So in a direct response to the last blog post I was successful in procuring a seat on the sailing trip as a reward for score one of the 3 highest B's in the class.  I like to think that I was rewarded for my mediocrity while others were rewarded for their perfection... not the worst way to go through life.  So in any event the ten lucky students loaded on to Dr. Smiths boat and enjoyed a sunset cruise in the Caribbean.  Complete with beer and sweet breads it was indeed the ultimate study break.

In cadaver news we have progressed onto the final frontier the head and neck.  W/ a scheduled removal of the brain on Monday there is never a dull moment in medical school.  If anyone would like to see pictures of this you will have to wait until I get home for break.

In other medical news having recently joined the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) I am now privileged to partake in activities sponsored by the organization.  For instance this week there was a catheter session where we learned the basics of how to insert them, and although I would not recommend anyone come to me for this service yet I am well on my way to a professional carrer of saying "nurse can you please do this for me."

We have reached the home stretch and have only 3 more weeks of classes left before finals.  Only 7 exams stand between me and Christmas break and I cant even begin to imagine the amount of information that still needs to be processed in this time... but Paige and Katie will be down for the next week and their coming has been a great motivation to get ahead so that I will be able to spend more time with them in the week to come.

For now that is all.  I am anxiously looking forward to my quick but much needed return to the US and hope that everyone is doing well.

Joel