I realize the last few blogs have been.....well.....a bit off.
To make up for it, I thought I would share a little story that made me laugh today.
Pre-Story Build Up: As part of our anatomy course, we have 'Palpation's' out at the barn with the horses (live ones, yay!). There we learn how to palpate the bits and pieces we've been cutting up in the lab. We also get tested on this material, typically by pieces of tape placed on the spot in question. The exam we have tomorrow is covering the thoracic and pelvic limbs, thorax, abdomen, and genitalia. A tall order, I know, but it'll be a breeze as compared to today's lab exam (which I think I may have done better on than I feel, but we'll see).
On to The Point: Anyhow, a group of us met with our tutor today at the barn to review all of the points. We left the repro organs for last, and as our horse Ricky was in full-on Kick Mode (even roundhouse side kicks, he's talented) we chose to just 'discuss' the genitalia instead of trying to poke around. We were curious about what they would ask, saying to our tutor that they really could only tag external parts at best.
Well, kids, seems that's not the case. Apparently, Dr. Berg's favorite part to tag is the Glans Clitoris. Which, for those of you non-equine anatomists, happens to be tucked pretty well in there.
Seriously. Every semester. Poor horse. Or maybe...happy horse?
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Funny Dr. Berg Story #2. A first semester student asked him what nerve innervates the glans clitoris....and he responded with Hypoglossal (look that one up if you don't know it, otherwise the joke is just not as funny). Anatomists are Dirty Dirty Dirty.
Shower. Flooded. Entire. Room. (Thank you roommates for your mopping skills)
Sewage smell pervasive.
100% humidity inside and out.
Brain. Starting. To. Crack.
....you have abnormally violent reactions at Subway when they are out of Italian Herbs & Cheese bread. And meatballs. And they won't toast your friend's sub because it has a mayonnaise product on it. It was Tuna Salad. Seriously.
....nothing seems to calm your turbulent thoughts except knitting (how many scarves does a girl need in boiling St. Kitts?) or staring at the night sky looking for constellations...or meaning.
....you did something you've never had to do before in your life because Daddy and/or [insert boyfriend's name here] has always been there to do it for you: you killed a [big freaking monster] roach. With military-like precision. And liked it.
....you start to use Facebook/blog to vocalize your feelings in not-so-subtle ways. Because you just don't know what else to do.
....people greet you with "what's wrong?" instead of "good morning".
....you check your email accounts/Facebook/MySpace/Ravelry 20 times a day to avoid....well, everything else.
....you can actually hear your head cracking under the pressure.
*And by "you're", I am of course referring to "me". Welcome to my [current, hopefully temporary] world.
For once on this blasted Rock something good came EARLY! The kids at The Pink Elephant hosted a Halloween Party this past Friday and it was, as always, out of control. Some of the best costumes at the party were by far the cheapest/most creative: some cardboard, a little spray paint, and old clothes = Halloween St. Kitts Style.
I've put together a slide show of pics from that night, I warn you there are quite a few (again, thanks to my fellow students for posting!). My personal faves both made their costumes from the cardboard boxes that the dorm water is delivered in: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Gang and the Transformer "Bumble Bee".
Some say we Caribbean Vet Students are a gang of misfits who couldn't make it to a state school....but I think we've got that extra bit of something that makes us MORE than just mere vet students. We live in a sort of third world country with people who don't always embrace us, drive cars that require us to become mechanics just to start them, live in apartments with no AC or guarantee of safety, learn to budget quickly due to extreme expense of groceries, and show immense levels of creativity when trying to enjoy one of those good ol' American pasttimes: Halloween. Wouldn't you want a doctor who can successfully fold herself into a little cardboard car?!
I've got to say I'm finding it very hard to focus this semester. And considering this is the hardest of the 7, that's not good news. I'm not sure what is different, why my motivation levels have changed, but c'mon!!
Wednesday we have our second parasitology exam, which I really need to rock. There will be around 60 parasites covered, both dog/cat and equine. I can actually feel my blood pressure rise at the mention. And to make matter more fun, next week we have our second anatomy lab exam that covers the lower half of the thoracic limb and all of the pelvic limb, thorax, and abdomen! ACK!
