Thursday, December 30, 2010

Vacation with the Seacats

Dodge city, Grand Canyon, Vegas, Blue Man Group Show, 29 Palm Military Base, feeding the homeless along the drive with bottled water and sandwiches, San Diego, Birthday, fish tacos, Haunted House tour, and hanging out with the Seacat family....all to come soon.

Also...engagements and a baby on the way (not me).

Monday, December 20, 2010

Freaky

Brian, my mom, and I are sitting in the living room watching TV. Just as I comment to my mom that one of the characters on the show looks like Dad/Hap, the lamp in the room sparks and burns out. Freaky? A little, but in a good way. It is always nice to feel his presence one way or another.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Psychic?


Ever have weird premonitions? This happened on a daily basis for me. Ashley and I always jokingly say we are psychic, but now I am starting to wonder. Actually, I don't really believe that someone can be psych per se, but I think some people have stronger senses of premonition. Almost daily, I get in my car and think of a song or have been thinking of a random song, and it is on the radio. Now this may not be very weird since radio stations play the same songs over and over again, but I usually listen to oldies. Ok, not convinced?
The other day I was driving above the speed limit, as usually, and just had a voice in my head say, there is a cop right around the corner. Sure as s***! Good thing I slowed down.
The weirdest thing of all is both Ash and I had dreams and a feeling that my dad would not be around much longer before he died. Very strange.
I think probably everyone has weird coincidences or premonitions in their life. Maybe there is a way to work on that subconscious and make it stronger.

I am going to go buy a crystal ball now!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

Over the past two weeks Brian and I have traveled all over the midwest, south, and east coast to interview for residencies. It has been I big pain planning all of these interviews and pretty expensive (good thing I live at home right now). One thing I have learned is a sense of independence. I was really nervous to fly into Pensacola, rent a car, drive to Panama City (for Brian and Chris's Ironman), drive back to Pensacola, and fly to Lexington (for an interview), then fly back to KC. I have never done that on my own, especially rent a car. It is so easy though! Renting a car is very affordable and the quickest, easiest process.
When this whole process of interviews started, I thought Brian and I would just go to all ours together. Wrong! Out of 20 some interviews scheduled, only 1 was together. We both had our interview at Wash U in STL yesterday. We decided to take a train there. It was awesome. $50 round trip, lots of leg room, no security, you can pack whatever you want, walk around the different cars, eat at the cafe car, hang out on the back of the train and watch the tracks fly by, lay across a whole row to yourself to sleep. I highly recommend this form of transportation. It took about 5.5 hours to get there, so longer than driving, but it didn't matter.
All together, interviews are going well. I have done 5 now. KU, Kentucky (Lexington), Houston, MU, and now Wash U. It is getting tiring and I am not even half way done. I think Brian and I decided on doing 15-17 maximum. We are doing the "couples match" so we are supposed to apply to more places. Most people ask what is this match process. I myself am still a little confused, but I see it similar to college rush.
1) Send out applications
2) Interview at the places that liked your application
3) Make a rank list from 1 to whatever number you interviewed at
4) The schools rank you
5) They put it all in a computer and match you up
6) If you are a couple, they put you through the system first to make sure you are in the same city, if not the same hospital.
7) Match day- Open an envelope of where you matched onstage in front of your whole class. Oh by the way, it is on St. Patricks Day!
8) Celebrate!

Can't wait to see what the future holds for Brian and I. Scary, but exciting. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. I will be in KC so hopefully see most of you!


-Blog post to come on Brian and Chris's Ironman. It was awesome.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Wedding Site

So I made a new wedding site:
courtneyandbrianinmexico.wedsite.com

It is no where near complete but it has one of the most important things under Traveler's info or wedding info pages:
There is all the info about the resort, costs, and a link to book. That info will also be on out save the dates (Brian?), but if you want to look into things now, go for it!

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Home Sweet Home

Why do I love living back at home? Let me count the ways.
As most of you know, I moved back home with Gail Ann. Brian also moved in with G, as he calls her. This past month has been great and I have forgotten the perks of living at home with your mom. She secretly really likes it too I am pretty sure.
Reasons living at home is awesome:

1) FOOD- that is of course number 1 because it is Gail's cooking. She is an awesome cook and loves to do it (or at least that I what I tell myself). Every night it is, "What would you like for dinner?" Oh mom don't worry about me I can make my own food...ok well if you insist, I will have steak, grilled asparagus, and garlic mashed potatoes...oh and can you make a dip as an appetizer. Thanks!

2) Living in a "home"- It is nice to have more rooms to go in than an apartment, where I hung out in my room most of the time. Now I have lots of space. I also have multiple bathrooms to choose from (that can be very important at times).

3) Free rent- enough said

4) Free utilities - enough said

5) Gail time- It is nice to spend some quality time with my mom. We went shopping for wedding ideas last weekend and did some shoe shopping on the side (sorry Brian).

6) Laundry- Yes, I do my own laundry, but I came home last from work the other day to find my laundry neatly folded in my basket. Gail....

7) Services- I had the worst knot in my back yesterday that I could barely move my neck. Gail massaged my shoulders for like 30 minutes and got it out. Also, she makes a pitcher of awesome ice tea twice a week (ice tea is my new drink of choice).

8) New things- after living around downtown for 3 years, I feel like I am trying new restaurants and other places out south all over again. I think Brian and I had gone to almost every restaurant downtown...now we have new ones to try together.

