Settling back into things

Well, I am fully back to being an American. I am driving my car, using my credit card and eating normal food. I have to admit, I don't regret coming back home...not even for one second. I don't have a place to live just yet and seem to be doing my laundry at various places (mainly my Mom's house and Maggie's), but heck, I still have a lot to figure out and its going to take some time.

All of my friends have been incredibly supportive. I've stayed with Staci a ton, Cathy and Maggie for a week, my Mom and Dad's one night, Susan's for a night, with Sue and Dean in Washington D.C. for a weekend and am off to Vermont to stay with Laryn and then to Seattle to hang with Heather. Everyone's support, love and empathy has been so uplifting during this difficult time. Every single one of my friends have come together, in their various ways, to wrap their arms around me...you all are helping me mend my broken heart and broken spirit. You all have been so willing to listen, digest and process with me. You've all sacrificed hours on the phone, countless cups of coffee, afternoon's and evenings face to face listening to me talk and cry...and yet you all believe in me now more than ever. All I can say is thank you! I can only hope to one day return the favor and offer you all the love, support and empathy that you've so easily and graciously given to me. Thank you.

I have a new telephone number, but am keeping the same email address (email me for the new phone number). Please contact me at your earliest convenience (that means you too Mike, I would love to talk about our struggles in school and life)! Thanks again for all of your posts, calls, emails, cards and letters. It all means so very much to me. I have a new perspective on life and friendship after all of this and value each and every one of you. Thank you.

Back in the USA

Well friends, being on the island proved to be too much for me. I just couldn't stand it and frankly it was affecting my health. After weeks of homesickness and isolation, I decided that the Island of Dominica was not for me. It was a difficult decision to make given that going to medical school has been my goal for the past 10 years. But, in all seriousness, I have learned that being as unhappy as I was on Dominica was not worth it. The cost of being there, mentally and emotionally outweighed the end result. So I packed up and came home. The Dean of Students will let me defer until Janaury if I want to go back. I am going to give it some serious thought. Honestly, I don't think Ross University is for me, but I will still give it some thought.

So for now, you can reach me via email. I am in Cleveland and will be staying here until I figure out what my next move is. I could use as much support as any of you are willing to give right now. Thanks for everything!

Amy

Dayton List

Okay, as mentioned in another post, I am currently compiling a list of places that I would like to go and hang with my peeps. Check it out and let me know what all of you want to do and where you want to go. T-minus 2 months (not that I am counting or anything)

• El Mesan
• Bar Louie (beer, of course and those pretzels, oh and a vegi burger)
• Red drinks at Casa de Stein
• Blueberry Cafe (Granola Pancakes)
• Central Perk (high tea, scones and finger sandwiches)
• Meadowlark (ricotta tacos)
• Sunshine Cafe (vegi burger one night and omlettes another time)

Okay, let's face it, there's not much to choose from in Dayton. Still, it will be good to be home and eat real food and be with the ones I love...that's all that matters.

Cleveland List

Okay, I am really missing home, as all of you already know. So I am compiling a list of things that I want to do (okay, most of it has to do with eating). Here's the deal, look at the list and if you see something that intrigues you, let me know and we will schedule it while I am home for Christmas break.

• Johnny Mangos (black bean quesadilla)
• The Inn on Coventry (spinach and feta omlette, lemon ricotta pancake)
• Tommy's in Coventry (EZ with no green peppers)
• Great Lakes Brewing Company (Christmas Ale and Stilton Cheese Soup)
• Aladdin's (hummus, lentils and falafel)
• Mitchell's Ice Cream (chocolate peanut butter)
• Sushi Rock (vegi roll)
• Zoup (mom)
• Red Robin (vegi burger)
• Cheesecake Factory (Adam's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple)
• Stir Crazy (vegi stir fry)

That's all I can think of right now, but will give it some more thought over the next two months. Let me know if any of you have some ideas. Can't wait to hang out with all of you.

Exam

Okay, I've never, in my whole life, taken an exam like the one I took this past Monday. Grades get posted tomorrow. I really want to become a physician, but am not sure that I am going to make it through this. So it might be time to start considering plan B...I don't have a plan B just yet, but if any of you have suggestions on occupations that could potentially suit me, let me know. Let's just say, OUCH!

On a better note...GO TRIBE! Beat those Red Sox!

First Exam...exhaustion

Well friends, this past Friday was my first exam. We had a gross anatomy practical exam over the back, spinal cord, suboccipital triangle, axillary (arm pit), upper extremity (arm) and brachial plexus. It covered X-rays, MRI, muscles, bones, nerves, arteries and veins. The exam was tough but I think I did alright.

Tomorrow is our first MAJOR exam...biochemistry, histology, genetics, cell biology and anatomy. I have been studying a lot for this exam. I have to admit that I am pretty nervous, but hopefully I've put in the time and effort to do good. The tough thing is that I have no idea what to expect. I will try my hardest and will let you all know how it goes.

That's why I haven't written at all this week...studying too much! Wish me luck!