As I mentioned a few times before, I am posting my books read and movies watched list. I am not listing anything I've read more than once, more than once, same goes for movies. I will update again in a few months.
I hope you all enjoy it. Also, please don't judge the movies. Sometimes you just watch what you've got.
Books I’ve Read:
1) The Sex Lives of Cannibals by Maarten Troost
2) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
3) Wicked by Gregory Maguire
4) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Movies I’ve watched:
1) Megamind
2) Jackass 3D
3) Baby’s Day Out
4) Some lifetime movie about a psycho lady in love with her teacher.
5) Black Swan
6) What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
7) Ann Rule’s Too Late to Say Goodbye
8) Good Hair
9) Showtime
10) Code Monkeys Season 1
11) House Season 1
12) Failure to Launch
13) He’s Just Not That Into You
14) Wanted
15) The Social Network
16) Up (Jesse I wear my Ellie Badge every time I watch this movie and sometime when I’m not watching)
17) My Sisters Keeper
18) The Ugly Truth
My awesome week (thus far)
May 19, 2011
I’m happy to announce I’ve had a wonderful week since Sunday. Hopefully this update doesn’t jinx it.
Sunday the family had a really awesome BBQ at the house and the food was delicious. I ate a ton, but consider my severe lack of appetite lately due to the wonderful (not sarcastic) heat, a good splurge was needed.
Monday was back to class. The morning was Kriol lessons, the afternoon I had to do a presentation for an 8th grade class with a fellow volunteer Steve. We taught the HFLE (Health and Family Life Education) class regarding the topic of managing difficult situations. Typically the class isn’t very participatory or even responsive. I’m not sure if it was because they didn’t have class that morning because their teacher showed up, or because we held class outside, or maybe if it was just us, but they were wonderful. They participated, asked questions, and really seemed to listen. One class member asked us about the Peace Corps as a whole when we were done and we explained to the class what we’ve been doing at their school and in their community the past 6 weeks. We even got 2 sincere students who said “Thank You”. That right there made up for all the lows I’ve been having and gave me hope that once I get to my final site in a few weeks and start my job, I’ll be having many more of those moments.
Tuesday wasn’t that special, but it was a good day.
Wednesday I had a lot of fun with my Kriol presentation. I had to do an entire presentation in Kriol, it was supposed to be 10 minutes, but it went a little longer. We played Jeopardy and I came up with some fun questions. The rest of the group seemed to have fun too. That afternoon I went to Belmopan to check out some places at the market. I mailed my first package to the U.S., so hopefully in about a month it will get to its destination without any trouble. I also bought a ton of post cards. I have a batch going out on Friday to several friends that I promised mail to, who haven’t gotten any yet. I also have the rest of the letters, postcards and cards addressed and stamped, but not written yet, so batch #3 will go out next week. While in Belmopan, my Kriol was complimented by the man in the post office helping me mail my package as well as the Chairman of my village who I ran into about 20 minutes later. This made me feel really good, because I have been working on it and I do feel really comfortable speaking it, so it was a moment of pride for me and made me feel like all my work is actually worth something.
As a whole, I feel like something just clicked lately and I’m feeling much more at home here in Belize. I still don’t think it’ll truly feel real until I’m in my final placement and am settled in my own place, but Belizian norms aren’t stressing me out like they were and the culture shock is fading mildly and new norms are forming. I’m starting to do something that wasn’t even in my vocabulary back in the U.S. and that would be the word “relax”. I kind of like it too.
Today (Thursday) has been a pretty chill day. It’s crazy hot, so I haven’t gotten much accomplished outside of doing my laundry and getting a pedicure. Hopefully when the sun goes down I’ll be able to knock out a bunch of work that I need to do on one of my final projects.
Tomorrow I’ll get up super early to head to Belmopan for the market. I have to get some ingredients for the side dish I’m making for Saturday’s host family appreciation dinner. Also, I’m going cave tubing on Monday, so hopefully I’ll find some secondhand capris or something. I’ve got tops to wear over my suit, just need some bottoms. Worst comes to worst I’ll wear some really long capris I’ve got. Or maybe some of the packages Christina sent with the rest of my clothes will finally get here, so let’s hope. I’m still afraid they were stolen due to the fact she sent them over a month ago and everyone else’s packages are getting here between 2-3 weeks. I really hope not though.
Some more super good news though, I’m getting my first visitor!!!! He’s not coming until November, but one my awesome friends already booked a flight and is visiting me! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Also, on this upcoming Tuesday, I’ll find out where my final placement is and where I’ll be working the next 2 years. Hopefully, it’s somewhere awesome, and by awesome, I mean a really good fit for me, my personality and skills.
On one last completely random side note; for those of my friends who love to read as much as I do, please, read The Alchemist if you haven’t already. It’s really wonderful and inspirational.
Also, I’ve decided this week deserves a band of the week posting: and it goes to Audioslave.
