text: Volume VIII, Number 2 Winter 2004 Living The ILAC Experience Inspiration and adventure in the Dominican Republic By Brian Sadowski the first groups simply lived in the rural campo communities and experienced a lifestyle wholly different W hen the plane touched ground, the cabin from the "American way," the current program allows erupted with applause. Odd, I thought, on students to provide medical and dental care and education my first trip to the Dominican Republic—I to the host communities while still learning about a the assumed that the landing was included in host culture through firsthand experience. The ultimate the ticket price. goal is that the But this customary participants applause was the experience first of many "conscientization," cultural a big word with lots differences I of shades to it. It experienced on means a deepening my trip to the of understanding of "DR." self and others The first thing through direct that strikes you as contact with the you exit the plane Dominican people; onto a steep set of it means an stairs down to the increased awareness hot black asphalt of our own personal of a recently poverty and completed airport limitations; it is the humidity. means developing Hot, sticky, an ability to see the suffocating; you might think you were in Omaha in July, bigger picture of interrelatedness in the global if not for the field of banana trees on the other side of the community; it means finding hope in the compassion and fence 100 yards away. understanding that a participant gains through enhanced The Cibao Valley is the home of Creighton's ILAC awareness. The experience is potentially life-changing. campus in the Dominican Republic. The Institute for This past summer was my third opportunity to Latin American Concerns Program has been sending participate in the summer ILAC program. Part of the Creighton students to the DR for 29 years now. Although See Puerto Rico: Page 2 2 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Kavan, Ph.D. Editors in Chief: Kris Kazlauskas Yukari Kawamoto This Issue's Writers: Marcia Cusic Dr. Michael Kavan, Ph.D. Linda Pappas John Schmitz Brian Sadowski A Family Affair: Creighton's very own Brian Sadowski (M4) poses for a picture with Beth Kleweno his adoptive family in their hometown of La Guamita de Hatillo.. Anela Bonic Jill Briggs Puerto Rico: Unforgettable cultural immersion Continued from Page 1 Mel Roca beauty is that each trip is different from the previous ones, and each one is very Mack Eleid special in its own way. The first two weeks of the summer were spent at the Erin ONeill ILAC center in Santiago, a large city of over 1 million people. During these Mike Coffey two weeks, we took Spanish class every day and worked hard to learn basic George Singletary Spanish or improve the skills we already had. There were also coordinated events designed to help us better understand the history of the country and its Brian Nagao current social, economic, and political situation. A trip to the capital gave us a Kyle Ulveling chance to explore the first European settlement in the western hemisphere; Justin Birge visiting a "zona franca" allowed us to see American clothing being assembled Pam Mudd by cheap labor for re-exportation to the United States. Seeing established rural health clinic gave us a glimpse of the ultimate goal of the ILAC health programs, and visits to local barrios surrounding the city showed us the living conditions of those who move from the rural areas in search of a better life, only Don't forget about to find low wages, long days, and often poorer conditions than they left. CUSOM's Cardoner Finally, there were baseball games, nights out on the town, and merengue and bachata dancing lessons to round out evening entertainment. retreat! The real "meat" of the program was the following four weeks, which were spent in the rural communities. This summer, I lived in La Guamita de Hatillo, When: Friday, January a 50-family farming community in the mountains about two hours by truck 7th, 2005 from Santiago. There is one dirt road going into and out of town, which Where: Skutt Student becomes impassable after more than one day of hard rain. Most families have Center running water, cleverly diverted from nearby streams, but there is no electricity. Time: 5 p.m. optional The nearest land phone is a 45-minute horse ride away. While there, I was mass, 6 p.m. dinner and welcomed into the home of Mario Delgado, the community's health promoter; I reflection shared his small four-room home with him, his wife, two daughters and two sons. As is a common experience for ILAC participants, I was given my own Contact Marcia Cusic room and my own bed, as the rest of the family squeezed into the other two ASAP if you are bedrooms. I was the center of attention and was taken care of as a family interested! member. This experience of complete and selfless giving and the immediate See ILAC: Page 6 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 3 By Dr. Michael G. Kavan, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs Fighting Test Anxiety, the Holiday Blues and SAD T his version of Shrink Rap includes a take an exam. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical hodgepodge (wow, I can't believe I used that Psychology (2004) noted that those students with test word in a sentence) of advice that may help you anxiety who used these strategies had a better pass rate on cope more effectively with what many see as the USMLE Step 1 than those who did not. So, start "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Okay, so, let's training now! get to it. The second issue is holiday stress. As many of you First, as examination time approaches, I thought it may know, the increased demands of the holidays such as be worthwhile to talk a little about test anxiety. Now, I family get-togethers, shopping, financial pressures, and realize that just about everyone gets a little anxious when unrealistic expectations can be a real hassle. This source an exam approaches. In fact, this is a good thing since of stress can cause excessive worrying, physical stress does serve to motivate. In addition, stress symptoms such as headaches, GI distress, and has been shown to have numerous positive upper respiratory infections, among other benefits including increasing out ability to ailments. In order to nip these in the bud, pay attention and driving us to be effective you should pace yourself and learn to say and efficient problem solvers. According "no." Be realistic about what you can to Bowman and Allen, the Human accomplish in the time you have. Function Curve demonstrates that stress Second, keep up with your exercise does increase productivity – to a point. program (if you aren't exercising – At some point, too much stress actually start). Third, watch your habits. Try to results in fatigue and exhaustion, which eat and drink in moderation. Fourth, results in decreased productivity. spend time with supportive family and Therefore, moderating its effects is friends. Finally, find time for you. Set crucial. time aside to relax at home, stroll through How is this done when facing an the Old Market, and so forth. important exam? It all begins with taking a Finally, how about those holiday blues? proactive stance. That means: Don't wait to As you know, people do get depressed get stressed out by an exam, but instead do (remember SIG E CAPS + Mood) during the something ahead of time such as establishing an holidays due to situational reasons (e.g., those who are exercise program, eating a balanced diet, and participating alone are reminded of that this time of year, excessive in relaxation exercises. Then, make sure that you watch stress, unrealistic and unmet expectations, poor health those nasty thoughts that can actually cause you to feel habits) as well as due to the season itself in that there is anxious. These include: "Gee, I'm not prepared." "I know less exposure to ultraviolet light. The Winter Blues affect I'm going to fail this." And so forth. Many of you may 25 million persons each year in the U.S., whereas even catastrophize and begin to think of the implications Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects approximately of a potential failure of the exam that includes failing the 10 million each year. SAD involves a pattern of course, failing out of medical school, being disowned by depression in which the onset and remission of symptoms your family, and eventually living in a van down by the occur at characteristic times of the year. The prevalence river and eating government issued cheese. Hey, it's not of the winter type varies with latitude (prevalence as bad as one thinks. But, please keep it in check and do increases in those in higher latitudes), age (those who are what you can to think realistically and positively and to younger are at greater risk), and sex (no, not whether you practice deep breathing strategies as you approach and See Holiday Blues: Page 10 4 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Spotlight on a Specialty: Psychiatry with Dr. P.J. Malin, M.D. by Anela Bonic I f Barbie was a physician, she would be….If you Have you ever wanted to be anything guessed a psychiatrist, you were right on the money. other than a psychiatrist? However, her full name would be PaulaJo Malin I was unfortunately one of those very and only her patients would be allowed to think of narrow, tunneled-vision students that came to medical her as Barbie. For those of you who do not know Dr. school knowing exactly what they were supposed to do. Malin, look for a tall blonde, stylish, perfectly In high school, I had a lot of orthopaedic injuries, saw a coordinated in the latest fashions with a smile that can lot of surgeons and was absolutely convinced that I was melt an ice berg— or a red Volkswagen bug driving down meant to be a surgeon. The summer between my M1 and th the 30 Street blasting disco music. M2 year, I shadowed numerous surgeons and saw a ton of It was an honor and a privilege to spend one month of surgeries. my M3 year on Dr. Malin's service at CUMC, which When I got to my M3 year and the surgery rotation, I undeniably, was one of the most had a pretty good time just like I profound experiences of my life. Her thought I would. At the time there were presence on the hospital floor and in a a lot of competitions for the students to patient's room is an emotional version inspire us about getting really good at of a "Kodak moment"— it is priceless. the subtleties of surgical techniques. If you ask her how she got to be such Whatever competition there was in an amazing physician, she will surgery-I won it. I was really good seriously deny any compliments with my hands. I loved it. I remember regarding her bedside manner or the at night I would go home, watch knowledge of medicine. With humility, Seinfeld and practice suturing all night passion for psychiatry and love for long on a stuffed animal. All the humanity she is a role model second to surgeons were so impressed with my none. suturing skills. I remember, one of the Dr. Malin obtained her undergraduate plastic surgeons saying I was the best degree in psychology from CU in 1991, suturer he had ever seen and that I and completed her post-baccalaureate could get a wrinkle out of a scrotum. I work in biology at UNO in 1993. She thought that surgery was pretty cool graduated from CUMC in 1999 and because, I felt, I was doing something. completed her psychiatry residency I liked how you walked in to the OR training at the CUMC/UNMC joined and x amount of minutes/hours later program in July 2003 where she shined Don't Call Her Barbie! Just call her one you walked out and it felt like you as the most highly awarded and of the nicest people you'll ever meet. finished something tangible and decorated resident. She won numerous concrete. I liked that feeling. 