One of the best surprises this Thanksgiving was the birth of four adorable teeny tiny little guinea pigs! I took some video of them today so here it is for everyone to enjoy. They are so cute...and they squeak when they walk.They also will all pile under their mother so you can't see them.
Great, aren't they?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tell me, folks, why can't a real person answer a customer service call just once? I hate talking to robots. And pressing buttons for them. I want to hear a real human voice. Is this too much to ask? If you want to give people jobs, fire the automated answering systems and set me up with a real person. Good customer service isn't "Press 1 for more options." Good customer service is a working relationship between customer and business person. It's a pat on the back, a genuine "how are you," and a laugh between the customer and salesperson.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
and now I'm even older!
I'm now located in Maassachusetts, where I will probably be through early February. And, in early to mid March (the date is not finalized yet, though it will be around March 9th), I will be leaving for a super epic and exciting Peace Corps assignment in... SENEGAL! This is a bit of a dream come true, actually. I will be in a French speaking country and will be taking intensive French classes upon arrival (i.e. I will finally be able to speak to the French side of Nic's family once I come home), and will be a health educator, which is a fantastic job. Throughout various times in my life I've contemplated a wide variety of jobs, ranging from teacher to pharmacist, and the only real interest that has survived over my years of conscious existence has been in medicine/nutrition. This PC assignment really gives me the chance to put my baseline interest to the test- can I make a living from what has been a hobby and interest for years? I surely hope the answer is yes. But, I've got two years to discover and explore this career choice, and I'm looking forward to every day of it. Plus, Nic will be studying a native language, and I eventually will to, but French first, and that's cool. I will eventually be married to a tri or quad lingual dude. That's exciting. I love the ability of humans to continue learning and growing over the course of their lives.
Speaking of learning and growing, I'm back to being an education volunteer here at Overlook Farm, which basically means that I teach groups of children and adults (but usually middle school aged children) about hunger, poverty, community building, and farm-livin' (the element that tends to excite people the most). It's my job to inspire people to take some sort of action towards ending global hunger, either in their backyard or in any number of countries. It's a good job and I generally love it. It's an excellent transition to the Peace Corps, which is where, hopefully, I will be able to take the knowledge I have gained from Heifer International and apply it on a global scale. A portion of what HI teaches about is nutrition and health, and I can take that information and apply it directly to my future work with the PC.
In addition, NPR has some amazing free albums on it's website. I highly recommend checking out NPR's First Listen segment. http://www.npr.org/music/
Also, there's this great website out there that hosts MRIs of fruits and vegetables. They're beautiful, and everyone should look at them. http://insideinsides.blogspot.com
I've also been doing a bit of reading. As should be expected, here are the 38 second book reviews.
Get Me Out: A history of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank by Randi Hunter Epstein. This non-fiction book addresses the history of childbirth, and is a well-written and fascinating work that traces the taboos and trends of child birthing over hundreds of years. The author is well educated and it shows in a good way. Featuring everything from a short history of forceps to previews of the masturbatorium in sperm banks, Get Me Out both entertains and educates. It's shocking and amazing how childbirth, a very natural process upon first glance, has over the years been "adjusted" according to the scientific understanding of the time. I highly recommend this text.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip Dick. The film Blade Runner was based on this novel, a classic work of science fiction that calls into question what it means to be a human and why it matters anyway. In a world that creates androids and then fears them, and where people long for the company of the animals they once destroyed, a reader like me can't sleep because she's wrapped up in the text. Called brilliant for a reason.
Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim. I severely disliked this unnecessarily sassy text that felt more like a trendy coffee table book than a real cultural history. This is probably because it is a trendy coffee table book and not a real cultural history. The only positive/interesting thing about this book was the catalog of historical kotex ads. Which are worth a look, mind you, but I won't be buying this one.
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum. Three cheers for Deborah Blum! This gruesome yet educational work (unintentionally?) challenges our acceptance of weirdo chemicals in our everyday products by showing how they have been used in the past in facial creams and alcohols, and how we've consequentially suffered. A fantastic amalgamation of chemistry, murder mystery, and underpaid employees' horror stories, The Poisoner's Handbook is a great reference book and a great story. What stood out the most in my mind is a tale of radium, which is structurally similar to calcium and absorbed thus by bones in the human body. So-called Radium Girls, watchmakers who absorbed a crazy amount of the stuff while painting watch faces, had so much radium in their bones and bodies that they exhaled radon. What! Did I mention this entire text is nonfiction? Rarely am I so downright entertained by historical text.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Tracing the lives of twins separated at birth by father applying a sick idea of "protection," The Memory Keeper's Daughter utilizes themes of family, fear, and the past to push forward an interesting and relevant story. It demonstrates the ability of secrets and skeletons in closets to weigh down and potentially wreck some lives, while potentially making others better. This read held my attention and I got through it pretty quickly. Not too sad, not too suspenseful, but not quite lighthearted either.
Alright! Have a good day, all!
Speaking of learning and growing, I'm back to being an education volunteer here at Overlook Farm, which basically means that I teach groups of children and adults (but usually middle school aged children) about hunger, poverty, community building, and farm-livin' (the element that tends to excite people the most). It's my job to inspire people to take some sort of action towards ending global hunger, either in their backyard or in any number of countries. It's a good job and I generally love it. It's an excellent transition to the Peace Corps, which is where, hopefully, I will be able to take the knowledge I have gained from Heifer International and apply it on a global scale. A portion of what HI teaches about is nutrition and health, and I can take that information and apply it directly to my future work with the PC.
In addition, NPR has some amazing free albums on it's website. I highly recommend checking out NPR's First Listen segment. http://www.npr.org/music/
Also, there's this great website out there that hosts MRIs of fruits and vegetables. They're beautiful, and everyone should look at them. http://insideinsides.blogspot.com
I've also been doing a bit of reading. As should be expected, here are the 38 second book reviews.
Get Me Out: A history of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank by Randi Hunter Epstein. This non-fiction book addresses the history of childbirth, and is a well-written and fascinating work that traces the taboos and trends of child birthing over hundreds of years. The author is well educated and it shows in a good way. Featuring everything from a short history of forceps to previews of the masturbatorium in sperm banks, Get Me Out both entertains and educates. It's shocking and amazing how childbirth, a very natural process upon first glance, has over the years been "adjusted" according to the scientific understanding of the time. I highly recommend this text.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip Dick. The film Blade Runner was based on this novel, a classic work of science fiction that calls into question what it means to be a human and why it matters anyway. In a world that creates androids and then fears them, and where people long for the company of the animals they once destroyed, a reader like me can't sleep because she's wrapped up in the text. Called brilliant for a reason.
Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation by Elissa Stein and Susan Kim. I severely disliked this unnecessarily sassy text that felt more like a trendy coffee table book than a real cultural history. This is probably because it is a trendy coffee table book and not a real cultural history. The only positive/interesting thing about this book was the catalog of historical kotex ads. Which are worth a look, mind you, but I won't be buying this one.
The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York by Deborah Blum. Three cheers for Deborah Blum! This gruesome yet educational work (unintentionally?) challenges our acceptance of weirdo chemicals in our everyday products by showing how they have been used in the past in facial creams and alcohols, and how we've consequentially suffered. A fantastic amalgamation of chemistry, murder mystery, and underpaid employees' horror stories, The Poisoner's Handbook is a great reference book and a great story. What stood out the most in my mind is a tale of radium, which is structurally similar to calcium and absorbed thus by bones in the human body. So-called Radium Girls, watchmakers who absorbed a crazy amount of the stuff while painting watch faces, had so much radium in their bones and bodies that they exhaled radon. What! Did I mention this entire text is nonfiction? Rarely am I so downright entertained by historical text.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. Tracing the lives of twins separated at birth by father applying a sick idea of "protection," The Memory Keeper's Daughter utilizes themes of family, fear, and the past to push forward an interesting and relevant story. It demonstrates the ability of secrets and skeletons in closets to weigh down and potentially wreck some lives, while potentially making others better. This read held my attention and I got through it pretty quickly. Not too sad, not too suspenseful, but not quite lighthearted either.
Alright! Have a good day, all!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Waiting but with the dominos lined up
I finally got medical clearance again just the other day, which means that Nic and I are on the right path towards our next Peace Corps assignment. At this point, we've done all the paperwork, jumped through all of the hoops, and are waiting on an official invite. That should be coming around October or November. In the meantime, I've been working with a computer program on some simple French (les enfants courent), and waiting for Heifer. If I were waiting completely idle with absolutely no idea what I was going to be doing in the future, I might go completely crazy. However, as it stands, I've got the dominoes lined up for a decent next year or so. From late August-mid January, I will be working with Heifer international. From January-March, I'll be, if things go as planned, studying French and packing my bags. And finally, sometime in March, I'll be getting on a plane for Peace Corps adventure number 2. One day at a time, though.
