I have been sitting in front of my little laptop for a while now trying to think of something interesting to tell you all about. I didn't really come up with anything too impressive but, there are a few things worth mentioning I think.
I think that I might walk to the front door of the house when I get back and wait for the guard to open it for me, I am realizing how familiar and... well, not weird, all of the weird stuff here is.
Going to try and get my driver's license here through the project. Kahler was reading the SOP the other day and the interns are allowed to drive the project vehicles if they are licensed. I think that we can make a pretty good case for getting our licenses over here. I will let you know the results of that quest... I am pretty motivated though and I feel I have some solid reasoning; pretty sure I can get what I am after.
Saw a fella today trying to get the pile of things strapped on the back of his bicycle. It was a precarious tower of coal and bananas (killer combo... really). He took a few hop steps with his left leg and he was off. That scene is commonplace. I don't want to forget those pictures I have in my head.
Sorry this post is a sporadic. I think I mentioned that Dr. Allen was in town in my last post but, she left for the Ndola the day after she arrived. Well, she came back for the day with a representative from PATH Dr. Julie Puliwitz (likely killed that last name). All of the interns hopped a ride into a little restaurant called Chit Chat for some lunch with the boss and Julie. I got the beef kabobs and almost starved. The amount of food on my plate made my heart sad. Jen was next to me and for some reason they gave her (A super little thin girl) a massive pile of fries, problem not quite solved but, now more manageable.
All of the interns introduced themselves to our guess, Julie, and a few to Dr. Allen as they are fairly new to the project. I was lucky in that intros went clockwise and I got to get my details out before Kahler did. Which ever one of us goes first gets to give all of the interesting bits of background the second just gets to say, 'yah, what he said plus/minus wife, and plus/minus one year'. Aggie epidemiologists with experience in a genetics laboratory. Even the Harvard PhD grad tipped her hat to our lab work.
There are four of us that stick together pretty well at the project. In Fact, Kahler, John, Jen and I have dubbed ourselves to Fantastic Four. I get to be the Human Torch (the coolest by far), Kahler is Mr. Fantastic, John is the Thing, and Jen is the Invisible Girl. It works out well and I had to get this all written out as documentation that I was the Human Torch, John and Kahler didn't give that one up without a fight, haha.
One of my more ridiculous posts here for what I hope was a semi-pleasurable read. I truly hope that all is well where ever you are. Have a fabulous day.
More on me visiting the Irish Embassy in Lusaka to see the ambassador next time.
Oh, yes and I am on-call this week. That always makes for some interesting stories; I will be sure to fill you in on anything note worthy. Despite the potential hell that is on-call, all is well
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Silver lining... where are you
Well it has been nasty out and since I have been spending this month at Main Site it means more hop scotch and praying that next step isn't quite as slick as it could be. So far I have managed to navigate the puddles without incident but, I am sure that my chances to say that are dwindling.
Just a touch about work first and then on to the fun stuff.
The hydra to be slain as of late has been the laboratory inventory. It is an adjustment. I have been the technician before but, I only had to report to the dear Dr. Venkatraj to whom I was like a son and he gave me all of the responsibility that I ever asked for and then some. All I had to do was walk over to other end of the tunnel from the vet school to the basement of the Medical Sciences Library, walk into the lab supplies door and tell the fat guy behind the desk what I needed, signed my name and walked away with it. Needless to say it goes a bit differently here.
We have a new relationship with a vendor that requires that we put in the requisition to the administrative department eight weeks before we can expect to receive it assuming that there are no issues or hold ups at customs. A vivid contrast to the situation outlined in paragraph above. On top of that we have a staff that is prone to coming to us only when supplies have been 'finished' (this is now a four letter word, in my mind). So Kahler and I have notified all of the necessary powers that the inventory is so perilously stocked. Haven't taken any heavy blow just yet but, I have no doubt that IAVI will have a thing or two to say about it. What are they going to do? Fire me?
Enough of that. I did manage to squeak a little fun out of the week.
I got to meet some time with some fun folks at Mike and Lindy's game night last night (Friday night). There is a family that has just recently transferred to Zambia, Clay and Erin. Erin is an Aggie class of '97 and Clay... well he wasn't so blessed as to have been able to attend such a fine institution. I learned to play a card game called hand and foot which, it turns out, I am pretty terrible at. That is to say out of the three games that I play my partner and I came in third of three teams every time. Oh well
My loses weren't so bad as I decided, once I saw the way this thing was going for me to find another goal. This goal took the shape of teaching the oldest of Clay and Erin's four munchkins, a rascal named Bennett of, or around, age eight I think, the game. I was mostly successful but, I attribute that more to the brightness of the little fella than to my ability to teach. I had fun despite my competitive side being destroyed on the inside.
