Christmas Dinner

And so it began...
Prime rib = so delicious, but SO filling
Remains of the day:
Poor Sam (under the dining room table)

'Twas the Night before Christmas

Christmas Eve with the Robnetts! In keeping up with an honored Thilo-Robnett tradition, the two families convened for Christmas Eve. We had scintillating conversation over a delicious, colorful dinner. Then we braved the snowy blizzard outside (13" that day alone, bringing the total to over 4') and headed to Trinity Lutheran Church.After a music-infused service, we (Mom, Dad, Sam, Grandma Thilo, Janet, Rusty, Jess, Ausey, and I) headed back to Buckskin Road for drinks and dessert. Janet made a scrumptious chocolate cake, which went nicely with peppermint ice cream and Bailey's+Kahlua. Finally, we exchanged gifts, and I received a fashion-forward pair of arm warmers. They will definitely come in handy on my bike rides to school on chilly mornings and during class in excessively air-conditioned lecture halls.

Ice and Icing

What do you get when you cross Mom's garden with an icy Idaho winter?Frozen Potatoes!In the morning, Dad and I braved the icy roads and picked up my bag from the Spokane Airport (yay clean underwear!). Then we went to REI and Cabelas for some Christmas shopping. We had lots of shopping success at Cabelas where Dad saved lots on a case of shotgun shells while I frolicked among the stuffed animals on display. Next stop: Starbucks for some goal setting with Chelsey. Delicious dinner was followed by extreme cookie decorating in which I surely took home the top icing prize with my Barack Snobama and angel (complete with eyelashes!).

Dress and Dazzle

On Thursday night I went to a KFC Christmas party at my friend Javier's place. Sarah, Amy, Aaron, Javier, and I had a little gift exchange in which 3/5 of us went home with the gifts we brought. Friday morning marked my last medical school exam of 2008. The Foundations cumulative exam included eight essay questions over material since the first day of medical school. I think this was the first and only time I will feel confident going into and coming out of a Baylor test! On Friday night I helped out with the second years' End of Basic Sciences Ball. I'm pictured above with Brandi and Joanne as we celebrate their completion of Basic Sciences and move into the clinical phase in January.I spent all day Saturday at Ben Taub with high hopes of delivering a baby. I scrubbed in on a tubal ligation and even got to hold the clamps. Unfortunately, the timing didn't work out to enable my baby-catching skills to spring into action in the 10+ hours I was there. With shoulders hung in disappointment, I went home around 6pm to get ready for the ballet. With just enough time to slip into a dress and curl my hair, I went to the Nutcracker with Ian, Isabella, and Isabella's good friend Ismael. Afterward, we grabbed tapas at Mi Luna.After sleeping in on Sunday morning, I went out to lunch with my friend Aaron and his younger brother (a med school hopeful). At 3pm, I headed back to my alma mater to see Annalise marry her long-time love Phillip in the Rice Chapel. The two have gone through a lot, surviving years of long distance through most of their relationship. After the ceremony, they followed German tradition by sawing a log in half. We danced up a storm at Sugar Land's Country Club. Good times! Speaking of good times, I made it back to Coeur d'Alene safely but without my checked bag. Grandma Thilo comes in at 11pm, so there's a chance we can retrieve my bag in the same trip. Regardless of travel trauma, I'm so happy to be home; I'm already over-fed and relaxed. :)

Stuck! (but not out of luck)

Closed airports in Seattle, Portland, and Spokane (temporarily) have left me racing between gates in Las Vegas hoping to hop on a flight that will get me to Spokane. My original flight through Portland was canceled, but (thankfully) I switched over to a different, direct flight that is a few hours delayed. I think this flight just might leave in the next few minutes, but who knows if my bag will make it! I guess this just means I might be showing up empty-handed without any clean clothes or presents to put beneath the Christmas tree Sam and Dad chopped down yesterday. I have lots of fun pictures to post from the last couple days, but they'll have to wait another few hours. Stay tuned for the conclusion to this holiday travel saga. To be continued...

