I remember traveling by car in the fall. Southern Minnesota was a great place to wander--trees bursting with color and flocks of birds migrating overhead. My favorite game to play while riding in the car was to guess who was faster--the birds or us. I played the same game with the moon, but the moon always seemed to tie us to our destination.
As I am sitting here in Grenada this fall, I can not tell that the seasons have changed. Yes, the grass is a bit greener from the frequent rain showers and there seem to be more mosquitoes around; but I cannot honestly say I feel any difference from now, when I first came to Greanada, and when I departed last spring.
Thus, I am left to reminisce on last fall, and the experience I enjoyed. I was able to join my new in-laws in South-Western Minnesota. In and of itself, this is not all that exciting. Imagine a land spread as far as you can see under grey-blue skies, dried-out khaki corn stalks and a cold wind. Occasionally, there's a pocket of trees, but for the most part, the corn and sky dominate the view.
But we did not come to take in the scenery. I was about to leave my innocent childhood memories of birds flying behind, to take up arms and bring those creatures back to the ground. The birds, that is, not the memories.
I was going hunting.
I am the minority in these parts. There are VERY few 27 year olds in the Midwest who go hunting for the first time. But there I was; license in pocket, father-in-law's shotgun slung over one arm, trudging through knocked down corn. Dogs bounding through the field hunting up pheasants. I cannot say I was very successful, but there were nearly a dozen in our party, spaced along the field walking in a fan formation. Somehow I was suckered into taking the furthest point (i.e. I had to walk the farthest). I didn't see many pheasants in that field, but we did manage to startle a 10-point buck that was bedded down. My brothers-in-law took great care to mentally note where it ran off to--deer hunting season started a weeks later.
We hiked through corn, grass and mud over several fields and I fully enjoyed the teamwork and freedom to enjoy the outdoors with such purpose. My father did not really approve of guns and the only opportunity I had to fire any came at scout-camp; where there was a range with a few .22's we aimed at paper targets. I recall that I did quite poorly with this marksmanship, although this was before we recognized that I needed glasses.
However, as I watched a black lab flush a rooster not 10 feet in front of me, I realized it was not the glasses that made the difference. I hesitated, fearful that this was really a hen, and let the streaming tail-feathers sail past me until the bird was almost 20 feet behind me. Only then did I mange to raise my borrowed gun and let loose two shots. Both missed.
It's not the glasses, it was practice and confidence I lacked. And I had done so well in Nintendo's "Duck Hunter"! I got a brief, and well deserved ribbing from nearby family but continued on; hopeful for an opportunity to redeem myself. The next day I got my chance.
I got up early, well before sunrise, to join my new cousins on a quick truck ride out to a neighbor's field. We unloaded, carried a few decoys out and setup the plastic ducks and Canada Geese in an attempt to lure migrating birds. Once positioned in a surprisingly realistic way, the six of us huddled in the standing corn, sipping on Miller Light or whatever we brought and waited.
Those moments from my youth, riding in the car, came back to me. I saw the massive flocks of birds, lines of ducks and v-shaped geese against the opaque sky. It was very different and exciting feeling to see those same patterns come under such a different circumstance.
We continued to huddle in the corn, watching the flocks fly silhouetted against the clouds. Suddenly, there was a loud "quack" nearby. My attention snapped to my right where I saw Brent with his duck call out. I relaxed a bit and began scanning the horizon. Mark O. pointed off to the north-west where I could barely make out a few dots against the clouds. There were at least fifteen or twenty ducks coming closer. They circled us a few times at a safe distance. Mark said that they were inspecting the site to make sure it was safe. We all sat still hoping that the birds wouldn't see us crouching among the corn in our various shades of camouflage.
Matt told me where to stand and talked me through how I should plan to fire when the time came. The ducks came in, and we opened fire a bit too soon. We missed all ten or so that dropped down and the birds retreated in a bizarre panic.
We packed up and headed back to our shack to grab some hot lunch. Later that evening, we returned to the field and our decoys. The geese were flying in the distance and we crouched in the cornstalks again. But we didn't need to wait long. Brent pulled out his goose call and proceeded to get the attention of a few distant dots. Phil and Jon waved the goose flag and simulated a landing bird further enticing the large grey, white and black birds closer.
We all waited until the last possible moment and when the geese were no more than eight feet off the ground we stood and opened fire. Realizing the trap, four of the creatures flapped and fled, one was not so lucky. The fifth animal took a hit on the wing and another shortly there after.
I got my goose. It was surprising how heavy the animal was, and later how warm its insides were. Brent, Matt and Shawn walked me through the easiest way to clean the bird. And the animal that was, hours before, trying to land on a field, was now sealed in a vacuum pouch and chilling in Dave's large chest freezer. I sat down at the fire after washing my hands and grabbing a brat with mustard and kraut. Not a bad day.
It took a great group of people to pull off this weekend. I was able to borrow a gun, be driven to the right field, shown where to stand and when to fire. We worked as a team to bring in and hit the birds and we all shared in the stories and jokes after the sun had set.
