2011

Happy New Year!
Hope all is well with you and that this year will be better than the last!

P.S.
Keep those resolutions, eh? Cool!

SongS of the day (that's right boys and girls, you get a 2-fer!): "Mr. Sandman" and "If You Think You Need Some Lovin'" - Pomplamoose



If these nutters seem familiar to you, they're in the new Hyundai Holiday Commercials.  I love them!

Good song

Don't you just hate it when you got a kick ass song on the radio on your way back home and you're uber pumped and you're singing the shit out of the tune when all of the sudden, you run out of air and you end up choking on your spit as you gasp desperately to catch your breath?  Ugh, now it hurts to cough, it hurts to breathe, and I am not the driving rock star I envisioned myself to be.

EPIC FAIL.

P.S. Still coughing.

Song of the day: "No Such Thing As Love" - Bleu

Give thanks

Happy thanksgiving everyone!

There are always many things in our lives that we can gripe about (please see the previous numerous entries), but we must always remember the few things in our lives that we can be thankful for.  These are the things that help to sustain us in our hard times.  These are the things that help to put our minds and lives into perspective, knowing that so many more people out there are much less fortunate than us.  And perhaps we all should be moved to share such good fortune with our neighbors and fellowmen.  Not just so we can feel better about ourselves or prove to others that we are charitable or better than they are or gain brownie points for heaven, but more so to remind us that wishing for a better world doesn't begin with the next person...No.  It begins with us.  And it doesn't take much to do a good deed...a simple thank you, a smile for the day, a helping hand, hell a simple silent moment so we can listen better to what the other person is trying to tell us.  Whatever you can think or do to make another's day a little better does count for a lot.  Now, imagine if that simple human decency is carried out by everybody...wow.  I think it would blow many people's minds as to how peaceful our race can really be.  Perhaps then, we might be recognized by the aliens as a species that's worthy of inclusion in the grand galactic federation of planets.  Perhaps.
The point is, it is only too easy to fall into hard times.  There is no talisman that can ward off the next illness or the next financial loss or the next catastrophe.  Our good deeds may not prevent the end of the world, but we can always hope to inspire a few more souls out there with our humble yet powerful actions, and maybe, just maybe...even at the end of the world, life itself, wouldn't be so bad.  Not when we can be thankful for each other.
And so, here are my thank yous...
1. To my family, for being themselves.  Despite all my arguing and bellyaching, they are always there for me.  Love you and thank you!
2. To new friends.  You know who you are.  Thank you for your time, support, and most of all, your acceptance of this eccentric, odd duckling.  It's nice to know I have a place to stay when I'm in your neighborhood.  And yes, you can stay with me when you're in my neck of the woods.
3. To old friends.  It's nice to know that we can always pick up where we left off even if we haven't seen each other in a long while.  That, and I can always rely on you all if I need to get rid of a body...figuratively speaking, of course.
4. To my health.  While it may not exactly be good, it can always be worse.
5. To those who helped me along the way...through med school, rotations, sub-I's, for sharing their couches, food, wisdom and good company...many many thanks!
6. To my car, for being such a trooper after all the miles of driving up and down Jersey and many points outside...way outside!
7. To the hard times.  Yes, I know what I said.  They always tear me down, but somehow I find myself always built up.  Better (It also helps when you have family and friends to back you up).
8. To my Garmin Nuvi, for ALMOST always getting me there.  One request...please learn how to navigate through the Philadelphia suburbs.  Other than that, you're golden!  Thank you.
9. To Haribo Gummy Bears.  Even though you chipped one of my fillings, I can't stay mad at you.  You're just so good!
10. To Wikipedia.  Well, I'm sure many of you can figure out why =).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!  SHARE THE LOVE!!!

Song of the day: "The Elephant Love Medley" - Moulin Rouge (Soundtrack)

Damn you, Nick Hornby! Why do you have to be so right?!!!

I heard this song a while back and I've been meaning to comment about it here, but alas, I've been sidetracked multiple times.

Well, not today.

Anyhoo...this is probably the most honest story I've heard in a very long time. And the saddest.

What do you think?

Song of the day: "From Above" - Ben Folds and Nick Hornby

Epic tech fail

My ipod touch is being a bitch.  A stupid whiney bitch.  And it's making me into a biotch!!!
WTF! After I updated my itunes, it decides to go all error-y on me and not sync properly.  Now all of my songs are without an ipod and it's driving me up the wall trying to figure out what the hell went wrong.  What's worse is I can't manually put the songs back into the Touch because of even more "errors" that itunes is telling me about.  Weak.

Not cool, Apple.

Song of the day: "Drop" - Cornelius

"Like a 45 record in the back of my mind..."

