Yes, I should be studying Micro but am most definitely procrastinating. Although I would love to be of the creative mind, I am not. I do appreciate thoughts when I read them though.

from William Carlos Williams' story Mind and Body

Yes, exactly. It is their religion. So I said to myself, to keep that for him I won't ask him to join my church but I will join his. He has that and his nursing and it makes him happy. If I take that away what could I give him in return? He would be lost. When I was talking to the Jesuit, who came to teach me what the church meant, I told him I could not believe that. He said, I should. I asked him, Do you? But he didn't answer me.

And I'm a little superstitious too, she went on. When I was in the hospital I stopped breathing/ I said to myself, Why go on anymore? Next time my breath stops I will not breathe again and then it will be done. I didn't care. The asked me where I wanted to be sent. At first I didn't know what they meant. Then I caught it. They meant after I was dead. So I gave them all the details.

I am here trying to blog about me brining Gigi back to the states to live with her grandmother, grandfather, and father and my blogger.com page is in Dutch. I guess it "figured" out that I live in the Netherland Antilles and it changes the language for me. This is so hillarious I have been guessing about which button to press. Anyway now that I have spent too much time trying to learn Dutch via the guess processed I have not time to blog. Gotta get going with my day.

OH MY two semester's of medical school have flown by and I have yet to blog once. And of course I decide that this is the best time to blog; "this best time" being the middle of final exams.

First semester was very exciting. I loved Anatomy and loved Dr. S****** even more! I was sad to be done with first semester, dispite stinking of cadavers each and every day of my life.

Second semester was a rough one for me. I lost focus around the middle of it. I have gained it back. I think I lost site of why I was here and what I wanted. Ethics often brought me back into reality--despite the fact that I thought that the class was pure bullshit for the first month.

Well my goals for the break are to 1. do all the practice questions that I was supposed to do over the semester and 2. brush up on my Spanish so that I don't make a complete arse of myself in the Medical Spanish course I will be taking on Saturday's next semester. (YES I MUST BE MAD to want to take it on as well as Micro, Neuro, Epi, and Genetics).

Well I see that I have posted nothing insightful or intersting and need to go study Dracul's physiology!

Trini Words and phrases--just love them!! There are plenty plenty more and I will add them as I think of them or find them!!!

A-B
A A! - Is an exclamation. When you didn't expect something. Usually used like, "Well, excuse me!" For example: "But, A A!"
Ay or Aye - means either hey, or you
Allyuh - you all

Babaash - bootleg rum, i.e., moonshine made from fruits.
Bacchanal - commotion, a wild party, a fight between neighbours, family or friends. E.g. The wedding reception was 'real' bacchanal cause of the difference in religions between the bride and groom.
Badjohn/Baa-John - a bully
Bazodee - light-headed or in shock [from Fr. abasourdir - to daze]
Baigan - eggplant [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Bap - father [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Barra - a deep fried saffron coloured bread (see doubles) [from Hindi]
Beta - son [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Beti - daughter [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
BeeWee - BWIA West Indies Airways, the national airline of Trinidad and Tobago. The acronym for British West Indian Airlines is often colloquially referred to as Better Wait In Airport, Big Wait In Airport, Better Walk If Able, But Will It Arrive, Bankrupt West Indian Airlines, etc.
Bhaji - Various green leafy vegetables (especially amaranth or dasheen).
Bhandanya - Eryngium foetidum, an aromatic herb used as a spice (also known as Shado beni or Chadon benit). [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Bobbol - illegal activity, usu. in the context of corporate criminality, white-collar crime or political corruption.
Bobolee - a figure of Judas beaten at easter or a stupid person
Bodi - pole beans [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Bol' face - a brazen or demanding person, a person who speaks or acts using indiscretion
Booboolups - overweight or out of shape. Can also be used to romantically or sarcastically describe affection for an overweight female.
Bois - (pronounced "Bwah") 1. A big heavy stick (or 2x4), used for harming others. 2. To beat someone badly. Eg. "Move, boy or I go give yuh bois."
Bone - to have sexual intercourse. May also refer to the male genitals. (Contrast though with the phrase "Trini to de Bone!")
Bonx - to hit or slam. Also used to indicate a type of greeting where the participants (usu. male) gently touch each other's closed fists.
Boof - to rough someone up or insult them or to scold someone. Can also be used to refer to the person who was roughed up or insulted (derived from "buff"). E.g. Sarah boofed Brian for leaving without her. Brian 'get' boof up for leaving without Sarah.
Break Biche - to leave or shirk one's duties in favour of liming, usu. in the context of secondary school or work. E.g. Brian & Ricardo break biche to go to the Arcade.
Bredda - brother
Breds - brethren
Broughtupcy - manners, upbringing
Bull - to have sex (whether heterosexual or homosexual in nature)
Buller - one who bulls, but usually in the context of, or suggesting, a homosexual act (see Bullerman) (derogatory)
Bullerman - one who engages in homosexual activity