In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of reading, which means time for more 38 second book reviews!
De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage. Not quite as good as Cockroach, an instant favorite of mine. A somewhat biographical and ranting work of fiction based on life in war-torn Beirut, the work tugs at heartstrings and keeps your attention. A fairly quick read. Get it from your local library.
Pieces for the Left Hand by J. Robert Lennon. This genius collection of 100 anecdotes range from sad to silly to sadistic. I laughed, I languished, I loved it. Because of the wide variety of topics addressed in this text the concise nature of each piece, everyone can find an anecdote to enjoy and remember. Each anecdote straddles the line between an epic short story and a long-lost poem. I have a copy I can lend you.
Sophie's World by Jostien Gaardner. This highly successful novel is more a history of philosophy than it is anything else. If I had never studied philosophy, I might have found this text more interesting. I often found the descriptions of each philosopher's work to be over-simplified, and were written in a way that was sometimes patronizing. I do plan to hang onto this text as a reference book in the event that I am ever without the internet and wish to quickly review a philosopher's point of view. However, I will neither be rereading this book in it's entirety, nor will I be recommending it to those that have studied philosophy in an academic setting. It should be kept in mind will reading Sophie's World that it is a work of fiction, and, albeit educational, readers should research more about the philosophers addressed in the text before reaching a conclusion about his or her works.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. A brilliant, non-fiction account of cultural misunderstandings between the Hmong living in America and the American medical system. Provides great insight into various perspectives on welfare, medicine, spirituality, and family. This text reads like two parallel stories, and without a doubt sucks the reader into the lives of both the doctors and Hmong family members involved. I found myself desperately trying to relate and have sympathy for all party members involved. Read it, and find yourself questioning what culture is.
America and the Pill by Elaine Tyler May. Another non-fiction account addressing the history of the birth control pill in the United States. This text challenges the notion that the birth control pill fueled the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and pushes for an understanding of the various controversies surrounding the pill, including its tests outside of the United States and the pill's potential role in eugenics. Interesting stuff.
That's it for now. See ya'll around!
In the meantime, I've been doing a lot of reading, which means time for more 38 second book reviews!
De Niro's Game by Rawi Hage. Not quite as good as Cockroach, an instant favorite of mine. A somewhat biographical and ranting work of fiction based on life in war-torn Beirut, the work tugs at heartstrings and keeps your attention. A fairly quick read. Get it from your local library.
Pieces for the Left Hand by J. Robert Lennon. This genius collection of 100 anecdotes range from sad to silly to sadistic. I laughed, I languished, I loved it. Because of the wide variety of topics addressed in this text the concise nature of each piece, everyone can find an anecdote to enjoy and remember. Each anecdote straddles the line between an epic short story and a long-lost poem. I have a copy I can lend you.
Sophie's World by Jostien Gaardner. This highly successful novel is more a history of philosophy than it is anything else. If I had never studied philosophy, I might have found this text more interesting. I often found the descriptions of each philosopher's work to be over-simplified, and were written in a way that was sometimes patronizing. I do plan to hang onto this text as a reference book in the event that I am ever without the internet and wish to quickly review a philosopher's point of view. However, I will neither be rereading this book in it's entirety, nor will I be recommending it to those that have studied philosophy in an academic setting. It should be kept in mind will reading Sophie's World that it is a work of fiction, and, albeit educational, readers should research more about the philosophers addressed in the text before reaching a conclusion about his or her works.
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. A brilliant, non-fiction account of cultural misunderstandings between the Hmong living in America and the American medical system. Provides great insight into various perspectives on welfare, medicine, spirituality, and family. This text reads like two parallel stories, and without a doubt sucks the reader into the lives of both the doctors and Hmong family members involved. I found myself desperately trying to relate and have sympathy for all party members involved. Read it, and find yourself questioning what culture is.
America and the Pill by Elaine Tyler May. Another non-fiction account addressing the history of the birth control pill in the United States. This text challenges the notion that the birth control pill fueled the sexual revolution of the 1960s, and pushes for an understanding of the various controversies surrounding the pill, including its tests outside of the United States and the pill's potential role in eugenics. Interesting stuff.
That's it for now. See ya'll around!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Baby, you can walk, you can talk, just like me...
Hello! Sorry it's been so long since blogging. This time, I have little excuse. I have had the internet for about two weeks, but just haven't had a mind clear enough to really sit down and blog. Nic and I are once again in a state of transition; a series of events in Kyrgyzstan led to Nic and I taking interrupted service, which means that because of circumstances beyond our control (i.e., a politically unstable situation) that we would not be continuing our service in the Kyrgyz Republic. Now, don't get me wrong; Nic and I are still doing the Peace Corps. We are enrolled to leave again in March. But we will not be doing in it in the Kyrgyz Republic. It's funny how being married brings out a protective behavior in me that I may not necessarily exhibit when I am fending for myself exclusively. Nic and I were not necessarily in a dangerous part of Kyrgyzstan, and I came to the realization last night that if I were single, I would have been more inclined to stay in country. But now I've got not only a husband, but two sides of the family to be concerned about. I don't, under any circumstances, want to put my husband into any unnecessary danger or excessive discomfort. As a single person, I was more likely to push myself; as a married person, too much is at risk. Anyway, truth be told, being in a state of transition again is tiresome, and thoughts considered while in an unexpected and uncomfortable state of transition are best for private journals, not public forums.
So here's the deal with us. Nic and I were not really able to do our jobs and were rapidly losing face with our community. Every meeting, event, and club that we planned was canceled because we were constantly in a state of standfast or consolidation, which meant that, for our own safety, we were being contained in one way or another, be it in our village, in our home, or in a consolidation center. After much discussion with one particular staff member that we got along with fairly well, we decided that the best decision would be to put our name in the hat for a country better suited for us. After all, as returned Peace Corps volunteers, we would have more say in where we were going and in what skills we wanted to put to use. We have been back in the US for twoish weeks, and have been busy turning in paperwork and applying for things. Nic and I have a position waiting for us in March with the Peace Corps. We will, if everything works out, be going to a French-speaking African country. We cannot be officially invited until we are finished with medical clearance, which, as you Peace Corps folks know, can take forever. I have faith that this assignment will work out.
In the meantime, Nic and I applied for volunteer positions with Heifer International's Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA. Although I was expecting to receive the position of Farmer Chef, the position was already filled. Nic and I will both be education volunteers in the fall. I'm looking forward to this already, and have located some jeans to patch (any nice or new clothes will be promptly eaten by goats). I've also been trying to think of ways to get away with not checking any bags. Airline baggage prices are friggen insane. But winter boots are heavy, and probably not the best things to carry with you in your carry one.
All in all, things are looking positive. I miss my host family from Kyrgyzstan, but look forward to a bright future. I've started Rosetta Stone again, and maybe will be able to actually get a grip on French before I leave. Fingers crossed!
So here's the deal with us. Nic and I were not really able to do our jobs and were rapidly losing face with our community. Every meeting, event, and club that we planned was canceled because we were constantly in a state of standfast or consolidation, which meant that, for our own safety, we were being contained in one way or another, be it in our village, in our home, or in a consolidation center. After much discussion with one particular staff member that we got along with fairly well, we decided that the best decision would be to put our name in the hat for a country better suited for us. After all, as returned Peace Corps volunteers, we would have more say in where we were going and in what skills we wanted to put to use. We have been back in the US for twoish weeks, and have been busy turning in paperwork and applying for things. Nic and I have a position waiting for us in March with the Peace Corps. We will, if everything works out, be going to a French-speaking African country. We cannot be officially invited until we are finished with medical clearance, which, as you Peace Corps folks know, can take forever. I have faith that this assignment will work out.
In the meantime, Nic and I applied for volunteer positions with Heifer International's Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA. Although I was expecting to receive the position of Farmer Chef, the position was already filled. Nic and I will both be education volunteers in the fall. I'm looking forward to this already, and have located some jeans to patch (any nice or new clothes will be promptly eaten by goats). I've also been trying to think of ways to get away with not checking any bags. Airline baggage prices are friggen insane. But winter boots are heavy, and probably not the best things to carry with you in your carry one.
