Sunday, August 26, 2007

Finding My Way

I survived the first week of vet school, which is considered quite an accomplishment albeit a baby step. It was certainly a lot of work, mainly studying anatomy. We're only on bones and man are there many different parts to one single bone. Some vocab of note:

tubercle=notch or bump
tuberosity = larger tubercle
fossa=surface
foramen=hole
And everyone's favorite to sound smart"external occipital protuberance"=bump on the skull

I had a major computer catastrophe Friday and had to pay some loot to reinstall windows. Things seem to be fine now but being without Internet for just 24 hours proved stressful since many classes are on line and vet students get 15-20 emails per day (no clue when they want us to check these)...

Meeting all new people has been challenging but friendships are forming quickly.

It is slightly intimidating that after only 1 week I studied at least 2-3 hours a night in addition to being in class, and most of the classes had only 1 lecture which was just an introduction. It is interesting and will only get more interesting once we get past the cell biology.

It's difficult being far removed from my life back in NOVA, but Matt and I are working with it. We are certainly excited to see each other this Friday for the football season opener Saturday and the long weekend.

For those of you that are curious Isabelle is adjusting very well. She stands her ground to the pug and Boston Terrier (who loves cat food and wants to play with Isabelle). She started hanging out outside of my room and spending a lot less time under the bed. She even had the moxy to drink some water from the dog's bowl.

This week involves a lunch time speaker about animal vaccines, and animal welfare club meeting and no class Friday, so it should be a better week, barring any more crazy computer issues.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Orientation Recap

With only 1 day left of orientation, it has been a long but very informative first week. I think everyone is ready to begin this semester after hearing so much about it. Key themes:

  • Don't fall behind
  • You are here because you can do it
  • Study in groups with diversity and 4 or 5 members
  • Pet food is free for the next 4 years
  • Stress is a given but must be managed
The atmosphere here is everything I thought it would be. Friendly people and loads of spirit. I still have no tv but soon I won't even be able to watch very much. I have been exercising and trying to get some rest, while enjoying $1 drafts and socializing.

My big sister Emily is a second year student and has been so helpful in this transition and a lot of fun to be around. I feel lucky to have made a friend like her already. She'll be my tail gate buddy if any of you come down for a game.

This will be one of if not the most difficult thing I ever accomplish but I hope to get through it and make a difference in society and the profession.

Future posts will follow weekly. Please posts comments so I know you're reading and thinking of me.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

What a week, what a start!

Wow. After what felt like a marathon I am down here and orientation begins tomorrow. Let's review the week leading up to the move:

Tuesday 1am: Arrive Dulles airport after a great weekend in Portland with my great friend and former roommate and bridesmaid Andra. The weather was lovely. We enjoyed the great outdoors, the roses, Japanese garden, bridges, bicycling, hiking the falls, and finding great new music. A great trip to unwind and relax before school.

Too bad my luggage took over an hour to deplane at 2 am.

Tuesday 9am: Take car in for maintenance then go into work...exhausted and in a time zone in between coasts.

Tuesday evening: Visit with family in Bethesda for a small send off party.

Wednesday: Work, pack, DC Improv to see friend Andre perform with some co-workers.

Thursday: work, pack, see David Beckham live and playing soccer, enjoy great rain shower and very festive soccer fans

Friday: work, pack, drive to Blacksburg. Meet my roommate Jen at our place and head to Red Robin for the well deserved veggie burger after unloading the car. Matt arrives 2 hours later.

Saturday: Unpack, unpack, unpack. Attend VVMA info picnic on a farm clinic. Hit Target and Walmart. Unpack and organize more.

Saturday night: Head to "Big" Emily's for food, beer and nighttime pool hopping.

Sunday: Unpack, hit grocery store, buy some VT gear, have lunch with Matt at SubStation. Say goodbye to Matt (not easy at all), attend ice cream social with class of 2011 and 2010. Hit gym and finish organizing for the big day.

I have so many doubts. I am scared, excited, ready, not ready. I miss my life before, my life of just a few days ago when Matt and I chill on our couch with our cats and watch TV and read the paper. But that life is familiar and this is new. New is always hard but hopefully excitement can replace the doubts and worries over the coming days. If any couple can make this work its me and my Hokie.

Here's to the start of hopefully the most difficult and rewarding decision of my life.

I'll let you know how it goes ;)