Still no end in sight!

I just received a call from a doctor's office regarding one of my labs. Apparently the study was "inconclusive" so I will need to return to have a re-do in three months.  Three months?! My goal was to have everything submitted by the end of May. 

Also, I qualified for Vision USA so I would be able to get a free eye exam. Unfortunately, when I called to make the appointment, I slipped up and said I would need the doctor to fill out a very short exam for the Peace Corps.  When I say short, I mean that the doctor literally has to say what my eyesight is and sign the bottom of the page.  The receptionist, both rude and irritating, told me that was not a part of the deal.  So I said "Well, I won't be getting my eyes checked by you then" and hung up.  I'm still searching for that Wal Mart free eye exam coupon.

I'm a little frustrated with this pre-deployment hassle.  I just want to go already!

Peace Corps Encounter

I met a peace corps volunteer, Kevin, the other day. I was so eager to talk to him - a million questions running through my head!

Some key points:

1) Although I will not be paid anywhere close to minimum wage, I will never go without.  $200 a month goes a long way in a developing country.

2) Don't plan on saving everyone. Some will not react to you kindly, cultures will clash, but ultimately the little benefit you do bring can prove to be a great help.

3) You will be changed no matter what. I hope so.

Kevin told me his experience was rewarding and ultimately, that's all I can ask for.  He did tell me that he felt that he did not make a great contribution to the community in which he worked with - to the point where the Peace Corps actually moved him to a different community 6 months through his first year.  This disappoints me, but it is what it is.

A lot to take in.  I'm soaking up all the info I can, but really nothing can prepare me for this.  I do what I can.

Volunteer Schmolunteer

A brief suggestion by my recruiter has resulted in high amounts of stress.  Chris told me to start volunteering to make myself more competitive for the Peace Corps selection coming up soon.

I went through an interview process and have sat through several meetings to get the show on the road only to feel overwhelmed by assignments.  I have been researching grants for the Red Cross for the past 3 hours.  My brain is fried by information overload!  It has only been a few months since the last time I did homework, yet I have such an aversion to sitting down at a computer to do this.

Has permanent laziness set in? Let's hope not. T-minus 12 hours before my meeting with the grant writers.

Disappointment and Success

On my trip to California I lost my book Say You're One of Them. 

Disappointment! I still had two short stories to go... 

Success! I have sought the book out at the local library.

Sibling Love

"Why are you going to Africa?!  Look, if you get sick with some crazy African disease, don't come back here looking for sympathy from me." -My brother, Dusty


And after an elaborate conversation regarding my Peace Corps journey, he gave me an understanding hug. But he's still not too happy about it.

I'm gonna miss you, too, Dus...

Africa? Between Romance and Vampire...

A week-long trip to Florida has resulted in a lot of travel time. I have read several books on my journey thus far and there is still more journey to go!

In Tampa, Dee, Carolyn and I hit up the local Wal Mart, which was an adventure in itself.  We looked high and low for goodies for Grandpa Blount, but they truly were not well-stocked.  We found a few things we were looking for, and upon heading toward the check-out, we went down the book aisle. I kid you not, 95% of the books were either about vampires, love, or vampire love. The other 5% of the books were in my hands, as I was playing eenie, meenie, miny, mo to select my next literature experience.  Carolyn saved the day by finding a book called Say You're One of Them. It is a bunch of fictional short stories taking place in countries all over Africa. Sold. Finally, a book about Africa and it's down a messy Wal Mart aisle between Romance and Vampire.

Although fiction, so far it is a good read.

Limited Resources

This weekend I received a 40% off coupon for Borders.  Since my current economic status is nil and my free time activities are limited by a dwindling bank account, I was super psyched for a coupon to a bookstore.

I spent Sunday morning browsing aisles of books. I wanted to make a reasonable decision with my 40% off coupon, so I was searching for books on Africa.  A large continent, full of controversy, culture and history, yet I could not find anything that was suitable for my needs.  Initially, I was looking for a cookbook and there were absolutely no cookbooks based on any countries in Africa!  Then I decided to find some travel books on Africa, but alas! All I could find was safari trips and tourist destinations. I am destined to go someplace a little more campy.

After a few hours, I picked up a trashy romance novel and a bottle of White Zin and checked out.

Actually, I bought a book on guitar chords, so hopefully my hobbies will prove to be successful and perhaps even become lucrative. Ha!

I just wish my knowledge about Africa wasn't so limited to the Internet. I'm old school - I enjoy turning pages.