Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tueday
Classes went really well today. I'm feeling pretty confident with the material. Had my first Molecular lab today and it was pretty cool. We did a lot of things I was familiar with through labs at U of A so it was nice to know what I was doing for once! Need to start buckling down and getting some homework out of the way. Things (including my laundry) seem to be piling up. I'm so excited. First Ladybug practice is going to be on Thursday so I will get to know everyone on the team. I'm hoping to meet some cool people and to play as well as Aunty Chuck. If I do that, maybe we'll actually win some of these soccer games. We're the only female team and we play guys. Should be fun!
Monday
What a LONG day.. non stop classes for 7 hrs.. I'm exhausted.. better post tomorrow I promise!!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday
Yesterday was my friend Ivonne's birthday, she is officially 30 years old now and as of today, officially in the med school program -CONGRATULATIONS IVONNE! We all went out for supper last night to celebrate and afterward briefly attended the ninja's vs pirates party at Bananas. It was fun to dress up but not many people came out so that was a bit disappointing. Tomorrow being sunday will most likely be quiet.. I could get caught up on some homework I suppose...
At the pirate party
At the pirate party
Friday
>
Busy day of classes yesterday and today is errand day. I lucked out being in prevet in that I have the whole afternoon off to get things done. Kidnapped my friend Rodney and we went in to town to run some errands. He had to pick up a package from the port which takes hours so I ended up visiting Klint. He was so much brighter today and pretty cuddly. I think he's really enjoying all the attention he's been getting lately. His leg is all bandaged up and he seems to be putting some weight on it. Peggy, the lady that owns the GSPCA, is really pleased with his progress and is saying that he may be in shape for a bath soon. Also toured around to look at some places for mom and dad and grandma and grandpa to stay in in January. I SO CANNOT WAIT!! The med/vet schools just had their white coat ceremonies and it's going to be amazing to be initiated into the profession. Bought lots of groceries on the way back and linnea is supposed to be throwing a party tonight so that should be fun.
Busy day of classes yesterday and today is errand day. I lucked out being in prevet in that I have the whole afternoon off to get things done. Kidnapped my friend Rodney and we went in to town to run some errands. He had to pick up a package from the port which takes hours so I ended up visiting Klint. He was so much brighter today and pretty cuddly. I think he's really enjoying all the attention he's been getting lately. His leg is all bandaged up and he seems to be putting some weight on it. Peggy, the lady that owns the GSPCA, is really pleased with his progress and is saying that he may be in shape for a bath soon. Also toured around to look at some places for mom and dad and grandma and grandpa to stay in in January. I SO CANNOT WAIT!! The med/vet schools just had their white coat ceremonies and it's going to be amazing to be initiated into the profession. Bought lots of groceries on the way back and linnea is supposed to be throwing a party tonight so that should be fun.
Aug 20/08 (Wednesday)
Interesting day today... Started out at 9 a.m. with a physiology class, then English. On the way out from the lecture hall I noticed a new dog on campus, he was limping and had a pretty decent sized wound on his left hind leg. After being here for a term, you see local dogs or "pothounds" running around most places and most of them are not in the best shape with ravaging mange or super skinny. Something about this one though.. I couldn't just leave him.. could be because he started doing the cute puppy crying noise. Hits you right in the heart! So I skipped out on my micro class and social science and medicine to take him with my friend Beth to the GSPCA in town (equivalent to the humane society.) The system here is weird though.. the GSPCA is run by a lady who devotes all her time to the cause. She runs the clinic and personally decides which cases to take in.. I had to work pretty hard to sell her on my new furry friend and convince her that he was a worthy cause. Klint as we call him did his part though and was super friendly and well behaved even though he's probably never been in a car in his life and his leg was in bad enough shape it was probably pretty painful. In the end he was safely admitted and in return Beth (who is a really talented vet tech before coming down here to vet school) changed the fluids in the x-ray developer so that if Klint required an x-ray later on it was available. Extra bonus is that I got to learn how to clean the developer at the same time. Feeling pretty pleased with myself that Clint gets to sleep inside with a/c tonight and is getting some food and water!