The sky is not often grey in Grenada. There are no geese and I only shiver when I am happily in my air-conditioned room. Firearms are illegal on the island and there is no hunting. The seasons do not seem to change and the ocean provides a barren and endless horizon. However, I feel many of the same lessons I from that weekend carry over to my current education.
I will not complete Medical school alone. There is far too much information to get through solo and study-partners will always help by testing your memory. We meet to shoot questions and build rapid-recall, we trudge through the same dense material. Furthermore, we all have the same target in our sights. We strive to become great physicians, and with each other's help we can land that future position we desire.
I am sad to be away from home during the fall. I miss the beautiful color of the leaves, the smell of the wet grass and being with my wife and family. Now, I also miss this new fall sport and my new extended family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to realize a part of me that I did not have before. And I am glad to use what I learned.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
1st lecture
If the first day of class gives any insight to what the term may be like, there is one word that could describe the upcoming months: surprising.The first surprise was that the Biochemistry department has a new interim-director: Dr. Davidson. The second surprise came mid-way through his orientation lecture. The Charter Hall fire alarms suddenly went off. What was most amusing was the lack of response the student body and professors in attendance displayed to the extremely loud alarm. There was a shocked gasp in the crowd immediately following the first burst of shrill noise, but after that there was only a moderate level of chatter among the students. We all sat in the lecture hall for approximately 5 minutes, waiting for someone to silence the noise and allow us to resume our lectures. Then Dr. Davidson's voice came across the lecture speakers informing us that we were to evacuate the building as "...we have no idea what is going on." All 400+ students filed out the doors into the steamy midday sun and stood around for the next 15 minutes.
We were allowed back into the lecture hall, Dr. Davidson took up where he left off, and the remainder of the presentation went off without a hitch.
As we were returning to the hall, I did witness
Dr. Martin examine one of the fire-alarm pull devices and comment that it lacked a dye pack and say with some humor that any student could come by and set off the alarms without having any way to identify who it was.(Please note, this posting is not intended to encourage any student to take such actions as the student body would not view such behavior with any favor).
What amused me the most was the total lack of response, fear or alertness most all the students displayed to this fire alarm. Perhaps it is partially due to the nature of such noises on campus. For example, our room in SD 6 can hear fire alarms going off in other rooms at all hours of the day, with great frequency. Perhaps I'll keep a tally some day (or hour) while I'm studying. Then again, perhaps I'll keep my focus on my books.
Restart...
Term 1 classes begin today. However, my first lecture is not until Wednesday afternoon. Unlike last term, I've already met with several classmates and have organized a study group; and we have a plan to power through this term of biochemistry. I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to redeem myself and better understand the material that escaped me last term.
The new countdown timer at the left was my wife's suggestion. I'll add a new "break" timer so I can count down the days until I am home on little breaks. Christmas is the next holiday, and I was happy to find snoopy decorating his house. I imagine I will be doing the same as snoopy shortly after I arrive home. Although, I'm terrified at the pitch of our home's roof. Maybe I'll just put lites on the porch and garage; yeah, that'd be safer.
The new countdown timer at the left was my wife's suggestion. I'll add a new "break" timer so I can count down the days until I am home on little breaks. Christmas is the next holiday, and I was happy to find snoopy decorating his house. I imagine I will be doing the same as snoopy shortly after I arrive home. Although, I'm terrified at the pitch of our home's roof. Maybe I'll just put lites on the porch and garage; yeah, that'd be safer.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Warm days
Things are beginning to fall into place. We still lack network and internet in SD 6, but the students still put up at the Grand Anse campus have been cleared to move into their rooms in the newly opened wing of SD 6. The rooms still have the mild smell of fresh paint and grout.
We were also allowed to lock our doors yesterday! This may not seem like that big a deal, but we were just issued our keys. This is a major improvement from the previous day and a half where we and our neighbors were left to use duct tape or some other object to prevent the self-locking doors from closing when we left.
On a more personal note, I have now been cleared to register as a student again. I will only be taking one class, but I will perform well enough to make up for the extra time I will be spending on this island.
Although it is a good thing I am seeking this profession. Today while trying to clean up my haircut with my trimmers, I forgot to adjust the comb height properly. I was painfully aware of this lapse while looking in my mirror at the bright white streak down the side of my scalp. I had no choice but to continue the same height cut all over my head, and I am now left with little more than 1mm of hair. I look like a brand new chia pet... but much more pale.
I will have to wear sunscreen and/or a hat to prevent this from burning under the VERY hot and humid sun here along the equator. Sunsets are still rapid, although it seems to be taking quite a while for them to start. I am sure that will all change once classes start next Wednesday.
We were also allowed to lock our doors yesterday! This may not seem like that big a deal, but we were just issued our keys. This is a major improvement from the previous day and a half where we and our neighbors were left to use duct tape or some other object to prevent the self-locking doors from closing when we left.