9) Stuff- my mom's house is equipped with almost anything I need like cooking stuff, spices, toiletries (or toilet trees, whatever), and such. Before, I felt like I was always going to the store to get something or other.

10) Gail- Being with G! She is the best and I love her very much.

I would like to extend the invite to come over or hang out here whenever you want. I can promise some good food and good company, plus we will feel like we are in high school again! But seriously...I am thinking Pi Phi night at G's! Let's do it.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Trauma-Rama

So I am getting ready to finish up my Surgery sub-internship in trauma this month. Let's just say it has been interesting, sad, exciting, and tiring.
My days go from about 5 am to 6-8 pm.
Here are some interesting observations:
1) My children are never riding a motorcycle...ok never driving a car...ok never leaving the house. After trauma after trauma of teenagers and young adults in MVCs (the is doctor lingo for Motor Vehicle Accident), I now understand why my parents always wanted us to call them with our plans and have a curfew. I cannot imagine the anxiety. After seeing a young mother say goodbye to her 16 yo son after a tragic car accident that killed 3 teenagers, I can only imagine the anxiety my parents felt when I failed to call them late at night.

2) I have lost my patience for gang violence. We had a GSW (that is short for gun shot wound) to the head today. Patient came in awake and talking...what? Pretty crazy, but this is like the 5th GSW I have seen in the last 2 weeks and it is getting kind of old. I am like, "what did you do to bring this on?" I have become less sympathetic.

3) I miss the happier times in medicine, i.e. delivering babies!

4) I am in the surgical ICU most of the day, so there are a lot of sad stories, but a few great ones. One of my patients came in near death after a horrible MVC and now she is slowly getting better each day. I am not going to lie, I have cried several times when I see a patient make huge progress.

I will update soon on my residency interview trail. So far I have 4 interviews. 1) KU. 2)Wichita KU, 3) University of San Antonio and 4) University of Louisville in Kentucky.
So we will see what happens...kinda nervous.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

New Blog

Brian just created a blog for his Mom. She sends her sons random thoughts of the day and Brian decided they were to funny/wise/clever/weird to not share. Enjoy!

bseacat.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 2, 2010

It is time

Now that I have time, aka Step II is over, my residency applications are in, etc, the Wedding website in the works. Here is a preview:
http://seacatkelly.mypalaceresortswedding.com/

I promise I will keep everyone updated soon with prices, reservations, and all those "fun" details.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

On Call

Just woke up from my 24 hour on call shift. This means go in at 6:00 am...work the normal day, then stick around all night until the next morning. Since I am on a Gyn rotation, the only Ob or Labor and Delivery I get to experience is on my Wed night call shifts. Last night was crazy! So much fun. We had tons of women come in "in labor" but we sent them home because they were not actually in labor just yet. I got to scrub in on a 28 week (normal age is 40 weeks) old c-section. It was pretty intense, but the tiny little baby came out crying, so that is good. The intubated him (put a breathing tube down his throat) to help him breathe because his lungs are not mature enough yet and shipped him off to the NICU. It was sad, but a pretty neat experience. I hope he does well.
Lately, I have been dealing with a lot of cases of patient wanting an abortion or planning on getting one. I don't have much experience with abortions, the elective kind, and I am not sure what to think of it all. They treat them like they are no big deal and even do the late (2nd trimester abortions) in Colorado, which I find kind of hard to accept. I may go to a clinic to see what it is all about, but I am afraid it will be too disturbing. I have talked to a couple people who have gone and said it was hard to watch. I will keep you updated on this.
That is all for now.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Denver

Denver is great. I have officially been here for 8 days. When I first got in town last Saturday, I met up with Emily and we ran around town running errands. That night we went to Evergreen to Jamie Smith's grandparents Colorado home. I was the 5th wheel with Em and Adam and Phil Mann (Jamie's cousin) and his gf Nikki. They cooked us a little mexican fiesta and we drank corona's and talked till about 1 in the morning.

The next day we headed to Coors Stadium to watch the Rockies take on the Cubs. We had 4th row seats behind home plate. It was ridiculously hot and humid, so good thing we had the owner's suite tickets! Tanner Richard's (most of you know him from K-State) parents won these suite tickets so we all could go up and enjoy the view of the stadium, free beer and food, and airconditioning.

Suite/Sweet View!



Rooftop beers after the game



Work started last Monday at the University of Denver Hospital. I am doing a Gyn Sub-I (intership) for the month. So far, I love it! The first day I show up in my dress clothes and white coat only to have to change into scrubs and go to the OR for the day. I looked really stylish in my scrubs and purple flat shoes. I have got to do tons of surgery, as well as see ER patients, clinic work, and spend a night on Labor and Delivery. Every Wednesday night I am on call...which means I spend the day there and then spend the night in Labor and Delivery. I get Thursday off to sleep thank God. Last Wed I got to deliver the patient I helped admit and follow through her progression in labor all night. It was pretty cool and she did an amazing job for being 20 years old and this being her first child. The residents are all young and cool. I have not met a single resident or attending physician that I do not like. Most of the attendings are young and not far our of residency so they are really nice to me and like to help teach.


