Castaway

My brother Brook inspired me with this photo he sent. He said, "Nick in med school." I think this picture describes my experience perfectly. I have been here about 12 weeks and have another 10 or so to go. Time goes slow when you are constantly counting down. I don't carve numbers into any trees, but I can say I am almost just as dirty and sweaty as old Tom in the photo. Usually at this time in a semester I start to really miss home. I would kill for massaman curry at my favorite thai food joint. I would kill for a gross nasty cheeseburger from McDonald's. I miss the mall, I miss my family and friends. I miss my car. Oh wait it died, may she rest in peace. I miss my new car. I remember when I was a missionary in England that the hardest time wasn't when I first left and had two years in front of me but rather the middle point when I was 1 year away from home but still had 1 year to go. Perhaps this sort of thing is what causes mid life crisis? I am lucky though, I have made very good friends here in Grenada that I enjoy and I have Kuulei to take care of me now too. I think if Tom Hanks could do it on an island all alone with no KFC I certainly can with all the blessings I have.

Soda Pop Nickski

Odds are anyone who grew up during the 80's will know who is in this picture. It is that love-able character "Soda Popinksi" from Nintendo's blockbuster hit "Mike Tyson's Punchout". I thought he was a wuss and I could beat him any day of the week, but he and I have something in common. We love to drink! Normally, I like to chug down a nice chilled soda but something different happened yesterday. Kuulei and I went to a little beach celebration with the Signigicant Others club here at St. Georges. They gave out a $50 EC voucher for the restaurant "Aquarium" if you paid your $15 EC dues. We figured that was a pretty good deal since we have always wanted to eat there. So we went and hung out on the beach for a bit, then ordered some food. We had such a large discount I ordered a banana crepe for dessert. It was pretty good, banana's soaked in a coconut like cream surrounding a crepe in the middle. I was maybe half way done when I noticed something different about this tasty snack. Whenever I bit into the crepe it gave my tongue a nice little tingle. I smelled the plate..no alcohol. I tasted the crepe yet again..no alcohol. We asked the waiter what sort of alcohol they put in the dessert. He smiled proudly, "it's brandy!" I said, "Oh wow it's really good thank you." When he left, Kuulei and I just kind of giggled. Normally, us mormons believe we should abstain from alcohol. I swear it was an innocent mistake. When I order specialty drinks I make sure they are non-alcoholic but who ever would guess desserts don't have alcohol? It was a reminder yet again that I am not in Utah anymore. Good news is I don't think Brandy tastes very good.

My Supermodel

This will probably embarrass Ku'ulei. The other night some of the girls in the building wanted Ku'ulei to come over and model for them so they could take some photographs. I really want to get Ku'ulei a camera someday so she can take pictures too. Anyway, the photos I have seen so far have turned out great! I have put in a plug Sarah Weir photography and Casey McDaniel photography before so I wanted to add Lexi Shaeffer to the list. Check out her site and if you ever need any pictures while she is in town she does great work! The best part about Ku'ulei is as beautiful as she is she is even more beautiful on the inside. She is so funny, and so awesome, she is my best friend. I often ask myself, "What contest in heaven did I win?"

I'm 30!!

I have turned a new leaf in life. I have now began my 4th decade of living. It makes me sound old when I put it that way. I still feel young though so I am not worried. I am reminded of Molly Shannon when she would say "I'm 50!!!" and strike a triumphant pose. I am not 50 yet but I am still proud I have made it this far in life. I spent my birthday sitting in hours upon hours of labs and lectures only to come home to study for even more hours. Yet, I still had a good birthday. The night before Kuulei surprised me with a little surprise party with some people in the branch here. I was surprised as ever and enjoyed having cake, ice cream, and homemade HOT FUDGE! I don't think it matters what you do for your birthday, it matters who you spend it with. I have grown to love my fellow students and their families and I can't say enough about how awesome Kuulei is. My friends at school all gave me a card and I have grown to love them too. Of course, I could not be with my family but I got to read emails and got a skype call so that is just as good. I was surrounded by people I love for my birthday. I think it doesn't get much better than that :)