Someone please tell me how to get motivated again.
I seem to have lost that loving feeling with being here, the constant stress, the workload that never ends, the living on campus, being away from Canada...all of it. I had a total stress meltdown last week (on *holidays* I might add) and have been dreaming of nothing more than the life I had before this.
Weird since I spent all my life before this thinking about medical school. I actually had a fantasy about re-applying to Calgary again next year and quitting school here. I know that is insane, but that is how much I want to be home.
Sigh.
I really am trying to do everything to stay positive: I am exercising 5-6 times a week, eating well, getting enough sleep, taking breaks from work when I need it, trying to laugh as much as possible. Tobie is being as helpful as he can but I am worried that me feeling down will be a wear on our relationship. He's definitely been a huge support here.
I just can't seem to concentrate or retain anything it seems. I suppose one of the downsides to having worked in healthcare is knowing what is in store at the end. I always thought that was a plus--but you know my classmates get theses starry looks in their eyes and wistful expressions when they talk about getting to be in the hospital. I know what awaits, and though yes it is obviously a great job overall, I have no misconceptions of the realities of residency and work.
I feel the need to be inspired or excited about something again instead of just slogging.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Homesick
I am making chicken marbella tonight to marinate for tomorrows dinner. Tobie gets back from New York and I wanted to have something nice prepared.
That recipe totally reminds me of Revelstoke, the house on 7th St., and post-skiing meals when Saak and Hank were living with us and we'd end up having these random dinner parties.
Preparing the dish tonight made me homesick for Revvy and all the wonderful people, babies, ski slopes, mountain views. I love how food has such a strong memory association.
I really miss you guys.
ABB
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
You Guys Are The Best
Thanks so much for all the words of encouragement in comments and emails!
I am such a whiner! Sigh.
But if I didn't whine then I wouldn't learn catchy phrases like "Bugger Canada right up the bugger pipe", and life would somehow be less hilarious. Thanks Ry.
Yes Canada is being dumb dumb dumb and yes it is just another hurdle. But I am reminded of how many things I have to be thankful for in this life and if my greatest hardship is living away from Canada or having to continue training in Auz, NZ, UK, or US then really I have very little to complain about and should be happy. It does fell like Canada is further and further away on the horizon though, which is a bit of a throat lumper. AMG--just think of the vacation opportunities depending on where I end up!
I made the decision to undertake this, no one held a gun to my head (well except that one time when John was really drunk and he thought I was a squirrel...but I digress...kidding).
Unfortunately the NWT, NU and Yukon do not have medical residency programs per se as there are no schools up there...their affiliations with students are all through southern universities---though that does seem like a no brainer, it's true....no doctors for 20 000sq km? How about a few residents then to mind the fort?
In other news, life here continues to trundle along. I am debating a race in May...the knee (she spits in corner) is constantly teetering on the edge of functional to painful and I don't know if training would be a good thing or a bad thing. Still enjoying weights and fitness classes though I do feel like a complete doofus when I have to sit out (or drop the weights) for anything that involves bending the Rt knee (spits in corner) while the 75 year old lady who came in on a walker is doing her 50th squat with a bar slung behind her neck.
I mentioned on Asystole that this week was kinda tough as our patient was a heart attack who eventually died day 4 post M.I. During the class when we were discussing the sudden death I felt myself getting upset and made a trip to the loo to collect myself. I never get upset usually when thinking about/talking about/learning about/treating M.I patients (even though that is how my dad died) so it did take me a little off guard.
I was actually glad that I still have that soft spot there though, it's normal (and healthy) I think to get upset over upsetting things (despite what our medical education teaches us). I was fine after a few minutes and went back to finish the class. Our case this week is a 30 wk premie baby so that will be a nice change to the opposite side of the universe.
Tobie is in NY, NY for a concert with the Irish Chamber Orchestra this week. Of course I miss him but having him gone will give me a chance to catch up on some things and start the daunting task of making new notes again from last semester (lost everything on memory stick last week). I do wish I could have gone to NY for a week for a holiday but....maybe in 10 years when I have an income again. :)
Anyway, thanks again for all the support...I am done having my little on-line temper tantrum (for now).