C-D
Chenet - The fruit of Melicoccus bijugatus tropical American tree having small fragrant greenish-white flowers and small fruits with a green leathery rind and a juicy yellowish translucent pulp.
Chile - child (pron. "ch-isle").
Chinkey/choonkey - small
Chip - a walking shuffle step done to slower soca tunes
Chook - to pierce (or jook), usu. in reference to needles. Can also refer to dancing which involves the thrusting of one's hips forward sharply into the rear of another. May also refer to sexual intercourse. E.g. Riad took a little chook from the girl.
Coskel - overdressed; also cosquelle
Chune - tune
Commesse- confusion or controversy [from French]
Congo Pepper - a variety of Capsicum pepper.
Cratchy cocoa - Scratching of the male genitals ("cocoa" is a slang term which refers to the penis).
Cunumunu - a stupid naive person, or a really shy person
Cut a night - spend a night away from your home, e.g. "I hear Lesmond went by he girl place, fell sleep and cut a night; he ga get planass for dat!"
Cyah - Can't
Dingolay - dance wildly
Doubles - a sandwich of sorts made with a saffron coloured bread and curried chick pea filling. There is no singular form of the word.
Dal - ground up split peas [from Bhojpuri or Hindi] (alt. spelling, Dhal).
Dalpuri - a type of roti with ground up split peas inside [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Dey there
Dhoti - the traditional white clothing of an Indian man [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Doolahin - wife or bride [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Dougla - a person of mixed Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian heritage, more recently this term is used to refer to anyone of mixed (interracial) parentage. [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Dotish - (doltish) stupid
Doux doux - sweet, a term of endearment, esp. in the context of romantic love, or caring for a baby or small child. E.g. Leanna doux douxed the crying baby in her arms until it fell asleep.
Dress 'round' - means to move over

E-F
Eh Eh - an expression indicating one's disapproval
Eh Heh - translates to "is that so"
Ent? - "isn't that so?" , "right?" (used at the end of a sentence for emphasis; is similar to Spanish "¿no?")
Fas - nosy
Fête - a party, usually the parties around Carnival time are referred to as fêtes.
Flambeau - a lighted torch
Flim - film
Frontish - a bold demanding person, someone who loves attention or being in the middle of things.


G-H
Geeh Dem - means to give someone something i.e., an object or a verbal assault
Giddy - dizzy
Gobar - talking nonsense
Gramoxone - trade name for paraquat dichloride, a weed killer, commonly used to commit suicide. Any poison ingested, will still be called gramoxone, whether or not if it was actually gramoxone. A very popular choice. E.g., "Yuh hear? She drink gramoxone and dead!" sometimes called "Indian Champagne/Tonic" since at one time it was usually only persons of Indian descent that used this as the method of choice to commit suicide.
Horn - to cheat on someone, to be unfaithful (unkown derivation: Horny)
Hornerman - a married man who is having an affair.
Hornerwoman - a married woman who is having an affair.

