To Jay and Deb

As I am in the air now (I scheduled this post to post online after my plane will take off), I am thinking about the amazing experience I had while living for 3 months in the Virgin Islands. While I know that I would have had a good time regardless, my time here has been made AMAZING thanks to two special people. Jay and Deb are friends of the landlord, and are renting the main house, while I was renting the downstairs apartment. I first spoke with Deb via e-mail prior to my arrival, then I met them at the car rental place. Thank goodness for them meeting me, because I would have been a nervous wreck maneuvering these roads while driving on the left side of the road. At first, we started as nice neighbors, but this quickly developed into a true friendship. In fact, it was because of their blog that I decided to create this one of my accounts as a traveling PT. We went out to eat together, took trips to St. John together, and they inspired me and encouraged me to get my scuba diving license while here. Toby has also adored both Jay and Deb, as if I am gone to work or out running errands and one of them are home, they would let him play with them while I was gone. Toby got many more belly rubs than normal and I know he loved every second. I got to experience so many things because of Jay and Deb, and I wanted to take this time to say thank you for making this experience amazing, and I will miss you both.

While this may be good bye for now, it will not be good bye forever, as I know that we will continue to talk, e-mail, and I'm sure I'll make it down this way again if even just for a vacation.

Last full day in paradise

I drove into work today for my last day working as a physical therapist at Roy L. Schneider Hospital. I should have a steady load of patients, and I have a little bit of notes and cheat sheets for the person taking my patients, but overall, not a bad day. In celebration (hmmm, that sounds like a bad way to word it) of my last day, we are all getting food delivered for lunch today to have one last meal together. Should be a good day!

On another note, I am mostly packed! All I have are a few clothes and Toby's toys to throw in my checked luggage, and I will be finished with that. Then, tomorrow morning, I will pack up my carry-on suitcase with the last minute items I need to get ready. I am very excited and hope that the weight of my luggage isn't too much!

Packing!

I started packing my 2nd large bag last night. Now, I have most of my things packed up, so I won't have so much to do tomorrow night. My plan is to have both of my large suitcases all packed and loaded in my car Friday night, and only have my carry-on to pack Sat. morning. This way, it has reduced the stress on Toby of me packing everything at once. Although, I don't think he's going to be happy when I pack up his toys tomorrow.

Finishing up...

Well, it's nearly time for me to leave St. Thomas, so I've been packing some. I have most of my garment bag clothes packed, now it's time to move onto the rest. Also, I did some last minute souvenir shopping, so I believe I have all of that completed now. Only 4 more days until I fly home on Saturday!

Happy Memorial Day

I wanted to take the time today to say Thank You to all of the troops who have unfortunately lost their lives in the Armed Forces throughout our history. I have been to Arlington National Cemetery, resting grounds to so many of our brave members of the Armed Forces, and it is a memory that sticks with you forever. Also pictured is a photo of the last known American-born survivor of World War I, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Frank Woodruff Buckles was only 17 when he enlisted in the Army after convincing a captain that he really was 18 and that Missouri did not keep birth records, he is now 107 years young! While he survived the war, and is a great Veteran, today is about remembering those fallen heroes of past, present, and future. God Bless America!

Sapphire Beach

For my last Sunday on the island, we all decided to go out and play on the beach! We drove over to Sapphire Beach and had a fun beach day. We got in the water, snorkeled a bit (saw a Spotted Eagle Ray in the morning), ate some lunch, and just enjoyed the sun. It was a nice way to spend my last Sunday on the island. Ugh, I have to start packing soon, YUCK!

Acting like a Tourist!

Today, Deb and I decided to act like tourists as it is my last weekend here before flying home. First, we went to Blackbeard's Castle and Historic Homes Walking Tour! We did the unguided tour and went up to the top of Blackbeard's Tower and then walked around in the various homes. It was amazing to see the antique West Indian furniture and all of the amazing views. We also got to walk up the infamous 99 steps, which actually is 103 steps! We finished off our tourist day by going to Mountain Top to admire the view and grab their world famous Banana Daiquiri, very tasty! Tonight, we are going to dinner to Mafolie, I'm very excited. Very good way to spend a last Saturday living in Paradise!