Home, Sweet (Snowy) Home

I'M SO EXCITED!!Photo Credits: Sue "Moshpit" Thilo :)

Snow Flurries and Test Worries

I've made it to Tuesday! I never thought this day would come... three of four tests down and one to go! I will spend the next few days detoxing from my caffeine overdose and studying for the Foundations cumulative test (essays about all the material we've learned since day one of med school). Yesterday was rough with the mega multiple choice test over GI/Metabolism/Nutrition/Endocrinology/Reproduction (I certainly wish I was operating on more sleep). This morning began with an absolutely brutal anatomy practical, which everyone agreed was a bit of a butt-kicker (and I usually love anatomy!). Finally the histology practical was challenging but mercifully free of surprises.So, what did you miss since my last post? SNOW IN HOUSTON! I kid you not. A light dusting of white coated the ground, and I even attempted to make a snowball for the photographic proof this blog necessitates. So, today's three pictures include: the view from my study room at Baylor (Texas Medical Center at night dressed in holiday cheer), snow on the car, and my snowball!

Building Anticipation

After returning from Florida, I settled into studying mode. During the week classes introduced many of the intricacies of nutrition and reproduction. We continued with a deeper dissection of the male and female urogenital triangle in anatomy lab, which was accompanied by an explicit (and entertaining) explanation of sex organs in histology. Next week is the last week of classes before block exams (multiple choice, anatomy & histology practicals) and the cumulative written exam (blocks 1-3). So, the anticipation is building... anticipation for the test to come and anticipation for the test to be over. I'm really anticipating my upcoming, post-test holiday plans, beginning with my baby-delivering opportunity on December 20. I have a friend's wedding on December 21 and will be on my way to IDAHO on December 22. There are other exciting plans on the agenda, too, but I need to save some excitement for future blog posts. :) For now, back to the books...A festive change of scenery for study group

Thanksgiving with the Brehms!

After anatomy lab on Wednesday, I packed up the Camry, kissed Wentworth goodbye, filled up the empty gas tank for $26, and headed east on I-10. Though I felt a bit sleepy while stuck in traffic on my way out of Houston's construction mess, I perked up when the smooth sailing began and things got a bit more interesting in Danielle Steele's book-on-tape (compliments of Houston Public Library). Getting an impressive 500 miles to the tank, I fueled up again in Loxley, Alabama, and made it to Navarre, Florida, just after the stroke of midnight. My beloved sister Sarah and her husband Paul gave me a warm welcome. After a tour of their impeccably decorated home and a bit of conversation, I crashed under the comfortable covers of the guest bed.
When I awoke (well into Thanksgiving morning), aromatic scents wafted from the kitchen and triggered parasympathetic stimulation of my salivary glands (I have to integrate some evidence of studying). First we devoured some delicious bubble loaf. Then we watched the Macy's Day Parade. I even slipped in a pre-turkey jog around the neighborhood in the pleasant 70-degree weather. Finally, we settled down for a fabulous feast featuring yummy stuffing, tangy gravy, candied sweet potatoes, and more! We had drinks (apple cider martinis), dessert (Kentucky bourbon chocolate walnut pie and homemade vanilla ice cream), and dominoes (Mexican Train). After Sarah dominated dominoes with her exceptional sagacity, Paul showed off his hand-eye coordination with his superior ability to stop a spinning penny on its edge. Exercising my quick wit and vast vocabulary, I evened things out with a clear victory in Scattagories. It was a complete evening.
Friday morning began with studying and Texas toast followed by an early afternoon nap. In the afternoon, Sarah and Paul gave me a driving tour of the Florida panhandle (aka "an extension of southern Alabama"). We drove through Navarre and along the sound on Miracle Strip Parkway. I caught a glimpse of Hurlburt Field, the Air Force Base where Sarah and Paul are stationed. We drove through Fort Walton Beach and into Destin where we snacked on appetizers and beer at McGuire's Irish Pub. The atmosphere was quite festive with hundreds of thousands of dollar bills hanging from the ceiling interrupted by the occasional bra, beer taps pouring from the breasts of a topless figurehead, and incongruous Christmas music playing in the background.Then we went across the street to Destin's newly-opened Pat O'Brien's and had signature hurricanes in souvenir glasses. On the way back to Navarre, we searched for an open Thai restaurant. After about a half dozen failed attempts, we finally found a place that would serve us dinner and humor me by letting me practice some Thai. Though I realized how much Thai I have already forgotten, I really loved the opportunity to 'poot passa Thai.' After dinner, we came home and relaxed in the living room before retiring for the night.
Now, it's Saturday morning, and I'm already (grudgingly) planning my return to Houston this evening. Sunday will probably be spent studying and wishing I was back with Sarah and Paul at their lovely home in Navarre.

