It continues on Sunday/Monday,

My blog will continue on Sunday/Monday. It will be a little different from last semester. I will write in in 3-4 days a week. I will write every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I will write the occasional weekend. The blog will be more school oriented but a few will be personal. It will be a very fun and interesting semester. I'm looking forward to all of you following me through it. Until next week, learn and enjoy.

Night,

Dr. Gaynor

Two Weeks Til You!

I'm tired. I've had a very long day. I apologize. I had my anatomy lab practical today. I really think it went well. We will see on Monday. I have to wake up tomorrow morning for my Histology lab practical. I will fill you in on all the details tomorrow.

I just wanted to say that in exactly 14 days almost to the minute I will be landing in Dirtroit!! I really never thought I could be so excited. Its going to be an amazing 3 weeks. 3 WELL DESERVED weeks of relaxation and entertainment, and FOOD!!!!!! :) But alas, 12 days of studying still ahead of me. It will be a LONG 12 days.

Cya tomorrow,

Me

16 Days....

Hello again.

I have two thoughts for you tonight. A positive one, and a not so positive one. But first, a few things....

The Ice Holes (my hockey team) suffered a crushing defeat today in the bronze medal game losing a 10-4 lead, 11-10 to The Gunners. The rain made it quite interesting, puddles and slick spots you know. It was a good season. There was considerable improvement from start to finish and I look forward to next semester's season.

Now, what a proud family moment for us all. Daniel giving me a compliment. Thank you, and to answer your questions, although the Bears suck (so I can get away with that), I have to be quiet about the Cubs...even though they aren't leading their division, but rest assured, 108 years is 108 years. And 109 will be 109....110, 110, 111, 111...you get the point. I tend to only show videos of adventures, I haven't found an adventurist girl. Next semester I plan to change my videos a bit. I plan to show more interesting academic, personal thoughts sort of things. Well, I actually ate a very good BBQ place in downtown Portsmouth Friday night. While we were eating a begger came up to the table next to me and asked for a rib, the guy was chased down the street, caught, dragged back to the table, forced to apologize and thrown out of the patio. If only that were the case in Detroit. I don't understand why its the case, but Detroit or Dominica, or I'm guessing just about any place you go....they sure love their stoops...Now, don't get me wrong, the rat on pogo sticks is ugly, but the dog that looks as if shes survived cancer twice and botched hair replacement therapy is the more hideous specimen. Granted, the coked out pig who eats his shit then licks your face is no treat either.

That went longer than expected, see thats why I encourage comments. I respond, I really do.

BTW...I'd also just like to say that Dan and I have been getting along quite nicely for quite awhile now. I don't mean to overshoot it, but I believe we have seen some common ground over the past few years.

My words of wisdom are gonna be a bit shorter now.

Ok, I understand that many people don't have the time to sit down and watch a bunch of TV, but we all have our little set of selected programing that we wouldn't miss for anything. With the advent of TiVo and Hulu in the US (and downloading torrents in Dominica) conflicts with TV matter no more. I remember way back when, perhaps my days are off, but Wednesdays were ER, Thursdays were Seinfeld and Frasier, the Sopranos were Sundays. But they were all scattered through years and days, but now...now you can watch anything you want, pretty much whenever you want to. Now, you can watch new seasons of Weeds, Californiacation, Entourage, Hung, Burn Notice (another very good show that I'm sure few of you have seen, on USA) and soon Curb Your Enthusiasm. I pose a question. When in history of TV, have there been a combination of better shows. If you get HBO or SHO you watch the shows, everyone. So many people, what a reality. Look at the reality of each of those shows. How opposite to actually reality. The human is easily entertained. As long as its as far away from actual life as possible, and I love it.

Weird ending, but whatever...

Dr. Samsun

23 Days and Counting

Tonight is a perfect example of why I encourage comments. I wasn't going to write a post tonight, but now, I am.

First, Mother, thank you for leaving a comment on every post. To answer your question...

Jumping off of the cliff was FAR more scary than sky diving. Yes, you all read that correctly. Jumping off the cliff was FAR more scary than sky diving. Sky diving isn't scary. Not once did I think, oh, maybe I shouldn't do this. Sky diving is exciting. Sky diving is taking ALL of your senses and putting them into overdrive. Its so much that you can't comprehend what you're actually doing when you're doing it. You go, you pay, you take off, you jump, you black out, you crush your balls, your parachute opens, you float down. YOU don't make the decision. You just go. Jumping off that cliff...I can remember my EXACT thought the second before I made the CONSCIOUS decision to go. You have to take ALL of your fears, all of your doubts, and bury them. YOU have to decide that its time, and that its ok. YOU have to just go. And after you go, you have time to decipher what you actually just did. You're falling, but you're thinking. "God damnit, Mark. What did you just do!?" "I really hope this doesn't hurt that much." "Holy shit this is a big drop" "Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" SPLASH. Its a roller coaster without the security of the safety bar.

Second, good ol' Miguel Miguel Inderain Inderbain. Trust me! I empathize with you. Look, you cut me, I bleed green. Sure the Lakers won the World Championship this year, sure the Red Wings won it last year...and this coming year. Sure the Tigers made it to the World Series 3 years ago, but I bleed green. Just like you bleed blue. The only difference. Every analyst with a brain is saying that green is on the rise, and blue...well blue is the Dysfunctional Family that never made it. Its ok, read below. Heartbreak is painful...Megan Fox gave it a 10 outta 10. It'll be ok. I promise.

Third, the revelations just keep coming. I'm quite proud of myself right now. Perhaps I'll explain later. This one was pretty big. IF I do explain, it'll be in second semester.

Fourth, I had another revelation. This one I can hint at now. Being in Dominica has done a lot for me. Whether I want to accept it or not, it has. Granted I feel like I've learned my lessons from this place and I feel I can move on, this place has made me appreciate many things that I took for granted before I came here. Like food, and grocery stores, and customer service (even though I learned this last year), and convenience. The list of things that I'm looking forward to seeing/doing in the 2 1/2 weeks that I'm home over break is quite long. This list is the thing that I look at when I'm down. Its what makes watching that last lecture of the day seem a bit more bearable. I apologize in advance to my family, of course you are all important and I want to see you all (yes, even Daniel, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't even read this), but for how long my list is...I usually can stop after the first two. Samsun is without question #1. I love him. Weird maybe, but honest. I have no shame in it nor will I ever. He is me, but this paragraph isn't about Samsun. This paragraph is about you. This paragraph is about all the things that I've wanted to say to you and never have. This paragraph is about all the experiences we never got to have. I've realized, when I close my eyes, damnit, I see you.

Good night,

Dr. S

25 Days Left DPS Practical

I figured it would help me study by typing my DPS practical on here for you all to read. Enjoy.

D: Good afternoon Ms. Fox, I'm Dr. Gaynor.

P: Good afternoon Dr. Gaynor. Please, call me Megan.

D: Alright Megan, what brings you to see me today?

P: I've been experiencing shooting pains in my chest whenever I take a deep breath or cough.

D: How long has this been happening?

P: Well, I first noticed it a few days ago, but it has gotten progessively worse. My friend finally convinced me to come here today.

D: When was your last physical?

P: I just started shooting a new movie last month. I was required to get one for that. Transformers 3, are you a fan?

D: So, one month ago?

P: Yes.

D: What were the results?

P: The doctor told me that I was in excellent health.

D: Tell me more about your chest pains.

P: There is not much more that I can say. We've had to delay filming because I can't take a deep breath. You've seen my films, right? I have a lot of actuon scenes. Not only does it hurt, I've had trouble catching my breath recently, too. Doc, I exercise everyday! Last week I ran 10 miles, no problem. Today, I was winded just walking to your office.

D: What happens when you take a deep breath?

P: It feels like a knife is penetrating my chest, and then I cough which makes the pain worse.

D: Does anything come up when you cough?

P: Eww! Yes! I almost vomited yesterday when I spit it out, nasty yellowish-green phlegm.

D: Where exactly does it hurt?

P: Right below my nipple.

D: How would you rate the pain on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the worst pain imaginable.

