It's about 10:30 and I am about ready to crash in a bit. Been studying on and off all day, and will keep on doing it for the weekend. There is a guy that moved into the apartment, but it is a room outside of the apartment. Odd, I know but he just shares the kitchen is all. But he is older and is done with medical school except he has to take his 4th semester final exams. Hard to explain but he had a family emergency, and because he was a 4.0 in all four years (I think he got like 1 B) they allowed him to continue with his education.
Anyway, he is so great to talk to. He has been through it all and gives great advice and help. Offers to help us with studying and the whole nine yards. He got me a little nervous though. Alot of people were against me going home in October, thinking it would hurt my studying but he was very supportive. So that was good. But he drew out alot of how grades go and classes. I am getting a bit nervous because he tells us how fast things move. Just packets and packets everyday come at us and pile up. If you fall behind - welp, see ya later. So I am going balls out this weekend after I get my books.
I really need to learn to read faster. But anyway, I am going back to study a bit then crash. Sana's dad is leaving tomorrow so we will be on our own. I am ready to get started! So I'm gonna go do that!
So glad my internet is working now in my apartment!!! Talk to you guys soon!
G'night all!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
2nd day of being a "good day".
Hi my loves! I sent a pretty good email to my mom so I will post some of what I said to her about my day (I gotta start studying, lol).
Well, my registration is now set. The loan didn't go through yet but it's alright, I just won't get my refund check quite yet, that's it. We had a 3rd roomie but she is actually leaving... She got called off the waitlist in Chicago (CCOM) and is leaving Monday to start there on Tuesday. I had a good day yesterday but when I heard that, I got sad. I wished I was her. I wanted to be home so bad, why could I get that kind of phone call??? Here for a day, thinking I'd be here for 16 months but then get a call saying "come home". But then I changed my mind by this morning. I think it will be good that I am here. She will be a DO, me and MD. Still don't know how to think of that, if it even makes a difference, but I think being here will teach me so much and make me so more prepared than others.
Today is another good day. So glad about that. Gonna study till about 3-4ishpm. Then we have to go back home to wait for our laundry to be dropped off and to wait for the internet guy to come. The splitter has been replaced but I just can't connect so the guy is coming to help!
We do have a 4th roomie (the one outside). It is a guy named Roger from New York. He is working on his 5th semester and some rotations here. He is a little older but very nice. James introduced him to me and he seems very safe and honest. That will be good so hopefully we can get osme electricity help. Hopefully we will get another roomie to replace Afshan (our 3rd roomie who is leaving). Then we get more! Hahaha. Hmm... what else. Oh yeah I have a couple "stalker"ish people. Just randomly are always by me. Doesn't really freak me out but I feel the need to make some space lol. Ah well, I will always be careful and watchful!
I think I will write again later today, I really want to finish up physio, lol. So I'll write again later today!
*ttown group hug!* :-D Have a great one!
ME!
Well, my registration is now set. The loan didn't go through yet but it's alright, I just won't get my refund check quite yet, that's it. We had a 3rd roomie but she is actually leaving... She got called off the waitlist in Chicago (CCOM) and is leaving Monday to start there on Tuesday. I had a good day yesterday but when I heard that, I got sad. I wished I was her. I wanted to be home so bad, why could I get that kind of phone call??? Here for a day, thinking I'd be here for 16 months but then get a call saying "come home". But then I changed my mind by this morning. I think it will be good that I am here. She will be a DO, me and MD. Still don't know how to think of that, if it even makes a difference, but I think being here will teach me so much and make me so more prepared than others.
Today is another good day. So glad about that. Gonna study till about 3-4ishpm. Then we have to go back home to wait for our laundry to be dropped off and to wait for the internet guy to come. The splitter has been replaced but I just can't connect so the guy is coming to help!
We do have a 4th roomie (the one outside). It is a guy named Roger from New York. He is working on his 5th semester and some rotations here. He is a little older but very nice. James introduced him to me and he seems very safe and honest. That will be good so hopefully we can get osme electricity help. Hopefully we will get another roomie to replace Afshan (our 3rd roomie who is leaving). Then we get more! Hahaha. Hmm... what else. Oh yeah I have a couple "stalker"ish people. Just randomly are always by me. Doesn't really freak me out but I feel the need to make some space lol. Ah well, I will always be careful and watchful!
I think I will write again later today, I really want to finish up physio, lol. So I'll write again later today!
*ttown group hug!* :-D Have a great one!
ME!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
It's raining, it's pouring!
Wow, holy rain today! LOL. Wow, I love this weather! I just got done with orientation so now I just have to wait till classes start. Didn't do too much today otherwise, since it is 1:30pm, so Sana and I are going to start studying here in a little bit. I just wanted to spit out a blog first. It is so funny being in the annex (where 1st semester students have classes/orientation). It is a new building and the bathrooms aren't up yet. Sooo, we have to use port-a-pottys lol until they are up. Since it was pouring outside you would see a bunch of us (including me) running out the back in the wet grass/mud to get to these bathrooms. These stories are so funny yet "what the heck am I doing" vibe.
But yeah, it has been raining basically all day. Finally got my room pretty much all set up too. Could use a few "homey" touches but I'll get to that eventually. Wierd sleeping by myself tonight, always had my mom before! But it was a good night of sleep and I just woke up, took a shower and headed over to a place called Dee's. It is a nice fruitstand in front of the campus. So I just pick up my breakfast from there! :-)
Found out this girl I met Lynn has finally gotten her luggage! (Thought Mom would like to hear that!) Where is Sana's?!? Hopefully it gets here soon. She has a crush on this one "mystery" guy. We have seen him everyday and she just won't talk to him! She talks to everyone else though, lol! She was all ready to talk to him today but she didn't see him. Ah well, maybe tomorrow.
