Sunday, November 23, 2008
NCAA Bowl Games
Sorry, but I forgot maybe the most important item on my wish list: College Football Bowl Games. My dad's sending me the UCLA/USC game, so that's off the list, but maybe if you guys (I'm looking at you tekes) can get together and tape em, and either send them to my parents or to me - you will have given me the best christmas gift I can ask for. Thanks all!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
On the Road Again
Hey all,
Lusaka has been amazing. The first day here I had another appointment with my doctor and then I met up with some other PCVs and went to the swankiest bar in country - I felt like I was in LA. I woke up the next morning and went to a pick game of ultimate frisbee with a group of brits and americans. After we got indian food and saw the new Bond movie. I've met a lot of PCVs, expats, US employees, aid workers, and they're all really awesome people.
Oh yeah, the address I gave a few months back is wrong. The correct address is:
PO Box 530376
Lundazi, Zambia
Africa
All the mail that's been sent to me has actually been going to another PCV - so no worries, if you have been sending stuff to the old address, I will get it. Along this subject, I've got a wishlist - I know its a little presumptious to assume you all want to send me packages, but if by chance you do and you're out of ideas, here's somethings that have been on my mind:
-Stick Deodorant (NO where to be found in Zambia - seems they only like roll and spray-ons)
-Skittles, Starbursts, Red Vines, and gum
-Goldfish (the cheese crackers)
-Canned cheeze wiz (there's a total lack to cheese in Zambia)
-Honey roasted peanuts
-Pictures
-And anything else you'd think would be good thousands of miles away from home in the middle of nowhere! THANKS!!!!!
Lusaka has been amazing. The first day here I had another appointment with my doctor and then I met up with some other PCVs and went to the swankiest bar in country - I felt like I was in LA. I woke up the next morning and went to a pick game of ultimate frisbee with a group of brits and americans. After we got indian food and saw the new Bond movie. I've met a lot of PCVs, expats, US employees, aid workers, and they're all really awesome people.
Oh yeah, the address I gave a few months back is wrong. The correct address is:
PO Box 530376
Lundazi, Zambia
Africa
All the mail that's been sent to me has actually been going to another PCV - so no worries, if you have been sending stuff to the old address, I will get it. Along this subject, I've got a wishlist - I know its a little presumptious to assume you all want to send me packages, but if by chance you do and you're out of ideas, here's somethings that have been on my mind:
-Stick Deodorant (NO where to be found in Zambia - seems they only like roll and spray-ons)
-Any new music
-Any new DVDs
-Gameboy games (I know, I know, but it gets boring out in the bush)
-Magazines (Newsweek, New Scientist, Esquire, Maxim, etc)
-Pancake mix & syurp
-Kraft Macaroni and Cheeze
-Parmesan Cheese-Skittles, Starbursts, Red Vines, and gum
-Goldfish (the cheese crackers)
-Canned cheeze wiz (there's a total lack to cheese in Zambia)
-Honey roasted peanuts
-Pictures
-And anything else you'd think would be good thousands of miles away from home in the middle of nowhere! THANKS!!!!!
Anyways, I'm hitchin back to Chipata tomorrow for a week of admin stuff and thanksgiving celebrations. I hope all is well back home, and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
--Ryan
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Lusaka!!
Hey all,
So I arrived in Lusaka yesterday around 2 after a notsogrueling 9 hour bus ride. Well, it was relatively grueling, but I just zoned out to music and stared out into the African bush. Being out at site for two months made the bush seem a little bland, but driving through it at 100+ km/hour - it starts to vary and soon I'm reminded just how beautiful this place really is. Its the beginning of the rainy season too, so the country is bathed in green and everything has a refresing tropical feel. Anyways, we (I wasn't alone on this trip, one of my friends from my intake and from my province had to make the trip too) pulled into Lusaka and made our way straight to the medical offices. I gave the blood, recieved two vials for 'other' samples, answered a few questions, and was sent on my way. The doc said she wanted me in Lusaka till Monday and longer if something comes up (which I highly doubt anything will), but nonetheless its going to be a nice vacation from site. There's a movie theatre here (with the new Bond movie playing!), awesome food, and some friends - so I'll have enough to keep me throughly entertained till Monday. Peace Corps set me up in a really nice hotel room with my own satellite TV, shower, and even a little garden - I haven't stayed in anything this nice since Washington DC! Anyways, I'm sure I'll make another post before I leave. Thanks for all the updates, they really help!
