Spent a week on the island. It was my vacay before the dreary winter starts. This was the end of the rainy season but before the tourist season. It was as wonderful as I expected. There were good and bad days. The week started off rainy but we got good walks on the beach in, good time just reading and doing nothing but relaxing and getting re-acquainted with each other again. The sunny days were spent on the beach, island tour and also sting ray city/sandbar with snorkeling. The nights were spent having yummy food (totaly sabotaged my diet, oh well) and alcholic beverages and hanging out at the beach bar next door. Mudslides became the drink of choice most of the time and definitely learn that me and Irish Bailey's and whiskey really don't agree, found a Ben Stiller look alike as bartender, getting some creative free drinks. Also participated in a hypnosis show one night, one of those things that I'm not sure I'll do again. Of course, we went to Hell. :)
The girls were great, caught up with Kirstin and Krista and got to know Gretchen (Kirstin's childhood friend). I think by the end of the trip, we agreed that we should totally do something like this again. I think the talk is somewhere close for next year and possibly Cuba the year after. So far just talks, we'll see how much of it will come true.
Here's some pics
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Beloved Grandmother
I feel like I should feel more about my grandmother's passing but I don't. Then I started thinking about the reason behind it. I realized that I was never particularly close to her, unlike the way I was with my mom's mom. I think by the time that I had any consistent relationship with her I was already in high school and that was the time when we had more problems with my dad's side. I'm sure she was proud of all her grandkids but I could who she favors more and that she wants to know more about their lives. Part of it was also my fault in that I just didn't open up to her. I understand it's a quirky trait of mine that it's hard for me to open up to people. She lived a long life where she did a lot of amazing things, opened up herself to enjoy life. That's the one thing I'll always remember her for.
Rest in peace, ma-ma.
passed Oct 13, 2011
wake Oct 21, 2011
funeral Oct 22, 2011
English Obituary
Chinese Obituary
Rest in peace, ma-ma.
passed Oct 13, 2011
wake Oct 21, 2011
funeral Oct 22, 2011
English Obituary
Chinese Obituary
Thursday, July 28, 2011
First month as Ca-1
First month of GenA, straight out of orientation with 3 months of gap away from anesthesia.
Wow, What a month!! The first week was like a deer in the headlight for me. I gotta figure out what it going on and where is what since everything is pretty new. Boy, was I nervous for being on my own. There's almost no hand holding, it's pretty much sink or swim. I'm glad I have the personality of just letting everything flow and see where all things go and arrange it as it fits then. Otherwise, I would be super duper stressed. The first week, cases weren't that extreme but then they scheduled me a couple of times to the ambulatory center where it's a different system. It's like starting to adjust and gotta re-adjust again.
Throughout the month, I got some days that are difficult in the sense that the cases and patients were more complicated. They had me do craniotomy scheduled, whipple and stroke (on-call). It's been a fast learning curve. I was just happy that on those days, my staff were nice and more than willing to teach and lend a hand.
Got 4 calls for the month. It's not bad at all cuz our calls right now fall under the new intern rule where it can't be more 16hrs of work day. I'm also generally a white cloud and the bad calls would usually consist of being busy early on then when it's bedtime, it's quiet. So generally I get almost a good night sleep with hours. But we all know that we usually are still in the light sleep where we have an ear out for our pager going off.
Wow, What a month!! The first week was like a deer in the headlight for me. I gotta figure out what it going on and where is what since everything is pretty new. Boy, was I nervous for being on my own. There's almost no hand holding, it's pretty much sink or swim. I'm glad I have the personality of just letting everything flow and see where all things go and arrange it as it fits then. Otherwise, I would be super duper stressed. The first week, cases weren't that extreme but then they scheduled me a couple of times to the ambulatory center where it's a different system. It's like starting to adjust and gotta re-adjust again.
Throughout the month, I got some days that are difficult in the sense that the cases and patients were more complicated. They had me do craniotomy scheduled, whipple and stroke (on-call). It's been a fast learning curve. I was just happy that on those days, my staff were nice and more than willing to teach and lend a hand.
