My dad once said that if you never write it down you will forget the experience. So here goes. I got evacuated out of my site due to an earthquake, a hurracane, landslides and flooding. On Monday night a couple of weeks ago Panama and Costa Rica was hit with an earthquake. To be honest, I slept through it and thought my Ngobes were playing a practical joke on me. (Which they love to do). The earthquake made some ground settle...ya, ya, ya. And then the tail end of a hurracane hit. Normally where I live we get 4 days of crappy weather and then it clears up. But after 2 weeks of torential downpoar it tends to effect the land and the ocean. We got up to 10 feet waves and no one could leave the island. To make it even harder the port town where we get our supplies was hit with flooding and collapsed bridges. And to make it even more extreme, the road from the city to the port town was hit with landslides and almost 50 kilometers of road was wiped out.
ANd I do what I normally do in stressful situations, I cook and eat. And it's probably a good thing that I like to cook cause I was stuck in a house with Joanna (my partner in crime), Judy (another partner in crime), a stranded tourist and guide. We rotated cooking shifts and I had some of my latino professors cook. I know, latino men normally don't cook, but my friend JC can COOK.
My friends and I ended up buying a live rooster for a thanksgiving bird. But my cocinero peaced out on the earliest boat (and I have no idea how to kill a rooster, let alone the courage). So for turkey day, we celebrated vegetarian style with mashed potatoes, carrots, gravey, rolls and cookie pie.
Um eventually we all went a little crazy and slightly cracked. We ended up getting off the island through a police boat. (3 girls, 10 police men with machine guns, one messed up ocean and 200 hp boat = good times) arrived on Bocas Island and flew out to Panama City.
I know random and there are more stories to come.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Like a Cuban Refugee
Today as I was taking the boat into civilization I had alot of time to think and ponder about my life. Normally I fall asleep on the boat with the waves lulling me to sleep. However this morning it was raining. I can´t sleep when it rains. So huddled and miserably wet on a boat at 6 in the morning like a Cuban refugee I thought about the following things.
I´ve had a cold for the past couple of days and thus sneeze alot. The first time someone sneezes here in Panama, everyone says Salud (Health). The next time dinero (money). And the last one is amor (love).
Salud:
A couple of weeks ago I walked into an edge of a bed frame and banged it really hard. I thought it was a deep bruise but after being sore for 2.5 weeks I checked it out with the doctor. The sweet MRI machine showed that I have partially tore my ACL, my MCL and my meniscus. So I´m heading to Panama City to determine if I need surgery or some type of voodoo magic.
Dinero:
Same day I found out about my knee I left my wallet on a counter at an internet cafe. I remembered it immediately but when I returned it was gone. Some nice guy returned my wallet with all my id´s in it, but none of my money. Since this is the second time it´s happended to me, I´m more pissed off at myself for letting my guard down.
Amor:
You didn´t think I would tell everything did you?
On a side note I saw an iguana cross the road today. I think that´s a sign of good luck. Or at least I´ll take it as one.
I´ve had a cold for the past couple of days and thus sneeze alot. The first time someone sneezes here in Panama, everyone says Salud (Health). The next time dinero (money). And the last one is amor (love).
Salud:
A couple of weeks ago I walked into an edge of a bed frame and banged it really hard. I thought it was a deep bruise but after being sore for 2.5 weeks I checked it out with the doctor. The sweet MRI machine showed that I have partially tore my ACL, my MCL and my meniscus. So I´m heading to Panama City to determine if I need surgery or some type of voodoo magic.
Dinero:
Same day I found out about my knee I left my wallet on a counter at an internet cafe. I remembered it immediately but when I returned it was gone. Some nice guy returned my wallet with all my id´s in it, but none of my money. Since this is the second time it´s happended to me, I´m more pissed off at myself for letting my guard down.
Amor:
You didn´t think I would tell everything did you?
On a side note I saw an iguana cross the road today. I think that´s a sign of good luck. Or at least I´ll take it as one.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Not your tipico baile
I went to a baile a couple of weeks ago and was pretty surprised. I´ve been to bailes (dances) before in Panama so I thought I knew what to expect and was pretty much a champion at all things baile.
Maybe that´s true for the rest of Panama, but not in the Peninsula. So here are the rules for the baile in my site:
1. They start at 10 or 11, depending on how many more generators we have to scrounge up. Yeah, generators.
2. The guy dancing with you has a bottle of seco in his pants. Or it could be two, you never really know.
3. Fights are normal. They are only really serious when they take off their shirts. The other fights are just playing.
4. The dance will last till 7am. At least that´s when the accordian player stops.
5. It will be fun, with friends, and lots of guys for protection. Just leave early.
Ok, that´s it, I´m out.
Write me folks, send letters and packages. My addy is on the side of my blog. I´ll try to post some photos and surf footage next time. Love ya!
Maybe that´s true for the rest of Panama, but not in the Peninsula. So here are the rules for the baile in my site:
1. They start at 10 or 11, depending on how many more generators we have to scrounge up. Yeah, generators.
2. The guy dancing with you has a bottle of seco in his pants. Or it could be two, you never really know.
3. Fights are normal. They are only really serious when they take off their shirts. The other fights are just playing.
4. The dance will last till 7am. At least that´s when the accordian player stops.
5. It will be fun, with friends, and lots of guys for protection. Just leave early.
Ok, that´s it, I´m out.
Write me folks, send letters and packages. My addy is on the side of my blog. I´ll try to post some photos and surf footage next time. Love ya!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
9.01.08
My best friend here is a 5 year old named Aristedes. He thinks that when we die and go to heaven, we´ll eat fruit all the time. I like that philosophy. Plus he hiked with me all the way to Nidori because he didn´t want me walking alone.
¨8.28.08
A woman in my site died from AIDs yesterday. Her funeral was today. And so for two days everyone has been quiet, still, in mourning. Since probably half the town is related to her, everyone is impacted. Her husband died a year ago in a car accident and she was left to raise her 3 children. She was 23. Now the children are orphans, left to be raised by their grandmother. You hear of AIDs, you hear of SIDs, but I never thought I would see the ramifications, especially in Panama.
8.10.08
¨Here I am, between my flock and my treasure, the boy thought. He had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have.¨* The Alchemist.
Between the normal things we are used to and our desire for something else that will bring change.
