More than just Graduation Day
Well, the moment of truth has come at last. Today is the day that I received my diploma for rehab residency. Meaning, I'm done, finished, over with. I am no longer a resident, the underling that every hospital employee spits on, including the janitors. I am now a full-fledged attending, not yet board certified because the boards haven't been given, yet. But still an attending, nonetheless.
The day started off with me picking up my parents, Goh, and Wei from their hotel, located on the corner of upper Wacker and Michigan Ave. We then drove everyone over to Rush where I brought the family up to the office to meet Barb and Carol. Kevin and Suzanne were also in the office, so the family had a chance to chat with those guys, too. Barb gave the family the grand tour of the office in Suite 1018, chatted a little more, and then we parted ways.
We then headed back to my apartment on Oakdale. It was about this time that it started to get blistering hot, just as it had been the day before. Today's forecast was 95 degrees, sunny, hot and humid. Great, especially when you don't have AC in your car. Even better when your family is visiting and you're driving them around. That's okay, just roll down the windows and drive faster. It always worked for me.
So anyway, back we drove to my apartment. Upon climbing out of the car, there was a mad dash in to the apartment to get to the AC-cooled dwelling. We recovered for a bit, and then we set out, again, this time on foot towards Broadway St (VERY different than Broadway St. in San Francisco). It was getting hotter, but it was only a 2 block walk. I was hoping to take them to Stella's Diner, but unfortunately a fire that wiped out Dominik's earlier that week forced Stella's to close down. So now we were in a dilemma. What kind of food would we get, now? By this time, it was 12 noon, and my family hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. They weren't accustomed to the Vince Hume resident diet, which consists of maybe an afternoon snack, and dinner. It was hot, the family was tired and hungry and becoming weary from all the walking (being from California, walking was a foreign concept); I had to get some food, fast.
We walked a couple of blocks and found a few other restaurants, and we had a choice: pretty decent Thai food, or bad Chinese food. Dad, not being satisfied with anything but Chinese food opted for the latter choice. No one else really cared; they just wanted to eat something. After having lunch and meeting up with my buddy Brian, we finally headed back to my apartment. As we were walking back, Dad mentioned to me that that was the worst Chinese food he had ever tasted in his life. Well, I warned him, didn't I?
Back at the ranch, Mom and Dad passed out, probably from the strain of walking 5 blocks that day. We rested for a while and then I lead everyone out, again to Bobtail's ice cream parlor before driving them back to the hotel. Goh and Wei loved it, which was surprising to me, because I never thought Bobtails was that great. It was just okay.
From Bobtail's we all split up. Richel took the bus downtown to get her hair done, I drove my family back to their hotel, and Brian stayed at my place, chilling out. The plan was for Bryan and I to go directly to the Adler, my family and Richel would take a cab from downtown. I returned after dropping everyone off, then rested a bit myself before the big night. True, it was my graduation from rehab residency, but the night had more surprises in store.
As I was getting ready, I took out the diamond ring I had hidden in the living room on my bookcase.
"Brian, you're not seeing this, okay?" He didn't have to ask what was going on; he knew at that point. He only asked,
"You're going to do it tonight? At the graduation? Nice." Well, he figured out my plan. It was pretty simple, I guess.
So off we went to the Adler Planitarium where the graduation was to take place. We got there a bit early, maybe half-an-hour or so. Normally, it would be a good thing, but in this heat and humidity it was almost unbearable. So we suffered, waiting outside until we discovered that we could actually go in. So in we went.
It was nice seeing all the of attendings there, most of whom I thoroughly enjoyed rotating with. It was hard trying to socialize with them, and entertain my family at the same time. I thought it was quite odd that they weren't really interested in socializing with anyone else; they just went straight to their table, sat down, and talked among themselves.
The tension was starting to build up at this point. The graduation ceremony would be starting that night and I had to give multiple speeches, I was trying to look after my family and to make sure they were enjoying themselves, I was trying to talk with the other guests who showed up for the ceremony to show my appreciation for them attending, and I had this diamond ring in my pocket! The tension and pressure were building, and finally climaxed when I accidentally knocked a tray out of a server's hand and on to the table, shattering the plate and scattering the food. At that point, I was so stressed and irritated that I didn't bother apologizing. I could have, but why? It's not like it was my fault.
7pm rolled around. It was now or never. If I didn't ask Richel then, I'd miss my chance because the food would soon be served and everyone would be eating. So I asked her to go outside with me to take some pictures, despite the fact that it was boiling hot outside and that I hate the heat. Things didn't get any easier, as my good friends Julie and Paul offered to come with us to take pictures. Ummm....nah, that's okay. I told them multiple times that we would be okay without them, but they insisted. Hmm...maybe this wouldn't be the night. I stalled and milled around in the room with Richel until Julie and Paul got distracted by talking with someone else. That was my chance.
