Blogs...Valentines...Birthdays...Pets...Life

Since moving to St Kitts, I have become an avid blog follower of some amazing women!  I am inspired by them on a daily basis, and amazed at how a blog of some person you do not even know can make you feel so connected to them... Many people think I am crazy - I sometimes talk about these people like they are my friends.. but call me crazy, I'm ok with that! =)

Valentine's Day was not overly eventful, but as my sister and Travis so nicely put it, "I don't need some special day of the year to show you how much I love you, I do that every day!"  I am so happy that that is not only true for my sister and my current/future brother-in-law (in case you don't know - my younger sister and Brayton's younger brother got engaged on December 31st!) but for my life as well!  For Valentine's Day this year, we went to a restaurant called Nirvana.  It is a nice place, generally has good food and decent service and isn't too overly priced... For Valentine's Day they had a special menu - Filet Mignon sounded good - so we gave it a go.   IT WAS AWFUL!  Luckily, our wine was great (but when isn't wine great!) and they only charged us for ONE meal (they must have felt really bad our steaks were completely charred or they just forgot to charge for the bottle of wine!) so even though dinner wasn't good, and we left hungry.. The wine and the company of my husband were great!

Earlier in the week, in the midst of studying, Brayton decided he was going to make me the first part of my Valentine's present.  He slaved in the kitchen, wouldn't tell me what he was doing or let me near him (so I went to bed!) and I woke up to 100% homemade red cake-brownies with homemade butter cream frosting!  He is simply amazing!  On Valentine's morning, he woke up early to give me my gift which was his favorite perfume!  I couldn't ask for more!

While being married to a vet student is sometimes challenging due to the busy schedules, high level of stress, intense work loads and, not to mention, the normal stresses of living in St Kitts, my husband shines through!  He is constantly helping with dinner, cleaning, doing laundry, anything he can to make things easier for me.  Since I am not the 'normal' VIP (at Ross, VIP stands for Very Important Partner - it is the group of vet student spouses..90% of whom do not work and live a Caribbean dream life for 2 1/2 years!) and work full time, tutor, volunteer and am super busy.  The help my husband offers is so great!  I often don't tell him enough how grateful I am for him, his support and his generosity as he pushes his way through vet school, but I really cannot imagine my life without him!

Today is my mom's birthday.  Growing up as an oldest child of 3 girls, I sure gave my mom some hard times!  As I grew up, I learned the importance of having a WONDERFUL, LOVING, STRONG, and PATIENT mother.  She was my backbone when I didn't have one, she was my support in lives hardest choices, she gave the right advice even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear, she loved me unconditionally, and I would not be the woman I am today without her!  Since moving to St Kitts 18 months ago, and leaving my mom for longer than 2 weeks and being more than 3 hours away, I have developed even more appreciation for her.  There is rarely a day that passes that I don't send or receive a text communication, a skype phone call or an email from my mom checking in.  There isn't a moment she wouldn't spend 3 times the amount of money something costs to ship it to me, she has been there day in and out, through my rough patch of depression in St. Kitts, to a new and challenging job right up to sharing the joys of being here.  I have come to appreciate the relationship I have with my mother so much more since moving away.  I am forever grateful for all she has done and hope that someday I can be half of the mother she has been to me.  Being that today is her birthday, I have been a bit sad.  I have really wanted to be home, spending the day with her, heading up to Lake Placid for a mini-vacation, drinking wine and soaking up that much needed mother-daughter time.  Luckily, she will be arriving in St Kitts in 38 days and we will have ONE WEEK together!  4 days of nothing but US, and 2-3 days of her sharing some time at work with me!  I am so thrilled that she is coming to visit again and already get teary-eyed when I think about her leaving, and not seeing her until Christmas next year!  So today, I want to send all the love in my heart to my MOM - the most amazing women and mother in the world! <3

Pets... They are awesome...  They are sometimes a pain in the ass.. But I wouldn't trade them for the world!  They show unconditional love and want nothing more than my undivided attention!  I am so grateful for them!  Here is some puppy/kitty love!  Nevi turned ONE this week!  I cannot believe she is a year old already, and that 9 months ago we rescued her from a life of HELL!!  Happy Birthday GIRL!

