This is what Webster's defined as a chimera: an individual, organ, or part consisting of tissues of diverse genetic constitution. I wiki'd "chimera" first, but the definition was a little too "sciency" for the purpose of this post. Basically...my point here is that I recently discovered that my hair is in fact an example of a chimera. I recently got my hair trimmed (when I say recently, it usually means a range from 1-3 months) and the hair lady (yes, I cheated on my hair guy Kevin, but I was in Vegas in desperate need of major conditioning and apparently a trim as well) pointed out that I had two different kinds of hairs on my head. Weird!!
I, of course, knew this but it's a fact that I like to keep under wraps or on the low or on the low down dirty shame or in the hush hush...get the picture? Technically, my hair is curly...super curly in fact. But for some odd reason, the hair just above the nape of my neck is STRAIGHT. And it's not just a few random strands here and there. It's a whole spicy bunch of hair that is straight. When I flat iron my hair, there is no problemo. But what girl has the time to straight iron their hair everyday...especially when that girl has super thick samoan hair that even if you shaved half of it off to donate to Locks of Love, there's still enough left to hide the shaved parts.
The problem here happens when I maintain my "curly look", which basically entails me getting out of the shower, forcefully raking a comb through my hair and adding magical protein goop so that it doesn't look like Medusa's hair. An hour later when my hair is nice and dried, the straight hairs all come out and my head of hair proceed to look like two different people own my head...one takes the top of my head, the other takes the bottom.
It's soooo weird!!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
New trilogy on the shelf
I really cannot help this habit that I have. Whenever I travel, which happens to be quite a bit because I love to visit the familia in Vegas, I always stop by the newsstand or the bookstore in the airport to pick up something to read on my flight. I usually pack a book or two from my collection of unread books on my shelf at home before I travel so I don't have to spend money on yet more books. But...it never works out. I ALWAYS find something more interesting to read. This results in a bookshelf full of half-read books...all of them just waiting patiently for me to end their agony of sitting on my desk or beside my bed, all stacked up neatly one on top of the other.
I just realized this problem when I went home to my parent's house this past summer. Other than a high school photo on the wall, my old room doesn't really look like a room that I once inhabited...except for the books! My closet is full of them. The shelf has a pile and the floor of the closet has another pile. I even found some old books in the garage...still half-read! What a disaster. These books need a home, but yet they are still in lingo waiting for me to finish reading them and either put on a shelf or given away for someone else to read. Books are way too heavy for me to carry in my luggage. I have absolutely no trouble filling my suitcases to the maximum allotted weight with just clothes. Ask my friend Sala, who painstakingly helped me rearrange my clothes into HER SUITCASES throughout our entire trip in Australia just so I didn't have to pay the exorbitant luggage fees at the airport.
Oh gosh...I love how I start writing a post with the intention of describing what's on the title but it either never happens or it takes me forever and a day to get there. Anyways, I really hit the jackpot on my scavenger book hunt at the Las Vegas airport this past trip. I stumbled on the Mortal Instruments Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. If you're like me at the moment and totally depressed because not only is Harry Potter all grown up and married to Ginny without a named-but-should-be-nameless dark wizard to fight, but Bella and Edward also have a half-and-half vampire love clan of their own in the mountains of the Northwest (sorry for the tinsy spoiler for those who haven't finished reading). This leaves me without any extended novels about enchanted worlds to read! None! Until now...thanks to a bookstore in an airport.
Update: I have read the first two books in the MI Trilogy. I'm itching to buy the third book in the series: City of Glass. CAN'T WAIT!!!
I just realized this problem when I went home to my parent's house this past summer. Other than a high school photo on the wall, my old room doesn't really look like a room that I once inhabited...except for the books! My closet is full of them. The shelf has a pile and the floor of the closet has another pile. I even found some old books in the garage...still half-read! What a disaster. These books need a home, but yet they are still in lingo waiting for me to finish reading them and either put on a shelf or given away for someone else to read. Books are way too heavy for me to carry in my luggage. I have absolutely no trouble filling my suitcases to the maximum allotted weight with just clothes. Ask my friend Sala, who painstakingly helped me rearrange my clothes into HER SUITCASES throughout our entire trip in Australia just so I didn't have to pay the exorbitant luggage fees at the airport.
Oh gosh...I love how I start writing a post with the intention of describing what's on the title but it either never happens or it takes me forever and a day to get there. Anyways, I really hit the jackpot on my scavenger book hunt at the Las Vegas airport this past trip. I stumbled on the Mortal Instruments Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. If you're like me at the moment and totally depressed because not only is Harry Potter all grown up and married to Ginny without a named-but-should-be-nameless dark wizard to fight, but Bella and Edward also have a half-and-half vampire love clan of their own in the mountains of the Northwest (sorry for the tinsy spoiler for those who haven't finished reading). This leaves me without any extended novels about enchanted worlds to read! None! Until now...thanks to a bookstore in an airport.