My life before Peace Corps signified in one sentance, choosing between the comfortable and the extraordinary life. We choose the comfortable thinking it´s easier because that´s all we know and shy asay from the extraordinary because it´s different, unknown and therefore we believe harder. Each way of life is hard, but our mind tricks us into believing a complacent life is far easier than one necesiting change.
¨When each day is the same as the next, it´s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises¨.
Between the normal things we are used to and our desire for something else that will bring change.
My life before Peace Corps signified in one sentance, choosing between the comfortable and the extraordinary life. We choose the comfortable thinking it´s easier because that´s all we know and shy asay from the extraordinary because it´s different, unknown and therefore we believe harder. Each way of life is hard, but our mind tricks us into believing a complacent life is far easier than one necesiting change.
¨When each day is the same as the next, it´s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises¨.
Food for thought 7.21.08
Tortugua.
The words bounced from house to house until finally reaching my hut. Once the word is whispered and passed my family says ¨bru, vamos Chamie a la playa¨ and dutifully I follow. It´s one of those instances where I feel like I should really be excited for someone- like when your best friend told you that she is marrying a moron- and you just fail to feel that same excitement. And so, caught up somewhere between excitement and sadness, you feel nothing. I´m excited that for a week my family will have food to eat, and that I won´t hear them complain about buchu simple. But on the other hand I know this is the 3rd turtle in 3 weeks and the species is slowly dying away. And so, I do what I normally do in akward situations- I joke. It´s either that or be angry at them for following ancient traditions handed down by their forefathers. In the end it boils down to food being food and for one night not hearing a cry of a child´s hunger.
On a more serious note, the teacher gave me the key to the latrine. Now I don´t have to worry aboiut it being open or not. One problem solved and relief definately follows. Now if I could only solve the turtle issue....
The words bounced from house to house until finally reaching my hut. Once the word is whispered and passed my family says ¨bru, vamos Chamie a la playa¨ and dutifully I follow. It´s one of those instances where I feel like I should really be excited for someone- like when your best friend told you that she is marrying a moron- and you just fail to feel that same excitement. And so, caught up somewhere between excitement and sadness, you feel nothing. I´m excited that for a week my family will have food to eat, and that I won´t hear them complain about buchu simple. But on the other hand I know this is the 3rd turtle in 3 weeks and the species is slowly dying away. And so, I do what I normally do in akward situations- I joke. It´s either that or be angry at them for following ancient traditions handed down by their forefathers. In the end it boils down to food being food and for one night not hearing a cry of a child´s hunger.
On a more serious note, the teacher gave me the key to the latrine. Now I don´t have to worry aboiut it being open or not. One problem solved and relief definately follows. Now if I could only solve the turtle issue....
She 7.11.08
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of Cloudless climes and starry skies,
and all that´s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
*Byron
But strength alone, though of the Muses born,
Is like a fallen angel, trees uptorn,
Darkness, and worm, and shrouds, and sepulchers
Delight it, for it feeds upon the burrs
And thorns of life, forgetting the great end
Of poesy, that it should be a friend
To soothe the cares, and lift the thoughts
Of man.
* Keats
Finally a short time of contemplative silence before it is broken yet again by the quick rapid fire words of an angry Nogbe mama or by the cries of a baby....or the continual questions of what I am or will be doing. I used to take solitude time so much for granted. IF I wanted to get away, all I had to do was head to the closest coffee shop where I could get absorbed for hours in a book or even more so with my thoughts. I find that if I do get up by at least 6 when the air is still cool and slip into my running clothe, I can walk sliently by the sea as much mesmerized by the sand as the stunning view. Those hours I cherish. I am not followed by children who demand money or an English lesson. The bright sun doesn´t bother me yet, but the chitre like always do. And there wandering lost on the beach, I begin to find my self again. Find myself against daily frustrations of language and culture. Finding myself when most things I find that hve defined me are lost in translation across an ocean and most known civilization. The time I have isn´t always amazing, but it is mine alone to wonder and cherish. If you took all your bearings away from you, your house, your car, your clothes, your job, your language, your sports, well what would define you?
Of Cloudless climes and starry skies,
and all that´s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes.
*Byron
But strength alone, though of the Muses born,
Is like a fallen angel, trees uptorn,
Darkness, and worm, and shrouds, and sepulchers
Delight it, for it feeds upon the burrs
And thorns of life, forgetting the great end
Of poesy, that it should be a friend
To soothe the cares, and lift the thoughts
Of man.
* Keats
Finally a short time of contemplative silence before it is broken yet again by the quick rapid fire words of an angry Nogbe mama or by the cries of a baby....or the continual questions of what I am or will be doing. I used to take solitude time so much for granted. IF I wanted to get away, all I had to do was head to the closest coffee shop where I could get absorbed for hours in a book or even more so with my thoughts. I find that if I do get up by at least 6 when the air is still cool and slip into my running clothe, I can walk sliently by the sea as much mesmerized by the sand as the stunning view. Those hours I cherish. I am not followed by children who demand money or an English lesson. The bright sun doesn´t bother me yet, but the chitre like always do. And there wandering lost on the beach, I begin to find my self again. Find myself against daily frustrations of language and culture. Finding myself when most things I find that hve defined me are lost in translation across an ocean and most known civilization. The time I have isn´t always amazing, but it is mine alone to wonder and cherish. If you took all your bearings away from you, your house, your car, your clothes, your job, your language, your sports, well what would define you?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
It´s all and then it´s nothing
Wow. I´ve been out of civilization for a while and coming back into the world of electronics, lights, internet can be a little overwhelming sometimes. To be honest, I´ve been putting off checking the email and posting random blogs. Overwhelming because it reminds me a different life I had in a country about a million miles and a century of technology away.
My life is different. Not bad different, not good different (Though at times it can be both), but just different, different.
I´m struggling to learn two languages at once and feeling like I´m failing miserably. Yeah I can get by in my site on my Spanish. But, once I hop off my lancha, the people speak faster and I end up feeling that the language will never come and that I will always walk around with a puzzled look on my face. Always listening, trying to catch that one phrase or word I know, and yet somehow not comprehending.
I´m trying to live up to being a Ngobe mari (woman). But my skills fall obviously short. Like coconut peeling machete skills, fish scaling with a machete skills, splitting wood with a machete skills....okay, really it´s my machete skills. As in I don´t have any at all. Yeah, it might help if I actually had a machete and practiced with it, but I don´t. Maybe that´s something I should start with first.
