7.31.2002

After work, I went to Korean BBQ with Cherie. So good. Then I met up with Kasumi for coffee afterwards. So chill. Now, I'm watching my fav female singers on American Idol. So cute. Yes. I try to watch it every week. No shame.

I am done early today, with enough time to play outside! Yay! So, I failed to mention which performance I went to yesterday... on purpose. I wasn't sure if I should mention a certain V word considering how rated G my site is. But, since I heard the word about 100 times yesterday, and given the fact that I am in the health professions, I am now desensitized...

The Vagina Monologues was a fun performance! I learned alot. All together now... "vagina!"

7.30.2002

I tried the Vomit, Sardine, Booger, and Dirt flavored Jelly Bellys today! Yum. And Armen, Jen, and I had a great time visiting the Coppolo and V. Sattui Wineries and picnicing with our gourmet groceries... Now, off to the play...

Jelly Belly Jelly Belly Jelly Belly

7.29.2002

Yay! Jen is staying over tonight after my ER shift ends, and tomorrow I think we're going to Napa Valley for the day and also to visit the Jelly-Belly factory. And tomorrow night, I'm going downtown to watch a performance with some of my fellow interns. I'm looking forward to reclaiming a little bit of life.

7.28.2002


Bambi? Is that you in my backyard?

Welcome home Ivy! And, have a great day Carol!

It's a beautiful day today, and I'm in the ER all day...

7.26.2002

where's my blog?

So today I hung out with Jen again. We met up in Milpitas. Asian people in the area know it as the Ranch 99 mall... where Asians seek out groceries, good eats, and bubble tea. We found a great Malaysian restaurant. Then the lunch hour rush hit, and I believe every Asian tech geek from Silicon Valley showed up. So after lunch and after the crowds subsided, the major decision was Fantasia vs. Sweet Heart Cafe for bubble tea. I think I'm starting to favor the latter place. My flavor of the day was the usual Taro with Pearls. Jen's was the Lemon Fruit Jelly with Pearls. I promise to be more adventurous next time...

7.25.2002

Off to work once again... 10 hour shifts. Not bad, I guess.

Good morning. And a special greeting to those visiting through Connie's page. My blog page seems to be getting a few more hits because of her. OK, time for me to go home now.

7.24.2002

I got to see Jen, who is visiting from Colorado this week. She and her friend Susan joined me for lunch at a Thai place around campus. And afterwards, do I need to say? Bubble tea. Scrumptious.

7.23.2002

I slept in this morning. It was nice. This is Pucca - watching me while I sleep.

7.22.2002

Tomorrow marks the end of my first rotation block in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I start up in the Emergency Room tomorrow. That also means I get to sleep in for a little because I will work the afternoon and night shift. I am definitely looking forward to a change of schedule. This past month just flew by. But that's probably because I was so busy living in the hospital.

Anyways, I mentioned the killer squirrel in my previous blog. You can read Connie's recap of the episode. I got nailed 3 times by that sucker. Anyways, I can't believe Connie is the ONLY person in TAYL that has a blog page, considering that the "blog" originated here in the bay area.

7.21.2002

Late night yesterday... After the party, a bunch of us went to Polly Esthers to jam to some hip 80's music til the 2 AM hour. Oh yeah! My intern class is really cool and very social. It makes the hard days at the hospital so much more bearable. Anyways, I had a nice chill day today on my day off. I hung out with fellow TAYL folk at the post-camp reunion. We ate burgers, played ball, celebrated some birthdays. It's nice to have a little "family" here.

Shu, honorary cake-server. Me and Alice... again.

Cecilia and her bubbles. Ivy and Irving.

Joanna, Connie, and me, as a squirrel attacked us from above.

The killer squirrel. Killer Alice with her watergun.

After the picnic, some of the counselors and a few others, like my new blog buddy Connie and my volleyball pepper partner Joanna, went to a noodle shop for dinner. I got myself some Thai ice tea with pearls... mmmm...

7.20.2002

I got home, sat down, and passed out. Anyways, I'm rested enough to head out to Marlene's for a gathering of fellow residents... Maybe I'll bring my camera.

The only 3 male interns, and our mentor Cori.

Chillin' with Sylvia and June.

Happy Birthday Marlene and Reena!

