (and this could be changed) be stationed near Lahndstuhl medical center, which is in the western central part of Germany. (This is the hospital where all the casualties from Iraq are currently being flown to.) Here’s a map (the red star - you will need to zoom in and out).
The bad side is this: Its most likely a THREE year commitment, meaning I’m out of the US for a full three years. I would prefer a two year deal, but there it is. (This doesn’t count leave of course, so I could come back to the US once or twice a year on vacation during those years). The other problem is that Germany is an Iraq funnel. Everyone stationed in Germany is on cycle for Iraq. However, this latter notion is now tempered by the fact that nearly everyone, at EVERY station (including the continental US) is more or less on cycle for Iraq as well. Since there’s no getting out of it, it’s actually best to just ignore it and accept that I’m going to go and pick a location based on where and what IT is, rather than worrying about potential deployment. That’s it.
The good side: Germany and the Army locations there are a HELL of a lot better than the areas I would be looking at if I stayed stateside. Compare beautiful Europe to rural Georgia, rural Kansas, north Louisiana, rural texas, and the like. Those places SUCK with a capital “S” and the highlight of many areas where the army has Podunk bases is the local wal-mart. Damn. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible for me to get to a major US Army medical center right out of residency because these spots are most sought after and I am lowest on the totem pole (right out of residency). The other good side is this. When not in Iraq, I will have a mostly mild lifestyle. Most weekends off. A month of leave per year. Many long weekends. And I will be able to see all of Europe and go anywhere and everywhere on weekend trips.
The bottom line is that I always wanted to travel more. I always wished I had gone abroad in college and here is my chance to do Europe while making good money. (They give some ridiculous bonuses for living outside of the US). I’m still single and can do all this. And even if things with Gwen and I escalate, she can be stationed in the same area too.
So there it is. By this time next year, I will most likely be in Germany (or Iraq FROM Germany). I’ll keep everyone posted with more details as they arise.
OK, that’s enough for now. I will add that I had to take my car in earlier today for some repair work to a local mechanic. What ensued was a series of hilarious encounters with my dad eventually being involved by phone. Good stories. But I’m tired of typing. More to come.
BACK FROM DC
Well, I returned home Saturday night from the East Coast. But now it's late and I'm too tired to type what I had intended to type, so I'll have to weigh in tomorrow instead. A good weekend overall, and things regarding my future are a little more clear. The trip was mostly about talking with the "consultant" (aka The Godfather) and about hanging with my peeps on the East Coast. Again, more later.
For now, I will say that I learned two things about hangovers on Saturday morning.
1) Tomato juice is one of my new cures. My program director told me to try it - it's nasty at first but then goes down real nice. And dog gone it, with that and lots of water, I felt better faster than most wicked hangover days.
2)On the flip side, something to avoid when having a massive hangover is going to the Smithsonian's Holocaust Museum. Yes, it's a great exhibit, but DUDE... no one needs to see that shit with a headache, fatigue, and the mild post-drinking depression. Whoa. Great museum. Not the best day to go, though.
*Shudders*
Well, I returned home Saturday night from the East Coast. But now it's late and I'm too tired to type what I had intended to type, so I'll have to weigh in tomorrow instead. A good weekend overall, and things regarding my future are a little more clear. The trip was mostly about talking with the "consultant" (aka The Godfather) and about hanging with my peeps on the East Coast. Again, more later.
For now, I will say that I learned two things about hangovers on Saturday morning.
1) Tomato juice is one of my new cures. My program director told me to try it - it's nasty at first but then goes down real nice. And dog gone it, with that and lots of water, I felt better faster than most wicked hangover days.
2)On the flip side, something to avoid when having a massive hangover is going to the Smithsonian's Holocaust Museum. Yes, it's a great exhibit, but DUDE... no one needs to see that shit with a headache, fatigue, and the mild post-drinking depression. Whoa. Great museum. Not the best day to go, though.
*Shudders*
QUICK HIT
Well, I'm off to the nation's capitol today. All of the internal medicine residents are headed to the Army ACP Meeting (ACP = American College of Physicians). This is the army chapter's meeting. There, I hope to learn more about my future next year. I will be having a meeting with the internal medicine consultant. It is he who eventually decides where every graduating internist gets sent. Right now I'm leaning towards going to Europe. We shall see, however. This trip will give me information. I'll likely know for sure circa February. Regardless of where I go, however, there will be a year in Iraq (deployed from any location). I've already started having nightmares about it. Anyway, that's still a way's off. This weekend I'm just going to talk to the guy and get drunk with my boys in DC. Back Saturday night.
Well, I'm off to the nation's capitol today. All of the internal medicine residents are headed to the Army ACP Meeting (ACP = American College of Physicians). This is the army chapter's meeting. There, I hope to learn more about my future next year. I will be having a meeting with the internal medicine consultant. It is he who eventually decides where every graduating internist gets sent. Right now I'm leaning towards going to Europe. We shall see, however. This trip will give me information. I'll likely know for sure circa February. Regardless of where I go, however, there will be a year in Iraq (deployed from any location). I've already started having nightmares about it. Anyway, that's still a way's off. This weekend I'm just going to talk to the guy and get drunk with my boys in DC. Back Saturday night.
DARK DAYS AHEAD
I’m at an interesting point right now. I’ve done some good things over the past week (see below). I’m also afraid, frankly, for what the not-too-far future holds in store for me and others.
