The Adventures of a Future...

Time For Change(s)

2008-05-31T17:01:00.003-07:00

Last week I visited beautiful Bellingham, Washington to see my mentor. I saw the removal of tonsils, ear tubes being put into the ear drum, and a few broken nose fixes. I also got to see a lot of patients, each of which had a unique story and reason for visiting the doctor. I also got to experience a drug rep lunch (when drug reps bring lunch and make doctors listen to why their product is absolutely the best..pisha).

Highlights included seeing the inner-workings of a doctor's office, meeting incredibly competent and polite surgeons and staff, watching the beautiful Washington sunsets, and getting a first class trip back to Cali (I had to leave a day later than scheduled due to the airline's late plane); which meant I got good food and another beautiful night of breathing fresh air.

On another note, I just planned my trip out to Philly - my dad and I are traveling out a week before school starts to get settled into my apartment (I may have found the place already). So begins a new academic saga. But in the mean time I am getting my ass to Europe so I can be drinking and talking and relaxin and acting like a kid with Jon.

Yay for Rain During Summer

2008-05-20T18:33:00.002-07:00

I'm flying to Bellingham, WA tomorrow to see my mentor (an Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon) and watch him perform operations and see patients. I also get to see beautiful Washington, which is a bit rainy at the moment. Yay!

God Bless Ireland...

2008-05-18T23:27:00.002-07:00

Now that my university days are over, I can finally enjoy meals that come in a cup.

Brilliant!

Oh Waitlist Tree, Oh Waitlist Tree...

2008-05-14T20:15:00.002-07:00

That's a picture of Temple School of Medicine (Go Owls!) students during the infamous 'white coat' ceremony (where med students get their first white coat) when the Hippocratic oath is read in unison. That may be me in a matter of months as I wait to hear if I am accepted off the waitlist. That means I may be starting medical school on August 4th. Let's keep our fingers crossed...

Time for Awards and Countdowns

2008-05-06T10:24:00.004-07:00

Last night the science department at Vanguard had a senior dinner at the great Italian restaurant. After dinner, the various science departments gave out awards - I received Biological Sciences Student of the Year! I got an incredible plaque signed by all my profs and received a brand new Littmann (aka the legit brand that doctors/nurses use) Stethoscope that I will definitely use in medical school/my career.

As my final week winds down I find that I am blessed with continual celebrations: having lunches/dinners with good friends and professors and a countdown till Jon and I are in Europe (only 35 days...).

Creepo Magoo

2008-05-01T23:04:00.001-07:00

My roommate decided to take my clothes, cellphone, a book, Hawaii hand, sunglasses, and shoes and make a fake me. This was pretty creepy to see when I walked into my room. Crrreeepppy.

Death Shortage

2008-04-22T17:30:00.004-07:00

We are entering a fascinating and rapidly-evolving era of biotechnology that is quickly broadening the horizon for medical advances. I recently read the essay "The Coming Death Shortage" by Charles C Mann (found in The Best American Science Writing 2006), which explains the many societal changes that would be implemented if science allows the average life expectancy to rise.

A lot of these changes seem harmful and unnatural - instead of passing money from one generation to the next, there would intergenerational fighting over money (in the past, the majority of businesses and enterprises were created by money provided by older folk passing it along) & the rich would be able to extend their lives and create a strong bifurcation in society (via stem cell transplants, enhanced bacteria/viruses designed to clean up the body) to name a few.

I must admit I am bit scared of what science is going after. While these are simply theories of economists and such, they do hold a bit of weight. Yet shouldn't our focus be to better our current health state of frequent errors and the lack of trust in humans (which is being replaced by America's trust in technology) to make diagnoses?

Herding. Of What?

2008-04-18T20:31:00.003-07:00

I'm at my girlfriend's house in nor cal. I woke up this morning and checked my gmail and then bought a camera battery off amazon.com. I sat sifting through fun buys on amazon and then my girlfriend's dad asked me if I wanted to help with the goats.