We had a great lecture at orientation too about all the food on the island, how to eat it, cook with it, etc. Pretty cool. There is so much food here that is totally healthy to eat just like in the States. I swear if people in the US ate like here in Dominica, the whole heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes issues would be out the door. Everything is fresh here. I had fresh chicken breast grilled today with awesome beans and veggie salad. It was almost one of the best things I have ever tasted. I can already tell I am going to miss the food here whenever I come home (8 week breaks, semester breaks - home for good!!!). Anyway, I am hoping to get some recipes so I can cook with some of this stuff, because it is so cheap! Even my meal today - which was really generous portions was only $15EC or $5.61US!
Well, I will maybe write later on today but I am gonna run to the bathroom and hit a book or two.
Love ya'll *HUG*
XOXO
Jess
But yeah, it has been raining basically all day. Finally got my room pretty much all set up too. Could use a few "homey" touches but I'll get to that eventually. Wierd sleeping by myself tonight, always had my mom before! But it was a good night of sleep and I just woke up, took a shower and headed over to a place called Dee's. It is a nice fruitstand in front of the campus. So I just pick up my breakfast from there! :-)
Found out this girl I met Lynn has finally gotten her luggage! (Thought Mom would like to hear that!) Where is Sana's?!? Hopefully it gets here soon. She has a crush on this one "mystery" guy. We have seen him everyday and she just won't talk to him! She talks to everyone else though, lol! She was all ready to talk to him today but she didn't see him. Ah well, maybe tomorrow.
We had a great lecture at orientation too about all the food on the island, how to eat it, cook with it, etc. Pretty cool. There is so much food here that is totally healthy to eat just like in the States. I swear if people in the US ate like here in Dominica, the whole heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes issues would be out the door. Everything is fresh here. I had fresh chicken breast grilled today with awesome beans and veggie salad. It was almost one of the best things I have ever tasted. I can already tell I am going to miss the food here whenever I come home (8 week breaks, semester breaks - home for good!!!). Anyway, I am hoping to get some recipes so I can cook with some of this stuff, because it is so cheap! Even my meal today - which was really generous portions was only $15EC or $5.61US!
Well, I will maybe write later on today but I am gonna run to the bathroom and hit a book or two.
Love ya'll *HUG*
XOXO
Jess
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
First Day of Orientation!
Welp, went to my first day of orientation today. Not too bad. You could tell that it really got everyone excited to get this education going. I think everyone is getting sick of walking around this place and just wants to start studying - I know I do!
Today, my mom left. Sucked. I know I am going to miss her and everyone even more because that was my only link left back to home. But today did actually go alright. Had TONS of errands. I thought I was done?!? Ugh. I had to go to my landlord's store, James Store, and plead with him to make our internet work and let me into the room I was waiting on. This girl I was waiting on has gotten on my last nerve. I asked her to simply switch my keys (for the vacant room) with hers so I could start to move it. Yea, she wouldn't do it. GRRRR! Anyway, after talking to James he offered to open the room with a skeleton key and make me my own set. SO I HAVE MY ROOM NOW! I can't wait to move in tonight!!! There was a mistake on my travelers checks so James had his daughter who works for him (his whole family works for him lol) take me to the bank. It was closed and I'll deal with it in a snap tomorrow, but it was great! After orientation we had lunch and then were expected back for a quick last thing and a tour of Portsmouth. Me and Sana skipped it, lol. But Jolianna, James' daughter ended up taking us everywhere in Portsmouth! It was a great tour. Saw a woman out front barbequing plantanes (bananas, but they call it that). But wow, I thought where Ross was, was poor. This seemed even more. It was surprising but nice to see what is out there in Dominica.
We got some great homemade ice cream (too expensive to ship) and it was SOOO good. Loved it. We eventually made our way back. Had to do a couple more things (my key didn't work, so I needed to get more made). Our internet might be up tonight. I saw the Internet guy in Portsmouth and Jolianna told him to go to my apartment. So hopefully he does tonight. Then I can use my internet, webcam, and all that stuff... It is hard not to have it. I am just chillin' waiting for the last thing of orientation tonight - BBQ! Prolly won't stay too long because I am dying to set up my room!
Oh yea, we got a third roommate Afshan, I think is how you spell it. Never really met her before but I am sure it will work out. Me and Sana are already talking about weighing ourselves after a few weeks. I don't eat NEARLY as much as I usually do - can you believe that?!? Today, I had a banana for breakfast, eggwhite omlette with cheese and veggies for lunch, and like a 1/2 cup of ice cream (which is the first sweets I have had here). Yep, that's it. Then just about 2 liters of water. I guess I might eat a little at the BBQ but I am really not that hungry. Strange how the heat takes away your appetite.
We have more orientation is tomorrow but not as much as today. Thursday and Friday are kinda easy days... Just registering, which takes little to no time, and a movie around 7pm if you want to go. So those two days I will definately be starting to study! Just about time! Saturday I think that me and Sana along with a girl we just met Riddhi are going to Roseau, the capital to buy some fruits and veggies! All fresh at like 6am! Gonna be early but fun. Then prolly back to the books, hopefully.
That's pretty much what is going on now. Just more adjusting. Prolly won't be fully adjusted for another few weeks, but I'm trying. I will write again soon - and I miss you all more than words.
Keep in touch, makes my day!
