Retrospective #1

A look back at emails sent from the island of St. Maarten.

Today's restrospective comes ahead of starting the next phase of medical school: Clinical Rotations.

Original Post Date: 11/04/2006

The 12-Step Guide To Being a Caribbean Medical Student

12. Drench yourself and everything you own in water. This will emulate the humidity/random 5 minute rainstorm/sweat factor. Remember the local motto: St. Maarten - The land that never dries. 11. Make up and memorize random words like 'Pericardiacophrenic', 'Vaso Vasorum', 'Ora Serrata', and 'Dipalmitoylphosphotidylcholine'.

10. When driving anywhere, make sure that your car crosses through a significant body of water such as a lake or river. There's no experience like taking your Hundai through the major flooded regions after a rainstorm!

9. Again while driving your car, randomly stomp on your brake and screech to a halt, since the person in front of you has stopped in the middle of the road to talk to his buddy walking on the other side of the road.

8. Have at least one argument per day with your colleagues about where the Accessory Hemiazygous Vein really is, and where it drains.

7. Learn to say things like, "I think you can only get those on the French Side," and "Yes, I think ACE Hardware does sell punchbowls."

6. Once a week, splash some salt water in your eyes and pour sand into your shorts. This is your weekly trip to beach.

5. Carry a laptop with you EVERYWHERE you go.

4. When asked, what gym you go to, do not reply with 'Bally's', '24-Hour', or 'Gold's'. Instead start naming off hotels whose gym you use occasionally.

3. Get all necessary supplies (i.e. snacks, pencils, coffee, books, and notes) from a window in the side of a building. Call this window 'Notes Services'. Have professors/bosses/teachers blame Notes Services for anything that goes wrong with their presentations.

2. Begin seeing anatomical structures in normal everyday objects (i.e. Mitral valves in palm leaves, bifurcation of the carotid in tree branches, etc.)

…And The Most Important Step…

1. When confronted with something odd or absurd (at least twice a day)…using your Trapezius and Levator Scapulae muscles, shrug your shoulders. Then using Risorius muscle, grin really wide and say to yourself, "That's St. Maarten!"

Shots From Roosevelt Island

Shot back on 9/22/08 while visiting Karen.

Tropfest Thunder

Last night, quite randomly, I was invited by Shelley and Andrew to join them at a film festival held in the courtyard of the World Financial Center. The festival is known as "Tropfest" and its focus is short films. The festival was started in Sydney, Australia in 1993 with one film being screened for an audience of 200 at the Tropicana Café (hence the name). The festival has grown steadily over the years and presently there are festivals in various cities. Last night was the New York festival, with audiences from Toronto joining via satellite.

The idea behind Tropfest is that filmmakers submit short films, no longer than 7 minutes, which include, one way or another, the Tropic Signature Item. This signature items vary from objects such as umbrellas, the number eight, and, this year's item, a sunflower. Of all the submissions, eight are chosen as finalists, and screened at the festival in front of audiences and judges. Prizes are awarded for Best Actor, Best Actress, People's Choice (audiences vote by texting their favorites), and Best Film.

The festival last night began by screening eight films from past festivals as the "Best of Tropfest" and continued into the night with the eight finalists from this year. At the end, an awards ceremony is held to honor the winners of the contest. The films were very amusing ranging from comical (a suicidal sunflower befriends his owner), drama (a Norwegian film about a love triangle), and documentary (great white shark hunters in Australia). The winner of the contest and the People's Choice Award last night was a film shot entirely on a cell phone using words from signs around New York City and Sydney to send a message regarding homelessness.

A Hole In The Sky

I hadn't planned on visiting the site last night. I hadn't prepared mentally or physically to come across a sight so emotionally charged. At first glance, I dismissed it as another NYC construction project, adding to traffic, disrupting the peace, etc. And then I realized where I was.

Standing at West St. and Liberty Street in Manhattan, just outside the World Financial Center, I reevaluated my reasoning for the cranes, lights, and men in hard hats scurrying about. The fenced off area was not just some construction site, rather the remnants of the World Trade Center, the Twin Towers. This sudden realization automatically forced my gaze upward. There it was: the hole in the sky, the gap in the skyline, the missing teeth in an otherwise pearly white smile.

