Author Alexandra Retana blogs about her book, medicine, kids, life, and whatever else comes to mind
It looks like I might finally have a cool story to tell about my daughter. I have looked at my daughter, and scratched my head because, like, whose child is she, really? Can't be mine. She so athletic and grippy, like I never was and never will be. And she is all about the pink … Continue reading Teaching your kids to appreciate art: my trip to RISD museum with my daughter
Once in a while, I meet an innocent ignoramus who'll ask me with a straight face: "do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Russia?" I usually reply, "Well, it's a holiday that started because people wanted to celebrate the Pilgrims arriving in America, so... no. No Native Americans in, you know, Russia." Russian immigrants like us celebrate … Continue reading My first Thanksgiving
I did something at least 50% out of character for me this weekend. I went on a weekend getaway to the Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA. I'm going to call it "a retreat," because it sounds fun, even though it wasn't anything that official. I had this vision of cabana boys feeding me grapes and … Continue reading My trip to Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA: 14 expectations for your visit…but funny
I was standing there doing procedures today... By the way, I do procedures 3 times a week, and it's basically a half hour of intense visual concentration and hand-eye coordination times ten, but frequently, my thoughts are allowed to wander, so if it seems like half the posts here start with "I was standing there … Continue reading I hate the limbic system
A patient came into the office a few weeks ago, and tearfully thanked me for saving his life. I am not bragging. It's just that a patient thanking you happens really rarely; much more rarely than "you are doing nothing for me," and "I waited too long to see you," and other complaints. So when … Continue reading How to save a life
Today, I feel like crap. No pun intended - but I think I'm getting the GI bug. You know, the GI bug?? Otherwise known as hell on Earth? Where I am known to descend every few years due to no fault of my own? Last time I had this bitch, I puked up my grilled … Continue reading What you need to know about the GI bug (and other stories)
And Why Not! 