This weekend I spent Saturday in Washington Park with Emily, Larry, Becky, and some of their friends. We played vollyball and hung out. I finally got a little sun. I met some of my new residents for the rest of this month, for dinner and drinks in the afternoon. I thought it would be a quick meeting, but we all ended up staying out till 11:00. Today I tried this amazing ice cream place called Red Trolley. They have this chocolate carmal and sea salt ice cream...weird, but amazing.

I have been pretty busy, but I am having a good time, minus the fact I am away from Brian for so long. Kinda sucks...I feel everything would be even 10 times better with him out here with me. He will be out here next month and I will be back in KC, so he will get to explore Denver after the ol' switcheroo. It is going to be hard to plan a wedding being apart for 2 months, but we are getting things done slowly but surely. Hope everyone in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Missouri, California, Illinois, and Iowa (I think I got everyone) is doing well!








Monday, July 12, 2010

Another One Bites the Dust!

Another one bites the dust! This is my saying for anyone that gets engaged...as there have been quite a few over the past two years. This time I am biting the so called dust...but I am ecstatic about it. I wanted to tell each of you in person. But, due to technology (aka facebook) and Brian's overzealous (good word choice don't you think?) desire to be engaged on facebook, most people found out that way. I made Brian take it down right away, but it was too late. Oh well! So, here is the engagement story in my own words and pictures.

Brian and I were in Chicago for our good friend, Jeff Miller's wedding (pics below).

Brian was a handsome groomsman at the wedding.



Things got a little crazy. He was very creative in his use of the groomsmen handkerchiefs.

We also went to Chicago on Thursday to take our Clinical Skills exam. We basically see 12 patients/actors, do a history and physical exam, then write a note with what we think the patient has and what kind of tests we want to do. Basically it is making sure a) you speak English b) are not completely awkward c) are not a complete idiot. It was a long day, but it went well for both of us. Ok that is completely off the subject...I digress (always wanted to use that term).


The wedding weekend was a blast and the wedding was beautiful. After the wedding, on Sunday, Brian and I's flight didn't leave until 9:15 pm, so we decided to drive our rental car back into the city and go to the beach or walk around town. On our way, Brian decided to park in some random park/flower garden area (come to find out, not so random). I was like, "what are we doing? Let's get to downtown and go to the beach...I don't want to get out of the car...etc." It finally came upon me, a sneaky suspicion something was about to go down, so I stopped complaining and went with it. We started walking....and walking...and walking around. Can we stop soon please?
Then he leads me onto a grassy knoll, as we both agreed was the best term for the location.
Brian was shaking and really sweaty I might add (ha ha sorry B, but I have to be descriptive). I was grabbing his arms trying to calm him as he says the most loving and sweetest things to me. We laughed, we cried...then he got down on one knee and BAM! You all know the rest. He did well.
The aftermath photos:

On the bench by the grassy knoll.


A look from my perspective. Creative, no?


A little baby bunny was sitting right next to us. Gotta symbolize something right? Just not sure what. Had to get a pic nonetheless.





Entrance of the Lilacia Park! Classic "he put a ring on it" picture.


The rest of the day, we finally made it to downtown Chicago. We ate lunch, walked along the beach (which is pretty nice complete with palm trees...does not feel like you are in the midwest- see pic below) and walked around the city. It was an amazing day. Thanks to all of you for your support and congrats. We love you all!


Beach Bar.

The Brian bobblehead ( a groomsmen gift from the wedding) was there the whole time to take it all in. Here he is safely buckled in on the plane.



Then he proposed.

So in conclusion...start planning for an AWESOOOOMMMEE vacation and maybe a little wedding on the side for May or June 2011!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Dementia

I have to do my monthly blog update on my rotation. Right now I am just finishing Geriatrics, which means "old people medicine". It has been a surprisingly great experience and made me a little less afraid to get old in some ways and in others a little more afraid. Dementia is one of the common things people think about with aging and there was a lot of it. Most people have experienced it before in one form or another, from grandparents to even great great aunts.

We watched an HBO documentary video last week on Dementia and it made such a lasting impression on me I thought I would share it. It is long, but awesome, so grab some popcorn. You have to at least watch the guy who whistles with advanced dementia, but is able to get up and perform an old song he wrote perfectly. The ending is extremely heart wrenching, too. I may have shed a tear....or balled my eyes out.
Enjoy! Make sure to watch the second part that plays after the first segment...that is where the whistling man is.
http://www.hbo.com/alzheimers/memory-loss-tapes.html

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Frankie Valli!

Last Saturday my mom and I went to see Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at Starlight. Most of you know I love oldies. He is definitely my favorite. I love every song. I fell in love after seeing Jersey Boys, the Broadway musical based on the life and climb to success of the Four Seasons. You must see it if you haven't. If a guy is going to see a musical, that is the one to see. You will be surprised at how many songs you know every word to.
Here is a list of their hits: "Sherry" is my favorite.
Gail and I enjoying a cool one getting ready for the show to start

Frankie! He' still got it. Sounds the exact same.

The back up singers were not bad on the eyes.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Race Weekend!

This weekend I declare race weekend. Saturday morning, was the Hospital Hill run and a 200 mile mountain bike trail race. Tomorrow is the big 1/2 IronMan. I would like to call myself a professional observer. I know all the spots to be when my athletes come by and all the tricks of the trade to getting a good spot to observe and cheering on the athletes.