'Outstanding House Officer of the Year' and 'Teacher of When did you realize that you wanted to be a the Year' awards, and was inducted into the Alpha psychiatrist? Omega Alpha medical honor society. In 2000, she was When the time came for me to do the psychiatry selected to cover the American Psychiatric Association's rotation, I absolutely did not want anything to do with it. I annual meeting as the 'Resident Reporter.' In 2002, she just thought that two months of psychiatry would be a big was awarded the highly prestigious Laughlin Award, an waste of time. I went to ask Dr. Kavan if I could do four annual award given only to the top 15 psychiatric months of surgery instead of psychiatry rotation. He said residents nationally. Unfortunately, you will not see any that all the students had to do all the rotations, and even if awards in Dr. Malin's office……they can be found in the I did not want to do psychiatry, he was confident it would basement of her house! help me become a better surgeon. WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 5 I was assigned to the consultation-liaison service at the plans. I remember getting a letter from my grandma who hospital and the very first day it changed my life. To this wrote to me "Oh, PaulaJo, we are so sorry to hear the day, I remember the patients we had that day. There was a unfortunate news. We thought you were doing so well in criminal that was handcuffed to the bed and was hearing medical school up there in Omaha. Your parents told us voices, a woman on OB who had miscarried and was very that you are going to drop out of medical school to distraught and a post op ICU patient who was delirious, become a psychiatrist." extremely agitated and combative. I remember driving I was from a small town, where we did not have a home that night being so mesmerized by the variety of psychiatrist in the community. Before starting the pathology that I had seen. I was just blown away. More psychiatry rotation, I did not know anything about importantly, I felt fascinated for the first time in my psychiatrists except from the movies and TV and they medical school carrier. were not portrayed very well. I knew that people went to It kind of daunted on me that first night, although I was see a psychiatrist in the big city only if they had major good at surgery, I was not fascinated or mesmerized by it. mental trouble. Back in those days, depression was not as I did not think about it at night as I did about these three prevalent, dementia was most certainly not as prevalent patients that I had seen my first day of psychiatry. It was and neither were substance abuse or eating disorders, so also the only rotation where I paid attention to other the need for a psychiatrist was not as great. I was afraid medical students presenting their patients instead of that my family and friends would not understand my thinking what I am going to eat for supper. It was the only decision. rotation where I could not wait to see all the patients. By Once I made the decision, I did not look back. I knew it the end of the first week, I knew I was going to go into was the right decision. When I told my family, they were psychiatry. extremely supportive, which was the biggest blessing for Was it difficult to make the mental switch from surgery me. They made the mental shift quicker than I did. By to psychiatry? the beginning of the 4th yea I was at peace with my Yes, it was difficult. It took time to shed that notion that decision and felt really good about it. I was going to become a surgeon. When I look back on it, What surprised you the most about psychiatry? 90% of the difficulty was all self- induced. I had come to Other physicians always tell me, 'Oh, I would not want the medical school thinking that I was going to be a to be a psychiatrist. I would not want to have to work with surgeon. I had started the third year not wanting to do any antidepressants because it takes months for them to other rotation but surgery. I really closed my heart and work.' They don't realize how efficacious psychiatric mind to the field where I would be ultimately the medicines truly are. I was just stunned at how you can see happiest. all of the pathology dissipate away within 24 hours in a After I made the decision to go into psychiatry, I really patient ravaged and tortured by hearing voices but treated wrestled with it. At first, I thought, I liked psychiatry with antipsychotic medication. Psychiatric medications because I had a great attending. However, the second change the quality of a patient's life very quickly. month of psychiatry, I did not care for my attending at all, A lot of time people say, 'Don't you get depressed but I still loved the patients and their pathologies. That is being in psychiatry?' I don't find it depressing at all. when I called my family to tell them about my future See Psychiatry: Page 16 It's time for a tender holiday moment with Adam Duke: What is the one thing you want for Christmas? —- "Whirled Peas" What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? —- "I have Alvin and the Chip- munks on vinyl." Who is the one person you hope to meet under the mistletoe this season? —- "Just one? . . . I guess Pam Mudd. She's hot." 6 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 ILAC: No habla espanol? No problema! Continued from Page 2 talk about the US or world problems, or just review the acceptance of a stranger were humbling and unique. day with friends. I have a renewed appreciation for a Mornings in the campo were spent in clinic, seeing "home cooked" meal after watching three women spend patients from our community as well as people who came two hours in a smoky, poorly lit and ventilated outdoor on foot, by horse, or truck from communities an hour or kitchen, over an open fire "stove," cooking breakfast for more away. We gave as much as we could—a us, and then start work on our lunch as soon as the compassionate ear, temporizing pain medications, breakfast table was cleared. This summer, I remembered antimicrobials, and most importantly, education on how what simple fun felt like, spending hours playing with to live and work smarter and healthier. Our supplies were kids in the river, making a see-saw out of a fence post, or limited, followup was difficult, and the knowledge that playing cards or dominos with my family. Finally, there few patients could afford chronic medications we may was time to sit and reflect—what was I learning in the start all frustrated us as we wondered if we were really DR, how was the experience changing me, what would I making a difference. It is not the "let's go save the bring back to the US? While it sounds simple, this world" ideal that we may all wish to fulfill. It is a tough activity was the most powerful, the most unsettling, lesson, but the gratitude of the Dominicans softens the because it had the potential to change the way I think, the situation; the heartfelt "gracias" spoken from the elderly way I relate to others, the way I live. woman reminds us why we are here. A discussion of the "DR Experience" could consume an Afternoons were free time not spent in the clinic, and entire evening and would necessarily involve a fat photo this is where much of the learning and growing occurred. album, storytelling, and laughter. Each picture has a I have a renewed appreciation of relationships among memory as well as a feeling that can be talked about but people; hours spent drinking coffee in rickety homemade not truly known until participating. I have found chairs talking about my family or local happenings were a something beautiful in the DR through this program, and daily experience. At night, I'd huddle into the kitchen hope that I can make participation in it as a professional with the other six in my family and two or three neighbors part of my future life. and, by the light of a single kerosene lantern, tell jokes, Where did you get that SMILE.?!!?!? 1 2 3 5 4 Answers on Page 17 WELLNESS CHRONICLE 7 Mack in the City Destination: San Francisco By Mack Eleid Internal Medicine Rotation Omaha- primarily AIDS and related opportunistic dis- eases. Secondly, as a medi- T wo months ago I woke up and realized that in a cal student you will learn matter of hours I would no longer be in my be- about practicing medicine in loved home base of Omaha but rather I would a private hospital as com- be in a famed city completely foreign to me. pared to a primarily aca- After delaying packing late into the previous night as is demic facility like CUMC. custom in my lazy ways, there were a few last-minute am This is to your advantage in essentials for me to toss into the bags before I headed off that you can discover your to the airport with my partners in crime Arshad Bache- own likes and dislikes about lani, Jocelyn Rowe, and Greta Larsen. Now while Omaha each system and develop a is a famed city in its own right (see previ- preference which ous issues of Mack Around Town), I think will help you we can all agree that San Francisco is con- when choosing Omaha's adopted son takes a sidered to be a more exciting and happen- residency pro- wild ride on one of the city's famous Cable Cars. ing place. So there I was. On my way to grams. Similar to San Francisco for a whole month of Inter- Creighton, Saint Mary's is committed to treat- nal Medicine with some free time to find ing the underserved and has a significant indi- out what the city's all about. And all the gent population primarily due to its proximity time all I could think about was what I was The San Francisco treat. to Golden Gate Park. Its patient population is going to write about in Mack Around Town. a very diverse mixture of middle class, home- Now that is commitment… less, IV drug users, and it's also the official hospital of the First let's talk about the Internal Medicine month at St. San Francisco Giants. Mary's Medical Center before we get too carried away. The house where Creighton Medical Students reside is The advantages of spending one month of your medicine provided free of charge to students by Brother Michael clerkship in San Francisco are twofold: first, you gain Ortiz, a professor at College of Saint Mary's who has had exposure to a variety of illnesses that are less common in this arrangement with Creighton for over 4 years now. 4 medical students go each month and there are two rooms with two single beds in each room on the second floor of the house. It's located in the Inner Sunset district of San Francisco, near UCSF and adjacent to Golden Gate Park. The UCSF library is a useful and convenient place to get some reading done when you have spare time. Golden Gate Park is a great place to walk, run, or step out of the city for a while. You can also pretend you are Zen at the Japanese Tea Gardens (instead of admitting you are Type A and anal – don't lie to yourself). The neighborhood is packed with amazing restaurants and is actually very busy with young people, college students, professionals, etc. Practically any type of food you can think of from any- where in the world you can find within walking distance of the house. Evidence of this can be taken from Jocelyn's now famous quote, "I didn't know they ate in Ghiradelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, and "The City" skyline. See San Francisco: Page 10 8 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Enriching talked about their experiences and their "all-consuming medical life" before coming to the DR. Now, this time in Your Life the DR afforded the students many opportunities for re- flection. Who am I? Where have I come from? Who will I become? -And how? How do I express and share love? with Reflection What have been my challenges and how have I met chal- lenges? What does it mean to be a member of humanity? Reflection allows us to have conversations about our Foreword by Marcia Cusic life experiences, put meaning into them, and finally allow CUSOM Chaplain us to gain a deeper, personal insight into our life experi- ences. With reflection, we open ourselves up to a deeper T his past summer I was fortunate to have been appreciation about our beliefs, our values, our purposes given the opportunity to spend some time in the and our relationship with God and with others. Dominican Republic with members of the sen- I was, and still am, overwhelmed with my experience in ior class. What an awesome experience it was! the DR especially the power and absolute need for all of I went to the DR asking every student along the way, us to spend time in personal and spiritual reflection. As "Why have you come to the DR?" "Tell me about your you continue to progress through your medical education experience." and your medical career do not lose that essence of who As I write this, I feel a very deep emotion inside, be- you are-- your personal spirit. You might ask, "How is cause my questions were answered in very powerful this possible?" My answer: spend some time every day ways. I now more fully understand the experience of be- in personal reflection. Combine quiet reflection with your ing with humanity, the power of presence, and sensing the physical