tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67468044738086177472024-02-18T17:40:29.815-08:00X ray-ted in VancouverX ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-92174734255260647242010-04-29T15:42:00.000-07:002010-04-29T16:01:16.344-07:00Freedom!It's been an age since I've written, but the world hasn't stopped turning and I lost impetus. Busy isn't a valid excuse but maybe fun is ? <br /><br />Shortly after my last post I resigned from my rather average job in Vancouver which caused no end of commotion. I've realised that most people on this planet think they are either better than they really are (or more attractive, interesting or thinner but I digress). And I know that no one is <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> good at dealing with criticism however we like to think we are (package it right, make it constructive blah blah blah, but at the end of the day if you had worked it out yourself and changed it, no one would have to tell you in the first place?), but this experience took it to a whole new level. Talk about lack of insight. Should you choose to put yourself on a pedestal and live in a bubble then at some point the bubble will burst. Suffice to say that some of my senior colleagues got emotional and unprofessional. Upsetting and unnecessary. I've never experienced resigning before, and hopefully never again as it wasn't pleasant, but it shouldn't be a drama. Life changes and either you move with the changes (or preferably ahead of them) or you won't survive (prettily at any rate). Darwin was brilliant on so many levels.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-62251391575021861212010-02-24T14:11:00.001-08:002010-03-01T21:02:41.084-08:00Farewell to the OlympicsThe Olympics are over. Yesterday's finale of the hockey gold was the perfect finish for Canada - the result of the game was how Canadians would remember the games - glory or disappointment (USA scored to equal 2-2 at 24 seconds to go, then golden goal into extra time - I'm a hockey fan don't you know). Downtown was crazy last night with a mass of red and white supporters, flag wavers and cars honking their horns. The level of patriotic outpouring that emerged over the whole games has certainly surprised even the most cynical of Vancouverite (a poll released last week suggested that 70 per cent of residents of Metro Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor believe the 2010 Games will have a positive impact on Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver)<br /><br />It has been a fun couple of weeks, and while I've been mainly at work, olympic fever has gripped all conversations and after work activities (and I was lucky enough to have my own personal news hound returning from Whistler daily with an update on some of the races). Uplifting and powerful have been regular words used in the press. The first few days of trouble and negative attention gave way to a good spirit of competitiveness with Canada's 'Own the Podium' being a clear success. Team GB have some work to do (err how much money was invested into curling?). The UK have managed to give themselves a bad name with Guardian articles making news over here and how we Brits shouldn't be too quick to judge as 2012 is likely to be without incident either. Unfortunately the Canadians are not familiar with our liberal opinionated journalism as everyone here is too nice and they simply don't understand it.<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/feb/28/winter-olympics-vancouver-best-worst">http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/feb/28/winter-olympics-vancouver-best-worst</a><br /><br />This blog has been quite good, but also for the comments underneath if you have a spare 10 minutes to read, it is quite interesting<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olliewilliams/2010/02/vancouver_atmosphere.shtml"><br />http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/olliewilliams/2010/02/vancouver_atmosphere.shtml</a><br /><br />Either way, the torch is now in GB's hands, and like it or not, the next Olympic games will be in London 2012. I say we might as well embrace it and start practice our flag waving now. It may unite us and bring a new pride. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-89589463346739500682010-02-15T16:35:00.000-08:002010-02-15T20:16:49.780-08:00Olympic Fever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk7BFtULLeiuD-kh0OZFxJoIYJ8_Q41HdIFQwBHjC7jWdqIqOaejvqsflZ8C-sMg6KVuASxh_hWoTDhiD43cS1Sz1bwSaUE1Q2odWePjLx3SrqrKjLtt2seYPhnNV19Qgg8K_5GjiNts/s1600-h/P2060363.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyk7BFtULLeiuD-kh0OZFxJoIYJ8_Q41HdIFQwBHjC7jWdqIqOaejvqsflZ8C-sMg6KVuASxh_hWoTDhiD43cS1Sz1bwSaUE1Q2odWePjLx3SrqrKjLtt2seYPhnNV19Qgg8K_5GjiNts/s320/P2060363.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438689817438276546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp81sg2tgMG0ScmccXjC3nIWytIx10BoYRbEI86V6B6GDlll2odioDx0k9mlL3Ee2qubQiIXRNWydn4li3JtMY_yQ80g0FYcqAFMZNdxOsV4F55FWYEuF7Aar9kbQ20_e1e6fvlqUNII/s1600-h/P2060361_2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp81sg2tgMG0ScmccXjC3nIWytIx10BoYRbEI86V6B6GDlll2odioDx0k9mlL3Ee2qubQiIXRNWydn4li3JtMY_yQ80g0FYcqAFMZNdxOsV4F55FWYEuF7Aar9kbQ20_e1e6fvlqUNII/s320/P2060361_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438687687350770546" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQum8SRIoSziHSc_dDr9-GzqpJIgJcyk_0s8gll0wo8EscDSTWRfKJYOb4rOAl9TIPotoMkUep63rEalnAkz1deERA5wo5rbsH1eLG8Wkv2MECXiOwRgj1GBArYZS8f8s5c0uGw_F5ewk/s1600-h/P2130387.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQum8SRIoSziHSc_dDr9-GzqpJIgJcyk_0s8gll0wo8EscDSTWRfKJYOb4rOAl9TIPotoMkUep63rEalnAkz1deERA5wo5rbsH1eLG8Wkv2MECXiOwRgj1GBArYZS8f8s5c0uGw_F5ewk/s320/P2130387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438687498357119650" /></a><br />Olympic fever is finally upon this wet city. There has been a lot of negative anticipation, primarily over the elevated costs, but the city is embracing it's role as host. Right pic is of the torch in Whistler last Friday with token First Nations representative. Despite the tragic events of Nodar Kumaritashvili's luge accident on Friday morning with the general opinion that the track is too fast and that the visiting teams weren't allowed enough time to practise on it, the town was alive with good cheer and open hearts on Friday night for the opening ceremony. The city and most of its inhabitants are immensely proud and thrilled to be hosting the event and are fully decked out in the red and white national colours. It feels alive (not the Vancouver nor Canada I have come to be familiar with it has to be said), vibrant and is partying hard. It is a special time to be in a city uniting the world and it feels good. Not even the dull wet weather which has melted most of the snow in Cypress detracted the Canadians to celebrate finally win their first ever gold medal yesterday. I hope to venture out more in the next few days after my final week of on call (ever!!!) London 2012 is going to be exciting. Olympic fever is hot.