'Tis the Season
Chris: So what would you say is the most important thing you've learned this first year as a doctor?
Me: How to sleep in a suit.
Starbucks has officially invaded our hospital. Yup, on the first floor of our pediatric hospital, there is a full-blown Starbucks, along with a 7-Eleven, Yamazaki Bakery, an organic food store, and a tea and juice bar. All newly opened, in addition to the other things CMUH has that's not very hospital-like. Slowly but surely, our hospital is turning into something more like a shopping mall. But I guess that's the way all things are nowadays. Where there's money to be made, someone will be there to make it. Anyways, the point is, due to such easy access and a 10% employee discount, I've officially joined the whole Starbucks coffee culture and enjoy starting my days, especially the ones following an on call night, with a nice, hot cup of Joe.
Winter has arrived quite late this year. But two weeks ago, China finally farted and the temperature dropped almost 30 degrees in the span of two days. There's something about cold winter that always makes me happier, mostly because it makes Taiwan feel less like Taiwan and more like someplace better. And of course, there's always Christmas, which has been my favorite holiday and time of year for as long as I can remember, so despite the fact that I don't really care for it anymore, the decorations, festivities, and general sentiment still liven up my spirits quite a bit.
In three more weeks, I will be moving to a new apartment. Where I live now is a great place, no doubt about that, but after seven years of living with less than ideal roommates, I've finally reached my threshold and am saying goodbye to them once and for all. I'm moving to an upscale studio apartment that's only a 5-minute walk from the hospital. How upscale is upscale? Well, instead of a key to the front door, there's a lock system similar to ones found in Las Vegas hotels where you insert a keycard into the slot and the small red light turns green after the computer reads the card and automatically opens the lock for you upon verification. It also comes fully furnished with furniture that is elegant in its simplicity, which is exactly my kind of style. I know studio apartments aren't exactly what one strives for as he progresses through life, but I'm single and don't really have that many possessions, and this is a totally awesome place, and I've never lived by myself or in a studio apartment before, so I'm really excited about moving there. The only drawback is that the rent is twice as much as what I would be paying if I lived in a regular apartment with a roommate. But considering what I'm getting for my money, the place is totally worth it. And I'm making the big bucks now, so there's really no reason why I shouldn't be able to come home to a nice and comfortable place after a hard day's work.
From January 1st to the 15th, I'll be hanging out in the MICU. From the 16th to the 31st, I'll be taking a two-week vacation, during which time I'll move to my new place. I'll post my new address after I move for those who might want to send me stuff. From February to the end of June, I'll be doing random elective rotations in specialties like ophthalmology, dermatology, and ENT. Then I get a month off in July before coming back as a pediatrics resident in August.
So that's my outlook for 2007. This year has been an extremely lousy year for me, so let's hope the upcoming one will be much better. Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!
Me: How to sleep in a suit.
Starbucks has officially invaded our hospital. Yup, on the first floor of our pediatric hospital, there is a full-blown Starbucks, along with a 7-Eleven, Yamazaki Bakery, an organic food store, and a tea and juice bar. All newly opened, in addition to the other things CMUH has that's not very hospital-like. Slowly but surely, our hospital is turning into something more like a shopping mall. But I guess that's the way all things are nowadays. Where there's money to be made, someone will be there to make it. Anyways, the point is, due to such easy access and a 10% employee discount, I've officially joined the whole Starbucks coffee culture and enjoy starting my days, especially the ones following an on call night, with a nice, hot cup of Joe.
Winter has arrived quite late this year. But two weeks ago, China finally farted and the temperature dropped almost 30 degrees in the span of two days. There's something about cold winter that always makes me happier, mostly because it makes Taiwan feel less like Taiwan and more like someplace better. And of course, there's always Christmas, which has been my favorite holiday and time of year for as long as I can remember, so despite the fact that I don't really care for it anymore, the decorations, festivities, and general sentiment still liven up my spirits quite a bit.
In three more weeks, I will be moving to a new apartment. Where I live now is a great place, no doubt about that, but after seven years of living with less than ideal roommates, I've finally reached my threshold and am saying goodbye to them once and for all. I'm moving to an upscale studio apartment that's only a 5-minute walk from the hospital. How upscale is upscale? Well, instead of a key to the front door, there's a lock system similar to ones found in Las Vegas hotels where you insert a keycard into the slot and the small red light turns green after the computer reads the card and automatically opens the lock for you upon verification. It also comes fully furnished with furniture that is elegant in its simplicity, which is exactly my kind of style. I know studio apartments aren't exactly what one strives for as he progresses through life, but I'm single and don't really have that many possessions, and this is a totally awesome place, and I've never lived by myself or in a studio apartment before, so I'm really excited about moving there. The only drawback is that the rent is twice as much as what I would be paying if I lived in a regular apartment with a roommate. But considering what I'm getting for my money, the place is totally worth it. And I'm making the big bucks now, so there's really no reason why I shouldn't be able to come home to a nice and comfortable place after a hard day's work.
From January 1st to the 15th, I'll be hanging out in the MICU. From the 16th to the 31st, I'll be taking a two-week vacation, during which time I'll move to my new place. I'll post my new address after I move for those who might want to send me stuff. From February to the end of June, I'll be doing random elective rotations in specialties like ophthalmology, dermatology, and ENT. Then I get a month off in July before coming back as a pediatrics resident in August.
So that's my outlook for 2007. This year has been an extremely lousy year for me, so let's hope the upcoming one will be much better. Merry Christmas to all, and a Happy New Year!