THE SIMPLE LIFE

I love when my profession gives me perks - one of which is free food. Yesterday, I got to go to a corporate sponsored event and for listening to someone talk for 2 hrs, I got free unlimited alcohol and dinner at Auberge du Pommier. It was sweet! I just went onto their website to find out what we got - they spent over 90 bucks me on last night; craziness!

For h'or douvres they had Cappuccino de Truffle. It's pureed mushroom and truffle soup with velvet shank cream and parmesan biscuit. It was soooo good. Although looking at the menu, it costs $19. It was such a tiny little tease...now I wish I drank more than one cup =P I also got to try their tuna tartare inside hallowed cucumbers. I have to say I was a little disappointed with that one. Although their presentation was nice, I actually preferred Simon's version at last week's dinner. They also had chicken kebobs with a sweet mustard sauce which was just okay too.

For appetizers we got to choose between Winter Squash Veloute, Mousseline of Scallop or Foie Gras Terrine. I chose the the Scallop, which was chilled mousse of sea scallop wrapped in smoked salmon with tarragon and lime dressing. I guess I should've read the menu more closely cuz making a scallop mousse just sounds kinda gross. It really didn't taste great either - the salmon was good but the scallop was very rubbery and pairing it with the lime didn't make it any better. I should have gone for the Foie Gras instead - doh!

For the main, we got to choose between a roast grouper, loin of lamb or grilled beef tenderloin. I went for the lamb with golden potato, braised garlic, roast parship and rosemary. It was delicious. Perfectly done and oh so yummy. I was really full by the end of it. The only sucky part was burping lamb for the rest of the evening. Doesn't taste as good coming back up - ewwwww!

For dessert everyone got Auberge Crepes. It was undescribable. They filled it with pastry cream and fresh oranges and grapefruit. Topped with a citrus reduction mixed with Grand Marnier. So so so so so so good!

All in all, it was a delightful evening. Oh yeah...and I got to talk to a few strangers and learn about some new products. I hate networking but I'll do it for good food...or just free food.

I'm posting twice in 1 day...at work...tackless huh? Good thing I'm not being paid by the hour otherwise I might feel bad.

1. Being in the "real" world isn't all it's cracked up to be.
You know I always enjoyed being in school...learning new things and all, but towards my last year I was really itching to graduate and be done with all of it. Now that I've been working for a while...I don't know. Maybe it's one of those cases where the grass is greener on the other side.

I know that I should be thankful. Speaking of which, let's list all the things I should be thankful for:
-a career
-that's pretty secure
-being at an office where they hired me knowing full well I may have to leave within 6 months
-the money
-patients that are great conversationalists, appreciative or just willing to learn more about their bodies

Phew! I'm glad I listed all that. It really puts things in perspective when I was just about to complain.

I gave notice at work that I would be done by the end of May. I was given options to increase my work hours before I leave and also to work part-time throughout the summer. I haven't really sat down to discuss with Alex yet but I'm going through a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment.

1. Guilt/Pressure
I feel as though I've left the practice in a tough spot, leaving before the new grads are licensed to work. I don't want to let the head guy down since he's been my mentor for over 10 yrs and a real reason why I'm even in this career. He mentioned that the other doctors and him would have to pick up some days to fill the spots.

2. Greed
If I did stay, I'd still be making money, which would help for planning the future (ie. house, kids, pets, etc.)

3. Bitterness/Resentment
I've been having a tough time adjusting to work. Not so much seeing patients (I enjoy what goes on inside the exam room). But the organization of the practice and my interactions & communications with staff and doctors have been awkward and sometimes even strained. There have been days were I've cried because of what has happened at work. Things have actually been better this past week, but I don't know if it's because I'm starting to get the hang of this environment or if it's because I know there's an end in sight.

4. Relief
That there's going to be a change soon. That I won't be living on auntie & uncle's charity and in a basement. That Alex and I will finally be together. The whole "having a place to call home" thing I blogged about earlier.

5. Worry
I would love to not work or work part-time but whether it is financially feasible right now because it certainly isn't necessary. What others would think if I didn't work. Will I be able to find work in a saturated town? What if I don't enjoy it?


Looking at all these ugly words really shows me how much I have withdrew in my relationship with God right now. Because all I should be feeling is peace and excitment. I know that God wants me to trust Him and it's quite obvious that I don't just by looking at how I feel.

I need a retreat to renew my spirit. It's been too long.

I'm lazy, so whenever I use soap, put on lotion, wash dishes etc. I never take off my wedding band or engagement ring. It's gotten really nasty over the year. So after being made fun of by every possible female, I finally got my rings cleaned...at work. I snuck into the dispensing area and used their ultrasound machine. Usually, it's used to clean glasses but it serves the same purpose overall. I think I'll have to leave them there for probably 15 mins to get all the gunk off but I was afraid to get caught by the staff so I only did a 3 min soak. It a big improvement already. I then used my magnifier (also at work) to check the results. It amazing what I can do off-label with all the equipment here at the office. I'm quite ecstatic with my newfound discoveries and plan to use them more often before I leave this place. My rings catch my eye again with light! =P

So I finally know where I going to settle down after being a nomad for over 5 years...Alex finally got his match results on Monday and we're moving to...


