Memorial Day and Michigan summer fun

Being at home continues to be wonderful! I miss the routine of life back in Grenada a little bit, but spending so much time with family and friends quickly makes up for that! We'll be back soon enough, and with the one month countdown approaching, I am definitely hoping time slows down a little bit!

The weather in Michigan has been a-m-a-z-i-n-g  and has reminded Nick and I that there is no place like home.  There is no place like Michigan in the summer, and we have been taking full advantage of it! One of my favorite things has been the long days!  I talk about it almost everyday. The sun hasn't been setting until around 9 p.m.... 9 PM!!!! After living in Grenada, it is amazing how darkness at 6PM had become the normal to me... so needless to say when we continue to lay out on the dock, take boat rides, and enjoy sunlight until well into the evening, I do a happy dance- every day.

I've also been soaking up lots of silly brother time. They are playing flag football right now- which is hilarious. I die watching. Both have improved a lot since just starting though!!

 (Not sure, what happened to my Alexander football pictures, so will be adding those here shortly when I find them!)

Over the weekend I babysat them while my parents went to a wedding, and we have a very fun-filled day! We played games inside, played outside, went out to dinner, went to the park, and read books before bed. I wondered if they would be wired and fight going to bed, but after 3 books they both actually got up and took themselves to bed, and then were asleep within 5 minutes... guess I did a good job wearing them out eh!? Super fun day.

Have I mentioned how nice it is being home? Hope everyone had an absolutely fabulous Memorial Day weekend- I know we sure did!! 

The whole weekend was perfect, with beautiful weather, and the wonderful company of family and friends!  This girl couldn't have asked for more! :)

Drum Roll Please....

I am happy to say that Nick rocked his finals and therefore has successfully completed his first year of medical school!!! I could not be more proud and excited for him, and for us! It's crazy to believe that one year has passed already. This finals week was definitely no walk in the park, but despite the tough classes and dense material (plus a couple added barriers) he made it through with flying colors :) I'm so lucky to have such a dedicated, smart, and hard working guy!

Good Riddance Immunology, Genetics, Neurology, and Physiology-- it's been fun, but I am more than happy to not be sharing my boyfriend with you any longer! :)

I could be off a bit, but I think his first 2 terms consisted of give or take 7 midterm exams, 10 finals exams, a handful of practical exams, and too many pounds of coffee consumed and early mornings/late nights spent in the library... but he not only survived, but thrived! Yay!

Looking forward to having him home on Wednesday for a much deserved break before starting 3rd term in July :) 

The Waiting Rut

Sometimes it is easy for me to get caught in a “waiting rut".  Waiting for a semester of school to end, waiting to graduate with my bachelors (then my masters) degrees, waiting for Nick to move to Grenada, waiting for our 5 months long distance to be over, waiting to move to Grenada, waiting for clinicals to start, waiting for residency to start (and end), waiting to set up roots, waiting to get married, waiting to start a family… you get the picture. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Essentially, I can always be waiting for someone or for something in the future to happen.

When I get into one of these "waiting ruts", and let these thoughts start to roll they can easily take over my brain, consuming every thought, until I temporarily forget to simply be thankful for what I am doing now and forget the importance of simply focusing on the moment(s) at hand. When I forget to live for the moment and to appreciate the here and now, I get overwhelmed. I compare myself to other people and all I see is so-and-so getting a full time job, so-and-so getting married, so-and-so buying a house, so-and-so having baby number 3… and with that as my focus- my own life seems to be at a stand still.  Those things are what I had envisioned for my own life at 23, almost 24 years old. Those are the things have always seemed to me to be the natural timeline of how things "should" go. 

Luckily, these moments usually pass quickly as I snap myself back to reality and pivot my thoughts from Dwelling Debbie and Negative Nancy to Positive Pollyanna. Pollyanna provides me with perspective. Pollyanna reminds me to be thankful and to appreciate the opportunities I have been given and for the many blessings in my life. I am reminded that the things I am a part of today, and my life in Grenada were never a part of my “life plan” because I never knew an opportunity like this could be a possibility for me. I am reminded that a “life plan” in itself, is not set in stone or something we can predict- and that that is what makes life such a wonderful adventure. 

In movies life is always a relatively predictable timetable of events that lead to a quick and utterly romantic happily ever after or accomplished goal. But really, how realistic is that? And when it comes down to it, is that even something we would really want? Our lives are compiled by moments. Good moments, bad moments, hard moments, frustrating moments, laughing moments, sad moments, and each of these moments makes us who we are. These moments are the snapshots of our lives and whether it’s the good, bad, or the ugly, these are the stories we have, share, and hold on to. These are the moments that come together to create our lives, and instead of one big A-HA moment like in the movies, we get a lifetime of these special moments over and over and over again. 

