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've considered changing my major and career path multiple times, but I keep circling back to this. Lately, I've been thinking more about applying to PA school and how in the world I'm going to get in. I'm really nervous about starting to get the required hands-on experience so if there are any other Pre-PA kiddos out there I could definitely use your advice!
Outside of school, I spend a lot of my time with my boyfriend Carlos. He's 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.
Carlos has family in Los Angeles with whom we've stayed for a week the last two summers. Here's a picture from when we went in 2016.
Outside of school, I spend a lot of my time with my boyfriend Carlos. He's 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 me 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.
I also went to Mexico this last winter break. My family chose an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco (or as my dad calls it porto vuh-lart-uh.) The views were incredible and everyone was nice, but honestly the food was not good and it was a bit of a let-down for me. I was hoping for elotes and horchata, but ended up with powder mashed potatoes and an upset stomach.
(Image Information: Personal
photo of the view from my room)
(Image Information: Personal photo of Playa Mita)
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)
I love how you describe yourself in the title. From the body of your post it certainly sounds fitting. I wish I would have traveled more internationally to this point in my life, but I'll get to doing that at somepoint. I havebeen to florida, but never to Naples, and it looks beautiful. Your pictures of mexico also look really cool too. I have always wanted to visit mexico. DJ looks like he would be a great foodie partner, and also has a vey boopable nose if I do say so myself. Good luck with your PA aspirations!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! I am also a Pre-PA student but I am in my third year at OU. I honestly think that if being a PA is what you truly want, then you should set your mind on it and go for it! There’s many free clinics that you can volunteer at to get your hands on hours. Your pictures from your vacation are gorgeous! Your dog is also super adorable!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! Your dog is so cute! How you describe him reminds me of my dog Snickers. We found her about 5 years ago and she was the most timid and angry dog I have ever seen but throughout the years she has calmed down and has the sweetest personality. And like DJ she ties to nonchalantly watch me and my family eat dinner while she paws at us for attention.
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! Your dog is adorable! I love pets and your dog reminds me of my dog back at home, Max. I see that you enjoy traveling and I love traveling also. Went to NY and Boston during the winter break with my girlfriend and we both loved it! Lets start this semester off well and good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey, nice to meet you! Let me begin by saying you are a fabulous photographer, especially using just an iPhone! I am the person who always takes blurry photos, so I am so jealous. Your dog DJ is also so adorable! It made me laugh that he tries to sit behind people in a chair while they are eating! How funny.
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! It is so nice to get the chance to meet you. It is actually funny that you mention that one of your favorite places is in L.A. because I am actually there now. I will stay here for the week. I absolutely love it here and the tacos are amazing!!! The make fresh fish tacos everyday by the beach that are life changing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like the idea that you AND your cute DJ are both foodies, Casey: that is great! Maybe you can turn this semester of Indian Epics into a food adventure. There are food legends (the god Ganesha is SERIOUSLY into food: 5 foods that Lord Ganesha loves, and you should too) ... and of course India is one of the great cuisines of the world, with distinctive foods for the different festivals, different foods in different regions... so much to explore! And since I love sharing videos by the musical duo Maati Baani, I will share this gorgeous video they made as an anthem to the farmers of India who grow so much food: Saccha Mitr - A Salute To Our Farmers | Maati Baani
ReplyDeleteHello Casey. First off, changing your major is fine and the sooner you do it the better. That being said if you truly want to be a physician assistant then you should try. I don’t know any Biology-Pre PA, but I have know quite a few Biology-Premeds. A few of them got some hands-on experience at the local hospitals and clinics has volunteers. I would also join a club on campus for your major, that is often where you can get the best advice.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! I love your dog. Also, I really appreciate you sharing how you changed your major multiple times and keep coming back to Pre-PA. I am pursuing the medical path myself and being a junior now, I finally decided last semester that i would stick with the Pre-Med path that I started out with. Although I am not Pre-Pa, the one thing that I think really stood out to me and gave me courage to pursue with conviction that i was on the right path was doing things outside of my comfort zone that did not have to deal explicitly with being premed! Anyways, thanks once again for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! Travelling is something I've wanted to do to in the future. II really like the pictures posted from your vacation. The views really are beautiful! Your dog is so cute and funny!! I've always wanted a chihuahua because of how tiny they are. I had one for a month but her owner had to take her back but she was tons of fun and liked to cuddle in her blanket too. It must be so much fun hanging out in Los Angeles with your boyfriend! I've only been there once but we didn't get to do much exploring. Last time I went it was cold so I didn't get to enjoy the beach but I'm hoping too this summer. I'm glad you found your major and hope you get into the PA school of your choice in the future. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteHello Casey!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the LA area as well! My brother and his family live in Santa Monica and have for about 5 or 6 years now. They're vegan so whenever we go out we usually go to vegan friendly restaurants. If you're ever in Santa Monica I highly recommend a place called The Counter. They have milkshakes and burgers (vegan burgers too) and they are absolutely killer. Plus you have the option to make your own burger! Another place I highly recommend is Ruby's in Huntington Beach. If you ever get the chance you should visit because the restaurant sits on a peer and you can watch the gorgeous waves while you eat! Glad to have met a fellow foodie!