I-J
Jahji bundle - A big bag containing one's personal items. E.g., "Dis one always walk wid she jahji bundle everyway she go."
Jagabat - woman of ill repute (specifically, a female prostitute), also jammet
Jammet/Jammette (Djamet) - a woman or questionable morals or a woman who adopts a rather abrasive and aggressive form of communication with the public.
Jhanjat - a big fight, trouble or confusion
Jock - to masturbate, especially male masturbation (a slang term, but not ordinarily considered derogatory or rude). Contrast with traditional North American defintion of "Jock".


K-L
Khurma - a traditional Indian sweet that is deep fried and coated with sugar [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Kilkeedey - to fall awkwardly or how you look on the floor after falling awkwardly, usually with arms flailed in some odd sort of fashion. Eg. "When de defenda' tackle him, Roger fall down kilkeedey on de ground"
Kuchela - a hot mango condiment [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Lagniappe - bonus
Lick-up - to smash or annihilate someone or something (also: lick-down). Can also be used to indicate consumption or completion of food or drink, usu. in a greedy or hurried manner. E.g. We lick-up the KFC before we went to the party.
Lime/Liming - a party or any get-together/to hang out, or (more recently) to date someone
Locho -(pronounced low-cho) a person who "mooches" off of someone else


M-N
Macafouchette - left over food [from Fr. ma ca fourchette - food stuck between the fork]
Maco - a nosy person/peeping Tom (also: Macco, Macocious, Macomere, any-west-indian), or the act of being nosy
Maljo - evil eye [from Fr. mal yeux - bad eyes]
Malkadee - convulse
Mamaguy - to bamboozle someone [from Spanish 'mamar gallo']
Mamoo - A maternal uncle.
Manicou - An one of five species of opossum, most commonly Didelphis marsupialis
Mauvais langue - to malign
Mook - a person who is shy, or socially awkward. (also: Mooksie)
Neemakharam - Ingrate, especially in a political context


O-P
Oh Geed! - an expression used when someone hears or see something that is deemed to be gross
Ol' ho - a promiscuous older woman.
Obeah - black magic
Obzokie - awkward, out of place usu. in a derogatory manner.
Pholourie - deep fried flour balls
Pommerac - Syzygium malaccense or Otaheite apple, a pear shaped fruit become bright red when ripe, also know as the Malay apple or Wax Jamboo
Pommecythere - Spondias cytherea or Golden apple, a fruit with a green skin, which when ripe turns to a gold colour.
Pot Hound - Usually refers stray dog that probably is not of a specific breed or a dog that eats anything off the street (also: Pot Hong). May also refer to a person of mixed ethnic background. (This is a racially offensive use of the term)
Preshaah! - pressure, to feel pressure due to a situation one is in
Pull Bull - To operate an unlicensed taxi, using your private car as a taxi in order to earn extra money. To operate a licensed taxi without a taxi-driver's license. Also referred to as doing 'PH'. May also refer to male masturbation.


Q-R
Raaff - To snatch something. To steal in a boldface manner

S-T
Sahina - deep fried dhal with either spinach, pakchoi (bok choy), or dasheen [from Bhojpuri or Hindi]
Sometimeish - Describes a moody or unpredictable person.
Soucouyant - A female thought to be a vampire, who sheds her skin and flies in the night sky as a ball of fire. This term is also used to describe an evil woman.
Steups - the act of sucking air pass one's teeth, creating a sound of disapproval (also: steupse, chups, cheeups)
Tabanca - In a love sick state. Describes how someone feels after being cheated on by their loved one. Can also describe unrequited loved. (Taban-truck is the more severe form of Taban-car].
Tatu - Nine-banded Armadillo
I wan tuh hail out - I would like to "shout out/big up"
Teef - Thief (more like to steal)..."woman you so sweet, i could a teef ya"
Tanty - aunt, also a term for any woman older than oneself
Throw Waist - to dance, specifically to "wine"
Tootoolbay - In a confused state or in a daze because of love. Similar to Bazodee. E.g. Richie was tootoolbay after he met the girl in the fete.
Toe Jam - Foot fungus that smells on unclean feet.
Trini to de Bone! - Pride in oneself for being a Trinidadian.
Torchlight- A flashlight.