exercise but also engage in reflective conversa- over-whelming need for personal reflection as we go tion with people in your lives. about living our very busy lives. Reflection, that opportunity to discover and rediscover, Dr. Joe and Terri Lynch had talked about the refection from your reservoir of experiences, who you are in rela- piece, that part of the experience, which we all encoun- tionship with yourself, others, God, and with humankind. tered. All of the students with whom I spent time with, STUDY TO YOUR indicates a desire to first process individually but then a need to find a study buddy to process that information out loud. It also means being careful not to contemplate too PERSONALITY'S long on one area of the information. The second preference addresses the way we like to STRENGTHS process new information; in the form of a textbook, a lecture or test questions. A Sensing preference means preferring to first deal with the concrete facts. A student By Linda Pappas with this preference Academic Success Counselor needs to make sure to allow enough time to F or the past three years I have given the also develop an personality inventory titled the Myers-Briggs understanding of the Type Indicator to the M1 class. I have enjoyed overall concepts, not just the opportunity to do a group interpretation in memorize the facts. the fall semester. I thought it might be helpful to revisit Practicing test questions the results and make a few suggestions for your continued and making sure they academic success based on those results. don't change answers are The first preference on the MBTI looks at where you also helpful strategies. like to focus your attention and get your energy in life. The opposite, Intuitive Extraversion means an external focus which indicates a means a preference for strategy of finding a study place free of those external first understanding the distractions. Often times studying in shorter, more "big picture" of new frequent sessions and studying with peers can be helpful. information, How can I possibly study with a The opposite, Introversion, means an internal focus which See MBTI: Page 12 group when I feel so introverted? WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 9 El Pollo Loco: I refused to be oppressed. The Search For Rise up, fellow chickens and fight! Good Wings By Meshann Fitzgerald D enny's usually isn't the place people think of they really weren't that greasy, but their incredibly small when they want to eat Buffalo wings, but I size accentuated the wings dip in the vegetable oil pond. found myself going quite often for their Aside from the grease and small size, the wings lacked wings. People suggested that I should eat at the flavor they claimed to have. The lemon pepper wings Wingstop or Buffalo Wild Wings. I brushed the were simply sprinkled lightly with lemon pepper suggestions off and ordered another 12 piece. But then I seasoning; the Hawaiian and teriyaki tasted remarkably began to think, "Maybe people are right. Maybe there are similar, and the garlic parmesan tasted like neither garlic better wings out there." So began my search for the best nor parmesan (a new flavor perhaps). As far as the wings in the big O. variations of the "hot" wings go, the Atomic hot was hot, Wingstop "The best wings I've ever had in my life"-- the original hot was not. The mild and the Cajun were Troy Aikman equally unimpressive. I am often wary of food reviews, but when people start At least Wingstop was raving about buffalo wings (especially hot wings), I'll try consistent. My hope 'em. So when I came across a coupon/ad for Wingstop: for Wingstop was The Wing Experts, a wing joint endorsed by the 3-time probably set too high Superbowl champ Troy Aikman (of all people) claiming going in, but with to have the BEST wings Troy has EVER eaten, it was like phrase like "BEST manna from Heaven. How could I not try them? So I set EVER", what else was out to one of the 4 Wingstop locations in Omaha. For a I to expect? In short: wing place, it had a The good: they serve There can be nothing positive about disappointing amount of alcohol glowing hot wings. flavors. Wingstop has 8 The bad: the wings wing flavors: 4 variations The ugly: they charge $ for their ranch dressing of "hot", lemon pepper, Undaunted, I press on… garlic parmesan, Buffalo Wild Wings "Voted best wing throughout Hawaiian bbq, and the country" teriyaki. I wanted to try I've eaten at BWW many times, and nearly each time all of the flavors in one alcohol was involved, so I wanted to experience the wings sitting, but the people w/o psychoactive substances. Like Wingstop, BWW has behind the counter started 4 locations in the Omaha area. This place boasts its acting really irritated numerous "best wing" honors on its website. With a total about the "special order." of 12 flavors grouped in 3 categories, "easy on the But after appealing to palate", "spicy", and "smoking", it easily appeals to their sense of customer different tastes. I am usually partial to the spicy category, service, they finally gave but for the sake of research, tried them all. With the me my wings. Well, they exception of Caribbean jerk, the wings actually tasted like could've kept them. their representative flavor. (I think that the Caribbean They were, quite jerk was a refugee from Wingstop-I'm investigating). It possibly, the was a good first step. The next step was determining if How do I stay fit? You guessed GREASIEST wings I the flavor was good or not. I am not a fan of their bbq it– lots of hot wings. have EVER eaten. Maybe See Hot Wings: Page 12 10 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Right on Mission Street there are a number of new clubs as well as authentic Spanish and Mexican restaurants. Other popular places to go out include the Marina and North Beach Areas, both of which are more preppie areas but equally as fun and interesting. All of these places are readily accessible by the bus system or very reasonable cab fare. Need I list the countless attractions that make San Fran- cisco such a famous place? There are bike rentals on the wharf that you can take across the Golden Gate bridge to Sausalito, then a ferry can take you to Angel Island and back to the wharf. You need to check out China Town, home of the largest Chinese popu- lation outside of China and have After a busy day San Francisco: Mack goes wild the obligatory Dim Sung. If you pooping on tourists, Continued from Page 7 want to shop and spend all of that Sheila took a moment to Ethiopia!" Also right around the corner is the BART hard-earned loan money Union pose for the camera. (Bay Area Rapid Transit) which can take you to all of the Square is the place to do it. There major parts of downtown San Francisco: the Civic Cen- are a number of musical and cultural activities you can ter, China Town, Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, etc. check out at the venues located around the Civic Center The public transportation system in San Francisco is very district. If you want to visit Alcatraz I recommend the convenient and if you can't get somewhere on the BART, night tour, you will learn the history of the island and there is always a bus that will take you where you want to penitentiary and tour it- it's pretty interesting. go. Basically, go to San Francisco for Internal Medicine if The night life in San Francisco is very diverse. The you are able to. I learned a lot and had a great time. Now Inner Sunset district where the house is located has a I must get back to being a lowly M3 and getting stepped number of fun bars filled with primarily college-aged on by any and all hospital personnel but stay tuned be- people. The bars in this area are pretty normal pub-type cause I am rearing to check out more of Omaha in my places. Nearby in the Haight-Ashberry district there are next issue. Until then, keep up the Mackin'…. more happening new-agey dance clubs. One of the up- and-coming hot spots in San Francisco is the Mission dis- Holiday Blues: activity is the key trict, which is composed of a large Hispanic population. Continued from Page 3 have it, but we find that women comprise 60-90% of persons with a seasonal pattern to their depression). It is characterized by low energy, hypersomnia, and increased appetite and weight gain. What can you do? First, be realistic about your expectations and catch any negative thoughts. Second, manage stress successfully. Third, even if you don't feel like it, get out and do things – especially with others. Specifically, take up a new hobby and get involved in recreational and social activities. Also, add at least one pleasurable activity to your daily schedule. For example, go window-shopping or drive around and look at the holiday lights. Fourth, keep up with your exercise program. Finally, get some light. Open up those blinds in the morning and get active outside. Cool Stallions and Hot Chicks– Following their photo shoot for I hope these bits of advice help you cope effectively "Sophisticated Male" magazine, fellow male models Mack Eleid with the season and make it a happy and healthy time of and Arshad Bachelani show wholesome Midwest girls, Jocelyn year. So, take charge, be proactive, and enjoy the Rowe and Greta Larsen, a wild night on the town. holidays! WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 11 Doctor #5 is out of line! M4 Jill Briggs' Step 2 CS Experience. T he hotel shuttle departed for the test center at potato salad, not filet mignon), 4 patients, a 15 minute 7:30 a.m. (way too early!) Our scheduled test break, 3 patients, and DONE! You are given 15 minutes time was 8:30 a.m. This gave everyone plenty to see the patient. For all of the patient cases I was given, of time to stand around staring at each other, this amount of time was very adequate. You receive a 5 making small talk about how no scores have been minute warning. Myself and many other students were released yet and how many people will fail and what kind out of the room before it was announced that time was up of lunch will they give you for $900? on every case. Then, you have 10 minutes to write the After registering, we were all instructed to put on our note (plus whatever extra time you have left over from the white coats and leave them on for the remainder of the patient encounter.) You are given an option to type or day. (One examinee got scolded at lunchtime for taking write your note. Examples of both formats are available his coat off to eat.) The only items we were allowed on the website. Your note should include a history, access to during the day: white coat, stethoscope, food or physical exam, differential diagnosis (up to 5, but it can beverages for breaks, and medications. We were allowed be fewer) and work-up plan (labs, images). I chose to to keep ID and some cash in our pocket "just in case we write my note as it was easier for me to lay out the history have to evacuate the building." (Not kidding, that's what in the format that I wanted to. Plus, if I had more to say, I she said.) You can put cell phones, books, etc. in a could write smaller. On the downside, I had major hand locked room until the end of the day. For those of you cramping by the day's end. I visited with several typers, with lucky pens…sorry, not allowed. who felt it was faster and/or their handwriting was too We were given a clipboard with 12 (or 11, depending messy to read. However, most of them ran out of room on the test center) pieces of scratch paper, one for each and had to be more liberal with abbreviations. case and a pen. The clipboard had 2 plastic nametags The patient cases were straightforward. Nothing a well with a number on them, one to pin to the left sleeve, one prepared Creighton student should have to worry about! to clip to the lapel of the white coat. For the remainder of The standardized patients were pretty good, some more the day, you shall be known as Dr. #X. You are allowed involved in their roles and better actors than others. to introduce yourself to the patients however you choose. Several patients just recited their script ("I have tarry Then, one wonderful hour of orientation. The video is pasty unformed stools. I have epigastric pain." What very similar, if not identical, to the one Dr. Kavan shows patient says that?) I did have one telephone interview at one of the 3rd year class meetings. After the video, you with a mother of a baby and one personal interview of a are invited to practice using the medical equipment mother concerning a