Update: I have read the first two books in the MI Trilogy. I'm itching to buy the third book in the series: City of Glass. CAN'T WAIT!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I never thought I would say this....
...but I officially hate flying. In the last month, I have been on ten airplanes and am getting on another one tomorrow morning to head back East. Don't get me wrong. I love traveling! But, I no longer have that uncontrollable excitement to get on an airplane anymore. I used to get all giddy because of all the free stuff you get on airplanes. (I used to collect airline blankets back in college. No one told me it wasn't free...don't judge me!) But now, nothing is free, really. Well, maybe the icky disgusting feeling of oily hair and congested face pimples that I always seem to get after every flight no matter how short the duration is.
To make matters worse, I can no longer sleep peacefully for long periods of time on any of my flights. Because I came back with a lovely DVT from my excursion in the Macchu Picchu mountains earlier this year, my doctor has recommended me to walk around on all flights every hour or so. It wasn't until I was doing aerobics with some 80 year old passengers in the back of my Qantas flight (going to New Zealand) did I realize that I really detest flying. Ugh...don't even get me started on the smell of the bathrooms on planes. Gross!
To make matters worse, I can no longer sleep peacefully for long periods of time on any of my flights. Because I came back with a lovely DVT from my excursion in the Macchu Picchu mountains earlier this year, my doctor has recommended me to walk around on all flights every hour or so. It wasn't until I was doing aerobics with some 80 year old passengers in the back of my Qantas flight (going to New Zealand) did I realize that I really detest flying. Ugh...don't even get me started on the smell of the bathrooms on planes. Gross!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Quote of the day
Came across this quote on twitter just now.
"I have an insatiable hunger for awesomeness...and a tireless pursuit for the amazing".
I like it. I'm going with it.
"I have an insatiable hunger for awesomeness...and a tireless pursuit for the amazing".
I like it. I'm going with it.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tyranny of Popular Vote
This is an essay written by my Grandpa Janairo back in the 1930's. My dad has quoted parts of this essay since my childhood and luckily a copy was found recently. Thought I'd share it.
Tyranny of the Popular Vote
Man irks under the burden of compulsory obedience. It is repulsive to his sense of self respect that he should be made to follow blindly and to accept ungrudgingly that which is imposed upon him to be sheer superiority. He has revolted from spiritual tyranny when Martin Luther flung his memorable defiance in the Council of Nantes and declared that the human spirit can not be imprisoned by bigotry and fanaticism. Man struck the death knell of corporate tyranny when the days of the feudal lords were declared gone forever by the onrushing tide of human freedom embodied in the Magna Carta of England and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Political liberty has been since its birth the antithesis of tyranny. And yet, paradoxical as it may seem, it has brought about, by the strength of its ideal and the dynamic force of its principle, a new tyranny strong because its set is the masses, uncompromising because it springs from ignorance, powerful because it is regarded as the people’s voice. This offspring of democracy is the tyranny of popular vote.
Tyranny of the Popular Vote
Man irks under the burden of compulsory obedience. It is repulsive to his sense of self respect that he should be made to follow blindly and to accept ungrudgingly that which is imposed upon him to be sheer superiority. He has revolted from spiritual tyranny when Martin Luther flung his memorable defiance in the Council of Nantes and declared that the human spirit can not be imprisoned by bigotry and fanaticism. Man struck the death knell of corporate tyranny when the days of the feudal lords were declared gone forever by the onrushing tide of human freedom embodied in the Magna Carta of England and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Political liberty has been since its birth the antithesis of tyranny. And yet, paradoxical as it may seem, it has brought about, by the strength of its ideal and the dynamic force of its principle, a new tyranny strong because its set is the masses, uncompromising because it springs from ignorance, powerful because it is regarded as the people’s voice. This offspring of democracy is the tyranny of popular vote.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Need to write again
Wow....I cannot believe my last post was over a month ago! Crazy! I really need to start writing again. I'm actually back in Vegas to study for the boards. Finals finished last week Friday and that's all I have to say about that. Glad that's over with.
Because I will be here in Vegas for two months, my suitcases for traveling were both overweight but at least the guy at the US Airways counter felt so sorry for me (maybe I looked like a hot mess from packing and moving all weekend and from recovering from a huge hangover) that he let me check my begs without paying. Holla! He did give me some advice..."in the future, pack lighter". What a funny man.
So yeah, it's great to be back home. The heat is exhausting. I hung out with the parentals all day doing this and that and came home looking like a crispy lobster. Gotta love the heat in this city:) For dinner, we tried the new buffet at the new M hotel. OMG! By far, this has to be the best buffet in the city! They have free (as in included in the price) wine and beer. And because they had this station at the front entrance, the buffet really had me at hello:) All in all, a great day! Tomorrow...the real work starts.
Countdown to June 19th begins right now. Wish me luck!
Because I will be here in Vegas for two months, my suitcases for traveling were both overweight but at least the guy at the US Airways counter felt so sorry for me (maybe I looked like a hot mess from packing and moving all weekend and from recovering from a huge hangover) that he let me check my begs without paying. Holla! He did give me some advice..."in the future, pack lighter". What a funny man.
So yeah, it's great to be back home. The heat is exhausting. I hung out with the parentals all day doing this and that and came home looking like a crispy lobster. Gotta love the heat in this city:) For dinner, we tried the new buffet at the new M hotel. OMG! By far, this has to be the best buffet in the city! They have free (as in included in the price) wine and beer. And because they had this station at the front entrance, the buffet really had me at hello:) All in all, a great day! Tomorrow...the real work starts.
Countdown to June 19th begins right now. Wish me luck!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Chronic disease is depressing
It is. It may not be readily apparent but it's there...
I just got off the phone from a long conversation with a family member, whom I greatly admire and adore and our conversation made me feel a lot of things. Helplessness. Depressed. Sorrow. Admiration. It is a nice palm-sized slap of reality when I have these conversations and learn about other people's circumstances, because many times I am wrapped in a nice comfortable bubble...called medical school. I cannot believe I'm calling med school a comfortable situation, but it's all relative. Compared to my cousin's life right now, mine is just peachy.
It is peachy because I do not have a father who is sick and undergoing chemotherapy. It is peachy because I do not have to worry on a constant basis whether my father's lab results this week will require him to undergo another transfusion...one of a countless number that he's already been through. My life is peachy because I am not the one taking care of a patient who has a chronic medical condition that will eventually take his life and that patient is my own father.
My classmates and I often discuss the issue of managing chronic illnesses and how difficult that will be. Every patient is different and may not respond to the treatments you prescribe, especially in a condition like cancer. The treatment is steps beyond the fact that you have to break bad news to them and that they have to deal with the bad news you bring them. This doesn't even address the fact that you may not have all the answers...especially if you're not telling them the answers that they want to hear. Some people will have diabetes forever. It won't be cured. How depressing is that kind of news to anyone? In my uncle's condition, there is no known cure. There are treatments that can help prolong his life but the bottom line is, there is no cure.
So all I could offer my cousin in her time of need was a pair of ears and moments of reassurance that hopefully this treatment will work. And hopefully her dad will tolerate this treatment. And although her parents look at her as being the "bad guy" in the situation, what she is doing is admirable. She is taking care of her sick father to the best of her ability. Because he is her father and as a child, anyone would want to take care of their parents in any way possible.
It is tough when the lines between the "caretaker role" and being a daughter gets blurred. I am sorry she has to go through this. I'm sorry for anyone to have to go through that, especially the individual who has the condition.
As I evaluate the events of my day and remember the many moments of me complaining about how much life sucks because I am stressing about school, it's conversations like this that help me adjust the lens so that I tread purposefully (hopefully with fewer complaints) in the right direction of life education.
I just got off the phone from a long conversation with a family member, whom I greatly admire and adore and our conversation made me feel a lot of things. Helplessness. Depressed. Sorrow. Admiration. It is a nice palm-sized slap of reality when I have these conversations and learn about other people's circumstances, because many times I am wrapped in a nice comfortable bubble...called medical school. I cannot believe I'm calling med school a comfortable situation, but it's all relative. Compared to my cousin's life right now, mine is just peachy.
It is peachy because I do not have a father who is sick and undergoing chemotherapy. It is peachy because I do not have to worry on a constant basis whether my father's lab results this week will require him to undergo another transfusion...one of a countless number that he's already been through. My life is peachy because I am not the one taking care of a patient who has a chronic medical condition that will eventually take his life and that patient is my own father.
My classmates and I often discuss the issue of managing chronic illnesses and how difficult that will be. Every patient is different and may not respond to the treatments you prescribe, especially in a condition like cancer. The treatment is steps beyond the fact that you have to break bad news to them and that they have to deal with the bad news you bring them. This doesn't even address the fact that you may not have all the answers...especially if you're not telling them the answers that they want to hear. Some people will have diabetes forever. It won't be cured. How depressing is that kind of news to anyone? In my uncle's condition, there is no known cure. There are treatments that can help prolong his life but the bottom line is, there is no cure.
So all I could offer my cousin in her time of need was a pair of ears and moments of reassurance that hopefully this treatment will work. And hopefully her dad will tolerate this treatment. And although her parents look at her as being the "bad guy" in the situation, what she is doing is admirable. She is taking care of her sick father to the best of her ability. Because he is her father and as a child, anyone would want to take care of their parents in any way possible.
It is tough when the lines between the "caretaker role" and being a daughter gets blurred. I am sorry she has to go through this. I'm sorry for anyone to have to go through that, especially the individual who has the condition.
As I evaluate the events of my day and remember the many moments of me complaining about how much life sucks because I am stressing about school, it's conversations like this that help me adjust the lens so that I tread purposefully (hopefully with fewer complaints) in the right direction of life education.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Taking the beast out
Just doing some random test shots with my beast of a camera before I head out to Peru tomorrow. I'm overly excited at how many pictures I'll be getting this coming week! Wish me luck:)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
10th Annual Student Charity Auction
Hey hey!
This year I have the pleasure of co-chairing GW's annual student auction, which benefits the HEALing Clinic (GW's Student Clinic). Currently, it runs through the District of Columbia's Bread for the City Organization, which is an all-in-one non-profit entity that provides all types of services, including medical care, to those in need.
It's a combined effort as both the Classes of 2011 and 2012 are working together to fund-raise money through the student auction to help fund the running costs of our awesome clinic! These running costs include overhead expenses such as electricity, water, heat, etc...as well as labs and drugs for the patient. Physicians volunteer their time and students (us) are there to gain more experience and learn more about vulnerable populations who do not have health insurance, who may be homeless, or who do not have adequate health care coverage.
I worked at the HEALing Clinic last year and first learned how to take a patient's blood pressure (old school style...not with those fancy shmancy electronic bp machines), presented my first patient to an attending and got a peek into the lives of some of DC's poor residents, who sadly may have so many co-morbid conditions. This was my first lesson into primary care.
Anyways, the clinic does great work and has some awesome people running it who are very passionate about "serving the underserved". Remember that clever little "pull at your heart strings" answer everyone says at their medical school interview? Hahaha...
Well, we are having this fundraising auction on April 17th. If anyone would like to donate an item of any type (art, wine, basketball game tickets, ballet/theatre tickets, gift certificates) or if you have the hook-up anywhere, please let me know! And if you're in DC on that date, please feel free to join! We hope to have enough wine and food for everyone and of course...some mad bidding going on:)
To see a list of items: Goodies
This year I have the pleasure of co-chairing GW's annual student auction, which benefits the HEALing Clinic (GW's Student Clinic). Currently, it runs through the District of Columbia's Bread for the City Organization, which is an all-in-one non-profit entity that provides all types of services, including medical care, to those in need.
It's a combined effort as both the Classes of 2011 and 2012 are working together to fund-raise money through the student auction to help fund the running costs of our awesome clinic! These running costs include overhead expenses such as electricity, water, heat, etc...as well as labs and drugs for the patient. Physicians volunteer their time and students (us) are there to gain more experience and learn more about vulnerable populations who do not have health insurance, who may be homeless, or who do not have adequate health care coverage.
I worked at the HEALing Clinic last year and first learned how to take a patient's blood pressure (old school style...not with those fancy shmancy electronic bp machines), presented my first patient to an attending and got a peek into the lives of some of DC's poor residents, who sadly may have so many co-morbid conditions. This was my first lesson into primary care.
Anyways, the clinic does great work and has some awesome people running it who are very passionate about "serving the underserved". Remember that clever little "pull at your heart strings" answer everyone says at their medical school interview? Hahaha...
Well, we are having this fundraising auction on April 17th. If anyone would like to donate an item of any type (art, wine, basketball game tickets, ballet/theatre tickets, gift certificates) or if you have the hook-up anywhere, please let me know! And if you're in DC on that date, please feel free to join! We hope to have enough wine and food for everyone and of course...some mad bidding going on:)
To see a list of items: Goodies
Sunday, March 8, 2009
oh boards...
So I finally got enough courage to open up my USMLEWORLD account to start "studying" for Step 1. My subscription just recently started last weekend, but I needed a little motivation to actually open it up and start practicing with some questions. The motivation came from a small lecture one of our deans gave on Thursday about how we all should be practicing with questions at this time in our studies. "Should be"...are the key words here. For some unknown reason, I have it in my head that I can start studying when finals for this semester's courses are over...and it will all be okay with me passing in the end. Hahaha...I'm such a comedian sometimes.
Anyways...so I open my account and start taking these practice tests that I categorize by subject. I don't want to go into full blown depression about my lack of knowledge from the past two years of med school, so I create a test on my "easier" subjects like Biostatistics and Psychiatry. Boy did I get a rude awakening! Who knew that specificity and sensitivity can be plotted on a graph against each other?! *sigh*
After one test, I realized that I need to re-evaluate the rest of my semester. So...I decided to head to the kitchen to cook myself lunch, dinner, and food for the next couple days. "I can't think straight on an empty stomach" was a good enough reason to procrastinate studying even more. Then came my laundry. And now, blogging about the fact that I NEED TO START STUDYING! AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Ok, I'm done. I will go study now. I feel much better after venting/justifying/procrastinating on blogger.
Anyways...so I open my account and start taking these practice tests that I categorize by subject. I don't want to go into full blown depression about my lack of knowledge from the past two years of med school, so I create a test on my "easier" subjects like Biostatistics and Psychiatry. Boy did I get a rude awakening! Who knew that specificity and sensitivity can be plotted on a graph against each other?! *sigh*
After one test, I realized that I need to re-evaluate the rest of my semester. So...I decided to head to the kitchen to cook myself lunch, dinner, and food for the next couple days. "I can't think straight on an empty stomach" was a good enough reason to procrastinate studying even more. Then came my laundry. And now, blogging about the fact that I NEED TO START STUDYING! AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Ok, I'm done. I will go study now. I feel much better after venting/justifying/procrastinating on blogger.
Gmail's backgrounds
So I've been trying out the different backgrounds for gmail in the last few days. Since I spend a substantial amount of time looking at emails, I might as well enjoy the scenery. I was only prompted to try out the different options recently, though. Since this feature came out, I had the "ninja" theme. I find it really cute that at the very bottom of my email page, the ninja husband and ninja wife are eating dinner together. I like to think this happens around my dinner time in the evening, but alas, i discovered that the ninja meal is a semi-permanent fixture. Wouldn't that be cool though? I think there's one theme where the time of day and the weather in your city will be displayed on your screen as part of the themed background....I think. Unless I'm totally making this up. Anyways...I tried the different themes and am now back to the ninjas. I can't seem to let them go just yet.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Twitter-nation
I am in "Status update heaven"! It's official...I found my new crack and it's Twitter.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Concert update
I went to see Missy Higgins play at the 9:30 club this past Monday, and I was floored at how amazing she was live! Amazing! Lenka, a fellow Aussie (oy! oy! oy!), opened for her. What an adorable girl she is:) She had birds and little toy animals strategically placed all over the stage. It was great for me...because I like looking at the entire stage setup including whats on the ground and what color the mic is and all that jazz. It just made me smile every time I found little fake cute birds swinging from her band's instruments. Luckily, I was close enough to see all these things...center stage and front row. I also saw the list of the whole set Missy was planning to play for the night. Sadly, the "Special Two" wasn't on the list. But...holla at your girl! Front row and center! And we didn't get to the club that early either. However, it was also a snow day in the District so I guess people were less inclined to stand in the cold too far in advance before the concert started.
It's so bad now, though, because I was listening to Missy on my ipod this morning on my way to school but I had to switch to another artist because she was absolutely amazing live that I can't really listen to her recorded stuff just yet.
On another note, she played this instrument that I have never seen before. It sounds just like a harmonica but you blow air into this tube that is connected to a tiny little piano. Does anyone know what this instrument is called? Lol...it's such a cute little thing!
It's so bad now, though, because I was listening to Missy on my ipod this morning on my way to school but I had to switch to another artist because she was absolutely amazing live that I can't really listen to her recorded stuff just yet.
On another note, she played this instrument that I have never seen before. It sounds just like a harmonica but you blow air into this tube that is connected to a tiny little piano. Does anyone know what this instrument is called? Lol...it's such a cute little thing!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
An angel in Hell
I was just about ready to start studying when I came across this link to an article on Glamour magazine by Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues). She traveled deep into the Republic of Congo to follow the work of Dr. Denis Mukwege, who runs the OB/GYN ward at Panzi Hospital.
Ms. Ensler warns readers before-hand of the horrors you will read in this article, but what is astonishing is how mind-blowing femicide has become in this region of the world. Everyone hears about the stories of rape victims and they are all traumatic. However, reading through the individual accounts from the survivors of these atrocities gives me chills knowing that there are human beings that are capable of such destruction.
I believe the author makes an excellent point in her article in saying that these acts of violence are done to achieve a goal: destroying the human soul. My heart broke in reading about how strong these women are and how they are able to live each day with hope. It is a comfort knowing that there are amazing people, like Dr. Mukwege around in this world, who dedicate their lives to repairing the after-math of inhumane violence.
Here's an excerpt from the article quoting Dr. Mukwege on why he became a physician: “My father was a pastor. He was very gentle, very human. From him I got the caring to treat patients. When we would go and visit sick people together, he would pray. I would ask, ‘Why can’t you give them tablets or prescriptions?’ He said, ‘I am not a doctor.’ I decided then that prayer is not enough. People must take things into their own hands. Asking God does not change anything. He gives us the ability to say yes or no. You must use your hands, your mind. When I receive women here who are hungry, I can’t say, ‘God bless you.’ I have to give them something to eat. When someone is suffering, I can’t tell her about God, I have to treat her pain. You can’t hide yourself in religion. Not a solution.”
In this part of the world, Dr. Mukwege is the doctor, healer, pastor, prayer leader, comforter, advocate and listener...I'll add one more to the list: inspiration.
Ms. Ensler warns readers before-hand of the horrors you will read in this article, but what is astonishing is how mind-blowing femicide has become in this region of the world. Everyone hears about the stories of rape victims and they are all traumatic. However, reading through the individual accounts from the survivors of these atrocities gives me chills knowing that there are human beings that are capable of such destruction.
I believe the author makes an excellent point in her article in saying that these acts of violence are done to achieve a goal: destroying the human soul. My heart broke in reading about how strong these women are and how they are able to live each day with hope. It is a comfort knowing that there are amazing people, like Dr. Mukwege around in this world, who dedicate their lives to repairing the after-math of inhumane violence.
Here's an excerpt from the article quoting Dr. Mukwege on why he became a physician: “My father was a pastor. He was very gentle, very human. From him I got the caring to treat patients. When we would go and visit sick people together, he would pray. I would ask, ‘Why can’t you give them tablets or prescriptions?’ He said, ‘I am not a doctor.’ I decided then that prayer is not enough. People must take things into their own hands. Asking God does not change anything. He gives us the ability to say yes or no. You must use your hands, your mind. When I receive women here who are hungry, I can’t say, ‘God bless you.’ I have to give them something to eat. When someone is suffering, I can’t tell her about God, I have to treat her pain. You can’t hide yourself in religion. Not a solution.”
In this part of the world, Dr. Mukwege is the doctor, healer, pastor, prayer leader, comforter, advocate and listener...I'll add one more to the list: inspiration.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Induced labor
Today I saw seven patients with my preceptor, which is the most I have ever seen on a given afternoon in her office. Usually there are two other students besides myself and today there was only one, so maybe that's why I was able to see more patients.
There was nothing too out of the ordinary with today's patients. There was one lady who had an aweful year with both her grandmother and mother passing away within a month of each other. That's so aweful. She also was on a job placement abroad with her spouse when the hotel they were staying at was bombed by terrorists. Yikes! That's a story you don't hear everyday. I always feel awkward in these kinds of situations, because I never know what to say. Death in the family is one thing and I can empathize with that, but a near death experience from a bomb!?! Hmmm.... "that must have been so frightening!" I think my eye balls nearly popping out of its sockets was enough concern for my patient's taste.
On a side note, another patient wanted to be induced into labor on Friday the 13th. Now that's a first. Usually people attempt to stay hidden under something sturdy in fear of something terrible happening to them on Friday the 13th. I know I tread through my day a little more carefully on 04/20 because I went to a high school that constantly had bomb threats on that day to celebrate the Columbine shootings. So this patient has an interesting outlook on life requesting this date. But maybe she wants her baby born on Valentine's Day...who knows. However, she was told by my preceptor that if she was induced on Friday, she will likely have her baby that day. I'm secretly rooting for her to have her baby on Saturday, though...just to be on the safe side.
There was nothing too out of the ordinary with today's patients. There was one lady who had an aweful year with both her grandmother and mother passing away within a month of each other. That's so aweful. She also was on a job placement abroad with her spouse when the hotel they were staying at was bombed by terrorists. Yikes! That's a story you don't hear everyday. I always feel awkward in these kinds of situations, because I never know what to say. Death in the family is one thing and I can empathize with that, but a near death experience from a bomb!?! Hmmm.... "that must have been so frightening!" I think my eye balls nearly popping out of its sockets was enough concern for my patient's taste.
On a side note, another patient wanted to be induced into labor on Friday the 13th. Now that's a first. Usually people attempt to stay hidden under something sturdy in fear of something terrible happening to them on Friday the 13th. I know I tread through my day a little more carefully on 04/20 because I went to a high school that constantly had bomb threats on that day to celebrate the Columbine shootings. So this patient has an interesting outlook on life requesting this date. But maybe she wants her baby born on Valentine's Day...who knows. However, she was told by my preceptor that if she was induced on Friday, she will likely have her baby that day. I'm secretly rooting for her to have her baby on Saturday, though...just to be on the safe side.
Month of concerts
It has been an awesome past couple days. First, I found out randomly that one of my favorite singers will be coming to DC early March. Missy Higgins, the singer-songwriter from Down Under will be playing at the 9:30 club on March 2nd and who else to open for her but that one cute Asian guy, Justin Nozuka:) This concert alone made my week! I've been dying to see Missy live and I just watched an update on her U.S. Green tour...and what do you know...I'll be seeing her myself! Holla!
Then...I was sitting in my normal back corner of the lecture hall listening so attentively to cases of nephrotic syndrome while checking my emails on the AnnaBerry (my blackberry) when I stumbled on an informational email from the GradLife Office announcing ticket sales of Jason Mraz and Ben Folds for a concert next weekend. OMG! There are three bands/artists that I would just fall over if I saw live and the Geek in the Pink is one of those artists! Holla again:) It will be a great month of live music!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Air going nowhere
Ok...what kind of genius attempts to pump air into a bike tire but somehow proceeds to completely deflate the tire?? There goes my brilliant plan to ride my bike early tomorrow morning to take a spin class. Bummer.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The sidewalk steals gloves
I was walking to school this morning and came across a lonely blue glove lying on the sidewalk on New Hampshire Ave and two blocks down from there, found another lonely and misplaced glove (a red one this time) laying on some grass. This made me even more angry than I already was because I was desperately searching for my left hand glove minutes earlier at home!
I loved this particular pair of gloves too! I'm so sad right now, which probably explains why I've been in such a sour mood all day.
I loved this particular pair of gloves too! I'm so sad right now, which probably explains why I've been in such a sour mood all day.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Video of the Big day
Journey to History - The Inauguration of Barack Obama - Documentary from Juneteenth Works on Vimeo.
So my roommate Amisha's friend, Chilembwe Mason, made this video of our Obama extravaganza on January 20th, 2009. I'm so glad he made this because I really couldn't see too much over the huge cowboy hat (yes...the one you see right in the middle) and 6 footers directly in front of me. No love for the shorties.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
An old article and 798 MB of memory
Last night as I was about ready to turn in for the night, which is a rarity because I never PREPARE to go to sleep, I stumbled on an old article I found saved on my computer that was written about my last season playing tennis at the "U", aka the University of Montana. I was actually trying to back up some old files onto my external hard drive so I can free up some space on my computer.
Supposedly, computers don't have an unlimited amount of memory that I can use and abuse to download all my music and pictures and nerdy med school audio lectures. Who knew!? And a couple days ago, this annoying window on my computer kept popping up telling me that I had an urgent problem that I needed to address. Of course, "urgent" without anything related to medical school doesn't really translate to mean "important" to me. You know...little things like life insurance, overdraft fees on my bank account, and dental appointment notices really get lost in the shuffle of things. So...a tiny little annoying window on my computer will definitely get last dibs on my attention. Oh, but my wonderful little punk of a dell didn't like to be ignored and has now upgraded to demanding my attention by making all kinds of weird noises. I finally checked the "urgent" notices and pleasantly found out that I have only 798 MB of memory left for me to use and abuse. That's not even enough memory for a decent discography of Michael Jackson.
This is so depressing.
So I proceeded to save everything on my external and found a few files to delete when I stumbled on the article, which was the point of me writing this blog but somehow it has shifted to me rambling on and on about this stinky dell and it's annoying messages.
Anyways, the article was written about my last season and how I was losing in the beginning of the season...haha. I was captain and having the most agonizing losing streak of my college tennis career. Other than the not so few number of rejection letters I received when applying to medical school, this was another low point in my life. I read it twice last night just reminiscing about how much fun it was playing college tennis. Even losing was fun at times if the match was good. I remember playing this awesome tennis player from Sacramento state and actually having a great time despite her kicking my ass and leaving me with a couple bagels (translation = score was 6-0, 6-0). Oh the memories!
I miss playing sometimes and probably should get the dusty racket and some balls out one of these days.
Supposedly, computers don't have an unlimited amount of memory that I can use and abuse to download all my music and pictures and nerdy med school audio lectures. Who knew!? And a couple days ago, this annoying window on my computer kept popping up telling me that I had an urgent problem that I needed to address. Of course, "urgent" without anything related to medical school doesn't really translate to mean "important" to me. You know...little things like life insurance, overdraft fees on my bank account, and dental appointment notices really get lost in the shuffle of things. So...a tiny little annoying window on my computer will definitely get last dibs on my attention. Oh, but my wonderful little punk of a dell didn't like to be ignored and has now upgraded to demanding my attention by making all kinds of weird noises. I finally checked the "urgent" notices and pleasantly found out that I have only 798 MB of memory left for me to use and abuse. That's not even enough memory for a decent discography of Michael Jackson.
This is so depressing.
So I proceeded to save everything on my external and found a few files to delete when I stumbled on the article, which was the point of me writing this blog but somehow it has shifted to me rambling on and on about this stinky dell and it's annoying messages.
Anyways, the article was written about my last season and how I was losing in the beginning of the season...haha. I was captain and having the most agonizing losing streak of my college tennis career. Other than the not so few number of rejection letters I received when applying to medical school, this was another low point in my life. I read it twice last night just reminiscing about how much fun it was playing college tennis. Even losing was fun at times if the match was good. I remember playing this awesome tennis player from Sacramento state and actually having a great time despite her kicking my ass and leaving me with a couple bagels (translation = score was 6-0, 6-0). Oh the memories!
I miss playing sometimes and probably should get the dusty racket and some balls out one of these days.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"We are a young nation"
Today, I witnessed history. Excitement to see the first black President of the United States take his oath into office rippled through me- so much so that I could not get a wink of sleep last night! I stood with millions of Americans today in the freezing cold only several feet behind the Capitol's frozen-over reflecting pool and one jumbo-tron screen away from our current Commander-in-chief.
It's difficult to describe all the emotions and feelings I was going through as I waited for him to take his first few steps as our President. My fingers and toes are still thawing out 12 hours later from standing in freezing temperatures from 5 am this morning. But as soon as he addressed us, all my attention was focused on every word he said with an effort to remember my surroundings so that one day in the future I can vividly describe today's events to my children and grandchildren.
And as he ended his beautifully written and delivered speech, I could not help but take pride in the fact that my generation has helped put this man into office. My generation helped make this change- a change so important for anyone who follows President Obama that human equality is achievable. There is no better way to say it than a single mother from Mckeesport said right before this election ended "Rosa sat so Martin could walk. Martin walked so Obama could run. Obama ran so our children could fly."
The following is the full inaugural address of President Barack Hussein Obama.
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
...and THANK YOU Jon Favreau for being the "mind" of Obama.
It's difficult to describe all the emotions and feelings I was going through as I waited for him to take his first few steps as our President. My fingers and toes are still thawing out 12 hours later from standing in freezing temperatures from 5 am this morning. But as soon as he addressed us, all my attention was focused on every word he said with an effort to remember my surroundings so that one day in the future I can vividly describe today's events to my children and grandchildren.
And as he ended his beautifully written and delivered speech, I could not help but take pride in the fact that my generation has helped put this man into office. My generation helped make this change- a change so important for anyone who follows President Obama that human equality is achievable. There is no better way to say it than a single mother from Mckeesport said right before this election ended "Rosa sat so Martin could walk. Martin walked so Obama could run. Obama ran so our children could fly."
The following is the full inaugural address of President Barack Hussein Obama.
My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.
At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labour, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and travelled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and ploughed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - that a nation cannot prosper long when it favours only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet. We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honour them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.
What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have travelled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
...and THANK YOU Jon Favreau for being the "mind" of Obama.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
DC is poppin' and buzz'n
Yessir... the District has made a transformation overnight. I'm slightly overwhelmed at how many people are being squished into this tiny little place. But it's exciting! Studying has been pushed to the back burner to be replaced with the long weekend of events and I'm too busy not worrying about my Cardio/Pulm exam coming up next week. Isn't that terrible? I'm way too excited to concentrate on studying.
Tuesday will be HUGE! I just picked up my tickets to inauguration yesterday from Senator Reid's (of Nevada) office and was super giddy walking home (in the freezing cold). We're going to be standing in a grid in front of the reflecting pool. Not bad...but we will have to be there really early, which means bundling up for arctic temperatures. This might be just me though. I'm an island girl and anything below 60 is uncomfortably cold. So my attire will include many layers topped off with my nice warm fluffy coat with the furry hood. I get called "The Eskimo" often from friends, but that's okay. As long as I'm warm, I'm good to go.
I will update more on this after Tuesday's event and will probably include photos. Here are some pictures I took on my way to the Senate office building. It was weird that there weren't many people around.
Tuesday will be HUGE! I just picked up my tickets to inauguration yesterday from Senator Reid's (of Nevada) office and was super giddy walking home (in the freezing cold). We're going to be standing in a grid in front of the reflecting pool. Not bad...but we will have to be there really early, which means bundling up for arctic temperatures. This might be just me though. I'm an island girl and anything below 60 is uncomfortably cold. So my attire will include many layers topped off with my nice warm fluffy coat with the furry hood. I get called "The Eskimo" often from friends, but that's okay. As long as I'm warm, I'm good to go.
I will update more on this after Tuesday's event and will probably include photos. Here are some pictures I took on my way to the Senate office building. It was weird that there weren't many people around.
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