I heard from Dr. Martha Conkling, a great PhD contact from A&M. She is so wonderfully encouraging and heard that Dr. Allen would be around this week and offered the Stone's and I solace at her place while she stayed at the flats. I am so thankful for little texts and emails like hers. As it turns out we might just be taking her up on that offer come Feb 3-9.
Today was a busy day. There is a little bad news and a pretty cool experience that I need to share. I learned that I am on-call during one of the four day weekends that I was really hoping that I could do a little adventuring. This is a huge bummer but, on to that cool experience. I learned that I am kind of a celebrity to the Lusaka chemist.
So that first half is self explanatory and just pretty much sucks all around however, the second piece was pretty interesting and deserves a some detail.
I need to provide a little background first. Well, the lab has been trying to fumigate the IAVI site for a few weeks now and all is prepped but, despite several tries to send drivers to local chemists we had been unable to procure any formaldehyde, a critical piece to this process. Because we really wanted to get it done this weekend I decided to hop in the 'ol Toyota Condor and mosy down to the chemist myself and see what I could find.
I walked into the bustling shop and asked the first clerk I came to if they had any formaldehyde? He looked at me like I was nuts but, also excited because I was in the shop and pointed at another Indian (dots not feathers) across the sea of Zambians on the other side of the horseshoe-shaped shop that might now of this formaldehyde. I walked up to him and he, through a huge grin, motioned me to another man just next to him. I charged through the folks between myself and the man indicated and locked eyes with this guy.
He lit up and said, "So good to see you, brother!" I asked him about the chemical I was seeking and he promptly lifted the little divider and said "You, my friend come with me" grabbed my hand and we went behind the counter and into the pharmacy. Here another Indian (pumped that I was in his shop) gave me a hug and I dare say a kiss on the cheek. I asked him about what I was after and he said that he was not sure but I should look around and that my shop was his. I wandered around a bit and found my target a two and a half liter bottle of 37% formalin. I asked about the price and they said 35 pen (about seven dollars). Not sure if that is a good price or not here in Zambia. The thing I remember is how happy they all were to see me!
I had brought in my mug that Josh got me and they loved it! They were also psyched that I had a Dilmah tea bag tag hanging out of it (an Indian tea that is common over here). They saw me off with lots of smiles and exchanged information so I could ask them about anything that I needed.
All I can figure is that they thought I was someone else or maybe Brad Pitt (haha). It was pretty awesome and super humbling to be thought so highly of just because of where I am from.
There are a few more things that I will add here in a bit but, for now I am going to skype with Heather, other friends and family on this, your Saturday (my Friday). Hoping that this little post finds you all very well. Miss you a lot but, please know that I am well.
Just a touch about work first and then on to the fun stuff.
The hydra to be slain as of late has been the laboratory inventory. It is an adjustment. I have been the technician before but, I only had to report to the dear Dr. Venkatraj to whom I was like a son and he gave me all of the responsibility that I ever asked for and then some. All I had to do was walk over to other end of the tunnel from the vet school to the basement of the Medical Sciences Library, walk into the lab supplies door and tell the fat guy behind the desk what I needed, signed my name and walked away with it. Needless to say it goes a bit differently here.
We have a new relationship with a vendor that requires that we put in the requisition to the administrative department eight weeks before we can expect to receive it assuming that there are no issues or hold ups at customs. A vivid contrast to the situation outlined in paragraph above. On top of that we have a staff that is prone to coming to us only when supplies have been 'finished' (this is now a four letter word, in my mind). So Kahler and I have notified all of the necessary powers that the inventory is so perilously stocked. Haven't taken any heavy blow just yet but, I have no doubt that IAVI will have a thing or two to say about it. What are they going to do? Fire me?
Enough of that. I did manage to squeak a little fun out of the week.
I got to meet some time with some fun folks at Mike and Lindy's game night last night (Friday night). There is a family that has just recently transferred to Zambia, Clay and Erin. Erin is an Aggie class of '97 and Clay... well he wasn't so blessed as to have been able to attend such a fine institution. I learned to play a card game called hand and foot which, it turns out, I am pretty terrible at. That is to say out of the three games that I play my partner and I came in third of three teams every time. Oh well
My loses weren't so bad as I decided, once I saw the way this thing was going for me to find another goal. This goal took the shape of teaching the oldest of Clay and Erin's four munchkins, a rascal named Bennett of, or around, age eight I think, the game. I was mostly successful but, I attribute that more to the brightness of the little fella than to my ability to teach. I had fun despite my competitive side being destroyed on the inside.