Klint
Klint
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Aug 19/08 (Tuesday)
Wow.. i'm getting pretty regular with the updating.. going to keep it coming, it's actually pretty relaxing to sit here and think about what happened today. Today was a weird day actually. As the second day of official classes I've now attended almost all the classes I'll take this term. We started off with a class at 8 o'clock which meant waking up way earlier. I haven't actually been up this early since I was working earlier this summer so it was really tough to pry my eyes open. I guess I was helped out by the girl accross the hall who beat my alarm with a rousing rendition of "Hallelujah, Hallelujah..e tc..." playing a very loud gospel choir on her laptop. Not a nice way to wake up... Better than last night when the girl down the hall was singing loudly in the wrong key to Britney Spears :) I am liking living in the dorm so far though.. lots of nice girls and so nice to have people around to keep me company.
So molecular biology was the first class this morning. It's going to be complex and boring. I got to purchase a scintillating book on genomes! Yeah.. ;) Luckily it's taught by one of my favorite profs so far, he is a really excellent public speaker and tries to make the class interesting with jokes and stories. I had a molec lab intro after that which was uneventful and short.
I woke up feeling really bad, thinking it was just an early morning but it got worst during classes so I went back to my room for a really long nap. That helped a bit but i'm definitely fighting something off -I think everyone I know is, the guy behind me in class this morning was coughing a lung up which was quite gross.
Tonight I went to my friend Meg (second term vet)'s new apartment to check things out and she cooked me a delicious supper. So nice to have some home cooked food after nothing but junk and travelling stuff since arriving a week ago. Porkchops, veggies and rice.. mmm! Spent the rest of the evening with Amanda and Elise, my neighbors and classmates from this term and last term. They're both from Trinidad and are so much fun. But now it's time for bed.. gotta be paying attention in class tomorrow...
So molecular biology was the first class this morning. It's going to be complex and boring. I got to purchase a scintillating book on genomes! Yeah.. ;) Luckily it's taught by one of my favorite profs so far, he is a really excellent public speaker and tries to make the class interesting with jokes and stories. I had a molec lab intro after that which was uneventful and short.
I woke up feeling really bad, thinking it was just an early morning but it got worst during classes so I went back to my room for a really long nap. That helped a bit but i'm definitely fighting something off -I think everyone I know is, the guy behind me in class this morning was coughing a lung up which was quite gross.
Tonight I went to my friend Meg (second term vet)'s new apartment to check things out and she cooked me a delicious supper. So nice to have some home cooked food after nothing but junk and travelling stuff since arriving a week ago. Porkchops, veggies and rice.. mmm! Spent the rest of the evening with Amanda and Elise, my neighbors and classmates from this term and last term. They're both from Trinidad and are so much fun. But now it's time for bed.. gotta be paying attention in class tomorrow...
First Day of Classes
Had a really awesome day today. Started the day bright and early with a nine o'clock Physiology class. I think i'm really going to enjoy it, the topics all seem really interesting and I'm hoping that my Physiology class from U of A will come in handy. The class which was created and is still taught by the Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University, focuses on systems in the body rather then just what happens at a cellular level -awesome. The prof is a very opinionated older American gentleman with a lot of personality and it seems like he knows what he's doing.
Next on the schedule was Microbiology, this class is going to be a ton of work but again sounds similar to the class I took at U of A so hopefully shouldn't be unmanageable. There is a lengthy lab involved but sounds like it will be interesting and somewhat fun.
English -Reading Comprehension? Why do I have to take this? Spent the first class doing a diagnostic read a story and answer questions. I'm hoping for easy marks but you never know.. if I don't do well on the diagnostic I'll know why I'm taking it ;)
Social Science and Medicine -a course on sociology. What is sociology? Hmm.. i'll answer that after wednesdays class I suppose. Sounds interesting but involved a ton of paper writing. I guess its kind of a blessing in disguise because if it weren't for this class I would not be writing anything this term and all my creative word work from last term would be lost.