Suddenly, images of planes, crumbling steel, people jumping from towers were no longer two-dimensional objects on a television or computer screen. They were no longer events happening to distant people, somewhere across the country. I was standing just across the street from those terrible images. I could see the towers coming down, I could hear the terrifying screams, I could smell the dust and smoke from the wounded towers.

It was surreal, and like I said, I wasn't ready for it. Of course, as an American, the events of 9/11 had a profound effect on me. However, living on the West Coast provided a certain amount of separation and distance. I was even in New York for the 7^th anniversary of the event, and still I felt far removed. In essence, it never really hit home until last night. It was just a little too eerie to be standing right there. I hope I can visit one more time, get one more chance to gather my wits and pay my respects to those who lost their lives on that day.

The Freedom to Disagree

I can't claim to be the biggest patriot, if one at all, but there is certainly something hallowed about visiting places like Philadelphia, where one can see the very rooms and halls where people of vision set in motion some great events in history. It's true, I don't fly flags outside my house, and I'm not moved to tears when they play "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch. You can think of me what you like, but that is who I am. So what is it that touches me when I visit places like Independence Hall?

It's not so much a love for a particular country or feelings of patriotism as it is the fact that in a place like Independence Hall a great idea was realized and immortalized in a document. There is no force on this earth, no government, military, or single institution, that GRANTS us freedom. The freedom is inherently ours, just by the mere fact that we are human. There are only defenders of that freedom. The men in that hall were not declaring anything other than what already belonged to them. They wanted nothing more than to go about their business without the constant threat of an oppressive government.

I'm not claiming that we lack freedoms in our country, but one has to wonder if the U.S. has held to the ideals immortalized in that document. This is not an accusation, just a point to ponder. It is certainly one that I pondered as I stood in Independence Hall, listening to the tour guide recite the words of a speech given by Abraham Lincoln in that very room almost 150 years ago:

"I am filled with deep emotion at finding myself standing here, in this place, where were collected together the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle, from which sprang the institutions under which we live… I have often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who assembled here, and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence… that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but, I hope, to the world, for all future time… if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it."

I just hope we have not given up that principle.

Philos Adelphos

Friday, September 20

What are the odds that Vy, Karen, and Nareg would ever find themselves in New York City hanging out? Ok, so what are the chances that those three Lyons-seekers would then take a trip from NYC to Philadelphia? Well, ok, considering that's what actually happened, I suppose the chances aren't terrible.

Feeling a little more secure and established in my new location in Brooklyn, I took up my former Sacramento compatriots on an offer to visit the "City of Brotherly Love". We boarded a Chinatown bus in NYC (an adventure unto itself) and early Friday morning headed for Philadelphia. After arriving at the hotel and a quick lunch (ya, like this trip could have happened without eating involved) we set out to see the city. Vy attended college at UPenn back in the day, and so he offered to show us around Philly. This of course became a problem when Karen and I wanted to do a lot of sight-seeing, and Vy had never really been to any of the sights. We eventually found our way to Independence square, home of Independence Hall, where both the Decleration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, and the Liberty Bell. We rounded out our adventures by a night on the town, as we met up with some of Vy's friends from college.

It was great to be able to share this trip with Karen and Vy and it's certainly one that I shan't forget soon.

Treks & The City – Episode #2

September 17, 2008

Central Perk

You've seen it in such movies as "Home Alone II" and "Elf", but until you've physically stepped foot on the grounds of Central Park, you cannot begin to grasp the enormity and expansiveness of this famous NYC landmark. As Vy put it, "I wanted to walk from the East to the West side on 66^th, and then I realized, 'Oh ya! There's a park in the way.'"

It's very refreshing to be able to walk through a bit of nature in the center of the concrete jungle. The park is an array of large lawns, panoply of tree varieties, lakes, and even a dairy. Ornate fountains, amphitheaters, and hot dog vendors add to the charm of the park. It extends its arms, draws you in and invites you to have a seat and forget the existence of a city that exists just outside its borders. My only lament for living in Brooklyn is that Central Park is not easily accessible, but I will definitely make every attempt to return as much as possible.