All in all, things are looking positive. I miss my host family from Kyrgyzstan, but look forward to a bright future. I've started Rosetta Stone again, and maybe will be able to actually get a grip on French before I leave. Fingers crossed!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Blogless
Well, folks, it's been an incredibly long time since I've had access to the internet, and even longer since I've had the time to sit down and blog. Sorry about this. The time is now!
As many of you know, the southern part of Kyrgyzstan is unstable and violent. I am, luckily enough, living in the northernmost part of the country in the Talas region, a dry, rocky, hilly area filled with friendly people and herds of animals. The drive from my old home to my new home was incredible. We drove through clouds and valleys. We passed by yurts and drove through herds of cows, sheep, and goats. The driver made no efforts to slow down; he simply honked until the herd moved out of the way. The long, hilly drive took a bit over six hours. We made a few stops to get a tire repaired, and eventually made it home in pitch black. Nic and I are living in two rooms; we have a sitting room and a bed room. The sitting room is connected to the eating area. From the eating area shoots of the family bedroom and a kitchen. There is a hallway that leads from the kitchen to our banya, and to the outdoors. You know, I feel dull talking about this stuff. I know it isn't as exciting as discussions about the violence and instability in this country. But let me put it this way: I'm a stubborn soul that is forcing herself to see positive and to focus on the positive elements of my life here in Kyrgyzstan. Thankfully, I am in a peaceful region of the country. Anyway, Nic and I have four host siblings, three sisters and a little brother. The youngest is our brother, 9, and the oldest is my host sister who is 21. She has worked with volunteers before, and can speak English. My counterpart is a tiny Elvish woman who speaks English pretty well, but she has recently had a baby, and does not have too much time for me just yet. I'm waiting and working to maintain my patience. Nic and I have tried to organize English clubs and meetings, but the unrest in the country has caused some interruptions. Peace Corps is working hard to keep us safe, but this means sometimes that we cannot complete the work we were sent here to do. Once again, I'm waiting. The Peace Corps is an incredible test of patience.
Our village is a former German village, my school is a former German school, and my home is a German style home. I've actually gotten to use my German here in country, which is surprising. At each major corner in the house, there are large black pillars that are heating stoves. This is a trademark of German-built homes in my area. Most older people speak some German (with an adorable accent mind you). Our family has two milk cows that they milk daily, and in the morning they sell milk. We get tons of fresh milk and cream daily. We also have two calves that I've fallen in love with, but one is quite shy, and doesn't like attention from people. Our family also has some cows "in savings," aka, in the mountain. They are saving up livestock to later use to purchase my youngest host brother a car when he is old enough. The current exchange rate is 6 cows equals 1 car. Nic is working with my host sister to help build a chicken coop, and we might eventually get chickens. We'll see.
The best news so far is that the volunteers are out of the south, safe, and sound. Staying positive. I mailed my mom a letter with our new address in it. Please get it from her. I am a dummy and didn't bring the piece of paper with our zipcode written on it....maybe soon .Keep in touch, ya'll.
As many of you know, the southern part of Kyrgyzstan is unstable and violent. I am, luckily enough, living in the northernmost part of the country in the Talas region, a dry, rocky, hilly area filled with friendly people and herds of animals. The drive from my old home to my new home was incredible. We drove through clouds and valleys. We passed by yurts and drove through herds of cows, sheep, and goats. The driver made no efforts to slow down; he simply honked until the herd moved out of the way. The long, hilly drive took a bit over six hours. We made a few stops to get a tire repaired, and eventually made it home in pitch black. Nic and I are living in two rooms; we have a sitting room and a bed room. The sitting room is connected to the eating area. From the eating area shoots of the family bedroom and a kitchen. There is a hallway that leads from the kitchen to our banya, and to the outdoors. You know, I feel dull talking about this stuff. I know it isn't as exciting as discussions about the violence and instability in this country. But let me put it this way: I'm a stubborn soul that is forcing herself to see positive and to focus on the positive elements of my life here in Kyrgyzstan. Thankfully, I am in a peaceful region of the country. Anyway, Nic and I have four host siblings, three sisters and a little brother. The youngest is our brother, 9, and the oldest is my host sister who is 21. She has worked with volunteers before, and can speak English. My counterpart is a tiny Elvish woman who speaks English pretty well, but she has recently had a baby, and does not have too much time for me just yet. I'm waiting and working to maintain my patience. Nic and I have tried to organize English clubs and meetings, but the unrest in the country has caused some interruptions. Peace Corps is working hard to keep us safe, but this means sometimes that we cannot complete the work we were sent here to do. Once again, I'm waiting. The Peace Corps is an incredible test of patience.
Our village is a former German village, my school is a former German school, and my home is a German style home. I've actually gotten to use my German here in country, which is surprising. At each major corner in the house, there are large black pillars that are heating stoves. This is a trademark of German-built homes in my area. Most older people speak some German (with an adorable accent mind you). Our family has two milk cows that they milk daily, and in the morning they sell milk. We get tons of fresh milk and cream daily. We also have two calves that I've fallen in love with, but one is quite shy, and doesn't like attention from people. Our family also has some cows "in savings," aka, in the mountain. They are saving up livestock to later use to purchase my youngest host brother a car when he is old enough. The current exchange rate is 6 cows equals 1 car. Nic is working with my host sister to help build a chicken coop, and we might eventually get chickens. We'll see.
The best news so far is that the volunteers are out of the south, safe, and sound. Staying positive. I mailed my mom a letter with our new address in it. Please get it from her. I am a dummy and didn't bring the piece of paper with our zipcode written on it....maybe soon .Keep in touch, ya'll.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Bizzare Baazar
Hey folks! I just got done doing some shopping at the Kant Baazar and man, it felt strange. I did shopping in Taiwan too, but for whatever reason shoppng here feels a bit more stressful than it should feel. I shopped more effeciently with less language when I was there...I am not sure what the difference is, really. Oh well. In a few months once I have more language things will be much easier. Either way around, I am coming home with exactly what I need: A pencil (I'm still kicking myself for accidently leaving my bag-o-pens and pencils at home), a huge sheet of stiff paper (which will be cut into notecards), some round knitting needles (interesting: I could not find a single vendor that sold straight knitting needles) and pants to replace the ones I tore yesterday. I'm a happy camper. I've been working on Nic's scarf, but needed some needles to switch the scarf over to, as I am currently knitting on some needles that I borrowed from my host sister.
The baazar is basically rows of vendors with all sorts of items available...you can find almost anything, pants, shampoo, fish, statuettes, candy, laid out for you on a table or hung on a rack. It's fun to look, and fun to wander, but complicated to buy, for now. Last time I came here, I had to buy a pound or two pounds of the food items that I bought because I only knew how to ask for a kilo or a half kilo of something... which meant coming home with a half kilo of cookies, a half kilo of almonds, a kilo of apples etc... I'm still eating some of them. I have since learned how to purchase smaller amounts of things.
Nic and I went with our trainee group to a beautiful mountain resort yesterday, and took a few pictures, which eventually will be uploaded. I never know exactly when I'll have internet, so I am never prepared for this. The resort was rolling hills and peaks dotted with waterfalls, statues, and cows. It was beautiful, the weather was pretty good(we did get rained on a little bit), and it felt great to get some exercize.
A few days ago the trainee group living in my city (there are four of us) went to a concert at the local school, which consisted of many grade levels performing songs and dances in Russian. We also watched a play. There was a group of 8th/9th? grade girls that danced to a Michael Jackson mash up and they were incredible dancers. I was very shocked and pleased with their black hats, black vests, white button ups, and mad skills. My Kyrgyz teacher's host-sister sang several songs. She's an adorable talented little girl. She hand wrote us invitations to the concert in shiny pink ink. Here, huge white bows are very trendy. Many of the girls at the concert were wearing bows that were as big as their heads! Imagine: tiny pigtails, tiny girls, big haloes of white silk, satin, and lace. Now imagine them singing in Russian.
The only thing that is missing from my life is salt water taffy. Things are going better every day, and I am more excited about my work every day. Today I finished working on my activity cards for the class I am teaching on Tuesday. I will be teaching 5th graders the concepts of some, few, couple, and many combined with the phrase "There are." I will also be teaching basic food vocabulary (apples, bananas, noodles, eggs, etc). If things go well, by the end of the class, the students will be able to say: "There are not any apples in the refrigerator, but there are some noodles in the refrigerator" (and things of that general nature).
That's all for now. Take care, ya'll!
