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Lately I have been wondering about this homesickness that everyone talks about. A lot of students here seem to get homesick a lot, especially in the first month of being away from home and stranded on this underdeveloped island called Dominica. Interestingly I haven't gotten homesick, or maybe I am just unaware. After the first week of adjustment to heat and humidity I actually feel at home (not as 'at home' as when I am in Vancouver but close enough). Am I an emotionless person? I do miss my parents and my friends in Vancouver, but not to the extent that I am feeling sad or in anyway affected negatively. Perhaps I have been so busy all the time studying and trying to stay sane here that I seem to have bypassed those sentimental moments? Anyway I am not sure. But those are some questions that have been running through my mind these days. HOWEVER, I am looking forward to going home on Aug 20! OH home sweet home... and food.

We had our DPS practical exam today. It was ridiculous, as in ridiculously simple. But I guess the point is to get our feet wet since we are the naive freshmen who are anxious to jump into the pool of complex medicine and ethics! The exam was basically an hour of story-writing. We were given a scenario - eg. Patient with chest pain. And we were supposed to write up a script of an interview conducted by a physician to narrow in on the differential diagnosis. Many students thought the exam was a joke after they finished it. But I thought it was actually a great way for us to get an idea of what sort of questions to ask in an interview to have the proper diagnosis. I named my 'patient' Craig Chimney... long story.

I miss my kitty Miho. He is now officially a Mama's boy! My mom is the commander in the house and Miho follows her EVERYWHERE, even to the bathroom. When she webcams me, Miho always shows up 30 seconds later and walks back and forth in front of the camera. Sometimes he spreads himself out on the back of the chair behind my mom's shoulders. He is getting big now. I can't wait to see him grow bigger! Oh I want to hug him so badly and bury my face in his belly like I used to... Miho is an Egyptian Abyssinian, an extremely loyal and royal exotic breed. And he is a handsome fella who knows he is goodlooking! However, my fantasy pet (yes I do have a fantasy pet) is a cheetah. I must say - cheetahs rank number ONE on my list of 'Pets to Have', although it may very well be impossible. Oh well. One can dream!

Finally - our semester is coming close to an end. Our exam schedule for the rest of the term is as such:
Aug 6 Anatomy Practical
Aug 7 Histology Practical
Aug 11 Mini 3
Aug 18 Local Final Exam

Days left before heading home: 24 days