I heard from Dr. Martha Conkling, a great PhD contact from A&M. She is so wonderfully encouraging and heard that Dr. Allen would be around this week and offered the Stone's and I solace at her place while she stayed at the flats. I am so thankful for little texts and emails like hers. As it turns out we might just be taking her up on that offer come Feb 3-9.
Today was a busy day. There is a little bad news and a pretty cool experience that I need to share. I learned that I am on-call during one of the four day weekends that I was really hoping that I could do a little adventuring. This is a huge bummer but, on to that cool experience. I learned that I am kind of a celebrity to the Lusaka chemist.
So that first half is self explanatory and just pretty much sucks all around however, the second piece was pretty interesting and deserves a some detail.
I need to provide a little background first. Well, the lab has been trying to fumigate the IAVI site for a few weeks now and all is prepped but, despite several tries to send drivers to local chemists we had been unable to procure any formaldehyde, a critical piece to this process. Because we really wanted to get it done this weekend I decided to hop in the 'ol Toyota Condor and mosy down to the chemist myself and see what I could find.
I walked into the bustling shop and asked the first clerk I came to if they had any formaldehyde? He looked at me like I was nuts but, also excited because I was in the shop and pointed at another Indian (dots not feathers) across the sea of Zambians on the other side of the horseshoe-shaped shop that might now of this formaldehyde. I walked up to him and he, through a huge grin, motioned me to another man just next to him. I charged through the folks between myself and the man indicated and locked eyes with this guy.
He lit up and said, "So good to see you, brother!" I asked him about the chemical I was seeking and he promptly lifted the little divider and said "You, my friend come with me" grabbed my hand and we went behind the counter and into the pharmacy. Here another Indian (pumped that I was in his shop) gave me a hug and I dare say a kiss on the cheek. I asked him about what I was after and he said that he was not sure but I should look around and that my shop was his. I wandered around a bit and found my target a two and a half liter bottle of 37% formalin. I asked about the price and they said 35 pen (about seven dollars). Not sure if that is a good price or not here in Zambia. The thing I remember is how happy they all were to see me!
I had brought in my mug that Josh got me and they loved it! They were also psyched that I had a Dilmah tea bag tag hanging out of it (an Indian tea that is common over here). They saw me off with lots of smiles and exchanged information so I could ask them about anything that I needed.
All I can figure is that they thought I was someone else or maybe Brad Pitt (haha). It was pretty awesome and super humbling to be thought so highly of just because of where I am from.
There are a few more things that I will add here in a bit but, for now I am going to skype with Heather, other friends and family on this, your Saturday (my Friday). Hoping that this little post finds you all very well. Miss you a lot but, please know that I am well.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Navigating life given TIA
Well at least the power hasn’t been out the entire time. The internet has been down for the past few days. We are told that there is a problem with the power source that supports our particular grid. It has made it very difficult to get things done in the office as that darn internet is required for just about everything. I really didn’t expect that this laptop is about as useful as a paperweight without that blasted connection.
A few memories since I have been back:
1. Trip with Mr. Theo to the airport to pick up my lost bag. We pulled up to a gate and he told me that they never let him in here but, maybe since I was with him we might get lucky. The guard walked to the driver’s side and asked what we were there for. Mr. Theo feels sometimes that he needs to make things up when actually the truth would work just fine. He said that we had an appointment with someone at South African Airways. The fella looked at me and said ok, please go park over in that corner. Mr. Theo suppressed his excitement and pulled over to the parking area where the guard had instructed. I mosied into the airport and waited for the slowest woman on the planet to show me where I could find my bag. Got it but, man, in my American mind it took WAY too long. I reminded him again, after he suggested my marrying a Zambian, that I have a girl in America that is amazing. I think he is finally going to give it a rest, ha.
2. Liquid Nitrogen is cold but, it WILL burn you
3. It is important to remember your rain coat because even though it is not raining when you leave the house it might start about ten minutes before lunch time. Then you can’t make it home and you will sit in the office praying that a chicken will fly in the window to get out of the deluge and you can build a fire and have lunch.
4. There are some fat roses at IAVI. It’s cliché but, I stopped and smelled them. I don’t regret it.
5. Katy will always win Mexican Train
6. It is only fun to build those chains that count down days to something if they are within a reasonable timeframe. This is a result of the 29 construction paper links in the chain that Katy made representing the number of weeks remaining until we return to our beloved red, white and blue.