(Ah, how many more times can I say the word “moments” in this? I think you get the point.)

The truth is, that although I may be waiting for some things to happen, when I take a step back I am reminded that I am living my "fairytale" lifestyle and I am doing exactly what I went to school for and have a passion for. I am a 23 year old who has been given the unique opportunity to work with children in a foreign country for 2 years. I might not be paid in dollars, but I get paid in unconditional love in the form of hugs, kisses, and silliness. I get to experience life as a minority figure- which coming from someone who has always been of the majority, it is a once in a life-time and very rewarding and life enhancing experience.  I’ve never been on a bus or in a store and been the only white girl before or knew what it felt like to be uncomfortable simply because I am white or a woman (and, there isn't always a reason to feel out of place, and many Grenadians are so welcoming and kind, but it is just a part of being a visitor to the island, and noticeably different with my light skin and blonde hair.) Additionally, how many Michiganders can say they've had a backyard that opens up onto the ocean?! We have learned what it truly means to live simply. We don’t need a lot of materialistic things- we don’t need a car, we don’t need lots of clothes or shoes, we don't need a lot of money. Those are all things we had at home in the states, and all things we very much enjoy, but not having them has in no way decreased my happiness. Rather, I’d argue not having them has simply increased my appreciation for American luxuries and for growing up in a family that was always able to provide for my all of my basic needs and beyond. The life lessons and experiences I have gained already while living in Grenada are plentiful and have undoubtedly made me a much more well-rounded and better person.  

So while I might not want to be patient all the time, and I might not like waiting for things I am looking forward to- it is important to continue to look at the big picture, take in each and every moment, and remember that sometimes the best option is to slow down and smell the roses.  There will of course be times when inside I am burning with impatience, and at times, I admit, patience is not at the top of my list of personal qualities, however I know the things I am so anxious for will happen… and for now are something to look forward to. It is important not to let waiting for those things get in the way of enjoying and cherishing the here and now. Once a moment passes, there is no going back. Our lives don’t have a rewind button- just as they don’t have a fast forward button either.  So here’s to now, and all the many blessings and wonderful adventures, laughs, challenges, and people who all come together to create this awesome phase of my life.  

No one likes a thief

It's hard to believe I have already been home for a little over a week...but then again at the same time, so much has happened that it seems like I left the island weeks ago.  The week since leaving Grenada has been filled with many ups and downs. We have been reminded of how hard distance can be, how fragile life is, and learned the hard way that not all people are nice.

A major stress over the past couple of days has been that Nick's computer was stolen from the 3rd floor of the library last Thursday afternoon. Talk about a horrible time for him and a horrible phone call to get for me. Ugh. There was pure panic, hurt, and frustration in his voice and I was instantly so upset for him and so mad that people really can be that cruel. Really, you are going to steal his computer, from the library, on the Thursday before he takes 6 exams... you are a mean, selfish, and horrible person. We did everything we could to track the computer, and Nick reported it stolen to both SGU Security and the police, however unfortunately so far it's still MIA.  And due to it being finals, we are trying our best to move forward, focus on the time at hand, and he has vowed to rally and still kick major butt on his exams.   Well he is doing that, I still have the iCloud tracker tab open at all times, waiting and clinging to that tiny ounce of hope that the robber will make a wrong move and the computer will pop up with a location... yes, probably unlikely. But, I can hope. Word of advice- never leave computer unattended, even if you think you will be quick and other students will watch it. Computer thefts have gone up recently, and whoever is stealing them is quick and if I had to guess experienced in the stealing business. Grr. It really grinds my gears.

So yes, that's a major bummer, but on the positive side, Nick has seen the outpouring of support from so many people since that happened. One of our friends had both a computer and iPad in Grenada and since she really only uses her iPad she has loaned Nick her computer for the remaining couple weeks of the semester. Talk about a kind and oh so much appreciated gesture. I can't even imagine how much worse this situation could have been if he had been stuck on a tiny island during finals without a computer... gah, nightmare. And like I said, in addition to her act of kindness, he has also received dozens of messages from other classmates (some of which he knows and some he doesn't, or didn't prior to his computer incident) offering to lend him iPads, tablets, help him print off notes, etc.  Honestly, this brings tears to my eyes. Despite being so angry at the person who stole the computer, I am so touched by the kindness of so many others to help my guy hold it together and make it through finals. It is so nice to know (and be reminded) that there are so many kind, and wonderful people out there, especially when you're so mad and think the world is ugly because of one person's greed.