child. The patients are all supposed available in each room (oto- and ophthalmoscope, BP to ask one "challenging" question, which they tended to cuff, reflex hammer, tuning forks, tongue depressors, ask the moment you turn your back to wash your hands. cotton swabs, toothpicks.) I knew I was going to be just "Can you stop the pain, Doctor?" "I have to get back to fine when I saw students racing over to practice with the work, I don't have time to stay for treatment of my (insert tuning forks. More procedural stuff (only speak in emergent condition)." "I can't be pregnant, I'm not ready English, please) and we finally got started at 9:30. They to have a baby." "Will I have to quit my job?" lined us up by number as though we were in elementary Overall, no problem. You've been well prepared by the school and we started marching in. (This is where it was OSCE's throughout the years. It is a long day, but the announced loudly that I (Dr. #5) was out of line when I worst part was waiting to get started. There is little need sidestepped one stride to ditch my gum. Sheesh.) We to review treatments, just differential diagnoses for major were treated like 3rd graders for most of the day. chief complaints and work-up plans. And now it is over! After this slow and painful start, the day flew by. We Good luck! saw 5 patients, got a 30 minute lunch (sandwiches and 12 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Hot Wings: Because nuggets are MBTI: Tune in your personality for lazy people who don't want to and tune up your grades work for their meat Continued from Page 8 Continued from Page 9 understanding the "why" helps the student to remember sauce at all; those wings had to go. 3 down, 9 to go. I the facts. This type of student may want to practice was impressed. It wasn't just the liquor! I should've had memorization strategies so they don't overlook the I should've had a drink before I had the Blazin, though. I details. It is important to not "over think" test questions was cautioned before I ate them. I usually avoid super as well. hot wings because I like to be able to taste my food, but The third preference explains how we like to make for the sake of research, I ate it. Yep, I only had one. I decisions. My observation has been that this has the least ate an habanero pepper once and my insides were on fire. impact on academics but a strong impact on personal This wasn't quite habanero, but I think I did irreparable issues. However, I have noticed several issues. Thinking, damage to my taste buds. which is a preference for an "analytical kind of decision The good: 35 cent wing Tuesday making, a critique style" may lead The bad: the bar can be pricey and the boneless wings to a student being too self critical of are really nuggets academic performance which can The ugly: touching your eye after eating a Blazin wing have a negative impact on The search continues… performance. A Feeling decision Quick Notables making style tends more to an Hooter's "Delightfully tacky yet unrefined" "other person, personal values type Hooters claims its hot wings are nearly world famous. of decision making". Often times They should be famous 'cuz they are damned good! They these students do better when they are available both breaded and naked. The good: wings; can understand the direct impact of the bad: the rest of the food is pretty standard; the ugly: the information they are learning on the Hooters girls wear thick nylons under those orange Free coronary artery an individual. stent with every polyester shorts-this was initially instated for public The last preference has to do with bucket.. health reasons, but with the advent of "naked dining", the how we "prefer" to manage our nylons need to go. lives and our time. The Judging preference indicates a McKenna's Blues, Booze, and BBQ desire for an organized, plan-filled life style with a set of McKenna's doesn't claim to be a wing joint, so it is a clear expectations. These individuals are encouraged to little unfair to judge it in the same category as wing joints, increase their adaptability so as not to be set back by but what's fair? They have four flavors, the best of which unforeseen circumstances. The opposite; Perceiving; is a is the Louisiana. Interestingly, the Jamaican jerk wing preference for leaving life open for more spontaneity, tasted like Old Chicago's Thai pizza. The good: the blues more "go with the flow". These individuals need to leave and the Bloody Mary's: the bad: the service is slow; the their personal lives open to flexibility so as to not get ugly: the BBQ honey wings-KFCs are way better. overly stressed by need for constant organization in So after all my attempts to find the best wing place in medical school. Omaha, I think that BWW wins overall and Hooters in a I hope you enjoyed your revisit to your MBTI. Happy close 2nd, but I still love Denny's. studying! What is the one thing you want for Christmas? COLEEN MULLEN'S -Well, if Santa really exists I want a Coach purse. HOLIDAY WISH What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? -98 degrees Christmas CD or Platinum Christmas featuring Britney and Christina WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 13 Spotlight on a Specialty: Family Practice with Dr. Virginia Aguila, M.D. by Mel Roca Y ou have might have seen her picture posted I was supposed to start in across the Omaha billboards. Or you might Neonatology in Detroit, and thought have seen her on TV in the Creighton Medical about whether the lifestyle of a Neonatologist would work Associates commercial, standing there with with raising a family. I realized that there should be some an ever-ready smile as she places her hands on her hips as compatibility. I thought family medicine was more if posing like Supergirl! And for good reason, she IS like comprehensive in dealing with the newborns and also Supergirl. Dr. Virginia Aguila is no girl, however. The with the aged. The continuity of care is simply not head of the Creighton Family Practice office in Florence, present in other specialties. I had a patient once whose she is Creighton's superdynamo. Aside from teaching, surgeon got me on the phone as they were wheeling her running a busy family practice, and heading up different down to the OR because she wouldn't allow him to committees at Creighton University Medical Center, Dr. operate on her. I told her that I know the surgeon and he Aguila --whose last name means "eagle" in Latin-- is can be trusted. Just like that she said, "OK, you can certainly soaring the limitless skies. Let us find out more operate on me." You cannot find that kind of doctor/ about Dr. Aguila as we zoom in to find the person behind patient trust that grows with time in other specialties as the familiar face. you can with family practice. When did you start teaching at Creighton? What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? I finished my residency here at Creighton in 1983 after When you just know you become part of a patient's life graduating from the University of the Philippines. A year and you begin to know them without looking at their big after that, I did a fellowship of one year, then I became charts. Like this one particular patient who was full-time faculty and started getting involved with the diagnosed with a tumor. Although she had seen an ENT residency program. Along with the residency came specialist and an oncologist, she still wants to see me. medical students and inpatient teaching. Two to three She was hysterical and called the office the other day years after that, I became medical director of the wanting to see me, and I made an exception for her to residency clinic. Teaching medical students naturally come in even just to talk She apologized that she was followed. bothering me but I said, "That's what I'm here for." We What do you do for medical students in general? talked about setting her up for surgery, and I that will be I am involved with a small group of M1's in Ethics here through the rough time. This is the continuity of class where I share my clinical views in which I have had care. It's also rewarding when their sisters, or their experiences. We all come with a set of values, and it's sister's friends or relatives would come because they have good to have students get exposed early to clinical heard about you and they want to see you. I suppose you scenarios that may be bothersome. Then of course, get as much as you put into it. there's the H & P where I get to show my techniques. I What was the most memorable experience you had while am also involved with M1s in the summer elective in med school or residency? program when they spend 6 weeks with me, get a stipend When we were doing our residency, there were so few and shadow me while getting some exposure to the art of female and minority physicians. I found that you really family practice (FP) doing some interviews, observing, had to work hard, not to prove yourself but to earn each listening to heart sounds, seeing how the clinic works and patient's respect. I came in once to this patient and she interacting with residents. For the M2s, I have 6 that asked me if I wanted the Tylenol that I ordered cosigned follow me through the year for their longitudinal clinic, by my co-intern. It was difficult to have orders taken while the M3s spend a long month with me. The fourth from a female resident since there were so few of us at year has an outpatient elective aside from the inpatient that time. Of course, I said no. It was tough, but it family practice. toughened me up even more because you don't demand What was the motivation to lean towards Family respect, you earn it through hard work. I always share this Practice rather than other specialties? See Family Practice: Page 14 14 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Family Practice: combining How would you compare university affiliated practice with a private practice? quality of care with your own There is more demand for an academician. On top of treating the patient, we take more time to teach. And you quality of life need to love to teach! Students can tell which faculty love to teach. Yes, it slows us down but I certainly don't Continued from Page 13 want my students to miss a lesion or condition when it advice with my residents: when they (patients) call on presents itself. Academic family practice has conferences you, you respond to the call. Nothing is an unimportant and advisor meetings to attend. We cannot just stay in the call-— whether it is just a headache or constipation or a office. We are involved in the med school, hospital and mother worried about her daughter. Patients will always the university. Unlike private practice, you need to read remember the intern who was always available. and learn a lot and use evidence based medicine. We are Do you have any specific advice for students who want a multidisciplinary program: we have family practice resi- to get into family practice? dents and pharmacy students. You will have to do publi- They should feel what FP is like. That's why we fought cations or clinical research on top of everything. The to include FP in your curriculum for a month-long rota- sense of commitment comes hand in hand when you wear tion when you're an M3, as well as early exposure in the many hats. M2 year. Our strength is in the outpatient contact since What is your typical day? you don't see much obstetric procedures, cardio or renal For faculty, we make rounds in the morning and come surgery. You need to shadow and see what the lifestyle is to inpatient service meetings. There are always meetings, like. You need to see if you are comfortable with the kind and they are always at 7am or noon at the hospital. Every of patients you're seeing, the amount of work, hours, and six weeks, I have a full week of rounding with residents-- satisfaction. As an FP physician, you have to give your this ensures that I get to know them better. I have clinics best, apply the comprehensiveness of medicine, and know with M2s and M3s afterwards. Then, I have my own resi- which specialty to use in referral. dents in the outpatient office. Also I just finished writing What's your comment on the disparity of pay scale a chapter on breast cancer in Rakel's Essentials of Family among different specialties? Practice which will be out by 2006. So, I'm thankful that We haven't had any gains in general practice. There are it is finished. We wrap up at the clinic around 4:30-5:00 more graduates doing