I hope everyone at home are doing well, and I'm sorry I've not been much of a good relative/friend/etc. lately. I hope you all understand my taciturn attitude and I look forward to catching up with you over break.
OH - and to add to that blood pressure thing....more break-ins reported tonight in my neighborhood. So I've got that going for me. Which is nice.
It seems not everyone made it out of the hurricane with spectacular flair (such as we dorm rats).....my favorite restaurant on The Rock has been broken in two. Quite literally.
...spend the night with a girl, get her all excited, and then gone in the morning leaving a mess behind. I am, of course, referring to my friend Omar (you sickos).
The first annual (c'mon, we're sitting ducks right in hurricane alley - of course it's annual!) Ross Hurricane Party progressed until about 3:30am (at least for me...). Still have the day off school/dog walking, even though today has been pretty mild with regards to weather. Not even very windy, only sprinkling. Perfect for recovering from a full day of drinking.
Quite a number of retarded students (and I say that with all the love in my heart) took it upon themselves to run amok outside during the height of the storm. It was sort of like watching a drunken version of The Weather Channel footage of hurricanes in the past. Please note that I remained inside the lounge, nice and dry, within the safety of the hurricane windows and sitting next to the wine and liquor bottles. It was an....interesting....night. All of the Floridians present agreed whole-heartedly that it was the best hurricane party we've ever attended.
Now that the excitement is over and my man has moved on, it's time to get back to the grind. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
This will be short, as I am having trouble typing. Fingers and keys not lining up properly.
Anyhow, we have officially reached Cat 3 status. Omar's eye is basically upon us (a few degrees off latitude/longitude, but who's counting?). The wind is crazy, the students are wet and exhilarated from running in the rain, and I'm nice and toasty on my study lounge couch with a blanket, some knitting, and a (couple of) good movies.
Gotta run now. Seems it's time to make another excursion outside. The mother in me is freakin out a little bit. Smooches to all, don't worry about us kids here on The Rock. I think we'll be just fine! :)
The hours have just been flying by here at hurricane central....as well as the debris and stray goats!
Latest update from NOAA National Hurricane Center:
REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 105 MPH...170 KM/HR...WITH HIGHER GUSTS. OMAR IS NOW A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. ADDITIONAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS...AND OMAR IS EXPECTED TO BE A STRONG CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE BY THE TIME IT REACHES THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS. ALSO... STRONGER WINDS...ESPECIALLY IN GUSTS...ARE LIKELYOVER ELEVATED TERRAIN.
Latest 5-Day Cone of Deliciousness:
Those of you who know me well, know I am a bit obsessive over hurricanes. Thus, look forward to constant vigilance on updates given by NOAA National Hurricane Center.
Currently the storm is still a Cat 1, though it is expected to be a Cat 2 by tonight. Moving a bit faster than this morning, at a nice 15mph. Still aimed a bit north of us, putting us sort of in the NE quadrant if he moves too close. Lots of rain expected, somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 inches. Looking outside the sky is dull and gray; it's been raining off and on for the last few hours.
Unfortunately, as I mentioned before I seem to have misplaced my camera charger and thus cannot re-charge it....which means as of now, no pics. I will see about 'borrowing' some from fellow classmates as they are posted on Facebook.
Until then, here is another fabulous 5-Day Cone:
Click on map for larger size. Feel free to save copies as mementos.
*Hopefully* we will continue to have power/internet here at the dorms throughout the storm fun. I fully intend to be up at 2am as this little baby flies by, and will update as best I can. And yes, mom, I won't do anything [too] stupid. Like go down to the Stairway By The Sea to watch the storm. ;)Today we had our second physio exam. That's enough about that.
Then about 30 minutes into anatomy lab we got the most wonderful news: Hurricane Omar has come to town! I, of course, knew the moment our deans walked into the lab that classes were cancelled, however my fellow classmates were a bit dubious. With our arms elbow deep in horse viscera our freedom was announced and cheers could be heard across campus! And doubly joyous: dog walking has been cancelled tonight and tomorrow AM! I've never seen my classmates chuck intestines into a rubbermaid container faster than we did this morning. Despite the physio exam, today is turning out pretty awesome.
