Ho Chie's 6th grade home room?

Nope. You do what ya gotta do at a children's hospital...

And my team, the Silver Team, is the most spirited!

And the moment you've been waiting for...

It's Silver Man! Bringing blinding Awesome-ness to the World of Children!

Hmmm... I must become Silver by tomorrow. I must transform...

No, really, it's a pic courtesy of Sherry during her recent trip.

Harmony impressed me tonight. I thought I knew her fairly well... and then she says or writes stuff that reflects her inner soul and passions. I stop what I'm doing and think "when did she grow up on me?" Well, I guess they all grow up at some point. And that's OK. But, Harmony is supposed to be my little Harmz - the eternal cute 4 year old girl I met over a decade ago...

They're spying on me!!
I just discovered this live webcam at Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science that is pointed right over my backyard. I live right behind this hill in the webcam. There are some cool time-lapse movies of the weather changes here in the bay. Check it out if you have a fast broadband connection... You'll be impressed.

I got out relatively early today. That means extra time for me and bubble tea and blogger. Too bad I have nothing to really blog about... except that maybe I will look somewhat silvery for Halloween after all. Curious? You'll have to check back later in the week to find out. I love this laptop. It's my connection with the world and you.

This Bush Speech Composer is so FUNNY! Thanks Margaret! hehe!

End of Daylight Savings Time = Extra hour of overnight work for Ho Chie = "Oh, this is friggin' painful, man!"

Anyways, I had a nice lunch with Jesse and Rochelle today. Nice of them to stop by.

Not much to blog about today. I'm on call. Hello Suzan.

Oh my gosh! I missed Celia's birthday 2 days ago... That sucks! Happy belated birthday, my friend!

It was a long rough day. But, no matter how stressful it is, I know I can come back home, go up to the deck, and the view just makes me feel so good. I wonder how I got this far in life. And why I have such special friends and people in my life.

I am so not a Halloween person. But, I work in a children's hospital, and my entire team wants to dress up... I guess I better come up with something. The theme is "silver." I haven't the faintest clue where to start...

Shall we review? Exactly 6 months ago, I was in New York City. I was sleeping much better then. And so were my blog buddies...

Yesterday, the mother of an asthmatic girl I was taking care of asked me to be her doctor. That would be the equivalent of hitting a homer. And then another mom of my clinic patient wanted me to see the rest of her kids too... all on the next visit. Not bad. I have 4 slots that day. She's taken 3. How flattering. I'll call that a Grand Slam.

Why does my post sound so Frank-esque? Hmm. Interesting. I'll let Margaret figure that one out for me. But as Davef would say (in best HoChie-like voice-over): "Like, yo, I might have to start acting like a doctor, yo."

I am thinking about all my wonderful friends who live far away... I don't know why. I guess I miss you all.

She kills me... hehe...
chewyANN13: hewo
HoChie71: hewo bunny wabbit
chewyANN13: shh...i'm hunting wabbits...be bery bery quwiet

I am spoiled. But I did study today! I walked over to the Free Speech Cafe on campus to do some reading over coffee and a nice slice of mocha cheesecake. I discovered they have free internet access there too. Uh oh for me. Afterwards, I walked over to Telegraph Avenue and got a slice of pizza to eat outside. After watching some little kids play with the biggest bubble bath fountain ever, I treked back up the hill over behind the Greek Theatre to see if I could catch a glimpse of the Jack Johnson concert.

Well, I couldn't see much, but it wasn't too shabby for freebie entertainment. So, now I'm back at home, on the deck, typing this blog on my laptop while listening to the concert as it echoes through the hills. I heard his song Bubble Toes, which reminds me... I didn't get my bubble tea today. I got Taiwanese shaved ice instead. Life is still good. And I am very spoiled. Very. Come share.

The question of the day: What bubble tea flavor shall I get?

Look who I found today! And she now has her own blog too! Have a great day Bettina!! It was nice chatting with you and I miss you lots!

I went for a little jog up the Berkeley Hills behind my apartment. This is what I found at the top. With a little imagination, you can figure out what it is.

On my way back down, the CAL vs UCLA game was just starting, and I happened to find a great spot where people were watching way above the stadium. My roommate says it's called "Tightwad Hill." But, hey, that fits my budget just right.

And it has a little canon on top that fires off every time a touchdown or field goal is scored by Berkeley. Score at halftime now: Berkeley 10 - UCLA 3. Go Bears! But really, I don't care who wins. Go Bruins? I know nothing. I'll let Frank be the sports expert here.

So as I was sitting there watching the Honor Guards parading the flags on the field, 2 military jet fighters buzzed the top of the hill... right over where I was sitting. I think that was just about the coolest thing that I've seen in awhile.

Today is the first day I've seen sunlight the whole week! I get up too early and get home too late on all the other days. But it's all good. I like what I'm doing and how I'm doing.