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-84220488967040932692010-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:002010-02-10T18:46:59.158-08:00Green and PleasantThe flying visit back to the UK was an overwhelming success! PHEW!<br /><br />Jet lag, trying to be charming and sell myself to people I've never met before and persuade them that they want me as a work colleague for the next 25 years was surprisingly stressful. It was a wierd experience - it was a given that you are a competent radiologist but it was all about how you could add value and help develop the service in the future. All rather alien to me but clearly managed to convince them. Really tough as not the same as doing an exam (of which I consider myself an virtuoso after all these years!) where once you are above a certain standard you should pass, whereas this process was all about being better than the person next to you; who happened to be Deepa my lovely dear friend. An added dimension of stress. Thankfully (and rightfully) they offered us both jobs!! I'm about to be a consultant radiologist!! Sounds more grown up than I care to think about. Feels right too though. I'm ready.<br /> <br />England seemed a bit rude, lovely and green, small but overwhelmingly home.<br />I caught up with several of my dear friends on the evening after the job interview which was great. Felt like I hadn't been away which is how you know you are amongst real friends. Great home cooked food, inertia one side of the table, politics and the quest for the perfect woman the other. There is some comfort in predictabliity after all!! Perfect loud opinionated boisterous company. <br />Then whizzed up to Cambridge to my father's surprise 70th birthday party. Speechless my father is not very often. Double whammy of surprise visit and consultant jo goodb news ensured about 20 seconds of silence. No TIA incurred in the process. Another fun evening with his loud happy friends who definitely embrace life. Joked about weddings in Vegas with my mother (another silence ensued). <br />Back the next day to Vancouver, very confused bodyclock but worth it. Time for a mulberry handbag, trip to Argentina and a new house!! Maybe growing up isn't so bad?X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-33395436865321369182010-01-13T21:35:00.000-08:002010-01-13T22:00:52.621-08:00Topsy TurvyCan it be condition or a symptom? Or both?<br />I understand it is a type of tomato plant and a Mike Leigh film also.<br />I used to love the Mr Men books. Mr Tickle and Mr Messy were other favourites.<br />It sums me up well this week. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Reasons for being topsy turvy</span><br /><br />Been on call all weekend.<br /><br />Pending job interview back in UK next week.<br /><br />Unsure about how I feel about going back.<br /><br />Need outfit, convincing sentences, ability to sell myself. Alien.<br /><br />One of best mates applying for same job. Only one job. <br /><br />Perfect job. Can you want something too much?<br /><br />Wierd to think that this is what I have been working towards since I started sixth form in 1991....<br /><br />Just had big haircut. Will I be disappointed in the morning when I wake up?<br /><br />Should I have a plan B?<br /><br />Will is taking a 'sabbatical' and flying out in 2 weeks. YAY. Can't plan anything as no idea what is happening. Alien.<br /><br />Need to find new place to live as current arrangement not suitable for us; everyone trying to cash in on the Olympics making that tricky.<br /><br />Current housemate emotional and difficult.<br /><br />Still raining here. Lots of snow in Whistler. Should I go skiing on Saturday??X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-15931860266320315972010-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:002010-01-06T21:48:02.931-08:00Good Intentions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KDNMuBP1hp1vQWQbb5sQjaWTrOKqHQLUGLelTImjNeFS76S2UOAG9rRL4btbKeVggbiIr8n7sqgls6ON9SkDz_u24VoLlbJpHnR_HaxPXLLnbBENpyckLZBUDtDpnWUjXPLTA6E1vv4/s1600-h/P1010335.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KDNMuBP1hp1vQWQbb5sQjaWTrOKqHQLUGLelTImjNeFS76S2UOAG9rRL4btbKeVggbiIr8n7sqgls6ON9SkDz_u24VoLlbJpHnR_HaxPXLLnbBENpyckLZBUDtDpnWUjXPLTA6E1vv4/s320/P1010335.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423869228274703778" /></a><br /><br /><br />I haven't really noticed the new decade. Fairly sure I'm in a time warp. I rarely write at work these days so haven't written 2010 much as I used to scribbling in patient's notes as a junior doctor. I remember at the turn of the last decade (on a beach in Mozambique) thinking 2010 was a long way away and I would be very grown up and adult like by then. Not sure what happened there. And I rarely make New Year's resolutions as a plan to do something doesn't have to wait until 1 January, and as January is usually a bit of a miserable month, red wine and chocolate are often a necessity. Plus I hate all those extra people in the gym in January huffing and puffing who I know won't be there by February. That said it is always good to set new challenges and goals. This year they include (in no particular order) - get consultant job, go to Argentina, resist botox, watch the Godfather (everyone can't believe I have never seen it), go heli skiing, consider marriage without freaking out, master decent pastry, skype more, listen better, don't sweat the small stuff. All controllables.