Birthday Cake - Complements of Emily, Katie and Monique
The cake bakers/decorators! So much talent on one little island
Ladies getting their game on....
My poker face!
That's right....look at the chips...those are real Dominican noodles there!
Dec 11, 2010
Birthday Island Style
So once again I am spending my birthdays overseas, in a foreign country and in HOT HUMID WEATHER! But thanks to the great friends I've made here we had a great night - full of cake, poker and chocolate. What more could a gal ask for.
Nov 11, 2010
Veteran's Day
Wow it's really been over a month since I've updated...teaching, getting in shape, being a wife and house manager are really keeping me busy....I wanted to give a quick update and some reflections on Veteran's Day though and will try to do better....
UPDATE
We are five weeks from going home and I can hardly wait! I don't know what's in store for us on our quick little visit home but I know we both get to see our families and that is more than enough for both of us. Life has it's ups and downs on the island and lately I feel like it's been a little more up but with bigger downs.
The ups - playing softball, running, baking (we have chocolate chips!) helping with church and trying to stay creative have all been great ups but the lows have been a little lower than usual. Missing family, hating the heat and wanting to go home have been really hard. It has helped to talk with family and friends and to skype and see my new niece and nephew, but it's still not the same as being home. All this homesickness has led to a love/hate relationship with facebook. I LOVE being able to see everyone's updates and all that they are doing in their lives, but it's hard.....sometimes I feel like Kelsey and I are stuck in some sort of time warp and the rest of the world is going on, moving on, without us! And I HATE that! I feel like we'll come back and everyone will have fancy flying cars and be talking about the latest song/movie/book/show/ that we've never even heard of! But then as quickly as they come these lows disappear and another high comes along.
Much of this I know has been my choice to focus more on God. No magic recipe (5 prayers a day, with two chapters of the bible, mix with three worship songs and rest for 8 hrs....) No it's just little ole me, doing what I can each day to remind myself to think on Him and His goodness, and somehow the time is passing by and before I know it I will be getting back on a plane to go to Philly and to see friends and family. It's been a hard balance though....to enjoy and get all that God has for me in this time here on Dominica and to not constantly focus on the future of when we get to leave (for good). A very special THANK YOU to all who continue to keep us in your prayers and send us emails and words of encouragement....they mean more to us than you know.
VETERAN'S DAY:
Today has two special places in my heart. The first is it is or was my grandparents anniversary! They would have been married for 67 years this year and it's hard to believe at times that they are still not here anymore. It got me to thinking about being married that long. I remember when my grandfather passed away almost 3 years ago this Christmas and in talking with my grandma she said "You know I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't married to your grandfather" (they had been married for 64 years at the time). I was so shocked, (not being married at the time) I couldn't think of being with someone for so long that you wouldn't remember a time without them. Now on the flip side of that coin (marriage that is) I look forward to one day having 64 years with Kelsey and being able to look back on this time in Dominica and all the years to come and think "I can't remember a time when Kelsey wasn't in my life". What a beautiful thing to be able to celebrate all the ups and downs, joys and sorrow of you WHOLE life with another person! Thanks grandma and grandpa for showing your granddaughters that God, love and hard work can make a beautiful life!
The second of course was Veteran's Day! As I sat there and saw the numerous facebook posts (still on the love/hate relationship but check in several times a day) and realized that outside of a friend here in Dominica and my father and uncles, I don't know anyone in the military. I remember growing up that is was sooooo common to talk about Veteran's Day at school and EVERYONE had someone in their family that was in the military. In fact in my grandfather's and father's time you could get drafted into the military, and not that all agreed with it, but most I feel felt it was an honor to serve their country and to protect the liberties and freedoms that we all cherish in this country. I know military life isn't for me or for most of the people I know which makes me wonder who will be protecting our freedoms and liberties in the future? I am comforted though in knowing that as long as we have been a country there have always been people willing to fight (physically) to make it happen. So be sure to thank those that fight for us and our country, not just on Veteran's Day or Labor Day or Memorial Day, but each and every day in person, prayer or remembrance.
Until next time - live out the LOVE God has placed in you!
UPDATE
We are five weeks from going home and I can hardly wait! I don't know what's in store for us on our quick little visit home but I know we both get to see our families and that is more than enough for both of us. Life has it's ups and downs on the island and lately I feel like it's been a little more up but with bigger downs.