The baazar is basically rows of vendors with all sorts of items available...you can find almost anything, pants, shampoo, fish, statuettes, candy, laid out for you on a table or hung on a rack. It's fun to look, and fun to wander, but complicated to buy, for now. Last time I came here, I had to buy a pound or two pounds of the food items that I bought because I only knew how to ask for a kilo or a half kilo of something... which meant coming home with a half kilo of cookies, a half kilo of almonds, a kilo of apples etc... I'm still eating some of them. I have since learned how to purchase smaller amounts of things.
Nic and I went with our trainee group to a beautiful mountain resort yesterday, and took a few pictures, which eventually will be uploaded. I never know exactly when I'll have internet, so I am never prepared for this. The resort was rolling hills and peaks dotted with waterfalls, statues, and cows. It was beautiful, the weather was pretty good(we did get rained on a little bit), and it felt great to get some exercize.
A few days ago the trainee group living in my city (there are four of us) went to a concert at the local school, which consisted of many grade levels performing songs and dances in Russian. We also watched a play. There was a group of 8th/9th? grade girls that danced to a Michael Jackson mash up and they were incredible dancers. I was very shocked and pleased with their black hats, black vests, white button ups, and mad skills. My Kyrgyz teacher's host-sister sang several songs. She's an adorable talented little girl. She hand wrote us invitations to the concert in shiny pink ink. Here, huge white bows are very trendy. Many of the girls at the concert were wearing bows that were as big as their heads! Imagine: tiny pigtails, tiny girls, big haloes of white silk, satin, and lace. Now imagine them singing in Russian.
The only thing that is missing from my life is salt water taffy. Things are going better every day, and I am more excited about my work every day. Today I finished working on my activity cards for the class I am teaching on Tuesday. I will be teaching 5th graders the concepts of some, few, couple, and many combined with the phrase "There are." I will also be teaching basic food vocabulary (apples, bananas, noodles, eggs, etc). If things go well, by the end of the class, the students will be able to say: "There are not any apples in the refrigerator, but there are some noodles in the refrigerator" (and things of that general nature).
That's all for now. Take care, ya'll!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Keepin on
Hey folks! We are now a few weeks into training. I have my site placement interview tomorrow, and in a few weeks Nic and I find out where our permanent site will be. I'm getting more adjusted to life in my host family, which is definitely a good thing. I have been a bit sick lately, but have had some antibiotics and now am feeling much better. As a consequence of being sick, I was served hot milk based meals which were simple but delicious. I'm getting mad hankerings for coffee, so whenever I get the chance to go to a store, I might actually pick up some coffee. At lunch, the volunteers rotate visiting one another's host families for meals, and we have gotten to taste a variety of foods and seen a variety of homes because of this. On the walk to a fellow volunteer's home, there are geese that will hiss at you. It's kind of funny.
All in all, things are well, although my language is not progressing as quickly as I wish it were. I have been relaxing the past few days which both helps and hinders m language skills. It helps because I am more comfortable and relaxed when I go the class the next day, but hinders because I spend more time reading/writing in English.
The mountains that surround my village are stunning. Every day when I can wake up and actually see them, I am amazed at how beautiful they are.
Yesterday, I had my first active practicum. I got to teach a grand total of five students. We as volunteers were told what to teach, but had some flexibility in presentation and formatting of information. I look forward to next week, as hopefully I will have a full classroom. I will be team teaching animals and the present progressive tense with a Kyrgyz volunteer and a Peace Corps trainee. Should be great. The actual in-classroom time that volunteers get to have during training is in my view extremely helpful. It seems like we will in theory be teaching an English lesson every week with variable topics and in variable situations, i.e., with or without a trainee partner, in large/small classes, etc. I can't wait to get my own classroom and meet my own counterpart.
That's it for now. Maybe one day I will get some photos for ya'll. I just never know when I will actually have the internet...I mailed a few letters today, so watch your mailboxes if you have given me your address.
All in all, things are well, although my language is not progressing as quickly as I wish it were. I have been relaxing the past few days which both helps and hinders m language skills. It helps because I am more comfortable and relaxed when I go the class the next day, but hinders because I spend more time reading/writing in English.
The mountains that surround my village are stunning. Every day when I can wake up and actually see them, I am amazed at how beautiful they are.
Yesterday, I had my first active practicum. I got to teach a grand total of five students. We as volunteers were told what to teach, but had some flexibility in presentation and formatting of information. I look forward to next week, as hopefully I will have a full classroom. I will be team teaching animals and the present progressive tense with a Kyrgyz volunteer and a Peace Corps trainee. Should be great. The actual in-classroom time that volunteers get to have during training is in my view extremely helpful. It seems like we will in theory be teaching an English lesson every week with variable topics and in variable situations, i.e., with or without a trainee partner, in large/small classes, etc. I can't wait to get my own classroom and meet my own counterpart.
That's it for now. Maybe one day I will get some photos for ya'll. I just never know when I will actually have the internet...I mailed a few letters today, so watch your mailboxes if you have given me your address.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Life in the Kyrgyz Republic!
Hey folks! Internet access for me is highly irregular, so I haven't been able to update this thing since I've been here. Long story short, things are great! I have an awesome host family; five host siblings, a host mom, and a host dad. Today they were planting potatoes and flowers in the front and backyard gardens. I have a great dog named Fox that protects me when I have to go to the outhouse. It's the cutest thing...he walks with you to the outhouse, stands guard in front of the door while you are, ya'know, busy, then walks you back to the house. I live on a small plot of land, maybe an acre, and do have an actual shower sometimes. My language learning is going slow, but it is nonetheless going. I have six more weeks to get to a good grip on the language, and then we'll have an exam. Here, we eat alot of lamb. Tons and tons of lamb. Most families have their own chickens (we do...I get fresh eggs every day), many have their own cows, and even more have their own herds of sheep and goats. All of the meat that we get is fresh, grass-fed, and pretty good. The meals do tend to a be a bit fatty, which has been a bit hard on my stomach, but I feel like I've adjusted pretty well. I got sick once, once, and only once. I've been pretty careful with water filtering, which I think has made quite a bit of a difference.
The mountains surrounding the Kyrgyz Republic are incredibly beautiful. Stunning. Like a photoshopped postcard. Except even better. And REAL. Huge peaks of white shattering the skyline, enormous towers of green protecting protrusions of grey and blue...I have never seen anything like it.
My favorite thing about my time here so far has been the presence of animals. Donkeys (and fuzzy ones to boot), cows, cats, dogs, sheep, goats...roaming in a beautiful and wonderful way. Practically maintained, albeit they are a bit dirty, and utilized fully (i.e, milk and manure do not go to waste). The entire village that I live in reminds me in some ways of a giant Heifer project come to life. Zero grazing pens, no-electricity milk and cream separators, and hand-sheared sheep.
Anyway...I'm going to get gone for now, but please feel free to drop me an email and I will reply whenever I have internet access again. Take care, everybody!
The mountains surrounding the Kyrgyz Republic are incredibly beautiful. Stunning. Like a photoshopped postcard. Except even better. And REAL. Huge peaks of white shattering the skyline, enormous towers of green protecting protrusions of grey and blue...I have never seen anything like it.
My favorite thing about my time here so far has been the presence of animals. Donkeys (and fuzzy ones to boot), cows, cats, dogs, sheep, goats...roaming in a beautiful and wonderful way. Practically maintained, albeit they are a bit dirty, and utilized fully (i.e, milk and manure do not go to waste). The entire village that I live in reminds me in some ways of a giant Heifer project come to life. Zero grazing pens, no-electricity milk and cream separators, and hand-sheared sheep.
Anyway...I'm going to get gone for now, but please feel free to drop me an email and I will reply whenever I have internet access again. Take care, everybody!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Staging
Hello! Nic and I have successfully made it to staging. I accidentally brought along Amber's [Noah's girlfriend's] hair barrette instead of giving it back to her, so I am going to take some pictures of it in historical Kyrgyz places. We have our first full day of orientation tomorrow. I've already met a few of the people that are going to be volunteers alongside Nic and I, and they made good first impressions. Overall, I'm pretty excited about this great adventure.
Yesterday, I had a great time at Vino's chilling with the people I won't be seeing for a while. There are some folks I am really going to miss. Thank you to everyone that was able to come, and thank you to everyone that didn't but sent blessings anyhow. Basically, thanks to everyone that has been so supportive to Nic and I during our efforts to get into the PC.
I am not sure how often I will be able to update this, but definitely often enough for it to be worth checking, I hope.
