Medical School Orientation

I know, I know. It's been almost a week since I last blogged. Is anyone actually reading this crap? According to my stats, Russia is giving me the most amount of traffic. That's honestly so random -- but, I nonetheless thank you for visiting.

So, let's catch up on the past few days, shall we?

Well, yesterday was my first day of actual medical school, if you want to call it that. Apparently up until August 12th, it's going to be all orientation. It's not like I can skip either because we need 75% attendance to be able to sit for the final exams, and these two-hour sessions of orientation boredom are going to count towards that.

I skipped today and yesterday to work out. Shame on me, I know. But I've had a reasonable excuse. My cravings are a lot worse to binge on food by the way -- it's taking every ounce of will power to control myself. It's not really working though.

Yesterday, they sat us down in a miniature auditorium, and parents came too. Unfortunately my mom didn't want to go as always, but I don't blame her. I wouldn't want to sit through that either. There was a lengthy speech made by the principal, about ragging and whatnot. Snore. Towards the end, they split us up into groups and I was afraid that my name wouldn't have been called - but I'm roll number 141, there are 143 students. Yipee.

Today, we went with our respective groups to different departments to explore the campus. My group, F. Yes, we actually call it the "F for failure" group now. We went to the Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology (Hematopathology, and osteopathology specifically) departments. The most interesting of all was the miniature preservation museum. All these carcinomas, fetuses, etc were preserved in all those jars. It was pretty awesome.

Hopefully, I can go to the gym tomorrow morning. Need to get up early.

Oh! Flake is here by the way because my cousins, aunt and uncle are all the way on the other side of town. He's been here since around 3-4 in the afternoon. He's been keeping me occupied. 

Perpetual Running

So, as you can see from the title, I was basically running everywhere today.

I woke up this morning, and ran to the grocery store as soon as it opened. Like, literally. I ran. Okay, I jogged. But, still. I ran out of muesli and I have to eat an hour before working out. Otherwise, I get a horrible stomach ache and it makes me not want to do any sort of exercise. But, my cousin didn't show up this morning - so I didn't end up going to the gym in the morning.

Then, I was studying for a bit when I got a phone call at 11:45 telling me that I needed to be at an interview for the school at 2:00 PM sharp. I was frantic, and got ready as fast as I could and I was on my way. The weather was beautiful, by the way. My university campus has A LOT of greenery, and open fields and (kind of) mountains and such. It's pretty neat. Went inside for the interview, and they made us sit down and fill out checklist forms. I was the first one to be done with mine, so they sent me inside the interview room. Let me just start off by saying that there was no interview. Nothing. They took my original documents, transcripts, certificates, etc. Afterwards, they told me I was set and that I should wait to hear back from them in a few weeks. A few weeks? What? School is supposed to start on August 1st! Oh goodness. At least this random interview -- er -- whatever you want to call it is over.

Then we came back, and had to stop by a pharmacy, because I've been having issues. I'll give you a gruesome hint - it involves milk of magnesia. :( Right by the pharmacy was this large bakery - and knowing me, I couldn't resist, so we went inside and got some sweets.

Khalakand and kova jamun (YES!!!)

Finally, my cousin showed up - we went to the gym and there were so many guys. We were definitely outnumbered, and it was awkward because this is India. Oh well. We had a good hour-long workout, and I came home. I'm hoping I burnt off at least half those sweets, if not all! It involved interval running once again. Sensing a theme to this day yet? I hope so!

Good night.

Workout Blog: Day 7

Good afternoon!

So, if you've been following - you'd know that today should be Day 9. However, I missed Tuesday and Thursday this week. Tuesdays because, I never ever feel like going on that day for some reason... weird, I know. Yesterday, I skipped because my cousin kept telling me that I should wait for her all day to go to the gym, and she never ended up showing.

Anyways, so enough excuses. Today is Day 7 of gyming. I definitely don't see any noticeable difference yet in my actual body other than the fact that I'm craving more and more food. I'm not craving junk food - but I'm just craving bigger quantities of food. I expected this to happen, but not so drastically. I'm not one to quote a Drake song, but you know that song, "Headlines"? He says, "money over everything, money on my mind." This is what goes through my head:

"Food over everything. Food on my mind."

That being said, I've been controlling myself quite well for the most part though. I eat only when I'm supposed to, and not when I'm bored or feel like eating food.

For the past two workouts, I've been running in intervals. I've been going for 40-45 minutes, and that usually lets me do an overall distance of 5.0-5.4 km depending on how long I walk initially to warm up. Usually, it ends up being somewhere in between the two.

