tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-120264692024-03-13T23:50:40.735-05:00Ramblings of a Med/Peds ResidentJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-65689918787741902102010-03-14T23:28:00.002-05:002010-03-14T23:29:25.567-05:00NEW BLOG!I did it. I started a new blog. I hope you'll follow me there and continue reading. I will TRY to be more diligent in my posts.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://lubbockdoc.blogspot.com">Life of a Lubbock Doc</a></div><div><br /></div><div>J</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-74079184575674451332010-03-07T21:50:00.002-06:002010-03-07T21:56:09.353-06:00Time for a new blog???I started this blog at the beginning of residency (June 2005). I am no longer a resident and have not posted here since April 2009.<div><br /></div><div>Is it time for a new blog? There is a new little girl due to arrive on or around July 12th that will SURELY need her own space.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still get an occasional email from medical students interested in Med/Peds as a career path and I ALWAYS welcome questions. So I will likely keep this site up, even if it is inactive.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am now working in Palliative Medicine and as an adult hospitalist, so I could always talk about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is anyone still reading this? Anyone have any thoughts?</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-30223915915543424572009-04-06T00:49:00.002-05:002009-04-06T01:30:18.157-05:00I know, I know...Yes, it's been since November since I last posted. But I've been busy! There's been too much that has happened to remember ALL of it, so we'll just leave it at this: Life has continued moving forward and here I am.<div><br /></div><div>So we're on vacation. Beth and I. Just the 2 of us. We have THE MOST GRACIOUS HOSTS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!!! Friends of Beth's parents from college live in Anaheim and have been letting us stay with then since our arrival Thursday night. Gene arranged for us a rent car AT NO COST, and then they bought our dinner Friday night in Laguna Beach. We will NEVER be able to say thank you enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>To rewind just a bit, February 26th, I was in a car accident. I was making a U-turn and the first2 of 3 lanes of traffic stopped to let me turn (traffic was slow and backed up). There was NO ONE IN THE THIRD LANE...</div><div><br /></div><div>UNTIL I WAS 2/3 into my U-Turn and then BAM! I hit the driver's side back door of a mini-van. Of course it was (arguably) my fault. She had the right-of-way, but she WASN'T THERE when I start that turn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I just got my car back THURSDAY April 2nd! It looks GREAT and the reason you pay for car insurance every month is because $7200 worth of damage and 30 days of a rent car cost you a $500 deductible. The body shop picked up the additional rent car days (insurance only pays for 30 days) because "they wanted the work done right" I think it's because the DRAGGED their DANG FEET for 5 WEEKS and knew there was NO WAY I was going to pay for those extra days.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's like my mom said, after 3 weeks of paying for a rent car while Beth's car was in the shop, and then driving a rent car for ANOTHER 5 weeks while mine was being fixed, 5 days of a free car while on vacation made all those weeks just a little easier to take.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am currently enjoying vacation in the land of nuts and fruits (and I don't mean the people). Ha Ha! There are pictures posted on my Facebook page. Maybe you can see some of them by following <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6536977&l=d945f77a2d&id=516340491">this link</a>. Or this <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6537158&l=109bf0ea4d&id=516340491">one</a>. Then there's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=242080&id=516340491&l=6a6f74756b">this one</a> to see, too. I'll try them out in a minute to see if they work. Chances are, if you're reading this and the links are still there, they work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow is more L.A. and maybe the Long Beach Aquarium at the suggestion of Kalith. Tuesday we are back to Houston and then Wednesday morning I leave for Lubbock to meet with my future employers and to see the Daltons and my sister and her family.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have LESS THAN 3 months of residency left. My last day of work before vacation last week was my last day of Internal Medicine Rotations. The last 3 months are Pediatrics. I am going to try to Moonlight in June and save up enough money that I don't have to work in July or August before starting my new job September 1st.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are some exciting and not so exciting things on my To Do List:</div><div>1. Finish Neuro stuff for Internal Medicine</div><div>2. START ACTIVELY studying for my Internal Medicine Boards Aug. 24th</div><div><br /></div><div>LATE ADDITION: We're going to see RENT in Dallas with GREAT Friends in May. We're TOO EXCITED!!! Anthony and Adam are playing the roles they originated on Broadway; Mark and Roger, respectively.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. SELL MY HOUSE!!!</div><div>4. Move to Lubbock</div><div>5. STUDY for my boards</div><div>6. Vacation with Beth's family in August</div><div>7. SELL MY HOUSE!!!</div><div>8. Take my boards</div><div>9. Start work</div><div><br /></div><div>There is one cool thing coming up that I hope I can work into the plans. Some of the Tech Choir Alum have decided to put together a reunion weekend for those that studied under Dr. Kenneth Davis. This includes world-renown opera stars, Broadway leads, and doctors like me. (Actually, I am one of 2 M.D.s that I know of that sang in Choir.) There are lawyers and mothers and nurses and teachers and computer people, and well, you get the idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's GREAT! I haven't seem some of the people in 10-15 years!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>There's just one problem. The reunion is scheduled for 2 days AFTER I START working foro Covenant. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to start work for 2 days and then ask for 2 days off. The reunion is scheduled for a Thursday morning through Sunday night. I am assuming that we're going to learn some music and present a concert, but I haven't heard any definite plans, yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>So we'll see.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll keep you posted. And let's face it. It may take me that long before I post here again anyway!</div><div><br /></div><div>Life is good right now. The time away has been much needed and much enjoyed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are starting to say so long to Houston. It is a bitter sweet time for us as we have made (hopefully) lifelong friendships that we're going to have to put some distance between. But we are excited about the challenges ahead. Beth is excited about her retirement (which happens to coincide with her 3_ birthday and my last day of residency.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are thoughts best saved for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you know someone who wants to buy my house, DROP ME A LINE!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I go, there are a few folks that need prayers. Some I know well, others are friends/family of friends, but I (they) covet your prayers none the less: Christi, Jason, Tom, Adam, Eric L.'s dad are all fighting demons of sickness. My sister's friend's home burned to the ground this last week. It was a family home built in the early 1900s, and they lost everything. No one was harmed, but they must start over, literally, from scratch. I know there are others that at the moment are slipping the mind, those without jobs, those drowning in debt, those mourning the loss of loved ones, those STILL trying to recover from Hurricane IKE. Keep these mentioned in your prayers. Thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because of His grace,</div><div><br /></div><div>Jeremy</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-71557547350863948012008-11-09T16:04:00.002-06:002008-11-09T16:11:48.028-06:00I bleed Raider RedI may have said this last post, but I have been a Texas Tech Red Raider fan since 1995, my freshman year.