P: You mean like heartbreak? I'd rate it an 8, nothing hurts as bas a broken heart.

D: Did something happen recently?

P: Men are all jerks!! Well, you've been nice...so far!

D: Care to explain?

P: My boyfriend, well, my ex-boyfriend slept with my best friend, no, my ex-best friend. Thats all.

D: I'm sorry to hear that. How long ago did this happen?

P: One year ago.

D: Oh. No new relationships?

P: No. You're pretty cute though. Are you married?

D: How's work?

P: Well, it was great until this started. I love filming in the United Kingdom.

D: How long were you in the UK?

P: For the past month. Our first scenes were shot there. I just got back three days ago.

D: Have you been in contact with anyone else from the set?

P: Yes, all of em.

D: Have any of them been experiencing anything similar to you?

P: Now that you mention it, a few people have called in sick. I don't know if they have the same thing that I have, though.

D: Have you taken any medications?

P: Well, I'm on oral contriceptives. A friend gave me a few vicodin for the pain.

D: Do you take vicodin often?

P: No, only on a as needed basis. Whenever I'm in pain.

D: And how often are you in pain?

P: Not often, I think I've used in 10 times in the past six months. It helps with the headaches, too.

D: How often do you get headaches?

P: Not often at all, usually only after a long night, but I've had a headache on and off for the past 3 days too. Do you think it is related to my chest pain?

D: We will have to do some tests. How sever are the headaches?

P: Bareable. A five on that scale of yours.

D: When was your last one?

P: This morning, I was on the phone with my mother when it started.

D: Yeah, that happens to me too. Ha. I'm joking, this isn't part of the interview.

D: How is she?

P: Shes great.

D: And your father?

P: He's great, too.

D: Any siblings?

P: Three brothers. It was rough growing up, but now its ok. They aren't the brightest people in the world, so now I have the upper hand, but they are family.

D: Do you know of any diseases that run in your family?

P: No, they can do that?!

D: Yes, well some.

P: Like colds and flus?

D: Not exactly. How are your grandparents?

P: They are alive and well.

D: Okay, I'm going to summerize what we've discussed and you correct me if anything is missing.

P: Okay.

D: You are an actress who just got back from the UK shooting a film. Upon arrival in the US you started having chest pains whenever you took a deep breath or coughed. At first, it wasn't too bad, but it has progressively gotten worse. Along with the chest pains, you've experienced headaches as well as coughing up yellowish-green sputum. Is there anything else?

P: Ha, sputum. No, thats all right.

D: A few more question. Any changes in your hearing?

P: No

D: Vision?

P: No

D: Do you smoke?

P: Only pot, on average once a week and I use a vaporizer. Thats ok, right?

D: Feelings of fatigue?

P: Yeah, a little.

D: Any changes in your breasts?

P: No

D: How's your diet?

P: Great, I have a nutritionist and a cook.

D: Any changes in your urine?

P: No

D: When was your last bowel movement?

P: Um. Girls don't have bowel movements.

D: Thats what I thought too!

D: Stress?

P: Outside of work, I'm a pretty stress free girl.

D: Alright Ms. Fox, I think we can move on to the physical examination. Thank you for answering my questions.

P: Ooo, my favorite, and I said call me Megan!

Cliff Jumping From 50 Feet

27 Long but Short Days Remaining...

I received an e-mail today from the President of Ross University. In it, he blamed students for calling the Californian Medical Board (CMB) so much that it led to a full investigation into the Bahama site. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. Its ironic that this email came just days after the school spend hundreds of thousands of dollars sending 300 students to check out the campus. But what this means is that the CMB is going to do an extensive review on the campus, the facilities, the educational experience, and make sure that they are up to par with their expectations. Ross told us that the process was going to be expedited and passed quickly. Now, this full investigation could last for months. Nows when I wish I were religious because it would sure ease my mind praying to God for the CMB to make its decision within 4 months. Even though, God isn't going to change the outcome one bit...But as much as I distrust Ross, they are a business, a very profitable business at that. I have full confidence in them doing every possible thing that they can to get the campus accredited. They would lose MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of dollars if they fail to do so.

I know this post isn't very exciting, but its quite important to me. 13 states follow the CMB. The only way I can go to the Bahamas is if they approve the site.

Some Random Tidbits to make this post more exciting...

The average human has 5 million nerve endings in their nasal cavity to sense smell. Dogs have 250 million. This is why dogs have such great smelling ability. When searching for a human, they use these 250 million nerve endings to follow the 50 MILLION cells per MINUTE that a human sheds which is combined with sweat and oil. We literally leave a trail of cells wherever we go.

I'll quote a guy that came up to me as I left the hotel in the Bahamas, "I have a some green. I have some white. Free samples." I told him I liked those colors very much.

GOD, I hate being responsible.

I thought only the Cubs could allow 2 hits and still lose, which the Tigers did today, but then I realized that there is no way in hell the Cubs are only allowing 2 hits...

Hope you enjoyed,

Dr. Samsun

29 Days Left The Bahamian Campus

Over the next few days I am going to share stories about my trip to the Bahamas with you. This will give people plenty of time to rejoin the blog and catch up.

Before I begin, I'd like to clarify something. I'm well aware that a two day trip to the Bahamas can't completely change a life for good. What I meant by that statement is that this trip opened my eyes to the future. I suppose it reminds me of Aristotle, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." I started a new habit...a productive habit. In 3 1/2 years, I will be a doctor..... Pretty cool.

If you watched my Barbados and Bahama video, I apologize for starting off every clip with saying, "So..." I guess I didn't realize I was doing it.

So[ :) ], the Ross University Bahama Campus, my future. Unfortunately, the $100 million 650 acre campus they are starting to build won't be completed for quite a few years. They have a temporary campus located in a..............................strip mall. Yes, a strip mall, next to a pharmacy, and spa, and liquor store, and Italian specialty store, and a GROCERY STORE!!! Dominica doesn't even have 4 out of those 5 things on the entire island, let alone directly next to the campus. The grocery store ALMOST resembles the food department at Meijer. It was love at first sight. Milk, meat, fish, organization, pet products, everything you need. Everything at the temp campus in new. The clinical practice rooms actually resemble real hospital rooms. In Dominica, they are dirty small rooms that resemble a closet. The equipment is new, up-to-date, and organized like you would see it in a hospital. In Dominica, its old, dirty, and resembles shit in a closet. The people of the Bahamas are very nice, friendly, moderately hard working people. In Dominica, they resemble Detroiters...angry, lazy, and a worthless wastes of resources. Honestly, if a volcano erupted and wiped this island off the face of the earth (assuming I was already off it) the world would have lost NOTHING!!!!!!! Except maybe a stupid bird species or 2. The apartments....Oh, the apartments! New, granite counter tops, new appliances, pools, real kitchens, real air conditioning, real furniture, real everything. Dominica, shit, poop, piss, vomit. Basically, the Bahamas represent everything positive that I want in my life, and Dominica represents everything negative that I want out of my life.

Most importantly, I feel 100% comfortable bringing Samsun to the Bahamas!!!

Second most importantly, Ross did a very good job explaining the Accreditation process, and outside of them blatantly lying to 300 students faces, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Third most importantly, its very cheap and easy to get to. People can come visit and actually have something to do. I could come home for an extended weekend after a mini to reset. Its a civilized country.

A new countdown has begun. 5 months. 2010 cannot get here soon enough.

Check back tomorrow for a story about travel that only would happen in Dominica.

Barbados and Bahamas

Thus It Resumes... 30 Days Left

First of all, I'd like to apologize to all my faithful readers. I was in a bit of a darker place, but now I am confident that the skies have cleared. My confidence has returned!!!! I came into this place nervous. I had no idea what to actually expect. I knew it was going to be challenging. I had no idea it was going to be this challenging. I knew it was gonna take a lot of work. I had no idea it would be this much work. I hoped I could make it. Now, I know I can make it...

I just got back from an all-expense paid (well, mostly ;)) trip to the Bahamas to check out the Ross campus there. My outlook has changed. I have changed.