Love, Jess
Today, my mom left. Sucked. I know I am going to miss her and everyone even more because that was my only link left back to home. But today did actually go alright. Had TONS of errands. I thought I was done?!? Ugh. I had to go to my landlord's store, James Store, and plead with him to make our internet work and let me into the room I was waiting on. This girl I was waiting on has gotten on my last nerve. I asked her to simply switch my keys (for the vacant room) with hers so I could start to move it. Yea, she wouldn't do it. GRRRR! Anyway, after talking to James he offered to open the room with a skeleton key and make me my own set. SO I HAVE MY ROOM NOW! I can't wait to move in tonight!!! There was a mistake on my travelers checks so James had his daughter who works for him (his whole family works for him lol) take me to the bank. It was closed and I'll deal with it in a snap tomorrow, but it was great! After orientation we had lunch and then were expected back for a quick last thing and a tour of Portsmouth. Me and Sana skipped it, lol. But Jolianna, James' daughter ended up taking us everywhere in Portsmouth! It was a great tour. Saw a woman out front barbequing plantanes (bananas, but they call it that). But wow, I thought where Ross was, was poor. This seemed even more. It was surprising but nice to see what is out there in Dominica.
We got some great homemade ice cream (too expensive to ship) and it was SOOO good. Loved it. We eventually made our way back. Had to do a couple more things (my key didn't work, so I needed to get more made). Our internet might be up tonight. I saw the Internet guy in Portsmouth and Jolianna told him to go to my apartment. So hopefully he does tonight. Then I can use my internet, webcam, and all that stuff... It is hard not to have it. I am just chillin' waiting for the last thing of orientation tonight - BBQ! Prolly won't stay too long because I am dying to set up my room!
Oh yea, we got a third roommate Afshan, I think is how you spell it. Never really met her before but I am sure it will work out. Me and Sana are already talking about weighing ourselves after a few weeks. I don't eat NEARLY as much as I usually do - can you believe that?!? Today, I had a banana for breakfast, eggwhite omlette with cheese and veggies for lunch, and like a 1/2 cup of ice cream (which is the first sweets I have had here). Yep, that's it. Then just about 2 liters of water. I guess I might eat a little at the BBQ but I am really not that hungry. Strange how the heat takes away your appetite.
We have more orientation is tomorrow but not as much as today. Thursday and Friday are kinda easy days... Just registering, which takes little to no time, and a movie around 7pm if you want to go. So those two days I will definately be starting to study! Just about time! Saturday I think that me and Sana along with a girl we just met Riddhi are going to Roseau, the capital to buy some fruits and veggies! All fresh at like 6am! Gonna be early but fun. Then prolly back to the books, hopefully.
That's pretty much what is going on now. Just more adjusting. Prolly won't be fully adjusted for another few weeks, but I'm trying. I will write again soon - and I miss you all more than words.
Keep in touch, makes my day!
Love, Jess
Monday, August 28, 2006
Day 4...
Hey! Well everything is almost taken care of. I have my apartment set (except for me getting into my room, that should be tomorrow). Just waiting on my internet to work but my roomie is supposed to talk to our landlord to get his butt in gear for us. Nothing much happened today so far. I woke up and went to get my appointment for getting my computer configured and my registration. Then onto the bank to set up my account. Yeah, that took 2.5 hours! What a line. Thank goodness that is over. Finally got something to eat today - Subway, of course lol.
And now back to the student lounge. This is the best place to stay cool and watch some TV. After classes begin I will be doing this kinda thing in the library. Except studying insead of TV, lol. I doubt I'll be spending much of my time in the apartment except for sleeping and maybe a little bit of studying...
I think I am just about to be on my own, my mom is leaving in the morning before I head out for orientation at 9am. I wish I got my books earlier than Friday (my time to get them), I want to start reading. I guess I can start with the few books I have.
There is a little "orientation" thing tonight, but I am not going. Just like the history of the island and what not but I'd rather hang out with my mom than do that. I'll just start orientation tomorrow. Well, I better get going. I'm going to study up a little to start up for next week! Hopefully, I'll catch some of you online today!
Byeeee! Jessica
And now back to the student lounge. This is the best place to stay cool and watch some TV. After classes begin I will be doing this kinda thing in the library. Except studying insead of TV, lol. I doubt I'll be spending much of my time in the apartment except for sleeping and maybe a little bit of studying...
I think I am just about to be on my own, my mom is leaving in the morning before I head out for orientation at 9am. I wish I got my books earlier than Friday (my time to get them), I want to start reading. I guess I can start with the few books I have.
There is a little "orientation" thing tonight, but I am not going. Just like the history of the island and what not but I'd rather hang out with my mom than do that. I'll just start orientation tomorrow. Well, I better get going. I'm going to study up a little to start up for next week! Hopefully, I'll catch some of you online today!
Byeeee! Jessica
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Yes, two blogs in one day...
Today I went to Perky's Pizza, right across the street from the med school. It is real good!!! Felt good to have some good pizza away from home! Veggie and cheese of course (trying to work on eating well while I am here). I charged my phone a bit, so I know I can call sometimes to home. It's really sparingly though, but we'll see.
So now, I just got back from my New Student Party. It's so funny, we tried leaving and rain came out of nowhere! It rains almost everyday but in spurts. Nothing big but refreshing if you are walking around. But then it gets humid. Anyway, at least now I know there are so many people in my shoes. I met a ton of first semester people though tonight. There was alot of drinks going around but I didn't bother tonight. Being in a strange place with tons of strangers probably isn't a good idea lol. Their domestic beer is called Kabuli. I had a sip just to try it. Not bad, not good. Different lol. But I can see myself drinking it here and there. But again, not what I am here for. I met alot of people that I will probably be hanging around with this semester and studying with, so that makes me happy. :)
They already made fun of my last name here. "Hey, that rhymes with..." "Yea, I get that alot, thanks." Haha, just like home, j/k. My roomie wants to have a party before class starts with like 10 people or so. Just bring something and share with everone. Only having some people over that we have been hanging around with lately. Might be nice, but just something small to do that doesn't get us in trouble with James (the landlord). But he'd prolly be cool with a little get together.