<div><br /></div><div>I have never been more proud! Regardless of how the rest of the season plays out, I bleed Texas Tech. These guys have poured their soul into this season and have been rewarded with a 10-0 season. Graham Harrell is on pace to win the Heisman and I hope that Michael Crabtree gets to accompany him on the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 more games to go to get to Florida. ou is next, but...</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry to the Nuthmans and Pembletons (Courtney at least), but I believe Tech will be victorious in 13 days and prove once and for all that Mike Leach is a genius and put together one of the most talented group of young men this country has ever seen.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>GO TECH!!!!!!</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-91956230665161575282008-11-02T18:03:00.003-06:002008-11-02T19:08:47.630-06:00A Night to Remember: Wreck 'em Tech!!There is no way that I can let this day pass without blogging about the greatest football game I've ever watched. I will watch the last 1:29 for the rest of my life and smile. I will remember standing in my living room, heartbroken, that after watching Tech DOMINATE Texas in every single category all night long, a late surge by one of the best quarterbacks in the country was going to leave Tech short one more time. I've been there before, many times. So close, yet so far away.<div><br /></div><div>But I am a true fan. And I believe.</div><div><br /></div><div>I knew 1:29 was enough time for Tech to march down the field and score. We'd done it 10 previous times this season. Why should tonight be any different? I was a bit nervous that we were out of gas. We had certainly left it all on the field. But I believed.</div><div><br /></div><div>How could I not? We have arguably the best quarterback/wide receiver combination in the country. Of course the winning drive/touchdown was going to involve them both. Mike Leach wasn't going to trust this fate to our "stellar" kicking team (sorry Matt Williams (I know you're REALLY new at this) and Donnie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carona</span>, but seriously guys. kick. ball. through. uprights.).</div><div><br /></div><div>And then that throw, catch, and touchdown that I will remember for a lifetime. It capitalized, highlighted and symbolized a changing of the tide. Tech CAN will the big one. We CAN hold on and not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">gauntlet</span> is just beginning. OSU will be tough, but they're very similar to Texas, and they haven't won in Lubbock in many years. Thankfully, we have a week off to prepare for OU in Norman.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last, but certainly not least, the Big 12 Championship game.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just saw that we're #2 in the BCS. With our strength of schedule, if we win out, we play for the National Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Miami, here we come. </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, I believe.</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-56431921984985818152008-10-25T11:57:00.003-05:002008-10-25T12:24:27.470-05:00Financial Peace...almostAnyone who has been is the same room with either me or Beth in the last 7 months has heard us talk about <a href="http://daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey</a> and his Financial Peace University. Well, thank God for Dave. I mean that. 2 weeks ago we took Beth's car in for an oil change and front end alignment. 4 days later, we noticed an oil spot in the driveway. Come to find out that the cooling system was mixing with the engine oil and overflowing.<div><br /></div><div>Unplanned car repair: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">$430</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Dave Ramsey Emergency Fund: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">$1000</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Not fighting or worrying about where the car repair money was going to come from AND not having to pay some stupid credit card company even more in interest: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">PRICELESS</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>The other thing I did today was stop the RIDICULOUS amount of credit card offers that come from the credit card companies. It's EASY. Take 5 minutes and go to <a href="http://optoutprescreen.com/">this website</a>. Answer a few questions, print the form out, sign it, and then mail it in. All that junk mail will STOP! Yea!!! I also called my credit card company to get them stop sending those dumb convenience checks. That took less than 5 minutes and I did something positive for the environment.</div><div><br /></div><div>I say "almost" in the title of this blog because we still have one credit card bill and my car left to pay off before we are debt free. Yes, I'm ignoring my Medical School debt for now. Wouldn't you? But once the credit card and car are paid, we are essentially debt free. But Beth and I have found peace about money in our marriage. We still argue, but not about money.</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-29639967445069037782008-09-15T15:46:00.002-05:002008-09-15T16:26:19.759-05:00post-IkeI just read my wife's blog and thought I would put my thoughts down on paper as well. It was actually suggested by one of the guys from church that spent the night with us at the church last night. I believe that he is right. We should record our thoughts, now, in the moment, because 6 months from now, we won't remember how we feel.<br /><br />So my Ramblings are as follows:<br /><br />My dad was right (he'll LOVE me putting that in writing), I didn't take this storm serious enough and I had no idea that I wasn't prepared. <br /><br />Looking back, I'm not sure I could have been prepared until I went through it once. Perhaps, it was the near-miss of Rita that left me somewhat apathetic. I never have been the type of person to get excited when there's bad weather. I grew up in Tornado Alley and we practiced tornado drills in school where we would line up in the halls, hunched over, with our hands over our heads <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">facing</span> the wall. I think thunder storms are cool and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to sleep through rain. <br /><br />Yes, I knew there was a hurricane coming. Yes, if I had lived on Galveston Island, I WOULD HAVE LEFT ON WEDNESDAY 3 FULL DAYS AHEAD OF LANDFALL. Yes, I THINK PEOPLE WERE COMPLETELY IDIOTIC TO NOT HAVE LEFT! But I live 45 miles from the coast. How bad could it be? Right?<br /><br />I was wrong, Dad was right. (there, I've said it twice, Dad.)<br /><br />I am very glad that we left. I would have been fine hunkering down in our house. But Beth was nervous and wanted to leave. Our neighbors talk about how the wind was HOWLING; SCREAMING; Siren-like. I'm sure that would have freaked even me out, the guy who wasn't nervous. Beth probably would have divorced me. OK, I'm kidding, almost.<br /><br />The other reason that I didn't worry too much was I had no idea what it means to lose power. Sure, we've all been without power for a few hours when a bad storm rolls in or when a car hits the electrical pole. But the house stays cool, the food doesn't spoil, and you can check your email that night before you go to bed.<br /><br />After this weekend, I understand what it is like to not have power for DAYS. We lost power about 3:30 a.m. Saturday a.m. September 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. It's now 4:00 p.m., 60 hours later, and I still don't have a home with power. Yes, I slept at the church last night on an air <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mattress</span> in the a/c, but my home is without power. The food in the fridge was spoiled 24 hours ago and thrown away. I can't wash clothes, cook a meal, watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tv</span> OR check my email (he says with sarcasm).<br /><br />After fleeing the storm and spending a mostly sleepless night in an apartment with no a/c that was literally suffocating, I can home, unpacked, packed again, and spent another night away from my home against my wishes. This is not vacation. It's not taking a trip and being glad to be home. It's forced evacuation. There is angst, separation, and the anxiety of uncertainty lingering in the air. There's a sense of sadness and the realization that you're never going to be quite the same again. And I've basically lost nothing. Believe me, I am very much aware that there are MANY people who have suffered and who will suffer far more than me. My cousin, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">JNM</span>, who's not really my cousin (his grandmother and my grandmother were sisters) has (maybe had) a house on the west end of the island. He can't even get there to see if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">anything's</span> left. I don't even pretend to imagine what he or the others of Galveston Island <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">et</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">al</span>. will endure in the coming weeks and months as they pick up the pieces and try to move on with their lives.