I'm officially all moved in to my apartment. It's been a long time coming and a relatively difficult road to try to navigate. The place was trashed when we first got here, but after almost a week of hardcore cleaning, and a few chilled out nights of dinner with the roomates, its worthy of being called home. we even just got a grill so we have begun bbqing dinner. It's a nice end to the day to just be able to chill out with good people, have some good grub, and maybe a stag or two.
As far as school goes, this semester is shaping up to be a difficult one, but it is much more interesting then last semester. Physio II and Parasitology have become (dare I say) enjoyable. Having the background of Delhi really helped, because at least I've seen this info before, and I can enjoy it.
As far as the difficult part goes, the days are pretty long. As second semester, we are responsible for walking the dogs on campus, twice a day. We have split the class up into groups, so we only have to do it for one week per group. This past week was my groups week. So the daily schedule was
520 get up
600 get out of the apt
620 get to school and walk the dogs til about 745
800 Class til 1500 or 1700 (depending on the day)
1600 or 1700 Walk dogs
As soon as that's over head off to the SAAVMA meeting/study a bit
It's a packed schedule, but at least it has gotten me up early for hell week which has officially started this morning. It's called hell week because we have 4 exams in 5 days and then one more the following Monday
Monday - Physio II 650am
Wednesday - Parasit 650am
Thursday - Anatomy Lab 8am
Friday - Anatomy Palpation 8am
Monday - Anatomy Lecture 4pm
It's okay though... It's just another step in paying my dues here at Ross.
Well, I guess I should stop procrastinating and clean my room before the wireless guy shows up (and maybe study)
:)
Monday, September 22, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Gustav's got nothing on us!
After a long and bumpy flight the day yesterday, I wanted to have some beach time, and was texted by some friends to head down to timothy beach at 1pm to play some volleyball. I happily made my way down on the overcast, but still nice day. After about 20 minutes, the heavens opened and we had to cease volleyball. We all ran for cover at Ziggys and laughed for about an hour. The rain hadn't yet stopped when someone suggested we go swimming. At first I was hesistant. Hurricane Gustavo was pounding surroung countries and our match was ended due to the bad weather. After some coersion, about 10 of us headed for the water. The waves were big and the rain was beating on us, but we joked some more and rolled with the passing storm. Seeing all of these "professionals" accting like children and smiling as we hadnt done in months made my heart warm.
We all battled the water and swam back to shore successfully. More laughter ensued. After a bit longer, we all decided to give mother nature the finger, and went back to our volleyball game. Lucky for us, she finally relented and the sun came out. Good vibes and a playful nature ensued.
(Hey now, we all have our moments... and we are all swimmers and it wasn't THAT bad )
:)
We all battled the water and swam back to shore successfully. More laughter ensued. After a bit longer, we all decided to give mother nature the finger, and went back to our volleyball game. Lucky for us, she finally relented and the sun came out. Good vibes and a playful nature ensued.
(Hey now, we all have our moments... and we are all swimmers and it wasn't THAT bad )
:)
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The curse of the Ross-mobile
After a long day of studying today, I decided to get some chinese food for dinner. I havent really gone grocery shopping in a while because i know I'm leaving the island, and this apartment, and I dont feel like spending too much on food i'm going to have to throw away... anyway... so I drive over to Kings Palace and pick up the very yummy hot and sour soup. As I drive back to campus, I get within 2 miles and all of a sudden my car stops. Yes, it stops... completely. Midmotion, in drive, at 830pm, on a poorly lit road.
Somehow she's got just enough juice/momentum to roll onto the side of the (one lane) road. I put her in park (not that she was going anywhere because the engine seized, and the breaks locked) and did what anyone would do. I called Amanda. Now, Amanda for those that don't know, if one of my friends here. She knows nothing about cars at all. She is, however, a reassuring voice, and I know she's gotten stuck before so she would know what to do. She tells me to call Ross security and they should be able to help. It's a few minutes before they reach me, but it felt like forever. Hello, middle of a dark road, at night, alone, in a broken down car. This is how bad movies start. Locals all slow down to check out whats going on, and a few honk at me like I'm just sitting there for the fun of it.