Life.. Do you ever feel like you are in a point in your life where you are stuck in the middle.. and the way out isn't achievable at this very moment?  I feel like that is my life right now.. Please, don't get me wrong, I am SO happy to be here, supporting my husband, experiencing this life, learning so many important lesson, teaching amazing children, at a wonderful school, having great co-workers and having met some amazing people, but sometimes I feel like I'm in that middle ground..  Brayton and I (more me..) are so ready to have children and start a family and we have both accepted that helping one another to achieve dreams and goals is first, so here we are, coming to the downward slope of our time in St Kitts!  The unfortunate part of all this is 1) St. Kitts is NOT a good place to have a baby.. 2) I feel like there are 3 groups of people here.. and I'm not really in any of those..

There are the students.. They are all busy, they eat, sleep, and breathe vet school and for that, I am SO proud of them all!  I have some amazing friends who are students.. BUT they are students!

There are the parents.. People with kids hang out with other people with kids.. not people who WISH they had kids, or don't have kids..

There are the VIP's.. Most of them are either: 1) Parents and in the parent group or 2) Not working, living up the beach life, drinking Caribs, playing beach volleyball, snorkeling, surfing, paddle boarding, fishing, sleeping in, taking care of their student and livin' de life!

Then there is me - I work full time, don't have kids and am not a student.. therefore, I fall in the middle...  I don't really have the time or interest to do the party it up life (even when I'm not working!).. I don't have kids.. And I'm not a student..

I am not trying to complain, make it seem like I have no friends, a shitty life, and nothing good going.. I am DEFINITELY not looking for sympathy, just making a valid point, that sometimes being stuck in the middle, sucks!


I am looking forward to our one and only long week in this 15 week stretch of a trimester and hope to be ahead in lesson planning, enjoy the beach life, relax, and cherish the time with great friends! <3

It's A Boy!

No, no, no...We are not having a baby....


Friday after school, Brayton and I headed over to SNAPPER to feed the sea turtles.  As we were driving home down the muddy dirt roads through Conaree, we spotted something making its way down the side of the road in the distance.  As we got closer, we realized that the 'thing' was a sickly puppy who was covered in mud, and very skinny.  We came to a stop and he cried at us.  I got out of the car and he ran over and pretty much jumped in my arms... We drove around and asked some locals if they knew who he belonged to and they told us to just leave him on the road, he'd survive...That was when we decided we would take him home, get him cleaned up and try to find him a good home!

Previous that week, I had seen a dog from a litter that was rescued in the same area and really began considering the idea of getting another dog so Nevi would have a playmate when we moved back on our own.  Little did I know, things would fall into place as they have!  The puppy I saw on FB was gorgeous, and I was really interested in her...but one day with this little fello, and I couldn't help but be in love and my AMAZING, supportive husband agreed to let me keep him! =)

So, our family has grown some more... We have a new little boy who we are guessing is somewhere between 4-7 weeks old.  He has a precious little black body with some brindle on his back legs, a big white chest and eyes that just melt your heart!  Nevi is feeling a little jealous, but I think once she accepts him and get used to a puppy - she will make a great big sister!  I am not sure if this happens with children, but I have felt like Nevi was still a puppy - until I brought a puppy home.  Now I feel like she is this big, grown up dog who I expect to be a perfect role model!

We have named our little bugger BRINLEY to keep up with the long vowel sound at the end of all of our animals names!  SO, we have a Nevi and a Brinley and a Charlie and a Bailey and a Marley (which I will never get Marley back from my Mom, but he WAS mine and I named him!) and a (a bit off, but) Koala...  and when I had a horse, she was a Meese (long e at the end).

I am excited to have another puppy and am ready for the late night/early morning wake up calls from a puppy!  Prepping for babies...real ones...someday...

Here he is!

Learning the NO KITCHEN rule quickly =) 

Nevi's fleece has been taken over by Brinley!  Going to have to cut it in half and 're-fab' it! 

