Kudos to everyone in the EC78 group that came together this time last year in Miami, FL and are here to celebrate our first year in the Peace Corps. This time last year, many of us were big-eyed and full of hope for change and ideology. Lol, some of us still are. After a couple day crash course in a Welcome to the Peace Corps in Miami, we hopped a flight to Saint Lucia where we engaged in another 3-day Peace Corps 'boot camp' of shots, what-to-expect workshops, and paperwork. From there, we hopped to our respective islands to begin our pre-service training and meet the host families that we would live with for the next 7 weeks. So we've already hit one year since leaving home and this Friday will mark our 1 year anniversary of living on our islands. We won't hit our official volunteer anniversary until late October, but I think to many of us this milestone seems a bit more tangible.
Already many of the 'older' volunteers from EC77 have begun to leave SVG. Some finished their service early and a few are still here till their separation date in September. One of them is getting married to a Vincentian right after his close of service. I'll be in a suit and standing at the wedding! On Monday, the new batch (EC80) of volunteers will be arriving. I suppose this makes our crew of EC78 the 'senior' group and will be doing a bit of mentoring for the newbies during their pre-service training. The Eastern Caribbean post has been doing some experimenting with their training programs and schedules over the past few groups--EC78 certainly got it's share of guinea pig time. I wonder what will hold in store for this new batch.
So what now? We are nearing the top of the hill. Most of us are working on the projects and efforts that will take us down the rest of the hill. Some of my fellows work in the schools and they are gearing up for the next upcoming term in 2 weeks. I'm keeping busy with the village action council and the tourism group--as I try to focus my efforts onto these organizations. I've still got a few side items, but I'm not dedicating as much time to them now. I don't know if I will be tutoring kids after school or how much drumming/dance I'll be doing--the voice just can't handle it. Sadly, I don't think the kids realize that when they ask me repeatedly and wonder why I have to pause when trying to talk to them.
Thinking about how difficult it is for me to communicate verbally, I sometimes wonder just if I'll be here to see the Vincy-versary round 2. Right now, with any sort of moderate noise--like a passing car--you would not be able to hear me. This is becoming rather troublesome and I'm not sure what the next few months will hold. Perhaps if I can make it past the hurdle of December like this, then I'll know a bit better how things will pan out. Time will tell.
Either way! It's good times for now as we celebrate our Peace Corps anniversary!!! ^_^
Stay safe and happy
ciao tutti
~your local wannabe jedi
~Shawn
26 August 2009
13 August 2009
Linux = happy
I am still trying to wean myself completely off of Windows and it should be coming soon. I'm a firm believer in open-source and Linux has so much to offer--especially for developing countries and small organizations/businesses that can't afford heavy hitting costs of computer software.
Came across a website that talked about the various PC vs. Mac commercial and wondered why Linux was never mentioned. Well, maybe they're worried about that underdog creeping up quick. For the technophiles, you might be using Linux systems in all sorts of small electronics. It takes a bit of getting used to--but there are so many sweet things about it and the help forums are packed full of helpful people.
Here's some great reasons why you should check out Linux:
- FREE-->Nearly everything about it is LEGALLY FREE
- OPTIONS-->Lots of cool options for nearly everything! (that's what happens when you unleash a world of interested geeks with access to everything internal)
- BETTER UPDATES-->Many Linux varieties update the WHOLE computer software--not just the OS, but programs too
- MORE OPTIONS-->Many Linux varieties offer a nice way to just find, download, and install/uninstall all sorts of programs with just a few clicks--again LEGALLY FREE.
- SECURITY-->You're not immune to most computer ailments like viruses, but most are not written for Linux (yet) and so the just became a much safer place. So you won't be paying nosebleed rates for software that bogs down your computer or sneaking around with illegal versions of that same software hoping someone didn't put a virus into that.
- EVEN MORE OPTIONS, Personalize it!-->Linux has SO MANY flavors (called distrobutions or distros for short) and they can fit almost any interest. Many new to Linux (like me) will find themselves comfortable in a similar to Windows environment.
- RESURECTIONS-->Got an old PC lying around and sad that it barely runs? Maybe the physical stuff is still good. Try to put certain versions of Linux (like Puppy Linux) in it and watch it become reborn with a whole new speed and vigor you didn't think possible.
- CUTENESS-->With a cute penguin as the mascot, how can you go wrong? ^_^
Thought I'd embed a few of the possible future commercials you might find coming soon:
(I liked them. The first is cute.)
The Origin... from Agustin Eguia on Vimeo.