Well, I'm back in the student lounge checking on AIM Express, hoping to catch some of you. Since today was Sunday, EVERYTHING was closed (except for a couple restaurants and churches). So tomorrow we should be set. My mom loves being in here, it is so cold and since we are not in our apartment the A/C is free. So we are just chillin' watching Billy Madison and now 10 Things I Hate About You. So, hit me up online when if you see me!
These posts will probably subside once classes start next Monday. I just have so much time on my hands I want to tell you guys everything! I miss you all and I will talk to you soon!
(Started out 8 weeks till I get home, now only about 7.5 lol - the countdown is on!!!)
F.Y.I. - the countdown on my blog says I am coming home in 3 months and some-odd weeks. That is just for my long break for Christmas. I got to make a new one lol.
Love, Me! :-D
So now, I just got back from my New Student Party. It's so funny, we tried leaving and rain came out of nowhere! It rains almost everyday but in spurts. Nothing big but refreshing if you are walking around. But then it gets humid. Anyway, at least now I know there are so many people in my shoes. I met a ton of first semester people though tonight. There was alot of drinks going around but I didn't bother tonight. Being in a strange place with tons of strangers probably isn't a good idea lol. Their domestic beer is called Kabuli. I had a sip just to try it. Not bad, not good. Different lol. But I can see myself drinking it here and there. But again, not what I am here for. I met alot of people that I will probably be hanging around with this semester and studying with, so that makes me happy. :)
They already made fun of my last name here. "Hey, that rhymes with..." "Yea, I get that alot, thanks." Haha, just like home, j/k. My roomie wants to have a party before class starts with like 10 people or so. Just bring something and share with everone. Only having some people over that we have been hanging around with lately. Might be nice, but just something small to do that doesn't get us in trouble with James (the landlord). But he'd prolly be cool with a little get together.
Well, I'm back in the student lounge checking on AIM Express, hoping to catch some of you. Since today was Sunday, EVERYTHING was closed (except for a couple restaurants and churches). So tomorrow we should be set. My mom loves being in here, it is so cold and since we are not in our apartment the A/C is free. So we are just chillin' watching Billy Madison and now 10 Things I Hate About You. So, hit me up online when if you see me!
These posts will probably subside once classes start next Monday. I just have so much time on my hands I want to tell you guys everything! I miss you all and I will talk to you soon!
(Started out 8 weeks till I get home, now only about 7.5 lol - the countdown is on!!!)
F.Y.I. - the countdown on my blog says I am coming home in 3 months and some-odd weeks. That is just for my long break for Christmas. I got to make a new one lol.
Love, Me! :-D
I'm at medical school, yikes!
I miss you all already!!! I arrived on Friday around 7pm. I left around 7am from Detroit, then stopped in North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and finally left on a propeller plane to Dominica! BUT after that I had to take an hour drive through the mountains to get to the city of Portsmouth.
After we finally arrived, we stayed in RUH (Ross University Housing) where we got to stay one night. I was beat! So was my mom. We had to take a campus tour but were all so tired we decided to break for sleep and do it the next day, Saturday. So we got up at the butt crack of dawn (lol, actually not the sun comes up around 6am and goes down by 7pm), so around 8am to take our housing tour and me and my roomie found a GREAT apartment. It is owned by a pretty big business man on the island named James. He seemed nice, but of course we will always stay cautious to make sure we never get ripped off. The apartment is beautiful! 3 bedroom/3bathroom (we are looking for a third roommate still - any takers? ;-)) On the top floor with the view of the mountains and the Carribean Sea - gorgeous! We have 2 balconies, one small one huge with a table and chairs to study with. Every view is so beautiful! Rent has EVERYTHING included expept electricity (which only costs $40EC/month, so less than $20US! - Prepaid electricity - interesting... :-)) Rent is $330 so I am really only paying $350 or less a month!
There is a girl that has still not moved out yet and she is in my room! Grr... oh well, this room is worth waiting for! I will post pictures in this blog soon by putting an album on here. But since you haven't seen it I will try to describe it. So you walk through the entire apartment and when you come into the kitchen (after passing 2 bedrooms) you can turn and walk out onto the big balcony. To find my room you have to literally walk out onto the balcony and enter a separate room! So, when I walk out of my room in the morning all I see is the awesome palms and mountains. So lucky to have found this place. Internet is still rough, I am at RUH right now in the student lounge, lol. Hopefully we can talk to James or figure out the internet tonight. AIM is iffy too but once I get my laptop configured by the campus at orientation (in a couple days) I can use it! I will post my phone numbers in my profile (I have two, one was the one I gave some of you for my computer (not up yet, nor is my webcam yet) the other is a cell phone I bought down here for like $17 lol. Incoming calls are free for me BUT it charges you! Not sure how much yet but if you want to call get a pre-paid calling card if you want!!! I can call you from there but it is $.99EC or about $.37US per minute. Not too bad but we'll see how much I use it. I am going to charge it up with minutes in about an hour (hard to leave this air conditioned room!).