Yesterday, I had a great time at Vino's chilling with the people I won't be seeing for a while. There are some folks I am really going to miss. Thank you to everyone that was able to come, and thank you to everyone that didn't but sent blessings anyhow. Basically, thanks to everyone that has been so supportive to Nic and I during our efforts to get into the PC.
I am not sure how often I will be able to update this, but definitely often enough for it to be worth checking, I hope.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Beatbox girl
If you haven't seen this amazing video of Beatbox girl, a brunette beat madhouse with a ponytail, then please watch it hear via Scienceblogs. It's amazing, I promise. BEATBOX GIRL!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
38 second book reviews and update
I love being unemployed, because it means I have plenty of time to read. Although I will not be unemployed here in a few days, I still anticipate having plenty of time to read before I get myself socially established in the Kyrgyz Republic. Either way around, I recently finished two great books.
Cockroach by Rawi Hage. Frantic, driven, schizophrenic, sexy, and dirty. A cockroach that thinks he's a man, or a man that thinks he's a cockroach, takes on the crusty upperclass of a sick Candadian city. This brilliant work of truths-nested-in-fiction wrestles with concepts of greed, poverty, naivety, and filth within the context of the almost subhuman lower classes of the insane. Or, as it may be, the only real ones out there. Anyway, you should read it.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This non-fiction work tells the larger than life story of a taller than average dude who works to free impoverished children of their chains via education. Mortenson works in Afganistan and Pakistan to build balanced, well-rounded secular schools that educate both genders. I found the work inspiring and hopeful. What a hero!
Just a note: Mortenson's organization, the Central Asia Institute, recently received a $100,000 donation from Barack Obama. The source of the money? Obama's Nobel Prize cash, which he is donating in it's entirety to a slew of very very worthy organizations. Obama and Mortenson have won my heart.
Ok, and for the actual update. Nic and I are leaving in 9 days, and I am going through various stages of happy, excited, mellow, frantic, sad, worried, energetic, enthusiastic, etc, etc, you get the point. I'm running in circles and running in a straight line at the same time. I am busy packing, reading, and really, just tying to stay healthy and keep my bearings while I wait. My little brother got married, and it was a beautiful fairly religious ceremony in a methodist church. Him and his wife have side by side computers and play WOW together. Does it get much cuter than that?
Cockroach by Rawi Hage. Frantic, driven, schizophrenic, sexy, and dirty. A cockroach that thinks he's a man, or a man that thinks he's a cockroach, takes on the crusty upperclass of a sick Candadian city. This brilliant work of truths-nested-in-fiction wrestles with concepts of greed, poverty, naivety, and filth within the context of the almost subhuman lower classes of the insane. Or, as it may be, the only real ones out there. Anyway, you should read it.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Relin. This non-fiction work tells the larger than life story of a taller than average dude who works to free impoverished children of their chains via education. Mortenson works in Afganistan and Pakistan to build balanced, well-rounded secular schools that educate both genders. I found the work inspiring and hopeful. What a hero!
Just a note: Mortenson's organization, the Central Asia Institute, recently received a $100,000 donation from Barack Obama. The source of the money? Obama's Nobel Prize cash, which he is donating in it's entirety to a slew of very very worthy organizations. Obama and Mortenson have won my heart.
Ok, and for the actual update. Nic and I are leaving in 9 days, and I am going through various stages of happy, excited, mellow, frantic, sad, worried, energetic, enthusiastic, etc, etc, you get the point. I'm running in circles and running in a straight line at the same time. I am busy packing, reading, and really, just tying to stay healthy and keep my bearings while I wait. My little brother got married, and it was a beautiful fairly religious ceremony in a methodist church. Him and his wife have side by side computers and play WOW together. Does it get much cuter than that?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Kyrgyz Eatin'
I've been in Malvern today and am about to go to bed, but had a few minutes before bed to answer a question that has been making me curious for quite some time: What do they eat in the Kyrgyz Republic?!
Well, here's the answer: Most dishes are meat based, and the primary meats consumed in the country are (drum roll please) horse and mutton. Typically they are served with mare-milk products, such as butter and soured creams. Horsemeat sausage and boiled meat/noodle dishes are regarded as common national dishes and favorites. Sometimes meats will be stir fried with onions, garlic, carrots, and a locally-grown rice. Steamed dumplings and a fried dumpling similar to samosas are also common. Foods tend to be spicy, oniony, garlicy, and vinegary. The Kyrgyz Republic is a tea culture. People drink mare's milk and camel's milk, too. The bread is either flatbread or a type of Russian-style bread.
I'm actually pretty excited to try all of this stuff. After arrival, my stomach's going to be on a roller coaster ride, I'm afriad.
Well, here's the answer: Most dishes are meat based, and the primary meats consumed in the country are (drum roll please) horse and mutton. Typically they are served with mare-milk products, such as butter and soured creams. Horsemeat sausage and boiled meat/noodle dishes are regarded as common national dishes and favorites. Sometimes meats will be stir fried with onions, garlic, carrots, and a locally-grown rice. Steamed dumplings and a fried dumpling similar to samosas are also common. Foods tend to be spicy, oniony, garlicy, and vinegary. The Kyrgyz Republic is a tea culture. People drink mare's milk and camel's milk, too. The bread is either flatbread or a type of Russian-style bread.
I'm actually pretty excited to try all of this stuff. After arrival, my stomach's going to be on a roller coaster ride, I'm afriad.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Livin' in the future
I am officially on Peace Corps, round 2! I recieved an email today with information about final travel arrangements, and have contacted SATO travel to make our reservations. From New York, Nic and I will be traveling to Istanbul, and then from Istanbul to Bishkek, where we will remain for training (approx. 3 months). We will be leaving either March 25th or 26th (more than likely the 25th, but we will find out here in the next few days), and will be back in 2012, if the world doesn't end. I feel like this time is the "for real" time and am, in truth, letting myself get excited at this point. I quit my job (last day = March 4th), and am going to start doing more exercise, sleeping more, and eating better to ensure that I'm healthy, fit, and mentally prepared for the crazy adventure I have in front of me. My priorities are shifting now that I know for 99% certain that I am leaving at the end of next month. I am going to really focus on learning the bare-bones of Kyrgyz (or as much as one can learn in one month), hone in on a few high-quality grammar books and teaching aides, and develop the upper body strength I need to feel confident about my posture and endurance while lugging 2 fifty pound bags across all of the Kyrgyz Republic. Potentially while on horse.
But for now: A nap.
But for now: A nap.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Mardi Gras
Nic and I returned last night from our adventure at Mardi Gras. The holiday of Carnivale has long been one that I've thought about, imagined, and even dreamed about. I've had dreams that I was traveling to New Orleans by bus for the purpose of preserving giant ant statues that had been built all over the city; I've had nightmares about bodies escaping from their above-ground tombs and floating at my feet. And what can I say? The drive to the city of New Orleans was creepy as can be. Our drive was lined with swamps. Trees covered in moss growing from capsized boats and flooded homes, long abandoned, decorated the skylines. Big black birds perching against a background of grays glared at us as we sped by. It was a trip!
Nic and I were in New Orleans for Monday and Fat Tuesday. The first day we accidentally stumbled upon a parade, where we collected beads that were tossed at us. I got pegged in the head by a bag of red and silver beads. The parade was zodiac themed, with huge floats of all of the zodiac signs plus a couple of pagan gods. These detailed floats looked like hours upon hours of work had been poured into them, not to mention hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. They were gorgeous, grotesque, colorful and surreal animals, gods, goddesses, and figurines that towered over our heads.
On Fat Tuesday, we awoke early to discover that even as early as 8:30 A.M., people in the hostel were buying vodka shots and mixed drinks to go with their breakfasts. People streamed into the streets fully decked out in incredible costumes. It was like halloween plus voodoo plus tribal drunken hullabaloo. My favorite was a Gumby costume. I talked to the guy about the costume, and he had been working on it for four months. The costume was made of a soft, pliable painted foam that was not only huggable and flexible, but maintained flare legs and raised facial features even when Gumby posed in grotesque, frightening, or adorable poses. Entire families dressed up, and people, regardless of age or gender, acted extreme together. The cutest family that I saw was all four seasons plus Ewok. That is, Father Winter (husband, decked out in white robes and snowflakes), Autumn (wife, autumn leaves), Summer (Grandma, huge colorful flower hat and skirt), Spring (baby girl, daisies, too impatient to wear the hat), and a tiny baby Ewok in the stroller (fuzzy, small, lovable). I saw two parades. One was the Zulu parade, featuring large, clown-like African American figurines that smoked cigars and drank Crown Royal, and the other was a random trucker parade. Literally, decorated trailers attached to 18-wheelers were driven around and people screamed, yelled, and caught fun exciting toys, jewelry, and (!) underwear. The Zulu parade was gorgeous and fun.