I’ll post some info on Tuesday once I learn where my site is and where I’ll be working. Kathy and Mom, I’ll just call you.
And one last thing, a big shout out to my sister Peggy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
I think I’m done now.
Until next time…
Peace Out.
I’m happy to announce I’ve had a wonderful week since Sunday. Hopefully this update doesn’t jinx it.
Sunday the family had a really awesome BBQ at the house and the food was delicious. I ate a ton, but consider my severe lack of appetite lately due to the wonderful (not sarcastic) heat, a good splurge was needed.
Monday was back to class. The morning was Kriol lessons, the afternoon I had to do a presentation for an 8th grade class with a fellow volunteer Steve. We taught the HFLE (Health and Family Life Education) class regarding the topic of managing difficult situations. Typically the class isn’t very participatory or even responsive. I’m not sure if it was because they didn’t have class that morning because their teacher showed up, or because we held class outside, or maybe if it was just us, but they were wonderful. They participated, asked questions, and really seemed to listen. One class member asked us about the Peace Corps as a whole when we were done and we explained to the class what we’ve been doing at their school and in their community the past 6 weeks. We even got 2 sincere students who said “Thank You”. That right there made up for all the lows I’ve been having and gave me hope that once I get to my final site in a few weeks and start my job, I’ll be having many more of those moments.
Tuesday wasn’t that special, but it was a good day.
Wednesday I had a lot of fun with my Kriol presentation. I had to do an entire presentation in Kriol, it was supposed to be 10 minutes, but it went a little longer. We played Jeopardy and I came up with some fun questions. The rest of the group seemed to have fun too. That afternoon I went to Belmopan to check out some places at the market. I mailed my first package to the U.S., so hopefully in about a month it will get to its destination without any trouble. I also bought a ton of post cards. I have a batch going out on Friday to several friends that I promised mail to, who haven’t gotten any yet. I also have the rest of the letters, postcards and cards addressed and stamped, but not written yet, so batch #3 will go out next week. While in Belmopan, my Kriol was complimented by the man in the post office helping me mail my package as well as the Chairman of my village who I ran into about 20 minutes later. This made me feel really good, because I have been working on it and I do feel really comfortable speaking it, so it was a moment of pride for me and made me feel like all my work is actually worth something.
As a whole, I feel like something just clicked lately and I’m feeling much more at home here in Belize. I still don’t think it’ll truly feel real until I’m in my final placement and am settled in my own place, but Belizian norms aren’t stressing me out like they were and the culture shock is fading mildly and new norms are forming. I’m starting to do something that wasn’t even in my vocabulary back in the U.S. and that would be the word “relax”. I kind of like it too.
Today (Thursday) has been a pretty chill day. It’s crazy hot, so I haven’t gotten much accomplished outside of doing my laundry and getting a pedicure. Hopefully when the sun goes down I’ll be able to knock out a bunch of work that I need to do on one of my final projects.
Tomorrow I’ll get up super early to head to Belmopan for the market. I have to get some ingredients for the side dish I’m making for Saturday’s host family appreciation dinner. Also, I’m going cave tubing on Monday, so hopefully I’ll find some secondhand capris or something. I’ve got tops to wear over my suit, just need some bottoms. Worst comes to worst I’ll wear some really long capris I’ve got. Or maybe some of the packages Christina sent with the rest of my clothes will finally get here, so let’s hope. I’m still afraid they were stolen due to the fact she sent them over a month ago and everyone else’s packages are getting here between 2-3 weeks. I really hope not though.
Some more super good news though, I’m getting my first visitor!!!! He’s not coming until November, but one my awesome friends already booked a flight and is visiting me! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Also, on this upcoming Tuesday, I’ll find out where my final placement is and where I’ll be working the next 2 years. Hopefully, it’s somewhere awesome, and by awesome, I mean a really good fit for me, my personality and skills.
On one last completely random side note; for those of my friends who love to read as much as I do, please, read The Alchemist if you haven’t already. It’s really wonderful and inspirational.
Also, I’ve decided this week deserves a band of the week posting: and it goes to Audioslave.
I’ll post some info on Tuesday once I learn where my site is and where I’ll be working. Kathy and Mom, I’ll just call you.
And one last thing, a big shout out to my sister Peggy. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
I think I’m done now.
Until next time…
Peace Out.
To keep this blog or not to keep this blog
Unless I can figure out the privacy preferences, I may have to shut down this blog.
More updates on this later.
More updates on this later.
Sand Flies are pure evil
May 12, 2011
Hello friends and family!
I’ve got a nice long update for you all.
So lots of things have been going on, as usual both positive and negative. I’ll try to do this somewhat chronologically, but we’ll touch on a few main events.
Last I updated we were about to have midway evaluation sessions and getting our volunteer visit assignments. Well, I was able to do both.