Finally security comes and he tries to jump my battery. Um, dude, my car started and drove for a while... it's not the battery. Anywhoo we can't get it going so he decides to tow me to campus. He ties a small rope, yes a rope, to our respective cars to pull me back to campus. The swirling lights are drawing more local attention, but at least now I wasn't alone. We get moving and we go about 10 feet when the rope snaps (surprise surprise). Now, we arent going fast, but my breaks aren't exactly working so I narrowly miss crunching into his freshly cleaned security car. I smash on the brakes as hard as my feet can push and manage a stop as I turn the wheel and barely miss his car.
He pulls out a longer nylon looking tether and we try again, and proceed to fail miserably. Apparently it got caught under my tire as we were moving and burned straight through, leaving my car freely moving. At least this time I knew to pound the breaks. Finally he ties that nylon thing to another rope and we start on our merry way back to campus. We make it this time, but not before his siren/lights blind me and I almost steered us off the road. 2 miles is a long way when it's hilly, dark, and you are being towed!
Upon reaching campus, my battery goes out due to my lights being on the entire time, as well as the multiple start attempts. This is fine though because that's nothing but a simple jump and a little rest.
So, now I'm in my room, waiting for tomorrow morning, when a friend of mine's friend (6 degrees much?) can look at my car. Damn these ross-mobiles!!
At least after getting back to my dorm my friend made me a cup of hot chocolate after hearing my chinese food turmoil!
Somehow she's got just enough juice/momentum to roll onto the side of the (one lane) road. I put her in park (not that she was going anywhere because the engine seized, and the breaks locked) and did what anyone would do. I called Amanda. Now, Amanda for those that don't know, if one of my friends here. She knows nothing about cars at all. She is, however, a reassuring voice, and I know she's gotten stuck before so she would know what to do. She tells me to call Ross security and they should be able to help. It's a few minutes before they reach me, but it felt like forever. Hello, middle of a dark road, at night, alone, in a broken down car. This is how bad movies start. Locals all slow down to check out whats going on, and a few honk at me like I'm just sitting there for the fun of it.
Finally security comes and he tries to jump my battery. Um, dude, my car started and drove for a while... it's not the battery. Anywhoo we can't get it going so he decides to tow me to campus. He ties a small rope, yes a rope, to our respective cars to pull me back to campus. The swirling lights are drawing more local attention, but at least now I wasn't alone. We get moving and we go about 10 feet when the rope snaps (surprise surprise). Now, we arent going fast, but my breaks aren't exactly working so I narrowly miss crunching into his freshly cleaned security car. I smash on the brakes as hard as my feet can push and manage a stop as I turn the wheel and barely miss his car.
He pulls out a longer nylon looking tether and we try again, and proceed to fail miserably. Apparently it got caught under my tire as we were moving and burned straight through, leaving my car freely moving. At least this time I knew to pound the breaks. Finally he ties that nylon thing to another rope and we start on our merry way back to campus. We make it this time, but not before his siren/lights blind me and I almost steered us off the road. 2 miles is a long way when it's hilly, dark, and you are being towed!
Upon reaching campus, my battery goes out due to my lights being on the entire time, as well as the multiple start attempts. This is fine though because that's nothing but a simple jump and a little rest.
So, now I'm in my room, waiting for tomorrow morning, when a friend of mine's friend (6 degrees much?) can look at my car. Damn these ross-mobiles!!