U-V
vikey vike - to act with irresponsibility, or to act without concern for others. Eg. "De country in termoil because of vikey vike decision making."
Eg. "My wife acting vikey vike. Everytime my back turn she out de door limin' with she friends"


W-X
Wajang - a woman who is involved with more than one man in the same day
Wuz de scene? - A casual greeting equivalent to what's happening
Wham now? - Greeting equivalent to "what's happening now". E.g. "Aye Reeza, wham now?".
Whappen? - What happened?
Wine - a seductive form of dance involving circular or semi-circular movement of the hips especially. Can be done alone, with a partner, or many partners. E.g. "Javed was wining in the party on several women".
Way- Where, for example "way yuh dey?" means "where are you?"

Y-Z
Yampee - the mucus that surrounds one's eye in the morning
Yuh - you


References
Allsopp, Jeannette. 2003. The Multilingual Caribbean Dictionary of Flora, Fauna and Foods in English, French, French Creole and Spanish. Kingston: Arawak Press.
Allsopp, Richard. 1996. Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage, with a French and Spanish Supplement. Oxford: O.U.P.
Mendes, John. 2003. Cote Ci, Cote La - Trinidad & Tobago Dictionary. 2nd edition. Port-of-Spain: Medianet.
Ottley, C.R. 1971. Creole Talk (Trinibagianese) of Trinidad and Tobago: Words, Phrases, and Sayings Peculiar to the Country. Diego Martin: the Author.

i just cannot help but think she is beautiful....

just read this post! now really...do we have to make this an advert on a medical school forum??? LMAO
http://www.valuemd.com/saba-university-school-medicine/117616-my-proposal.html?posted=1#post479250

These are some pretty informative sites about my birth defect:
http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic42.htm http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site520/mainpageS520P0.html

This worst of all scares me:

(http://www.columbuschildrens.com/GD/Templates/Pages/Childrens/Heart/HeartLongContent.aspx?page=2813#Long)

Berry aneurysm: Prolonged high blood pressure may also cause arteries in the brain to become weak, enlarged, and rupture. Such a rupture causes bleeding in the brain and is life-threatening.


BTW-I got the diagram off the web and I think Coarctation is misspelled. I may be wrong.

This was my personal statment...some may call it lame, but I got accepted.... and I am not sure I will be or want be a pediatric cardiologist any more...but this is it:

Dr. John Ochsner will forever remain one of the most prominent persons in my life. He is the reason I am alive today, and the memory of his genteel bedside manner and his profound medical knowledge fuels my desire to become a physician. At age fifteen, after years of suffering from hypertension, lethargy, and overall discomfort, I was finally diagnosed with coarctation of the descending aorta. I was told that if I did not have an operation to correct my coarctation, my life expectancy would only be to age twenty-one or twenty-two. The Cardiovascular Institute of the South recommended Dr. John Ochsner because he had, in his career, operated on one teenager/young adult with my condition. No other cardiac surgeon in Louisiana had ever operated on a patient with coarctation of the descending aorta in my age group. Dr. Ochsner obviously succeeded, as I am here writing this letter today at age twenty-seven.

My desire to be a physician was not one that began immediately. In college I toyed with the idea of studying medicine. I took the MCAT in 1999, scored poorly, and decided that perhaps medicine was not my calling. However, I was deceiving myself. After my triumphant operation - from which I proudly bear a 15” incision that beautifully curves from under my left breast to the bottom of my shoulder blade on my back - I was often preoccupied by the idea that my being an adolescent at the time of surgery was problematic. Dr. Ochsner told me as much, and I often wondered what other ways adolescents might present challenges to medical care. After years of wandering in various fields, I have decided that I want to be like Dr. Ochsner and make a difference in young people’s lives. I want to reach out especially to those adolescents who are between adult and pediatric medicine.