The Zulu parade was hosted by a group known as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, which is a Carnival Krewe that was founded in the early 1900s. The origins are in the working-class African American group known as The Tramps. The group is the largest African American group that puts on parades, and it prides itself in benevolent aide and social assistance. The group takes care of it's members in various ways, ranging from financial aide to sick care, and pulls its resources from dues paid by members of the Zulu Krewe. The group known as the Zulus decided to satirize the stereotyping of blacks by mocking the caucausian Rex parade and caucausian minstrel show makeup (i.e. blackface, tribal associations) that dominated the 1910s and 1920s.The Zulu floats featured African Americans in exaggerated blackface, clownwear, grass-skirts, and donning spears and stuffed tigers, alongside steppers, hip-hop dancers, and brass-instrument bands.I'd never seen anything like it. These folks were incredible at putting on shows. Here is a brief but informative article about the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. BTW, Nic and I got a coconut.
In spite of the three amazing parades, the highlight of the Mardi Gras experience was, by far, the costumes. There was Bert (From Sesame Street), Beaker (from the Muppet Show), a Storm Trouper, Candy Hearts (Lick Me and Eat Me), a season family, Boxed Wine, Beetlejuice, Gene Simmons, Grim Fandango...etc etc etc. I was fully amazed at the creativity of all of these folks. Here are some photos. Me and two childhood superheroes.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great day, everyone!
Nic and I were in New Orleans for Monday and Fat Tuesday. The first day we accidentally stumbled upon a parade, where we collected beads that were tossed at us. I got pegged in the head by a bag of red and silver beads. The parade was zodiac themed, with huge floats of all of the zodiac signs plus a couple of pagan gods. These detailed floats looked like hours upon hours of work had been poured into them, not to mention hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. They were gorgeous, grotesque, colorful and surreal animals, gods, goddesses, and figurines that towered over our heads.
On Fat Tuesday, we awoke early to discover that even as early as 8:30 A.M., people in the hostel were buying vodka shots and mixed drinks to go with their breakfasts. People streamed into the streets fully decked out in incredible costumes. It was like halloween plus voodoo plus tribal drunken hullabaloo. My favorite was a Gumby costume. I talked to the guy about the costume, and he had been working on it for four months. The costume was made of a soft, pliable painted foam that was not only huggable and flexible, but maintained flare legs and raised facial features even when Gumby posed in grotesque, frightening, or adorable poses. Entire families dressed up, and people, regardless of age or gender, acted extreme together. The cutest family that I saw was all four seasons plus Ewok. That is, Father Winter (husband, decked out in white robes and snowflakes), Autumn (wife, autumn leaves), Summer (Grandma, huge colorful flower hat and skirt), Spring (baby girl, daisies, too impatient to wear the hat), and a tiny baby Ewok in the stroller (fuzzy, small, lovable). I saw two parades. One was the Zulu parade, featuring large, clown-like African American figurines that smoked cigars and drank Crown Royal, and the other was a random trucker parade. Literally, decorated trailers attached to 18-wheelers were driven around and people screamed, yelled, and caught fun exciting toys, jewelry, and (!) underwear. The Zulu parade was gorgeous and fun.
The Zulu parade was hosted by a group known as the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, which is a Carnival Krewe that was founded in the early 1900s. The origins are in the working-class African American group known as The Tramps. The group is the largest African American group that puts on parades, and it prides itself in benevolent aide and social assistance. The group takes care of it's members in various ways, ranging from financial aide to sick care, and pulls its resources from dues paid by members of the Zulu Krewe. The group known as the Zulus decided to satirize the stereotyping of blacks by mocking the caucausian Rex parade and caucausian minstrel show makeup (i.e. blackface, tribal associations) that dominated the 1910s and 1920s.The Zulu floats featured African Americans in exaggerated blackface, clownwear, grass-skirts, and donning spears and stuffed tigers, alongside steppers, hip-hop dancers, and brass-instrument bands.I'd never seen anything like it. These folks were incredible at putting on shows. Here is a brief but informative article about the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club. BTW, Nic and I got a coconut.
In spite of the three amazing parades, the highlight of the Mardi Gras experience was, by far, the costumes. There was Bert (From Sesame Street), Beaker (from the Muppet Show), a Storm Trouper, Candy Hearts (Lick Me and Eat Me), a season family, Boxed Wine, Beetlejuice, Gene Simmons, Grim Fandango...etc etc etc. I was fully amazed at the creativity of all of these folks. Here are some photos. Me and two childhood superheroes.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great day, everyone!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Jackson
Got to Jackson! Nic and I are on our first leg of the journey to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Jackson is disappointing. I was hoping for something new and neat in this city, but the stores, restaurants, and even TV channels are the same as in Arkansas. It's extremely disorienting to drive for five hours and then eat at the exact same restaurant that is five minutes away from my house in Little Rock. The homogenization of the American business-scape is terrifying and boring at the same time. It's terrifying because large chains are wiping out small gems of businesses. It's boring because I like being able to go to any city, small or large, and find a variety of restaurants, businesses, specialties, and cultures. Instead, I am met with the exact same IHOPs, Waffle Houses, McDonald's, Burger Kings, and Starbucks(es). What's the point in traveling if these chains are replacing local culture? Local culture is, in my book, the only thing that makes traveling worthwhile, refreshing, and energizing. New Orleans should be great. Though I am expecting to see some chains, the Muffalatta was invented in New Orleans, and you just can't experience local culture in any better way than via regional foods.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Last night I went with Noah and Amber to see the famous Goodtar Jones. Goodtar was amazing, as usual. Goodtar is the Jack Johnson of the post-modern folk scene (or is he? he sure does sound like him in that one song). Donning mortor board and 4 guitars, Goodtar sang about everything in my life, and his too. I rode back with Noah and Amber but we didn't get back until 5:00 A.M. It was my job to keep Noah awake enough for driving home, and I can't remember the last time I had such tired discussions. They ranged from video game stories, to 90s emo music, to fast food. One great thing about Noah and Amber is that I feel like I can fully be myself around them. I wish that I were capable of being fully myself in most social situations. It feels so good.
I've been writing short stories that are roughly based on a combination of reality and weird dreams that I've had. I promise they're written better than this blog. I tend to go on "creativity kicks" where I'll get an urge to create, create, create...and then it fizzles. And then I'm back to my normal smiley self that focuses her energy on breakfast and a full night's sleep. I am not sure what to do with them, really. I want to give them to others to read, but I'm afraid they might figure out that the story is loosely based on something they might have been involved in, or that it is almost entirely a dream I told them about. I have written poems and short stories for years, but have never been confident about them, except for when I was 17, and put all of my energy into slam poetry. Why did I stop?!
Tomorrow is my second attempt at having a cooking class at Our House. I have recruited one volunteer and a friend of mine from UALR has recruited an additional two. This week should be great; because tomorrow is valentine's day, Nic and I are cooking deserts with the kids. Deserts are always a smash hit.
I've been writing short stories that are roughly based on a combination of reality and weird dreams that I've had. I promise they're written better than this blog. I tend to go on "creativity kicks" where I'll get an urge to create, create, create...and then it fizzles. And then I'm back to my normal smiley self that focuses her energy on breakfast and a full night's sleep. I am not sure what to do with them, really. I want to give them to others to read, but I'm afraid they might figure out that the story is loosely based on something they might have been involved in, or that it is almost entirely a dream I told them about. I have written poems and short stories for years, but have never been confident about them, except for when I was 17, and put all of my energy into slam poetry. Why did I stop?!
Tomorrow is my second attempt at having a cooking class at Our House. I have recruited one volunteer and a friend of mine from UALR has recruited an additional two. This week should be great; because tomorrow is valentine's day, Nic and I are cooking deserts with the kids. Deserts are always a smash hit.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snowstorm in Arkansas
Today I woke up to a ground covered in snow. I had work at 6:00 A.M., and the living room next to my bedroom looked so bright I thought I had overslept. It felt almost miraculous, until I called my manager and found out I had to be at work anyway. I was only there for a few hours, but we were very very slow when I was there. I got sent home, and the store ended up being shut down so that Nic could stay home as well. It was a great day. Nic, Tristan, Veronique, and I all chased around the dogs, who were confused as all get-out about why the snowballs dissapeared when they hit the ground. We have two dogs, one big fluffy dog that loves the snow, and one tiny skinny dog who is a nervous wreck, but imitates the big dog. They both ate a significant amount of snow.