Pampered,
Ryan
So I arrived in Lusaka yesterday around 2 after a notsogrueling 9 hour bus ride. Well, it was relatively grueling, but I just zoned out to music and stared out into the African bush. Being out at site for two months made the bush seem a little bland, but driving through it at 100+ km/hour - it starts to vary and soon I'm reminded just how beautiful this place really is. Its the beginning of the rainy season too, so the country is bathed in green and everything has a refresing tropical feel. Anyways, we (I wasn't alone on this trip, one of my friends from my intake and from my province had to make the trip too) pulled into Lusaka and made our way straight to the medical offices. I gave the blood, recieved two vials for 'other' samples, answered a few questions, and was sent on my way. The doc said she wanted me in Lusaka till Monday and longer if something comes up (which I highly doubt anything will), but nonetheless its going to be a nice vacation from site. There's a movie theatre here (with the new Bond movie playing!), awesome food, and some friends - so I'll have enough to keep me throughly entertained till Monday. Peace Corps set me up in a really nice hotel room with my own satellite TV, shower, and even a little garden - I haven't stayed in anything this nice since Washington DC! Anyways, I'm sure I'll make another post before I leave. Thanks for all the updates, they really help!
Pampered,
Ryan
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Sick Days
So, yet again, I find myself at the Peace Corps provincial house nearly 200 km from site and home. Why? I’m “sick” – for the third week running. Tomorrow, I’ll find my way to a 5 am bus, end up in the capital, and eventually give a few milliliters of blood to PC medical. Three weeks ago, I thought it was only something I ate, untreated water maybe. And, through a regimen of Advil, Pepto-Bismol, and lying spread eagle on the floor of my cool mud-brick hut, I treated it as such and felt better. One week later, I wake again with the same feeling, but despite the Advil and cold mud flood, my temperature reached 103.8 F by noon. By five I could walk for only a couple minutes, just long enough to satisfy the sadistic tendencies of a hell-spawned spell of diarrhea. By six I called the medical officer. From the black stool and high temperature, she most gentle used the words “on the brink of organ failure” to describe my situation. Of course she made this diagnosis nearly six hundred kilometers away and I’m sure that it made have not been as exact as it could have been, but, nonetheless, did she really have to say “organ failure”? She then followed that up with “I’m am REALLY worried about your life right now, Ryan” which now seems a little dramatic, but at the time it literally scared the shit out of me. Malaria. She suspected the culprit to be malaria. So, I took the Quinine-related malaria medication and the next morning I could stand without falling.
Everything started to level off: the temperature went down, the dizziness wore off, the chills subsided, and (best of all) my poo returned to a healthy brown. She didn’t explain it at the time, but the black stool meant internal bleeding – thus the “organ failure” bit. Anyways, my coordinator drove to my site, picked me up and we went to the provincial house. I was there for four days and by the last day, when my buddies dropped in, I was strong and healthy enough to have a few beers. The rest of the week was fine. I ate, I ran, I gardened –everything I could do before. Then, on Saturday, I couldn’t get out of bed till noon. And so by yesterday, I ended up here. Don’t get me wrong – I’m really OK. Just weak, sore and a little irritated – gastro intestinally. The medical officer just wants to rule a thing or two out, but considering that I’m perfectly OK right now, I’m sure I’ll be back very soon.
I have a eight hour bus to catch in seven hours, so I'm sure I'll think of more to say when I'm travelling. I'll post again in a day or two.
Thankful for US healthcare coverage,
Ryan
Everything started to level off: the temperature went down, the dizziness wore off, the chills subsided, and (best of all) my poo returned to a healthy brown. She didn’t explain it at the time, but the black stool meant internal bleeding – thus the “organ failure” bit. Anyways, my coordinator drove to my site, picked me up and we went to the provincial house. I was there for four days and by the last day, when my buddies dropped in, I was strong and healthy enough to have a few beers. The rest of the week was fine. I ate, I ran, I gardened –everything I could do before. Then, on Saturday, I couldn’t get out of bed till noon. And so by yesterday, I ended up here. Don’t get me wrong – I’m really OK. Just weak, sore and a little irritated – gastro intestinally. The medical officer just wants to rule a thing or two out, but considering that I’m perfectly OK right now, I’m sure I’ll be back very soon.
