HAPPY 27th BIRTHDAY ERIC!!!

Micro-anatomy exam down...(Eric feels like he did well on it!) Now we are headed to the Marriott for Italian Cuisine...and then gonna catch the Cowboys game in the Casino.

Independence and The Green Flash

Last Saturday, the Kittitians celebrated their Independence Day from the United Kingdom. St. Kitts and Nevis were once known as British Islands, but have survived as an independent federation since September 19, 1983. St. Kitts and Nevis are governed by a constitutional monarchy with Westminister-style parliament. Below are Kittitian dancers at Port Zante, performing a dance to cultural music.

The next series of pictures are of one single sunset filmed at Timothy beach. I have heard from Ross students and locals, that once the sun sets just below the horizon here in St. Kitts, there is a green flash that will appear. I have examined this phenomenon several times, even trying to capture it on my camera, but have yet to see this mysterious 'green flash'. The other folks surrounding me that were watching this particular sunset all said they saw it. Maybe I didn't see it because I was trying to photograph it. Maybe the Kittitians are pulling my leg. Maybe I had one too many Caribs. Yes, I will definitely video the sunset next time. Stay tuned for actual evidence of 'The Green Flash'.

Week Four

Week four is now coming to a close, and I realize I have not blogged at all this week. (I am runnin' on island time). It has been the same old thing for Eric the past 5 days. Classes, then studying, then TA sessions, tutoring sessions, and more studying. Since school started, Eric has left the campus twice! Now that's what I call dedication. Eric is going to take a break this evening (Friday) from studying, and join me and a whole slew of other Ross students at Timothy Beach.

I have mentioned that every Friday afternoon, starting at 3:45, Ross students have volleyball games against one another. My team has a bye this week, so we will go to watch our friends play and enjoy the beach and island beer. There are two leagues split into 'A' teams and 'B' teams. The A teams are serious about game play, and the B teams just like to go for the beer and fun. I am currently on a B team, but I am thinking I would like to join an A team next semester, if I meet some people who would invite me to play.

I, on the other hand, have spent a little time at the beach this week, playing volleyball, going to the movies and grocery store with Emily (that is always an interesting experience), exercising, etc. Tuesday was my first day to teach gymnastics and cheerleading to some of the girls at the prep school. It went very well, and I had two other VIPs, Lindsay and Karen, help me out (thank goodness!). I have also started looking into off-campus housing for us. We will move out of the dorms the latter part of December and move into a new place in January, when we return to the island. We plan to bring our two dogs, Max (pomeranian) & Shea (red heeler), back with us to Kitts in January. Getting them down here will take an act of Congress (lot of paperwork and tests involved) but it will be well worth it!

I have not taken many pictures this week, but will try to get some posted by Sunday. Eric's first exam will be on Monday, so everyone say a little prayer for him. After tonight, he will be nestled in his histology notes all day Saturday and Sunday (when he is not in TA sessions).

I hope everyone has had a great week back in the states. I hear the weather is getting cooler and our friends are beginning to tailgate and attend college football games (we are a tad jealous about that!) Eric and I have caught a few games here and there on TV. Hopefully the Aggies will be on TV soon! BTHO UAB!

Well, it's about that time to head to the beach! Until next time...

More of Week Three on St. Kitts

So Eric's second week of classes are coming to an end, and he has one more week of school before exams begin. His first exam is micro-anatomy, falling on the day of his 27th birthday (awww). Eric is enjoying his classes, and has joined two clubs on campus thus far, waiting for more information on a few others he has interest in. The two now include AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) and AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners).

While Eric has been busy studying, I have kept myself busy with the help of other VIPs. Tuesday I went to lunch with Jakki, Karen, and her 9 month old baby Isaiah at Cafe Carib. I finally found Quesadillas!!! This excites me, because there is not one Mexican restaurant on the island. I also learned this week that I will have the opportunity of teaching cheerleading and gymnastics to some of the prep school kiddos, as an after school program on Tuesdays. These are children of Ross staff and students. The prep school is based on the USA school curriculum, and have roughly 60 kids in attendance this year...pre-school through tenth grade. This should be very interesting! :) Our mascot will be the Turtles!