Sooo, ok... This place is sooo different. This is going on my third day in Dominica and I have thought about leaving at least 10 times already. People are hilarious on the roads. Of course they drive on the opposite side of the car/road but for as twisty as these roads are (VERY) they are speedy! They drive in the middle of the road until they see a car coming. Then they move, lol. The lifestyle here is, again different. Very laid back - things don't move as quickly. If you need something done, be patient - it may take days (like apartment repairs) but it will get done. Hard to get used to, but oh well. Food is fantastic! Of course there is the Subway which I always want to go to feel like I'm at home, but I am now eating fruit salad lol - with fresh fruit! I'm talking mangos, papayas, passion fruit, star fruit, guava, bananas, pineapples - so much! We can even pick mangos off the trees if we want to eat it right there on the spot! Tons of banana trees here too. Food is fairly cheap too if you eat the fruits/veggies. There are some expensive places though.
I miss you all so much and think about coming home all the time. Every time I do though I know that I'd be stuck not knowing what to do with my life. Once this is done, life will get back to normal. Hey, at least I don't have to stay here 4 years (can you ImAgInE!?!). I should be home sometime in mid-October for 3 or 4 days. The trip to get home/here is so long it takes alot of time. But I am going to make it work. Night is the hardest time. Since it gets dark so soon there is not much to do but think of you all. I know you are all busy with your stuff too so that's good. It scares me thinking of when my mom leaves. But I'll be okay, I hope. I just keep thinking when school starts I'll be here about 1.5/2 weeks. Then only 6 more weeks till I get home! That doesn't sound so bad? If I would stay till the end of the semester it would be like 14 more weeks! I just don't think I can do that and I don't want to. Everyone tells me "Time flies here." and I really hope that this is true.
Anyway, I better get to the cell phone store so I can recharge my phone! I wish I could keep typing 'cause it makes me feel like I am actually talking to ya'll. Silly, huh? Ah well. I love you all so much and am always thinking about you!
Call/e-mail/write anytime! Again, my address is at the bottom of the blog page in the gray column on the right side! I hear it takes just one stamp! It should get here with a US stamp in about 2-3 days!
Love, Jess
After we finally arrived, we stayed in RUH (Ross University Housing) where we got to stay one night. I was beat! So was my mom. We had to take a campus tour but were all so tired we decided to break for sleep and do it the next day, Saturday. So we got up at the butt crack of dawn (lol, actually not the sun comes up around 6am and goes down by 7pm), so around 8am to take our housing tour and me and my roomie found a GREAT apartment. It is owned by a pretty big business man on the island named James. He seemed nice, but of course we will always stay cautious to make sure we never get ripped off. The apartment is beautiful! 3 bedroom/3bathroom (we are looking for a third roommate still - any takers? ;-)) On the top floor with the view of the mountains and the Carribean Sea - gorgeous! We have 2 balconies, one small one huge with a table and chairs to study with. Every view is so beautiful! Rent has EVERYTHING included expept electricity (which only costs $40EC/month, so less than $20US! - Prepaid electricity - interesting... :-)) Rent is $330 so I am really only paying $350 or less a month!
There is a girl that has still not moved out yet and she is in my room! Grr... oh well, this room is worth waiting for! I will post pictures in this blog soon by putting an album on here. But since you haven't seen it I will try to describe it. So you walk through the entire apartment and when you come into the kitchen (after passing 2 bedrooms) you can turn and walk out onto the big balcony. To find my room you have to literally walk out onto the balcony and enter a separate room! So, when I walk out of my room in the morning all I see is the awesome palms and mountains. So lucky to have found this place. Internet is still rough, I am at RUH right now in the student lounge, lol. Hopefully we can talk to James or figure out the internet tonight. AIM is iffy too but once I get my laptop configured by the campus at orientation (in a couple days) I can use it! I will post my phone numbers in my profile (I have two, one was the one I gave some of you for my computer (not up yet, nor is my webcam yet) the other is a cell phone I bought down here for like $17 lol. Incoming calls are free for me BUT it charges you! Not sure how much yet but if you want to call get a pre-paid calling card if you want!!! I can call you from there but it is $.99EC or about $.37US per minute. Not too bad but we'll see how much I use it. I am going to charge it up with minutes in about an hour (hard to leave this air conditioned room!).
Sooo, ok... This place is sooo different. This is going on my third day in Dominica and I have thought about leaving at least 10 times already. People are hilarious on the roads. Of course they drive on the opposite side of the car/road but for as twisty as these roads are (VERY) they are speedy! They drive in the middle of the road until they see a car coming. Then they move, lol. The lifestyle here is, again different. Very laid back - things don't move as quickly. If you need something done, be patient - it may take days (like apartment repairs) but it will get done. Hard to get used to, but oh well. Food is fantastic! Of course there is the Subway which I always want to go to feel like I'm at home, but I am now eating fruit salad lol - with fresh fruit! I'm talking mangos, papayas, passion fruit, star fruit, guava, bananas, pineapples - so much! We can even pick mangos off the trees if we want to eat it right there on the spot! Tons of banana trees here too. Food is fairly cheap too if you eat the fruits/veggies. There are some expensive places though.
I miss you all so much and think about coming home all the time. Every time I do though I know that I'd be stuck not knowing what to do with my life. Once this is done, life will get back to normal. Hey, at least I don't have to stay here 4 years (can you ImAgInE!?!). I should be home sometime in mid-October for 3 or 4 days. The trip to get home/here is so long it takes alot of time. But I am going to make it work. Night is the hardest time. Since it gets dark so soon there is not much to do but think of you all. I know you are all busy with your stuff too so that's good. It scares me thinking of when my mom leaves. But I'll be okay, I hope. I just keep thinking when school starts I'll be here about 1.5/2 weeks. Then only 6 more weeks till I get home! That doesn't sound so bad? If I would stay till the end of the semester it would be like 14 more weeks! I just don't think I can do that and I don't want to. Everyone tells me "Time flies here." and I really hope that this is true.
