Concrete Words - My iPhone Dilemma

This post is part of a series where I choose and write about a particular "Concrete Word "

Concrete words are terms that identify things and events that can be measured and observed. Concrete words are tangible in some way. So I decided to write about such "concrete words ".

I came across the concept " concrete words" on the Internet. So I decided to choose a concrete word and write about it. I was excited about this but then could not decide on one particular concrete word. The door, the staircase, the car, the parking lot. Nothing appealed to me. I pondered over it for days but nothing seemed to inspire me for a blog post. And then suddenly I found one . It was sitting right in front of me,staring at me. It is always with me. It is in my purse, in my white coat pocket, in the car. It is besides me always when I sleep. Sounds like a riddle?  The answer is my iPhone.

My iPhone is certainly a huge part of my daily life. As I mentioned above it is just inseparable. But then I thought ...well I always complain about being technologically illiterate or may be being a 1st grader in that sense( no more a secret I guess ). Do I really need an iPhone?

In iPhone's defense I can check emails instantly which is so convenient. I can quickly glance at social media updates like Facebook statuses and twitter posts. I can chat with friends on what's app anytime I want. I certainly can use google maps for directions. At work I can check medicine dosages, drug interactions and pill pictures on apps. Many times I use the fancy calculator apps ( eg. osmolality or midparental height). I have numerous different apps to help me stay  fit, track my calories and log my exercise . I can google anything I want. I can take pictures and share them instantly with friends .The iPhone helps me wake up in the morning to whatever tune I like( or dislike ) and get going to start a new day. I can make numerous to do lists and edit them constantly. Last and most important I can text and call my husband and my family back home in India.  So all in all an exhausting list of most important, some not so important things in life that I use my iPhone for. 

However when I think of my pre- iPhone era which is not too long ago( 2 years to be precise ) I was doing all of the above back then. I used a GPS while driving around. I never had any trouble reaching the destinations that I went to. I had two cameras both of which took excellent pictures. I used a pediatric handbook to help me with my basics. I used desktops at work to access Uptodate, Lexicomp  and Epocrates. I did and still do own a laptop . I did and can use it for all the above listed things.

But my candy bar and flip phones( not so smart phones ? ) gave me much more than just sending texts and talking to people. I always had some ME time. As I would wait in line at Starbucks for an order I used to enjoy the wait. I use to love the aroma of fresh coffee beans being crushed. I was mindful of the efforts the barista put into making that perfect chai tea latte to my taste as I savored my chai . Now I just sip it without noticing any of the above. Why? Because I am busy checking facebook updates and twitter feeds. At home when I sat across the table for a Friday night dinner with my husband I loved his company. I felt his presence. We used to initiate a random conversation, laugh and giggle or fight and argue over a topic. Now we both are physically present at the dinner table . But we are engrossed in checking social media updates on iPhone. Ironically we are interested in what our friends are doing right now in different parts of the world while we hardly acknowledge the person sitting next to us. On weekends when we went on road trips I loved looking at the beautiful nature peeking out the car window and even feel the fresh air kissing my cheeks. With an iPhone now on our road trips I am bound to google outfit ideas. I don't realize that this should have( and can be ) done prior to our trip or later for another trip.

So why do I need an iPhone? Is it a fad? Is it peer pressure ? Is it that I don't want to be the only one at work without a smart phone ? Is it embracing the changing world and scientific advancements? Is it convenience and saving time ? The answer is YES to every single question listed above. But I believe that the most important question to be asked  is - can I still do all that I do without an iPhone?  The answer is indeed YES to this question too.

But let me be honest with you. At this point it is hard for me to let go of my iPhone entirely. I find it just impossible to switch back to a candy bar/flip phone.There might be somebody who can but I personally am not ready to make that change. However I can make a conscious decision. I am going to be mindful of the moment. Being obsessed with and addicted to iPhone I am loosing on these precious experiences. Experiences which once meant so much to me. These experiences which will create good memories for a lifetime looking back at which will make me smile. Years later I will remember the breath taking views on our drive up to the mountains. I will remember the picturesque fall colors. I will not remember that twitter feed from our trip to Smokey mountains. None of  the hundreds of facebook statuses I looked at sitting in the log cabin will mean anything. I will cherish the quality time spent with my husband. I will remember our dinner dates that made us feel like newly weds so much in love. I will admire the smile on his face and his witty remarks during our conversation that I fell for. The moments and experiences which are so magical and precious, rejuvenating and refreshing.

So it is up to me to make a choice. I can choose to be dumb by using the smart phone or I can be smarter and not let the Iphone ruin MY life. 

