No clever title tonight

6/6/11

So sadly, today was back to work as usual.  I did a ton of computer stuff today, until my battery died, and I read some news while I waited for my ride home.  No school visits today, the funny old doctor was out for some reason.  I’ve made a decision that I need to stay working with kids whatever I do after this degree.  Computers and grown ups just don’t suit me.  I like giggling, and grown ups just don’t giggle as much.  Except Lucy.  She trips me out because she giggles all the time.  She’s also been sick as a dog pretty much since she’s been here, and I feel terrible, but also glad that I have avoided it so far.  Although, during a bout of homesickness today, I did consider skipping my malaria tablets in an attempt to have a good excuse to come home early.  No, Mom, I won’t actually do it.  And don’t get me wrong, I love the people here, and I work with some pretty incredible ones.  I’m learning SOOO much about the world, and healthcare, and policies, and how everything we do in the U.S. impacts SOO many other people and policies.  I’m seeing it firsthand, and if I was liberal before, I’m going to be out of control when I get back.  Lesson of today:  Bush actually did a lot of good things for HIV/AIDS research and outreach here.  That totally burst my bubble of hatred for him.  Obama has been cutting back on funding of these things (yay recession, which was also caused by Bush policies, so I still have some excuse to dislike him), because it’s not sustainable.  However, without a plan for slowly handing control back to local governments, the patients are the ones suffering, and not receiving the life saving medicines that they desperately need and deserve.  Everybody do me a favor, and if you’re a praying person, thank God tonight for the access that I know everyone reading this has to medicine and nutritious foods and education and clean water and all of the things that people struggle for daily here.  Off my soapbox.  I was going to write 'sorry' but I'm not, and I hope I kick that habit like I have Diet Dr. Pepper while I'm here.  And one last random thing, I asked Dr. Amir what it means when people tell me I'm "a good size."  I've heard that a few times on the street, and didn't know how to take it.  He said it's pretty much just a compliment, and left it at that.  Figured I'd throw in some local phrases just to educate :)

Today I’m thankful...
1. for the opportunity to learn, even if I’m not saving the world quite like I thought I would.
2. for the ability to drive to food whenever I want at home, and to feel full after just about every meal.  Cooking really is a pain in the ass.
3. that even though money wasn’t always flowing freely in our family, I’ve never had to want for anything that I really needed in life. 
4. for hot showers!  I finally got a good one in.  Not sure what the trick was with the water heater, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

Goodnight y’all!  Hope it’s a happy Monday for you!