Yesterday, I took the afternoon off of work to run some errands. Things like going to the bank and heading to campus to pay a bill and get some paperwork. The bank actually ended up being the easier part of my afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised that pretty much all I need to do for the trip is make my bank aware that I'm going to Bolivia so they don't freeze my account because of a suspicious activity. So. Freakin'. Easy.
However, my trip up to campus to buy travel insurance was not quite so simple. I just don't understand why I am considered such an anomaly by doing an internship abroad. Surely, sometime in the history of my prestigious school, someone has gone abroad for an internship, so I'm not sure why these people look at me like I'm asking for pony ride and free ice cream. I'm not even the first one in my department to do this, one of my classmates just did this last quarter and yet the staff were constantly saying "Oh, well, you're a special case...blah, blah, blah." They eventually ended up being helpful, but only after giving me hoops to jump through, "Pay this fee, get a physical examination, also pay this fee, turn in this form, fill out this paperwork, and buy this. Also, here's another fee."
So my To-Do list is longer and my bank account is smaller but this is WORTH IT.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Airplane Tips
I bought my plane tickets!! The trip is officially from Sept 14th- Dec 10th. Non-refundable too, so I guess that means I'm going!
It's a 21 hour flight to Santa Cruz, so I googled "airplane ride tips" and these are some of the suggestions that I found: (My comments in italics)
1) Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. (P90X -The plane ride version).
2) To relieve pressure in your ears, research the Valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly. (You could just chew gum. But if you want to entertain your neighbors-go Valsalva baby!)
3) If the airline you are traveling with provides blankets, it is a good idea to sleep with the blanket over your head to block out light and also if you like privacy. (Did someone actually get paid to write this?)
4) If you want earplugs but didn't bring any, use tissue. (Or use the extra gum you have since you are going Valsalva...).
5) Take Sudafed to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Please note, however, that if you fly to Japan or New Zealand, Sudafed and other cold cures that contain pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to bring into the country. (Konnichiwa. You are under arrest.)
6) Try your best to sleep well (Never would have thought of this one on my own! How do they come up with this stuff?)
I get an especially funny mental picture if you combine numbers 1-4 : A blanket wearing man with tissue paper in his ears, holding his nose and blowing while exercising :)
It's a 21 hour flight to Santa Cruz, so I googled "airplane ride tips" and these are some of the suggestions that I found: (My comments in italics)
1) Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. (P90X -The plane ride version).
2) To relieve pressure in your ears, research the Valsalva maneuver (holding your nose and blowing) beforehand and know how to perform it correctly. (You could just chew gum. But if you want to entertain your neighbors-go Valsalva baby!)
3) If the airline you are traveling with provides blankets, it is a good idea to sleep with the blanket over your head to block out light and also if you like privacy. (Did someone actually get paid to write this?)
4) If you want earplugs but didn't bring any, use tissue. (Or use the extra gum you have since you are going Valsalva...).
5) Take Sudafed to help relieve pressure in your ears during takeoff and landing. Please note, however, that if you fly to Japan or New Zealand, Sudafed and other cold cures that contain pseudoephedrine are considered controlled substances and are illegal to bring into the country. (Konnichiwa. You are under arrest.)
6) Try your best to sleep well (Never would have thought of this one on my own! How do they come up with this stuff?)
I get an especially funny mental picture if you combine numbers 1-4 : A blanket wearing man with tissue paper in his ears, holding his nose and blowing while exercising :)
Friday, August 19, 2011
The post in which I confirm my insanity
Do you ever hate your past-self? I mean, you look at decisions that you made last week, or last month, and wonder, "What in the blazes was I thinking? Was I completely insane? Do I have multiple personality disorder or WHAT??"
That is how I feel right now. Because I have to move out of my house soon. And that means packing (insert anguished groan here). I loathe packing. It is lame. And awful. And terrible. Ok, ok so I knew that was coming so technically, I could have been packing months ago. Except we're forgetting that my past-self was crazy and obviously not thinking about her/my future sanity.
Also, I'm going camping next weekend. So the weekend is out for packing. But that still leaves next week to pack. Only I'm preparing the food for the aforementioned camping trip.
At this point, you're probably thinking that I'm overreacting, right? C'mon, Davielle. Chill out. Just cook your food and pack after work -you've got three free nights! True, very true. Except I'm cooking (and shopping!) for...forty people. FOUR-O PEOPLE. You're ready to check me into the mental ward now, right? Heck, I'm ready to check myself in.
Also, in case you haven't noticed yet from this blog -I'm going to Bolivia, which means there's another hat to wear. And I want to have at least some time to spend with my friends before I abandon them all for Latin America! Throw family time in there and I feel like I'm going to go (even) crazy(er). Made more crazy by the fact that work has been dreadfully slow, so I basically just sit here for eight hours thinking of all the things I need to do, which I can't do because I'm working.
I curse you, I-am-super-woman past-self! Oh man, if speaking about yourself in a disassociative manner isn't basis for admittance into the nearest mental institution, I don't know what is.
