Today is the end of 2004 and the rain outside is washing away the last of a great year. Tradition has it that at the start of the New Year resolutions are made, vows are spoken and solemn oaths are taken to strengthen the resolve to do better in the year to come. I don’t really need to change anything that I am doing, or not doing. The resolve to stay the course and keep my focus on school and being healthy are things that I already am doing. Maintaining loving relationships and good will are things that need daily reinforcement and don’t need a Yearly resolution to follow. How’s that for a resolution!

So, for this coming year my thoughts are to keep focused and do what I have been doing. Maybe that’s the best New Year Resolution there can be.

From Jennifer and I to all of our friends and family, have a safe and prosperous New Year; don’t be afraid to get wet once and awhile if your goal is to help someone and always remember to be kind to those that you love.

Today was a good day and its only half over. Brian, 2nd year anesthesia student from USC, came over. We went for a little bike ride up through Altadena and on the the Rose Bowl. The weather cooperated with us even if it became a little cool – No rain today for a change – thank God.

Tonight we are going to the Water Grill for diner and then on to the Body Works exhibition at the California Science Center.

Grossing over 43 million dollars the first weekend of its release, Meet the Fockers is a big hit in the box office this Christmas season. Jennifer and I went to see the movie opening day after a long wait. We were just first dating when we saw the original movie, Meet the Parents. So its no wonder that this series has had a special meaning for us.

Shortly after seeing “Meet the Parents”. Jennifer and I traveled to China so that I could meet the parents. I guess you could say that I was a little nervous going to a strange country, different culture to meet the parents of my future bride. Jennifer and I got a lot of laughs from the movie and have been looking forward to the sequel for quite a while now. She enjoyed it immensely while I just laughed. Looking at it critically, I do not think this movie, Meet the Fockers, is anywhere as good as the original. But I guess there were a lot of people like myself that wanted to see the follow up. After seeing Ben Stiller in Meet the Parents, we went on a spree of seeing all of his movies.

For fans of Ben Stiller, the movie Zoolander was an amazing flop. This has got to bee one of the worst films ever. Maybe someone can explain it to me. I just don’t get it at all. Funny yes, in parts, but as a movie, it really sucks. Is it OK to say that. Like the Zoolander thing? God help you. Still, I really like Ben Stiller. He is a good act and is on a roll. Hopefully he can get back on his game.

I think the problem with Meet the Fockers is in the leading roles played by Streisand and Hoffman. They were just over to top, way over. The movie was overpowered by the performances of these two. To be fair I thought Streisand was adorable actually – and I don’t much care for her really. It was the combination of the overpowering parents and the loss of the Gaylord character and his bride to be that left me a little flat on the movie. If you must see it, enjoy. For me I would have preferred to see Doctor Strangelove again.

Finals are completed for the Fall semester at USC. Grades are posted and all is well. Its time for a short rest before the fun begins in January and Clinical starts at the LAC-USC Medical center. Our first session in the OR at County should be very interesting.

This past semester we spent in didactic. The Physiology class which we took in the Keck School of Medicine was pretty tough. Here are a few of the hearty souls that stuck it out.

During this past semester we were introduced to the anesthesia machine with Kari Cole the Black Belt of anesthesia. Helen and Elisha are having some fun with the anesthesia machine. Next stop is down town times square and the Country Trauma room for these two. They are ready to take on what ever comes along.

Nothing tastes better than a chocolate cookie especially when the stress in on and the physiology professor is breathing down your neck. It looks like Amy and Elliza know how to keep their mind sharp. The latest studies show that caffeine and chocolate are great to keep your mind really focused and prolong your attention span. It looks like they are proving the rule.

The Atlas Ultra book stand has a classic look that fits in anywhere. For large books and long reading periods there is nothing better. Having just finished finals, I don’t know how I could have gotten through those long days holding all those books during the very long reading hours except for the Atlas.

It has all the strength you need, over 11 inches of height adjustable, and two available viewing angles. Stainless steel “page stoppers” can be placed in holes around the perimeter and across the middle of the shelf (see top left “parts” illustration). Two grooves in the front of the base hold page stoppers or pencils.

The simple design and speedy assembly make this book holder ideal for carrying with you in your briefcase or book bag.

This little thing comes apart and can be taken to the library very easily. Next semester I may try that.