The ups - playing softball, running, baking (we have chocolate chips!) helping with church and trying to stay creative have all been great ups but the lows have been a little lower than usual. Missing family, hating the heat and wanting to go home have been really hard. It has helped to talk with family and friends and to skype and see my new niece and nephew, but it's still not the same as being home. All this homesickness has led to a love/hate relationship with facebook. I LOVE being able to see everyone's updates and all that they are doing in their lives, but it's hard.....sometimes I feel like Kelsey and I are stuck in some sort of time warp and the rest of the world is going on, moving on, without us! And I HATE that! I feel like we'll come back and everyone will have fancy flying cars and be talking about the latest song/movie/book/show/ that we've never even heard of! But then as quickly as they come these lows disappear and another high comes along.
Much of this I know has been my choice to focus more on God. No magic recipe (5 prayers a day, with two chapters of the bible, mix with three worship songs and rest for 8 hrs....) No it's just little ole me, doing what I can each day to remind myself to think on Him and His goodness, and somehow the time is passing by and before I know it I will be getting back on a plane to go to Philly and to see friends and family. It's been a hard balance though....to enjoy and get all that God has for me in this time here on Dominica and to not constantly focus on the future of when we get to leave (for good). A very special THANK YOU to all who continue to keep us in your prayers and send us emails and words of encouragement....they mean more to us than you know.
VETERAN'S DAY:
Today has two special places in my heart. The first is it is or was my grandparents anniversary! They would have been married for 67 years this year and it's hard to believe at times that they are still not here anymore. It got me to thinking about being married that long. I remember when my grandfather passed away almost 3 years ago this Christmas and in talking with my grandma she said "You know I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't married to your grandfather" (they had been married for 64 years at the time). I was so shocked, (not being married at the time) I couldn't think of being with someone for so long that you wouldn't remember a time without them. Now on the flip side of that coin (marriage that is) I look forward to one day having 64 years with Kelsey and being able to look back on this time in Dominica and all the years to come and think "I can't remember a time when Kelsey wasn't in my life". What a beautiful thing to be able to celebrate all the ups and downs, joys and sorrow of you WHOLE life with another person! Thanks grandma and grandpa for showing your granddaughters that God, love and hard work can make a beautiful life!
The second of course was Veteran's Day! As I sat there and saw the numerous facebook posts (still on the love/hate relationship but check in several times a day) and realized that outside of a friend here in Dominica and my father and uncles, I don't know anyone in the military. I remember growing up that is was sooooo common to talk about Veteran's Day at school and EVERYONE had someone in their family that was in the military. In fact in my grandfather's and father's time you could get drafted into the military, and not that all agreed with it, but most I feel felt it was an honor to serve their country and to protect the liberties and freedoms that we all cherish in this country. I know military life isn't for me or for most of the people I know which makes me wonder who will be protecting our freedoms and liberties in the future? I am comforted though in knowing that as long as we have been a country there have always been people willing to fight (physically) to make it happen. So be sure to thank those that fight for us and our country, not just on Veteran's Day or Labor Day or Memorial Day, but each and every day in person, prayer or remembrance.
Until next time - live out the LOVE God has placed in you!
Oct 24, 2010
In my own back yard
In my own backyard is a pool - while not really in my backyard, but at the school's housing there is a pool that many of the spouses, students and kids love to go to for a "pool day". Today was the last "pool day" for one of my friends Chelsey who coincidentally I met at the pool my first week here when Kelsey was at school. My only other friend at the time Emily. Chelsey was so welcoming and even texted me a number of where to get my laundry done! She's a mom of an adorable little girl, from Utah, loves the suburbs and Anthropologie. Well this sweet friend will be traveling back to the States with her daughter as her husband finishes up his 4th and last semester here in Dominica. It got me thinking how in only 5 months I was able to make such a great friend! What was it that made our friendship develop so quickly. Was it the shared struggles: shopping at stores hours away, paying ridiculous prices to have AC running in our homes, sweating where ever you walk - WALKING to get anywhere in incredible heat! Of course these all played a role, but I think it was so much more than this.
