Sunday, December 21, 2008

I'm home!!

I arrived safely yesterday morning at the train station in Utica, NY. And was I excited, not so much to be in Utica, NY but to be in the states and not in Grenada. The flight went well. A little delayed (45 minutes) at the Grenada airport, but smooth flying to JFK. The plane was only 1/2 full, so I had 3 seats to myself. We landed around 1am and I made it through customs really quick. Then it was off to Jamaica station to get the LIRR to Penn Station. Waiting for the train for 7 minutes outside in the cold at 2am was brutal. I couldn't sleep in Penn Station, so I stayed up all night. Then at 7:15am, I boarded the Maple Leaf to Utica, NY and arrived at noon.

First thing was food....I had a chicken and roasted red pepper panini at the Boulevard Diner. Then I came home to play with my puppy (and got rabies kisses!!). Then I just relaxed and watched movies and tv and went to bed really early.

So today I have alot to do. Unpack my summer clothes and pack them away in bins. Get out the little winter clothes I have. See what I need to buy in the next few days. Oh, and study. Let's not forget about the big test I have coming up!!

I hope everyone has a great day. 4 more days until christmas!!!! :)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The end is near...

Tests are over!! I never have to take another test here in Grenada again, and I can say that with confidence because I already have my scores back. A in pathophysiology, B in pharmacology, and in clinical skills....well, they are still working the final grades out but I can't get less than a B (considering that is what the site shows right now). So, overall this term I did fairly well. Considering I was also studying for Step 1 at the same time as the above classes.

So, the last few days have been crazy and hectic, but REALLY FUN. So lets recap shall we:

Thursday: After pharm, a little celebrating and drinking on campus..
Then to old school for a little more drinking....
Friday night: The best party ever, hosted by Sej!! YES I'm in a DRESS!!
Then, back home to change and off to Dr. Groom's for the end of year party....

Stayed for like 2 minutes (I was really tired and decided to go home and sleep)..

Saturday: Lunch at BB's....one last crab back experience..

Hash with Ishie....my first and last...I had SO MUCH FUN....

Sushi w/friends and saying goodbye....

So, I have 5 more days of sun to enjoy and then I'll be leaving Grenada. In some ways I will miss it here, but in more ways I am so happy to finally get home!! Take care everyone. See you really soon!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Where the hell have I been????

This is something I have heard alot lately. The other is....why have you not posted to your blog since September?? Oh shit....has it been that long?? It has, as I found out about 5 minutes ago. So, there is alot to catch up on and I better type quick considering I have my finals next week and I need to study for those. Here we go:

The first pathophysiology test was horrendous. Averages were really, really low (1/2 the class failed). We had a huge meeting with the directors of the course as well as the other courses, the Dean of Students, the Provost of the school, and so on....after about 2 hours of student complaints we were told the course would be curved.....good thing?? Who knows, all I know is I'm doing just fine and I haven't studied for pathophysiology since this first test and I stopped going to lectures back in September. I have been watching Kaplan videas and doing questions and studying my ass off for Step One. On the second test I did even better. So no worries here.

Speaking of which....Step One. I decided to not take a Kaplan course like many of my fellow students. I couldn't see spending $3,000 on a course for 6 weeks. Not to mention I would have to sit in lecture for 7-8 hours per day for 6 days a week. My attention span would not hold. So, back in July I decided to use this whole semester as my study time. So far its working really well. Once I get back home, I will do some practice tests to judge my weaknesses and strengths and then study my butt off for 6 weeks. I'm hoping to take the test the end of January which is much earlier than most of my friends (who will be taking it in March). I guess I'll have to see how my plan works.

Mit, Marie, Dy, Shelly, and Laura all came to visit me. YAY!!! They all came on November 8th and stayed for a week. I was so excited....its nice when friends or family can come to visit. We had a great time. We went on a hike, and river tubing, and on a sailing trip. And we went to the beach alot!! Here are some pics for you to enjoy:






Did I mention that the boat trip above had all you can drink alcohol. :)
My internet is SO slow right now....so, i'll have to end here for now but I promise I will write again soon....and besides I have to post pics of me in a dress!!! What??? A dress?? You heard it....come back for more real soon!! Have a good night!!!