<br /><br />It's like we all felt post 9/11/2001, or how you feel after someone close to you dies. You're never the same. You have to learn to live in the new reality. The reality of a parent being gone, or a nation and it's citizens attacked. It's why the motto for 9/11 is "Never Forget." Someone much wiser than me once said, "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it."<br /><br />So that's how I feel now. I am learning to live in this new reality. The new reality of having lived through a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Category</span> 2 (almost 3) Hurricane that has done millions of dollars worth of damage. My dad and his wife came to visit recently. We went to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kemah</span> Boardwalk for sea food. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kemah</span> is gone. The restaurants are shells of buildings. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ferris</span> wheel and Merry-Go-Round will have to be completely replaced. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Kemah</span> last year was the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">th</span> most visited place in Texas. It will be months, perhaps YEARS, before people can enjoy it again. There is hardly a fence left standing in my neighborhood and most of the cities south of Houston proper. How we managed to escape with only one section coming apart (and I think we can simply nail it back together) is beyond me. Yesterday, we threw away at least $100, maybe more, of food. We almost couldn't get to our house yesterday because the streets were flooded and there are so much debris on the roads that it made them unsafe to travel.<br /><br />Another bad thing about hurricanes is the anticipation of impending doom. With a tornado, you have 5, maybe 10 minutes warning. We were able to "get ready" for Ike for DAYS, almost one full WEEK. So your mind plays games on you. You get anxious. "Do I stay or do I go." And we all know that the media LOVES a story!!! It's ALL THEY HAVE TALKED ABOUT FOR DAYS. And now that the storm is gone and done its damage, it's all they CONTINUE to talk about. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since Wednesday or Thursday of LAST WEEK.<br /><br />And while Beth and I were fortunate, I guess we didn't escape completely unscathed. The church has suffered a significant amount of damage and we spent about 4 hours trying to clean up. It will likely be 4-6 weeks before we are able to worship in the auditorium again. But our congregation is a pilar of faith. I dare you to find a group of people who love the Lord and serve him unfailing more than these folks. There are many who are equal, but none who are more. Their committment to the love of Jesus Christ and his people astounds me.<br /><br />So let the return to our "new normal" begin. Beth and I are back at work and there's nothing that screams more normal than that. The power will be turned back on, whether it's tonight or next week. And 6 months from now, I'll have to come back here and read this to attempt to remember how I feel.<br /><br />I guess that's why I started this blog more than 3 years ago. Because we forget the further from the "whatever" we get.<br /><br />Thanks for letting me ramble (even though it is MY blog) and thanks for reading.<br /><br />Because of His grace,<br /><br />JeremyJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-4003006454786228762008-08-02T12:07:00.002-05:002008-08-02T12:59:11.400-05:00Long overdueIt's safe to say that my postings have been lacking. What can I say, I'm a busy guy. However, I am enjoying my last day of vacation before I start on the Medicine Ward service at LBJ.<div><br /></div><div>So where to start. It's been a busy summer. I am now a fully licensed physician and hoping to be able to start moonlighting in September.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think Facebook may well be THE greatest invention since sliced bread. I have been able to reconnect with many friends from high school and college. Most recently, I have found a dear friend of mine from middle school and high school. Courtney Hailey!</div><div><br /></div><div>Courtney and I met in middle school choir. We were fortunate enough to be able to go to Vienna, Austria with our high school choir when we were freshman. That's really where the friendship took off. Her mom also went on the trip and made sure that we got the full experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>I lost contact with Courtney sometime right after my freshman year of college. So it's been AT LEAST 10 years since we've talked. I tried to find her when Beth and I got married, but to no avail.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, another friend from Cooper H.S., Tim, found me on Facebook. We started talking and I asked him with whom he had kept in contact. As it turns out, Courtney was one of those people!!! After some delay, we finally talked this past week. It was SO GOOD to talk to her. I actually talked to her mom first. Then, got her cell phone number and sent her a text message.</div><div><br /></div><div>I made her play 20 questions to guess who I was!!! It was CLASSIC! She tried to call me after asking like 2 questions b/c it was driving her crazy. The great thing about that is, since I got the new iPhone, I hadn't set up my voicemail. The message was still the generic, "You have reached 713-xxx-xxxx. The person you are trying to reach..." SO SHE STILL HAD NO IDEA WHO I WAS!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I didn't give in and answer, she HAD to play! It took her 9 questions to figure out it was me! She asked very good questions. Her last question was, "Is this Jeremiah Brown? (that's what she called me) Instead of answering her with a text, I called.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was GREAT!! The reason behind this little scheme goes back to the 7th grade. According to those around me, I think I threw THE party of the 7th grade. I was Captain Oblivious back then (still am, really) so I had no idea at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Courtney was invited. Duh! and she kept talking about her friend "Vera" that she was bringing to the party. We didn't go to school with anyone named "Vera" and IT DROVE ME CRAZY for WEEKS!!! I had NO CLUE who was going to show up to this party with my "friend" Courtney.</div><div><br /></div><div>The night of the party came and Courtney showed up. Turns out her "friend" Vera was...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>wait for it </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>are you ready for this...?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>an ALOE VERA PLANT!!! Absolutely HILARIOUS!!! I don't remember when I've laughed so hard as that night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, Vera met an untimely end when the family moved to Tyler. Someone dropped her and broke her roots and she died. But I never forgot the TORTURE that Courtney inflicted on me over than plant.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the 20 questions was a little payback. Yes, that was 19.5 years ago (MAN am I getting old!), but well worth the wait!</div><div><br /></div><div>I may have said this before, but my personality is one that makes friends easily, and for life. It can be a bit of a curse, but I cherish friendship more than just about anything in this life. Case-in-point: I still know and talk to my 3rd grade teacher. I sang at her wedding and she and her family drove from Abilene to Guthrie for my wedding. I just remembered, I drew a picture of her in the 5th grade when she was pregnant with Sarah. What possessed me??? Only God knows. I still keep up with Eric...my first and best friend in Abilene. There are MANY others over the course of the past 22 years (that's when we moved to Abilene) that I still keep up with.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's who I am.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been blessed richly.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite movies is "The Shawshank Redemption." In it, Morgan Freeman it talking about the time after Tim Robbins breaks out of the prison. He says,</div><div><br /></div><div>" I guess I just miss my friend."</div><div><br /></div><div>Courtney, I have missed you and I am glad that we are reconnected. You and your mom helped shape who I am (as have many others). Get yourself an email address and stay in touch. That's an order! Michelle, it was an absolute joy to hear your voice again. You guys call when you go to Abilene...we'll see what we can do to meet you.