That is how I feel right now. Because I have to move out of my house soon. And that means packing (insert anguished groan here). I loathe packing. It is lame. And awful. And terrible. Ok, ok so I knew that was coming so technically, I could have been packing months ago. Except we're forgetting that my past-self was crazy and obviously not thinking about her/my future sanity.
Also, I'm going camping next weekend. So the weekend is out for packing. But that still leaves next week to pack. Only I'm preparing the food for the aforementioned camping trip.
At this point, you're probably thinking that I'm overreacting, right? C'mon, Davielle. Chill out. Just cook your food and pack after work -you've got three free nights! True, very true. Except I'm cooking (and shopping!) for...forty people. FOUR-O PEOPLE. You're ready to check me into the mental ward now, right? Heck, I'm ready to check myself in.
Also, in case you haven't noticed yet from this blog -I'm going to Bolivia, which means there's another hat to wear. And I want to have at least some time to spend with my friends before I abandon them all for Latin America! Throw family time in there and I feel like I'm going to go (even) crazy(er). Made more crazy by the fact that work has been dreadfully slow, so I basically just sit here for eight hours thinking of all the things I need to do, which I can't do because I'm working.
I curse you, I-am-super-woman past-self! Oh man, if speaking about yourself in a disassociative manner isn't basis for admittance into the nearest mental institution, I don't know what is.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Journal Entry: Feb 27th
Every so often, I'd like to post some old journal entries about the bigger picture process of going to Bolivia. They won't be too personal and I'll edit them as I go but I thought it might be cool to see just how long this trip was in the making. This is one from way back in February.
Exhale. This weekend I was reminded how much I hate change. This house is going to be completely different next year. I won't be in my sweet little room. There will be new people and new stuff and new ways of doing things. And I might be semi-ok with all of this, truly, if it weren't for the fact that I'm planning on being in Latin America in the fall. Laugh with me, won't you? The momma's girl that doesn't like change will be on another continent. Can I really do that? Am I crazy? This could be disastrous!
And amidst all those thoughts, God so clearly said, "Legitimate reasons and fears become bad excuses after I call you."
It made me stop. Which is a big deal in the middle of a busy Thursday -or any weekday for that matter (PS I am so thankful that God speaks amidst my chaos! Yes, it is fantastic to give Him sacred space but sometimes -He just speaks anyway). It makes my stomach drop because a) God just spoke to me 2) Conviction does that to you and lastly, 3) Could this be confirmation that I'm actually supposed to go? (just realized I "numbered" those thoughts a, 2, 3. Shesh).
And yet I still want to leave myself a back door in case things don't work out in Latin America. In case I really am crazy.
Exhale. This weekend I was reminded how much I hate change. This house is going to be completely different next year. I won't be in my sweet little room. There will be new people and new stuff and new ways of doing things. And I might be semi-ok with all of this, truly, if it weren't for the fact that I'm planning on being in Latin America in the fall. Laugh with me, won't you? The momma's girl that doesn't like change will be on another continent. Can I really do that? Am I crazy? This could be disastrous!
And amidst all those thoughts, God so clearly said, "Legitimate reasons and fears become bad excuses after I call you."
It made me stop. Which is a big deal in the middle of a busy Thursday -or any weekday for that matter (PS I am so thankful that God speaks amidst my chaos! Yes, it is fantastic to give Him sacred space but sometimes -He just speaks anyway). It makes my stomach drop because a) God just spoke to me 2) Conviction does that to you and lastly, 3) Could this be confirmation that I'm actually supposed to go? (just realized I "numbered" those thoughts a, 2, 3. Shesh).
And yet I still want to leave myself a back door in case things don't work out in Latin America. In case I really am crazy.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Evaluation and Confession
Bolivia is slowly starting to become real. I should be able to buy my plane ticket this weekend and will be leaving in just a little over a month. It has been so exciting to have so many friends and family members share in my joy. I love that community feeling of love and support -couldn't go without it! Good people just make all the difference. My friend, Jubilee (also a Community Health student and just a dear, dear sister) got accepted the day before I did, to do an internship in Egypt. Sharing my joy with her was especially sweet. These internships abroad have truly been our dreams for these past two years in school and God has been so faithful to carry us through -even when riots broke out in Egypt and I wasn't sure if I would have a job.
Her words last night were especially comforting. Don't tell -but lately, I have been doubting my abilities in Spanish and Community Health. I mean, this will be real, legit work. People's lives are affected by the programs that Etta Projects does and my evaluation has the potential to change the way those programs are carried out. That's a big responsibility. But Jubes reminded me that we've done this before. In fact, we had a whole class on evaluation. And I'm not bragging about my abilities in Community Health -because I definitely have my weak points (SPSS and Stats for starters!) but evaluation was definitely one of my stronger skills. We'll see if it still is when I'm speaking Spanish!
Shameful confession: At my desk here at work, I've printed out a map of South America and tacked it up to the bulletin board next to me -with Bolivia outlined in blue. Patients have been asking about it and so I get to tell them about my trip! Sneaky, huh? Also, maybe slightly pathetic but I am ok with it. At least this way I'm not all, "Here for an xray? Let me tell you about my upcoming trip to Bolivia!"
