Coming to the End of Semester 1!

So... exhausted... it's been a very long few weeks (and once again, my apologies... it's harder to maintain posting every week with each passing one).

Have one more microanatomy test to go and then it's the last leg to the final exams. I've managed to pull my grades up to something more fitting of my self-esteem (although they still aren't perfect). I should be able to TA/Tutor nutrition next term at least. :) I'm good at that class and I really enjoy it (well, most of it at least). I think the studying is finally getting to all of us... as you can see, I've been held at knifepoint to answer anatomy questions. (Not really... but it's still a funny picture.)

It's hard to believe that we've been down here for almost a full 3 months... and many of my friends are returning home over the break. I'll be staying here on the island, because I'd rather be home during the winter break (Christmas and snow). So, while I didn't get the position as an orientation leader for this semester, I did take a volunteer position at the school's hospital/clinic. I'll be working 7 shifts... 5 of them are overnights... and 4 of them I'll be the shift leader (which, I believe means I need to work the full 12 hours of them!).

Just 8 more days until the move to the new apartment... and I have to say I'm quite excited about it. And then, it's just 15 or so until I get the foster pup, Reigo. I'll tell you guys more about that when I get a chance to get a feel for his personality a bit more.

Other than that, the only big news is that Massachusetts became the first state to ban debarking/demeowing surgeries. Article here! I don't think I would've ever been comfortable doing it, so I'm quite glad. Not to mention, I just don't think I agree with it. And while we're on that topic, it's strange to be put in the position where you finally get to choose for yourself whether or not you agree with procedures like that... it's a very odd feeling and I find myself on the fence of a lot of things because I CAN see both sides to the arguments for and against the procedures.

We've had a bit of a rough time at the zoo lately... Bourbon Butterball (the turkey in the picture) was euthanized this week. He's had a rough time with some sort of infection about a month ago (and was on vitamin injections as well as antibiotics). That cleared up and then he developed quite a nasty wound on his hind end that just wouldn't heal well without being in a hospital setting. Poor guy. :( I already miss his creeping around the pen following me while I cleaned out his enclosure.

Well, that's it for now. Another post just before/after the move (which is also on the next PAWS adoption day).