My all time favorite thing about you for sure is the fact that you love traveling! I can't even imagine how beautiful Jalisco is. I have always wanted to visit that part of Mexico. Also your pup is precious! I have been right outside LA and can also attest to the food being OUT of this world. San Diego I felt the same way, the breakfast places actually impressed me the most. I love how family-oriented you are as well and that encourages me to see! I hope your semester is going well! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey,
ReplyDeleteOhh I love Naples, Florida. I grew up going there every summer and still go there when I can. My family lives a half a mile away from the beach so I grew up walking there. It is cool to see all the places you have traveled. Keep it up!! I love food also, if you know f any amazing places here in Norman, let me know!!
Hey Casey! While I don't cook like you do, I understand the love of food. For me food often defines a place for me and defines your experiences. I can't believe you didn't have good food in Mexico, what a shame! Maybe it's inside resorts that the food is not native and therefore not really Mexican? I hope you are enjoying the class so far!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey nice to meet you! It's awesome to see that you like to travel. I have always wanted to go to an all inclusive but I haven't gotten the opportunity yet to go. LA also sounded great, and I definitely agree with you on tacos. If you are choosing to go to PA school set your mind to it, and I'm sure it will work out. Good luck this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey, it is nice to meet you! Traveling and seeing the world is amazing and I am glad that you enjoy it! It is refreshing to read that your favorite part of L.A. was the food. I believe all the food that L.A. has to offer from different parts of the world is such a cool thing! I am a big foodie myself and I think a way to anyone's heart is through the stomach!
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! I think it is cool how you got to go to LA because I like to imagine myself living out there one day. I too am a Biology major, and have thought about changing my major multiple times but as I'm finishing my last semester I'm glad that I never did. In terms of the Mexico trip you took I'm also very jealous because I haven't been there in years and really want to go back so I can relax!
ReplyDeleteHello Casey. I think it's cool that you are at school to be a PA and that you're sticking with it. I have changed my major a couple times so I understand how scary the future is :). All the places you have been sound awesome. Your pictures are pretty cool as well, Playa Mita looks beutiful. DJ looks like an awesome dog.
ReplyDeleteHi Casey!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are SO beautiful! I laughed when I got to the tacos bit. I recently went on a walking-tour of South Beach in Florida, with an exclusive focus on tacos. (We walked, ate a taco, walked some more, ate another taco; hit up about 8 taquerias in an afternoon). Dogs are totally foodies too! A lot of people don't understand that a life of dogfood alone is a sad and pitiful existence.
Nice to meet you!
Hey Casey!
ReplyDeleteI really like the design and layout of your blog and I feel like incorporating personal photos into your introduction was a nice touch! I love traveling and I thinks its so cool that you have been to Florida, Los Angeles and Mexico. I’m actually going to Mexico for the first time during spring break. I hope you are having a great semester so far and I cant wait to explore the rest of your blog!