I have a eight hour bus to catch in seven hours, so I'm sure I'll think of more to say when I'm travelling. I'll post again in a day or two.
Thankful for US healthcare coverage,
Ryan
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cookin Runnin Doggin and soon Cattin
Hey dudes, gals, and family,
I'm back in the BOMA. We have to see immgration in the provincial capital tomorrow, so I get some time away from the village. Nothing much has changed though. I now have furniture (a bed, coffee table, couple of chairs) which is nice, but the best thing I have right now is my little ipod speakers (THANKS MOM!). The village must hate me, cause I am constantly playing music - morning to evening. But honestly, if they hate my music, so be it- it really really brightens up my day. A few things have been working like that.
Cooking. For sure cooking. Cause I have so much time on my hands breakfast and dinners are huge affairs. Just the other day I made bqq baked beans - it took 6-7 hours to make, but damn if they weren't good beans. I'm also using soya pieces - they're essentially strips of chicken-esque strips made from soy. They work like sponges soaking up what ever spice/sauce/etc I throw in.
On top of cooking and music, I've been running - a lot. I guess the massive amount of carbohydrates has something to do with, but either way I'm addicted again. Then there's the mountain biking. Its not that great, but there are some nice hills to barrel down and every once in a while I can find some entertaining single track.
Oh, then there's Tig. He's doing well, but a puppy just about to hit puberty (despite what the seller told me - he, in fact, is not fixed). I've got a pretty bad mouse problem, the villagers tell me the only solution is a cat. So I'm gonna try to pick one up either today or tomorrow.
So, I'm gonna go find a cat now. Keep the comments coming - its good to hear from y'all. Oh yeah! I got my US phone unlocked so in a matter of days I'll have the internet on my phone! I'll write somethin later.
Loves,
Ryan
I'm back in the BOMA. We have to see immgration in the provincial capital tomorrow, so I get some time away from the village. Nothing much has changed though. I now have furniture (a bed, coffee table, couple of chairs) which is nice, but the best thing I have right now is my little ipod speakers (THANKS MOM!). The village must hate me, cause I am constantly playing music - morning to evening. But honestly, if they hate my music, so be it- it really really brightens up my day. A few things have been working like that.
Cooking. For sure cooking. Cause I have so much time on my hands breakfast and dinners are huge affairs. Just the other day I made bqq baked beans - it took 6-7 hours to make, but damn if they weren't good beans. I'm also using soya pieces - they're essentially strips of chicken-esque strips made from soy. They work like sponges soaking up what ever spice/sauce/etc I throw in.
On top of cooking and music, I've been running - a lot. I guess the massive amount of carbohydrates has something to do with, but either way I'm addicted again. Then there's the mountain biking. Its not that great, but there are some nice hills to barrel down and every once in a while I can find some entertaining single track.
Oh, then there's Tig. He's doing well, but a puppy just about to hit puberty (despite what the seller told me - he, in fact, is not fixed). I've got a pretty bad mouse problem, the villagers tell me the only solution is a cat. So I'm gonna try to pick one up either today or tomorrow.
So, I'm gonna go find a cat now. Keep the comments coming - its good to hear from y'all. Oh yeah! I got my US phone unlocked so in a matter of days I'll have the internet on my phone! I'll write somethin later.
Loves,
Ryan
Thursday, October 16, 2008
From da bush
Hey all,
So It happened. On September 20-something I rose my hand, said an oath, and became a real life peace corps volunteer. A few days and many celebratory bottles later I found my self facing a rather snug hut surrounded by all my bags and a dog. (Oh yeah, I bought a dog - Tiger - in Lusaka and brought him with me to site. He's been a saving grace, a buddy at all times). The days at site are very routine. I wake up, lay in bed for thrity minutes or so, get up, feed Tig, sit in front of my house, and stare blankly into the African bush, whilst wondering whatinthehell am I doing here, for a good ten or fifteen minutes. Once I snap out of that, I eat breakfast (oatmeal and whatever leftovers from the night before), don a tie and dress shirt, ride my bike to one meeting or another (whether or not the other party shows up [its always 50/50]), come back, clean my hut, cook lunch, play a little sodoku/read/write, clean again maybe, go for a run, bathe, cook dinner, and finally go to sleep. That's a pretty full 16 hr day (mind you everything takes two or three times longer than it did back in the states).
