Wax

This afternoon I worked in an Otology clinic, aka an afternoon of cleaning out wax from the ears of the geriatric population. To some this would seem like a nightmare. Old people smell funky and they are constantly wearing garments that double as table cloths. They tell these unnecessarily long stories about animals that they supposedly own, although they can't accurately recall the last time they saw the pet. The hairs they grow from their ear canals are an appropriate length for wig donation. But even through the thick stench of mothballs (what are those made of anyway?) I can't get enough of old people earwax. I removed thick orange cerumen from the floppy ears of Herbert and Helen Sunshine. Both over 85 and both with big ears and in grave need of hearing aids. We spent 30 minutes together in which I learned all about their cats Mario and Luigi and how Helen makes Herbert sleep with Luigi on the couch because of his bad snoring habit. I was so happy listening to them loudly argue in that "i love you so much i hate you" kinda way. I really was happy there. And I began to understand the importance of owning up to your biggest passions and being honest with yourself and others about the things you enjoy and desire. So hear I go. I love old people. And I love ear wax.

I love NYC.

i've been a new yorker for one week and I'm already exhausted. but it's a good exhausted. like when you've just finished the tour de france and you can't quite decide if you have legs down there anymore and you are certain you deserve five quarts of mint chocolate chip. Only my only exercise is riding the subway at 4:45am every morning. But I love it. The residents and attendings at Montefiore Hospital are amazing teachers and surgeons. And they have been completely understanding about my getting lost in the labyrinth of 30 operating rooms. Highlight of the week was watching a robot perform a pharyngectomy on a patient with cancer. I've now decided I'm not going to practice medicine, instead I will purchase one of these robots and live my dreams off of his income. It will be a fulfilling relationship for both of us. The only down side to the Bronx rotation is that I don't think the east coast has gotten word of the 80 hour work week yet, as they are pushing 130 on a regular basis. So needless to say this weekend was long overdue, causing Valerie and I to live up every second of it. Friday was margaritas, quesadillas and lots of guacamole. Saturday was a morning of homemade eggs benedict, shopping for cardigans, and devouring cupcakes with with friends in Central Park. We started our evening at a wine tasting party at MOMA, an invite only event to welcome back The Starry Night to NYC. Our friend Robbie asked us to the party and we gladly welcomed Starry back with tasty complimentary wine and pretending to have something intelligent to say about VanGogh. Sunday was spent sleeping off the complimentary wine and ordering take out for every single meal. I love NYC.