The women I have met here in Dominica have bypassed the "coffee shop" friend, the "see out and about" friend, and the "let's go to the mall" friend, directly to the "heart to heart" friends. These women have become friends that I can confide in and share with, even exposing the dark and ugly parts of myself that I don't want to face myself - let alone share. Part of this is because I know they KNOW where I am coming from......we all have husbands who are med students and we all know what it's like to see your husband for short stints at a time. We also all have the luxury of living within a mile of each other, and due to the lack up hubby time at night - we are able to schedule "Glee Nights" (thanks Meagan) and Bible Studies to get to know each other at a much more intimate level.
But it is also because we made an EFFORT to get to know each other! Each woman here has had to at one time or another make the first step to be the one to say "hi" and not wait for someone to say "hi" to her first. It's an environment where you have two choices: you can sit in your house (which even in this someone WILL call and see how you are doing) and be all alone or you can put yourself out there (emotionally speaking) chance rejection and see what type of people you will meet. I have met people from all over the United States from all different backgrounds. Some from cities, others small towns, some had careers, some were stay at home moms, but ALL have been amazing women with AMAZING stories that truly have only just begun.
If I never came to Dominica - would I have gotten this revelation about women and friendships? Would I have realized the importance of investing in neighbors who are literally "next door". Would I have discovered the treasures in friendships hidden in the hearts of women who are different from me? Would I have been so bold as to force myself to be the one to initiate the friendship. I don't know that I would. Before Dominica making friends was a result of where I worked (I've been blessed to make great friends with my coworkers), where I went to church, or where I went to school. There was not a challenge to meet my neighbor, share my struggles, open my heart to those around me. I was comfortable seeking out people who were like me - city lovers, creative types, single, (more recently married) and who know the joys of a great glass of wine! But now I've discovered something much more valuable than gold on my island adventure....I've discovered the value of investing in others who had different lives, backgrounds than me. This little nugget of knowledge I pray to take back with me to any city that Kelsey and I may move to.
Until next time - I leave you with this.....if it's been years, decades, months, since you have made friends with someone in a one mile radius from your home....try baking some cookies and meeting your neighbors, you never know what hidden treasures are right in your own back yard!
The women I have met here in Dominica have bypassed the "coffee shop" friend, the "see out and about" friend, and the "let's go to the mall" friend, directly to the "heart to heart" friends. These women have become friends that I can confide in and share with, even exposing the dark and ugly parts of myself that I don't want to face myself - let alone share. Part of this is because I know they KNOW where I am coming from......we all have husbands who are med students and we all know what it's like to see your husband for short stints at a time. We also all have the luxury of living within a mile of each other, and due to the lack up hubby time at night - we are able to schedule "Glee Nights" (thanks Meagan) and Bible Studies to get to know each other at a much more intimate level.
But it is also because we made an EFFORT to get to know each other! Each woman here has had to at one time or another make the first step to be the one to say "hi" and not wait for someone to say "hi" to her first. It's an environment where you have two choices: you can sit in your house (which even in this someone WILL call and see how you are doing) and be all alone or you can put yourself out there (emotionally speaking) chance rejection and see what type of people you will meet. I have met people from all over the United States from all different backgrounds. Some from cities, others small towns, some had careers, some were stay at home moms, but ALL have been amazing women with AMAZING stories that truly have only just begun.
If I never came to Dominica - would I have gotten this revelation about women and friendships? Would I have realized the importance of investing in neighbors who are literally "next door". Would I have discovered the treasures in friendships hidden in the hearts of women who are different from me? Would I have been so bold as to force myself to be the one to initiate the friendship. I don't know that I would. Before Dominica making friends was a result of where I worked (I've been blessed to make great friends with my coworkers), where I went to church, or where I went to school. There was not a challenge to meet my neighbor, share my struggles, open my heart to those around me. I was comfortable seeking out people who were like me - city lovers, creative types, single, (more recently married) and who know the joys of a great glass of wine! But now I've discovered something much more valuable than gold on my island adventure....I've discovered the value of investing in others who had different lives, backgrounds than me. This little nugget of knowledge I pray to take back with me to any city that Kelsey and I may move to.
Until next time - I leave you with this.....if it's been years, decades, months, since you have made friends with someone in a one mile radius from your home....try baking some cookies and meeting your neighbors, you never know what hidden treasures are right in your own back yard!
Oct 3, 2010
Time to get back into the routine of things......semester 2 style
Ok family and friends, I have been a horrible blogger. With the last update somewhere in August so much has been going on and happening I haven't found the time to sit down and update everyone with where we are and how we are doing.