My village is, as I can tell so far, nice. The previous volunteer was admistratively separted for some pretty seriousily inappropriate behavior and, whether it actually exists or I just mentally project it, an aire of wary suspicion floats around my village. Its definitely getting better though, the people are definitely opening up a little and I'm not feeling like such an outcast.
Its hard for me to think of anything funny or intesting to tell. Everyday kinda mushes together into one hymogenous routine. I guess I'll have to start writing down the more entertaining events so I can remember them easier - but really I can't think of anything specific.
Oh wait: OK. So it was my first night in my village and, well, nature of the second type came calling around 9pm. So I grab my toliet paper and head out to my pit latrine. My village reluctantly forgot to put a roof on my "toilet" and so, trying to make lemonaid outta whatIthinkarelemons, I looked forward to enjoying an open air restroom. Anyways, as I squatted down, I immediately felt something hit my butt-cheek at a rather high velocity. Before I could stand up to see what it was, two more hit the other cheek. I stand up, turn around, and see crickets, the size of a half-dollars and larger, shooting out of the latrine hole. Yelling an explictive, I ran to my house, grabbed my five dollar can of raid, and emptied half the can into the hole. Bad idea. Two seconds later, I kid you not, hundreds of these giant crickets came pouring out from the dark stanky depths. Needlesstosay, I returned some rich nutrients to forest that night. And the next day they were gone, leaving me to enjoy my open air throne room.
Avocados are in season, and forwhateverreason, Zambians are more than happy to sell them CHEAP. So far I've bought 20 nice sized avocados in the past week and a half, and the Guac has just been pouring out of my hut. I've even figured out how to make bush-tortilla-chips and tacos just so I can use up that green, creamy goodness.
I'm usually dirty. Even now I'm really dirty. I mean I wash everyday, but somehow I'm filthy minutes later.
One of the kids from my language group who was placed pretty close to me has left - leaving just three of us to take on the Lundazi district. It was hard to see her go, but she really wasn't happy here and I'm glad she didn't wait to make the decision.
That's really it. I can't think of anything else. I know, I know: "But you're in Africa!" To tell the truth, the demands of simply living take up at least half, if not three fourths, of the day. If there's anything specific you guys wanna know about, leave a comment. Otherwise, lemme know what's up in the States (extra request re: College Football). Anyways Hope all is well, you've got my address, my phone number, and my email - give me an update sometime.
Loves to all,
Ryan-CoveredInDirt-Keating
So It happened. On September 20-something I rose my hand, said an oath, and became a real life peace corps volunteer. A few days and many celebratory bottles later I found my self facing a rather snug hut surrounded by all my bags and a dog. (Oh yeah, I bought a dog - Tiger - in Lusaka and brought him with me to site. He's been a saving grace, a buddy at all times). The days at site are very routine. I wake up, lay in bed for thrity minutes or so, get up, feed Tig, sit in front of my house, and stare blankly into the African bush, whilst wondering whatinthehell am I doing here, for a good ten or fifteen minutes. Once I snap out of that, I eat breakfast (oatmeal and whatever leftovers from the night before), don a tie and dress shirt, ride my bike to one meeting or another (whether or not the other party shows up [its always 50/50]), come back, clean my hut, cook lunch, play a little sodoku/read/write, clean again maybe, go for a run, bathe, cook dinner, and finally go to sleep. That's a pretty full 16 hr day (mind you everything takes two or three times longer than it did back in the states).
My village is, as I can tell so far, nice. The previous volunteer was admistratively separted for some pretty seriousily inappropriate behavior and, whether it actually exists or I just mentally project it, an aire of wary suspicion floats around my village. Its definitely getting better though, the people are definitely opening up a little and I'm not feeling like such an outcast.
