standrightwalkleft

So you've obviously eaten a lot of stuff that's really horrible to an American palate, but what food have you been most pleasantly surprised by?

And our national parks! Really one of the best things about America. I would encourage OP to visit Shenandoah National Park, it's not far from Richmond and it's so beautiful.

Yeah, it's sick. My best friend is a pediatrician and went through a LOT to get her career off the ground. Considered dropping out a couple of times but couldn't afford to. Thankfully, she's doing well now, but we're pushing 40 at this point.

I was always horrified at how punishing and abusive her working conditions were, and how little she got paid as a resident. (And I'm an event planner, it's not like I have a cushy desk job.) And then to hear older doctors chew her out for being soft/not wanting to work 48 hours in a row.... the culture is so rotten and makes me worry about quality of care. I wish all the nurses and residents the best in their fight for better working conditions and pay ✌️

Hi Carolyn! How did the Hootenany of Holiday Horrors come to be, and do you have an all-time favorite story? I look forward to it every year :)