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-82285463088730705722010-01-05T19:01:00.000-08:002010-01-05T19:11:09.122-08:00Happy New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmg7453f00AEDvfuE9VgxaVrmdOQ6dNVMV_suIbR49Qn8qvrbtY3keCIpBthirxuUzZjgZhr6qsBMFbDku7RSPDgbqO1BGnPlVdPKNe17MM6EbhUAsD7K2qYZrtYn2ikci9IXJcmvD8c/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmg7453f00AEDvfuE9VgxaVrmdOQ6dNVMV_suIbR49Qn8qvrbtY3keCIpBthirxuUzZjgZhr6qsBMFbDku7RSPDgbqO1BGnPlVdPKNe17MM6EbhUAsD7K2qYZrtYn2ikci9IXJcmvD8c/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423458101332790754" /></a><br /><br />Blackcomb Mountain from Whistler Mountain<br /><br />I would love to write a lot about a brilliant 10 days up in Whistler but this is going to have to be a quickie as unfortunately I have to read about world class commissioning for the NHS instead. Suffice to say that days 5-14 were excellent; with great company and some epic powder days, and quite a lot of beer. What more can a girl want? I will write more later about the cultural differences between apres ski in Europe and Canada and cooking a full Christmas dinner for 7 without a single oven proof dish. <br /><br />2010 has started as it means to go on - with plenty of hard work at challenging myself both on and off the piste (quite literally). The rewards will be worth it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCseGSDo_TiWpvrEyXXm-aFoEq1OZTQ9ClbXpc3rYmurJaVHF6HmW5Mns0-6VOxw14wifSZcUNVk94wMYuQ3Sy-Vaxh46SiK0oXjMkcUWQZOc15PsvmZ29X3k8aI8eUbE4TrBVCclG9s/s1600-h/PC250297.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCseGSDo_TiWpvrEyXXm-aFoEq1OZTQ9ClbXpc3rYmurJaVHF6HmW5Mns0-6VOxw14wifSZcUNVk94wMYuQ3Sy-Vaxh46SiK0oXjMkcUWQZOc15PsvmZ29X3k8aI8eUbE4TrBVCclG9s/s320/PC250297.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423458511157990562" /></a><br /><br />Black Tusk from Whistler MountainX ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-73996270682467461082009-12-23T10:55:00.001-08:002009-12-23T11:03:16.925-08:00Day 4 Whistler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp1v9KrJep_FfcOwuhScE-YUKL9GdpdyAH62o1ZK_NYHQrVBnCSrDVyYhQEenDqQRdDbGNVVbCErAlDQYXVffAdSJf60zj2JRWjTPnQ-1q3GswpzLA0JI9RJEA4OK9nVquNb-n1jFC94/s1600-h/P1010389.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHp1v9KrJep_FfcOwuhScE-YUKL9GdpdyAH62o1ZK_NYHQrVBnCSrDVyYhQEenDqQRdDbGNVVbCErAlDQYXVffAdSJf60zj2JRWjTPnQ-1q3GswpzLA0JI9RJEA4OK9nVquNb-n1jFC94/s320/P1010389.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418507380895289666" /></a><br />Sunday 20 December.<br /><br />Deep slightly wet powder but lots of it. Loving my Mynx skis. <br />Will's first day and we probably hadn't anticipated how deep the powder would be on his first run of the season, but he did well and we didn't break him. All long bones intact. Dawna my housemate was our local guide which was great.<br />Much fun had by all. 2 more days of work then Christmas literally has arrived. <br />YIPPEE. <br />Life wouldn't be half as fun if skiing didn't exist.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-149749399590876542009-12-19T16:14:00.000-08:002009-12-22T16:19:33.306-08:00Extra cream with that?A busy few days sticking tubes in (literally) every orifice. Suede shoes safely in wardrobe. <br />Yesterday I put a PEG tube (feeding tube into the stomach from the skin) into a 52 year old man who had had 2 massive strokes resulting in him being unable to speak or move let alone swallow safely without aspirating. His wife was holding it together remarkedly well. What a bum deal to end up with a vegetable of a husband when you should have at least 20 years of good life together still to live. And I guess you aren't meant to leave them as that would seem callous; but at what point does for better or worse really not hold up anymore? It seems like a hell of a commitment to the unknown. Should you have thought about all these possibilities beforehand or is everyone in denial and just winging it and crossing their fingers and hoping they don't have to deal with such issues? <br />Maybe that is why some women turn into such nagging wives as once committed they don't want their husband getting fat, high cholesterol or hypertension. I'm all for quality rather than quantity and I don't plan to expire at 52, but should I be knocking on the pearly gates with no quality of life, ask them to let me in and carry on enjoying your life (particularly in the deep powder!) on my behalf please.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-66372658138523354852009-12-13T19:16:00.000-08:002009-12-14T21:58:15.904-08:00Small Things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEMFPp1Pol56SBdtJ655vbqAK-zZSgob-ShPTCxuTIcKkytlfAKXK6TZRsmD8tgObJSVVH-xXAq3ynO7vEFDKlBeHohqdvbcL8j7j7Bxfxrf0mhi9HLyMgtLSdGQ4zxuq5DQcrALop7w/s1600-h/P8160266.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEMFPp1Pol56SBdtJ655vbqAK-zZSgob-ShPTCxuTIcKkytlfAKXK6TZRsmD8tgObJSVVH-xXAq3ynO7vEFDKlBeHohqdvbcL8j7j7Bxfxrf0mhi9HLyMgtLSdGQ4zxuq5DQcrALop7w/s320/P8160266.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415337417504995106" /></a><br />There are so few things that really do actually matter. I'm one to stress about the size of my gluteus maximus as much as the next neurotic female but in reality I control my life and if I don't like it, I can and should do something about it. A recurring theme of the choice thing again I suppose. <br />I like to think I am good at looking at the bigger picture and the reality is that i/ life is short and ii/ most peoples' existence on this planet is utterly superfluous. <br />So, I'm not going to win the Nobel prize for medicine or even get a Knighthood for services to radiology (never say never but unlikely); but perhaps the little things <span style="font-style:italic;">can</span> make a difference; in the smallest way to making the world either a better place (and I don't mean that in a nauseating smug moral high ground stand point as I like to think I've never been there and shoot me if I ever do) or just to make someone feel good about themselves (in a genuine way where no one else serves to gain) or make someone smile. And often by doing those actions, you can make yourself feel good about yourself too. Making someone a cup of tea in the morning (next week's ski team please take note) for example.