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK: Beth and I are going to see John Mayer tonight and I need to get some things done.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading.</div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-53272429888919745132008-06-14T09:27:00.002-05:002008-06-14T10:31:08.663-05:00It's done......and it only took me 31 YEARS! I received word from the Texas Medical Board yesterday (Friday the 13th) that my application for my medical license is complete and will be voted on my the Texas Medical Board during their June 26-27th meeting. I guess that means I can finally do what I've always wanted to do; practice medicine.<div><br /></div><div>Now just to refresh: I am a doctor. I have been since I graduated medical school in May 2005. I started my residency June 24, 2005 in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (explained in earlier blogs) and will finish June 30, 2009 and be board eligible in both Internal Medicine AND Pediatrics. This latest milestone means that I can now apply for a DPS and DEA number and on months that I'm NOT on call (which is VERY few) this next year, I can moonlight and make $50-60/hr instead of the $9.00/hr I make as a resident (remember, I work 80 hours a week...the math's not pretty)</div><div><div><br /></div><div>It also means that for my 4th year of residency that starts July 1, I will be practicing medicine under my own license and not the "Physician-in-training Permit" that I have used for the past 3 years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though we already had last night planned before I found out about my license, Beth and I celebrated the occasion with some dear friends at Cova (with some REALLY great wine) and then some good music at "The Mucky Duck". It was David and Sarah's 21st Wedding Anniversary and we had a really nice time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other updates since my frequency of blogging (as if this surprises anyone) is not what my adoring fans would like it to be (can you hear the hysterical laughing in the background?)</div><div><br /></div><div>-Beth and I have completed <a href="http://daveramsey.com/">Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University</a>. We're on Baby Step 2. It has really changed how we manage our household and is forming our goals and attitudes as we prepare to move to Lubbock next year. Dave likes to say, "Live like no one else, so that later you can LIVE like no one else." You will now find us paying cash when we go out (like we did last night). We have delayed some of the things we want (a new car, a flat screen TV) until we can pay cash for them. No more charging, anything really, to the credit cards, and when we get the cards paid off...we're cutting them up. And next month when the new <a href="http://apple.com">iPhone</a> (I'm so excited I can't stand it) comes out, I'm paying CASH!!! I've been saving my mad money since we started Dave's class.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Beth has a birthday coming up in 2 weeks and I still haven't bought her present(?s). My mom and her step-mother will both be here. We're are looking forward to their visit.</div><div><br /></div><div>-We will be going to Southern Illinois at the end of July to see family and to pick up family heirlooms that belonged to Beth's parents.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Our dear, dear friends the Daltons are leaving us (only temporarily) for Lubbock at the end of this month. We were all going to move to Lubbock together next year when Vanessa and I finished residency, but they have the opportunity to move now and let Vanessa finish in Lubbock closer to family. This is great because Talitha can be near her grandparents, aunts and uncles. We will miss them A LOT in the next 12 months, but we will be there soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tomorrow is Father's Day, so I have to give a shout out to my dad. Thank you for always pushing me to be the very best that I can. For teaching me that it's never ok to do something half-way. Thanks for being my sounding board when I don't know how to fix something, or move something. Thanks, Dad. I love you. </div></div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-14126909463416100682008-04-24T19:37:00.002-05:002008-04-24T19:44:13.645-05:00A GREAT quoteI just remembered this quote that I in the past tagged onto the bottom of my emails. Don't be surprised if it shows up there again very soon.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; </div><div style="text-align: center;">to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; </div><div style="text-align: center;">to appreciate beauty;</div><div style="text-align: center;">to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; </div><div style="text-align: center;">to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">THIS is to have succeeded."<br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-63662860467280608612008-02-26T21:37:00.002-06:002008-02-26T21:40:20.505-06:002 words<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">David Archuleta</span></span><br /></div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-44613747019096338122008-01-31T08:47:00.000-06:002008-01-31T08:50:41.876-06:00Help the chilren of my hospital--PLEASE VOTEColgate is offering to build a fun room for one of the pre-selected children's hospitals based on who gets the most number of votes. My hospital, Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital is in the running. We're in third place as I type this post.<br /><br />So <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">PLEASE!!!!</span></strong> go there and vote. You can vote once a day, everyday, until Feb. 29th.<br /><br />The link is:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/show-the-love.cvsp" target="_blank">http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/Corp/CommunityPrograms/show-the-love.cvsp</a><br /><br />Click on the city of Houston and then select Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital.<br /><br />THANKS!!!!Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-34491680727650507242008-01-21T21:30:00.000-06:002008-01-21T22:21:56.197-06:00Happy 60th birthday Mom.So tomorrow is my mother's birthday. As the title of this blog implies, it's her 60th. We just returned from a weekend in Lubbock at my sister's that served 2 purposes. First, it was to meet the newest addition to the family, Alyxandria Kay or "Xan" or "Alyx" or "Aly" or "Isabelle" as Tori is wanting to call her. She was born on January 2nd, 6 days before her Mommy and Daddy were expecting. She is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE and looks just like her Big Sister Tori did when she was born...all I can say is that my sister sure knows how to grow 'em.<div> </div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/R5VosBhy07I/AAAAAAAAAA8/Ay1-YooHR7Y/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158144053756482482" /> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/R5Vp4hhy0-I/AAAAAAAAABU/L6Acg6uE9SI/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158145368016475106" /></div><div>We also spent the weekend celebrating the fact that tomorrow my mother turns 60. First of all, let me just say, that she is living proof that 60 is the new 50. I'm fairly sure it was me who convinced her to stop dying her hair some 5 or more years ago. If she were to dye it again today, you would swear she's 45. Mom was quite adamant that she didn't was anything new to dust. We thought for a long time about what we wanted to get her. We decided that I would make her a Powerpoint presentation of family pictures and that Kristina would write her a poem. Having a 2 week old in the house doesn't lend one time to being creative...so Kristina has until our April family vacation. Tori has also promised us a musical rendition of something worthy of Broadway. Beth is also going to put together a Scrapbook of pictures from this weekend and give it to Mom. Mom doesn't know about any of these other than the Powerpoint presentation...so HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!</div><div> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/R5Vq0hhy0_I/AAAAAAAAABc/iFeNrwCwt_0/s320/IMG_0888.