So Maxed Out

I was at the mall over the weekend (surprised?). As I made sure I visited each and every store on my list the beautiful window displays caught my attention. There was tons of new merchandise in different styles and vibrant colors, neatly showcased. However I noticed one thing in common in all the clothing store displays. All( all I visited aka all the mall had) stores included a maxi dress in the window display. Below are some of the pictures I took at the mall. What else in your wardrobe can translate into spring/summer than a maxi dress? 

Maxi dresses come in various styles. There is so much to love about a maxi dress.They can be sleeveless or with sleeves. Sleeves of various lengths like cap sleeves, elbow sleeves or even flutter sleeves look equally good. A maxi dress with halter neck or an off shoulder one is perfect for a chic look. A strapless maxi dress will make you look not only stunning but also very stylish. Maxi dresses have a flattering silhouette for all body types. They make petites look taller(now you know why I like them so much ). 

Stores currently are full of maxi dresses in various prints and patterns- bright colors, floral prints, stripes and color blocking. You name it and the stores have it. How can you ever go wrong with a maxi dress in floral print, even if it is for a lunch date with your gal pals or a trip to the grocery store. Wearing a maxi dress to a beach wedding seems very appropriate to me. Choose tropical blue and green ,colors to go with the ocean hues and you will never go wrong. A crochet or lace maxi dress is great for an outdoor wedding. It makes you look sophisticated yet comfortable. (you may even outshine the bride-no intention of doing so though). Speaking of beach and maxi dress - grab an over sized canvas tote, sunglasses, flip flops and you are ready to walk along the tide, enjoying the light and flowy feeling that your dress creates, perfectly in tune with the ocean waves.

Wearing a maxi dress makes me feel like a Bohemian queen. What are your ideas about a maxi dress? How would you wear it?

dont forget to check more styles at Chicos

be sure to visit Gap stores

My Starbucks War

Most of us at work walk into the hospital with coffee in our hands. I said MOST. I tend to have either Starbucks chai tea latte or homemade Indian style tea ( in a Starbucks coffee mug ). Apparently few people at work have noticed it. One of them said '' You always have Starbucks when you come to work. Starbucks is so overrated.'' In my defence I immediately replied ''Starbucks may be over priced but it is not overrated, not at all "

The discussion ended there. We got back to work. I am a Starbucks fan and that conversation lingered in my mind. It made me uncomfortable. So I asked myself a question ''Why do I go to Starbucks ?''

Here are the answers I came up with-

1. Caffeine helps me to wake up (no brainer ).So I need a morning dose of caffeine to start my day well.

2. Starbucks coffee shop is on my way to work. I do not have to take detours. Convenience is very important in life ( it matters a lot when you are an intern/resident )

3. Starbucks shops are omnipresent. They are easy to access and drive through makes your life so much better.

4. There is consistency as far as taste is concerned( my personal experience with smaller local coffee shops has been exactly the opposite )

5. Lastly knowing there are people(other than me ) who are at work so early makes me feel good. I am being honest and I admit I feel this way. (P.S. I am not mean ). Being a resident I am at work early, as early as 5.30 am at times. ( exception to this schedule is called elective rotation ).


Starbucks has never failed to cheer me. And I must say I love Starbucks even though they spell my name wrong . (Just in case you are  thinking I own stocks in Starbucks let me tell you that I don't ).

Trend is your friend

I like to stay trendy. Who doesn't ? I try every now and then (as time and budget permit ) to incorporate some trendy,  fun pieces into my wardrobe . Having said that I also like to be creative and use the existing clothing items in my closet . There is nothing wrong with it either. It is a good habit to save money. So I decided to go through my wardrobe and see what I have. Let me be honest here.  I admit it was part of my spring closet cleaning but was more like a treasure hunt in the end . I discovered some treasure ( read clothing items)  I had all forgotten about . Later that day I browsed online my favorite stores ( equals how you can waste time every single day ). After all this fun filled home work  (read  hard work)  I came up with the following list. It indeed was a task to narrow down and come up with a  list. You know its not easy when you have tons of great options out there.



SHOES
There are many shoe styles in the market but not all work for me. As mentioned in one of my previous posts , comfort is the deciding factor when I buy shoes . I will only invest in a pair of shoes when I know I can walk a mile in them with no problem whatsoever. I may not have to walk a mile but just in case I have to , I know shoes will not hold me back . ( P.S. you probably know by now that  "just in case " are my 3 favorite words ) I had to mention this just in case you had not realized this .Wait! Did I say it again ?

5 shoes for spring -

1. Ankle Strap heels 

2. Wedges

3. Boat shoes 

4. Espadrilles 

5. Flip flops

BAGS
Women always need a new bag, either big or small. There is a bag out there for every single one of you, for every single reason you need. Choose from vibrant colors,  structured or oversized bags to give you the edgy chic look this spring . 