First machetes, then a culture.
Poco a poco
I´ll get there eventually
Some days I just want
to stay inside
Hide in my haven
Of yellow net security.
Listening to familiar
but yet vaguely distant music.
And escaping through
another book of tales
that for a little time
trick me into beliving
that
I am somewhere else.
But on the days
that I do emerge
I am constantly surprised
by the questions
by the food
by the culture
and slowly, slowly
by the hints of friendship
that are being created.
One day I will
be that super Peace Corps Volunteer
not this day,
not the day after
but some day
Two years are waiting.
Waiting to discover all this
and more.
Hasta,
Jamie
My life is different. Not bad different, not good different (Though at times it can be both), but just different, different.
I´m struggling to learn two languages at once and feeling like I´m failing miserably. Yeah I can get by in my site on my Spanish. But, once I hop off my lancha, the people speak faster and I end up feeling that the language will never come and that I will always walk around with a puzzled look on my face. Always listening, trying to catch that one phrase or word I know, and yet somehow not comprehending.
I´m trying to live up to being a Ngobe mari (woman). But my skills fall obviously short. Like coconut peeling machete skills, fish scaling with a machete skills, splitting wood with a machete skills....okay, really it´s my machete skills. As in I don´t have any at all. Yeah, it might help if I actually had a machete and practiced with it, but I don´t. Maybe that´s something I should start with first.
First machetes, then a culture.
Poco a poco
I´ll get there eventually
Some days I just want
to stay inside
Hide in my haven
Of yellow net security.
Listening to familiar
but yet vaguely distant music.
And escaping through
another book of tales
that for a little time
trick me into beliving
that
I am somewhere else.
But on the days
that I do emerge
I am constantly surprised
by the questions
by the food
by the culture
and slowly, slowly
by the hints of friendship
that are being created.
One day I will
be that super Peace Corps Volunteer
not this day,
not the day after
but some day
Two years are waiting.
Waiting to discover all this
and more.
Hasta,
Jamie
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Alkaselzter and Lemons
I fell in sewage the other day. See I had to go to the bathroom and there are two options for me in my town. One latrine which is over a stream and you have to walk through a swampy pasture. The other option being the latrines at the school which is just a walk down the beach, but that latrine is not always an option because sometimes they lock it. Going with the for sure open latrine I head toward the stream. Taking the shortcut, I walk through people´s backyards until I come to a quebrada. Which is really a stream where all the sewage goes. It´s larger than it was last time, but since by now nature was really calling, I decided to take the plunge. And my foot went slopping into the sewage about up to my knee. Around this time, I loose my chaco so I stick my arm into the sewage as well looking for the chaco. (Cause, those things are my pride and joy). Looking for the next place to place my other foot, I just plunge it into more mud. And again, lost my other chaco. By this time, I´m pissed, I have to go to the bathroom and I´m covered in raw sewage. So frusterated I head home. My home is on the main path so everyone saw my walk of shame. And laughed.
They do like to laugh. And so I laughed to and tried to give the kids hugs.
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
They do like to laugh. And so I laughed to and tried to give the kids hugs.
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Ya.
First of all, it takes too long to post fotos. And since I don´t want to be sitting in front of a computer all day, I´ve decided to borrow other peoples fotos. So for some cool shots, go to http://picasaweb.google.com/mstauthamer/May2008
In other news,
I just visited my site. It´s beautiful. I like to call it Macau. Situated on a random island in Bocas, it´s perfect for surfing. Imagine walking down snow white beaches, seeing a perfect wave break and having idealic huts in the background.
And then if you zoom in your camera just a bit, you might see a gringa that the people there call Chamie. She´s content smiling, eating a steaming bowl of bananas and coconut rice.
Of course it´s not complete paradise. The community of 150 has 1 latrine. It´s situated over a tiny river. It actually has 4 latrines if you include the ones located at the school, but they get locked on the weekend. The site lacks electricity. So there´s no cold beer waiting for you after a long day of surfing. And cows wander and poop on the beach so you have to watch your steps and dodge the pies.
But the people are happy here. They do want to work. They want to learn English because they realize that learning it will increase their job opprotunities. And so for the time being I will be the maestra de ingles in the school. I am teaching the English classes in the school everyday, and classes for adults in the community Monday and Friday for 2 hours each.
Right now the community wants me to help them fix the aqueduct and build the latrines. I´m definatley more than happy to help build the latrine. As for the aqueduct, I´m completely clueless. I´ve never taken a engineering class in my life. But I do know that larger pipes will decrease water pressure, not increase it (like the aqueduct committee thinks).
But it´s peaceful here. I know my neighbors already and I have hours to talk and learn from them each day.
But in the meantime.... Please send me email. I know it sounds like a desperate request, but I only come into town every once in a while and it can be a little disheartening to realize that no one emails. It´s: jamie_konecny@hotmail.com
Peace.
In other news,
I just visited my site. It´s beautiful. I like to call it Macau. Situated on a random island in Bocas, it´s perfect for surfing. Imagine walking down snow white beaches, seeing a perfect wave break and having idealic huts in the background.
And then if you zoom in your camera just a bit, you might see a gringa that the people there call Chamie. She´s content smiling, eating a steaming bowl of bananas and coconut rice.
Of course it´s not complete paradise. The community of 150 has 1 latrine. It´s situated over a tiny river. It actually has 4 latrines if you include the ones located at the school, but they get locked on the weekend. The site lacks electricity. So there´s no cold beer waiting for you after a long day of surfing. And cows wander and poop on the beach so you have to watch your steps and dodge the pies.
But the people are happy here. They do want to work. They want to learn English because they realize that learning it will increase their job opprotunities. And so for the time being I will be the maestra de ingles in the school. I am teaching the English classes in the school everyday, and classes for adults in the community Monday and Friday for 2 hours each.
Right now the community wants me to help them fix the aqueduct and build the latrines. I´m definatley more than happy to help build the latrine. As for the aqueduct, I´m completely clueless. I´ve never taken a engineering class in my life. But I do know that larger pipes will decrease water pressure, not increase it (like the aqueduct committee thinks).
But it´s peaceful here. I know my neighbors already and I have hours to talk and learn from them each day.