Our boy! 

Snuggled right up! 

anddd the princess.  who rules this bed?  NEVI DOES! 

Precious boyyy! <3

Obviously, I have a LOT of room to sleep at night.. Please send me a California King Size bed! 

BRINLEY!

So there you have it - as much as I would LOVE children, I am making sacrifices as my husband attend vet school and just taking in puppies - and kitty - kids!  I'd include some pictures of Koala - but she doesn't come home for long!  She does what she wants - all the time!  


Time to sleep...Puppy will be up soon I'm sure!

Diving into 4th semester and a new school year!

Brayton and I have officially survived our first week.  4^th semester is off to a good start for Brayton as he enjoys his classes and has had an amazing turtle opportunity!  The new school year is off to a great start for me as I have a great little class of 13 and feel much more prepared for my upcoming year!  If you’re interested in my teaching life, check out my blog @ teachingcaribbeanstyle.blogspot.com! 

Back to the exciting turtle opportunity!  Last week, Trevor (our roommate) who works with Dr. Stewart on the turtle project was called out to rescue a Green SeaTurtle  that was found floating.  The turtle was alive but was in need of some immediate attention and care.  Trevor and Brayton have been working close with Dr. Stewart giving the turtle the proper care.  Today, they were able to help in giving the turtles x-rays to see if there were any internal problems.  They think there is some sort of blockage, but are seeking the opinion of a veteran turtle doctor at the Georgia SeaTurtle Center.  If there is something internally, they may get to participate in a turtle surgery to help remove or repair the problem.  Brayton is really excited to get to be a big part of this mission, this mission which is now living in our bathroom!!  (I'll post pictures later on!) 

Aside from school, life on the island is going pretty good, at least as good as it can be for St Kitts!  My family made it safely back to the states, Brayton and I spent a few days relaxing and getting ready to dive back in, Kate and Trevor are all moved into the villa and the 6 of us (and 4 pets) are doing great!  I feel really lucky to have such great friends /family who are always there for you!  Although it is hard at times to live in a house with 6 adults (groceries, bills, etc), 4 animals, and lots of stress, it is TOTALLY worth it to come home and sit down and feel like you’re eating dinner and hanging out with your family!  Moments like this make it even better. . Brayton while looking at FB..."OMG there is Candy Corn M&M's now!"  Emily responds with.."YES and Candy Corn Oreos..I NEED THOSE!"  I <3 my roommates!!

Although it is hurricane season, it was been A W F U L L Y hot, muggy, still, stagnant, uncomfortable here!  There has been NO wind and the air is hot and heavy all day and night!  I am actually looking forward to a few month of Caribbean Winter! 

Nevi and Koala are also doing great.  Koala is a princess, she thinks she is a dog, she does whatever she wants and is the ruler of everything!  She comes and goes as she pleases and makes it very clear when she wants to be in, or out, wants food or wants to be left alone!  She loves to roam around outside (though we are not really sure what she does/where she goes) and she loves to lounge around the pool deck or cuddle up in bed!  My roommate’s, Emily, mom was here during break and she emailed Emily upon leaving and said that Koala should have her own children’s book – she is a hoot! 

Taking care of 'sick' Daddy!  Not leaving much room for me!

Koala at about 1-2 weeks old!

Nevi is growing like a weed and isn’t a puppy anymore!  She is so smart and such a great dog!  I feel really lucky to have found her, rescued her and brought her back to health!  She loves everyone, and is so good with people!  She will certainly let us know if there is someone coming, but just needs an ‘its okay!’ and is back to herself!  Her favorite thing to do is swim..jump into the pool..chase her toys..or just relax on the stairs in the pool.  She is certainly a Mama’s girl and generally gets lucky enough (as long as Brayton doesn’t get too mad =)) to sleep in bed with us!  We are getting nervous though for cold weather and Nevi…At night when the a/c is on, she likes to sleep under the covers because she gets cold…I cannot imagine what she will do in the snow!  We better find some cozy dog sweaters! 