7. Mangos are better when you have to climb the tree to pick them.
I am sure that I have missed a few things but, for now that will do. Praying that it is a beautiful Saturday morning over there, make the most of it! I will try and get you guys some pictures soon.
There are a few things up in the air right now that I really thought/hoped that I had figured out but, Mr. Life is keeping me on my toes. Trying to find some wisdom to handle the obstacles right now. Because I do not have to make it alone and I have an unchanging foundation in Him, All is well.
A few memories since I have been back:
1. Trip with Mr. Theo to the airport to pick up my lost bag. We pulled up to a gate and he told me that they never let him in here but, maybe since I was with him we might get lucky. The guard walked to the driver’s side and asked what we were there for. Mr. Theo feels sometimes that he needs to make things up when actually the truth would work just fine. He said that we had an appointment with someone at South African Airways. The fella looked at me and said ok, please go park over in that corner. Mr. Theo suppressed his excitement and pulled over to the parking area where the guard had instructed. I mosied into the airport and waited for the slowest woman on the planet to show me where I could find my bag. Got it but, man, in my American mind it took WAY too long. I reminded him again, after he suggested my marrying a Zambian, that I have a girl in America that is amazing. I think he is finally going to give it a rest, ha.
2. Liquid Nitrogen is cold but, it WILL burn you
3. It is important to remember your rain coat because even though it is not raining when you leave the house it might start about ten minutes before lunch time. Then you can’t make it home and you will sit in the office praying that a chicken will fly in the window to get out of the deluge and you can build a fire and have lunch.
4. There are some fat roses at IAVI. It’s cliché but, I stopped and smelled them. I don’t regret it.
5. Katy will always win Mexican Train
6. It is only fun to build those chains that count down days to something if they are within a reasonable timeframe. This is a result of the 29 construction paper links in the chain that Katy made representing the number of weeks remaining until we return to our beloved red, white and blue.
7. Mangos are better when you have to climb the tree to pick them.
I am sure that I have missed a few things but, for now that will do. Praying that it is a beautiful Saturday morning over there, make the most of it! I will try and get you guys some pictures soon.
There are a few things up in the air right now that I really thought/hoped that I had figured out but, Mr. Life is keeping me on my toes. Trying to find some wisdom to handle the obstacles right now. Because I do not have to make it alone and I have an unchanging foundation in Him, All is well.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
I have my second bag
This is just a short little update to tell you that after about an hour at that circus (Lusaka International Airport) I was finally able to put my hands on my other bag. Everything seems to be there too! I guess none of the folks handling the luggage at the Johannesburg airport knew what to do with mac and cheese and Jif.
Just about back to the norm here. We had the lab meeting this afternoon and I wasn't terribly caught off guard by anything. Pretty much the same stuff, new year. We are working on making that 'same stuff' being a thing of the past though. It will take a little work to plan but, Kahler and I have a plan to see that the inventory issues are done away with. The trick will be getting admin on board. Reasons that our stores are not restocked when they should be is often because of some budget strain. We are doing our best to work around that little snag.
So I am here, one week down and hoping that I can coax the next twenty-eight or so by without too much trouble. I am still thankful for the experience that my time here affords and still enjoy the differences between this place and home. All that said, when I am headed for the airport again it is very likely I won't look back. There is still a good deal of year left though and I will do my best to keep my eyes open and soak in the opportunities that come my way here in Lusaka.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I praise the Lord that I live where I do, with a family like I have and friends like you all. I know that I could not make it here without you. Praying that you have a blessed day. Thanks for stopping by and stay classy America. All is on the mend
Just about back to the norm here. We had the lab meeting this afternoon and I wasn't terribly caught off guard by anything. Pretty much the same stuff, new year. We are working on making that 'same stuff' being a thing of the past though. It will take a little work to plan but, Kahler and I have a plan to see that the inventory issues are done away with. The trick will be getting admin on board. Reasons that our stores are not restocked when they should be is often because of some budget strain. We are doing our best to work around that little snag.
So I am here, one week down and hoping that I can coax the next twenty-eight or so by without too much trouble. I am still thankful for the experience that my time here affords and still enjoy the differences between this place and home. All that said, when I am headed for the airport again it is very likely I won't look back. There is still a good deal of year left though and I will do my best to keep my eyes open and soak in the opportunities that come my way here in Lusaka.
