In answer to certain parties… June 4, 2008

who think the dog to fiance picture ratio needs equaling out.

Points of interest this week:

I had a patient with a condition called dextracardia…meaning his heart was on the right side of his chest.

I read a good book called Black Swan Green by David Mitchell recommended by JNF.  It’s about a 13 year old British boy and was fairly painful to read. I had hoped that it would be something like The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 but Swan was less comedy and much more emotional.  Well written and worth it.

I think I found the dishes for Josh and I at this cool store www.bureauliving.com . It’s a gem on the Cass Corridor, around the corner from Avalon, one of my favorite Detroit haunts.

“We are bringing Soul to the people my angel. No jury in the land would convict us.” December 31, 2006

Cars and computers fall into the category of “Things I find necessary but don’t enjoy”. I have no desire to understand the nuances of their functioning, I just want them to work when I turn them on. Today however I decided to figure out how to get my blogroll and tagline to show up…I cheated a little on the tagline and for some reason my links only show up if I catagorize them as “life” but I’m counting this as a technological victory all the same.

I’ve been keeping odd hours and living on party food for the last two weeks and it’s a greyrainyday and I got chilled walking home from Amy’s this afternoon so staying home from church and curling up with a book seems prudent. Responsible even.

Last night Kara and I went to the Magic Stick to hear Budos Band and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. For the second time this month I walked into a show with no idea of what to expect and I walked away wondering why these amazing musicians aren’t famous. If you’re going to take a listen (don’t miss “How long do I have to wait” SJATDK) be prepared to dance…you won’t be able to resist…nor should you.

Finished Thank You, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse this morning. His stories poke fun at the moneyed British enjoying their last golden days before the Second World War. Hilarious, and even better read aloud. Jeeves is the indispensible valet (yes, I want to name my future dog this…though Rebecca thinks it ridiculous, and yes, the Ask Jeeves website takes their name from him as well) who manages Bertie Wooster and all his mishaps. And now an exerpt:

“The knocking, which had cased off for a moment, started again with more follow through than ever.

“Well, I suppose you had better go down,”said the girl in a subdued sort of voice. “Or,” – she seemed to brighten- “shall we pour water on him from the staircase window?”

I started violently. She had made the suggestion as if she considered it one of her best and brightest, and I suddenly realized what it meant to play the host to a girl of her temperament and personality. All that I had ever read about the reckless younger generation seemed to come back to me.

“Don’t dream of it!” I whispered urgently. “Dismiss the project utterly and absolutely from your mind.”

I mean to say, a dry J. Washburn Stoker seeking an errant daughter was bad enough. A J. Washburn Stoker stimulated to additional acerbity by a jugful of H2O on his head, I declined to contemplate.”

I have fallen behind December 29, 2006

In my prospective excitement about getting a dog I totally forgot to mention recent outings in Detroit.

The Annie Liebowitz  exhibit “American Music” at the Detroit Institute of Arts. $10, really informative…didn’t realize how little I knew about the origins of the various American styles. All the photos are good, but there are a couple stunners in the mix.  Worth it.  The rest of the DIA is under major renovation so the “greatest hits” of their collections are on display in a couple rooms.  The Diego Rivera Hall remains open…enigmatic and beautiful as always.

Joanna, Leslie and I then went to Twingo’s (4710 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201. (313) 832-2959) for dinner.  I had prosciutto stuffed chicken over risotto and it was a little disapointing.  They drizzled red sauce over the top as an afterthought and it confused the flavors.  Next time I think I’ll hit the Majestic or Cass Cafe.

A couple days later Mary Anne and went to John King Books                (901 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226. (313) 961-0622). And it was an experience as always.  Borders this is not. I recommend taking a list of your most pressing problems, otherewise you’ll be completely overwhelmed by floor upon floor of books.  You’ll regret leaving your coat and hat in the car as the place isn’t heated.  But, they have warming stations available and the staff are helpful and interesting.

There. Cool stuff to do in the D.  So don’t be a hater.

ain’t scared November 13, 2006

Our all church retreat was this weekend and it was timely. The message brought was that the Church, our church, is to be a donkey for Christ…that is focused on humbly bearing the transforming presence of Christ to our city, not caught up in appearances but available and useful…and that loving our city as it is and being for the city and it’s people is the starting point. Nice as it is to have successful sports teams, the redemptive changes that Detroit needs aren’t going to be brought about by winning the World Series or the Stanley Cup. Apparently Detroit’s economy ranks just above New Orleans. Just. But we aren’t recovering from a recent natural disaster. Despite this, and seeing what I do every week in the ER, I’m think I’m falling for the city. Maybe already have. So at the risk of being called a Pollyanna, I’m glad to be here. Now.

You can lead a horse to water… September 25, 2006

For anyone who has ever said, “I would hang out in Detroit but I never know what there is to do.”

October 13th & 14th the Friends of the Detroit Public Library are having a book sale. Sadly, I won’t be there as I’m (barely) sticking to my “no buying books” rule.

5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48202 – (313) 833-1000

After you’ve picked up a few jems walk on over to Avalon Bakery for coffee and a Traverse City Cherry and Walnut roll.

422 W Willis St, Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 832-0008

There. Now you know.

“how many times did you smoke crack today?” and other things i can’t believe i say at work July 24, 2006

“I’m sorry, did you say you swallowed part of a car antenna?” (yes. he did.)

“Don’t worry. I’m really good at this.” (a gross exaggeration if not an outright lie)

“Sir! Put your gown back on!” (needed more than one reminder)

“Take the full presciption, tell your partner to get checked out and no sex for two weeks.” ( x 4 different patients)

“I’ll give you another snack if you try and pee in the cup for me.” (it worked!)

Working in an urban hospital is an education unto itself.

cool stuff to do in the city July 17, 2006

If anyone out there is looking for a free, airconditioned outing for the kids you might want to consider the Detroit Childrens Museum. It’s on the smallish side but was a pleasant outing with the nieces today. On thursdays and fridays they have planetarium shows at 1p and 3p. www.detroitchildrensmuseum.org

After that we went to Slows BarBQ at the corner of Michigan Ave and 14th and it was every bit as good as the recent write ups had led me to expect.  Be warned that everything was spiced…the aforementioned nieces weren’t happy that their mac n’cheese and green beans had some kick…but the adults at the table loved every bite.