Wanna know more--Google it to find a whole new world ahead.
Stay well and happy
ciao tutti
~your local wannabe jedi
~Shawn
08 August 2009
Welcome Back
8 August 09--about 1-2am local time.
Just reached back to SVG late last night. The plane touched down about 10pm and I was back in Spring by 11. You know you're well adjusted to a place when you step back into the familiar and are glad to be there. Indeed, I'm glad to be back in my home in Spring. Although I'm grumbling at seeing all the little things I left messy when I left--just something to work on now that I'm back.
It's going to take me a few days to get myself reoriented to what going on here in the village and with the other groups I work with. Spent part of today walking up the village road to wave hi to others who live here. I'm sure that if I just came back and didn't say hi, the gossip would run--they'd know I'd be here and comments on my rudeness would come about. Certainly don't want that. People here really like to have that individual attention, bring the news to them sort of thing. Considering that many of them were concerned that I was gone so long, I really don't mind taking the time to walk around and let others know I'm back.
I suppose the hardest part about being back is that fact that I'm just about as vocally hoarse now as when I left and this has left many people confused. Some even joked that I was on vacation and not on medevac. lol, sure that would have been grand.
Many of the EC77 volunteers are finishing up their 2 years of service and are jumping through the various hoops to perform their close of service. One already left while I was away on Medevac and a few more are leaving this coming Monday. From now till Sept 15, they will trickle away leaving only a few until their very end date. One of them will be getting married to a Vincentian woman right after close of service. (PC policy says we can't get married while in service) I was asked to stand as a groomsman for him--way cool. The new wave of volunteers to SVG, EC80 (There was an EC79 but none of them came to SVG), will be coming at the end of August. When they arrive it will mark my groups 1 year on island marker. Kinda strange to think we've been here this long. Our mid-service won't be till late October, but still 1-year away from our comfort bubble is a mile stone nonetheless. Our group will advance to become the senior volunteer--inheriting all the new questions about van rides and where to find the best deals as well as showing the new volunteers some cool places to visit. How weird.
Looks like I won't be taking the LSAT in September like I wanted. Doesn't look like I'll be able to get all the t's crossed and i's dotted that I'll need before the end of this month AND have it snail mailed back and processed before the end of August. I'll probably shoot to try and take it here in December instead--my last shot for this year if I want to get a chance to enter for the fall of 2010. Probably won't fly home for that one--expensive plane tickets, darn holiday pricing.
Reflecting a bit on Panama, I realized that I ate Cinnabon WAY TOO MUCH. lol. Ok, so I had it 3 times in about 3.5 weeks. That is quiet a bit for me, especially considering that I would only have it on a rare occasion back home. That was one of those places I'd tend to avoid back home. Can't figure out what drove me to get it once, much less than three times, while I was in Panama. Found it rather amusing to be reading about various bad foods for ya when I stumbled upon this little gem:
"Cinnabons and malls are inseparable. Consider it a symbiotic relationship: Researchers have found that men are turned on by the smell of cinnamon rolls, and further studies have shown that men are more likely to spend money when they’re thinking about sex."
From reading some of the good/bad food choices out there, I came across a report talking about some of the 'better' food items found in most grocery stores back home. I suggest talking a look at it. It's not just all the 'super good for you so it probably doesn't taste good' items. Of course I must clarify that there are many good things for you that taste great--IMO. But this list says things like if you are going to buy ice cream, which is the best choice in terms of health. Woot, it was Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip--very tasty indeed. (oh the lactose pain is worth it sometimes)
So check out 125 Healthiest Supermarket Food Items
I finally got some pics posted from Panama onto Facebook--last count 115.
Click here to go to the album link.
Here's a few highlights from there:
There was a freakin' carousel inside one of the malls!
Not to mention a T-Rex!
Loads of the Diablo Rojos (Red Devil) Public Buses
Some cool ant-drug mural artwork
Little leaf-cutter ants srambling about
and....Hummingbirds! I saw more in one spot than I've ever seen before.
A sloth hanging out in a tree--way super cool, probably my favorite thing I saw.
Gotta have a toucan shot. ^_^
Go Go Gadget Binoculars
Yeah, I went to the Panama Canal. Honestly, I only when because I happened to be in Panama. I've seen a system on a much smaller scale, but the idea is the same and although it is an engineering wonder I wasn't super impressed. I totally dug watching the sloth climb about more. ^_^
Big boat getting pulled through into the canal locks.
Well it's very late now and I should have been in bed awhile ago. Got a full day of catching up to do.
Still smiling and living life one day at a time.
