I HATE dressing up. You'd think after two years of having to dress up on a weekly basis I'd be used to it. But, I'm not. I'd much prefer to wear jeans and a teeshirt and look unpresentable.
I even go so far as to try to plan the my "dress-up" appointments so they fall on the same day, thereby minimizing the number of times I have to wear uncomfortable clothes. I should really just accept the fact that dressing up is...well...the rest of my life and get over it.
Yesterday I had my Standardized Patient and I worked a Jaydoc, a free clinic run by KU medical students (good planning, huh?). I usually bring my dress clothes along with me and change right before. I should never do this. I invariably forget something. Yesterday, I forgot my socks.
One thing I hate worse than dressing up is wearing dress shoes without socks. I look presentable from head to ankle and then it all goes to hell with my pasty, dry-skin ankles. At 5, when I had to walk out to my car, I considered putting on my tennis shoes to attempt to spare some of the pain from the already-forming blisters on my feet. Then the shocking horror of the older women that power walk into work every morning with their polyester black pants or long skirts and blindingly white Reebok walkers hit me. Yes, I decided suffering would be much better than that picture. Plus, it would be my luck I would see every semi-important person in the parking lot.
So I've learned my lesson. I'm going to start wearing my dress clothes instead of packing them.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Snippets
Adorable Can Turn Into Annoying
Recently Kimble has learned that toys hiding under blankets or rugs can be quite fun to attack. It’s cute to watch her play. A few times, she’s even gone after my feet when we’re going to bed. It’s cute and funny at 10 pm, but 4 am…not funny.
KC
The great thing about Kansas City is that it can get up to 60 in January. The bad thing about Kansas City is the next day it will be 25 and snowing…a lot. Ugh!
Pathologic Sleep
Normal people fall asleep somewhere between 10-20 minutes once they lie down. First, I don’t even need to lie down. Sitting in the car, chair, studying, basically anywhere is alright for me to crash. After lunch yesterday, I fell into a DEEP sleep 2 minutes away from our house. Not good.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
SOS
I've got a my exam on Monday morning at 8:30 am. Send prayers, happy thoughts, or an infusion of Mountain Dew so I've at least got a chance!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
24 Years of Experience
So I still read the Toledo Blade, my hometown's newspaper. I can't say it's because I really care about their local news, but they are one of the few papers I know that prints the daily log of births, marriage licenses, divorces and deaths. For years, I've read the daily log solely to find the largest gap in age of two people getting married.
Oh believe me, I've found some good ones. I usually get all giddy and shoot off emails to my parents and friends because it feels like such an accomplishment to me. I know, this is totally making me sound neurotic. The small things in life keep me entertained.
Anyways, the other day I was perusing the daily log. Usually they list the names of the people, their ages, and their respective jobs. That day I didn't find any particularly exciting age gaps, but I did see something else that I found fascinating.
A 24-year-old woman was getting married....no big deal, normal. However, her job was listed as "life coach".
On so many levels this was really, really weird to me.
First, hiring a life coach seems so west-coast to me. Not something working-class Toledoans are into, well at least willing to spend money on. But what do I know, I haven't lived there for 6 years.
Second, she's a 24-year-old life coach. Don't you have to know something about life to be a.....life coach? The girl isn't even married yet, which is a whole life changing experience in itself. I still think a lot of people in their early 20's are still trying to figure out life in general. Many have graduated college and are just starting their first jobs. Others are still living off their parents. I know at 24, I know a lot more about life than my 18-year-old sister, but definitely not as much as my[cough]-year-old mother! I just think there is so much more to experience before I can safely give advice on how to live life.
On second thought, I'm probably not the person to ask for life advice....at any age.....ever.
Oh believe me, I've found some good ones. I usually get all giddy and shoot off emails to my parents and friends because it feels like such an accomplishment to me. I know, this is totally making me sound neurotic. The small things in life keep me entertained.
Anyways, the other day I was perusing the daily log. Usually they list the names of the people, their ages, and their respective jobs. That day I didn't find any particularly exciting age gaps, but I did see something else that I found fascinating.
A 24-year-old woman was getting married....no big deal, normal. However, her job was listed as "life coach".
On so many levels this was really, really weird to me.
First, hiring a life coach seems so west-coast to me. Not something working-class Toledoans are into, well at least willing to spend money on. But what do I know, I haven't lived there for 6 years.