Its hard for me to think of anything funny or intesting to tell. Everyday kinda mushes together into one hymogenous routine. I guess I'll have to start writing down the more entertaining events so I can remember them easier - but really I can't think of anything specific.
Oh wait: OK. So it was my first night in my village and, well, nature of the second type came calling around 9pm. So I grab my toliet paper and head out to my pit latrine. My village reluctantly forgot to put a roof on my "toilet" and so, trying to make lemonaid outta whatIthinkarelemons, I looked forward to enjoying an open air restroom. Anyways, as I squatted down, I immediately felt something hit my butt-cheek at a rather high velocity. Before I could stand up to see what it was, two more hit the other cheek. I stand up, turn around, and see crickets, the size of a half-dollars and larger, shooting out of the latrine hole. Yelling an explictive, I ran to my house, grabbed my five dollar can of raid, and emptied half the can into the hole. Bad idea. Two seconds later, I kid you not, hundreds of these giant crickets came pouring out from the dark stanky depths. Needlesstosay, I returned some rich nutrients to forest that night. And the next day they were gone, leaving me to enjoy my open air throne room.
Avocados are in season, and forwhateverreason, Zambians are more than happy to sell them CHEAP. So far I've bought 20 nice sized avocados in the past week and a half, and the Guac has just been pouring out of my hut. I've even figured out how to make bush-tortilla-chips and tacos just so I can use up that green, creamy goodness.
I'm usually dirty. Even now I'm really dirty. I mean I wash everyday, but somehow I'm filthy minutes later.
One of the kids from my language group who was placed pretty close to me has left - leaving just three of us to take on the Lundazi district. It was hard to see her go, but she really wasn't happy here and I'm glad she didn't wait to make the decision.
That's really it. I can't think of anything else. I know, I know: "But you're in Africa!" To tell the truth, the demands of simply living take up at least half, if not three fourths, of the day. If there's anything specific you guys wanna know about, leave a comment. Otherwise, lemme know what's up in the States (extra request re: College Football). Anyways Hope all is well, you've got my address, my phone number, and my email - give me an update sometime.
Loves to all,
Ryan-CoveredInDirt-Keating
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Malaria (IN ITALIAN: bad air)
Hello all,
I'm back in Lusaka and glad to be returning to homestay. While at the provincial house I became violently ill and have been trying to recover ever since. While Zambia's been quite nice to me, malaria hasn't! But thankfully the Peace Corps gave me some pretty powerfully drugs, so the gruesome facts of the illness have been taken care of. Yet the achiness, the lethargy, and the inability to eat anything lingers. Thankfully though, I came down with it at the Peace Corps Provincal house, so I spent the brunt of the malality in front of a VCR watching video while downing oral rehydration salts. In other news, I have my new address! Its:
P.O. box 530376
Lundazi, Africa
So feel free to send letters (PLEASE!!!). Anyways keep up with the comments, they're lots of help! Hope all is well in the States!
--Ryan
I'm back in Lusaka and glad to be returning to homestay. While at the provincial house I became violently ill and have been trying to recover ever since. While Zambia's been quite nice to me, malaria hasn't! But thankfully the Peace Corps gave me some pretty powerfully drugs, so the gruesome facts of the illness have been taken care of. Yet the achiness, the lethargy, and the inability to eat anything lingers. Thankfully though, I came down with it at the Peace Corps Provincal house, so I spent the brunt of the malality in front of a VCR watching video while downing oral rehydration salts. In other news, I have my new address! Its:
P.O. box 530376
Lundazi, Africa
So feel free to send letters (PLEASE!!!). Anyways keep up with the comments, they're lots of help! Hope all is well in the States!
--Ryan
Monday, September 8, 2008
Powered by beans
Hey all,
I know its been a while, but I've found an internet cafe days before I'll have access to free internet - so this one's short. I'm here in Lundazi. A BOMA (British somethingoranother...) in Eastern provience, literally right next to Malwai. I'm here for two weeks, putting down some roots, seeing my site, and getting away from training. This place is pretty cool! Ten minutes ago I was chillin out by a river 50 feet from a hippo, now I'm on a computer, and in ten more minutes I think I'm gonna go buy some 75 cent beers. Unfortunately I have to leave this place on Sunday and return to Training back in Lusaka, but that's ok, I'll get my fill till I come back in October. Oh yeah, lately instead of nshima, I've been eating beans here. A lot of beans. No really, it's sick. Anyways, till Wednesday.