As usual, another band beat me to my own lyrics.
This band is absolutely mining my own thoughts.
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!
But I can't really fault them.  They're really good musicians.
And this song just has a really fun retro 80's feel with hints of Spoon in it - and catchy as all hell.
It's been stuck in my head since this afternoon on the drive back home.
The song pretty much describes the kind of crushes I tend to fall for.  As sad as how that may come out.
So it's ok to be in my head...this time.

Song of the day: "What's The Drawback" - The Silver Seas

Music and the mind

 Ok, remember a few posts back when I featured Ms. Melody Gardot in my "Song of the day" portion?  Well, just recently, I came across an article that was featured in my school's website and it focused around Ms. Gardot and one of my professors, Dr. Jermyn, who had a hand in helping her to rehabilitate after an unfortunate accident that happened to her a few years ago. Shortly put, Ms. Gardot was hit by an SUV, which left her in chronic pain and other debilitating sequelae.  After exhaustive treatments with drugs, physical therapy, etc. with many doctors, Dr. Jermyn finally suggested that she should restart what she used to do for fun as part of her rehab program, which was playing the piano.  Sure enough, it helped her to heal, and in a big way too, since she's now a very accomplished jazz performer and recording artist.

Here's the school link and the Elle link as well.  It's called "Composing Melody: The Enigmatic Melody Gardot."

Hope you likes.

Song of the day: "Over The Rainbow" - Melody Gardot

...like you didn't see this coming.

Massachusetts: Day 1, noonish

Overslept, but then again, I was up plenty late last night. I hope I don't oversleep in the next 2 months.

As I said, the only snafu last night was the futon not unfolding. Otherwise everything else has been pretty nice up here.

Living by myself these past few weeks (my sis and BIL were vacationing in the the Philippines) has made me realize how much I enjoyed being independent, having my own place to stay. Being here in my friend's condo is making it even more apparent. Aside from the usual headaches of owning your own place (rent, upkeep, utilites, etc), that feeling of independence you get is well worth the price - "a man's home is his castle" is definitely true.

It's peaceful up here. The weather has been very nice and cool. Chris's place has lots of windows and the rooms get really good light, which makes me happy. It's a 3 story condo so I get a very cool elevated view of the street below. Him and his wife Allison have similar tastes as I do (we were all friends in college), so I feel very at home in their condo. There's plenty of eccentricities around this place: books, instruments, electronics, artwork, and lots of gadgets that I need to familiarize myself with (especially their fancy coffee maker), but that's what makes this place fun.

It's a little lonely being here on my own, but never sad. I've been doing lots of remembering, random rehashing of good times in the past few years. Lots of speculation of the near future as well (Step 2, Residency Applications, Interviews, Matching, the "single"ness ). It can get distressing at times, but I think it's a potent impetus for me to get my things in order for now. It also makes me feel busy so I'm not bored.

I'll go food shopping today and later on, take a drive to the hospital that I'll be working in tomorrow so I can better orient myself. For now, It's study time, coffee, and Miles.

Song of the day: "It Never Entered My Mind" - Miles Davis

Musical theme

OK, I realized today that I have a crapload of articles to read (and I don't mean Maxim or GQ), but I had to post this one before it disappears from my mind forever.

So it seems that I've had this theme going on about songs that evoke unpleasant memories of late.  Well, today, on my way to work, I got WXPN blaring on the radio and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings were being featured on the show.  For those of you who don't know SJ/DK and are fans of just good ol' stick-to-your-ribs kick ass music, she and her band are a must-check-out for all y'all. I made a link for those interested. Anyways, her new album is out and I heard lots of high praises about it, so this might very well be my next online purchase.  Tonight, as I head to the library for some more late night studying, SJ/DK were once again, the topic of conversation on another radio station.  So far so good.  Then they play one of the songs from her new album, and that just made my whole night completely.  Not only was it just a solid song with amazing vocals and the musical chops to match, but the message is just so blatantly clear and solid, it was like a good slap in the face that just brings you back to your senses.  After a few weeks of being in a funk and being reminded of the Ex by any little ol' ditty, I think Sharon's song helped snap me out of it all.

So to Sharon and the band, wherever you folks are, thank you.  God bless.

Song of the day: "Better Things" - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings


That's right.  I see you bobbin' and bouncing to this song. G'head witcha bad self.

In spite of you

I found a new study nook. Jersey Java and Tea. I'd put the link up, but the site is not ready yet.

JJT has really good green tea, awesomely large windows, good ambient light, tasty almond biscotti, and comfy leather chairs and tables. Oh, and free Wi-Fi (a definite must). And the satellite radio it pipes in plays really choice tunage (an added bonus). Opens @ 6a, Closes @ 9p. Sweet.

