Moosellaneous

Confession: I'm a little tipsy. I know! In Bethel, nonetheless. I thought I'd go my entire time here sans meat and alcohol but I broke both vows tonight. And on Yom Kippur of all nights. I was invited to the head doc's house tonight to celebrate another doctor's birthday. It was a mexican fiesta including tostadas and margaritas. How could I resist? They are a pretty fun and fascinating group of people that have transplanted themselves here. Apparently you have to be a special type of "Bethel crazy" to be happy up here. They said I fit right in. I'm not sure that is a compliment.

But in any case, it was a fun night and a great departure from my usual monastic lifestyle of meager meals, Northern Exposure watching, and blog writing. But no alcohol in the past 3 weeks + extreme dehydration from a day on the wards + my usual intolerance for alcohol + early morning on the wards tomorrow = not good. Also I'm having trouble word-finding which is a real problem when you are trying to write a blog entry in a timely fashion.

My wards day was more of the same, though at a slower pace. They actually had to pull my fellow FP off the wards to help in the ER, making me fear new admissions waiting for me in the morning. My service is dwindling, and there wasn't much action on the labor floor today. The most noteworthy experience occurred on the phone with one of the health aides today. She had faxed me 3 patient encounter forms in a row and I commented that she must be having a busy day. "I know. And to think I have a moose at home to finish" was her reply. Our resulting conversation:

Doogie Howser: "What do you have to do to the moose?"

Yu'pik woman: "Skin it, cut off the ribs, chop it up, and put it in the freezer."

Doogie Howser: "How long does it last you?"

Yu'pik woman: "Oh, all winter long."

Doogie Howser: "What does it taste like?"

Yu'pik woman: "You must taste it. Maybe like beef. But not like beef."

I spent all day wondering how long (and where?!) that moose was sitting out in her house.

In the airport in Anchorage on my way out here I saw a store called Moosellaneous. I thought it was rather gimmicky, but I was wrong. Moose is actually a very big deal out here. I just might have to try some before I head on out.