But in the meantime.... Please send me email. I know it sounds like a desperate request, but I only come into town every once in a while and it can be a little disheartening to realize that no one emails. It´s: jamie_konecny@hotmail.com
Peace.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Poverty
These past two weeks helped me question and reaffirm why I’m in Panama. I saw poverty for the first time. When you’re not expecting it, it can definitely punch you in the face. Maybe it’s because I thought that Panama City was a reflective of the whole country. (I guess that’s saying Manhattan represents the whole US). And when you realize that there is such a desparity, it really makes you think.
I don’t need to describe the community much, there were latrines, and running water, but the community was either at or below the poverty line.
I still have a hard time of understanding how some people could be so poor and yet so happy. I suppose it throws the whole money=happiness right out the window And the thought that me helping them “improve” their lives would somehow decrease their happiness has definitely crossed my mind more than once…
They are so poor and I want to help. I want to help teach them what I have learned and I know I’ll be learning a lot in the process. I guess it boils down to that: I have learned so much, so how could I not help others with the knowledge I have??
I don’t need to describe the community much, there were latrines, and running water, but the community was either at or below the poverty line.
I still have a hard time of understanding how some people could be so poor and yet so happy. I suppose it throws the whole money=happiness right out the window And the thought that me helping them “improve” their lives would somehow decrease their happiness has definitely crossed my mind more than once…
They are so poor and I want to help. I want to help teach them what I have learned and I know I’ll be learning a lot in the process. I guess it boils down to that: I have learned so much, so how could I not help others with the knowledge I have??
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Panama....the experience
Change seems to be the constant in my life right now. Maybe it’s the slow realization that I’m not in Colorado anymore. And the realization that I’m now that awkward foreign exchange student trying to prove to others that, “Yes, I was actually pretty cool back home”. But it’s hard to express how cool you really are when you are slowly learning their language and when your clothes are not Panamanian style.
It’s definitely a lifestyle change when your host family is worried when you’re not home by nine….and usually that was the time that you left the house to go out.
Poco a poco I’m getting used to grabbing fresh fruit off a tree, riding a pimped out old school bus for public transport, cold showers, and telenovas.
I do like Panama for all of you sitting there scratching your heads and wondering. I like that I live in a really small town. I like that my host family here is so big, so close, and I’m introduced to others as their daughter. I like that I can read a Spanish newspaper and know what it is saying. I like that when I go to tech classes and during break I can go play with Pepe the monkey. And I like that my family is constantly teaching me new things. For example: today I’m killing a chicken for a party. Every day is a new experience and a chance for me to learn something new.
Even though my life is constantly changing, I’ve been struck by one other constant in my life: God. Last night while trying to fall asleep I was listening to a song and I realized how true the words were. It goes something like this:
All the things my feet thought to be firm
Are falling with urgency
Tearing back my false sense of security
Some say, “Things change, nothing stays the same”
But the sweetness in my ears
Safe in your arms
Speak the words I love to hear
You have been more faithful
Than the morning sun
You have been more faithful
Than knowing night will come
You have been more faithful
Than the changing of seasons
All the things I thought
That I used to know
Falling down again
Our disillusionment is how we grow
Some say, “Things change, nothing stays the same”
In a world of inconsistency
Everything’s the now
What causes my heart to believe?
You have been more faithful…..
It’s definitely a lifestyle change when your host family is worried when you’re not home by nine….and usually that was the time that you left the house to go out.
Poco a poco I’m getting used to grabbing fresh fruit off a tree, riding a pimped out old school bus for public transport, cold showers, and telenovas.
I do like Panama for all of you sitting there scratching your heads and wondering. I like that I live in a really small town. I like that my host family here is so big, so close, and I’m introduced to others as their daughter. I like that I can read a Spanish newspaper and know what it is saying. I like that when I go to tech classes and during break I can go play with Pepe the monkey. And I like that my family is constantly teaching me new things. For example: today I’m killing a chicken for a party. Every day is a new experience and a chance for me to learn something new.
Even though my life is constantly changing, I’ve been struck by one other constant in my life: God. Last night while trying to fall asleep I was listening to a song and I realized how true the words were. It goes something like this:
All the things my feet thought to be firm
Are falling with urgency
Tearing back my false sense of security
Some say, “Things change, nothing stays the same”
But the sweetness in my ears
Safe in your arms
Speak the words I love to hear
You have been more faithful
Than the morning sun
You have been more faithful
Than knowing night will come
You have been more faithful
Than the changing of seasons
All the things I thought
That I used to know
Falling down again
Our disillusionment is how we grow
Some say, “Things change, nothing stays the same”
In a world of inconsistency
Everything’s the now
What causes my heart to believe?
You have been more faithful…..
Friday, May 09, 2008
It;s not official yet
So I talked to my boss, Pablo the other day for a final interview for my site. It turns out (drum roll please) that I will be going to an indigenous site. I¨ll be working with two different communities to develope tourism
....for surfers.
I know. You can all be jealous now.
The only problem is, I¨ve never surfed a day in my life.
It´s not official; I¨ll find out the final say on Wenesday....
But it´s kinda cool.
....for surfers.
I know. You can all be jealous now.
The only problem is, I¨ve never surfed a day in my life.
It´s not official; I¨ll find out the final say on Wenesday....
But it´s kinda cool.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Malaria Medication Dreams
Last night I dreamt about ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream.
I was in Michelle¨s ice cream shop (which is a 50¨s ice cream shop that is kinda decorated like Victoria¨s Secret) and I was looking at all the ice cream.
And I got 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream. And I remember thinking that that was alot of ice cream.
And then I woke up in 90 degree weather under a mosquito net.
Ah, Panama, I love you and your weather and lack of ice cream
I was in Michelle¨s ice cream shop (which is a 50¨s ice cream shop that is kinda decorated like Victoria¨s Secret) and I was looking at all the ice cream.
And I got 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream. And I remember thinking that that was alot of ice cream.
And then I woke up in 90 degree weather under a mosquito net.
Ah, Panama, I love you and your weather and lack of ice cream
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
A story that can only be told through Paint
This would only happen to me before the start of a 2 hour bridal shower in front of thirty strangers.....
And yes, girls always talk about rainbows, gumdrops, and stickers when we get together
Thursday, April 03, 2008
I'm just gonna throw this out there. If you don't like it you can just throw it right back.
