So I know some of you have been emailing me but I have been terrible at replying. Let's just say that vet school is no vacation, despite my location. So yesterday (the 3rd day of classes) I pretty much freaked out in the middle of my gross anatomy class. This is supposed to be one of the most difficult classes and I can't understand a THING that this professor is saying. There are 3 or 4 different professors that teach anatomy to us, and two have very difficult to understand accents. My physiology teacher isn't an easy one either. So there I am, TOTALLY lost in the front row and seriously about to burst into tears. I studied so much monday and tuesday (wednesday too) and just felt like I didn't get a thing. I began thinking, "I should just leave now! If I leave now, I won't be out as much money versus if I fail out at the end of the semester. I am not cut out for this. I should just move to some small town and get a job at walmart where I can be this complete idiot that failed out of vet school, and no one will care!" Trust me, I was totally freaking out. I talked to Ashley...she said she felt the same way and thought the same things. Apparently, a lot of people do. Not that I want everyone to be freaking out, but I am glad I am not the only one feeling completely overwhelmed. There is just SO much to learn and I don't know where in my small head I am going to put it all.
Anyway, today in class was a lot better. I went to the gym after class, went home to see Hollywood, and left to head back to school. On my way there, I see this dog standing and staring at a small tree. I look at the tree and there is a monkey sitting up there taunting the dog. I laughed. Then I drove further and had to break for a mongoose that decided to run across the road. A little further towards town, there is a cow, just standing right on the side of the road, happy as can be. As I pass through town I dodged a few dogs as they flew out into traffic in an attempt to mate with the female. As I neared school there was a herd of goats on the road eating. I realized that every animal I passed left a big smile on my face. This is what I am meant to do. No matter how overwhelmed I feel and how tough it gets, I have to just keep my focus and remind myself that this is still my dream and I would NOT be happy giving it up. Needless to say, I feel better now and I am not packing my bags. (ask me again when midterms come around though..haha) And thanks to those of you that I got to talk for calming me down.
Anyway, that is the update. I go to school from 8-4, gym 4-6, eat, then study from 730ish to bedtime. I have TA sessions on Saturdays so I am basically going to be at school 6 days a week. I MIGHT go out this Friday for the welcome luau party...but only if I can crack this anatomy stuff. Still not having an easy time memorizing all these latin words. I know I need to have fun, but I want to make sure I can settle into a routine before I bring in the parties.
I will try to update with pictures, but I haven't had time to take any since classes started. Love you all and miss you. And Riley, send me a video of you laughing...so sad I missed that moment.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Last bit of fun before school starts!
Hey guys. I have been busy/lazy so I haven't updated. I left off at Brimstone Hill on Wednesday I think. Well, Thursday we had a full day of orientation and that night we went to a bonfire on an isolated beach. That was a lot of fun and I got to meet a lot more awesome people. Like them: 
Then I got too drunk to take anymore pictures, so that is all I have from that night. But I had a really fun time.
Friday we had the catamaran trip to Nevis. I was NOT feeling well but Destiny gave me some advil and I felt a little better...drank too much rum the night before :(. The cat trip was awesome. We went snorkeling for an hour in (Kristin, you will like this) Shitten Bay. I saw some awesome fish but I almost ran into a jelly fish. A classmate stopped me just in time...thank you to her for that. Look how clear the water is...and so warm!
I followed a school of squid for a while until they got pissed and swam too fast for me to keep up.
Jaclyn, Me, Ashley, and Jaclyn after snorkeling
Then we go to Nevis:
We ate lunch and then had time to walk to a bar and get a drink, then walk back before we had to get back on the catamaran.
The golf course at the four seasons resort on Nevis.
And the beach at the four seasons.
The little bar we walked to and had "killer bees" at. It is the signature drink of Nevis.
Went to dinner with Mom and Destiny when we got back at Bobsy's. The food was okay but was too gingery for me. I went out to Ziggy's beach bar after for a few drinks with the classmates. No pictures from that night...sorry!