Got 4 calls for the month. It's not bad at all cuz our calls right now fall under the new intern rule where it can't be more 16hrs of work day. I'm also generally a white cloud and the bad calls would usually consist of being busy early on then when it's bedtime, it's quiet. So generally I get almost a good night sleep with hours. But we all know that we usually are still in the light sleep where we have an ear out for our pager going off.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Home for the holiday/wedding
I finally got to go home to Cali and it has been over a year. The last time was right after graduation. The vacation started off with going to my cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, fairly extravagant with all the work and pomp, but at the same time very homey cuz they had people from church help them. The reception was very elaborate as well.
Rhys & Flora Wedding
Had a good time. But for my own wedding, I'm more for something smaller and simpler. This is just too much work, even for me attending it. But nonetheless, it was beautiful and elegant.
The rest of my time was spent at home, just enjoying my parents and my goofy brother.
Rhys & Flora Wedding
Had a good time. But for my own wedding, I'm more for something smaller and simpler. This is just too much work, even for me attending it. But nonetheless, it was beautiful and elegant.
The rest of my time was spent at home, just enjoying my parents and my goofy brother.
Friday, June 24, 2011
ResCU
Just finished the month of ResCU. It's a special unit where people who needed a little longer time to get off the vent completely. Patients usually either had lung transplant or some underlying lung disease. Some of them has been in the hospital for months. There's one on our list that has been here since Oct. The most painful part of it all is writing discharge summary for them when they leave either to LTAC or rehab. Because of the length of time that they stay in the hospital and that sometimes you would spend the month taking care of them, you get attached, especially the younger ones cuz you know that they have a better chance to leave the hospital walking.
Overall, it's a good rotation to learn about the ventilator since patients are usually long term with not much of acute issues going on. Everyday is pretty much the same with minor adjustment for work.
Overall, it's a good rotation to learn about the ventilator since patients are usually long term with not much of acute issues going on. Everyday is pretty much the same with minor adjustment for work.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Feeling of Cleveland ... 1st year
This has definitely been my most miserable year. The job/work has been ok, most of the time I actually enjoy my work. The part of my life that's been a downer is the living in Cleveland part.
This all started with the fact I moved to Cleveland for residency and that was not my top choice, so in my mind, I didn't fully accept the decision probably until October that I'm here for 4 years. I was in denial in May and June when I first moved out here, but I still went out trying to have fun and meet other interns. I didn't really find anyone that I clicked with or people that I would like to hang out away from the hospital. By October, the winter has arrived already with the gloomy gray skies. What I was not expecting was the lack of sun for the entire winter and that the entire winter goes from mid October to April. I knew that I've SAD but I didn't know that I would be in the worst depression that I've every experienced. I changed my vitamin to get more vit D, but it irritated my stomach, so I had to change it again. My mood didn't change much.
The fact that I was working over the holidays didn't help, so I went to visit Kirstin. That help a little but it only made me realize that I really don't belong here in Cleveland. Other residents say that Cleveland would grow on you, but I really don't think it ever will. At this, I met Angel and really got to know her as she's going through hard times, so that kind of gave me a different focus, but it didn't last long for my attention span. I soon got mildly annoyed with her problem, but she was someone that I clicked with. She was applying for CRNA school and got accepted to one in Florida, which she will be going in Dec if all goes well. So I'm already trying to distance myself, not getting too attach so I won't be too disappointed when she leaves.
Then I got sucked into the SICU, which was even more depressing with the work load, call schedules and just the ICU madness. I'm feeling down is not really work related, it's more due to the fact that I don't have anyone in Cleveland that checks up on when I don't show up to church or small groups in a while or someone for me to fall back on to just talk or rant. I visited Kirstin again this time, and I could tell the difference, I was much more quieter with her, not my usual loud crazy self. I then realize that this can't keep going.
