Introduction to a World Traveling Dog Loving Foodie
Hey everyone, my name's Casey. My major is Biology-Pre PA(Physician Assistant) and this is my second year at OU. I probably should have tacked on a Spanish minor as well, but I'm feeling a little stressed on time with this four-year graduation goal. I took 3 semesters of Spanish for my major, and I didn't realize how much I would miss it until now. I can feel it slipping out of my mind every day and I find myself google-translating words I used to know by heart. I'm thinking I might work on that if I don't get into PA school my first try. My boyfriend is Mexican and he nags me about continuing with Spanish because he knows I'm losing it quickly.
Carlos is also the one who has pushed me to start traveling. He is the reason I went to Naples, Florida last spring break(this was the trip from my favorite place post). Here are a couple more pictures from Florida because it was so beautiful and I'm kind of proud of my impromptu iPhone photography skills.
He has family in Los Angeles with whom we stayed for a week this summer. I didn't take many pictures on this trip, but I'll include one from when we went in 2016.
Carlos is also the one who has pushed me to start traveling. He is the reason I went to Naples, Florida last spring break(this was the trip from my favorite place post). Here are a couple more pictures from Florida because it was so beautiful and I'm kind of proud of my impromptu iPhone photography skills.
(Image Information: Personal picture from my trip to Florida)
(Image Information: Personal picture
of Carlos and I in Florida)
(Image Information: Personal picture from L.A. in July 2016)
I really enjoyed Los Angeles both times, but it wasn't the views that made the trips for me. The food was the best part. I've had tacos but I didn't realize my passion for them until I had tacos in L.A. They were at the top of my list of things to do when we went back this summer. If it's not already clear, I am a huge foodie. I like to cook and experiment with recipes but I wholeheartedly believe that food tastes better when someone else prepares it for you.
My dog DJ is a fellow foodie. The only things I've seen him turn down are vegetables and I really can't blame him on that one. Much to my mom's chagrin, he likes to climb up behind you in your chair while you eat. He really needs that close up view of every bite you take. When we first met, he was one of the most aggressive dogs I've ever seen. Now he is incredibly sweet and protective of our family. His favorite thing to do is cuddle up in a big blanket. I think, like a lot of chihuahuas, he puts on that aggressive face so no one will see just how terrified he is.
(Image Information: Personal picture of DJ)
Hey there Casey! (BTW Cool name haha) But anyways I just got done reading your introduction post and I have to say I am a little jealous of your travels! I have never made it west of Oklahoma but I think those west coast beaches would be great places to go. Like you said not only for the views but also for the food and everything that goes with it. Keep trucking on that Biology degree. I am a senior Bio student myself and just want to wish you good luck!
ReplyDeleteI now what you mean about missing Spanish! I don't do much work anymore reading and writing in foreign languages like I used to in graduate school and/or living abroad, and I really miss that. Maybe you will want to do a Spanish project for this class... your boyfriend might have some good ideas about stories! Here's a book of legends about Mexico City (in English) that I found online: Legends of the City of Mexico. And that picture of DJ is so sweet: maybe he will make an appearance in your stories this semester; as a chihuahua, maybe he could go on a Mexican story adventure! In search of food! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! I really enjoyed your intro post. I love to travel also, and food is always the number one priority when I go to a new place. I have a tendency to completely plan my trips around the restaurants that I want to visit. Your pictures are gorgeous! I'm sensing a beach theme with your travels, another thing that we have in common. I have been to a lot of different places, but I developed a deep love for water and warmth. It's a little strange, though, coming from landlocked Oklahoma. The first time that I really saw the ocean was in Guam, my first station in the Air Force. I lived on the third floor of the dorms, and when I looked out, I thought that I was looking at the sky...everything was the same color blue. I didn't realize it was water until I saw a boat in it. I took me a while to live that down...
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteI’m also Biology major and I totally understand how stressful it can be to work towards a career in the medical field. But it sounds like you have a good plan lay out and you’ll get into a great program! I also think Florida is so beautiful and they have some of the most prettiest white sand beaches I have ever seen. I really enjoyed looking at all your photos on your blog, especially your cute Chihuahua DJ.
Hi Casey! I think your intro post is really cool, and your dog is adorable. I've always wanted to be a foodie, but I'm often to nervous to really try new things. I got a lot better about it when I studied abroad (mainly because the menus weren't in English and I was forced to be less picky) but I'm trying to hold on to that! I hope you can fit in that Spanish minor! I think it would be a really great experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteI think that it’s important to not stress yourself out, that’s why I plan on dropping my minor in Spanish. From someone who has spoken Spanish since she could talk, I google words every now and then. All it takes is to have conversations every now and then and you’ll be fine. But I hope you can work on it without stressing yourself out. I would like to mention that DJ is adorable.