Brazos Bend

Classes were canceled on Thursday. On Friday I had class, histology lab (pancreas and salivary glands), and my elective Compassion and the Art of Medicine. This week's speaker was Amy Kuebelbeck, author of the heart-wrenching memoir Waiting with Gabriel. After reading her book earlier this week, I was really looking forward to her talk about choosing 'comfort care' for her son with hyperplastic left heart syndrome. Mrs. Kuebelbeck carried her baby to term after learning of his fatal heart condition at 24 weeks gestation. In the book she discusses what it was like being pregnant with a baby for three and a half months while simultaneously preparing for his birth and funeral. During her presentation, she shared pictures of her pregnancy, her son during his short 2.5-hour life, and her actions taken after Gabriel's death. Very moving and very sad.

My study group decided to go on an adventure this weekend. We set off to go camping on Friday afternoon in celebration of Joseph's birthday. We went to Brazos Bend (just an hour away) and set up camp. Unfortunately, 'camping' anywhere near Houston means setting up a tent next to a parking lot full of motor homes. Nonetheless, we got our fill of nature by taking an extended 'hike' (really just a walk on a path without any elevation change).

Though all of the signs and brochures promised that we would run into alligators at every turn, I didn't see one during our 20 hours in the wilderness. I did, however, see several raccoons including a few eating our shish kabobs and marshmallows. Greedy little suckers- Sheesh!

After a delicious BBQ dinner, s'mores, and German chocolate birthday cake, we sat around the campfire and played some games. It's amazing how much people can learn about each other and bond when not surrounded by textbooks.

On Saturday morning, we packed up and went for another hike/walk before heading back to Houston. It was so nice to get some fresh air, exercise, and relax! Today (Sunday) involved lots of studying including more time with the study group but purely professional this time. :) I'm really excited for the three-day week and even more excited for Thanksgiving in Florida with Sarah and Paul!

Breakable Things

On my way to school this morning, I did something I haven't done in a while: I slipped and fell. It reminds me of a time on my walk to the bus stop (maybe the first day of kindergarten?) when I took a similar spill and ripped a hole in my pretty white tights. Today, I cut my knees, hurt my hands, and felt pretty klutzy, but no big deal. Some things will heal.

During the second class of the day, Dr. Kretzer (our much-loved and fabulously outspoken histology professor) passed out copies of a recent article in the Houston Chronicle. Tough times at Baylor:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6113589.html
Some things will change.

When I got home from school, I noticed that Wentworth had knocked a candle holder off a bookcase. I picked up the broken pieces and cleared away the small, shattered fragments- some too small to see until they caught light at just the right angle and gleamed brightly. Some things will be replaced.

After the last class of the day, a hoard of administrators and a group of somber second-years piled in the back of the room. A classmate of ours had taken his own life. There was a terrible moment of surprise followed by confusion and profound sadness. Some things cannot be healed, changed, or replaced.

My good friend Tiffany reminded me of a quote from her favorite movie (It's a Wonderful Life):
"Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love, Clarence."

Belly Laughs

On Saturday evening I went out to dinner with a friend and had a good conversation that I thought was blog-worthy. I should probably preface this anecdote with the fact the conversation took place at a Thai restaurant where I was eating Thai food, babbling in rudimentary Thai with the waitstaff, and giddily reflecting on my experiences in the Southeast Asian country I called home for six months. When I was in Thailand, I had moments of pure happiness, little euphoric surges that can only be described with cliched expressions like "I felt like I was on cloud nine." I felt extreme contentment with where I was and what I was doing in my life; with great conviction, I knew I was in exactly the right place. This feeling came over me several times in Thailand when I least expected it: on my walk to school, on a bus during my weekend travels, etc. Later, I was worried that I would lose this feeling when I went back to the States. I was worried that I wouldn't feel the same way in medical school. However, every once in a while, I will get that same feeling (when I bike along the Bayou to/from school, when I walk back to my car after studying late at Baylor and the lights of the Texas Medical Center glow around me, when I'm hanging out with my study group friends, when I'm dissecting in anatomy lab). It's an amazing feeling, and I hope you can relate.

