Thursday, April 9, 2009

blogging for happiness

For some reason, though I’ve had more than my fair share of scary, challenging, and memorable experiences in the past few weeks, I just haven’t been as compelled to write. Maybe I don’t need the catharsis right now. Maybe I’m sick of writing about my incompetence and insecurity. Maybe I’m just distracted by all the planning I’ve been doing for my recent Passover Seder. But I heard a story on NPR about blogging and it basically said people who blog are generally happier than those who don’t, even when they are talking about the most boring and mundane things. I’m not sure I actually believe that. But if the biggest side effect of writing this blog is boring all of the people (you) who are reading these entries, I figure it’s worth a try. So even when it feels like there is nothing to write about…I’m gonna put pen to page, or, ahem, fingers to keyboard, and get something down. So, today I have for you some choice parts of a conversation I had with one of my patients in the office today: (let it be known that this was the end of a very very very long day. And this pt was very very very late.)

CNM: So what brings you in today?

Pt: To be tested.

CNM: to be tested for anything in particular?

Pt: No. I guess not, just…everything?

CNM: So…would you like me to test you for strep throat?

Pt: um

CNM: …

Pt: I guess?

CNM: Are you here for STD testing?

Pt: Yeah, that. I want that.

CNM: Are you having any particular symptoms? Or do you think you’ve been exposed to an STD?

Pt: Yeah.

CNM: Which?

Pt: I sort of have something weird coming from down there.

CNM: From where?

Pt: From, you know, my hole.

CNM: Which hole? There are 3 of them.

Pt: Oh, I guess my…

CNM: Your vagina?

Pt: uh, yeah.

Later in the conversation:

CNM: Any other recent changes or problems with other systems of your body? Respiratory issues? Burning with urination? GI changes like constipation or diarrhea?

Pt: Well actually, now that you mention it, I have had some diarrhea for the past couple of days and I’m not sure why unless it’s the extra shot of hazelnut I’ve been getting in my coffee…

I couldn’t help myself. I laughed. Very, very loudy. And I have to admit, writing it down now is making me smile.

2 comments:

Eve Fox said...

Ha! you are definitely not boring me...

Neal said...

I love to read what you write, then I can forewarn the next graduating class, and show them your blog.