What goats? Oh, the ones that they farm. I had to go outside and hold the horns of a goat as Ashley's dad gave him a shot of penicillin for a bacterial infection. Before giving the shot, he said "Make sure to hold it, it might kick".

El Fin.

Europeans and Weddings?

2008-04-12T10:09:00.003-07:00

I love Tully's. Their iced lattes are perfect every time. Their customer service is consistently good. And my favorite part of the Tully's I frequent: the extremely European and extremely tan male employee who seems to always be there when I go. He is ridiculous and talks in a way that would make one think that he is...um, yea. I have nothing against him; I think he is funny and he always makes me laugh (although a little awkwardly).

Today is the wedding of my friends Jonathan and Jacque's at the Coto Country Club. Its formal; aka I get to wear a suit and bring along my beautiful girlfriend who is wearing a stunning dress. We even have servers at the wedding, who are serving Filet Mignon! Happy Saturday Wedding Day.

The Season of Straylight

2008-04-08T14:54:00.003-07:00

Us in So Cal are hitting that awkward season of the year when its cold and cloudy in the morning, and then warmer, then colder, etc. throughout the rest of the day. It's annoying. One good is that it changes the music I listen to to the darker side of my collection; namely Straylight Run (created by two members who left Taking Back Sunday to create a dark, piano-driven ensemble) and Thrice's Water album, which is part of a four-part album recently released. The water album is very digital and mellow and soothing. For someone who doesn't normally like Thrice, I love it.

Scalpel Please.

2008-03-29T23:03:00.003-08:00

That was me on Friday afternoon. I had very minor surgery at Hoag Hospital where I received incredible care and good advice about my future career in medicine. I had a small, benign fatty tumor (called a lipoma) removed. It only took about 20 minutes, however, I was at the hospital for about three hours before my procedure due to delays. I was blessed to have Ashley with me the entire time, who laughed with me as we were entertained by comical nurses and my hilarious anaesthesiologist. The anaesthesiologist told me more than once to have a life outside of medicine and don't make my life revolve around my career. The surgery was great because I was heavily sedated (aka I was asleep, or at least can't remember anything due to the wonderful amnesia effect of anaesthetic drugs). All in all, this was a good dose of what many of my future patients will go through; it is good to have some first hand experience.

The Coveted Internship.

2008-03-19T19:05:00.004-08:00

I recently began "Intern" by Sandeep Jauhar. It is a beautifully sad, slightly comical, vivid picture of what the first year of training after medical school looks like. I have read three other intern books, however, they didn't slap me in the face as does Jauhar does in his book. This book scares the shit out of me. He is ridiculously candid and frank in his thoughts of inadequacy throughout the beginning of his training. He keeps talking about how he feels he doesn't know enough, makes the wrong decisions, and doesn't check things that could have prevented deaths.
I take this account personal. It will soon be my life. I guess I am continually surprised that one can be so intimidated and scared after four years of medical training. All the intern books I have read do pose a common thread in eventually overcoming the vivid feelings of inadequacy. And the scary part is that the second that occurs, one has to step up and teach the next round of doctors. "See one, do one, teach one". My comment to that: Oh Shit. (I imagine I will be saying that a couple more times).

Three Cheers For GoogLE!

2008-03-15T08:05:00.005-08:00

These are from igoogle - the incredible pseudo-mac-widget-land home page for gmail users who love all things google. This theme is great because it changes depending on the time of the day. My absolute favorite is the scary frog face which makes the ladybug frightened.

Not Good Eats, But Good Reads

2008-03-10T16:33:00.003-08:00

I recently read Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451. Both are written in beautifully powerful narrations that caused me to stop and think about our world many times. The earth societies in both novels have ran completely past their goals of intelligence and real/vivid life without ever looking back to wonder what could have been. Fahrenheit 451 was especially disturbing in its implications of a regulated society. Even today I realized how much of life is automated - there are timers, cell phones, clocks, computers, and automated doohickers surrounding everything we do. These books challenge one to stop, collaborate and listen...okay not really. They challenge one to stop and appreciate and invest in our relationships, wisdom, knowledge, world, and society; even a crazy author such as Bradbury can speak some Godly truth! Good Read.