specialties in radiology and anes- PM by triaging both the late walk-ins and late phone calls. thesia. I can see why we pay more for other specialties I usually get home by 6-6:30 PM, unless there is a Board since they have more education, i.e. fellowships and extra of Directors meeting, again at the hospital. internships. But we need more general practitioners. A Do you bring your work at home? lot of patients are being seen in the ER for minor things When I am on call every six weeks, yes. I could get as instead of being seen by a family doctor. In the urban much as three calls on one patient alone. When I was areas, the older docs need to be replaced. We are trying writing that chapter on breast cancer, I also brought work to make FP more attractive. We are doing more proce- home. Now I get to watch "Law & Order" or read a mys- dures like flexible sigmoidoscopy, culdoscopy and mole tery novel. I used to cook every night when my kids were removal in the office aside from biopsies. So we let our home. We had family dinners when they were in high new graduates do those to keep them interested. school but both are now in college. So, now I rely on my "second kitchens" and spend more time with Princess, our major dachshund. Administration Fun Facts: What advice do you have for students contemplating having a family while in med school? One should choose a specialty that fits one's family life. The timing of having children is important. I had my first child when I was a senior resident. I don't get excited too much with phone calls because I can guide my intern to do the fielding. Husband and wife must realize that all their hard work is combined into the same pot of raising children. I personally would rather be a good mother than Associate Dean for Bassist for a good physician. Parenting supercedes medicine. In the Medical Education "Liplock"– A KISS long run, it will all be worth it. You get as much as you by day... cover band by night. put into it. WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 15 Pediatric Fun in Dayton, Ohio One Student's Tale of her Air Force Externship By Beth Kleweno I initially arrived in Dayton, Ohio with a bit of door on the left." trepidation. I was here to begin the first externship Now we faced another dilemma. At COT we had been of my senior year at an outpatient pediatric clinic at drilled over and over on how to "officially" report for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. My most recent duty. We weren't sure what customs and courtesies the contact with the Air Force had been the Commissioned student director would expect from us. Would she want Officer Training (COT) course two years prior. My us to salute? Did we even remember HOW to salute? To memories from COT were foggy, but I do remember our relief, Dr. Chartrand was extremely personable. She having my uniform closely inspected every morning and simply shook our hands and took us on a tour of the getting reprimanded for talking in the hall without facility, putting us at an ease that would continue the permission. Since my uniform had been in storage for two entire rotation. years, I now wasn't even sure if it actually fit, let alone if The rotation at Wright-Patterson turned out to be every badge was centered perfectly. I had nightmares relatively relaxed. The pediatrics residency (as well as about arriving at work and having a drill sergeant yell that several other specialties) is a joint military and civilian my pants were ironed incorrectly or my shoes weren't program with Wright State University. Half the residents polished to a shine. I could not imagine how the with whom I worked were civilians. Although the regimental structure taught at COT could be maintained medical student rotation was primarily located on-base, in a bustling pediatric clinic. most of the resident rotations take place at the large Luckily, when I arrived in Dayton another student was civilian Children's Hospital in downtown Dayton. All the nice enough to volunteer to pick me up at the airport. It residents seemed to truly enjoy the program. They were turned out that she was also suffering from some of the extremely friendly to the medical students and frequently same little anxieties. The base housing was completely invited us to their social events. full, so all the medical students were billeted at hotels a The city of Dayton also pleasantly surprised me. It is a few blocks off-base. I had not brought a car with me, so I medium-sized town (population of about 170,000). It relied on the kindness of others to get around town. seems to be an ideal town in which to raise a family. The The other student and I set off early on our first day of medical students were able to visit the huge air museum, work, hoping we looked like mature, responsible, and quaint dairy farms, nearby amusement parks and attend confident officers. Unfortunately, we suffered immediate the annual air show. For those who crave larger cities and delays. We had not realized the car needed a new parking a little more excitement, Columbus and Cincinnati are pass and were detained by guards at the visitor's gate. both about an hour drive away. When we finally showed up at the clinic about 45 minutes At the end of my rotation, the Wright-Patterson late, we felt as if we were going to make a poor first program had definitely made a positive lasting impression impression. We must have looked pretty overwhelmed on me. All my silly initial qualms had been relieved. I and lost because the staff at the clinic took one look at us learned that you can be a respectful and respectable and said "student director's office… third floor hall, first officer and still have a lot of fun at the same time! Diamond Rings and Wedding Bells! - Doug Moore (M1) and Laci Rehder (from Logan, Iowa) got married on October 16th, 2004. - Ashley Miller (M3) and Aaron Wheeler were married on June 12, 2004 in Greeley, CO. - Erin Kearney (M3) got engaged to Jimmy Telasca on November 25, 2004. - John Tinjum (M2) got engaged to Tally McEvers. - Willa Crosby (M1) got engaged on August 29 to Ben Roope, a 1st Lieutenant with the Air Force. they plan to marry during the summer of 2006. 16 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 treatment. For example, psychiatrists get reimbursed at a Psychiatry: erasing stereotypes, higher rate if they do a 15 min medication check than if changing lives they do 45 min psychotherapy. That forces them, to become more engaged in medications checks at $70 per Continued from Page 5 visit than 45 min psychotherapy that is $115 per visit. There is a fair amount of humor in the field. Whether it is They are busier than they have ever been and often have a patient who thinks he is Jesus or who cannot wear the to hire office psychotherapists because they don't have same outfit every day, the levity that psychiatry affords in time to do psychotherapy themselves. This way they can my daily life is greatly appreciated as I see a lot of pay the rent on their building, pay the front office staff, patients that have tough lives. pay for the office equipment and utilities and have a One of the biggest secretes about this profession is that comfortable lifestyle. people think of psychiatrist as doctors who talk to only In the academic medicine, generally, the productivity is depressed individuals. However, there are so many not as essential as it is in private practice. The academic psychiatric sub specialties that are incredibly fascinating psychiatrist is the person who is able to still do and very different from each other. Beside the general psychotherapy and medication management. It does not adult psychiatry, there is child and adolescent, geriatric, matter how many patient's you see because your salary is forensic as well as substance abuse and addiction guaranteed. They do a healthy amount of research or psychiatry. I am a consultation-liaison psychiatrist, which strong focus on teaching. means that I deal with patients whose medical illness or Is it harder for patients to deal with physical or mental medications induce psychiatric symptoms in a hospital illness? setting. Beyond that, there are combined residency I remember a patient from 5500 that initially kept his programs in psychiatry and family practice, internal diabetes under control and then slowly got burned out. He medicine or neurology and even more fellowships if you got sick of the daily blood sugars and just quit taking care are interested in basic science or clinical research. of himself. Years of hyperglycemia ultimately led to his How difficult is it to match at a psychiatric residency of leg being amputated. I was consulted to see him for your choice? depression. He told me that experiencing his major Fortunately for a 4th year medical student, who wants to depressive episodes was far more horrific than anything do psychiatry, getting into a top notch residency is easy to related to diabetes. He talked about the fog that rolled do. Psychiatry is one of those less populated specialties over him and how the ability to make decisions was because students are reluctant to give up the "hands on" robbed of him. He talked about feeling like a robot and part of medicine that they have come to know and enjoy. how things he used to enjoy in life, a cold glass of Students can almost put their finger on a map and point lemonade on a hot summer day, a warm bath on a cold where they want to do their residency. It is by far one of winter night, were not enjoyable any longer. He felt how the best perks about psychiatry. someone has stolen who he was out of him in the middle What is the difference between private and academic of the night and left this empty shell to carry on. Diabetes psychiatry? was a nuisance but it was not nearly as difficult to deal With the changes in health care right now, private with as two months of major depression. So, definitely, if psychiatrists have been maneuvered into an you ask the patients, any mental illness is by far more uncomfortable position. The insurance companies don't difficult to deal with than the physical ailments. reimburse or compensate psychiatrists on an equal parity How would you describe the interaction with your basis for medication management and psychotherapy colleagues in other medical fields? Happy Holidays from Carl Hoogesteger! What is the one thing you want for Christmas? Carl — Pass the anatomy final rocks! Are you on the naughty list or the nice list this year and why? — Friday nights I am on the naughty list. Most other nights I am on the nice list. What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? — I change the channel to whoever is not playing Christmas music. WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 17 I feel very valued and respected by other physicians. I I was interviewed for a local paper here in Omaha and think that other physicians feel burdened when their they asked me, 'If you could not have gone into patients, in addition to their primary illness, have a psychiatry, what would you have gone into?' At the end psychiatric illness. Patients will not take care of their of my third year, when I was honest with myself, there physical needs if they have mental and emotional was nothing else that even came close to psychiatry. I difficulties. I have found other physicians are incredibly realized that if I could not go into psychiatry, I would supportive and nurturing of psychiatry because they know rather sell makeup at the mall and that my passion was if their patients are not emotionally at their best, their really working with students. My students read that in the medical conditions can disintegrate and worsen. paper and thought it was hilarious and they made a sign Are you a psychiatrist at home? quoting me. It has been hanging in my office ever since... There is a saying, 'If the solicitors come to your house Any advice for the students when choosing their at night, tell them you already gave a donation at your specialty of choice? office.' Sometimes, I feel that I already gave at the office Listen to your heart. Rhyme and reason will follow. and I feel that my gas tank is too empty to listen. But it Clues that you have found the right specialty: has taken practice to realize that I don't have to be my -You wonder how your patients are doing over the husband's psychiatrist, that nothing is expected of me, weekend . that all he wants is my presence. All I have to do is listen -You are not excited on Fridays that the week is over. and I