Places you love and places you love to hate….

I find that I have a certain group of stores/restaurants/places that I universally love based on their ambiance, business model, or products.  On the other hand, there are places I just outwardly revile.  I figured it would be fun to relay my lists.  Does anyone else have similar thoughts?

Places I love:

1.  Target.  I have and always will love the discount retailer Target.  I love how clean and neat their stores are, how many wonderful (and often fashionable products) they have, and how (in general) professional their employees are (at least they are not deadbeats like those at Walmart).  I think they are the epitome on how to do a discount store RIGHT.  In fact, I think many of the products (in particular clothes) are much nicer than the mid-level department stores (such as Sears and J.C. Penny’s).  I also appreciate how they donate a certain % of money to charity.  Don’t get me wrong;  I think Target isn’t always perfect, but it is a HUGE step up (without really any significant increase in price) from the CESSPOOLS known as K-mart and Walmart.

2.  Kohls.  I have found many of great deals at Kohls.  In general, they have excellent products and clothes at a great price.  I especially love the jewelry they have.

3.  Trader Joes.  I love, love, love this place so much that I was jumping up and down when one opened in my current city.  The food options are amazing with several healthy and organic options.  The customer service is unbeatable (oftentimes, I’ve had store employees open products for me to try), and I believe the company treats their employees well.  Also, the prices aren’t ridiculous like at several “alternative” grocery stores.  Also, I greatly appreciate their cleanliness, as often several other “alternative” grocery stores get a little too “dirty hippy” (and I frankly wonder about the general  hygiene of the place).  I can think of about 10 products that are quick, healthy, and innovative meals from Trader Joes.

4.   Hy-Vee Grocery Stores.  This place, while not overwhelming in appearance, has several employees with phenomenal customer service skills.   Also, for only $12.00, we have groceries (ordered online) delivered to us.  This place will have my business as long as I live in the upper mid-west.

5.  Fannie Mae Candy Stores.  I’ve always been a huge fan of fresh candy (aka chocolate with little to no paraffin/wax).  Godiva’s candy is disgusting to me due to the long shelf life it can have (I can taste the wax).  This is the reason I have always loved Fannie Mae stores as their candy has a short shelf life secondary to few preservatives/wax they add to their chocolate.  This is one of the few places that actually has “fresh” chocolate.  I occasionally will order paraffin-free candy online, which is an amazing experience to all chocolate lovers, but Fannie Mae is one of the few chocolate retailer’s that actually gets fresh chocolate right.  Also, the store owner in Indiana (before, unfortunately, it closed) knew me personally and would always have me try new products.  She had some of the best customer service skills and made buying chocolate special.  See’s candy is also quite good (but with more wax).

6.  Steak-n-Shake.  I’ve always loved this place, which serves as an intermediate between fast food and a sit-down restaurant.  I’m actually quite depressed that none exist in Minnesota.  The food was always good (especially the shakes), the service was always decent, and the places in general were always very clean (and I love the 50′s diner motif).  I also have many fond memories of meeting friends late at night in high school and college.

Places I revile:

1.  Walmart:  I hate EVERYTHING about this store.  I hate how dirty the stores are, how terribly they treat their employees, and how negatively they impact local communities.  I have seen such bizarre behavior at the stores, it’s ridiculous.  This has included a 2-year-old openly urinating on a floor (with no one caring), multiple grown adults throwing temper tantrums, and people inappropriately dressed even if they were in the privacy of their own homes.  The Walton’s are some of the richest people in the world, but they give almost nothing to charity (much less actually treat their employees with even the most basics of rights and benefits).  I literally refer to this place as a CESSPOOL of humanity.

2.  Cheesecake Factory:  Don’t get me wrong, I think there is a time and place for chain restaurants.  Every once in a while I get the craving for Applebee’s.  However, I don’t understand how anyone could equate the Cheesecake Factory with fine dining (which seems to be how they try to market themselves).  I think they serve up large, sloppy portions that appeal to the lowest common denominator without anything inventive.   I’d much rather go to a nice local diner than have my tastes bombarded with the marginal offerings of the Cheesecake Factory. 

3.  Blockbuster:  I have hated them since being a young child.  I’m happy that they have become an outdated relic of the past.  The customer service and renting policies have always turned me off.