Yesterday, I had the cutest little patient - a Korean American girl recovering from an inner ear surgery who previously had significant hearing loss in both ears. She just laid there quietly in bed, still somewhat drowsy, with a purple bandage wrapped around her head. It was so adorable. When her parents talked to her in mixed English/ Korean/ and sign language, she would mostly sign back... in English. Imagine that, her parents had to learn both English and American sign language just to communicate with her. That is so interestingly and uniquely Asian American. Yet not. And it made me feel such a connection with her and her parents. I hope she recovers well today.

I'm having a good day. I hope you are too.

I had a fun evening. After work, I spoke to a group of Berkeley students about my experiences as a resident and medical student. I think I was fairly cynical. But, I just wanted them to know the realities of becoming a doctor and the "price" you have to pay to get through it all. In the end, you have to just love what you do, but as you might know from reading my blog, it's a tough road to walk some days. Today was a good day.

I am a fan of Connie's blog. She is so witty and wise. And especially creative with her writing. And she's only in Junior High... Impressive.

Some of the people I love most... Some. The rest of you are out there... Take care of yourselves.

First day back on the wards wasn't so bad after all. Even after only 4 hours of sleep. I may actually learn something this month... Off to get Thai food with Betsy, my fellow intern and team member. I am hungry!!

Most of the patients I saw today in the Emergency Room had broken bones, broken fingers, etc. That's what happens on a vacation day from school... What are these parents thinking by letting these kids play and have fun?

Ban Fun! School everyday!
hehe. j/k.

Back to the ward service tomorrow. I sense a tough month ahead of me. Send me cheerful emails.

I spent only an extra 1.5 hours at work today instead of 2 hours like yesterday. This is how I feel right now... ewwy-gooey-poopy. But it's all good - thanks to CAROL who left a happy sunshiney message on my voicemail!

I was chatting with Lillian and somehow she got me thinking about all the TAFers here in Cali... So here's a short list of the directors and counselors, past and present... Does this mean we can move TAF to Cali?? Hmmm...

College Program - Rick C
Youth Program - Spencer C, Vince T, Alex Y, Karin W
Junior High Program - Alanna L, Alice L, Paul L, Jesse W, Chris L, Millie W, Jenny C
Junior Program - Celia C, Jackie W, HoChie

I just got home a little while ago from work. 10 hour shifts in the Emergency Room are long enough - but my evening stretched for an extra 2 hours after that. Needless to say, I am brain-dead and tired. I need rest. I need food. I need a nice massage.

Margaret, honey, if you're eye is that swollen still, you need to take some oral benadryl before you go to sleep...

Breakfast with Sherry this morning... followed by Bubble Tea with her and Laura... and then I'm back to work this weekend, all weekend. Bleh!

This morning, Sherry and I got some Filipino food - yummy pancit, BBQ pork, some Halo Halo (shaved ice) and a Filipino version of Bubble Tea. Then we went to the top of Mt. Tam and risked our lives climbing dangerous rock ledges. We survived and headed back to Berkeley to reward ourselves with Bubble Tea. And then we got another round of Bubble Tea and Taiwanese shaved ice just because we felt like it. Shame on ice. OOPS! I mean "us."

Death-defying climb to the ledge.

After scaling the rock face bare-handed...

Bubble Tea underneath the clock tower. Bumped into my buddy Kari!

Sherry has arrived! With her, she brings Chicago time. It is a little past 4 am there, so it's almost time to wake up. So when we do, we shall celebrate with bubble tea...

I knew it was coming, and I still missed it! (Work is killing me!) Sorry Lillian! Happy birthday yesterday! I hope it was a good one! Miss ya!


And since I'm on the topic of belated birthdays... Happy birthday to the fellow October babies' birthdays I missed... Karisa, Shan-jean, Brenton, Alanna, Hannah, Jessica J, Cathy K, and Lester! I know I'm missing others...

Heck, let's move forward... cuz you know I'll miss them too. Happy birthday to the rest of the October babies coming up... Kasumi, Celia, Tina L, Jackie, Eric, Jason, li'l James, Kris, and MOMMY!

Sherry is coming to visit SF tonight! We'll probably have a late-night rendez-vous in Chinatown after I get out of work. And hopefully Celia finds her way up here from San Diego tomorrow... At some point I hope I'll see Jackie too. It's been awhile. But anyhoo, it's looking like a TAF JR counselor party! And you're invited too!

I'm working these afternoon and night shifts in ER. My sleep cycle is messed up. I'm tired. And, I got up early this morning so I could get my car back from the auto shop. Repairs and tune-up are costing me over $1200. I think I shall stop eating for a month. Now I'm watching new reports about the unknown Maryland sniper and the whole Iraq issue. How disgusting. My head hurts. My bones hurt. My wallet hurts. Actually, my wallet is empty now. This day has to get better... but first, a nap before going to work.

Crazy day in the ER today... 8 more hours to go... Back to work...

