Life on the Rock

Engaged!!!

2006-12-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Teresa got engaged about two weeks before moving to the Rock. I could not imagine leaving my fiance and moving out of the country, not to see him for four months would be heart breaking. Even though I did not meet Teresa until after her engagement I think that every "bride-to-be" should be treated like a princess!!! Congrats to Teresa and Jeff!! I can only hope that my relationship is as beautiful as theirs'.

We have finals starting this week so we thought that it would be relaxing to have a little dinner out at Serendipity.

Hell Week is Over...Just in time for finals!!!

2006-11-24T15:21:00.000-08:00

We have successfully made it through what is called "hell week". In the last four days we have had three major exams. Monday- Histology. This one was not too bad it just included digestion, respiration, endocrine system, blood, lymphatics...so pretty much the biggest systems of the body. Tuesday we had the anatomy lab exam. This is a 30 question exam in which you walk around the lab and identify specific parts that one of the five anatomy professors have chosen. They put our dog cadavers on the tables and we have to either identify a muscle, nerve, artery, vein, etc. This one went relatively well considering it was the entire dog...thoracic cavity, abdominal cavity, male and female reproductive organs, cranial nerves (including structures that pass through the holes of the head), and both thoracic and pelvic limbs. Most days I am overwhelmed with the amount of material they cram into our heads. I hope it stays there at least through finals. Our last and final exam of the week was the anatomy written exam. This is a 75 question multiple choice test. It has been written by our five anatomists and the best way to describe it was painful. You sit there for the two hour duration knowing that the correct answer is staring you in the face...you just hope that you choose it. Like the lab exam this too covered the entire canine anatomy, not to mention the differences in the feline. The saying that "real doctors practice all species" is starting to make a lot more sense to me. I have to work hard to understand one animal not to mention all animals.

We finished our last exam on thanksgiving so we thought that it would be necessary to go out for dinner. This is the five of us at Bobsy's enjoying being served (we really never eat out) and a few cocktails. Krista is next to me along with Scott...then there is Bill and Teresa. We started with a little dinner and then headed to the one bar in the town of Basettere....The Anchor. The anchor is where we usually end up if we do go out....the whole school usually ends up there since it seems to be the only bar that isn't out on the beach. Don't get me wrong the beach bars are fun but you can really only deal with so much sand everywhere.

Mid-Semester Break...Can You Believe It??

2006-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

We have finally made it to Mid-Semester Break. By break what I really mean is we actually got a three-day weekend. It is an interesting thing considering Ross University does not celebrate very many holidays. We only get Christmas off from school and I would not be surprised if that eventually changes. Anyway, many students decided to take short trips to neighboring islands but a few of us stayed behind to catch up on some sun and sleep. Our day off began with some sun by the pool at the Marriott and then continued into the night.

Some of the guys had gone deep-sea fishing so it was a must to do some grilling with the catch of the day. The Wahoo was a nice break from the constant intake of chicken on this island. Us girls prepared some side dishes while the boys got the grill going.

After the wonderful dinner we decided that we just were not ready for this night to end. We took off to the Marriott to endulge in some dirty martini's and wine. Oh, it was also a must for Teresa to get her usuall cigar.

On any other given night this would have been a calm relaxing idea...not this night. Apparently that week there was a large black jack tournament being held in the casino inside of the Marriott. Gamblers were everywhere. Gamblers are interesting people to say the least...especially Freddy Deeb. I personally would have never known who he was but he made it very obvious that I should...

Look at him...who wouldn't know who that is? Teresa knew, of course. I didn't realize how big the professional poker and blackjack world really was until I saw how many people recognized the players. And people say that nothing exciting ever happens in St. Kitts!!!

Flash Flooding in St. Kitts

2006-10-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

Last week St. Kitts was hit with a hard rain storm. It is a normal occurance to receive rain daily, but it usually only lasts for about an hour and then passes by. Last week it seemed to last for about three days. Through the center of our town, Basseterre, there are two "river-like" structures that they call ghauts. These structures drain the rain that comes down from the mountains and runs off through the city, out to the ocean. Usually after a decent rain they will be somewhat difficult to drive through but after last week there was no crossing them. Driving to school was interesting but by the end of the day we were stuck at campus. The roads were closed down and like everything else on this island it took them too long to clean it up. I signed up to live in paradise...this is very far from it!

It would not let me take the pictures from the website to post on the blog but see the below site for some photos of our town...

http://www.sknvibes.com/flashflood/

Monday Night w/ Dallas...and TO!!

2006-10-24T19:35:00.000-07:00

Last night we were able to make it out for monday night football. We just finished our second Histology exam and needed to relax with a little pizza, beer and TO. There is a little sports bar down on the water. "Oasis"...enjoyed the environment but can't say that it was the best pizza but it was the first one since leaving the states...gotta love fat girl food!
ps. sorry V about the Cowboys...i could only imagine what you were throwing at Dave....