This morning Brian and I went out to watch the Hospital Hill run. Our good friend, Jeff Miller, was doing the 1/2 marathon. Also out there was Brittany Carter and Danny Kanatzer doing the 10k. Let's just say they all did an amazing job. I am sure Britt will be filling everyone in on her blog about the race. BRian and I had a blast cheering on the runners. I was amazed to see so many little kids running it. I mean at 6 years old, I was watching cartoons or playing nitendo on a Saturday morning. There are a coupe, I sweat 5 year olds decked out in dryfit t-shirts and sweat bands, cruising along like they were out for a nice morning jog. Are you kidding me? As far as the race goes, Jeff got a time of 1:32, which will assure him a good spot in the Chicago marathon (you have to get under 1:35 to qualify for a lead spot in the race).

After the race Jeff wasn't feeling well (it was extremely humid) and was pretty dehydrated so we followed him to the medic tent. There were at least 3 people in there in pretty bad shape that had to get taken to the hospital, and more runners were getting wheeled in left and right from the finish line. Brian and I were in the tent helping Jeff, when a worker comes over and yells and Brian and I to leave (even after we had helped them move people to stretchers and such...plus we are 4th year med students...we may know a thing or two to help). Apparently no one was allowed in there. As we are walking out, he grabs Brian's waist and starts pushing him. Brian turns around, "like why the hell are you pushing me?" The guy must have gotten intimidated by Brian's tall skinny frame and yelled, "SECURITY!" We couldn't believe it. Really? Brian and I need to be controlled by security. "Security" comes strolling over and rolls their eyes when Brian and I tell them we are the ones causing a "ruckus". Think that guy overreacted much. Sheesh!

Anyways, in other race news...Brian's brother, Garret, was doing a 200 mile race today. He is a pro mountain biker and was attempting to make it all the way this year. The race is not a road race it is a trail race, meaning through rocks and dirt and other elements. Sounds like fun right? He will hopefully update about the race on his blog, Seagato. Let's just say it sounds like it was hot and horrible. I will be surprised if anyone actually finished on a day like today.

Tomorrow is the big 1/2 IronMan. My brother, Chris, is doing the race for the second time and Brian is doing it for the first time. I am so nervous for them, but I know they will do amazing. Gotta get up at 4:30 to make it to Lawrence in time for the start. Good night!

P.S. Went to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons concert with Gail/Mom tonight. Amazing! More on that later.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Triathlon

Last weekend was Brian and my brother, Chris's first big triathlon of the year. I try to make as many as I can because not only do I want to cheer on my triathletes, it is also a lot of fun and really inspiring (not quite inspiring enough for me to want to do one though). Also, Adam Smith was there competing in his first tri. It was good to have Jamie to hang around with during the event.
Here is some quick snap shots of the race.
Pre-race pic- skinny boys


Chris just getting out of the long swim- looking good in his pink swim cap.

Adam getting out of the swim. Still feeling good apparently.

Brian just finishing the bike, and starting the lest leg, the run.

Adam is still all smiles starting his run.

Finish line! Under 3 hours like he had wanted.


You cannot tell in this pic, but Brian's knee was gushing blood. The knee below is not his, but it looked similar (Brian even has the same smooth shaven legs...apparently it is easier to get the wetsuit on and off when they are silky smooth, or something like that).


Brian had tripped and fallen during the last leg of the run. His left brand new white running shoe was soaked in blood. Not from his knee, though. He took his shoe off to find a chunk from the tip of his toe hanging off. Lovely. Nothing he couldn't handle, for he had lidocaine and sutures at home. Thank God he really didn't sew it up himself and it didn't need stitches.
Anyways, it was a great day and a great race. I am so proud of Brian, Chris, and Adam. They all three did very well.

So this upcoming triathlon list looks something like this:
June 6- Half IronMan Kansas in Lawrence
November 6- IronMan Panama City, Florida - that is a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a marathon run (26.2 miles). Insane!

*Anyone that wants to should come out for the Half IronMan in Lawrence. It is such a neat experience and there will be tons of professional's there (they are amazing to watch). It is pretty early in the morning, but so worth it. Plus, it is fun to cheer on someone you know.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Mexican Fail

Brian and I have been waiting for this Mexican restaurant down the street to reopen after 7 months of remodeling. When it finally opened, we went for a late lunch yesterday after his Triathlon (more on that later). There was a family behind us that was forced to move because of a small leak in the ceiling dripping on their table. Brian claimed that the ceiling was going to cave in. Ha! I laugh...yeah right. Next thing we know the water drip turns into a stream. A few minutes later the ceiling tile comes crashing down onto to the now empty table along with a waterfall of water. We continue to enjoy or lunch and try not to laugh too hard, as the waiters and managers run around with mops and buckets to clean up the water and ceiling tiles. They were going around asking everyone if they are ok. Brian says he likes this place even better now after that incident. The more ghetto the place, the better the Mexican food.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Neuro World

I am on my neurology rotation right now. I have to say it is pretty depressing. I am on the consult service so basically we go see patients who may have had strokes and assess whether or not patients in a coma have a chance or not. I have seen at least 5 patients who have had cardiac arrests/heart attacks, who were brought back, but there brain was without oxygen for too long. We have to tell family after family that prognosis is poor and the patient most likely will not recover. Pretty sad, especially when the patient is in their 20's or 30's.