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I praise the Lord that I live where I do, with a family like I have and friends like you all. I know that I could not make it here without you. Praying that you have a blessed day. Thanks for stopping by and stay classy America. All is on the mend
Monday, January 10, 2011
Where I have been and where I am going
Getting back into the swing of things here a world away from home again is a little bit rough but, this is where I am supposed to be so it would be silly not to make the best of it. The internet was down (noon yesterday to eight o'clock this morning) making that longing I had to talk to Heather and the fam a little less bearable but, I am thankful that it is back and hope very much that I am able to make up for the missed time this next weekend.
Another fun thing happen the night that I got back. About 11:00 that night I was skyping and heard a thunk and the lights went out. I wandered into the kitchen to check the breakers and found that the little power meter said that we had no credit. In Lusaka, you buy power ahead of time and have so many credits to use and when those credits are gone you get to take a cold shower in the morning, haha. Just Africa reminding me where I am. Oh well, we got the code and have a new stash of laptop charging, fan running, water heater-ness.
Heather did a great job of summing up the fabulous Christmas break but, I will try to add my details here and there.
1) After a forever plane flight, I finally touched down in Houston and made it through customs with no problem. Apparently I have a trustworthy face because I never have any issue going through security, maybe I just look American enough.
2) Got to the airport and remember seeing my brother first and then the rest of the lovely faces of my fam, Jennah mom and dad.
3) Into the civic with brother to his new house, which is awesome!
4) Night there and mom picks me up to head to Huntsville
5) Hop in my car and head to Dallas to see Uncle Bill for a while before heading to see Miss Willow
6) With the help of Uncle Bill's GPS I find my way to Heather's folks and make the introductions
7) Her brothers are flippin' awesome! Her dad plays fantasy football and her mom is pretty much my kindred spirit. They are amazing... oh ya, I like Heather too :)
8) I spend time with the Cummins's ans I head back home for Christmas. Have I mentioned that I really really dig this, Heather?
9) Spend a beautiful Christmas day with mom, dad, Jennah, brother and Brandon. Got a violin! Will see if I can make any sense of it.
10) Headed back to see my gal in Arlington and hang with her fam for the evening, played monopoly and made a huge mistake.
11) Off to Lufkin to see Kristen and Josh (making up one of the greatest four player teams ever) Shot trap and a let the 'ol Dan Wesson breath a bit
12) Next it is Huntsville for Heather to meet my folks, I was honestly a little worried, but, everything turned out just as grand as I could have hoped.
13) To Houston to see my Brother and Jennah. They are pretty much the best ever! Stayed up way too late watching movies.
14) Then to Kacy and Justin's for a couple of nights dancing and ringing in the new year.
15) Lunch with Brother, Jennah and the above party and off to Austin to meet with Heather's cousin, wife and munchkin, Zach. Thoroughly enjoyed dinner with them and headed off to Alyssa's
16) Met Alyssa for real and talked to her folks for quite a while about Africa and the situation here. Her dad is from Africa
17) Then to the Ponder's to meet two of the greatest people ever. Josh introduced me to Bucky Balls and I can never go back. They were absolutely the only people that I am ok with losing Mexican Train so terribly to... I mean I really ate it hard.
18) We made for College Station after the night with the Ponder's and met up with Ebone Capone and his super wife Holly for dinner at Fuego!
19) Then to Kristen's apartment to see she and Aaron for a bit before we headed back to Huntsville for me to begin packing for the trip back.
20) Heather helped me pack and the next morning we were IAH bound and I had to do one of the hardest things in my life, say goodbye to my wonderful girl and my mazinf family.
21) I made it back exhausted and tried to catch with Kahler.
22) The internet has been opposed to my presents and shows it's disapproval through failing to connect.
23) I miss you all so much and can't wait to touch down more permanently.
I really do miss you all... Tomorrow starts my first full week back and I will try to get on top of the mound of email that await me. Kahler held down the fort and now we have to tackle 2011. We can do it but, we both have our eyes pretty well set on July for the time being.
It could not be more obvious that I miss you all but, I thought I would say it again anyway just to make sure. All is a little dreary, we will get there. Uncle Bill thank you for your leadership advice, I will be looking heavily at the maps to see what my options for a thesis are, more specifically. You don't know how much I appreciate your input.
Mom, I love you
Brother and Jennah, I love you
Dear Heather, I can't even begin to expain how much I miss you
Kristen, you are fantastic, you better stay in touch
Josh, you know where you stand jobin
Kahler and Katy, I would straight up leave if you were not here
Ebone and Holly, thanks for being so awesome
To all of those that housed me during my rounds, I thank you sincerely.
