As greater time passes, there are more and more topics that I hope to write about. It gets to the point where I don't even want to continue writing, lest I open the floodgates to days and days of writing. Since that is not possible with my current schedule, I hope to jumble down my thoughts over the last few weeks. In fact, I still    have a bunch of half-written blog posts and thoughts scribbled down that I haven't touched.

a) Dominica's hurricane season started in June, and Florida's hurricane season continues from August to October. I have dealt with rainy weather for the last 5 months. I really wish I had bought an umbrella.

b) The first week I moved here, I asked a local if there were any problems in the area. He told me "boa constrictors". 

c) Overseas, I always found it fascinating to read about American politics. Once I arrived, my interest dried up with the tea party demonstration a block away from my house. This is bat country. 

d) My favorite change moving here is simply routine. And food (by food, I mean all variants of pie). I can depend on stores to be open when they claim to be open. I can depend on the administration to at least respond, even if they don't have an answer. My school schedule is automatically uploaded to Google Calendar. Oddly, the island did succeed in having a decent gym and lockers.

e) Fifth semester seems to have an identity crisis. It was originally supposed to allow students to study for the USMLE step 1, which I would love to do, but then shoves a bunch of lectures and mandatory clinic visits into my schedule. If im lucky, I get one day a week off to actually hit the 7 textbooks I have sitting on my desk. And who wants to spend their one free day like that?

f) Whenever I do get a chance to read a book, its usually followed by headaches and neck tension the next day from bending over a desk. I am too big for this table and need to get a book stand. My laptop is currently sitting on two textbooks to help relieve this pain.

g) I still dont understand Ross Universities policy that optional video lecture can only be streamed from campus. At what point does "sorry, we don't want you studying unless you drive an unnecessary distance in the rain" become an acceptable argument? You use video recorder technology that has been around since the 80s to save money by simultaneously teaching two other campuses with the same prof, but won't dish out pennies in broadband to actually make that video accessible.

h) As more time passes, I come to terms with the fact that I'll be $200,000 in debt for knowledge that could have been attained with a library card and a few hundred dollars for outstanding textbooks.

i) I also come to terms with the fact that 'h)' would not have been possible while living at home. At the time it was a tough choice, but I've decided to spend January/February in Miami studying for the Step 1.

j) My exercise routine is still not what it used to be. The freeweights at 24hour are inadequate and my form is still terrible.

k) I need to invest in a new bike. The loaner that Natalie donated works fine, but as a mountainbike for a 5'8" rider does not make a great daily commuter.

l) i need more coffee. woke up at 6 to prep for what i thought was a 10am meeting. turns out its at noon. boourns.

m) i never appreciated how much the campus in dominica brought everyone i know together to one place. Its the closest I've had to the typical "college experience" that I've read about from non-commuters. I find myself spending a lot of time alone these days.

n) i also feel a lot of regret at the opportunities I've wasted thus far in life, but cannot seem to direct myself into a more proactive state with the few hours I have left each day.