Thoughts on Dr. Phil

Yes, I'm currently watching Dr. Phil. And it's an interesting topic about people who want to alter their appearance...and how that may be a way of "erasing" their ethnicity. They addressed Asians and Asian Americans who undergo surgery to remove their epicanthal folds in order to have more "Western" looking eyes. I can understand not being happy with how you look, but the interesting, and likely the most difficult question is can you honestly say that it really doesn't have anything to do comparing yourself to some standard of beauty that deems the Caucasian blond as standard...what is your standard of beauty, and living in a society where the Caucasian blond woman is the traditional standard, how can you NOT use that as a guide to compare yourself to, when that's what surrounds you? It's a challenging topic because of how complicated the reasons are for wanting this type of surgery. The flip side is that if we want to stop pointing out the differences between all races, maybe we shouldn't criticize someone for wanting to change their appearance, even if it alters a feature that's supposedly unique to their ethnic background. But I think that's a horrible over simplification and would be really naive to think that just ignoring race all together somehow fixes everyone's issues. But in terms of my thoughts on this, different and all mixed up and jumbled is beautiful! I love what I refer to as my Benetton Colors---my friends: I love that everyone's different. It's perfection. So I guess my idea of beauty is possibly different than mainstream America, but if I had the traditional "Asian" eyes, there's no way I would get that surgery. Maybe that's easy for me to say because I don't have them, but as someone who may look a little different than most, I am definitely at a point in my life where I am glad I'm the way I am!

It's Been a Long Time

I haven't blogged in over two weeks. The reason is that while I was in Michigan my grandmother, Lola Panyang, became really ill, then sadly, died. So it was a bit hectic for a while. But the nice thing is remembering all the great things about her and her life. She and my grandfather helped raise us for about 12 years. And from what I was told, she past away in a peaceful way...which is enough for me to be at as much peace as I can with it. So now I'm back in Ithaca, back in the classroom. It's been okay. We found an apartment down in Long Island and we're waiting on the lease. On a very exciting note, Terry-a and Steve finally had their baby last night: it's a girl, her name is Seren, which means "star" in Welsh. So I'm an aunt!

Pyo-Monday

At 1:30 A.M. last night I got called in to assist on an emergency surgery. An intact, female dog had a pyometra, or NASTY infection of the uterus in which it gets filled with bacteria laden pus. It is a potentially life threatening condition, so you likely have to get rid of most of the reproductive tract (a-la spaying the dog). Hello, yet another reason to SPAY YOUR DOG! So the surgeon ended up letting me do some of surgery, since after all it's a glorified spay, and I can do that (granted at student speed). It was a wee stressful having this incredible surgeon watch me do my thing, since I'm still learning and relatively inexperienced. But it was also a lot of fun because I love that stuff, he's a great teacher, and I got to show him what I can do. He did end up complimenting me on how I handle the surgical instruments, which was nice. So I got little sleep last night, but at least I got to do some snippin'-n-sewin'. I'm beat though...I may fall asleep very soon....

Worry Turns to Wonder

Since it's the weekend, I decided to treat myself to a diner breakfast, since I've been eating frozen dinners for the past week. So I got directions to this one place, but of course due to construction I got lost. So when I thought all hope was lost for a semi-real meal, I decided to go to the grocery store to yes, pick up more frozen dinners for this upcoming week! I then stumbled upon a Nirvana of sorts... I discovered a Cosi where I got myself some semi-real breakfast. The kid at the counter marveled when I ordered an iced coffee and informed me that I was the first person since August to order one. Then found a Lebanese restaurant that I'll check out sometime this week. And I found a Baja Fresh! Another option! I really don't eat fast food, but I've heard that Baja is decent...I think? Yesterday I checked out the local mall which had a clever layout. It's set up sort of like a track, in that you walk around in a circle and all the stores are off of the main walking area. So for the rest of the day I'm going to read about surgery, watch an ALL TIME FAVORITE on TV: "Sixteen Candles", and veg out with myself here in the Midwest. Remember the quote "what's-a-happenin'-a-hot-stuff?"?!?! (It's from the movie).

Saturday Morning in Suburban Michigan

Well I meant to sleep in today, but for some reason I got up myself before 7A.M. So I hit the treadmill and ate breakfast. I'm going to the mall to find some "thank you" chocolates for the surgeon, resident, and staff at the hospital I'm visiting. Yesterday I only had a half day and then the surgeon invited me to lunch with his wife and kids. Then they invited me to their home for dinner. Incredibly nice, hospitable people! I'm stunned when I meet people this nice. Terry-a has given me the update on the baby situation and it looks like the baby may be arriving sooner than expected....let's wait and see...Tonight is daylight savings time, so don't forget---spring ahead!

A Few Firsts....

Phew! I am so exhausted. I've been doing my externship with a surgeon in Michigan. He's really nice and an excellent example of what a surgeon should be. But we were in 4 back-to-back surgeries...so it's been a really tiresome day...and I wasn't even really doing any of the work! So my first day was yesterday and it wasn't too busy, sort of comfortably slow so I didn't expect today's pace at all. But good stuff, just what I need. Then I found out where I'm going to be doing my general internship this coming June! I got my first choice...Long Island Veterinary Specialists! I am so happy I got my first pick...now it's kind of bittersweet because I dread the Island...I really do. We had really hoped to start up again in Manhattan. But career wise, it's a great move I think. At the least, it's a one year commitment on the Island; at the most, if I got a surgery residency there then we'd be there a little longer. But then we'd run for the border the second we could. Well tonight I'm going to read up on some orthopedic diseases and get some rest. I'm friggin' tired.

Blogging from the Midwest

What a LONG day....I've been in a foreign country and back in one day! I drove to Michigan via Canada....10 hours later here I am sitting in my hotel in suburban Michigan. Anthony had a great idea: to blog about how I'm too tired to blog, so here I am blogging. I'm here because I'm going to be working with a surgeon here in Auburn Hills for two weeks. So I hope to become a little more familiar with all things Michigan...and figure out where there AREN'T fast food restaurants in the Midwest!