I can't wait until I'm dead to sleep...

I heard that there has been over 17 new inches of snow in the last couple days at home (and it's still snowing), so I thought that all of you would need to see a Caribbean sun set. I know, you don't feel too badly that I have a million and one mosquito bites. I was told that the mosquitoes get bored with you after a few months, but the mosquitoes are not sick of me.

I haven't been sleeping well the last week or two. I'm not sure what it is but I've been waking up, not able to fall back asleep, and overall cranky. Last night, I actually slept through the night. IT WAS GREAT! I'm so excited that I could sleep. I feel that one of my down falls as a future physician, is that I function MUCH better on 7-9 hours of sleep. I can do 4 or 6 hours, but only for a day or two before I really feel the effects. I've been getting about 4 to 6 hours of INTERRUPTED sleep for the last two weeks or so, thus, my 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep last night was amazing. Attempting to achieve 7 hours of sleep a night in medical school, takes a lot of time management. There are a million things to do and you only have so many hours to do them. You do need time to rest. In fact, there are parts of the sleep cycle that help your memory retain the information that you've been studying. If you don't get enough sleep, your body can't process the information as well and you won't remember as well. The way I see it, this is a win, win: I am MUCH happier with sleep, it helps me focus while studying and retain the information. I guess I'm not as tough as the people who say, "I can sleep when I'm dead. "

Genetics...Are you a mouse or a man?

I'm reviewing my genetics lectures from last week. I REALLY like genetics. It is incredibly interesting and it makes sense to me. It isn't like enzyme kinetics...who really cares if it is non-competitive or an uncompetitive inhibitor (well other than me because I have to pass the exams). Moreover, who came up with the stupid inhibitor names: competitive, uncompetitive, non-competitive, mixed and suicide (which really is a kamikaze inhibitor because the enzyme doesn't commit suicide...it's killed). Don't get me wrong, I realize that I need to understand enzymes and that they play a big role in pharmacology, but they still aren't that interesting.

Since genetics is the coolest ever, I thought I'd write a little note to my blog. Did you know that mice and humans have approximately the same amount of genes in our genome, which is about 30,000 genes. Does it make you wonder how we can be so different? Well, humans are able to make MANY proteins from gene where as mice are only able to make a few proteins. In fact, humans get about 1,000,000 proteins form the 30,000 genes. That's right, we get about ONE MILLION proteins from THIRTY THOUSAND genes. Are you wondering how we do this? Well, humans have many means of post-translational modifications (modifications to the RNA before it is transcribed into proteins).

I think that is enough of a very simplified introduction to the wonderful world of the human genome. I know that you are jealous: I get to keep studying this the rest of the afternoon and your tutorial is done. If you can't keep your excitement to yourself, let me know and I will give you references so you can start your own adventure in genetics!

Death Becomes Her....

We had the first of many cadaver labs this week. My class of about 500 is separated into three groups, within those groups there are four pods, and twenty bodies. Therefore, about 5-6 people are dissecting the body at a time. There are two dissections per week, but only one group disects at a time (although everyone is responsible for all of the information from all the dissections). This works out to each group disecting once every week and a half.

I thought that I would dread the lab, but so far, I have to admit, I like it. It is really interesting to feel muscles and ligaments, to see nerves, to hold the spinal chord, to compare arteries and veins (if you squeeze an artery it keeps it's shape; but if you squeeze a vein it will flatten out). I am the only female in my lab group. I want to show that I know just as much, if not more than they do. I think I was successful this week. There were a couple of pushy people in my group (as always) and I knew my information as well or better than they did, so I was able to hold my ground. In fact, I was able to field questions from the professors that they were not able to do. I feel like it's me against them, which I know isn't true. I guess if it motivates me, than it is okay.

Actually, one of the best things about Ross University is that students are REALLY helpful. There is a camaraderie amongst us. We are so isolated on this little island, which I think has helped cultivate this culture of help. Many medical schools are notorious for being a dog eat dog, tell someone the wrong answer so you score higher on the curve, steal your neighbor's notes kind of place that it is nice to be here where everyone wants everyone else to succeed. Upper class man even ask what semester you are so that they can give you old, electronic notes and study guides. That is almost unheard of other places. For example, I was in the anatomy lab and saw student A looking for a structure. Student B, in the semester ahead of student A, stopped her own review to help the student A. It is amazing.