On Saturday I had my going away party. And not to brag but... it was probably one of the best parties I've been to in a while. We emptied the bar (woo-hoo!!!), smoked the hookah, made mallows around the chiminea. We never got around to beer pong, but I guess there is always next time.
We celebrated Earth Hour by having the party lit by LED headlamps and candles. But the best part was how many of my friends showed up. One of my friends flew up from Ohio, one came down from Fo Co, another was in town from Florida. It's good to know that you are loved and will be missed.
So now I'm just trying to get everything done. I have a feeling that I'll be "that girl" who doesn't know how to pack or just completely overpacks everything. After bumming around China in a daypack for 3 weeks, I know I can pack right. Sometimes I just don't want to.
Auggh. Sorry this is so random. I guess my mind is going a million miles a minute and I keep thinking of things I need to do and somehow am still trying to process how to say goodbye to everyone.
We celebrated Earth Hour by having the party lit by LED headlamps and candles. But the best part was how many of my friends showed up. One of my friends flew up from Ohio, one came down from Fo Co, another was in town from Florida. It's good to know that you are loved and will be missed.
So now I'm just trying to get everything done. I have a feeling that I'll be "that girl" who doesn't know how to pack or just completely overpacks everything. After bumming around China in a daypack for 3 weeks, I know I can pack right. Sometimes I just don't want to.
Auggh. Sorry this is so random. I guess my mind is going a million miles a minute and I keep thinking of things I need to do and somehow am still trying to process how to say goodbye to everyone.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
My dad believes in love at first sight.
I found this out on my way back from Amish Iowa while munching on fresh cheese curds. It kinda took me aback. I mean, who really believes in love at first sight?? And in the "Fireworks, bells and whistles electricity" sort of way?
I guess my dad does. Because that's how he described it.
My parents have been in love for 30 years. Next week is their 30th anniversary. The thing is they're still in love with eachother, madly in love. It wasn't uncommon for me growing up to walk into the kitchen and find my parents making out. Yeah, a little gross and slightly disconcerting. But life hasn't always been easy on my parents. They've had to deal with cancer twice, my dad going partially blind, living in the Philippines, and well the list goes on. I've never heard my mom complain about my dad and I don't think I've really seen them argue in front of me. All I've ever seen is their love.
And the thing is, it's what I want to strive for. I never want to settle for second best or even third. I don't want third string junior varsity, I want the starter on varsity. In other words, I want the best. I look at alot of relationships around me and I see them settling. Scared that they'll never find their soulmate, they go with the warmest body around.
Most of the guys in the general population I find pretty boring. The do the same things, like the same things and are pretty predictable. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to the off-beat guys who do their own thing. They have stories about their adventures and I'm drawn to an adventurous guy who isn't always constrained by society's norms. I like different.
So to sum it up, I don't believe in love at first sight mainly because I've never felt that way before towards anyone.
Maybe it does exist. Or maybe, like most things, it develops slowly over time getting richer and better.
I guess my dad does. Because that's how he described it.
My parents have been in love for 30 years. Next week is their 30th anniversary. The thing is they're still in love with eachother, madly in love. It wasn't uncommon for me growing up to walk into the kitchen and find my parents making out. Yeah, a little gross and slightly disconcerting. But life hasn't always been easy on my parents. They've had to deal with cancer twice, my dad going partially blind, living in the Philippines, and well the list goes on. I've never heard my mom complain about my dad and I don't think I've really seen them argue in front of me. All I've ever seen is their love.
And the thing is, it's what I want to strive for. I never want to settle for second best or even third. I don't want third string junior varsity, I want the starter on varsity. In other words, I want the best. I look at alot of relationships around me and I see them settling. Scared that they'll never find their soulmate, they go with the warmest body around.
Most of the guys in the general population I find pretty boring. The do the same things, like the same things and are pretty predictable. Maybe that's why I'm drawn to the off-beat guys who do their own thing. They have stories about their adventures and I'm drawn to an adventurous guy who isn't always constrained by society's norms. I like different.
So to sum it up, I don't believe in love at first sight mainly because I've never felt that way before towards anyone.
Maybe it does exist. Or maybe, like most things, it develops slowly over time getting richer and better.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Wall
Background music: Pink Floyd's "The Wall"
Last night I sat in gravel and stared at a wall for a couple of hours.
And no, I wasn't high.
The wall is covered in rocks with multicolored bits of tape stuck next to it.
And I sat staring. Figuring out a red route, a black route, and my nemesis green.
Once you pick your color, you follow the problem through, figuring your left, right hands, where you're gonna match feet, when you should throw in a heel hook or a dyno.
You see the end goal.
Life's not like that though. In life you stare at your climbing wall looking at a bunch of various colors, you pick your route, and you have no idea where the route will end.
Last night I sat in gravel and stared at a wall for a couple of hours.
And no, I wasn't high.
The wall is covered in rocks with multicolored bits of tape stuck next to it.
And I sat staring. Figuring out a red route, a black route, and my nemesis green.
Once you pick your color, you follow the problem through, figuring your left, right hands, where you're gonna match feet, when you should throw in a heel hook or a dyno.
You see the end goal.
Life's not like that though. In life you stare at your climbing wall looking at a bunch of various colors, you pick your route, and you have no idea where the route will end.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
I think I might loathe you....
at least partially.
See for a while, things were working out. I had my doubts especially since I'm leaving in a couple of weeks and I didn't think it would really work out long-distance wise.
But I said "What the hell?" and did it anyways. Throwing caution to the wind, I checked you out, learned more about you, and then decided to go for it. (Besides, you were cute)
And for a while, things were good. We went to the movies and you didn't interrupt me once. (Which was a refreshing change). We had the lunch dates, the dirty dive bar times, and when I thought it was working, I challenged you on the slopes.
You kept up. You didn't slack. You kept your promises and didn't disappoint.
Then last week, you decided that we weren't working out. You started forgetting things, things that were really, really important to me. And it wasn't just forgetting the small things, it was also dropping the ball when I needed you most.
Yes, I know people recommended you highly to me. But the sad thing is, I can't go back to the way things were. I'm kinda stuck with you for the moment, and I'm just waiting for the chance for me to move and forget you.
