Sunday, November 11, 2007

Warning-some may be grossed out!




I must confess, I feel that I should post a picture along with the blog so that there is something of interest to look at and a purpose for the posting, and well, I really couldn't think of a good reason today. So I just posted a picture that some of you might find interesting while others will be totally grossed out (I'm sorry- its the sick medical sense of humor)...lets see how many of you actually will know what it is your looking at!

So, its been awhile. Not much new to report for the south side. Jack seems to be a tad bit better with his allergies. We still don't know what he is allergic to, so we have him on a hypoallergenic diet. No worries, the dog will eat anything so he's not starving by any means. Some day I'd like to just let him have access to the entire bag of food just to see how much he would gorge himself. I'm sure he'd eat the entire bag of food in under 5 minutes-that's my dog.

Jen and I haven't been on any new adventures in a while. The highlight of the last week was a long walk at the beach yesterday. We took Jack, of course he loved every minute of it. The beach is very relaxing this time of year as the majority of the tourists have all returned home and its just a bunch of locals. You see everyone there, the hard-bodied beach dwellers and the skinny plastics that come to watch them play sand-volley ball, the bumms with their shopping cart full of sleeping bags, and their entire wardrobe plus last years Thanksgiving dinner,the families with their 2.2 children tugging all the toys they could possibly fill in one beach bag, and the new families aka young couples pushing the strollers with the little bundle tucked tightly in place. Its a great place to people watch. There is something nice about being able to walk along the beach in November wearing shorts, epically when I think about all those winters in ND when there was snow on the ground by Halloween. However, the sunny days do nothing for putting one in the "holiday mood." Once again the year has flown by and soon turkey day will be here.

I am lucky enough to have a visit from my husband this week! Paul just finished his probationary check ride this past week and now has a few days to spare and we get to benefit from them. Jack is thrilled to have someone here with him during the day, and I have to say, its kinda nice to have him here as well. If only I had more time and days off to spend with him. Is rather challenging finding things to do when he is here that meet our requirements. The adventure has to be within driving distance, fit our budget, open after hours (when I am home from clinicals) and its wonderful if we can actually take Jack along as well. So, needless to say, we often go to the beach or for long walks around the neighborhood.

Well, I think I have managed to postpone studying long enough for tonight. Plus I need to check on the soup I made-its actually cool enough (low 60's) that I want to something warm to eat.

Cheers.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Jack Jack...



Life with a dog is always an adventure. Those of you whom have dogs know this to be true. Our dog Jack 3 1/2, is a great dog, he is always so happy to see us, anxious for a walk, and ready to have his belly or bumm rubbed any time and a wonderful companion for me....However, Jack is a sensitive boy. A little background: When he was just a little puppy of 3 1/2 months we found out he had demadex mites, the result of having a poor immune system. He was treated for this for about 5 months before obtaining a clean bill of health. Throughout the last few years we have noticed that he is sensitive to various environment changes, temp changes, breaks out in rashes, gets colds easily etc. Paul and I have also been told that he has "a poor immune system, and sensitive skin." The point of all of this is that last week I noticed that Jack had some sore on his belly and chest that kept popping up, he seemed like he was acting like himself except that he sure liked to rub his chin on the floor and against the sofa, in addition he was shedding way more than usual. By Friday of last week I noticed a lesion on his chin the size of a nickel that clearly was infected, not to mention it stunk like very bad dog breath. So, after yet another expensive trip to the vet. Jack has been diagnosed with allergies, started on yet another round of antibiotics, as well as vita mines to boost his immune system. We have to first get this set of infectious lesions cleared up, and report back to the vet. and if they return undergo hypoallergenic dog food diet and skin testing. She said that they could be allergies from anything such as pollen to his food to stress over moving again.

Thank you to all who have inquired about him. He is doing much better now and the lesions are clearing up...now we'll just wait to see how this all plays out over the next few weeks. As of tonight, he is a happy dog, he has been fed (and inhaled the bowl of food), walked, brushed, and rubbed and content to keep my feet warm while I write this. For those of you whom don't have a dog to love, you really are missing out on a wonderful companion and unconditional love. We wouldn't trade him for the world. Woof woof.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
-Josh Billings

Life for me going well. I have two days left in my current rotation at LA county hospital NeuroSurgery. I actually like the neurosurg rotation, which was a surprise to me. The days have been long, however, I share the cases with a resident so we just constantly give each other breaks so that the days go by fast. On November 1st I am off to the West LA VA Hospital for a month of cardiac surgery anesthesia. these one month rotations make the months fly by (for those of us counting I have 10 months left). I am anxiously awaiting my finish so that we Paul, Jack and I can all be together again.

Hey, one more thought, I have enjoyed hearing about how wonderful the fall weather is this year and how lovely the leaves are. Its been beautiful here in sunny southern California, the temp. has not yet been below 75 during the day, the smog is thick as ever, and just yesterday I noticed that it was 97 degrees out at 3:00 PM when i left the hospital and there was ash falling in the air. I think I have figured out why so many people like living here, whats not to like?! I hope the sarcasm is coming through loud and clear :)

Woof Woof

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Adventures In LA


Hey Everyone! So...my new roomy and I have decided that I need to be a little more up-to-date with my technology skills, therefore Jen has helped me create this blog page. I think it will be much easier to update the masses on my last 10 months here in LA since I am so bad at emailing everyone updates.

Jen and I decided to be adventurous this weekend and experience LA to the fullest. Last night we went out to a club called Sugar in West Hollywood. Well, there was a lot-a Sugar Daddies and Little Women out. We soon discovered that our idea of nice dressing (think Seattle style; jeans and and a 'cute' top) is not the same as the standard here in LA. We looked like Eskimos, covered from head to toe, compared to all the ladies in their painted on-skin-tight mini skirts with barely there tops, and stilettos. In addition we discovered that we the only 'naturally enhanced' girls. Most of the gals had huge cha cha's and proudly displayed them for all to see. This is the land of plastic for sure. Needless to say, I have had my fill of night life for while now. I have learned that I much prefer happy hour where I can have cheap drinks and be home by 9:00 Pm!

Today we decided we needed some higher class culture so we made a trip to the Getty Center for an afternoon of studying. For those not familiar with the Getty Center its an art museum here in LA, built on the top of the Santa Monica hills with great views of the water on a sunny day. It was a beautiful day out, sunny-75 degrees, we actually were able to see the water from the top of the hill. It was a nice change of pace for studying today.

Okay, I am hoping that you all are a bit better at this blogging than I am and will help sustain this blogging for me...so, respond, set up your own blogg etc!