WATERLOO!



*laughs* So no big move to the West Coast as my family had hoped, we're sticking to good ol' Ontario. I'm just excited to call a place home. Truthfully, I never expected to become a "townie" when I studied at UW. Just goes to show how God's plans are why bigger than we can ever imagine. I'm really glad for Alex's sake though cuz the residency program sounds very progressive so he's pretty excited and we're also going to be close to at least 1 set of parents. Although I have a feeling my parents will probably end up here as well.


I thought I was the only one in this position but then talking to all the other significant others at their class party, EVERYONE was surfing MLS checking out places to live. It's nice to know that I'm not alone. =) Since I've moved back, we would always go to open houses in Toronto & Waterloo just cuz it's something fun to do on weekends but at least now we know it also served an actual purpose. I've been wanting to nest for so long. These next few months are going to be awesome - I can't wait!

1.
It's so funny so I never thought I'd get into football. But I love watching it! I think it's cuz I've been living in areas where the teams were good - when the Bears made it to Superbowl, I was living in Chicago. And when it was Giants vs. Patriots I was living in Connecticut surrounded by fans from both teams. Lexi and I didn't have cable so we ate hamburgers at a bar just to watch the game *laughs*

I was so sad that the Cardinals didn't win this year. Granted Steelers played a great game and I was behind them throughout the playoffs but I figured I had to root for the underdog.

Can't wait for next season to start! =)


2.
So I've started surfing blogs again when I need to pass time during gaps at work. Steph reminded me that I should probably blog too since others would be bored as well.

3.
My new obsession is HGTV/W Network. I have a few mornings off during the week since I work later into the evening so I've been loving all those decorating & renovating shows. They make it look so easy. I tried redecorating Alex's parents' home in Waterloo in my mind - even did the floorplans and such but it's a lot harder than it looks. I think I would like to hire one of those designers or better yet, just appear on the show and have them ake care of everything.

4.
I've started reading books again, especially this past week when Alex was off on interviews and I needed something to preoccupy myself. I finished The Time Traveller's Wife. Such a good book! I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good read. It's written in an interesting style...literally jumping back and forth in time to put the whole story together. I could totally relate to certain parts of the story too since Alex and I have been long-d all along.

I'm also working through the Twilight series on several ppl's recommendation. It really is not that good and I cannot understand the hype. It's definitely for teens but even ignoring that fact, I feel as though the author stole the storyline from another series that I had read...I mean if you're going to use someone else's idea, at least improve on it!

5.
Alex is in Toronto for the next 2 weeks...if anyone's up for getting together, drop us an e-mail. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with just me after he's gone =P

Oops.

Got caught up with all the happenings and forgot to let everyone know. I got the news last week saying that I passed my Canadian boards.

I can now be licenced to practice anywhere in North America. No more studying for meeeee - ever!!!!

Right now I work in Toronto during the week as an assistant and then go back to Waterloo on the weekends. Since Alex is still in med school in London, Waterloo is about an hour for each of us so we meet in the middle at his parents' place. I'm very happy that I finally get to see my hubby every week now instead of once a month. The only thing that's sucky is I cram 40 hrs of work into 4 days so I haven't had a chance to meet up with anyone yet. Sorry guys! I'm hoping this will change soon but with weddings and helping ppl clean & move my weekends are pretty booked.

I finally found out the I passed everything in the States so I'm fully qualified to practice there. Whoo hoo! Still waiting the results for Canada though. At least I'm a REAL doctor somewhere. *laughs*

I will be heading to Asia in August with Steph & Gord for a belated graduation trip for a month (Japan, Taiwan & China) and then Alex is going to meet me in Beijing. We will be staying there in as province called Shanxi for 6 weeks. While he does his medical rotation there I will be doing some pediatric eye exams.

Following that, we will be in Kalowna for 2 weeks, Calgary for 3 weeks, London for 2 weeks and Toronto for 1 month - all for him to explore different residency positions. I'll start back at work in Toronto in December and then depending on where Alex matches for his residency, we may or may not stay in Ontario after he graduates in June.

That's the plan so far, who knows what God will bring during these months ahead!

No more school! I am officially Dr. Vanessa Wang - whoo hoo =)


Now all I need to do is pass my Canadian boards...one. more. hurdle.

That is what's on my mind lately. This whole graduating business sucks. That why I had originally planned to do residency...to prolong my decision for another year. =P

Not that I'm complaining about getting married. It's the best thing to ever happen and I seriously think everyone should (once they know they've been given the right person that is)

So...here's the plan thus far.