The midway training evaluation was fine. Overall I did just fine, it was just stressful because in certain areas I have struggled and it was pointed out strongly again, even though I’ve improved vastly. I just would have liked them to say at least one positive thing instead of only commenting on the negative, because there are far more things I’m doing right than wrong, and that’s not just my opinion, it was reflected in the evaluation. It’s just stressful because I feel like I’m being judged way too harshly sometimes. Different things work for different people and as long as I’m trying my best to get along in this new society, there should be more focus on the positive instead of just negative.
On a positive note, I GOT A GUITAR!!!! Yes, really. I have my very own, almost paid off, used, parlor sized acoustic guitar. I don’t have a tuner, but I’m going to try to find a computer program for that online, that way I can start playing again, which will make me exponentially happy. I am going to post pictures. For those who don’t know, I actually name my guitars, but I’m not sure what to name this one, so I’m taking suggestions. Please post them in the comments section and I’ll pick the one I like best.
On the topic of music, I also found a nice man that works at the market with his wife that has very similar taste in music that I do. He enjoys a lot of classic rock and roll like I do (and I’m hooking him up with some Beatles music), knows who King Crimson and Adrian Belew are and likes the jazz rock (like BRMC and The Black Keys) that I like. I have a feeling I will be stopping by to chat about music with him and his wife every time I go to the market now, and there will be swapping of burned CD’s.
Also, it was confirmed that my Mom got the flowers I sent her for Mother’s Day and loved them, along with the note I sent. That made my week better to know that I made someone smile.
Our classroom in Camalote where we train was broken into a third time in 3 weeks, after we even put new locks on the door. They used a crow bar and stole more things than they have so far, so now we can’t keep nice things there. I also realized tonight that one of those things was my PC issued Kriol dictionary. Hopefully the PC will issue me a new one.
So two Fridays ago we were told where we are going to visit.
So this past weekend I got to go visit a nice fellow PCV in a small rural Q’etchi village down in Toledo called Medina Bank. It was a village of 250 residents with no modern amenities. It was kind of like camping, except with way more sand flies (which are evil by the way). It was a lot different than what I have had lately living with my host family in Camalote, but I enjoyed the fact that it was something new. I learned how to do my laundry in a river, I actually got to go IN a river for the first time (not in a boat), and l learned a little about vegetarian cooking (no meat if you don’t have a fridge). I just wish I could have learned a little more about the PCV experience as a whole, instead of just specific to village life, but I think that will come from talking to all types of volunteers as everyone has a completely unique experience. I definitely had fun and learned a few things. One major thing though, I hope everyone knows that sand flies are PURE evil. Even if you have bug spray on, they will eat you alive. I currently have a whopping 92 bites on my body, most of which are below my knees, but there are many random ones too and they all itch, really badly. I’m going to talk to Nurse Jackie today about further management of my lovely bites and if there’s anything outside Benadryl and Hydrocortisone that I can do.
As soon as I got back from there it was time to get into hyper drive for the Health Fair we’ve been planning in our village, which was taking place the day after it returned. Of course things come up, one of our fellow group members got sick (but he’s better now) so we were a man down, but we held it together and raised almost $50 for the school. We had booths and raffles and I got to face paint the kids. Then the next day I took the bus out to meet the other health group in Succutz and help them at their health fair, but offering face painting as well. I really liked seeing their health fair too as we can always learn from others. Of course, it was a blast. Kids really enjoy face paint and now I know that any health fair I organize in the future must have a face paint booth.
Now I’m down to 12 days left with my host family (that I’ve bonded with a lot over the past 2 weeks) before I move out and learn what my final site assignment is. I’ve got 3 big projects to complete in these last 12 days, another crop of mail to send to those who I haven’t sent to yet, a dinner for my host family and learning some last minute things from my host mom (mainly involving the amazing flour tortillas she makes) and teaching her my Dad’s wonderful pasta sauce recipe, which I brought with me. Stressful? Yes. Worth it? Totally.
Everything else is going well. Training is good and I feel increasingly more comfortable in Kriol. I only speak English half the time I’m here and speak Kriol the rest. I picked it up pretty fast and I find myself wanting to use it more because of how comfortable I am with it. I even decided my favorite word – Macoabi – it actually has 2 meanings. Alone, the word Macoabi means to be lovesick or lovesickness. The phrase Macoabi seed means pumpkin seed. Since I enjoy both of these definitions and think the word sounds cool, I’ve decided, thus far it is my favorite word.
Anyway, I know this was another long update, so hopefully I didn’t put you all to sleep too badly. Thank you for reading. I miss you all dearly.
Until next time…
Peace Out.
Hello friends and family!
I’ve got a nice long update for you all.
So lots of things have been going on, as usual both positive and negative. I’ll try to do this somewhat chronologically, but we’ll touch on a few main events.
Last I updated we were about to have midway evaluation sessions and getting our volunteer visit assignments. Well, I was able to do both.