 

Happy new year everyone!!!

 

Update

I’m usually fairly decent at reaching my goals; unfortunately, I procrastinate.  Therefore, my goal to have this blog  is still real; however, it has been 6 months since I last posted.  I figured it was time to update my blog with a description of camp this summer.

I decided to participate in a camp for children with skin disorders.  I love children; I love skin disorders; I love meeting new people, so I figured this would be a fruitful experience.  I worked as a medical personnel, which entailed handing out medications, making sure the children were safe (from a medical standpoint), and watching the children (probably my main responsibility).  Overall, I have to say that this was a life-changing experience.  I had such a wonderful time at camp and met so many amazing people.  Plus,  I didn’t have to take any vacation secondary to the wonderful institution I work at. 

I have to say, however, that I was quite apprehensive before I arrived.  It turns out that age 11-14 (the age of children we had) was not my favorite.  I figure I’m in good company because of most of the interesting, successful people I’ve met as an adult HATED that time during their life.  I was definitely nerd plus during that time (as if I actually ever grew out of it)…haha.  I was worried that I wouldn’t have much in common with the boys in this age range seeing as I never really “fit in” with that group when I was the same age.  Also, for any of you who know me, I’m not exactly the “roughing it”/”camping” type.  My ideal vacation is going to a spa with a nice dinner/cocktails, which camping in the wilderness is definitely not!  I had never really gone camping as a child (other than math/science nerd camps, which really don’t count either).

The camp was in the upper midwest, and it was beautiful!  It’s one of the places that is so remote, you don’t have access to regular cell phone reception (even Verizon, which I love and think is the best cell phone carrier), which caused momentary panic.  I met some of the other dermatology residents (all girls) on the trip up to camp.  I knew it would be a fun time when all of us were wishing that the bus taking us up to camp was a “party bus” complete with martinis.  I could definitely have used a fruity martini that day.

Anyway, I had heard from the previous group of residents that the medical personnel stayed at a nice, air-conditioned place, complete with my own private shower.  So I figured how bad could it be!  Well, when I arrived, I realized that the plans had changed and that I would be staying in the same “bunk” with the campers.  This caused me a little panic, but I figured I could handle it.  Although, I think that I NEVER overcame my disdain for the dirty gym sock smell of the place we stayed in. 

I soon met all of the counselors/medical support staff.  I really hit it off instantly with one of the other medical staff members (we’ll call her Lz).  We both had similar taste in most things, as well as similar impressions of what was going on.  We were pretty much inseparable the rest of camp, calling each other “camp bffs.” 

The first night, before the campers arrived, we (counselors, medical staff, etc.) all met up to play games, talk, etc.  I had the opportunity to play Spoons and Apples to Apples (probably two of my most favortite games because you can get loud and obnoxious)!  It was super fun, and I soon came to love one of the counselors in my groups (we’ll call him B).  I was really afraid that the male counselors wouldn’t like me, but we bonded over Apples to Apples.  He became one of my other camp bff’s.  Anyway, I was having a good time the first night, but I still was uncertain how the next night would be (with the campers).

The next day, before the campers arrived in the evening, we attended a series of talks to prepare ourselves.  I was very impressed by the college staff and their leader, we’ll call her Ro.  As is always the case at these types of orientations, there is someone (typically older) who takes themselves WAY too seriously, but it wasn’t too bad.  Then, the children arrived!  I have to admit, I was nervous.  Our group of children were great, with skin diseases ranging from more mild to extremely severe.  We worked on creating nametags out of wood.  I relied on the one thing that pre-teen boys find cool that I’m actually good at for conversation:  video games.  We then had a campfire (complete with smores).  Finally, it was lights out.  Thankfully, there was a meeting place for all of the counselors/medical staff.  I stayed there until close every night.  This was one of my favorite places to be.  I had a great time with E (another of my camp bff’s), Ka (who is probably one of the most fierce women I’ve met and really came to adore her), Ra (who I loved her fiestiness), J (who volunteers every year), Ru (very sweet), Ka/Te (who I adored, but had difficulty remembering my name), Li (a rockstar), Ro (a great junior counselor), among many others. 