I will see you all again soon. Until then, I will keep you up to speed as best I can. Have a phenomenal week and make some killer memories
Another fun thing happen the night that I got back. About 11:00 that night I was skyping and heard a thunk and the lights went out. I wandered into the kitchen to check the breakers and found that the little power meter said that we had no credit. In Lusaka, you buy power ahead of time and have so many credits to use and when those credits are gone you get to take a cold shower in the morning, haha. Just Africa reminding me where I am. Oh well, we got the code and have a new stash of laptop charging, fan running, water heater-ness.
Heather did a great job of summing up the fabulous Christmas break but, I will try to add my details here and there.
1) After a forever plane flight, I finally touched down in Houston and made it through customs with no problem. Apparently I have a trustworthy face because I never have any issue going through security, maybe I just look American enough.
2) Got to the airport and remember seeing my brother first and then the rest of the lovely faces of my fam, Jennah mom and dad.
3) Into the civic with brother to his new house, which is awesome!
4) Night there and mom picks me up to head to Huntsville
5) Hop in my car and head to Dallas to see Uncle Bill for a while before heading to see Miss Willow
6) With the help of Uncle Bill's GPS I find my way to Heather's folks and make the introductions
7) Her brothers are flippin' awesome! Her dad plays fantasy football and her mom is pretty much my kindred spirit. They are amazing... oh ya, I like Heather too :)
8) I spend time with the Cummins's ans I head back home for Christmas. Have I mentioned that I really really dig this, Heather?
9) Spend a beautiful Christmas day with mom, dad, Jennah, brother and Brandon. Got a violin! Will see if I can make any sense of it.
10) Headed back to see my gal in Arlington and hang with her fam for the evening, played monopoly and made a huge mistake.
11) Off to Lufkin to see Kristen and Josh (making up one of the greatest four player teams ever) Shot trap and a let the 'ol Dan Wesson breath a bit
12) Next it is Huntsville for Heather to meet my folks, I was honestly a little worried, but, everything turned out just as grand as I could have hoped.
13) To Houston to see my Brother and Jennah. They are pretty much the best ever! Stayed up way too late watching movies.
14) Then to Kacy and Justin's for a couple of nights dancing and ringing in the new year.
15) Lunch with Brother, Jennah and the above party and off to Austin to meet with Heather's cousin, wife and munchkin, Zach. Thoroughly enjoyed dinner with them and headed off to Alyssa's
16) Met Alyssa for real and talked to her folks for quite a while about Africa and the situation here. Her dad is from Africa
17) Then to the Ponder's to meet two of the greatest people ever. Josh introduced me to Bucky Balls and I can never go back. They were absolutely the only people that I am ok with losing Mexican Train so terribly to... I mean I really ate it hard.
18) We made for College Station after the night with the Ponder's and met up with Ebone Capone and his super wife Holly for dinner at Fuego!
19) Then to Kristen's apartment to see she and Aaron for a bit before we headed back to Huntsville for me to begin packing for the trip back.
20) Heather helped me pack and the next morning we were IAH bound and I had to do one of the hardest things in my life, say goodbye to my wonderful girl and my mazinf family.
21) I made it back exhausted and tried to catch with Kahler.
22) The internet has been opposed to my presents and shows it's disapproval through failing to connect.
23) I miss you all so much and can't wait to touch down more permanently.
I really do miss you all... Tomorrow starts my first full week back and I will try to get on top of the mound of email that await me. Kahler held down the fort and now we have to tackle 2011. We can do it but, we both have our eyes pretty well set on July for the time being.
It could not be more obvious that I miss you all but, I thought I would say it again anyway just to make sure. All is a little dreary, we will get there. Uncle Bill thank you for your leadership advice, I will be looking heavily at the maps to see what my options for a thesis are, more specifically. You don't know how much I appreciate your input.
Mom, I love you
Brother and Jennah, I love you
Dear Heather, I can't even begin to expain how much I miss you
Kristen, you are fantastic, you better stay in touch
Josh, you know where you stand jobin
Kahler and Katy, I would straight up leave if you were not here
Ebone and Holly, thanks for being so awesome
To all of those that housed me during my rounds, I thank you sincerely.
