CCU

I am done with my vacation and just finished my first call night as a resident in the unit. It was busy, but not as bad as I had imagined. But this doesn't mean that I like it... already counting down the number of calls. It's going to be a busy month, but the good news is that intersperced the calls, I will actually have time for random events, including Christmas tree decorations, go to Disneyland for the Candlelight Precession, and attending our annual Holiday Party. I should also be running to get ready for the half marathon in Feb. I ran 5 miles today, which was good, but it took me a while. It was nice to be outdoors in the sun though, but being post-call, I didn't expect too much.

Heading home

So comes an end to my trip at Philadelphia. The sun finally came out today, which was a little too late for me. It appears as if it's starting to cool down as well. The trip was a good trip, having a chance to visit ,ost of the city. Philadelphia is an old city with a lot of culture. I was surprised that the city felt safer than on first impressions. However, I haved lived far too long on the west coast to want to move out here though. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to visit New York, but hopefully I'll get to go with Noelle in the future. There are many Broadway shows I want to catch. Can't wait to make it back home. Noelle's going to pick me up, and we're getting shaved ice. Only 4 more days until I start the CCU. It's going to be hard to wake up so early again!

Gloomy day in Philadelphia

Today I had a chance to roam about Philadelphia. It was a cloudy day, but soon turned into rain. After registrating for the ASN conference, I headed out to the museum square, going by Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, and Philadelphia Museum of Art. The city's architecture is amazing, with all the old historic buildings weaved into the modern building to make up the concrete jungle. There are so many shops and small eateries around, and the Reading Terminal Market reminds me of Taiwan night market. The weather unfortunately did not cooperate and I had to take shelter back at the convention center. I will soon meet up with nephrology program directors for a welcome dinner, which hopefully will be relaxing. I went through the program and there are much more events than is time for me to attend. It'll be a busy day tomorrow with seminars, but I'll plan on visiting Independence Hall on Friday.

The Venetian

Noelle and I stayed at the Venetian on our trip to Las Vegas. Although we got their cheapest room, it was still one of the nicest rooms I have ever stayed. We watched one of the Cirque de Soleil shows, Beatles Love. It was a show to love. I normally don't listen to the Beatles, but I recognized a few of the songs, which made it more fun. The dancing and choreography was simply fantastic. During the stay, I also racked up (from the Jersey Boys) a few personal firsts... no, it's not what you're thinking. It was the first time that I got drunk. I have never drank a lot really fast, so I thought to give it a shot (or many). It's simply not the best feeling in the world, and I hope never to feel that again. I suppose my body is too old now to take such a mild beating. The good from this, though, was that Noelle stuck by my side through my idiocracy, and I knew she was a keeper. We went on the gondala ride at the Venetian. It was romantic to say the least. This was also the first trip with Noelle, one of many I am certain. Unfortunately, we didn't get to go to Tau or watch Jersey Boys, but that gives more reason to visit Sin City once again. The three days wrapped up too fast, and I am now on my flight to Philadelphia for the ASN conference. I can't believe Noelle picked me up at 4:30 this morning to take me to the airport. It was cozy driving through the rain with the heater on. It makes me look forward to winter time, perhaps we might even go somewhere with snow to complete the picture.