In other news, the main reasons I came home a couple weeks early was to attend my little brother Joey's first communion and for my sister's birthday.  Well my sister's birthday is still a couple days a way, but Joey's first communion was so wonderfully cute.  He was so excited and so proud.  I just love the excitement of little kids making their first communion, and it reminds us that we too should always be that excited and anxious to participate in whatever our church service may be.

I could just eat him up he's so cute! 

The family :) 

J-dawg with all 4 grandparents :) 

Joey with his proud Godparents <3 

My boy!

yayyy siblings, and cousin Sean! Love this one!

2 exams down- 4 to go. He has Genetics and Immunology on Wednesday, physiology on Friday, and an exam to test everything he has learned in his first year of medical school on Monday. So some extra prayers and/or positive thoughts over the next week would definitely be appreciated :) We are both definitely ready for the term to be over and for him to be home!

Homeward bound. Brief update.

My last week in Grenada literally flew by. I was busy running all around trying to get things ready to leave and trying to soak up every bit of the island life before leaving for 2 months. I successfully completed all errands and chores, however at the expense of some time in the sun =/ But that's okay, I still came home plenty tan!

2 nights before leaving I "helped" Nick study for one of his classes. And by helped, I mean I was his patient. He has to know all the cranial nerves and be able to run simple tests in order to access them, and so I was his practice dumbie. It was really cool to see the tests and to see him quickly (and easily)perform them. And whew, I passed them all with flying colors... literally, after having him look into my eye with a light thing. Before he started that test, I was bragging about how my eye doctor always tells me I should be an eye model, and so it was hilarious when he pulled out the light and was like "I SEE IT... whoa! Cool!" He confirmed that my fundus (or whatever it is) is indeed very clearly visible and easy to see. He said it had been hard for him to see it on models before, so he was so excited about it. Yay, I helped! 

As part of the test, the students were paired up and had to perform the tests on each other and were expected to be professional and act as they would with a patient. So this meant instead of gym shorts and a shirt, he left in the morning all decked out to the 9s and with his white coat in his bag. I just love when he's all fancy and professional and doctorish so I made him go outside for some pictures before he ran out the door.... he was such a good sport!

 .... and come on, how cute is the future Dr. Leo? How could I not take a picture!! 

So, how do you prepare to leave your med student on the brink of finals madness?? Well, you stock up on food and thus, I've spent the past week cooking, cooking, cooking!! Lasagna-check, meatloaf- in progress, stirfry- check, chili-check, cereal-check, eggs-check, milk-check, juice-check, snack bars- check... While I am sure it won't last him the full 18 days, it should help make it easier.  Plus, it's not that I think he can't do it on his own, I know he can, but navigating the busses during finals time is stressful.  It takes an hour or a little more to take the bus, get home and make something to eat, and turn around and head back to school (and longer, if he wanted to eat after  6:30pm and was left at the mercy of the off route bus) and so it is just a lot easier if he can grab lunch and dinner in the morning and go. Finals are stressful enough! But I have to say, he's pretty spoiled rotten! :) 

Last walking to the store trip for a couple months! 

My trip home went verb smoothly, and even the 8 hour layover in Miami went by relatively quickly. I think I am just getting used to it as I have a long Miami layover every single time. It feels good to be home! Now just need Nick to get through these next 2 weeks, kick butt on finals, and get on home too!

Limes my loves :)

Yesterday was my last day at Limes until fall. Waaah! Gonna miss those kids so much!! I was hoping to go today as well, but by the time I finished errands and made some food, there was just no way it was going to happen. Not to mention I am trying to finish up everything around the house today so that I can relax tomorrow and for the most part just enjoy my last day here for a couple months.

Anyways, as always, the kids were cute and hilarious and to make it even better everyone was really well behaved... even Miguel one of our more rambunctious kids got a sticker for good behavior!! It was seriously a big day! I knew there was a chance that yesterday would be my last day, so I was just trying to take in as much cuteness as I could, and of course get some pictures of their silly faces - especially the little ones, who I feel are going to grow a ton over the next 2 months and not be so "babyish" when I see them next.  I just want them to stay little FOREVER!!! I asked Jada if she was going to get big while I was gone, and she said "nope." If only that were true. But I know they will always continue to be super cute sillies- just with extra sass and opinions on everything...

I also asked Jada if she wanted to come home with me and she said "yep" and that she was wanted to play in the snow. That would probably be hilarious. These kids know nothing other than heat and Laura, one of the other volunteers said they get super excited over the AC in her car... so I can only imagine their reaction to snow. I told her it wasn't winter so there would probably be no snow in Michigan anyways, but she was not convinced... she said to bring it back as a present. Yeah, we'll see about that Jada girl... how about a necklace instead. 