Second, she's a 24-year-old life coach. Don't you have to know something about life to be a.....life coach? The girl isn't even married yet, which is a whole life changing experience in itself. I still think a lot of people in their early 20's are still trying to figure out life in general. Many have graduated college and are just starting their first jobs. Others are still living off their parents. I know at 24, I know a lot more about life than my 18-year-old sister, but definitely not as much as my
On second thought, I'm probably not the person to ask for life advice....at any age.....ever.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Don't Quit Your Day Job
Conversation from today:
[Megan]: Great, now birth control pills increase cancer risks
[Anthony]: So does breathing.
[Megan]: I know, but that means I'm going to get it.
[Anthony]: Well cancer doesn't run in your family does it?
[Megan]: Well....my great uncle died of colon cancer.
[Anthony]: Well you don't have a colon.
[Megan]: --Uncontrollable laughter--
[Anthony]: Oh wait, that's prostate! You have a colon, don't you?
And at least one of us has a slightly better idea about the human body. I say slightly because the test today...whew....sucked. I'll be spending every waking moment cramming everything infectious into my brain, as I think majority of the class will be too. Considering the average was 1 point above failing....not pretty.
[Megan]: Great, now birth control pills increase cancer risks
[Anthony]: So does breathing.
[Megan]: I know, but that means I'm going to get it.
[Anthony]: Well cancer doesn't run in your family does it?
[Megan]: Well....my great uncle died of colon cancer.
[Anthony]: Well you don't have a colon.
[Megan]: --Uncontrollable laughter--
[Anthony]: Oh wait, that's prostate! You have a colon, don't you?
And at least one of us has a slightly better idea about the human body. I say slightly because the test today...whew....sucked. I'll be spending every waking moment cramming everything infectious into my brain, as I think majority of the class will be too. Considering the average was 1 point above failing....not pretty.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Stereotypical
I used to be the queen of "going with my gut" when it came to people. I'd make a judgment after initially meeting someone and it would be final; I'd either "hate" the person or we'd be friends. I used to think my gut was never wrong. It usually has at least some level of truth, but I've learned to not completely rely on it. I wouldn't have such great friends I have today if I would have gone with my initial impression every time.
My initial impressions have some level of stereotype associated with them, usually spawned by people I've come in contact with previously. I think it is easy to fall into that trap, but I make a conscious effort not to slip in.
Recently, however, I've had people's stereotypes used to make judgments about me. Some unknowingly. I've been in a couple group situations where out of the blue, something negative about Christians gets brought up. I know most of the company I was in were not Christians, but it still struck me as very out of place. These very negative and derogatory comments were coming from people who seemingly value diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. Oh wait, they only really value those beliefs and views they deem correct and then stereotype and pigeon hole the rest.
It is sad that their view of Christians are uptight, prejudice people who only go around judging others. I find their stereotypes extremely sad and inaccurate for majority of those with the Christian faith. I don't wear my beliefs on my sleeve, but they are very deep and important to me. And I still respect those that made the comments. I know I don't have Christian tattooed across my forehead, but next time I hope they'll think twice before making such hurtful and venomous comments. You never know who is amongst your company.
Hopefully next time I'll feel more comfortable to enlighten them about the "other" Christians out there.
And the chatty nursing students have arrived to have a Mary Kay party where I'm studying. Wonderful.
-Edit-
No, really, they were having a Mary Kay party. Who can study in the middle of that?
My initial impressions have some level of stereotype associated with them, usually spawned by people I've come in contact with previously. I think it is easy to fall into that trap, but I make a conscious effort not to slip in.
Recently, however, I've had people's stereotypes used to make judgments about me. Some unknowingly. I've been in a couple group situations where out of the blue, something negative about Christians gets brought up. I know most of the company I was in were not Christians, but it still struck me as very out of place. These very negative and derogatory comments were coming from people who seemingly value diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. Oh wait, they only really value those beliefs and views they deem correct and then stereotype and pigeon hole the rest.
It is sad that their view of Christians are uptight, prejudice people who only go around judging others. I find their stereotypes extremely sad and inaccurate for majority of those with the Christian faith. I don't wear my beliefs on my sleeve, but they are very deep and important to me. And I still respect those that made the comments. I know I don't have Christian tattooed across my forehead, but next time I hope they'll think twice before making such hurtful and venomous comments. You never know who is amongst your company.