So while busying myself with a few chapters on the luvly subject of gynecology, a song came up on the speakers by a singer/songwriter whom I really dig, Teitur.
Then I was reminded of the Ex, because it was Teitur's songs that I closely associated with her.
Then I got to thinking about how in a few days, she had dumped me exactly a year ago, which made me feel sorry for myself.
Then I got really pissed at myself for feeling sorry for myself.
Then I got really really pissed at the song...to the point where I almost walked over to the barista and asked for the song to be changed...but I hesitated, took a sip of tea, ate my biscotti, and listened. Slowly, it just became a song again.
Afterwards, I got to thinking about how it would be nice to spite her. Really Really Nice! To see her all fat and bloated, with her crap-ass boyfriend, cheating on her. To make her realize how good she had it with me, that she didn't know a good thing if it kicked her upside her head with a steel-toed shoe. Because nothing strikes a woman quite as painful as targeting her vanity...that, and a pair of steel-toed shoes for kicking her ass.
I was maniacally laughing, all mad geniusey-like in my head when my phone rudely interrupted me: an email from my lender, giving me an update on my school loans. Needless to say, the spiting of the Ex was immediately put on ice as my jaw dropped precipitously to the floor, shocked to see how much med school is costing me...
The past 2 years, the numbers were in the 5 digit range. But, sure enough, it has officially hit the 6-figure mark. Sticker shock? Abso-fucking-lutely.

So, exactly HOW am I going to spite her now? When? The mountain just gets bigger and bigger. And the summit is still nowhere in sight.

Song of the day: "Sentimental Heart" - She and Him

Change of pace

Week 4 of surgery rotation: over.  This week was a fairly light load pretty enjoyable.  My resident was very cool and down-to-earth.  Between the 2 of us, we were quoting up random comedy movies...it was like hanging out w/ old buddies back in High School.  Eerie. Pleasantly eerie.

Anyways, once dismissed, I headed to the library for a little light review, then it was off to a very local venue (the Loft - Audubon, NJ) where my friend, Sam, and his band, Romance Is Born (F***ing Awesome name for a band, BTW), were holding a CD release party along w/ 2 other associate bands.  They were all good, but of course, I have to cheer on my buddy.  He plays a Rickenbacher Jazz Guitar that sounded absolutely sweet tonight. RIB's songs definitely had plenty of pop elements to offer, but it's their solid indie rock sensibilities that kept the sound true and far from saccharine.  The lyrics are deceptively simple, something that any guy or girl that has ever gone through love and loss, especially in their formative years, can relate to. However, it was in the band's ability to deliver their songs with gritty sincerity, laden with thick passion as can only be brought on by late nite musings about the heavy subject of romance (whether coming into or falling out of) that gave their sound real weight, enough to knock you upside your head and grab your attention.
What's even cooler, was all the money they get from CD sales go to their charity, The Arc of New Jersey! Talented AND generous! A class act, through and through.
Check out the links I put up and show them some love.

Meanwhile, I was sonically taking all of it in from the audience side, as well as taking band pics with my new camera =).


 

 

 

 

 



Song of the day: "I Got Time" - Romance Is Born

My moment of zen

When the alarm goes off @ 4:45am, I have to hit it a few times before I can roll off the bed.  If I'm lucky, I eventually get up by 5 and it's off to the shower. A quick 10 minutes in the glorious hot water (btw, the house is a balmy 65 degrees when you wake), and I'm out again, shivering, drying off, and crazily getting geared up for the hospital: dress shirt-check, slacks-check, white coat stuffed with granola bars, pens, crackberry, itouch, ID badge, med/surg reference books-check, my lucky celtic spinner ring-check, check, and triple check. Then I grab my glasses, change bag, scarf, coat, and shoes and I'm off to do battle once more as a lowly med student in the germ-infested, pimp-question laiden halls of the hospital.  12+ hours of moving and shaking, and I'm back home to read and study some more (every once in a while, tutor and work @ the library) and sometimes the day doesn't end until after midnight. 

I don't get much calm from the time I wake up to the time I hit the sack.  So I thank God for what ever peace I can get...and lately, it's been the 5 minutes I spend warming up my car before driving to work.  I turn the engine on, breathe a big lungful of crisp, cold air, and stare out at the winter sky, witnessing the first rays of dawn barely breaking through the dark velvet. I watch my breath form small cloud vapors and just zone out as they disappear silently. I quietly meditate on the windshield frost and wait patiently for that first water droplet to fall.  Before I know it, it's time to go.  So I hit the radio switch and tune in to NPR.  And if I'm lucky, the morning show would play a song that gets me in the groove.

This morning, I got lucky (songwise, not...you know...but It'll do for now).  And today was a good day.

Song of the day: "The Book Of Love" - Peter Gabriel (Scrubs sdtk)

Breakup songs for Valentines day

I'm taking a cue from the NPR show "All Songs Considered" and at the suggestion of S&P, am posting a list of songs I think would be in my playlist for the subject of Breakups.

