4th semester

What a relief! I'm in Fort Lauderdale airport and just used Kerri's laptop to check. My heart was beating so fast, Edward and Kerri looking on anxiously for any hint from my facial response. I told Kerri and Edward I would either do a cartwheel or if I failed go take a few shots of tequila....I did a great cartwheel!

Many might think it's just finals, but it's a huge investment and commitment we make. No one except for like 5 classmates have the semester pretty much secured leading up to finals, but were not all brainiacs. So for the rest of us we play this game of finding out our fates on saturday by noon. Will I have to pack my bags (failed more than two courses)? Will I have to repeat the whole semester (failed one class and have a last and final chance to repeat the semester)?

So from here I can "officially" start my vacation. A layover here and another one in Dallas then a hop to S.F. It's good to be back in the states, it's cold.......a nice change.

Multi-tasking

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Mortality 100%

This weekend was all about virology. We spent so much time together, She told me about all her diseases and I repeated them over and over. We talked about her on walks, mtn bike rides, and even on the trainer, repeating group listings: zoonotics, reportables, vesicular forming, and on and on. I'll confess half-way through the weekend I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere with viro. But today it all came together.....I started making connections and that's the key to alot of these subjects (parasitology, bacteriology, etc.). I mean come on, when you can rant off viruses while your anaerobic I'd say you know some viro!

I checked out another cane road this weekend, it was nice. I started off on the cane roads, climbed on the road to upper Cayon. Their in Cayon the pavement ended and after a series of forks I was in rainforest. After a nice descent it opened up to a cane field with the Atlantic on my right. I took some pictures but for some reason the laptop doesn't recognize my camera now that I replaced the hard drive.

This next week is the last week of lectures and then it's crunch time after that: FINALS! I'm already thinking of all the rides I want to do back in CA. History in the making here on St. Kitts, for the first time a 747 landed! The runway was extended, apparently when 737's land they only have 50 feet to spare? Sounds scary.

Sharie and Nicole and (Indie) are in Oakdale now. Nicole is so busy playing with her cousins that she forgets about her Papa :{ atleast she's have fun. But that's o.k. I let her hear me playing with her toys while on the phone!

Alright, I better study another subject before I lose balance! Have a great week!

Sergio

hard drive, hard times

Well, I've been computerless the last few weeks because our hard drive took a dump. So for now I'm reduced to using the LRC's computers to post my blogs. So I guess all the pictures are forever gone according the the computer technician. So for now please look at what I want for christmas.....

Come on Santa! It's only 6 gran!

We'll maybe a graduation present for myself. Anyhow, this is the best mountain bike money can get you, but way too much bike for an unfit vet student. Sharie and Nicole will be flying back to Oakdale this thursday. Everything has been going fine here, a few bumps on my last round of exams but nothing fatal. I'm most nervous about Immunology and Virology because when Dr. Giymah says cummulative he means it! Neuroanatomy, Physiology III, and Pathology should be too bad. I'm looking forward to visiting folks in SoCal and NorCal, especially the cold weather! Tropical climate is nice but only for your 2 weeks of vacation! Well I better go hit the books because finals are just around the corner!

Humble Birthday

sometimes I eat lunch here

Vet school has certainly surprised me. At first I thought it would be challenging and that's it, but humbling? I didn't see that one coming, as a matter of fact I experience that about every other day. Some classmates have experienced it more than others and it's not limited to academics.
For starters just coming to a foreign country where you are the minority is nice appetizer. We all share the same story of how we applied to the state side schools and didn't get accepted for this reason or that one. Trying not to wander off while hearing the sad story you've heard time and time again. However, after fightin' it in the trenches we grow closer and take it personally when one of us takes a hit. Word travels fast on the island, about how so and so failed 3 out of 5 exams or how so and so just packed their bags and left the island. We're committed now, we've jumped off the ledge so to speak. We're all in it together and we want every one to make it to the end. I relate the most to other students that have there family here on the island. When one of em' takes a hit I get down on my knees to pray for them, it's that tough.

The other day I had some time to calculate the educational debt we're incurring. I calculated that each student pays $60 per lecture for the 3.4 years of education. At the end of our education my class of 65 (assuming we all make it) will have a combined debt of 13 million big bones. But I'll tell you what we have the best instructors money can buy and of course throw in a dud here and there. Overall, I've had the best instructors here on the island. . . . brilliant, energetic, animated, excited, and passionate about their respective subjects.