Back to the cadaver lab. It is an interesting experience. Apparently, it costs $15,000 per cadaver to prepare them and bring them to the Commonwealth of Dominica. After that, the University has to pay to keep a staff to keep them in prime condition in addition to the facilities (which are top notch). Many medical schools are going away from the cadaver lab: they are expensive and bodies are hard to come by. It should be noted that a disadvantage of the cadaver lab is that the structures have a bit of a different texture due to the embalming process (I'm sure there are many other disadvantages that I don't know about). Nonetheless, nothing can replace actually getting your hands on a body and both seeing and feeling it. Things make so much more sense when you can actually see the structures and how they relate to each other. Even the best text, can't replace the experience (computer models are in the works, but I don't think they are available yet).

My gentleman is a 58 year old, African American man who died of pancreatic cancer. He has BEAUTIFUL back muscles. I think it is because he is SO young and usually pancreatic cancer is a quick death. I was surprised to see him when I opened the bag. When I think of someone who donates a cadaver, I think of a VERY elderly person that died of old age with kyphosis (often referred to as a "humpback" appearance, which is caused by the exaggeration posture curvature of the spine, usually in the thoracic region). This probably sounds very strange, but my cadaver looks like a real, LIVE person. He doesn't have muscle atrophy, his hands are in a natural position, and his skin is still shockingly soft (many of the cadavers dry out and get very hard). Sometimes I look down and have to remind myself, he is dead (but it hasn't stopped me from talking to him when no one is within ear shot). They say that your cadaver is your first patient, they aren't kidding.

The cadaver lab is really an amazing gift. I suspect that most of these people wanted to be organ donors but, for whatever reason, could not. If you can't donate your organs, I guess the next best thing is to train physicians. Think of all the patients that will be positively effected, maybe even saved, by the altruistic gift of those who gave their bodies.

On a lighter note, Farley and I got our barrels on Tuesday night. We sure packed a lot of stuff in there. When we were packing them in Miami, I fell into the barrel. Luckily, I managed to get myself out before Farley noticed. I told him about it later and he was so sad he missed it. After weeks of pleading, I gave him a re-enactment. Please see the picture for a good laugh. Note that I'm not even half way down the barrel. They are VERY big (75 gallons).

Today, we went to the market at 600 (who gets to sleep in on the weekends anyway). Unfortunately, it wasn't my day. I lost my sunglasses. I LOVED them and I'm very sad. They were Serengeti sunglasses, which are AMAZING. Luckily, I have recruited Dad into finding me a new pair and shipping them down here. I will buy a cheap pair down here to get me by, which will increase my appreciation for my brown lens sunglasses. Next, my mag light fell out of my bag. Now those things are made to be both a flashlight and a nightstick so they are tough, but the light bulb isn't so tough. It broke. I think I can pick up a replacement bulb down here. Then, I went to make breakfast and it was down right horrible. I'm a good cook, but I think today just isn't my day. I've decided to stay out of the cadaver lab today, as I don't want to loose anything in the cadaver!! (I had a professor who lost her glasses in the abdomen of a cadaver...I think that is when it is time to go shopping).

Whale Watching and a Lobster

Apparently, Farley gets sea sick just about every time he gets on a boat. Too bad I didn't know that BEFORE I got excited and signed us up for whale watching. For those of you who remember, I get sea sick very easily as well, but my new best friend Dramamine has alleviated this motion sickness and allowed me to enjoy all of the exciting wonders of Dominica. Well, Farley and I took our Dramamine....one of us enjoined the whale watching.

The blue water was different than anything I've ever seen before. In spots it was cobalt blue, in others it was a bright sky blue and still in others it was a deep royal blue. I believe that the colors had to do with the depth of the water. We didn't get to see any whales...okay we didn't a dolphin, a turtle or even fish; however, we got to lay on the netting of the boat with the wind below and above us, the Caribbean Sea splashing upon us periodically, and the sun warming us. I felt great on the boat! I knew that there was a chance that I could get a bit sun burnt; but since I didn't have any pinkness to my skin I thought I was okay (I did realize that I wouldn't feel warm because of the breeze).