As always, feel free to add:

1. "Lesson Learned" - Ray LaMontagne
2. "Last Goodbye" - Jeff Buckley
3. "I'm Gonna Find Another You" - John Mayer
4. "Song For The Dumped" - Ben Folds Five
5. "Cry Me A River" - Harry Connick Jr. (The Justin Timberlake song w/ similar title is also substitutable)
6. "Sign On The Door" - Edwin McCain
7. "Parting Gift" - Fiona Apple
8. "Nothing But A Miracle" - Diane Birch
9. "The Reason Why" - Rachael Yamagata
10. "Interstate Love Song" - STP

Song of the Day: "All Is Full Of Love" - Bjork

...Just so everything doesn't seem too gloomy.

Conflicted

Is it wrong for me to hate Wegman's but love it at the same time?

Song of the day: "Cartoons and Forever Plans" - Maria Taylor

BTW, This is the type of doctor I want to be =)

Cut, cut...slice, slice

Surgery day 1
15 minutes late for orientation. Starting out real swell...
The Chief attending surgeon outlined what it takes to honor the rotation...in a nutshell, I'd have to be a soft-spoken genius/a subtle brown-noser extraordinaire/a dogged army private/a profssional slave...and to top it all off, I'd have to like it and ask for more of it.
Lovely.

Surgery day 2
I have night call from Tuesday to Friday for this week only (6p-6a). Mind you, this is followed by a lecture series from 6-9am...
So far, my ID badge won't let me get OR scrubs from the dispensing machine so that made me late. Again. Thankfully, another doctor (Anesthesiologist) was nice enough to pity me and loaned me a clean pair from his own batch! Also, my resident for tonight is a sweetheart and a half. She gave me an early break so I decided to hole up in the on-call room and study.

10pm - Hungry. My stomach is growling and I finished my 4th granola bar. The cafeteria is closed and I can't leave yet! I need protein. Or a tasty Greek salad (grape leaves, olives, feta, chicken...nummy...best stop before I faint).

So if all is quiet tonight, perhaps I can get some shut-eye before morning rounds and a 3 hour lecture series that's sure to titillate the mind...hurray...

Tonight's tunage is brought to you by the sassy Ms. Single and Picky. Enjoy!

Song of the day: "Why Try To Change Me Now" - Fiona Apple

Say What?!

A girl I had a massive crush on a few years ago, made a matter-of-fact comment about a song on the radio while I was driving her home from dinner. What she said absolutely floored me at the time (it was amazing that I didn't get into an accident, but I digress). The same song was on the radio tonight and I got all deja vu-ey.

Picture this...
End of a long, long day, and the one that you're pining for has nothing but smiles for you as the two of you lazily talk about nothing over a heap of disco fries and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Next thing you know, it's almost 11pm.

So you take her home and pop in the CD in the player to make the ride extra nice.

It's the Shins, playing "Caring is Creepy."

You stop at a red light and you just see her grinning mischievously under the streetlamp light.

You ask "penny for your thoughts?" (You're a sap when it comes to classic movie quotes, btw).

She doesn't say, but keeps on grinning. You figure, she's having fun, so you let it go at that.

You get to her house and just before she steps out of the car, she says "You know that song "Caring is Creepy"? I think that's a "Fuck Me!" song. Yep. That's my "Fuck Me!" song."

She winks, then kisses you on the cheek, then heads for the doorway. She blows you a kiss for the road, smiles once more then heads inside the house.

All the while you're head is reeling, questioning whether she was messing with you something harsh or was dropping a crazy-serious hint. Your cheek, memorizing the feel, the smell of her kiss. WTF.

Since then, I've discovered other songs with the same "Fuck Me!" quality as did that Shins song back then. These may be potential points of contention with you, but it would sure make for interesting conversation.

The list is as follows (in no particular order):
* "Vancouver" - Jeff Buckley
* "Let It Be Me" - Ray LaMontagne
* "Clap Hands" - Tom Waits
* "Watching The Detectives" - Elvis Costello
* "Searching For The Satellites" - Bleu
* "Gold Lion" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
* "How Does It Feel" - D'Angelo
* "L'amour Ne Dure Pas Toujours" - Feist
* "Love And Happiness" - Al Green
* "Me And Mrs. Jones" - Billy Paul

These are just off the top of my head. Feel free to add. This would make for a crazy setlist.

Song of the day: "Caring Is Creepy" - The Shins

Bienvenue!

Say hello to Babe, my new Uke. Behind her is her lovely friend, Jolene! I got Babe this past Christmas thanks to my bro. She's a dream to play and she sounds so sweet. I <3 Babe =). I <3 Jolene too (just in case she gets jealous)! Jolene is my first guitar and we've been through a lot together. Song of the day: "Charlie Darwin" - The Low Anthem