Finally !!

My plasma TV is finally HERE and mounted on my wall !! It's about freakin' time. It's so pretty too! I'm loving BSG in HD. Whee!

Sad News

The patient I referred to in a post a few days ago came in last night for a contact lens check-up. They're doing well with the contacts, but had a rought time at the specialist's office.

Three doctors came in the room to see the patient. They all said the same thing I did, "Hmmmmmm". Knowing the patient's nerves didn't look right they did blood work and two different MRI's.

The tentative diagnosis: Brain Tumor. We'll know more when they get the second series of MRI's back. This time they're targeting the optic chiasm.

Hopefully, for my patient's sake, it's something treatable and benign. The referral docs promised to keep me posted.

Poor Doggie

I was up almost all night with Tiger. Poor thing had a bad case of the doggie runs :( So, he was waking me up almost hourly to run downstairs to do his doggie business. Thank GOD my dog loves me enough to wake me up to take him out. It's SO much better than scrubbing that stuff out of the carpet at 3am. I love my dog !!

I went home at lunch today to check up on him. He seems to be better. I have no idea what brought this on. He hasn't eaten anything weird that i know of. he is a little lethargic... maybe he caught a little virus or something. All I know now is he is getting better.. and that it a good thing.

Now I just have to stay awake to get through my day. I've already downed a Starbucks and a Diet Coke. I'm also making the staff yawn because I keep yawning.

Giddy as a school girl !!

As Suz would say, *SQUEEEEEE* !!

My most favorite author is releasing a book in two weeks !! Her name is Margaret George and she write very tome-ish novels about major historical figures. I began reading her novels with her book about Cleopatra. (I also have a thing for all things Egyptian, which G can attest to) I've read all of her works except Mary Called Magdalene. I've heard that book is not as well written as the others. I LOVE LOVE LOVE historical fiction. And she's who got me into it.

Her newest novel is on Helen of Troy.
Helen of Troy

Check her out if you like historical fiction! She's worth the read. I'd recommend starting with Memoirs of Cleopatra. It's the best.

Drama finally comes to an end

The plasma TV drama is FINALLY over.

When it originally happened, I was too angry to even blog about the TV drama. By calling Sound Advice last week to find out the new delivery date on my TV (we were already five days past the THIRD re-do delivery date) I got hold of a manager. He informs me that the store can no longer GET that model of TV. WHAT??!! Again, why the F*** did you losers put it on SALE !!

He explained my options were:
1. wait SIX WEEKS for the newer model of our TV
2. Get our money back
3. change the TV over to another brand

Since we didn't want another brand.. and these guys had already dicked us over TWICE we decided to get our money back. These guys didn't deserve our money.

Refund in hand we trotted over to Circuit City. MIRACULOUSLY they have our same TV. Same model number same EVERYTHING! They have 500 of them in their warehouse !! (can't get the model my ass, Sound Advice)

So, we tried to get CC to match the other stores sale price (250 dollars less), but since Sound Advice was no longer selling the model, they wouldn't price match. At this point, I was so fed up it was worth the extra 250 just to not have to deal with this BS one more day.

My new TV is FINALLY being delivered on Friday. The installers come on Saturday and I'm have a Battlestar Galactica DVD marathon on Sunday. HEH.

Working Late and Having Fun !

Wednesday is normally my late day to work, but this week it was extra long. My last patient (630) was not correctable better than 20/30 when they had been 20/20 last year by the old records from the last exam with another office. Upon dilation, the nerves were elevated and pale in both eyes. The patient was also reporting headaches almost every day. yeah, this isn't generally a good thing. It didn't look like papilledema because the margins of the nerve were distinct. But, optic nerve drusen doesn't give you palor. Hmmmmmm. When in doubt, get a second opinion. So, I scheduled the patient to see a local OMD. The patient called back today (two days later) and said the headaches were worse and they feel like their vision's fluctuating. So, I called the OMD and got the patient in this afternoon. I had to rush out a referral letter so the doc seeing the patient today knows what's going on. Thank goodness for fax machines, eh ? Hopefully they'll get back to me soon so I can figure out what's going on. The patient sounded rather paniced on the phone today. poor thing. Hopefully it's nothing serious.

Then, after working with that patient until 715, I had a patient walk in at 7pm with scratchy irritated eyes. And, the patient was from out of town on business. They saw me running around the office so they knew I was still at work. Can't really turn away a patient with red eyes when they know you're here, eh ? So, I left work at 815pm.

It's a long day for me... but nothing compared to my med school and resident friends who are working 14 hour days. Y'all have way more balls than I do. Hang in there guys !!

Last night was my second night with the Jolly Roger H3. The group is so much fun. I met another girl who's been out of town last week when I was there. But, she just moved to Tampa six weeks ago with her fiance. We graduated from college the same year and seem to have a lot of fun together. We'll see. I'm planning on heading to a pool party Saturday night after work with the hash. They're running Saturday at 5pm, but I won't be out of work yet. I do want to support the cause though, since Saturdays run is to support the troops. We're brining disposable cameras, puzzle books, and munchies. The family hosting the party has a sun in the Marines. And, half the hash is ex-military.

