The Hustler

For Beth:

Jury Duty

After deferring twice (legit school reasons) I finally served my first-ever day of jury duty! Once I got over the fact that I would be missing an exam and having to reschedule said exam, I was somewhat excited about actually serving! This excitement lasted for the first 4 hours...as they split us up into panels, filtered out those ineligible jurors, and asked us the general questions.

here's how my first 4 hrs were spent...
8am arrive at courthouse
8:15 am wait
8:45 am file into courtroom
9:00am shuffle people around into "panels"
9:30 am judge arrives
10:00am weeding out the folks who really don't want to be there!
10:30 am start asking question

As a member of the 1st panel I was one of the few interviewed before 1:00pm. The judge let everyone go for lunch...but for some reason asked panel 1 to return at 2pm. Let's face it, the guy has probably been around for how many jury selections...maybe a couple hundred! I find it hard to believe that he truly thought they would be done interviewing the rest of the jurors by 2pm...especially when he saw that morning that it took 2 hrs for the 3 lawyers to go through 12 of us!

So I returned at 2pm...without any reading materials (as requested by the court)...and sat. Not only did we sit, with nothing to do for 4 hours...we sat in a separate room. The least they could have done would be to sit us in the courtroom so that we could entertain ourselves with the other people's stories! Sitting in that room with 30-some people, forced you to sleep or make small-talk...and you know how much I love small-talk!

Finally at 6pm! Yes, 6pm...apparently the 5:00 rule does not pertain in the courtroom...the judge called us back in for "jury strike." The jurors were joking as we waited that we should go on "strike" since pay is only $25/day...but the thing that got me was you get paid if you stay for the first 1hr or the entire 8hrs!!!

We filed back into the courtroom, I must say that by this point I felt that I had put so much in to the process, I actually wanted to be chosen for the jury!!! But after 20 minutes of paper being passed back and forth, I found out I wasn't picked...I have a feeling it was because one of the attorneys new me as a tech at Gaines School.

I understand the process is there for a reason...but I still feel that somethings could change for the better! Like...hey, maybe we could bring books, or the judge could say come back at 3 or 4.
I must say it was a very "unique" experience...but I definitely understand why so many people attempt to get out of the dreaded jury duty...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MFebZlUJ7E

I Heart Dr. Barton!

Today in Cardiology I saw the light! After sitting in this class for the past two weeks, I finally learned something! Why the change you may ask? THE TEACHER!!!! A new professor began lecturing today and I realized that a great teacher can make all the difference.

Usually when I'm half-listening and not interested in the class, I peg the material as boring and blame my lack of understanding on not studying enough...but today Dr. Barton did it again. She made me realize that a great teacher can make any subject interesting and that as a student I am not stupid for "not knowing." I am in vet school to learn. But Dr. Barton made me realize that our professors should be here to facilitate our learning, not just passively deliver information!

When less than 1/3 of the student population and the veterinary practitioners fail to learn a crucial skill, like identifying cardiac murmurs by auscultation, something is wrong with the system! So what does a great teacher do!?!? She takes it upon herself to change this statistic by TEACHING students...and not assuming they should just know!

As often as I complain about my least favorite professors, I must acknowledge that a large number of teachers during my 20-some years in school have been great teachers. I am sincerely grateful for each and everyone of these outstanding teachers...I know I wouldn't have made it this far in my academic career without them!

So, to Dr. Barton and all the other great teachers out there...THANK YOU! Thank you for your time and dedication.

Date Night

With our busy schedules...okay, really my busy schedule...Emily & I rarely get to spend time together by ourselves. So, last night we had a date night.

Our friend Ben got us free tickets to see "Drumline Live" at the Classic Center. We decided to do it up right and go to dinner too!

East West Bistro was one place we've been wanted to go back to (although we've never been there together)...and it was yummy! The show was fun, not quite what we expected...but very entertaining! There was a lot of audience participation...and according to Emily the small African-American girl in front of us kept giving me the stink-eye for my less-than rhythmic dancing...but the time we spent together was the best part!

However, Emily does now believe that she could be a member of the cast...