Another thing that I've noticed is that I'm wheezing less and less. So, I'm assuming that it's becoming easier for me to run for longer distances at a time. Which is great considering I used to hate running, and wait anxiously for my time on the treadmill to hit a certain number. Even back in tennis, I used to loathe running and especially those forsaken suicides that they made us do during conditioning. Now, the only reason I look forward to the gym now is to be able to run even more than the day before. What a 180, right?

High-wise, I've been feeling great afterwards. Especially, since the weather has been behaving this week and it's not ugly and gloomy anymore. I feel like because I just said that I'm going to jinx it though. There is a nice breeze, the sun is not overly hot or shining. I can't complain.

I had muesli with a banana in the morning (as always). I feel like McDreamy from Season 1 of Grey's Anatomy where he goes over to Meredith's house and they make fun of him for always eating it for breakfast. I had two rotis, and some spinach dal in the afternoon to get in that nice protein and complex carbohydrates. As my snack, I had two cups of fresh watermelon, and two ounces of freshly-squeezed sweet lime juice. I'm not quite sure about what I should be whipping up for dinner. I had stuffed pita (with lemon-cilantro chicken, tomatoes, and sauteed onions and green peppers) last night for dinner. I need to learn how to make tzatziki sauce for next time I make it - I got to find dill! It's impossible to find some herbs here in Indian markets - even in the farmer's market. But, I'll keep checking - because I seriously love that sauce.

Until next time,
Bye!

I Can't Sleep Again

It's happening again. Maybe it's because I skipped my workout today. Probably. But, I can't sleep. I don't understand why. I guess I'm the very first picture, at best.

Oh insomnia. You're always relapsing on me.

Aggravated

This week you may say has not been the greatest. The electrician finally came today morning before I went off to the gym with my cousin, and after my shower - the water heater refuses to work. If I want to take a shower tonight, I'm going to have to boil my water on the stove again. Oh the joys of being here in India.

All I want is something to not back-fire. Just one thing. That's all I'm asking.

Especially in this environment, of being here in Hyderabad is just beyond frustrating. If you want to get something done, then you have you make hundreds of phone calls and literally harass them until the job is done. It's not very fun. Besides, even if the job is "done," you'll still need to chase those people perpetually because you'll always have continuous problems.

It hasn't been that long since I moved into this apartment officially with my mother - but it's been showing me frequent glimpses of hell because honestly, everything has been blowing up in my face.

On the upside, I made 5-minute Indo-Chinese fried rice today from scratch, and it was really good.

Simple 5-Minute Indian Egg-Tofu Fried Rice

Ingredients: 

• One small green pepper (seeded)
• One medium-sized red onion
• One small carrot (peeled)
• 50 g tofu (cut into cubes)
• 6 egg whites
• soy sauce
• red chilli sauce 
• 1 1/2 tbsp canola oil
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1/8 tbsp pepper
• 1/4 tbsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 3-cup cooked left-over sona masoori/basmati rice 

Procedure:

• Dice the carrot into small pieces, and do the same for the onions. Cut the green pepper into long slices and cut those slices in half, so you get little bite-sized pieces. 

• Heat up a medium-deep pan, and add in 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Set the stove to medium. Wait for 30 seconds. Toss all three of your cut-up ingredients into the pan.
• In a separate frying pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil, and put the stove on medium-high. Add in the cubed tofu and fry until golden brown on both sides (for each piece).
• In a bowl, beat 6 egg whites with the pepper, salt, and garam masala powder.
• Add in the tofu to the vegetables, and toss well.
• After the onions start browning and become translucent, add in the egg whites into the veggie-tofu mixture. Immediately, but the pan on low heat and continue to mix as the egg whites cook.

• After the egg whites cook through, they'll become firm and won't be as "flexible." Add in the 3-cups of cooked rice, and toss for a minute over medium flame.

• Viola! 

Things To Do Before and After Medical School Starts

Before:

• Need to read at least the first 60 pages of Biochemistry in 5 days. Set out a schedule chapter by chapter for studying. 
• Get the textbooks ASAP.
• Get tzatziki sauce right with ingredients that I can find here
• Find a white lab coat because for some reason, you need to roleplay as a doctor during med school before you actually become one
• Get water heater installed
• Cunningly fold and organize every single piece of clothing I have into my tiny closet/dresser, so it'll fit.
• Lose a kilo.
• Plan out a meal schedule for home-cooking so I don't starve once school starts (what I'm going to take to lunch in my cute little lunch box and such). Also, lay out an effective schedule for me to workout, study, and cook after school starts.
• Furtively plan a way to not make any enemies once school starts (Indian people = drama)
• Get kurtis altered. Get patialas stitched. Get my boy pajamas cut into shorts and hemmed. 
• Go to the designer and set out my outfits for my cousin's engagement, sangeeth, and wedding.
• Sit for another round of laser treatment - this time a full one.
• Get all-black flip flops that are comfortable (required for school). 

