Monday Matters

Late morning on Friday, I went and traveled to the "Endo Expo 2026" that was held in Chicago.  It was a nice meeting.  I do not often go to this particular meeting as it tends to focus more on CLINICAL aspects of endocrinology and not so much on EXPERIMENTAL endocrinology.  I had not been to this meeting in perhaps a dozen years.  But, with a lot of my current work focusing on the neuroendocrine aspects of steroidal hormones on development, it was especially interesting to see a new MEDICAL focus on examining PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) [which was formerly called PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)] from the standpoint of hypercortisolism.... something I have been talking about in classes, and having some of my researched viewed with that mindset for around a decade or so.  As clinicians have a strong tendency to be rather "cookbook recipe" focused in their practice, there is often a considerable lag between experimental research findings and actual mindset change in clinicians.  

My wife and I had the extreme pleasure of eating at Chicago's "Sterling Food Hall" while there, and we had delightful Indian food from "Saffron Street", we tried a "roll" from a Korean place called 82 Kimbap, and we shared two small empanadas from "Thimi's Argentinian Empanadas".   The Indian street food was delicious, but we had expected that... as we love Indian food.  The empanadas (one was spicy chicken and one was tomato-basil, aka "Caprese") were cute, fun, and delicious.... and I was also exceptionally happy they were BAKED empanadas, not fried.  The bigger surprise was the "roll" at 82 Kimbap.  Kimbap is, I presumed by what the food looked like... and then also read about for confirmation later in the evening.... somewhat akin to a Korean type of "sushi" roll.   But, it was significantly different in flavors than the Japanese types of "sushi" rolls we have had many of.  The texture of the rice was less "sticky" and less predominate, the seaweed wrapper was softer and more flavorful (as if it were possibly marinated in spices?) and the spices in the central core were more vibrant.  And, it came with a delightfully different sort of light, spiced vinaigrette type of sauce as well.  It felt "familiar" as "sushi" but also much more exotic than what we were used to.  We loved all three places we sampled small dishes from.   

I believe I have mentioned the "hot pot" soup restaurant we went to when we were in Puerto Rico last year.  It was a wonderful, Japanese style restaurant where we made our soup at the table with all sorts of vegetables we chose to cook in the steaming broth at the center of our table.   Well, on our next evening in Chicago, we stumbled across a Chinese version of a "hot pot" soup restaurant, and tried it.  Chinese flavors are not so much my favorite, but my wife really likes them, so I was game to give it a go so she could experience it.  Whereas the experience in the Japanese version was tranquil, serene, and very fun and flavorful.... this Chinese one was very different.... the food was decent (again, Chinese spice flavors are not my favorite, but my wife enjoyed them greatly), but the restaurant was more of a "festival" sort of atmosphere.... workers rushing around VERY rapidly, considerably more noise, and,,,, I kid you not.... at one point, a bunch of workers came around through all the aisles, dressed as "dancing Ramen noodles" and singing.  It was a very interesting experience.... but reminded me a bit of a "Sid and Marty Krofft" production.  

We attended Mass on Saturday at Old St. Mary's Church as it had the most workable location and timing for us in this very, very busy weekend.  It was definitely a wonderful experience, getting to visit parishes in other towns when we travel always is... and experiencing Mass always helps me to feel much more centered and focused as well... amongst the hecticness.  

Time intervals were TOO TIGHT to allow me an actual opportunity to hang out at the beautiful Iwan Ries tobacco shop like I would have liked (I even brought a pipe, just in case I could have squeezed in the time).  However, I did get to speed in there for a minute, giving me enough time to purchase another pouch of "Three Star Blue", which was such a beautiful, magical experience of gentle flavors the last time I had visited.  

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We arrived back home at about 2:00am this morning.  It was a productive whirlwind time.  I allowed myself the luxury to sleep in to 7:30am, before I got up to run, and then head to the gym.  Other than tend to my rodent's needs, I had little else work-wise to accomplish at the U, having worked diligently last week to get ahead some,... knowing today would be better if it were not so jam packed with U needs.  I should be plenty ready (fingers crossed) to do my usual (for this time of the year) 9 hours of "big voicing" tomorrow.  

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