5 bags for spring - 

1 .Cross body bag

2. Clutch

3. Cotton quilted bags 

4. Beach bag 

5. Satchel

NECKLACES

A right necklace can help draw attention to the neck . It also helps to enhance the neckline of  the outfit and make it prominent. A necklace or any accessory for that matter can make or break the outfit. 

5 necklaces for spring -

1. Bubble necklace 

2. Bib style necklace 

3. Fringe necklace

4. Chunky necklace with big beads

5. Long chain with pendants

So this is my short list of spring shopping essentials . How big is your list? What are your must have items for spring ?

A Perfect Post Call Day

No one likes to be on call. I mean we HAVE TO  take calls and there is no other option.  There are so many things that can go wrong on a call day. It can range anywhere from loosing your sign out sheet soon after sign out to a patient worsening just before shift change. You name it and I have had it all. However there is only one thing that can be right on a call day...no admissions, none at all ( dream big they say ). This never happens ,at least on my call days. (P.S. they call me am a black cloud when I am on call)

Anyways when on call I look forward to the post call day. All I care about post call is to go home and sleep, sleep and sleep.  My growling stomach is the only possible factor to wake me up. On a post call day I am immune to alarms, phone calls, text messages or even the sound of beeper going off for that matter ( tachyphylaxis ). My routine on a usual post call day is exactly like this ...As I leave the hospital I am yawning, sleepy , cranky and fussy ( I am in Peds you people ). I try to stay within the lane while driving ( I mean I try my best ). I have plans to eat on my way home but that rarely happens. As soon as I get home I change into my pajamas and I go to sleep. At times having no energy to walk past my living room to the bedroom I just crash on the sofa. I call it "living the dream on the couch ". I literally pass out till the hungry stomach wakes me up. At that point I am cursing myself for not stocking up my fridge. Or I am mad and angry at my husband for not being home when I am post call. 

This has been the scenario for most of my residency. However this past saturday (post call day ) was a totally different day, somewhat I mean. I took call overnight and was able to have interrupted couple hours of sleep (made me less cranky to begin with). It was 5 am when I thought -"Oh I can sleep for another hour " and pulled the covers over my face. It was barely 20-30 mins later that my intern called. She was in a total panic mode.  A patient was crashing. My heart skipped a beat. I jumped out of the bed and I ran to the patient's room(my only workout that weekend ). I need not tell you what followed. There was so much happening. Once everything was under control I looked at my watch. I had not realized that 2 hours had gone by. It was way past the signout time. I got the sign out list ready and left the hospital once hand offs to the day team were complete. 

As I was driving home I was WIDE awake. I did not struggle to stay within the lanes (yay!).Thanks to the couple hours of interrupted sleep overnight and the adrenaline rush from the early morning code blue. I was still in my grumpy post call mode when I reached home. As soon as I opened the door I noticed the lights were on. I realized that my parents were with me and I was not alone post call. I was overjoyed. As I changed into my pajamas, "adrakwali chai" was ready for me at the dining table. I drink tea everyday. But it is more like few sips here and there as I am getting ready to go to  work. Sometimes I get my first dose of caffeine while driving to work. But the cup of tea this post call day was a different one. It was the tea made by my mom, with love and affection. I was not just sipping the tea. I was enjoying it with my mom ( a tea lover and the best tea maker). I was able to relish the rich flavor. I was enjoying every bit of the moment, mindful of the cup of tea I was having. I could smell the aroma, savor the tea. I was soaked in the happiness of being surrounded by my parents on a post call day. A simple pleasure in life but worth a treasure. 

Should I mention that the tea was followed by hot sandwiches and then another cup of "adrakwali chai ". 
It was a perfect post call day. 

See the change, Be the change

My parents are currently visiting me from India. My parents are not thrilled at all being in USA and cannot wait to return back.  They enjoy  being with me, enjoy my company and that is the only reason they agreed to visit me. To stay healthy and fit ( real reason being to kill time as well ) they go on walks in the area around the place where I live. When I returned from work this past week all I  heard everyday was how clean the area is.  How well maintained the surroundings are.  How beautiful the neighborhood looks.  My mom whispered( loud enough that I heard it)" Kolhapur asa asta tar? '' Loose translation being - If Kolhapur ( my hometown ) was like this ?

Man is a social animal. We all have heard that million times. I remember reading this very sentence  in my history textbook while in primary school. I may have even used it in some essays I wrote in school years.  You must be wondering what is the context here? 

We all are social and live in a community. We are surrounded by people and we call it the community.( In this context  I want to refer to our apartment complexes and neighborhoods as "community").  We all have ideas and views about our community. We feel that people in the community should come together, share their views on what matters the most to them.  And then join hands together for betterment of this community. 