After returning to Gilligan's Island following our three hour tour, I became more and more pink. Approximately two hours after the tour, I looked like a pink little lobster. That's right. For all of you who enjoy mocking my beautiful, pale, snow white skin....It's not so pale any more! between the insect bites and burn, I am quite colorful now!

First, Do No Harm

On Friday, we had our white coat ceremony. It was a big deal to me; although, I could tell it wasn't a big deal to everyone. It is a right of passage of sorts; your formal welcoming into the medical profession. It seemed that Ross took this very seriously. So seriously, that the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica usually attends (he had a meeting), the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica attended, a military color guard (since Dominica gained it's independence from Britain in 1978, their uniform is smiliar to the British uniforms) and the hierarchy of the Ross University Administration (including administration who flew in from the U.S. campus).

Another purpose of the ceremony is to remind students that the hard sciences are a necessity to medicine, but not everything. As a physician, you are in fact treating patients. A VERY successful Ross Alumni spoke about his experience in Public Health and encouraged us to work hard because anything is possible. Then opened up an invitation to public health and I believe even said that he would be more than willing to help any of us get training in public health.

Next, we had the cloaking and the pinning. A member of the medical faculty (with an MD) cloaks you with your student white lab coat (medical students wear SHORT lab coats). Next another faculty (with a PhD) pins you with your "humanitarianism in medicine" pin. After everyone was cloaked and pinned, we recited the "morning physician's prayer." Many medical schools have you recite the modern Hippocratic Oath, but Ross saves that until graduation (which is in Madison Square Garden, in case anyone wants to book their ticket to NYC to see me officially earn the title of "Doc. Bac" in just a few short years).

Hippocratic Oath—Modern Version written by Louis Lasagna in 1964.

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:I
will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I
walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to
follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are
required, avoiding those twin traps of over treatment and therapeutic nihilism.I
will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth,
sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's
drug.I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my
colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patent's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not
disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care
in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But
it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must
be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I
must not play at God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but
a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic
stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care
adequately for the sick.I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is
preferable to cure.I will remember that I remain a member of society, with
special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body
as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I
live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to
preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy
of healing those who seek my help."

More Classes = More Fun

Day four of the semester is going well. Unlike yesterday, I won't have to be here until 5:15 tonight and I will be able to get more than 5 hours of independent study tonight. I know, your jealous. I might actually get to study for 6 or 7 hours after class today. I bet you wish you could sit in class for 5.5 hours then study for 6 or 7 hours. As expected since classes have started, I only really get to enjoy my balcony during my 15 minute breakfast, but at least I have view to enjoy.

We had our "Introduction to Radiological Anatomy" lecture today. I'm learning how to READ scans. I'm becoming more and more doctor like every day. I realize that anatomy is one of the most important classes, as one cannot navigate without knowing the terrain or how to read a map, but I'm not excited about anatomy as much as other classes (such as embryology). However, I'm VERY excited to learn about radiological anatomy. Doctors use this every day and while working in the pediatric oncology unit, I was always wanted to know how to read the scans. I won't be able to read them all by the end of the semester, but I'll sure know a lot more by the end than I do now.

I forgot to write down a VERY funny story from last week's island trip. I will try to find a chance to document. I'm sure you would get a kick out of it.

I'm off for some precious study time!

Island Tour and classes start

Classes started yesterday, which was a bit of a relief. I'm so physically tired from hiking across this island, I'm so glad to have a chance to become mentally tired! I'm sure a few weeks from now, I'll be ready for another break. So far I really like my classes this semester. One of my Doctor Patient and Society professors, Dr. Jorge Rios, is not only the Senior Academic Advisor at Ross, but he is also a Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Global Health at George Washington University. He is really interesting and I like him so far, but we haven't had a test yet....I may not like him so much in five weeks.

