Estoy comiendo verduras.

 Sometimes I leave a consultation with a renewed mixture of awe and pity for family docs. The typical surgical consultation is very problem oriented. There's a problem, how can I fix it. But once in awhile one slips through that there is no surgical answer. Inevitably that particular discussion takes a bit of finagling to get to the actual root of the problem, which unfortunately seems to be the patient's own denial that they are, in fact, getting older. Their body is not what it once was, and believe it or not, they are not adjusting their diet appropriately, and therefore gaining weight. I can only assume that their family doc has tried explaining without success and a surgical consultation for the patient's assumed issue is a last resort. And so I find myself sitting face to face with a patient who exclaims to me, "but yesterday I only had two fruit pies from McDonalds." As if that exclamation should justify their position rather than simply explain the actual problem. 

Despite the many faults of social media, there are also so many benefits that I am thankful for. As an example, I took a screenshot of this story I saw on Instagram the other day.

Both Meghan and Alyson were medical students that I worked with way back in the day. Due to our friendship on social media I have been able to follow them as they each worked their own ways through their separate surgical residencies. Both graduated this year and are on the cusp of starting fellowships. I am filled with pride to think that I played a role in the lives of these amazing women, amazing surgeons! Their exchange also exhibits an understanding and humor that only someone who has worn the same pair of shoes can have; there is a support and a strength that comes from such a unique community. It made me smile, real big. 

Much Love.

(both Meghan and Alyson gave acknowledged permission for me to share their story.)

Estoy mirando la puesta del sol.

 My schedule is a bit fuit-basket-upset style for the month of July. No complaints here, and I'll take blame in fact. When I asked to be factored back into the schedule, the summer call schedule had already been put together. So I took some of the extra time and planned a few quick trips. 

I moved into a house with a few other sisters at the end of June. However, due to our fruit-salad July, I have yet to actually spend time in the house at the same time as my housemates. We are finally all home this week so may be a whole new experience. 

The last of my little trips was to the white sand beaches of Florida along the Gulf. I traveled with the PAs that work with our group at the hospital in Lafayette, Katie & Sarah. 

Sarah, Katie & I at Shunk Gully. Our favorite restaurant of the trip.  

Miramar Beach

Many a walk were taken along those white sand beaches.

How to take a selfie when you're COVID positive. Prior to leaving, I made sure my COVID test was negative as well as being asymptomatic, and I made the decision to go despite knowing the risks. I did end up getting a sore throat and a bad cold halfway through the trip and tested positive. That decision to go may have been one of the most selfish decisions I've made.  Katie and Sarah were incredibly gracious towards me and they didn't let it deter our fun nor our trips to the beach!

Our last day we stayed at the beach until a storm blew in and rained on us.

Much Love.

Estoy mezclando frutas.

 Sometimes lemons turns into blackberries and you end up making delicious fruit juice. I had the opportunity to make a quick trip to Connecticut for the 4th of July weekend and I grabbed it. Didn't quite go as planned. Let's just say COVID is still alive and spreading well in Connecticut. So I kept outside as much as possible and refrained from hugging. So far I'm still asymptomatic and test as of this evening still negative. 

Thankfully I was able to visit Janae and Henry before I came into contact with any virus. It was Henry's first week home after spending the first 16 weeks of his life in the NICU. So blessed by amazing friends, and so special and happy I got to catch up with them at such a happy week.

Got to play in the mud down at Muddybrook Potters studio.

The clouds make it look like mountains in the distance.  

Kind of... if you squint maybe a little. Either way, nice to be outside. 

Down at the shore. 

There may not be waves at the Connecticut beaches, but they have their own allure.

Squeezing the summer sun for every last ray.

 

We had our pick of fireworks displays from the comfort of a backyard patio.

Best of both worlds!

 

 

And what's a vacation without staying up too late chatting with a friend. Emily was supposed to spend a few days with me in IN, but as we learned from blackberries and lemons plans change. So glad I got to see her in CT before leaving!

Much Love.