"I'm feeling tired, I've had enough, I'm getting messed up on a Monday"

6/20/11

I did not actually get messed up today, I just appreciate the sentiment of that song.  As is typical with any Monday, it was hard to go back to work today.  I made it, however, and of course, everyone asked again how I was feeling.  I work with good people.  I did not get to go any schools or villages today (bummer), but I did get off work a little earlier than usual, which was really nice.  I came home and had time to finally put pictures on Facebook (sorry those of you not on there, ask your kids to show you), run some errands, and finish another book.  Verity (I finally figured out how to spell her name) and I ran into town, got some dinner, and brought it back for Danny who now has her own African stomach bug.  We’ve all officially been hit.  It’s good times, and you get to know each other very quickly when there’s one bathroom between three sickly people.  I did bring Sex and the City with me, and it’s been a lovely little family get together every night, as we eat junk food, and watch trash television.  I’m bringing culture to the British in Africa.  Also, egg rolls in Uganda are literally boiled eggs wrapped in bread.  Get it, egg roll?  Not quite what I thought, and I’m not really a fan. 

Another list of mine is a list of my names on the street.  Here are some of the typicals and also some of my favorites:

My Friend
My Frog (I think they were trying for friend there?)
My Princess
My Size
My Future

I’ve become really intolerant of the yelling on the street.  Some of it is good natured, some of it is sales strategy, and some of it is blatant harassment.  I’m starting to realize my feelings about Africa and geckos are similar.  They’re fine for awhile, and ultimately good things, but I still frequently get creeped out, even if I try to have friendly feelings.  I’m working on my international voice of diplomacy this evening.  I’m out of practice and patience.  I also had to bleach my floor in my bedroom from all the lizard poo.  Me and Gomez (I’m trying that name out, it might change) are not on good terms at the moment. 

So here’s today’s list.  I’m thankful...

1. for short work days.  I could get used to 7 hours shifts.  I’ll bring it up in the next staff meeting at home.
2. for pictures.  It really was fun to go through them today and see all that I’ve already done, but 5 more weeks still feels very very long. 
3. for the smell of bleach.  With all of the judging I did of my mother in my youth, I’ve come to love the smell and the feelings associated with bleach.  My definition of clean has drastically changed since I’ve been here. 

Goodnight Y’all!