What Sam failed to warn me about Dominica....

As much as I complain about living here, it will be hard to leave. I never thought that I would make such wonderful friends in a short period of time. These people get the Dominican (and American) me. They understand how frustrating it is to have to hunt down bread. They know how annoying of a task it is to lug empty containers to get the filtered water from campus. They sympathize when you get frustrated at the locals for not being pleasant and or polite when you are at the end of your rope. They let you know when 7-11 is out of electricity, so you don't go there to buy it. They let you hug and play with their kids because they know you miss the ones from home (and who can give better kisses and hugs than kids?). They are kind to ignore the fact that sweat is dripping all over your face and onto your clothes (partly because they are sweating this much too). They know the all encompassing stress of Mini and Finals time. They are there to help you laugh, give you their shoulder to cry on, play Taboo to take your mind off of things, have girl nights with yummy food and movies, and when all else fails... just to listen. To all of those coming back, I cannot wait for the new adventures of next semester. To all of those leaving this semester, you will be greatly missed and I am certain our paths will cross again.

18 Days

Only 18 days until we get to go home! It seems as though the time has flown by. Anywho....

Thursday was Thanksgiving. We had a lovely feast on the lower dock. I am really thankful that Jacki organized our dinner. Having this family in Dominica, made it easier not being with my family in the States. Here are a couple of pictures of the amazing view.



Sam and I are ready to chow down!


I love my Dominican family!


Yesterday a couple of the spouses went to a Holiday Shopping event at Pagua Bay. I really was trying not to spend any money, but I found a fabulous silver bracelet. We stayed for lunch and beverages. It was a great time!

Thankful and Blessed

I have a lot to be thankful and blessed for this year.

The love of my life- Sam. I have never met anyone as smart, loving, fun, sarcastic, a Star Wars fanatic, loyal, easy going, determined, kind, and thoughtful as much as him. I am the luckiest girl alive! He truly, deeply, and honestly loves me (as I love him). Below is an engagement picture.


My family has always been my biggest supporters. Whether it is in school, love, or life; they are the ones who have been there to listen, give advice, and most importantly love me. The first picture was taken about 20-30 minutes before Sam proposed. Aunt Lucy, my mom, Sam, Aunt Mona, and Uncle Johnny.


Mom, Aunt Lucy, Uncle Peter, and Uncle Johnny in the parking lot of Smitty's (yummy Lockhart bbq).


Here is a blast from the past! I am sitting on my Grandpa's lap. My cousin Monica is standing with Grandma.

Unfortunately, I do not have very many family pictures. Especially new ones. I really need to work on that. Everyone get your smiles on for Christmas!!

My friends are the best! They have been there when I needed them the most. We can laugh, cry, say nothing, do crazy things, and just be ourselves. I am lucky to have very dear long friendships, as well as have new friendships in Dominica. All bring me joy! This picture was taken at my "last suppa" at Harrigans. It was a fabulous night! Neal, Andrea, Sarah, Matty, Keith, Chrystal, Kris in the back. Jayme, me, and Amy in the front.


Some of my work friends on my last day. It was bittersweet. I love them so much, but I had to go. Annette, Aleksandra, me, Mellanie, Jean and Jennifer in front.


These next peeps are awesome. This was taken at the first spouse party. (Tracy, I hope you don't mind I stole your pic!)


Here comes the part that I am especially thankful for- my health. As it gets closer to the two year mark ("cured"), I often times reflect on all that has happened. This year has been full of wonderful tests with no traces of Calcitonin. I am able to do things that I wasn't sure if I would be able to do. Here I am (in Dominica of all places!) still kickin' c's ass. All of the above people have helped me in my journey. You all still do. So, I thank each and everyone of you. One day I hope to strive to be as half as much of a blessing in your life as you are in mine. Love you.

Gabe- Master Driver of Dominica

Some may think it is pathetic over how excited I was to drive in a truck today. (It wasn't a transport!) It truly is the small things here that bring a smile to my face. Sam tried to prepare me the best he could about living here. Being away from all your comforts is hard. Not being able to drive in a car, whenever and where ever you want takes getting used to.

I was hanging out at the CAC today. Gabe walked in and announced that he rented a truck today to pick up a friend from the airport. We talked of going somewhere, anywhere. Jacki suggested we check out some cabins her parents may stay in. It was agreed- ROAD TRIP! (Note it is just one town over, but hey... WE GET TO GO RIDE IN A TRUCK!)

Analeah approves of this trip! (Note: We are still in the parking lot of the CAC. The engine wasn't even on at this point.)


Excited Jacki.


The Master of Driving in Dominica- Gabe!