I'm in the final 30 days of this semester. One month, and I'll see Samsun. Yes, he's what I miss the most, well maybe the most. That doesn't mean that hes the extent of the list, just he's on the top. Anyway, I pledge that in these last 30 days of the first semester of 10 semesters of Medical School, that I have changed. And you will notice.

Check back throughout the week to see a different chapter of the trip that changed my life, the free trip to the Bahamas.

Welcome back,

Dr. Samsun M.D.

To Be Continued...

The blog is on break until after Mini 2. Check back on July 6 for the continuation.

Day 52 or something...

Congratulations to Matt and Gillian Kutches on your marriage.

I apologize to all of my readers. I haven't been myself for the past week. As some of you may know, I tend to retreat into a shell when I'm not feeling well. I can officially say that I have broken through the wall! I have really struggled the past week with my attitude. Little things were made into gigantic enormous life altering things for no reason. It is pretty well documented that I dislike this place. This island has made me question some pretty core beliefs. I'm just eternally grateful that I have my Australian experience to help me understand what I'm going through. As anyone that has lived in a different culture from their own knows, a wall exists right at about the month and a half mark. This is the time that the novelty of living in a completely foreign place starts to subside. You start questioning things. You're mind wonders what the hell is going on. You are outside your norm. Its really not an easy concept to understand. The wall that you hit when you run a marathon is...between the 15-18 mile, your body completely runs out of glycogen and glucose (the prime energy source). It takes a few minutes until your body makes the transition to start using other things for energy such as fatty acids and amino acids. Once this kicks in, you get your second wind. The process is very different when adjusting to a new culture, but the results are the same. Everything goes very smoothly for awhile, you hit the wall, you adjust, you move on.

Any doubt that had been in my mind is gone now. My confidence has returned. My attitude has returned.

I'm half way done with my first semester. 51 more days until I come home. You want to know something thats pretty crazy. I'm confident in saying that I've learned more in the past 2 months than I did in the previous two years. I'm two months through medical school. 2 months down....46 MORE MONTHS TO GO! 46!!!!!!!!!!!!! 46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll repeat that...46!!!!!!! Bring it...

My hockey game apparently came back to me as well. Today was the battle of the winless teams for the final playoffs spot. I kicked ass. Scored 4 of our 9 goals and assisted on 3.

I'm excited for the 2010 World Cup. USA beat the best team in the world (Spain), and nearly knocked off the 3rd best team in the world. They were up 2-0 going into the second half against Brazil, but they fell a bit short losing to three outstanding goals. I said it while in Australia. Maybe not in 2010, but the USA will win the 2014 World Cup...Mark my words.

I haven't forgotten about the story I had for you all, but I haven't been able to get a hold of my dad. Dad, I need to talk to you, before noon tomorrow. I'll be able to tell the complete story tomorrow evening so check it out.

I haven't been keeping up with expenditures, but I have spent roughly 450 EC since I posted last on electricity, food, groceries, and such.

Cheers,

Dr. S

Day 49 ....

Tomorrow will be special.

Wow, look at this. We literally just went over this in class, yet now its proven wrong. This is a pretty big finding. The Nobel Prize will probably be awarded. This is opening an entire new field of cell biology. Everything is going to be questioned now. Different genes at different stages of development doing the same thing. Genes we think do something may not really do that thing throughout life. Stem-cell research just restarted...

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/ci-scs062309.php

Day 46.....Meh

My story is going to have to wait one more day. I'm tired. I'm grumpy. I'm negative.

I sort of plan my meals a day or two in advance so I can start looking forward to them. Well, yesterday I decided that I was going to go to this new Chinese place for dinner today (Ashley said it was good, and an Indian knows his Chinese...right?). So I do the 10-15 minute walk eager to get there because I'm starving. Apparently, they decided that today, Tuesday June 23, they were going to be closed. FML. Then, I get home and decide to make Kraft Mac N' Cheese, you know, in the blue box. FML. So instead of butter, I'm forced to use sunflower margarine. FML. Instead of milk, I used vulcanize reconstituted milk that expires next year...FML. Just before I sit down to eat my wonderful meal, I notice that the TV turned on all by itself and proceeded to turn itself all the way up, and I mean LOUD! Yes, by itself. I try to use the remote to turn it down...it turns it up...I try to turn it down using the down volume button on the TV...it turns it up...FML. Now, the TV randomly changes channels, volume, inputs...and the remote is completely useless. So, I decided to set that remote next to my air conditioner remote that ALSO decided to stop working correctly...FMFL (I'll let you guess what that second F stands for).

None of you leave responses...fine. Lu...day 3

-Me

PS - The Tigers lead the series against the Cubs 1-0 on a bottom of the 9th walk-off home run by Ryan Raburn...

Day 45 Holy shit! Right on the nose!

Ok, ok...I know that I said that I'd be happy with anything above a 25/40, but I really wanted to get at least a 75%, or 30/40 for all the wolverines out there. What do you know?! I got a 75%! THANK GOD, THANK ALLAH, THANK BUDDHA, THANK DR. SAMSUN...hey, I fit in! I was a bit nervous.

Notice the Scoreboard now: 4 A's and 1 C. No more failing! Pretty DAMN good Dr. Samsun. Oh, thank you.

Yes, even though I just congratulated myself, I still KNOW there is still a long time to go before I can be satisfied. 60 years, SHIT!

I'd like to clear up any confusion. Yes, I know I screamed like a lil girl when the iguana got attacked, but the iguana GOT ATTACKED! I was watching that thing for like 10 minutes before the SECOND iguana ATTACKED the one I was watching. I had NO IDEA that there was a second iguana getting ready to pounce. My heart was thumpin. My sympathetic nervous system went into high gear. Dumped norepinephrine into my system, dilated my pupils, dilated my vessels in my muscles allowing for faster and more powerful contraction. Sped up my breathing. "Slowed down time." Perhaps you all could see it a lil more clearly on youtube...I'd advise you to turn down the volume....ha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4MHvi38MbI

I have a very interesting story for you tomorrow, but I have to tell the person responsible for it before I share it with you all.

Jenn - Michael could not make it up and down the hill required to get to the cliffs, unless you promised him a 12 pack of Heineken light and a Cubs victory when he got there, and we all know how impossible it is to get a Cubs victory...HAHAHAHAHA

Big show down coming up with the Tigers and the Cubs this week. HAHAHA

Did you all see Tiger Woods play mediocre for the entire US Open and STILL finish T-6. When was the last time we was out of the top-20!? Consistency....priceless.

Good Night,

Dr. Samsun

PS - Lu..............................................Day 2

Day 44 Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dad!!!

There will be a day when I will really be able to show him how much I appreciate what he does for me, I mean, I know saying thank you helps, but trust me, I know...

Tonight is going to be a short post because as you'll see in the video, I had a long day. It was really fun though, my head hurts though. I have too much water filled in my sinuses. I am still one day behind, but most people are. I will be caught up by Wednseday. Hopefully. My ears really hurt though. Apparently there is a place that you can jump off a 50 foot cliff in the Caribbean Sea, hmm, we shall see....

And Mother, as you know, I respond to comments left by readers, a person made a comment that they should invent a way to get high in a pill...I was just showing him the pharmaceutical progress.

Today's shout-out goes to Lu Baggins. You better be reading this. You better leave a comment.

Beeno told me today that he might be a best man shortly...HAHaha, hmm....seriously?!

Enjoy the video...

Wait One Minute

SPICE?!?! Is it really you?! :-)!!!!!!!!!! Wow, hi! It took me a bit to remember that name...

Day 42 FML

I'll start off today by thanking who's ever responsible for yesterday's comment. BTW, plus read the follow...

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/marinol.html

Yeah, that's what I thought...

I'd also like to say that I hold a 8-2 domination record in Fifa so far. Yes, domination.

And, FML, the piece of shit transformer I bought for the XBOX blew up or something, which I thought ruined my XBOX but luckily I just had to .... rig it through my bedroom into my living room.