Now, I'm at the point where I'm very close to asking someone from work to write me a Rx for wellbutrin for short term to just fight this off. I also got to talking to Eddy and David, so hopefully I'll be able to find a relief through them. I just feel frustrated with the low moods that I'm feeling, most of the time, I just want to sleep more, and eat more of my comfort food.
I really want to beat this. Please God, help me.
This all started with the fact I moved to Cleveland for residency and that was not my top choice, so in my mind, I didn't fully accept the decision probably until October that I'm here for 4 years. I was in denial in May and June when I first moved out here, but I still went out trying to have fun and meet other interns. I didn't really find anyone that I clicked with or people that I would like to hang out away from the hospital. By October, the winter has arrived already with the gloomy gray skies. What I was not expecting was the lack of sun for the entire winter and that the entire winter goes from mid October to April. I knew that I've SAD but I didn't know that I would be in the worst depression that I've every experienced. I changed my vitamin to get more vit D, but it irritated my stomach, so I had to change it again. My mood didn't change much.
The fact that I was working over the holidays didn't help, so I went to visit Kirstin. That help a little but it only made me realize that I really don't belong here in Cleveland. Other residents say that Cleveland would grow on you, but I really don't think it ever will. At this, I met Angel and really got to know her as she's going through hard times, so that kind of gave me a different focus, but it didn't last long for my attention span. I soon got mildly annoyed with her problem, but she was someone that I clicked with. She was applying for CRNA school and got accepted to one in Florida, which she will be going in Dec if all goes well. So I'm already trying to distance myself, not getting too attach so I won't be too disappointed when she leaves.
Then I got sucked into the SICU, which was even more depressing with the work load, call schedules and just the ICU madness. I'm feeling down is not really work related, it's more due to the fact that I don't have anyone in Cleveland that checks up on when I don't show up to church or small groups in a while or someone for me to fall back on to just talk or rant. I visited Kirstin again this time, and I could tell the difference, I was much more quieter with her, not my usual loud crazy self. I then realize that this can't keep going.
Now, I'm at the point where I'm very close to asking someone from work to write me a Rx for wellbutrin for short term to just fight this off. I also got to talking to Eddy and David, so hopefully I'll be able to find a relief through them. I just feel frustrated with the low moods that I'm feeling, most of the time, I just want to sleep more, and eat more of my comfort food.
I really want to beat this. Please God, help me.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Mini vacay
2 days before leaving, I ended up buyin plane ticket for $240, which is now almost unheard of, so I was like what the heck, it'll get me there fast enough without driving and also a day earlier to spend with Kirstin.
And off I go!!
New York
Atlantic City
Dinner was at Celine's cafe, a quaint little place that serve sandwiches and full meals. We had calamari and I had the coconut shrimp. Talk about yummy and delish. Anyways, we took a walk down the boardwalk, think walked about 3 miles after the food, then play the slots machine. I of course didn't win anything, only lost $10. Kirstin actually won $30 before she was tempted by more slots to play more. She ended up being even.
New York
By the time I left, I just felt lost, I didn't want to come back to Cleveland. It's almost a dreaded feeling that Cleveland is now my home for a few years. Definitely not happy here and can't wait til residency is over and I could look foward to move to the coast.
And off I go!!
New York
The first night/day I got there was mostly spent just catching up. We ended up shopping a little for some going out clothes for Kirstin, got her a couple outfits that she can swap the tops and bottoms. Just very laid back, hanging out.
Atlantic City
We then head out to AC and stayed at the Showboat. It is still pre-season so the boardwalk was not fully opened yet. We managed to catch some sunset on the boardwalk beach. The beach was not very pretty but I enjoyed it nonetheless, being that it's ocean, has sun and not Cleveland.
 |
| Atlantic City beach on boardwalk |
We then drove to Brigantine Beach by AC, and it was gorgeous. The sand was prettier and just got the feel of summer beach vacay. The beach houses there are cute, the total cape cod beach house style. We then sort of fell asleep on the beach for about 1hr and definitely got burned. Lunch was at Nazim's Indian buffet, good, not too Americanized.
 |
| Brigatine Beach |
Philly
Got to Kirstin and Mike's house in the afternoon, pizza for dinner and pool and hot tub the rest of the night. Had a little time to catch up with Krista as she just finished her PE. Then met Amy and Guston, Mike's sister and brother-in-law, and their lovely "moose". We just hung out at the house mostly, going down the real water slide and diving board, hot tub.