So this post is dedicated to you, my blackberry pearl 8100, Cause I think I might loathe you.
See for a while, things were working out. I had my doubts especially since I'm leaving in a couple of weeks and I didn't think it would really work out long-distance wise.
But I said "What the hell?" and did it anyways. Throwing caution to the wind, I checked you out, learned more about you, and then decided to go for it. (Besides, you were cute)
And for a while, things were good. We went to the movies and you didn't interrupt me once. (Which was a refreshing change). We had the lunch dates, the dirty dive bar times, and when I thought it was working, I challenged you on the slopes.
You kept up. You didn't slack. You kept your promises and didn't disappoint.
Then last week, you decided that we weren't working out. You started forgetting things, things that were really, really important to me. And it wasn't just forgetting the small things, it was also dropping the ball when I needed you most.
Yes, I know people recommended you highly to me. But the sad thing is, I can't go back to the way things were. I'm kinda stuck with you for the moment, and I'm just waiting for the chance for me to move and forget you.
So this post is dedicated to you, my blackberry pearl 8100, Cause I think I might loathe you.
Friday, February 29, 2008
So it finally had to happen.
I had one of those "Oh Sh*t" moments.
You know when you realize what you are about to do and you're half terrified and half so pumped to do it? Yeah.
I dropped my brother off at the airport and thought "this is the last time I'm gonna see him for two years." Which just made my mind ramble into all the other last things I'll get to do before I leave.
And then, I pretty much hyperventilated.
What if I threw a party and no one came? What if I hated it there? What if people don't remember me? What if everything is so foreign when I return?
A quick phone call to Ang that went pretty much like "Are you f-ing kidding me?!?! Snap out of it! Of course it won't be horrible"
And then I remembered that I'm also excited. Yeah, there's stuff I can't do, but there is so much other stuff that I could do there. (Like becoming an amazing surfer, using a machete, getting a sweet tan, living in a rainforest.....oh and helping people too)
So I snapped out of it and for now I'm just being. Living in the moment and enjoying it for all it's worth.
You know when you realize what you are about to do and you're half terrified and half so pumped to do it? Yeah.
I dropped my brother off at the airport and thought "this is the last time I'm gonna see him for two years." Which just made my mind ramble into all the other last things I'll get to do before I leave.
And then, I pretty much hyperventilated.
What if I threw a party and no one came? What if I hated it there? What if people don't remember me? What if everything is so foreign when I return?
A quick phone call to Ang that went pretty much like "Are you f-ing kidding me?!?! Snap out of it! Of course it won't be horrible"
And then I remembered that I'm also excited. Yeah, there's stuff I can't do, but there is so much other stuff that I could do there. (Like becoming an amazing surfer, using a machete, getting a sweet tan, living in a rainforest.....oh and helping people too)
So I snapped out of it and for now I'm just being. Living in the moment and enjoying it for all it's worth.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I'm leaving.
In two months I'll be leaving for Panama with the Peace Corps.
And for once, I just want you to listen.
I don't want to hear about your relationship problems.
I don't want to over analyze a comment or an email.
I'm saying good-bye to life I've always known,
And saying hello to one I don't.
I'm packing up and moving on.
And for once, I just want to talk.
I want to talk about how excited
I will be,
How nervous I am,
How I am going to miss the most important
events in those lives around me.
I just want to talk about
saying good-bye
And for once I want you to just sit there
And not criticize me,
Not to judge me,
And not to tell me how to pack.
I want to talk about my feelings
(And I don't do this very much)
But for once,
Can you just listen
And let me cry
on your shoulder instead?
And for once, I just want you to listen.
I don't want to hear about your relationship problems.
I don't want to over analyze a comment or an email.
I'm saying good-bye to life I've always known,
And saying hello to one I don't.
I'm packing up and moving on.
And for once, I just want to talk.
I want to talk about how excited
I will be,
How nervous I am,
How I am going to miss the most important
events in those lives around me.
I just want to talk about
saying good-bye
And for once I want you to just sit there
And not criticize me,
Not to judge me,
And not to tell me how to pack.
I want to talk about my feelings
(And I don't do this very much)
But for once,
Can you just listen
And let me cry
on your shoulder instead?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Update
So first of all I have to say, it's hard being poor. It takes lots of planning and prep and you have to be pretty creative. Okay, I'm done whinning. Here's an update of how I spent all of my cash money:
$250 on a phone. Yes, you can start yelling at me now. But technically it was a present from Mummy & Daddy, so really I didn't spend that money at all.
$80 on skiing. It was an all day event and tons of fun. From a money standpoint, not the best thing to spend my dolla bills on, but from a physical & physcological standpoint, well worth it. Plus my brother is coming into town and I have to be better than him once I hit the slopes.
$15 going out. Pretty cheap, considering it covered 2 beers, appetizers, a cover charge, and two nights of fun.
I've only gone out to eat a couple of times and I'm learning how to make my lunch!!!! Small victory for me, but still a victory.
So yeah, still learning on how to live on half my income, but my savings account is looking amazing and I'm not starving to death.
$250 on a phone. Yes, you can start yelling at me now. But technically it was a present from Mummy & Daddy, so really I didn't spend that money at all.
$80 on skiing. It was an all day event and tons of fun. From a money standpoint, not the best thing to spend my dolla bills on, but from a physical & physcological standpoint, well worth it. Plus my brother is coming into town and I have to be better than him once I hit the slopes.
$15 going out. Pretty cheap, considering it covered 2 beers, appetizers, a cover charge, and two nights of fun.
I've only gone out to eat a couple of times and I'm learning how to make my lunch!!!! Small victory for me, but still a victory.
So yeah, still learning on how to live on half my income, but my savings account is looking amazing and I'm not starving to death.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Change.
Saturday I found myself sitting in an auditorum at Colorado College looking at horrific images flashing across a screen. Tears started streaming down my face and I was so moved that I didn't even bother to brush them away.
Some friends and I went to watch "The Devil Came on Horseback" an independent film regaring the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. It's one thing to see fake gory violence, it's another to see an image of a child who was burned to death. I never cry when I see movies and usually never cry in general. So why was I so moved by this?
It's because it's injustice. It's wrong. When we as people are not moved by horrific images, there is something wrong with our society.
How can we see injustice and not act against it? If we fail to act, essentially we are like the German citizens of the 1930's who knew about the concentration camps and did nothing.