Okay, onto tonight's entertainment. The PIECE OF SHIT, MOTHER F***ING anatomy lab. Ha, ok, so I don't think it was that bad, but it was pretty fricken bad. Tonight, I have a sense as to how the Red Wings felt after losing game 7, well, maybe a little bit. They worked so hard, for so long, repeating their routines every day, day in, day out...improving, doing what they need to to achieve their goal. And they make it to game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. They finished as the second best hockey team in the world, yet they felt like failures. Humbling, but I can promise you one thing. I can promise you that after their break, each and every one of them will forget about the past, and work their asses off to get to the top again. I know a little bit of how the Red Wings feel.

So, I guess we will have to wait until probably Monday to see how I finished. I feel like shit because I really knew my shit. I really, really know the upper arm and back, however, when certain arteries or nerves or muscles are tagged on a body that is crusting over, decaying, hardening that have been chopped up from hundreds of students, its hard. Honestly, I won't be TOO upset as long as its above 25/40. Below that and I will have to take a little more extreme measures to correct the situation. So far, these two will count for 30% of our overall grade. We will see....

I also heard news that I'm a proud member of the semester that had the WORST average in the HISTORY of this university on Mini 1. See what I mean when I say morons are abound here. In the 30 year history of the university.

Its been a long, strenuous day...

Good Night,

Doctor Samsun

Day 41 Anatomy Review

Good evening.

I've been thinking that I originally started this blog to update my life through the trials and tribulations of medical school, yet I have written about very few medical things. Well, tonight, on the eve of my Anatomy Lab Practical, I've decided to give you all a little lesson in anatomy. Now, this post won't be for everyone, but bear with me.

BTW, thank you Spice for the words of encouragement. I appreciate it...

Ok, today's lesson is going to be about the upper limb, aka the arm. I am going to do all of this through memory, so we will see how far it takes us.

We will start with what I know best. Nerves. Your arm is innervated by the brachial plexus, which is comprised of the ventral roots of spinal nerves C5, C6, C7, C8, T1. These 5 roots form into 3 trunks, superior, middle, inferior. Off of the superior we have the dorsal scapular which goes to ur rhomboids major/minor, and levator scapulae, the supraspinatus nerve, and the subclavical nerve. From the 3 trunks we have 3 anterior and posterior divisions, which form 3 cords, lateral, medial, and posterior. Off of the lateral cord we have the lateral pectoral nerve. Off of the medial cord we have the medial pectoral nerve, the medial cutaneous branch of the arm, and the medial cutaneous branch of the forearm. The posterior cord gives rise to the upper subscapular, the lower subscapular, and the thoracodorsal nerve. These 3 cords give rise to 5 main branches of the brachial plexus, the musculocutaneous, the axial, the radial, the medial, and the ulnar. Remembered by the mnuemonic, and i quote "My Aunt Raped My Uncle." Yes, medical minds are so smart.

Musculocutaneous: flexor muscles of the arm (bicep, brachials, coracobrachials)

Axillary: deltoid, teres minor

Radial: All the extensor muscles of the arm, forearm, and hand (about 15)

Medial: Most of the flexors of the forearm (about 15)

Ulnar: Most of the muscles involved in your ring finger and pinky (about 8, yeah, I said 8)

Each of the branches have minor branches coming off of them as well. Easy stuff, right?

Next, lets move on to ARTERIES!! My weakness.

The axillary artery arises from the subclavian artery. There are 6 major branches off the axillary remember by, "She Tastes Like Sweet Apple Pie."

1) Superior Thoracic which divides into 3 branches

2) Thoracoacromial: ABCD

- acromial branch

- (Breasts) = Pectoral branch

- clavicular branch

- deltoid branch

3) Lateral Thoracic

4) Subscapular

5) Anterior humeral circumflex

6) Posterior humeral circumflex

Each of these have various branches that you must know, but I'll most on, so at this point we started just before your shoulder, now we are at about an inch below your armpit...yes all those are in a 4 inch span...mmm hmmm, FML.

The axillary artery turns into the brachial artery which has a few branches of its own.

1) Profundii Brachi (which in itself is just as important and complicated as the actual brachial artery its just the artery for the back of the arm)

2) Superior Ulnar Collateral

3) Inferior Ulnar Collateral

Each with their own branches

Then the brachial artery splits into the radial and ulnar artery. Both of those are as complicated as the previous. They take blood from the elbow to through the hand and back. And yes, anastomses. That word means that each of the arteries connect with one another looping around circling back and forth so if one gets constricted the others will work. FML.

Okay, enough.

Now, each of these nerves and arteries all have specific muscles that they supply. The 50 some muscles in one of your arms. I never even mentioned the 25 some bones in each arm. Oh yes, they need to be supplied as well. Each muscle has a tendon. There are 50 some ligaments. There are disorders to go with each nerve as well. Claw hand, Ape thumb deformity, Colles fracture, wrist drop. Hand of Benediction. And this is just the ARM!!!

The lab tomorrow covers the arm and back/spinal cord. ALL of this information is far game, plus the loads I left out. Dr. S, how may questions are there to test all of your knowledge? 40!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you shitting me?! FFFFFFFMMMMMMMMMMMLLLLL.

Class dismissed,

Dr. Samsun

Day 40 What Today Meant To Me

8:30 AM

I wake up. I feel like shit, tired. I lay in bed for an extra 20 minutes. I summon all of my motivation and put on my shorts, then socks then shirt, then shoes. I run, I work out. I hate life. I run home. I notice the electrician working. I shower, I'm feeling a bit better.

10 AM

I take a seat. I spot I know all too well. I will be here for 11 of the next 13 hours of my life.

11:30 AM

I eat one of the tuna things my mother set me. I hear chainsaws outside my apartment. FML. Ok, I have a chore for you. Close your eyes when you are finished reading this and picture in your mind exactly what you imagine when you think of the electric company out cutting down limbs and repairing a electrical wire. Ok go. Ok, so it probably went something like they had the orange cones out, flashers buzzing on the specialty bus, professional.

2 PM

Inbox: FEDEX

Thank you, Mother! Fifa has arrived along with pictures of Samsun the Spartan Warrior doing his thing, and my renewed credit card. On my way, I see the electricians. Wearing their ordinary clothing (rag shirt and jeans) these guys are 50 feet in the air, on top of the poll with a pair of gloves, strapped down by their belts. The truck, a glorified pickup. No barriers, no cones, no flashing lights. They did get the job done though, I thought.

2:30 PM

Play Fifa! J XBOXLIVE doesn't work. I'm working on fixing that though.

7:00 PM

Powers out! FML. Honestly, the terrorists shouldn't bomb our financial buildings. They should go after our electricity. Life without electricity is miserable. Thank god for the battery in this computer. Think about it though. Scientifically, the battery has seen the weakest growth. I mean computer batteries last a few hours, pathetic.

7:30 PM

I sit down on my bed. I've decided the only thing productive I could do is write my blog. Sorry if it's a bit long. But before I decided to do this blog, I may or may not of decided to smoke pot, (sorry to the 3 people that are disappointed) but I've been really good and I've studied really well, and the FRICKEN power is out. I have no candles, no flashlights. Notice I used fricken. Yah, I didn't disappoint twice. Back to being high. I've made some realizations. There IS a small percentage of the population that has tried it and really hasn't enjoyed it, but for everyone else, you would be high right now if given the option, if it was legal, and no one would EVER find out. And you all know it. I have another chore for you, and for those who can't do this because of their job, you're excused, but for everyone else smoke a bowl, smoke a joint, rip the bong, whatever you have to do, just do it. Go in your bed. And just think about life. Think about what you're doing. Think about all the things that make you, you. Think about where you are. Think about who you're with. Think about what you were like in elementary school, middle school, high school. Think about all the different crazy stories that help mold you. Crazy trip, aye? Sometimes we can focus so much on the future, we never stop to remember the past. Unfortunately, doing that only helps answer those questions that you had at that age, but it proves to be some interesting and entertaining shit…

8:15 PM

The power is still out. FML. I just read what I have written for tonights blog. Yeah, I promise I'm normal. Well, perhaps a bit above normal, but you know what I mean.