A couple of my "dreamy JH girls" have joined me in the blog world! Welcome Lillian and Alice!

I think I would like to live on an island with nice sandy beaches. Who wants to come along?

Watching surfers yesterday morning...

I think it's a beach day today...

A couple of shout outs: The first one goes out to a Super Star whom I shall call S.S. for short - nice hearing your voice again tonight! I miss you lots! And the second one goes to a med school friend, oh, Asian female, about 5' 0" +/- 2", black hair, brown eyes who has a brand new beautiful blog site!

Mini TAF/TAYL reunion in Santa Monica!

Esther, Ian, Celia, Irving, Ryan, JenChen, HoCh, Becca, Rick, Paul, and Alice!

Becca and HoCh! My blog buddy Esther and bubble tea!

Rick's new home and meditation spot... Yet so violent... Why?
Must drink more Relaxtation bubble tea!

Nerds! Nerds! Nerds! Celia and Wayne - so silly!

Millie, Chris, me, Celia, and Wayne in Huntington Beach.

A conversation with my buddy April, 10 years old...

Iceskatergirl5: talk to me!
HoChie71: oh ok
HoChie71: i thought you weren't there anymore!
HoChie71: how's school?
Iceskatergirl5: goodful
HoChie71: goodful? is that a word?
HoChie71: hehe
HoChie71: excellentness
Iceskatergirl5: goodful is ones of my bestest words in mes vocab
HoChie71: april, you crack me up! i miss you!
Iceskatergirl5: :-)
Iceskatergirl5: i miss everysbodys

and that's why I love little kids!

So my plans are shaping up a bit... It seems I'll probably get to see Chris and Millie tonight for dinner after Celia picks me up! That makes, um, at least 8 current and old TAFers, 2 TAYLers, and a super college friend for this weekend... I'm crossing my fingers for Jenny too... How exciting! If only I could see some of my old JR kids in the area too... Karen, Connie, Shanjean, Christina, Amanda, Annie... Hmmm, considering the possibilities...

It seems my blog buddies Frank and Marge are traveling this weekend too... I'm psyched about going to southern Cali! Besides hanging on the beach and in the hot tub, I get to see Celia, Rick, Esther, Paul, Alice, Alanna, Jen, Irving, Rebecca... What a weekend to look forward to!

Ivy came over for a soup and ice cream lunch break today.

I'm headed to LA tomorrow! I have a nice 3 day weekend ahead of me.

Angel Island and Mt. Tam right after tonight's incredible sunset...

And a view down the pier of a fisherman and his child.

June, Amin, and Dave preparing the grill... in anticipation of crabs!

So, we waited as the crabbing net went to work. And we checked.
And we waited some more. And checked, then waited...

But all we caught were these two little appetizers - not enough for 8 people.
So we set the crabs free and ate chicken instead. And tried to keep warm.
Until next time, little crabs! *mwah haha*
The end.

Hmmm. If I'm not too tired tomorrow, I might go crabbing in the evening with June and Amin. Yes, crabbing - catching creepy crawling crabs. I prefer the old-fashioned method. No cages, no nets. Just a piece of sturdy string and some tempting bait. I think that would be more fun and challenging anyways. Wish me luck. Or feed me later.

After every good day, there's a rough one. I have a headache right now. Ugh. How are you today?

I feel like a superstar! Thanks to several other friends who dropped me a line today - Lillian, Emily, Karen, Karena, Lucy, Ted, Dave D., Celia, Christine... You guys are the BESTEST BUDDIES!

I shall now catch you up on the past couple of days with a series of, as Margaret would say, "HoChie-esque blogs":

Part I: I went to dinner at a Thai restaurant down the street the other night. Yummy! It was probably one of the best restaurants I've been to in awhile. Thanks Cammy and Bob for treating!

Part II: I got a nice little package from Liz yesterday! What a neat surprise! Marshmallow Pumpkins and Spooky Cats... In time they will be perfectly stale. Would you believe I still have a package of Yellow Peeps sitting around from Easter? They accompanied me here from Chicago. Yes, me and my Yellow Peeps. Super Yummy!

Intermission:

Part III: I had a day off today, since I'm back on the ER schedule. I got to sleep in for once... and then to start my day off right, I got all these nice phonecalls, IMs, cards, blogposts from Frank, Ivy, Davef, Sylvia, Ranee, Carol, Lucy, Marge, Jesse, Eileen... Thanks everyone!

Epilogue: I was one quarter short of being able to do my laundry. So I went on a mission this morning to find some change, and ended up buying a cup of coffee to maximize the amount of quarters I could get back. On my walk home, I bumped into Anny! And a little later we met up for lunch at a new Korean BBQ place down the street. I got to visit her new place too. She's my neighbor. How cool is that?

Review: My friends are "SOOPAH!" - superstars everywhere. I love you and miss you all!

Welcome to the blog world Lillian! I miss you!