Car Woes

I was just rear ended. :(

I'm fine, but my bumper has seen better days. I spent an hour on the side of I275 in the rain waiting for Florida Highway Patrol. The girl who hit me was cited... so hopefully I won't even have to pay my deductible for the damages. I guess I'll keep y'all posted.

Back to school

This weekend was my first "back to school" continuing education weekend. Since I'm newly licensed in the state of Florida, I only needed three hours of CE before my license expires on 2/07. Which, is pretty nice. Florida requires 1 hour of CE in AIDS and two hours of CE in preventing medical erros every two years when you renew. (Florida renews biennially, too) The law did just change, however, in that I no longer have to take the AIDS class every two years. Yay! Seriously, there's only so much you can learn about AIDS.

The hotel the conference was in was very nice. They had the LAMEST lobby/hallway set up I've ever seen though. They had wide, open hallways in the lobby and central corridors.. but then, as soon as the hallways narrowed to go to the guest rooms THAT's where they put the elevators. GENIUS! So, every time you wanted to walk down the hallway you had to shove your way through the thirty people waiting at the elevators with their luggage, bellboys, etc. It was the dumbest dumbest lay out. But, I digress. The hotel itself was very nice. The Marriott Beach Resort on Marco Island. Marco Island is a barrier island in Florida off the coast of Naples. It's about a three hour drive south of Tampa. Thanks to G's elite status with Marriott we landed a sweet, very large, ocean front king sized room. VERY pretty.

I had my AIDS class first Saturday afternoon. After class, G and I decided to head out to the pool. Bad idea. Everyone else and their dog was at the pool. There were no seats. So, we head down to the lovely white sand beach. There, the conceirge proceeds to tell us there are no seats in the shade available unless you RENT a tiki hut. (many many dollars an hour) WHAT!? I have to PAY for shade in Florida? You're kidding me. G , unfortunately, is very very white and cannot spend more than twenty minutes at a time in the sun (even with sunblock) without turning a beautiful shade of pinkish red. But, being Florida, ten minutes after we got out to the beach, our afternoon thunderstorm rolled in. At this point, G and I gave up and drove into Naples to go see a movie and have dinner.

We ended up seeing You Me and Dupree, which was cute ... but, not something I'd want to spend 10 bucks to see. Oh well. We stayed cool and had fun together , which is what's important. Naples is a little lack in good food from what we could tell. I'm sure they have good food somewhere we just didnt know where to look. So, Applebees for dinner it was.

Sunday I had my other two hour class. It was the last class of the conference and then we headed back home to Tampa. G had tons of laundry to do before he headed back to Houston again. Poor thing only got to spend two nights this week in his own bed between Houston hotels and then my conference. I'm very glad he went with me, however. I didn't know anyone at the conference except the doctor I interned with. For some reason, though, I never ran into him. We kept playing phone tag.

Next year's conference: The Breakers - Palm Beach

On-On !

Last night I finally got out of the house. A few friends over the past few years have told me about a group called Hash House Harriers. It's a group of runners mainly, or as they like to say it " A drinking group with a running problem". I looked them up on the internet, only to find they have groups all over the WORLD. They started in Kuala Lumpur of all places. And, there are two Hash groups here in Tampa. Tampa Bay H3 and Jolly Roger H3.

Here's how hashing works. (the short version) The group meets at a certain pre-designated spot. One person is pre-arranged to be the "hare". The hare is the lead runner. (Think "most dangerous game" minus the guns) The hare starts running and ten minutes later the pack follows chase. The hare is responsible for setting a trail, marked in flour usually, for the rest of the pack to follow. There are certain symbols used to mark the locations, lead you off trail, decide which direction he/she went, and to let you know when you're near the end..or more importantly... near the beer.




Now, last night was my first night with the Jolly Roger H3. Many virgin remarks were made and it seemed I fit right in. We start out on trail.... and according to my fellow runners this was the looongest trail they had seen in FOREVER. It seems that the hare last night was leaving the area for grad school and wanted it to be a memorable farewell. The first water/beer stop wasn't until about mile FOUR. Good lord, they're trying to kill me !! After many checks,yelling when you find trail, dogs, neighborhood kids, false trails, and tribulations... we finally found "true trail" (ON ON) and headed to the end (ON IN).

After everyone (walkers included) ends up at the finish, the group circles up to discuss the trail, the hare, who ran too fast, who ran too slow, etc. All punishments and rewards are doled out in beer. I became the sacrifical virgin and had to chug half a beer (the DOWN DOWN). I hadn't done that since college. But, even if you don't drink the group won't make you. Water and gatorade is equally chuggable. But, after running about six miles that beer tasted DAMN good.

I met quite a few great people... we headed over to Rick's after the hash to drink and be merry. In my case I was STARVING and needed food. (It's was 10pm afterall) The post hash meet up is called ON-AFTER.

I had a blast !! Thanks,Pete, for pushing me to go. I'll definitely be back next week.

adopt your own virtual pet!

Master of Useless Knowledge

Every night this week VH1 has been showing "The World Series of Pop Culture Trivia".