I will see you all again soon. Until then, I will keep you up to speed as best I can. Have a phenomenal week and make some killer memories
Friday, January 7, 2011
There and back again: a weary travelers tale
Back at the flat, beat. Less one bag but, it will make it... maybe. Plan: Nap, dinner, blog. All is blurry
Longest trip ever
I left two days ago. Slept awkwardly on a bench outside a store called Out of Africa. I think that there is a girl who has the job of making as much racket as possible by refusing to lift her feet while walking in flip flops. It was like an orbital sander was pacing up and down the terminal corridor. I don't think that I drifted off for more than ten minutes at a time and when I came to each time I was pretty sure that my back was broken. Also, they keep this place like a refrigerator, not eve kidding it must be 10C in this place. I had some jeans in my bag which I changed into. Didn't think to bring a jacket as it is summer here but, man it would have paid off if I had.
It was dead all night accept for the others here and there sprawled out trying desperately to catch a few winks. Fun to see the forts that people had set up to avoid the chill in the airport, there were just piles of clothes with people underneath.
The flight that I had originally been scheduled for was canceled so I talked to the Airlink rep and got on the flight that had replaced it. So here I am sitting in the little Caffe Ritazza enjoying some coffee and some kind of weirdo muffin. The airport is beginning to wake up now though and I will go and walk around a bit before I head to gate A20 that opens at 9:45. I am on flight number SA62 which is scheduled to be in Lusaka around 12:30 I believe.
I found myself getting back into the swing of Africa already. Caught myself calling the security official boss and started walking faster again as a man on a mission even if I didn't have one in mind.
It is interesting coming back in remembering what it was like the first time. A bit different this time. The last time I will be making the trip this way for some time.
There were a bunch of things that I had planned on doing to get ready for coming back but, it was so hard to think of Zambia when I was in the states though. I wanted to ill every moment that I could with America. I don't regret this for a second... yet. I would not trade, for the world, the epic Texas tour that I got to take with the lovely Heather. It really was amazing to get to spend time with old friends and making new friends.
I will be very thankful when I am able to come home for the holidays and not have fours days of leave eaten by the trip. On the other hand. It was great to get to see some people that I might otherwise have made it a point to see unless I was over here, namely Cousin Will, Holly, and Connor. It was so great to get to see you (Will and Holly, and finally meet you, Connor). I really wanted to make it to see Uncle Mike, Aunt Laura, Uncle Lee and Aunt Laura but, time was the enemy and I didn't make it. You are teh top of the list in the summer I assure you. I will see if I can get Heather to plan it for me so it actually happens :)
Hoping that you all are enjoying a great Friday, it looks good so far over here. Though I can't say that it holds a candle to that sunrise through the pines back home.
I will be checking in again soon. About two hours and then I am in the air again. I feel like I have a decent handle on this international traveling thing after all this time in airports and through security checks. I have had zero trouble at any check and have actually been waved around the detectors in order to hurry through the queue. I guess I have an innocent face. If only they knew, right, haha.
All is just exactly what it is
It was dead all night accept for the others here and there sprawled out trying desperately to catch a few winks. Fun to see the forts that people had set up to avoid the chill in the airport, there were just piles of clothes with people underneath.
The flight that I had originally been scheduled for was canceled so I talked to the Airlink rep and got on the flight that had replaced it. So here I am sitting in the little Caffe Ritazza enjoying some coffee and some kind of weirdo muffin. The airport is beginning to wake up now though and I will go and walk around a bit before I head to gate A20 that opens at 9:45. I am on flight number SA62 which is scheduled to be in Lusaka around 12:30 I believe.
I found myself getting back into the swing of Africa already. Caught myself calling the security official boss and started walking faster again as a man on a mission even if I didn't have one in mind.
It is interesting coming back in remembering what it was like the first time. A bit different this time. The last time I will be making the trip this way for some time.
There were a bunch of things that I had planned on doing to get ready for coming back but, it was so hard to think of Zambia when I was in the states though. I wanted to ill every moment that I could with America. I don't regret this for a second... yet. I would not trade, for the world, the epic Texas tour that I got to take with the lovely Heather. It really was amazing to get to spend time with old friends and making new friends.
I will be very thankful when I am able to come home for the holidays and not have fours days of leave eaten by the trip. On the other hand. It was great to get to see some people that I might otherwise have made it a point to see unless I was over here, namely Cousin Will, Holly, and Connor. It was so great to get to see you (Will and Holly, and finally meet you, Connor). I really wanted to make it to see Uncle Mike, Aunt Laura, Uncle Lee and Aunt Laura but, time was the enemy and I didn't make it. You are teh top of the list in the summer I assure you. I will see if I can get Heather to plan it for me so it actually happens :)
Hoping that you all are enjoying a great Friday, it looks good so far over here. Though I can't say that it holds a candle to that sunrise through the pines back home.