Yours tootly,
Ryan
I know its been a while, but I've found an internet cafe days before I'll have access to free internet - so this one's short. I'm here in Lundazi. A BOMA (British somethingoranother...) in Eastern provience, literally right next to Malwai. I'm here for two weeks, putting down some roots, seeing my site, and getting away from training. This place is pretty cool! Ten minutes ago I was chillin out by a river 50 feet from a hippo, now I'm on a computer, and in ten more minutes I think I'm gonna go buy some 75 cent beers. Unfortunately I have to leave this place on Sunday and return to Training back in Lusaka, but that's ok, I'll get my fill till I come back in October. Oh yeah, lately instead of nshima, I've been eating beans here. A lot of beans. No really, it's sick. Anyways, till Wednesday.
Yours tootly,
Ryan
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Hey, I'm in Zambia!
Hey all, guess what? I'm in Zambia. Yes, after walking around the training town, Chongway, for a few hours or more, I found my way to a working, and ONLINE!!, computer. Zambia's a nice place. The people here are amazing. Whether you're walking or biking furiously, each Zambia will stop you, greet you, ask you where you're going, if you're married, what church you go to, and etc.. The food here was gross for a week and then truely and absolutely amazing afterward. All I really eat is balls of corn meal, lettuce-type-greens, tomato soup, and chicken - a truely Zambian lunch, dinner, and afternoon snack. My fellow PC trainees are amazing and I'm having a lot of fun with them. My host family are so extremely generous, welcoming, warm people. I'm sorry that I have to be soo vague, but internet's kinda expensive here and I have to be brief. Sufficient to say I am well, getting though, and learning a lot. My only problem is missing everyone back home. I miss you all so so so much, but lets just call two years a short period. Itll be good that way. Anyways, I'm dirty, hot and need to get home before the sun falls. Love you all.
Oh yeah, I have a zambian phone. The number is: 011260979121697. Please call me, I'll go more into detail and I'd love to talk to each and everyone of you!
With love and all that good stuff,
Ryan, Bucket, or that guy who went to Africa.
Oh yeah, I have a zambian phone. The number is: 011260979121697. Please call me, I'll go more into detail and I'd love to talk to each and everyone of you!
With love and all that good stuff,
Ryan, Bucket, or that guy who went to Africa.
Friday, July 18, 2008
This Time Next Week!
This time next week I will be far above the Atlantic, most likely under the influence of Tylenol PM or some other sedative, ten hours from landing in South Africa. And of course, right now, I am plagued with excitement, joy, fear, anticipation, anxiety, and a little confusion with so many emotions pulsing through my head - but I know, despite the emotional roller coaster, its all going to be OK.
So, last week I quit my job, shoved all my belongings into my little Honda Civic, said goodbye to my beloved friends, and drove back home to Ventura where I sit now, still a little dazed. I'd like to say that I've been busy doing all the things I have ever wanted to do here at home, but the reality is that I've been laying around, watching TV, and rolling around on the floor with my dogs. Its all I really wanted to do right now. But, in between watching movies with my mom and going to the beach with my dog, I have managed to pack all my gear, finish all my shopping, and read all the pre-orientation PC materials. Just enough that I don't feel too entirely unproductive.
My last few days here are going to be amazing. LeeAnn is coming up to Ventura on Saturday and will be here till I take off. I feel so comforted by the fact that I'll get to spend my last days with her in the states - I'm really looking forward to her arrival. Then the same day my parents are throwing me a going away party with all our family and friends - a definite source of entertainment and joy! Then I have a few days to center and calm myself till Tuesday 11:50 pm - my departure time from LAX. I'll fly to Chicago and then to D.C. where I'll have three days of training and uber-vaccinations. Then on the 29th we take off on our 17 hour plane ride to South Africa - only to get back on the plane again to fly to Lusaka, our ultimate destination in Zambia. And like I said, my head is spinning in anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and...well, you know.