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158146398808626162" /></div><div>Lastly, I will apologize for my absence. I know it's been too long since I last blogged. Things here are going really well. I am working in a Med/Peds clinic in Pearland that has been a GREAT experience in showing me what a true private practice is like. Beth and I are doing well and hope that 2008 is the year of the baby, more specifically, our baby. We're trying, ok. There. It's said. In Public. Now you all know. And yes, we realize that January 6th was our 7 year anniversary. But James and Shelly waited 15 years before they had Echo, so we're not THAT far behind. But the offer has been long standing. We were happy to have children at anytime before now so long as someone was willing to move in with us and offer to take care of our baby for free. It's amazing...no one is 7 yrs even hinted that they were willing to do that. Anyway, I digress. I am studying for the last part of my U.S. Medical Licensing Exam: the USMLE Step 3. I take it on February 13th and 14th. Then I can apply for my state license and look for moonlighting opportunities. But I still won't write you a prescription for Vicodin or Percocet...so don't ask.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, this weekend was the first time that my luggage has managed to NOT make it to my destination with me. Long story short. Delayed 2 hours in Houston. Original flight from Philly diverted to Dallas. New plane to fly from Houston to Dallas. Changed planes in Dallas to original plane from Philly that was waiting on us. The 25 of us from Houston to Lubbock managed to make the plane change. Our luggage did not. We arrived in Lubbock at 11:45, 2 hours later than expected. Our luggage arrived at 10:00 a.m. the next morning accompanied with a $50.00 travel voucher. Gotta LUV Southwest!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have less than 18 months left in Houston, so if you're going to come see us, the clock is ticking.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-1875589586705058772007-12-02T08:50:00.000-06:002007-12-02T09:24:20.465-06:00When Worlds CollideSo last night 2 of my worlds collided. It was good. Real good. But that doesn't make it any less strange.<br /><br />Beth and I came to Austin this weekend for several reasons. First of all, she's been like 4 times in the last 3 years without me because I am working all the time. Secondly, our dear friends Kalyse and Jackie live here. Thridly, one of my oldest friends from Abilene just moved back here from Florida. Now, she was supposed to stop on her way back to Austin from Florida in Houston and have dinner with us, but she got stuck in traffic in Baton Rouge and it was 9:00 p.m. before she got to Houston and she thought she just HAD TO GET TO AUSTIN so she didn't stop...but, whatever!! (I kid, I kid)<br /><br />So last night Becky came over and we all went to the Capitol Building to sing Christmas carols and watch the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Then, we went to Matt's Mexican Food and ate some muy bueno food. Followed that with some Scattergories and laughing non-stop and a good time was had by all.<br /><br />I have known Becky since the 1988-89 6th grade school year at Jefferson Middle School. Sadly, it's been 9 and one-half years since I last saw her. It better not be anouther (that's misspelled for you Becky) 9.5 yrs before I see her again or she's in trouble. We had your typical middle school and high school drama about who liked who or who was going to take who to what dance and meaningless stuff like that. But through it all, the friendship has remained. For that I am forever grateful.<br /><br />Kaylse enters the picture during college. There's a whole 14 blogs to talk about all of Kalyse and mine's drama over the past 12 years...especially when it comes to her past roommates (think psycho on steroids and you might get close). Jackie comes into the picture because of Kalyse and Beth and I are thrilled to have gotten to know her. And Beth and JAckie can eat all the Sushi they want, while Kalyse and I laugh at them, make vomiting noises, and secretly wonder how they can eat that stuff and not get food poisoning.<br /><br />And of course there's my Schmoopie, Beth. Next month is our 7 year wedding annivesary. Here's to 70 more!<br /><br />So several of my worlds collided last night. It's always a little strange, but it's always good.<br /><br />Beth and I have been blessed with dear friends in our life, both before we knew each other and since. We also got to see Jason and Sarah yesterday...they live in San Marcos, 30 minutes from Kalyse and Jackie. They looked really good and seemed happy and even though we didn't talk about Lily, their baby that died during childbirth about 4 months ago, I hope that they are finding some peace and know that we love them dearly. And they better get themselves to Houston during baseball season so we can go to a game. You have 19 months...so get yourselves there! You hear?!?<br /><br />As we are in the throws of Christmas, I pray that you remember that Christ was born into this world in a manger and lived and died so that wouldn't have to die, at least not spiritually, and so that you can live with Him forever.<br /><br />To friends: old, new, dear, forever, and those unknown. <br /><br />Peace and Love.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-81696995581896703252007-10-31T21:39:00.000-05:002007-10-31T21:53:16.435-05:00DevotedThere is much of which I can be accused.<br />-Overeating<br />-Procrastinating<br />-Not reading enough (this means about work and medicine)<br />-Not calling my friends often enough<br />-Tading cars WAY TOO OFTEN<br />-Not returning borrowed books, music, whatever in a timely fashion<br />-Many more I'm sure...<br /><br />However...<br />You CAN NOT accuse me of doing Halloween this year half-way. Beth wanted us to be Charlie Brown and Lucy. She had a friend at church make her a dress and she bought me a football and ordered me the Charlie Brown shirt off of the internet. Well, I wanted to do my part:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ryk-8HgLJUI/AAAAAAAAAA0/i86pqQrZaqE/s1600-h/IMG_0764_edited.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ryk-8HgLJUI/AAAAAAAAAA0/i86pqQrZaqE/s320/IMG_0764_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127698853265089858" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ryk-pHgLJTI/AAAAAAAAAAs/5-iDJVTHzzg/s1600-h/IMG_0763_edited.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ryk-pHgLJTI/AAAAAAAAAAs/5-iDJVTHzzg/s320/IMG_0763_edited.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127698526847575346" /></a><br /><br />For the first time since May, 1997, I am without my goatee. Yes, it's been that long. Beth has never seen me without and frankly, I'm not sure that she's going to sleep in the same bed with me tonight she's so creeped out. Anyway, it may very well be the most spontaneous thing I have done in the last 30 yrs. And it may be another 30 before I do it again. So enjoy! HAPPY HALLOWEENJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-4945447431628043742007-07-30T17:59:00.002-05:002007-07-30T19:19:40.165-05:00A Sunday to rememberSo yesterday I am getting ready for church. My pants were "fluffing" in the dryer and I had just leaned over the sink to fix my hair when I felt something running out of my nose. I looked down and it was blood...bright red blood and it was flowing fairly briskly. I've had nose bleeds before, so I got some toilet paper and put it in my right nostril. I waited for a minute and then noticed that the toilet paper was soaked. When I went to change it, there was a significant amount of blood that came out and I was still bleeding...BRISKLY. <br /><br />I called Beth into the bathroom and told her that I might need to go to the Emergency Room. She said that she would drive me. Since she was teaching Sunday School and making the announcements during the service, I told her that it was no big deal and that I would drive myself. At this point, blood started flowing out of my LEFT nostril (it was the right one that started first).<br /><br />This is when I said to Beth, "On second thought, you need to call someone to cover you and we need to go to the ER. Now."<br /><br />So as to not freak my mother or mother-in-law out, I will not tell you how fast Beth drove to the hospital. You see, we live about 35-40 minutes from the hospital I work in. It was important that they go there, because I know they have ENT residents in-house and my ENT had privileges there.<br /><br />By this point, I had surmized that I had an arterial bleed. The fact that I was bleeding so much and that the blood was so red, told me that it was arterial.<br /><br />So we're in the car. Now you may be asking why I didn't call 911. Well, as I mentioned, we live 40 minutes from the hospital and I was convinced that it would take an ambulance 20 minutes to get to the house, not to mention the 40 minutes to the hospital. So we got in the car and drove. I get that from my dad. But that's another story.