The midway training evaluation was fine. Overall I did just fine, it was just stressful because in certain areas I have struggled and it was pointed out strongly again, even though I’ve improved vastly. I just would have liked them to say at least one positive thing instead of only commenting on the negative, because there are far more things I’m doing right than wrong, and that’s not just my opinion, it was reflected in the evaluation. It’s just stressful because I feel like I’m being judged way too harshly sometimes. Different things work for different people and as long as I’m trying my best to get along in this new society, there should be more focus on the positive instead of just negative.
On a positive note, I GOT A GUITAR!!!! Yes, really. I have my very own, almost paid off, used, parlor sized acoustic guitar. I don’t have a tuner, but I’m going to try to find a computer program for that online, that way I can start playing again, which will make me exponentially happy. I am going to post pictures. For those who don’t know, I actually name my guitars, but I’m not sure what to name this one, so I’m taking suggestions. Please post them in the comments section and I’ll pick the one I like best.
On the topic of music, I also found a nice man that works at the market with his wife that has very similar taste in music that I do. He enjoys a lot of classic rock and roll like I do (and I’m hooking him up with some Beatles music), knows who King Crimson and Adrian Belew are and likes the jazz rock (like BRMC and The Black Keys) that I like. I have a feeling I will be stopping by to chat about music with him and his wife every time I go to the market now, and there will be swapping of burned CD’s.
Also, it was confirmed that my Mom got the flowers I sent her for Mother’s Day and loved them, along with the note I sent. That made my week better to know that I made someone smile.
Our classroom in Camalote where we train was broken into a third time in 3 weeks, after we even put new locks on the door. They used a crow bar and stole more things than they have so far, so now we can’t keep nice things there. I also realized tonight that one of those things was my PC issued Kriol dictionary. Hopefully the PC will issue me a new one.
So two Fridays ago we were told where we are going to visit.
So this past weekend I got to go visit a nice fellow PCV in a small rural Q’etchi village down in Toledo called Medina Bank. It was a village of 250 residents with no modern amenities. It was kind of like camping, except with way more sand flies (which are evil by the way). It was a lot different than what I have had lately living with my host family in Camalote, but I enjoyed the fact that it was something new. I learned how to do my laundry in a river, I actually got to go IN a river for the first time (not in a boat), and l learned a little about vegetarian cooking (no meat if you don’t have a fridge). I just wish I could have learned a little more about the PCV experience as a whole, instead of just specific to village life, but I think that will come from talking to all types of volunteers as everyone has a completely unique experience. I definitely had fun and learned a few things. One major thing though, I hope everyone knows that sand flies are PURE evil. Even if you have bug spray on, they will eat you alive. I currently have a whopping 92 bites on my body, most of which are below my knees, but there are many random ones too and they all itch, really badly. I’m going to talk to Nurse Jackie today about further management of my lovely bites and if there’s anything outside Benadryl and Hydrocortisone that I can do.
As soon as I got back from there it was time to get into hyper drive for the Health Fair we’ve been planning in our village, which was taking place the day after it returned. Of course things come up, one of our fellow group members got sick (but he’s better now) so we were a man down, but we held it together and raised almost $50 for the school. We had booths and raffles and I got to face paint the kids. Then the next day I took the bus out to meet the other health group in Succutz and help them at their health fair, but offering face painting as well. I really liked seeing their health fair too as we can always learn from others. Of course, it was a blast. Kids really enjoy face paint and now I know that any health fair I organize in the future must have a face paint booth.
Now I’m down to 12 days left with my host family (that I’ve bonded with a lot over the past 2 weeks) before I move out and learn what my final site assignment is. I’ve got 3 big projects to complete in these last 12 days, another crop of mail to send to those who I haven’t sent to yet, a dinner for my host family and learning some last minute things from my host mom (mainly involving the amazing flour tortillas she makes) and teaching her my Dad’s wonderful pasta sauce recipe, which I brought with me. Stressful? Yes. Worth it? Totally.
Everything else is going well. Training is good and I feel increasingly more comfortable in Kriol. I only speak English half the time I’m here and speak Kriol the rest. I picked it up pretty fast and I find myself wanting to use it more because of how comfortable I am with it. I even decided my favorite word – Macoabi – it actually has 2 meanings. Alone, the word Macoabi means to be lovesick or lovesickness. The phrase Macoabi seed means pumpkin seed. Since I enjoy both of these definitions and think the word sounds cool, I’ve decided, thus far it is my favorite word.
Anyway, I know this was another long update, so hopefully I didn’t put you all to sleep too badly. Thank you for reading. I miss you all dearly.
Until next time…
Peace Out.
Bike Race and Gracie Rock
April 28, 2011
Hello my friends and family. How are you all? How are things in the U.S.?
I am writing you all to list some recent updates.
I’ve had another week of many ups and downs (as usual). I am struggling with a few things (natural when adjusting to a new country) and was also lucky enough to do a few cool things to break the normal boring monotony. I’ll try to balance these things out, but I apologize in advance if this is a long posting.