On the way to our destination, we picked up Emily and drove her to the next town.


She was excited too! She was having to go to Portsmouth to catch a transport to Roseau (an hour away) for groceries. The cooler is a necessity to keep groceries cold between destinations.

Dominica is the opposite of Lubbock. Wikipedia has a quote Christopher Columbus used to describe the land- "he crumpled a piece of parchment roughly and threw it on the table. 'This', Columbus explained, 'is what Dominica looks like—completely covered with mountains with nary a flat spot.' " Now that you can picture the terrain, let me describe the roads. They are very narrow. Often times there are French gutters on the side- an open trench (you can drive off into and get stuck). There are a ton of potholes that don't ever get fixed (kinda like home in this way). Also, some are not paved. Oh! Let us remember to that you are driving on the opposite side as well. Gabe drove us up a huge hill to get to the cabins. It was extremely steep! I don't know if this translates well based on the picture I took....


After some struggles with the 4x4 shift thingy, we got to the cabins. They were absolutely gorgeous! The views stunning! Here are some views from the deck of the house (furthest up).



With the beautiful view, we had no choice... group shot!


Gabe, me, Analeah, and Jacki

First Dominican legs, now Sea legs!

Sam and I went sailing yesterday. It was absolutely a blast! Let me show you....

Captain Chuck picked us up at PBH (Portsmouth Beach Hotel- where we used to live) early Sunday morning.

I took a picture of PBH on the boat. It is the white building covered up by palm trees. It was too small for both of us to live there, but it was super close to the beach!

Sam worked on the sails while....

Captain Chuck steered.

I even got to steer for awhile!

We cast two fishing poles and even got a bite on one of them!

After a bit of fumbling with the non-cooperative Mahi-Mahi, we came up successful!

Hope this doesn't gross anyone out... our catch had recently eaten.

Jaleeka and Chuck made us a fabulous lunch! Tartar sauce, fried mahi-mahi, and homemade french fries. It was soooo good! I've had mahi-mahi before, but it pales in comparison to the one I had that day.

The best hosts on water- Jaleeka and Chuck.

Saaaailing takes me away.... (Christoper Cross reference! I kept singing this tune before we left and after we got back.)

Our Caribbean home- Dominica.

The island to our north- Guadeloupe.

The water was a gorgeous shade of blue.

Took this when we were on our way back to the island.




Sunset on the boat.

Lt. Dan isn't the only one who has legs...

Finally! I got my "Dominican legs" as Sam calls them. Saturday we went to Roseau for some grocery shopping. I am very thankful for Analeah and Michael who went as well. They showed us the ropes! This time I was able to do all the walking and not feel as though as I was going to die/pass out. We went to Sav-A-Lot and IGA. Then we ventured to St. Agnes which is a Catholic bookstore. I got a rosary since I forgot to pack one. We purchased a birthday gift for Jaz (aka Jazira.. aka "Jazz Hands"). Then back to Rituals (Dominican Starbucks) to wait for the bus. That night we ate like royalty-- steak, asparagus, rice, and "hippie bread".

Today, Sam had to study all day. I went to church and hung out at home. We had spaghetti, which is one of our go to meals here. Anywho... here are some pictures... the first is a sunrise we had last month and next is part of the market in Roseau.

Rain and Drain(age)

It has been raining here for a couple of days now. Yesterday was by far one of the worst and also the first mini for Sam. Poor Sam! He got sick a couple of days before the mini and is still battling the sickness... which he gave to me. I have been miserable for about 2 days now. My nose will not quit running. I feel achy and have a slight fever. I have trying to drink as much as I can, which I am having trouble doing. He came home from school with the best present ever- KLEENEX!! My poor nose no longer has to be subjected to the poor quality Dominican toilet paper. I have never been so happy to see a box of Kleenex in my life! Anywho, back to yesterday...

I hung out at the CAC (Community Activity Center.. i think). We started a Harry Potter marathon. I played Taboo with a couple of girls and it was absolutely fun! Analeah and I would have totally dominated if we played together. Mindmelding (Mexican dude... Ricardo Montalban! YES! {go watch Four Christmases}) with others is quite entertaining! Sam got done with his mini and hung out for a bit. We were supposed to go out that night for dinner and a couple of drinks, but by the time dinner came the Monster Lo-Carb I drank had already wore off. All energy zapped outta me. So we went to KFC. They actually had chicken! We came home and caught up on some Sunday cartoons.

Today I have been in bed. I wish I could find the faucet hooked up to my nose so I could turn it off! The trip I was going to go on was canceled because of the increase in rain we have been experiencing. It looks like I have tomorrow planned out too... bed!

