Before & Happily Ever After

A few weeks ago, a patient answered my first question with, "Well, I bought three cars last week." I wasn't expecting to hear anything like that. I did not ask how many cars he or she bought. I did not ask anything related to purchasing behaviors. I just asked why he was here today. It didn't take many more questions before it was clear that he was seeking treatment and help with his bipolar disorder.

I've been suspicious of my own self and my bipolar tendencies ever since my grandfather was diagnosed with this illness. Well, it wasn't three cars, but I did buy a house this summer--slightly manic, yes. My recent conversation with this patient made it clear, however, that I am in no way bipolar.

No, it wasn't mania that led me to purchase a house. I just wanted to take care of something, to be responsible for something--and I was done with landlords, and I thought I could get a good ROI. Most everyone feels this way (responsibility/care) at one point or another in their life; and the traditional response to such a desire is to get a pet. Right? And how likely am I to do the traditional? Hence, the house.

Medical school is not the best occupation for someone interested in hobbies and such :) but here is a start at documenting some of the care I get to provide, outside of the clinics:

A couple of the doors in the house wouldn't shut. And I noticed they had the original door hinges from 1880. The doors needed some adjusting and the hinges just needed some cleaning (many hours of boiling and wire brushing/beeswaxing).

And after taking 140 yrs of paint and gunk off:
PS does anyone have any suggestions on bathroom tiles? Quick, I'm gonna do that soon!