On a more personal note, I have now been cleared to register as a student again. I will only be taking one class, but I will perform well enough to make up for the extra time I will be spending on this island.
Although it is a good thing I am seeking this profession. Today while trying to clean up my haircut with my trimmers, I forgot to adjust the comb height properly. I was painfully aware of this lapse while looking in my mirror at the bright white streak down the side of my scalp. I had no choice but to continue the same height cut all over my head, and I am now left with little more than 1mm of hair. I look like a brand new chia pet... but much more pale.
I will have to wear sunscreen and/or a hat to prevent this from burning under the VERY hot and humid sun here along the equator. Sunsets are still rapid, although it seems to be taking quite a while for them to start. I am sure that will all change once classes start next Wednesday.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lucky boys....
So, in my note yesterday I may have mentioned that I had no idea as to when I'd be allowed to move into my preassigned room in SD6. Turns out, my roomates and I were VERY fortunate to have been selected for the "A" wing of SD 6. We moved into our "home" on campus last night. We're in. It's done. We have running water, power, A/C, and a fully functioning kitchen. The only thing we're missing is network and internet access from our rooms. However, compared to Grand Anse, this is true luxury.
Apparently, by the time our third member arrived, the RAs on the G.A. campus informed him that they had no more rooms. If we had not been permitted to move in, he and a number of others on his flight would have to have slept on the floor or be put up in a hotel somewhere.
Regardless, it is very comforting to know that I am settled and I will shortly be attending my first course, Parasitology, this morning.
Take care and keep in touch.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Update...
I'm now on campus and looking around there is some noteworthy points. First, Monday 8/11/08 the campus is closed. The housing office is open, Q Store and Pearl's are open on limited hours.
Classes begin tomrrow for term 2. 8am - noon Bell Hall -- Genetics and Parasitology.
Bring your printout full registration form.
I'll try to post images of the notes I got this info from soon.
Good luck!
Classes begin tomrrow for term 2. 8am - noon Bell Hall -- Genetics and Parasitology.
Bring your printout full registration form.
I'll try to post images of the notes I got this info from soon.
Good luck!
What's old is still new...
Welcome back everyone. After a beautiful long summer break I have, along with many of my classmates returned to "the rock" Grenada. Our homcoming, however, was not what many of us expected. Those of us scheduled to live in "Super dorm 6" were sent an e-mail last week informing us that the True Blue (think on-campus) campus would not currently be able to accommodate us, and we were to report to Grand Anse (think old-school off campus housing) campus.
As far as we can tell, there is no set time frame for our return to the main campus, and best estimates of completion of our dorm range anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
As for the current housing here on Grand Anse, between my roommate and I we have 1 set of keys. But fortunately we can unlock the front door (True Blue automatically lock when closed). My roomate was kind enough to let me borrow his bed sheets (mine being still in storage) when I arrived because the mattresses are not something you would want to lay upon without some covering.
Electricity appears to work, although there are no US style outlets, only British. Lighting seems to be touch-and-go. The overhead lights worked last night, to my roommates amazement; apparently when he arrived 2 days ago, they did not function.
When I walked in and turned on the bathroom light, his jaw dropped
as he asked "how'd you do that?"
But we do have an air-conditioner.
As for the city, this is apparently, Carnival and there was a party at the stadium at about 3am last night. We could not hear or see it, but were simply told about the wild events. As such, today is a national holiday and I'm praying I'll be able to find an open grocery store or someplace to grab a bite to eat. I'd hate to sustain myself on my Snyder's Buffalo-hot-wing pretzel bites for the whole day.
Soon, I'll head into the True Blue Campus to try to find out some more information about housing, registration and the like. More postings to follow
As far as we can tell, there is no set time frame for our return to the main campus, and best estimates of completion of our dorm range anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
As for the current housing here on Grand Anse, between my roommate and I we have 1 set of keys. But fortunately we can unlock the front door (True Blue automatically lock when closed). My roomate was kind enough to let me borrow his bed sheets (mine being still in storage) when I arrived because the mattresses are not something you would want to lay upon without some covering.
Electricity appears to work, although there are no US style outlets, only British. Lighting seems to be touch-and-go. The overhead lights worked last night, to my roommates amazement; apparently when he arrived 2 days ago, they did not function.
When I walked in and turned on the bathroom light, his jaw dropped
as he asked "how'd you do that?"But we do have an air-conditioner.
As for the city, this is apparently, Carnival and there was a party at the stadium at about 3am last night. We could not hear or see it, but were simply told about the wild events. As such, today is a national holiday and I'm praying I'll be able to find an open grocery store or someplace to grab a bite to eat. I'd hate to sustain myself on my Snyder's Buffalo-hot-wing pretzel bites for the whole day.
Soon, I'll head into the True Blue Campus to try to find out some more information about housing, registration and the like. More postings to follow
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Flowers - color swap
I got a new toy for my 1st anniversary. With the new digital camera, I hope to add many more photos to this site. Keep looking for more in the near future!!