It was Nicoles (chochita) birthday last weekend so we took her to the Marriot pool for the afternoon. We decided to trespass once again and play around in the pool, just a momentary delusion that we might just be back in the states. Nicole enjoyed splashing in the pool and eating ice cream and fries. . . I miss being a kid!

I'm two yrs old. . . . WOW! (look at those fries)

I can say that I'm truly proud to be in vet school, running with the best. I'm not the fastest, I'm not the slowest, somewhere in the middle. Sometimes I even fall on my face, but it's nothing I can't shake off. Sometimes the dirt in my teeth drives me that much more to try harder the next time around! Long live the Running Rossies!! Goodnight.

halfway point

old sugar can mill with caribbean sea

Can you believe we've just hit the 1/2 way point with semester three! Wow, it sure has flown by! Third semester has the task of walking the anesthesia dogs twice a day. So we split up into groups of 5 and choose a week to do our dog walking. I tell you adding 2 hours of walking per day on top of everything else had me running on fumes! My first dog walk I was matching Truffles (the fastest/most hyper) every stride of our run/walks. On my last day even Sydney (slowest dog) was pulling me along like some sack of potatoes. I lost alot of study time so this weekend was all about catching up. I have round #2 of exams coming up next week, and although I fared alright I can't let my guard down.

During one of my breaks I decided to take the wifee and little squinkles to the Marriot pool. I've heard of students getting kicked out so I was hesitant. Sharie lead the way and I acted as the bell boy. Sharie and Chochita had a great time and we didn't even get kicked out (maybe b/c it's off season?). The funny thing is that I noticed alot of Rossies while at the Marriot, so I guess we're a permanent fixture. . . for now.

AVMA came and went and the Dean filled us in on the skinny. Of course I was dog walking but I heard that we need to 1) work on the research area 2) install a large animal isolation ward and I believe those were the biggies. The research deal is gonna take a while, but hopefully AVMA will accredit R.U. before my time is up.

I'm gonna explore the sugarcane road a bit further. Today I consulted Dr. Reich about the trails and he's gonna mark a section of a trail for me....hopefully I won't get lost or abducted by some canabalistic tribe....eekkkk! Alright I'm gonna see if I can squeeze a little more material in my noggin, then it's to bed!

New Trails

Mr. Potato glasses

I've been slacking the last week. Actually it wasn't conducive to gettin' any solid study time in, group meetings, necropsy, and Sharie's Choir practice. Somehow now I've been recruited to haul the 100+ lb electric keyboard plus case (case is 90lb and I'm sure bombproof) to school on Sundays for the student worship meetings. No biggie, I'm all for helping make the good things happen, Lord knows I'm having my own issues as to why I don't feel like attending church service. I know however that I frequently think of him and appreciate whatever it is that he instilled in me that makes me remember him so often.

Is this where I should feed baby mama?

Today I put in a good solid 8 hours of studying in and decided to go trail exploring on the cross bike. I went down the usual sugarcane road to school. On the way I stopped and asked the goat herder a few questions about the trail system. I see him everyday on his beater bike, and he even rings the bell as I zoom past. The trail was reminiscent of Blue Mountain climb, wide fireroad, steep, and snakes itself up. Almost exactly as a matter of fact, a steep pitch at each turn, followed by a slight tapering of pitch. I didn't make it to the top as daylight was running out. Surprisingly I felt good, I say that because on Saturday I decided to go support Kelly Rock's first organized "Ross Swim Challenge". I haven't been swimming at all, but figured I can handle doing the 250 and 750 yard races. About 15 people showed up, and the water was murky due to the recent heavy rain fall. One guy visiting the island from Boston downright smoked us all.

Somehow I got a sand-dollar/medal

My classmate Chris Spencer broke his jaw last weekend while playing football and is now in the states recovering. My other classmate Chris Bory flew out today to welcome his first born in San Dimas, CA! Sharie in the meantime is getting bigger and bigger! We're alot better (not at each others throats) now that she is keeping busy teaching the music program at school, going to Wednesday evening bible study, and helping with Sunday worship.

small group, most of us winners!

Alright, I better get back to virology and a little pathology because this next week will be busy. . . dog walking duty! Have a great week folks!

Demigod

"say hi"

So far I'm doing better this semester. Immunology was better than expected, Neuro as well. However, my love, my passion. . . Physio I underperformed! If I underperform in like Pathology or something or other I'll just shake it off. However, with physio I take it personally because I own it, I love it, and I expect more from myself. I know I know more than my low B reflected but I must also remind myself that Reich averaged 69% on his last semesters Renal exam.