8:35

Power's on…

Dr. Samsun

 

 

 

Day 38 Shit, I can't get cocky...

So, as you can see...I've updated my Histology score to reflect the 1st Histology Lab Practical. A 43/50 = 86% -----> A. Yes. Another A, but wait! Anatomy Lab is in 3 days. The one that I really need to do well in. The one that I got a 55% on the mock-tical...yes thats a "Mock Practical," but it has shown me exactly where I need to study. You know, learning the brachial plexus is one thing, but actually being able to identify the different nerves is another thing. FML. Anywho, back to my brilliance. I mean, I still did get 7 wrong. They haven't given us our responses yet, nor the key, so I have no idea what those 7 were.

So, 20 people viewed this blog yesterday, and not ONE comment?!

I'm tired, and you people bore me...

Good night,

Dr. S (and yes, I've already started abbreviating)

Day 37 LAKERS WIN!!!

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers for winning the 2009 NBA Championship!!!

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=290614019

Not that Kobe needed any validation of his greatness, but he pulled another championship out of his ass to prove himself again. I remember a few years ago...7ish, when I thought Phil Jackson was just a product of coaching the best players at the time, but I've since realized that to win an NBA Championship it requires much more than 1 guy. The NBA is a truly team game, not quite like hockey, but in its own way. Sometimes 8-9 can make up an NBA team, but they must all work in harmony with each other. Kobe needed Pau, and Odom, Fischer, Mr. Shannon Brown, Ariza, Farmar, Walton, Bynum, Sasha, he even needed DJ Mbenga. They all had to work together. Unlike the Red Wings, the Lakers wanted it more than the other team. They were the more focused team, the more driven team. The Lakers came out and out hussled Orlando. The GREAT thing...this is going to go on for at least another 3 to 4 years.

BTW, I recalled you can check a previous post, I'm pretty sure I called it in 5. Yeah, I know my shit. Figures this happens after I quit gambling....

I also realized something today that I should have realized quite a long time ago but...I was in this exact position at this exact time last year. Both the Lakers and Red Wings made it to the Finals of their sports. I had both to cheer for. Of course last year, the Wings won and the Lakers fell short. I was 1/2. Not quite the shit, but not amazing. This year, opposite. 1/2. But that is soooo much better than being 0/0. God, how bad would it suck to root for anything Chicago. The last 20 years their record is 1/2 and that 1 was with the White Sox, and who gives two shits about the White Sox??? Da Bears being the 0/1. The Cubs....hahhahahahahahhahaahah. I literally laughed out loud when I typed that. I'm still actually laughing. HAHA.

I purchased my very first stethoscope today. I listen to my heart beating for like 20 minutes. da DUMP, da DUMP, da ssssss (what the f___)...nah just kiddin...ha. (Ok, now I don't know. I really want to be able to use the word fuck in my blog, but I know the my parents are reading this as well, is it appropriate? Hmmm...)

Check in tomorrow for an update on anatomy...FML...by the way...FML stands for fuck my life....HAHA, again, I made myself laugh out loud.

Expenditures: 300 EC (electricity) 1468 EC (rent) 200 EC (stethoscope) 74 EC (dinner/bagels/cream cheese) 60 EC (food) 2102 EC

Goooooood Night,

Dr. Samsun

Day 34 Detroit Blues

First things first, thank God that I'm out of downtown Detroit. I can only IMAGINE what it must be like. Tonight was an instance of when the best team didn't win. They were not the better team in game 7, however. Now, let me get to Marion Hossa. Last year he had his heart torn out of him by the Detroit Red Wings. He loses in the Stanley Cup Finals while playing for the Pittsburg Penguins. In the off-season, he was offered something like a 4 year $40M contract. He decided to sign a 1 year 7.5M contract to play with the Red Wings because he FELT he had a better chance to win the cup with them. Wow. I'm sorry, dude. Stay and win one next year.

I have a Body Tracker Update!

Weight: 187.8 (-1.8 pounds)

% Body Fat: 17.2 (-2.5%)

% Body Water: 56.8 (+1.9%)

Muscle Weight: 147.0 (+2.2 lbs)

Physical Rating: 5

BMR: 2093 (+35)

Metabolic Age: 21 (-4)

Bone Mass: 7.6 (0)

Visceral Fat: 3

Holy shit! I'm pretty healthy! I shed about a pound per week. Dropped 2.5% body fat. Gained 2.2 pounds of muscle. I burn 35 more calories a day just for sitting on my skinny ass. My metabolism is running at a younger age than me. Terrific. Look how low that visceral fat is. And to think, this is AFTER all that candy my mother sent me, and lackadaisical (yes, I needed spell check) workouts the past few days due to exhaustion from studying. Ten more weeks, 12.8 more pounds.

I had my Histology Lab Practical today. 50 multiple choice questions each with 10 possibilities. Here's a good example of the Histology Practical questions. Go get one of those 3-D cross-eyed books. Print some of the pages in black and white. And go….page by page….finding an arrow or circle on each page and asked to identify the structure amount countless possibilities. Pretty fun, huh? I'll obviously update when I know more.

I'm in the mood for a shout-out again. Jay Bird has disappointed…(POS)…Tonight, we are going to go with Samsun's Uncle. Samsun's Uncle used to treat Samsun very well. He would give him some exercise by throwing his treats and having him run head first into the couch. He would sneak him catnip here and there. Give him some Frosty. Hey, how glad are you that you're not still in the Lofts?

I'm exhausted…I leave you with one of the most AMAZING videos ever taken.

C'mon Lakers,

Dr. Samsun

Day 31 This One May Be Interesting...

Hello all. This is a rather disturbing feeling I'm having tonight. It bears with it a certain question that there is no way of figuring out the answer is to learn it yourself.

Before I begin. Was yesterdays second comment a spamer or an actual reader? To the first comment, I wasn't planning on doing out a shout-out every day, but i suppose I can do one today. This shout-out is going to....Jay Bird. J B, I like to call him for short, is a bonafide rock star. Hes got moves on the dance floor like no other. He is the Thrilla. If J Bird is in the house...

Don't quite know what that was...sorry.

So lets go over the results to my Mini 1 shall we?

Histology: 30/36 = 83.3%

DPS: 12/15 = 80%

Physiology: 8/10 = 80%

Anatomy: 11/22 = 50%

BIOCHem: 39/47 = 83%

But Dr. Samsun, what is the grading scale?

A (80-100)

B (70-80)

C (MPS-69)

F (Below MPS)

Oh, so the equivalent of FOUR A's and one F? HEY! FOUR A's?! That's pretty good, aye?! But Dr. Samsun, if you fail one class you fail the semester right? Well, that is true...HOWEVER, for Anatomy, Each Mini is worth 15% of your grade, and each Lab Practical is worth 15% with the Final being worth 20% and PBL worth 5%. So Doc, right now, you have 7.5% out of a possible 15%? Meaning you still can get a 92.5% in the class?!

So, all in all, how would you rate your exam Dr. Samsun?

Well, my strengths were my strengths, and my weaknesses were my weaknesses. I've taken biochemistry courses over and over at MSU and at Wayne. I've done a shit load of Cell Biology. Doctor and Patient in Society is a bit of common sense, and a bit new. Histology is pretty new to me, but I know whats going on. I've learned about the cell for awhile without actually seeing it. Well, now I'm seeing it. Then comes anatomy. Anatomy is a beast. The science are like other subjects. You can't do a project and present it and learn what you need to learn. All sciences, no matter the type, all require a special type of learning. Science is so complex. Its not sell here, buy here, do that. Each science has its own unique way of conducting itself. I've honestly studied biochemistry for four years now, learning from more than 15 professors, and I still barely know whats going on. Anatomy is no different. You have 20 muscles in your forearm. TWENTY! Something like 47 bones in your upper limb. Fuck me! It requires a special type of learning. A learning that takes time to develop. A learning that evolves many times before its set. I will develop that set. I knew going into the exam that Anatomy was going to be my weak point. It had to be. Its the newest of all the sciences being installed into my brain. I'll get it there.