The next morning we had breakfast (the food was quite good, better than I was expecting and they were very accommodating to the kid’s allergies) followed by morning activities.   This involved water wars, which was a large sling shot for water baloons.  In the afternoon, we had waterfront, where I took a few kids pattleboating followed by some lounging on the deck with Lz, E, and Ra (of course with plenty of sunscreen).

Over the next several days, I had the opportunity to ride a horse (with the fast gallop group and the help of J), canoe, partipate in archery, and swim in the lake (all of these for the very first time).  Overall, it was wonderful to experience all of these new activites.  I also was able to bond with several of the campers over the course of the week (about bullying, self-esteem, etc.).  I loved all of the theme nights (video game night, talent night, etc.); the college staff really outdid themselves in preparing fun activities for the campers.

On the last day there, we had water activity day.   This was not good as I was already coming down with a cold (which I spent 2 weeks after camp trying to fight).  Of course, there was dunk the counselor in the canoe (did I mention it was freezing?).  Thankfully, I was not chosen for counselor’s revenge (and subsequently did not have to eat any soggy bread).  This was followed by the annual dance.  I brought two dates (hehe).  It was super fun to see the children get nervous about asking out someone to the dance, etc.  One of the boys in my group said to me,”You’re so good with the girls; you’re such a player; can you teach me your skills.”  I just nodded and smiled.  One of the kids also told me and E that we belonged on Glee, which I took as a compliment.  It was nice to hear music such as Lady Gaga’s “Born this Way” during the dance, which has a message that I think was particularly wonderful for the campers.  Also, on a funny note, I had one of the campers develop a little crush on me (she expressed this by hitting me..LOL).  I don’t think she was a huge fan of me hanging out with Lz so often.

Well, finally the camp came to an end.  It was sad saying good-bye to everyone, but I know that in the end I made a difference in some kids lives as well as made some life-long friends.  I drove back to my home city and into my boyfriend’s arms.   I took a nice, long, hot shower followed by spending time with friends and eventually going out to one of the nicest restaurants in our town for a gourmet dinner.  I can honestly say that this experience blew me away.  It was so exciting (but at the same time, saddening) to see the children feel comfortable and say things like “I wonder if this is how normal children feel.”

One instance, in particular, during the trip that impressed me was how a junior counselor dealt with bullying/name-calling.  A lot of the boys were calling each other “gay,” of course as an insult, which left me quite uncomfortable.  I was very impressed that he stood up and called out the involved boys.  He said not to make fun of different people, etc. and said that being gay is okay (and not something to be made fun of).  It always feels wonderful to be defended by straight guys.  I feel this is the trend in society (watch out extreme rightwing religious people, you’ll have to find another group soon to pick on).

 

Top 25 Favorite Songs

For the two readers who actually enjoy this blog, I apologize for my hiatus.  I have several entries in the works; however, I thought I’d start it off with another list.  Here are my top 25 (not 10……..think of this as an extra bonus) favorite songs of all time. 

25.  “Push it” Salt ‘n Pepa (1987)

24.  “Take me home”  Phil Collins (1985)

23.  “All that she wants” Ace of Base (1993)

22.  “Bye bye bye” Jo Dee Messina (1998)

21.  “Waterfalls” TLC (1995)

20.  “This is how we do it” Montell (1994)

19.  “What’s going on” Marvin Gaye (1971)

18.  “Candle in the Wind” Elton John (the live performance) (1987)

17.  “Take Me Home Tonight” Eddie Money (1985)

16.  “Smooth criminal” Michael Jackson (1988)

15.  “Someday we’ll be together” Supremes (1969)

14.  “No more words” Berlin (1984)

13.  “Little Lies” Fleetwood Mac (1987)

12.  “Voices Carry” ‘Til Tuesday (1985)

11.  “California Dreamin’” Mamas and Papas (1965)

10.  “Like a prayer” Madonna (1989)

9.  “Money changes everything”  the Brains (1980) and subsequent cover by Cyndi Lauper (1983).

8.  “Hazy Shades of Winter” Simon and Garfunkle (1968) and the subsequent cover by the Bangles (1988)

7.  “Let it be” Beatles (1970)

6.  “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” U2 (1987)

5.  “Black velvet” Alannah Myles (1989)

4.  “Here I go again” Whitesnake (1987)

3.  “Midnight train to Georgia” Gladys Knight and the Pips (1973)

2.  “Fast cars” Tracy Chapman (1988)

1.  “What becomes of the brokenhearted” Jimmy Ruffin (1966) and the cover by Paul Young (1991)

Hysterical Cartoons!