What to do with our entire day? Study? Catch up on laundry? Heck no! We headed down to the store for some snicky snacks, and then off to the port for a visit to Smoke & Booze! Nothing like perusing the variety of options for a nice drinking afternoon at 9:45 AM.
Back to the dorms, a quick KFC lunch, and currently a good card game of Asshole along with rum & cokes. There's talk of poker, chips and all, but we'll see how organized this group gets. I'm feeling a nap, a movie, and some knitting in my future....
As of now, seems the storm will run just north of us, however we will get a chunk of the action. Currently Omar is travelling at about 9 mph and running 85 mph winds. There is talk at NOAA Public Advisory that Omar should strengthen to a Cat 2 by this evening/early morning, and should hit the Northern Leeward Islands around 2 AM.
Some links of interest:
St. Kitts and Nevis Vibes update about Hurricane Omar
NOAA Hurricane Water Vapor Loop
Um, yeah. A Tropical Storm has to come to St. Kitts during the week of my dog walking. Crap.
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Please be advised that Tropical Storm Omar (current maximum sustained winds – 40 mph – hence the classification as a tropical storm) is situated about 350 miles to our southwest and is slowly coursing to the northeast at about 2 mph. If this pathway and speed persists, the center of the storm will pass quite near us over the next couple of days. Below, you will find an image of the system and a depiction of the likely path and wind speed as Omar approaches St. Kitts.
Following is an update, this is as much information as we get. My notes in [brackets] and red. :)
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The Electricity Department, in a press conference yesterday indicated that they will be able to have aditional improvements in the load shedding situation by this weekend as they will be able to bring the capacity up to 20 Mega Watts (the peak time requirement is 24MW). They are, however, working towards having the full capacity in place by October 17th.
It continues to be a difficult time especially for persons living in the Mattingley [MY HOOD!], West Farm and Boyds Area as the power does not return till 10:00pm. Arrangements have been made to open the Library earlier on weekends (from 7:00am) and to have Classrooms 2 and 3 available at nights till 10:00pm. [So far no acknowledgement of my open living arrangements in the dorms, both in Jen's room and the study lounge couch...stay tuned] We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the classrooms clean when you study at night for your fellow students the next morning.
We will continue to keep you informed as further information or schedules are released.
Regards
Campus Administrator
In Ross U's infinite wisdom second semester has become not only the most difficult semester but also the most inconvenient for studying. Amidst panicking over weekly exams in 4 very difficult courses we seconds are assigned the dubious honor of walking the kennel/clinic dogs each day. Our class was split into groups of 6 - 7 people last semester, and we were assigned one week this semester during which it is our responsibility to walk about ~40 dogs twice daily.
There are a number of things wrong with this - aside from the aforementioned crazyass hard semester.
1. We are required to walk the dogs 15 min each dog both AM and PM. While this is awesome for the dogs, it basically keeps us tied up with walking for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours each AM and each PM. 3 whole hours a DAY. That's a heck of a lot of quality study time. Especially when you factor in the post-walk cleanup time. Which brings me to...
2. I don't know about you, but I sweat profusely when I walk for a couple of hours in heat/humidity that can't even be compared to Florida (worse by far). Somehow I am expected to begin walking no earlier than 6 AM, complete 5 quality dog walks, get clean, and get to class by 8 AM. Perhaps if I were a guy, with hair no longer than my big toe and the ability to wash my hair with the same soap I use on my face, then I could potentially manage this feat. But I have very long hair that requires time and effort just to wash. And with no time to blow dry both AM and PM, I'm basically going to be walking around with wet head for the next week. Might as well not even bother with hygiene in general.
3. It's the rainy season. We walk rain or shine. Whoopie.
I apologize for my whiny ways as of late...just one more thing to add onto an already overwhelmed person. BUT there is a plus side...since I was sick a few weeks ago I haven't really gone running or done any good exercising. Walking the dogs has definitely put me back into the 'need for movement in my life' mode! So there's that.
Oh, and I'd like to send out a big Welcome Back to my Mom. She just returned from Italy. And did not take me. Again. Welcome Back.