Well, I cannot think of too much new in our lives at this point.  We have been in St. Kitts over a year, and are about a month away from being ½ done!  Time sure does fly by!  

Nevi days after rescuing about 6 weeks (she is 7 months now!)

Pre-leaping into the pool! 

SPLASH!

Super Dog!

My roommate dog Duke!

She sure loves to jump!

This become NEVI's RAFT!

One year?!

I can hardly believe that yesterday was our ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!  It really does not seem possible that we have been married 1 year, have been in St Kitts almost 11 months, and are less than 2 years away from being done here!  Time really does fly!

Since our anniversary fell on the weekend before a big exam, we did not really do anything exciting...I made steaks and homemade mac and cheese for Brayton, Andrew and I (Emily is back in NC for the weekend - and we missed her!) Friday night...and watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch while Brayton studied and today I did some work for school while Brayton studied, watched a movie, and ATTEMPTED to make beef stroganoff, but it was realllly bad =/..

I did try to create for some anniversary celebrations and scheduled us a photo shoot for next weekend with a friend down here to take photos, Kate Walsh, and I also got Brayton a photo book that recaps memories from our past 5 years together! I think these gifts are probably more 'for me than him' but its the thought that counts, right?

Next week we have a busy week with our pets - Monday, Koala has a pre-op for her Spay, Tuesday, Nevi has to have a procedure done on her tooth because it is growing in and not out, so its going into her gum instead of on the outside of her tooth, so she is getting something put in to help move the tooth into the correct place....Thursday is Koala's Spay and Friday is Nevi's Spay!  I took a personal day Friday, but I am not sure it will be very personal (they never seem to be down here!).  Brayton and I are hoping to do an anniversary dinner Friday, and Saturday is our pictures...Things never slow down!

At home this weekend, it was French Fest - two years in a row of missing it...In some ways that makes me sad...in others not at all.  That seems to be my general feelings about home lately.. I cannot seem to find a happy-medium...Some days/moments, I am so homesick and just want to go home, and other days/moments, I love it here and am thankful for having this opportunity..Its really hard! I think the things that make me miss home the most are all the new babies, all the kids growing up, and the fun events our friends are all having...Missing things sucks!


Today marks the ONE MORE MONTH TILL MY FAMILY GETS HERE!  I wish ALL my family was coming..but I am still grateful for my parents, sisters and Travis to get to visit..Maybe some others will come someday before I leave...

An update...2 months later!

It has been a while since our last blog and quite a bit has gone on!  On our last update, we had just rescued some puppies from Nevis after doing the channel swim…now all of those puppies are adopted out and growing big and strong!  The puppy we kept, Nevi, is doing great and we feel really blessed to have gotten such a great Island Dog to keep as our own!  We also have our crazy, manic, kitten Koala who thinks she rules the world…but she’s a cat..don’t they all?! 

Brayton’s second semester ended well and he moved on up to 3^rd ready and eager to learn!  He did well and was glad for 2^nd to be over!  It was a long, tough semester and he worked really hard, I am very impressed by his diligence and hard work!  On April 22^nd, we headed back to the States for the first time since arriving on the island in August.  I know 8 months doesn’t seem like a long time, but we were SOO ready to be back in America!  Upon arriving and renting our car, we ventured out of NYC and hit up a FAST food restaurant.  After living in St. Kitts, FAST food had a whole new meaning!  It was actually FAST!  Talk about amazing!  Our drive from New York City to Syracuse was long and boring, but we made it to Aunt Lo’s and were so happy to be HOME, drive a NICE car, travel on SMOOTH roads and drive OVER 35-40 mph!  The simple things we missed so much!! 

Our time at home was short, but great!  We had many appointments to make, friends and family to see and restaurants we were dying to eat at (Jreck’s, anywhere with a REAL, GOOD hamburger, anywhere with DRAFT beer – the simple things!)  It was really great to see our family and friends and I was sad to leave them but coming back to my SK family was also really nice too!  One thing that makes leaving home and coming to this island a BIT easier is knowing I will have my family and friends at home forever…the family I have made in SK is one of the best groups of friends I could ask for, and knowing I only have 2 more years with them, makes me want to really cherish our time! 