Teresa, Krista, Julia and Cory..

Todd, Me and Bill...

Next round of exams isn't for at least a week. Hopefully we will get some relaxing in before then??

A little Early Halloween Party..

2006-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we decided to go to an early Halloween party. Next weekend we have a three day mid-semester break, inwhich numerous students leave the island to visit neighboring islands. So what better excuse to party then to celebrate Halloween a week early. As you could imagine coming across a costume is fairly difficult. Most people are creative but, because I spend the majority of my time studying Krista had to throw something together for me and Teresa last minute. Krista made me be a hippy while Teresa was a goth girl.

"Gang Green" was a big hit...Scott, Todd, and Bill were talking about their costumes weeks early...

Is that Zinc on Dan's nose...??

We started the night out at Jays' preparty...gotta love a guy dressed as a Christmas tree (mistletoe and all)!!

Costumes are a little scarce on the island...interesting that the men had less clothes on than the women...that would be a record on halloween. Had to have a photo opp with Superman...

At some point every man has a desire to dress as a woman. I don't understand it but my neighbor couldn't help but shave his legs, paint his nails and wear a wig...i don't understand this but had to get a photo!!!

Soto Doggy Sitting his Buddy

2006-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago I had to watch my good ol' buddy Rockstar. This photo was taken right before Rockstars mommy left for the weekend to go to a friends wedding in Maine.

Rockstar had a little bit of a rough time while his mom was gone...he ended up slightly depressed and would not get off the sofa

I started out really enjoying my weekend of doggy sitting my buddy but than I got slightly bored...all he wanted to do was eat.

Gotta go study- Soto

Guys Come and Go but you know what they say about Girlfriends...

2006-10-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Kyle sent this saying to me and I thought it was perfect to share with everyone!!! Can't wait to see you Kyle, I miss you lots!!

When i get home in dec. we will not just be sitting on the bar...we will be dancing:):)

Sotos Care Package

2006-10-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Finally Grandma sent my care package. My favorite present was this somewhat small femur...next time I am hoping for a larger bone, maybe an elephant femur?? Anyway, I also got tennis balls, beach toys, and a pull rope that I am supposed to share with rockstar...yeah, we will see if that is really going to happen. My mom also got a few necessities but I would have preferred if the space were used for more dog toys. I guess I will let it go this time…but whomever decides to send me another care package feel free to address it directly to me therefore my moms stuff won’t get in the way.

For those who are interested here is our contact information:

Kheli Greenamyer
C/o Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
PO Box 334
Basseterre, St. Kitts
West Indies

Friday Night Beach Volleyball at Angelus

2006-10-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

So one day I opened my big mouth and told someone that I used to play a little volleyball...I learned the hard way, probably a small mistake because I ended up on a team with all guys. So far we have played the last three weeks every Friday evening after class. It is a perfect time to get away from studying, get some sun, and get a little work out. It is also Soto’s' chance to work on his swimming skills along with playing with the other Ross dogs. Games usually start around 3:45, right after we get out of class. I have enough time to run home, grab my beach gear, get Soto, and head to “Angelus” (the beach where we play at). So far this seems to be the best part of my week!

Mom please let me go play with all the other dogs!!!!!

A little bit of Teresa in action...

And a little re-creation of me kicking a little bootie.... so my neighbor jumped in for a little extra drama...

First Round of EXAMS Done...TIME TO GO OUT

2006-10-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

So we just finished our first round of exams this last Wed. and it was time to go out...The night began with some wine at Kristas' house and then off the "Sugars", where as usual Teresa kicks everyones but in kareoki and I usually get mine kicked in pool.

This was the first and probably the last week night that we all will out. It was a great time and there was no doubt that we needed to blow off some steam. The first round seemed to go fairly well, hopefully that will continue. We have just about a week until the next one...thank goodness for the breathing room:):)

Please.........

2006-10-06T05:09:00.001-07:00

"Okay Mom... I have my Ross Univ. ID on, I studied all through undergrad with you, and I probably know more than half the other students...Can I please go to school with you???????"

A Little Peace

2006-10-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I took this photo from Kristas' bog. As hard as we work at school sometimes we have to take a deep breath, look out over our view at school, pinch ourselves, and remind ourselves why we are here. Things have been very hard the last few weeks. Not only have we had numerous exams (with very little sleep), it is finally settling in that this is my life now. Some of it is good, some of it is hell but, it is what it is...at least for now.

Pet Sitters of SD Watch Out!!!

2006-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Anyone need a responsible pet sitter in good old SD??? These are some of my Moms clients from the last week. Soto is a little jealous but knows they were all in good hands:)

Girls Night Out!!