Over the years, I have transitioned from a research biologist, to an environmental scientist, to a mother living in a foreign country all the while denying my true occupational desire. About a year ago in Trinidad, where I currently live, I began to have trouble sleeping at night. At first, I thought it was the tropical heat and foreign sounds, but four months ago, I realized that my problem was emotional not environmental. I finally understood that I had not been true to myself with my career choices, and I knew that I needed to realize my dream of becoming a physician, albeit a little belatedly. I am now like a racehorse with blinders who can only see the finish line. My finish line is to become a pediatric cardiologist. This application and acceptance are the first of the hurdles I must jump.

An aspiring med student just sent me this email:

Hey Leah,

My name is ***** and I read your blog about going to med school. I actually got accepted to med school in Poland and I have a daughter who is almost 2 1/2 years old. I've been struggling with the decision to go or not (my husband has to stay here due to his work), so maybe I can get some encouragement from you.

Are you leaving US to go to med school by yourself or is your husband and daughter going with you? I know that if my husband would go with me I would not look back, but since he can't it is very hard to go alone and be away from my family...

Hope to talk to you soon,
*****


My reply was roughly the following ( I tried to save it but it didn't),

Hi *****,

I am attending med school with my daughter in the Fall. My husband is staying here in the US to work. I cannot tell you what it may be like as I am not there yet. I also cannot tell you that I think that it will be easy, because it won't. But, nothing worth fighting for is easy. I let my dream of being a physician go when I was in my early twenties and I am not letting it get away from me this time. I cannot let my daughter grow up to believe that you run away from dreams because they are difficult and make you sacrifice comfort. Yes, it will be hard for us. We, with children, will have to spend our free time with them instead of doing something for ourselves. We will have to time manage better than any other student because staying up all night to study will not be an option for us. We will have to use the time when they are in daycare to study and not to socialize. We won't be able to exercise and eat right all of the time because we will be time limited and obligated to school and to our children. But, it can be done. It has been done. I am not looking back. But, I am scared as hell. My mind races at night thinking of all of the unknowns---that makes my heart pound with fear. However, I do know that no amount of fear or anxiety is going to match up to that feeling we will feel when we are at that finish line.

I hope this has helped,

LP


I also hope this helps others in our situation.

BACK from DisneyWorld with my three year old, my mom, and my sister. Had a very fun but exhausting time! My child was scared of almost ALL of the rides we took her onto except Jasmine's flying carpet ride, and It's a Small World!! Yeah my mom had to take her on it twice b/c she wanted to stay on the ride!! She loved the shows though. Dining with the Princesses really made her smile! I think that was her absolute favorite. Although it was fun I am glad to be home! I just got my first tenant so I need to get this house in order before the sixteenth of August!!!

Need cheap ink for your printer???? Try www.printpal.com I loaded up!!

Well, just my luck! I hang out the washing and it pours down!! I guess the magical Doppler radar is right!! Rain for two weeks! At least the temperature is under control.

I am almost finished with my duties. I do have to get a police clearance from the sheriffs office. UGH. I have put my car up for sale. Sent and ad to the newspaper to rent out part of my house. So I have been very productive these past few days. Heck I even cleaned out my car and washed the bbq grill so I can use it tonight!

And wow, the World Cup 2006 Final is this Sunday. Paul and I are having a get together. It is France v. Italy so in support I am cooking spaghetti and French bread!!! LOL...Didn't want to complicate things!!

OHHHHHH the BIG THING: applied for my loan for school. It is really scary. Frightens me to death. At least it is a reason to never give up, right?? It is do or die!!! Well debtors prison!! Crossing my fingers until I see the money....Such a frightening sum!!!

Today I heard the silliest thing. A guy was on his mobile in CC's Coffehouse telling the person at the other end that he didn't realize it was the Fourth of July tomorrow. Okay, does anyone else see the humor in this?

Sadly this is about the most entertaining story I have to post. Tomorrow I have una fiesta to attend. Other than that my life is quiet. I know it is about to explode with energy but I am taking it easy until I have to light the fire sous mon arriere. I am however going with my mom, sister, and daughter to Disney World Orlando next week. Mon coeur is going to poop her pants with excitement! I cannot wait to see her big blue eyes light up!!