Enjoy the end of the summer break. We start again Aug 11.
Enjoy the end of the summer break. We start again Aug 11.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Finals Week
So it starts. The beginning of the end... of the term. One semester almost complete and I can say medical school is tough. There is a lot of information to learn and it comes from all different directions. Fortunately, there are topics that crossover into the other classes, and that help ease the load. Despite that, I easily spent a good 14-18hrs. cramming for my biochemistry final (after regular daily review) and I would have enjoyed another day to prepare. But that's over now, and I've moved on to histology. This entry is actually my histology study (18hr. cramming session) break.
Really, clicking through countless slides of various tissues, structures and stains has made appreciate just how much variation can exist. Thinking back to just over three months ago, I could only differentiate general color and shape differences between the slides. Ok, that's a bit overstated. They all looked the same to me. But now, I can glimpse at an image and say "oh, that's from the kidney", or "hey, look Meissner's corpuscle." Although, I believe our professor would be dissapointed if I didn't shout "Osteocytes extensions in Canaliculi!"
After tomorrow's test, we get a day's break before diving into the Anatomy final. Fun. 8am virtual slides and written test. That's followed by a half-hour lab practical in the afternoon. Then, we're done. First term of medical school will be complete. My bags will be packed, I'll finish the last load of laundry before a few items are put away into the campus storage room and I'll head out for an evening with my classmates.
Although I may be getting ahead of myself. I already started picking up books for next term. That better not jinx me.
Thank you to everyone who has sent me luck in the last few days. It helps to be reminded of all the support I have.
Really, clicking through countless slides of various tissues, structures and stains has made appreciate just how much variation can exist. Thinking back to just over three months ago, I could only differentiate general color and shape differences between the slides. Ok, that's a bit overstated. They all looked the same to me. But now, I can glimpse at an image and say "oh, that's from the kidney", or "hey, look Meissner's corpuscle." Although, I believe our professor would be dissapointed if I didn't shout "Osteocytes extensions in Canaliculi!"
After tomorrow's test, we get a day's break before diving into the Anatomy final. Fun. 8am virtual slides and written test. That's followed by a half-hour lab practical in the afternoon. Then, we're done. First term of medical school will be complete. My bags will be packed, I'll finish the last load of laundry before a few items are put away into the campus storage room and I'll head out for an evening with my classmates.
Although I may be getting ahead of myself. I already started picking up books for next term. That better not jinx me.
Thank you to everyone who has sent me luck in the last few days. It helps to be reminded of all the support I have.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Daily Grind...
It is kinda of amazing how your body responds to differing workloads. For the last week, I have not been going to bed before 4am. Granted, I have not needed to be up before 1 in the afternoon but I really should be better organized or more willing to give up on whatever subject I am studying to just close the books like I did last night.
Regardless, I recently woke from a one-hour nap and I cannot figure out what has been making me so fatigued? I get up, go to lab, come home and have lunch. This is followed by several hours of sitting in a darkened classroom listening to lectures --today only saw three hours of lecture. By the time I get home my body feels wiped. Sometimes I've fallen asleep for several hours midday and I cannot get to sleep at night.
Whether it is the hot, hot sun, afternoon rain showers or my lack of regular exercise, I am going to hope this is only a phase. Lab is earlier tomorrow.
The picture here is from the "black sand" beach just off the back steps of campus. Friends and I regularly swim here in the afternoons after lecture to cool off and get re-energized for an evening of studying. It was taken by Matt and you can see more of his images here: Matt's Flickr Site
Regardless, I recently woke from a one-hour nap and I cannot figure out what has been making me so fatigued? I get up, go to lab, come home and have lunch. This is followed by several hours of sitting in a darkened classroom listening to lectures --today only saw three hours of lecture. By the time I get home my body feels wiped. Sometimes I've fallen asleep for several hours midday and I cannot get to sleep at night.
Whether it is the hot, hot sun, afternoon rain showers or my lack of regular exercise, I am going to hope this is only a phase. Lab is earlier tomorrow.
The picture here is from the "black sand" beach just off the back steps of campus. Friends and I regularly swim here in the afternoons after lecture to cool off and get re-energized for an evening of studying. It was taken by Matt and you can see more of his images here: Matt's Flickr Site
Sunday, March 23, 2008
You were warned....
To begin, half of me feels like apologizing. I know that I have not posted in quite some time, these postings to not take all that long to put together, and I have been getting enough sleep for the last week or so. That said, I do not feel all that bad for waiting until now. Why...I hear your unconscious murmur...? In the past month (I believe since I last posted here?) my class has had their first round of exams, I have been working to better understand the biochemical pathways that were thrown at us like beads at a Mardi Gras parade, and I have most recently been trying to reconnect with my fun-loving classmates at the annual beach party "Sandblast." So all, in all, it's been a busy few weeks.