Suspended...In Air

2008-03-09T12:06:00.002-08:00

A certain somebody took me an amazing scavenger hunt which led me to a nearby park. We had a picnic. We roller-bladed. We basked in sunlight. We fed duckies. We, or rather I, ran from duckies. If you look close enough, I am pretty much floating in the air. Don't be jealous just because you can't do that.

gOOb

2008-03-05T21:50:00.004-08:00

My girlfriend calls me a nerd all the time. I always tell to her call me a dork instead, cos you know, it sounds cooler. She usually doesn't listen. But she did get me this way sweet bag for a birthday present. I dig it.

philWICKHAM

2008-02-28T10:04:00.007-08:00

Phil Wickham played at Vanguard last night. It was phenomenal! Rarely do I listen to or hear worship that is so musically driven and beautiful. The band was as tight as could be and absolutely ripped and rocked out for the sake of our Jesus.
In light of how cool Phil Wickham, I have created a list of "I heard that Phil..." that I came up with while waiting for him to play before the show:

I heard that although Chuck Norris created Phil Wickham, Phil Wickham has as much entity of Chuck Norris that Chuck Norris has.
I heard that Phil Wickham plays naked.
I heard that Phil Wickham invented the European-backpacker Backpack
I heard that Phil Wickham invented the horizontal t-shirt.
I heard that Phil Wickham does triple front flips to warm up vocally for shows.
I heard that Phil Wickham was once so hungry he ate a whale from the inside out.
I heard that Phil Wickham once gave thanks and broke his guitar in two because they needed another one.

3ELEVUN

2008-02-24T20:55:00.004-08:00

On friday night I saw 3ELEVUN for the 9th time. They played at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. It was the first show of their spring tour and it was fun! I do have to say seeing them so many times took away some of the excitement of seeing them in person. However by now I know their on stage personalities, so it was fun to rock along with 311. Unfortunately the sound wasn't the best - it was a bit distorted and bassy. I blame the sound guys, not the band. And it was in Vegas. Vegas is ...well, interesting. I went with Bill. His parents are diamond club members at Harrah's. AKA they get free hotel rooms, comps, meals, and booze.

While I completely appreciate the free food and room, it was difficult because I can't drink (ah the joys of VU's contract). All in all this proved to be good because I drank so much water and Perrier. Yet rooms full of cigarette smoke and flashing slot machines aren't really my cup of tea. I like breathing clean air and watching people not waste money on silly cards and machines.

Cheerios and Death Cab

2008-02-13T19:50:00.003-08:00

This is my desk. I study, read, write, talk, and eat here. Tonight I ate cheerios after dinner. Apparently I got excited while doing so.

PS New Death Cab CD in May!!

Currently Listening To: Thrice [The Water Album]

2008-02-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

While taking a short break before a crazy Christian Heritage test, I figured I would give a glimpse of what it's like waiting to hear from a medical school. Below is the UCI status page I have checked everyday for about 6 months...did I mention the status hasn't changed for 6 months?

	Status	Date

AMCAS Application
Secondary Application Awarded
Secondary Application Submitted
Secondary Application Payment Received
Letters of Recommendation Complete
Application Complete
Interview Status
Admission Status
Intent to Register

Although I still am waiting to hear from UCI, there is good news in that I will receive a decision from Temple (where I interviewed two weeks ago) via mail in a day or so. I have realized that waiting isn't fun when you have been waiting for five years. But hey, I am almost done with a marathon and it feels good!