Here's to 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'.
I am such a whiner! Sigh.
But if I didn't whine then I wouldn't learn catchy phrases like "Bugger Canada right up the bugger pipe", and life would somehow be less hilarious. Thanks Ry.
Yes Canada is being dumb dumb dumb and yes it is just another hurdle. But I am reminded of how many things I have to be thankful for in this life and if my greatest hardship is living away from Canada or having to continue training in Auz, NZ, UK, or US then really I have very little to complain about and should be happy. It does fell like Canada is further and further away on the horizon though, which is a bit of a throat lumper. AMG--just think of the vacation opportunities depending on where I end up!
I made the decision to undertake this, no one held a gun to my head (well except that one time when John was really drunk and he thought I was a squirrel...but I digress...kidding).
Unfortunately the NWT, NU and Yukon do not have medical residency programs per se as there are no schools up there...their affiliations with students are all through southern universities---though that does seem like a no brainer, it's true....no doctors for 20 000sq km? How about a few residents then to mind the fort?
In other news, life here continues to trundle along. I am debating a race in May...the knee (she spits in corner) is constantly teetering on the edge of functional to painful and I don't know if training would be a good thing or a bad thing. Still enjoying weights and fitness classes though I do feel like a complete doofus when I have to sit out (or drop the weights) for anything that involves bending the Rt knee (spits in corner) while the 75 year old lady who came in on a walker is doing her 50th squat with a bar slung behind her neck.
I mentioned on Asystole that this week was kinda tough as our patient was a heart attack who eventually died day 4 post M.I. During the class when we were discussing the sudden death I felt myself getting upset and made a trip to the loo to collect myself. I never get upset usually when thinking about/talking about/learning about/treating M.I patients (even though that is how my dad died) so it did take me a little off guard.
I was actually glad that I still have that soft spot there though, it's normal (and healthy) I think to get upset over upsetting things (despite what our medical education teaches us). I was fine after a few minutes and went back to finish the class. Our case this week is a 30 wk premie baby so that will be a nice change to the opposite side of the universe.
Tobie is in NY, NY for a concert with the Irish Chamber Orchestra this week. Of course I miss him but having him gone will give me a chance to catch up on some things and start the daunting task of making new notes again from last semester (lost everything on memory stick last week). I do wish I could have gone to NY for a week for a holiday but....maybe in 10 years when I have an income again. :)
Anyway, thanks again for all the support...I am done having my little on-line temper tantrum (for now).
Here's to 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fine then, be that way Canada
I am super pissed right now at the Canadian medical system. Probably even more pissed than the two times I went through the application process to get INTO medical school in Canada (and wasn't even interviewed).
On Asystole I eluded to the CaRMS meeting we had last week with regards to returning to Canada to complete our residencies once we're medical graduates.
I feel seriously betrayed by the Canadian medical education system and their completely myopic approach to solving the horrendous shortage of MD's in Canada.
First off...I am a resident in BC and AB. My family lives in AB and my friends (and lifestyle of choice) is found in BC. So it would seem logical that I want to return to one of those places if I'd like to have a residency there. Yeah, not an option. My third choice was Quebec because Tobie is Quebecois and we'd like to go there together as he's moving back there in 2 years once he's done his program here. Strike three.
I CAN'T ACTUALLY APPLY to any of those three provinces for residency. Why you ask? Because if you are an IMG (international med grad) you have to have *permission* to apply to those provinces for Residency (when I say 'Residency' I am referring to the post-grad training you have to do in order to develop your specialty in Canada...you don't just graduate with MD and start working in a clinic the next day). To gain this great privilege you have to have written all of the qualifying exams that foreign doctors have to write, and you have to have passed them. Fine, I get that. BUT you have to do that AFTER you graduate which means I will graduate in the summer and then have to wait until Sept or Nov to write the exams and since I wont be done all of the exams until the CARMS intake is closed for that year I will have to SIT ON MY ASS for an entire year waiting for the next match with all of my passing grades. Plus Quebec has the added barrier which is you have to LIVE there for a year before you can apply for *permission* to be a Resident.