After:

• Get a fluffy Persian kitten
• Name him/her something very unique, and come up with a clever nickname for said name
• Make sure no one finds out about the kitten 
• Make a sleep schedule
• Increase interval workouts for better concentration and sleep habits
• Lower thyroid dosage to 50 mcg

Saturday Night Out: Birthday Party

I'm blogging in a row? Wow. This must be a new record for me. I guess it's because of all the eventfulness.

Of course, I went to the gym this morning and luckily we went during a later time and the evil trainer was not there. *maniacal laugh*

Today was definitely less hectic and we had a lot more time to get ready since we needed it to put on our clothes right. To be honest, I spent half an hour this afternoon just trying to walk "lady-like" because I walk like such a tomboy even when I'm not supposed to. It's not my fault! I don't know any better, and I get yelled at for nothing.

We got ready, and headed for grandma's house to go pick her up for the party too. My earrings were so heavy that my ears were basically crying, I don't understand what possesses mom to buy these things.

It was in the same resort as yesterday, but this time it was indoor because it was raining sharks and whales outside.

               

There wasn't really much of a ceremony - just everyone pigging out. I almost had a heart attack when I saw that they were making fresh jalebi near our table, since it was close to the end of the food line. I controlled myself and only had two little pieces which I was proud of myself for resisting - but I completely wanted to eat the whole damn tray. But then again, I don't work my butt off in the gym everyday for an extra sweet or two. I know better than that.

My cousin and I were walking around and we met up with some of her old guy friends. We all had dinner together and a nice long conversation about college, drama, etc. Oh, and we saw the mean girl again doing her usual gossiping... lovely. Sometimes I feel like some people need drama and gossip in their lives as much as a car needs gas to function. It's not something I ever really want to be around. I've had my fair share of being targeted, and I'm hoping to leave all of that behind as a much stronger person. Which, I'm able to now.

On a random note, so many strange elder people came up to me and pinched my cheeks, called me by name and told me how I haven't changed. How the heck could they possibly know me? If anything, I've seen them when I was around 5 years old, but probably not after that. But it's good to know that I still haven't lost my baby face. *insert disapproval*

We had to bring our little Spitz puppy along, otherwise he'd be all alone at home. So, we kept him in the car while we were inside and he literally jumped on me when we got in the car to go home. He slept on a microfibre towel on my lap the entire ride across the city whilst driving home.

I think that pretty much sums up my entire day. Good night!

Friday Night Out: Sangeeth

So tonight was interesting. The whole day was interesting, actually.

I got up early and went to the gym (of course), and I actually worked quite hard this morning to the point that I started sweating in actual waterfalls.

We went across town and were running late the whole day, and it didn't help that my cousin has a mane for hair -- she needed the whole thing straightened at the salon after going to laser.

Oh! I got laser done too, for the first time. It, interestingly enough, felt quite good.


We had exactly 12 mintues after getting home to get ready. So, this is going to sound a little funny, but I actually did a full face of makeup in the car. My cousin and I were doing our foundation, eyeliner and everything in the back of the car as the driver was driving to the resort where the party was because we had a good 20-30 minutes before we actually arrived there. If you've ever seen those "No Mirror Make-up Challenge" videos on YouTube, then you'll know how disastrous doing your own makeup without a mirror can be. Now let me tell you, it's a lot worse when you don't have a mirror AND you're doing it in the back of a moving car on an extremely bumpy road. We somehow managed, and we looked like we actually used a mirror. That's some skill right there. Of course, we were helping each other out here and there.

We got there in one piece, and the resort was beautiful. Seriously though, everyone was staring at us. I'm not saying that in a conceited way by any means. But, when you come from a state in India where everyone else is significantly darker than you - you're definitely going to get lots of stares because being "fair" here is such an accomplishment since it's uncommon.

Our seating area

It was nice and was kind of boring at times because everyone just sat around for the most part. It was uneventful until one specific person came up to us. Let's just say, she didn't seem very nice. She told my cousin that she didn't recognize her at all, and I introduced myself to her. The whole party, her eyes were glued to us. She would glance, whisper something to the girl next to her. Glance, then, whisper. Repeated over and over again. I don't enjoy judgmental people, and I was hungry so I dragged my cousin to the food place. We had snacks, and then realized the dinner area was inside.