I think the same about my community, the area I live in.  Such thoughts always linger in my mind but are never translated into action.  I kept thinking  ideas are ideas and this rarely  happens in the real world until I came across this link....http://www.theuglyindian.com/

This changed the way I think.  I was amazed at what the coalition was able to accomplish.  These are  people from my motherland India. People just like me yet so different and unique I must say. People  from my ideal world who exist in reality. People who had the same thoughts, came together and took ownership to do their part.  People who work on a simple motto " Kaam chalu ,Mooh bandh " that is stop talking, start doing.

 To know more about this group, how you can contribute or be a part of this group, please visit their website.

Disclaimer---This post is not sponsored by theuglyindian group.  All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. 

My Easter Sunday

The resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated on Easter Sunday. I worked on Easter Sunday last year and was at work even this year. Yes, you read it right ! I was on call Good Friday and Easter Sunday ( P.S. story of my life on all holidays). At work I kept hearing conversations all about church and candy. So I started chit chatting with my co-workers about Easter . I asked them how they celebrate Easter ? What were their thoughts on being at work today? 

Starting with the most important people at my work...the kids. Unanimously they all complained ( and cried ) about missing the Easter egg hunt. They all wanted the chocolate bunny and chocolate egg( include me here). The kids kept me engaged by telling their experiences from previous years. Some told me about the giant candy filled egg they had found. Some told me about the empty eggs they had found. Some told me about the games and prizes they won while some spoke about the music and food. I got it! It was all about the Easter bunny, candies and Easter egg hunts.

Then I moved on to ask the family members about their thoughts. Every family had a different story. Some parents were relieved about not having to arrange an egg hunt this year in their own yard since their kid was in the hospital. Some families spoke about how grateful they were that their neighbors had joined forces to help with the Easter preparations while their kid was sick and being treated in the hospital. Moms kept talking about the entry way decors and fireplace decor, table decorations and wreaths. Parents told me how hard it was juggling spring cleaning, Easter preparations and spending time with their sick kid in the hospital,all at the same time. Neither of them had imagined ( or planned ) to spend the Easter weekend with us ( the hospital crew ) though they thanked us for taking care of their sick kids.

As this conversation was going on I noticed beautifully decorated Easter baskets and Easter bunnies in the patient rooms I was visiting. I found out that these baskets were sent from volunteers and organizations to the hospital. Some thoughtful generous people in the community who cared for those little souls took efforts to arrange all this. The baskets were filled with goodies and smile inspiring treats .The bunnies brought a big smile on those little faces. The tears rolling out of the tiny eyes seemed to sparkle now, those happy faces gleaming in joy. 

Check out my Easter pictures below .

Easter Egg Hunt at work-2013

Easter Bunnies we made at work -2014

Easter gifts sent from volunteers-2014

So did you have fun on Easter? How did you spend your Easter Sunday?

Boston Diary - Part 4

In my previous posts I shared some of my experiences living in Boston. There is so much to say and write about those wonderful years in Boston. I plan to conclude this series for now. I say "for now" because who knows what future holds for you? I may end up living in Boston again. Life has its surprises and I strongly believe in destiny.

So back onto our last day of this wonderful journey....My initial impression of the city was that only young ,college students live in Boston. I lived in the Allston area close to the BU( Boston University ) campus . No wonder I thought only young souls live here. I have heard remarks where people refer to  Boston as "city of youth ". Very true indeed. I closely observed people who lived in different parts of Boston during my train rides, during my conversations with some of them.

I realized people from that particular neighborhood are dedicated to their part of the town. I love Allston and will brag about it always. If you meet my  friend who lives in Jamaica plain( JP as I will refer to in future ) you cannot miss her devotion for JP. She takes pride in telling you all about JP.  Another friend will not fail to convince you that Bedford is the best place to buy a house in. I also lived in the Fenway area briefly during 2012-2013. The name "Fenway " speaks for itself. One word" Fenway" says it all. It was a whole new experience living here especially on those days when Red Sox were playing at Fenway Park. The electrifying atmosphere is never just limited to the stadium but spills out to the streets. The crowd, the overflowing cars on the street and the conversation about a game make it hard to tell if it is night or day. The spirit never rests. People here love Boston and live Boston.

As I have mentioned again and again Boston is a great place to visit. It is a major tourist attraction, no matter what the season is. I don't think of winter as an exception either ( keep reading and you will know why ). Like any other cities in the world spring season is the best for outdoor activities. You don't have to drive far away from the city to enjoy the spring . You could if you want to, but remember I did not own a car. ( P.S. read my earlier posts  ). I loved riding the "T" headed to  Boston Commons. But I always got off at Copley square and walked to Boston Commons via Newbury street( the word VIA is very important here ). I enjoyed window shopping on Newbury street ( I swear I never brought anything from any store off of this street ) . Those weekends when I spent hours walking by the Charles river with my husband were so magical.  Located close to downtown Boston Quincy market and Faneuil hall were one of my  favorite destinations on a gorgeous spring weekend. Hikes around the wooded area of Walden pond or just walking the Freedom trail going back into history kept me active and fit.