What prompted this posting? Several factors:
But I digress, this update is not to be a commentary about why this update is here. This is to be an update and insight as to this student's experience in medical school. Let me say this: Medical School is hard. I have not studied enough yet, and I realize that. I am now redoubling my efforts and working to study smarter....and a bit harder too. Along with many of my classmates, midterm exams did not go as well as I thought they may have. I am still passing, but I do not desire to be a "C" level physician.
It is no joke. There is no limit to the number of problems you can do, books you can review, flashcards you can look at. Strike that, there is no limit to the number of books, flashcard and problems you SHOULD do while in medical school. And for that matter, don't just do them once, do them over and over again. I am working, already, to put this lesson to practice well before my 1st term finals.
As for the family events, my brother got to return home and visit Rochester, MN for Spring Break '08. My sister's enjoying her time in Peru, and quickly learning that managing a business is a full-time job. And my parents are, well, still in the Cold white north and taunting me with ribs, salmon and other home cooking whenever I get them to chat online.
Then there's my wife. She's been EXTREMELY busy these past few weeks. More so than I, actually. Flying between too many cities to list here, having those flights delayed, re-routed and then canceled, and having to spend many, many nights in hotels. It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and right about now, I love her even more than the day we were married.
There is good news for us, though. She managed to find a weekend and flight deal that worked and is coming down to visit me again before the term is over! Needless to say I'm overjoyed, and my friends down here are very excited to see her too. Although, one buddy recommended that I ask her to bring something with her. The story is this:
Grenada has no Mc Donald's. There's no Burger King, there's no Dariy Queen or Wendy's, and there sure as hell is no Chipotle.
What am I craving today? What have I been craving for the last 2 months? What will I devour en-masse when I return home? Burritos. Specifically, Chipotle and Qudoba. It is a dream of mine that Grenada would accept and open a single (1, uno) chipotle restaurant in their shopping mall across from the Grand Anse campus. Just thinking about their soft-shell wraps with marinated chicken breasts, 13spice black beans, lime salted chips, corn salsa and guacamole.... I know she can't bring it down here. It would not last the full 16hr trip. I can only dream, and wait.
That said, I had a near-Mexican (kinda) encounter yesterday. Saturday was the annual St. George's University Sandblast. This year's theme was "Fiesta Spring '08" and the drinks ran freely, the men's and women's hot body contests did entertain and the water came so hight that there was hardly any beach to relax on. Honestly, it was amazing. There were so many people enjoying themselves, relaxing in the sun, chatting away, and drinking beer, tequila sunrise, rum punch and whatever other drinks they could get the bar to mix up. Students were dancing around with big woven sombrero-like hats and bad black stick-on mustaches. Fortunately, the SGU mustache club had recently adjourned, and all the horrible facial hair that many men were growing was wonderfully absent.
The sun was hot, the music was loud and the party was rocking until 6pm, when the party suddenly stopped, we were told that we "did not have to go home, but you..." yeah, you know the line. Despite the disclaimer, I did go home. I got changed...and went out again. This is a 4 day weekend. It would, honestly, have been a waste not to waste one full day.
Now, it's Sunday night. Monday is my last "weekend" day and there are many, many things yet to review. To those of you that made it this far down the story, thank you for reading, and keep in touch.
One last thought.....
there have been comments from some wishing I would post some pictures on this blog of the campus, my living facilities and the like. Allow me to say that I do not have a camera down here with me. I thought my large digital camera too bulky and too battery-thristy to be a viable option. Perhaps that will be an investment I will have to make over the summer. But to make up for it, I have contacted a friend of mine with a fantastic eye to see if I could "borrow" a few of his images to illustrate my dialog. His name is Matt and you can check out some of his pictures on his Flickr site.
What prompted this posting? Several factors:
- It has been a while since I've written
- A lot has occurred
- midterms
- family news
- school events
- ok, perhaps not all that much
- I learned that there are more people reading this than just my family!
- Co-workers
- Here's my big chance to shout out to all the RNs and ERTs at Regions Hospital in St. Paul!! Hey guys, enjoy digging your cars out after this past weekend.... it's STILL sunny and 80 here.
- Classmates
- Ok, I have only heard of 1, but Linda did convince me that an update was due.
- Anyone else?
- You have to comment. Only those that stand up get recognized. You deserve to be recognized, don't you?
But I digress, this update is not to be a commentary about why this update is here. This is to be an update and insight as to this student's experience in medical school. Let me say this: Medical School is hard. I have not studied enough yet, and I realize that. I am now redoubling my efforts and working to study smarter....and a bit harder too. Along with many of my classmates, midterm exams did not go as well as I thought they may have. I am still passing, but I do not desire to be a "C" level physician.
It is no joke. There is no limit to the number of problems you can do, books you can review, flashcards you can look at. Strike that, there is no limit to the number of books, flashcard and problems you SHOULD do while in medical school. And for that matter, don't just do them once, do them over and over again. I am working, already, to put this lesson to practice well before my 1st term finals.