Over the past week, I had a smattering of activities related to Brandi's wedding: I picked up my bridesmaid's dress (gorgeous!), and I attended a bridal shower thrown by her family and friends. On Wednesday, we practiced abdominal exams just after lunch and couldn't help but crack up after hearing ferocious bowel sounds for the first time. On Friday, a comedy trio performed for the Compassion and the Art of Medicine elective I take- quite entertaining. On Friday evening, the second-years showed a hilarious and skillfully constructed two-hour film that made me smile until my cheeks hurt. Afterward, I danced at the after party until my feet hurt. :) It was a great week filled with laughter, friends, and even (believe it or not) some studying!

Rocking Out

Rock the Vote: done.
As President Bush breaks records as the most unpopular president since the advent of approval ratings (with an impressive 76% disapproval rating), President-elect Obama is en route to turn the beat around at the White House. One of my favorite quotes from his acceptance speech: "And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too."

Rock Your Body: done.
I paid a visit to Houston's Museum of Natural Science to see Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS 2 & The Brain – Our Three Pound Gem: The Original Exhibition of Real Human Bodies. Though I saw Bodyworlds 1 back in 2006, this trip provided an entirely different experience. Not only did I have (some of) the vocabulary to describe what I saw, but I had an even greater appreciation for the quality of the specimens and their beautiful, illustrative display our bodies' inner workings just under the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of our multifunctional skin. Since my class went as a large group, anatomy buzzwords were flying about the room as we giddily dissected the exhibits with the scalpel of our eyes. However, it doesn't take an interest in medicine or even a passionate love for anatomy to appreciate the awe-inspiring intricacies of the human body through the curatorial masterpiece of Bodyworlds. Go see for yourself!

Rock around the Christmas Tree: in progress.
With my two Halloween decorations still on the walls, I have been inundated with holidays jingles on the radio, Christmas decorations in stores, and strings of streetlights even stoplights blinking a bright red and green; in the air there's a feeling of Christmas...

The Long Weekend

Starting on Tuesday afternoon (post-test), the weekend had arrived, as far as I was concerned. Truth be told, this mode of thinking raised some eyebrows in the grocery checkout line when I told the cashier, "Have a nice weekend." Still, I had a great time on Tuesday evening with the various social outings that followed. I even cleaned up my place, plugged in my blender, and had a few study group friends over before we headed to the celebrations downtown.

I worked on an ambulance on Wednesday and Friday, taking time to sleep practically all but 5 hours on Thursday. Friday (Halloween) evening also involved a stop by former Rice roommate Katherine Zodrow's place for some delicious mulled wine and pumpkin pie. On Saturday, I hosted a wedding shower for my friends Brandi Braud and Peter Scully. They are both second years at Baylor and have been together since the beginning of their time at Rice over five years ago. I have tons of leftover ice cream in my freezer, so if anyone has a hankering for vanilla or Neapolitan, come on over!

On Saturday evening, I joined forces with study group friends again for some dinner and a few episodes of House. Later on, all ages of Baylor Med students convened in Cullen Auditorium for a talent show, complete with outrageous costumes for both performers and audience members. Sunday was also a complete day with church, Sunday School (I help out with the 1-2 graders), the opera, and a movie. Opera = Beatrice and Benedict (beautiful costumes, but pretty slow going) Movie = Happy-Go-Lucky (a well-acted character study)

Tidbits of News

1. Block 2 is over!!

2. I've seen something I thought I'd never see again: gas for $1.99 (no, not a pint or a quart, but a whole gallon... really, it's true!)

3. Baylor College of Medicine + Rice University??
Full story: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6083117.html

To Members of the BCM Family:

Many of you read or heard about news reports this morning concerning discussions between Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University. It is important to understand that these types of discussions are ongoing and seek to enhance already strong collaborative programs that we have established.