Yesterday I got a rental car because there are apparently a LOT of things wrong with my car and it will take at least a week to fix. After that we did an island tour with Mr. Rogers, our taxi driver for orientation week. It was really pretty. Here are a few pictures:
Destiny, Me, Mom
Last night we went back to Godfather's and had a lot of drinks :). It was the last night for us all to let loose for a long time to come. Had to go out big.
Sarah, Ash, me.
Me, Ash, Jaclyn
Sarah, Jaclyn, Ashley, RJ.
Me, Caroline, Ashley, Sarah
RJ, Frankie, Ash, Chris, Sarah :)
Mom left at 5 this morning :( No more cooked meals and now my apartment is lonely. We registered today and everything went as planned for me. I got my financial aid check but I can't cash it today because the bank is closed. You can't do an ATM deposit here and the banks close at 2. I get out of school at 4. This will be interesting...I might have to RUSH to the bank during lunch. It sucks having a large amount of money you can't even use!
Well I am off to the beach, nap, cleaning apartment...no particular order. XOXO
Then I got too drunk to take anymore pictures, so that is all I have from that night. But I had a really fun time.
Friday we had the catamaran trip to Nevis. I was NOT feeling well but Destiny gave me some advil and I felt a little better...drank too much rum the night before :(. The cat trip was awesome. We went snorkeling for an hour in (Kristin, you will like this) Shitten Bay. I saw some awesome fish but I almost ran into a jelly fish. A classmate stopped me just in time...thank you to her for that. Look how clear the water is...and so warm!
I followed a school of squid for a while until they got pissed and swam too fast for me to keep up.
Jaclyn, Me, Ashley, and Jaclyn after snorkelingThen we go to Nevis:
We ate lunch and then had time to walk to a bar and get a drink, then walk back before we had to get back on the catamaran.
The golf course at the four seasons resort on Nevis.
And the beach at the four seasons.
The little bar we walked to and had "killer bees" at. It is the signature drink of Nevis.
Went to dinner with Mom and Destiny when we got back at Bobsy's. The food was okay but was too gingery for me. I went out to Ziggy's beach bar after for a few drinks with the classmates. No pictures from that night...sorry!
Yesterday I got a rental car because there are apparently a LOT of things wrong with my car and it will take at least a week to fix. After that we did an island tour with Mr. Rogers, our taxi driver for orientation week. It was really pretty. Here are a few pictures:
Destiny, Me, Mom
Last night we went back to Godfather's and had a lot of drinks :). It was the last night for us all to let loose for a long time to come. Had to go out big.
Sarah, Ash, me.
Me, Ash, Jaclyn
Sarah, Jaclyn, Ashley, RJ.
Me, Caroline, Ashley, Sarah
RJ, Frankie, Ash, Chris, Sarah :)
Mom left at 5 this morning :( No more cooked meals and now my apartment is lonely. We registered today and everything went as planned for me. I got my financial aid check but I can't cash it today because the bank is closed. You can't do an ATM deposit here and the banks close at 2. I get out of school at 4. This will be interesting...I might have to RUSH to the bank during lunch. It sucks having a large amount of money you can't even use!
Well I am off to the beach, nap, cleaning apartment...no particular order. XOXO
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Brimstone Hill Fortress
Today we took a field trip to Brimstone Hill Fortress to eat lunch and bond more while learning some history. AMAZING views from up there. I don't know how those buses made it up that hill but I am so happy we didn't have to walk it!
Mom and Me, Caribbean Sea.
Jaclyn, Ashley, me.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
Me riding a canon
St. Kitts to the West (thicker part of the island)...the blurry haze in the sky is the rain...pretty cool!
St. Kitts to the East (towards campus, my apartment...the skinny part of the island) and Nevis in the back.