Which would be fine if I had money. Then I could travel the world, take my yoga instructor course, play mandolin all day long, etc. However I will be a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS in debt when I am done school which means that I will have thousands of dollars of payments to make each month while also observing my total debt rise with the unpaid chunk still accumulating interest. Yes, because most of my tuition was paid for by a LINE OF CREDIT not a STUDENT LOAN.
Screw you Canada.
So my options are Ontario (5 year return of service), Sask (7 year ROS), NFLD (3 year ROS) or Manitoba. If I actually choose a specialty I will be free from Ontario when I am 44 years old. Yeah, that is 14 years from now.
All because I wanted to be a doctor.
If I had known then what I know now...I can definitely say I would have done SOOOO many things differently.
Like stayed a nurse for one.
Reapplied in Canada for two.
Applied in the US for medical school for three.
Also, guess what, I don't want to be a plastic surgeon living in TO doing boob jobs all day. I actually want to work in underserviced areas and as a volunteer overseas. Where is the support from the government? From the medical schools to promote physicians who want to serve RURAL communities?
Grrrrrrr...... *snaps pencil in half*
On Asystole I eluded to the CaRMS meeting we had last week with regards to returning to Canada to complete our residencies once we're medical graduates.
I feel seriously betrayed by the Canadian medical education system and their completely myopic approach to solving the horrendous shortage of MD's in Canada.
First off...I am a resident in BC and AB. My family lives in AB and my friends (and lifestyle of choice) is found in BC. So it would seem logical that I want to return to one of those places if I'd like to have a residency there. Yeah, not an option. My third choice was Quebec because Tobie is Quebecois and we'd like to go there together as he's moving back there in 2 years once he's done his program here. Strike three.
I CAN'T ACTUALLY APPLY to any of those three provinces for residency. Why you ask? Because if you are an IMG (international med grad) you have to have *permission* to apply to those provinces for Residency (when I say 'Residency' I am referring to the post-grad training you have to do in order to develop your specialty in Canada...you don't just graduate with MD and start working in a clinic the next day). To gain this great privilege you have to have written all of the qualifying exams that foreign doctors have to write, and you have to have passed them. Fine, I get that. BUT you have to do that AFTER you graduate which means I will graduate in the summer and then have to wait until Sept or Nov to write the exams and since I wont be done all of the exams until the CARMS intake is closed for that year I will have to SIT ON MY ASS for an entire year waiting for the next match with all of my passing grades. Plus Quebec has the added barrier which is you have to LIVE there for a year before you can apply for *permission* to be a Resident.
Which would be fine if I had money. Then I could travel the world, take my yoga instructor course, play mandolin all day long, etc. However I will be a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS in debt when I am done school which means that I will have thousands of dollars of payments to make each month while also observing my total debt rise with the unpaid chunk still accumulating interest. Yes, because most of my tuition was paid for by a LINE OF CREDIT not a STUDENT LOAN.
Screw you Canada.
So my options are Ontario (5 year return of service), Sask (7 year ROS), NFLD (3 year ROS) or Manitoba. If I actually choose a specialty I will be free from Ontario when I am 44 years old. Yeah, that is 14 years from now.
All because I wanted to be a doctor.
If I had known then what I know now...I can definitely say I would have done SOOOO many things differently.
Like stayed a nurse for one.
Reapplied in Canada for two.
Applied in the US for medical school for three.
Also, guess what, I don't want to be a plastic surgeon living in TO doing boob jobs all day. I actually want to work in underserviced areas and as a volunteer overseas. Where is the support from the government? From the medical schools to promote physicians who want to serve RURAL communities?
Grrrrrrr...... *snaps pencil in half*
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cheap as Chips
Tobie and I have been savoring these last few days of freedom before the great education thrust begins again. I am back to school tomorrow and am pretty excited about the new start but also slightly dreading the immediate loss-of-having-a-life that comes with it.
We're both poor, and that isn't fun. But we've figured out low budget ways to enjoy our pauper-dom.
Right now I am on the 10 year window shopping plan. We go to these lovely grocery stores, artisan boutiques, art galleries and I pick out all the things I'm buying and then say "I'll be back in 10 years to pick those up".