2006-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

So we have officially been in school for 5 weeks and it is starting to take its toll. We have only been out a few times and last Saturday we needed to have a girls night. A few bottles of wine, Kristas' BBQ chicken, and some hair bleach...can you ask for anything more? Finding someone to do your hair on the island is almost impossible so, after we had some vino, I decided to let Teresa try some hair highlighting. Oh, and that is my new engagement ring...just kidding it is Teresas' baby:)

It is hard to tell here but we don't think it turned out too bad...T, if vet school doesn't work out maybe you should try beauty school:):)

The night ended successfully...my hair is blond, we had some drinks and dessert at the Marriott, and Teresa ended up in the fountain in front of the resort... perfect ladies night. Stay posted, this next Friday may get even crazier....!

Good Ol' San Diego

2006-09-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Even though St. Kitts has some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen it is hard to beat SD. This picture was taken from my mothers balcony and makes me miss home. Going from one paradise to another has been fine but I miss downtown SD evenings!!! Thanks for the pic Mom!!!

Flash from the Past

2006-09-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

I want to know what everyone is doing back in the good ol' US of A. If anyone gets some good pics send them my way so I can add them to the blog. These are a few that I got of my father with his dragster...thought they were some good shots so I posted them. Wish I was around during these racing days!!!

Other Blogs of St. Kitts

2006-09-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my friends Blogs...

www.rockstarsmommy.blogspot.com

www.lifeonstkitts.blogspot.com

www.megaman0025.blogspot.com

We Look So Official!!

2006-09-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

Thought I would put a picture of us up from Anatomy Lab. This is the entire first semester class working on their doggy cadavers. Initially it bothered some of us to be issued a dog but for the one dog that is being sacrificed hopefully hundreds will be saved after graduation. Krista and Teresa are my lab partners and so far things are going well. In this class we have to work through our dogs learning every bone, muscle, vein, artery, etc. etc... it seems never ending! Stay tuned, next semester we get donkeys (it mimics the horse anatomy...just a little smaller)!!!!

Mom Finally Let Me Speak!

2006-09-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

So my life has been fairly similar to an army brat. I was born in Denver, Co where I was lucky enough to be adopted by my Mom. I lived in Denver for about 3 months and then packed my toys and headed to southern Cali. I missed Denver because I left all of my friends but when I made it to San Diego I was able to meet my whole family that I did not even realize that I had. I lived in San Diego for just over three years and helped my Mom get through her undergrad at USD. When I lived in SD I moved homes about three times (not to mention that I lived with my Dad in Palm Desert for a month) so I am very comfortable with living in new environments. But where the heck am I now??? All I know is that I was put in a crate and was not let out for about 12 hours. When I finally was let out I was confined to a 30 day in home quarentine (whatever that means), all I know is that I could not leave my new house for what seemed like forever!

Now that the 30 days is up I am free!! So far I have made a few friends...Rockstar is my first official friend. He may be little but he has a huge heart...not to mention tongue. Or maybe his tongue just seems long because he doesn't really have a face:) Oh, and that is a picture of Rockstars Dad, Armando, on the pillow behind us.

I have also met a few of my neighbors. To my right lives Chief (he is a little old and grumpy but I still get him to play), Moon (the pleasently plump cat), and Mosquito (the clueless kitten). Below is a picture of me being very mature and not eating Mosquito:)

See Gramma, I told you that I have grown up and love cats. Where's Joey and Lil'??? Anyway, so far I am enjoying the island. This Friday my mom is taking Rockstar and I to the beach...she claims that I have to stay on a leash but we will see if that is going to happen. Okay, Mom is yelling at me to help her study, better sign off for now. I miss everyone and can't wait to see you guys when you come to visit my new home:)
-Soto

Trip to Nevis

2006-09-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

So my friends and I decided to take a break from our crazy studies and take a trip on a catamaran to our sister island, Nevis. This was a nice getaway last Saturday...it made us feel like we weren't actually living at school:)

We left Basseterre about 10am and sailed to the tip of St. Kitts where we snorkeled for about an hour and then proceeded on to Nevis. Once at Nevis we were served lunch and spent the afternoon in the ocean.

This trip was much needed, at least for the three of us girls who hardly seem to do anything but study...

More Island Pics...

2006-09-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

Just had my first exam as a first semester vet student...I made it through, so that is a good sign. I thought I would take a little break and throw some pictures up of this crazy island. It is a large amount of work here butl, there is some fun being had... Most of these were taken prior to losing my life to my books but at some point I plan on getting out of my house and enjoying the sites:):)

Miss you Guys!!!

2006-09-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Just a little thanks to all my friends back home for the send off to Vet School. I miss you guys so much and I can't wait to see all of you around Christmas!!

Home Sweet Home!!

2006-09-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

So I decided to take a little break from studying and post a few more photos. I realized that I did not put up any of my fabulous apartment...did I mention how much I love the bars on the windows. I think the bar thing will soon become popular in SD...they are just a little behind:) So these are some shots of my place, yard and the beach about two blocks away. Enjoy!!!