Preliminary talks between the two institutions are under way. There are no further details to provide at this time.

Rice and Baylor already have a long history of valuable collaborations. They include numerous research projects, joint M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.B.A. programs, and an undergraduate medical scholars option in which selected undergraduates are admitted simultaneously to Rice and to the Baylor M.D. program. Rice is also working with Baylor to establish a jointly taught medical humanities program and exploring the possibility of a joint research and education program in medical informatics.

I will keep you informed of any developments that can be shared.
Peter G. Traber, M.D.

Dear Rebecca,

As you may know, today's Houston Chronicle includes an article on a potentially closer affiliation between Rice and Baylor College of Medicine. (You can read the article here: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6083117.html.) This possibility has been discussed for many years, and the two institutions already have collaborations that we are always seeking to build upon. I am writing to let you know that such a discussion is in fact under way, but is very preliminary, tentative and exploratory. Yesterday afternoon Rice and BCM issued the following joint statement:

"Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have a long history of valuable collaborations and are exploring the possibility of a closer affiliation. Preliminary talks between the two institutions are under way. No further details are available at this time."

I can assure you that the Rice leadership team and Board of Trustees will not undertake a decision like this without the utmost care and due diligence. I had the opportunity to update the Association of Rice Alumni board of directors at their recent meeting, and will keep you apprised of the situation as conversations between Rice and BCM may continue in the months to come.

Sincerely yours,
David W. Leebron
President

4. On to Block 3: GIMNER!

My Soapbox

When I opened up the Sunday paper and was pleasantly surprised to see the Houston Chronicle’s endorsement of Barack Obama. When I went online to read about my hometown news in Coeur d’Alene, I was disappointed to see that the Coeur d’Alene Press did not endorse a candidate. Perhaps it’s futile: Idaho will always vote Republican, just like Texas will always vote for a Bush. But, wouldn’t it be something if Idaho’s four electoral votes were cast in favor of a candidate who supported education, universal access to health care, and the protection of Idaho’s beautiful environment? For these reasons and many others, Barack Obama is the candidate for me.

McCain possesses an indisputable love for America; his unwavering patriotism and military background indicates that he would put ‘Country First.’ I have a sister and brother-in-law in the military, and I want to make sure we support our troops. I cannot be convinced, however, that McCain’s VP pick was not a purely political move, one to round out his ticket in the eyes of the electorate rather than serve the best interests of the country. Sure, she is a very smart-looking woman with ties to Idaho. I even am tickled to think that she and I both have taken classes at North Idaho College. While I would love to have her as a neighbor, I’d hate to have her as the Chief Executive in charge of judicial appointments, legislative vetoes, and international representation of the US. But I digress…

Our country is in desperate need of a strong and thoughtful voice. We need a leader with creativity and stamina. We need of a fresh face that will strengthen our international partnerships. We need someone on whom to pin our hopes and expect real outcomes.

Barack Obama is the galvanizing force this county needs. His electrifying vision for America’s future will get us through this tough economic time. It’s time to rally. It’s time to come together as Idahoans and Americans. It’s time to stand behind a candidate who will bring positive change. I invite you to join me (and the rest of the world) in jumping on the Barack bandwagon. When Inauguration Day arrives, I really believe President Obama will be sworn in, and won’t that be wonderful?

The Show Goes On

Last Saturday I participated in Matthew Carter Service Day (a day of volunteering in memory of a first-year Baylor med student who was murdered in a carjacking in 2003). I spent the morning at the Houston Food Bank sorting nonperishable items into disaster relief boxes. As many clusters of volunteers rapidly filled their boxes on wooden pallets, we soon ran low on canned vegetables and then bottled water. I was reminded of the mad dash for nonperishables pre-Hurricane Ike. The difference was, instead of groups' fighting over supplies to fill their boxes first, they shared supplies and helped each other out. This might seem like a trivial or expected observation, but it was really refreshing to see people working together toward a common goal without competition, selfishness, or pride.

Last week was the final full week of classes before the Block 2 test. YIKES!

