What a day....

The weather here has been glorious today. A warm front moved in last night and spawned some thunder and lightning around midnight (which was entertaining to me as I tried in vain to rock the baby to sleep). This morning it was sunny and around 50 degrees all day. After spending the morning studying EKG's (fascinating, by the way), I decided to get out my Trek bike and go for a ride. Cycling is the only exercise I've been able to find which does not bore me to death (elliptical machines), or cause me to feel like I'm about to die from overexertion (running). I rode about 8.5 miles, in moderate to heavy traffic. On my way home I came down Main St. of the town we live in, and rode by at least 40 or 50 idling vehicles parked on the side of the street. The fumes really got to me, so by the time I pulled into our driveway I was nauseated and short of breath. So much for a refreshing ride...I would have gone fishing today, but I had studying to do, and a commitment in the evening. Maybe tomorrow.
Speaking of that commitment, today I was fortunate(?) enough to perform my first digital rectal exam. The one procedure that is every male's worst nightmare...and I had to be the one performing it. It's not really that bad, and its definitely a necessary evil. Things like prostate cancer, occult bleeding, rectal masses, and anal cancers are too serious and too preventable to miss because of embarassment. Sure, its awkward and uncomfortable, and I certainly don't enjoy doing them, but nonetheless, we need to learn how to do them. Patients deserve it. By the way, if you are ever unfortunate enough to suffer some kind of abdominal trauma (gunshot wound, motor vehicle accident, etc) then you will probably get a rectal then also, to rule out bleeding from torn or injured intestines.
Quite a change from fly tying discussions. I think I'll get back to that tomorrow. :-)