So Michelle Au, an anesthesiologist, has written some of the most hysterical, most accurate cartoons depicting medication education.  Here are some of my favorites:

1.  I absolutely love this comic strip on what it’s like to be a student on the ob/gyn rotation.  Make sure to click “Next” at the bottom of each page.

http://theunderweardrawer.homestead.com/obgyn1.html

2.  The 12 medical specialty stereotypes.  Always a good laugh.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LWzljCKf8Q8/TZ8_C3fsRJI/AAAAAAAADPs/Khn8YIgYFpg/s1600/12+medical+specialty+stereotypes+full+%2528new%2529.jpg

3.  I also love the crazy “scut” (aka mindless grunt work) they make you do.  I did at least 4/6 of these in medical school.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_e85U4QbYG7s/S3C_Z0_BTvI/AAAAAAAACPA/3x8pZ-WbEjk/s1600-h/Scut+I+Have+Done+%28small%29.jpg

Enjoy!

Favorite TV Shows

Again, continuing on my OCD lists.

10.  Absolutely Fabulous.  I have loved this show from the few episodes I’ve seen.   This show wasn’t ranked higher due to my lack of exposure.  I plan to remedy this soon.

9.  Trashy talk shows (Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, Maury Povich, Oprah in the 1980′s).  I’ll own up to the fact that I’m a fan (on occasion) of the sleazy, sensationalized, exploitative talk show genre.  I think all reality TV shows are fixed, scripted, sleazy, and falsely represented (even the so-called “classy” ones).  I appreciate that the talk shows of the 1980′s and 1990′s made no excuses for the filth they were putting out (versus today where they try to dress up mindless crap in pretty packages to make it seem more acceptable).   My only regret is that I never was a member of a chanting audience mob.

8.  30 Rock.  What a hilarious show.  Whether you love him or hate him in real life (I personally am a fan), you have to admit that Alec Baldwin is the star of this show.

7.  Facts of Life.  I love the innocence of this show.  Watching this show takes me back to my childhood.  Plus, I still want to marry Tootie (watch out Jacob!!!)

6.  Shark Tank.  This is a great show where entrepreneurs sell their ideas to venture capitalists.  I’m sure the show is staged, etc.; however, it is fascinating to see the various products people come up with (and the critiques).

5.  Bizarre Documentary Shows (Toddlers in Tiaras, Trash pickers, Hoarders).  I love dysfunction, what can I say.

4.  Crank Yankers.  I love watching this TV show with Jacob and my roommate.  I especially love when random people are thrown into ridiculous situations.  Niles (“yes, yes”) and Elmer (the elderly fellow who calls places wondering if he left his pacemaker) are my two favorites as they remind me of Jacob .

3.  Golden Girls.  I know I’m being a stereotypical gay with this choice, but what’s not to love.  Of course, everyone (including myself) feels that I am the Rose character.  She’s my favorite.  She’s the sweetest and most random.

2.  Boston Legal.  Wonderful show.  I highly recommend everyone watch this, even those of us (I was a convert) who aren’t fans of law-based shows.  The writing and acting is so witty and talented.

1.  Dead Like Me.  This Showtime treasure had everything going for it:   eccentric characters, intelligent writing, and a fascinating concept for a show.  I highly recommend for the many that haven’t seen this to check it out.

My Top 10 Movies

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m obsessed with making lists.  It appeals to my obsessive-compulsive nature.  So, I will list my top 10 favorite movies of all time

10.  Forrest Gump (1993).  This movie is well-acted and a fascinating portrayal of recent history.

9.  Gone with the Wind (1939).  I absolutely adore the visuals and character of Scarlet.  It amazes me that this movie was made over 70 years ago.

8.  Borne Identity (2002).  I have always loved the James Bond series.  However, the Borne series has added more intelligence and depth to the genre.

7.  Toy Story 2 (1999).  This may be one of the best children’s movies ever made.  Funny, engaging, and heart-warming all in one.