I’ve officially been here more than one month. It feels like at least 3. Time goes incredibly slowly here. It’s less stressful in some ways, but it’s particularly brutal others. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it either. People and things just move at a glacial pace. This is extremely difficult for Type A people like myself to handle. Any suggestions and input is always appreciated.
It has indeed – finally rained (though it was 107 degrees out while it rained according to the local weather report). It turns into a hot muddy steamy mess outside when this happens, but when the land and people are in desperate need of that rain, it becomes infinitely less important.
I am working on fixing my laptop. It’s not broken, but my Microsoft office decided that the key that came with the computer to initiate Microsoft Office, which I purchased, was INVALID. Therefore, I am actually going to have to re-purchase Microsoft Office. This is why I miss my desktop – it’s a mac. And once you go Mac, you never go back, despite all the perks a PC offers.
Training continues to move on. The projects are piling on, which is both good and bad. It’s good, because I like having things to do. It’s bad, because it is impossible to get anything done in my host home. There are far too many pikni (kids) running around, asking what you’re doing, banging on your door and making lots of noise. Nothing can be done at home. For this reason I am going to spend this weekend in the Peace Corps office strictly to bang out a few projects and be done with them. This is also a good time to contact me via e-mail or facebook because during my lunch hour, I will actually be responding to e-mails and messages.
Speaking of correspondence, I’ve got 17 letters going out today and I’ll have more ready to be sent out on Monday. As promised, if you sent me your address, I WILL send you at least 1 letter or post card, if not more. Bear with me, as these things do take time to be delivered as well as to write. Robert Eckman – I need your address again. It got lost among the facebook mail. Jim – I’m aiming to mail your envelope on Monday. I want to see if I can find any cool shells to put in it. Family – I sent your postcards out about 2 weeks ago, you should be getting them soon. Please let me know when you do so I can roughly time it. Also, feel free to write. I love getting letters. It makes me happy. I got my second piece yesterday – thanks for the comic Jim (assuming you sent it). If you haven’t already sent me your address and you want me to write to you, please either e-mail or facebook message it to me.
Just a reminder my address is:
(My Name)
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 492
Belmopan City, Belize
As for recent events, I had a few days off for Easter. That weekend was particularly brutal, due to the time just going slowly and not really being able to get too much done unless I was in the office. I did get some research done last Saturday because I went to the office. I had to wait until after the cross-country bike race passed my house not once, but twice, which was actually really cool to see. I took pictures. You know where to find them. I was actually really happy to get back to classes, though classes come with their own set of frustrations which I can’t really go into due to the public setting. On a positive note, I’m feeling much more confident speaking Kriol.
On Tuesday, team Health Yeah (the health sector) took a trip to Gracie Rock. It was amazing and beautiful. We learned about herbal medicines, took a nice hike through the forest and got to explore a cave, which I saw most, but not all of due to my claustrophobia kicking in. I was convinced there was going to be an earthquake, I was going to get trapped and die so I hightailed it out of there once things got too narrow. I saw what I needed though. Once again, I took many pictures, though sadly a lot of the cave ones are blurry because my camera was on the wrong setting. Sorry everyone, but I am trying. I got to see a fruit bat though.
I am looking forward to next weekend. The PC is letting us have a few days off from our host families and sending us to visit a current volunteer in country. I find out late Friday who I will be visiting and where in the country I will be exploring.
That’s really it for now. I love and miss you all more than you know. I hope things are going well in the states. Until next time…
Peace Out.
Hello my friends and family. How are you all? How are things in the U.S.?
I am writing you all to list some recent updates.
I’ve had another week of many ups and downs (as usual). I am struggling with a few things (natural when adjusting to a new country) and was also lucky enough to do a few cool things to break the normal boring monotony. I’ll try to balance these things out, but I apologize in advance if this is a long posting.
I’ve officially been here more than one month. It feels like at least 3. Time goes incredibly slowly here. It’s less stressful in some ways, but it’s particularly brutal others. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it either. People and things just move at a glacial pace. This is extremely difficult for Type A people like myself to handle. Any suggestions and input is always appreciated.
It has indeed – finally rained (though it was 107 degrees out while it rained according to the local weather report). It turns into a hot muddy steamy mess outside when this happens, but when the land and people are in desperate need of that rain, it becomes infinitely less important.
I am working on fixing my laptop. It’s not broken, but my Microsoft office decided that the key that came with the computer to initiate Microsoft Office, which I purchased, was INVALID. Therefore, I am actually going to have to re-purchase Microsoft Office. This is why I miss my desktop – it’s a mac. And once you go Mac, you never go back, despite all the perks a PC offers.
