Tweaking

"We should meet. And we will meet. But I'm in the middle of a project that needs...tweaking."
--Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), "You've Got Mail"

The accountant is perusing my tax information, perhaps as we speak. But Dr. Scott has still been quiet and neglecting his blog.

I am in the middle of a major project that needs...tweaking.

Actually, two projects. One is a conference next month. I have been invited to speak about Katrina. I had a talk already prepared, it just needed updating. Then the conference organizer asked if I would prepare a second talk as well. So now I am dividing my talk in two: the first, as a "general interest" for pediatricians and spouses and invited guests, tells the Katrina Story from the days before August 29 through the present (and the future). It describes my personal experiences, as well as what the community as a whole has faced (and continues to confront). And I thank y'all for giving me the impetus to put Katrina Story in writing (even if a meager 7 chapters so far); it has been great rehearsal and even better organization for my scattered thoughts.

The second talk will now be about the medical lessons from Katrina: the illnesses, injuries, and environmental hazards after the storm (including, but not limited to: "Katrina Cough," MRSA, mosquitoes, black widow and brown widow spiders, and formaldehyde in FEMA trailers), the mental problems (PTSD, depression, anxiety, and "Katrina Brain"), and...for the first time anywhere...a critical look at long-term healthcare delivery in a disaster area.

I'm getting psyched just thinking about it, but I've got a couple of work-heavy weekends ahead in preparation for this.

I mentioned a second project. That one is actually far bigger and more important. But I am not at liberty to share the details with you at this time. Soon. It needs...tweaking. A lot of tweaking. Sorry to tease you like this, dear reader, but when I reveal my secret you will understand all. For now, I just wanted to let you know that you have not been forgotten; I've just been preoccupied with other matters of importance.

TTFN.