<br />The Canadians do it well; it may not always come across as well meaning to the cynical Brit writing here but actually they would be deeply offended to think it wasn't received as sweet and genuine. I'm starting to enjoy having random benign chats with Canadian people (ok so most of them are waitresses or servers after a tip as minimum wage is so awful here but that ruins the theme of this blog..)<br />My mother wrote me an email saying I will be missed at the family get together on Saturday for Christmas turkey (I'm the product of undemanding parents who don't expect physical presence at religious feasts + value independence + a decent carbon footprint thank GOD!) and my sister emailed to say that in the chaos that is our family trying to eat together a plate of food got made up for me by mistake. The small things do count. <br />All the diamonds in the world (obviously a few are acceptable) can't replace that. <br />I thought a dear friend had forgotten my birthday and I got home from being on call and flowers had been sent from England.<br />Friends picked me up and drove me to Whistler and another friend dropped me home yesterday. <br />Karaoke machine has been purchase for NY festivities to be brought out by Deepa, but now at the mercy of BA..<br />I ablated a patient's liver metastasis today and he was so thankful in his broken English; whereas actually I felt good because he was so nice about it and he was the one with colorectal metastases and I have no idea what that really must be like. <br /><br />I hope we are not all being too busy and too hurried in life to either take the time to do them or take the time to appreciate someone doing them for us.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-19275818778366075972009-12-13T18:50:00.001-08:002009-12-13T19:16:29.711-08:00Day 2+3 Whistler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzRd2Edg8eq3MnqvtpxCX81Ap-QwhPjVCgSiZg3yf9LBnLU7f0dn6B_ysjCUGQXkAztzCCV1iHyx5ERlRyYZn-8Nczjc_scx6hfzGBD_IalGmi6Q2Qw9o2Gifnrz1PveuLHET4Oprvn8/s1600-h/PC120297_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzRd2Edg8eq3MnqvtpxCX81Ap-QwhPjVCgSiZg3yf9LBnLU7f0dn6B_ysjCUGQXkAztzCCV1iHyx5ERlRyYZn-8Nczjc_scx6hfzGBD_IalGmi6Q2Qw9o2Gifnrz1PveuLHET4Oprvn8/s320/PC120297_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414922877372795570" /></a><br />12 + 13 December. It is pretty special having the mountains right on your doorstep. Not something I will tire of easily. On the slopes by 0845 and it had snowed about 20cm on the Blackcomb side so found some fresh tracks under Glacier Express and Crystal and we had the mountain to ourselves. It was turning into one of those perfect ski days where I felt utterly contented and had deep inner calm - where you know that the uncertainty of next year and what is to come will be OK as right now everything is good. It then started to snow and close in but after lunch we headed over to Whistler mountain for clear blue skies and amazingly soft snow. Conditions far exceeded expectations of hard packed snow. Finished off the day with a long run down from the Blackcomb glacier (after a short but very breathless walk up). Whistler is expensive but the pistes are in good condition and there are lots of snow canons lower down. Young attractive Aussies are on hand to put your skis onto the gondolas for you and there is a general high level of service which the French could learn from.. The North Americans don't like my queuing technique however. <br />In the name of research, we hit the apres ski scene hard and did a thorough reconnaisance of several drinking establishments and hot tubs. Not a toffee vodka in sight but didn't seem to matter! Snowing and low cloud today so more gentle cruising but very pleasurable all the same. Happy Days!X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-47573628749505195932009-12-06T20:36:00.000-08:002009-12-06T21:00:04.674-08:00Day 1 Whistler<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RFZ378WTIWpAfC1pv2kZLXgJRqImgTMZv2h09q00N1hfrSXscY0FNwc58dJl4K-dk92KgBumN0QKVjEolZCDWylYh-kr-ife7_XIDji_e9wwq7NPunP0zs4LPWetsdWV14albjCoObE/s1600-h/PC060319.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RFZ378WTIWpAfC1pv2kZLXgJRqImgTMZv2h09q00N1hfrSXscY0FNwc58dJl4K-dk92KgBumN0QKVjEolZCDWylYh-kr-ife7_XIDji_e9wwq7NPunP0zs4LPWetsdWV14albjCoObE/s320/PC060319.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412352691742185698" /></a><br />Sunday 6 December<br /><br />Got back from Chicago and went straight to bed. Woke at 3am excited (I felt like a 5 year old on Christmas Eve). Got up at 6, on the slopes in Whistler by 8.45. <br />Yeah Baby Yeah. <br />The first snow report of the season on this blog! Now I have a use for the people coming out to ski rather than the self absorbant drivel so far! This is why I do weeks of crap on calls, biopsy every normal thyroid going and put in every chest drain in every huge pleural effusion they want on ITU....<br /><br />Hard packed snow; (base 200cm); hasn't snowed for a week, but found some really lovely snow near 7th Heaven (not sure what happened to 1-6 and where did the phrase 7th Heaven come from anyway? Anything to do with 7 deadly sins?) and the Glacier Express.<br />Pistes - very well groomed. Empty. No queues.<br />New skis carve amazingly; they like the softer stuff better and have a feeling they won't disappoint in the powder either. <br />Cold -20C and v windy, so more like -30C. Frostbite warnings on all lifts. Don't fret equipe Robinson - unusually cold for Whistler.<br />Clear blue skies and sunny.<br />Food - average but not awful. Canteen style. Not surprisingly no tartiflette or chocolate fondant but waistline won't mind. Therefore no Russian choppers required to get us home after big lunch from wrong valley. Apres ski report next weekend.<br />Peak to Peak gondola - amazing. Bit scary. No photos this time as camera battery didn't like the cold.<br />People in yellow checking you don't speed and take away lift pass if do so.<br />Lifts shut at 3pm.<br />The best bit (Grace will like this) so far... They have pretty much thought of everything here...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQpWUI7Ocfp-szep_bJYL4V4Hpl0Ilu1lckueuJ_4VuZuT6ImUmvOQkomQE8BIEGpMkUdtJxrBsU5MGDGEoqMd-E94Dc9vNloVDMEPmucf50nbqt5ui1yJxq0i2L0SQ-gKNyxjuW_eqU/s1600-h/PC060324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQpWUI7Ocfp-szep_bJYL4V4Hpl0Ilu1lckueuJ_4VuZuT6ImUmvOQkomQE8BIEGpMkUdtJxrBsU5MGDGEoqMd-E94Dc9vNloVDMEPmucf50nbqt5ui1yJxq0i2L0SQ-gKNyxjuW_eqU/s320/PC060324.