My Fenway apartment in spring 

 The beauty of fall foliage is beyond words. There are numerous spots in the New England area to enjoy the breathtaking views during fall. Places like JP,  Walden park  which are not very far from the hustle and bustle of the city have some splendid fall foliage. It is hard to describe in words the spectacular views. It is something you have to experience ( or check my picture below for a glimpse   ). 

Fall captured at Boston Commons 

Boston winters are harsh, can be brutal too. I don't disagree with that at all.  But I think there is beauty and warmth in this city in winter. As you see the snow flurries your heart is filled with romance. It gets dark early but with the soft snow on the ground and the street lamps lit up  the city sparkles. It is mesmerizing. The winters are not just for couples. If you decide to step outside ( P.S. assuming you are all layered up and covered up ) you can enjoy ice skating at frog pond. Wachusett is a great place to ski .If you are brave enough and have the courage you can join the speedo santa run. As holiday season approaches there are ample opportunities to take pictures with Santa, listen to holiday choirs, attend some theater performances. There is always cheer and warmth in this gleaming city.

Outside my Fenway apartment in winter 

And that is why Boston is the city of my dreams. It has a very special place in my heart. Thank you for joining me on this wonderful trip down the memory lane.

So are you making plans to actually visit Boston?

Boston Diary - Part 3

In my earlier post I wrote about LMA and my journey in Boston from academic standpoint. I know its boring to study all the time .Talk to me about it. I am a student of medicine for my whole life. Wait! I know what's going on in your mind this very moment  - "Gargi , is this you talking and that too about studies ?".  Well yes I am.  But you know I am very honest and I pen down my thoughts on this blog, with all sincerity.

So back onto our journey....My husband was a resident when we got married and later was in  Boston again for his fellowship ( thank God he is not in training anymore).  He was always busy and hardly had any free time at hand. Weekends when he was off were spent either studying or catching up on lost sleep. I was introduced to the concept of golden weekend and black weekend as I became familiar with his call schedule during training. So on one such "golden weekend " or may be I should say "diamond weekend" ( or even platinum for that matter )  we decided to just walk around in the town with no agenda in mind and spend some quality time together. 

We decided to take the "T" and get off at the last station, Government center . Once we were out on the streets station we just started walking around in that area. The weather was gorgeous. Hand in hand we walked down the roads, turning right and turning left along the sidewalks. It was a very pedestrian friendly area and we both enjoyed walking. It was so much fun just venturing out on the streets, no destination in mind. If we liked the name of a street we walked in that direction. We spotted something interesting far away and turned in that direction.

Our walking adventure landed us at the Hay market somehow. Hay market is a fresh produce market. It was not busy at that point but slowly and steadily was getting crowded. There were numerous vendors and many shoppers. And may be some were like me and husband, just taking a stroll through the city. I was very surprised by what I saw. There were open stalls and pushcarts. Some stalls were covered with canvas and some had plastic tarps. I saw stalls selling variety of fruits and vegetables, cheese and meats, spices and small goodies. You name it and Hay market has it. There were empty boxes everywhere and some stale rotten vegetables now letting out an odor. It was not unpleasant ( yet) by any means. I was shocked but thrilled by the cheap prices (especially in Boston ) . Gradually people had some serious elbowing going on to snap those bargains . I felt like you needed some skills to survive and shop there. It reminded me of the market back home ( Kapil Tirth Market in Kolhapur). The atmosphere brought back to my mind a flashback of  those childhood trips to mandai ( marathi word for market ) with my grandmother and mom. Oh I miss those childhood days !

We finally managed to navigate our way through the Hay market ( skills learnt from growing up in India clearly helped )  and were now in the North End area. We bumped into Mikes pastry by chance( you better believe me when I say by chance ).  It was our first time here. The place was crowded, jam-packed. It was a "SWEET" surprise to see the long list of desserts this shop had to offer. They say life is all about choices and making the right decisions. I am confident we had made a good choice by entering a pastry shop. The decision to eat desserts was not wrong either (those legs had got a workout already ) . The pictures of cannoli mounted on the wall helped me make up my mind. After much waiting and standing in the line we got our cannoli and a cake. Dying to know how it was?  Check out my pictures below. As I savored every bite of the cannoli I made a secret resolution in my mind to return here.Why not? I had a perfect day in Boston with my sweetheart.

At Mike's Pastry...smile says it all !

Cannoli was already gone before the picture was taken !

Boston Diary - Part 2

I wrote a post couple of days ago about Boston. I have been thinking about Boston since. So I decided to write a series of posts about this city. Posts where I can share my experiences living here. Posts where I can narrate the beauty of the city. Posts that will make you fall in love with Boston. So are you ready to embark on this journey to Boston with me  ? 