That was the worst call night I've had all month. 1 hour of sleep in all. Stress up the wazoo. Luckily, it's the last overnight call I have for at least another 4 weeks. Soon it's off to the Emergency Room for late night shifts. That means no AIM at night for almost 2 weeks straight. Can I handle the withdrawal? We shall see... Good news is that my vacation is coming up. I'm back in Chicago for a few days early in August.

call room... post-call... weak smile...

7.19.2002

3 words: "On call. UGH."

7.18.2002

Ever have one of those days where everything is a blur? Before finishing the task at hand, another issue has to be dealt with, then another, and again... It's been one of those days. I'm in a daze. Time to go home. Who are you? Where am I? What's my name again? Jay?

7.17.2002

Can this day get any better?? Not only do I have a Lychee Green Milk Tea with Pearls in hand, but I just got a little "care package" from Cathy and Mike - some fresh-baked brownies expressed to my home. So yummy! Thanks guys, for thinking of me, for your kindness, and for your friendship... I miss you both!

Excellent day. Still on a high after talking to both Frank and Ivy yesterday. Finished my work early today. Chatted with my buddies Carol, Emily, and Mayline online. Gonna go meet up with Laura, sister of Shirley. Perhaps bubble tea will happen after all.

Hello world. I need a cup of coffee. But a bubble tea will do just fine.

7.16.2002

If I ever leave work today (it's been 35 hours so far...), I think I will be joining Betsy and gang at another restaurant around town. I'm ready to eat...

What shall I do today? Perhaps chill at some cafe?

7.15.2002


A couple of pics from Jesse's camera. That would be me on the left.

I am pooped to the bone.

7.14.2002

Eleanor and I are heading out... and joining Jesse and Rochelle at their new house for dinner this evening.

The BBQ: Lamb chops and ribeye steaks grilled by Chef Ho Chie.

Outside the home. Alyssa and Eleanor.

7.13.2002

Hung out with Eleanor and Alyssa this morning, and I took them both to the Cheese Board for more pizza. Yum. Leftovers for breakfast tomorrow. We just came back from Jeff and Ro's wedding. There goes another ex-roommate. I'm a little behind in the game, but that's OK...


I paid to dance with Jeff too. Rochelle and Jesse with Jeff.

7.12.2002

Garu is the boy whom Pucca likes very much. Soundless Jumping power and remarkable landing is his ability.
Such a classic "Asian" English sentence. This is printed on the envelope that accompanied the first housewarming gift that I received today. It's so cute, and it made my day.I like little Asian toys. Anyways, a big hearty thanks goes out to my super special friend who thought of me this week. Not too long ago, she also made a donation on my behalf, as a graduation gift, to the Rainbow Children's Fund. I can't think of a sweeter gesture. I feel like I've gained incredible "Jumping power."

Ugh. Just getting out of work. Now I'm tired. That's 32 hours straight. I need breakfast, then lunch... but it's almost dinner time...

I actually got to sleep the entire night on call, and I feel a little bit rested. That is so awesome! Eleanor is in town for Jeff and Rowena's wedding, so I'll actually be coherent when I see her tomorrow. PLUS, I finally have an entire weekend off!

7.11.2002

At work, on call... and chatting on AIM. How cool is that? I found Carol earlier... she said she saw Tiffany at TAC. And now I'm chatting with Tiff... It's been 3-4 years since I've seen either of them. Here's a pic of Vanessa and Tiff at TAC. And I found one with Carol in it too...


Who's the dead kid? I don't know either.

Margaret made fun of me and my bubble tea. I'll show her... bubble tea deluxe this weekend... "hold the bubbles" - that's so weak!

The BBQ for Jenny was pretty cool. It's nice seeing another familiar face in the area, and I just thought it was so nice that all her friends got together for her. It's good to see that she's happy to be "home" again with all her college buddies. What's interesting is all the connections that I discovered...

-- Jenny's roommate Hiro just met her friend's brother's sister (or something like that) who is dating one of my classmates, Mike. He is one of 3 guys in my class.
-- Margaret's sister is an Infectious Disease Fellow at my hospital. I just met her on morning rounds by coincidence because I recognized her name.
-- Cliffton is going to med school next year. He's on the waiting list for UIC.
-- Annie works for Paypal. I'm a Paypal fan.
-- Grace went to TAF and TAC, used to live in Illinois and the East Coast, and now lives in Berkeley too. She knows Audrey from TAC, Audrey from ITASA, Lorraine from TAF, she knows Lynna by name. I thought she looked so familiar...