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412352189632118098" /></a><br /><br />Tissues at the bottom of a chairlift for your runny nose!!<br /><br />Number of snow baths - 0.<br />All long bones intact.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-32504146539166476852009-12-06T20:00:00.000-08:002009-12-06T20:36:11.590-08:00The Windy CityI've just spent the last week in Chicago at the Radiological Society of North America which attracts a world record 60,000 delegates. It is incredibly inspiring (I affirm my love of radiology at every conference I go to and am gradually overcoming my fear of presenting to the big cheeses) but massive - a huge convention centre with an airplane hanger sized industry exhibit hall all with the latest bits of kit to wow potential buyers. Great to catch up with lots of friends and colleagues from London and to make new friends too. Life is a bit uncertain for many of us at the moment with consultant jobs needing to be sort, so it had the potential to be slightly tense (and I did wonder I might get poisoned by my rivals) but all passed very amicably! It is so useful to chat to others about their world including experiences of radiology and to share ideas and values (doctors are not very good at 'networking'); and even better over a drink which a large multi national company wishes to buy for you. Our teleradiology company even got as far as getting a name. We ate well (predominantly oysters and large pieces of moo-ing cow; Sunda, Shaw's crab house, Wildfire, Kenzie chophouse), imbibed some quality martinis and showed the locals some of our finest shapes on the dancefloors, and kept the American economy on the magnificent mile afloat for a few more days. Got on the plane broken; I'm looking forward to a quiet healthy week - Vancouver is well suited to that! <br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_R9oLtJbxb3gmmUGnGX4M3GaiugNCe6V7GFwp3QFC1-izhzQJbdxiHAcDPEskBPxV8zkEWIIIw9taiYOGUbA_xXzh0ZNFz5Pat_XXSjAAsQ_Vi3jOuQpuesCwXBKQ_KaEFDrw3Vipao/s1600-h/PC010298.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_R9oLtJbxb3gmmUGnGX4M3GaiugNCe6V7GFwp3QFC1-izhzQJbdxiHAcDPEskBPxV8zkEWIIIw9taiYOGUbA_xXzh0ZNFz5Pat_XXSjAAsQ_Vi3jOuQpuesCwXBKQ_KaEFDrw3Vipao/s320/PC010298.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412345560351701026" /></a><br /><br />Elisa, myself and Deepa before going into the Field Museum behind us for an evening amongst the dinosaurs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro4KWnms0CVypy1I6PEESShkXPhXQZZ1hYsKzF67JBOf5EJIrvsUoIHddWjuifgVvYQtFc44HsM4yeMYRWrr_-FkreK2R6ML2Pl48guvoCtMaDGjGktOKR3o4UDBiaa3BnMSEzf6iUTc/s1600-h/PC030317.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro4KWnms0CVypy1I6PEESShkXPhXQZZ1hYsKzF67JBOf5EJIrvsUoIHddWjuifgVvYQtFc44HsM4yeMYRWrr_-FkreK2R6ML2Pl48guvoCtMaDGjGktOKR3o4UDBiaa3BnMSEzf6iUTc/s320/PC030317.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412346555896350226" /></a><br /><br />Very good sushi at Shaw's.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-73913996654913475852009-11-23T20:55:00.001-08:002009-11-23T21:11:10.156-08:00Semiprime!The on call birthday weekend passed pretty uneventfully. <br />It rained here and snowed a lot more in Whistler. <br />The boys enjoyed knee deep light powder while I reported endless CT scans. <br />I accidentally fell into Tiffany's for respite. <br />We went out for a lovely supper and my pager didn't go off. <br />Dawna my housemate made an excellent mango cheesecake. <br />Quite a few people remembered by birthday which was nice (facebook reminders help) as I do wonder whether out of sight is out of mind. <br />I sometimes wonder how many people will turn up to my funeral (if there isn't a live web link by then). <br />I'm not sure I can even get away with lying about being 30 anymore. <br />Will continue to tick wrong age demographic box in questionnaires for a while longer though. <br />Found lots of grey hairs today - at least the expensive highlights are justified now. <br />Will stay away from the botox until the early mid life crisis kicks in. <br />Body clock clearly malfunctioning, or battery broken. Maybe will sell eggs, freezing too expensive. <br />Chicago in 4 days. Then skiing begins in earnest. <br />Hope not too osteoporotic yet.<br /><br />(35 is a discrete semiprime (or biprime) (5 x 7); the tenth, and the first with 5 as the lowest non-unitary factor.)X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-80251144490693474052009-11-22T18:00:00.000-08:002009-11-23T21:12:30.730-08:00Highway 1Highway one is the pacific coastal road from San Fran to LA. It is part of the pan- American highway which starts in Alaska heading south through the Yukon province of Canada, into BC past Whistler to Vancouver (where it is called the Sea to Sky Highway) across the border, into Washington, Orgeon, California and then all the way to Panama and onto Valparaisao in Chile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA7F3xCEg-ZtV3Dk9EbcAzKzCMv2Ndu4xiuALaeNSZtKQxd0_f3tUgaSa4-aIyb3qyoPyGLY8nO8ydzu0pnGDICszJyFNQBxtC5LjH3H_WQKxGQQvMEuahp9pKTjSueaVkb6LZX3dUug/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVA7F3xCEg-ZtV3Dk9EbcAzKzCMv2Ndu4xiuALaeNSZtKQxd0_f3tUgaSa4-aIyb3qyoPyGLY8nO8ydzu0pnGDICszJyFNQBxtC5LjH3H_WQKxGQQvMEuahp9pKTjSueaVkb6LZX3dUug/s320/DSC_0085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119445328133906" /></a><br /><br />It is spectacularly scenic hugging the rugged coastline with crashing surf and remote sandy beaches, interspersed with towering redwoods. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-4Cv8Og_Sh6xgnAxzfVzdWmvNapeCdTUB7-adNX-0OwGPEEW6pY_Sa7xHezqEdAd7lPfUDIfAY-Vxl1J5w8dcPTglR6atVqk5_V5gY_1fDFfER6cZT-bz-cYHmgx_o3Rnn1VYP4-sOs/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-4Cv8Og_Sh6xgnAxzfVzdWmvNapeCdTUB7-adNX-0OwGPEEW6pY_Sa7xHezqEdAd7lPfUDIfAY-Vxl1J5w8dcPTglR6atVqk5_V5gY_1fDFfER6cZT-bz-cYHmgx_o3Rnn1VYP4-sOs/s320/DSC_0090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407119686317260914" /></a><br /><br />Big Sur was the destination - a selection of high end lodges and eco cabins nestled amongst several national parks stepped in anicent redwoods on the pacific coast ; a calming place with excellent hiking and stunning panoramic views. Great burritos, quiet, and incredible stars as no light pollution. Cabin in woods (+ heated floor + internet for her) + wood fire outside (for him) made for a relaxing few days. <br /><br />Always good to leave a place wishing you could stay longer. California is cool.