Anyway, I better get to the cell phone store so I can recharge my phone! I wish I could keep typing 'cause it makes me feel like I am actually talking to ya'll. Silly, huh? Ah well. I love you all so much and am always thinking about you!
Call/e-mail/write anytime! Again, my address is at the bottom of the blog page in the gray column on the right side! I hear it takes just one stamp! It should get here with a US stamp in about 2-3 days!
Love, Jess
Monday, August 21, 2006
Leaving Friday...
Well, this kinda stinks. The past few weeks have been so much fun but it's just about time to go. I've been doing really good on not getting too mushy but everyday gets scarier and scarier.
I didn't end up getting into the university housing but that's okay. I actually found a roomie for my first semester which I think will be good. We are going to look for a place as soon as we arrive. We are going to meet after both of our first flights to NC. Then we will be traveling together the rest of the way.
I am pretty much done packing. Surprisingly, I am under the weight limit of 70lbs! Thank goodness. I also get my Mom's big suitcase to use and I can fill it with some decorations, bed netting, and pics of you all! :) Boy, I'll need those. Don't forget my address is on this page (I think at the bottom). I'll have to check to see how many stamps you will need, but I'll let you know. I also have a phone number you can call from your house phone/cell phone which rings to my laptop! If I miss it, I actually have voicemail on my laptop just like a real phone!
Gosh, I am going to miss you all so bad. I guess I can just think of it as me going to State for 2 months and not coming home. Yea, that works lol. There might be a lucky soul out there who if they are really wanting to I'll buy a ticket to come see me lol. Or maybe I can meet you all on another island if you go there for vacation. It's pretty cheap for me.
Alright, I am going to get back to all this. I always thought I'd be done weeks ago and wouldn't have to think about leaving - but it is still there on my mind lol. I'll write one more time before taking off. In the meantime, let's hang out!!!
Love you all!
Jessica
I didn't end up getting into the university housing but that's okay. I actually found a roomie for my first semester which I think will be good. We are going to look for a place as soon as we arrive. We are going to meet after both of our first flights to NC. Then we will be traveling together the rest of the way.
I am pretty much done packing. Surprisingly, I am under the weight limit of 70lbs! Thank goodness. I also get my Mom's big suitcase to use and I can fill it with some decorations, bed netting, and pics of you all! :) Boy, I'll need those. Don't forget my address is on this page (I think at the bottom). I'll have to check to see how many stamps you will need, but I'll let you know. I also have a phone number you can call from your house phone/cell phone which rings to my laptop! If I miss it, I actually have voicemail on my laptop just like a real phone!
Gosh, I am going to miss you all so bad. I guess I can just think of it as me going to State for 2 months and not coming home. Yea, that works lol. There might be a lucky soul out there who if they are really wanting to I'll buy a ticket to come see me lol. Or maybe I can meet you all on another island if you go there for vacation. It's pretty cheap for me.
Alright, I am going to get back to all this. I always thought I'd be done weeks ago and wouldn't have to think about leaving - but it is still there on my mind lol. I'll write one more time before taking off. In the meantime, let's hang out!!!
Love you all!
Jessica
Monday, August 14, 2006
The countdown is ON!
Just about 10 days left till I am off to go to school! I am getting sooo excited but still of course - freaked. It makes me feel so much better to talk to other students that aren't coming till January or May. I get to help them figure out how to get ready to come to Ross and at the same time feel better because I know by the time the May class gets there I will have started my second year! That's what keeps me motivated, just how speedy this really will be and then I can come back home to you all!
Please keep in touch! I will have AIM still along with email (a new email address is on the way) and also I am getting Yahoo Messenger where I just got my phone number (I managed to get a number with a 734 area code!!! Talk about me doing anything to feel like being at home...). I have to test it out though before I give it out.
I know this last few days are going be rough on me so sorry if I start crying! LOL. But I know it is going to happen. Hopefully I will be able to do that 'coming home every 8 weeks' thing. I will have to set that up when I get to campus though because I have not gotten my syllabus for the semester yet. So someone help me out and tell me some good days to come home in October!
So I will be leaving around 7am on Friday morning, next Friday morning that is. My mom is coming with me and as soon as we get there we are gonna be met by student ambassadors and what not to take us to RUH (Ross University Housing). We are suppose to stay here for the night and take a housing tour in the morning but I think I am just going to live at this place for my first semester. Just to make it easier. It has: Dual voltage, Water, Great Location (about as close to campus as one could get), Enclosed Setting and Campus Security, Swimming Pool (the only other apartment with a pool is Avies Ville), Daily Cleaning Service,A/C, DSL INTERNET , Modem rental included, GENERATOR!! Refrigerator and Microwave. Oh and also about a 20 second walk to the beach! If you guys ever Google Earth this place the school is located on the side of the Caribbean Sea. So - 20 seconds from the Caribbean Sea!!!
Anyway, once I get to the RUH I just need to set up my banking and wait for registration/orientation which begins on the 29th. I am gonna get my 200 lbs. of books along with everything else I ordered since it was already sent down there. Then STUDYTIME! I am so used to the sutdying routine, I can't wait.
I ended up going to a Ross info seminar last Saturday. I didn't want to go because I though I knew everything I needed to know about this place. I was wrong. I was so happy to find out of my options for my 3rd and 4th year in Michigan - what a relief! Also there were many graduates of the program who are in their 2nd and beyond years of residency. They are all doing fantasic - equaling and even some surpassing U.S. students on the boards (licensing exams). So much for that Caribbean stigma, I really don't believe it anymore. They have residencies in every field (anethesiology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, etc.) and in every state of the U.S. which no other Caribbean school can say so! So I think Ross will be a blessing in the long run!