My Late New Year's Resolution

The other night I realized that I have spent so much of my life counting down the days til...
I say things like, "if I can just make it through this week" or "it's only for a month; I can do anything for a month."

I chalk this attitude up to my "planner" personality. I've always been a planner, and I always have a plan. In middle school it was preparing for high school, and then planning for college, and then for vet school...always trying to work my way to the next thing.

Since being in vet school, I have noticed that I have "put my head down to plow through"...and I've forgotten to "stop and smell the roses"!

So, my New Year's Resoultion (a bit late, but better than never) is to stop counting down the days...and start living my life. I am resolved to enjoy each day or at least find small things that make me happy throughout my day!

A New Face

so as some of you may know, my glasses broke about a week ago! but have no fear...i purchased not one, but two new pairs today! they won't be ready for 5-7 days but just wanted to prepare everyone for a new face...well, an old face with new glasses!

Farewell to a Beloved Co-Worker, Birdie

Christmas brought some sad news this year...one of our clinic kitties, Birdie, was euthanized.

Birdie received his name after falling out of a tree! He claimed his place in the clinic and in our hearts. He was known for his love of kittens, and his disdain for dogs and small children!
He was never a good patient, but always a good friend. Birdie will be missed by all at Gaines School--staff, clients, and furry friends.

Campin'

Em and I went campin' Saturday! Yes, dropping the "g" from camping is required when you 1) you live in Georgia and 2) you park your car next to your campsite! So there was no hiking involved, but we still had a great time.

It was a big surprise, but shockingly Em and I worked TOGETHER to put up our tent...let's just say I haven't had the best attitude towards tent building teamwork in the past!


And the rest of the evening was spent around the campfire...we had an awesome dinner all cooked over/in the fire...and we didn't realize that it had gotten so cold outside because the fire kept us toasty! Thanks to Julie for her vigilance aka pyromania.

Obama out of the Blue!

Emily and Abraham were looking through some pictures on facebook during our visit...and on the side of the page was a small picture that Abraham randomly pointed to saying "Barack Obama"...he's 3...either he's brilliant (my personal opinion) or this campaigning has gone on for too long!

The Big 3!

We celebrated a big birthday on Saturday...Abraham turned 3! He's getting so big so fast...
it was a big day playing at the park, eating cake with friends, and opening presents. He went all day without a nap and without a major breakdown...I was very impressed!
Here are some of the highlights...

Abraham the Birthday Boy!

The Biggest Playground I had ever seen...seriously!

Erinn made 3 delicious cakes...1 chocolate, 1 vanilla, and one cinnamon crunch for her mom's bday! The chocolate one got the candle!

Presents galore!

At home, we had to put everything together...this one toy took 5 adults at least an hour to piece together!!! Hope he enjoys it!

Conversations with a 3-year-old

This is a small snippet of a conversation I caught between Emily and Abraham this morning--remember when "got your nose" was a fun game!

Trick-or-Treat...pull down my underwear!

Em and I are in Baltimore for her nephew's 3rd birthday...and we got to go trick-or-treating last night. Abraham was "Batman"...and finished the night early but with a whole lot of candy and a new phrase..."trick-or-treat, don't pull down my underwear"!

No that is not a WIG!

Last weekend Emily and our friend Elizabeth hosted a "Libra"/Halloween party! This is something Elizabeth does every year because so many of her friends are libras. But a "libra" status is not required for attendance, and costumes are encouraged. It was a funtime for all!

Liz as the "dirty old professor", Em as "John McEnroe", and me as "Bob Ross"
Elizabeth and Kevin "Palin"

Christina and Liz!?!?!?
Amy as a very convincing pregnant redneck!
Tara & Em, note the tennis ball holder sported by Em!
Me painting a "Super-Ben"

Catching Up!

I'm finished...well temporarily that is! I had my last final exam today for this semester's core classes. Monday I start elective courses, but electives are always so much more relaxed! So, hopefully this means our blog will see more regular updates.

FIONA needs a HOME!

Yesterday I successfully completed my first spay (hopefully one of many)! Many thanks to Shirin for help with the first ovary and all her calming abilities! Thanks also to Tammy for her skills on anesthesia! And finally thanks to our pup--Fiona. She is a shelter dog from Washington-Wilkes...and in need of a good home.

