FINALS 6.5

25 Signs You're So Over Semester

Wednesday was my final exam for surgery!  That night, there was a final pink cat trip to say goodbye to the 7ths! I have a feeling this will also be my last cat trip on the island since I probably won't have any time next semester.

Get your tissues ready: Pink Semester Movie

I am flying home this weekend for Christmas break and hopefully moving onto the next and final semester here!

Not Goodbyes - Just See You Laters

Back to the real world this week since my family left on Sunday, which means starting to study for finals!
Thursday was pink semester's transition ceremony and yes there were tears. Sam R, from pink, wrote this poem:
PINK Transitions

Started this journey with one simple hope,
To be a veterinarian, to excel up this slope.


But what do you know I learned far more than that,
Friends can be family, like your dog or your cat.


But wait there’s more to this crazy place I live,
It's a small rock but has so much to give.


You don't need pants or shoes to have a great time,
Coronas can be enjoyed with lemon over lime.


Cat trips and rum runs, Mr.Ross and more,
Bare feet are better on that dirty dance floor.


Sweat, tears, ocean or sea,
Salt is in abundance between you and me.


Here dogs are your children, and centipedes the beast,
Pick those bugs out of your pasta before you feast.


If you never had patience you sure do now,
Try going to the bank with a cruise ship in town.


Diving and hiking, swimming or hashing,
With stag, carib and skol your liver is crashing.


Procrastination is bad, so pour me more wine,
Monsoons can come from the pure sunshine.


Sushi on Sundays? Aren’t you sad,
Waited an hour for service, that's not half bad!


I could go on forever but you know the rest,
Certainly a lot better than that special species test.


So I leave St.Kitts and a bit of my heart,
Lots of tuition money and tons of car parts.


But on top of the books, slide shows and notes,
The beaches, the sand, water and boats, 


I leave with a better understanding of this place called home,
If you have island family, you'll never be alone.


Not one moment here will I ever regret,
And when you move on try not to forget,


Please Rush slowly, always live and lime,
One aim, one love, one heart, till the end of time.

PINK


As my time is winding down here on the island, every day I realize that I've learned more and more living here.  This article perfectly sums it up:  Lessons Learned Living On A Caribbean Island

Great read: The Reality Of Veterinary Medicine


Banquet/ Thanksgiving

Saturday night was banquet!  We had such an amazing time!  I keep saying this, but it will not be the same without you all next semester!

Monday and Tuesday were spent getting ready for my family to come on Wednesday!  I was asked to participate a "subject" in a photo clinic and the photographer got some great pictures of me.

On Wednesday night we went to La Belle Vie and saw The Hunger Games.
Happy thanksgiving on Thursday! We had a fun little family photo shoot and then went to dinner at The Pavillon, while stopping at the Salt Plaque.

Friday we went ziplining and had dinner at Spice Mill.


Saturday is a beach day and dinner at Carmobola, then on Sunday we had massages and lunch before I had to take my family to the airport.  I feel like I ate so much while they were here.  Everything was so delicious though, it was hard not to!

One Last Boozy Brunch

The last Boozy Brunch was this Saturday!

My last block exam ever was on Monday.  I should say THE last block exam ever since they are not having blocks anymore next semester.
Tuesday was a very lazy day for me, in which I slept a lot and watched movies.

Saturday is banquet!  I cannot believe it's here already!  Since pink semester is my family, I consider this my banquet as well, even though I will be attending black semester's banquet next semester.  Next semester will not be the same without every single one of you here.  I have been so blessed to get to know you and I can only wish you lots of luck and hope that we run into each other in the future.  I especially want to give thanks to Amber D, Chris C, Meghan F, Kati B, Alyce D, Caitlin L, Sam R, Ross R, Rachel B, Christine M, Ashley W, Brooke R, Mary Sue R, Phil E, Clarie E, Emily W, Jess Q, Laura, Jade E, Tiffany M, Taylor P, Tracy M, Victoria A, and Ashley Z.  I couldn't have made it through this program without the love, support, and kindness you have all shown me. Amber - I wouldn't have made it through this program without your help and crazy ways of remembering information.  I can't thank you enough.