Her words last night were especially comforting. Don't tell -but lately, I have been doubting my abilities in Spanish and Community Health. I mean, this will be real, legit work. People's lives are affected by the programs that Etta Projects does and my evaluation has the potential to change the way those programs are carried out. That's a big responsibility. But Jubes reminded me that we've done this before. In fact, we had a whole class on evaluation. And I'm not bragging about my abilities in Community Health -because I definitely have my weak points (SPSS and Stats for starters!) but evaluation was definitely one of my stronger skills. We'll see if it still is when I'm speaking Spanish!
Shameful confession: At my desk here at work, I've printed out a map of South America and tacked it up to the bulletin board next to me -with Bolivia outlined in blue. Patients have been asking about it and so I get to tell them about my trip! Sneaky, huh? Also, maybe slightly pathetic but I am ok with it. At least this way I'm not all, "Here for an xray? Let me tell you about my upcoming trip to Bolivia!"
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
The Call
I got the call today.
And I'm in! There's just nothing like seeing the number on your phone and thinking "This is it!" Hearing the words "We have a spot for you..." YES! And then to hear all about what I'll be doing, what I'll be learning. Here's a little overview of what I'll be up to...IN BOLIVIA:
- Bathroom project
- Water Filter Project
- Village water system (8-10 villages)
Monthly Schedule of Evaluation Activities:
Study Etta Projects' water and sanitation projects (approach,
practices, models, objectives, etc) (month 1)
Create evaluation tools (month 1)
Receive data (month 1-2)
Systematize the data (month 2)
Analyze the data (month 2)
Research new data (similar projects, reseach analysis, etc) (month 2-3)
Write Final Report (month 3)
It all sounds so important, yeah? A lot of it sounds very formal but in reality, data collection just means interviewing the local people about how they feel the water/sanitation projects were received. Which means, I get to speak Spanish all day! SO FUN!
And now there is just so much to do.
And I'm in! There's just nothing like seeing the number on your phone and thinking "This is it!" Hearing the words "We have a spot for you..." YES! And then to hear all about what I'll be doing, what I'll be learning. Here's a little overview of what I'll be up to...IN BOLIVIA:
- Bathroom project
- Water Filter Project
- Village water system (8-10 villages)
Monthly Schedule of Evaluation Activities:
Study Etta Projects' water and sanitation projects (approach,
practices, models, objectives, etc) (month 1)
Create evaluation tools (month 1)
Receive data (month 1-2)
Systematize the data (month 2)
Analyze the data (month 2)
Research new data (similar projects, reseach analysis, etc) (month 2-3)
Write Final Report (month 3)
It all sounds so important, yeah? A lot of it sounds very formal but in reality, data collection just means interviewing the local people about how they feel the water/sanitation projects were received. Which means, I get to speak Spanish all day! SO FUN!
And now there is just so much to do.
Hope Crescendo
Oh boy, how very cliché...going on a trip and starting a blog. But I once heard a quote that went something like, "Clichés are invariably important, that's why they are clichés," and I figure that's probably as good a blog theme as any.
Some disclaimers: I'm not super creative, at least not in a writing sort of way. For example, my sister came up with the blog title, I'm so pathetic. Although, I did translate it into Spanish ("a" = "to" for all you uno-lingual people out there). There will also be some spelling and grammar mistakes but trust me, they bug me more than they bug you. Aaaaand a little bit of exaggeration. Some people call it overly dramatic but I am really just expressive. If any of those things grate on your nerves, this may not be the blog for you.
You know that feeling you get, halfway between excitement and anxiety, with a whole lot anticipation mixed in? I've got that feeling real bad right now. I should get a call from an internship director tomorrow at Etta Projects and right now it feels like the phone call that Will. Define. My. Life. (did I mention the exaggerating?). Nevertheless, quite an exciting time in my life at the very least. It may be a little presumptuous to start a blog before I even have confirmation about the internship, but I wanted to capture the hope crescendo (think of music swelling, right before the finale) that I'm feeling right now. And if I don't get it, it will not be the end of the world. Just the end of this blog. Ha.
Some disclaimers: I'm not super creative, at least not in a writing sort of way. For example, my sister came up with the blog title, I'm so pathetic. Although, I did translate it into Spanish ("a" = "to" for all you uno-lingual people out there). There will also be some spelling and grammar mistakes but trust me, they bug me more than they bug you. Aaaaand a little bit of exaggeration. Some people call it overly dramatic but I am really just expressive. If any of those things grate on your nerves, this may not be the blog for you.
You know that feeling you get, halfway between excitement and anxiety, with a whole lot anticipation mixed in? I've got that feeling real bad right now. I should get a call from an internship director tomorrow at Etta Projects and right now it feels like the phone call that Will. Define. My. Life. (did I mention the exaggerating?). Nevertheless, quite an exciting time in my life at the very least. It may be a little presumptuous to start a blog before I even have confirmation about the internship, but I wanted to capture the hope crescendo (think of music swelling, right before the finale) that I'm feeling right now. And if I don't get it, it will not be the end of the world. Just the end of this blog. Ha.
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