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!

Welcome

Orientation week is well under way by now. I'm tending to 9 of the 65 students that arrived for the next semester. It's alot of fun to be a orientation leader as I get to share some good stories and impart some advice. In the process I get to drive around the island and discover some new places. I basically act as a tour guide by picking them up at the airport, showing them their new place, take em' grocery shopping, take them around town to get car related paperwork in order and make sure they're on time to school organized functions. Here I'm on my way to pick up a batch of students.

I got the Benz

I'm rested now and ready for the next semester. This time I'm gonna do things a little differently so I don't have to do 12 hr study marathons 2 weeks before finals! I feel completely aclimated now and can say that I'm now enjoying living here. At first it was nerve wracking, but now we've settled into our environment.

Hazards of driving on The Rock

I need to get back on the trainer because I haven't been doing a thing for the last two months! I don't think I'm gaining weight but I know for sure that the 1.5 mile commute to school is getting harder. But like Sharie put it, I can't exercise I only know how to train and if I don't have a race to go to there's no reason to train. It's funny but out here the sun saps your energy and I just don't feel like doing much at all. I'll give it a shot however this next week.

Turtle Beach Rainbow