At least after getting back to my dorm my friend made me a cup of hot chocolate after hearing my chinese food turmoil!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Kathy's On De Beach
I had my first fish today. Well, no, I've had fish before but this was my first whole one. I'm talking head, fins, eyes, the whole nine yards. The only thing it didn't have were scales. It was a red snapper, and let me tell you, it was GREAT! Once you can get past the fact that it has eyes, and may very well be looking at you, you are in store for an awesome treat, nevermind the fact that it comes with rice, corn, and a healthy serving of veggies.
At this point at my time here, I've eaten of some of the nicer resturants, and though good, for a fraction of the price you get possibly double the food and all (if not more) flavor. I couldn't finish it all, so I ate the fish and saved the other goodness for another meal. 40EC never tasted so good.
At this point at my time here, I've eaten of some of the nicer resturants, and though good, for a fraction of the price you get possibly double the food and all (if not more) flavor. I couldn't finish it all, so I ate the fish and saved the other goodness for another meal. 40EC never tasted so good.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
I'm still alive
It's been some time since I've updated this blog, for no other reason then not much is going on. The semester is slowly coming to an end, and I am definetly ready for a bit of down time. I've pretty much been on the go since I got here. I'll be very happy to have a few days after finals to just veg on the beach with nothing to worry about besides the temperature of my pina colada ;) I'm looking forward to heading back to NY for a few days. I can't wait to see Brianna's new tattoo, and catching up with the old crew for a night or two. And most of all, I am excited to see my folks again.
The lease has been signed for my apartment, and the majority of questions have been answered. Moving off campus has been a long time coming, and I am looking forward to living with 2 of my buddies for the remainder of my time here.
Well, I'm thinking that's about it for now, and anatomy beckons...
The lease has been signed for my apartment, and the majority of questions have been answered. Moving off campus has been a long time coming, and I am looking forward to living with 2 of my buddies for the remainder of my time here.
Well, I'm thinking that's about it for now, and anatomy beckons...
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Sometimes it's just going to be hard...
It has been a long and taxing few weeks here in St Kitts.
It started before mid semester break (which consists of one day tacked onto a weekend, so in essence it is a midsemester 3 day weekend). The particular round of exams just before break seemed harder then usual, but that could just be due to that fact that everyone was tired and ready for a day of non-school related activities.
I hopped on a plane Thursday night (yes I missed class Friday) to head home to NY for the weekend. I was completely psyched to see the family and friends I had left behind nearly 6 months prior.
After a bunch of delays I landed in NY around 3am Friday morning, and my mom came to pick me up. Friday was pretty uneventful. I tooled around the house a bit and ended up meeting up with some good friends for a few drinks at Sullivans. Good times were had by all.
Saturday rolled around and off to NJ for my cousin Kristopher's wedding. It was SPECTACULAR. Gloria (his bride) look beautiful, as did the rest of my family. It was nice to see my cousins (mostly Steve, as Kris was obviously pre-occupied) and reinforce the new bond we are trying to cultivate.
A few hazy hours later it was Sunday. My mom and Dad packed us in the car and we were on the road back to NY.
Upon returning home, I turned on my computer (as all good nerds do) and was signed in to AIM. I was immediately IM'ed by a friend Chas who was still in St Kitts. After some menial small talk he dropped a bomb on me. A friend of mine, Matt, had gotten into a fatal car accident the night before on the main road near school. I all but lost my composure.
Not wanting to believe a word of it, I began packing my things for my flights the next morning back to St Kitts. The rest of my time home passed without much interaction from me.
I boarded my two planes back to the island on Monday morning, and while going to my apartment, I saw my first sign that life would never be the same. Someone had erected a cross where Matt lost his life. It was truly a reality, he was gone.
Ross University was visibly shaken to it's core, as Matt had been a wonderful and integral part of the community. Life however for the veterinary student slows for no one, even the departed. With a histology exam approaching on that Wednesday (the "break" ended Monday, the day I landed) I had no choice but to throw myself into the books and force myself to stare at slides of skin.