Hope you have a great semester!
Hi Casey! I wish I were fluent in Spanish. I went on a Medical Brigades trip a year ago, and it was almost a necessity for communication! I struggled, but learned more Spanish there than anywhere else. I think you should consider study abroad where Spanish is the first language because it will make you learn the language and it will stick. Looking forward to your stories!
ReplyDeleteHello, Casey!
ReplyDeleteWe interestingly have several things in common with regards to our education. You mentioned that you were pre-PA, and I'm pre-med! Do you have any ideas yet on what you would like to specialize in? I have several friends that are applying to PA school as well, and I know that it is very competitive. I wish you luck! I also began college with the intention of getting a minor in Spanish, but I ended up deciding not to finish it out. Like you mentioned, it's incredible how quickly the language can be lost!
Hi Casey! That's awesome that you're such a foodie! While I love to travel I am the least adventurous eater in the whole world. Even when I travel I eat American food (which is awful I know). Thank you so much for sharing pictures of your sweet dog he is an angel! I also have a dog (her name is Sophie) and they truly do make everything better! PA school is incredibly competitive (my roommate is applying) so I am sending you the most happy thoughts and prayers! You're gonna kill it!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! First off I just want to say I love your dog! Him climbing up behind people as they eat just to watch is the funniest thing! My best friend has two chihuahuas and they are so full of personality! I was born in L.A. and I can attest to them having the best tacos for sure! Your pictures are beautiful and I am impressed by your photography skills! Good luck applying for PA school!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey, its's so nice to meet ya! Okay, so many cool things in your introduction, but the main thing that caught my eye was the part about you continuing spanish. I too started off college just taking the bare minimum of spanish classes, basically just what was required for my major. By the end of my sophomore year, it developed into a minor, and here I am my senior year, contemplating whether to declare it as my second major. If I could say anything, it would be to GO FOR IT. Dual-languages are so valuable, and personally so precious to me. Don't ever be scared to try it, the spanish department and all it's professors at OU are incredible and they want to see you learn!
ReplyDeleteCasey, I'm glad you enjoyed your Spanish classes at OU. Many people get turned away from beginning language courses because of the tedious work, the amount of work, or by the teachers. It is nice to hear that someone else enjoyed them like I did! Also, your iPhone skills are great. Your photos are beautiful. It is nice that you have someone in your life who pushes you to do things like learn a language and travel.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I have never heard anyone say they had a passion for tacos after travelling to Los Angeles. Does DJ stand for anything? Like Donna Joe from Full House, or Disc Jockey, or Dangerous Jukebox? Also, your pictures of Naples are beautiful, but it's sad they have a chance of being taken out by Irma. It would be interesting, I think, for you to go back and retake the pictures to show the effects the storm had.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey,
ReplyDeleteI am also a Biology Pre-PA major. Maybe we have/have had some classes together. Your dog is so cute! You pictures in Florida are really pretty. Honestly, Florida is one of my favorite places to travel. The beaches are so pretty and it is a create place to relax and shop. Have you traveled anywhere else in Florida? My personal favorite place is St. George Island, it is so pretty and relaxing.
Hi Casey! I totally understand what you mean about missing Spanish! I had to take 3 semesters of German for my major but I didn’t have the room in my schedule to keep doing and I miss it a lot! I also went to Naples and LA, but I went a few years ago and I really loved them too!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! I have an associates in Spanish and I completely know how you feel. I feel it slipping away and I am not happy about it. I had a relationship with a Honduran/Venezuelan man for three years that ended earlier this summer, so we have quite a bit in common already. He also urged me to keep practicing my Spanish, but I was always better at grammar and writing rather than speaking. Speaking makes me nervous because I feel judged, but I know usually that is not the case. I wish that I could travel more, but money is always a hindrance. I tell myself that I will later on when I get a job, but I know that will be a struggle of getting off work and putting the time in accordingly in order to get off work. Thank you for sharing such a detailed post. I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. It is wonderful that you are Pre-PA. I have a few friends that are Pre-PA and I truly admire how much work you all put in! Also, your dog and my dog are the EXACT SAME when it comes to food. My dog is a German Shepherd who will eat anything and everything. I don't think he likes sour things too much, but if you're eating something, he will definitely want some to share. I am excited to read your stories and get to know more about you this semester! Nice to meet you again!