"Alright, let's go," as I grabbed Richel and led her outside. While we walked, there were so many other people walking around that I thought she might feel awkward, so we walked around the back of the planitarium where there were fewer people around. At this point I was starting to get nervous. Thank goodness it was so hot outside because I would be all hot and sweaty for a good reason. We walked until we had a good view of the Chicago skyline and fewer people were around. I said a few words (which were meant only for Richel's ears, in case you were wondering) and then got down on my knee and pulled out my ring.
"Will you be with me forever, Richel? Will you marry me? (hurry up and say yes so I can get off my knee. I'm wearing my Jones New York suit, my favorite one, and I'm kneeling on the bloody concrete)." At this point Richel started laughing. Um...not quite the response I was expecting or looking for.
"What are you doing?" she asked, almost laughing. Again, not the reaction I was hoping for. Geez, what did it look like I was doing? I'm dressed in my FAVORITE suit, on one knee with a diamond ring.
"I'm asking you if you want to marry me (hurry up and answer, will ya? My knee is starting to hurt)". I don't remember what Richel actually said after that. But I did hear her clearly when she finally said,
"You can get up, now." (Oh, thank God!) But wait...she never answered. She kept asking me if I was sure, and I repeatedly told her if I wasn't sure, I wouldn't be proposing. Of course I was sure. She finally said yes (I think - I don't quite remember as I think the heat was starting to get to me). So we fudged around outside in the blistering heat for a few more minutes and headed back inside to the planitarium.
Amazing. We hadn't said a word to anyone, not to any friends nor family. Although my sister was wiley enough to know it was going to happen, as she sent me a card a couple of weeks beforehand saying early congratulations on my engagement. But people were coming up to both of us and congratulating both of us. Uhh...thanks:) Friends, attendings, Barb, even my program director and his wife were all ecstatic.
It was a great feeling being there at that time: I was graduating, some of my family members were there, my good friends were there, and Richel and I were newly engaged. I thought it was a perfect setting in the right environment with all the right people around. Which is why I chose that day to do it (also, so I would never forget the date). I did wish that Gah's family, and Quinn and Julie could be there to celebrate with us as well, but they couldn't make the trip. Still, they were there in spirit.
It was a rough night, as the heat persisted even up until midnight. My family went back to the hotel while my friends and I hung out at a wine bar for little bit. Then we finally departed at 2am and went home.
It was a long day, as was expected, full of just about every emotion: happiness, excitement, amusement, laughter, fear, bitterness, and even sadness. But it was memorable, that's for sure.
The day started off with me picking up my parents, Goh, and Wei from their hotel, located on the corner of upper Wacker and Michigan Ave. We then drove everyone over to Rush where I brought the family up to the office to meet Barb and Carol. Kevin and Suzanne were also in the office, so the family had a chance to chat with those guys, too. Barb gave the family the grand tour of the office in Suite 1018, chatted a little more, and then we parted ways.
We then headed back to my apartment on Oakdale. It was about this time that it started to get blistering hot, just as it had been the day before. Today's forecast was 95 degrees, sunny, hot and humid. Great, especially when you don't have AC in your car. Even better when your family is visiting and you're driving them around. That's okay, just roll down the windows and drive faster. It always worked for me.
So anyway, back we drove to my apartment. Upon climbing out of the car, there was a mad dash in to the apartment to get to the AC-cooled dwelling. We recovered for a bit, and then we set out, again, this time on foot towards Broadway St (VERY different than Broadway St. in San Francisco). It was getting hotter, but it was only a 2 block walk. I was hoping to take them to Stella's Diner, but unfortunately a fire that wiped out Dominik's earlier that week forced Stella's to close down. So now we were in a dilemma. What kind of food would we get, now? By this time, it was 12 noon, and my family hadn't eaten anything for breakfast. They weren't accustomed to the Vince Hume resident diet, which consists of maybe an afternoon snack, and dinner. It was hot, the family was tired and hungry and becoming weary from all the walking (being from California, walking was a foreign concept); I had to get some food, fast.
We walked a couple of blocks and found a few other restaurants, and we had a choice: pretty decent Thai food, or bad Chinese food. Dad, not being satisfied with anything but Chinese food opted for the latter choice. No one else really cared; they just wanted to eat something. After having lunch and meeting up with my buddy Brian, we finally headed back to my apartment. As we were walking back, Dad mentioned to me that that was the worst Chinese food he had ever tasted in his life. Well, I warned him, didn't I?
Back at the ranch, Mom and Dad passed out, probably from the strain of walking 5 blocks that day. We rested for a while and then I lead everyone out, again to Bobtail's ice cream parlor before driving them back to the hotel. Goh and Wei loved it, which was surprising to me, because I never thought Bobtails was that great. It was just okay.
From Bobtail's we all split up. Richel took the bus downtown to get her hair done, I drove my family back to their hotel, and Brian stayed at my place, chilling out. The plan was for Bryan and I to go directly to the Adler, my family and Richel would take a cab from downtown. I returned after dropping everyone off, then rested a bit myself before the big night. True, it was my graduation from rehab residency, but the night had more surprises in store.
As I was getting ready, I took out the diamond ring I had hidden in the living room on my bookcase.