Hopefully next time I'll feel more comfortable to enlighten them about the "other" Christians out there.
And the chatty nursing students have arrived to have a Mary Kay party where I'm studying. Wonderful.
-Edit-
No, really, they were having a Mary Kay party. Who can study in the middle of that?
Where Have You Been?
I have an exam on Friday, which means I've fallen off the face of the earth. Not really, but I just spent all three days of my long weekend in the same position taking 30 pages of notes and reviewing 2 weeks worth of powerpoints. It takes forever, but at least I feel like I'm starting to get the material. Either way I'll be taking the second test on Monday for practice, but I hope I can get the grade on Friday's so I don't have to spend all weekend in my books.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
CatLady
It happened. I've become a crazy cat mom, well at least for a day.
I got home yesterday and Kimble had pus draining from her eye and wouldn't open it all the way. Anthony and I both took turns looking in her eye as she tried to squirm away. I let it go, no big deal. Well she continued to try to itch it and I felt bad. I called the vet down the street to see how much it would be to get her in. $34 doctor fee + treatment. Anthony tried to talk me down, but there was nothing that could be done. I was a crazy woman, sort of akin to "first child's first sickness" syndrome.
We scooped her up in a box and drove down to the vet. After a thermometer in the butt, an eye dyed green, 1 shot, a week's supply of antibiotic cream, and an $80 bill, we have a cat on the mend (or one that may have never been that sick). Anthony said the vet took one look at the cat, then at me, and thought JACKPOT.
I'm entitled to one freak out, right?
At least we now know she was probably already spayed and she's under weight (which is more we can say about anyone else in our house)!
I got home yesterday and Kimble had pus draining from her eye and wouldn't open it all the way. Anthony and I both took turns looking in her eye as she tried to squirm away. I let it go, no big deal. Well she continued to try to itch it and I felt bad. I called the vet down the street to see how much it would be to get her in. $34 doctor fee + treatment. Anthony tried to talk me down, but there was nothing that could be done. I was a crazy woman, sort of akin to "first child's first sickness" syndrome.
We scooped her up in a box and drove down to the vet. After a thermometer in the butt, an eye dyed green, 1 shot, a week's supply of antibiotic cream, and an $80 bill, we have a cat on the mend (or one that may have never been that sick). Anthony said the vet took one look at the cat, then at me, and thought JACKPOT.
I'm entitled to one freak out, right?
At least we now know she was probably already spayed and she's under weight (which is more we can say about anyone else in our house)!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
I Learned My Lesson
1. Virology is beyond boring.2. Med school = Sleep-deprived Megan.
3. Do not attempt to study in bed.
And finally.....
4. Do not give Anthony access to a camera.
Bad, bad combination!
(Yes, my lecture on podcast was going the entire time I was out...oops)
Monday, January 14, 2008
Maddening Monday
My Monday actually started off well this morning. I got news from the lab manager in the lab that I'm interested in joining for my PhD. I worked in the lab last summer and helped out last semester, but I hadn't "officially" joined yet because of....you guessed it...money. My PI had been trying to get a grant, so me joining the lab depended on if he got funding or not. I just got the email saying they got some money, so looks like I've found a new home for the next three years!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Walmarting
I tend to add -ing on the end of words that aren't technically verbs, but have become so in my life. Walmarting is one of them. It isn't just grocery shopping. Walmarting is an experience! And not a good one I must add.
It starts off from the minute I pull into the parking lot. Does anyone pay attention to the direction you're SUPPOSED to go down the lanes? Or that there are even lanes? I feel like I'm dodging cars from every angle. And then they look at me like I'm the idiot when they're going the wrong way down a one-way. What's that? I've been wishing for years that they would put in spikes that would pop up if you're driving the wrong direction. Then they might learn.
So then I start looking for an opening parking place. Half the time it isn't the cars that are taking them up, but carts. Literally, two spaces from the cart coral are carts pilled up and blocking to parking spot. Really?...really? C'mon, you're THAT lazy?
So once I've, hopefully, made it safely into a parking spot without any carts around, I make my way inside. I notoriously get the cart with the squeaky wheel, the non-rolling wheel, or the cart that just plain won't go straight. And I'm off, but not for long. I always....ALWAYS get stuck behind a motorized wheel chair. I can crawl faster than those things! And my headache has only begun.