I had lunch with Eric twice on campus which was nice. (any chance we can get together, the better!) It is amazing how those few minutes together count. I also went to the Marriott to play bingo one night. Lindsay won a round, receiving 100 dollars and cash and a case of Carib, one of the local beers brewed here on the island. On Wednesday, I was fortunate to be invited on a catamaran trip that was out on the Caribbean Sea for half a day. The catamaran took us to a cove for snorkeling near the southern end of the island, and we were served all the booze you could drink, as well as lunch. I went with Lindsay's family (a fellow VIP from Tomball, Texas!!!) and we had a blast!

Our semester beach volleyball games start tomorrow after school, and some of our teammates got together this afternoon to practice at Timothy Beach. Eric will finally take an afternoon off from the books to come out and watch! YAY! Below I have posted pictures of the cat trip. Enjoy!

View of the mountains as we left Port Zante

Beautiful View: The City you see is Basseterre,

the capital of St. Kitts

This is the cove where we snorkeled, called Shitten Bay. (and that is no... :) ) A few people saw a sea turtle, and I saw beautiful tropical fish and what looked to be like an octopus, but Eric thinks it was probably a squid of some sort (but he wasn't even on the trip...hmm)

The shadow you see underwater is a barracuda. I did not see him while snorkeling, but others said he had some pretty big teeth!

The Boat

Javid and Ian working hard to get the sail up.

A view from the port.

Shipwreck Beach

A lizard Lindsay's friends spotted at the port...and may have chased him a little for this photo op! Look how he matches the sidewalk bricks!

The VIP team during the olympics at Timothy Beach. Can't wait for tomorrow's first official games to start off the semester! They will take place every Friday afternoon here, right by Ziggy's bar.

Home Away From Home

Here is a look inside our two-bedroom dorm apartment. It comes fully furnished with two beds, two desks, two clothes drawers, two closets, a kitchen, bathroom/shower, and small breakfast sitting area. Perfect size for the two of us and our simple needs here on campus. As you can see from the photos, we did not have room to pack decorations, so what you see is what you get! All that matters is that Eric can study in one room while I lounge in the other, the air conditioners work at full speed, and we have a big refrigerator (whereas all of the one bedroom dorms have a mini fridge). You may notice from the pictures that something very important in an American's life is missing from our quaint home. Yes, you got it, there is NO TV! But, the dorm does come with one TV room that all students must share. For the most part, it isn't that bad. The cable down here is all American networks from home, like CBS, ABC, MTV, ESPN, FOX NEWS, CNN, HBO, etc, etc. But the rule is, first come, first serve...so if students are studying in there, no TV for us! I have been hitting up You Tube like nobody's business the last two weeks! :)

Our sleeping room and my computer, makeup and hair desk.

Eric covered the windows with paper thin bedspreads furnished by the university. We have definitely learned how to improvise. Instead of a shower caddy, we are using large, flat beach shells to hold our soaps! (This tip was given to us by Hathaway, 3rd semester student).

Our kitchen and breakfast area. To take this picture, I was standing in our bathroom.

YES! A little touch of home! Our Aggie table centerpiece, given to us by Aunt Sheila before our departure from the states. This, and one wedding picture of Eric and I, were the only decorative pieces we had room for in our suitcases. We will hopefully have more room for 'touches of home' when we fly back in January.

This was taken as you walk into our dorm room. The door all the way to the left is the bathroom/shower, the middle door is where we sleep, and the double door room on the right is designated as Eric's study room.

The place where you can find Eric, mostly with his nose in a book pertaining to the anatomy, physiology, micro-anatomy, or nutrition of an animal.

Looking at our kitchen from Eric's office. There are 2 flat stovetop burners, a microwave, and a toaster oven. (notice it is on the floor to the left of the refrigerator because we don't use it that often). If anyone has recipes for a toaster oven, please send them to me!! No home-baked goods for us right now! (but no worries)

The only other two decorations in our room, courtesy of the Caribbean Sea. I found these two Conch Shells on the rocky shores of the campus. There are a million of these on the campus shoreline! New ones everyday! If you catch your own conch while snorkeling at Shipwreck Beach, they will cook it for you at their bar and grill. Now that's what I call Island hospitality!

Our Home, For Now...