Wow! That was depressing!
On a lighter note, my mom found my old first communion picture and brought it to my niece's first communion. This downy picture is 10 times worse than my gymnastics one. The first thing my niece said when she saw it, "Is that really you? Your arms are really hairy." Thanks Madison. Thanks for your honesty. I am the definition of a FLK or funny looking kid. Sorry in advance Brian for our future kids. I will try to scan and post it soon for a good laugh.

Maddie and I. The had to post the one of Connor looking GQ. It is funny because it looks like he has a big chew in!

f

Monday, May 17, 2010

Seriously?

While taking the elevator down from the 6th floor of the hospital to the ground floor, a cardiologist gets on. He takes the elevator DOWN ONE FLOOR! Really? You can't take the stairs DOWN one flight? Also, you are a heart doctor!
There is also an overweight surgeon who I always see outside chain smoking.
Seriously?

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Celebrity Gossip!

I know most of you are into celebrity gossip as much as I am. Here are some new websights and blogs that Ashley showed me. Below is the e-mail info Ash sent me in the sights. They are basically inside info on celebs and their "secrets". These people have Blind Items where they have code names for celebrities and their acts of debauchery, but they will not say how they are. Warning! May waste a ridiculous amount of time during your day.

This is E!'s one. This guy does a lot of blind items where he makes up
nicknames for them. Always look at the comments section to get ideas of
who they could be
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/index.html

This is another random blog I found. He usually posts the blinds at
then end of the day. Also search for blind items revealed to find the
ones he revealed in the past.
http://www.crazydaysandnights.net/

This is the one written by an actor who won't reveal his identity but
he will answer peoples questions about it and sometimes gives hints.
Everyone thinks its Chase Crawford but I think that's too obvious
http://thegossipboy01.blogspot.com/

ALso one note, at the end of blind items it sometimes says "And it's
not so and so so and so and so and so" These people are usually hints
and have some kind of connection to who the person in the blind item
is.

Ok so only go to these if you have nothing else to do because you may
spend hours, it's sad.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

ScHiZoPhReNiA


What a horrible disease. These people may be living normal, healthy lives, than BAM! They are crazy. It usually starts to manifest in the early 20's, when people are just getting their lives together. I have been thinking and reading about schizophrenia a lot since we have so many patient with it currently.

It is sad because it can affect anyone from any walk of life, although there is usually a genetic component (aka mom or dad had it). They can be successful business men that end up on the streets because they are so paranoid or they can't do day to day activities. It is true, a large majority of homeless people, suffer from schizophrenia. A lot of them are homeless due to their disease, not the other way around.

There is a women on the unit who has to have her arms and legs tied down to the bed because voices are telling her to hurt herself and others. These people realyl hear these voices and it is very much a reality to them. There is no cure or any thing you can say that make these voices or visual hallucinations go away for good. It has totally changed the way I look at "crazy" people.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

A Little Piece of History

I started my Psychiatry rotation this week. It was really odd at first to walk into the hospital and need a special key to open the unit (it is locked so no patients can escape). Life in the Psych ward is exactly how I imagined. There are patients walking around mumbling to themselves, patients claiming they see dragons, people withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction, patients who do not talk because they are so severely depressed, and shout outs from nurses yelling, "Med time!" It is crazy, no pun intended, but interesting.
In the afternoons, I work in the post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD clinic with Dr. Thakur. Apparently, Dr. Thakur is this well known psychiatrist who also happens to be a colonel (I think that is a big deal in the military). He treats mainly veterans for PTSD and depression and has even written a couple books, which these vets live by. He has meetings or lectures with about 50-60 vets every Thursday and Friday. Basically, he teaches them ways to deal with their anger, flashbacks, and stress.
I got to attend a meeting today and it was eye opening. It was amazing to walk into this room and see all these older men from all walks of life and backgrounds with this common bond. Nearly all of them had some sort of veteran memorabilia on such as a hat, coat, or t-shirt representing their infantry division, what war they were in (most were in vietnam, but there were a few WWII), if they were injured in battle, or what they served in (Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, etc). They are so proud, as they should be, on what they have done for their country and the fact that they are survivors.


These men had incredible stories. Things you never read about in history class. Some things to horrible to even try to imagine. One WWII vet had some pretty unbelievable pictures of the concentration camp, Dachau, that he helped free. I had no idea how much these men still carry around with them everyday. Just hearing a car backfire, or a load noise, can bring them back into the jungle of Vietnam. Rain is especially depressing for them because it rained most of the time they were in Vietnam and they still have vivid images of their friends laying dead in the rain. It is hard to believe that human beings actually can do that stuff to each other and others have to witness it and carry it along with them forever.

During the class, Dr. Thakur picked on me a lot for examples and such, maybe because I was the only girl, which I secretely loved because these dirty old men are hilarious and my jokes were killing! (I was on a roll...seriously)
Anyways, he gave numerous example of how to control your own mood and mind set, by using certain triggers in life and modifying bad ones. Most of us do that already and don't even know it. Like, a certain song always seems to put you in a relaxed calm mood because it is tied to a certain time in your life or a particular smell will bring you back to a happy time in your childhood. You can train yourself to change your state of mind by doing things like touching your chin or rubbing your fingers together. More on this later as I learn more techniques and understand it better.