Until I have something of interest to post.....ciao..

I was told that this was also a great spot for soca music. I haven't checked it out yet, but I plan to.

http://toronto-lime.com/music/

This is my Vedic Astrology profile. This werided me out.

Your Moon Nakshatra is Mrigashira

Mrigashira means deer's head.

Mrigashira is the searching star. Mrigashira is ruled by Mars, which shows you have an active, bold, and restless nature. There is a searching, naïve, and creative quality that keeps you seeking the idyllic vision of beauty in your heart.

Mythologically, Soma is the deity of Mrigashira. Soma is the god of the immortal nectar. The gods would drink Soma in order to become intoxicated, drunk with divine bliss. Soma refers both to the drink and the experience itself. In Mrigashira's myth, Prajapati, the creator, chases after his daughter Rohini, in order to create the most beautiful beings to populate the Earth. Prajapati's illusions become shattered later on when the other gods conspire to bring him down. However, divine bliss and divine possibility compel Prajapati forward in the nakshatra of Mrigashira. His courage and innocence, in spite of the consequences, are revealed here.

Strengths: You have the courage to pursue your heart's desire and the innocence to continue to do so even after life's disappointments threaten to shatter your illusions. You have a very creative mind and finely tuned perceptions as well as persuasive speech and communication abilities. Your main motivation is freedom yet you will seek it in a soft and tender way. You have a multitude of creative gifts, including creating wealth, comfort, and love for yourself and others.

Shadow issues: You may be fickle, unfocused, and prone to the "Jack of all trades, master of none" syndrome. You may spend too much time indulging creative idyllic fantasies, yet become frustrated when faced with reality. Be careful of overtaxing your delicate nervous system - you may be easily overwhelmed. An underlying hostile and angry nature is also present should your frustrations become too great.

http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/socamusic.html

This website is one of the best websites that I have found for Soca and Calypso music!! I was searching for Maxiums Dan's song, Fighter. I wanted it for when Trinidad and Tobago was in the World Cup. Sadly they were eliminated; but I am still very proud of them for qualifying. They really do have some great players. Shaka Hislop has to be my favorite goal keeper in the world. The football doesn't stand a chance when he is in goal!! Way to go TnT!!!

Some things I really do miss about Trinidad....

This post really has no relevance at all. I just read an article about dancing in the National Geographic today. Anyone that really knows me knows that I love to dance. It is, not only a means of expression for me but a means of release, as well. Dancing is the most powerful expression in the world. It connects us to everything. If you are confused by what that means, well so am I. I find it difficult to express exactly what I mean (maybe if I dance it for you, you would understand). I am not sure that I know of any other expression that is as ephemeral as a "dance" yet connects our cerebrums, our bodies, our emotions, our desires, simultaneously. It has the power to be a conversation, a monologue, a narrative, just anything that it needs to be. No tools needed. And yes you may you need music/a rhythm...trust me, you really don't need much to make music...you can stomp, hit two sticks together, use your voice, use your hands, your fingers.....what greater freedom do we have???

As I sit on my porch this evening enjoying Louisiana summertime weather, surfing the net, and letting my near three year old daughter decorate my eyes with make-believe eye shadow I realize that no amount of discouragement or negativism will hinder my plans of becoming a physician. The reason that I must do this with my life is breathing down my face with the determination of making me look like a "princess". This is not to say that I must become a doctor for my daughter or because it will make life easier for us. I have to do this because it is my dream. I don't believe in giving up on dreams. If I let this dream go, what will that teach her? To give up because circumstances are not "ideal"? No, I am not fresh out of college. I am a 28 year old stay at home mom. I have not been to school since 2001 and have not had a job since 2003. I could easily discourage myself and it is even easier with help from others. However, as my husband once told me "life is not a dress rehearsal". This is my chance and I am taking it. So now I am going to go and dance with my little angel, now that I am her princess. We are jamming to "Three Lions" football song for the 2006 World Cup.

http://www.wigmag.com/laundrycafe/deadweight_3_18_2001.html

Love this poem. Just found it. It was how I felt before I made the decision to go to med school.