At the liquor store which is only a 40 min walk away, they sell these mini bottles of wine (not half litres, they are actually 300mL) at the bargain price of 3 for 5 Euro. We make a large batch of popcorn, walk to the liquor store, get our three minis, and go to the movies (about another 10 mins walk). Flash the student cards and voilà! it is a cheap night at the movies, with wine.
I am getting groceries on-line these days. That has significantly improved my quality of life. When you don't have a car, bike, or reliable bus service you have to somehow get to and fro your closest grocery store (2.6 km away). I know that doesn't sound far but when you have to carry them back (and you're not a masochist like AMG) it is not fun. Plus you don't want to buy heavy things like vegetables and fruits and beans...you want to buy pringles and twinkies because of their weight. Turns out, healthy things are heavy things. Who knew? I guess the Northern stores...
This week our patient has chronic heart disease. I am going to hit the 'Rapid Interpretation EKG' book for a few hours while Tobie practices. Life marches on.
We're both poor, and that isn't fun. But we've figured out low budget ways to enjoy our pauper-dom.
Right now I am on the 10 year window shopping plan. We go to these lovely grocery stores, artisan boutiques, art galleries and I pick out all the things I'm buying and then say "I'll be back in 10 years to pick those up".
At the liquor store which is only a 40 min walk away, they sell these mini bottles of wine (not half litres, they are actually 300mL) at the bargain price of 3 for 5 Euro. We make a large batch of popcorn, walk to the liquor store, get our three minis, and go to the movies (about another 10 mins walk). Flash the student cards and voilà! it is a cheap night at the movies, with wine.
I am getting groceries on-line these days. That has significantly improved my quality of life. When you don't have a car, bike, or reliable bus service you have to somehow get to and fro your closest grocery store (2.6 km away). I know that doesn't sound far but when you have to carry them back (and you're not a masochist like AMG) it is not fun. Plus you don't want to buy heavy things like vegetables and fruits and beans...you want to buy pringles and twinkies because of their weight. Turns out, healthy things are heavy things. Who knew? I guess the Northern stores...
This week our patient has chronic heart disease. I am going to hit the 'Rapid Interpretation EKG' book for a few hours while Tobie practices. Life marches on.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Talkin' Bout A Resolution
I looked back on last January's posts in the hopes of finding some resolution list but alas I bucked the trend last year as well. I always pretend that I have transcended resolutions but that is not really the case, it's more that I am either too lazy or too non-committal to actually follow through on any of them. So I don't bother.
Losing weight or getting in shape is often on people's lists, and like many women I always feel like I would be happy to see some changes with my body. Last year I got into probably the best shape of my life (it's all relative remember--when I look at some of my homegirls I feel like I should be on an intervention television show for fatties) as I trained for my Himalayan trip. I really didn't want to be sucking wind in the mountains trying to keep up with what I imagined would be a bunch of type-A-rugged-outdoorsy-altruistic-medical people. I ran, biked, and hiked all summer and damnnnnn! I was feeling good.
Then I ate myself into a stupor everyday for a month in India (the only comfort when you are living in a tent for a month--is food). I came back 10 lbs heavier and definitely not in the shape I left in.
I came back really discouraged and doughy. I basically felt sorry for myself and my transient lifestyle that was "keeping me from getting back into shape" (what I was telling myself as an excuse).
Then in February I went to visit my good friend Jody who was dying of cancer. This beautiful woman who was the picture of health not 6 months earlier was now conducting business as a bald, eyebrow-less fireball from her bed in hospice. After that first visit I drove home feeling greatly inspired by her grit, tenacity, and bravery (I still am inspired by her on a daily basis by the way).
I finally saw how I wasn't doing everything in my power to improve how I felt about myself, I wasn't doing everything in my power to make the most out of my healthy, capable body. Jody was a young woman dying of cancer and every single day she did what she could to be as strong as possible, and as happy as possible. I decided I would use her to remind me of all the things I needed to be grateful for and that every time I got the chance to skip, dance, jump, run I would do so in honor of her--knowing that if she could have, she would have been there beside me. And also that I would remember her short life every time I got really down over something as superficial and stupid as gaining a few pounds or seeing a dimple of cellulite. As she lay dying she never said that she wished she'd been able to run farther or lift heavier weights. She would have been thrilled to live another day even though she couldn't even walk anymore.