Training continues to move on. The projects are piling on, which is both good and bad. It’s good, because I like having things to do. It’s bad, because it is impossible to get anything done in my host home. There are far too many pikni (kids) running around, asking what you’re doing, banging on your door and making lots of noise. Nothing can be done at home. For this reason I am going to spend this weekend in the Peace Corps office strictly to bang out a few projects and be done with them. This is also a good time to contact me via e-mail or facebook because during my lunch hour, I will actually be responding to e-mails and messages.
Speaking of correspondence, I’ve got 17 letters going out today and I’ll have more ready to be sent out on Monday. As promised, if you sent me your address, I WILL send you at least 1 letter or post card, if not more. Bear with me, as these things do take time to be delivered as well as to write. Robert Eckman – I need your address again. It got lost among the facebook mail. Jim – I’m aiming to mail your envelope on Monday. I want to see if I can find any cool shells to put in it. Family – I sent your postcards out about 2 weeks ago, you should be getting them soon. Please let me know when you do so I can roughly time it. Also, feel free to write. I love getting letters. It makes me happy. I got my second piece yesterday – thanks for the comic Jim (assuming you sent it). If you haven’t already sent me your address and you want me to write to you, please either e-mail or facebook message it to me.
Just a reminder my address is:
(My Name)
Peace Corps
P.O. Box 492
Belmopan City, Belize
As for recent events, I had a few days off for Easter. That weekend was particularly brutal, due to the time just going slowly and not really being able to get too much done unless I was in the office. I did get some research done last Saturday because I went to the office. I had to wait until after the cross-country bike race passed my house not once, but twice, which was actually really cool to see. I took pictures. You know where to find them. I was actually really happy to get back to classes, though classes come with their own set of frustrations which I can’t really go into due to the public setting. On a positive note, I’m feeling much more confident speaking Kriol.
On Tuesday, team Health Yeah (the health sector) took a trip to Gracie Rock. It was amazing and beautiful. We learned about herbal medicines, took a nice hike through the forest and got to explore a cave, which I saw most, but not all of due to my claustrophobia kicking in. I was convinced there was going to be an earthquake, I was going to get trapped and die so I hightailed it out of there once things got too narrow. I saw what I needed though. Once again, I took many pictures, though sadly a lot of the cave ones are blurry because my camera was on the wrong setting. Sorry everyone, but I am trying. I got to see a fruit bat though.
I am looking forward to next weekend. The PC is letting us have a few days off from our host families and sending us to visit a current volunteer in country. I find out late Friday who I will be visiting and where in the country I will be exploring.
That’s really it for now. I love and miss you all more than you know. I hope things are going well in the states. Until next time…
Peace Out.
Xunantunich
April 19, 2011
Hey everyone.
So, it’s still crazy hot. I had to downgrade my sunscreen and now I’m starting to change colors. My hair has officially become a curly hot mess, but I’m embracing it. It’s also changing colors as well, but pretty colors, unlike my skin. Make-up, hair dryers, hair straighteners are all mystical items that are only for special occasions because 5 minutes in this beautiful Caribbean weather and all your work is undone. By the way, it still hasn’t rained.
Things are better with my host family, so my stress level is now down dramatically and I am much happier. I have a lot more control over my diet now, so I’m physically feeling better as well (far less digestive issues).
On Sunday I did some cool things. I took the bus up to Succutz with some other Peace Corps Trainees and we hiked up the Xunantunich ruins. It was one of the top 5 most terrifying things I’ve done, but I did climb all the way to the top of the ruin. It was quite exciting when all was said and done, but coming down was just as scary as going up. I also saw an iguana, a wish willy, a red rump tarantula (POISONOUS) and some howler monkeys. Pictures of most of those animals and a video of the monkey will be up on my facebook page.
I miss everyone at home, but I am slowly getting used to Belize. There are some nights I’d do almost anything for certain American luxuries, but I just deal with it and go enjoy a Belizian luxury, like coconut water or check out the night sky (so clear!).
Also, I got my first piece of mail from home!!! So a big shout out to the Bankers, Jaclyn, Alyssa, Kerry, Chuck and Maria. Your card made me smile and your kind words are much appreciated! I just bought a bunch of postcards, so I’ll be writing them out and mailing them soon as long as I have your address. It’ll probably take about a month to get there, so don’t feel unloved.
That’s all I’ve really got for now. I’m going to post my movies and books update soon, when it gets slightly more substantial. There’s no point as of yet.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Love you all. Until next time, Peace Out.
Hey everyone.
So, it’s still crazy hot. I had to downgrade my sunscreen and now I’m starting to change colors. My hair has officially become a curly hot mess, but I’m embracing it. It’s also changing colors as well, but pretty colors, unlike my skin. Make-up, hair dryers, hair straighteners are all mystical items that are only for special occasions because 5 minutes in this beautiful Caribbean weather and all your work is undone. By the way, it still hasn’t rained.
Things are better with my host family, so my stress level is now down dramatically and I am much happier. I have a lot more control over my diet now, so I’m physically feeling better as well (far less digestive issues).