Hey Casey,
ReplyDeleteI like the layout of your blog. I also really like the photo of your tiny pup looking out the window. All the different photo's of the scenery are very beautiful. It must have been pretty cool to actually be there in those nice places with good weather. I hope you enjoy your time here at OU and I would recommend the myth-folklore class next semester if you have room for it and haven't taken it yet.
Hi Casey! I'm not pre PA, but my mom is a PA and went to PA school at OU. She has loved her job for years, and thinks it is very rewarding! If you have any questions, I will gladly ask her. My parents actually moved to Florida so I get to visit frequently and it's definitely up there on my favorite places (though mostly I've just been in Melbourne beach where they live.) Chihuahuas usually drive me nuts because they're so aggressive, but I would totally like Chihuahuas if they all acted like DJ!
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! DJ is super cute! I am prenursing but I do have a suggestion for being Pre-PA. I over Christmas break got my CNA certification and most of my classmates were Pre-PA. I know that most PA schools are big on internships and such, so you might want to look into getting your CNA too so you can get some experience. Also, it is just a cool way to get involved in the medical field.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet your Casey!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the hard work and you will have no trouble with getting into PA school! Hard work always pays off. I love that your boyfriend has gotten you more into traveling. Traveling is a passion of mine and can be a lot cheaper than people think if you stay in hostels along the way!
Hi Casey! That is so great that you want to be a PA! My best friend is about to start PA school in May, so I know how much goes into the application and interview process. That is awesome that you are starting to think about that now. The beach is one of my favorite places ever, so I'm super jealous that you have gotten to go to Florida and California! I hope you get to do more traveling and eat more yummy food soon!
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! So cool that you want to be a PA! I know a couple people personally who are PA's and they love it. I also like how your dog is a foodie and well. My Dog eats everything except vegetables. lol. I guess it is a dog thing. Also, Playa Mita looks amazing. I am real fan of the beach and I can't wait to go back soon. Thanks for sharing and have a great rest of the semester!
ReplyDeleteHey Casey! I like the way that you described your dog DJ. Chihuahuas are some of the smallest dogs, but I have never met a breed with a larger bark! I am glad that DJ settled down and is a wonderful pet for you. You traveling adventures sound wonderful, and you managed to take some excellent photos. Good luck with the rest of your time here at OU!
ReplyDeleteHi Casey! It’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad your boyfriend Carlos has encouraged you to travel more! I truly believe there is nothing quite as refreshing for the soul like getting out of your comfort zone and seeing other countries and cultures.
ReplyDeleteYuuuuus LA has the best food, it’s crazy. Every kind of cuisine, too.
Your pup is so cute!
Hi Casey! Being a Physician's Assistant seems like a good career path! It seems like there are a lot of opportunities in that field, and the people I know who have been practicing for a while seem to like it.
ReplyDeleteI love to travel, and it's the food that can make or break a trip for me, too. It's so good to hear that your dog is happy and loves his family. I think dogs are the best!
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ReplyDeleteHey there Casey! Nice to meet you. I like to travel to like you too, I went to Canada and Los Angles last summer and it was really fun I went with my twin brother and some of my friends and I also went to India last December to meet my family over there that I haven’t met in like four to five years.
ReplyDeleteHello Casey!
ReplyDeleteNice job with the visual illustrations, especially with the pictures of the beach. I recently vacationed in Florida and your images allowed me to reminisce on some good times. Also, thank you for your comments on my blog. I read both pieces of helpful feedback you gave. I am excited to view your project and see what you've crafted throughout the semester.
Hi there Casey! It's nice to meet you. I love the picture of your dog D.J. He looks so cute. I love dogs so much, they really are a person's best friend. All of your photos look incredible and I'm sure those locations looked even more breathtaking in person! Good luck and I'm sure all your hard work will pay off and you'll get into PA school!
ReplyDeleteHello Casey. Best of luck with Biology and possibly PA school. It sounds like you have a long way to go. I am from Florida and I also miss the Florida beaches and sunshine. It sounds like you get to do a lot of traveling. Your dog is really cute and I like the name DJ. Thanks for including so many pictures.
ReplyDelete