6.  Heathers (1988).  I think few movies have captured the horrors of girl/girl friendships and bullying in middle school and high school as well as this movie.   I also love the ruthless, dark theme of the movie.  I will never look at Drain-o the same.  Plus, Winona Ryder (when she isn’t stealing) is a phenomenal actress.

5.  L.A. Confidential (1997).  This movie is visually appealing and well-acted.

4.  Alien 2 (1986).  I love the mixture of horror and science fiction in this movie.  Plus, who doesn’t love the scene where Sigourney Weaver screams “You Bitch” at the mother alien.  Alien (the first in the series) was also well-done.  I still enjoy the eerie  apocalyptic vibe of Alien 3, but I agree this was the weakest link in the series.

3.  Pride and Prejudice, the A + E version (1994).  This movie captures the magic of one of the best novels of all time.  Not only does the movie follow the original story identically, but the characters (including Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy) are perfectly cast.

2.  Muriel’s Wedding (1994).  I think this movie deals poignantly with issues of self-esteem and self-discovery.  Plus, it has an amazing sound-track (who doesn’t love ABBA).  This movie made me fall in love with Toni Collette

1.  Life is Beautiful (1997).  This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever seen.  It makes me cry every time I see it.

Soon to come:  my favorite TV shows and favorite books.  Get excited

Pet Peeves in Medicine

I have only a few pet peeves when it comes to medical care.  Here they are:

1.  Refusing contraception counseling at hospitals:  I understand why there’s a long-going debate on abortion.  It is a complicated issue with differences in opinion depending on how you view the beginning of life, women’s rights, etc.  This makes sense to me and even though I have my own opinions, I can appreciate differing views on this issue.  What should be a no-brainer, however, is providing contraceptive means to women who want them.  I’ve worked at a hospital before that refused to give birth control (I think due to religious reasons), and I would frequently see the same women (often unemployed with multiple children and an unknown “baby daddy”) who would continue having children.  They would ask for contraception; however, I was unable to provide this treatment due to hospital policies.  I think that most would agree that a women preventing an unwanted pregnancy is a much better idea than 1. an abortion  or 2. a child brought into the world that is not wanted/loved/cared for.  Bottom line:  contraception works and should be available to all women who want it (of course I don’t advocate for forcing women to be sterilized against their will).

2.  Not vaccinating your children:  I had written about this before on Facebook.  Supposedly, there was a study performed many years ago linking autism and vaccinations.  Unfortunately, this was soon disproved as a false study (the author went on record stating he had received pressure to publish false studies to target a pharmaceutical company that was making profits from sales of these vaccinations).  However, years later people still refuse to have their children vaccinated for this reason.  Jenny McCarthy appears on national TV shows (Oprah) advocating this.  It has been estimated by conservative studies that vaccinations have saved over 100 million lives (not to mention all of the morbidity associated with the disease and lost resources to our economy) since their advent.  My heart goes out to the 1:1 million patient who does have a legitimate anaphylactic reaction to them.  However, the concept of not vaccinating your child is ridiculous in my opinion, and unless there is good reason (such as a family history of anaphylactic reactions), it represents bad parenting.

3.  Unproven (and sometimes dangerous) alternative therapies:  I’m a proponent of alternative therapies (I should say CERTAIN alternative therapies that have at least shown some proported benefit in the scientific literature).  I take omega 3 fatty acid and Vitamin D every day.  However, I have issues with the vitamin industry in two ways:  #1 it is not regulated at all (you never know what you are getting or what impurities are in the vitamins) and #2 many people make $$$ off of bogus claims that don’t pan out (even under the most lenient of scientific study).  A very few vitamin producers are certified by the USP for purity (this is not required, they do this on their own accord).  I always purchase these vitamins over an unknown quantity. 

As I said above, I support alternative therapies (THAT WORK…); however, I do get annoyed at patients who are angry to try conventional medications after years of trying only alternative therapies (and not surprisingly, their skin cancer continued to grow, their psoriasis continued to flare).  I’m all for the rights of the patients to make up decisions on their own health care,  but I’m mystified as to why someone would seek out conventional medical care when they are convinced their alternative therapies (which obviously haven’t been working) are the answer.   I always want to say, “Well, if you’re satisfied with your alternative therapies and do not want to try any conventional medications, WHY ARE YOU HERE SEEING ME.” 