On Sunday, we went to Trafalgar Falls. It is in the rain forest and there are two beautiful waterfalls. We hiked onto a platform that allows you to view the falls. It was raining, but we decides to continue our adventures and hike down to the lower part of the falls where you can walk along the rocks and put your toes in the water. I slipped into a little stream while walking to the falls. Trafalgar Falls is on a mountain that was volcanic thousands of years ago; therefore, the stream water was warm (probably 80 degrees). I'm not sure if the actual falls are warm or not, but it was beautiful. Next we went though the botanical gardens outside of Roseau (the capital city) and proceeded to have lunch at an old sugar mill.

Next we went to Scott's Head, which is the southwestern most point of the island. It is the location where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. The Caribbean Sea was calm and apparently there is a beautiful coral reef with great snorkeling and scuba diving. The Atlantic Sea is VERY choppy and has many undertows. We were told NOT to swim there because it is so dangerous. I brought my swimsuit, but decided that I didn't want to swim rather I wanted to hike and see the view. We climbed to to about the 3/4 mark of the rock and I had enough. Farley climbed all the way to the top and over the other side. I have been doing so well with not letting my fears get in my way, but frankly, I didn't need to climb up a little, tiny trail! I don't like heights and that was just a bit too much. I am glad that I made it up as far as I did because I did have a great view!

After leaving Scott's Head, we headed to the sulfur springs. They were beautiful, but not that amazing compared to everything else we've seen. People go there to sit in the springs. The water is cool...lukewarm. I sure as heck didn't want to jump in. By then I was so tired, I even fell asleep on the hour and a half drive home. Again, the drive was VERY winding and I'm sure glad I took the Dramamine.

Class is about to start again, so I better end this little note. I'm going to have a big study night tonight. I'm still tired from this weekend, but at least I had the chance to see so much of the island.

White coats, hikes, black beaches ... oh my!

I'm surprised that I have enough energy to sit and write this entry. It has been a jammed packed few days and I'm guessing the first, and only the first, day of class may even feel like a break. We had registration on Thursday, which to no surprise, took up most of the day. We were running here, there and everywhere. If the Dominican people weren't so nice, I'd really be getting frustrated with this "island time, mon." However, I came to this place knowing that things happen sloooooowly and that I am going to have to wait. Overall, it hasn't been bad.

Friday, we had the end of orientation; at which time, we discussed in detail how we are choosing to enter a profession with higher ethical standards than the norm. If we know of any misbehaving, we have to report or they will make us walk the plank along with the misbehaving person(s). Nonetheless, it seems reasonable to me. It would be difficult to report someone and possibly end their career; so I'm hoping the misbehaving people stay away from me. In all seriousness, I think it would be easier to confront another physician who is, for example, drunk and going to see a patient than I think it is to turn in another medical student. When a patient is involved, there is a life at stake and I'm committing my life to caring for others. I guess having a strict honor code, for both yourself and your peers, during medical school is all part of the training.

The most breathtaking, exciting, and amazing thing of orientation happened on Friday afternoon: They gave me the books, lab coats, and doctor tools that I paid thousands of dollars for! I can now reasonably dress up as a doctor for Halloween next year. Let's be honest by next October, I'll know a lot of stuff but I'll be no where near ready to see patients. I can now look at my "doctor" picture as motivation for the next .... ten or eleven years of training. Someday, I'll be able to cure/save/help others! But for now, I'll settle for looking like an extra for "Grey's Anatomy."

After that excitement, how is one to spend a Saturday....by getting up at O-five hundred, walking to town to the fruit/veggie market and taking the bull by the horns (please see the picture of the bull, which lives on my walk to class who did not care to wake up that early and join us at the market). Farley and I decided to take this one and a half mile sunrise walk, but about every ten feet a bus would stop and ask us if we wanted a lift. Only in Miami have I been offered more rides; however, the gentleman offering in Miami were all eligible to be on an episode of Dateline's, "To Catch a Predator." Not the case in Dominica.