For now, I choose to look at the FOUR A's and be proud of them. I choose to look at my F as a learning experience. Now I know how NOT to study for anatomy. Perhaps, I'll find out how TO study for it for the Lab Practical in two weeks. Ya know, I have to get a 70% and what do you know? I'm passing again, with FOUR A's.

HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GR!!

Day 30ish Humblism

I've heard from a few people that they noticed I haven't been keeping up with my blog every day. Well, now that I know it matters, perhaps I will.

I finally received my Mother's package. Twenty two days is all it took to get here. Third world what? Well, thanks to her, I've gained everything I've lost back in two days. I now have diabetes. My teeth have fallen out, and my sweat tastes a bit like skittles. Giant bags of Skittles, regular bags of Skittles, Toll-House cookie packets. Gummy Savers. Pringles. Cheeze Its. Starburst. Beef Jerky. Starkist Tuna Lunches. Ritz Crackers. Squeezie cheese. To be honest, I did comment that I am withdrawing from sweets. Its funny, every time you leave your surroundings for a long period there are always little things that show up that make you realize certain things that you take for granted. In Australia, ketchup was a biggy. Tomato sauce is miserable. Here, its something thats good for me to go without. Desserts. Sweets. Sugar. The juice helps a bit, but they don't have much in the forms of sweets here. Other than pie, and thats too much. I've been good staying away from things, but this package has since arrived. From thing to thing, sampling my fat ass away. All day. My stomach right now feels like concentrated hydrochloric acid is burning away my insides...wait...thats right...it is. Along with the candy, she also sent along some stupid booklet about Jesus and attitude. I haven't looked at it yet, nor will I, but she redeemed herself by adding my 11th grade Genetics independent study paper. Yes, I was smart for my age. (Definitely drank and smoked that away...) The paper is an interesting read...if your into genetics. So, about 3% of you. Probably no body reading this, actually.

I watched Superbad today. I guess I never realized how extremely funny that movie actually is. Perhaps now I look at it in a different light. I remember feeling most of those exact feelings that they experienced in the movie. That was at a completely different stage of my life, a pretty amazing one. I have some stories that would amazing you, disgust you, leave you in disbelief for so many different reasons. They are all lessons from a previous chapter. Its good to review chapters, you want to remember the lessons learned don't you?

Today...The best played, the best played well, but the best did not succeed. Neither the Red Wings nor the Lake Show manage a win today, yet hope is not lost. Game 7 in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Perhaps that most exciting game in the entirety of sports. The most speed. The most physical game. Rivalled only with the Superbowl. But the Wings will win. They were designed for Game 7. To win when they needed to most. The best team will win. (Justin should play, but Draper will be there for the face-offs) And the Lake Show. Orlando shot something like 67%, and you lost by 4. You have nothing to be disappointed about. Keep doing your thing, and this will be over in 5, MAYBE 6.

Cheers,

Dr. Samsun

29....First Exam....Wow

Ok, case and point as to how stupid this university is.....Not only did the Mini contain a few of the exact questions from the practice exam they provided us. They included a practice exam that was emailed to describe as an incorrect question because there was two correct answers and they didn't adjust. Not even the order of the answers. The exam was 130 questions....2 hours and 40 minutes long. I doubt you understand...but a 2 hour a 45 minute exam is ridiculously long. By the end I accepted any answer that sounded correct without even thinking which answer made sense. 130 questions. Covering biochemistry, histology, cell biology, anatomy, radiography anatomy, physiology, doctor and patient in society. Its the equivalent of answering serious questions the entire Lord of the Rings 3rd Movie. Its a long time of constant concentration. I think I did ok. I know I passed, but I don't know whether it was with a 70% or a 90%. Apparently I'll have to wait an entire week before I find out the results. Another sign of this schools incompetence....Apparently my mother is growing very fond of Samsun. She will soon understand that it is my decision if he stays or if he comes with me. I appreciate her looking after him, but don't think for a second I won't bring him here with me. It might be good to teach him how to adapt to a new lifestyle. I'm seriously starting towards leading to bringing him here next semester. And Mother. Thank you for the box of food that I will try to avoid. I have spent the entire time I've been here avoiding sweets. Of course its the one thing I'm withdrawing from....I suppose it helps. Even though it might not help my belly....which I am running into a little problem...my shorts are too big for me!!! Yes, I did say that. My 34 shorts are becoming a lil too big for me. 32 may be a possibility now. Um. I was close to 36. Yes, I will accept your amazement. We will see where I'm at in a week. Until then, I'm done talking about it. I look forward to filling you in. Until then, the Wings will win the Cup, the Lake Show will win the Championship and Tiger will be on his way at Bethpage Black. Trying to achieve perfection. Learning like me.

Good night Samsun.

Dr.

Day 28? THE NIGHT BEFORE!!!!

Oh boy. It is finally here. Its go time. I find it very fitting that on the eve of the biggest non-standardized test of my life Tiger and Kobe both showed me the way. Tiger Woods came back from 4 down to win the Memorial Tournament. Tiger Woods, one of the most powerful strikers of the ball, went 12/14, 10/14, 12/14, and 14/14 in FAIRWAYS HIT. Are you kidding me?! He is the best...at everything! The most clutch, the best driver, the best iron player, the best scrambler, the best putter, the best chipper, the best pitcher, the best puncher, has the best mental game, is in the best shape, is the best with the media, has the hottest wife...He is as close to perfection as you can get. Kobe is similar. Simply put, he is the best at what he does. Period. What makes these two the best? Are they gifted? Of course. Have they had some luck? Who hasn't? What separates Tiger and Kobe from the rest is their work ethic and their never fading desire to be better than they were the day before. Its obvious. People often say they are "naturals." To be honest, back in my playing days, people said that about me. And to that, I say a big giant BULL SHIT! So what if Tiger could break 50 when he was 6. That boy worked his ass off to break 50. Kobe has taken more shots in his life than hours he has lived. Its non-stop. Tiger misses putts (well, at least he used to). Kobe misses shots, but both know that the next opportunity for them to improve is right there in front of them. Its a never ending cycle. Learn/do/learn/do/learn/do/learn/do, set on repeat. And they wouldn't accept it any other way.

Now to me...am I the best? Fucccccccccck no. Well....ha, nah. And as my mother so kindly pointed out...its very easy to talk about doing something but its another thing to actually do it, and continue to do it and continue and continue. Shes damn right. I remember doing Sudoku in The State News while sitting in lecture. Mondays and Tuesdays, always level 1. I hated doing it on Mondays and Tuesdays because they were so simple even Daniel could do them (hmm, maybe). But on Thursday and Fridays...woooooah wee. I actually liked my first class on Thursday and Fridays. Level 3 and Level 4. The toughies. Sometimes I'd be working on them and before I could finish I noticed class was already over. Shit! Guess I'll finish on Monday. (I know this tangent is off point a bitch, but it was a fun story to tell, and there is a lesson here.) I actually can enjoy a challenge, and back to my main point, I'm at the very beginning of my journey. So far I've covered the foothills leading the way. Tomorrow at 1pm I will take my first step on the mountain. I have some of the skills essential to scale this mountain, but I lack stamina. Stamina will come with experience. I lacked a solid work ethic. Yeah, I put an "ed" on that...I did. My fire is lit. My ice piks and spikes are on. Sure, I will miss a shot. I'll lip out a putt, but right in front of me will be my opportunity to learn. To get better. I AM TIGER WOODS....I AM KOBE BRYANT...wait, I'm white? Shit...ha, no but seriously, I'm not Tiger and I'm not Kobe (shock all around, I know), but for the first time maybe ever I finally feel that I can be like them. And for that reason...BRING ON TOMORROW!

I may already be senile,

Dr. Samsun

150 EC since my last post

I know people are reading. Over 120 views in the last 2 weeks. Not all of them are me....yet, a few comments....maybe this one will get it rolling?

Day 25

Wow, it really feels like I've been doing this for more than 25 days.  Yet, it also feels like I just got here yesterday.  Explain that one to me, please.  