Arriving to St. Kitts

2006-09-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

The beginning of this crazy adventure started with a very long stressful flight from LAX to Miami and then on to the island of St. Kitts. The 15 hours of travel would not have been too nerve racking if it weren't for Soto needing to travel in cargo. The first stretch from LA to Miami went as smooth as could be expected but the stretch from Miami was a different situation. Leaving Miami the temperature was too warm to fly with a dog in cargo, so we were rebooked onto the next flight out the in the morning. As the agent reprints our tickets the temperature miraculously drops and the agent allows us to fly. Thank goodness, trying to find a hotel that would have allowed Soto to stay would have been a nightmare in itself. Finally we arrive to the island, to be greeted by representatives of the University. We were able to buy a few groceries and get settled into my new apartment. I have to say that I have never been so happy to have burgular bars on my windows. I am also very happy to have brought my big scary watch dog...okay, maybe it is just a big bark but at least it fakes the locals out:) After arriving I had two weeks to get settled and take care of things such as a driving license, internet, cable, etc. In regards to the piece of paper that they claim is a license...I went to the fire department, payed some money, and took their drivers test. By "test", that refers to the one question they asked me... "You know you drive on the left side of the road?". Until you visit you will not understand how horrible the drivers are in this country...maybe I should not be suprised considering the test consists of one question. I initially decided not to buy a car. I figured that since all the cars down here are way over priced, half the time don't start, and you sit on the right side to drive...I did not think that I needed that extra stress. Thank goodness I was able to find some friends that could shuttle me around! This was fine for the first week of school but then I decided I needed my own freedom and I should get a car...

White Coat Ceremony

2006-09-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

Every Vet School has a tradition of presenting the new students with their first white coats. Our ceremony took place last Friday and made this adventure even more real. It has taken awhile for me to come to terms that I live in a new country and I am studying to pursue a dream. Ross had a guest speaker, the dean from University of Florida, who spoke to our new class and had some inspirational words for our upcoming long trek to graduation. Receiving my first white coat has very much motivated and inspired me to keep focus on why I am here and my ultimate goal. The above picture is a few of my friends along with the Dean of Ross. The one below is me with Teresa and Krista.

Now that we have officially been accepted into the field of Veterinary Medicine it is go time....

Buying a Car...

2006-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Usually this event would not be too stressful but, doing it in a third world country is a whole other story. Originally I was not going to get one but as time moved on I needed my independence. The cars here on the island are shady to say the least. A car that costs around $6,000 here may not even cost $2,000 in the States. Therefore, it is the luck of the draw. Since St. Kitts is part of the British Virgin Islands you are required to drive on the wrong side of the road sitting on the wrong side of the car. The cars you buy here never leave the island. They are referred to as "Rossmobiles" and believe me, if you saw them you would see why they do not return to the States. It is a given that they will break down and since we are in the middle of nowhere it may take the entire semester to get them fixed. I ended up purchasing my car from a local...I believe I got a good deal and when I say good deal, so far it has started every time I have attempted to start it. Who knows what will happen tomorrow, things seem to go day by day around here. These are pictures of what my friends call the "G-Ride". It is a red Mitsubishi Lancer with limo tint windows and black flames that surround the lights. As you can see there is also black carpet and red flames in the interior and the license plate is surrounded by a fake chain. It originally said "sound boy" across the windshield but that had to immediatly go...I am a single white woman in a third world country, we don't want the locals to think that MTV has come down to the island and "Pimped my Ride"!!! It has a CD player but I am only going to give it about a month before that is stolen. As long as it gets me too and from school (and maybe the occasional bar) I will be happy:):) Keep your fingers crossed....

First Month of School

2006-09-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have never been so ready to start school. Yes, I live in paradise and the beaches are beautiful but, I feel I am here to do a job. I am desperate to do that job well and get back to the states as soon as possible. Classes started about two weeks ago and I have never worked so hard in my life. They weren't kidding when they said that you will put in 14 hour days during the week and 16 hour days on the weekends. I have been lucky enough to meet two girls that seem to have the same focus and motivation I do. Teresa is from Minnesota and Krista is the New Yorker (oh, and don't forget Rockstar her pug). We tend to spend most of our time together...studying, stressing out, and the one night of week...cocktails!! We have given ourselves Fridays to cut a little loose but come Saturday morning it is books again. It is somewhat surprising to me that Vet students party as hard as they do. I guess it shouldn't be... work hard, play harder right?? We start our first round of exams this week we will see if the work will pay off. So far I am enjoying the program. Ross University is known for its high amount of hands on. We are not a research facility therefore the professors are easily accessible and enjoy getting to know their students. Hopefully this first round of exams goes well!!!!