In the past I would hear about programs such as Displace Me or even (Red), but I never bothered to do anything about it. In fact, I criticized the programs and even the people who would participate in them citing that the programs were not sustainable, poorly run, etc. I would get on my high horse using example after example of programs that essentially hurt the people groups that the NGO's were trying to help. **most of these examples were pulled from "A Bed for the Night"
Wow. How much a view can change after traveling to a 2nd world country and coming face to face with the problems that you have been critiquing from the cushy chairs of a bohemian coffee shop.
You know, even though a program or solutions to a problem are not ideal, at least it's something. It might not be sustainable, but it works for the here and now. (And if any of you know me, you would realize that this idea flies in the face of all my financial and economic education).
So, I know the idea going through your mind is "What's Jamie going to do about it?"
I'm going to write letters to my Senators and Congressman, I'm going to become more and better informed. I'm going to write to the President.
P.s. And don't worry. I'm not going to go on the "Free Tibet" campaign....yet.
Some friends and I went to watch "The Devil Came on Horseback" an independent film regaring the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. It's one thing to see fake gory violence, it's another to see an image of a child who was burned to death. I never cry when I see movies and usually never cry in general. So why was I so moved by this?
It's because it's injustice. It's wrong. When we as people are not moved by horrific images, there is something wrong with our society.
How can we see injustice and not act against it? If we fail to act, essentially we are like the German citizens of the 1930's who knew about the concentration camps and did nothing.
In the past I would hear about programs such as Displace Me or even (Red), but I never bothered to do anything about it. In fact, I criticized the programs and even the people who would participate in them citing that the programs were not sustainable, poorly run, etc. I would get on my high horse using example after example of programs that essentially hurt the people groups that the NGO's were trying to help. **most of these examples were pulled from "A Bed for the Night"
Wow. How much a view can change after traveling to a 2nd world country and coming face to face with the problems that you have been critiquing from the cushy chairs of a bohemian coffee shop.
You know, even though a program or solutions to a problem are not ideal, at least it's something. It might not be sustainable, but it works for the here and now. (And if any of you know me, you would realize that this idea flies in the face of all my financial and economic education).
So, I know the idea going through your mind is "What's Jamie going to do about it?"
I'm going to write letters to my Senators and Congressman, I'm going to become more and better informed. I'm going to write to the President.
P.s. And don't worry. I'm not going to go on the "Free Tibet" campaign....yet.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Experiment
I'm gonna start something new. Maybe it'll become a fad and I'll be credited as the first person to do it. Or it won't and I'll fail spectacularly because I can't keep the momentum going.
I'm going to start living on half my income. It officially started on Monday and I'll see how long I can last. It shouldn't be too hard as I was a finance major in college and I play with money all day long. I won't eat out every meal, I'll only go to the mountains on the weekend using free lift tickets, and I won't blow a whole paycheck on a painting. (Yes, I love art. Support the arts!)
So yes. I'm now living below poverty. I guess I'll see what happens. Ideally I'm living on half my income so that when I do get accepted to the Peace Corps, I can quit my hell hole of a job and work at Starbucks.
Yep, right now that's my aspriration. To become slightly bohemian and work at a coffee shop. It doesn't make sense to stay at my job if I know I'm leaving. And besides, it would be fun. Ok, it would also be irresponsible, but that's part of the fun.
Dream Big.
I'm going to start living on half my income. It officially started on Monday and I'll see how long I can last. It shouldn't be too hard as I was a finance major in college and I play with money all day long. I won't eat out every meal, I'll only go to the mountains on the weekend using free lift tickets, and I won't blow a whole paycheck on a painting. (Yes, I love art. Support the arts!)
So yes. I'm now living below poverty. I guess I'll see what happens. Ideally I'm living on half my income so that when I do get accepted to the Peace Corps, I can quit my hell hole of a job and work at Starbucks.
Yep, right now that's my aspriration. To become slightly bohemian and work at a coffee shop. It doesn't make sense to stay at my job if I know I'm leaving. And besides, it would be fun. Ok, it would also be irresponsible, but that's part of the fun.
Dream Big.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tomorrow....
is January 25, 2008.
And I will be 26. Ok, I can't hyperventilate. I just can't. 26 means that I'm not in my early 20's anymore. I'm going to be in my late 20s.... Oh Crap!!!
Turning 25 was a mild heart attack. And that was only because my mom got married when she was 25 and I wasn't even dating anyone. (And for some reason that was a big deal for me to get married before I was 25) But I got over my insecurities and braved my fears of being single. And I can now honestly say that I'm happy to be adventerously single.
Yes, 25 was a good year. But it was a hard year. I learned lots of difficult lessons including:
* When do you help someone out and when do you just let them face the consequences of their actions?
* Who am I and do I really like the person that I've become? (I realized who I was, and I realized that I really didn't like the person I became, so I wised up, learned more about who I want to become and changed for the better)
* Being content in all circumstances. (Single, dating, friends, friends with benefits.... ok, scratch that last one. Friends with benefits just sucks and I don't recommend it at all)
* Which would lead me to the last huge, large lesson that was the hardest to learn. Teaching myself that I deserve better than what I settle for. That I'm worth it. Yeah cliched but so true. (Props to Doug on this one!)
So all this to say that 25 was a good year, a hard year, but one worth going through.
If I had to make a soundtrack for 25, it would include copious amounts of Bright Eyes, Derek & the Dominoes, Coldplay, Smashing Pumpkins and oddly Andrea Bocelli.
And I will be 26. Ok, I can't hyperventilate. I just can't. 26 means that I'm not in my early 20's anymore. I'm going to be in my late 20s.... Oh Crap!!!
Turning 25 was a mild heart attack. And that was only because my mom got married when she was 25 and I wasn't even dating anyone. (And for some reason that was a big deal for me to get married before I was 25) But I got over my insecurities and braved my fears of being single. And I can now honestly say that I'm happy to be adventerously single.
Yes, 25 was a good year. But it was a hard year. I learned lots of difficult lessons including:
* When do you help someone out and when do you just let them face the consequences of their actions?