One last issue on this topic:  I HATE when people market products claiming to rid the body of “toxins.”  There is something re-assuring at the idea of “detoxifying” your body, and I’m sure it’s an effective marketing technique.  Unfortunately, there is little to no scientific evidence surrounding these therapies.  I always ask people what these so-called “toxins” are and am often met with half-hearted smiles with a blank expression.  The only answer I get is “heavy metals” (in which toxicity is rare, has distinct symptoms, related to a known exposure, and treated appropriately).  Be wary of any product that promises to “detoxify” (insert any nebulous, non-discript word here) your body.

4.  Rude/disrespectful patients:  I am happy to say that the majority of patients (>95%) are wonderful to deal with.  I’d also like to say that I’m a proponent of asking your health care provider questions and challenging any treatment you think is inappropriate.  However, you’d be surprised at how disrepectful the other 5% of the population can be in a health care setting.  Just in this year I’ve heard about 5-6 incidents of blatant racism (including the N word being used, Indian physicians referred to as those “brown people that migrated from Asia” –like they are giant herd animals, and patients actually manipulating their eyes to represent Chinese people).  I should note that all of the above mentioned stories were not cute elderly patients who did not know any better; rather, they were either said by someone who should know better or with an intent to be cruel.  It’s unbelievable!  It AMAZES me what patients can get away with (if I even came the least bit close to making any of these statements, you can guarantee I’d be fired).  I wonder if some of the respect for physicians (or professionals in any field) has been lost.   Even though I always strive to take the best care of my patients regardless of how they treat me, I’d be curious to see a study showing the care that rude, hostile patients receive compared to baselines (I’m guessing a human element is involved and treatment/care given would be better overall for the respectful patients). 

I think that’s it.  I’ll save my other rants for a later time.

My Top 10 Video Games

I have a meatier post for tomorrow, but until then, here is a list of my top 10 favorite video games (in case you care):

10. Paper Mario: 1,000 year old door   (Gamecube)
9. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
8. Puzzle Quest  (DS)
7. Rock Band  (XB360)
6. Super Metroid  (SNEs)
5. Dance Central (evacuate the dance floor!) (XB360)
4. Katamari Damacy (PS2)
3. Tetris (Pick one)
2. Super Mario World (SNES)
1. Mario Kart Wii (my roommate and I would play for at least an hour every day once I purchased a Wii…great fun)

Favorite activity

My favorite leisure activity to do: sleeping. Is that sad or what? I know I’m not the only one who thinks this way. There’s nothing better than being able to sleep in on a weekend. I plan on indulging in this tomorrow

Food

I notice that I spend too much time on a daily basis talking about food.  It always seems to come up in conversation at work whether I’m talking about my favorite dishes, what I will make for dinner, or bizarre food cravings I have in the middle of the night.  So, I have decided to share my top 10 list of favorite foods (I know you were all waiting with baited breath for this, so I will indulge you all….LOL).

1.  Salmon with pasta:  Love, love, love.  Plus, the high levels of omega 3 acid in the fish make me noticeably happier.   Paired with a carbohydrate = I’m positively giddy.

2.  Spaghetti:  I eat way too much of this.  If I ever stop craving this, I know the end is near.  I have on multiple occasions eaten a “serves 8 box.”

3.  Sea bass:   Especially with a great sauce.

4.  Bree cheese (triple whipped):   I find this especially comforting (and fattening).

5.  Ahi tuna:  I love the dish at Chesters…….rare……..yum.   I’ve had even slightly better (but not much better, which says a lot about Chesters) in Hawaii.

6.  Coffee cake:  I’ve been known to pack down nn entire Sara Lee coffee cake at desperate moments.  But who hasn’t?

7.  Rasberries:  However, cheap “blue” raspberry flavoring, not so much.

8.    Filet mignon:  I have the utmost respect for my friends who choose to be vegetarians.  However, I heart a nice steak every once in awhile.   And the filet has always been my favorite (since I first had steak as a child).

9.  Flan:  I love everything about this Spanish dessert.  I also love custard.  High cholesterol anyone?

10.  Miso soup:  This Japanese traditional soup is a major comfort for me.  Plus, I love the name.  2LiveCrew anyone?  haha

On that thought, time to eat!