Well, it is late I am going to chill a bit and watch some ER, do some packing. I'll see you all prolly tomorrow or whenever! Call me up to do something - I'm down! *wink*
Love you all! Jessica
Please keep in touch! I will have AIM still along with email (a new email address is on the way) and also I am getting Yahoo Messenger where I just got my phone number (I managed to get a number with a 734 area code!!! Talk about me doing anything to feel like being at home...). I have to test it out though before I give it out.
I know this last few days are going be rough on me so sorry if I start crying! LOL. But I know it is going to happen. Hopefully I will be able to do that 'coming home every 8 weeks' thing. I will have to set that up when I get to campus though because I have not gotten my syllabus for the semester yet. So someone help me out and tell me some good days to come home in October!
So I will be leaving around 7am on Friday morning, next Friday morning that is. My mom is coming with me and as soon as we get there we are gonna be met by student ambassadors and what not to take us to RUH (Ross University Housing). We are suppose to stay here for the night and take a housing tour in the morning but I think I am just going to live at this place for my first semester. Just to make it easier. It has: Dual voltage, Water, Great Location (about as close to campus as one could get), Enclosed Setting and Campus Security, Swimming Pool (the only other apartment with a pool is Avies Ville), Daily Cleaning Service,A/C, DSL INTERNET , Modem rental included, GENERATOR!! Refrigerator and Microwave. Oh and also about a 20 second walk to the beach! If you guys ever Google Earth this place the school is located on the side of the Caribbean Sea. So - 20 seconds from the Caribbean Sea!!!
Anyway, once I get to the RUH I just need to set up my banking and wait for registration/orientation which begins on the 29th. I am gonna get my 200 lbs. of books along with everything else I ordered since it was already sent down there. Then STUDYTIME! I am so used to the sutdying routine, I can't wait.
I ended up going to a Ross info seminar last Saturday. I didn't want to go because I though I knew everything I needed to know about this place. I was wrong. I was so happy to find out of my options for my 3rd and 4th year in Michigan - what a relief! Also there were many graduates of the program who are in their 2nd and beyond years of residency. They are all doing fantasic - equaling and even some surpassing U.S. students on the boards (licensing exams). So much for that Caribbean stigma, I really don't believe it anymore. They have residencies in every field (anethesiology, orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, etc.) and in every state of the U.S. which no other Caribbean school can say so! So I think Ross will be a blessing in the long run!
Well, it is late I am going to chill a bit and watch some ER, do some packing. I'll see you all prolly tomorrow or whenever! Call me up to do something - I'm down! *wink*
Love you all! Jessica
Friday, August 11, 2006
Pirates of the Carribean - Coming to Dominica!!!
Hey, I can't talk long but I just wanted to say this:
Johnny Depp is coming to Dominica!!! Ooooh yes ladies, read 'em n' weep. They are filming Pirates of the Carribean 3 right by me at school this September!!!
Here are some links if you guys are interested!
Official Page:
http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:h0VRnZqJuBIJ:www.piratesdominica.com/news.cfm+johnny+depp+in+dominica+for+filming&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6
More fun info!:
http://www.celebritywonder.com/movie/2006_Pirates_of_the_Caribbean:_Dead_Man's_Chest_adventures_in_dominica.html
Jealous? :-D I can't wait to meet him! Yea right, but hey I am not objecting to turning into a stalker... Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, AND Johnny Depp?!?
...nice.
:-)
Johnny Depp is coming to Dominica!!! Ooooh yes ladies, read 'em n' weep. They are filming Pirates of the Carribean 3 right by me at school this September!!!
Here are some links if you guys are interested!
Official Page:
http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:h0VRnZqJuBIJ:www.piratesdominica.com/news.cfm+johnny+depp+in+dominica+for+filming&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=6
More fun info!:
http://www.celebritywonder.com/movie/2006_Pirates_of_the_Caribbean:_Dead_Man's_Chest_adventures_in_dominica.html
Jealous? :-D I can't wait to meet him! Yea right, but hey I am not objecting to turning into a stalker... Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, AND Johnny Depp?!?
...nice.
:-)
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Nothin' much going on!
What's up!? It just Tuesday morning and I am bored so I felt like writin' a little something. Got my plane tickets! Yikes. Guess there's no turning back now. BUT - there might be a change! I might be coming home earlier and more often :-0!!! I am thinking that I can better handle going down there if I come back sooner than 4 months at a time. So I'm not positive yet, but I maybe coming back in 8 weeks from when I leave! So sometime in October. Then I would come back after that at Christmas and again eight weeks after I start my 2nd semester, etc.
I think in the end of my schoolin' it will end up costing me another 4K out of my loans... but I think it is worth it. I'll just live dirt cheap when I move back - or I'll just move back home! (Sorry Ma and Tim if you are reading this, I'm just kidding... maybe... *wink*) Just pretty much waiting on my passport now and have to go out and start shopping for the rest of my little nick-nacks, and yea - that's pretty much about it.
TIGERS GAME TOMORROW! At least I hope so. Ah well, okay time to hit the showers and start the day! Hugs and kisses! :-D
Love,
Jessie-poo (like that one Stacee? Hahaha.) :-p
I think in the end of my schoolin' it will end up costing me another 4K out of my loans... but I think it is worth it. I'll just live dirt cheap when I move back - or I'll just move back home! (Sorry Ma and Tim if you are reading this, I'm just kidding... maybe... *wink*) Just pretty much waiting on my passport now and have to go out and start shopping for the rest of my little nick-nacks, and yea - that's pretty much about it.
TIGERS GAME TOMORROW! At least I hope so. Ah well, okay time to hit the showers and start the day! Hugs and kisses! :-D
Love,
Jessie-poo (like that one Stacee? Hahaha.) :-p
Friday, August 04, 2006
3 weeks from today...