Upon arrival at the market, we started shopping like .... well like I do in Nordstrom. We were price checking, grabbing good deals, asking questions and befriending the merchants. I bought a bag of carrots, bag of green beans, 8 Valencia oranges (yummy), sorrel (the Caribbean's version of Cranberries) for a whopping $12.00 EC ... or $4.00 USD. Farley picked up bags of star fruit, grapefruit, tomatoes and finally passion fruit for $10.00 EC ... or about $3.50 USD. Next, we bought two yummy coconut muffin things (for $1.25 TOTAL) and I picked up a coral colored, sea shell bracelet for approximately $5.00 USD. As we walked back home with our thirty pounds of fruit and veggies, we felt the sweet satisfaction of a great deal. Note--please see the above picture and Farley's blog if you want a detailed description of the passion fruit...it doesn't exact put me in the mood for passion: http://farley3.blogspot.com/

We decided to have breakfast on my balcony, as the hotel only provided Farley with chairs on his balcony and I have a table and chairs. We were starring fondly at the Cabrits, which are the two "mountains" which are in our view. They are only about three miles away and it is free to enter the National Park if your a student at Ross University School of Medicine. Otherwise, it's about $2.00 EC or $0.60 USD...I love a deal!

It was SO much fun to walk up and around the "mountains" that we so fondly gaze upon while eating our breakfast. We hiked for probably 3 hours. Yes, that is the longest I've spent in nature in a LONG time. I was startled, scared, yet managed to keep my cool for 96% of the hike. We saw lizards, galliwasp, hermit crabs, ruins from the British military base, cannons, and AMAZING views of the Caribbean Sea. In one of my pictures, if you look REALLY close, you can see the neighboring island. I know... right now you don't feel too sorry for me and my 1,001 inset bites. I've been getting the nasty emails all week. But heck, you can come down anytime and enjoy the bites and view. The hospitable people of Dominica and I would welcome you with open arms.

After hiking, we decided to do a little more shopping. Actually, we were already in the bigger town and needed a few things so we stopped on our way home. You never know what your going to get in Dominica. For example, we wanted beach towels...simple right? Well, we only found Dominican Flag beach towels. I wasn't sure if it was insulting to the Dominican Flag to sit on it, but it was my only option so I hope I don't offend any of the good people of Dominica as they have treated me so well. Obviously, we HAD to try out our beach towels on the black sand beach just a few steps from our building (about five steps if you wanted to count). The Caribbean Sea was a bit cool today, but then again it is January. It was hot enough to swim underwater, so I guess it wasn't too cool. Again, your welcome to come and visit the BEAUTIFUL country of Dominica. The closest airport is Melville Hall... just an hour away though winding, blind curves: it's a Dramamine filled drive.

After that, we watched a rain storm, looked at the double rainbow, and started writing our blog entries. Next, I think Farley and I are going to grab a bite to eat and try the Dominican rum. We are going on a ten hour island tour tomorrow (I'll again be taking Dramamine). It should be GREAT! It was suppose to be today, but I guess it is okay that it got moved. We had just about the perfect day today. We start classes on Monday, which I'm excited and nervous about. But, starting every semester is a little nerve wreaking when you want to do your best!

OH WATER

I have heard many horror stories about this little island, especially the water and electricity. I'm pretty lucky that my hot water is covered by my rent and seems to be working. In fact, it may be working too well. There were some water problems in my hotel/apartment complex last night. I was very glad that I had enough water to brush my teeth and wash my face. Unfortunately, it was so hot, it was almost boiling. I tried to take a shower, but I just couldn't do it. It was better this morning, but the water pressure was still down. It is still better than my friends who have been taking cold showers since arriving in Dominica.

The sunsets the last few nights have been amazing. It is so beautiful around here...even if I have hives from the insect bites! I asked the woman at "James' Store" (the local hardware, electronic and grocery store) if there was a local anti-bug remedy. She suggested "Bay Rum," which is some sort of herb. I feel like a hippie wearing pachouli; however, if it keeps the bugs off, I'll wear it all the time and become a flower child.