So some of the activities they had us do were pretty fun. First we had to get in small groups, split that in half and stand two feet away from the person across from you and with your pointer fingers locked with theirs, you as a whole lined up group have to lower this pole to the ground without letting it lift off your fingers at anytime or you have to start again. Second we had one half of the group blindfolded and the other half leading the "blind" person through an obstacle course using voice and touch. Then we switched. Third we had to blow up balloons, line up with the balloons between our bodies like a snake, then walking in unison, had to go up a big step, walk, then back down. You could NOT touch the balloons with your hands and if they got away or popped, you had to start all over. They were to teach us how critical team work and communication are in simple and difficult tasks. I enjoyed it. ok, I can't stay awake much longer. Goodnight all! Miss you :)
Mom and Me, Caribbean Sea.
Jaclyn, Ashley, me.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
Me riding a canon
St. Kitts to the West (thicker part of the island)...the blurry haze in the sky is the rain...pretty cool!
St. Kitts to the East (towards campus, my apartment...the skinny part of the island) and Nevis in the back.
So some of the activities they had us do were pretty fun. First we had to get in small groups, split that in half and stand two feet away from the person across from you and with your pointer fingers locked with theirs, you as a whole lined up group have to lower this pole to the ground without letting it lift off your fingers at anytime or you have to start again. Second we had one half of the group blindfolded and the other half leading the "blind" person through an obstacle course using voice and touch. Then we switched. Third we had to blow up balloons, line up with the balloons between our bodies like a snake, then walking in unison, had to go up a big step, walk, then back down. You could NOT touch the balloons with your hands and if they got away or popped, you had to start all over. They were to teach us how critical team work and communication are in simple and difficult tasks. I enjoyed it. ok, I can't stay awake much longer. Goodnight all! Miss you :)
Campus and bars
Yesterday we just ran around campus ALL day. It was pretty exhausting. Met up in groups and did little get-to-know-you things. 
This is me on campus with the Caribbean Sea behind me. Yea, I know , this place is horrible. :)
And this is the break area outside of the auditorium/lecture halls.
Last night we went out to this bar called the Godfather. So I volunteered to drive there (not drive home though...thank you WILL!)...I thought we were going to be killed. I turn off the main road onto this dirt road and drive, and drive, and drive. Meanwhile, all we are seeing are these abandoned bar-looking shacks. So finally, ahead in the distance we see a faint light that keeps expanding, and BOOM, we are there. It was AWESOME. Totally secluded bad, RIGHT on the beach, and loud fun music. Basically you are on the beach, you walk up to the window, order a drink, and walk away from the bar, about 15 feet and you are in the water. There was a bonfire and everything. Here is what it looked like there...kinda.
This is all outside remember. It started to POUR. Not rain, seriously POUR. But we didn't move out of the rain. I have learned very fast NOT to bother really dressing up for the beach bars. I guess that is for going out downtown in Basseterre.
Ashley and me; drunk and post-rain shower :)
It was a very fun night and I met some great people. I can't wait to go out thursday for the big bonfire bar night again. This time no waking up at 5 am the next day. Will left this morning. I am sad. He was such an AMAZING help with everything and I am going to miss him! Love you Will! (but not like that!) hehe :)
This is me on campus with the Caribbean Sea behind me. Yea, I know , this place is horrible. :)
And this is the break area outside of the auditorium/lecture halls.
Last night we went out to this bar called the Godfather. So I volunteered to drive there (not drive home though...thank you WILL!)...I thought we were going to be killed. I turn off the main road onto this dirt road and drive, and drive, and drive. Meanwhile, all we are seeing are these abandoned bar-looking shacks. So finally, ahead in the distance we see a faint light that keeps expanding, and BOOM, we are there. It was AWESOME. Totally secluded bad, RIGHT on the beach, and loud fun music. Basically you are on the beach, you walk up to the window, order a drink, and walk away from the bar, about 15 feet and you are in the water. There was a bonfire and everything. Here is what it looked like there...kinda.
This is all outside remember. It started to POUR. Not rain, seriously POUR. But we didn't move out of the rain. I have learned very fast NOT to bother really dressing up for the beach bars. I guess that is for going out downtown in Basseterre.