Getting better with this blog thing now. I guess you guys can leave me messages with the comments link under each post. But I am sure I will catch you on AIM more often than not. Yes, I will have AIM lol, but I am still working on this phone issue. As of now, there will be no phone - because it is so expensive, but we'll see. I might just buy a phone card and use it sparingly.
I just got my luggage, it is so cute and purdy - red ;-). It is staring me in the face everytime I walk to my room - there it is in the living room, waiting to be packed. Oy. About to throw down about 2K on books - BOOKS! Who spends that much on books?!? Well some of it is for my dissection kit, stetho/oto/opthalmascope, and of course my labcoat for my White Coat Ceremony in the next few weeks. This ceremony is like every other school where it is like a 'welcoming' into the medical field kind of thing. Traditional, I guess. Anyhoo - they give speeches and things like that, then all the students go up one by one like getting a diploma and have one of the older faculty don you with a white labcoat. Kinda bummed because this is on the island and not at home so nobody can come see me. My mom talks about coming but it is just too far and too expensive. At least my graduation is at home, well NYC I think. New York or New Jersey, I forget which!
As much as I don't want to go, I can't wait to get on a beach! its like 365 days of summer! Of course, I'll be thinking of ya'll and wishing you were with me but hey fly down!!! Might try to learn to surf if they get decent waves. On weekends alot of people actually travel if they get all their studying done. They go to places like Martinique, St. Martin, Venezuela - YIKES! Talk about a nice relaxing weekend. Some of these places I hear have beer for $.25 a bottle! Where's William? I am sure he's in! Hahaha.
Well, I am not gone yet so I am going to get myself ready and go hang out with all ya'll tonight! It's about bar time in T-town! :-D
-Jess XOXO
I just got my luggage, it is so cute and purdy - red ;-). It is staring me in the face everytime I walk to my room - there it is in the living room, waiting to be packed. Oy. About to throw down about 2K on books - BOOKS! Who spends that much on books?!? Well some of it is for my dissection kit, stetho/oto/opthalmascope, and of course my labcoat for my White Coat Ceremony in the next few weeks. This ceremony is like every other school where it is like a 'welcoming' into the medical field kind of thing. Traditional, I guess. Anyhoo - they give speeches and things like that, then all the students go up one by one like getting a diploma and have one of the older faculty don you with a white labcoat. Kinda bummed because this is on the island and not at home so nobody can come see me. My mom talks about coming but it is just too far and too expensive. At least my graduation is at home, well NYC I think. New York or New Jersey, I forget which!
As much as I don't want to go, I can't wait to get on a beach! its like 365 days of summer! Of course, I'll be thinking of ya'll and wishing you were with me but hey fly down!!! Might try to learn to surf if they get decent waves. On weekends alot of people actually travel if they get all their studying done. They go to places like Martinique, St. Martin, Venezuela - YIKES! Talk about a nice relaxing weekend. Some of these places I hear have beer for $.25 a bottle! Where's William? I am sure he's in! Hahaha.
Well, I am not gone yet so I am going to get myself ready and go hang out with all ya'll tonight! It's about bar time in T-town! :-D
-Jess XOXO
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Still getting things together!
Howdy!
Welp, it is official. I am leaving for medical school August 25th. Today I just made all my last doctor appointments, bought my plane tickets, almost finalized all my loans - busy! My mom is coming with me for 4 days though! I am sooo happy about that since I know absolutely nobody except a few people on my doctor forum that I always go on.
Don't worry, I will be back in a flash. I was kind of worried because I tried looking up flights and since my final exams end December 15th, I waited so long to book a flight, it looked like I had to wait till the 20th to leave!!! I was sooo bummed. But luckly after talking to another airline I found out I can leave the morning after my final exams! So I will be back home December 16th to hang out, party, and celebrate Christmas/New Years!
Still trying to figure out what to do for my last few weeks at home. I still have so much to buy, pack, etc. Anyone up for a Tiger game? I am down for just about anything now, hahaha.
I can't imagine how I will be when I only have a few days left, but I am honestly excited about this! I am finally going to be able to do what I love, medicine! Who wants to be my first patient *wink wink*, haha?
I guess that's it for now, I still am not quite sure how to work this thing yet quite well but I'll get it eventually. I'm sure my posts will get alot more interesting when I leave!!! So, in the words of Ms. Anna - Welp, see ya later! :-P
:)
Welp, it is official. I am leaving for medical school August 25th. Today I just made all my last doctor appointments, bought my plane tickets, almost finalized all my loans - busy! My mom is coming with me for 4 days though! I am sooo happy about that since I know absolutely nobody except a few people on my doctor forum that I always go on.
Don't worry, I will be back in a flash. I was kind of worried because I tried looking up flights and since my final exams end December 15th, I waited so long to book a flight, it looked like I had to wait till the 20th to leave!!! I was sooo bummed. But luckly after talking to another airline I found out I can leave the morning after my final exams! So I will be back home December 16th to hang out, party, and celebrate Christmas/New Years!
Still trying to figure out what to do for my last few weeks at home. I still have so much to buy, pack, etc. Anyone up for a Tiger game? I am down for just about anything now, hahaha.
I can't imagine how I will be when I only have a few days left, but I am honestly excited about this! I am finally going to be able to do what I love, medicine! Who wants to be my first patient *wink wink*, haha?
I guess that's it for now, I still am not quite sure how to work this thing yet quite well but I'll get it eventually. I'm sure my posts will get alot more interesting when I leave!!! So, in the words of Ms. Anna - Welp, see ya later! :-P
:)
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