In addition to the exams, as a TA (teacher assist, which is basically a tutor) for 2 classes, I had to prepare my notes and exercises for that weeks sessions. On top of TA'ing and my impending exam, being one of the class representatives puts me at the center of people's attention when something goes wrong. not that I am complaining, because I am not... seriously, I'm not. I love the things I do on campus, and I wouldn't change a thing.... but for that moment I felt like my head and heart were going to explode.
Wednesday morning came, and the exam was taken. Wednesday afternoon quickly followed, and with that came Matt's memorial service. The rest of the week was spent mourning, studying and trying to regroup.
It's now the next week, and still, life has not slowed. Exams are always lurking around the corner, tutoring sessions aer always being held. The void that is present is obvious at certain moments, and less at others. Each day things get a little easier. Ross U is rebuilding itself.
Anyway, my point being that life here, as it is anywhere in the world, isn't all peaches and puppies. Matt will be missed forever, as my wonderful memories from the weekend will not be forgotten...
"love the life you lead, lead the life you love"
It started before mid semester break (which consists of one day tacked onto a weekend, so in essence it is a midsemester 3 day weekend). The particular round of exams just before break seemed harder then usual, but that could just be due to that fact that everyone was tired and ready for a day of non-school related activities.
I hopped on a plane Thursday night (yes I missed class Friday) to head home to NY for the weekend. I was completely psyched to see the family and friends I had left behind nearly 6 months prior.
After a bunch of delays I landed in NY around 3am Friday morning, and my mom came to pick me up. Friday was pretty uneventful. I tooled around the house a bit and ended up meeting up with some good friends for a few drinks at Sullivans. Good times were had by all.
Saturday rolled around and off to NJ for my cousin Kristopher's wedding. It was SPECTACULAR. Gloria (his bride) look beautiful, as did the rest of my family. It was nice to see my cousins (mostly Steve, as Kris was obviously pre-occupied) and reinforce the new bond we are trying to cultivate.
A few hazy hours later it was Sunday. My mom and Dad packed us in the car and we were on the road back to NY.
Upon returning home, I turned on my computer (as all good nerds do) and was signed in to AIM. I was immediately IM'ed by a friend Chas who was still in St Kitts. After some menial small talk he dropped a bomb on me. A friend of mine, Matt, had gotten into a fatal car accident the night before on the main road near school. I all but lost my composure.
Not wanting to believe a word of it, I began packing my things for my flights the next morning back to St Kitts. The rest of my time home passed without much interaction from me.
I boarded my two planes back to the island on Monday morning, and while going to my apartment, I saw my first sign that life would never be the same. Someone had erected a cross where Matt lost his life. It was truly a reality, he was gone.
Ross University was visibly shaken to it's core, as Matt had been a wonderful and integral part of the community. Life however for the veterinary student slows for no one, even the departed. With a histology exam approaching on that Wednesday (the "break" ended Monday, the day I landed) I had no choice but to throw myself into the books and force myself to stare at slides of skin.
In addition to the exams, as a TA (teacher assist, which is basically a tutor) for 2 classes, I had to prepare my notes and exercises for that weeks sessions. On top of TA'ing and my impending exam, being one of the class representatives puts me at the center of people's attention when something goes wrong. not that I am complaining, because I am not... seriously, I'm not. I love the things I do on campus, and I wouldn't change a thing.... but for that moment I felt like my head and heart were going to explode.
Wednesday morning came, and the exam was taken. Wednesday afternoon quickly followed, and with that came Matt's memorial service. The rest of the week was spent mourning, studying and trying to regroup.
It's now the next week, and still, life has not slowed. Exams are always lurking around the corner, tutoring sessions aer always being held. The void that is present is obvious at certain moments, and less at others. Each day things get a little easier. Ross U is rebuilding itself.
Anyway, my point being that life here, as it is anywhere in the world, isn't all peaches and puppies. Matt will be missed forever, as my wonderful memories from the weekend will not be forgotten...
"love the life you lead, lead the life you love"
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