I finished knitting my first scarf, made of wool from Cora (the name of the sheep). I bought this wool at the Sheep and Wool festival in New York. I can understand now the addicting properties of knitting. I like having something to do with my hands, and it feels like you are always working on a project in a good way. I wore my new scarf today during Nic, Tristian, and I's epic walk to waffle house, where we ran into the guy that got my dad into some trouble not too long ago. The scarf is a bit short, as I typically like longer scarves, but it very thick and warm. I feel proud. I am going to get some more yarn and move onto project number 2. Which I haven't decided on yet.
All in all, today was a beautiful day, although the snow is turning into slush and ice. I'm about to enjoy a cup of tea with Malvern honey. This day is only getting better.
I finished knitting my first scarf, made of wool from Cora (the name of the sheep). I bought this wool at the Sheep and Wool festival in New York. I can understand now the addicting properties of knitting. I like having something to do with my hands, and it feels like you are always working on a project in a good way. I wore my new scarf today during Nic, Tristian, and I's epic walk to waffle house, where we ran into the guy that got my dad into some trouble not too long ago. The scarf is a bit short, as I typically like longer scarves, but it very thick and warm. I feel proud. I am going to get some more yarn and move onto project number 2. Which I haven't decided on yet.
All in all, today was a beautiful day, although the snow is turning into slush and ice. I'm about to enjoy a cup of tea with Malvern honey. This day is only getting better.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Call for Supplies and Funding
I am spearheading, alongside my husband and Mindy of the Our House shelter, a new cooking and nutrition program for the month of February and March. Here is my call for supplies and assistance. Help us out!
I am currently seeking assistance with a new program at the Our House shelter geared at children and youth ages 7 to 19 years old. The program, entitled “You can cook too!” is a weekly nutrition and wellness program targeting at-risk children and youth. The program is a two hour volunteer-led program with three main components. First, youth at the Our House shelter will learn basic nutrition and meal-balancing. Second, each recipe will be discussed within the context of its origin, nutritional value, and cultural significance. Third, the at-risk youth at Our House will have an opportunity to learn a new skill (cooking), as well as enjoy a delicious meal that they created themselves.
A minimal amount of supplies and funding are required for this program. We are asking for small donations of either supplies, cash, or grocery store gift cards to help support these weekly programs. All donations are tax deductible and a tax receipt for all donations, supplies and cash alike, will be provided upon request. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope that you choose to support this new Our House program. Every donation, small and large, will help contribute to the nutritional well-being and skill level of at-risk youth in Little Rock.
Needed Supplies for the “You can cook too!” Program:
Cleaning supplies and kitchen necessities:
Rubber gloves (20 pair)
Ziplock bags (Gallon sized)
Clean coffee cans with lids
Paper towels
Fresh Food/Perishables (Needed Weekly):
Eggs
Milk (Powdered, condensed, and fresh)
Cream (Fresh)
Butter
Basic Vegetables (carrot, potato, yam, onion, cabbage, greens, tomatoes)
Non-Perishables (Needed Weekly):
Flour
Corn Meal
Sugar
Baking Powder
Yeast
Salt
Rock Salt
Pepper
Italian Spices
Garlic Powder
Oil
Vinegar
Cocoa Powder
Specialty Foods (Needed for last week of February's Black History Month lesson)
Cassava
Plantain
Corn Meal
Vanilla Extract
I am currently seeking assistance with a new program at the Our House shelter geared at children and youth ages 7 to 19 years old. The program, entitled “You can cook too!” is a weekly nutrition and wellness program targeting at-risk children and youth. The program is a two hour volunteer-led program with three main components. First, youth at the Our House shelter will learn basic nutrition and meal-balancing. Second, each recipe will be discussed within the context of its origin, nutritional value, and cultural significance. Third, the at-risk youth at Our House will have an opportunity to learn a new skill (cooking), as well as enjoy a delicious meal that they created themselves.
A minimal amount of supplies and funding are required for this program. We are asking for small donations of either supplies, cash, or grocery store gift cards to help support these weekly programs. All donations are tax deductible and a tax receipt for all donations, supplies and cash alike, will be provided upon request. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope that you choose to support this new Our House program. Every donation, small and large, will help contribute to the nutritional well-being and skill level of at-risk youth in Little Rock.
Needed Supplies for the “You can cook too!” Program:
Cleaning supplies and kitchen necessities:
Rubber gloves (20 pair)
Ziplock bags (Gallon sized)
Clean coffee cans with lids
Paper towels
Fresh Food/Perishables (Needed Weekly):
Eggs
Milk (Powdered, condensed, and fresh)
Cream (Fresh)
Butter
Basic Vegetables (carrot, potato, yam, onion, cabbage, greens, tomatoes)
Non-Perishables (Needed Weekly):
Flour
Corn Meal
Sugar
Baking Powder
Yeast
Salt
Rock Salt
Pepper
Italian Spices
Garlic Powder
Oil
Vinegar
Cocoa Powder
Specialty Foods (Needed for last week of February's Black History Month lesson)
Cassava
Plantain
Corn Meal
Vanilla Extract
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Chimps make movie!
The first ever all chimp made movie will be on television soon. YOu can check out a one minute clip of it here on this website. Chimp movie!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Haiti
I am so incredibly depressed and sad over the earthquake in Haiti. The death, pain, and agony the country is enduring is so painful; I could not even begin to imagine what it feels like to have lost a family member to this horrible disaster. If someone without a religion can pray, then I am doing it. This event makes me feel guilty for I am able to blog and sleep comfortably tonight while others are dying under rubble, and I can do nothing about it. I feel quite powerless; I wish I had the qualifications [and the money] to get on a jet plane and start assisting people. Every major event that results in a dire need for medical attention is inspirational in a sick way; I need to learn how to provide emergency medical care and I need to learn how to get to where it is needed most. I feel like I was born to serve this world, and when I am stuck in a position of helplessness (i.e., I feel unable to help), it sends me into a combination of sadness and intensely motivated. Give me a few years, world. After the Peace Corps, after several years of full time volunteering, and after a few more years of school...I will put on the shoes that I've been waiting for for some time now. And these shoes won't come from TJMaxx.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Bad news!
Really bad news! First, Miep Gies, one of my all time heroes, passed away. She was the beautiful woman who protected Jews and saved Anne Frank's diary during WWII.
Today, I come home from work to discover that Jay Reatard (a mere 29 years old!) has died. This amazing punk-rocker-Goner (if you will) made me cry with his high energy redemption of his songs prior to the Pixies show I attended not too long ago.
R.I.P., loves of mine.
He was supposed to play this show...oh, what a creepy poster.
Beautiful, beautiful.
Today, I come home from work to discover that Jay Reatard (a mere 29 years old!) has died. This amazing punk-rocker-Goner (if you will) made me cry with his high energy redemption of his songs prior to the Pixies show I attended not too long ago.
R.I.P., loves of mine.
He was supposed to play this show...oh, what a creepy poster. Beautiful, beautiful.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Well, folks, they wanna feed me cornbread and molasses...but I've got my pride.
On that note, Nic and I have watched part of the Bob Dylan documentary, No Direction Home, and I've got to admit it: Bob Dylan was an adorable young adult. I can't say that for most musicians. Typically I find the music incredibly attractive, but neither the nose nor the haircut. Dylan had it going on.
On that note, Nic and I have watched part of the Bob Dylan documentary, No Direction Home, and I've got to admit it: Bob Dylan was an adorable young adult. I can't say that for most musicians. Typically I find the music incredibly attractive, but neither the nose nor the haircut. Dylan had it going on.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
work and more 38 second book reviews
Yesterday was another day at work, and I am definitely getting the hang of all there is to do around that joint. My workplace actually has some good defining principals and hires good people in general, so if you ever want any good coffee, I can hook you up with where to go (so that'll be either Heifer International or Java Roasting Cafe). The beans are roasted right in Hot Springs, which is awesome, and the owners are great people.
But here's the thing with blogging: by sheer virtue of rattling on about my day or whats on my mind, I break all of those internet rules designed to protect your identity. Eugh. But I've got to blog, yo. Once one has gotten into the habit of blogging, one can't stop. This is the public version of the mind's cathedral (see prior blogz) and I find it valuable to keep it up.