HURRAY! Eric survived his first week of vet school and I survived my first week without him in paradise. Since he began classes last Monday he has been studying non-stop in the dorm, at the library, and in his anatomy lab; that is, when he is not in classes. As for me, I have been trying to stay busy with domestic chores, traveling off campus to hang out with other VIPs at the beach, pool,.. and trying to exercise somewhat. I participated in the four day olympic games that were held last Th, Fri, Sat. and Sun. Each semester had their own team as well as the VIPs. The sporting events for each day included soccer, flag football, kickball, and beach volleyball. I participated in kickball and volleyball and had a blast!

On another note, Eric and I are living on campus the first semester. (We will be moving off campus in December). It is a fairly spacious two-bedroom apartment and the views from our windows are amazing! Below you will find pictures of our dorm and the wonderful scenery we are blessed to view everyday. I will not be posting any pictures of the actual vet school, as no one is allowed to take pictures of the buildings/animals on campus. We can all thank our lovely PETA friends for that. (I hope you caught the sarcasm in that last statement.)

Our Building: Columbus (Yes, named after

Christopher Columbus).

Here it is again...behind me is the Caribbean Sea.

Here, I was standing in front of our dorm, looking

out over the Caribbean Sea and Nevis.

A shot from the TV room balcony.

The entrance to our dorm, Columbus.

A view of Douglas Hall.

Shot of the mountain side on my morning jog.

More mountain side from our dorm.

A pic of Nevis from our balcony,

The Sister Island of St. Kitts.

White Coat Ceremony

This afternoon, after Eric's first day of classes, Ross held a White Coat Ceremony for 1st semester vet students. This ceremony was created so that incoming vet students could take the veterinary student oath prior to beginning the journey of becoming practitioners, so that they may abide by these guidelines through their studies and hands-on experience with patients/clientele. The white coat symbolizes the final goal; though it may take four years of blood, sweat and tears, the student will then be rewarded with the opportunity to don that white coat as a practicing DVM. It was definitely a moving ceremony, and I am so proud and excited that Eric is finally getting to accomplish his dream.

Beginning of Ceremony

Eric Donning his White Coat

Shaking the Dean's Hand

Not Hearing My Cue to Smile for the Camera

Waiting for Other Classmates to Receive their Coats

Taking the Veterinary Student Oath

Proud VIP

Future Veterinarian

Eric's Classmates from our Orientation Group

A Snapshot overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Group Pic

Finally relaxed and probably exchanging "cow talk"

For those who are interested:

THE VETERINARY STUDENT OATH

At the time of being admitted to the school of veterinary medicine at Ross University, I solemnly Pledge:

To consecrate my life to the service of both animals and humanity;

To give my teachers, staff, and classmates the respect that is their due;

To conduct myself at all times with conscience, dignity and integrity;

To always provide comfort and compassion to teaching and client animals left in my care;

To maintain the honor and noble traditions of the veterinary medical profession;

To not allow considerations of religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, politics or social standing to preclude productive and constructive relationships with my instructors, staff, classmates, or clients;

To never use my veterinary knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;

I make these promises sincerely, freely and upon my honor.

My first try at a video

Eric made this video from pictures we have taken and is creating a few more. Stay tuned.

Eric's 1st Semester Curriculum

Gross Anatomy 1: The study of the gross anatomy of the domestic dog with minor emphasis on the domestic cat. Laboratories utilize embalmed canine cadavers for dissections, prosections, models, skeletal specimens, radiographs and computer video technology. (5 credits)

Physiology 1: The course focuses on carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, with particular emphasis on regulation of biochemical pathways at the cellular and organismal levels; membrane chemistry and transport systems; fluid compartments and forces which influence the movement of water and solutes across membranes; composition of blood; and pathways of coagulation. (5 credits)

Microscopic anatomy and embryology: The study of the microscopic structure of cells, tissues and organs of domestic animals. Laboratories emphasize the structure of basic tissue types and their integration into organs and organ systems. The lectures correlate microscopic and gross anatomy with function and development of organ systems. (5 credits)

Introduction to Veterinary Medicine: This is a team-taught course that provides a general introduction to veterinary medicine, with emphasis on veterinary issues such as ethics, animal breeds, animal welfare, behavior, animal restraint, alternative medicine and substance abuse. It also covers trends in veterinary medical education, practice, research, public health, and other related areas.(1 credit)

Animal Nutrition: Nutritive evaluation of feedstuffs used in animal diets, and feeding guides for cattle, horses, sheep, swine, poultry, dogs, caged birds, and cats are covered. The role of nutrition in animal health and reproduction is emphasized, with some reference to nutrition. (4 credits)

20 credits total...Good luck to all 1st semester students!