Roaches

I had an amazingly relaxing weekend, full of movies, sleep, and junk food.  The West Indies Conference kicked off on Sunday, so I went to one of the lectures and a speed networking event.
Monday was back to hitting the books for my exam next week.
I canceled belly dance class on Monday because a few people weren't able to go since there are still a lot of exams going on this week.
I helped to set up the black semester Johnny Cake sale on Wednesday and Friday I had double surgery lecture.
I've been fostering the whiter male from the three kitten liter, since the other two siblings got adopted.  He's adorable, very energetic and super cuddly and I would love to take him, but there are too many factors saying that it probably won't work out this time.  So, I'm taking him to adoption day on Saturday, and hopefully he finds a home.


Rant:  I do not like cockroaches; I think they are disgusting.  I will take any other insect over them.  The other day I had one land on my arm when my lights were out and I was getting ready for bed.  I found him under my dresser and then he ran off so I couldn't find him.  Needless to say, I couldn't sleep very well that night.  A few days later, I heard a weird noise come from my AC unit so I turned to look and sure enough a cockroach fell from my AC and then proceeded to die...on my bed.... Let's just say I washed my bedspread right away and now I'm extremely tempted to move my bed.  152 days and counting




Operation Rescue

Halloween: 


On Monday we had an exam review, but the software we use for the exams messed up the grades, so we ended up having another one on Tuesday.  We received our schedules for next semester and a lot has changed in the lower semesters.  Of course, my class doesn't like that there will no longer be block exams, and 6th and 7th have a class together.  Frustrations were very high.  We also received our confirmation that we can register for the next semester.  Here's to hoping it actual counts for me this time!

I attended dinner at Bombay Blues for the shelter vets that came down from UF on Wednesday night.  Ironically, moments before leaving I found the kittens I've been looking for. So the story is, we've had a stray wandering around our complex for about two months now. We noticed she was pregnant but I was unable to catch her before she had her kittens.  She still came around the complex but without her kittens.  We talked about getting her to FCP for their spay day, but we had to wait until the kittens were old enough.  Well, this past Sunday marked about six weeks since she had the kittens, so we caught her and I brought her into FCP for this Saturday's spay day.  I was hoping that since mom wasn't around that the kittens would venture out from wherever they were hiding, and so on Wednesday night they did!  My neighbor ran up my stairs telling me that another neighbor saw the kittens when one of them tried to approach her dog.  So, I went searching for them which didn't take long because they were meowing for each other.  The first one came right up to me, the second one was more hesitate but once he saw that his brother was with us, he came to us as well.  The female was harder to catch; I actually had to go into the neighbors yard to grab her (a local that lives directly in front of our complex).  I am so excited that we got them all!  We were right about them being around 6 weeks old and luckily they looked very healthy.  PAWS is taking them in so hopefully they will all find great homes!



Friday, there is a night cat trip with pink semester!  I haven't been on a night cat trip before so I'm excited; it should be a wild time.
The West Indies Conference starts on Sunday.  I am registered to attend any lectures I am interested in as well as a speed networking event.

End of October

We had our 3rd surgery exam on Monday.  On Wednesday I ran around port to find parts of my Halloween costume and a friend from the old blue semester came into town. There was an avian talk from vet who graduated from The University of Missouri and worked at the  Missouri Raptor Center on Thursday.
Friday - Happy Halloween! I will probably be dressing up as Audrey Hepburn if I got out tonight.  Love all my Halloween earrings:


This weekend, I will try to get some beach time.  On Saturday night, I'm attending the leadership awards dinner at Spice Mill.




Mid-Semester Relaxation

This past weekend was a relaxing beach filled weekend.  Monday was midsemester break so I was able to relax for an extra day.
Just another day at the beach:

On Tuesday, I was able to shadow the donkey lab for nerve ID surgery.  On Wednesday, I finally went grocery shopping and fixed my side mirror! Almost four months later, but yay it's fixed!
I had to study the rest of the week for my exam on Monday.



