A Look-Back on July

So here’s what’s been going with me. I finished my first month of wards medicine. It’s been a hard month. The excitement and general love of my job did sustain me, though. That doesn’t mean I didn’t complain to hubby quite a bit. Being on call and without sleep for 24 hours is the hardest because I find myself barely able to function or care at the end. By the time I reach home at end of call, I all but collapse and feel like I have the flu every time. It turns out my fellow interns had a tough time of it, too. Many of us have been working over 80 hours per week, which is the limit set by the ACGME. We had a meeting with the program director and she promptly decided to change our schedule. For reasons that are political, we are still having the 30-hour calls Q 5 days but on the days we are not on call, we can go home early, so instead of 12-hour work days on non-call days, it’ll be more manageable at 8-10 hour days.

Now, I’m on cardiology for the month of August. The cardiologists are great, quick to teach and easy-going. I’m enjoying it, so far. This month is suppose to be our “break” with no calls and every weekend off! The other intern who’s on this rotation with me is 10 weeks pregnant. It was an unexpected pregnancy and she’s dealing with nausea and fatigue. I really do sympathize with her. What surprises me, no, astounds me, is that she only plans to take 1 month off for her baby so she doesn’t have to be behind schedule and extend her residency. Yes, it can be done, but as for me, I would want to be solely mommy for a longer time.

On the flipside, I’m experimenting with wearing more fun yet professional clothes to work. I wore this black capri pants with high-heeled sandals on Friday. I actually did okay with walking on high heels all day! The cardiologist we were working with took one look at my shoes and said “hmm, fancy.” He was also the one commented on my “Tiffany” bracelet and “Coach” handbag. Yes, I had on a bracelet and carried a handbag but they were no where close to their descriptors. Hmm, try Target’s and Kohl’s. He was just teasing, I know. No, I’m not the only doctor that wears high heels in the hospital, and yes, this cardiologist likes to tease everyone.

All that aside, I have wanted to get a nice, presentable leather handbag for a long time. I have pretty much given up on having a Louis Vuitton bag. Nor am I aiming for a Coach or Chanel, just something nicer and pricier than what I’m use to. Hubby has promised to venture the mall with me tomorrow and look for a handbag for me. That is a big concession on his part, seeing he doesn’t like to go to the mall for anything!

Other news, Kitty is sick. She’s been vomiting, not eating, and losing weight. I took her to the vet and it turns out she has hyperthyroidism which means she’s at least 10 years old. We are giving her medicine twice a day for the hyperthyroidism. She has stopped vomiting and is eating more. I have given up on the high-quality hard-to-find cat food for her because she would rather starve than eat her old food. But she loves canned Friskies and Fancy Feast from the supermarket which is half the price of her old food anyways!

And finally, a shout out to hubby. He’s simply been great this past month. What would I have done without his support, home-cooked meals, foot messages, evening walks, etc?