I apologize to all my faithful readers out there.  I haven't posted in a few days.  I was busy Tuesday night...which lead to me being super tired Wednesday night.  Plus, my mom is on vacation, and I'm not sure who else actually reads this (V, I know you read it so no smart ass comments).  Plus, I haven't really been in a creative mood of late.  This medical school thing is no joke.  Its hard work.  I know I've said it over and over again but serious...did you know that there is TWENTY, 2-0, muscles in your forearm.  Each with different actions, innervations, attachments, and blood supply.  (PS - I know I write using fragments, but I don't really give a shit, my blog, my rules)  How long do they take to explain all of them...an hour.  Mmmm hmmm.  

I've come up with a new idea.  I'm going to give random shout-outs to people.  If I give you a shout-out, I expect you to leave a comment just acknowledging the shout-out/or acknowledging the post.  My first shout-out goes to....Miguel Miguel Inderain Inderbain, aka Mike the Kike, aka Ginsy.  I will mention this shout-out every day until you respond.  Cheers.

Way to go Kobe and the rest of the Lake Show.  I am really excited to collect $150 from Beenman, aka Beeno, aka fatty.  The PISTONS?! HAHA

Disappointed in the Red Wings, namely Mike Babcock.  Seriously, you sit the guy with the most goals in the series on your team for a 40 year old flamer?  Poor coaching in my book, granted my book is a napkin you used to set your chaw on.  

I had my second PAcE quiz yesterday.  21 out of 24 BOIIII.  Ok, this is why this school sucks.  These PAcE quizzes are meant to provide use, the students, with questions that will prepare us for the Mini's.  I kid you not when I say that every single professor at one point while explaining their questions said, "This won't be a type of question I ask on the Mini."  Seriously?  Are you a fucking joke?  Yes.  

Tune in next time for a real post, with a real story, that will produce real thoughts.  Until then, cheers.

Night,

Dr. Samsun

Past 3 day expenditure:  150 EC (electricity, which is almost out again), 60 EC groceries, 70 EC food, 20 EC juice       300 EC

Day 22 The Week Before

I've noticed that people are actually viewing the blog, yet still no comments (except for spam I think?).  Oh well, I'm doing this for myself anyways.  

I skipped working out today.  I won't make that mistake again.  I'm so happy to finally be at the point where I hate going a day without exercise!  It makes the day so much better.  I feel better.  I don't feel guilty about eating.  I look at myself and see progress.  Days like today, I look at myself and see the flaws.  I lose a certain confidence.  The confidence that I've worked so hard to get back.  The confidence that I've lack for too long.  Why wouldn't I want it?  Why wouldn't I put myself in a position to have it?  See, things are finally starting to click in the right way.  As cliche as it may sound, the clouds are clearing.  I'm able to think like I used to think.  I'm able to act like I used to act, except this time I bring knowledge of past events.  I smoked one cigarette today.  They sell them individually.  I wanted to remember what it was like.  I didn't crave it.  I needed to remind myself of what I had done.  Of where I had been.  As I walked down the street with the cig stinking its smoke in air, it took me about 2 puffs before I remembered why I had quit.  It wasn't for me anymore.  Of course, not taking adderall helped, but simply not wanting to anymore helped much more.  The physiological craving was trumped by the psychological feeling.  Thats what I've come to realize.  How you feel about something can greatly impact your performance.  In everything.  In every activity.  In every job.  In every relationship.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes physiology kicks the shit outta psychology, but winning a battle doesn't win the war.  

Today was a national holiday in Dominica.  Most places were closed.  The reason for the holiday...Beach Day.  Apparently, once a month, this island shuts down to celebrate the beach.  Funny thing about today though.  It rained.  It rained hard.  From 8am til 1pm.  Apparently "God" doesn't give a shit about Dominica's Beach Day Holiday....Oh yeah, it was the first day its rained in 2 weeks.  

Night,

Dr. Samsun

Day 21 Way To Go Justin!

WOW!  Talk about stepping up at the right time!  Congratulations to Justin Abdelkader for scoring his second goal in as many nights in the Stanley Cup Finals!

This is another edition of Random Thoughts of Dr. Samsun...

Muskegon, MI got some quality airtime tonight on NBCs telecast of the Stanley Cup Finals.

I had another hockey game today.  I too scored, twice, but we lost again, by 2.  I am getting my feel back though, so in the future, watch out.  

I was reading a list of interesting questions to get to know someone and this one came up...

If you could go back in time to when you were in fifth grade a relive everything from that point in time knowing everything you know now, would you lose your virginity sooner, the same time, or later than you did?

Well, thats easy...ha, but assuming that my exceptional knowledge wouldn't have gotten me laid any sooner, I definitely would have waited a bit longer to lose my virginity.  I lost it at 16, sneaking out of my house.  I only knew she was older and willing.  I would have waited.  Annie made me wait too long, I was impatient at that age.  I truly am sorry for that.  Annie deserved better.  Don't get me wrong, I was good, but that instance, I treated her like shit.  I believe karma has made up for it though.  

Lebron James is the biggest piece of shit in professional sports.  "I'm a winner.  I'm not going to shake the hand of somebody that beat me, thats not how I am."  Yea, because you are a ghetto ass fake piece of shit blessed with genetics that make you a beast on the court and a loser bitch off it.  Just like Shaq.  The ONLY reason you are good is because of build.  You are bigger and faster than everyone else (where Shaq was just bigger).  You have no skill whatsoever.  You make as many jumpers as I make, but you sure can bull your ass to the glass and make a layup, kudos to you (and Shaq) for overpowering everyone will brute strength and NO skill.  

Kobe, on the other hand.  Kobe takes what he was given, and said I'm going to beat you in every way imaginable.  More skill than any other player in the history of the NBA, including MJ (who was MJs competition?)

I'm actually quite impressed with the Dean of Ross University.  She made it through the hike.  It was not an easy hike, yet she did it.  Now, I don't know how many Deans of Medical Schools could do that...yet, I don't know how many Medical Schools Dr. Coleman could be a successful Dean at, if you get my drift...

Freshly squeezed mango and pineapple juice may just be the thing to keep me off drugs...and maybe even sex...because I swear, its like drinking a magic brownie, 3 norcos, 3 shots of Johnny Blue, two tweeks all while orgasming.  (no, but seriously, to those who know, HOW GREAT WOULD THE NEXT 5 HOURS OF YOUR LIFE BE AFTER THAT!?)  

Damnit!!!!  Now I want to try that one out...

I was thankfully able to change my flight back to Michigan from August 24 to August 19.  Thank god I found a cheaper way to do it because those 5 days would have been true killers...

Check out tomorrow's blog:  One week remaining!  (Unless something comes up)

Day 20 7 Waterfalls

Congratulations to Justin Abdelkader for scoring your first of many playoff goals for the Detroit Red Wings, and in the Stanley Cup Finals.  

Congratulations to Lebron James for showing how much work you still have before you can even be in the top 10 all-time.  

This is my video from today's hike.  It was a pretty great hike.  Six hours.  Sorry if the audio is a lil messed up.  Enjoy.

Day 19, Why a Doctor Makes So Much Money

Congratulations to the LA Lake Show.  4 more wins!

Why does a doctor make so much money?

Well, there are two main reasons why this is.  

Reason one.  For everything this blog has been about so far.  The amount of study.  The hours and hours of reading, writing, listening, memorizing, feeling, questioning, and worrying.  The demand to be your best at all times.  One mistake, and you just killed a person.  Two mistakes, you lose it all, pulled out from under you like you never deserved it.  Not for 4 years.  Not just to pass the final exam, but for the rest of your career.  Medicine changes every day.  New techniques are being discovered, new microbes evolved, human beings as a species are changing all the time.  You don't just become a doctor and you know it all.  You devote your entire life to medicine.  You devote your entire life to learning, and studying, and evolving.  To be a real doctor, complacency can't exist.  

Reason two.  Money.  Wait Dr. Samsun, how does money have anything to do with how much money you make?  Questions like that make it clear as to why I'm the doctor, and you are not.  (Sorry, if you know Katt Williams, you might think thats funny because I did.)  Well first, everybody knows money plays a role in everything.  Everything?  Everything.  (another Katt joke)  Ok, I'll compare myself to a mildly above average business student.  Lets see, I went to Michigan State University (YAH!).  He went to...hm...the University of Michigan (BOO!).    