Ashley and me; drunk and post-rain shower :)It was a very fun night and I met some great people. I can't wait to go out thursday for the big bonfire bar night again. This time no waking up at 5 am the next day. Will left this morning. I am sad. He was such an AMAZING help with everything and I am going to miss him! Love you Will! (but not like that!) hehe :)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The sweet ride
So I know all of you are going to think I am totally spoiled after seeing what a sweet ride I bought here, but I figured it was worth bragging about and risking jealousy. haha.
Oh, if anyone laughs at my car, I will run you over with it. I am NOT afraid to put more dents in it! ;)
Notice the three-toned paint? Silver in the front, gray on the sides, and white/gray on the top. So creative. There is also some tape residue where the bumper was held on by duct tape at a point before they wired it on with a coat hanger. See how advanced the technology has become??
Here we have a view of the steering wheel. Notice that it is on the right. I smuggled that turtle from Mexico. He rocks out when I drive. Those stickers on the front are the registrations. Instead of being on the license plate, they put them on the front windshield and only peel them off when there is no more room.
Here we have the drivers side. There is some lovely white stuff splattered on the doors, but I have been told it washes off. I am a little hesitant to try because it gives it character.
I think the previous owner didn't want anyone to be jealous so they pulled off the Mitsubishi lettering. Oh, and for those who are wondering, the antenna does not go up. It stays nice and discreet.
This is how the car got the nickname the "super trooper". Well, that is what I call it. I guess in Europe that means it is a 4 door or something.
So driving on the other side...I think I almost killed us twice and threatened the lives of many innocent pedestrians. I tend to hug the left side of the road because I am terrified of the oncoming traffic. :) By the time any of you visit, I will be a skilled driver.
Yesterday was a looong day. Got an early start and went to registration. They didn't have the AC on so there were a ton of students crammed in rooms trying to get everything done. Good news is, everything went very well yesterday...financial aid is here and I will be getting a check on Sunday. That is when mom leaves so it is perfect timing. haha.
After a long day at orientation, I still have no phone line to call out..my cell phone can't do it. You can call here, 1-869-660-5657 to my cell phone, but I don't have voicemail and it will cost you international calling. But it dials just like in the US so don't be fooled and think it is free!
I picked up Ash and Jaclyn after we were done and we went to the beach (with Will and Mom). It was nice to hang out with them and I am really happy to have met them. At least I know I will have two friends down here if all else fails! :) We met this funny guy named Captain Sunshine, "but you can call me 'Smiling Kenny' ". (He was giving mom an aloe vera massage) He was accompanied by his "special" friend that kept cursing and flipping Will, Jaclyn, and Ash off. I wasn't facing him so I didn't see. He would stand there talking to himself and then play with his balls, flip them off, and mutter, "f-you you f-ing bitch!" HAHA. The locals are, uh, funny....
Today I have to get a pin number for my bank card so I can access my money! I have been unable to touch any of it since Friday. No fun. Mom and Will have been life savers. After the bank I have to get pet food, listen to some lectures on living off campus, then a lot of mingling, eating, and fun times at the BBQ.
I still miss you all :(
OH. and a Happy Birthday to Shane! I hope your one arm doesn't hinder your ability to eat LOTS of chocolate (although vanilla would be way better) cake! :)
Oh, if anyone laughs at my car, I will run you over with it. I am NOT afraid to put more dents in it! ;)
Notice the three-toned paint? Silver in the front, gray on the sides, and white/gray on the top. So creative. There is also some tape residue where the bumper was held on by duct tape at a point before they wired it on with a coat hanger. See how advanced the technology has become??
Here we have a view of the steering wheel. Notice that it is on the right. I smuggled that turtle from Mexico. He rocks out when I drive. Those stickers on the front are the registrations. Instead of being on the license plate, they put them on the front windshield and only peel them off when there is no more room.
Here we have the drivers side. There is some lovely white stuff splattered on the doors, but I have been told it washes off. I am a little hesitant to try because it gives it character.