As for the family events, my brother got to return home and visit Rochester, MN for Spring Break '08. My sister's enjoying her time in Peru, and quickly learning that managing a business is a full-time job. And my parents are, well, still in the Cold white north and taunting me with ribs, salmon and other home cooking whenever I get them to chat online.
Then there's my wife. She's been EXTREMELY busy these past few weeks. More so than I, actually. Flying between too many cities to list here, having those flights delayed, re-routed and then canceled, and having to spend many, many nights in hotels. It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and right about now, I love her even more than the day we were married.
There is good news for us, though. She managed to find a weekend and flight deal that worked and is coming down to visit me again before the term is over! Needless to say I'm overjoyed, and my friends down here are very excited to see her too. Although, one buddy recommended that I ask her to bring something with her. The story is this:
Grenada has no Mc Donald's. There's no Burger King, there's no Dariy Queen or Wendy's, and there sure as hell is no Chipotle.
What am I craving today? What have I been craving for the last 2 months? What will I devour en-masse when I return home? Burritos. Specifically, Chipotle and Qudoba. It is a dream of mine that Grenada would accept and open a single (1, uno) chipotle restaurant in their shopping mall across from the Grand Anse campus. Just thinking about their soft-shell wraps with marinated chicken breasts, 13spice black beans, lime salted chips, corn salsa and guacamole.... I know she can't bring it down here. It would not last the full 16hr trip. I can only dream, and wait.
That said, I had a near-Mexican (kinda) encounter yesterday. Saturday was the annual St. George's University Sandblast. This year's theme was "Fiesta Spring '08" and the drinks ran freely, the men's and women's hot body contests did entertain and the water came so hight that there was hardly any beach to relax on. Honestly, it was amazing. There were so many people enjoying themselves, relaxing in the sun, chatting away, and drinking beer, tequila sunrise, rum punch and whatever other drinks they could get the bar to mix up. Students were dancing around with big woven sombrero-like hats and bad black stick-on mustaches. Fortunately, the SGU mustache club had recently adjourned, and all the horrible facial hair that many men were growing was wonderfully absent.
The sun was hot, the music was loud and the party was rocking until 6pm, when the party suddenly stopped, we were told that we "did not have to go home, but you..." yeah, you know the line. Despite the disclaimer, I did go home. I got changed...and went out again. This is a 4 day weekend. It would, honestly, have been a waste not to waste one full day.
Now, it's Sunday night. Monday is my last "weekend" day and there are many, many things yet to review. To those of you that made it this far down the story, thank you for reading, and keep in touch.
One last thought.....
there have been comments from some wishing I would post some pictures on this blog of the campus, my living facilities and the like. Allow me to say that I do not have a camera down here with me. I thought my large digital camera too bulky and too battery-thristy to be a viable option. Perhaps that will be an investment I will have to make over the summer. But to make up for it, I have contacted a friend of mine with a fantastic eye to see if I could "borrow" a few of his images to illustrate my dialog. His name is Matt and you can check out some of his pictures on his Flickr site.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Busy, busy
Well, it's been a while since my last post, but I'll say... I warned you. Medical school is keeping me busy; what with biochemistry, anatomy, histology and bioethics and this is just the first semester. On top of that, our campus lacks any organized food service so we must fend for ourselves on a daily basis. Quite the adventure given the diversity of our campus. St. George's University has a large number of students from both the United States and Canada, but the next largest country represented must be India.
This was made evident in our student handbook which requested that 'for students with common last names such as Smith or Patel, please include your middle initial along with your first name." Really, this has been quite the time so far. I have had more Indian Food in the last couple weeks than all my years in Colorado and Minnesota combined. I've learned the joy that is the "roti" and come to a greater appreciation for HOT spicy foods.
If my wife thought that she couldn't handle my taste for spicy foods before, just wait 'till I come home and start dousing everything in Caribbean Catsup (i.e. Baron West Indian Hot Sauce).
Joking aside, I truly do appreciate the preparation Colorado College provided. This institution offered an anatomy class every year in which undergrads were permitted the honor of studying anatomy as part of the physical science department. This course included a wet-lab human cadaver dissection where there were only five students per body! Even now in medical school, I am learning anatomy by prosection (pre-dissected specimens). Some students may complain about this style of instruction, but I actually prefer it. Having spent hour upon hour tediously removing layers of subcutaneous tissue (read: fat) only to find that we accidentally sliced through an important nerve/vein/other superficial structure, learning from excellently exposed bodies is far better in my book. Besides, there are enough other things I have to be doing in this first term. Reading being at the top.
Between the anatomy book, detailed analysis of embryo development, exquisite analysis of chemical interactions in biochemistry, and a fair bit of global medical ethics reading to complete, I do not know how I find time to work sample test problems, sit in lecture and find time to sleep. The Mr. Coffee left by the soon to be "Dr." J Butterfield helps quite a bit in these days.