I will be checking in again soon. About two hours and then I am in the air again. I feel like I have a decent handle on this international traveling thing after all this time in airports and through security checks. I have had zero trouble at any check and have actually been waved around the detectors in order to hurry through the queue. I guess I have an innocent face. If only they knew, right, haha.
All is just exactly what it is
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Joburg airport
I have gotten past the two doosies and now I am left with one last hop into Lusaka. One heck of a layover here in SA (11 hours). I am not allowed to enter the main terminal until the day of my flight, it is 10:30pm now. I have a little while to wait but, I think that I can fill it with sleep.
Huge thanks to everyone that made my time back so incredible. I will be more specific in coming posts but, I don't think that I can get away without mentioning Kristen Evans, she is pretty great ;) there are a few big updates that need more time than I have right now but, a assure you that they will come soon.
Brother and Jennah, I owe you guys the world. A million thanks for the opportunity to come home. Oh man I could go on a while about how grateful I am to you.
Eight hours away again. who needs sleep though, right? All is going to be ok.
Huge thanks to everyone that made my time back so incredible. I will be more specific in coming posts but, I don't think that I can get away without mentioning Kristen Evans, she is pretty great ;) there are a few big updates that need more time than I have right now but, a assure you that they will come soon.
Brother and Jennah, I owe you guys the world. A million thanks for the opportunity to come home. Oh man I could go on a while about how grateful I am to you.
Eight hours away again. who needs sleep though, right? All is going to be ok.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011 in paradise
Well it has been a while. I have been on the road, living like a nomad, for the past few weeks. It is has fantastic! I have gotten to spend time with those dear to me. Rung in 2011 with Heather, Kacy and Justin (a couple of Heather's friends in Houston) and watched the fireworks around the neighborhood. There is not as much looking back as there is looking forward for me. I know it is supposed to be the time that looks back but, I am looking forward to what is to come with the next year.
There were a couple of neat things that have happen lately. Got to meet Conner my cousin Will's munchkin. He is definitely a Pry and appreciates the obligation to awesome that is attached to that suffix. I got to spend some time with Heather's family in Dallas as well. They are fantastic folks along with her brothers, Josh and Chirs, who are pretty flippin' awesome as well.
I ran into the Yeager's, Stephanie, Andrea, and Becca the other day while sitting in front of the Starbucks in College Station. It was amazing that even though not one of us remains in the town of our grand Alma Mater we all make it back and manage to get a little face time. Forget plans, sometimes things just fall into place (ok, well that 'forget plans' is probably a bit much, I am working on the planning thing though I am still pretty green).
Brother and Jennah, words cannot express how thankful I am that you brought me back for the holidays. You have been so amazing, I love you both tremendously. THANK YOU!
Katy and Kahler I will be back with you guys soon, hang in there broseph. I know that I have said this before but really, I don't know what I would do if you guys weren't there with me.
Cummins family, thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality you all are wonderful.
Uncle Bill thank you so much for the wisdom and time that you spared for me. I appreciate it so very much!
Josh, thanks for opening your house to me every time I need it. You are the man.
There is a lot more to tell but, I will write all of that down when I am bored. Right now I am enjoying all the life that I can here back on this fantastic piece of planet earth.
All is indescribably beautiful!
There were a couple of neat things that have happen lately. Got to meet Conner my cousin Will's munchkin. He is definitely a Pry and appreciates the obligation to awesome that is attached to that suffix. I got to spend some time with Heather's family in Dallas as well. They are fantastic folks along with her brothers, Josh and Chirs, who are pretty flippin' awesome as well.
I ran into the Yeager's, Stephanie, Andrea, and Becca the other day while sitting in front of the Starbucks in College Station. It was amazing that even though not one of us remains in the town of our grand Alma Mater we all make it back and manage to get a little face time. Forget plans, sometimes things just fall into place (ok, well that 'forget plans' is probably a bit much, I am working on the planning thing though I am still pretty green).
Brother and Jennah, words cannot express how thankful I am that you brought me back for the holidays. You have been so amazing, I love you both tremendously. THANK YOU!
Katy and Kahler I will be back with you guys soon, hang in there broseph. I know that I have said this before but really, I don't know what I would do if you guys weren't there with me.
Cummins family, thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality you all are wonderful.
Uncle Bill thank you so much for the wisdom and time that you spared for me. I appreciate it so very much!
Josh, thanks for opening your house to me every time I need it. You are the man.
There is a lot more to tell but, I will write all of that down when I am bored. Right now I am enjoying all the life that I can here back on this fantastic piece of planet earth.
All is indescribably beautiful!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)