I did not own a car when I lived in Boston .We could not afford to buy one then.  I always took advantage of the great public transport, mostly the subway and sometimes the bus service. The convenient and efficient public transport makes living in this city a breeze.  I used to run across the street when I saw the "T" coming to the station across my apartment. Everytime I saw a "T " approaching the station I ran. The "T" driver saw me many times running and just smiled as I boarded  the train. It sort of became a routine. I used to hate waiting for the next train ( even though "T" came every 5-10 mins ).

At the green line "T" station 

 I enjoyed wandering on the streets, trying to hop in and out of the train  aka "T" aka the various lines(green, red, silver, blue, orange  ). I felt like a bird soaring high in the sky, flying from one tree to another. Then resting on a branch, looking at the view, soaking in all that beauty and then flying higher and higher. I started exploring all the new places, museums, malls and shops all on my own, all day long.

Sometimes my train rides were exhausting but I used to look forward to them. During one such train ride and exploring places along the train line, I landed in the Longwood medical area ( LMA ) one day. I ended up at  the Countway library of medicine which since became my second home. I studied there 7-8 hours a day, every single day, 3 weekends a month. The studious atmosphere in the library helped me gained momentum to study for my exams. Today as I am close to  finishing my residency I still remember my entire  USMLE journey. The journey  that started at Countway Library in Boston. 

Near HMS and Countway Library

I was a frequent visitor to the LMA .It is centered on Longwood avenue. HMS( Harvard Medical School ), Harvard teaching hospitals and numerous medical facilities are located in this area.  Hence the name "Longwood Medical Area" ( its obvious folks ). Last year I had an opportunity to rotate through Boston Children's Hospital as a pediatric resident for a month. It was fun being able to live in Boston again, this time in a different neighborhood. It was one of my best months in residency. The competitive spirit , doctors motivated by ambition, the discussions and conferences loaded with knowledge and the wonderful fellows I got to work with made this month a memorable experience in my professional life. It was like a dream come true. Prestigious academic institutes, world famous hospitals and genius doctors at their best, all happening right there, around me.

I lived in the " Fenway " area and could walk to work. (P.S. -I do not like driving and love to walk  ). As I walked to work everyday I saw doctors, nurses and medical staff everywhere. It was nice to see people in blue scrubs everywhere, in and out of the hospitals or even Starbucks for that matter. I took a different route everyday as I headed back home from work. I enjoyed my walk to and from work exploring the different streets in the neighborhood. Sometimes I walked along the BIDMC hoping that my husband may get off of work and might be exiting the building the same time I was there ( P.S. that never happened ). Sometimes I went to HMS , sat on the lush green grass and just stared at the building. I felt like the walls were talking to me, narrating the history of medicine. The landmark contributions in medicine have all happened here. Some detours ended up taking me to Jamaica Plain( JP ). I sat there enjoying the picturesque pretty view on one of the benches overlooking the pond. Days when I decided to take a longer route I went to the Museum of Fine Arts and then back home.

All in all I made the most of my stay in Boston. I enjoyed every moment of my days in Boston. This city  has so much to offer. It has something  for every need and every taste. Boston is the city of my dreams. It has a very special place in my heart.

Boston Diary

As a daily routine I listen to NPR on my way to work. I was about to step out of my car when I heard   " Boston healing - a report in 20 mins" . I paused for a moment. Then I realized I needed to be at work and walked out of the parking deck to my office. The words "Boston healing " kept resonating the whole day in my mind. I could not stop thinking about Boston. 

I lived in Boston from December 2007 to June 2009. I also visited the city on and off for a year from July 2012  to June 2013. This morning brought back fond memories of my stay at Boston. Boston is the first city I came to when I landed in USA. For me it is a very special city. It holds a special place in my heart. 

 I still remember that day when I landed at Logan  international airport with my husband, stepping out of the plane as newly weds. After immigration formalities and customs clearance , I was headed towards the parking lot. I was holding my husband's hand and a huge stroller bag in my other hand. The chilly wind blew on my face as I stepped out of the airport and I grabbed his hand tightly. Realizing I had not worn gloves my husband took off his gloves and gave them to me. He pushed the cart loaded with 5 more heavily packed stroller bags with bare hands(  no gloves ) till we reached the car in the parking lot. 

notice the snow and absence of a jacket and gloves

My married life started in this city. Back then we were renting a small studio apartment in Allston off of Commonwealth avenue . That studio apartment was very tiny but was like a palace of my dreams . I decorated every nook and corner of the apartment, mounted some wall decor and hung curtains on every window. I gave it some TLC ( tender loving care ) . As much as I transformed that bachelor pad/studio into a home , the city of Boston transformed me as a person. I landed as a newly married wife and found new life, going in a whole new direction.

homely touch to the apartment

bachelor pad

Premove or Promove !

