I figured that this would be a good way for people to keep track of me on the island… granted, I’m not on St. Kitts yet, but as the time nears I feel like I’m already on my way out. Lots of preparation goin’ on here…
I have made plans to disperse my animals; My mom will take my little dog (Oscar), my BF will take the big dog (Doobie)/tortoises/cat and I am yet to make a decision on my female doberman (Tessa). This has been a really hard time of planning and I’ve told everyone involved that my excuse is: trust issues. Every option I have with her, I can come up with some reason that I’m not sure I can agree to live with… Ack! AND, on top of all that, titer time is going to start soon — Doobie is going to be prepped for flying to the island in May 2009! I guess I should clear it with the island first that I’m planning to bring a fear-aggressive Doberman to the island… He’s gotten MUCH better, but that’s a whole ‘nother blog site of dog behavior waiting to started.
I’m almost through with all of my health testing – I got my Rabies done while I was working at the VMRCVM, thank you VTH for covering that tab, and got a Tetanus shot a few weeks ago. It wasn’t as bad as I thought… yes, it was sore just not as much as I had heard. This past Monday I went in for my HIV and VDRL testing and my first series of Hepatitis A & B vaccines (Twinrix). THAT vaccine DID hurt. The nurse was very good but as soon as she said “the vaccine is kinda cold so I’m going really slow but it’s going to start to burn” it started to burn like crazy. Huge needle, 1 cc. No good. I have the 2nd series due in the beginning of Decemeber then my last when I come back in April. I have a physical exam, rabies titer/booster and Tb testing left which is next week. THEN, I’ll be done. I swear I got a major cold after I got the Twinrix vaccine, too.
I got my plane tickets, room assignment, financial aid and classes registered. I hope I arrive there in one piece… I fly from Dulles –> San Juan –> Antigua –> St. Kitts. I hope all my luggage gets there, too.
Speaking of luggage. I have to move my life to an island in two bags altogether weighing 50 pounds and one carry-on weighing 15 lbs which includes my laptop. That’s just ridiculous. I really don’t want to ship anything over and I’m flying during an embargo period that doesn’t allow excess baggage?! I think I’m going to have to make a sacrifice and only take a few pairs of jeans, if that. Or, I’ll just live in my yoga pants like I did in my final years of college.
Things I still need to do: Submit my bank application, buy books & surgical instruments/stethoscope, buy extras for my laptop; I doubt I’ll have an Apple Genius on the island to help me.
Leaving in 47 days…
Filed under: Animals, Getting Ready, Travel, Vet School | Tagged: Pets, Ross University, St. Kitts, Vaccines, Vet School
I found you! You will be added to my ‘Nifty Bloggin’ Gals’ area. I hate to get all sentimental but you have no idea how cool this is for me to see you making this trek. Even though I know all the prep and planning is a bit daunting and then there is all the ‘unknown’. But to have known you since you were 13 — it’s just cool to have been along on your ride. Leah, you have always been such a together person. Even at 13. You’re going to do great and you know if you ever, ever, ever need anything, let me know. Keep it up, girl. You’re on your way.