<br /><br />In the car, with both nostrils packed AND holding pressure, I started swallowing a fair amount of blood. Now even I'm starting to get a little freaked out. I tell Beth to drive quickly, but safely. That when she came to a red light, she was to slow down, check for traffic, honk the car horn and go. Luckily for us, it was Sunday morning and there was very little traffic on the road.<br /><br />I pick up my cell phone and called my ENT. His office message says that he is out ouf town and another ENT is covering. They give a name and phone number, but I can't very well hold pressure on my STILL BLEEDING NOSE, hold the cell phone, AND write down the number of the covering ENT.<br /><br />So I called Hermann. I work there, remember. And asked to speak to ER triage. Then, I asked to speak to the attending physician. Luckily for me, it was one of the attendings that I know, and like. I told her who I was, that I had had surgery one month ago, and that I had an arterial bleed. I asked her to call ENT and told her that I would be there in 10-15 minutes.<br /><br />We arrived at the hospital, Beth dropped me off at the front door, and then went to park. I walked in and asked for the attending. Again, luckily for me, the ER tends to not be a busy place on Sunday morning. I walk in, tell them I have an arterial bleed and that I've spoken to the attending. They get me in a bed, start an IV, and call ENT.<br /><br />ENT was there within 10-15 minutes. It was soon determined that an artery in the posterior part of right nose was the artery that was bleeding. It was in a place that I couldn't apply direct pressure. That's why it didn't stop bleeding. And it wouldn't have without professional help. This is also how you can believe me when I say that I didn't cause this bleed because I was picking my nose. Digital trauma (nose picking) is still the number one cause of nose bleeds or epistaxis. But in my case, it was an artery in the posterior part of my nose. But I digress.<br /><br />The ENTs were able to stop the bleeding there in the ER. They had just placed a surgical seal adhesive gauze thingy (yes, that's the technical medical name) when I started bleeding, AGAIN. They were going to send me home, but when I started bleeding again, and given that we live that far from hospital, we decided that it would be best for me to spend the night in Obs just to make sure everything was ok. We also decided to keep me NPO (nothing per os ((mouth)) in case it started bleeding again.<br /><br />All of this, before noon. 2 wonderful friends from church brought Beth Whataburger and, yes, they ate it in front of me. They left and Beth and I took a nap and she decided to go home, let the dogs out, and would come back later. I called the ENTs around 5:00 to ask if they were going to let me eat dinner.<br /><br />About 10 minutes later, one of the residents comes into my room holding a consent form. Guess what, no dinner for me. At least not any time soon. It was then that he told me Dr. Smith, my ENT, was on his way to the hospital, and that they were getting an OR ready for me. <br /><br />Dr. Smith wanted to take me to the OR to cauterize the artery that had bled. He is going out of town this week, and didn't want me to start bleeding. This way, we would take care of it for good.<br /><br />I called Beth and told her she might want to come back to the hospital sooner, rather than later. I actually felt bad for her, because I knew I would be in the OR before she could get back to the hospital. I did ask the ENT resident to make sure that Dr. Smith talked to her after the surgery.<br /><br />The surgery went fine. They cauterized the artery and I went back to my room. More good friends from church brought Chipotle...mmmm, my absolute favorite. I slept on and off for the rest of the night and they let me go home early this morning.<br /><br />Dr. Smith told Beth that he is concerned that I started bleeding this far post-op. The original surgery was one month ago. I should be well healed. We did go swimming Saturday and I did dive in the pool once, but he said that this shouldn't have made a difference. So, this Friday, I have an appointment to go see him and I guess we're going to talk about it.<br /><br />I'm a little worn out, but no worse for wear. I am also grateful to my friend Mark who was working in the MICU who came down, said hello, held my cell phone while I was in the OR, and came to sit with Beth once she arrived at the hospital.<br /><br />I must take a minute to brag IMMENSELY on my wife. She handled her self INCREDIBLY WELL concerning the pressure that she was under. She kept it together on the way to hospital, made phone calls that were necessary, and just did everything that you could ask for from the wife of a doctor who's bleeding profusely from his nose.<br /><br />Double kudos for her having to hear over the phone that I was going back to surgery and that she wouldn't make it to the hospital before I went under. Again, the epitomy of poise and grace.<br /><br />I'm a lucky man.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-16450361653053724692007-07-16T18:57:00.000-05:002007-07-16T20:19:03.351-05:00Trying to do betterSo I make no promises as to the consistency with which I hope to blog. However, I am going to try to do better.<br /><br />I am now 16 days into my 3rd year of residency. Which reminds me, I need to update my profile. People ask me how it feels to be a third year and I tell them it's a little scary because now people actually expect me to know something. Huh, the nerve! But then I run across an Intern (whose been a "practicing" physician" for 3 weeks now) or Heaven-forbid a 3rd yr medical student, and I realize that I really DO know something. Because let's face it...they know very little. You might think that July would be a dangerous time to visit a teaching hospital. Actually, I think the opposite is true. In July, EVERYONE is more careful, and the upper level residents (me) are checking EVERYTHING the interns say and do. So feel safe, just keep one eye open when some scared kid that looks twelve and was born around 1981 comes into your room, ask him if he's 100% sure about what he's about to do and then ask him if he asked his upper level (again, me).<br /><br />I think I've said this is this blog, but my sister is pregnant with #2, so in January, Beth and I will be an Aunt and Uncle x2. We're REALLY excited!<br /><br />CiaoJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-54367809026943634442007-07-05T19:24:00.000-05:002007-07-05T19:30:54.706-05:00No more packing!!Just thought I would post a post packing picture. I didn't realize until now, that I couldn't breathe through my nose. It's SO MUCH EASIER to breathe now! I am SO glad that I had the surgery. Thank you Dr. Smith.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ro2Mw1PFQtI/AAAAAAAAAAk/zsUEDMee2AE/s1600-h/Photo+8.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Ro2Mw1PFQtI/AAAAAAAAAAk/zsUEDMee2AE/s320/Photo+8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083874324923106002" /></a>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-12294436421217553432007-07-03T19:27:00.000-05:002007-07-03T19:36:33.839-05:00I CAN BREATHE!!!So I went back to the ENT's office today and he unpacked my nose! I CAN BREATHE!!! AND I can taste food again! I can TOTALLY tell a difference in my breathing pre-sugery and now post-removal of packing. The true test will be to see if the snoring is any better. How can it not be, right?<br /><br />I am on call tonight and MD Anderson. I am covering any patient with a solid tumor. They don't even tell us how many patients that is because I'm sure it would scare us silly. Basically, I am here to give medicines to sleep, pee, poop, and pronounce anyone who might die overnight.<br /><br />Beth and I plan on driving to Palastine, TX in the morning when I get off to see my dad. Kristina and Eric and Tori will also be there. It will be a quick trip as Kristina and fam have to drive home and Dad has to go to work. But any visit is a good one.<br /><br />Thanks for all the support and making-fun-of-me in my hour of distress (Becky) during the past week. There is chocolate cake leftover from Beth's birthday and homemade cookies from Chelsie that I plan on making out with tomorrow when we get home. Why? Because I can, AND I can taste them!<br /><br />Peace and Love,<br /><br />JJeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-77283348376849909022007-06-29T22:26:00.000-05:002007-06-29T23:06:46.161-05:00Beth-a-pa-loo-zaSo tomorrow is the day. The day that the love of my life leaves her 20s and joins me as a thirty-something. It's a bit surreal. I remember thinking that I'd never be 30. That there was no way that I could reach that age. Well, I have...and it's not so bad.<br /><br />I do feel somewhat bad for Beth. This surgery of mine has put a bit of a damper on the normal week(month)-long Beth-a-pa-loo-za Celebration. Even though I can't taste food and have basically lived in my recliner for the past 5 days, I do still have a trick or 2 up my sleeve.