                                                                        Me                                        Him           

4 years at undergraduate                   4 x $12500                             4 x 15000

    ---4 years housing                          4 x 12 x 650                          4 x 12 x 800

    ---4 years food/extra                    4 x 12 x 1000                        4 x 12 x 1000

1 year graduate school                          $12000 

9 year housing                                      9 x $675

9 months food/extra                           9 x $1000        

Income 1st year out of college                  $0                                  $40,000 (good job)

10 semesters at medical school        10 x $14000

4 years of housing                               12 x 4 x 750

4 years of food/extras                        12 x 4 x 1000

Income in those 4 years                              $0                                  $200,000

Total Cost          =                               $-380,275                                +$$$$$

How is that rewarded.  With 3-6 years of residency.  Longer and more challenging than medical school, while making $40000.

The hardest profession, plus the most expensive profession. Answered?

Check in tomorrow for 7 Waterfall Hike (a 6 hour beast)...

Night,

Dr. Samsun

Day 18 BodyTracker

Happy Birthday to Jeff and Jason Rose!  

The preliminary results are in.  BodyTracker at Ross University started today.  BodyTracker uses a specialized scale that measures weight, % body fat, % body water, muscle weight, physical rating, basal metabolic rate, metabolic age, bone mass, and visceral fat.  How?  Don't ask me.  How accurate is the scale?  Don't ask me.  

My results for May 28...

Weight:                                                   189.6 pounds (yes, I did weigh 214 in January)

% Body Fat (normal range 8-20%):    19.7%  (phew)

% Body Water (normal 50-65%):        54.9%

 

Muscle weight:                                      144.8 pounds

Physical Rating:  5, standard average muscle and body fat (hm, I'll take standard right now)

Basal Metabolic Rate:                          2058 calories

Metabolic Age:                                      28 years

Bone Mass (normal 7.3):                     7.6

Visceral Fat (1-12 healthy)                 4               

All in all, I'm pretty average right now.  Which, I suppose, is a good thing considering what I've put my body through the past 7 years.  I will update this in two weeks.  Hopefully with a little less fat and a little more muscle.  And yes, I'm becoming more and more sexy as the weeks go by.  

Past Three Day Expenditure:  60 EC (7 Waterfalls hike on Sunday), 20 EC (bottles of orgasmic Mango juice, guava and passion fruit juice), 100 EC (kitchen groceries), 60 EC (food and fruit)  240 EC (seriously, what can I do?)

     

Day 17 My Complete Day Filled With Distractions

FYI - small note, the dates my not match up with the days because sometimes my post time is after midnight...

I've noticed a few people might actually be reading...yet, no posts (except you, Mom...hmmm).  I guess I'll have to be more controversial.  I'll turn this into Californiacation if you really want.  I am the skills, you don't believe me?  

So, today marked my first day of distractions that I can't seem to shake off.  I've been pretty good, minus the fact that I do watch all the Red Wings and Lakers games, some of the Cavs-Magic games, and I'll have the Tiger's gamecast up so it can distract me every 30 minutes, but its ok.   The Lakers and Wings have played on alternating nights.  Then today happened.  My day started pretty normal after an awful night.  It was my first night if really struggling to fall alseep.  Three hours, 1 sonata, 2 valarian roots, a move to the loveseat and back to the bed, and 2 shots of Johny later, I was asleep.  I woke up at 8.  After the playoffs I'm planning on moving that up to 7.  Simply because the sun rises at 530am and sets at 630pm.  By 730pm I'm exhausted because of the darkness.  Damn melatonin.  Yet, I still need prescription sleeping pills to fall asleep...well that or my green friend, but no time for that now...and I digress.  I work out for 45 minutes.  Shower and have two eggs and toast.  Followed by a rousing session of 2 hours on prokaryotic gene expression during which a 5-cup pot of coffee was consumed.  Simple, mostly review from my wonderful days at MSU.  This was followed with a 15 minute power laydown.  Review or not, prokaryotic gene expression is tiring.  Reenergized, I prepared myself for another two hour round of connective tissue histology.  Thank you Tigers!  Way to make histo a lil bit better!  8-3 over the Royals.  Yeah, the KC Royals are actually good?  Now, round 2 with the 15 minute power laydown.  Shit, connective tissues are tiring, too.  But now its time for Manchester United v. Barca in the Champions League Final.  Sorry, no need to go any further.  Damn MU, losing 2-0, making me depressed.  Next, time to meet Beth for tennis.  Until, as I walked in to rent my raquet, I see an ass hole renting it away from me.  No tennis with Beth.  Soon though, she'll experience my wrath.  I get home from that, and its time for two for hours of Doctor and Patient, Familial Diseases - Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Both will be cured with genetics.  Then the Wings.  Damn, what a game.  Abs played well.  To win it in OT, wow.  Holy shit,  the Lake Show is on now.  Kobe proved again why he is the best all-time.  Being the leader he is.  And big ups to Shannon Brown.  You broke my heart leaving early.  We could've been special.  You, doing your thing, airing it out.  Drew Neizel, doing his thing, bangin the 3s.  Unstoppable, but I'll forgive you.  You posterized the Birdman and energized the Staple Center, and for that you're in my club.  I've evolved.  I've compromised.  I made sure to stay current with classes, and watch my teams do their thing.  I'll take 3-1 every day.  75% passes.  100% is nice, but its not better than how bad 50% would be.

Go'night.

Me     

Day 15 Two Weeks Until Mini 1

I have two weeks until Mini 1.  Am I ready, hellll no.  Will I be ready?  Probably not.  How can I be?  I can do everything I possibly can, and still not be ready.  This is going to be a test like no other test I have taken.  This is for real.  There is no more, "When I finally get there, it'll be different."  Its here.  My mind is racing a million miles an hour.  What's important?  How can I possibly learn all of this?  There is no way he's gonna ask that...right?  The stress of this situation is so different from anything that I have ever faced.  The sense of urgency.  Do I worry about failing?  Or do I block it out because I know I'm gonna pass?  What if I have a bad test day?  What will I change?  Do I have to think about that?  Should I have a plan just in case?  But thats a distraction, is it a necessary one?  I have two weeks to figure all of this out, to be mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically prepared for this.  I must be rolling on all cylinders to accomplish what I must accomplish.  I'm nervous.  I am.  No question about it, but for what might be the first time in my life I feel I am able to use this wound up energy for good.  It gives me a lil boost in motivation to watch that last lecture of the day, to read through the notes one more time.  Its new.  Two weeks.  Fourteen days.  I'll blink and it'll be here, but in that blink I will work harder than I've ever worked.  I will not fail.  I grew up my entire life knowing I was better than you...ah, it sounded right when I was typing...but X that out.  I grew up my entire life knowing what I was capable of, and in two weeks, I'll have my first true test to show it.     

Today is Memorial Day.  Well in the States at least.  This is the first Memorial Day in forever that I haven't had Dad's special NINE course meal.  Jimmy Buffet in the background.  First course: Grey Goose martini;  Second course: grilled homemade pizza; Third course: shrimp cocktail; Fourth course: Johnny Blue; Fifth course: tuna in a wasabi sauce; Sixth course: amazing salad; Seventh course: more Johnny; Eighth course: fall of the bone BBQ ribs, grilled asparagus and zucchini, BBQ chicken; Ninth round: Saunder's Ice Cream Sundae with coffee and Kalula.  Instead, I go to Tomato's, where they don't have their ribs, can't make my second choice (Beef Lasagna) because the power was out on the whole island and the MICROWAVE they use to cook the lasagna doesn't work with their generator, so I have to settle for 4mushroom ravioli (which comes with FIVE ravioli) with a lettuce salad and a piece of bread.  I then bring the food back to my place and proceed to eat alone, in the pitch dark (the sun goes down at 6pm, it is 730pm) with a Diet A&W root beer.  MMM HMMM.  With everything from the above paragraph on my mind.  What a night...