I'm not going to lie, I pigged out because there was Mediterranean food towards the beginning - and if you know anything about me, you'll know that I absolutely die for it.

Pita chips with hummus, fatoush, baba ganoush, tabouleh and chaat (definitely not Mediterranean)

There was also yummy desserts, and of course - if there's Indian sweets, I'm totally in! They're so delicious, I can't even describe in words how much I love them. But, I'm sure my tastebuds are doing the Irish jig every time I have Indian sweets.

The highlight of the night would have to be all the cute children and babies dressed in miniature Indian clothes for sure. I had way too many cuteness overloads tonight. It's too good to be true.

We came home just now, so... I guess I'm going to shower and hit the hay. That was such a long post. I wonder if anyone actually made it through it all?

Workout Blog: Day 1

So, I stopped power yoga about a week ago, and I really couldn't do much physical activity without probably passing out because I've been sick. I have the works - sinus infection, pharyngitis, laryngitis, etc. I'm just a ball of sunshine. I'm still sick, but I've been powering through it because I need to get back on track.

Got a gym membership today for my cousin and I. I did every leg machine I possibly could, and walked it all off in the treadmill in the end. The gym wasn't too crowded, but I'd prefer if there weren't that many people anyways.

My legs are going to hurt so bad tomorrow.

Oh lord.

Weight Loss

Left: February 12th, 2013 - Right: July 5th, 2013

I played tennis since I was in 6th grade until about a year ago. I suppose I could still play, but I certainly wouldn't be very good. I've always had tennis to keep me in shape - but I've never really cared for the actual way I looked. I knew I was thin, I was never overly fat. I've never been overweight, because that's just how my metabolism is. I wouldn't say I have a fast metabolism (considering I have hypothyroidism), but I wouldn't say I put on weight easily either. I'm just normal.

Over the past two months since I came to Hyderabad, I've been going to power yoga and pilates classes with my cousin since she has issues with her lower body and has tried every diet and exercise remedy under the sun - I assure you. She's not motivated easily, so my aunt made me sign up for classes too. We went to a demo class, and it was complete and utter torture. Regardless, we signed up. Each class lasts anywhere from 1-1.5 hours. The first week of class was pretty terrible. I have mild asthma, so breathing is an issue for me. I never really use my inhaler, but I do wheeze quite often while doing cardio.

As the classes progressed day-by-day, it slowly got easier, and I looked forward to going to class every evening. However, for some odd reason - we never go on Tuesdays. Class is only on weekdays - but we only go four times a week because we skip Tuesdays. Don't ask me why, because I don't know.

As for eating, I haven't been eating "healthier" than I normally do - because I already have to be weary of my diet because of the hypothyroidism anyways, but I've definitely been eating in smaller quantities more frequently. It's annoying, but it works as opposed to three large meals. I can't stress that enough.

I feel a lot better about myself, I'm happier, I can concentrate on one thing at a time during stressful situations, and overall I'm just a more positive person. As for being healthier - I'll have to get back to you on that, because my immune system hates me, so I need some miracle exercise in order for that problem to go away.

After the 12th of this month, I'm going to stop doing power yoga and probably just go to a regular gym, and I'll keep whoever is reading this (even if it's no one) updated.  

Hectic Traveling

Maybe I'll expand on this later on when I have a bit more energy - but everything that could possibly go wrong on this flight journey from Orlando to Hyderabad went wrong.

I lost my phone at security. Found it 5 minutes before departure.

Then, in D.C. realized that our carry-on bag had been checked in all the way until Hyderabad because we got on the Orlando to D.C. plane at the last minute and there wasn't any room for our carry-ons.

Right before our plane took off in D.C., I get a phone call from my dad saying that our Emirates flight from Dubai to Hyderabad got overbooked and they cancelled our tickets and weren't putting us on a different plane.

Then landed in Dubai, and almost peed my pants because it's ridiculous finding a bathroom in that huge airport. Talked to the airline people who told us that our flight wasn't cancelled.

Landed in Hyderabad, and customs gave us absolute hell about tariffing our jewelry and my Macbook Pro.

Finally got out, and the driver driving to the airport with my aunt and my grandfather inside took the wrong route to get to the airport. So, we stood outside for forever and a half.

All I have to say is that, I'm ecstatic to be home.