What is cool about having Reich and Hutchison as professors is the way they impart wisdom. For example for Reich he goes full throttle from the start, as a matter of fact I don't write notes anymore. . . just hang on and listen! Hutch tells it how it is and doesn't dwell on theories, or lists. . . .just the facts, what you'll actually need when you get to clinics. Speaking of Hutchison has what he calls "demigod" moments. Demigod is a being that has a god parent and a mortal human parent, so naturally this being is superhuman. So Hutch and Reich prepare us so when we join or "elite" U.S. counerparts for semesters 8-10 during clinics. They kid around how some schools (Cornell) believe they are holy and expect to be treated as such. As a matter of fact some schools are too pure to affiliate themselves with us "second" rate students (Davis, Tufts).

So Hutch suddenly goes off on a tangent with a "demigod" moment and says: O.K., so what are you going to do when your doing rounds as a student and the clinician says "how do you know this dog is suffering from trochlear nerve paralysis?". So Hutch continues: "your going to take the opthalmoscope and the residents and clinician will be wondering what the hell your doing", but you little Rossie will know that the only way to determine if this is indeed trigeminal nerve paralysis is to look at the internal vasculature of the eye!" So there you have it a demigod moment:)

Sharie is alot better now that she is keeping herself busy teaching K-8 music classes. Nicole is a big girl now because she can not only sit down and behave herself while mommy teaches but is a big sister. . . . .it's a GIRL! We've been thinking of some names, I personally like "Indie".

During one of my vending machine study breaks I was being nosy and looked into Dr. Kainer's office. I was amazed to see he had nothing to indicate it belonged to him. Maybe once one gets to that age diplomas, awards, personal interests, or mementos mean nothing. So I got to thinking about life and all it's uncertainties, how we live forgetting that we are all on borrowed time. I know that if I knew I had only a few days to live I'd live life alot differently.

Living on the island has it's share of difficulties. For example these little pesky sugar ants that smell my cereal from the other side of the island. Tonight I devised a solution for Sharie's dillema: Where can she put the freshly baked goods' for tommorows bake sale without the sugar ants devouring the cookies? Last time I checked sugar ants don't swim, so we placed the cookie sheet on top of a mini lake of water! I guess we'll see in the morning.

We'll I'm hittin' the sack because I still have Pathology and Virology exams this week. Thanks for reading!

Sergio

Real Doctor

It wasn't until last semester that I heard about this real doctor thing and veterinary medicine. I never recall hearing about it during my near decade in human medicine. Often I'd overhear someone joking around about dentist and how that was the route for those not admitted to med school. Or I'd hear about physical therapists with doctrates and how no one really cared. At the end of the day the boss had M.D. after his name and that was the last word. . . well maybe the HMO's? I've heard of people dog on chiropracters, podiatrists, or history PhD's who park in hospital "doctors only" spots. The fact of the matter is that the history professor parking in M.D.'s parking spot has more of a right to park their than does M.D..

What I found out was that in England (a loooong time ago) medical school graduates where given "honorary" doctrate degrees. This basically was implemented by prestigous schools like Cambridge, and Oxford (operated by PhD's by the way)because patients referred to them as such. So as history has it now it's a birth right for everyone to be called a doctor. As a matter of fact the meaning of doctor is "he who teaches". In England veterinarians are just that "veterinarians" not "doctors". So now I ask do I care? No, and as a matter of fact "Dr. Iniguez" doesn't even have the right ring to it. For me a doctor will always be that person that you always refer to for professional enlightment. . . . the last word. The Dr. Reichs, Dr. Bergs, Dr. Hutchisons are in my opinion the final word in their respective fields. So I devised a portrait that summarizes a veterinarian (left) from a "real doctor" on right.

It's all good as long as I have the bike and no HMO's!

So I've been thinking about starting a running club lately. It's easier than starting a triathlon club because all you need is a pair of shoes and the will to run. I think I'll even copy the Loma Linda Lopers club colors. . . Pink! Currently we are looking for a school mascot. I'm all for a turtle since we are on an island with a healthy population of sea turtles. Someone submitted a mustang? Uhhh, sorry Dorothy but were not in Kansas anymore!

Tomorrow is my first exam of the semester: Immunology, then Physiology III on Friday. Tourist season will be in full swing in about 2 weeks or so. The last few months have been uncomfortably hot, so we're looking forward to some cold weather during December break. Good quality beef is non-existant here so thanks to Matt and Cherie we had some teriyaki marinated tri-tip last night! All we thought about was Matt and Cherie. . . ...thanks a chazillion!