Side Note: Connor Story
Connor came home from school today a little sad. Gwen, my sister, asked what was wrong. He says, "Oh, Anna broke up with me today." What? None of us knew Connor even had a girlfriend. "So how long have you been dating?" Gwen asks. "Uhh since like 4th grade, Mom," Connor responds (he is finishing up 5th grade). Then he tells Gwen that he thinks it is because of his hair and he immediately says, "I am going to go work on it," then runs upstairs. Can't wait to see what the new do will look like...I mean he doesn't have much to work with (see pic below).

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Cabo!

Just got back from my Spring Break (yes...I still get a spring break). I went to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my roomate, Annie, Annie's mom, and our friend Megan. It was beautiful and everyday was sunny and at least 80 degrees. I did not expect it to be so nice. The night life was awesome too.
First day laying out by the beach!


Here are some quick highlights:
*Did NOT get sunburnt for once
*Ate authentic chips, pico de gallo, and guac all day, every day
*Stayed at a really nice condo/hotel
*Annie puking so hard one morning that she blew a eye blood vessel. (see pic)

*Started a dance party at Cabo Wabo
*Was forced to get on stage by the bouncer at Cabo Wabo and dance with the band, which led to me breaking out the classic 80's dance move (for those who have not seen it, just ask), which led to the band doing "the move" and then the whole crowd...I am sooooo cool, I know.

*Eating fresh lobster and crab for a reasonable price
*Booze/all you can eat fajita cruise--->I was more excited about the all you can eat part
Booze cruise pic.

*Watching a booty shaking/wet t-shirt contest at Mango Deck = felt good about myself and my morals/self-respect.
*Had some great Margaritas
*Got harrassed by a 17 year old asian boy, while laying out poolside. He wanted my earrings because he lost his the night before and was afraid his ear hole would close up. When I said, "ummm, no," he proceeded to yell at me and tell me, "That's bulls***!" I am pretty sure I was on a hidden camera show or something.
*Ate strawberry risotto with shrimp one night. Simply Amazing!
*Have all our planes be one time and not lose any luggage.
*Annie saved a kids life my convincing him and his mother that she was a doctor (I mean close enough, right?). The teenager had hit his head and need stitches, but thought he was fine. Annie informed him and his mom otherwise.
*Annie and her mom saving half the kids in Mexico by giving them all money and buying broken toy animals from them (see pic).

*Megan dancing with hunky Jorge, our booze cruise waiter (see picture)

*Kate (Annie's mom) getting hit on more than any of us girls combined.
*Finally getting to talk to Brian after 6 days!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Superstition..

"Cats are on the move!!!" - Derek Seacat (Brian's Dad)

Well the Cats pulled it off again! Last night as I almost suffered three heart attacks and two strokes while watching the K-State/Xavier game. During the game, I began to observe how weird people are when they watch sports. Brian yelled at my because I left a pile of dead skin and nail bites on his couch after incessantly picking at my finger and toe nails because I was so nervous (I know...very gross). I was laughing to myself as Brian was on the edge of his seat rocking back and forth, as if he was autistic (I know that may not be PC, but that is what came to mind while looking at him). Also, Brian was a little over the top when he yelled at me for picking up his phone....you see his entire coffee table could not be disturbed, including his phone, or else it would cause K-state to loss. I remember at one point doing high knees around Brian's apartment and jumping on his cough because I was so nervous and could just not get myself to sit still. WTF? Sports makes people do weird things. I am going to make this blog post interactive...What is your superstition or weird habit you do while watching sports?


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Boyfriend Points!

This blog is dedicated to Brian, who won some major boyfriend points over the weekend. His younger brother, Matt had just gotten in town from Japan. He is in the marines and is now moving back to the states after 2 years. His other brother, Garret, was going to come up from Emporia and it was going to be a Seacat reunion. Well, KC ended up having blizzard like weather and Garret could not make the drive. So it was Brian, Matt, Matt's girlfriend, Jordann, and I. After watching KU lose and K-State win. We decided it was time to go out and and celebrate the win as well as Matt's homecoming. One thing led to another, shots were ordered, and then chaos...

Matt ended up trying to fight every guy he came in contact with, including the 50 some year old bartender. Brian had to take him to the bathroom and give him an older, wiser brother scolding. Jordann ends up freaking out because some guy hit on her at the bar. And I? Well let's just say I pretty much time traveled. I vaguely remember sitting on the bathroom floor at one of the bars, just wanting to be in bed. Then apparently I got up after 30 minutes walked out of the bar, told the others "let's go" and jumped into a cab. When we got to Brian's apartment I realized I did not have my purse and Brian's apartment keys were in there. So long story short, Brian ended up climbing through his milk door (yes his apartment still has milk doors), putting me to bed, then walking to Westport to retrieve my purse and car. Major boyfriend points for babysitting all of us and for walking through Westport with a giant purple purse!

I am too old for this stuff once again! I blame it all on Matt and his peer pressure to do shots after shots. I can't even think about this without feeling nauseous. I leave for Cabo with my roomate, Annie, and friend Megan on Saturday. Hopefully, I can keep it under control and realize my age and capabilities of drinking this time.