Yesterday, I went to the season opener for the Houston Grand Opera with my friend Risa and her boyfriend Jon. It was a double-header: Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo's Pagliacci. The former had an especially fabulous set. Though it got off to a slow start, the play boasted a particularly affecting vignette of a mournful Santuzza praying while the orchestra played a moving song and the lighting expertly illuminated her supplicating form. I also got a kick out of the large chorus numbers; how did they fit so many people on stage!? The second feature presentation was very memorable: impeccable casting, singing, acting, and overall theatrics. The highlight for me was Canio's heartbreaking soliloquy... so well done! Though I can't recapture the exact performance (which was very powerful), I can direct you to a couple performances on youtube:
(best part 1:13-1:20) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn_eS2XFZ5g
(best part 2:06-2:14) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky271W94VHA

Finally, today was a series of ups and downs:
UP - I let myself sleep in; 8 hours of blissful slumber for the first time in weeks!
DOWN - Wentworth got into the Halloween candy. He'll live, but he's had some nasty visits to the litter box.
UP - My new stove arrived!
DOWN - The dishwasher broke. Yes, really.
UP (hopefully) - SNL with Sarah Palin

Why I Love Thursdays

1. Only two hours of lecture!
2. Anatomy lab rocks my world!
___a. Dissecting is so fascinating
___b. I have amazing tank-mates
_____(a long-overdue shout out to Harman, Andrew, Orlando, and Ita)
___c. This is the one subject I seem to "get"
___d. I don't have to worry about coordinating my wardrobe: scrubs
3. Yoga at the Baylor gym!
4. The Office! (obviously)
5. Tomorrow is Friday, which means the weekend has nearly arrived!

Other daily highlights (non-specific to Thursday):
- reading the paper over breakfast
- checking the mail
- cuddling with Wentworth
- riding along the Bayou (exercise, scenery, and adventures: Yesterday, a man under a bridge exposed himself in broad daylight and peed right in front of me as I rode by... always an adventure!)

Cancer, Libra, and Pisces?

Running in memory of my Aunt Jane Rasmussen, I participated in Houston's Race for the Cure this morning. It was a beautiful morning, and thousands hit the streets for the cause.

Over the past week, I've continued to study the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. Though it's nice to feel 'free' of the burden of block one, block two is already in full force. The next test is creeping up- just a few weeks away, before the end of the month. I can NOT believe October has arrived...

On a separate note, I don't think I ever mentioned that on the day of the written exam, I saw a very ominous display of dozens of dead fish littering the bayou's banks. I counted over 60 bloated corpses on my short bike ride. Needless to say, I was pretty unnerved and sure that this was a sign of my doomed test-taking abilities. Later, I read an article in the paper about how the post-Ike sewage backup contaminated some of the waterways, leading to the eerie ichthyological phenomenon. Well, my classmates and I received our grades on Wednesday, and I was thrilled to discover that (foreboding fish aside) I just might make it through med school (i.e. I was not in the bottom 5!).

A Test, a Guest, and (finally) some Rest!

On Wednesday evening, my classmates and I found out that our 'canceled' test was, in fact, rescheduled for the next week. I attempted to whip myself into a flurry of furious studying and have finally emerged post-tests. After anatomy and histology practicals on Thursday and a brutal comprehensive multiple choice/short answer test on Friday, I can finally say the first real round of med school tests are out of the way... or hopefully I can after grades are released next week. After the test, the unwinding process began. My class celebrated at a pub in Midtown. The picture above includes my friends and study buddies Sean and Sue Lynn.
I ducked out a bit early to meet up with Rice friends at Hans' Bierhaus in the Village. With Ny-Ying in from Atlanta (where she is in her second year at Emory Med), the roommate reunion was complete! The next day, the four roomies went to brunch at Empire Cafe in the Montrose area. While digesting, Ny-Ying and I slipped in a visit to the museum district before she headed off to Austin City Limits. The picture above shows us experiencing an interactive 'snowy' installation at the Contemporary Arts Museum. Finally, I completed my decompression with the Houston Ballet's Classically Modern (and I may have gone to the last showing of the Coen brothers' Burn After Reading at the Angelika). Today, I study the heart (Block 2: Cardiac, Respiratory, and Renal)!