"Brian, you're not seeing this, okay?" He didn't have to ask what was going on; he knew at that point. He only asked,
"You're going to do it tonight? At the graduation? Nice." Well, he figured out my plan. It was pretty simple, I guess.
So off we went to the Adler Planitarium where the graduation was to take place. We got there a bit early, maybe half-an-hour or so. Normally, it would be a good thing, but in this heat and humidity it was almost unbearable. So we suffered, waiting outside until we discovered that we could actually go in. So in we went.
It was nice seeing all the of attendings there, most of whom I thoroughly enjoyed rotating with. It was hard trying to socialize with them, and entertain my family at the same time. I thought it was quite odd that they weren't really interested in socializing with anyone else; they just went straight to their table, sat down, and talked among themselves.
The tension was starting to build up at this point. The graduation ceremony would be starting that night and I had to give multiple speeches, I was trying to look after my family and to make sure they were enjoying themselves, I was trying to talk with the other guests who showed up for the ceremony to show my appreciation for them attending, and I had this diamond ring in my pocket! The tension and pressure were building, and finally climaxed when I accidentally knocked a tray out of a server's hand and on to the table, shattering the plate and scattering the food. At that point, I was so stressed and irritated that I didn't bother apologizing. I could have, but why? It's not like it was my fault.
7pm rolled around. It was now or never. If I didn't ask Richel then, I'd miss my chance because the food would soon be served and everyone would be eating. So I asked her to go outside with me to take some pictures, despite the fact that it was boiling hot outside and that I hate the heat. Things didn't get any easier, as my good friends Julie and Paul offered to come with us to take pictures. Ummm....nah, that's okay. I told them multiple times that we would be okay without them, but they insisted. Hmm...maybe this wouldn't be the night. I stalled and milled around in the room with Richel until Julie and Paul got distracted by talking with someone else. That was my chance.
"Alright, let's go," as I grabbed Richel and led her outside. While we walked, there were so many other people walking around that I thought she might feel awkward, so we walked around the back of the planitarium where there were fewer people around. At this point I was starting to get nervous. Thank goodness it was so hot outside because I would be all hot and sweaty for a good reason. We walked until we had a good view of the Chicago skyline and fewer people were around. I said a few words (which were meant only for Richel's ears, in case you were wondering) and then got down on my knee and pulled out my ring.
"Will you be with me forever, Richel? Will you marry me? (hurry up and say yes so I can get off my knee. I'm wearing my Jones New York suit, my favorite one, and I'm kneeling on the bloody concrete)." At this point Richel started laughing. Um...not quite the response I was expecting or looking for.
"What are you doing?" she asked, almost laughing. Again, not the reaction I was hoping for. Geez, what did it look like I was doing? I'm dressed in my FAVORITE suit, on one knee with a diamond ring.
"I'm asking you if you want to marry me (hurry up and answer, will ya? My knee is starting to hurt)". I don't remember what Richel actually said after that. But I did hear her clearly when she finally said,
"You can get up, now." (Oh, thank God!) But wait...she never answered. She kept asking me if I was sure, and I repeatedly told her if I wasn't sure, I wouldn't be proposing. Of course I was sure. She finally said yes (I think - I don't quite remember as I think the heat was starting to get to me). So we fudged around outside in the blistering heat for a few more minutes and headed back inside to the planitarium.
Amazing. We hadn't said a word to anyone, not to any friends nor family. Although my sister was wiley enough to know it was going to happen, as she sent me a card a couple of weeks beforehand saying early congratulations on my engagement. But people were coming up to both of us and congratulating both of us. Uhh...thanks:) Friends, attendings, Barb, even my program director and his wife were all ecstatic.
It was a great feeling being there at that time: I was graduating, some of my family members were there, my good friends were there, and Richel and I were newly engaged. I thought it was a perfect setting in the right environment with all the right people around. Which is why I chose that day to do it (also, so I would never forget the date). I did wish that Gah's family, and Quinn and Julie could be there to celebrate with us as well, but they couldn't make the trip. Still, they were there in spirit.
It was a rough night, as the heat persisted even up until midnight. My family went back to the hotel while my friends and I hung out at a wine bar for little bit. Then we finally departed at 2am and went home.
It was a long day, as was expected, full of just about every emotion: happiness, excitement, amusement, laughter, fear, bitterness, and even sadness. But it was memorable, that's for sure.
posted by V-Hume at 2:48 AM
5 Comments:
hey the graduation was fun except when we didn't get to finish the planetarium show. i saw you behind the tree when you were proposing while i was trying to get the lady with the food to come by because she wouldn't after you knocked the tray down. (i did get some food).
Wei, you make it sound like I was hiding behind a tree proposing. But I'm glad you did get some food. Sorry I scared away the lady with the crab cakes. Those were good crab cakes, too.
that was a sweet proposal! congratulations!
hey, you told the story a lot better that I did. :) Can I post it on our wedding website?
Wha? What wedding website? We have a wedding website? Why am I always the last one to know about these things? It's starting already!
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