Talk Nerdy to Me

I went to the library yesterday and got a stockpile of books!  WOO HOOOOO!  Libraries make me so happy!  I can easily get lost in one.  My inner nerd starts doing a dance and I dive headfirst into the book shelves.  Picking out these books about Botswana made my trip feel that much more real.  I have less than a month before I leave! I can't believe it.  Sometimes, I barely think about it because I'm busy with other things and then at times it just hits me like BAM and I think to myself... wow I'm going to Botswana soon! How lucky I am! 

First line out of Tales of an African Vet.... "When we're young, enthusiastic, and passionate, sometimes we do crazy things...."   I can see I'm going to like this book already. :)

Grandparents, Salsa Cabana, and Guacamole

I spent a five days with my grandparents last week and it was great.  Everything is so simple and slow.  You get up, sit on the back porch, eat breakfast, do an activity such as fishing or go to the beach, come home, eat lunch, nap the afternoon away, sit on the back porch, eat dinner, sit on the back porch, go to bed.   I mean can you get a more relaxing vacation?  And the food. Hello deliciousness. 

I was back in Columbia by Saturday afternoon so mom and I decided to hit the town.  We went out to eat at Mojitos, watched a man serenade us at flying saucer, and went salsa dancing at Salsa Cabana.  I can not express to you how much salsa dancing (or really dancing of any kind) puts me out of my comfort zone.  Yet, once I'm actually dancing it is so much fun.  Addition to my bucket list:  Become decent at Latin dancing.

I ended Sunday night with cooking dinner for an awesome friend which included Guacamole!  Do I need to say more?

How lucky I am to have this time with the people I love.  I'm very happy that I decided to spend a few months in Columbia.  It's too easy to get busy and neglect the people who matter. 

Sharing is Caring

Just discovered Amos Lee.  Awesome voice!

Just for kicks

Dear Weekend, You were awesome!  Just for Kicks, you are a band that I will definitely stalk... I mean see again.  Dad, Happy Fathers day.  I really enjoyed riding around the lake on your new boat and watching you fish. It’s always great to spend time with you!  Dear sister from another mister, Congrats on your engagement.  Being your bridesmaid makes me want to shimmy and shake.   Dear the Kite Runner, I started you last night and already I’m hooked!  Grandad and Grandmama, I can't wait until tomorrow when I get to see you! Myrtle Beach here I come!

Let the games begin...

It's that time.... VMCAS time.  Eke.  My plan is to have it filled out and submitted before I leave for Botswana.  For those of you who don't know,  you fill out one application (VMCAS) and send it to the vet school you wish to apply to.  Each school you send it to cost money, not to mention the cost of supplemental applications for each school, so it can get kind of pricey. Applications are due October 2nd and you find out if you are accepted around April. 

I started filling out the application this week.  It is kind of like banging your head against a brick wall.  I'm trying to recount every animal experience I've ever had, what I did, how many hours I spent doing it, etc.  You would think that I would have been smart enough to document this stuff as I go... butttt no.  I need to write a personal statement.  aye aye aye.  The thought scares me.  How do I sum up in a small essay my past, present, and hopeful future????

I did spend some time looking into different vet schools.  SC has seats with UGA, Mississippi, and Tuskegee where if accepted I would pay instate tuition.  I spend several hours checking out many schools.  Colorado, Tuffs, and Oregon caught my eye.   Yes, it would be sooooooo much more expensive to go to these places, but a girl can dream!  Luckily, I have more time to decide which schools I will actually apply to.

I also researched the military option this morning.  The military has this program where they will pay for vet school and give you a stipend to live on during vet school.  You then work for the military for however many years when you graduate.  This is very enticing. The only downfall is that I may be limited to what I practice.  I'm not sure how much wildlife medicine is available. 

There are so many options out there.. so many paths I can choose.  It's awesome and terrifying at the same time.

Thunderstorms

A brilliant thunderstorm is happening right now!  Great big clouds, rolling thunder, and dramatic lightening....  I love it.  There is just something so awesome about a good storm.  I'm entranced.  It is a great ending to an amazing day of spending time with friends at B&N, rock climbing, and eating dinner at Panera (YUM) with an baller teacher and a best friend.  You can't ask for a much better day or much better people.  Here's to many more days to come before summer ends! :)