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-3103856250305962502009-11-19T20:57:00.000-08:002009-11-19T22:25:29.802-08:00Wet Dog Kinda DayWithout exaggeration it has rained non stop since I landed from San Fran on Saturday. I remain unadjusted as to how foul the weather is. I'm told that the yearly rainfall in Vancouver is similiar (sic) to the UK and I quite frankly didn't believe it. Cue Prof Google. With good reason - the average annual rainfall in Vancouver is 1117.2mm, with November being the wettest month with 167.2mm of rain. Average rainfall in London is 585mm with Devon + Cornwall receiving about 900-1000mm (another place to potentially live dismissed) and parts of western Scotland a tsumanious amount of over 4,000mm (not sure that is a word or not). In true British style I whinge daily about the weather whereas the Canadians continue to be ever cheerful and charming. They clearly know something I don't - hopefully about the amazing snow which is dumping in Whistler - a record 233cm base this morning. Total bummer that I'm on call this birthday weekend as my new skis are eager to play in the powder.<br />It has been a wet dog kind of few days - where even the dog wouldn't want to go for a walk and then remains damp and smelly for a while afterward. Perfect baking weather though. North American chocolate is like dog chocolate and I'm currently loving Reece's peanut butter cups which is strange as I don't particularly like peanut butter; however it is the combination of salt and sweet which works so well. Crispy salted oatmeal white chocolate cookies may just get me through a weekend on call and into a new age demographic....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdf4OwaqZmCoOmcsQNtZMBfP7malY53M10IRzmlOaCVk7oYhZKS8u25yv-LCLMqSnJyQJNQdGWd7SBiRiZ0Pw9KAgdQ3yY6iGBLGsw2Z2e1M-NVgjFrni55o_ppw-myYYoeqUCejBUCU/s1600/PB200304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdf4OwaqZmCoOmcsQNtZMBfP7malY53M10IRzmlOaCVk7oYhZKS8u25yv-LCLMqSnJyQJNQdGWd7SBiRiZ0Pw9KAgdQ3yY6iGBLGsw2Z2e1M-NVgjFrni55o_ppw-myYYoeqUCejBUCU/s320/PB200304.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406052512650357266" /></a>X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-17102625664091529552009-11-12T18:21:00.000-08:002009-11-12T21:21:58.666-08:00San FranciscoJust over two hours flight down the coast and the climate is totally different. For the humid obsessed amongst us (n=1), it is actually more pleasant than the dryness of Vancouver; the skies are clear and it is a very pleasant 16-18C (packing exam failed with too many jumpers and no sun cream). And not a rain drop in sight. HEAVEN. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXDWduDq1gAKxYw-36S1LkH1B1A1mmKOYUEYXrv37do7gIbii0Nc939mlO0FZpedtNHyiM8uMU8GhUseXUTYRKC5bBN5k8Dng9g6SE33B4UJWnmVJh0feknCw7kSjbv-hNg4-GSdCvwc/s1600-h/DSC_0060_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXDWduDq1gAKxYw-36S1LkH1B1A1mmKOYUEYXrv37do7gIbii0Nc939mlO0FZpedtNHyiM8uMU8GhUseXUTYRKC5bBN5k8Dng9g6SE33B4UJWnmVJh0feknCw7kSjbv-hNg4-GSdCvwc/s320/DSC_0060_2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403415934672625266" /></a><br /><br /><br />Home of the Golden Gate Bridge and the huge bay, cable cars (brilliant invention on the steepest of hills - the cables are changed every 2-3 months as they wear out), Alcatraz (vastly inferior to Robben Island), the second largest Chinatown town in the States after NYC with amazing dim sum to name but a few attractions and of course the HIV epidemic where in the 1980s a third of the gay male population were infected. <br /><br />It is a really lovely city; cities and water go together like gin and tonic. It feels a little edgy with an interesting melting pot of cultures, people and (importantly) cuisine. Not too much of America to sour the taste. Good discovery of a happy hour in this recession ridden country (with a headline the other day announcing unemployment at a new record high of over 10%) was 1$ oysters! <br /><br />Anything goes here. It really is a uniquely distorted place.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-29403010612597724552009-11-05T09:27:00.001-08:002009-11-07T06:00:16.062-08:00Pre CalifornicationTime has been playing tricks again this week. My perception of time passing is definitely abnormal. I still think I'm 25 and this week has gone on forever. I cycled to work this morning amid what started as light drizzle and progressed too rapidly to a heavy downpour and as I attempted to dodge the piles of wet slippery slimy leaves they don't clear away here (adds to the adventure I'm told when attempted to complain), I tried to think of the appropriate word to describe the weather (in an effort not to focus on the ever increasing paraesthesia in my terminal phalanges). I concluded on the appropriateness of the word filthy. Not in the smutty way either. <br /><br />I digress. <br /><br />It's been a long week. <br />The boiler broke (now fixed). <br />I spent more time wet than dry. <br />Mental note: never go and live in Wales or Scotland for prolonged periods.<br />H1N1 jab hurts (have it in your thigh not your arm). <br />I finished my 8 weeks of booty camp (with a 4% reduction in body fat) which I perversely enjoyed. <br />4 months is too long between holidays; they should be on repeat prescription every 6-8 weeks. <br />I'm off to San Fran tomorrow early (strictly still the middle of the night) to meet Will for a few days then driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur. <br />I'm excited but long distance relationships are hard. Hope we get on!<br />Trying to pack; which I see as a chore when it shouldn't be as it means you are going somewhere (usually) fun. Hence the blog writing distraction.<br />Having worn scrubs at work and cycling / gym / fleeces / uber casual clothes for the last 4 months; it is quite interesting looking through the wardrobe at heels (reluctantly) catching dust, and pretty nice clothes which I can actually wear next week; I feel deattached from them.<br /><br />Have flowers for my hair at least.