So I will now attempt to give a brief, (with details to follow in another post) synopsis of our lives and where we are in life.
Location: Still Dominica although we had a brief 5 day excursion in St. Lucia (via a 4 hour ferry - thank God for the invention of Dramamine) It was a great way to relax and not do a whole lot for the first part of the break before everything went crazy!
Life on Dominica During the break: The break was a little hectic as Kelsey and I were chosen to do welcoming committee and in addition to that I was heading up the welcome meals for new incoming students during the same time, and I began working at the Preparatory School on September 1st.....oh and did I mention that we had to move as well! Yes it was quite the busy time, but we love the new apartment (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom) and we just need to decorate it to really have it feel like home! (pictures to come we have a great view of the ocean from our kitchen and one of the bedrooms).
School: Kelsey and I both started school on September 6th! What a difference a semester makes. Kelsey is now taking 6 classes instead of 4 and has classes from 8-5 almost every single night, with labs, and clubs and now because he had such great grades, he is tutoring first semester students! He is busy to say the least! Oddly enough, because I am on campus during the days and until 5 or so each night I actually get to see him quite a bit. We see each other for 20 minutes or more at lunch and sometimes even after school! I am teaching math to 3rd - 7th graders (about 18 kids in total) but it is a lot of prep as each class, even if there are only 2 people in the class, need to have their own lesson plan. And then I am teaching Social Studies to 4th/5th graders as well. It is a different challenge for teaching, but it is one I am looking forward to. And now that I have gotten back into the rhythm of everything I am not at school every night til 7pm. And the children are wonderful! They all really want to learn and do their homework and everything. While we still have issues about what we can get on the island, for the most part we have textbooks and supplies for all of our students. I also work with four other great teachers (2 or dominicans and 1 is from the states and 1 from Canada) the non-dominican teachers have a spouse that are attending Ross right now.
Home: The best part about this post is that we will be coming home to the states for Christmas! We will be arriving on US soil on December 18th! And the best part is that Kelsey and I will both get to see our families and our nieces and nephews! God is sooo good. We are excited to see everyone and to really just have a time of celebration with family and friends. We have missed all of you so much and know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Of course we will also enjoy having some great food back in the states that we can't get here is a great little treat too!
Well that is all for now...please keep Kelsey in your prayers as he has his first mini (think midterm) for school and has already had his neuro practical (another test) and will have an anatomy practical a week from Wednesay.
Until next time....remember to hold each other up in prayer...it's the best support you can give!
So I will now attempt to give a brief, (with details to follow in another post) synopsis of our lives and where we are in life.
Location: Still Dominica although we had a brief 5 day excursion in St. Lucia (via a 4 hour ferry - thank God for the invention of Dramamine) It was a great way to relax and not do a whole lot for the first part of the break before everything went crazy!
Life on Dominica During the break: The break was a little hectic as Kelsey and I were chosen to do welcoming committee and in addition to that I was heading up the welcome meals for new incoming students during the same time, and I began working at the Preparatory School on September 1st.....oh and did I mention that we had to move as well! Yes it was quite the busy time, but we love the new apartment (2 bedroom, 2 bathroom) and we just need to decorate it to really have it feel like home! (pictures to come we have a great view of the ocean from our kitchen and one of the bedrooms).
School: Kelsey and I both started school on September 6th! What a difference a semester makes. Kelsey is now taking 6 classes instead of 4 and has classes from 8-5 almost every single night, with labs, and clubs and now because he had such great grades, he is tutoring first semester students! He is busy to say the least! Oddly enough, because I am on campus during the days and until 5 or so each night I actually get to see him quite a bit. We see each other for 20 minutes or more at lunch and sometimes even after school! I am teaching math to 3rd - 7th graders (about 18 kids in total) but it is a lot of prep as each class, even if there are only 2 people in the class, need to have their own lesson plan. And then I am teaching Social Studies to 4th/5th graders as well. It is a different challenge for teaching, but it is one I am looking forward to. And now that I have gotten back into the rhythm of everything I am not at school every night til 7pm. And the children are wonderful! They all really want to learn and do their homework and everything. While we still have issues about what we can get on the island, for the most part we have textbooks and supplies for all of our students. I also work with four other great teachers (2 or dominicans and 1 is from the states and 1 from Canada) the non-dominican teachers have a spouse that are attending Ross right now.