Anyways, we arrived back in St Kitts on Brayton’s 33^rd birthday (he IS getting old) and moved into our ‘new’ house.  Things were going great, we had our puppy and our kitten with us, we were unpacking and settling in and loving the new place…..then we found a centipede crawling under our bed…that is where the hell all started.  A couple days later, our amazing roommates Emily and Andrew returned to the island and the 4 of us were settling in and enjoying our new house…little did we know, our new house would lead us to live a life of pure hell for the next 4 weeks.  Over that time, we tried to get settled and relax as our next semester started, but as we were killing 1-6 centipedes a night (and I mean B I G centipedes) there was no time for anything but centipede hunting and fearing what might be in our beds, on our floors, or dangling on the ceilings above us (we watching a 8-10” centipede crawl from the outside wall into a bedroom via the grooves in our ceiling – AHH!).  Our first 4 weeks were spent with sleepless night, centipede slaying evenings, and many appointments and email with the realtors, Terminix and any other potential ‘fixer of the problem’ (FYI – In St Kitts, not much actually GETS fixed FAST or CORRECTLY…if at all!)  Finally, we had had enough and began looking for yet another (the 4^th place for us since August) house to live in.  Thank goodness for Jo, our past realtor, who found us an AMAZING 4 bedroom, 4 ½ bathroom home that we will be living in with Emily and Andrew and Kate and Trevor for the remainder of our time here (I don’t want to move again!).  The pictures explain the beauty and amazing-ness of this house!!!  We are SO happy AND centipede free!

a SMALLLL view of the centipedes we found...

Crawling on the bedroom ceiling after entering from outside the through the groove 

Our NEW kitchen

New Bedroom (view of the ocean outside the glass doors!

New LR/Dining Room with WIDE open wall!  It has glass doors that shut! 

The open wall, pool, porch and view

The view!  

LR/ Dining Room/Kitchen from the other angle

Aside from all that drama with our house – our car – or should I say Islandmobile -  has also been in the shop because the radiator is not working and pipes and seals are blown and missing and honestly, who really knows – certainly not half the people actually working on the car!  OISK!!!!

Since we have returned to the island, Brayton has been spending Wednesday nights from 8-12 and Friday nights from 8-4 walking the beaches of St Kitts looking for nesting female leatherback turtles.  We has had the opportunity to see some leatherbacks, relocate nests, assisting in the excavating of babies from a nest and learn a great deal about something he has a lot of passion for!  It has been hard on him being up so late/all night long, but he is learning a lot and having an amazing experience!

Baby Leatherbacks after an excavation! 

Female leatherback 

At the Prep School, we are approaching our last week of our ‘normal school year’.  We will then have a 3 day weekend and Summer Camp starts on Tuesday!  Summer Camp is for any students who are on the island still because their parents are working, in school or other reasons.  It is a fun, laid back time with some learning and great interactions and social fun with peers and teachers.  I am working with grades 4-6 this summer and am really excited for the change in age group, although I will miss my kiddos!  Luckily, I will have all of my 1^st graders again next year in 2^nd grade and am only losing 4 2^nd graders!  I am getting excited for another year in 1^st and 2^nd grade although I am nervous as I will have a new group of student, new challenges and a whole new years worth of curriculum – you can’t teach the same thing to the same kids twice!  Lots of planning to do this summer!

I am sure this is only a small fraction of the things that have been going on in our lives since my last blog and now that I have done an update, I will TRY to be better!  I am now counting down the days (although I don’t want ‘summer’ to go too fast) until my family comes to St Kitts.  I am so excited for them to see the good and bad of this amazing and awful place that we call home <3  

PS - i am really bummed that I am missing all my friends and family who are having babies and getting married and falling in love and blah blah while we are away!  It is so hard to see these precious babies in pictures and know I won't meet them until they are almost 2!!  Although, I am VERY happy for them all!!