And, sadly, every night I'm glued to the TV. The main problem... I'm dominating this game. I could be on this game. I OWN this game. Each category they come up with I get 6/6 or 5/6. The only one I missed more than one on was Mob Movies. I've always gotten Goodfellas, Heat, and the Godfather mixed up. I just haven't watched those as much.

Anyway, I don't know whether I should be proud. I am FULL of useless information. Song lyrics, one hit wonders, who starred in which movies, child actors, etc. Is this something I should celebrate ??? Or am I a hopeless loser who REALLY needs to get a life.

I have to say though ... I really like competing on this show from the comfort of my couch. I'm hoping they turn it into a series because I'm glued.

If you're interested... World Series of Pop Culture. Tonight. Vh1. 10PM Eastern/9PM Central. See if you can beat me.

One of last night's questions that they didn't get and I did:

"Which actor, in the 1988 movie "Coming to America" , played a gun toting store robber who held up Eddie Murphy's character ?? "

Shameless Plug

After many years of freelance work and slaving for the man.... My cousin is a published author !! I am SO proud of him !!

His book releases today and I'm off to buy a copy. If you're at ALL into Fantasy novels please check out his book.

Blackstaff: The Wizards

Thus endith the shameless plug for my cousin's book.

Love ya, cuz ! ;)

Day at Universal

Since we are doggie free at the moment (Tiger is on holiday with my parents in North Carolina) G and I decided to take advantage and go to Universal Studios. G has never been and I hadn't been since my band trip freshman year in high school. Yes, this one time at band camp....

I got "discounted" Florida resident tickets online. They were still $50 each. They're $65 at the gate. Am I the only one who thinks these theme park rates are getting a "little" ridiculous.

We arrive in Orlando around 10am. We, of course, had to stop on the way out of town for the morning road trip box of Krispy Kremes.

Upon arrival we realize... They're making me pay to PARK !! You've got to be kidding me! I just paid 100 dollars to walk in and now you're charging me 10 dollars to PARK!! But, since we really had no other choice. We paid. And no, there was no Florida resident discount on parking. (I had to ask at least)

Since it was a slightly overcast day it didn't really break 82 or so all day. Really nice for FL this time of year. That still didn't stop G and me from laughing at all the northerners carrying around their "spray fans" full of misting water. Heh. Wussies.

My favorite ride BY FAR was the Mummy. Indoor, in the dark, roller coaster complete with talking mummys, flames, scarabs, and things that made G and me scream like little girls. It was GREAT! G is not big on upside-down roller coasters so this was about as scary as he likes it, but still TONS of fun. The other rides were fun, but more for amusement. We did have a good time competing in the MIB ride where you have to shoot aliens with guns. Universal also seems to like to spray you with water. Every time we went to a 3D show at some point I got hosed with water. Not a lot, but enough to give you the effect they were trying to get.

I'd have to say the most disappointing ride was ET. Very "it's a small world". At one point G and I started signing It's a Small World and the people sitting next to us joined in. I guess we weren't the only ones overwhelmed by the cheese.

We spent the day, had a 22 dollar hamburger lunch which was very dissatisfying ... but overall had a very fun time. We're very gld we went.

Next time !! DISNEY !! I still haven't been to Animal Kingdom. It was still being built the last time I went in 1991.

Cash Money

I just got $200 off the cost of my TV !! The manager was actually really nice. Very apologetic.

Did you really just say "oops!" ?

Monday the company we bought our new TV from called to set up an appointment for us to have the TV installed. Since G works from home on Friday that's when I told them to show up. They said they'd call Thursday with what time they're coming.

Thursday they leave a message on our answering maching saying the instillation team will be at our home between 10am and 12pm. Okay, fine.

Friday we get a call at 11am from the company. Um, we're really sorry. We never should have called you. We actually don't have your TV in stock. The installers showed up this morning and we realized the only TV we have in the back in your model is an open box returned TV. Um Oops. We're really sorry.

Now fortunately they said this to G. If it had been me I would have gone bezerk. There's no excuse for this level of incompetence with as much money as we just dropped in your store. I expect better customer service than this. I called them Friday afternoon and asked to speak to the manager. I'm getting money off this instillation dammit for G having to stay home from work to wait for them when they had no intention of coming. Apparently the manager was at lunch. I left my work number. And, he never called me back.

I'm calling again today. Fear my wrath. You'd think at SOME POINT this week someone would have pulled their head out of their ass and said "hmmm lemme go in the back and make sure we actually HAVE their TV ??!!! " Freakin' unbelieveable

Working not so hard

I'm at work.. it's the fourth of July. The mall is dead. So, therefore, I am dead. The only patients I have on the schedule today are patients the doctor yesterday rescheduled. (for what reason I don't know) That'll keep me entertained for oh... an hour or so.

Good thing I brought magazines.

New Game

I just got a new adventure game at Best Buy. G had a gift card to get a game for himself... so, of course, if he's going to play a game in his room I have to get one for my computer. Heh.

The game I bought is called Dreamfall. I guess once I get into it I'll blog about it. But, if you don't see me for like a month. You know where I am !! Send scouts.