So I am reminding myself, this New Years about what I really want to have as my resolutions. And also asking myself, what is the motivation behind these resolutions??
So here's to another year of surprises, growth, and change. May this year be as enriching as the past 29.
Losing weight or getting in shape is often on people's lists, and like many women I always feel like I would be happy to see some changes with my body. Last year I got into probably the best shape of my life (it's all relative remember--when I look at some of my homegirls I feel like I should be on an intervention television show for fatties) as I trained for my Himalayan trip. I really didn't want to be sucking wind in the mountains trying to keep up with what I imagined would be a bunch of type-A-rugged-outdoorsy-altruistic-medical people. I ran, biked, and hiked all summer and damnnnnn! I was feeling good.
Then I ate myself into a stupor everyday for a month in India (the only comfort when you are living in a tent for a month--is food). I came back 10 lbs heavier and definitely not in the shape I left in.
I came back really discouraged and doughy. I basically felt sorry for myself and my transient lifestyle that was "keeping me from getting back into shape" (what I was telling myself as an excuse).
Then in February I went to visit my good friend Jody who was dying of cancer. This beautiful woman who was the picture of health not 6 months earlier was now conducting business as a bald, eyebrow-less fireball from her bed in hospice. After that first visit I drove home feeling greatly inspired by her grit, tenacity, and bravery (I still am inspired by her on a daily basis by the way).
I finally saw how I wasn't doing everything in my power to improve how I felt about myself, I wasn't doing everything in my power to make the most out of my healthy, capable body. Jody was a young woman dying of cancer and every single day she did what she could to be as strong as possible, and as happy as possible. I decided I would use her to remind me of all the things I needed to be grateful for and that every time I got the chance to skip, dance, jump, run I would do so in honor of her--knowing that if she could have, she would have been there beside me. And also that I would remember her short life every time I got really down over something as superficial and stupid as gaining a few pounds or seeing a dimple of cellulite. As she lay dying she never said that she wished she'd been able to run farther or lift heavier weights. She would have been thrilled to live another day even though she couldn't even walk anymore.
So I am reminding myself, this New Years about what I really want to have as my resolutions. And also asking myself, what is the motivation behind these resolutions??
- I will take all the opportunities I can to be active, even if it just means going for a walk with Tobie after dinner. Why? Because I can. Because I am healthy and able and there is no excuse for not being as physically healthy as possible. I am never going to be a world-class climber, ace skier, or competitive runner but I want to be able to do the things I enjoy for as long as possible and that means continually laying down the groundwork. I will also have this commitment because my sleeping and thinking improve when I am physically active.
- I will practice mandolin at least 4 times a week for a minimum of 20 mins. Why? Because there is more to life than memorizing clotting cascades and someday I am going to be in the real world again and in that real world I will want to be playing music with my friends. I also feel the need to use other areas of my brain besides the 'rote memory' section.
- I will force Tobie to speak French with me at for at least 30 mins every night. Why? Because if I am going to get a residency in Quebec I have to dazzle them with my fluency.
- I will continue to do yoga at least 5 times a week--even if it is only a 20 min session. Why? See reason one. And because it feels good. And because I want to be one of those 80 year old ladies at the drop in classes that can bend herself into a pretzel and blow the 20 somethings minds.
- I will waste less time on FB. Why? Because there is more to life than sitting, slack-jawed in front of my computer staring at bar photos of people I went to high school with.
- I will be happier with the way I look. Why? Because it takes a lot of emotional energy to constantly berate myself for not being thinner, stronger, faster. Today my pilates instructor actually said to me when I was talking to her about this other class she teaches "oh don't go to the intro class, you're obviously in good shape and in training, just come to the class". I was shocked and flattered. When I look in the mirror all I see is the sins, none of the discipline. If someone like her makes a remark like that to me I should take it to heart and believe it! You're obviously in shape?? Ok! Yeah! I am! Woot!