We'll I better get back to the immuno notes, especially if I want to become a wanna be real doctor someday!

oodle doodle

JFK doodles

A few days ago I noticed a classmate doodling during pathology lecture. I was bored too so I looked on to see his doodling. His doodling was a series of rooflines and diamonds, however I didn't see any doodling going on during Reich's class! The other day in pathology we covered a paragraphs worth of "free radical" notes. So my analogy is as follows for my classes this semester:

pathology: person bored in library, wandering aimlessly.

neuroanatomy: worlds best car salesman has you in a trance and your about to buy a car!

immunology: trying to run a marathon, oh forgot on one leg.

virology: pick up a telephone book and memorize all the names and corresponding numbers.

physiology: trying to run a marathon with one leg, uphill while a dog is chasing you!

I'm gonna try and hit all these good and not underestimate any because I heard pathology snagged a few last semester. What probably happened is that folks focused so much on physio that they neglected poor ol' path.

During my breaks I get up in the library and browse around looking at books. It's not uncommen to come by my table and find many books that I shouldn't be reading (atleast not right now). So in path we spent fifteen minutes on a topic called "apoptosis", simply this is programmed cell death. So when a red blood cell has reached it's peak performance it tells other cells "hey kill me I've had enough". Well I say a book in the stacks titled "Apoptosis"! Go figure just when I thought I knew something I was knocked down. The more I study the more I realize I don't know jack shhhh...

So AVMA is finished with their initial site visit of the campus. I haven't heard yet from the top about how it went, so I imagine we'll be infored sometime soon.

On my way to school today I was bombing down a sugarcane road. A rut in the middle of the dirt road forced me to hug the edge, mowing down 5 foot tall grass with my arms. Out of nowhere a white blur hit my front wheel. I looked back and noticed a drunk looking cattle egret getting its bearings straight. It finally flew away, but I'm sure he's got some good story to tell the little ones back home.

Carribean looks glassy today. . . can you say Nautique?

be happy you don't get flats EVERY week!!

Back in the Groove

So far this semester is alot more palatable than last semester. Out of the five courses the only one I anticipate being painful to study for is virology. The one thing I've concluded is that I'm a physiologists at heart. That is because when I hear physio I'm mesmerized and find myself wanting to hear a few more minutes. Pathology on the other hand is painful, I mean looking at the clock only 10 minutes after the lecture has started says enough. Maybe it's all in the delivery, afterall some people are born story tellers.

Somehow I thought of a great idea, a life-long perhaps overzealous idea that has my gears turning fast. That is I wondered why my alma mater Loma Linda University doesn't have a veterinary program. So I thought well I'm going to figure this out and talk to some people. So during one of my breaks I ran into Dr. Kainer getting his coffee on. You have to understand Dr. Kainer is the oldest on staff (about 87 or so), nice guy. However, I'm afraid sometimes he forgets to take his meds because he sure can get moody:

Sergio: hey! Dr. Kainer how are you doing? Taking a coffee break? (happy)

Dr. Kainer: YES!! I DESERVE IT!! (serious)

Sergio (thinking): whoa! just me Sergio, not your boss.

he was fine after he got that off his chest. So he went on to tell me that the biggest challenge would be for me to find professors. I would of asked him as my first recruit but realistically he probably won't be around by the time I get this idea rolling. It makes sense too because I just read that UC Davis is seriously considering offering a public health program. However, there problem is recruiting professors of course. Currently only four schools in CA offer such program (berkeley, loma linda, ucla, and san diego). I can already see it "Loma Linda School of Veterinary Medicine", why not we have everything else except law and engineering school. Far fetched? maybe. Lots of work? yes. Willing to do it? definitely.

Being on the island we often forget about holidays as we are in a different world. Today I saw Dr. Hutchison with an american tie and recalled the date. It's a day of reflection on all the innocent lives lost on 9/11.

We Will Always Remember

One hundred and five stories up
Two hundred yards away in the crosshairs

A brother calls for help
An enemy stands unaware

Unaware worked a sister
Aware flew the enemy

Thinking of the task at hand
Destroying lives above and below

Afraid a mother stood with her children
Afraid the enemy ran

Looking on helplessly
Not knowing where to hide

Together we remember
Alone they shall die

Together we stand

Round 3

Back from the states. . . that was refreshing. We started with a trip to SoCal to visit my sis, Jaden and mom in Loma Linda. I also got to do the Tuesday night ride with the Redlands cycling group. It's amazing how the face of the group has changed. I remember riding in it about 6-7 years ago, I guess people come and go because I only recognized a handful of faces. I also got to do my two favorite rides with Jim Baden (Oak Glen, Angelus Oaks). The strange thing though was that I found myself able to easily pass Jim on the 50mph+ descents. So this made me wonder about my weight, because before I had to pedal furiously to keep up with the taller/heavier cyclists on downhills. Fastforward a week to my mother-in-laws digital scale which revealed a studious vet school weight gain of 7 pounds. . .no wonder!!