1. Do Part 3 of American Boards in April.
- should I pay for a license to practice and if so, how many states should I pay for? Or should I wait until my name is officially changed in Canada and avoid all the confusion?
It seems like a big waste of money especially since I'm not going to be in the states the next few years. On the other hand, it's nice to know that I can practice somewhere as long as someone's willing to sponsor my alien status.


2. Do Canadian Boards.
Still waiting for a response to see if I'm going to writing it in May or in April; in Waterloo or Montreal.

3. Graduate on May 18th.
Nothing crazy about that as long as I pass my last quarter and half of clinics.

4. Summer 2008?
-Should I go to Asia early to spend time with parents and pick up some Mandarin so that I can communicate better with my other half? Or should I stay with my hubby in London, ON?

5. Asia Trip 2008.
Japan, HK, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, etc. This IS happening. Just a matter of when exactly. It all depends on #6.

6. A's 4th year rotations.
-China for 6 wks...BC for 4 wks...London for 2 wks...maybe???

7. January 2009.
Not a clue.

This is the first time ever in my life that I started the Christmas holidays not having an idea what the new year would bring. Things that I thought would happen, didn't. Things that I was scared to happen, did. And I think there's a small part of me is still reeling from the aftershocks. But God is good. He is always good. And He has given be strength when I needed it. And time as I needed it. Love and support from everyone around.

The above list all sort of came together in the last 2 weeks. A lot of changes are happening...and hopefully all for God's glory.

Now that things have slowed down a bit, I can do an update on what’s been going on with my end of things.

I just deleted 2 huge paragraphs that I wrote about my work because I just don’t have the right words to describe it.
-I’m in Connecticut.
-I haven’t examined my own patient in over a month.
-BUT…I feel like I’m going to take away a lot from this rotation.

How do you explain the detrimental effects of losing your vision? How do you describe the struggles you observe in your patients? Can you ever put into words their lonliness, the isolation, and their embarrassment? There are solutions out there but it’s disheartening to see how many people actually know about them and it’s even more painful to see the patients that have reached out for help in the past and got so discouraged by the results that they are afraid to hope for any more changes. It’s the first time I ever felt that a private practice setting just cannot provide what is needed and it has been good reminder of how much time and dedication is really required…or perhaps just how important an interdisciplinary approach really is. It hasn’t been as depressing as I described it, the patients are quite excited to be in a program that strives to help with their independence and there’s a great camaraderie between them since they’re all veterans that have served their country at one time AND they’re pretty much their own support group. I’m sure I’ll have plenty more to say about this topic later on.

Another reason why I haven’t blogged in a while was because I was studying for part 2 of my American licensing boards. It was long and draining...and I don’t want to guess at how I did. It’s over, we’ll just leave it at that =) I should be thinking about my Canadian boards soon too…eeks! It was interesting to see some of my classmates again after being apart for 6 months. It’s crazy to hear of babies being born and how many people got engaged/married. I love looking at other peoples' rings. My husband says I have ring envy which is not true. I absolutely love my rings. I'm just always on the look-out for future anniversary presents! Any way, it's hard to believe that there's only 5 more months until I graduate with these friends!!

Alex came down this past weekend to celebrate with me. We went to New York on Saturday, he treated me to a delicious dinner and then we went to see STOMP. There’s something about banging things and making loud noises that I think boys never fully outgrow. It was a great performance, comical at times even when they don’t speak, but I definitely know that he enjoyed the show much more than I did.

On the family front, I just found out that Popo was placed in a nursing home. They didn’t want to tell me before because of the board exams. Apparently her Alzheimer’s getting a lot worse and her behaviour’s really out of control to the point where she might hurt herself or others. It’s been tough on the family but my mom and Yiyi especially. The healthcare system in HK isn’t exactly ideal but no one’s back in Canada yet. Along with the whole guilt aspect of sending your parent away to be taken care of…it’s taking a toll on the family. It's been rough so please just keep our entire family in your prayers. I know in my head that I need to have grace and forgiveness and patience…all things that I am having a really hard time with at the moment.

Lastly congrats to Wendy/Victor and Steph/Gord. I am super excited for you guys and can’t wait to hear all the planning details!! I’m really starting to look forward to coming home after graduating. It’s been too long…especially all the moving around this past year, it’ll be nice to finally settle down and stay put in one place for a while.

Oh yeah, I forgot one final thing. I got a hamster! It got really lonely when I first moved to Connecticut cuz my place was so big and I got used to seeing Alex home with me so I went onto Craig’s list and bought Mustang for $25 bucks. Yup, I replaced my husband by our 2 month anniversary =P He’s my first boy hamster and he sleeps a lot more than my previous hamsters. He’s also pretty skittish but I’ve learnt not to bother him when he sleeps. He keeps my attention occupied and it’s nice to know that there’s another warm body around, even if it’s a tiny one.

That’s all for now, stay tuned for more updates.

P.S. We’re leaving this Friday for our honeymoon in the Caymen Islands. Provided there’s no more of these freak snowstorms of course.

Stay safe and be merry =) Joyeux Christmas and God bless everyone.