All Hail the Chief

Today we had our first full day of orientation on the island. It really wasn't anything too different than in Miami, but I got a kick out of some of the staff. The security chief was one of my favorites. Not because of what he said but because of the "Cool Runnings" accent. Apparently, he won't just throw the book at you if you break the law, he will give the police your address. People were getting nervous, especially when he was talking about the cannabis. I think we should all Hail the Chief and his intolerance of illegal activity! Someone asked if self defense is acceptable on this island and reasonable self defense is acceptable. Farley said that this means that I can't beat the crud out of someone with my Maglite if they enter my apartment because beating people with a giant, metal flashlight is unreasonable. I guess the criminals should stay away...Hail the Chief

I am again writing all of you from the deck out side our subway on campus, while looking at the Caribbean Sea and listening to the gentle waves. I hear that Spokane is having an especially cold and snowy winter and suspect that no one will feel sorry for me, as I have many insect bites in the 85 degree weather of Dominica.

The Road to Dominica....

As I'm posting to my blog, I'm sitting on a deck that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. On December 29th, I left home and headed to Texas, via Oakland. I had a great time in Texas meeting Farley's family. There were all so kind and I felt right at home. We were only there for a few days before leaving for Fort Lauderdale; however, we managed to go to Mexico, launch off heavy duty canister fireworks, and eat TONS of great food. By the way, those Texans take their fireworks for New Year's seriously.

Next we headed to Fort Lauderdale to send off barrels. For those of you who don't know, one can send a 75 gallon barrel to Dominica for about $110.00 and it can weigh as much as you want. Farley and I sent three barrels of lights, kitchen supplies, food, and other supplies for the island. I thought it would be stressful getting all of our supplies and such, but it wasn't so bad. It took us a few hours to package the barrels, but we also took things out of their cardboard packages to make room for more things. I'm glad that Farley didn't see, but I fell head first into a barrel - they are that big. Thankfully, my foot reached a step and I climbed out before he noticed. Honestly, I had the hardest time getting my luggage down to the weight required to go to Dominica. Thank Goodness for Farley. I might not have gotten all my hairspray down to the island with out him!!


The flight to Dominica wasn't as horrible as I anticipated. I thought that I would get sick, but I was fine (I did take an anti-motion sickness medicine before leaving San Juan though). We were lucky in that all of our luggage arrived!! Many students were not so lucky.


The ride across the island was beautiful and a bit long. We went past areas that the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. In fact, Johnny Depp lived just down the road from me during filming. Speaking of housing, we have great housing!! We are staying in the Portsmouth Beach Hotel in studio apartments, but we are basically on campus. We have the Caribbean Sea approximately 50 feet from our door and the beach is a beautiful soft black sand. I can lay in bed and see the ocean, listen to the waves and feel the cool Caribbean breeze.

The people are so incredibly kind and personable in Dominica. We took a bus into Portsmouth the other day, which is the next town over, to do some shopping. I have been incredibly impressed about how easy everything has been (so far). There have been thousands of other students that have come before us, but I'm still impressed with the organization.

There are some interesting things about Dominica so far. First, all the power is pre-paid. It is weird to see 228.4 units of power on your meter. It is hard to gage how much one will use, but it is okay. We can take our laptops, cameras, and cell phones to campus to charge them (free of charge), which is nice. The water is directly from the streams in the rain forest at the center of the island. The water taste great, but we were advised to only drink bottled or water from campus as it is tripled filtered (that is until our pur water filters arrive). The stores all look like a cross between a dollar store and a convenience store except everything is $100.00 EC (which is about $30.00 US). Once you figure out that the basket of fruit you bought is really only $5.00 it makes more sense!! Finally, the last interesting thing is getting used to the bugs. They don't call Dominica the nature island for nothing. There are critters all over the place (but thankfully not in my room). There are dogs, cats, ducks, goats and even cows running free (in town more of the dogs and cats than anything else). Also when walking at night on the beach, you must be careful not to kill a crab as they are walking around.

So far, I love Dominica. I might not love it as much once the studies start and I'm sure it will get old, but I'm so lucky to be hear. I was afraid to come, but I'm so glad I did. Besides, I never would have tasted the wonder of the Caribbean "Nice Biscuits," which are basically like an animal cracker, but have coconut and sprinkled sugar on them. YUMMY!!

P.S. See bottom of page to see my view - it'll be hard, but I'll have to grin and bear it!