Happy Tuesday. Happy 70+ degrees (sorry Jon...I know you haven't seen that number for a matter of months)

Still Waitin'

2008-02-08T16:10:00.000-08:00

Waiting to hear if I will be accepted from medical school sucks.

At least I know I can always fall back on my hobby of rebuilding beautiful cars such as this one:

Where's The Gnome?

2008-02-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

My roommate received a gnome from target last semester. When he moved in, the gnome moved in as well. Everyday our goal is to find a new place to put it. For instance: the gnome has been found in the top part of my closet, in the dirty laundry, in the shower, under the sink...

When I got home from Philly this is what I found:

I guess should also talk about how I have a skeleton named Dr. Herbert..

I Left My Heart In Philly

2008-02-05T20:12:00.000-08:00

The good ole' Liberty Bell

I recently returned from a three day trip to Philadelphia where I interviewed at Temple School of Medicine. This was my first trip to the east coast and it went really well. I love how Philly is so close to great and popular places like Boston, NY, and DC. I especially loved downtown Philly with its vast array of beautiful buildings and incredibly diverse culture. It was a bit different from the wealthy-white-land of the OC. It made me uncomfortable, but in a good way of stretching my mind and view of the world.

My dad (who wonderfully traveled with me) and I stayed our final night at a friend's house that is 45 min outside of downtown. It was so beautiful! The area consists of wonderful and original giant homes that are surrounded by trees and fields. I could see myself living there (or somewhere like it) someday. I am not sure where I will attending school, but if I end up in Philly it will be great.

Listen To The Bad Plus (a real crazy jazz trio)

2008-01-21T22:29:00.000-08:00

I decided that growing older is strange and exciting. I find myself reading BBC and the Economist whenever I get the chance so I can know what's going on. I am enjoying researching politicians and getting frustrated at our silly American political system (and our rather poor health care system that needs a rather serious facelift and revival). This stuff used to bore me. Yet as I let the world around me expand, I realize there are so many things to think and learn and talk about.

p.s. I have loud roommates (I live in an L shaped room with a door between my room and the other room - the door is paper thin and those guys seem to scream in normal dialogue). No bueno.

I Hate Starbucks. Here's Why #1

2008-01-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Megan wrote a recent blog addressing America's instant gratification stupidity. I figured I would now take the chance to write a first of probably many issues I have against Starbucks. A disclaimer: Starbucks is excellent at what they do - they give people what they want and they do so rapidly. They are an excellent business and make a ton of money. Good for them and their investors.

Having worked at Kean, a one-and-only coffee shop opened by Martin Diedrich some years after leaving Diedrich Coffee, I have good insight on what makes a good coffee shop a good coffee shop. The issue I am addressing today is how rapid Starbucks takes orders and makes drinks.

Because my girlfriend usually has gift cards to Starbucks, I go with her usually once a week. I have noticed that even standing in lines at Starbucks is not a pleasant experience. People race in wanting their stupid-fake lattes in 30 seconds and stand close to the person in front of them in line as to make the whole process move more rapidly. I think this boils down to instant gratification. People don't want to catch up with their favourite cashier and barista - they want to get their fix and leave.

It makes me sad that there is no patience. When I go to my favorite coffee shops (Peet's and Tully's) I except to wait for a bit in order for my drink to be made. The espresso shots have to hand pulled, the milk has to be steamed also by hand (not by the soulless machine of death crappy shotville of Starbucks). I am okay with waiting and I know that my drink will be better for it.

I say Death To Corporate Starbucks! AH!
Can I get an Amen??

Ummm...Mexico?

2008-01-08T10:24:00.000-08:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morelia
I am experiencing my first ever internet cafe ever. Where am I doing this? In Morelia, Mexico, which is about 3 hours to the west of Mexico City. My father brought me down here because he thinking about moving down here in a year or so to do the ministry of our Lord. I personally think its crazy, but amazing that he can seek after God in such a way.