It's mid April already and June is not far away. Like many other graduating students I am looking forward to June 2014. I look forward to June every year since its the month in which my birthday falls. But this year June is very special because I graduate from my pediatric residency. I finish 3 years of rigorous training and emerge as a pediatrician, ready to step into  " the real world " as my attendings call it.

June every year brings with it lots of surprises and some gifts. My parents send me a birthday gift every single year no matter what . This year my parents are visiting me in USA currently and I have already received my birthday gift... a beautiful necklace from India. Since the surprise element for June is over its time to have some action in June. I will be moving within Georgia, about a 100 miles to the northern part of the state from where I am currently . 

This means I have to pack , pack and pack my entire apartment and move it from one location to another. Like I said earlier I have received my birthday gift in advance and now I have decided to move few of my belongings in advance. Over the weekend I moved few big pieces of furniture, namely my sofa and mattress . Though it was " few" ( few = 3 ) pieces I knew I would have to pay the "big" price. Every single quote from local moving companies was way too expensive for just 3 pieces.  Finally I started looking up on Craigslist. I admit I was very skeptical and after talking to few of the people listed on Craigslist I had almost given up hope. However with the last phone call I decided to make I found one person to help me move ( lets call him  Mr.Z )

Mr.Z sounded ok on the phone and stated a low, unbeatable price. I decided to use his services still skeptical though. Now that it was less money I had doubts about it too. I was worried as to why is he charging so less? why did he not ask for a higher price and then negotiate to a lower one ?  On the day of the move he showed up a little over an hour late. My fear was intensified and doubts seem to just multiply. What if he runs away with the furniture? What if he just disappears on the interstate and never shows up at the final destination ? His truck seemed to be in not very good condition and I started taping the bottom of the truck and trailer with some plastic sheets so my furniture will stay clean. 

After all the loading we set on the journey . I drove ahead of him in my own car to reach my final destination beforehand and my husband decided to follow Mr .Z in another car. On my way I called my husband many times to check on him and also Mr.Z of course and our furniture. 

The moving went well. The furniture was at our new apartment in immaculate condition, no damage, no scratches. Mr.Z and his helper moved the heavy furniture in the scorching heat.They were sweating and panting every time they climbed up and down three flight of stairs with or without the furniture. My husband paid Mr.Z  his asking price and a generous tip for which he thanked us over and over again.

I was relieved. I was happy that everything went so smoothly. My furniture was in pristine condition and seemed to fit perfectly in my new living room. A little later while I was rejoicing about how things went well I heard a knock on the door. When I saw Mr.Z  at the doorstep I was thinking " Now what? Why is he back? Does he want more money?'" Just as my mind was flooded with worries Mr. Z handed back all the plastic sheets I had put in his truck and trailer. He also apologized for not bringing them upstairs with the furniture and left.

I stood there with the plastic sheets in my hand. I was ashamed. I had made assumptions, all wrong. I had judged Mr.Z all this time, right from when I first spoke to him over the phone till the time he loaded and unloaded the furniture from one destination to another. I had judged his clothes, his looks and his manners. However I had judged him wrong. I had overlooked his hard work and his honesty. I had overlooked his diligence and commitment to the work. I felt guilty and ashamed.


                              " Be curious, not judgemental " - Walt Whitman

                                       

My packing saga ...what I learnt (?) so far.

I cannot believe that I am writing this. I usually am a person when it comes to choosing outfits is like may be this one or that or this just in case. And this scenario is when I go to the shop, while I am packing for a trip or getting ready to go to a restaurant. Don't get me wrong here. I am an organized person overall. But I have a hard time sticking to my list ( which I always make no matter what ) when it comes to shopping clothes or packing clothes. Clearly here we will omit budget and finances all together. That is a discussion for some other day.

I am getting better at traveling light with each trip but I surely have so much more to accomplish. I am going to Turkey next month ( yes Turkey...yeah the country Turkey... I mean Istanbul,Turkey ) well you all got it I am excited about the trip. So my goal is to travel light , travel with as little luggage as possible. 

To help me with my goal I have started a board on Pinterest to gather ideas about the same. I am reading various articles over the Internet. I am trying to compile here what I learnt so far( or should I say what I need to stick to in the future) .

Questions to ask before packing---

1. How long am I going for?

Very important since that helps me decide the size of my bag ... Cabin bag or check in  bag or backpack or all the above( the answer is jam packed all the above when I head to India every single time )

2 . Where am I traveling to and for what purpose ? 

This helps me decide the type of clothes I need to carry. Is it for a conference or just leisure or a wedding . 

3. Where will I be staying?

If I stay at my parents house or at a close acquaintance where I can use the laundry , then the number of clothing items needed should ( in my case never ) be less since I can wash and use some items again. If I am staying in a hotel I will  rather not use the laundry then I need more clothing items. 