Home: The best part about this post is that we will be coming home to the states for Christmas! We will be arriving on US soil on December 18th! And the best part is that Kelsey and I will both get to see our families and our nieces and nephews! God is sooo good. We are excited to see everyone and to really just have a time of celebration with family and friends. We have missed all of you so much and know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts. Of course we will also enjoy having some great food back in the states that we can't get here is a great little treat too!
Well that is all for now...please keep Kelsey in your prayers as he has his first mini (think midterm) for school and has already had his neuro practical (another test) and will have an anatomy practical a week from Wednesay.
Until next time....remember to hold each other up in prayer...it's the best support you can give!
Aug 4, 2010
July 2010 - The Second Half
Hey Family and Friends,
I know I know, it's been a while since there was a post about our glorious adventures here in Dominica. And it hasn't been because they were non existent, on the contrary I have been super busy these last few weeks of July and August is moving full speed ahead (no boat pun intended).
Let us go back to the last post of July 18th....that was a rainy rainy night (as have been most of the nights in July). But it was the night before my first ever CANOE RACE! That's right folks, yours truly participated in the Kabuli (local beer) Canoe Races for Dive Fest 2010! What is Dive Fest you ask? Well I'm not really sure but I know it has something to do with highlighting all the awesome and amazing dive spots around the island and believe it or not - there are people who fly in just for THIS WEEKEND! Why I have no idea but they do and we had a pretty big crowd for the races.....
The spouses ended up having 3 teams (4 each) and we had a blast - we were 3 of only 4 female teams and we took 1st, 2nd (my team) and 3rd in our heat, but we had to leave before the finals.....we thought the races would start around 1pm (but because it's an island event and therefore on island time it didn't actually start until 3pm and our heat didn't begin until 4:45pm) Here is my team.....
So all of this was happening in the middle of July - right about the time Kelsey was studying for mini 2. He will eventually have had 3 minis, 5 practicals and 1 final. Whew I'm exhausted just typing it all out. So what better way for me to keep busy than by playing some sports.....yep I'm on a softball team now made up mostly of spouses called "Shake n Bake" (Talladega Nights anyone?). It was great - took the female spot that was left vacant when two other females left the island.....so I got to play in two regular season games and two season finale games where we .......
Became the #1 Champs for Summer 2010 semester! And we did it with only 9 people (10 is the norm).
Also beginning the middle of July I began working one on one with a incoming kindergartner at the school during Summer Camp (held at the preparatory school). His name is Jack and he is adorable. It was a great new challenge because Jack has several learning disabilities and it was a nice change of pace to be able to work one on one with a student instead of a whole class as I normally have in the past. It was also a great way for me to get to know the students that I will be teaching in the fall =) which with the way things are working it looks like I will be teaching 4-7th grade English and Social Studies! I'm really excited about this year it's a different type of teaching and the other teachers I will be working with are great!
We are super excited that our living arrangements are changing. Starting around Aug 25th we will move into a 2 bed/ 2 bath apartment where we will have lots more space and an ACTUAL kitchen! I can't wait to be able to have more cupboards and a counter to cook on! God is sooooo good to us! This is also a GREAT time for any of you that would like to visit - you will have your own room and BATHROOM complete with extra beach towels! We're not sure we're going to keep it the whole time but for this semester it will be our home (we have a habit now of moving every 4 months and we don't want to stop now LOL) The only tough part is paying more rent, about $300 more than we are right now.....but as always God provides a way.
And a way he did! Kelsey and I were both excepted to be on the Welcoming Committee for Ross (which is apparently really rare for 1st semester students to get - which we quickly realized when we saw that out of 20 members there were only 4 of us from 1st semester). Being on the Welcome Committee will require us to go on several trips around the island (some we did when we first arrived, but others we didn't get the chance to) and will help with campus tours, welcoming and greeting people as they arrive off the bus from the airport and helping out with other various orientation tasks. It's great because the money we will make will cover the cost of our increase it rent! So once again God has thought of EVERYTHING and again I am learning that I need not worry but to "trust in the Lord with all my heart, and with all my soul and with all my might!"
Lastly Kelsey and I will be taking a much needed vacation (really more Kelsey than me LOL) once his final is over on the 17th. We will be taking a ferry (cross your fingers and hope I don't get really really sick) to St. Lucia! We are going with another 1st Semester couple and it should be a great time to relax, enjoy nice pools and beaches, run AC all night long and eat some great food (not to mention stock up on supplies from their grocery stores - literally that was the advice one spouse who had been there before gave me because "good" grocery stores are rare here in Dominica).