* Who am I and do I really like the person that I've become? (I realized who I was, and I realized that I really didn't like the person I became, so I wised up, learned more about who I want to become and changed for the better)
* Being content in all circumstances. (Single, dating, friends, friends with benefits.... ok, scratch that last one. Friends with benefits just sucks and I don't recommend it at all)
* Which would lead me to the last huge, large lesson that was the hardest to learn. Teaching myself that I deserve better than what I settle for. That I'm worth it. Yeah cliched but so true. (Props to Doug on this one!)
So all this to say that 25 was a good year, a hard year, but one worth going through.
If I had to make a soundtrack for 25, it would include copious amounts of Bright Eyes, Derek & the Dominoes, Coldplay, Smashing Pumpkins and oddly Andrea Bocelli.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will
be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
It's a saying that's been resonating in my brain for a good month. I don't really understand it nor know what it means. But I think the first two words are key: "Be still".
I'm not still very often. Most of the time my schedule is so jam packed that I had to go out and buy a planner. Yes, a planner. Like the one we used in college.
So for now I'm trying to learn what being still would look like for me. Maybe it's just taking time at the end of the day to journal or maybe it's just taking those adventurous hikes were I end up getting lost and stalked by mountain lions.
Whatever it is, I need to do it. Just to be still and know that He is God. (Not me).
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Cold Showers
It's been a problem creeping around my house in the wee hours of the morning. No one knows when it's going to strike and you just hope that it's not going to be you.
So the Russian Roulette had been spun, and I was the lucky one.
First of all, nothing wakes you up quite like a cold shower. Your teeth chatter and really the only good thing that comes from it is that your hair usually looks more shiny.
I can't complain too much though. Cause on most days I do have hot running water. And I have running water 24/7 be it hot or cold.
That can't be said in alot of places of the world. Yeah, they might have running water, but not all the time. And they probably don't have heated water.
So I guess this is a post about being thankful for what I have. And for a cold shower to make me realize it all.
So the Russian Roulette had been spun, and I was the lucky one.
First of all, nothing wakes you up quite like a cold shower. Your teeth chatter and really the only good thing that comes from it is that your hair usually looks more shiny.
I can't complain too much though. Cause on most days I do have hot running water. And I have running water 24/7 be it hot or cold.
That can't be said in alot of places of the world. Yeah, they might have running water, but not all the time. And they probably don't have heated water.
So I guess this is a post about being thankful for what I have. And for a cold shower to make me realize it all.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Best email of 2007...
"Dear Jamie,
I do not even know if you remember me. My name is Stefan and we had a sublime conversation that I wanted to last for a lifetime because you were funny and witty and mischievous and beautiful inside out. I guess I should be thankful that you spent time with me on your last night in Shanghai....No matter where you are I wish you a wonderful Christmas and hope you can spend it with the ones you love and treasure the most and that Santa brings you heaps of presents no matter if you were naughty or nice naughty is so much more fun tho).
It is meeting people like you who make me smile. Thank you. Maybe I will have the pleasure to see you again. Who knows."
It's emails like this that make me smile and realize that all is right with the world.
I do not even know if you remember me. My name is Stefan and we had a sublime conversation that I wanted to last for a lifetime because you were funny and witty and mischievous and beautiful inside out. I guess I should be thankful that you spent time with me on your last night in Shanghai....No matter where you are I wish you a wonderful Christmas and hope you can spend it with the ones you love and treasure the most and that Santa brings you heaps of presents no matter if you were naughty or nice naughty is so much more fun tho).
It is meeting people like you who make me smile. Thank you. Maybe I will have the pleasure to see you again. Who knows."
It's emails like this that make me smile and realize that all is right with the world.
Friday, January 04, 2008
First is the worst, Second is the best....
Being the 2nd born kid, I'm used to be screwed over.
My sister gets more attention and money (albeit most of the attention she gets is negative) any my brother is the the wonderkid boy genius that could get away with murder. Me? Well, sometimes I get the short end of the stick, the shorter phone calls, less presents at Christmas, etc. (And all you 2nd born kids know exactly what I'm talking about)
But the problem that I've now come to realize is that I'm used to being 2nd, I'm used to being taken for granted. And this generally shows in my relationships with others, mostly guys.
Take the guys I've dated, for the most part I was never a priority in their life. I was just Jamie and that was it. I wasn't anyone special for them to carve anytime out of their schedule or their life. Or even take the guys I haven't dated but were interested in me. They never made any statements of how they feel about me, they never took the time to say.
And now, that's what I've come to expect from relationships. Which can pretty much be summed up into one sentence "Don't expect too much from anyone because then they will end up hurting you; so just go with the flow and let it be 'whatever'."
I know it's not a good perspective and I know it's one that needs to change, mainly because I deserve better. But the problem is, I don't know where to start.
How to you start teaching yourself that you deserve better when you feel like all that you have ever been treated is second rate?
My sister gets more attention and money (albeit most of the attention she gets is negative) any my brother is the the wonderkid boy genius that could get away with murder. Me? Well, sometimes I get the short end of the stick, the shorter phone calls, less presents at Christmas, etc. (And all you 2nd born kids know exactly what I'm talking about)
But the problem that I've now come to realize is that I'm used to being 2nd, I'm used to being taken for granted. And this generally shows in my relationships with others, mostly guys.
Take the guys I've dated, for the most part I was never a priority in their life. I was just Jamie and that was it. I wasn't anyone special for them to carve anytime out of their schedule or their life. Or even take the guys I haven't dated but were interested in me. They never made any statements of how they feel about me, they never took the time to say.
And now, that's what I've come to expect from relationships. Which can pretty much be summed up into one sentence "Don't expect too much from anyone because then they will end up hurting you; so just go with the flow and let it be 'whatever'."
I know it's not a good perspective and I know it's one that needs to change, mainly because I deserve better. But the problem is, I don't know where to start.
How to you start teaching yourself that you deserve better when you feel like all that you have ever been treated is second rate?
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wish you were here
As I was driving to work I glanced at the car next to me. It was packed with 5 people looking bleary eyed and yawning. I looked at their ski rack and yep, it had snowboards in it.
Side note:
How nice would it be to go skiing.
Side note:My New Year's Eve was awesome. I only say this because last year my New Year's Eve completely sucked with everyone getting mad at everyone else. They say that how you ring in the new year is indicative of how you will spend it. I had alot of fun, made a couple of new friends and just enjoyed life. That's how it should be right?
So 2008, I'm expecting a whole hell of alot.
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