<br /><br />I would tell you here, but so far Beth hasn't managed to figure them out. WHICH IS AMAZING!!!! because the woman can smell a surprise for DAYS!!!<br /><br />There will be some celebration tomorrow, but also, we are going to save some for once I am unpacked (my nose people, pay attention...or at least read that last 2 posts) so that I can enjoy the taste of a nice steak or a bottle of Spanish wine.<br /><br />Now to the toast:<br /><br />To the most amazing woman I have ever had the joy/pleasure of knowing and loving:<br /><br />Welcome to 30. It's an amazing year and the beginning of the rest of your life. The past 29 have taught you many lessons that most of us spent a lifetime learning. You have handled them as well as anyone could expect. With grace and dignity. The thing that amazes me the most is that regardless of what life throws at you, you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going.<br /><br />You are one of the funniest people I know. You are always making me laugh. And you laugh at me, I mean, at my jokes, even when they're not funny or when you've heard them 1 million times.<br /><br /> So this guys walks into the Psychiatrist office wearing <br /> nothing but saran wrap for underwear...<br /><br />You are fiercely loyal to those you call friends. You would give your right arm, without hesitation, to any in need.<br /><br />You are talented beyond belief. Your knowledge of pop culture, alone, stops me in my tracks. You love music and art and poetry and the theater. Our kids will be blessed to have you for a mom. I'm quite sure you'll be the cool mom and I'll be the dork dad. I've been a dork a long time. It's a role I'm very comfortable in.<br /><br />Your scrapbooks are unique and your talent flows all over their pages.<br /><br />And your faith...you intimately know the God you believe in and serve. Your faith is your own and not some superficial feel-good. Your parents (all 3 of them) are to be commended. You are a faith giant and a prayer warrior.<br /><br />Thank you for loving me and allowing me to share in this journey with you. It's been one heck of a ride over the last 8 years. I treasure each moment that I've had with you and smile with anticipation of those moments yet to come.<br /><br />You give me reason to wake up in the morning and to come home at night. Your blue eyes mesmerize me and and pierce me to the core.<br /><br />May you have the desires of your heart.<br /><br />143.<br /><br /><em><strong>Crash by Dave Matthews</strong></em><br />You've got your ball,<br />You've got your chain<br />Tied to me tight, tie me up again.<br />Who's got their claws<br />In you my friend?<br />Into your heart I'll beat again<br />Sweet like candy to my soul<br />Sweet you rock,<br />And sweet you roll<br />Lost for you, I'm so lost for you<br /><br />Oh, and you come crash into me<br />And I come into you<br />And I come into you<br />In a boy's dream<br />In a boy's dream<br /><br />Touch your lips just so I know<br />In your eyes, love, it glows so<br />I'm bare-boned and crazy... for you.<br /><br />Oh, and you come crash into me<br />Baby, and I come into you<br />In a boy's dream<br />In a boy's dream<br /><br />And if I've gone overboard<br />Then I'm begging you<br />To forgive me<br />In my haste<br />When I'm holding you so girl,<br />Close to me<br /><br />Oh and you come crash into me, yeah<br />Baby, and I come into you<br />Hike up your skirt a little more<br />And show the world to me<br />Hike up your skirt a little more<br />And show your world to me<br />In a boy's dream<br />In a boy's dream<br /><br />Oh, I watch you there<br />Through the window<br />And I stare at you<br />You wear nothing, but you<br />Wear it so well<br />Tied up and twisted,<br />The way I'd like to be<br />For you, for me, come crash into me, baby<br />Come crash into me, yeah<br /><br />Crash into me...<br />Crash into me...<br />Crash into me...<br /><br />You know, I'm the king of the castle,<br />You're the dirty rascal, crash into me.<br />Please crash into me, baby...<br /><br />Oh, no no no...<br />Yes, I see the waves<br />Come and crash into me.<br />See the waves come and crash into me.<br />Crash into me.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-2228256145517348192007-06-28T10:39:00.000-05:002007-06-28T10:49:39.992-05:00This is the pitsThe next time I tell you that I want to have an elective surgery...SLAP ME (but not on my nose). I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to do this, but I must have been temporarily insane.<br /><br />I can't breathe through my nose. It's constantly dripping. I can't smell, which translates into I can't taste. I have a constant dull headache. And everytime I swallow, my ears pop.<br /><br />I go back to the doctor on Tuesday and in the meantime, I have to figure out how I am going to go back to work without freaking out my patients.<br /><br />Here are a couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/RoPYCVPFQrI/AAAAAAAAAAU/UaH6Ub5mCfg/s1600-h/MyPicture.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/RoPYCVPFQrI/AAAAAAAAAAU/UaH6Ub5mCfg/s320/MyPicture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081142339175793330" /></a><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/RoPYCVPFQsI/AAAAAAAAAAc/RDwqiURvGuQ/s1600-h/Photo+3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/RoPYCVPFQsI/AAAAAAAAAAc/RDwqiURvGuQ/s320/Photo+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081142339175793346" /></a>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-13267885944058977012007-06-26T09:33:00.000-05:002007-06-29T22:26:33.887-05:00Post-Op Day 1Let me begin by saying "OUCH!!" <br /><br />When I awoke from the Anesthesia yesterday, I decided that I had changed my mind and didn't want the surgery after all. And then the nurse introduced me to Fentanyl. YEAH!!!<br /><br />According to Beth, since I don't remember much immediately after the surgery, the bone spur was a alot bigger that Dr. Smith first thought. I don't know if that contributed to all the bleeding, but I bled so much that he decided to pack my nose, which he said he doesn't like to do. I now have 2 strings coming from both nostrils taped to my nose. I get to go to work looking like this! Even more YEAH!!<br /><br />Beth still thinks that there's no way I will feel like taking call on Thursday, but we'll see. I already feel 10000000% better. I will spend the day in my recliner resting and getting better.<br /><br />Oh and by the way: It's Beth-a-pa-looza! She turns 30 on Saturday.<br /><br />Maybe I will aim for a post a day since I have a few days off to recover.<br /><br />Maybe.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-64010509793883843562007-06-19T21:25:00.000-05:002007-06-19T21:32:52.226-05:00This doesn't countI know that I haven't posted in FOREVER and that this really doesn't count. I just wanted Becky to know that I am still breathing. Although, I am beginning to wonder if she's mad at me because I sent her some info and haven't heard from her. Not that I need constant praise and adoration, I don't. Just a little <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">reciprocal, "Hey, I'm still alive, too."</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I am working on a presentation about Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Crohn Disease. So I have to get back to it.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">p.s. and by the way...I am having my nose broken (yes, on purpose) by an ENT on Monday, June 25th to fix my deviated septum and help me breath better. Come to find out, I have a bone spur on my nasal septum. I didn't even know that was possible. And though I am sure to be in pain and annoyed at the fact that I can't blow my nose for a week...I am going to blog. I want to post some before and after pictures. Then I can say I have something in common with Jennifer Aniston. It may very well be the ONLY thing that she and I have in common.</span>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-46009768117891243662007-05-06T21:54:00.000-05:002007-05-06T22:50:11.271-05:003 months...really<div>OK OK OK!! I admit it. I have SERIOUSLY dropped the ball on blogging. I have plenty of excuses, but none of them are very good. I just haven't stopped long enough to type. Plenty has happened since the eve of my turning 30. I did that, turn 30, and didn't feel much different than I did when I was 29.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have completed my 6th month of ICU since becoming a doctor. Only 2 more to go in the next 26 months. That's VERY exciting to me!