Specifically he would be helping with a children´s house called Victory House that brings in girls who have been abused or gone through very difficult lives and raises them in Christ and in good work and life habits. I have been to the house multiple times and have met the three girls who live there currently. The leader of the house is from Michigan and is originally from America. It is a relief to have her a translator being that my Spanish is fairly weak.

This week has been very difficult for me. I am currently working to prepare for my first medical school interview at Loma Linda in Riverside and I wish like no other that I could be at my favorite Peet´s while sipping an iced latte. But this is where I am and I can´t do anything about it until thursday morning when I come home. The leader of the house said something that hit me hard. She talked about how ministry of the Lord means simply obeying God. That´s it. That doesn´t include me having the time of my life or including my agenda. I guess that my father and I being here shows this house that people in America love them and care about them.

San Fran!

2008-01-02T09:58:00.001-08:00

I flew up to SF on friday morning to see my girlfriend Ashley. We spent the weekend with her family, watched movies, played guitar hero, and then drove six hours down to my casa. Time well spent.

Macs and Such

2007-12-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ally and I played in Colorado snow last year

The world class Bill and Kyle in Rainbows

Me pissed off while getting ready for a second day of snowboarding in a row (this was my first time snowboarding and I literally couldn't move to get out bed that morning from being so sore)

Some cool people named Bill and Carrie....I like them.

Christmas isn't what it used to be - I no longer wake up at 5AM Christmas morning wanting to race down the stairs to see what my stocking held. Yet it is fun looking for gifts and (sometimes) being able to find some great gifts for people. This situation isn't helped by the fact that I am rather poor and will be for many years to come.

Yesterday I got an iPOD Shuffle. I am excited because it marks my first (of hopefully many) mac products. In the coming spring/summer I will get my first macnotebook...what a beautiful day it will be. And then I can join the Jon-Carrie-Megan club of MacCoolNess. Did I mention my brother works at a mac store...Cough*disccccounnntssss*.

I think I appreciate my friends the most during this time of the year. It is not an easy season for my family, but my friends (the Svenssons and Knaups) have wonderfully adopted me into their homes and families. For that I am so thankful and content.

Legends and Universes...

2007-12-17T10:25:00.001-08:00

Na na na nana na na...getting jiggy with it.

Okay, okay, back to his movie career. I love Will Smith. He is the kind of guy I would want to try to save our planet from overzealous extraterrestrials or as in I Am Legend, a mutagen that is causing the death of humanity. This was the first movie in a long time that I have seen on opening night.

The movie boasts incredible acting, as Will Smith is the only one on screen for the majority of the movie (along with his doggie). In an interview he said that this was one of his challenging roles as he had to create conflict by himself an d not with other characters. Anyways. It is intense and will definitely get your adrenal glands continuously pumping epinephrine (adrenaline) for about 2 hours.

I also saw Across the Universe last week. I enjoyed it - it obviously had an incredible amount of time put into it in conceiving the plot based on the songs and making a pretty detailed and fun movie. It was a bit long, being that it was musical-ish. I would recommend it to my cool friends Megan and Carrie.

Yay for Xmas break! Tully's here I come.

Round Three

2007-12-12T20:03:00.000-08:00

Jose Gonzalez
Do it. Click it. Do it!! Listen to "Heartbeats". And then listen to "Crosses". Then listen to the rest of it. You may recognize Heartbeats from the Sony Bravia adds awhile back. I am sad to say I still have not bought a Jose CD, although with Amazon's new downloading service, his music is priced quite well at 9 bucks a CD. Maybe I will merry Xmas myself.

In other news, I am seeing Across the Universe tonight at the Huntington dollar theater. Even better, its a double date with two good friends of mine. I have heard so many great things about the movie and have listened to a bit of the rather impressive Beatles re-makes that make up the soundtrack. I have never been a huge Beatles fan, but it shall be great in the context of a good movie.

Happy-no-more-finals-to-me-and-megan (jon and carrie and jenny and bill...you suck!)