TS Gonzalo

Yeah, sometimes this place can be pretty amazing:



Campus was closed and classes were canceled on Monday due to Tropical Storm Gonzalo on Monday.  There were just heavy winds and rain.  All of the stores were closed and I was antsy, but I made some hot chocolate because why not!? I can't ever justify drinking it down here normally. The circle in this picture is where St Kitts is:

However, it was pretty uneventful:

I had my nutrition elective from 6-8pm on Tuesday due to the storm on Monday canceling class.  It's been a informative class, but luckily, this is the last week.
On Wednesday, I shadowed the 7th's spay lab which I actually really enjoyed.  I was exhausted at the end of the night, which hasn't happened in a long time.

One of the girls' in black semester sister passed away, so we all wore purple (her favorite color) in her honor.


This weekend is Midsemester break, so three day weekend and there are some former students coming down to visit as well!  It should be an exciting weekend!

On a side note, hopefully I finally got my banquet dress!  I finally found a pink dress that I like, so hopefully it will make it down here and fit!

I had a friend ask about the different styles of belly dance the other day and so I found this:

Another Class

On Monday, I had my second surgery exam and my clinical nutrition elective started.  It is a discussion based class that only lasts for two weeks, about one to two hours a day in the early evening.
Tuesday was my friend Sam's birthday dinner at La Belle Vie.

Thursday I went out to dinner for sushi and then to Bary's for Meg's birthday.  Her birthday dinner is on Saturday at Serendipity.
Jess' birthday was on Friday!  Happy Birthday gorgeous!


I had a frustrating day on Friday because my computer is trying to crash on me and my external hard drive did die on me. Then I found out the dress I have been wanting for banquet and finally paid for, was "low quality" so the company refunded my money.  So it's back to searching for another pink maxi dress.
A student was also robbed at gun point in the middle of the day, and then IGA, the grocery store that I occasionally go to had a shoot out.  Oh this place......

Belly dance fun for the week:

Light schedule

I had no class Monday through Wednesday this week.  However, on Tuesday I was allowed to shadow the 7th in their sheep castration lab.  I was able to see how things are going to be run next semester, so that hopefully I will have a head start on things.  Next week, Dr. O said she would let me shadow during their donkey lab.On Wednesday, I had my exam review which I didn't do as well as I wanted.  So this upcoming exam on Monday, I really need to work hard to pull that grade up.  On Friday, I had double surgery lecture. Study, study, study, the rest of the weekend!

Black semester had their aseptic exam this week.  I helped a lot of students this past weekend (I was in the lab for 5 hours on Saturday) and hopefully they all passed!  Proud of you guys!  They are now starting to contact me about helping them with the Rossie.  I will do my best to make sure they pass that as well!

My family has been discussing new dogs to get.  My brother would like a Husky or German Shepard Husky mix, my sister is partial to the Husky or Shih Tzu, and I think a small or medium sized dog would be best for my parents.  As a future vet, I have to give the health and behavior facts of each breed even if it's not the popular choice. As much as I would love a German Shepard Husky mix, I know all of the possible problems that will come with them. Sorry guys, it's my job!

I was contacted a little while ago by another blogger who collects stamps from around the world.  He wanted me to send him a St Kitts stamp to add to his collection.  Check out his website here: http://www.postalesenmibuzon.blogspot.com/

As some people already know, Sophia Yin passed away this week.  She was a very well known veterinary behaviorist. Here is a link to her website: Dr Sophia Yin

Since, it's a new month, it's time again for a new theme.  I'm going to post something belly dance related each week since it's a big hobby, a passion of min, and most importantly, I haven't done this as a theme yet!

Routine

I'm still trying to develop my routine for the semester, but it's been harder then normal.
I had my surgery exam on Monday, belly dance that night, and then I went out to meet some of the people in my new semester.
I've been trying to catch a pregnant cat that comes around our apartment complex.  She's really sweet but won't let you touch her stomach and isn't thrilled when you pick her up.  I've also still be trying to fix my side mirror which hopefully will be dealt with really soon.