If you have a couple minutes: The video above relates to an art exhibit that opened at Rice while I was studying last week. I took a wee break from studying to sip a glass of wine, hear the artist speak about her installation, and appreciate the piece that was both environmentally-conscious and loosely health-related.

The Many Faces of Wentworth

Mail Basket Kitty (who wishes he had a real bed)

Survivor Kitty
Superkitty! (or Sleeping Yoga Kitty)
Really, Really Content Kitty (in one of his favorite spots)
Scary Vampire Teething Kitty
Biker Kitty

Drunk Kitty

Goodbye Tippy

Tipper
January 28, 1996 - September 17, 2008

Tipper was the prince of the Thilo family canine dynasty. He was very happy (sometimes a little too friendly) and loved to play with his ball. Ever handsome, he was a good hunter and a faithful companion. He will be missed! I am sure the backyard seems mighty empty without him. He is preceded in death by Jet Black Magic.

Counting Blessings

On Sunday night, I finally left my bubble to retrieve my car. Houston is a completely different city right now. I could not believe my eyes. Traffic lights dangling precariously in intersections, city streets as dark as Idaho's dirt roads, pockets of electricity surrounded by dark voids of homes and businesses, huge bulky sheets of metal twisted and crinkled like aluminum foil, peeled back from roofs, carports, and gas station awnings. The city has a 9pm curfew; no ice or potable tap water. People lined up outside grocery stores waiting for their turn to get in, formations reminiscent of Depression-era bread lines. It's like something out of a novel set in a different time and place.

I went into work today. The ambulance company I've worked for over the past two summers was stretched thin and needed more EMTs. I agreed to come in today (Monday) and tomorrow to fill in the gaps. When I made it to the station, I was surprised to find the building- less than five miles from the comforts of my home- still without power (along with 3/4 of Houston earlier today). One of the ambulances was running outside the office with a stretch of cords running from the battery through the open window to the dispatcher inside. The diesel truck was jury-rigged to power the phone, radio chargers, and TV. During the day, we weren't as busy as I thought because all of the clinics and doctors' offices were shut down, and hospitals weren't discharging patients to unsafe homes. We did take a couple calls from the jail. Because our response time lagged a bit navigating the unregulated city grid, we arrived just moments too late to deliver a baby! Shucks!

Driving around Houston allowed me to survey the damage a bit more. Trees and power lines were down everywhere. It will take a very long time to clean up this mess. Billboards toppled, houses crushed, streets littered with debris contributed to the chaos. Gas stations everywhere were either out of gas or electricity, boarded up by owner-turned-evacuees, or destroyed. I saw less than half a dozen working stations; each of these had lines of DOZENS of cars for the few working pumps. One station even had a line of 20+ people on foot, standing in line, waiting to fill up their red 5-gallon jugs of gas. I wish I had my camera. I saw it and I can barely believe it.

Three of my med school classmates are looking for new apartments after pipes burst and rendered theirs uninhabitable. I wish I could offer them more than just a pull-out sofa while they are hunting for new housing. I saw a FEMA crew from Nevada today; they've been here since Gustav threatened the area nearly two weeks ago. I bet it's hard to be away from their own lives, homes, and families. Today's stories and sights reminded me how fortunate I am. Every once in a while it's good to put problems into perspective, I think. I'm so lucky to have made it through Ike without serious consequence. I certainly have been counting my blessings.

The Aftermath

Everything is OKAY! The storm brought its fury and passed in the night. Toppling trees, flattening fences, and cutting power lines, Ike definitely left his mark. Thankfully, power has been restored after only 14 hours. Water is still undrinkable and has little pressure. As for physical damage, my unit is relatively unscathed. A metal hood on top of the chimney blew off, but that's better than a couple units where the whole chimney was knocked over. Some stucco was ripped off the sides of buildings, but no leaks into my place. The bayou is perhaps the most telling gauge of the storm. As I've mentioned in the past, I normally bike along the bayou (see the photo below on a 'normal' day). The water rose well above the bike path and threatened to take out the bridge overhead, spilling into the streets that run alongside it instead (see the picture taken from the flooded street looking across the bayou). Hopefully, the video works.