But now, the long awaited book reviews.
Onion John by Joseph Krumgold. Too much baseball. I couldn't get past the first twenty five pages, but it's supposed to be great. Try it, you might have better luck than me.
What The Songs Look Like by Various Artists. I spent hours with my headphones on looking at this beautiful beautiful book. It's the perfect combination of two of my favorite things- the Talking Heads and artists from the 80s.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. Another supposedly great classic I had a hard time with. One formulaic story element, cliche, and debunked stereotype after another. Valuable perhaps at another point in anthropological history, but not today.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. This incredible text is, no joke, every single book I've ever read smashed into one. If you can think of a subject, it's probably mentioned or directly addressed. I highly recommend this eccentric ride through a strange soul's life. P.S. this soul would have been strange even if he wasn't middlesexxed.
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. This nonfiction book about Dr. Paul Farmer is a combination of inspirational, beautiful, and frustrating. Although Paul Farmer is doing great things in the world, I feel that him and I would have severe personality conflicts (38 second mark over). This dude talks junk about foreigners in English right in front of them, then goes on crusades to help them. He seeks wealth and health for the impoverished, but insists that his lowest paid workers should work overtime without compensation. Farmer does great work, Kidder presents interesting read, and although I am inspired by and proud of Farmer, I am glad I don't have to work with him. Ophelia Dahl plays an interesting role in Farmer's life. This text also provides a great insight into the functioning of the World Health Organization. It's seriously just a personality thing with Farmer. Don't let my knitpicky things keep you from reading this book.
Alright, it's lunchtime. Huzzah!
But here's the thing with blogging: by sheer virtue of rattling on about my day or whats on my mind, I break all of those internet rules designed to protect your identity. Eugh. But I've got to blog, yo. Once one has gotten into the habit of blogging, one can't stop. This is the public version of the mind's cathedral (see prior blogz) and I find it valuable to keep it up.
But now, the long awaited book reviews.
Onion John by Joseph Krumgold. Too much baseball. I couldn't get past the first twenty five pages, but it's supposed to be great. Try it, you might have better luck than me.
What The Songs Look Like by Various Artists. I spent hours with my headphones on looking at this beautiful beautiful book. It's the perfect combination of two of my favorite things- the Talking Heads and artists from the 80s.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. Another supposedly great classic I had a hard time with. One formulaic story element, cliche, and debunked stereotype after another. Valuable perhaps at another point in anthropological history, but not today.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. This incredible text is, no joke, every single book I've ever read smashed into one. If you can think of a subject, it's probably mentioned or directly addressed. I highly recommend this eccentric ride through a strange soul's life. P.S. this soul would have been strange even if he wasn't middlesexxed.
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. This nonfiction book about Dr. Paul Farmer is a combination of inspirational, beautiful, and frustrating. Although Paul Farmer is doing great things in the world, I feel that him and I would have severe personality conflicts (38 second mark over). This dude talks junk about foreigners in English right in front of them, then goes on crusades to help them. He seeks wealth and health for the impoverished, but insists that his lowest paid workers should work overtime without compensation. Farmer does great work, Kidder presents interesting read, and although I am inspired by and proud of Farmer, I am glad I don't have to work with him. Ophelia Dahl plays an interesting role in Farmer's life. This text also provides a great insight into the functioning of the World Health Organization. It's seriously just a personality thing with Farmer. Don't let my knitpicky things keep you from reading this book.
Alright, it's lunchtime. Huzzah!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Back in Little Rock
Well, folks, I've been back home now for some time and things are business as usual. I had a good Christmas in Malvern as well as up here in LR. I got a job at a coffee shop fairly quickly, and am getting part time hours. It's not bad, and the coffee shop is closed on Sundays, so I've always got a day off. Generally, I want to actually get to the Kyrgyz Republic and get out of this damn waiting period in my life. One major problem with not being in school or working at a rewarding job (thanks Heifer and AmeriCorps) is that I feel like I'm rotting a bit. Sure, I've gotten some reading done, but I read anyway. I had a dream last night that left me with the distinct feeling that I need to get back in school ASAP, be it as a teacher or as a student. I need the routine of education. Education is such a great routine. One is constantly filling one's brain, reviving neural connections or creating new ones, and finds oneself frequently challenged. My daily routine now is hardly challenging, and it can be quite boring. And for me, being bored is not the best of ways to be. Why, boredom for me is about as bad as stress- it can lead to depression, stomach problems, and back pain. Especially when trapped at work, when all there is to do at work for the purpose of relieving boredom is wiping down tables for the Nth time.
Ok ok, in spite of that, things aren't that bad. I had my first Russian lesson, but the guy that volunteered to provide Nic and I with lessons ignored me for two hours and gave Nic a lesson. The kid that was supposed to teach us turned out to be extremely sexist and a bit materialistic. Needless to say, I may not have a second one, and will more than likely just stick to the stuff provided to us by the Peace corps. While I do have an interest in learning Russian, I do NOT have an interest in being blatantly ignored for two hours in a coffee shop. I know I am not chopped liver, and refuse to be treated as such.
I got a new cook book as a Christmas gift that I completely love. I have cooked a few recipes from it and they were awesome. My hands still smell like German meatballs, which consisted of very small amounts of very strongly smelling things as well as a combination of three different animals. These meatballs were the tur-duck-hen of meatball world. They were a combination of cow, bison, and anchovies. Although the texture of the meatballs was very soft and light, they had a very strong and indistinct taste. Just a few days ago Nic and I made pierogis from scratch, which, as it turns out, is extremely time consuming. Pierogis are basically a polish dumpling that is boiled or fried, and stuffed with beef, cheese, or potatoes, then served with sauerkraut or cottage cheese. First, I made the dough, rolled it out, cut it into little rings, then made the stuffing, let it chill, stuffed and sealed each pierogi...it took a few hours to make them from start to finish. I have a newfound respect for Polish grandmothers everywhere, as well as a greater understanding for the appeal of pierogi making machines.
New Years was pretty chill. I went to a party very briefly, but the party struck me as bad news. It was a bunch of really young kids basically screaming "arrest me arrest me!" I understand the urge to have a good time, but geez, man, there were some blatant illegalities that people were bringing a tremendous amount of attention to. It was not a boat I wanted to sink with. Folks, if you're going to party, at least put minimal effort into protecting yourself and your peers. So Nic and I went home and chilled with Nic's family, which was pretty good.
Sometimes I feel like I must be getting old over here. Or at least am really getting grown up.
And that's alright.
Ok ok, in spite of that, things aren't that bad. I had my first Russian lesson, but the guy that volunteered to provide Nic and I with lessons ignored me for two hours and gave Nic a lesson. The kid that was supposed to teach us turned out to be extremely sexist and a bit materialistic. Needless to say, I may not have a second one, and will more than likely just stick to the stuff provided to us by the Peace corps. While I do have an interest in learning Russian, I do NOT have an interest in being blatantly ignored for two hours in a coffee shop. I know I am not chopped liver, and refuse to be treated as such.
I got a new cook book as a Christmas gift that I completely love. I have cooked a few recipes from it and they were awesome. My hands still smell like German meatballs, which consisted of very small amounts of very strongly smelling things as well as a combination of three different animals. These meatballs were the tur-duck-hen of meatball world. They were a combination of cow, bison, and anchovies. Although the texture of the meatballs was very soft and light, they had a very strong and indistinct taste. Just a few days ago Nic and I made pierogis from scratch, which, as it turns out, is extremely time consuming. Pierogis are basically a polish dumpling that is boiled or fried, and stuffed with beef, cheese, or potatoes, then served with sauerkraut or cottage cheese. First, I made the dough, rolled it out, cut it into little rings, then made the stuffing, let it chill, stuffed and sealed each pierogi...it took a few hours to make them from start to finish. I have a newfound respect for Polish grandmothers everywhere, as well as a greater understanding for the appeal of pierogi making machines.
New Years was pretty chill. I went to a party very briefly, but the party struck me as bad news. It was a bunch of really young kids basically screaming "arrest me arrest me!" I understand the urge to have a good time, but geez, man, there were some blatant illegalities that people were bringing a tremendous amount of attention to. It was not a boat I wanted to sink with. Folks, if you're going to party, at least put minimal effort into protecting yourself and your peers. So Nic and I went home and chilled with Nic's family, which was pretty good.
Sometimes I feel like I must be getting old over here. Or at least am really getting grown up.
And that's alright.
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