- I will spend more time writing, whether it is rambles on this blog, or posts on Asystole. Why? Because the only way to get better at something is to practice practice practice. If I am ever going to be serious about writing it is not going to suddenly happen over night. I need to be disciplined about it.
- I will stop comparing myself to others at all times. Why? Because it makes me feel bad. In school it is pointless to compare myself because I know about the real-world truths about good doctors...they weren't necessarily the top of their class. I will be a good doctor just like I was a good nurse. Not acing the anatomy spotter does not equal being doomed to becoming a bad doctor.
- I will endeavor to remind myself of the fact that I spent the last few years of my life with the sole goal of getting into medical school. Now I am here, I better make the best of it. Why? Because I already feel myself counting down the minutes until I am done medical school/residency/paying off my student loans. I don't want to always have my head space be in the place I am moving toward. I am studying what I love, I am in love, and life is good. So stop whining Sullivan.
So here's to another year of surprises, growth, and change. May this year be as enriching as the past 29.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Going Underground
So, as some of you may have noticed, I am rarely updating this blog anymore.
I feel a bit torn about how I ought to split up the information I put on Asystole vs OTB. Mostly I feel like my life revolves around medical school, medicine, nursing, and from time to time some living outside those realms. So for the most part I want to post on Asystole, which makes OTB the forgotten older sister.
I have had mixed emotions as well about putting private info up on the blog, even though I truly started this whole endeavor as a journal for myself, never imagining that anyone else would ever read it. Now that I feel somewhat obligated to my profession-to-be I wonder how appropriate it is to discuss road trips or heartache on a site linked to my medical life. If I could simply separate the two I would. More and more these days I am wanting to write about my feelings of isolation, challenges I am facing, new chapters opening, old ones closing...and I wonder how much the general population needs to be exposed/bored by this.
To make a long story short, I've decided to make OTB a private blog. That being said, if any of you are still interested in where this side road leads please let me know and I will be more than happy to send you an invite. I just want to have some idea of who is still reading my personal drivel. It doesn't mean I won't post private-ish type things on Asystole, but at least I have somewhere a little more secluded for those days when I just want to write about how homesick I am.
I feel a bit torn about how I ought to split up the information I put on Asystole vs OTB. Mostly I feel like my life revolves around medical school, medicine, nursing, and from time to time some living outside those realms. So for the most part I want to post on Asystole, which makes OTB the forgotten older sister.
I have had mixed emotions as well about putting private info up on the blog, even though I truly started this whole endeavor as a journal for myself, never imagining that anyone else would ever read it. Now that I feel somewhat obligated to my profession-to-be I wonder how appropriate it is to discuss road trips or heartache on a site linked to my medical life. If I could simply separate the two I would. More and more these days I am wanting to write about my feelings of isolation, challenges I am facing, new chapters opening, old ones closing...and I wonder how much the general population needs to be exposed/bored by this.
To make a long story short, I've decided to make OTB a private blog. That being said, if any of you are still interested in where this side road leads please let me know and I will be more than happy to send you an invite. I just want to have some idea of who is still reading my personal drivel. It doesn't mean I won't post private-ish type things on Asystole, but at least I have somewhere a little more secluded for those days when I just want to write about how homesick I am.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
And Now....For Some Visuals
So I am finally putting up a few recent pics. To start...myself and 3 of my nursey pals took a road trip to Hyder, Alaska. This was near the end of my stint in northern BC and I was really feeling like I'd regret it if I didn't make the trek across the border and get "Hyderized" (this is drinking a shot of 150 proof booze...yes I did it...and yes I cut a sweet rug on the dance floor after). It was about 35 degrees the day we drove up so it made stopping along the way to jump in various lakes and rivers a necessity (I don't normally drive in a bathing suit...but desperate times...).
So here is a nice blurry pic of us in front of the Bear Glacier just outside of Stewart. Sadly the road had been washed out to the Salmon Glacier so we didn't get a chance to make it up there.Below is one of the Grizzlies we got to see during the salmon run in Fish Creek...it was about a 3 year old so not very big but still a beautiful and breathtaking creature to behold. It was my first time ever seeing one and I was surprised at what a thrill it was.