Apparently the gas station by my place was blasting music on Thursday night, so this was what I got to listen to all night while attempting to study:


My semester is putting on a faculty auction on Saturday, where you can bid for various activities with different professors.  For example: Dinner with Dr Illanes and Fuentealba; Paddleboarding and dinner with Dr Read and Dr Hall; Scuba and Spear fishing with Dr Little; Salsa night with Dr Ebner, Dr Koster, Dr Aruaz, Dr Knight, Dr Huck, Dr Sithole, and Dr Bolfa, Beach walk and dinner with Dr Roberson; Extreme ironing with Dr Knight; Snokeling and fishing excursion with Dr. Betance; Game night with Dr French and Patty Lebow; Wine party with Dr Pereira and Dr Scorpio.

I have a nice long weekend because I have no class Mon - Wed next week.

An insightful friend posted this the other day and I wanted to share it because I really enjoy and am inspired by his words:

"Our grand adventures, be it clean or dirty – are the ones which are derived from the constant ability to always thirst for our greater meaning. We lift ourselves up. We bring ourselves down. We face torment and ridicule. Judgment and misconception. We make mistakes, own them and wish for greater lessons. Then – we stumble across the centrifuge of notions that dignify who can be as an individual. Do we love? Do we pray? Do live? Do we think we are, but really aren’t? Do we chase? Or do we stand still and choose to turn around for another direction. Is it wrong to NOT live in reality? Or is it right to continue to stay in it and wish well for others? Along the way, something grabs us. Takes hold and if all beauty has it, will never let us go. Our most endearing pride – is our smile and our laughter. Finding a way to both. And keeping it close and warm in our longing to breathe. I smile on virtue. I laugh on life’s spontaneity. And I love a long distant road into nowhere. So I can lay down, with what means most to me. So I can do just that. CAPTURE IT ALL. I am blessed. Thankful. So much, that it almost hurts to even imagine anything else."






Buffy

Beachfest
 



I didn't have class on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday this week.  Apparently Tuesday and Friday are holidays....this place and it's crazy random holidays.
I have been helping people with aspetic, as well as studying for my surgery exam on Monday.

Words will never express the depth of my sadness on Wednesday as I had to say goodbye to my best friend.  The worst part was that I couldn't be there with her to hold her.  She understands though, she knows I was there.  You don't ever truly understand the impact that a pet can have on your life until they've spent their entire life by your side, relying on you, and wanting nothing back but unconditional love (and that handful of popcorn).  The house will no longer be the same without her sneaking up to my room, her anxiously awaiting her turn for popcorn, her lonely barks when we left her alone, her water dish "scuba diving", and the sound of her little feet following me to the pantry in hopes of a snack.  I will miss her everyday.  I will see you again baby girl.


Try



This week I have been preparing for belly dance class next Monday, trying to relax without the overwhelming feeling of restlessness taking over, helping friends with their semesters material, and of course studying.  I had a scuba club meeting on Wednesday.  Hopefully I can get some more dives in this semester to keep me occupied. Friday will be hard since all of the 7th find out their clinical placement. Good luck to all of you though!  Saturday is brunch and beachfest.

Try - Colbie Caillat


Laura's Visit

Yay Laura is here!
She flew in on Saturday and we went out to eat at the Marriott and then went to the beginning of the semester party at Shipwreck.

On Sunday, I took her out to Reggae for a beach day and dinner at Marriot for pizza.

Monday, we went to port, Carballe Batik and ate at Neville's.

We went around the island to Nivarva, Brimstone, and Ottley's Planation on Tuesday.  We then checked out semeseter olympics on the strip for volleyball.  It was an intense competition but black semester (6th - my new semester) came out on top, then pink (7th), then blue (1st).  The new blue definitely gave the upper semesters are a run for their money.

On Wednesday, we were tired from the night before, so we had a beach day at Shipwreck and did some snorkeling.  We dropped by field day (semester Olympics event) and black ended up winning overall.


We did some ziplining and had dinner at Shiggity Shack to see the fire man on Thursday.



Beach day on Friday, football, and the official beginning of the semester party.

Saturday was the craziness of Mr Ross and pink's very own Ross won!


Thank you so much for visiting Laura!  I hope you had as amazing of a time that I had and didn't get island fever! For anyone else wanting to visit, now is the time!  Reasons to Visit St Kitts

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