I know I know, it's been a while since there was a post about our glorious adventures here in Dominica. And it hasn't been because they were non existent, on the contrary I have been super busy these last few weeks of July and August is moving full speed ahead (no boat pun intended).
Let us go back to the last post of July 18th....that was a rainy rainy night (as have been most of the nights in July). But it was the night before my first ever CANOE RACE! That's right folks, yours truly participated in the Kabuli (local beer) Canoe Races for Dive Fest 2010! What is Dive Fest you ask? Well I'm not really sure but I know it has something to do with highlighting all the awesome and amazing dive spots around the island and believe it or not - there are people who fly in just for THIS WEEKEND! Why I have no idea but they do and we had a pretty big crowd for the races.....
Also beginning the middle of July I began working one on one with a incoming kindergartner at the school during Summer Camp (held at the preparatory school). His name is Jack and he is adorable. It was a great new challenge because Jack has several learning disabilities and it was a nice change of pace to be able to work one on one with a student instead of a whole class as I normally have in the past. It was also a great way for me to get to know the students that I will be teaching in the fall =) which with the way things are working it looks like I will be teaching 4-7th grade English and Social Studies! I'm really excited about this year it's a different type of teaching and the other teachers I will be working with are great!
We are super excited that our living arrangements are changing. Starting around Aug 25th we will move into a 2 bed/ 2 bath apartment where we will have lots more space and an ACTUAL kitchen! I can't wait to be able to have more cupboards and a counter to cook on! God is sooooo good to us! This is also a GREAT time for any of you that would like to visit - you will have your own room and BATHROOM complete with extra beach towels! We're not sure we're going to keep it the whole time but for this semester it will be our home (we have a habit now of moving every 4 months and we don't want to stop now LOL) The only tough part is paying more rent, about $300 more than we are right now.....but as always God provides a way.
And a way he did! Kelsey and I were both excepted to be on the Welcoming Committee for Ross (which is apparently really rare for 1st semester students to get - which we quickly realized when we saw that out of 20 members there were only 4 of us from 1st semester). Being on the Welcome Committee will require us to go on several trips around the island (some we did when we first arrived, but others we didn't get the chance to) and will help with campus tours, welcoming and greeting people as they arrive off the bus from the airport and helping out with other various orientation tasks. It's great because the money we will make will cover the cost of our increase it rent! So once again God has thought of EVERYTHING and again I am learning that I need not worry but to "trust in the Lord with all my heart, and with all my soul and with all my might!"
Lastly Kelsey and I will be taking a much needed vacation (really more Kelsey than me LOL) once his final is over on the 17th. We will be taking a ferry (cross your fingers and hope I don't get really really sick) to St. Lucia! We are going with another 1st Semester couple and it should be a great time to relax, enjoy nice pools and beaches, run AC all night long and eat some great food (not to mention stock up on supplies from their grocery stores - literally that was the advice one spouse who had been there before gave me because "good" grocery stores are rare here in Dominica).
Our Room at the 4.5 star resort Coco Palm
The Pools at our hotel.........
I promise to try and update more often....hopefully posting some pics from the ballet recital I'm having this Saturday for my Mommy and Me dance class.
Oh one thing I almost forgot......we would love to hear from you! You can send us pictures, cards, snacks, cookies, candy, etc......it's really like camp here and getting packages from home brings such joy! Most of all Kelsey and I would really like some pictures of Friends and Family! We miss all of you and would love to have your smiling faces on our walls :)
You can mail letters and packages to the following address (use USPS for the best rates):
KELSEY BUDD 1ST SEMESTER
(767) 255-6500 Ross University School of Medicine
P.O. Box 266 Portsmouth Campus Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies (there are no zip codes here)
Until Next TIME - remember to be thankful for the little things you have in life.....the hugs, the sunsets, the silent moments with a loved one, the beauty of God's creation.....each little thing is life is a gift from God!
Jul 18, 2010
Rain Rain Go Away - It's a bad thing today
Ok so after falling in love with the sound of thunder and the beautiful lightening that lights up the ENTIRE sky - I am about done with the rainy season.