So why is it that I am suddenly posting this rambling overview? Well, I awoke to attend my 8:30am bioethics small group discussion meeting only to arrive at the assigned room to find no one. Further investigation (read: looked at posting on corkboard) led me to understand that my group did not meet until 10. Those two hours of free time provides me with enough time to eat breakfast, stop by the housing department to learn about becoming a Residence Assistant --more on that later, perhaps--and write this little post.
Now, if I am glossing over anything that you, reader, would like to know more about; or if you would just like to know something about this program (medical school, Grenada, blogspot.com) post me a note below. I will do my best to respond and I would be very happy to know that someone's out there reading my thoughts.
Oh, as a final aside - it was a lot of fun to watch the superbowl this past Sunday. Yes, we got a live view of the game on our campus TV here in Grenada. The funny thing was (no not he doritos ad) that the broadcast came from Fox in Denver, CO! Talk about a small world. After watching the game, and House MD, I got to see that a massive amount of snow was piling on Summit county and the front range of Colorado. I was very tempted to call my brother in Denver--who may have as well been on the slopes--and ask about some mundane news detail. However, I did not, and felt a pinge of nostalgia for such cold snowy weather as I wore kahki shorts, sat in the breeze of an open cafe, and listened to the nearby roar of ocean waves pounding the sandy beachfront.
So close, yet so very, very far away.
This was made evident in our student handbook which requested that 'for students with common last names such as Smith or Patel, please include your middle initial along with your first name." Really, this has been quite the time so far. I have had more Indian Food in the last couple weeks than all my years in Colorado and Minnesota combined. I've learned the joy that is the "roti" and come to a greater appreciation for HOT spicy foods.
If my wife thought that she couldn't handle my taste for spicy foods before, just wait 'till I come home and start dousing everything in Caribbean Catsup (i.e. Baron West Indian Hot Sauce).
Joking aside, I truly do appreciate the preparation Colorado College provided. This institution offered an anatomy class every year in which undergrads were permitted the honor of studying anatomy as part of the physical science department. This course included a wet-lab human cadaver dissection where there were only five students per body! Even now in medical school, I am learning anatomy by prosection (pre-dissected specimens). Some students may complain about this style of instruction, but I actually prefer it. Having spent hour upon hour tediously removing layers of subcutaneous tissue (read: fat) only to find that we accidentally sliced through an important nerve/vein/other superficial structure, learning from excellently exposed bodies is far better in my book. Besides, there are enough other things I have to be doing in this first term. Reading being at the top.
Between the anatomy book, detailed analysis of embryo development, exquisite analysis of chemical interactions in biochemistry, and a fair bit of global medical ethics reading to complete, I do not know how I find time to work sample test problems, sit in lecture and find time to sleep. The Mr. Coffee left by the soon to be "Dr." J Butterfield helps quite a bit in these days.
So why is it that I am suddenly posting this rambling overview? Well, I awoke to attend my 8:30am bioethics small group discussion meeting only to arrive at the assigned room to find no one. Further investigation (read: looked at posting on corkboard) led me to understand that my group did not meet until 10. Those two hours of free time provides me with enough time to eat breakfast, stop by the housing department to learn about becoming a Residence Assistant --more on that later, perhaps--and write this little post.
Now, if I am glossing over anything that you, reader, would like to know more about; or if you would just like to know something about this program (medical school, Grenada, blogspot.com) post me a note below. I will do my best to respond and I would be very happy to know that someone's out there reading my thoughts.
Oh, as a final aside - it was a lot of fun to watch the superbowl this past Sunday. Yes, we got a live view of the game on our campus TV here in Grenada. The funny thing was (no not he doritos ad) that the broadcast came from Fox in Denver, CO! Talk about a small world. After watching the game, and House MD, I got to see that a massive amount of snow was piling on Summit county and the front range of Colorado. I was very tempted to call my brother in Denver--who may have as well been on the slopes--and ask about some mundane news detail. However, I did not, and felt a pinge of nostalgia for such cold snowy weather as I wore kahki shorts, sat in the breeze of an open cafe, and listened to the nearby roar of ocean waves pounding the sandy beachfront.
So close, yet so very, very far away.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tour Day
Joni and I took a few tours around my new home. We began Thursday morning in the school "bus" driving into St. George to visit a fish market, spice market (complete with haggling vendors), Fort George, and finished up with a walk around a marina. The day was VERY warm and there were so many things to take in that we were thrilled to return to my dorm and enjoy a little rest time.
Emphasis on the little, here.
Shortly after we go back to campus, we had to pack up our things, refill our water bottles and get on another bus to head far out of town. This second tour of the day took us to a nutmeg production facility. After learning much about mace and nutmeg (which come from the same seed), we piled back into the buses and drove to a beautiful waterfall.