don't have to say anything back. I think that my -You look forward to Mondays. husband would tell you that I am a wonderful listener at -You are coming in on weekends just to see your patients home, that I am terrible at returning the phone calls at without writing any notes. home, talking to friends on the phone, because when I get -You hate your attending but still feel as above. home I am really tired of talking. -You love your attending and you feel like you are on What is the story behind the famous "make up" quote? cloud nine. Look who's smiling at you! 2 3 1 Meghan Sebasky M3 Nate Birgenheier M2 4 5 Bat Boy Matt West M4 Kayla Barnard M1 18 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 CLEVER-NAMED TEAMS: By John Schmitz All M2 Eyes on the T-shirts! T he fall intramural season has certainly felt the the league. An end of the year showdown between the weight of the M2 class. There has been a high class's two teams ended appropriately in a tie with three level of participation, with the class fielding an touchdowns apiece, and more importantly, no ill feelings. ultimate Frisbee All three bowling teams (Rollin' on squad and three teams each for Dubs, The Tight Ends, and Big Erns) bowling, flag football, and started the season strong. The teams volleyball. did not drop any games until they The disc flingers, cleverly stopped showing up because they named Counter Spin, realized that they could still drink competed as a co-rec team without bowling on Thursday nights, against other co-rec and all and that the bowling season goes on, male teams. Counter Spin and on, and on. . . finished the season 1-3 but Volleyball is still winding down, earned much respect in the but to this point has been dominated league and looks to improve by the M2 teams. The class's three quite a bit next year as they teams have a combined record of 19- will return their entire starting 1. In the co-rec playoffs, The squad. The Tight Ends, M2 Ladies' Flag Football Team, Ultimate Cremasters will clash with A The highlight of the flag gather to celebrate their championship status while Spike Lee Joint in a repeat of last they wait to get their championship T-shirts. football season on the year's semi-final matchup. On the women's side was when they men's side, Leaving With Your captured the title of B- Champions. A small but loyal Girlfriend will compete against a team they have following of fans braved harsh weather conditions on previously beaten in the championship match. Leaving championship night to watch The Tight Ends shut out With Your Girlfriend and A Spike Lee Joint are not only their opponents 19-0 in the new Creighton soccer undefeated in match play, but have yet to drop a single stadium. game. Despite dividing the talent pool on the men's side, both As the semester comes to a close, the Class of 2007 is teams also had their share of success, each finishing the eagerly anticipating the upcoming basketball season for regular season 4-1. In the A league, Git er Done fell in the another chance to expand their wardrobes with those semi-final round to the eventual league champions. In B+ highly coveted IM championship t-shirts. action, P=MD was knocked out by the by the #2 team in CAN DOUG FORGIT BE SANTA? M2 classmates wonder... -What is the one thing you want for Christmas? Doug Forgit in a Santa hat wearing his nurse uniform -Are you on the naughty list or the nice list this year ? Doug is definitely on the naughty list. WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 19 ing a short "e" sound to a short "o" sound. The word ! by Mike Coffey ends up sounding like "saunt-i-meet-er" or "sont-i-meet- t er," and, frankly, I think it should be the subject of ridi- cule. You'll never hear them say that their cup of coffee n t cost only fifty "sonts" or that water freezes at zero de- en grees "sont-i-grade," but to a surgeon, everything from ud a St ace abdominal hernias to zygomatic arches are measured in ed pe e M r "sont-i-meet-ers." My advice to them: Get over your- R er nne g th yS? selves and learn how we pronounce words in the 21st tt d i n da Bi n ri i "Sont-ury." a n a Fi du Hol Something else that has brought joy to my life this win- C ter is my recent success as a billboard model. Myself and three of my classmates participated in a photo shoot a S easons greetings, o pursuers of wellness! As I write this article, I find myself in the Criss Com- month or two ago for a billboard promoting CUMC. The puter Lab at 7:00 on a Friday evening. As recent four of us stood there with dazed looks on our faces, pre- as last year, you couldn't have paid me to spend tending that we were being taught about seronegative time at school on a Friday night. But, spondyloarthropathies by one of alas, here I am, toiling away on a week- Creighton's internal medicine physi- end night in an attempt to bring balance cians as the camera snapped shot after to this publication. sexy shot. I must admit that the end Even I, Captain Mike of the USS result was only half as gratifying as I Cynicism, find much to be cheerful had expected. As if it wasn't bad about and thankful for this holiday sea- enough that I had to wear makeup for a son. Why, just today I experienced the brief moment during the shoot, the pic- tasty treat of being able to sleep in. My ture they used has yours truly standing alarm clock didn't rouse me this morn- at the very far left, and the left-hand ing until 4:55 AM. How is that sleep- border of the photo has cut out the pos- ing in, you ask? Well, considering that terior half of my body in the coronal my wake-up call has been coming at plane. The image that I had envisioned 4:25 AM for the past two weeks, this as being a bastion of machismo to morning was luxurious. You see, I've countless attractive women driving spent the last two weeks of my life as down I-80 has been resected to what the M3 student on Neurosurgery, or as can now only be identified as a white other students so fondly refer to it, coat with a forehead. My agent has "Neuro-scourge-ery," where the motto since been fired. is "10 laps around the ICU equal one Here is my final list for 2004 of terms mile." To be honest, I'm not entirely I've picked up in medical school that sure why the word "surgery" is in- sound like the name of a rock band: cluded in the name of this valiant disci- Scutmonkey and proud of it. Bulb Suction, Lithogenic Bile, Axial pline, as I've only seen the operating Flap, Ultrasonic Murphy's, Vascular room twice while on this service. I guess I can be thank- Impotence, Medical Maggots, Osteoid Soup, Anastomotic ful, however, that tomorrow is my last day as the "Neuro- Leak, Psoas Shadow, Drop Attack, Stroke Chain, scut-monkey" and that the staff and residents have been Megacode, Mental Clouding, Anal Verge, Gastric Pull- pleasant to work with. (To the M1s and M2s that have up, Hemodynamic Impetus, Venous Leak, Peritoneal Re- never heard the word "scut:" ask an M3 or M4 what it flections, Gastric Bubble, and my personal favorite this means and you'll receive more than an earful.) time, Mesenchymal Riot. Another thing that perturbs me about the wonderful It's now 9:30 on a Friday night – time to conclude my world of surgery is the time-honored tradition of using an ramblings and head a few centimeters up the street to my alternative pronunciation of the word "centimeter." Until favorite watering hole, where I'm known not as a bill- recently, I was not aware that most self-respecting sur- board model, but as the medical student who has to leave geons, in an effort to distinguish themselves from mere the party early in order to make it to Neurosurgery rounds "physicians," pronounce the first "e" in "centimeter" the on time. Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and a way that you would pronounce the "a" in "father," chang- relaxing break. 20 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Reflections on the First One-Eighth By Brian Nagao O maha is a beautiful city flew into the ceiling of Doug's muscles, except perhaps and I am glad that it will bedroom and never came down. my brachioradiales be my home for the next Doug was later advised to get For many of my M1 four years. And as prophylactic rabies treatment classmates as well as anyone who knows me would say, I until the situation was resolved. myself, the first OSCE have not stopped singing the praises Many M2s, M3s, and M4s say that was an odyssey in ineptitude. of our Creighton community. the first semester of medical school Nevertheless, it was a valuable However, the days in Omaha have is so difficult because of the vast experience in becoming comfortable grown cold and short, and like adjustment. Many M1s go from with patients and the clinical setting. anyone from Hawaii, I am not being gods of undergrad to I am inspired by the words of C.S. amused. Perhaps, I am swayed by worrywarts who tediously fumble at Lewis, "Experience: that most brutal the daily hypothermia from the two- their courses. Success requires that a of teachers. But you learn, my God block walk between the parking lot person plays to his or her strengths. do you learn." I believe that people and school or the prospect of hitting For example, I am a hands-on are most receptive to learning when every structure between 40th and 24th learner; I learn best when I can the unfamiliar experience moves Street when I skid touch, hold, and manipulate the them out of their comfort zone. If down to school on new information. This is this is true, I was absolutely our icy roads. On particularly helpful during scholarly during all of my IPE the bright side, the anatomy tests. On the test of patient interactions. Though the bats have migrated the upper limb, I frequently breast exam was not one of my away from this cold used my own arm to solve favorite topics, the experience weather and I will problems, and this was allowed me to learn and retain most not miss them. readily apparent to anyone of the important skills. Still, no During my first sitting next to me. I am not one's experience should be month in the Phi alone in my learning n e e d l e s s l y The migration from Phi Chi Chi, there were at approach; Joe, who sits uncomfortable. To least fifteen bat next to me, also struck me avoid such a invasions. For many of the incidents as a hands-on learner. On the test distress, I have I performed pest control, a role that over the perineum, we abstained included some is not my forte especially when it from such a strategy, as we did not statements that one involves large insects or rodents, want to become the first med should not say during a b r e a s t flying or otherwise. One of my students in Creighton's history to fail exam. roommates, Arshad, proved quite an exam because of lewd behavior. Whoa! helpful in one particular case. Bats In retrospect, I do not think that my I was worried about the skin have sensitive hearing and Arshad, hands-on learning approach gave me depression between your breasts, but keen to this fact, used high-pitched an unfair advantage in anatomy. My rest assured it was only your belly shrieks to disorient the bat. On body has a relatively limited button. another occasion, we did not know reference of anatomical features. Okay we're finished. You can roll what became of one of the bats; it My arms have poorly defined 'em back up now. RICH HUGHES' SONGS FOR WINTER What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? Manhattan Transfer or Manheim Steamroller WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 21 TO CARJACK OR NOT TO CARJACK? By George Singletary I know a lot of Wellness Chronicle articles focus on of what you eat versus what you do. If you steal cars to go exercise and spirituality but I find that after a eat fast food (instead of walking there), you get morbidly cardiology final nothing really hits the spot like obese. While this looks pretty cool on screen, it makes it stealing a car and blowing things up. You may have really hard to run from the cops. Trust me, I found that heard about the Grand Theft Auto video game saga over after I stopped participating in crimes that might require the years, probably from parents groups. The following stamina, I immediately put on message is for those parents groups. weight. This occured some Warning: If you are opposed to random acts of violence time since starting medical in a videogame universe or are under 18 years of school. I just haven't had the age...go back to picking posies and stop reading this opportunity to shoplift as much as