Living in Dominica, for the lack of better words, has become a little repetitive. Whether I know what is going to happen the following day or not, I can most likely assume that it will include waking up, eating, going to class for four hours, eating, studying till dinner, eating, studying, working out, going home, and finally sleep. There isn't too much variation to that schedule. The only things that do change are the lectures that I attend, the material that I study, and the food that I eat. I know that I've said that I eat Subway for dinner every night, but lately, especially during the beginning of this semester, I've really tried to branch out. It's a little sad, but most people here can't wait to go eat because that means they get to take a break from studying.
Recently, a new/old restaurant opened up in the Picard area. I say new/old because it was an old restaurant called Tomatoes that has changed locations and opened up for this semester in a brand new building. It's actually quite impressive and comparable to something that you might see in the US. I've eaten there twice in the last two weeks and it's been really good food (mushroom & swiss burger; chicken caesar salad). I have also went to a restaurant called Pelligrinos a few times this semester and once again have nothing but good things to say about it. I guess that sometimes it's just nicer to have a real meal instead of plain old Subway.
However, it's not always bad to have Subway in your back pocket for a quick meal. They've really outdone themselves this semester with updating their merchandise. I'm not sure what Subway typically keeps in stock in the US these days, but down here they just upgraded their cookies; they now have "Raspberry Cheesecake" cookies! I never thought that anybody would ever need anything better than a good old fashion chocolate chip cookie. Oh well, surprisingly a lot of people get them.
Besides the new variation of foods and restaurants that I've tried this semester, everything else is same old same old. I feel like I'm becoming a creature of habit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0C3zgYW_FAM
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
M2S1, But Still Making Rookie Mistakes
I may be in the first semester (S1) of my second year of medical school (M2), but every once in a while I still make mistakes like I've never spent a day on this island. Whether it's walking all the way to the grocery store (that closes at 5 PM on Sunday) at 5:15 PM or leaving a box of frosted flakes semi-open, only to find it infested with ants when you return home, the island has the uncanny ability to make even the simplest things...difficult.
The other night, I finished studying early and went home. Perfect. Nothing better than getting more than six and half hours of sleep. But sometimes you're just too darn excited to sleep...at least this was my case. I was woken up by my phone ringing at 7:55 AM. It wasn't my alarm. It was one of my friends calling me to remind me that class started in 5 mins. Great! Just the way I wanted to start the morning after a refreshing night of sleep, by being behind a whole lecture and having to rush. It looks like I was too excited to sleep that I forgot to set my alarm. Stupid. So, instead I took my time to get ready and made it in time for my 9 o'clock class. Luckily, at Ross we have something called Mediasite where we can re-watch all of the lectures any time we want (each lecture is video recorded). I know this doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you know me at all...that stuff just doesn't typically happen. Im usually on top of things.
This week was filled with "firsts". Not only did I oversleep for the first time (which is strange since it seems that I'm always sleep-deprived), but another odd thing happened to me for the first time as well. I was taking a shower and washing my hair the other day. All of the sudden, a big black thing dropped onto the floor of the shower. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and sort of thought that it came out of my hair. But that's strange. My hair is blonde and I would have definitely noticed a big hunk of dark something in my hair. I got closer to look at it when it suddenly moved! It was a baby gecko in my shower! That's never happened before. And so the moral of the story is that I had a baby gecko running rampant around my room for two days until I finally caught it and set it free outside on my porch. Elusive little fellas!
It should be a short upcoming week with no classes on Monday (only a session on learning how to do a General Survey and a second session where I will do a Patient Interview) as well as classes Tuesday-Thursday. No classes Friday! Woohoo! Have a good week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHhrZgojY1Q
The other night, I finished studying early and went home. Perfect. Nothing better than getting more than six and half hours of sleep. But sometimes you're just too darn excited to sleep...at least this was my case. I was woken up by my phone ringing at 7:55 AM. It wasn't my alarm. It was one of my friends calling me to remind me that class started in 5 mins. Great! Just the way I wanted to start the morning after a refreshing night of sleep, by being behind a whole lecture and having to rush. It looks like I was too excited to sleep that I forgot to set my alarm. Stupid. So, instead I took my time to get ready and made it in time for my 9 o'clock class. Luckily, at Ross we have something called Mediasite where we can re-watch all of the lectures any time we want (each lecture is video recorded). I know this doesn't sound like a big deal, but if you know me at all...that stuff just doesn't typically happen. Im usually on top of things.