So after all these questions are answered I proceed with planning outfits. I start

laying clothes either on the bed or put them together while on a hanger on the door knob of my closet. I pick clothing items that can be used in more than one way. I usually select two outfits each day. However if I have special events like a conference with alumni meet I keep an extra outfit for that day. I always carry one T shirt extra overall in the whole luggage..you know just in case.

Once done with picking and finalizing clothes I choose my shoes. When it comes to shoes comfort is the most important factor. I pick shoes such that even if I end up walking the whole day they will not hurt my feet. (P.S. next time you see me in DSW walking up and down the aisle you know why ). The shoes have to scream comfort and only then I will buy them.

After all this brainstorming (sometimes I feel it is easier to wrote an abstract for a conference than to pack my luggage ) I rarely have energy and time to co-ordinate  my accessories and the outfit. I just pack up a couple of pearl earrings and wear them with all outfits. I guess I need to work on accessorizing better.

Thus this is my packing saga. What is your strategy while packing for a trip?

Ideas to reinvent your winter wear for spring

Spring is here. Finally!!!  At least the calendar says its April. But does it feel like spring? My answer is a big no. It is still cold where I stay. It may even  be winter like weather  in some parts of the world. So don't put away your winter wardrobe entirely yet. Just incorporate some transitional pieces into your current outfits to stay warm. Here are some ideas from my end to stay warm as we gradually head to some really hot days into summer.

1. Cardigan

A light cardigan instantly transforms your outfit. Not only it takes it a notch up but also is cozy and comfortable. You can pair a cardigan with a nice silk blouse with floral prints to incorporate some spring vibe into your outfit. On the other hand if you choose to wear a dress you can also layer the cardigan over a dress. Be sure to try polka dot print, a very popular trend now. 

2. Blazer

Blazer is such a fantastic way to add character to your outfit. Use blazers with prints and keep the basic pieces in neutrals. Just as cropped blazers were seen everywhere earlier now it's time to try on longline blazers. Longline blazers are appropriate for any body type, petite to tall. Longline blazers with a button front and with or without pocket detail will look great for Easter outfit. Pair one with a short skirt or skinny ankle length or may be even cropped tailored pants and up your glam quotient instantly.

3. Denim Jacket

Denim jacket has been a wardrobe staple for a long time. It not only keeps one warm but also adds the cool factor to an outfit. It sort of helps complete the look. One trend to try on is to wear a denim jacket with denim pants. Yes you heard it right...denim on denim. Just play with different shades of the same color or may be two different colors. Try jacket in one shade and the denim pants in lighter or darker  shade of the same hue. You can also pair a denim jacket with a leather skirt for a chic look. However you decide to keep it simple just try on a denim jacket when you wear a maxi dress next time.

So what are your ideas to stay warm this spring ?

Spring into spring

I like to think of April  as a transitional month. In India 31st March ("march end "as they call it marks the end of fiscal year). As April begins people at offices and banks , especially at CPA offices are a bit relaxed. Students look forward to mid April when their exams end and thus the academic year ends. I like April because it marks the arrival of spring. Finally it starts to get warmer. Being in Georgia now and coming from India you can clearly tell that I prefer warm weather  over the chilly winters.

The arrival of warm weather also means more outdoor activities, hikes and day trips and not to mention the shopping for summer essentials. Finally I can stop wearing jeans and sweater, jeans and sweater or maybe a sweater dress. 

Its time to come up with cute spring outfit ideas. I can actually wear some light, cotton fabric clothes. It also means I can wear more color, more prints and more patterns. I can add some springtime vibe to the wardrobe. This means  I get to wear some transitional pieces as well as give some chic finishing touches to the outfit. Spring fashion could be seen everywhere from street styles to runway trends. It can range anywhere from statement necklaces to wedges and heels, denim and camo jackets to printed pants and leggings, beachwear to sundresses. Don't  shy away to try these spring clothes on some temperamental weather days. Spring into action. 

Here is a list of my top 5 spring essentials-

1. Chambray or Oxford shirt ( will not hurt to have both )

2. Denim jacket

3. Floral print skirt or legging
4. Maxi dress

5. Blouses/ tops in bold colors

So Brighten up your wardrobe and say " Bye  cold weather . Hello spring ." What are your spring wardrobe essentials? 

Why I want to blog

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” —William Wordsworth

I came across this while surfing the Internet. It was the defining moment when I decided to start blogging. I am a talker. I love to talk , talk and talk. I thought may be if I decide to pen down my thoughts I possibly can reach out to many people. Otherwise at home usually my husband is always the audience, whether by choice or not. To put  it in another way he is the audience by MY choice since he has no other option . This is my first attempt ever at blogging. But writing improves with practice they say. So lets see...

I write my posts from here!