On Sunday I did some cool things. I took the bus up to Succutz with some other Peace Corps Trainees and we hiked up the Xunantunich ruins. It was one of the top 5 most terrifying things I’ve done, but I did climb all the way to the top of the ruin. It was quite exciting when all was said and done, but coming down was just as scary as going up. I also saw an iguana, a wish willy, a red rump tarantula (POISONOUS) and some howler monkeys. Pictures of most of those animals and a video of the monkey will be up on my facebook page.
I miss everyone at home, but I am slowly getting used to Belize. There are some nights I’d do almost anything for certain American luxuries, but I just deal with it and go enjoy a Belizian luxury, like coconut water or check out the night sky (so clear!).
Also, I got my first piece of mail from home!!! So a big shout out to the Bankers, Jaclyn, Alyssa, Kerry, Chuck and Maria. Your card made me smile and your kind words are much appreciated! I just bought a bunch of postcards, so I’ll be writing them out and mailing them soon as long as I have your address. It’ll probably take about a month to get there, so don’t feel unloved.
That’s all I’ve really got for now. I’m going to post my movies and books update soon, when it gets slightly more substantial. There’s no point as of yet.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Love you all. Until next time, Peace Out.
Pray for Rain
April 14, 2011
So, sorry I haven’t posted in a bit. As you probably surmised, I don’t typically have an internet connection.
First - a friendly reminder that if you want to see pictures, go check my facebook. They’ll be there and my albums are public. http://www.facebook.com/slevineightnine
So it still hasn’t rained since I got here. I’ll probably be kicking myself for being sad about that once rainy season hits and I cry myself to sleep during massive hurricanes. The song “Pray for Rain” by Massive Attack is consistently running through my head.
I’ve had a few lows, mainly involving issues with my host family and the PC staff and their role regarding the issues with my host family, but most of those have cleared up. We’ll see how the ones that haven’t resolve themselves. The projects are piling on though so hopefully those will be enough to distract me, captain Type A analytical learner from some of my frustrations. I’ve been keeping my head up though and I remind myself how blessed I am to be having this wonderful experience.
There are a few major things I’m looking forward too though, putting in the garden at the school, the health fair, PCV visit weekend, finding out what my final site will be, visiting my final site and in due time…VISITORS!!!! You should all be working on getting your passports right now if you don’t already have one.
Some things I’ve gotten used to are drinking obscene amounts of water, “Belizian/Caribbean time”, adorable geckos, cold showers, SOME bugs, the heat, waking up at 5AM and being asleep by 10PM, not being able to go out at night, malaria meds and understanding Kriol.
Some things I know I will never get used to no matter how hard I try are tarantulas, scorpions, giant grasshoppers that make obnoxious noises, snakes, bug bites and the bats that have a nest over my room and make scary noises, wake me up and give me nightmares – basically CREEPY CRITTERS!!!!!!
I’ve been able to do some cool things though. I’ve adventured around Camalote and Belmopan a bit as well. I got to spend a day at the Ministry of Agriculture learning about how to make organic insecticides and composting and learned a lot more Kriol, though I still sound like an American, but I don’t think that will ever change. Last week all of the PC’s and some host families went out and did KAREOKE at one of the only places in Belize that actually has Kareoke. I’ve also started a list of book s I’ve read, movies I’ve watched and random life goals. I will share said lists periodically as they are an ongoing process. Also, though I am still on a hunt for a guitar (which is only pointing to Guatemala right now) I did find a nice neighbor named Colin who worked with the PC in the past that will let me go practice on a guitar that’s just sitting around not being loved by anyone at his business, which happens to be right across the street.
I miss everyone in the states though. However, for those who don’t know, I do have this neat thing called a CELL PHONE. If you’re interested in calling me, incoming calls are free for me and I bought a ton of credits so I can actually call people too. Just contact me for that magic sequence of digits.
I also have a few requests for all my friends out there. The first one is simple. My file with everyone’s addresses got corrupted in the switch over to a PC so I need them re-sent. Send them either via facebook or to Harford.Stephanie.pcbz@gmail.com and then you shall receive mail in return. Along those lines, I like receiving mail, so please, send away! Some things I’d like to receive are:
-Letters filled with love from awesome people (pretty please)
-Books (Once read they will be donated to the PC library or a local school library)
-Other media
-Jigsaw puzzles
- Nutella
-Almond Butter
-Guitar tabs
-No ouchie hair ties
-Stationary and envelopes (so I can send mail! – no need to be fancy – loose leaf paper and envelopes work too)
- Band aid brand antibiotic band aids (they’re neon colored, you can’t miss them and they’re amazing)
-Equate (generic brand) contact solution
- Clean & Clear face wash
- High SPF sunscreen
Keep in mind you will be reimbursed for these items, it just may take several weeks for reimbursement to arrive in the mail.