It all started Tuesday night when I so lovingly agreed to take Kelsey dinner at 8pm after his Anatomy TA session (I know I know - he's such a lucky guy ;-p). Well around 7pm it started to rain, and when I say started to rain, I mean monsoon, hurricane preparatory, end of the world, beginning of the 2nd great flood type of rain! While making dinner I literally heard the windows and door rattling because the thunder was so loud/close and then the lights kept going out. So I was sitting on my bed (this is due to the small apartment with no other real furniture other than a desk and chair) thinking to myself...."if it will just die down a little I can walk quickly to the Annex (about 5 minutes away) and hop in a shuttle to campus (about another 10 min walk from the Annex) and not being in a scary apartment that has lights going out and no cable" really the no cable was what was mostly motivating me to leave....SO around 7:50 I hear it die down, I rush to the Annex, wading through about 6 inches of a mini river that is now crossing the main street and arrive to find the shuttle there waiting. Alas I have been saved, I arrive on campus with dinner, laptop (to entertain myself), and fairly dry. If this was the worst the rainy season was going to through at me, I was not only ready to take it on, I was going to CONQUEROR it!
Until Thursday night when I came home to make dinner and discovered.....................
Ewwwww.....these are what are called "flying ants".....and literally I kid you not there were over 100 of them on my kitchen floor when I was trying to make dinner. These little ants will come out after a big rain (or apparently before a big storm) and the fly all around and towards any light....and because I had left our windows open - they are small enough to get through the screen.....
They will fly around, bite you and then die on the floor - it's really gross and makes me feel like I'm in some sort of weird horror movie. So rainy season - if this is what you are going to through at me I would like to retract my previous statement and say - "Can't we all just get along??????"
Until next time family and friends......
It all started Tuesday night when I so lovingly agreed to take Kelsey dinner at 8pm after his Anatomy TA session (I know I know - he's such a lucky guy ;-p). Well around 7pm it started to rain, and when I say started to rain, I mean monsoon, hurricane preparatory, end of the world, beginning of the 2nd great flood type of rain! While making dinner I literally heard the windows and door rattling because the thunder was so loud/close and then the lights kept going out. So I was sitting on my bed (this is due to the small apartment with no other real furniture other than a desk and chair) thinking to myself...."if it will just die down a little I can walk quickly to the Annex (about 5 minutes away) and hop in a shuttle to campus (about another 10 min walk from the Annex) and not being in a scary apartment that has lights going out and no cable" really the no cable was what was mostly motivating me to leave....SO around 7:50 I hear it die down, I rush to the Annex, wading through about 6 inches of a mini river that is now crossing the main street and arrive to find the shuttle there waiting. Alas I have been saved, I arrive on campus with dinner, laptop (to entertain myself), and fairly dry. If this was the worst the rainy season was going to through at me, I was not only ready to take it on, I was going to CONQUEROR it!
Until Thursday night when I came home to make dinner and discovered.....................
Until next time family and friends......
Jul 13, 2010
Rain Rain Go Away - It's a good thing today!
Yes family and friends it is rainy season here in Dominica and I'm finally seeing the repercussions of this as our trip to see the 7 waterfalls was canceled. So sad and now I am left to sit in the apartment all day because every 30 minutes or so a HUGE downpour of rain will pass through making it almost impossible to walk anywhere in flip flops....
On the other hand it gives me plenty of time to oooh and aaahhh over my new nephew Christopher Scott Pennewell Jr.! He was born yesterday at 1am (about 5 weeks early) at a healthy 5 lbs 10 oz, 18 1/2 inches, and is a beautiful new addition to the Pennewell clan. I'm so happy for my sister Danielle and brother-in-;aw Chris as this is their first child :)
He's so adorable - I wish I could have been there but thank God for technology and being able to see him on facebook and email.
Welcome to the world Baby Scott! We love you lots and lots!
Until next time - Love always and with all you have!
On the other hand it gives me plenty of time to oooh and aaahhh over my new nephew Christopher Scott Pennewell Jr.! He was born yesterday at 1am (about 5 weeks early) at a healthy 5 lbs 10 oz, 18 1/2 inches, and is a beautiful new addition to the Pennewell clan. I'm so happy for my sister Danielle and brother-in-;aw Chris as this is their first child :)
Welcome to the world Baby Scott! We love you lots and lots!
Until next time - Love always and with all you have!
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