Smooches to all! :)
PS - Sorry for the lack of pictures lately....camera has officially died and I can't seem to find the charger. I haven't really been home long enough to look for it in the dark. Course wouldn't matter if I did find the charger as one needs electricity to charge our fancy toys. Thus, I have drawn you all a fantastic pic using the Paint program on my computer. Enjoy.
Today we finally had the 'pop quiz' in Parasitology that we've been expecting for upwards of a week now. Our Parasit prof really has it out for us. It was worth only 25 points (out of something like 500, so about 5% of our grade) and had only 10 questions, however difficultly-wise it was like studying for a full exam. I (and many of my classmates) could seriously have a pulled a big fat ZERO.
On to lighter news....there appears to be a genuine Dengue Fever outbreak here at Ross and I'm sort of excited about it. I realize that seems crass, as Dengue does have hemorrhagic fatal strains, but it sort of feels like that summer in 2004 when I was glued to http://www.noaa.gov/ and couldn't stand the thought of missing one moment of the exciting Hurricane action. Anywho, there are two suspected cases in our semester, and two others from upper semesters. It's the rainy "season" right now, and we Floridians know that RAIN = MOSQUITOES (I realize there is more to that equation, such as pools of water for making babies, but essentially it covers the basics). Special torture. Most students here walk around with Chicken Pox-looking skin. Thus, it's only a matter of time before more cases pop up....
Thus comes the Lesson of the Week (I realize it's been awhile...please be kind.). Since I'm tired, overworked, and a more than a bit lazy right now, I am merely providing you with an excerpt from my new favorite book that I have vowed to finished (eventually) despite it's 622 pages (whoa, just realized it was that many!). I found this excerpt doubly fascinating due to the recent Dengue outbreak AND our learning about macrophages in Immunology recently. Plus, infectious agents that evolve to outwit our already pretty darn evolved immune system are just plain neat.
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"Usually when people develop strong antibody immune responses against a virus they are protected against future exposure to the microbe. But dengue-2 [one of four strains of the dengue virus] had evolved an extraordinary ability to exploit human antibodies to its advantage. When the human antibodies attached to the outer envelope of the dengue-2 virus, the microbe played a game of stealth, allowing the antibodies to send their signals to the large immune system macrophage cells. In a process that was usually lethal to the microbes, the macrophages would then engulf the viruses, but instead of dying, the dengue would take control of the immune system's primary killer cells.
Thus, dengue-2 evaded the immune system defenses and gained entry to every organ in the body, carried by macrophages that acted as Trojan horses for the virus. As the immune system struggled to overcome its sneaky invaders, various biochemical reactions were triggered that produced soaring fevers - as high as 107 degrees F - convulsions, classic allergy-like shock, and death."
Excerpt from The Coming Plague - Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance, by Laurie Garrett (p. 255-256 if anyone decides to read along at home)
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As a side note, I find it increasingly amusing as we progress in our clinical knowledge of veterinary medicine to find "death" listed as a Clinical Sign for a disease/infectious agent. I think they should list it separately under the heading of 'The Ultimate Clinical Sign'. Seriously. Give death it's due.
I seem very good at ending on a high note lately, so with this I say Have a Fabulous Week!
I have found a new love. And they are called Cables. I have been knitting for years now, and have put off trying to make cables for fear that they were just too hard. I finally made myself learn by deciding to knit one of my favorite profs a goodbye gift from our lab group. [He will be leaving at the end of this semester and moving to Toronto. From St. Kitts to Toronto. Seriously.] How stupid do I feel now that I know how simple they are?! And how happy am I to have finally decided to try?! I seriously think everything I knit from now on will have cables.
I try to keep this blog happy and chipper so my readers (all two of you, thanks mom & dad) get the impression everything on The Rock is honky dory.
Well, it's not.
I am breaking new ground right now: I am admitting to being seriously frustrated with life (publicly admitting, not normally my thing). I cannot maintain focus, cannot retain any of this BS, and am in a constant state of feeling like a grain of dirt under Vet School's shoe. Pretty much 24/7 I just want to tuck myself into the corner and listen to loud sappy music and consider crying (also not really my thing).