Treks & The City – Episode #1

September 16, 2008

Spam & The City

The island is hardly impressive in a global context, standing a mere 22.96 square miles in area. What lacks in size, however, it makes up for in attitude, erupting from the earth and reaching ferociously for the sky; a Napoleon Complex in metropolis form.

The 'Q' line chugged along that Tuesday morning, surfacing and working its way along the Manhattan Bridge. This ascent from the underground gave me my first daytime glimpse of the majestic island, with corroded Liberty as a backdrop. Simply awe-inspiring. A plunge back into the depths of the earth brought us to 42^nd Street, commonly known as Times Square. An array of lit marquees lines the borders of the "square", announces the latest headlines, financial information, television premieres, and long-running Broadway shows. Armed with a camera and the determination of a tourist, I worked my way from that Newtonian square through Midtown trying to take in as much as possible. We strolled past the Empire State Building, Grand Central and made a quick stop at an authentic deli for a bite to eat. I was amazed to see the New York City Public Library, and frankly felt way too intimidated by it to ever considering studying there. Nearby Bryant Park was a treat, especially for my poor tired feet. As we worked our way through midtown, I was pleasantly surprised to run into St. Vartan Cathedral. I'm looking forward to attending services there soon.

As nightfall approached, I came to terms with the fact that one day simply would not be enough to conquer the island. We proceeded back toward Times Square for a quick meeting with Karen, one of my good friends from Sacramento and the ol' MIND Institute. After some coffee and chatting, Marina and I took leave of Karen to head for the Shubert Theater on 44^th Street to see the highly acclaimed Broadway hit "Monty Python's Spamalot". The show was a delight from beginning to end, infusing that rare brand of humor that only Monty Python can offer. I highly recommend it to all.

Feeling impending fatigue at the conclusion of the show, I headed back to Brooklyn for a night's rest, with the resolve to return to Manhattan the following day and resume my sight-seeing.

The Most Expensive Post

Hello Blogging Faithful!

I realize that there has been a major gap in posting in the last few days. The reason for this is that I have moved into my new apartment, and there is a serious lack of internet connections, both legitamite and unsecured networks, in my new building. I'm working on getting back online ASAP. For now, I'm at a Kinko's at Colombus Circle paying about 1/2 a kidney per minute to use the internet.

Bullet Point Updates:

• As noted above I have moved in. I have a bed, rugs, coffee table and kitchen supplies. That's about it for now. I'm working on a couch and entertainment (TV, DVD player, internet, etc.)
• I've been sightseeing in Manhattan for the last couple of days, full on tourist style (that's why I'm at Colombus Circle for now.
• Saw "Spamalot" last night which only fueled my excitement to see as many shows as possible in the next year.
• My word! Stuff is expensive here.

New posts coming as soon as I figure this internet thing for now.

Mission...Accomplished?

The idea today was to pick up a bed-frame and a mattress so that I could begin staying in my new apartment.

Rather than come home with the main objective, I came home with almost everything else needed to furnish the apartment. It certainly wasn't a loss of a day, but I'm still short of my goal to move into the new place within the next couple of days. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Big thanks to Steph, who drove me around all day, and Andrew and Shelley, the three of whom helped me haul stuff through the stores, into the car, and up the elevator.

After all the shopping, we headed into Manhattan to have dinner at an authentic Japanese restaurant, as suggested by Steph. It was a great meal, and a great time. Most importantly, I got my first experience in the city. We took the train to Grand Central, so that's one thing I can cross off my "Long-Term Tourist" list.

It's been a long day, and I think it's time to retire. We will be trying to get to that make-up Mets game tomorrow. Should be fun!

Firsts

Today has been a day of firsts for me:

First First
Today for the first time, I rode the NYC subway. We took the "R" line at the 86th Street stop (the stop closest to my new apartment) and rode it to 36th street where we switched to the "N" line. After this, there was one more switch to the "7". Destination: Shea Stadium, which leads me to my...

Second First
My very first baseball game!! This morning, I found out that my beloved Atlanta Braves were in town to play the New York Mets. Since it's a Friday night, Andrew's a Mets fan, and I have never been to a Major League Baseball game (NO! Grizzlies and Rivercats DON'T count), we decided to catch the game. We were able to score some great seats at minimal cost, so we were all very excited as we happily rode the trains towards the stadium. Unfortunately, if any of you happened to check NYC weather, you would have seen why I experienced my...