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I took a job in Lubbock, TX, home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders (my Alma mater in case you haven't been reading long or don't know me very well). This, too, I am excited about. I didn't think that I would ever leave Lubbock. But the medical school match and other events in my life gave me the opportunity to get out and see the world. I'm now about to finish my 6th year here in H-town. My how time flies when you're having fun. But I digress.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Back in August or September, I heard that a hospital group in Lubbock was recruiting primary care physicians (Internist, Pediatricians, and Family Practitioners) because they were going to encounter a shortage in the next few years. Because of this, they were willing to offer monthly stipends and sign on bonuses to residents who were willing to sign an employment contract and come work for them when they finished their residency. It sounded too good to be true. Extra money for the next 2 years to do the same thing that I'm going to be doing for the next 2 years anyway. I job locked up. A place to live. And good friends that are going to do it too. Well, as of April 30, 2007, it's official. On or before September 1, 2009, I will be one of Lubbock's newest physicians. Beth and I are TOTALLY excited. We have AMAZING family and friends in the area, the Daltons are moving back with us (pediatric residents with whom we spend an insane amount of time), and I get to be a true Med/Peds physician in a clinic that it yet to be built and practice medicine. Too cool. Way too cool. I think my mom may be even more excited because she hopes that there will be another grandchild who she can spoil just as rotten as the one she currently has. Kristina, that means you, ha ha ha.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last, but not least, is my friend Becky. Even though it took her like 2 months to acknowledge my turning 30, I would like to say a few things about her here and now to help her commemorate this occasion. I'm a little fuzzy on some of the timing, but I know it happened.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I don't remember when Becky and I met. I know that I was invited to her birthday party in the 6th grade, I guess that would have been 1989. She had THE PARTY OF THE 6TH GRADE. The details are completely junior high and silly. Let's just say that it's a night I won't ever forget.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As for 7th grade...well, it came and went.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We found ourselves in choir together. I'm sure there were other classes, but it would be choir that would carry us through for the next million years or so. We were also both brass players. She the French horn, me the coronet. And Mr. Anderson...boy was that guy uptight! We made it to high school and...did you go to the Tech Choir camp after 8th grade??? I don't remember. The top choir (which we weren't even allowed to audition for) was going to Vienna, Austria right before Christmas. Mrs. Perkins gave us freshman an opportunity to raise money and go since it was a once in a lifetime trip (even though they went back a few years later). Becky and I were on that trip. Along with Courtney and James Norvell and a whole bunch of other people. 9th grade is the year that we started taking voice lessons together from Ms. Walker. Remember the time you were playing with her pepper spray at HSU and set it off? We had to clear the building because we were choking. Good job. We also went to Tempe and played in the Fiesta Bowl Parade. There are still things that happened on that bus (not between us) that should NEVER be mentioned again! That was a year of trips. Seriously? Seriously. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>10th grade is a little fuzzy. It was the summer after that I moved to Tyler. We both ended up in Lubbock in our college years...and well...things happened. We lost touch until it was time for our 10yr high school reunion. I found a website and decided that even though I didn't graduate with you guys...that you're the group I call home. Family. Friends forever.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have said this before, but I will say it again. Part of who I am today is because of Becky, Eric, Rachel, Courtney, Chad, Jason,...and a host of others. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thank you Becky for your friendship, your laughter, your phone calls after 10:00 when my dad answered. Thank you for "Joe's Bar and Grill, this is Juanita speaking how can I help you" Thank you for the 6th grade skating party, and the 7th grade Halloween party, and choir and band and voice lessons, and all those times that you were there for me. Thank you for continuing to be a part of my life. While I've not been near as elegant as you in some of your birthday posts, I hope that you know you are one of my dearest friends. Thank you that we have weathered our storms and still remain friends. Thank you that our craziness can still make the other laugh. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for being you.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am so excited that you are about to be an aunt. Being an uncle to the cutest 4 yr old on the planet, I can tell you it's one of the greatest joys on Earth. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Welcome to 30...may the next 3 decades be at least as much fun as the first 3.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>May the Lord Bless You and Keep You.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Always,</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jeremy</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>p.s. I came across this picture a few months ago and I can't resist posting it here. It's a good picture and not near as bad as some of mine (which hopefully you don't have and won't repay the favor). It doesn't have the year on it. When was this??</div><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Rj6hWXF2JUI/AAAAAAAAAAM/RFl1zUICzcE/s1600-h/Becky.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061660436738745666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_ZIkTfO2JYVo/Rj6hWXF2JUI/AAAAAAAAAAM/RFl1zUICzcE/s320/Becky.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12026469.post-60748323410941945202007-02-10T22:46:00.000-06:002007-01-31T09:50:23.821-06:0029 years, 364 daysIn about 70 minutes, I will no longer be able to call myself a Twenty-Something. I will be a Thirty-Something. It's hard to believe. I can remember when I was younger thinking that being 30 was something almost unobtainable. I had no idea what my life would be like.<br /><br />I'm a lucky man. I have parents that love me and have tried every day to make sure that I had everything that I needed and quite a few things that I wanted. I am still friends with people that I have known since 3rd grade, and I love them dearly; even the ones that came along a few years later. I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that we've been able to stay in touch and that we continue to share in each other's lives. I can't name them all, but much love to Eric, Becky, Rachel, Lara, Jason, Chad, Courtney (wherever you are) Martha, Carol, Chris, Paul, Rhonda, Kevin, Joe, Daniel, Chris, Jeremy, Billy, Wes, Mark and several more whose names don't immediately come to mind. <br /><br />I was blessed with the opportunity to sing in choirs throughout my life that have taken me to New York, San Diego, Vienna, San Antonio, New York (again), and all over the state of Texas. I finished my last 2 years of high school in Tyler, and while there, in fact, 12 years ago tomorrow, I turned 18 while singing with the TMEA All-State Choir. I attended Texas Tech University where I sang in the University Choir, the Madrigal Singers, and started the journey towards Medical School. In 1999, I met the woman of my dreams who would soon become my wife (that was 6 years ago). She knows me like no other, and though she may seem like my exact opposite, we fit together perfectly. I love her and can't wait to spend the next 30 years with her by my side.<br /><br />Medical School brought new memories, new friends, and new challenges. Now in my second year of residency, the challenges still come.<br /><br />I have no idea what the next 29 years, 364 days will bring. Hopefully children, a successful practice, more good friends, and deeper relationships with old ones. If I'm lucky, grandchildren will one day be seen. No doubt, more hard times will come.<br /><br />But I'm a lucky man. God has enriched and blessed my life more than I deserve. I have wonderful freinds and family that fill my life. I love my job. I love my wife.<br /><br />29 years, 364 days have come and gone.<br /><br />I'm a lucky man.Jeremyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01513558842485181346noreply@blogger.com3