Some of our tour guides and classmates went ahead and started swimming in the cool water, and even a few went cliff jumping into the 18ft deep pool. We returned to the buses from the rocky river and were suddenly immersed in a tropical rain storm. Huge droplets of water were rapidly falling all over us, in January! For a Minnesotan this was somewhat disorienting. Honestly, two days before the thermometer registered nineteen below zero, and now I was drenched in a rain forest.
Our tour was running late, and the guides said it was about a half hour drive back to campus (which would get us back with 15 minutes to spare before our next event). An hour later, we were just outside the campus gates and were forced to head directly to the lecture hall, with damp shirts and sand in our shoes.
Emphasis on the little, here.
Shortly after we go back to campus, we had to pack up our things, refill our water bottles and get on another bus to head far out of town. This second tour of the day took us to a nutmeg production facility. After learning much about mace and nutmeg (which come from the same seed), we piled back into the buses and drove to a beautiful waterfall.
Some of our tour guides and classmates went ahead and started swimming in the cool water, and even a few went cliff jumping into the 18ft deep pool. We returned to the buses from the rocky river and were suddenly immersed in a tropical rain storm. Huge droplets of water were rapidly falling all over us, in January! For a Minnesotan this was somewhat disorienting. Honestly, two days before the thermometer registered nineteen below zero, and now I was drenched in a rain forest.
Our tour was running late, and the guides said it was about a half hour drive back to campus (which would get us back with 15 minutes to spare before our next event). An hour later, we were just outside the campus gates and were forced to head directly to the lecture hall, with damp shirts and sand in our shoes.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Travel Pt. 1
The day began easily enough. Woke up, finished packing, took out the trash, changed my car insurance policy; you know, every day stuff. We also arranged for a taxi to pick us up and provide enough time to get to the airport.
The taxi arrived fifteen minutes early. Good sign! Things are starting well for us. When we arrived at MSP, we were quickly able to check in and happily found that all our baggage was at or below the weight limit. After speeding though security (late afternoon on Monday = no lines), we grabbed a bite to eat and sat at our gate. All was going well, but perhaps too well.
Granted, the ladies at the gate warned us that we may have a delay due to the weather moving into Chicago, but they said that they were going to board us anyways.
We got on, pulled back from the gate and proceeded towards the runway. Then the pilot came on the intercom (you can guess where it goes from here) to inform us that we were being delayed by Air Traffic Control because there were too many planes on the ground at O'Hare. He estimated that it would be about 25minutes.
Five minutes later he came on to update us. He said that now, it would be at least another hour. So, as we waited, everyone got out their cell phones, informed others of the situation and settled in for a wait.
<-- Joni and I managed to get a picture on the plane during the delay. (Smiling here only because it's a picture)
Shortly before the hour was us, the pilot came on again to tell us that we would be delayed at least another hour. Fortunately, this estimate was right. We got airborne and made into Chicago by 8pm. So much for a last quick visit to the city, but at least we were going to get some sleep before our 4am wakeup call.
Despite meeting the weight requirements, Joni and I discovered just how out of shape we were while dragging our luggage from the baggage claim to our hotel. Thank you Joni for booking us at such a CLOSE location! I don't think we could've gone much further.
So, I am finishing this note in bed, alarm clock set and wake-up call requested. The gun goes off at 4am on our southern race tomorrow. With luck, I'll be able to make a quick post from my new dorm room on a lush tropical island.
Thanks for reading, and take care!
The taxi arrived fifteen minutes early. Good sign! Things are starting well for us. When we arrived at MSP, we were quickly able to check in and happily found that all our baggage was at or below the weight limit. After speeding though security (late afternoon on Monday = no lines), we grabbed a bite to eat and sat at our gate. All was going well, but perhaps too well.
Granted, the ladies at the gate warned us that we may have a delay due to the weather moving into Chicago, but they said that they were going to board us anyways.
We got on, pulled back from the gate and proceeded towards the runway. Then the pilot came on the intercom (you can guess where it goes from here) to inform us that we were being delayed by Air Traffic Control because there were too many planes on the ground at O'Hare. He estimated that it would be about 25minutes.
Five minutes later he came on to update us. He said that now, it would be at least another hour. So, as we waited, everyone got out their cell phones, informed others of the situation and settled in for a wait.
<-- Joni and I managed to get a picture on the plane during the delay. (Smiling here only because it's a picture)Shortly before the hour was us, the pilot came on again to tell us that we would be delayed at least another hour. Fortunately, this estimate was right. We got airborne and made into Chicago by 8pm. So much for a last quick visit to the city, but at least we were going to get some sleep before our 4am wakeup call.
Despite meeting the weight requirements, Joni and I discovered just how out of shape we were while dragging our luggage from the baggage claim to our hotel. Thank you Joni for booking us at such a CLOSE location! I don't think we could've gone much further.
So, I am finishing this note in bed, alarm clock set and wake-up call requested. The gun goes off at 4am on our southern race tomorrow. With luck, I'll be able to make a quick post from my new dorm room on a lush tropical island.
Thanks for reading, and take care!
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