Professionalism

The reason I have been posting what I am currently reading is because I would like to try to do this 2017 reading list this year.  I have a very long list of books I would like to read and I thought having a challenge list makes things more interesting.
Currently reading: The Book Of Unknown Americans

The High Cost Of Becoming A Vet

No shirt, no surgical mask, no surgical gown, no surgery!

Veterinary professionals are very upset with the lack of aspetic environment on Dr. Jeff's show. I've watched his show a few times and have noticed that this is how he has done every one of his surgeries. I was surprised no one has said anything. Now with this picture arising on the internet, everyone is speaking out. No one should ever think this is the proper way to do surgery.  He must be giving these animals massive amounts of antibiotics before, during, and after surgery all so he doesn't have to completely have to wear a gown or mask.  In this picture, he's in the joint, which already in itself carries a huge harbor for infection.  That sadly isn't the only thing wrong in this picture - just to name a few: no sterile gown; no mask (this is the first thing you put on!); not proper draping for this surgery (orthopedic surgery!); no towel under the dog over the warm water mat; nothing to keep the dog warm during surgery, and this is a longer surgery; no IV fluids (again a longer surgery); no drape over the instrument tray; door is open; no proper monitoring equipment (at least not in the picture). This is grounds to be reported to the licensing board. Just so the general public knows, this isn't considered safe or professional, and hopefully your dog isn't having surgery done like this.

This past weekend, I went to a music show with my parents.  An acoustic guitar was being raffled off and considering I've been wanting to learn to play again for a long time, I figured why not. I was not at all expecting to win, but guess what!?  I'm the owner of a new Yamaha F335 acoustic guitar!

Apartment Hunting

Currently Reading: Don't You Cry and I Let You Go

New Hope For Blue Throated Macaw
The Death of The Circus

Veterinary Internship Exploitation
Veterinary Internships In The Media Crosshairs
I considered doing an internship for a short period. However, I've seen what the interns that I was in clinics with went through, I've heard the horror stories from my fellow graduates currently in internships, and like the article says "it's the equivalent of sweatshop labor."  I understand the want to further your degree and specialize, but if you find the right job you are able to do that without the mental, emotional, physical, and especially financial ($30,000 salary) exhaustion.  This is one of the reasons that veterinarians have the highest rates of depression and suicide.  To those who still decide to go through it, just know what you are in for and good luck. I personally need to have
that work/life balance especially since veterinary school took a toll on that as it was and I am slightly older than the average vet student.

Apartment Hunting Tips Everyone Should Know
This week has been filled with apartment shopping. I didn't realize I was so picky until I started looking at several different apartments.  I was in love with my Baton Rouge apartment at The District so of course, I'm trying to find something on that level. Then, when I do find a place I like, I look at the reviews, and they are awful....ugh so frustrating.

Balance

How To Budget For Your 2017 Travel
Bali, India, Brazil, Australia....Where in the world will 2017 take me?

Easy Ways To Balance Chakras
Within the last few years, I have struggled with living in the present. I'm always thinking of the future  and about what is next.  I have found a practice that helps me to remain focused on the here and now.  Some people think it's crazy, but I enjoy it and it's simply a way of mediating and being more mindful.  So when the new year begin, I realigning and balancing my chakras again. I know which ones I need to work on and which ones may be more overpowering than others. The above link is a simple way to get you started.

This week I have been trying to recycle my old CDS, Mardi Gras beads, and scraps of fabric, so it's been craft time!  So far I have made twine balls, coasters out of the CDS and beads, candles out of the beads, and large pillows out of all the scraps of fabric I have.

To all my friends that passed the NAVLE (national veterinary board exam), congratulations! Stay humble and kind. To my friends that haven't, it sucks.... I won't sugar coat it, but breath.  Ultimately, you're going to be harder on yourself than the outside world. You have another opportunity to take and pass it just around the corner.  Don't let your peers stress you out, oh and they will. You have survived 100% of your life to this point, you can survive this. It all happens for a reason, right? So in the meantime, remember life is short, enjoy the small stuff.

2016 in Review

A look back on my 2016:

January:  I had an externship at the Wildlife Safari where I worked with two fantastic vets and even more amazing creatures such as cheetahs, lemurs, and various hoofstock.

February: My 30th birthday on none other than bourbon street with one of my best friends! I also officially adopted my cuddly Anya!

March: I flew to Charlotte for my sister's bridal shower and got ready for my much anticipated exotics rotation.

April: My two friends from St Kitts got married (Liz and Phil) in the beautiful Santa Barbara.

May: My vet school graduation! My sister got married!

June: I accepted and started my job with Broadreach in the stunning Costa Rica.

July: I participated in the spay/neuter clinic at VIDA in Costa Rica

August: Unfortunately, I had to go back to the US. Costa Rica is one of my favorite places so far!

September: I traveled with two friends to Blacksburg for the VT vs Liberty, the first game of the season with the new coach.

October: Unfortunately, Mike the tiger passed away. This month also marked the 5 year anniversary of me starting this blog. Can you believe it?!

November: I traveled to Aruba for Thanksgiving

December: My remarkable trip to Thailand

As a new year starts, the detoxing and transformations for most people begin. Releasing the things of the past year that caused negative attachments, breaking bad habits, eating better, living simpler, and decluttering. Time to start preparing and welcoming new changes and hopes of growing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You know your worth. So goodbye 2016, thanks for the lessons, here's to being even more unstoppable in 2017!
217 Things To Do In 2017

Ban On Ivory Trade