It seems like ever aisle I go down people are parked in the MIDDLE. Why? And the worst part is they don't move when I stand there, obviously trying to get through. The same with parents and their kids. I know it's hard being a parent, but please, control your children when they are in the store. If your two year old is obviously standing in the way of other people getting through, maybe the best place for them is in the cart? Just a thought.
Then there are the people who are parked directly in front of the food I want to grab. Typically not a big deal. I wait and then swoop in when they are done. Yesterday, there was a couple that took forever! I swear they read the nutritional information on every cereal bar in the aisle. All the while, I stand off to the side starring directly at them. They even looked at me multiple times still oblivious. Oh well.
Even checking out is bad. I almost have to stand in line longer than it took me to actually shop. They build these huge stores with endless check out lanes, but then only have 2 open. Is it just me?
So I dread going to the grocery store on weekends...well ever. It always seems to be more of a headache than it's worth. Who needs to eat anyways?
It starts off from the minute I pull into the parking lot. Does anyone pay attention to the direction you're SUPPOSED to go down the lanes? Or that there are even lanes? I feel like I'm dodging cars from every angle. And then they look at me like I'm the idiot when they're going the wrong way down a one-way. What's that? I've been wishing for years that they would put in spikes that would pop up if you're driving the wrong direction. Then they might learn.
So then I start looking for an opening parking place. Half the time it isn't the cars that are taking them up, but carts. Literally, two spaces from the cart coral are carts pilled up and blocking to parking spot. Really?...really? C'mon, you're THAT lazy?
So once I've, hopefully, made it safely into a parking spot without any carts around, I make my way inside. I notoriously get the cart with the squeaky wheel, the non-rolling wheel, or the cart that just plain won't go straight. And I'm off, but not for long. I always....ALWAYS get stuck behind a motorized wheel chair. I can crawl faster than those things! And my headache has only begun.
It seems like ever aisle I go down people are parked in the MIDDLE. Why? And the worst part is they don't move when I stand there, obviously trying to get through. The same with parents and their kids. I know it's hard being a parent, but please, control your children when they are in the store. If your two year old is obviously standing in the way of other people getting through, maybe the best place for them is in the cart? Just a thought.
Then there are the people who are parked directly in front of the food I want to grab. Typically not a big deal. I wait and then swoop in when they are done. Yesterday, there was a couple that took forever! I swear they read the nutritional information on every cereal bar in the aisle. All the while, I stand off to the side starring directly at them. They even looked at me multiple times still oblivious. Oh well.
Even checking out is bad. I almost have to stand in line longer than it took me to actually shop. They build these huge stores with endless check out lanes, but then only have 2 open. Is it just me?
So I dread going to the grocery store on weekends...well ever. It always seems to be more of a headache than it's worth. Who needs to eat anyways?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Why Derm Is Out
I had a doctor's appointment today. I'm always interested a doctor's "style" and interview techniques. In med school, we spend 4 years learning our trade, which mainly consists of getting a patient's history, conducting a physical exam, and then using our basic science knowledge to give the patient a diagnosis.
One of the things that has been stressed to us from the very beginning is take a full and complete history. Often times, this will be the key to the diagnosis. However, the more I get out in the real world, the more I see this really doesn't happen. I know everyone cuts corners and tries to save time, but I was pretty shocked today.
The doctor walked into the room and started the physical. Didn't ask me one question. I couldn't decide if it was her ADD or I was just an "easy" case. I decided it was the ADD after she gave me some free samples of a prescription foam, told me to stick out my hand, and proceeded to spray it all over my hand, shirt, and pants. Umm....I know what a foam is.....thanks.
I have a the dreaded standardized patient tomorrow afternoon, where we are fake doctors interviewing a fake patient on video. Though it's a case of chest pain, I'm considering taking in my foam to give it a whorl on him. Can you imagine that video?
One of the things that has been stressed to us from the very beginning is take a full and complete history. Often times, this will be the key to the diagnosis. However, the more I get out in the real world, the more I see this really doesn't happen. I know everyone cuts corners and tries to save time, but I was pretty shocked today.
The doctor walked into the room and started the physical. Didn't ask me one question. I couldn't decide if it was her ADD or I was just an "easy" case. I decided it was the ADD after she gave me some free samples of a prescription foam, told me to stick out my hand, and proceeded to spray it all over my hand, shirt, and pants. Umm....I know what a foam is.....thanks.