Third First
Being rained out of my very first experience at an MLB stadium was not how I pictured my first ball game. However, mother nature, being the...nice lady...that she is, wouldn't let up and about an hour and a half after the game was supposed to start, we were informed that America's passtime would, in fact, not be played in NY tonight. (Incidentally, the Yankees were also rained out of their game). Soaked and disappointed, we got back on the train to head toward Manhattan, to at least salvage part of our Friday night. Along the way, I realized that I was just a bit too exhausted to continue on, prompting me to part ways with Andrew and Shelley, and thus bringing me to...

Home Plate (otherwise known as the Fourth First)
Tonight was the first time that I rode the suubway ALONE. It's one thing to hear about riding a subway, and quite another to experience it firsthand, much less alone for the first time. The truth is, it's ridiculously simple to get around with the trains, and it's simply a shame that California does not have the ability to implement a mass public transit like this one. My ride from Manhattan to Brooklyn put me face to face with buildings and bridges, the likes of which cannot be seen in most of California. I emerged from the station, better informed about the system and more confident in myself with regards to getting around the city.

I arrived home to rest, and reflect. Tomorrow will be a day full of activity, most of which will revolve around furnishing my apartment. First stop is Ikea to purchase a bed for myself, so I can finally move in on my own and get out of my temporary roomates' hair. Wish me luck. I'm hoping to avoid a "Friends" moment. (You know what I'm talking about...."Pivaaaat, pivaaaat, pivaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat.")

Where I Lay My Head

Rejoice world!

This afternoon, I signed a lease on a great apartment in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn. The apartment is incredibly large with a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchen. It's on the 5th floor of a 6 floor building, and is steps away from the subway station. I'm very excited to begin the process of furnishing and moving into my new place.

I'll have pictures to post soon. Keep your eyes peeled.

Every Departure Has An Arrival

After a flurry of farewell hugs, kisses, e-mails, calls and text messages, the time to bite the bullet finally arrived. I left Fresno at 5:15 pm on September 9. After a short stop at LAX, I was airborne once again, headed for the city that never sleep. Unfortunately, that aspect of the city became a reality for me all to soon. It was a torturous 5 hour flight that combined an uncomfortable seat, a large neighbor (who incidentally, was put on the flight at the last second), a terrible movie, and insomnia.
Nonetheless, I arrived at JFK at 6 am in one, albeit exhausted, piece. I was met at the airport by Shelley and Andrew and we came back to their place. They have officially been dubbed the heroes of this trip, because without them, I'd have nowhere to go and nowhere to stay.
Looks like all that "hitting the ground running" stuff won't be happening, since I'm not going to be able to function unless I get some sleep. I'm still holding out hope for this afternoon.

More updates to come...

Autumn Leaves Must Fall

I've been lucky. Three months of vacation is almost of unheard of for a medical student. I've been beyond lucky. I've had a lot of time off to enjoy with family and friends, to take in all I can stand of my hometown of Fresno, and to relax body and mind.

Tomorrow, my vacation comes to an end, and I leave for New York City to begin my third year of medical school. I arrive at JFK early Wednesday morning, and will hit the ground running. The first item on the agenda will be to NOT get swallowed up whole by the city. The second item is to find a place that I can call home for the next year or so.

So what is the question that has been asked of me most frequently?
"Are you excited?"

The truthful answer: I have no idea.

I've buried myself in packing and organizing for the last few days such that I haven't actually thought of living in NYC, just getting there. I imagine the first day of my new life will bring to the forefront more emotions than I'll know what to do with. I'm willing to bet excitement is one of those emotions. I suppose you'll have to check back here in a couple of days to find out for sure.

Keeping An Eye...

Welcome readers!

I created this blog not for political reasons, not to preach or teach, and not even because I have something particularly interesting to say. I've come to realize that events in one's life can become important life lessons, if one simply reflects on them. Consider this blog my mirror.

I've had some interesting experiences in my life, particularly in the last two years. As my journey continues, I wish to share with you and, why not, with myself my take on the events. I may even throw in a retrospective email from the past every once in a while.

This my life and my observations. Enjoy.

NK