New York
My last night on Saturday, we head to rooftop lounge/bar on 230 5th. It's got great views but definitely a little too high end for regular night out. It's a great place for special nights outings. It was fun though, really wished I could have met Frank and Jonathan, Kirstin's NY crazy residents.
Of course, for my flight back, Chicago has thunderstorm and tornado warning and I would have missed my connection even with all the delays, so I opt to stay an extra night with Kirstin.
By the time I left, I just felt lost, I didn't want to come back to Cleveland. It's almost a dreaded feeling that Cleveland is now my home for a few years. Definitely not happy here and can't wait til residency is over and I could look foward to move to the coast.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
SICU ... hmm
It's been a long 2 months ... 14 calls total with some crazy things interspersed.
SICU environment is one where there's a steep learning curve on everything, ventilation, acute management, putting out fires overnight. I enjoyed the learning environment, all the staff and fellows are more than willing to teach. There are a few stories I've got on the seniors that I was on call with.
I'm sure there's always a senior where everything has problems with. And this one is driving everything nuts. He has a military background and very much into hierarchy. It's interesting how he fits in with other anesthesiologists as the people in the field is more laid back, less uptight about the whole medicine hierarchy. Also I'm not really sure how much clinical knowledge he's got. He's gotten into some trouble over some things that he's done, like starting insulin drip less than 24hrs after a pancreas transplant. The nurses did not like him as well so that makes life for me at night a little more difficult. The nurses will try their best to get around him and find me for things but because I'm an intern, there are some things that I still have to get an ok from him. Also at times, he would like to teach at 2-3am and I'm like, I'm exhausted and nothing he teach will stay with me. So don't waste anyone's time and just move on. Boy, am I glad that this is done. I feel bad for the other intern who was on call with him a couple of times. He really walked over her, more so than me. I just don't let anyone walk over me, especially major things. I also got yelled at by one of the staff when one of his patient went into Afib and find that her electrolytes needed replacement all day, which was not done.
The second month was not much better. The first month was actually fun cuz we would prank page each other, talk about other things outside of hospital, in general, we just get along better. The second month, people were just not as friendly and I find it harder to talk to them about random things. On top of that there's also another senior who was not fun to work with. She a little more hands off and disappears throughout the night. Also during daytime, she would sign out a bit of things to do to the night time.
I definitely know that when I become a senior, what not to do.
At the end, I just felt like I have been holed up in the ICU dungeon and have absolutely no idea what else is happening with anyone else. I'm glad that I'm done with ICU until my 3rd year. Also realized that I'm not a critical care person as I was getting really tired of the medicine that has become more like the floor. So that's definitely one fellowship I have ruled out.
SICU environment is one where there's a steep learning curve on everything, ventilation, acute management, putting out fires overnight. I enjoyed the learning environment, all the staff and fellows are more than willing to teach. There are a few stories I've got on the seniors that I was on call with.
I'm sure there's always a senior where everything has problems with. And this one is driving everything nuts. He has a military background and very much into hierarchy. It's interesting how he fits in with other anesthesiologists as the people in the field is more laid back, less uptight about the whole medicine hierarchy. Also I'm not really sure how much clinical knowledge he's got. He's gotten into some trouble over some things that he's done, like starting insulin drip less than 24hrs after a pancreas transplant. The nurses did not like him as well so that makes life for me at night a little more difficult. The nurses will try their best to get around him and find me for things but because I'm an intern, there are some things that I still have to get an ok from him. Also at times, he would like to teach at 2-3am and I'm like, I'm exhausted and nothing he teach will stay with me. So don't waste anyone's time and just move on. Boy, am I glad that this is done. I feel bad for the other intern who was on call with him a couple of times. He really walked over her, more so than me. I just don't let anyone walk over me, especially major things. I also got yelled at by one of the staff when one of his patient went into Afib and find that her electrolytes needed replacement all day, which was not done.