I am also frustrated with some of the people around me, people who seem to think they know what's best for me and won't just let me BE. Things in life change rather frequently (what's that quote about the only constant in life?), and sometimes good changes in one person's life might be not so great in another's. Does that mean that the person whose life changes for the good should give that up? Why can't we all just live and let live? I'm a serious 'phase' person, just like the tide I have my ups and downs. And being the stubborn jackass that I am, I have to work through life on my own. Why can't people understand that the harder they push me the harder I pull away?
Lately I've been in a constant state of feeling lonely. Even amongst crowds of friends, people whom I love and adore. It's like there's a void in my life that I can't quite figure out. I think that's part of what is making me want to "build a fort in the attic" to hide in (to quote Laura); perhaps that's what's been distracting me.
Please don't read too much into this, get concerned, write comments with attempts at encouragement or pity. I appreciate your thoughts...and I know there are many people out there in my support web (I'm even lucky enough to have a few of those here). You are all appreciated and loved. I just wanted to vent to something abstract and nonresponsive (blog)....
Okay, study break is over. Back to immuno and its wonderful simplicity. Ahh...life without sarcasm would be truly unimaginative and dull indeed.
Students -
At this point we have not received an updated schedule from the Electricity Department, however, they did indicate that they were able to bring one generator online which should add some extra capacity and reduce the amount of load shedding currently taking place.
The Department has indicated that they will be issuing a new schedule tomorrow and I will forward it as soon as it is received. Your cooperation is certainly appreciated as we seek to conserve electricity to minimize the load on the system.
Regards
Campus Administrator
On! On!
I successfully completed my second hash event yesterday afternoon. We all decided we needed a little break, and what better way to blow of some Immunology steam than to run a crazyass hash up a mountain?! This hash was located on the South East Peninsula at Banana Bay. After the run there were Scottish style games with a Caribbean twist. Teams competed in coconut toss, noodle toss, tug-o-war, and more. Team members received extra points for wearing plaid to the games.
Hope you all have a wonderful week!
So, got our ghetto-ride back from the mechanic Devon last night. Our mechanic whom I LOVE. The Princess White Heat, also known as Susie, was outfitted with a new fuel pump and had her leaks sealed. She was also CLEANED by Devon. As in, cleaner than the day we got her. Seriously.
Unfortunately, Saskia the Retard still treats her like the car formally known as Pain In The Ass. I tried to start her up and basically flooded the engine. Twice now. I'm just not used to being able to just flick the key and have her start right up! Mark has me in training, since he seems to have the magic touch.
And I mean that title quite literally. Seems Island Power had a bit of a fire in their main building last night, resulting in island-wide power outages. This also resulted in me waking up drenched in sweat with a turned-off fan standing at the foot of my bed mocking me. Seems my subconscious also had a power outage as it did not see fit to kick off my covers in the heat of the night.
Amusingly, my alarm clock appeared to be out as well (no time displayed in red) but still made it's annoying attempt to wake me at the prescribed hour. Seems nothing short of throwing them across the room will make those little suckers shut up.
Below, see the weak email sent to us at 1:16 PM this afternoon. Keep in mind that the power outage occurred some time around 4:00 AM this morning. That's some mighty swift investigating on Ross's part.
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Students -
Please note that the main power generators at the St. Kitts Electricity Company has been damaged and as a result load shedding will take place island wide i.e. power will be available for limited periods of time during the day or night. We have contacted the Electricity Department but they were unable to provide any additional information; as soon as we receive a schedule of the load shedding we will share it with you. The length of time required to have the situation rectified is uncertain, but we will keep you updated as we get additional information
It would be advisable to unplug any items that can remain off when power returns as there can be surges that may damage sensitive equipment.
We are currently using our stand-by generator to provide power to the campus and the Campus Living Residences.
Regards
Ross U
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In case any of you are wondering, I will be camping out at the dorms until power is restored to the island. Between Jen, Mark and Steph I can rotate so that I don't overstay my welcome at any one of their places. And once they read this blog entry, they'll be advised of my plans.
Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!! Mucho love to all!
So while avoiding studying tonight I was flipping through my pics and realized that I never properly introduced you to Steph!