This week was filled with "firsts". Not only did I oversleep for the first time (which is strange since it seems that I'm always sleep-deprived), but another odd thing happened to me for the first time as well. I was taking a shower and washing my hair the other day. All of the sudden, a big black thing dropped onto the floor of the shower. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and sort of thought that it came out of my hair. But that's strange. My hair is blonde and I would have definitely noticed a big hunk of dark something in my hair. I got closer to look at it when it suddenly moved! It was a baby gecko in my shower! That's never happened before. And so the moral of the story is that I had a baby gecko running rampant around my room for two days until I finally caught it and set it free outside on my porch. Elusive little fellas!
It should be a short upcoming week with no classes on Monday (only a session on learning how to do a General Survey and a second session where I will do a Patient Interview) as well as classes Tuesday-Thursday. No classes Friday! Woohoo! Have a good week!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHhrZgojY1Q
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Semester Tres
First and foremost, I'd like to welcome all of you back to my blog . As you probably could tell, the end of last semester was very hectic and stressful. After our Mini III, we had our CCSB final exam and then about a week later...our Semester 3 Final. But all of that, thankfully, is behind me and I am looking forward to Semester 3.
However, before I can talk about Semester 3, I get to talk about the two weeks that preceded the beginning of the new semester. Those two weeks consisted of flying back home (with a few bumps along the way), spending a few days helping my parents move to a new home, traveling to the Bahamas for a short period, and then spending the rest of break at home before flying back to Dominica. Flying back and forth from the US to Dominica is always an experience and every time that I have done it, it's been different. The first time flying to Dominica, I had to spend the night in San Juan. Then on the way back, I had to spend the night in Barbados. Flying home for this break, once again, I ran into problems. Typically when you book and pay for a direct flight, you get a direct flight (Dominica to San Juan). But if you book your flight with the notoriously bad Liat Airlines, they sometimes make unscheduled stops in Antigua. After landing in Antigua, our connecting flight from Antigua to San Juan was delayed making the next flight impossible to make. In other words, I had to purchase a new ticket from San Juan to Orlando and I wasn't reimbursed for anything. So mad.
Anyway, after finally making it home (a little later than I had expected), it was so nice just to lay in my own bed in an air-conditioned room. The things I realized on break that I missed the most about the US in comparison to living in Dominica are the following: home-cooked meals, air-conditioning, actual toilet paper (instead of this papier-mâché junk they give us down here), TV, driving, paved sidewalks/roads (I am not joking), and not eating Subway for every meal. Oh...and most importantly...my parents!
Well, the first few days being home were spent helping my parents move into a beautiful new home and move out of their old apartment. Since the last few weeks of Semester 2 were so hectic, I didn't really get much of a chance to workout as much as I had wanted to, but throughout those first few days of break that were spent moving...made up for the time I missed.
After being home for a while, I took a short hiatus down in the Bahamas to an island called Abaco. As you could imagine, the weather was beautiful, especially compared to what we have here in Dominica. For the most part, it was clear blue skies and over 90 degrees every day. Perfect for beach weather.
The pictures below show the playground that I had access to during my four day trip. Swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, you name it.
However, before I can talk about Semester 3, I get to talk about the two weeks that preceded the beginning of the new semester. Those two weeks consisted of flying back home (with a few bumps along the way), spending a few days helping my parents move to a new home, traveling to the Bahamas for a short period, and then spending the rest of break at home before flying back to Dominica. Flying back and forth from the US to Dominica is always an experience and every time that I have done it, it's been different. The first time flying to Dominica, I had to spend the night in San Juan. Then on the way back, I had to spend the night in Barbados. Flying home for this break, once again, I ran into problems. Typically when you book and pay for a direct flight, you get a direct flight (Dominica to San Juan). But if you book your flight with the notoriously bad Liat Airlines, they sometimes make unscheduled stops in Antigua. After landing in Antigua, our connecting flight from Antigua to San Juan was delayed making the next flight impossible to make. In other words, I had to purchase a new ticket from San Juan to Orlando and I wasn't reimbursed for anything. So mad.
Anyway, after finally making it home (a little later than I had expected), it was so nice just to lay in my own bed in an air-conditioned room. The things I realized on break that I missed the most about the US in comparison to living in Dominica are the following: home-cooked meals, air-conditioning, actual toilet paper (instead of this papier-mâché junk they give us down here), TV, driving, paved sidewalks/roads (I am not joking), and not eating Subway for every meal. Oh...and most importantly...my parents!
Well, the first few days being home were spent helping my parents move into a beautiful new home and move out of their old apartment. Since the last few weeks of Semester 2 were so hectic, I didn't really get much of a chance to workout as much as I had wanted to, but throughout those first few days of break that were spent moving...made up for the time I missed.
After being home for a while, I took a short hiatus down in the Bahamas to an island called Abaco. As you could imagine, the weather was beautiful, especially compared to what we have here in Dominica. For the most part, it was clear blue skies and over 90 degrees every day. Perfect for beach weather.