7.10.2002

So believe it or not, I'm off to Cupertino again (1 hour drive) for another BBQ for Jenny from UIC who is doing her Internal Medicine residency somewhere in Santa Clara. Note to self: I'm in sleep deficit. Must catch up one of these days.

Maggie and her sis Janice were in town... I had dinner with both of them and their relatives yesterday in Cupertino. It was so nice to see them. I consider it a dose and a half of TAF peeps... Maggie said I was the first TAF person she's seen outside of TAF. Kinda cool, yet almost sad... That's what you get for growing up in Iowa... I took some nice pics with them. They're such cuties. Oh, and here's some random pics of raccoons in my backyard at night.

7.08.2002

I'm starving! Can't wait to head out to a casual dinner with some of my fellow interns at a Mediterranean place near Berkeley. I like food. I like their company. Cool peeps they are.

7.07.2002

Greetings to Ivy, who is stuck in Alabama!

HoChie71: so what does chuan mei do on a sunday night?
CMLee1981: she is "working"
CMLee1981: what does hochie do when he's not working at the hospital?
HoChie71: oh, so sorry. hochie is working too. overnight.
HoChie71: as in, i'm still in the hospital.
CMLee1981: no no don't be sorry chuan-mei welcomes distractions
HoChie71: so does hochie.
CMLee1981: oh wow... on call?
HoChie71: as he has found AIM on a hospital computer
CMLee1981: is it a slow night?
HoChie71: so-so

Phew. First break of the day. Hopefully, it's a quiet night at the hospital. Anyways, I'm so excited! Little Miss Mattie Pooh is gonna be near SF on Tuesday, so hopefully I can hang out with her a little bit!! Yay!

7.06.2002

So, I was just catching up with Frank's blog, and one of his stories reminded me of something that happened the other day. At June's BBQ, one of the few non-doctors there was this Asian guy named David. I chatted briefly with him - he does interesting stuff working with a TV station here in San Francisco. Anyways, later on as several of us were relocating to my place to watch the fireworks, he says "Are you the Ho Chie with that Taiwanese American Foundation? Don't you have a brother named Gary?" Of course, I say yes, but I'm totally surprised that anyone out here really knows about TAF or my brother. We chat for awhile later, and I find out he went to TAF back in the stone age. He's throwing out names from the early 80's including one of the kids that I used to play with when I was growing up. And he remembers meeting me. Honestly, I can't remember... The whole thing was just too coincidental... on the edge of freaky. Neat, but freaky.

7.05.2002

Costco, Target, Ace Hardware, & Ranch 99 run tomorrow with Eileen and Kari... must stock up...

The BBQ's were fun! I got to see some of the TAYL people at Jen's place in Foster City. I left early to head over to BBQ #2 at June's and Amin's place. Afterwards, many of the guests came over to my place to watch the fireworks from a distance. We could see the show in Oakland, San Fran, and Berkeley. Pretty cool. But in my opinion, they're not as great as the ones I've seen in Chicago. So today seems like a good day. Not as much busy work for some reason. But then again, I'm sure many of my friends have the day off, whereas I'm here looking after sick little babies. As sad as that may sound, I really am loving my new role. Everyday just seems so exciting. I don't think I've ever said that during the past 4 years in med school.

BBQ #1: My bud, Allypoo. Steve and Anny.

BBQ #2: Happy 4th of July at June's place.

7.04.2002

It's been a busy night... I went to sleep at 3:30 pm. And now I'm up again. I have 2 BBQ's to go today... I hope I can make it through the day... I'm so achy and tired. Ugh.

7.03.2002

So, I worked this out with Kevan... Based on my salary and a 80-100 hr work week, I make about $7.10 / hour before taxes. The more I work, the less I make... Hmmm.

Busy busy day so far. First break... but I should probably be back in the NICU. Hopefully I have time to get on AIM tonight though... I need my dose of AIM chats.

7.02.2002

On call again?? I still haven't fully recovered from the last time... Well, at least I'm post-call on July 4th and not on call... I get to watch fireworks in San Francisco! Yay!

Kasumi and Bill are joining Armen and me for dinner. I got us some pizzas from this cool little joint that one of my fellow residents (from Berkeley) recommended. Looks yummy. Dinner on the deck tonight... Wish you could join me...

7.01.2002

Yay! I'm out relatively early today... I think I need to find a cafe and chill. Would you believe I've only had bubble tea twice since I moved out here? That's how busy I've been. Someone needs to treat me to some bubble tea. Soon.