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-2816258627873055822009-11-04T20:45:00.000-08:002009-11-05T09:28:01.117-08:00Lynn Valley<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-v84j9OXGWqUb2ajjktcGVlhXWNnnthx3LoI0q57LWrs9fEpwdc-NWbmq3WCRyovkpmhLFAF6uNRT2u6fDHWyjY1DHX1uoxtdOq68A52Rz-yQqIg5YcW1nkkQkAKGgNgfZy2BdGkv_A/s1600-h/PB010290.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-v84j9OXGWqUb2ajjktcGVlhXWNnnthx3LoI0q57LWrs9fEpwdc-NWbmq3WCRyovkpmhLFAF6uNRT2u6fDHWyjY1DHX1uoxtdOq68A52Rz-yQqIg5YcW1nkkQkAKGgNgfZy2BdGkv_A/s320/PB010290.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400483278204094546" /></a><br />I had a quiet weekend as have been rushing around a lot with plenty of early starts for max-ing out the oh-so-precious weekends not on call for weeks and weeks on top of the early weekday starts. It was forecast to rain so that meant writing some blogs, catching up on emails, trying to write consultant application form, having a haircut etc. The people who clearly make up the weather forecast (as a job no less) got it wrong again and it didn't rain so I felt obliged to be outside and enjoy the unwetness of it all; particularly as I was beginning to get used to the unkempt drowned rat look and was wondering why I owned a hairdryer. <br /><br />I trekked over to North Vancouver and the Lynn Valley Park - there is an Indiana Jones style suspension bridge over a narrow pretty gorge and lots of hiking trails. I went with Jules and her cousin back in September but wanted to come back and walk some of the trails. It was lovely; especially to be out in the crisp fresh air on my own with plenty of time to think (and dogs to say hello to), but rather wet and slippery and I had an good fall with a resultant rather impressive calf haematoma. I looked twice my age trying to sit down on the ferry on my return but rewarded myself with a Vera's burger on the journey home - I couldn't believe I hadn't tried this establishment yet; succulent juicy burgers with every possible topping you can think of. Perfect post walk anti ravenous fuel. In close competition with the gourmet burger company in my humble burgopinion for a high ranking. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP-qVMOTMv0p_tHo3-1wN7DuSuQR-Ll2Rb8jfxfape_zJT6OxefXWo_GTFYw47tlmh68WRlsiUmVR9iTGoFm6jtjcX0Zga7EUa_hhVPlzwIjXghFzvsy0TLbr-XYbFm3-HOd4AP8bepQ/s1600-h/PB010293.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP-qVMOTMv0p_tHo3-1wN7DuSuQR-Ll2Rb8jfxfape_zJT6OxefXWo_GTFYw47tlmh68WRlsiUmVR9iTGoFm6jtjcX0Zga7EUa_hhVPlzwIjXghFzvsy0TLbr-XYbFm3-HOd4AP8bepQ/s320/PB010293.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400484784045873410" /></a>X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-59377194716011224612009-11-02T21:14:00.000-08:002009-11-03T06:25:33.322-08:00Thunder + LighteningA controlled eruption has occurred here...<br /><br />A couple of last year's fellows have published their experience in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologist's newsletter. It is not 100% accurate (the waiting list for MR is <span style="font-style:italic;">only</span> 5- 6 months here now ! and the typists are pretty good and speedy!) but gives a frank and reasonably fair piece of writing about the job I am currently doing even if it is not the most politically correct of articles. Safe to say it has not gone down well here. Interestingly (and thankfully) my opinion on the article has not been sought by the powers that be. The boss is responding with a letter to the editor of the newsletter as they are worried that the Australians won't want to come and work (and perhaps the English too...); will be an interesting read...<br /><br />Does everyone think they are better than they really are ? <br />Is not insight meant to be part of higher cerebral function? <br /><br /><a href="http://www.ranzcr.edu.au/newsandevents/newsletter/downloads/OLNLDnl63.pdf">http://www.ranzcr.edu.au/newsandevents/newsletter/downloads/OLNLDnl63.pdf</a>X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-87582957474877263972009-11-01T20:25:00.000-08:002009-11-01T20:51:58.124-08:00Hallowe'enI began my radiology career aged about 6 when my mother made me an excellent costume for a Hallowe'en party where she sewed cloth in the shape of the bones of a human skeleton onto a black jumper and tights. Educational and scary. Brilliant. <br /><br />Hallowe'en is big here. Commercial and all quite alien to us Brits (perhaps as the 5th November is around the corner?), despite it being popularised in the 19th century by the Irish and Scottish immigrants to North America. The exterior of houses are decorated with pumpkins, skeletons and puppets. Families with young children go 'trick or treating'. Dressing up on Hallowe'en is a national pastime here. Scary to ridiculous to say the least. And I mean everyone - I took the bus last night and was the only one not in costume - even the boring looking guy by the window had a Star trek costume on under his coat when questioned by an inebriated student dressed as a lion. It is a huge night on a par with New Years Eve festivities. As I walked back to the bus stop, the whole of downtown was filled with people wandering around in costumes. Isn't it odd to find such emphasis on an essentially Pagan festival when less than half of North Americans believe in evolution?X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-27883286442655319202009-10-27T17:59:00.000-07:002009-10-27T18:05:26.988-07:00Autumn Hues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXaJ6uX4FmoODQUJKlyrdv8-HWyXAwHBikgfSXwTECqDQCcxI70b7A9hn4-q8O7LY_DSR6S1E_tjW4lal2TGzkKaHQe80ECdMw7Eh3knTzZ4UkCkmAaMvhyphenhyphenr_NlvvhU-tNTc7HF9sc4c/s1600-h/Leaves+Autumn+09.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXaJ6uX4FmoODQUJKlyrdv8-HWyXAwHBikgfSXwTECqDQCcxI70b7A9hn4-q8O7LY_DSR6S1E_tjW4lal2TGzkKaHQe80ECdMw7Eh3knTzZ4UkCkmAaMvhyphenhyphenr_NlvvhU-tNTc7HF9sc4c/s320/Leaves+Autumn+09.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397450434024189522" /></a><br />Xray-ted has been quiet on the blog front. Very busy with my parents visiting which I will tell you about in greater detail and general lack of energy to write anything that would make interesting reading. Should have more energy in a few days after I finish another week of on call. 4 months down here (work doesn't feel like a sentence everyday) and in need of a holiday; luckily one more week until I fly to San Fran and head down to Big Sur for some R+R. Autumn is in full swing here - heavy wet downpours and plenty of wind. Slippery leaves everywhere which they don't seem to clear off the roads. Frost this morning. The colours have been stunning due to the long dry summer; here is a photo my artistic housemate Dawna took the other day.