I’m bummed about the election results. I can’t lie. My part of Seattle is bummed too. There is a palpable sadness hanging around the district – my coffee shop is running at half steam. Faces are sagging. Gay men are frightened. And hell, why shouldn’t they be? I hate George Bush more than any other politician. It’s his ignorant arrogance that gets me more than anything. Now that bastard thinks he has a “mandate” (most overused word of the week, btw). Good luck world. Hello Canada.
On a personal level, I’m now 100% sure I will be in either Iraq or Afghanistan for a year of my life at some point in the next 4 years. No, I’m not thrilled about it. I don’t look forward to the moral dilemmas that face me there. The medicine part will be easy, and most likely noble. But what happens when I stumble on Abu Gharib part 2 and I need to report it ? It’s this sort of thing that worries me. Oh, that and landmines, random mortar fire, packs of feral dogs, and RPG’s. Should be good other than that, though. Hello post-tramautic stress disorder. I hear you are a harsh mistress. Bring it. (And with any luck, maybe I’ll star in my own internet beheading video!!!)
Sorry, I had to say my piece. See my post on the WCD for true, unmasked bitterness, devoid of all hope.
On the good side (and yes, there is a bright side), I’ve spent the past week cleaning up a few personal messes.
My friend Pete always refers to my tendency to date people from work and in the same circles as my “being a master of shitting in my own backyard.” Well finally, I’m re-sodding the yard, so to speak. Should have done it long ago.
So not all is bad. This weekend I don’t have too much planned. Just relax, drink away my election sorrows, and watch some football.
Could be worse. And in a year or two I suspect it will be.
Have a good weekend.
I’m at an interesting point right now. I’ve done some good things over the past week (see below). I’m also afraid, frankly, for what the not-too-far future holds in store for me and others.
I’m bummed about the election results. I can’t lie. My part of Seattle is bummed too. There is a palpable sadness hanging around the district – my coffee shop is running at half steam. Faces are sagging. Gay men are frightened. And hell, why shouldn’t they be? I hate George Bush more than any other politician. It’s his ignorant arrogance that gets me more than anything. Now that bastard thinks he has a “mandate” (most overused word of the week, btw). Good luck world. Hello Canada.
On a personal level, I’m now 100% sure I will be in either Iraq or Afghanistan for a year of my life at some point in the next 4 years. No, I’m not thrilled about it. I don’t look forward to the moral dilemmas that face me there. The medicine part will be easy, and most likely noble. But what happens when I stumble on Abu Gharib part 2 and I need to report it ? It’s this sort of thing that worries me. Oh, that and landmines, random mortar fire, packs of feral dogs, and RPG’s. Should be good other than that, though. Hello post-tramautic stress disorder. I hear you are a harsh mistress. Bring it. (And with any luck, maybe I’ll star in my own internet beheading video!!!)
Sorry, I had to say my piece. See my post on the WCD for true, unmasked bitterness, devoid of all hope.
On the good side (and yes, there is a bright side), I’ve spent the past week cleaning up a few personal messes.
My friend Pete always refers to my tendency to date people from work and in the same circles as my “being a master of shitting in my own backyard.” Well finally, I’m re-sodding the yard, so to speak. Should have done it long ago.
So not all is bad. This weekend I don’t have too much planned. Just relax, drink away my election sorrows, and watch some football.
Could be worse. And in a year or two I suspect it will be.
Have a good weekend.
ELECTION DAY
This blog officially supports John Kerry for President. Sadly, I can’t do this in “real life”, mostly because I’m not registered. Why, you ask? Simple, really. Because I never got around to it. On one hand, it’s a difficult thing to understand. On the other, and for those who know me, it’s pretty simple.
Given the amount of painstaking time I spend at work making sure a lot of administrative tasks happen (and happen in a timely manner), it’s no shock that I tend to let these things lapse at home. (The last thing I want to do when I get home at night is do paperwork, especially after my long days at work, which are essentially filled with it). I routinely pay my bills late (before autopay, that is). Hell, I paid my taxes in AUGUST this year. That’s right – August. I just got my refund 3 weeks ago. So, when the voter registration deadline rolled around a few weeks back, it caught me off guard and I wound up unregistered. Sadly unregistered. I kept telling myself I’d get to it eventually. I’ve never missed a presidential election I was eligible for before. This is the first. Tough one to miss, too. I certainly support voting at all costs. If there is a bright side, though, it’s that Washington should go to Kerry so my vote likely won’t cost anything. (Though I generally don't subscribe to that non-voting philosophy).
Anyway, it bums me out. I kind of like voting.
For the good of the world…go Kerry.
This blog officially supports John Kerry for President. Sadly, I can’t do this in “real life”, mostly because I’m not registered. Why, you ask? Simple, really. Because I never got around to it. On one hand, it’s a difficult thing to understand. On the other, and for those who know me, it’s pretty simple.
Given the amount of painstaking time I spend at work making sure a lot of administrative tasks happen (and happen in a timely manner), it’s no shock that I tend to let these things lapse at home. (The last thing I want to do when I get home at night is do paperwork, especially after my long days at work, which are essentially filled with it). I routinely pay my bills late (before autopay, that is). Hell, I paid my taxes in AUGUST this year. That’s right – August. I just got my refund 3 weeks ago. So, when the voter registration deadline rolled around a few weeks back, it caught me off guard and I wound up unregistered. Sadly unregistered. I kept telling myself I’d get to it eventually. I’ve never missed a presidential election I was eligible for before. This is the first. Tough one to miss, too. I certainly support voting at all costs. If there is a bright side, though, it’s that Washington should go to Kerry so my vote likely won’t cost anything. (Though I generally don't subscribe to that non-voting philosophy).
Anyway, it bums me out. I kind of like voting.
For the good of the world…go Kerry.
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