One proud "Mama Reyna"

We also got to visist with Uncle Dave and Auntie Carol in Bakersfield, my dad in Delano, and Dr. Ed LeTourneau in Madera. Once back up in NorCal we visited Marine World with the Palitang's.

We had to feed them on stilts! j/k

Weeeeeeeeeee

Nicole and Mika got to skid on Grammy's new floor!

Afterwards I visited with my ex-coworkers at Kindred Hospital, I miss them for sure. Sharie and I then spent a day in the Bay area. I somehow talked myself into racing a circuit race at UC Santa Cruz. Of course as I anticipated I was dropped at lap 2 of 15 and subsequently pulled out by the race official at lap 4, no regrets though, just fun. Afterwards Sharie and I spent the day in downtown Santa Cruz followed by a stay at the Old Monterey Inn.

Once back in the central valley I got to spend a day at Taylor Veterinary Clinic which is owned by Dr. Brooks. He was awesome to hang out with and I feel like I've found a home at his clinic. I was not only impressed by his facility but also by his staff and work ethic. He took the time to explain what was going on and even quizzed me a little on aging horses and a navicular series of radiographs.

Overall it was very refreshing to go home. I better get ready for lecture one this morning.

Round 3 classes: immunology, virology, physiology III, neuroanatomy, pathology I.

laters,

Sergio

Star

So that's what it feels like to be famous. This last week Ross unveiled its new student catalog, school video, and alumni catalog. Check it out here:

http://www.rossvet.edu.kn/Current_Students/RossVet_2006_Catalog_56639.pdf

All my classmates are giving me grief about popping up in every single catalog and movie. As a matter of fact the Dean even emailed me today:

re: "star"

Sergio

Every time I get a new video, catalogue, promotional brochure you seem to be in it or on the cover. Now I received our new CE Alumni brochure and you are on the cover all alone. Must be that California background.... I will save a copy to give you for your scrap book.

Have a good break.


DJD

So now I'm the Ross poster boy I guess. . . royalties?? Waive tuition?? O.K. I'm pushing it, I just want to pass my classes. I was asking my homie Chris how it is that some of our classmates can finish a 125 question, 19 page final bacteriology exam in 45 minutes!!! I can't even fill out the scan-tron bubbles that fast let alone read, and reason out the questions!! I don't know about too many things in life, but I'm certain I know a good deal about a) respiratory therapy b) cycling and c) well, maybe that's it. So going into my Physiology final today I felt good about the material because it was all about minute volumes, O2 dissociation curves, and lung volumes! So I took the test and was surprised to find out only 40 minutes had gone by! Wow, that's what it feels like!

our new Rossmobile

Well, I better get to crackin' cuz I have one more final tomorrow. Then it's all about the waiting game (worst part) for grades to post on Saturday by 12:30 pm. Until then my mind will be going crazy thinking of various nightmarish scenarios.

Sincerely,

The Star (atleast for today)

1830

Today I almost shifted gears

Today I almost shifted gears,
Gripped the hoods, out of the saddle. . . perfect timing
Smooth rhythm, clenched jaw, focused look
Thinking of the pain ahead
Size up the climb and its gradual curves, don’t look back

Downhill, feeling the rush of the cool wind driving the beads of sweat away
Feeling in harmony with the bike, the geometry gone, the intuition to stay
Nothing but feel now, hang on and don’t hesitate

The next climb comes fast, the legs anticipate
But today must be a good day, there is no chain
From cloud to cloud into the sky without the pain
Climbing faster than the legends towards the heavens and away

No need to shift, not in the sky
The habit strong, checking the cog
Let go the hoods, back on the bar

Today I almost shifted gears

Sergio Iniguez

Dedicated to Alex Gonzales
1976- August 8th, 2005

Chris

Hurricane Chris missed us by about 60 miles travelling towards the US Virgin Islands and PR. Normally we experience light breezes throughout the day and night. However, when Chris barrelled offshore from us we noticed that it was errie silent throughout. No breeze or goats running around or locals playing reggae off in the distance. Sharie's and Nicoles flight got delayed so they had to sit tight until the next day. They arrived safely in Oakdale today where I will join them after I finish final exams.