And then I started studying 'doctorology' as I like to call it.
These are just a few random photos from campus...above is the medical sciences building which is mostly being used by nursing students, physios, etc. We are sort of scattered around campus as they are building a new med sci spot which will mostly be reserved for medical students. Of course this will likely not be done before we are off campus and in our 3rd year rotations. In the meantime we walk by the mud pit that will be the medical school on a daily basis.Below here is the Living Bridge, which is a stunning connector between the main part of campus and the residential area that most of us live in (as well as where future med sci building will be). Runs over the River Shannon, quite lovely...
One of my musical classmates, Christine. We dropped in on this presentation regarding music therapy and health. It was a very interesting talk by two music profs about what research is being done in this field. We didn't realise that it was a dress up affair...so we were the scruffy med students who didn't feel worthy enough to drink the free wine.
My roommate Anna and good pal Ryan--also fellow first years.
Our place has been dubbed "The Cerebrex" as it has become a meeting point for out group of friends. The whiteboard addition to the kitchen has already proved handy, not just for writing down quotes from our beer drinking evenings, but also our study sessions. Below is another good friend/classmate JM and I, probably arguing over some minute point which bears so real significance. Either that or it is me soliciting free mac advice.
My two other roommates, Naran and George. Quality guys. Also in my class.
We call George the 'McDreamy' of GEMS class 2013. Which means I have McDreamy and a 6 foot 1 inch blonde that can do the splits as roommates. Yikes. Our first descent into eating pizza. 
A few of the random buildings on campus.
McDreamy and Anna being their dead sexy selves.
Naren eating his version of a hot meal. This is what happens when I don't cook for the boys.
The lovely ladies that I memorize inner ear structures with. Kristina, Kristine, Catherine, Anna, and yours truly (Anna was impressed that she managed to get me in a dress that night).
My trip to town to get a mobile.
Welcome to beige food. Is there a booster juice somewhere??
Ryan attempting to steal liquor through our screenless window.
So yeah, a bit of a scattered collection of the sights in my world right now. Soon I'll put up a few more of the domicile. For now I must return to an animated video of the cochlea.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I am a Lazy Double Poster...
I know, I know...double posting is LAZY. But really...Asystole appears to be taking over as my main blog...I sometimes wonder if I should just put it on ice and only have that one now..
Hmmm...
In the meantime, until I decide...
I can't believe I am actually here.
The goal of getting to this place seemed so very very far off that for a long time I hardly lifted my head to look up and see how many more stairs there were to the top. I would just focus on the two or three ones directly in my line of vision...keep my head down, and push on.
I remember very clearly talking to Vern about it one day on a walk in Revelstoke. It was the summer I first moved there and I could feel the contemplation stage of change slowly working it's way into action. I told her that at some time I'd have to give up work completely, move somewhere with a university, take 8 or so prerequisites, write the MCAT, apply to schools, then wait almost a year to find out if I was accepted or not.
She was also looking into a long application process at the same time, applying to school in Scotland to undertake her masters. We both sorta shook our heads at how daunting it all was.
Today I got to sit in a lecture room and look at my fellow classmates for the next 4 years. I've been so lucky since my arrival (save for the baggage incident) to have connected with some very amazing folks in my class. Musicians, chefs, dancers, researchers, engineers...we're all meshing into these interesting combinations. Our res unit of 4 has basically become the meeting point for our group of friends from res. We've already had two late night jams, "Flight of the Conchords" showings, big group meals, and kitchen partying--and it's only been 5 days. My roommates are first years as well, and though they are a few years younger than me, it hasn't seemed weird. Just funny more than anything else...like watching my one roommate figure out how to make a sandwich after coming home from the bar.
It was a long day of orientation today, and though I had ants in my pants after sitting for so many hours (8!) I must admit I was on the edge of my seat as they talked about clinical skills, labs, textbooks, the PBL groups, and our eventual hospital rotations. Next week we will be assigned our patients from the 'early patient contact program' which involves us following a prenatal woman from now through to 3rd year as she goes through the pregnancy and eventual birth/growth and development of the child. We're also being assigned a patient with a chronic disease who we will also be paired with until 3rd year. We'll be expected to attend hospital visits/doctor appointments/home visits with these patients...and be another resource for them as they work their way through the system. I am very excited to meet these people who will be a big part of my learning for the next 2 years.