So if anyone wants to share their home with Fiona (I don't think she would notice if you changed her name)...or know someone who does...please let me know (bethyash@gmail.com)! She had to go back to the shelter today and we hated it for her!

Look at those ears...she is adorable, weighs about 40lbs, just had a bath (thanks to Tammy and Shirin) and flea preventative--plus, she is SPAYED!

And I Would Walk 2,175 Miles

Congrats to the Appalachian Trail hikers - Bib, Kevin, Kathryn, and Chris (sorry I can't remember your trail names)!!!

They have all officially completed the 2,175 mile hike from Georgia to Maine. Whew!!!

For those of you who don't know, Bib and Kathryn are my sisters.

Kathryn and Chris finished September 26th and Bib and Kevin finished October 1st.

Way to go guys!!

I guess now the only question is, "What next?"















If anyone is interested, you can check out Bib and Kevin's blog for pictures and stories from the trail.

You Say It's Your Birthday, It's My Birthday Too!

Yep, number 29. It was a nice birthday weekend, except for the fact that the Bulldogs lost on Saturday night.

Elwood getting ready for the big game.
Unfortunately, his good looks didn't bring any good luck for the dawgs.

Birthday Lunch at Transmet on Sunday.
Someone thought it would be funny to play a joke with the candles. 18, yeah right!


Beth dishing out the birthday cake.

Obviously, explaining something extremely complicated to Tina and Ben, and having to use hand gestures.

Cecile and Christina seem perplexed.

Katz cooling off with one of my Birthday gifts, a Spanish fan from Christina.


The fan turned out to be the party favorite.

I also received a fire pit from Cecile and Liz (thanks guys!) and an antique record player (that works) from Beth! No pics of these yet.

VET SCHOOL has taken over my LIFE!

So, obviously it's been awhile since I have last posted a blog. This would be due to VET SCHOOL. It has taken over my life once again. My friend Shirin keeps a pretty good account of our life at vet school. If you are interested, you should check out her blog (www.modaresibeal.blogspot.com)

Yesterday was a rough day for me. We did our first surgical procedure of the year--a canine neuter! Which was a great learning experience, and we were able to do the neuter on a shelter dog, making it more adoptable! But on top of that I have a radiology test looming overhead (thursday to be precise)....this is not my strongest subject! And then they threw a kink in my spokes...by "informing" us that the alternative in place for the terminal surgery lab isn't what we thought it would be--and I broke down!
our surgical candidate--ROCKET!
he is now neutered and up for adoption at Washington-Wilkes Animal Shelter.

Basically, we are required to conduct an exploratory and OHE during our surgery lab. This is normally done on a pig or dog that is euthanized after surgery. I feel that killing an animal for my learning is unacceptable. I'm in vet school to help animals, not kill healthy animals (even if they are pigs that will be taken to market). As an alternative, we would like to obtain ethically-sourced cadavers (animals dying of natural causes or being humanely euthanized in face of pain/suffering). However, this is NOT the alternative given to us. Our so-called "alternative" is conducting surgery on a freshly euthanized pig--bought by the university! Sorry, but this is unacceptable to me!!!!

I don't want to continue ranting...so I'll leave it at that...still not sure what "option" I will choose...seeing as there isn't really an option!

And I promise, my next blog will be happier than this one!

Cil's Kitchen (err...Cecile cooking in our kitchen)

Say cheese! Yes, we finally got our camera back from Beth's sister and we've been putting it to use!

Cecile came over to cook us some dinner on Sunday night and as always it was delicious!

Thanks Cil!

Cecile hard at work - if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen!



Yum-O! Spinach and Artichokes.


Pretending to fry some pork chops (I don't even eat pork chops.)

Finally, Chow Time!


Beth getting crazy with her napkin bowtie.

blogging on hold...be back soon!

so...beth has been sick...allergies just making me feel kinda blah! and my sister borrowed our camera...and let's face it...blogs are just no fun without pictures...therefore, our blog is on a temporary hold!
be back soon...