Friday, March 03, 2006

looking back in time

Mackeydoodle, that wicked Canadian, has tagged me. I am not very obedient when it comes to tags. I thought I'd try to appease by at least answering the first question:

What were you doing ten years ago?

Ten years ago, I was working in a hospital. It was my second year of work, but I was still very nervous about my job (heck, I'm still nervous NOW!). It didn't seem quite right that I should be doctoring, because that was supposed to be for wise, confident, knowledgeable people who strode about proclaiming The Diagnosis and ordering The Treatment. I felt like an impostor, fearing discovery at every turn.

Early in the year, I was rotated into a job on the paediatric orthopaedic ward (that's kids bones, for anyone scratching their heads). This job was pretty easy - I just had to check the kids over prior to surgery, hold up various little people limbs during surgery, then make sure the children recovered safely afterwards. I settled into the job with relief. There was nothing too tricky, and the hours were good, too.

Often in the mornings, I would come across a serious, messy-haired man who was the anaesthetic registar (ie training in anaesthetics). I thought he was cute, but reserved - the brooding type. And perhaps because he was just that teensy bit cool towards me - why is this so true of many women?! - I found him terribly intriguing. I figured he probably had a long-term girlfriend anyway. Ah, what a shame, I mused.

Then one day I found myself holding a leg in the air in the operating theatre (yes, all those long years of medical school had taught me special leg-elevating skills), whilst shaggy-hair-man kept the small patient asleep at the head of the table. The two training-to-be orthopaedic surgeons doing the actual operating were going on with their usual macho b***s***. I really found it hard to maintain basic politeness towards these archaic cave-dwelling creatures. It was nothing for them to comment on my appearance, remark that I should be getting married soon, or send me to do any tedious non-medical job that they preferred not to do for themselves.

I was getting tired of keeping quiet and listening to their crap. So this particular day, I started countering everything they were saying. When they started ribbing me about how I'd soon be wanting to find a husband, have babies and stay home, I countered by retorting that I had no intention of marrying unless someone truly spectacular came along. If for some reason I did choose to procreate, I rambled, I expected to continue to work, and my husband could stay home with the kids. They laughed and went on with their blokey hammering and nailing. Turns out they were quite right to laugh, but let's just gloss right over that, please.

Suddenly the messy-haired man spoke. He said he'd been reading in his textbook about how women's bodies had much higher percentages of fat. Therefore, he concluded, women's brains must, compared to men's, be full of fat.

I was appalled. I thought this guy may be cute, but he's a jerk and a male chauvinist. In fact, this was my dear Fatty (as you've probably guessed), trying to get my attention by provoking me. It was similar to when you're a schoolboy, and you pull the pigtail of the girl you like, I suppose. You can most likely deduce that I soon figured out Fatty was actually not such a jerk. I also came to realise that Fatty's reserved manner was more to do with shyness than arrogance. So when he asked me out one day, I was buzzing with excitement. I had a feeling that this was the start of something huge. Even as a romantic, hormonal teenager, I had never felt so energised. A voice inside my head was telling me - this could be The One. As it turns out, he was; he is.

To summarise - ten years ago I was tentatively bumbling my way through my job, verbally defending myself against sexist pig registars, and falling head over heels for a man with hair that was perpetually in need of a cut.

I think that about sums it up.

15 comments:

Susan Tidwell said...

Ahh, is this the origin of the 'fatty' nickname, saying women had fat in their brains?

Great story! Kind of like watching a doctor show on TV...

I wonder if this story is cute and glossed over because of your recent unveiling or if it really happened that way? just kidding

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

Ohh, what a wonderful story! Your story has just touched my heart... it is so romantic.

My day is just starting out very happily this morning. I went over to your link on macadoodle
and played with her RED DOT and had a good laugh and then I came back and read this wonderful story of how you and Fatty got together, which gave me a smile to wear for the rest of the day. Thanks for sharing such a touching story with us.

TUFFENUF said...

When I read your blog I am lost in the wonderful stories, and I am starting to think that you should write books for a living. (I know you already have a job!) Sometimes when we look back at our lives ten years ago, we can't believe how far we have come. It makes me wonder where we will be in another ten years. Things happen that you never expect, and unfortuately as you get older time seems to go by much faster. Ten years ago I wasn't even considering what it would be like to be the Mom of a teenager, or that I would have cardiac problems, or that I would be retired at a young age. I never dreamed that I would be blogging with faceless friends in foreign lands!

Motherkitty said...

As always, a very touching post, a small peek into the secret lives of doctors. We always knew you had a soft spot, and it is named Fatty. Thank goodness, you both have wonderful senses of humor.

The Four Bears in the Woods said...

Hi Jellyhead,
I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your posts. Your story was very touching. I have been a faithful reader of your blog which I came across from Abandoned in Pasadena. After a long period of debate, I have just started my own family blog with the persuading of Abandoned in Pasadena. So far I am surprisingly enjoying it. Just wanted to stop in and say Hi and how much I enjoy your blog. Mama Bear

Heather said...

That's a great story, Jelly! You are such a wonderful storyteller.

Mackey said...

Thanks for sharing Jelly. Because that was such a sweet story I will let you off the hook for the rest off the tag;)
But if you have any spare time in the near future, I would love to hear what bad habits you may have! lol
Come on...pobodys nerfect!

Alice said...

A lovely story beautifully told, as usual. I've often wondered about the origins of 'Fatty'. I didn't think you would call him that if he really was fat. I wonder if 'Jellyhead' was the counter to Fat Brains?

Anonymous said...

Wow that is a lot of words...

Jellyhead said...

Well, daybyday, you can see now why it was best I didn't answer ALL the meme questions!! Be grateful I stopped at one ;)

Jellyhead said...

Oh, and Susan and Alice - 'Fatty' was just a silly name I called my hubby from fairly early on (not sure why now - but it wasn't to do with the fat brains comment!)... Alice you're quite right that I wouldn't dare call him that if he was a bit chubby!

As for 'Jellyhead', that is something a friend of mine from Uni days calls me...probably because sometimes I can be exceedingly dumb!

Val said...

Interesting story, Jellyhead, as usual! This post has a theme that I'd like to see taken up by others as well.

manababies said...

What a sweet story! This is really like something I'd see on tv becuse it's just so cute and happy. :)

Alipurr said...

good for you....standing up to those rude guys...ten years ago I was getting ready to get married, 10 yr anniversary is march 10....

Moogie said...

I love this story. I too, wondered where fatty came from. I love a good romance. :) Thank you for sharing this. You made my day!