I think the previous owner didn't want anyone to be jealous so they pulled off the Mitsubishi lettering. Oh, and for those who are wondering, the antenna does not go up. It stays nice and discreet.
This is how the car got the nickname the "super trooper". Well, that is what I call it. I guess in Europe that means it is a 4 door or something.
So driving on the other side...I think I almost killed us twice and threatened the lives of many innocent pedestrians. I tend to hug the left side of the road because I am terrified of the oncoming traffic. :) By the time any of you visit, I will be a skilled driver.
Yesterday was a looong day. Got an early start and went to registration. They didn't have the AC on so there were a ton of students crammed in rooms trying to get everything done. Good news is, everything went very well yesterday...financial aid is here and I will be getting a check on Sunday. That is when mom leaves so it is perfect timing. haha.
After a long day at orientation, I still have no phone line to call out..my cell phone can't do it. You can call here, 1-869-660-5657 to my cell phone, but I don't have voicemail and it will cost you international calling. But it dials just like in the US so don't be fooled and think it is free!
I picked up Ash and Jaclyn after we were done and we went to the beach (with Will and Mom). It was nice to hang out with them and I am really happy to have met them. At least I know I will have two friends down here if all else fails! :) We met this funny guy named Captain Sunshine, "but you can call me 'Smiling Kenny' ". (He was giving mom an aloe vera massage) He was accompanied by his "special" friend that kept cursing and flipping Will, Jaclyn, and Ash off. I wasn't facing him so I didn't see. He would stand there talking to himself and then play with his balls, flip them off, and mutter, "f-you you f-ing bitch!" HAHA. The locals are, uh, funny....
Today I have to get a pin number for my bank card so I can access my money! I have been unable to touch any of it since Friday. No fun. Mom and Will have been life savers. After the bank I have to get pet food, listen to some lectures on living off campus, then a lot of mingling, eating, and fun times at the BBQ.
I still miss you all :(
OH. and a Happy Birthday to Shane! I hope your one arm doesn't hinder your ability to eat LOTS of chocolate (although vanilla would be way better) cake! :)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Turtle Beach
Hi. So today we went to Turtle beach with a bunch of other students. Not nearly all of them, but quite a good amount. I finally got to meet the guy Robby that lives in Orange County that I never got to meet up with, I saw the guy Mike that I had lunch with (he is from New York), and I got to meet two of the girls that I had been messaging on Myspace, Ashley and Jaclyn. I met a ton of other people too. I really got along well with Ashley and Jaclyn, and Ash and I found that we know people that know each other...small world. :)
Here are the three of us. (Me, Ashley, Jaclyn) Unfortunately Jaclyn is starting as vet prep which means that she will not be in class with Ashley and me...but we can still hang out!)
This is Nevis, the sister island to St. Kitts as seen from Turtle Beach. I didn't take more pictures...drank a little too much to remember to do that :)
We were all going to try to meet up with the on-campus group because they are going out to dinner, but without cars it was not possible. So Will just ordered pizza and we are going to have another quiet night at home. Probably for the best because I have to be up at 6am tomorrow to get ready for orientation. I am really excited now because everyone I have met so far has been really friendly. I think I will make some awesome friends here :)
I hope everyone is doing well!
Here are the three of us. (Me, Ashley, Jaclyn) Unfortunately Jaclyn is starting as vet prep which means that she will not be in class with Ashley and me...but we can still hang out!)
This is Nevis, the sister island to St. Kitts as seen from Turtle Beach. I didn't take more pictures...drank a little too much to remember to do that :)
We were all going to try to meet up with the on-campus group because they are going out to dinner, but without cars it was not possible. So Will just ordered pizza and we are going to have another quiet night at home. Probably for the best because I have to be up at 6am tomorrow to get ready for orientation. I am really excited now because everyone I have met so far has been really friendly. I think I will make some awesome friends here :)
I hope everyone is doing well!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)