Took some time off in the evening and drove over to the beach for a swim. I got to try out my amazing new ipod adapter which allows me to swim laps while listening to music. I'm not going to lie... best invention EVER!! It was pretty fun to swim, listen to music and watch the starfish on the bottom while I swim past.. A quick trip to the grocery store all covered in sand and water was next, where I couldn't find lettuce, tomatoes, eggs or chicken which is what I had on my grocery list. I'll have to check back tomorrow -gotta love first week of classes, when all the students clean out the grocery and do nothing but eat and socialize/study.
Next on the schedule was Microbiology, this class is going to be a ton of work but again sounds similar to the class I took at U of A so hopefully shouldn't be unmanageable. There is a lengthy lab involved but sounds like it will be interesting and somewhat fun.
English -Reading Comprehension? Why do I have to take this? Spent the first class doing a diagnostic read a story and answer questions. I'm hoping for easy marks but you never know.. if I don't do well on the diagnostic I'll know why I'm taking it ;)
Social Science and Medicine -a course on sociology. What is sociology? Hmm.. i'll answer that after wednesdays class I suppose. Sounds interesting but involved a ton of paper writing. I guess its kind of a blessing in disguise because if it weren't for this class I would not be writing anything this term and all my creative word work from last term would be lost.
Took some time off in the evening and drove over to the beach for a swim. I got to try out my amazing new ipod adapter which allows me to swim laps while listening to music. I'm not going to lie... best invention EVER!! It was pretty fun to swim, listen to music and watch the starfish on the bottom while I swim past.. A quick trip to the grocery store all covered in sand and water was next, where I couldn't find lettuce, tomatoes, eggs or chicken which is what I had on my grocery list. I'll have to check back tomorrow -gotta love first week of classes, when all the students clean out the grocery and do nothing but eat and socialize/study.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday
Classes start tomorrow -I can't believe summer is over... Went out with friends last night and had a school barbeque this evening. I am so excited to see all my classmates tomorrow and see how everyone's summer went and where they travelled to. Early start tomorrow so I am off to bed. Nine o'clock Physiology...
Saturday -Cruise day!
So now that all the heavy lifting and unpacking is out of the way, I had a chance to explore the island a bit and visit with friends. Met a new friend through my friend Linnea who I met last term. Both are from Sweden, both are named Linnea and both are super fun. So went with Linnea on the Rum Runner Orientation Cruise. Here are some pictures of the tour...
Walking the plank off the boat..
Steel drum band -amazing!
Really neat boat
Really cool boat
pretty flowers
Linnea and I on the bus
Friends from class
the Rum Runner
sailboats in the bay
the water is SO CLEAR!
Walking the plank off the boat..
Steel drum band -amazing!
Really neat boat
Really cool boat 
pretty flowers
Linnea and I on the bus
Friends from class
the Rum Runner
sailboats in the bay
the water is SO CLEAR!
Thursday
Wow.. it has been a whirlwind of activity since arriving. First of all I cannot believe how hot it is here -so much warmer than last term, you can't do anything without dripping in sweat. Spent the majority of last night moving into the room and transporting all my boxes of debris from friend Melanie's apt to campus. Luckily the car works still -I was really concerned the last couple of weeks that it would. Thanks to Dad and Grandpa for all the advice on what fluid levels to check and where before starting it! So now I have to unpack and find some groceries and find out who else is here already! Miss you guys tons!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Wednesday, Aug 14/08 AM
MMM breakfast was delicious.. eggs and sausage, a muffin and orange juice. I took the shuttle back to the airport with no difficulty and the driver took me straight to the terminal which was a treat. I'd booked this leg of the trip with Air Jamaica and was worried it might be pretty sketchy when I first arrived. The terminal was a madhouse and in true carribean style very slow with EVERYTHING.. checkin, security and loading took forever. The plane left an hour late but I think that was probably due to huge airport traffic. That is where things got really good though, I got to take both pieces of luggage without having to pay extra and apparently if you have a first class ticket you are allowed unlimited luggage. One of the kids had 9 bags to himself -WOW! Best part was that I recognized some of the kids at the airport and ran into my friend Josh. Made some new aquaintances too.. 
the plane from NY to Grenada
new friends...
the plane from NY to Grenada
new friends...
