I'm a Redneck Woman

7/20/11

Another day went by without any word from or trace of the doctor who so badly wanted to do a TB study.  I even went to his office yesterday, but he was not to be found.  I’m glad I came and all of that, but I feel like I’ve been seriously let down in the department of things I could do while I was here, and supervision.  I definitely got left behind in the dust of all of Stephen’s other projects (the TB doctor is not his fault, it’s just icing on the cake).  And since one of my biggest fears coming out here was being useless, that was not terribly conducive to a good experience for me.  Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen a lot of things, and met a lot of great people, and I guess that’s the main part of it, but it I feel like my learning experience as far as school is concerned might be a little bit lacking.  Also, I’m a little bitter that I stayed an extra week (even though it was ultimately my decision) to specifically work on a study, and have ended up just killing time and money finding things to do.  I apologize for being bitter, but I needed to rant for a second.  The boredom is very much getting to me.

So yesterday, I did try to track down the doctor, did a little bit of laundry, went to town, and went to aerobics again last night.  I had to make myself not pack because I knew as soon as I started, I wouldn’t stop, and then I’d be even more irritable and ready to leave.    This has been a cranky post, and again, I’m sorry.  I’m just ready to be home.  I’ve had my fill, and it doesn’t help that along with my family, real food, my friends, and the beach waiting for me, there’s also a good guy that I very much would like to see.   

Also, one more bitter rant, I got an email from my Atlanta roommate last night informing me that despite SEVERAL times checking with our apartment complex, and them assuring us that no more action was needed for our new lease until August, they’ve changed their minds, and I need to sign paperwork by July 26 or pay $1000.  I know this one is not my fault because I was meticulous in making sure it was all dealt with before I left, and that nothing was needed until long after I was home.  They assured me then that the paperwork was complete until August 5.  One big massive grrr.  I’m already planning my angry speech for Janice in the office there.

Despite all of the little things driving me crazy right now, I need to remember that they are indeed little things, and that life is a lot harder for most of the people very near me right now, and even for some at home.  It’s just hard to keep perspective this week. 

I’m thankful...
1. for the Ugandan cowboy in the market yesterday.  Yes he was singing "Redneck Woman".  He was also wearing women's jeans and women's boots.  It was absolutely classic, and I did get a picture.
2. for the girl in the gas station telling me I’m the most beautiful muzungu she’s ever seen.  Yes, I’m sharing that.  Mostly because she has remembered my name the two times I have walked in there, and I have forgotten hers both times, so I’ve avoided that gas station for several weeks because I could NOT for the life of me remember her name (Sonya-now I know), and I felt horrible.  Verity needed to go in last night, though, and I was once again embarrassed at my inability to remember names, and even more so after she said that.  I was tempted to tell her to never leave Uganda so as not to shatter her illusions :)
3. for small problems rather than big ones.  My family is healthy (Dad sounded very much like himself yesterday!), I do have a way home (even though it’s slow), the apartment problem is fixable, there is some water in the house, and today will be another good day. 

I pack today, travel tomorrow, wait for my plane on Sunday, and land on Monday.