A very Olympia Christmas

It's been quiet on the blogging front. I won't apologize, because I've just had the best time for the past 2 weeks.

Olympia can be summed up in one word: ah-may-zing.

Where else would I have had the chance to be behind the scenes at an international horse show that was complete with FEI dressage, jumping, dancing Barcelona Police horses...I mean, I could go on forever.

I got to work with amazing vets and see things that I would never see on regular EMS placement (including a very interesting case of concussion). After this exam, it was a treat to realize that: yes, I have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about. One of the vets that worked more closely with me and the other student there told me that I'm definitely going far in life, and that made my eyes a bit misty. For someone who only worked with me for a week, that was a very wonderful compliment that I took to heart. I really do hope I go far in life. I really loved working with the sport horses and everyone was so wonderful and nice (Laura Kraut sat next to me during a class, and I told her that it was just so nice to listen to a familiar accent which led to a commiseration about the crappy weather London was showing for the event; such a nice woman!!).

Also, being behind the scenes meant that I could peek at all the cool jumps that they had for World Cup and Grand Prix events. Seriously, coolest thing to be a part of ever. 

As for Christmas, I hope everyone got great things from Santa (and family)! My parents arrived Sunday, so I've been spending the week with them. Today, we did an outing in London that involved the Tower of London and the London Eye. It was pouring rain for most of the morning, but by 3pm it was clearing and when we walked onto the car for the Eye, the sun was setting and we got some beautiful views of the city. 

 It's been great spending time with my parents and sister for the past few days, and I'll be very sad when my parents head out on Saturday. But then again, I'll be home in March...so I shouldn't be too upset.

And now, I'm going to cuddle with my dog-sitting charge Hoss, and finish my whisky night cap. Bring on the New Year.

End of Exams and a messy Christmas Ball.

Let's lay the scene:

2 very tough final exams back to back

Lots of very relieved 4th years (at least until Friday)

A beautiful venue

Unlimited wine and beer

3 course meal (that I didn't really eat much of)

Needless to say we had a good time celebrating the end of exams. I'm very glad this round of exams are over. Friday brings the "pass/fail" results, and I'm debating waiting to look at them until the official results come out next week (or maybe even until my parents get here the 23rd). 

But for now, I'm just going to sit back, relax, enjoy having a dog in the house for a little while (dog-sitting for my friend L), and basically just not worrying about studying. 

Are we there yet?

Monday was interesting. We had the second part of the written exam, and I definitely nailed one question. But the second? Well...suffice it to say that I didn't feel that enough info was given and I hope I wrote down enough to pass it.

But hey. 50% is passing. And C = DVM (or BVetMed in my case).

Sigh.

Good news though; a spot for a volunteer opened up for Olympia International Horse Show later this month, since the person who was supposed to go could no longer commit to it (she's bummed, I talked to her earlier). I emailed pretty much immediately and got the spot! So I'll be spending a week volunteering in Kensington and hanging out with some really amazing people. I'm excited! But I'll miss spending that Sunday (the 23rd) with my parents, which isn't the best, but at least it's only one day.

Also, I'll be getting a foster kitty this week!! I was originally meant to get one tonight, but there was a big miscommunication about it all and I'll be going Friday to pick one up. Can't wait. I miss having a cat curl up with me at night.

And now, back to studying.