The pictures below show the playground that I had access to during my four day trip. Swimming, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, you name it.
During my time in Abaco, I tried my best to eat as much fresh seafood that I could get my hands on; lobster, grouper, mussels, clams, shrimp...oh and I guess I also had a 14 oz. steak at one point. Delicious.
But after a much too short trip, it was back to Orlando for the rest of break. This time a little more restful and relaxing. I'm not sure if this was because there was less to do...or I got lazy. Probably a combination of both.
So for me, semester break flew by...much shorter than the break after first semester. And now I'm back "on island" after a long travel day (due to the same shenanigans that Liat Airlines always pulls). But I made it back with my luggage and I'm very motivated to start Semester 3 strong.
Now, Semester 3 differs somewhat from the previous two semesters. At this point we have been through the entire human body in situations that we consider "normal". However, the next two semesters will be spent going over the exact same systems of the body, but focusing on situations that are "not normal". Semesters 3 and 4 are more clinically based. So, our first day is tomorrow. Fundamentals block. And...my blog is back.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Pathetic Blog
I know...I know...I missed last week and I'm about to pull off another weekend of not writing anything. I hope you can understand.
This week's schedule:
Monday - Micro Anatomy Practical & Gross Anatomy Practical
Tuesday - Mini III Reproductive & Integument Systems
Wednesday - Clinical Competencies & Skills Block Exam
That's a mouthful. As you can tell, I've been busy and about to get busier. In a way, you're lucky that I'm not writing a well thought out blog because if I did, it would mainly consist of me telling you how much I have been studying, which is no fun. Anyway, pray for me and enjoy your week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY
This week's schedule:
Monday - Micro Anatomy Practical & Gross Anatomy Practical
Tuesday - Mini III Reproductive & Integument Systems
Wednesday - Clinical Competencies & Skills Block Exam
That's a mouthful. As you can tell, I've been busy and about to get busier. In a way, you're lucky that I'm not writing a well thought out blog because if I did, it would mainly consist of me telling you how much I have been studying, which is no fun. Anyway, pray for me and enjoy your week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Last Stretch
Finally, we are in the last stretch as Second Semesters. We survived (well, maybe not all of us...at least most of us...ok, most importantly I survived) what was supposedly the most difficult test that us medical students will take at Ross. After we took the Renal & Digestive System exam (Mini II) on Tuesday afternoon, we were so graciously given the night off from studying, only to have to start the last block the very next day. But taking the rest of that day and night off was just what my mind needed. I was so sick and tired of taking tests and studying that I decided to what? Partake in trivia night at DeChamps! That night I was able to enjoy a few refreshing beverages and hang out with friends for a little while, but had to quickly get back in the swing of things the next day for the start of the Reproductive & Integument module.
That's right. You heard me. We get to spend 2 and a 1/2 weeks studying one of the most uncomfortable topics concerning the human body. Splendid. But if there is one thing that I have learned so far...med school is not med school until you see your first mangled penis. Yea, I just said that too. You know that feeling when you see someone else hurt a part of their body, for example they break an arm, and then your own arm starts to hurt? Yep, I have been having that feeling a lot lately.
I guess I would be lying if I didn't say that I have been counting down the days until I go back to Florida. We are less than a month away from finishing Second Semester with only Mini III, a Micro Anatomy exam, a Gross Anatomy exam, a CCSB exam, and our Semester II Final standing in our way. Oh gosh, just writing that made me realize how much there is left! That equates to a lot of hours studying.
This upcoming week starts off quickly with lab tomorrow ("Male & Female External Genitalia"), 2 sessions of SGL, a Beginner's Suture Lab (put on by Surgery Club), and the usual...lectures everyday. It should provide for an eventful week. Anyway, that's all I have for today...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_q9KPczAg
That's right. You heard me. We get to spend 2 and a 1/2 weeks studying one of the most uncomfortable topics concerning the human body. Splendid. But if there is one thing that I have learned so far...med school is not med school until you see your first mangled penis. Yea, I just said that too. You know that feeling when you see someone else hurt a part of their body, for example they break an arm, and then your own arm starts to hurt? Yep, I have been having that feeling a lot lately.
I guess I would be lying if I didn't say that I have been counting down the days until I go back to Florida. We are less than a month away from finishing Second Semester with only Mini III, a Micro Anatomy exam, a Gross Anatomy exam, a CCSB exam, and our Semester II Final standing in our way. Oh gosh, just writing that made me realize how much there is left! That equates to a lot of hours studying.
