A Male Roommate?

This topic was brought to my attention recently. A friend of mine from Portland recently moved out of his place because his roommate was too much of a psycho for him to handle. So, he was looking for a new roommate for next year. I suppose words got around that I was also moving out, and he ’suggested’ the idea of being roommates for next year. Before you gasp in astonishment, let me tell you the pros and cons that went through my head at the moment.

PROS

Having a guy around is indeed handy especially when things begin to fall apart (car, sink, light bulbs) or hard to open (jars!). No doubt, splitting the cost of the apartment means more money in my pocket (aka less loan). In addition, it’s generally safer if creeps out there know that there is a guy living in the apartment.

CONS

People (other classmates) would begin to think that there is something going on between us. Med school LOVES gossip whether it’s true or not. That is a problem for me. Also, I’m not too thrill about being with a male 24/7 (in class and at home!), I might just end up locking myself in my room again. Finally the worst scenario is the chance of falling for each other. There is nothing worst than being forced to live with your ex~ (I’m thinking long-term here). It’s horrifying!

It looks to me like the cons outweighed the pros. So, I told him that basically I was going to live by myself. To be honest, I was a little bit shock that he did ask because he seem to dislike me from the first day we met. Something about being a Californian, but I’m sure he was just jealous of the sunshine of SoCal.

Filed under: Rants

Going Solo Next Year

Living with other people really taught me some valuable lessons.

1. One is actually two. If your roommate has a special someone, be prepare to see that person EVERYDAY! Hey do you want to pay the rent as well?
2. Unidentifiable hair? Please ladies, throw away that ball of hair that clotting the drain. Who else is a red-head here?
3. I have a pet. You mean, “we” have a pet. When your roommate has a pet, be prepare to be a sub when the roommate isn’t home, and that means, taking the dog out to pee … every hour. Are you sure your dog doesn’t have diabetes insipidus?
4. Clean whenever it’s dirty. We’re all professional students here, we don’t need cleaning assignments. Bad idea, their standard of clean is completely different from yours. You lose.
5. Share and share alike. Who used all of my coffee mug?
6. Unannounced guests. You -> finished shower -> wrapped towel -> kitchen -> soda -> people?. How did you all get in here?

Luckily, I am moving out and living on my own for next year. If I have to deal with these kind of problem during USMLE step 1, I’m going to a psych ward.

Filed under: Rants

Like a Pro ~

I’m feeling extremely good today despite four mind-blowing Neuro lectures this morning. The reason? I did an awesome patient interview!

This was not an actual patient interview, so I can talk about it. He came in with depression basically. His wife died seven months ago and he was having difficulty with day-to-day activities. Boy, I handled it like an Attending with inquiries regarding his background, his family, his social life, and even suicide. I scanned him for depression with the usual depressive symptoms and he scored very high.

Psychologically, I walked him verbally through from the beginning of their first date, their marriage, their children, and eventually her sudden MI. Alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse were also asked especially after her death. Ultimately, I got him to verbally express a lot of his guilt that eventually led to acceptance. It was an excellent interview. My colleagues and the proctor were impressed. I’ve redeemed myself from many failed interviews before!

You might think it’s strange for us to do psychological assessment as well, but it’s actually very common. Your physician did get this type of training. Whether he/she practice it or not is a completely different story. Medicine is not all about management of the body. The compassion in medicine is the management of the mind, and that makes us human.

On a side note, I did forget to ask him about childhood illnesses. Darn!

Filed under: Academia

Homesick? or Sick of Neuro?

I don’t usually dream, but last night was so realistic. I actually dream of going home for Easter break. It is probably my friend’s fault for bragging about going home. It is probably Neuro’s fault as well since things are getting stressful here.

But let me tell you, for that brief time, I was very ‘fulfilled’. Except, for some reason, my dog wasn’t there, and the fact that I actually missed my flight back to school. I freaked out and woke up thinking, “where am I?”

Anyway, hope your Easter weekend was fun. I prefer to be by myself, so I tell people I’m sick and decline parties. It could be karma because I’m not feeling so well now.

Filed under: Rants

Sentimental Value

Two years ago, when I was still a rich undergraduate, I bought my dad on his birthday a Bulova Marine Star chronograph watch around $300. It was a bargain by the way. It quickly became his favorite watch, and he never really wore it unless for a very fancy party.

I went back home for Spring Break and he told me the news. Apparently, while he was vacationing in Vietnam, my uncle (who I think can never really grow up) beg and annoyed him for that watch. Being the big brother-in-law-living-in-the-US, my dad was pressured into giving it to my uncle, and he reluctantly did.

I don’t know if my dad told him that it was a present from me or not, but I think you DON’T ask people for something like that. If there is one trait I hate the most, it is to give up your face for material gain. I never really like that uncle from the beginning. He is petty, greedy, and isn’t really a man in my eyes.

That watch means more to my dad than the expensive brand; It was from me. So now I’m looking around for a new Bulova watch to surprise my dad. While I would never buy something that expensive for myself, but if it’s for someone I love, it’s worth every penny.

Of course, I don’t think my dad would want me to strain my pocket for it. However, the fire has already started. My usual sophresune approach to life is out the window.

Filed under: Rants