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-89857573660849536382009-10-07T20:37:00.000-07:002009-10-07T21:04:20.923-07:00Voodoo or Mynx?Coming to live in Vancouver was meant to be easy enough; after all it was under the pretence of radiology but really with a lot of skiing in mind? That said I'm nearing the end of another full week of on call.....so have decided to look ahead excitedly to the ski season; particularly given that it snowed in Whistler last week! <br /><br />I'm still obsessed with the choice thing. Thought I had dealt with it but it has reared it's ugly head again. I need a pair of skis. Simple surely....plenty of people here seem to know a thing or two on the subject. Thanksgiving sales are this weekend so a good chance to catch a bargain. <br /><br />Complicated beyond belief! First of all you have to decide what type of skier you are in terms of performance and aggressiveness, then there is the terrain - groomed, powder, backcountry, freeride and how you ski it - cruise, carve, rip. If you can decipher and master all of those terms then there is the fatness of the ski ranging from mid to extremely fat, the radius, flex, dimensions, length, of course price and not forgetting the pattern of the front (which you spend a while looking for in the deep powder so really does matter a lot). The internet creates more confusion. Voodoo or Lady or Mynx? Provocative names indeed.<br /><br />Time for an apres ski beer and a bit of the Proclaimers I think while I mull it over further...X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-15462173862265222632009-10-02T20:48:00.000-07:002009-10-02T21:35:46.338-07:00Open Air BC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9WOCNJS_Hs6RPkWrNPvAiG_DksvanqO3dXN01vHwZDK2CiQYZcrXga2HXqaD5u7IJC2Qe87Mw8UZh1K0gDQzA56T5F2gkzAKxdCUg3yZXOCvzNXw0oj_h-Srktfr1Efe28dhhEV8cnA/s1600-h/P8160263.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9WOCNJS_Hs6RPkWrNPvAiG_DksvanqO3dXN01vHwZDK2CiQYZcrXga2HXqaD5u7IJC2Qe87Mw8UZh1K0gDQzA56T5F2gkzAKxdCUg3yZXOCvzNXw0oj_h-Srktfr1Efe28dhhEV8cnA/s320/P8160263.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388216362221570658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXZWinY2P49N4pizROIr5HJAl-UT6XWcER2c4X7CDL61TeVWmFDd-g8HrKZj1KQu5hKuajQbrrHKnuCTYpRvZV7OO-Tm9Ow-w8DkzbuXFapnFfyPPuKTrsqXd-OrZNnlpHTLpr6D5ehI/s1600-h/P8150261.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXZWinY2P49N4pizROIr5HJAl-UT6XWcER2c4X7CDL61TeVWmFDd-g8HrKZj1KQu5hKuajQbrrHKnuCTYpRvZV7OO-Tm9Ow-w8DkzbuXFapnFfyPPuKTrsqXd-OrZNnlpHTLpr6D5ehI/s320/P8150261.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388216350936519298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGHclLTmUGhEyePcT8B_66GdKOE9o1W6Lw-zLXmqpRWoWB6ujZM5tsx-ucIIc-G7O-sq9UYYwi3_DL1ERpSsX53JFAZgkN-HY_1g-M-nepUVBKZJAfPnTGdbWpkmW5yzylEN0zCVV-AA/s1600-h/P7190201.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGHclLTmUGhEyePcT8B_66GdKOE9o1W6Lw-zLXmqpRWoWB6ujZM5tsx-ucIIc-G7O-sq9UYYwi3_DL1ERpSsX53JFAZgkN-HY_1g-M-nepUVBKZJAfPnTGdbWpkmW5yzylEN0zCVV-AA/s320/P7190201.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388216349908733666" /></a><br /><br />Even an exercise allergic overweight couch potato would want to get outside here (and it has nothing to do with the dreadful TV). . There is so much close by - hundreds of lakes and rivers, gleaming glaciers, piercing peaks, plunging gorges and a plethora of meadows abundant with wildflowers scattered amongst well signed and trodden paths to wilderness trails. And I haven't even mentioned the beaches. As someone who is yet to experience the dampness of winter and endless rain, it is easy to see why the locals max out their short summers. There are endless awe-inspiring views at the top of many a demanding climb here! I have managed to tackle some in the time I've been here. The top picture is near Meagre Creek Hot Springs north of Pemberton (north of Whistler) - classic BC scenery; the light was amazing. The middle picture is Upper Joffre Lake; a lovely walk and I seem quite happy to be there! Rugged rocks and an impressive glacier in the background. Garibaldi Lake is the bottom picture - big wilderness scenery with an amazing blue glacial water. <br /><br />Magic. Rewarding Hiking. Mountains 1 Beach 0.X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6746804473808617747.post-46617266688541138352009-09-29T20:55:00.000-07:002009-10-02T21:31:44.465-07:00Choices<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCC8ao3uwrrbyepPd-l4_0KZqgPd_83J4VooveTQTCBkYhwWc7R8A0Bcoyjbl-PrO2knMBzlUTwFwduXaHbUuJ6SMsUPQ88aL1pKr0vWbRxol_-gyfAQeSig299sgQcd5WYt_XGGExR0/s1600-h/P1000679+(1).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCC8ao3uwrrbyepPd-l4_0KZqgPd_83J4VooveTQTCBkYhwWc7R8A0Bcoyjbl-PrO2knMBzlUTwFwduXaHbUuJ6SMsUPQ88aL1pKr0vWbRxol_-gyfAQeSig299sgQcd5WYt_XGGExR0/s320/P1000679+(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388226726115506866" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Choice : the act of selection which implies the opportunity to choose. </span> <br /><br />Life is full of them. Do I have the H1N1 vaccine? Whom should I vote for in the general election next year? Should I give up the cheese and wine consumption I truthfully (stupidly) told my booty camp instructor about in last week's food diary as she says I will lose 1lb a week in the process? Is Argentina or Nepal the next holiday destination? How long do I stay in a job in which I don't feel particularly fulfilled? How do I know what is the right consultant job to go for - how do I strike the balance between the job and the location? <br /><br />I'm not very good at making decisions. Tapas, dim sum and tasting menus suit me well. I'm not sure I ever was, life has always been simple - I remember feeling lucky at school just knowing that I wanted to do medicine and therefore not being faced with a dilemma of options. Ditto with radiology. <br /><br />Perhaps the right decisions come naturally without much thought?X ray-ted in Vancouverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08928381090747085312noreply@blogger.com1