Funky Town

Apparently I was there and didn't even realize it. I went to a spouse party to celebrate September birthdays. I was talking to some new friends and they wanted to know how I was adjusting. Most days I stay at home waiting for Sam. I was diagnosed by my fellow spouses with funk. I tried to dispute it, but it is true. I was in a funk. I talked to my mom about this awhile back; I am not homesick. (I think that kinda shook her up.) Sure, I miss things... I miss fast food. (I would pinch a baby for some Rosa's, Chick-fil-a, Harrigans, Abuelo's, or McDonalds.) I miss my friends and family and the convenience of seeing them whenever I please. I am home though- Sam is my heart. All those months apart, I wasn't complete. I missed him so much. So why the funkiness? I can't pinpoint it. Perhaps it is because my life has been shook up. I am totally out of my element. Anywho, I believe it is over now.

I have been accepted as a Standardized Patient. Basically I am a pretend patient for the medical students. Training starts Friday and I am excited that I get to help. Thursday is the RSO (Ross Spouse Organization) bake sale. I am going to make Cake Mix Cookies. I love that recipe from Heloise! I am making a white cake mix cookies with walnuts and dark chocolate. I hope they turn out okay. Jacki, who has been an absolutely wonderful friend, opened up her full size kitchen to me! Yea! I don't have to bake them in a toaster oven! (By the way, I did make brownies in it already. They took forever!) Thursday is also when I am hosting Grey's night at our apartment. Last week it was just me and Monique (she is also here for the first time and her boyfriend is third semester too). It was fun! I am going to open it up to as many spouses who want to cram into my bedroom and watch on my tiny tv. Overall, I am going to be more social.

Tomorrow is Sam's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!!

(I promise to post more pictures!)

Green Papaya

I have managed to be lazy the last couple of days, camped in at our apartment- Green Papaya. Friday night we went to dinner at the restaurant downstairs, Riverside Cafe. During dinner Sam said that it was raining. I replied, nope. I looked behind me and it was! We were at the edge of the rainfall! That has never happened to me and it was kinda neat. Saturday I stayed home all day. We cooked a bit, nothing major- hotdogs for lunch and frito pie for dinner. Sunday we stayed home for the most part. My attempt at making mac&cheese was foiled by some deceased insects in the pasta. So we just had instant mashed potatoes and bbq sausage w/onions. We did take a late night excursion to 7-11. Seriously. There is a 7-11 here. (not an American 7-11 though) Earlier we heard that Hurricane Earl may come pay us a visit, so we bought some bottled water, a well needed can opener, and some other stuff. Tomorrow is the Indian River tour, so hopefully I will be able to post some more pictures here. Anwyho, until tomorrow...

Purple Cresent Moon

is the shape of the bruise on my bum. Moving in Dominica is not fun. Why? 1. Taxi Driver arrived late. Having all your stuff, stuffed into luggage, any bags/boxes you can find and then waiting for the driver to come, leads to a boring wait (everything is packed). 2. Taking all your stuff down 3 flights of stairs and to the entrance of the building (50 yards) is exhausting. 3. Getting to your new apartment and the only person you see doesn't speak English. We did get it out of him that the landlord wasn't there, but no time frame of when he would be back. 4. All of your belongings are on the ground floor and it starts to rain. 5. Deciding to move all belongs up 3 flights of stairs and unable to get motivated to hurry (even though it is raining) because you are already exhausted and sweaty. Thankfully, the person who was painting the stairs helped us. After all this, our landlord did show up and quickly showed us our apartment. I am so glad Sam asked how to use the a/c unit because it, as well as all the controls/appliances in our apartment are written in Chinese. After taking some time to recover, we decide to venture out to do some errands. On our way down we comment on how many stairs there are here, compared to our other place, and how using bathroom-like tile for stairs is not safe.. I go down. Hard. On the third to last step. I cried. I was beat down from our morning. What was worse is that I know our landlords would not have cared. They must have already had a complaint because there were small strips of grip on the steps. We went on to run our errands. Hours later, I developed a purple cresent moon on my bum and my right ring finger was swollen (I must have jammed it). Bonus... we have an ant invasion in our apartment. Small sugar ants (Sam's words)/ piss ants (mine). UGH!!! Yesterday I felt totally beat down. It eventually perked up. Thank goodness! Today we went to Roseau, the capital. It was crazy busy with people. We went to the "Walmart of Dominica". Unfortunately, due to time constraints and my tiredness, we didn't go to the grocery stores. I'm slightly worried. I'm having difficulty adapting- weather, physical activity, etc. I think my thyroid medicine may be off and me being a fat American is not helping me adjust as soon as I would hope. I feel at times extremely overheated and exhausted. Pray for me. Pray I don't take a tumble (Sam too) and that I finally adjust here!