article! I used to (Robbins was just to bulky, even under a baggy sweater). But, back to the video game. Another 'upgrade' is your ability to respond to random pedestrians. Just walking around the city people will comment on your appearance and sex appeal. You can I resisted the video game craze for years and only gave choose to respond positively or negatively. Be careful! in to purchasing a Playstation 2 after playing Grand Theft Some female pedestrian was commenting on how good I Auto III (iow GTAIII) back before medical school. I was looked and I chose to respond with "Don't you have some hooked! This game lets you live out kids to be taking care of!" Needless to say, she your dreams of rampaging through the pulled out an Uzi and quickly 'popped multiple streets of an interactive city with a caps in my ass' leading to my demise (an cache of weapons ranging from baseball overhead shot of your bleeding carcass on the bats and samarai swords to bazookas street overlaid with the word 'Wasted'. and flamethrowers. OK, so those were After completing enough 'jobs' in Los Santos, my dreams but I must not be the only you are sent into San Fierro (aka San Francisco) one. featuring the infamous Lombard Street (I The most recent installment in the recommend just skipping those GTA series (San Andreas) was released, annoying switchbacks and much to my dismay, during the middle flying over the entire street in of our cardiology unit (October 25th). a s tol en mo to rcy cl e), Since then it has sold 2 million units ridiculously steep streets (you grossing over $100 million in sales can finally take them at full (biz.gamedaily.com)! Fortunately for speed and watch the sparks my future in cardiology, I held off on fly out from underneath your purchasing it until after the final. Unfortunately for my car, and you don't care cuz it's stolen future as a nephrologist, I am now addicted. anyway), and an amazingly realistic GTA San Andreas has expanded the gameplay Golden Gate bridge (so realistic that enormously. There are now three major cities to explore, jumping off of it after miserably each with their own personality. You begin the game in failing a renal quiz actually brings some Los Santos (a poorly disguised Los Angeles) where you sickening inner peace). Don't forget to stop by are responsible for earning enough 'respect' to lead your Jizzy's Pleasure Dome. Tell him George sent you; you own gang to dominance through the successful will be kicked out immediately. completion of retaliatory drive-by's and 'tagging' over My next destination is going to be Las Ventura (aka Las rival gangs territories. While you are at it stop in and pick Vegas). Unfortunately I am not really sure what to expect up a bucket of fried chicken, or a salad meal if you are here because I haven't gotten that far in the game. watching your weight. I know, it may seem kind of sick to run around sinking One of the 'upgrades' in this installment is the tracking See Video Game Review: Page 23 22 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 WHAT WILL THE ELVES BRING THIS YEAR FOR BRENT HOLMQUIST? What is the one thing you want for Christmas? -An MP3 player What is your favorite quote from the movie ELF? -"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and maple syrup." What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? -Trans-Siberian Orchestra SMG lead simply cuz they stepped about my lack of sensitivity, follow GTA III: Stealing cars on your puma but hey, it's a video the sounds of screaming bystanders game! It's not like we haven't all and echoing gunshots. We are and causing mayhem wanted to do it before. And if you usually trying to scare the bejeezus in your spare time haven't, then don't! I, for instance, out of Dr. Kavan and staff in the have found that I really don't like Office of Student Affairs. Sorry Dr. Continued from Page 22 people so I MAKE SURE TO K, you should have anticipated that chain saws into people, chopping off AVOID THEM! before putting the giant HDTV so their heads, or filling them full of If you need to find me to complain close to your office! PATRICK LEW CRIES OUT, "NOT ALL ASIAN GUYS LOOK ALIKE" What is the one thing you want for Christmas? -For people to stop calling me Jetson What is you favorite Christmas CD or song? -Britney Spears – All I want for Christmas Jetson, not Patrick This is Patrick Who is the one person you hope to meet under the mistletoe this season? -If I want to live, I would say my girlfriend. WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 23 RIGORS OF INTERN LIFE By Justin Birge JB: What was the biggest change going from fourth year time in the emergency room. The acute care situations to residency? are very appealing to me, much more so than clinic, and NK: There are a lot of little things, but there is less paperwork! the biggest one has to be the increase JB: What advice would you give students who are on in level of responsibility. As a student, rotations? you don't realize all of the details you NK: Students should try to learn as much as they can on have to think about when taking care any given rotation, even if that rotation is not something of a pediatric patient. Even though they are particularly interested in. Surely, not everyone there are supervising residents and will enjoy pediatrics as much as I do, but you should at attendings, there isn't always someone least humor the residents and put forth your best effort. standing over your shoulder watching From my perspective, it is a major drawback to have Lack of sleep, but everything you do; you are much students who appear completely bored out of their minds. still a smiling intern! more independent and have to learn On any rotation, if students show just a little bit of to think on your own very quickly. initiative, it really goes a long way. JB: Do you feel like you have JB: What caused you to choose the Creighton/UNMC enough free time to actually enjoy it? program? NK: Surprisingly, there has been plenty of free time. A NK: I specifically liked the idea of working at three nice balance exists between inpatient and outpatient different hospitals. I wanted to get the exposure of rotations in pediatrics, so the time you spend at Children's working in a freestanding hospital like Children's but also during a busy month balances out when you do a clinic in the university atmosphere, which includes more month. Plus, the 80-hour workweek limits the amount of research and emphasis on academics. That and the time we can be at the hospital, and staff are very weather/road construction. supportive about getting us out of the hospital when we JB: What is the toughest thing residency so far? are post-call. There are those months where you work and NK: The hardest thing about pediatrics is seeing kids with sleep, but generally I have time to work out and even illness or debility that could have been prevented if they relax a bit. You do have to manage the free time, but there would have been provided with proper preventive health is still opportunity to pursue hobbies like reading and care and immunizations. It is also very difficult to deal watching movies. I am partial to The Royal Tenebaums with cases of injury that involve negligence or and Emergency Imaging of the Acutely Ill or Injured irresponsible child care. Child or Widow for One Year. I love Richie. JB: What is the best thing about pediatrics? JB: Did medical school adequately prepare you for NK: I am essentially required to say "poo-poo" and "pee- residency? pee" on a daily basis. I am not sure that anything can prepare you for some of JB: What is the best piece of advice you can give to the things that happen in the NICU, but overall I feel that students preparing for residency? medical school did a great job of preparing me for the NK: Take responsibility for your patients and show challenges of residency. initiative now. Know what medications they are on, what JB: Was it all (medical school) worthwhile? their labs are and their vital signs. Be thorough with your NK: Yes, I wouldn't trade it for any other job and I can't physical exams. Never having done a history & physical imagine myself doing anything else…except for being a or rectal exam on your own isn't a good reason not to do sex ed teacher. That has always been my secret back-up it. Jump in while you are still expected to make mistakes. profession in case pediatrics doesn't pan out. Don't aim only for perfection, just do your JB: What are you looking forward to most about job with enthusiasm and a touch of residency? competence. You'll still be learning long NK: Being done with the intern year. As a second and after graduation. third year resident you begin to take care of PICU JB: Favorite hospital food? patients, which I am really looking forward to, and spend NK: Blueberry pancakes at Children's. 24 WELLNESS CHRONICLE WINTER 2004 Winter Events Calendar By Kyle Ulveling Hope all is well at the end of another semester. There's a whole lot going on in the metro the next couple of months. We got the return of 2 great B-Ball teams, 2 hockey teams, stage pro- ductions, concerts, stand-up and Extreme Motorcycle Ice Racing! Oh, before I forget, yes Dr. Jeffries, Sesame Street will be here for 3 days! Good luck with exams, and have a great Christmas! Dec 7 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Kent State @ QCO Dec 9 …………………..………………………………………………...UNO Hockey vs Lake Superior State @ QCO Dec 10 …………………..………………………………………………...CU WBB vs Iowa @ the Civic Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Dec 11 …………………..………………………………………………...UNO Hockey vs Lake Superior State @ QCO Omaha Lancer Hockey vs Green Bay @ MAC Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Dec 16 …………………..………………………………………………...OLH vs Indiana @ MAC Dec 17 …………………..………………………………………………...OLH vs Tri-Cities @ MAC Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum (runs through Dec 19) Dec 18 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Wyoming @ QCO CU WBB vs Nebraska @ the Civic Dec 21 …………………..………………………………………………...CU WBB vs Kansas @ the Civic Dec 24 …………………..………………………………………………...Christmas Eve Mass @ St. John's (5pm, 11pm) Dec 25 …………………..………………………………………………...Christmas Mass @ St. John's (8am, 10:30am) Dec 26 …………………..………………………………………………...Mannheim Steamroller Concert @ QCO Dec 28 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Bradley @ QCO Dec 30 …………………..………………………………………………...Extreme Intl Motorcycle Ice Racing @ MAC Jan 1 …………………..………………………………………………...OLH vs Tri-Cities @ MAC Jan 2 …………………..………………………………………………...Harlem Globetrotters B-Ball @ QCO Jan 4 …………………..………………………………………………...Sesame Street Live @ QCO (runs through Jan 6) Jan 6 …………………..………………………………………………...CU WBB vs Indiana State @ the Civic Jan 7 …………………..………………………………………………...UNO Hockey vs Northern Michigan @ QCO The Full Monty Play @ the Orpheum (runs through Jan 9) Jan 8 …………………..………………………………………………...UNO Hockey vs Northern Michigan @ QCO CU WBB vs Illinois State @ the Civic Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Jan 9 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Southern Illinois @ QCO Jan 11 …………………..………………………………………………...OLH vs Sioux City @ MAC Jan 14 …………………..………………………………………………...Monster Jam Monster Truck Racing @ QCO Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Jan 15 …………………..………………………………………………...Monster Jam Monster Truck Racing @ QCO CU WBB vs Drake @ the Civic Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Jan 19 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Drake @ QCO Jan 20 …………………..………………………………………………...Auto Show 2005 @ QCO (runs through Jan 23) Jan 21 …………………..………………………………………………...Toby Keith Concert @ QCO Jan 22 …………………..………………………………………………...CU MBB vs Illinois State @ QCO OLH vs Des Moines @ MAC Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum Jan 25 …………………..…………………………………The Producers Musical @ the Orpheum (runs through Jan 30) Jan 27 …………………..………………………………………………...CU WBB vs UNI @ the Civic Jan 28 …………………..………………………………………………...OLH vs Tri-Cities @ MAC Jan 29 …………………..………………………………………………...Larry the Cable Guy Stand-Up @ MAC Jan 30 …………………..………………………………………………...CU WBB vs Bradley @ the Civic Omaha Symphony @ the Orpheum


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AMCTV interview about MAKERS and Disney World
I recently conducted an interview with AMCTV's Sci-Fi Scanner about my new novel MAKERS, in which we got into some nice, juicy detail about what makes Disney Parks so fascinating for science fiction treatment.