Today AAEP club had a joint tap session of which I attended. It was cool to apply some of the ideas I've been learning about the equine thoracic limb. After a few trys I got some synovial fluid from various joints. The donkey's we learned on were unfortunately termimal surgeries for the 7th semester students. Like vultures we were waiting for there surgeries to end so we can squeeze out as much education out of the donkeys as we could. Afterall it would be a waste not take advantage of such an opportunity. Well I better stop procrastinating and get some more studying in tonight. Can't wait to see you all. Later

Numero Dos

I must be going over thorns or glass because I've gotten like two flats in one week! I thought I was going home until I saw my front tire. So I radioed "team support" and the director sportiff said I'd have to wait till' Nicole woke up. So I went back to the library and cracked open a few veterinary journals. Amongst my classmates I'm known for always going to the professor after class and asking questions, or reading professional journals from the library. I enjoy reading DVM magazine probably because it's the same size and is bound just like Velonews "the journal of competitive cyclists"....atleast it has the same feel as I turn the pages. I cracked open JAMA (journal of american medical association) and found out a few things:

Topic: Daily Activity Energy Expenditure and Mortality Among Older Adults

In a nutshell: increase energy expenditure during daily activities = decrease mortality

Topic: Women's Susceptibility to Tobacco Carcinogens and Survival After Diagnosis of Lung Cancer.

In a nutshell: women are more susceptible to tobacco carcinogens but yet have a lower rate of fatal outcome (good marketing for Philip Morris?).

Topic: Adult Weight change and Risk of Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer

In a nutshell: increase weight after menopause = increase risk of breast cancer (doesn't smoking curb appetite and therefore reduce weight? hmmmmmm.)

I do lots of journal reading inbetween study breaks, but believe me if there was a Velonews within a 30 mile radius I'd read it!

Moral of the Story/Research: If your a woman, run to the store and buya a pack of Marlboro's, nah just kiddin' it's NOT that black & white!

Oh, today I was elected "treasurer" of the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners Student chapter here at Ross University!

Sharie doesn't feel comfortable driving our Nissan Sunny, and I don't blame her because it sure does make alot of weird noises! So now we must hunt for another "Ross" mobile. I'm personally tired of dealing with flats everyother day with the car. Up until a month ago I was using my floor pump to inflate the car tires every other day!

Classes performance is starting to come around now that I've figured how to study for Bacteriology and Parasitology with 3 weeks to go! I'm making up ground though and that's what counts. . . is it 7th semester yet?

See Niki even knew Floyd would win the Tour de France

Look at our "Number Dos"

1680

I figure I should look at this challenge through the eyes of the cyclists that I am. On the way to school atop my Eddy Merck AL dodging cow pies and goat pellets it dawned on me how I can make a Tour out of this. At 3.0 miles round trip M-F makes for 15 miles per week and 240 miles per stage/semester,and a total of 1,680 miles! Oh, 7 stages total (on the island) 3 in the states (different race though). So far I'm glad to report that I haven't DNF'd (Did Not Finish), and only two flats so far too.

Stage 2 is supposed to be easier from what I hear but it hasn't been for me. I'm actually looking forward to stage 3 which is supposidly difficult because of Mt. Reich (Dr. Reich). Apparently Dr. Reich is a Hor category climb (most difficult) and will shatter the field. However, stage 1 proved that Mt. Reich and I jive just fine. I'm banking that my previous exposure to arterial blood gases as an RT will come handy as the bulk of Reich will cover this topic in great detail.

Until then I can only dream about this sweet single track in Colorado, Thee 401 trail....somedat we shall meet.

See most of you in August after stage 2! Hopefully I can catch a few rides while I'm in California.

Striking Idea

Last week we had a visiting professor lecture on Business Management and Transitioning From Veterinary Student To Veterinarian. Alot is involved, especially if one plans on owning a veterinary clinic. Dr. Wilson a veterinarian and lawyer decided after a lengthy and respectable career to venture into the world of consulting. This professor opened my eyes to the entrepenurial possibilities of being a business owner. I'm excited now and can't wait to get started on the wonderful world of veterinary small business.