So, last week I quit my job, shoved all my belongings into my little Honda Civic, said goodbye to my beloved friends, and drove back home to Ventura where I sit now, still a little dazed. I'd like to say that I've been busy doing all the things I have ever wanted to do here at home, but the reality is that I've been laying around, watching TV, and rolling around on the floor with my dogs. Its all I really wanted to do right now. But, in between watching movies with my mom and going to the beach with my dog, I have managed to pack all my gear, finish all my shopping, and read all the pre-orientation PC materials. Just enough that I don't feel too entirely unproductive.
My last few days here are going to be amazing. LeeAnn is coming up to Ventura on Saturday and will be here till I take off. I feel so comforted by the fact that I'll get to spend my last days with her in the states - I'm really looking forward to her arrival. Then the same day my parents are throwing me a going away party with all our family and friends - a definite source of entertainment and joy! Then I have a few days to center and calm myself till Tuesday 11:50 pm - my departure time from LAX. I'll fly to Chicago and then to D.C. where I'll have three days of training and uber-vaccinations. Then on the 29th we take off on our 17 hour plane ride to South Africa - only to get back on the plane again to fly to Lusaka, our ultimate destination in Zambia. And like I said, my head is spinning in anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and...well, you know.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Four Weeks to Go!
OK, so I know I'm not in Zambia but I'm in the lab and I honestly have nothing better to do but write this post.
Yesterday I recieved my staging packet in the mail - the last big PC mailing before shipping off for staging (which, by the way, is in D.C!). In it, was a couple of pamphlets, forms and a CD with a ton of PC publications. I went through it all a few minutes ago and the apprehension, excitement, joy and sorrow of departing finally hit me. I'm torn between the utter anticipation of living in another country and culture (!!!) and the utter saddness of leaving, and not seeing, friends, family, and love ones for two years. But the good thing is: I will be back! And I will be connected to you all by cell, text message, internet, and snail mail, so I'll still get to bug and annoy you for the next two years!!
So, except for the last three days, I've been working 9+ hour days here at the mouse lab, 7 days a week!! They essentially gave me the postion of manager right after I graduated so I really didn't have anytime to decompress. But, a few days after I started, I simply told them I would be gone for three days this week and tuned them out when they bitched. Anyways, LeeAnn and I spent three gourgous nights camping up in Mammoth this week. We tent camped at this AMAZING campground in an AMAZING site separated by two creeks and adorned with pines and aspens. It was nice trip into nostalgia, seeing the sites that my family and I visited years ago. Anyways, the trips over and I'm back in lab smellin like a camp fire.
I'm gonna try and see everyone before I go, but my boss wants me in the lab everyday (I want to say incredibly bad things about this fact, but I'll keep it clean), so I'll do my best.
--Ryan (Bucket)
Yesterday I recieved my staging packet in the mail - the last big PC mailing before shipping off for staging (which, by the way, is in D.C!). In it, was a couple of pamphlets, forms and a CD with a ton of PC publications. I went through it all a few minutes ago and the apprehension, excitement, joy and sorrow of departing finally hit me. I'm torn between the utter anticipation of living in another country and culture (!!!) and the utter saddness of leaving, and not seeing, friends, family, and love ones for two years. But the good thing is: I will be back! And I will be connected to you all by cell, text message, internet, and snail mail, so I'll still get to bug and annoy you for the next two years!!
So, except for the last three days, I've been working 9+ hour days here at the mouse lab, 7 days a week!! They essentially gave me the postion of manager right after I graduated so I really didn't have anytime to decompress. But, a few days after I started, I simply told them I would be gone for three days this week and tuned them out when they bitched. Anyways, LeeAnn and I spent three gourgous nights camping up in Mammoth this week. We tent camped at this AMAZING campground in an AMAZING site separated by two creeks and adorned with pines and aspens. It was nice trip into nostalgia, seeing the sites that my family and I visited years ago. Anyways, the trips over and I'm back in lab smellin like a camp fire.
I'm gonna try and see everyone before I go, but my boss wants me in the lab everyday (I want to say incredibly bad things about this fact, but I'll keep it clean), so I'll do my best.
--Ryan (Bucket)
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