Makers Author Cory Doctorow Explains the SciFi Allure of Disney World
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Makers took me places I'd never been and would not have thought of visiting, and I had a wonderful time there. It introduced me to some really interesting strangers and involved me in their remarkable lives. It painted a persuasive picture of a better tomorrow I've been having more and more trouble imagining lately. And it was a lot of fun. It gives me renewed hope for the future, of both written science fiction and the world.
Spider Robinson The Globe and Mail
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Originally written on The Football Fan Spot | Last updated 11/5/14
New Orleans Saints (5-7) at New York Giants (7-5) Earlier this week, I outlined why the Redskins should be considered the favorites to win the NFC East. The Redskins, presumably, have the tiebreaker, by virtue of their better divisional record. They are a game back right now, but they are almost definitely going favored in each of their last four games, while the Giants will be favored in just two of their final 4. If the Redskins can win just 3 of 4 (games against Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Dallas look very winnable), that will force the Giants to have to win at least 3 of 4 as well and with games against New Orleans, Baltimore, and Atlanta in 3 of their final 4, that's going to be very tough. I'm hardly counting them out, but the Redskins should be considered the favorites. That's pretty crazy considering the Redskins would have basically been eliminated had they lost last week to the Giants. They would have been 3 games up, holding the tiebreaker (by virtue of sweeping the seas...
Original Story: http://footballfanspot.com/new-orlean...
PLAYERS: Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, Drew Brees
TEAMS: Washington Redskins, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints
TEAMS: Washington Redskins, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints
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It's been two years since I created this account, and it's been incredible all the stuff that this two years have brought me, I still remember the night when I created, my depression, Nico, my school problems, being a new kid, the bitch of my old psychologist and many other things. It makes me sad that next year I won't be able to write here and whine about life.
So I finally decided to check out the LGBT community center that was way across town. No matter what I was going to get there. Well first off, my mother accidentally took my house keys to work with her. I managed to unlock the door anyway, still works too. Then it turns out there were some detours for my bus route because **** me.
I feel odd looking back at past journals. The past is not something that I am fond of, a lot of my journals are personal memories that are pretty miserable but basically myself just moaning a lot about my shortcomings. Writing the journals though helped me understand myself better and I think Oasis was a very important and safe area for me to do this.
She is perfect .tall, dusky and beautiful of looks and mind.I've known her for five years since we were eleven and I have left many a guy because she told me too.She is straight and I thought I was but turns out I wasn't .It took me five years to realise I'm in love with her.I love her more than anything and I wish I'd seen the signs earlier.I've stopped talking to her when my true feelings for her and my orientation scared me .
It is hard to believe I forgot to mention this yet, but on December 1, Oasis turned 18.
Which means, were it a site member, I would have hinted it could now legally send me naked photos. And, like 99.9999999% of site members, it wouldn't send me any...
Anyway, just figured I should mark the birthday.
Even as the fate of the site hangs in the balance, it is still important to think of how many people the site has helped and continues to help.
I just can't believe I had the foresight to start Oasis when I was 12 years old!
I finally got a chance to see it, thanks to Blockbuster having insane price cuts due to their demise. Man, that documentary. The one kid, Alex I think his name was, he reminded me so much of myself at that age because of the things that he went through. Even so, the whole film spoke volumes.
If rap's "your thing," this short video should inspire! Impressive as they are, I feel the male contribution is a tad underrepresented! :(
they're free to do as they please, I assure you
absolute bliss, I have no words!
you are (not) an imprisoned dude
needs motivation
sexual desire (with nobody in partikular)
diverged, separate, mind kontrol
philanthropic and happier
romantik feelings (with somebody very partikular)
billions of dukklings inside my mind
you feel that?
shut the fukk up
the fukk
A few days ago I felt lonely. Friends all busy and such, as I should be. Usually that isn't a problem for me, I just occupy myself with any projects or independent research. But that day I just had no idea of what to do, it was pretty horrible. I cried a little too, but a few hours later I felt fine. Perhaps it was too much sugar or something I ate.
Hey, guys, haven't been around in a while. I thought I'd re-enter by telling you about the socially awkward penguin moment I had today.
I guess first and foremost I just want to say that Oasis has been a very helpful resource for me these past three years. The discussions and interactions I've participated in or observed on this site have been eye-opening and have allowed me to even make a few friends on this site.
Rome's beautiful (and quite gay!) Christmas street lighting; Conservatives are upset… but are confused as to how to respond!!
See article on HuffPo here:
When I'm outside, I like to look over the trees on the horizon and imagine that there's an undiscovered world beyond them that civilization hasn't yet corrupted, and no other people exist. It makes me feel like there is still a place where I can be free and not be bothered by the materialism of other people.
I had a dream last night about being chased by people who controlled the society in which I was. As fast as I could, I packed all my stuff into a white van. It took too long, and a flying witch came down from the sky while I was outside and carried me off.
I'm kinda sad writing this right now because since this site is scheduled to close down a year sooner now I feel that I have to try to do SOMETHING to help out.
It's tougher for me to come on here now with my heavier school work load (TWO English classes-one regular and one elective) and still doing physical therapy on my injured foot to balance out the strength between each leg. It wears me out, especially after a long day in school.
yeah, I know I'm horrid about updating but my comp got thrown down the stairs and then the guy who threw it went into a diabetic coma and died two days later.... as you can tell, my life is just one big mess of Charlie-Foxtrot-ted-ness right now.... since I've last posted, I've....
~gotten a job
~had far too many cups of tea in 7 days than is healthy for anyone but an English dowager
~had my computer thrown down 3 sets of stairs, thus making the screen crack'd from side to side
~had a haircut that made me look like ringo starr
~was in a band for two weeks


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New River Gorgeous Trail Run
August 22, 2015
Join ACE Adventure Resort for the 14th Annual New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Walk. There are three race options – all the courses wander through deep hardwood forests and offer spectacular views of the New River and the historic town of Thurmond. And yes, prizes are awarded. Click to see the Video of 2014 New River Gorgeous Trail Run & Walk.
Registration Fees
Half Marathon Run: $30
8.5-mile Run: $20
6.0-mile Walk: $15
Race Day Registration: add $5
Race Day Itinerary:
8:00 am – 9:30 am – race day registration and packet pick up
10:00 am – prerace meeting
10:30 – race start
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – burrito luncheon for all racers
1:30 pm – awards ceremony
Prize Purse & Racer Perks:
• Cash prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners for men and women in both the half-marathon and 8.5-mile races
• Half-Marathon - medals awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each division
• 8.5-Miler - medals awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in each division
• Walkers – medals awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners
• All racers (runners and walkers) are included in the gear raffle
• The first 150 registrants will receive the 13th Annual commemorative t-shirt
• All racers can enjoy ACE's signature burrito luncheon - come with an appetite
Free camping for all racers Bring along the family and enjoy some of ACE's great activities like whitewater rafting, zip-lining or the Adventure Park and Lake. ACE provides free camping to racers so make a weekend of it. We also have a full menu of deluxe lodging options with outdoor hot tubs that are perfect for soaking those sore muscles after the race.
Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors