The Real Medical Students of Detroit

Three Spoons of Sugar

2011-06-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

There is only one one thing that feels right in this moment - writing.

He would take a sip of his tea, look up at me and say "are you sure this has three spoons of sugar?" I tried to trick him so many times. But, Nana Ji knew his sugar better than anyone else. He knew when is tea was "just right." I would ask him if he wanted anything with his tea and he would ask, "are there any sweets in the house." That's my Nana Ji :)

This is one of many memories of him I hold near and dear to my heart. He was sweet just like his tea. One dessert per meal and that too with a big smile.

Every blood test Nana Ji ever had revealed normal sugar level :)

Dr. Harnam Singh Shan, my Nana Ji, just passed away today. I can't even comprehend the fact that this has happened because he is so far away. Many of you knew him and many of you are familiar with literary his work.

He was truly an amazing man who has contributed a great deal to each one of our lives and especially the Sikh community.

I used to call Nana Ji "custom made." When I was studying for my Step 1, he was always awake with me - he was my 87-year-old study buddy who always seemed to have a more productive day!

He would wake up, recite his prayers and just get to work. He would work until 1 a.m. and stop only for the news and his daily walks.

He always had two thermoses on his dresser. One with cold water, one with warm water. Then, he would call one of us to mix the water for him...just right. He was definitely custom made.

Everything he did started and ended with an Ardaas. Everything includes eating, drinking, walking, talking, driving, opening my board scores...I mean EVERYTHING. I'm so happy he did this before driving. Those of you who have been in the car with him know why I am saying this.

"Nana Ji! Red LIGHT!," I said. "Where? What is this?" he said as we ran the red light in a busy intersection of Chandigarh.

Nana Ji never retired. He kept working and before he left America this last spring, he told me he has one publication per year of life. I have never met anyone with his self-discipline and focus.

He diligently worked through the time he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As his cancer spread, he wrote longer hours and worked harder to complete his work. His devotion to his profession and faith is inspiring.

First spoon of sugar for nana ji - Nani Ji, his wife, who was his partner in everything he did. When he was hear he recited a romantic poem he had written for her. "Leave your dishes and work. I will leave my books and writing. Just come, sit with me," he recited while smiling and remembering her.

Second spoon of sugar - His writings and contribution to the Sikh Panth. I was informed that he was still writing letters from the hospital. Yesterday, someone received a letter from him about his work.

Third spoon of sugar - His humor. Even at 25, Nana Ji would always ask me if I still had my nose. This never got old.

"God bless you, more, much more, still more, and all the more," Dr. Harnam Singh Shan (Sept. 15, 1923 - June 10, 2011).

Steps

2011-04-17T20:40:00.000-07:00

First, I molded myself academically, socially, physically and emotionally --> This gave me a sense of who I actually was --> Now, I feel like I am at a point where I can actually place myself in the community and represent what I stand for --> My contribution to society will we optimized with contentment of who I can become spiritually

I think that was what I said

Pregnancy test: Why go to CVS if you can just go to the ED?

2011-03-29T04:48:00.000-07:00

It has the be said, an analysis of spending in America would prove that the average American is rather stupid and significantly selfish.

The AVERAGE - now, that may not include you so please don't get offended immediately.

"Hyperemesis" AKA vomiting too much was the chief complaint for two patients I spoke to the emergency department yesterday.

"Are you pregnant?" I asked. "that's what I'm worried about," a seemingly angry 21-year-old said.

Even with my limited knowledge as a third year student and limited clinical experience. I can assure you that this is called "morning sickness." You know that thing that your mom, grandma, sister, friend, auntie all went through during pregnancy.

Yes - you will fine. No - you should not receive a work absence excuse form filled out for you, but yes, you will get one. Oh and thank you - your total for a pregnancy test, anti-nausea meds and an ultrasound on the side is $1265. Would you like some fries with that?

See you in seven months in the ED, when you start having severe abdominal cramping. This is called contractions. At that point we will admit you and you will have a baby. This is known as going into "labor."

Pregnancy test at CVS: $8.95. Google search on pregnancy in the library: $0.

A funny...

2010-10-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

So for our last micro exam, a bunch of students in our class got t-shirts made that said "jackson is my homeboy" and had a picture of him on it. Hilarious. Dr. Jackson just sent out an email saying thanks, he was flattered :) I love when people add humor to stressful situations!

Check this out!

2010-09-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.palladiumboots.com/exploration/detroit

Really enjoyed your post! More from me soon - but, miss you like crazy lady :)

catching up (briefly)

2010-09-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

I miss you too! So much.

The diagnosis has been made. I have an adjustment disorder. August was rough for me. I felt the stress of medical school and life crashed on me and it was difficult to get through. Summer was great and the start of the school year was a rude awakening. Honestly, as much as it is important to retain information from medical school, I think the process is equally about learning to adjust, persevere and make decisions. I felt this change begin to occur this month. I know more months like "august" will occur without a doubt, most definitely when another change occurs but my hope is that my adjusting time decreases each time such that by the time real decisions have to be made, I can do it on the spot. Not sure if this makes sense.

I think the move was important and the new place will help us as we proceed. Starting Fresh! Unfortunately, it is a little too comfortable and it is much more enticing to fall asleep than Willis... :) Highlighter on the bed, sleeping with the lights on are proof of this!

I know I need to write more. I definitely will! You write too! Did I mention I miss you??

2010-09-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

WRite something sam! I miss you and need updates :-)

Scary Scary Experience

2010-06-24T22:34:00.001-07:00

Today - I saw heaven on Earth as I zipped through two peaks of the rockies. Truly breathtaking!

Yesterday, however, I saw hell. Vancouver is a beautiful city. Two well-known spots in the this city are Gastown and Chinatown. The Chinatown is the oldest in N. America and Gastown is full of souvenir shops, specialty shops and restaurants.

As innocent tourists, we walked through Chinatown and decided to walk across Hastings to Gastown. This area got bad REALLY fast. I'm talking just a few blocks. I have never seen anything like this! I am from Detroit. I live in Cass Corridor and "blood alley" of Vancouver was the scariest thing I have ever seen. I have seen many cities but have never seen anything like this. The smell - urine. The people - skinny, skinny, total addicts with track marks all down there arms. One guy was riding a bike and his arm was just holes in skin. It was so sad. People were intoxicated out of there mind. Not in a party way but in a really sad, horrible, scary way. There eyes were sunken in and hair was falling out. Mostly all caucasian.

I could not believe my eyes. I was sweating. We were ALL sweating. Mom put her scarf over her nose because the smell was horrible and a man said "you think this is bad, yea, this is what I live in because the bank doesn't want to give me any loans. You don't know bad." He is right, we don't know bad.

I don't know if this was poverty. It seemed like it was a mix of addicts and prostitutes. PEople were staring off into space. One guy quickly shoved a bag of cocaine down his pants and looked up at me. I just kept walking. I have never felt this sad/scared in my ENTIRE life. Some of these people may have had good lives until they were exposed to these hazardous chemicals.

Some testimonials I found AFTER we experienced this and I searched it on google:

" am 16 now and I used to live on East Hastings as a drug user.

Vancouver is a beautiful city and not one to ignore or miss out on when traveling. You will be warned time and time again not to go to Main or Hastings (A.K.A Downtown East side). Ironically enough these streets are right between China Town and Gas Town. Both great tourist sites.
I lived there for a little over a year in a run down apartment with no bathroom and part of the floor missing. I know how hard it is and the people living down there don't deserve to be gawked at like sideshow freaks because WE'RE not.
Everyone there will frighten you, I'm sure. It's not every day you walk down a street that smells of urine and is stained with blood. I myself suggest not to walk around the area at night but you won't find trouble unless you really go looking for it.
I lived in ground zero and I even went looking for trouble. The very worst that may happen in the day time is someone will look at you and ask for some money."

"As well-travelled Australians, my husband and I have been to the big cities - Paris, London, Rome, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, etc. But we can honestly say that we have NEVER experienced poverty in a city like we saw in the Eastside of Downtown Vancouver. Like many tourists, we were innocently wandering the streets in search of Chinatown from Gastown. And before we reached the infamous East Hastings Street, we came across an alley named "Blood Street" - it was dark and dingy, and we should have headed its warning. Within a couple of minutes we found what appeared to be hundreds of people living in poverty. The homeless, the drug addicts, the prostitutes, and the just-plain-dodgy were all out in search of who-knows-what - and it was only 3pm! Never have I felt so terrified as a tourist. No law enforcement could be seen, and if it wasn't for a bus, and a very kind bus driver, I don't know what would have happened next.

Just stay away."

"My wife and I went to CHINATOWN and thought we could just walk the few blocks on Carrell st. to qucikly get to GASTOWN. Wrong. The area goes from bad to worse real quick. Best described as what it must be like to see the Plague in real life, right in front of your face. Hundreds of people thin and obviously sick. Open Sores. The smell of the place was stuck in my MOUTH for probably 10 blocks after. NOT GOOD. If your in Vancouver on a nice vacation do not go here! Avoid it at all costs. You do not need to see this. It is not just some bums sitting around, its full blown drug addicts. It felt like a wicked sick place. I spoke with police later in the evening about the situation on East Hastings, they said the druggies pretty much leave the tourists alone (dont take comfort in this). He said its been like that since the 60's but lately there are more people. Don't let your curiosity get the best of you. I wish I had never walked thru. I am 6ft. and weight 225 muscular. I have no pictures because my hands were wet with sweat and I was walking so fast, pulling my wife along."

Little secrets

2010-05-27T19:33:00.001-07:00

If my eyes were a camera - life would equal love: I would never forget everything I read each day and I would remember the beautiful full moon I just saw every time I questioned the beauty this world had to offer. I would remember the ambulance that stopped me in my tracks today. The dirt flew around the red truck - for one moment, I thought about someone but myself. Kind of refreshing actually.

The secret about rain: We have been trained to run inside when it rains, but the best part about it is being in it. This has happened to me a lot this year by coincidence but now I know why there are so many songs/phrases about singing in the rain. It really is delightful.

The unknown: Wondering about the unknown is much more fun than knowing. Knowing has no mystery and knowing is a burden.

Happy birthday Sammy!!!

2010-04-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

My wish for you:

This is written by Andrea Carter and I felt it was very fitting for you! Please click on it so that you can read it.

Beautiful moment

2010-04-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the Rochester Hills library.

As I studied the the mechanisms of hyperkalemia, I turned to my right. Little did I know that this little visual break would lead to a breathtaking moment.

Paint Creek Trail runs adjacent to where I am sitting and I just saw a man pushing his elderly father (assuming) down the trail. The elderly man was in his wheelchair with his head down probably enjoying the breath of fresh air and his son was strolling while stealing glances at the scenery.

People walk by all day with there friends, family, pets but this moment is unique in its beauty. The backdrop of the trees and the serenity provided by the flowers in front made this so livable, so real. Everything about this was so wonderfully natural.

The concept of "care" has always fascinated me. It is so simple to wake up and care for ourselves in every moment of our lives. The ability to truly care for some else, take care of- and be carefully aware someone's needs, to just devote moments of our lives unselfishly to others is a gift. It's easy to say this, but I am realizing while typing how much my life lacks this.

Seeing this form of caring was simply refreshing.

"what if?"

2010-04-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

I just thought about something. In the 4th grade, one of our teachers told us that we were not allowed to ask "what if?". Can you believe that? I guess I understand the desire of an old teacher not to be bogged down with questions she couldn't answer but to actually say .. "do not ask what if" now seems absurd to me. Isn't this what we do everyday. Yes, we may not verbalize it, but we are constantly questioning the consequences of our actions. What if I don't study hard? What if I say this? What if I eat this?? What if...what if...what if... now the processing is occurring at such high speeds it is hard to actually dissect out each time we ask this question throughout the day, but it is there. Secondly, at young ages that is how dreams begin to formulate. What if I was a rock star?? How cool would that be!

Moral of the story...don't limit young minds...enough of that will happen with time and experience.

I'm taking that moment...

2010-03-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

There's something really special, really fantastic about closing your eyes and just thinking about any place you wish you could be in.

I type with my eyes closed and my imagination wildly open - I'm in Punjab. I'm at the Widow's colony - where the women that we talked about a few weeks ago who suffered from the 1984 riots live (can't get that topic out of my head ever since we discussed it). I'm sitting with these women, listening to there stories and sharing moments of happiness and some moments of sadness. Mostly happiness though because that is what this is all about. Letting go of the past and looking forward to the ability to bring change into our lives.

I digress:

Ever since my aunt who recently ran away from an abusive 39 years of marriage and family friend (also from a similar situation) have been living with my family, I have been struggling to enjoy being home. Break was a challenge. I wanted to stay home because I promised these women I would hang out. I promised to take them shopping, to help them with their resume's, to help them apply for jobs and just to kick it with them for a little bit. It was hard!

Hard to watch them laugh with me during the day, go for walks and preoccupy ourselves for hours in conversations about random things only to find that at night they would go to their rooms and cry. I didn't know what to do. How can I remove suffering from someone who has ONLY known suffering in what was suppose to be a loving relationship? I don't know. I have no answer to this. They go through mood swings. First they are happy to have left, then they feel like they are burdening others by leaving, then they say they miss companionship. Should I go back to him? My response is always no. That comes from a selfish spot - one that has never experienced what they are going through or have been through.

One night - I went into the 30-year-old family friends room and asked her why she was so down? She broke down. "I just want my own place, my own spot in this world," she said. I understand that. Even though she knows she is always welcome at our house, it's hard not having your own house and family at 30. That is a very difficult choice. "The week before my 20th birthday, my dad died in a car accident," she said. She explained that she had the same relationship with her dad that I have with mine.

"Then, six months after he died, my mom died from breast cancer. Just my brother, sister and I were left." Literally, within one year her life changed. "I still had to take my finals and I did," she told me in between sobs. At this point, I gazed at her in admiration or her relative stability despite what she was telling me. "Then, my older sister got married and my dad's side of the family decided we didn't exist to them." "My family was wealthy but now we had nothing. My dad's business owners took over his business and didn't even give us a penny.

My mom's side took us in but to pay for school we had to sell our house - the only thing we had that stored 19 years of happy memories." All gone. She said she would come to the house every day for five months after they sold it. "I would stop their after school and just cry in disbelief."

A moment of hope: "A family from America was visiting India and I was introduced to their son through family friends. In a month I was married." Her sobs really picked up now and she said "for the first time, I thought, I can get over this and start my own family to pre-occupy my thoughts." "I told my fiance that I come with a lot of baggage and am solely responsible for my younger brother's well-being. He smiled and reassured me that I could take care of my younger brother while being in America."

They were married. They moved to America and then he cut her off from EVERYTHING. "I wasn't allowed to talk to my brother for an entire year, my phone calls were always chaperoned and on speaker phone, everything was restricted." She cried and I cried. I can't get her story out of my head. I told her I admired her so much and we both slept. I pray everyday that things work out for her. She deserves happiness, we all do.

Back to my trip:

But, they remind me of the women in the Widows Colony of Punjab. The one's whose lives were literally snatch from them with no compensation. I just want to talk to them. Then, I would travel to Chandigarh to see my grandpa. His house sits at the bottom of the Himalayan peaks and standing on the rooftop is comparable to Heaven on Earth. The drive is the best part. Windows open in the taxi - the smells of the motherland, of the fields and the tranquil sounds of an overpopulated country are surprisingly calming. The people everywhere working hard or hardly working but continuously providing me with the reassurance that life moves forward no matter where you are. Then, the sounds of the taxi driver's dated Bollywood tunes. I love and hate those tunes. I love that they will always be musically the same and hate that through time the lyrical quality changes.

Eyes are open - where am I? My room. Stack of notes, not making progress BUT that felt good.

Vicarious Living

2010-03-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have noticed I am much more in tune with the happenings of those around me. My brother is in the process of buying a new house and I have been veeery interested. My sister recently passed her PT boards and moved to Chicago, and now, more than ever, I have been so intrigued with her life. Dan has started working at an inner-city Saginaw school and I look forward to his stories everyday. I guess it is my inability to do different things that has made me hypersensitive to my surroundings. I think it is an ok thing... I genuinely look forward to those experiencing good things and the happiness of others builds me up now more than ever!

the high

2010-02-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

It is a weird feeling. We spend a week or a month or any given amount of time consumed with studying. Our goal is to learn and learn and learn! We embark on a great emotional journey consisting of highs and lows. The lows usually come a 1 week-2 days pre exam. We freak out about studying wrong or how far we are behind. The day before we usually enter a state of apathy. We have worked hard, we know what we know and for the most part we are just ready for it to be done. We walk into the exam. We take the test. Then somehow after the exam we press the pressure release valve and it feels like all the information from the week before leaves. At this moment we feel free. We go out, we have fun and we celebrate the end of one thing and new beginnings for another. Constant ups and downs.

It is worth it though...........

Reality

2010-02-22T16:07:00.000-08:00

So in the past you could get by simply with hard work. One way or another someone would recognize it and give you credit for it even if you didn't do well on a test or project. High school teachers tried to scare us by telling us that college would be sooo different. It was and it wasn't. There was more wiggle room than they described and the spectrum of students from over achievers to slackers still existed. Medical school redefines it all. You have to work hard for you and only you. No one really cares how hard you work and all they might know about you is where you fall on the normalized curve of class scores. You can't just study to pass because well...there is guilt in that since everything is relevant now. The human body is amazing but it sure gives me a headache when it comes to test taking.

Water bottles

2009-11-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

I recently realized that I have been judging people by their water bottles. Not cool.

studying

2009-11-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

I'm studying private practice right now. I'm learning a lot about the person I want to marry - Taye Diggs.

Robert Fischetttii

2009-11-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

That's his name. That's the name of the man that I so dearly wanted to speak with, share thoughts with and I never got to nor will I ever get to.

I wanted to meet him for selfish reasons to be honest. My grandpa died of pulmonary fibrosis and Robert had Lung cancer meaning their condition would be similar. It's a horrible to way die - hanging on, literally, to your last breath. I would imagine it's like dying on a roller coaster in that very uncomfortable moment at the top. However, on a roller coaster, you know you will get over it in about 15 seconds.

So, I thought that I would genuinely be able to be a friend to Richard, I thought I would relate to him, we would form a friendship and the bond I have been longing for and missing with my grandpa would be present in my life once more. My grandpa was a second dad. I spent my formative years with him. He guided me. I dreamt he would be at my white coat ceremony, my graduation, my wedding. He won't. That's fine - but it just sucks. He won't be there.

I'm lucky that my grandma is still alive - so I'm not complaining. She's the main reason I pack everything up on Friday and head home. I know our time is limited and I need all the hugs from her that I can possible get. No med school party/function can replace those hugs.

I was supposed to see Richard last week on Friday. However, I forgot the sticky note with his name and information. I knew there wasn't much time to waste. So, I still went to the VA in an unsuccessful effort to find him. It seemed comical at the time - "I'm looking for a patient who has lung cancer, he's from New Jersey, I just don't know his name." I left the VA and figured I would just get his name and see him next week.

On Monday, I wasn't up to it. I received his name via e-mail around 5 or so and figured I would just go on Tuesday. I went today. I had his name, room number and bed number. He expired this afternoon.

In the elevator on my way out, I ran into a third year I knew and just described what had happened. Her response - "that's the nature of the beast." I think I expected a little more from her. I really hope I don't get jaded. I know she's right, but still...

I walked out of the VA scrambling through my phonebook to find someone who would talk through this one with me. I was/am overcome with feelings I have never had before. I feel horrible, absolutely horrible for being lazy and not meeting him last Friday, or rushing yesterday.

Tears kept coming. I never met him and I never will. I guess I learned my lesson. I need to stop putting things off. Life is too precious for this. Test scores - they don't mean anything to me. Sure, I want to pass. I want to pass so that I can do something that IS meaningful. I don't like failing exams. I don't like failing because it takes me one step farther from doing something I really want to do. I want to know I studied, passed, and did what I needed to do to get where I needed to get. I thought meeting Robert would add meaning into my med school routine. I think that's why I'm so bummed.

RIP Robert Fischetttii - all I knew about you was that your last name rhymed with spaghetti, that you loved chocolate and had family in Jersey. I'm sorry.

I think I needed you more than you needed me.

crazy? maybe

2009-10-25T19:31:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to document a couple things that may catagorize us as "crazy"...

1. we think we have the self-discipline to give up chocolate before exams...HA
2. we freak out when we "sleep-in" and by "sleep in" I mean wake up at 7 am...giving us a grand total of oooh 5, maybe even 6 hours of sleep!

more to come.

-study hard-

Pradise today

2009-10-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

I ran in paradise today

When I was back inside, I reminded myself that this was no time to play

A stack of notes sat in front of me and would keep multiplying until mid May

I ran in paradise today

When I was back inside, I reminded myself that this was no time to play

Then I realized, in a couple years, I will be in paradise all day!

---Rinder

My 'brief' summer camp experience

2009-07-05T21:47:00.001-07:00

First, sorry for slacking on the posts BUT yours have been quite entertaining. Thanks!!

So I feel like my time at camp really did slightly change me. It opened my eyes to how many great organizations exist in Detroit to support the youth, how much I absolutely love the arts and reminded me how much I LOVE our city!

The camp was directed by cousin who works for Henry Ford. Organizations, including Pewabic, Matrix Theater, Mosaic and Inside Out supplied artists and chaperons. Students that participated in these organizations and students from other organizations came. The ages of the kids were from 14-18.

First it was hilarious how RUSTIC the camp really was. There were bugs everywhere and it was HOT, HOT, HOT. See the pics below. The second is a pic of my bed!

A second funny thing was the food at the camp. The camp was run by a Jewish organization so they kept kosher...no meat and dairy in the same meal... The food was prepared in a kosher kitchen and then brought to our separate camp by 2 european young girls. The servings were very small for all the young kids...for example, breakfast one morning consisted of a hard boiled egg and one pancake (not often you can say I had A PANCAKE...not pancakeS) doused in syrup. I ate tons of apples and oranges to fill the gap which wasnt super nice to my tummy :( The food that was served became a running joke. The server girls were hilarious because they didnt understand much english and would just smile at everything.

So there was one painfully shy middle eastern boy in my group who had secretly texted his sister to "get him out of here". He told my cousin it was more of the elements not the people. It was his first time away from home. My cousin convinced him to give it a second chance and he did. By the end he told me to "pound it" and corrected me when I didn't blow it up afterward. I like to think I changed a life...haha :)

When I returned from my awards banquet, it was the last night of the camp and everyone got to stay up later. So as I walked up to the deck they all began to cheer....it was so cute. I had missed a talent show but my cousin was telling me how great the kids were. One girl decided to sing a song but was quite shy and had a difficult time starting but the other kids would shout out you can do it and helped her start. By the end she was dancing and singing loudly to here MJ tribute song...precious.

The camp ended with a showcase of the students work. It was great to see kids get up and read poetry or sing jazz. I have such a respect for the arts. It has given all these kids so much confidence. They were very talented. Below are some pics from it.

Below is a clip from on of the slam poetry readings. I am so into poetry now and hope to begin going to some slams done by the city wide poets. You can youtube some of their stuff.

Also, camp wouldnt be complete without some camp songs. The kids added a twist and some beat to them to make the songs pretty fun!! Below is a clip from one of the most popular songs "fill up my cup". Also there are some more pics of singing. The blonde girls are the servers!

So that was a glimpse at my experience. It was great and I do feel like I changed from it - New perspective and renewed appreciation for our city! I would love to get involved with these organizations in my "spare time" haha! I can at least donate some loan money when I go to their events!

cheers!

Money money money

2009-07-05T15:11:00.001-07:00

I woke up today in a panic because I haven't renewed my loan for next year. No loan = no rent, no food, no fun, no shopping, no chocolate.

For most, Medical student = slave of some bank.

I just realized, technically, my life right now is being loaned to me. My stay in NYC, my trip to LIa and DC, and my little nights out with friends. These are all on Citibank.

Thanks citibank.

Happy fourth

2009-07-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today I saw some of the most beautiful people (black men) I have ever seen!

It was so exciting. My cousin, her friends and I all went dancing at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. It was really wonderful. We got outside and I was completely taken aback by this mass of people moving under the stars.

Instantly, I thought "dance!" That's exactly what we did. The crowd and Dj were great. At the end they played MJ and we all danced under the flag and I remember spinning and thinking "gee - I'm glad I stuck around tonight."

Earlier I munched on some sweets with my friend from philly and her boyfriend at Central Park. While we sat there we just laughed under the sun and watched hilarious kids try to find a centipede. This entire day was just so wonderfully refreshing and I'm starting to think I might miss New York - especially, Brooklyn and the parks.

Ciao for now

Pictures from yesterday

2009-07-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

In memory of my beta fish, Lola.

Salvador Dali! Didn't actually go in the exhibit, but really like his work.
SOHO - nice paving in certain areas
View from cafe at Columbia that I really enjoy working from!

Moments like this.

2009-07-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

I was already running late today as I walked out my cousins Brooklyn apartment. My lateness, however, was justifiable. I have been working from 8 am - 9 pm everyday and this morning I just needed to sleep more. The days have been good. Wake up at 6:30 - walk/run in the park (only happened a couple times). Stretch. Get ready and go.

Today my lateness was welcomed by a series of events which made me even later, and this blog entry which is setting me back even later - probably by about an hour. Time is a luxury. Be late.

"Can I ask you a question?" Wait a minute! Random conversation in NYC? Of course, I'm down. "What's up?" I said. "Do you think it's inappropriate that you can see my legs through my skirt? I don't have a slip and I didn't even notice this in my room." Serious problem in this city.

This made me reflect on a bigger issue here which is the sexual harassment that takes place in almost every train cart, street block and bar on a very constant basis. I have seen it and felt it my month here and it's made me cover up even more than I normally do. I find myself throwing on an extra tank top frequently to avoid this.

"Well, it's not too bad but it might rain. I would be careful about that," I said. "I know, it's just men already look at women a certain way if they wear skirts and I don't want to encourage that!" she laughed. This conversation was sort of adorable and ridiculous all the same.

"We should not have to worry about this," I said. We came to the consensus that it was alright for her to wear the skirt and walked out together and continued to talk. This woman was beautiful, curvy, and was dressed appropriately. She was also very kind. But, it saddens me that her femininity works against her in work situations.

She takes the bus, I keep walking to the next station thinking the main changes in women's rights have been tangible. The one where a man's mentality actually changes is still in the works. It will come.

I walk downstairs, there's the "2" train. Swipe my card. "Insufficient funds." No way, how rude. For a couple seconds, I could not believe that this machine just rejected me and made me miss my train. Then I look at my phone - it's july 1 and my one month pass is done. Seriously? Already July? Only one month till second year starts - ugh.

Time to refill the card - this time I only got the 7-day unlimited. I'm aiming to leave NYC next Wednesday and this is my way of promising myself this.

The train ride was sort of uneventful except the girl that almost fell today because of her heels. I'm glad she's fine, maybe it's time to re-think the three inch disadvantage to her knees at such a young age. I don't have anything against heels, I just don't think they should be worn too long.

The train ride from Brooklyn is about 40-min. This time has been great. I have finished two novels and gotten my full fill of people watching. Sometimes, depending on how good what I'm reading is, the ride flies by.

Walking out of the station - I realized I needed coffee to be able to finish everything that had to get done. And, I just love it.

Now, it's kind of funny but I look at a lot of people wondering what's wrong with them medically. It's not a good thing. But I really think I saw someone with Marfan's syndrome. Only because its pretty distinguishable.

I went to Pinnacle and the next weird thing happened. I walked in the to the coffee shop and hear "Amarinder!" Odd, I thought, no body knows me in New York. But, it was Molly from Community Lab.We talked for a bit. She is in Harvard's Business school and here for the summer. So we shared some stories and talked about when we're leaving.

Now, I'm supposed to be working but I'm blogging. I wanted to write.

It's beautiful outside. Storms later today. For now, I'm enjoying the breeze. See you all soon!

Another awkward moment to add to the list

2009-06-26T08:19:00.001-07:00

An old man just walked by me in the outdoor sitting area at Starbucks. He checked some of the chairs and was irritated that they were still wet from the rain. I just moved outside and brought a stack of napkins with me to clean the table and chair. I had some extra napkins to offer him and did. He got very angry, slammed the newspaper he was reading on the chair and sat on it. Also, he didn't just sit on A chair he sat on a stack of chairs when there are several single ones around. He's leaving now.

I don't know how I manage to get involved in people's anger moments!

Oops

2009-06-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

ComplEmentary = additional

ComplImentary = free

Didn't know that and totally conveyed the wrong message in an e-mail.

Watch out for that one!

one more pic

2009-06-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here is pic of the area I am staying with my cousin in!

Also, today has been very surreal with MJ's death. He's an icon of our time. The last 6-10 years for him have been really disturbing, however, he is still adored by so many fans.

I watched some news on him today and I just wish they could broadcast the good stuff only for a while. I mean, give the man a break - he's dead. They keep focusing on how lonely he was, the charges against him, blah blah blah. The things we all know and don't need to here. Let's celebrate him for the trend that he created, for the songs that Bollywood even copied (surprise surprise) and for the legacy he left.

His songs were being blasted around town today. I think it made everyone very sentimental. We will miss him.

RIP MJ!

walking around town

2009-06-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

This is a picture I took in Central Park today on my little excursion after work. The parks here are really amazing. You see this amazing green space and the skyline behind it. It really is a site to see.

Totally loved work today. Sonia is so amazing and wonderful to talk to because she reminds me of the doctor I would like to be some day. She is so well-respected, yes so humble and she has the ability to bring everything down to a humanistic level. Every time she helps me, I feel like she's really doing this job because she wants to save the world by helping one person at a time. She's pretty awesome.

I left early to walk home because it was flippin gorgeous outside! Everything just looked so beautiful to me today. Highlight: I found the correct and most direct route through central park and when I exited on 5th avenue, in front of the museum, there was a really fun show going on. Look at first pic --> totally made my day. Sadly, I don't think the people who actually live in New York actually enjoy its pleasant little surprises. Well, not all, but some.

So Subway is my love. Pretty much you can eat lunch and dinner in $5 and be totally satisfied. I've had more Subway in NYC then ever before. Everything here is so expensive EXCEPT public transport is totally worth every penny and I love the little food stands. Falafel for $4 --> I'm in. Hey, I'll even tip the guy a dollar!

Why I love Detroit

2009-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

Just found this article:

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/news/0904/gallery.why_I_love_Detroit/index.html

This is what keeps me in Detroit - the people. They are real.

It's safe to say - I'm ready

2009-06-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yup, I've decided I am ready to come home. Here's how I see my life in fast forward, I want to come home enjoy two weeks with my family and really soak it in. Start second year - let it fly by, take boards and that's it! After that, I will be so happy. So happy to finally work with people and do what I truly and sincerely believe I'll love.

This is a view from the park close to where I work.

New York is a stressful city. In the rain, it's gross and this summer has been full of rain. In fact, the majority of my experience here has been in the rain. It's disgusting when it rains here. It's slimy, slippery and smelly. There's nothing good about it. In Rochester, I enjoy the rain.

Ok - so I'll get to the story. Today, I just had a shitty day. I had to wait for a delivery (I strongly dislike waiting for things). Then I got on the bus to go cross town when a lady sat next to me and upon getting up to get off the bus she dropped her metropass. Metropasses are expensive and I know that if I dropped mine, I would be really sad! So, I ran off the bus when she got off to give it to her. She turned around with her undersized, overpriced top and said "oh, that's empty." OK - so I just missed my bus for you, almost slipped, am already running late and you think it's ok to drop your garbage around in a bus? Yes, people, New York is going green.

I did have a fun day once I got to Columbia though. Now, it's safe to say my cousin is entirely sick of me and I honestly can't blame her. I get sick of myself too sometimes. So, I understand. I am contemplating coming home a week early. I'm starting to feel guilty about not spending time of my last summer with my parents. I just love being around them so much!

There is a man with a food cart on the side of the street on 116th and Broadway, which is conveniently on my way to work. He has awesome falafal and knows how to make a girl smile. Things like this make New York really fun.

Let me break it down for you. I think NYC is great for networking, shopping, convenience and school. It's not good for making friends, relaxing and enjoying the simple things. Don't get me wrong, I have had some thrilling experiences and will continue to do so.

Today was just not my ideal NYC day.

Miss ya roomie.

Hold the bus...Sam's gone domestic

2009-06-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well Rinder, I just wanted to let you know that I actually cooked a legitimate meal last night. The new place has inspired me to want to cook. Crazy....right??

Also, there was a random festival on Willis this morning. I woke up to see aerial yoga going on in the Willy's Overland loft parking lot. One thing Detroit knows better than anyone else is how to throw a party and have a good time. Holla.

Progress.

2009-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Living in Detroit for 5 years we have had the pleasure of watching change occur right in front of our faces. Though the multi-million dollar buildings are nice, this area at the corner of second and willis is more special to me. I think you might have seen them working on it before you left so here is the finished product. I wish I had a before and after shot. Good people doing good things. Moving forward :)

2009-06-17T09:53:00.001-07:00

Check this - this is my cousin's little girls youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/mlaahkaursingh1. Just discovered it. Weird. I need to work.

you never know what you'll find here

2009-06-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

So I was riding my bike yesterday.... Rinder, this is after I chatted with the neighbor and she will be making us keys to the basement (whoop). It was a great day. The ride was long overdue.... I continued on and as I was approaching Jefferson, I stopped and attempted to detach my shoes from the pedal...well that didn't go as planned and plop! I fell right on over... I brushed it off like no one saw. I continued on and when I got to grand circus park I noticed tents....weird, right! So I went over there and saw speakers and a handfull of people listening. I saw signs that said "thinking about socialism...learn more here" for example. This gathering was for some peoples movement to bail out the people type of thing. I think they were protesting a national economic summit that was occuring at the Ren Cen. The people said things such as "f' the establishment", "We do all the work and if we dont fight, we will be turned into slaves"... When I heard this my jaw dropped. I continued to watch. It was a gathering of many races from all over the country. I caught the tail end so not as many people were there. It was at this moment, I was reminded of the effect the recession has had on people. Here in Detroit, you really dont know what you will find but it is exciting to know you will find people standing for something whether you agree with it or not. I look forward to what I will find in the upcoming weeks.

2009-06-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

This is the beginning of roommate adventure. Love it.