Okay, this is what I thought may be useful to anyone reading this blog and thinking about what to bring to their Caribbean Med School.... Of course, do the research. Search ValueMD.com, become a member if you aren't, check out your school's website and their suggestions. You will have a very comprehensive list of what you will need, may need, and possibly don't really need. But this is my advise which is based on having moved to the Caribbean prior to this (with husband and newborn in 2003):

1. Patience---this above all of your worldly possessions will get you further and frankly will help you keep your health, both physical and mental. I have learned that nothing happens quickly in the Caribbean no matter how much or how loud you holler, rant, and rave.
2. Understanding/Sensitivity---you will probably be moving to a country that is not your own. I have always been culturally sensitive and accepting but some of you may not be. What you must remember is that you will be a visitor in a foreign land. Although you may be a key factor in their economy the fact is that you are a visitor. You will get annoyed with things in their culture and you will more than likely be homesick. However, curtail your annoyance and keep negative comments to yourself and within the walls of your home (if you must make them). Remember, there is a port from where you can leave and go home. (The locals will not beg you to stay in their country.) Embrace the differences and learn from them. Because I learned to do this in Trinidad, I have taken a part of Trinidad home with me. I learned their words, phrases, way of life, mentality, etc...Now I hope to do the same in Saba.
3. Knowledge--read about where you are staying, what the culture, food, music, society is like...and know that CULTURE SHOCK is real. Educate yourself!! This is a wonderful site--http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/CGuanipa/cultshok.htm

Well that is my BIG THREE, which may change as this journal progresses...

OKAY! How long ago was my last post??? Not even two hours ago!! I guess I am trying to find things to do to procrastinate from what I should be doing (packing and organizing)...Just when I start to feel down and tired...I find my favorite book in the entire universe Cunt A Declaration of Independence by Inga Muscio. I have read this book at least 10 times and each time I find myself laughing and discovering new meanings in her book. It is by far a book that everyone should read, but sadly, won't. It is empowering for women. Muscio's powerful use of English reels you in and makes you realize different dimensions of women's issues. One of the issues of her book that I like to point out is that women could be their own army and own saviors if they would just learn to love one another and quit being caddy and judgmental.

I close this post with this excerpt from Muscio:

"Women comprise over 50 percent of this country. Women comprise just over 50 percent of this planet. There's plenty of power in numbers. If we don't have power, it can't have anything to do with mass.

To know oneself truly is to love oneself. Whereas women do not learn the veritable nature of ourselves in this culture, the likelihood that we love ourselves and/or one another is highly suspect."

Well thus far I have packed up many of my valuables so that they do not get destroyed during my stay on the island. I have also packed my school supplies in big boxes (to be shipped). I plan on putting my daughter's toys on top of the books and supplies. I cannot even imagine that I will need all of these school supplies but I am trying to adopt the "better safe than sorry" attitude. I spent the majority of the morning wrapping up pictures in newspaper and packing stemware that I know my husband won't need when I am gone. Last week I packed away my pottery.

I got my school supply and book list from Saba University but I also got a list of "things you may want to take to the island" from another "Island" University website. I found helpful. Also ValueMD.com is a great website for all IMGs! Many students post ultra-comprehensive lists of things to bring, some things make me giggle, but overall it is helpful if you don't let their lists panic you into packing a 20ft container of supplies.

Back to packing and photographing this insanity in my house!!

I am starting this online journal to catalogue my journey from stay at home mom to full blown medical student. This is my first post and thus far I have not put much thought into what this first post is meant to say to everyone. It is my commencement and I will let my "journal" evolve and develop from this. Pretty much all I am sure of is that the sun rises everyday and other than that my life has been a whirlwind of changes. My plan is to leave the States 22 August with child and husband and head for Trinidad. There I will meet Cams, and we will travel all together (Me, Hubby, Cams, and my daughter) to the island of Saba, where I begin school on 4 September. This is my journey beginning in Lafayette, Louisiana....