Before I would daydream about what my lap pool would look like in my custom home, perhaps a reflection of our yearning to settle down and start some roots. Now instead, I realize that taking care of the customer, patient, business and it's employees will provide all that we need and more, so a lap pool at the clinic first! Don't get me wrong I'm not hung up on materialism and making money, but I do believe in paying off such an enormous loan. After some additional daydreaming I was lead to my final vision (albeit ambitious): a veterinary clinic/bicycle shop/coffee shop!

window repair Ross student style

On a different note last night I should've worn a diaper because I have never in my life experienced mother nature in her full electric glory. The thunder I tell you was like having a hundred bull whips at your ear and a million camera flashes in your face! Windows reverberated, thunder roared, rumbled, and cracked ala shock and awe. I'll admit it I even hesitated to look at it creeping ever so carefully towards the window! In the end I only got one hour of sleep followed by an anatomy exam :( For those of you that are Meatrix crazy check out part II at: www.themeatrix2.com

taking easy with the Bory's and Jeanine at Turtle beach

The Meatrix

Today I'm cherising the last of my "mid-semester" break, so far I've done nothing. Actually I've been watching the tour on the spanish version of ESPN. I didn't want to drag cycling into my blog but "operacion puerto" was the last straw for me. When Tyler Hamiltons name appeared on that list I pretty much decided everyone in cycling is doping. Actually except for pros that appear to be struggling with their cycling career or the lantern rouge. It must be the norm to junk otherwise you get left behind and contracts aren't renewed. I love cycling too much to just walk away though, as a matter of fact I can't wait to get back to the states to toe the line. I've even been border line obsessive with looking at dream homes at www.dupontregistry.com, specifically in Austin.

It's Moopheus!

You gotta watch this video: www.themeatrix.com. I thought it was just a joke but It looks like they are actually serious. Well I better get back into vet student mode as my break is almost over!

Cute bra

Second semester is in full swing and it's crunch time now. Parasitology has been getting alot of my attention lately as it will be the "bread and butter" of being a veterinarian. Anatomy has been fun this semester as I have a keen interest in large animals. What is cool is that the donkey, goat, and swine body systems are similar in some areas and not so in others. However, in the areas that that are similar it re-enforces what I've learned with the dog. What I wasn't counting on was learning about other organisms like fleas and mites, but hey it's all interconnected.

Now that I'm knee deep in parasitology and bacteriology I don't want to touch a blade of grass, pet a horse, eat sashimi or walk barefooted. Call me paranoid but the truth is that they are everywhere, looking for the perfect environment (small intestine very popular) YOU! For example I did a google on a parasite I could've sworn was spelled cutebra, the search result revealed numerous sites for "cute bras". Well I've been in parasitology long enough to know that wasn't a parasite so I checked my spelling. . . . Cuterebra. Now this guy likes to lay its eggs on rabbits and rodents but also consideres humans and dogs. The larva penetrates the skin and Bam! A month later this bad bow below emerges from a hole in the skin!

not to be confused with a cute bra

Well the girls are back after a brief hiatus to the "Cowboy capital of the world". Sharie has been going through cowboy capital withdrawls ever since she arrived. Here's a picture of them arriving (planes fly right over our roof top).

I see this soo much that I know when the pilot is coming in too high or too low!

Dr. Berg: "let me tek you to z bar, I wants to show you sumzeen"

Sergio: "uhhhh...Dr. Berg do you think it's a wee bit too early in the day for a drink?"

Dr. Berg actually wanted to take us to the "barn" to show us the material we need to know for the next palpation exam of the pelvic limb. The horses pelvic limb starting from top to bottom goes a little something like this: boring, boring, boring, interesting (knee), boring, what was that again, whoa, whoa that's alot of stuff from the hock down. The horse has many structures, vessels, nerves, bursa, retinaculums, bones, you name it and it's no wonder why so much goes wrong from the hock down! Alright, I'm gonna relax before things get crazy for the coming week. Have a great weekend!

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Sharie and Nicole have been gone for a week now and am starting to miss Sharie complaining about the sugar ants or the clothes line. I'm also missing Nicole wanting to sit on my lap while I'm studying or running around and having a hissy fit. We have her potty trained so let her run around without a diaper, but when she throws a fit she takes a leak on the spot.

pee fit

Nicole wants to do everything Papa is doing. If I'm studying with headset on, she wants in on it too. If I'm walking chump she wants it too, or if I spank Mama on the toosh guess who wants to spank too?

hee hee

The cool thing about being in school is not only that I'm getting in debt, but that we get to attend voluntary inservices. These include such topics as turtle conservation on St. Kitts, hoof care, horse handling, or as we did last week horse physical examination by Dr. Yverchuk. There's always something going on in terms of learning to the point that it's impossible to try and make all of them.

Max checkin' out heart sounds on Ricky

Interesting to know that Max and I were inspired by the same veterinarian (Dr. LeTourneau) to go to veterinary school. We grew up about 40 minutes away from each other and met each other on some remote island because of one great guy!