One heartbreaking but bonding moment was when Tammy was coloring with one of the girls and telling her about how her daughter was going to come and visit because she loves playing with kids. The sweet little girl looks at her and asks "does she even like playing with little black kids?" So precious and cute, but so heartbreaking that even at 8 years old they are aware of the differences and discrepancies in race.  Tammy did an excellent job explaining to her that we love all children and that we don't pay attention to skin color. While explaining this Tammy used crayons as an example pointing out that the white crayon did not match her own skin, and asked her if the black crayon was a perfect match to her own skin. The little girl said no, and this led to further discussion about the topic and how everyone looks a little different and it isn't just black and white. I thought this was a very creative and touching way to explain it and immediately following the explanation the little girl cuddled up to Tammy with a smile on her face. So sweet! How could they not melt our hearts?? Great job Tammy! It's moments like these that really warm my heart.

I will miss them sooo much over the summer, but am thankful I know I get to come back and spend another year with them. I am definitely not ready to leave for good yet, and my heart goes out to the volunteers who are at that point. The SO organization does such great things for these kids and the SO coordinators work so hard to keep it running smoothly. Sadly this semester both of our coordinators are leaving, but I know they will forever be in the hearts of these kids and we see that every day as the kids ask about old teachers who showed them so much love! 

Oh Jada girl.... I need to take her home with me I think. I just love her too much. 

Isn't he so cute? He loves to color, but not  by himself.  

So silly all the time!!! I was so happy to have a smile out of her though... now just gotta work on the eyes open... at the same time... <3 

Yay! Probably the most she's ever cooperated for a picture! She was busy telling me to bring her back lots of "tings" so she must have been trying to butter me up. It worked.  

Need to take her home as well. LOVE THIS FACE! Seriously, it does not get any more cute than this. 

She's so sweet, I can't even stand it. 

Melts my heart. Over and over and over again.  

Skippin' 

I literally laugh every time I look at this picture. What a goofball. 

My boyfriend. Add him to the list that are coming home with me. I can't get enough of him. 

I already can't wait to come back at the end of June and squeeze them!! 

Unity Ball

Every term SGU puts on a semi-formal event "Unity Ball." This is a chance for students and their guests to get dressed up and enjoy a night of fun.  Living on an island, where I have no hair dryer or straightener and constantly rock a frizzy fro, and live in sundresses and flip-flops, the idea of getting dressed up seemed like a lot of work. However, when you literally only have one semi-nice dress here, and only brought flip-flops as a shoe option, it takes away any decisions about what to wear for the night! Also, without said hairdryer and straightener there were few decisions to be made as to how to do my hair as well. Half up half down frizzalicious-do? Perfect! I did need to decide whether to wear my black or brown flip-flops, so after walking around the house to make my decision, I almost left the house wearing one of each... oops! So out we went, with Nick dressed to the 9s and looking handsome as ever and me in my mixed-matched attire.  Although I felt a little strange sporting my flip-flops I was actually really glad I was wearing them after watching girls attempting to navigate the huge hills and walk through sand in their heels. I can't walk in heels on flat surfaces, so that would have only ended poorly for me! Besides, while everyone else's feet were killing them after a night of dancing, I felt great! I guess it pays off being the one girl who literally packed only clothes needed to be on the beach. Note to self- bring down nice outfit next term. Or, don't. Maybe I can just make that "my thing."

Our friend Jen is SGA Vice President and worked super hard putting the event together and I must say it definitely showed.  In true Grenadian fashion, they made her jump through hoops and even cancelled the event on her the day before due to mix up over the noise permit needed, but she managed to get it all sorted out and threw a great party! In my opinion it was definitely one of the most fun nights out we've had here. It was at Mt. Cinnamon, which was really fun and an outdoor venue, which I thought worked out perfectly and we enjoyed a night of drinks, dancing, and fun with friends! 

Something was obviously very funny!

The boys with Jen the party planner! 

Now it's back to the grind for Nick as finals are quickly approaching. He has done a really good job of staying on top of things, but regardless the long days are inevitable. On the plus side, that means they are that much closer to finishing their first year of medical school and that much closer to spending summer at home! See ya in 4 weeks boyfriend, oh and please remember to take me to the airport in 2!! :) 

Oh, and we have another mouse. Are you surprised? I am not. But it was a nice 2 weeks being mouse free, now back to walking around using chairs to keep me elevated off the ground. I wish I was kidding.