Bed

Yep. That is where I spent most of my day. I was sick from 230 to 330 this morning. It was awful. Then came the extreme bloatedness. Needless to say, we hardly did anything. We did manage to go to the beach for a bit. It rained while we were there. It was strange seeing the rain fall on the ocean. Since I was down for the count today, tomorrow we have some shopping planned and packing. We move into our new place on Wednesday. Welp, until tomorrow!

Dominica

Finally! Seems like I have been preparing and anticipating this trip forever. I am going to go ahead and apologize now-- this blog is going to be spastic! First of all-- I am so glad I waited to go to a beach/ocean. It is gorgeous here. Hot and humid. I have never sweated so much in my life (not even when I was in Lockhart) The food is horrible. Bad. VERY BAD. No, I don't think you will fully understand just how bad. Tonight I had nachos... that had peas, green beans, tomatoes, beans, cheese, and weird chips. Yep. My stomach and I have never really been good friends. I have a feeling we are going to be mortal enemies. Welp, I hate to cut this so short, but I'm exhausted. Being a beach bum is hard... heeehee.. :) Here are some pictures!

Sense and Sensibility

Today I watched Sense and Sensibility (which I love). I started crying. It doesn't help that Kris and I watched A Single Man, which is also very good, beautifully filmed and of course made me cry too. I miss Sam. A LOT. Watching A Single Man, leaves you with the hard task of cherishing every moment with a loved one and life in general. I'm scared what if I don't appreciate Sam enough? What if he doesn't know how much I love him? After I composed myself, I started to watch Sense and Sensibility. One scene of the many that got me was the scene of Colonel Brandon staying to see how Mary Ann was. It reminded me of how Sam was always there when I was sick. When I was recovering he came over almost every single day. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. "You save me, you complete me" (Push by Sarah McLachlan) I love you baby. (Sorry everybody! I should have warned you of the mushiness of this blog!)

Rain, rain go away!

My first day of unemployment and I'm stuck at home. Let me back track... Yesterday was my last day at CMC. I, being optimistic, thought I would handle it pretty well. Right... So I cried many times. It was difficult leaving that family. They saw me grow. I experienced a lot and made many life long friends. After staying the day, a few showed up at happy hour. I had a fun filled night. Today has been spent in yoga pants, a tank, hair up in a pony tail, and glasses. Very glamorous! Anyway, off to watch Kris play Super Mario Galaxy 2. It if funnier than it sounds... promise. I posted a pick of my fellow billers.... love them!

Graduation and Blogging

I finally get to walk on Friday. Even though I have had my diploma for quite some time, it still doesn't seem real. There are many people that cannot come and have good reasons- out of the country, work, out of town for another graduation. I totally understand. Some are in town and it looks like they may not come. Fine. I get it. Why am I still upset? Ugh, I'll get over it. Anywho... I find myself editing. I guess I'm scared of full disclosure. What if I make someone upset? What if I hurt someone's feelings? What if I look stupid or insensitive? Welp, enough reflection. Off to bathe the doggies, dinner, and True Blood!

Doggies

I feel awful. You've been ignored. For a really, really, really long time. I can't take it back; I can only try to do better.
Anywho, I got a new camera. I went back to a Canon, which I had before and really liked. So, I present to you the doggies... Fancy and Ursula. I love them. Even if I am just a horrible, mean stepmommy. I took these pictures outside one day after work. I was trying to read a book and enjoy the outdoors. Yep, they were annoying. Here is just how annoying...

Lazy Saturday

Relay for Life was last night. The opening Survivor lap got to me. (For those who know me, are all nodding with a collective "duh".) I got teary eyed when I saw my mom standing on the out skirts of the track. I wasn't sure if she was going to be able to make it, but she did. I walked for two hours straight, which contributed to me being very, very lazy today. It was a weird Relay. I didn't stay long. Of course, I really missed Sam. Thankfully I got to visit with him when I got home. Anywho, back to today. I am in love with my Kindle. I've been reading "Orange is the New Black". I'm having to alternate between that and book 9 of the Sookie Stackhouse series- "Dead and Gone". Sam likes zombies and I like vampires. We meet in the middle with wizards and cylons. Ugh, I can't believe I said that. Sam- We must be "loud and proud" of our dorkiness! Welp, I'm trying to finish printing some engagement pictures for mom's Mother's Day present. Then off to more reading before watching Betty White on SNL. Wow, I am really lame. Oh well.

Pictures

Okay, I think I got this... They should be here.