On another note, just finishing up Ob/Gyn nights. Had 2 deliveries and 2 c-sections last night, as well as a couple pregnant mom's going through heroin or PCP withdrawal (extremely disturbing, but par for the course at KU). Overall pretty exciting night at Labor and Delivery!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Awkward

Finally have some free time! This past week I have been working in Labor and Delivery at the hospital from 6am to 6 or 7 pm, then coming home and going to bed, and repeat. I absolutely love it and think this is what I am going to do with my life, though. Ob/Gyn that is. Everyone that knows me, knows how ironic this is.
So yesterday was a pretty slow day, as far as deliveries go. Early morning, one of the residents and I had to go down and see a patient in the ER. She had just delivered 7 days ago and was complaining of severe headaches and her blood pressures were in the 180s-190s/100-110 (normal is 120/80). While in the ER she had a seizure. This condition is called eclampsia and only happens in pregnancy or soon after. That is why you have to go to the doctor so much when you are pregnant. They need to check your blood pressure and check for protein in your urine (sign of kidney damage) at every visit. Kind of scary, but she will be ok. Anyways, while down there I was looking for some supplies for our patient and some random ER tech guy helped me out. Later that day, I get an e-mail from some guy titled, "Random". The e-mail is from the guy in the same guy in the ER and it is basically asking me out. Brian walks up right as I am reading this in my phone...haha! Awkward. Don't know how this guy got my name or e-mail, but he did have some balls to do that. I finally decide to e-mail him back after my friend Erin and I think of what to say for 30 minutes that doesn't sound too mean or too nice to give him any ideas. The thing is, I have no idea who he is or what he looks like, so it may be awkward whenever I have to go back to the ER, especially when I do my critical care internship there in several months.

On a different note...Go CATSSSS! I just got a picture mail from my older sister. My brother in law, Ryan and nephew, Connor, are in Oklahoma at the tournament. Connor just got the whole k-state team's autographs in their hotel lobby. I am sure he is on cloud 9 now. Lucky!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Babies Galore!

So I finished my night shift for the week and started on the day shift. All I can say is...I love it. Delivered my first 2 babies. What an amazing experience. One seriously came out in one push, probably because it was her third child. The other lady was a first time mom, so it took a little effort. I got to do a c-section today, too. Besides having to sit on the OR room floor because I almost passed out (due to hypoglycemia...I was so embarrassed), it was awesome. The baby came out blue and not breathing, but was fine after some suctioning.

The Labor and Delivery floor is always exciting. You never know who is going to walk in the doors. We had a patient the other night that was brought to the floor from the ICU by the police. She was pregnant and visiting the baby daddy who was in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit after being shot. She claims he threw a chair at her and she hit her pregnant belly, other reports claim she was trying to smoother him. Anyways, I go in there to talk to her and get her history. She was hysterical in tears and vomiting in between answering my questions. Then, enter the police. They claim she has warrants out for her arrest and she would be taken into custody after she was released from the hospital. Next thing we know, the nurse says, "My patient is gone!" She had gotten dressed and bolted out the door. We all were upset because we felt we were" bonding" with the patient and felt bad for her. We were deceived! Yeah, KUMC is full of "interesting" patients to say the least.

Anyways, helping deliver a baby is a pretty amazing experience and gives me way less anxiety about one day possibly doing that. One day meaning...10+ years from now.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Post Call Night #1

So I just awoke for the day after my first night shift on OB. Sadly no babies yet. There were 3 women induced, but those take forever...so better luck tonight
I did have to go down to the ER. There was a women who had had a c-section on Monday with a huge blood clot in this incision. We had to open it up right there and scoop out globs of blood. It was pretty cool, but also hard to do as the women had no pain medication. She was pretty much writhing in pain and on top of that spoke only Ethiopian and had no idea what was going on. The doctor I was with could tell I looked worried and said, "You are not doing her any favors by being gentle," as I was washing out her wound with sterile fluid and gauze trying not to hurt her too much. It made realize sometimes putting people in pain is for the greater good of the patient. Which is still confusing because the first day of med school we took the Hippocratic Oath to "Do No Harm." Oh Ethics!
On a more fun note, I hope everyone enjoys there weekend and those traveling to STL have a safe trip. I will keep you all updated on any deliveries or interesting events overnight.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

School Sucks

School is killing me right now. I hate that I don't ever have a set schedule every week, have to work night shifts and weekends, and have to work with unnecessarily cruel doctors. I know this is the path I have chosen, but can't we find some kind of compromise because it is only going to get worse when I become a resident. They have now started a 80 hour limit work week for residents. I honestly don't know any residents that work under 80 hours/week especially in surgery and ob/gyn. Even though most residents "log" 80 hours, most work nearly 100 or more!

Times may be changing though. Back in the day, doctors lived to work and had very little balance in their lives. Today, more physicians want "a life", so hours are trying to improve and physicians are setting up their practices to be less demanding. I mean what is the point of working so much and making so much money, without time or people to share it with. Anyways, this blog rant all stems from me missing a fabulous bachelorette party this weekend and other festivities. I have many married friends and have only been able to make it to one bach party due to school obligations. All right I am calm now... I realize I am not the only one with school and work requirements, so I sympathize with everyone else when they cannot attend everything they want to.