I have a the dreaded standardized patient tomorrow afternoon, where we are fake doctors interviewing a fake patient on video. Though it's a case of chest pain, I'm considering taking in my foam to give it a whorl on him. Can you imagine that video?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
So, So True
A Christmas gift from Shannon and my motto as I return to class tomorrow. I must admit I'm really, really not looking forward to it. I know I'm stating the obvious.
It's going to be a busy semester. On top of classes, I've got to start reviewing material for boards, which I'll take in June. I'll also be getting back into the lab to start getting some preliminary data for my PhD. On top of all of that, I'll have the daily meetings to attend, numerous reviews to make, and the endless emails to address. Oh well, I still have a few hours of freedom.
I'm off to preview lecture material for tomorrow. At least I can pretend like I won't be behind by the end of the week!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Only In My Life
I'm really starting to wonder if I've inherited the gene that makes people blurt out the most awkward, random things around me. Regardless, it struck again today.
Shannon and I went out to lunch and then to see PS I Love You. One of the previews was for the new Katherine Heigl movie, 27 Dresses. It went something like this.
[Older Woman Talking to Katherine Heigl]: Isn't it so hard to watch your younger sister get married before you?
[Katherine Heigl]: Yes...then I remember that I get to have hot sex with random strangers and I feel so much better.
And without skipping a beat, a lady in the audience says, "That is so me!"
Mind you, the theater was completely quiet at the time. Classy!
Shannon and I went out to lunch and then to see PS I Love You. One of the previews was for the new Katherine Heigl movie, 27 Dresses. It went something like this.
[Older Woman Talking to Katherine Heigl]: Isn't it so hard to watch your younger sister get married before you?
[Katherine Heigl]: Yes...then I remember that I get to have hot sex with random strangers and I feel so much better.
And without skipping a beat, a lady in the audience says, "That is so me!"
Mind you, the theater was completely quiet at the time. Classy!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Right Under My Nose
Well Anthony and I stopped off today after lunch to pick up a gift for a friend. As I'm perusing all the buckets and bins and feeling slightly overwhelmed (I'm sure it was much worse for Anthony), I happened upon the most amazing sight. A bin FULL of Cotton Blossom Body Splash. The best part: $3 each.
I swooped up 13 bottles, only because 15 seemed a little excessive :)
Who knew it would make my day that much!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Introductions
Welcome to my new blog!
One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start and actually maintain a blog. So here we are. I suppose I should let you know a little bit about myself first.
I'm Megan and I'm 24 years old. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2006 with a degree in Biology and minors in Political Science and Religious Studies. I'm currently in the MD/PhD program at the University of Kansas. I'm in my second year of med school and I'll graduate in May 2013 (yes, a long....long time). I have a passion for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. One day I'll treat patients with AD and conduct research to find the cause and potentially a cure.
I currently live in Kansas City, MO with my boyfriend and best friend, Anthony. We bought a house a year and half ago and have slowly started to make it ours. I couldn't ask for anyone better to share my life with.
My Best Friend, Shannon
Billy Joel
Clouds
Hawkeye Football
One of my New Year's Resolutions is to start and actually maintain a blog. So here we are. I suppose I should let you know a little bit about myself first.
I'm Megan and I'm 24 years old. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2006 with a degree in Biology and minors in Political Science and Religious Studies. I'm currently in the MD/PhD program at the University of Kansas. I'm in my second year of med school and I'll graduate in May 2013 (yes, a long....long time). I have a passion for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. One day I'll treat patients with AD and conduct research to find the cause and potentially a cure.
I'm originally from Sylvania, OH. I try to get back as much as possible to visit my family. Both of my parents are retired and have been married for 35 years. They both have great senses of humor, so I'm sure many stories will turn up about them. I have an 18 year old sister, Allison. She's a senior in high school and deciding which college she'll attend next year.
I currently live in Kansas City, MO with my boyfriend and best friend, Anthony. We bought a house a year and half ago and have slowly started to make it ours. I couldn't ask for anyone better to share my life with.
We've recently had an addition to our small family. We took in a stray cat, but she really adopted us. We've named her Kimble and have been enjoying having her around the house.
Things I Love:
Traveling
Traveling
Photography
My Best Friend, Shannon
Billy Joel
Clouds
Watching TV
Facebook
Sleeping
Hawkeye Football
Jesus
And that's just the beginning. Now you know a little bit more about me. I hope you enjoy my stories, rants, sarcasm, and unique outlook on life!
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