The second month was not much better. The first month was actually fun cuz we would prank page each other, talk about other things outside of hospital, in general, we just get along better. The second month, people were just not as friendly and I find it harder to talk to them about random things. On top of that there's also another senior who was not fun to work with. She a little more hands off and disappears throughout the night. Also during daytime, she would sign out a bit of things to do to the night time.
I definitely know that when I become a senior, what not to do.
At the end, I just felt like I have been holed up in the ICU dungeon and have absolutely no idea what else is happening with anyone else. I'm glad that I'm done with ICU until my 3rd year. Also realized that I'm not a critical care person as I was getting really tired of the medicine that has become more like the floor. So that's definitely one fellowship I have ruled out.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Food ... last 2 months
I haven't stopped eating out to try places despite my somewhat crazy schedule. The reviews might be out of order but there they are.
South Side
Went there twice. First time was brunch and I had chicken and waffle. Before you say gross, it is very yummy despite the sound of it. I remembered the first time I had chicken and waffle was Roscoe's in LA, I was grossed out by it too until I took my first bite. It's soo good that you can feel you arteries clogging up. South Side was just as good, crispy chicken and waffle with maple syrup and cinnamon butter. Totally recommend it. The second time I went for late night dinner and ordered Grilled Eggplant Capresa sandwich with Fried Portabella. The sandwich was made with fresh mozzarella and the portabella was fresh too. mouthwatering. The atmosphere was great too, very friendly, great place for just hanging out, time with girlfriends.
Chinato
Went there on a Friday nite for dinner. Not impressed at all. The portion was ok but pricey. The flavor is just not there. It wasn't anything special. Whatever I ordered, it didn't make a lasting impression. The atmosphere was ok, a little loud, maybe it's because people were eating there prior to bars.
Sushi Rock - Beachwood
It's very modern for a Japanese cuisine. The menu is very fusion like and the decor portrayed that too. It would be a good date night too. I had the Golden dragon roll and my girlfriend had the sushi rock tempura roll. They are both good. Very well made, it's comparable to the ones I've had in Cali. I also had the lobster bisque. It's a little weakness of mine, lobster bisque and pumpkin bisque, always gotta try them if the restaurants have them. The soup was a little too salty but huge portion. The calamari appetizer looked good too, I think I would get that next time too. I would come again but it won't be the top sushi place, it's a little too fusion for Japanese cuisine.
Pacific East - Eaton Village
Yummy!! It's got good sushi, no doubt. Even now, I can totally go back and eat more. They've got good size portion, especially if you ordered the bento box/combo. The flavor is there with the raw fish and they've got some good combo and some with their own added twist. Can't wait to try the one here in Coventry.
Melange
Eh. Not enough flavor. I had the lobster mac and cheese and something just didn't taste right. It's got a taste of seafood not clean or not cooked proper. I could smell and taste the fishiness. It's definitely got the Midwest portion, I had enough for another 2 meals and when I heat up the leftover, there was so much oil. gross. definitely not coming.
The Mad Greek
It's my 2nd trip. Love the place. It's a great little Mediterranean restaurant, family owned but large enough to not be hole in the wall. It's fancier than Taza and a little more formal. The food, oh my, delish. The first time I ordered the gyro and the second time I had chicken souvlaki. They were both yummy. It's not too salty and there were both refreshing, exactly what I would imagine Greek cuisine would be like.
Aladdin - across from Mad Greek
Aladdin's Flavor special is cheap and good. Totally would be something I would be ordering takeout, which I already did. Their hot sauce is something, it's tart, pepper spicy and a hint of sweetness too. I know, usually I don't eat beef but for this I made an exception. They did well, very juicy and flavorful. Even the rice was good too. None of it tasted too oily and it's light too. The atmosphere is very casual, very collegiate like. It reminds of the restaurants in Westwood when I was at UCLA.