Tuesday August 12/2008 -PM
Just arrived in New York and have settled into a hotel for the night. Pretty excited to be in the big city even though I won't have much time to check out the sights. All my luggage has made it so far and I found the hotel shuttle after taking the sky train around the massive airport -I cannot believe how huge it is!! So I'm feeling uber spoiled having my own room, a comfy bed, shower and my last dose of american tv shows before the island tomorrow. Everyone I've met so far have really obvious accents, very long and drawn out words FUN! I also met a really cool girl on the plane, she's a makeup artist for MAC cosmetics (my favorite!) and is on her way to New York for a course. This hotel even has breakfast in the morning and I'm getting excited to reconnect with friends. G'night and sleep tight!
Tuesday August 12/2008
Hello everyone… and so here we go again. Round two or SGU adventures. Surprisingly, it was a lot harder to leave this time. I had such a great summer and really tried to take advantage of the chance to reconnect with family and some really good friends. For those of you who remember my summer list, I got through most of it, with a couple that I hope to finish at Christmas –Cheryl and Anna I really hope we can go riding together and to all my camping buddies, I am booking at least two solid weekends for that next year, looks like you guys had such a great time. I know those memories are going to get me through any down times this term so thanks to all of you again for spending time.
So I’m feeling a little emotionally fragile at the moment –weird!! I suppose the first time, I was so excited about challenging the unknown and proving that I could move half way across the world. Most of all, I wanted to prove Saskatoon that they were wrong in telling me to pursue a different career. This time, as I just mentioned is different. I know roughly what to expect, I have made some good friends that it will be awesome to see and the beach is calling. However, I have barely left and I am getting homesick and missing Mom, Dad, Brett and Tom, Gromit, Fig and Chester.
Quick recap of the day so far.. Woke up early after a fantastic night last night. All my friends in Sherwood Park came over for a marshmallow roast and it meant a lot to me to see them all. Spent a couple of minutes around seen to see Melissa’s precious babies, 14 Great Dane puppies that are less then a week old! Next a few frantic last minute bag changes (How am I supposed to fit 4 months of stuff in two 50 lb bags? Ack!) A quick and difficult good bye to pets and Dad and a visit to Mrs Crowley and I was on my way. Luckily I had time for a cup of coffee with mom before having to go to the gate. The flights have been uneventful, had a bit of a runaround in the Vancouver airport trying to find my luggage to take it through customs but hopefully the rest of the trip will go smoothly. Right now, Saskatchewan is looking pretty good… and I’m looking forward to Christmas. Cant wait to get to New York so that I can get internet and get a little communication home.
So I’m feeling a little emotionally fragile at the moment –weird!! I suppose the first time, I was so excited about challenging the unknown and proving that I could move half way across the world. Most of all, I wanted to prove Saskatoon that they were wrong in telling me to pursue a different career. This time, as I just mentioned is different. I know roughly what to expect, I have made some good friends that it will be awesome to see and the beach is calling. However, I have barely left and I am getting homesick and missing Mom, Dad, Brett and Tom, Gromit, Fig and Chester.
Quick recap of the day so far.. Woke up early after a fantastic night last night. All my friends in Sherwood Park came over for a marshmallow roast and it meant a lot to me to see them all. Spent a couple of minutes around seen to see Melissa’s precious babies, 14 Great Dane puppies that are less then a week old! Next a few frantic last minute bag changes (How am I supposed to fit 4 months of stuff in two 50 lb bags? Ack!) A quick and difficult good bye to pets and Dad and a visit to Mrs Crowley and I was on my way. Luckily I had time for a cup of coffee with mom before having to go to the gate. The flights have been uneventful, had a bit of a runaround in the Vancouver airport trying to find my luggage to take it through customs but hopefully the rest of the trip will go smoothly. Right now, Saskatchewan is looking pretty good… and I’m looking forward to Christmas. Cant wait to get to New York so that I can get internet and get a little communication home.
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