Stay safe and happy
ciao tutti
~your local wannabe jedi
~Shawn
Just reached back to SVG late last night. The plane touched down about 10pm and I was back in Spring by 11. You know you're well adjusted to a place when you step back into the familiar and are glad to be there. Indeed, I'm glad to be back in my home in Spring. Although I'm grumbling at seeing all the little things I left messy when I left--just something to work on now that I'm back.
It's going to take me a few days to get myself reoriented to what going on here in the village and with the other groups I work with. Spent part of today walking up the village road to wave hi to others who live here. I'm sure that if I just came back and didn't say hi, the gossip would run--they'd know I'd be here and comments on my rudeness would come about. Certainly don't want that. People here really like to have that individual attention, bring the news to them sort of thing. Considering that many of them were concerned that I was gone so long, I really don't mind taking the time to walk around and let others know I'm back.
I suppose the hardest part about being back is that fact that I'm just about as vocally hoarse now as when I left and this has left many people confused. Some even joked that I was on vacation and not on medevac. lol, sure that would have been grand.
Many of the EC77 volunteers are finishing up their 2 years of service and are jumping through the various hoops to perform their close of service. One already left while I was away on Medevac and a few more are leaving this coming Monday. From now till Sept 15, they will trickle away leaving only a few until their very end date. One of them will be getting married to a Vincentian woman right after close of service. (PC policy says we can't get married while in service) I was asked to stand as a groomsman for him--way cool. The new wave of volunteers to SVG, EC80 (There was an EC79 but none of them came to SVG), will be coming at the end of August. When they arrive it will mark my groups 1 year on island marker. Kinda strange to think we've been here this long. Our mid-service won't be till late October, but still 1-year away from our comfort bubble is a mile stone nonetheless. Our group will advance to become the senior volunteer--inheriting all the new questions about van rides and where to find the best deals as well as showing the new volunteers some cool places to visit. How weird.
Looks like I won't be taking the LSAT in September like I wanted. Doesn't look like I'll be able to get all the t's crossed and i's dotted that I'll need before the end of this month AND have it snail mailed back and processed before the end of August. I'll probably shoot to try and take it here in December instead--my last shot for this year if I want to get a chance to enter for the fall of 2010. Probably won't fly home for that one--expensive plane tickets, darn holiday pricing.
Reflecting a bit on Panama, I realized that I ate Cinnabon WAY TOO MUCH. lol. Ok, so I had it 3 times in about 3.5 weeks. That is quiet a bit for me, especially considering that I would only have it on a rare occasion back home. That was one of those places I'd tend to avoid back home. Can't figure out what drove me to get it once, much less than three times, while I was in Panama. Found it rather amusing to be reading about various bad foods for ya when I stumbled upon this little gem:
"Cinnabons and malls are inseparable. Consider it a symbiotic relationship: Researchers have found that men are turned on by the smell of cinnamon rolls, and further studies have shown that men are more likely to spend money when they’re thinking about sex."
From reading some of the good/bad food choices out there, I came across a report talking about some of the 'better' food items found in most grocery stores back home. I suggest talking a look at it. It's not just all the 'super good for you so it probably doesn't taste good' items. Of course I must clarify that there are many good things for you that taste great--IMO. But this list says things like if you are going to buy ice cream, which is the best choice in terms of health. Woot, it was Breyer's Mint Chocolate Chip--very tasty indeed. (oh the lactose pain is worth it sometimes)
So check out 125 Healthiest Supermarket Food Items
I finally got some pics posted from Panama onto Facebook--last count 115.
Click here to go to the album link.
Here's a few highlights from there:
There was a freakin' carousel inside one of the malls!
Not to mention a T-Rex!
Loads of the Diablo Rojos (Red Devil) Public Buses
Some cool ant-drug mural artwork
Little leaf-cutter ants srambling about
and....Hummingbirds! I saw more in one spot than I've ever seen before.
A sloth hanging out in a tree--way super cool, probably my favorite thing I saw.
Gotta have a toucan shot. ^_^
Go Go Gadget Binoculars
Yeah, I went to the Panama Canal. Honestly, I only when because I happened to be in Panama. I've seen a system on a much smaller scale, but the idea is the same and although it is an engineering wonder I wasn't super impressed. I totally dug watching the sloth climb about more. ^_^
Big boat getting pulled through into the canal locks.
Well it's very late now and I should have been in bed awhile ago. Got a full day of catching up to do.
Still smiling and living life one day at a time.
Stay safe and happy
ciao tutti
~your local wannabe jedi
~Shawn
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