Another thing that has been bugging me...why do attendings or faculty (these are the doctors out of residency aka the big bosses) like humiliating med students. We are nervous already about have to present a patient's history and physical, labs, assessment and plan , etc in front pf attendings, residents, and other med students. So it is not always that bad, but some doctors just seem to get joy out of embarrassing students, making them feel totally incompetent, and causing people to fear them. Some doctors have been know to throw things in the OR at people, yell and curse at nurses, and basically think they are "gods that walk the earth" (yes that was once said by a surgeon). I am sure some of you have bosses like this, but I just don't understand the efficiency behind this behavior of making people fear you. Oh the hierarchy of medicine! One day when I am at the "top" I promise to treat all my staff and colleagues (med students and residents) alike with the utmost respect and only throw soft objects!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Guy Talk

This blog is a tribute to guys everywhere and their uncanny ability to transform any stranger into a best friend. This idea came up last night while at the wonderful mexican bar and restaurant, Ponak's. While sitting at the bar, waiting for a table, two random men started talking to Brian and I. I was amazed how within minutes they three men became best friends while taking about the one unifying guy subject....sports! This would never happen with strangers in the girl world, due to the lack of an always guaranteed unspoken interest. It is easy with guys...sitting at a bar drinking=likes sports. I feel like everywhere I go with Brian, even if he doesn't know a soul there, he will find some new person to talk to about sports and the latest controversy or KU/K-State ranking, tournament, etc. Now occasionally I will be able to add a one sentence short opinion to sound like I am in the know such as, "yeah, it is probably better for K-State to be a number 2 seed" or "yeah, Wally Judge will be good next year, once he gets more experience." This usually goes totally ignored as they ramble on. That is fine with me. Am I jealous? No! The sad thing about this guys, is that when they run out of sports topics (which, yes I know, is a long subject to talk about), they have nothing else. Girls on the other hand, can find endless topics to discuss. Case in point...My sisters (Gwen, Ash, Melinda) and brothers (Ryan and Chris) and Brian and I all went out for dinner and drinks. They guys sat in their corner and discussed K-State, Chiefs, Royals, etc. The girls talked about many interesting subject...so many I cannot even recall them all! In about 30 minutes they guys were staring at us trying to get us to finish out drinks so they could leave. They said they are bored and have nothing else to talk about except how long we are taking to finish our drinks. Hmmm. So, I think there are definite pros and cons to being a guys or girl. Maybe I should educate myself on all sports, so I can trump Brian and be a guys-girl and a girls-girl. That would be the ultimate...yeah let's be honest, probably won't happen.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Worst Hangover Ever!

As I sit here in bed typing this, I can only think, "Where did I go wrong last night?" My roomie, Annie, and I went over for a nice night out at our friend Jon's house. Him and his roommates bought a keg for a birthday celebration. Annie and I didn't know very many people there, so naturally we decided to put a few back to get rid of the awkwardness. Then an 80's power hour commenced. You can foresee how the night went from there. At one point in the evening, in front of the whole party, I tripped over an ottoman (?) and fell down and barrel rolled at least three times. It all happened so fast. I am pretty sure the music that was playing did one of those zipping to a halt things, like you see in the movies, as everyone fell silent and stared at me on the floor in the middle of the living room. Don't worry, I played it off really cool as random strangers came up to ask if I was ok. The rest of the night was a blur. I woke up this morning with a headache, nausea, and stomach pain. When I tried to get out of bed, I could not due to my swollen shoulder (I am pretty sure it is broken or something). WTF? Oh well, you live and learn and sometimes forget and learn again.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Babies!

No no...no babies for me anytime soon. This week I started my pediatric rotation and I get to hang out in the full term nursery all week. Basically, this job consists of going to deliveries, picking up the newborn after the delivery, doing a quick assessment and exam on the babe, then holding and playing with them for the rest of the day. Kind of a rough week! I never have been an infant/baby person, I mean they really don't do too much except eat, sleep, and do horrible things in their diapers. I think after these last few days my mother, nurturing side has at last emerged. Holding this 4 hour old infant baby girl, I found myself wondering, "what would my babies look like" and "what a miracle!" Something very out of character for me. They are just so darn cute even if they sometimes kind of look like little aliens.
It is also kind of sad, as the majority of these babies at KU are born to teenage mom's without any support or father in the picture. So, I find myself wondering what will this baby boy or girl turn into after I grow kind of attached to them in the few days I get to take care of them.
Also, I finally got to see a live vaginal (I know some may still cringe at the word, but I have finally grown accustom to saying it) birth. The three I have seen make it look soo easy. The first one I saw the mother popped the thing out with ease and without a single sound. Then, with the umbilical cord hanging out and all, immediately grabbed her phone and started texting! Seriously? Yes. One mom only yelled for like two pushes and then she was done. The father of the baby was there but, made a nurse stand in front of him because he wanted something in his line of vision to block the "stuff" going on "down there". Watching these made me way less reluctant to have a kid one day. Seriously, not like in the movies as Lyssa can attest to.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

People are good

Random thought the other day as I was shopping on the plaza. There are numerous people begging on the plaza and usually I just walk right by them. I have heard various rumors about some of these people living in Lenexa in a big house and making a ton of money just going out and begging during the day. After hearing this, I assume every one of them is that person and does not need the money. Or that they will use the money on booze and it will just feed the habit. Well, the other day I saw a young man, probably in his twenties park his car in front of one of these guys begging with crutches and an empty tin can. He got out with a huge bag of some kind of fast food and a drink and gave it to this guy, like it was no big deal. He didn't stand around to be acknowledged or try and make a big scene and simply patted the guy on the shoulder, got in his car and drove off. People really are good, I thought to my self. That little selfless act of kindness put me in such a good mood, especially around the holiday time. New Years Resolution...be more selfless. So far, not so good. But I got a whole year to figure it out right?