After orientation we had a quick snack and headed out to the pub for a medical society social event. This was an event for 1-3rd years which included a life sized (timed) game of 'operation' as well as the normal mini version. I was terrible at the life sized one and wouldn't have come close to the top time even if I hadn't been buzzed out after 16 seconds. Instead of claiming fame and status with a win, I ate two free hotdogs (apparently my 'mystery meat' rule doesn't apply in Ireland) and drank some Guinness. The hot dog guy said that evidently I wasn't going to be a surgeon (I told him maybe I'd just be a slow one...) Came back to our place and had another jam session with my two new music-playing pals, drank some tea, and then called it a night.
It's strange to be in place finally. In the place that has been so far off in the distance for so long. It is also lovely to be able to embrace the now--feel that my life has truly gone to the place it was meant to go, at the time it was meant to happen, and with the people I was meant to be surrounded by.
Sláinte!
Hmmm...
In the meantime, until I decide...
I can't believe I am actually here.
The goal of getting to this place seemed so very very far off that for a long time I hardly lifted my head to look up and see how many more stairs there were to the top. I would just focus on the two or three ones directly in my line of vision...keep my head down, and push on.
I remember very clearly talking to Vern about it one day on a walk in Revelstoke. It was the summer I first moved there and I could feel the contemplation stage of change slowly working it's way into action. I told her that at some time I'd have to give up work completely, move somewhere with a university, take 8 or so prerequisites, write the MCAT, apply to schools, then wait almost a year to find out if I was accepted or not.
She was also looking into a long application process at the same time, applying to school in Scotland to undertake her masters. We both sorta shook our heads at how daunting it all was.
Today I got to sit in a lecture room and look at my fellow classmates for the next 4 years. I've been so lucky since my arrival (save for the baggage incident) to have connected with some very amazing folks in my class. Musicians, chefs, dancers, researchers, engineers...we're all meshing into these interesting combinations. Our res unit of 4 has basically become the meeting point for our group of friends from res. We've already had two late night jams, "Flight of the Conchords" showings, big group meals, and kitchen partying--and it's only been 5 days. My roommates are first years as well, and though they are a few years younger than me, it hasn't seemed weird. Just funny more than anything else...like watching my one roommate figure out how to make a sandwich after coming home from the bar.
It was a long day of orientation today, and though I had ants in my pants after sitting for so many hours (8!) I must admit I was on the edge of my seat as they talked about clinical skills, labs, textbooks, the PBL groups, and our eventual hospital rotations. Next week we will be assigned our patients from the 'early patient contact program' which involves us following a prenatal woman from now through to 3rd year as she goes through the pregnancy and eventual birth/growth and development of the child. We're also being assigned a patient with a chronic disease who we will also be paired with until 3rd year. We'll be expected to attend hospital visits/doctor appointments/home visits with these patients...and be another resource for them as they work their way through the system. I am very excited to meet these people who will be a big part of my learning for the next 2 years.
After orientation we had a quick snack and headed out to the pub for a medical society social event. This was an event for 1-3rd years which included a life sized (timed) game of 'operation' as well as the normal mini version. I was terrible at the life sized one and wouldn't have come close to the top time even if I hadn't been buzzed out after 16 seconds. Instead of claiming fame and status with a win, I ate two free hotdogs (apparently my 'mystery meat' rule doesn't apply in Ireland) and drank some Guinness. The hot dog guy said that evidently I wasn't going to be a surgeon (I told him maybe I'd just be a slow one...) Came back to our place and had another jam session with my two new music-playing pals, drank some tea, and then called it a night.
It's strange to be in place finally. In the place that has been so far off in the distance for so long. It is also lovely to be able to embrace the now--feel that my life has truly gone to the place it was meant to go, at the time it was meant to happen, and with the people I was meant to be surrounded by.
Sláinte!
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