This upcoming week starts off quickly with lab tomorrow ("Male & Female External Genitalia"), 2 sessions of SGL, a Beginner's Suture Lab (put on by Surgery Club), and the usual...lectures everyday. It should provide for an eventful week. Anyway, that's all I have for today...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC_q9KPczAg
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Another Big Test
Once again, a big test is upon us (I know, I say that every time). Mini II is on Tuesday (117 questions over the span of 2 hours and 30 mins). Heck, I've watched movies longer than that...it should be no problem. Anyway, it will test us on our knowledge of both the Digestive and Renal Systems.
Despite the upcoming test, this week has been pretty uneventful. Oh, I guess we got a day off on Tuesday as Tropical Storm Chantal moved past us. Let me say this...it couldn't have been over-hyped any more. A little rain and some mild wind. That's all. But it was still able to manage to cause problems to Ross' communication systems and faculty email, which might not seem like a big deal, but it correlates to a lot of miscommunication between everyone on the island. However, most of those problems have been resolved and now we have carried on with our regular schedules.
Sorry to keep it short, but I gotta get back to studying.
Can anyone guess the male actor in the following music video?
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Disaster Averted...For Now
I'm not sure if everyone is familiar with the theory of "Basic Needs", but it states that there are three main things that every person must have in order to survive. Food. Shelter. Clothing. That's it. And throughout the last two weeks, I thought I was going to lose out on one of them. Shelter? No. There haven't been any hurricanes down here yet, so thus far I still have my shelter. Clothing? Once again, no. I have plenty of clothing and multiple options for laundromats to keep my clothing clean, so that's not it. What does that leave us? Food. As most of you probably know, I am an avid fan of the Subway on campus. It's just a little taste of home and for the price, it's a pretty filling meal. I typically eat dinner there 6 out of 7 nights of the week. But over the last couple of weeks, I started to notice a trend. First it was the chocolate milk. They had it one night and the next night it was gone. Then went the chocolate chip cookies. Ooooh boy, you don't want to mess with my chocolate chip cookie cravings. When those began to disappear, I started to get a little peeved. So peeved, in fact, that I began to use the word peeved. Then it was tomatoes...followed by green peppers. You see where this is going. Then last Thursday, when I went to Subway for dinner, they were out of cookies, chocolate milk, bread, tomatoes, green peppers, yes I said bread, and the toaster for pizzas was broken. At that moment, I told myself that I had had enough and I walked out. A trusty establishment whose sole purpose is to serve delicious and nutritious subs to people couldn't even throw together a decent meal. Sad day.
So, I told myself that I would not go back there for a while. I couldn't face the disappointment of walking in there to find half the ingredients available to make a sandwich and still get charged full price. But then my prayers were answered! For some reason I was walking by the other day, probably because I was having Subway withdrawals, and I saw the cookie container stocked full of double chocolate, oatmeal raisin, macadamia nut, and chocolate chip cookies. Jackpot! All the ingredients to make every sub on the menu were available and I was back in business. So it was a quick scare...and that's all. Apparently, sometimes the shipment of supplies from the US can be a tad late, but it will eventually get there. And when it does, what a glorious day that is! Subway...eat fresh!
UPDATE: As I sit here writing this blog, a friend sends me a picture of the path of Tropical Storm Chantal, which appears to be heading straight towards Dominica. Now my Theory of Basic Needs seems very appropriate. Hopefully, it will provide some blog material this next week. And rain. We are in desperate need for rain (THIS COULDN'T BE ANY MORE SARCASTIC).
Big week coming up. Three and a half days of classes and one lab with a long weekend ahead of me, which will be spent studying for Mini II on the following Monday. Thanks for reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLHso6hLHFA
So, I told myself that I would not go back there for a while. I couldn't face the disappointment of walking in there to find half the ingredients available to make a sandwich and still get charged full price. But then my prayers were answered! For some reason I was walking by the other day, probably because I was having Subway withdrawals, and I saw the cookie container stocked full of double chocolate, oatmeal raisin, macadamia nut, and chocolate chip cookies. Jackpot! All the ingredients to make every sub on the menu were available and I was back in business. So it was a quick scare...and that's all. Apparently, sometimes the shipment of supplies from the US can be a tad late, but it will eventually get there. And when it does, what a glorious day that is! Subway...eat fresh!
UPDATE: As I sit here writing this blog, a friend sends me a picture of the path of Tropical Storm Chantal, which appears to be heading straight towards Dominica. Now my Theory of Basic Needs seems very appropriate. Hopefully, it will provide some blog material this next week. And rain. We are in desperate need for rain (THIS COULDN'T BE ANY MORE SARCASTIC).
Big week coming up. Three and a half days of classes and one lab with a long weekend ahead of me, which will be spent studying for Mini II on the following Monday. Thanks for reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLHso6hLHFA
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