Hey Casey,
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that you are getting into traveling. After graduating, I am hoping that I am able to start traveling as well, hopefully start off slow with intercontinental travel and then progress to international travel. It is really good to see a fellow foodie on here too. I feel that our tastebuds are just as a reliable way to experience things, so being happy to try new foods is always a plus! Good luck with the semester!
Hi Casey! It was great to learn a little about you! I'm minoring in Spanish now and I understand how exciting it is to be able to speak such a beautiful language — I hope you can get back into it and good luck on your PA school goals!! Also, LA looks amazing! I got to go to California for the first time this year and it is enchanting — sounds like the taco scene is incredible as well. What are some of your favorite foodie spots in Norman? I love to hear recommendations from folks who appreciate good food!! Best of luck with your second year here!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteI am Pre PT and I ran into the same struggle with wanting to retain what I learned from spanish but needing to graduate in 4 years. I chose to not continue with spanish and I have also lost most of what I had learned and can relate with that sadness. My spanish 3 teacher really wanted me to continue and I felt bad that I couldn't keep it up. But I think in the end, graduating in 4 years out weighs the negatives, so I think you've made the right choice. Also you always have you bf to teach you spanish! That's a blessing to have someone close to you who knows another language! Best of luck in applying to PA school!
Hey Casey,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to meet you! I think that being a Bio major is great! I get really confused with bio so I find it interesting to learn about. Also being a Spanish minor is really cool! I'm thinking about minoring or even possibly double majoring in Italian so I can relate to the struggle of forgetting some of the language at times. Have you maybe asked your Boyfriend to help you out by speaking Spanish with you that way you are around the language more and get that practice were you can? Anyways it's nice to meet you and I hope you are having a great semester!
Hey there Casey!
ReplyDeleteWow that is awesome that you are a Bio major! I am a chemical engineer and have mad respect for all fellow scientists in the field :) I love how complex the universe is and while I haven't been able to have much exposure to biology I am taking microbiology right now and I absolutely love it! It is insane how microbes work and how many there are of them! Its great to meet you!
Hey Casey! I too am a Biology Major. I can respect your goals completely and can relate to the hard work you have put in. I too love Los Angeles and want to move there one day preferably. I also loved your dog! I have two dogs myself who I miss every day. Overall I wish you the best of luck this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to missing studying a foreign language! I took Spanish too, and I've lost a lot of it, which is kind of disappointing. At least it'll be much easier to learn the second time around, if you decide to get back into it! It's so hard to choose between courses of study in college, and I know being pre-PA must take up a lot of time. But that's such an awesome goal, so good for you! Wow, I wish I could have some LA tacos right now! And you should definitely be proud of those iPhone pictures, they're beautiful. I hope you have a good rest of your semester!
Hey Casey! I didn't have to take Spanish here at OU, as I finished the requirement when I was back in high school, so I totally understand missing foreign languages. I have forgotten most of what I learned, besides the basic greetings, and maybe to ask where the bathroom is. My sister is also a pre-PA major, so I completely understand how time consuming it can be, so good for you for finding the time to be enrolled in a class like Mythology and Folklore! I've only been to LA once more, and being from New York, I definitely miss the pisza more than the tacos, but my mouth is watering just thinking about them. Hope you're having a great semester, and I look forward to reading your stories!
ReplyDeleteHello Casey. I am originally from California (Bay Area) and just got back from a trip to visit my friends in L.A. and can agree with the statement about tacos. It is good to travel and see the world is bigger than Oklahoma. Hopefully that inspires you like it inspired my son when he saw Beverly Hills for the first time. Spanish is always a good language to know, especially when traveling to Florida or California. I lived in Miami for a few years and learned a lot seeing as I was in a Cuban neighborhood (miss the coffee).
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm able to meet you before the semester is over! The pictures of your travels and of you and your boyfriend are so great! It's nice to have someone who is able to challenge you (with your Spanish of course!). I also relate to the fact that your dog is a foodie, as mine is too. Danny, my dog, can be aggressive with strangers but is also the most lovable dog to be around when he's with our family. Well, I wish you the best of luck with the rest of the semester! Almost done!
Hello Casey!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. I think that is great that you miss taking Spanish class. I personally could not stand that subject. Your pictures of Florida are beautiful. Your dog is also very cute. My dogs also like to watch me eat. I like to think they see it all in slow motion. I look forward to reading your work.
Hi Casey! It is crazy I am meeting new people at the end of the semester! We seem to have a bit in common, for I too have taken many Spanish classes and I am close to a minor, and I am Pre-PA as well! I also LOVE dogs! crazy how much we are alike! I wish you luck in getting into PA school!
ReplyDelete