How's this for a tounge twister: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Learned that bad boy today, bacteriology isn't bad. It's parasitology that I have a difficult time with. I equate learning parasitology to cracking open a phone book and trying to memorize random names and their corresponding phone numbers. Don't get me wrong I've learned a great deal but it all comes down to bulk memorization and I suck at that! I prefer subjects like physiology where one can make a story out of biological pathways. Anyhow back to bulk memorization.

Superstar

Only in St. Kitts

I guess I'm a superstar now. In the name of accreditation Ross U has undergone a serious face-lift. From plasma screens, newly paved roads, to shooting a film for the AVMA visit in September it's buzzing here on campus. So the campus now looks like the most boring hollywood scene ever. . . I was asked "Can you act like your checking out a book at the counter?" "Sure" (I know I have the Brad Pitt thing goin' on but you don't have to tell me) were do I sign for my multi-million dollar contract? Actually it just took but five minutes to stand in as a background. When will I get to be the "foreground". I had the opportunity to be in a Nike commercial for the Asian market a few years back as background, and what sucks is that Lance never even showed up. We used a cat I guy who looked like the Hulk instead. . . but hey my day will come.

When Ross does get accreditation classes will go from 65 to 100 easily. AVMA is the governing body for the Veterinary profession and they will have the last word. But the fact is that we will be short about 900 veterinarians per year and need to either build 9 more vet schools in the states or extend accreditation to offshore schools. Plus all Rossies go back to the states to practice so accreditation just means one less hurdle for us to jump.

Thanks for the pool Tia Diana. . . I even got sick drinking the water!

Thanks Honkey

Boy I can't wait to start doing all the surgical procedures, tests, trouble shooting, med administrations, and actually seeing a live animal. Well that's not true we did start doing palpations on the horses in the barn. . . . it's definitely a teaser.

can't wait till it's my turn to park here

But time is all relative, we average about 72 years of life while the mange mite (Chorioptes bovis) only lives 4-6 weeks! So we just need to go one day at a time and enjoy the ride while it last!

Thanks for lettin' us learn honkey!

Every see often I stop to reflect and appreciate the life that is sacrificed in the name of education. I would rather learn on honkey than a clients prized pet that's for sure. I also recall what my animal physiology professor at CSUSB told us before our first dissection: that as humans we tend to be more critical of animal dissections as the organism gets larger and don't seem to care as it gets smaller, for example: goldfish vs elephant. All I know is that I appreciate all of them small and large. . . well maybe not the parasites!

last semester saw only 2 or 3 bikes. . . look at it now!

These last few days I've been thinking about way, way down the road. Every so often I try to figure out which branch of vet medicine I will go or be lead to. I have a feeling I'll be the 1/1000 vet that goes into some off-shoot specialty like poultry plastic surgery or public health (ouch).

Mama's weekend

This weekend we celebrated our 4th year anniversary and mothers day! First Sharie and I treated ourselves to a four course meal at Ottley's Plantation. . . . the place was awesome. The grounds were manicured, lots of peacefulness going on, very relaxing, and great food.

As usual Sharie can't make up her mind

relaxing under the mango tree

gettin ready for our massages

The next day (sunday) we went out for mothers day with the Bory's. It was nice to eat some pastries as they are hard to come by on the island. Sharie is counting down (minus 16 days) till her departure day to California, I just have to remind her that she does need to return. . . hopefully she'll remember. Check out Ottleys: www.ottleys.com. This place sure does beat the Four Seasons on Nevis and it's about a third the price.

Nicole, Sharie, Chris, and Wendi at the Marriot

might as well play the role. . . one mex-am, one cub-am, both from SoCal

Draggin' Ass

Orientation is over now and the first week of school well under way. I was definitely worked to the bone being an orientation leader and will do it again if I get the chance. It was rewarding to see my "kids" leave the nest reassured that I taught them all they needed to know to survive. One day the school took out the new class on a catamaran trip to the nearby island Nevis.

we had to return for some students. . . including the Dean!

two of my kids here, mario and beth

So far the classes this semester aren't too bad because we have a better idea of what to expect in anatomy and physiology. The class I need to stay on top of is parasitology as this is all new to me. Bacteriology is pretty much like microbiology so nothing big so far.

draggin' ass

We haven't named this ass but I'm sure we'll come up with something soon. Unfortunately someone already took seabiscuit, oh well. This week we will be focusing on the intestines followed most likely by the thorax. From what I understand we will also be dissecting a sheep, pig, and a chicken! Speaking of animals Chump is now eligible to go running with me. . . yahooooo!