To respond to one of my comments (which I read diligently): Stranger whose girlfriend is in PC with me here in Belize, who is your lady? This way at least I have some sort of reference point as to who you are
I’m also making a promise to make these blog posts more frequent as well as more detailed and interesting instead of being written in a rush like this one.
Last, but not least, I’d like to give a random shout out to Jay’s Dad. Your son told me you read my blog so I promised him I’d give you a shout out. What’s up homeskillet?
I love and miss you all and I hope to hear from you all soon, so until next time…
Peace Out.
So, sorry I haven’t posted in a bit. As you probably surmised, I don’t typically have an internet connection.
First - a friendly reminder that if you want to see pictures, go check my facebook. They’ll be there and my albums are public. http://www.facebook.com/slevineightnine
So it still hasn’t rained since I got here. I’ll probably be kicking myself for being sad about that once rainy season hits and I cry myself to sleep during massive hurricanes. The song “Pray for Rain” by Massive Attack is consistently running through my head.
I’ve had a few lows, mainly involving issues with my host family and the PC staff and their role regarding the issues with my host family, but most of those have cleared up. We’ll see how the ones that haven’t resolve themselves. The projects are piling on though so hopefully those will be enough to distract me, captain Type A analytical learner from some of my frustrations. I’ve been keeping my head up though and I remind myself how blessed I am to be having this wonderful experience.
There are a few major things I’m looking forward too though, putting in the garden at the school, the health fair, PCV visit weekend, finding out what my final site will be, visiting my final site and in due time…VISITORS!!!! You should all be working on getting your passports right now if you don’t already have one.
Some things I’ve gotten used to are drinking obscene amounts of water, “Belizian/Caribbean time”, adorable geckos, cold showers, SOME bugs, the heat, waking up at 5AM and being asleep by 10PM, not being able to go out at night, malaria meds and understanding Kriol.
Some things I know I will never get used to no matter how hard I try are tarantulas, scorpions, giant grasshoppers that make obnoxious noises, snakes, bug bites and the bats that have a nest over my room and make scary noises, wake me up and give me nightmares – basically CREEPY CRITTERS!!!!!!
I’ve been able to do some cool things though. I’ve adventured around Camalote and Belmopan a bit as well. I got to spend a day at the Ministry of Agriculture learning about how to make organic insecticides and composting and learned a lot more Kriol, though I still sound like an American, but I don’t think that will ever change. Last week all of the PC’s and some host families went out and did KAREOKE at one of the only places in Belize that actually has Kareoke. I’ve also started a list of book s I’ve read, movies I’ve watched and random life goals. I will share said lists periodically as they are an ongoing process. Also, though I am still on a hunt for a guitar (which is only pointing to Guatemala right now) I did find a nice neighbor named Colin who worked with the PC in the past that will let me go practice on a guitar that’s just sitting around not being loved by anyone at his business, which happens to be right across the street.
I miss everyone in the states though. However, for those who don’t know, I do have this neat thing called a CELL PHONE. If you’re interested in calling me, incoming calls are free for me and I bought a ton of credits so I can actually call people too. Just contact me for that magic sequence of digits.
I also have a few requests for all my friends out there. The first one is simple. My file with everyone’s addresses got corrupted in the switch over to a PC so I need them re-sent. Send them either via facebook or to Harford.Stephanie.pcbz@gmail.com and then you shall receive mail in return. Along those lines, I like receiving mail, so please, send away! Some things I’d like to receive are:
-Letters filled with love from awesome people (pretty please)
-Books (Once read they will be donated to the PC library or a local school library)
-Other media
-Jigsaw puzzles
- Nutella
-Almond Butter
-Guitar tabs
-No ouchie hair ties
-Stationary and envelopes (so I can send mail! – no need to be fancy – loose leaf paper and envelopes work too)
- Band aid brand antibiotic band aids (they’re neon colored, you can’t miss them and they’re amazing)
-Equate (generic brand) contact solution
- Clean & Clear face wash
- High SPF sunscreen
Keep in mind you will be reimbursed for these items, it just may take several weeks for reimbursement to arrive in the mail.
To respond to one of my comments (which I read diligently): Stranger whose girlfriend is in PC with me here in Belize, who is your lady? This way at least I have some sort of reference point as to who you are
I’m also making a promise to make these blog posts more frequent as well as more detailed and interesting instead of being written in a rush like this one.
Last, but not least, I’d like to give a random shout out to Jay’s Dad. Your son told me you read my blog so I promised him I’d give you a shout out. What’s up homeskillet?
I love and miss you all and I hope to hear from you all soon, so until next time…
Peace Out.
About Me
- S. Wanderlust
- I'm Stephanie, a 26 year old Social Worker who got bitten by the travel bug at a young age. My innate need to see the world and philanthropic ways have led me to become a Peace Corps volunteer leaving for Belize in March 2011 as a Youth HIV/AIDS Facilitator.
S. Wanderlust
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