Orientation Week in a Nutshell

Sunday has now arrived; the last day of the best orientation we have EVER had. And with our combined degrees, we have been through four of them prior to! This is how our week of fabulosity went in a nutshell:

Friday Aug. 28th-Arrived to St. Kitts-greeted by Hathaway, a 3rd semester vet student and our orientation leader (OL) for the week...went to dinner that night at Sunset Cafe on Timothy Beach
Saturday- went to the "home depot" in Basseterre, then the grocery store, then hit Reggae beach for sun & snorkeling...later that night we went out Hathaway's house for homemade lasagna and the local beer "Carib", then hit up "The Strip" on Timothy Beach--met up with new students at Ziggy's Bar
Sunday-Uncle Millie, our driver for the week, took us on an island tour. That night we went to the Marriott for pizza and a little gambling.
Monday-first day of orientation: got all of the necessary housekeeping taken care of, then hit Timothy beach for some more sun, snorkeling and beach volleyball
Tuesday-went to Shipwreck beach in the am for sun and more snorkeling..then back to campus for a lecture session, then the movie...Later that night it was back to the Marriott to mingle with students, and maybe a lil' more gambling.
Wednesday- more orientation, then potluck with our orientation group. We had to show our skills of what we could cook from our dorm rooms.
Thursday-Orientation in the am, then we hit up the bank and grocery store again. Back to the dorms, then off again to Shipwreck Beach. That night we headed out to Shiggidy Shack on Timothy beach for dinner and Dan's birthday. We got to experience the "fireman", but sad to say we did not have our camera that night.
Friday- Our scheduled catamaran trip was cancelled due to Tropical Storm Erika, so we hit up Port Zante for some shopping and local food. That night, the local cell phone company (Digicel) threw the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd semesters a party near Port Zante, and then we hit up Ziggy's bar again on the beach!
Saturday- Went on a great hike through the rainforest to see the bat cave. The hike was pretty intense, but awesome. (See pictures below) Then we headed up the mountainside for zip lining. From the zip line, we had great views overlooking the northern peninsula and Caribbean sea. Eric and I decided to skip the Moonlight party on Shipwreck beach secondary to exhaustion. We instead watched come college football in the TV room! First time to watch TV in a week!
Sunday-slept in! and then hit up Reggae beach one last time before Eric starts school! WHAT A FABULOUS, EXHAUSTING WEEK! Now, time for Eric to hibernate with his vet books until Dec. 18th. As for me, stay tuned....I meet with the VIP's in the morning (Very Important Partners) whom are spouses or significant other's of students. Interested to see what the next four months bring!



Our orientation group after Digicel party, headed to Ziggy's

A Starfish I found on Shipwreck Beach

Batcave hike through the river bed; those are roots hanging down all around us, from the trees on top of the rocks way above...Mother Nature---AMAZING

Eric posing by the roots of a Viccus Tree (sp?)

Eric resting before the climb up a rock



We spotted a centipede on the way to the bat cave; these critters are plentiful here and when they attack, they rare up like a cobra snake...I hope that is the last one I see! They can get a lot bigger than this one here....ugh, disgusting.


Eric and I posing by the rock we are about to climb up...definately easier going up then down!



Eric giving me a boost up the rock. He volunteered to help ~15 people up this rock, and then was the last one up! What a manly man.

Our fearless leader, Hathaway, taking an alternate route. She had to climb under that rock right above her head, through a tiny hole. What a 'rock' star! :)

1.5 hours later, we make it to the bat cave. It is hard to see, but there are a few at top of the cave, near the green opening. Some of them flew out prior to us getting to the cave, from the paparazzi in front of us!

Zip Lines!



Eric coming in for landing.

Eric and I in our zip line gear. What a way to end the week!