Blake's Seafood - Crocker Park
We just had a good day and just decided to stop in for dinner. I had Garlic Crusted Haddock. The fish was cooked nicely and it had the richness that the haddock has. The place is like a steakhouse environment that serves mostly seafood. It has the very Western flavor in the decor but at the same time it feels like there's a little class. Dunno if I would come back for seconds.
Wow, after all this, realized I ate a lot. I'm sure there's going to more later .... :)
South Side
Went there twice. First time was brunch and I had chicken and waffle. Before you say gross, it is very yummy despite the sound of it. I remembered the first time I had chicken and waffle was Roscoe's in LA, I was grossed out by it too until I took my first bite. It's soo good that you can feel you arteries clogging up. South Side was just as good, crispy chicken and waffle with maple syrup and cinnamon butter. Totally recommend it. The second time I went for late night dinner and ordered Grilled Eggplant Capresa sandwich with Fried Portabella. The sandwich was made with fresh mozzarella and the portabella was fresh too. mouthwatering. The atmosphere was great too, very friendly, great place for just hanging out, time with girlfriends.
Chinato
Went there on a Friday nite for dinner. Not impressed at all. The portion was ok but pricey. The flavor is just not there. It wasn't anything special. Whatever I ordered, it didn't make a lasting impression. The atmosphere was ok, a little loud, maybe it's because people were eating there prior to bars.
Sushi Rock - Beachwood
It's very modern for a Japanese cuisine. The menu is very fusion like and the decor portrayed that too. It would be a good date night too. I had the Golden dragon roll and my girlfriend had the sushi rock tempura roll. They are both good. Very well made, it's comparable to the ones I've had in Cali. I also had the lobster bisque. It's a little weakness of mine, lobster bisque and pumpkin bisque, always gotta try them if the restaurants have them. The soup was a little too salty but huge portion. The calamari appetizer looked good too, I think I would get that next time too. I would come again but it won't be the top sushi place, it's a little too fusion for Japanese cuisine.
Pacific East - Eaton Village
Yummy!! It's got good sushi, no doubt. Even now, I can totally go back and eat more. They've got good size portion, especially if you ordered the bento box/combo. The flavor is there with the raw fish and they've got some good combo and some with their own added twist. Can't wait to try the one here in Coventry.
Melange
Eh. Not enough flavor. I had the lobster mac and cheese and something just didn't taste right. It's got a taste of seafood not clean or not cooked proper. I could smell and taste the fishiness. It's definitely got the Midwest portion, I had enough for another 2 meals and when I heat up the leftover, there was so much oil. gross. definitely not coming.
The Mad Greek
It's my 2nd trip. Love the place. It's a great little Mediterranean restaurant, family owned but large enough to not be hole in the wall. It's fancier than Taza and a little more formal. The food, oh my, delish. The first time I ordered the gyro and the second time I had chicken souvlaki. They were both yummy. It's not too salty and there were both refreshing, exactly what I would imagine Greek cuisine would be like.
Aladdin - across from Mad Greek
Aladdin's Flavor special is cheap and good. Totally would be something I would be ordering takeout, which I already did. Their hot sauce is something, it's tart, pepper spicy and a hint of sweetness too. I know, usually I don't eat beef but for this I made an exception. They did well, very juicy and flavorful. Even the rice was good too. None of it tasted too oily and it's light too. The atmosphere is very casual, very collegiate like. It reminds of the restaurants in Westwood when I was at UCLA.
Blake's Seafood - Crocker Park
We just had a good day and just decided to stop in for dinner. I had Garlic Crusted Haddock. The fish was cooked nicely and it had the richness that the haddock has. The place is like a steakhouse environment that serves mostly seafood. It has the very Western flavor in the decor but at the same time it feels like there's a little class. Dunno if I would come back for seconds.
Wow, after all this, realized I ate a lot. I'm sure there's going to more later .... :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)