One week in

I've been back in Nicaragua one week and now it seems like my two months in the States were a distant past.  I am reminded of my absence when people say "welcome back" but it takes me a few seconds to remember what they are welcoming me back from.

So what has my schedule consisted of?  

-Last Friday I started my responsibilities as a domestic-arts co-teacher.  Friday Jessica started the cooking unit by making pico de gallo and I got to observe.  It was good for me to see how to break things down, like how to cut tomatoes, I think I just automatically expect people to figure it out.  On Monday I took over the class.  We chopped vegetables to turn into stir-fry on Tuesday.  Since the class is only 50 minutes it is going to take some adjusting and planning to be able to complete meals.  Fortunately the teachers that have my students after me don't seem to care if they are late (especially if they get food).  Today we made bread dough and tomorrow we are going to make pizzas on it.  I don't know what we are going to do Friday, any ideas?

-Yesterday I started a tutoring job that I am going to test out until March 13th.  It is just one first grader for an hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school.  His name is Gamal and is already older than everyone in his class and is on the path to failing.  He seems really nice and not particularly unintelligent, just undisciplined.  One advantage of this job is that it pays.  As far as I know my other ones don't

-In theory, my main job is getting a lending library started.  I have done essentially nothing for this since I've been back but am hoping to take some initial steps sometime soon.  I was hoping to meet with a state-side organization that helps subsidize book costs in developing countries last week but it didn't work out.  The man I was supposed to meet with was in Nicaragua for a week but I wasn't able to get ahold of him.   I was rather discouraged but figured that God had some purpose, even in that, and we've been able to e-mail since he has been back and will still be able to work together.

-So really I only have an hour of set responsibility each day but somehow I've been keeping busy (without TV) and have felt pretty productive.  I made dinner on Monday and am again tomorrow and have been getting to spend time with people and read a lot. Especially compared to my work schedule while I was home, I am living it up here.  

Other things of note:

-Our refrigerator is broken.  Our washing machine is broken.  Our phone is broken.  Seriously I leave for two months and everything falls apart.  The part to fix the phone is coming down in a few weeks so that problem should be solved.  I think the school is buying us a new washing machine as an investment but for now we have to do laundry (or have Leo do our laundry) at someone else's house.  Our fridge is about one billion years old (amazing, huh?) but some repair people have been here a few times trying to fix it.  Fortunately a friend just moved into a house with a fridge so we can use his for the time being.  Unfortunately it is much smaller than we are used to (like four feet tall).  But maybe we are learning about waste and over-consumption.  I think soon we will have to buy a new fridge altogether but none of us are really ready to part with our money until it is absolutely necessary.

-The electricity doesn't go out anymore.  It is extremely nice to not have to factor electricity into my schedule but really I don't think I've used it in the past two hours.

-February is the beginning of the dry season but as I have been reminded twice, "don't worry it will soon get a lot worse."  Right now it is rather warm during the days but cools off substantially at night.  And there is usually some sort of breeze that isn't too bad, dusty but cool.  

-I was  able to go to the grocery store today and they had bananas.  So you can stop worrying about my potassium intake, it's all taken care of.    

Talk to ya'll later.

Joy

back to the third world

Last night I got back to my home in Nicaragua (not to be confused with my home in Concord or Heaven).  Although there are a new variety of Daniel Ortega billboards up and my roommates had reorganized the living room furniture (again) not much has changed in the two months I've been gone.  But after being gone I am reminded of the differences between here and the states. Here are 5

1) The smell. Nicaragua has a distinct smell that hits you right when you get off the airplane.  I don't know how to describe it but you are welcome to come down here to smell for yourself.

2) Bananas.  This morning I went to the grocery store and they didn't have any bananas.  This is particularly odd because bananas are a staple here.  

3) Mosquitoes.  Or maybe it was just one that kept getting bigger because it bit me so many times.

4) Gallo pinto.  No matter how many times my mom tries to make it in the states it just isn't the same.  I think because she can't buy the right beans.  But here there are the right beans and it is amazing.

5) People.  Yup they're all different.  I live with different people.  The people at the grocery store are different (and speak a different language).  Pretty much I'm the only person that is here and was with me in California.

So far today I went to the store, ate some gallo pinto, and have attempted to begin unpacking.  After the grocery store we were going to get smoothies.  SambaJuice moved and the other smoothie place, The Spot, only sells coke and ice cream now.  Oh well, I saved some money.    

OK I'd better continue putting things away.

Love, Joy

PS If you think I don't have your address you should give it to me and you'll get a prize in the mail.

Happy Observed Birthday Lincoln!

A lot has happened since my last update so I'll probably do a completely inadequate job of writing about them and focus on the parts that don't matter and leave it at that.   

On Friday I got back from Mexico.  While I was gone I missed the Super Bowl and Super Tuesday.  So once again I didn't vote.  I guess now I can throw away those unopened voter packets on my desk.  Some of you may be disappointed in my lack of political patriotism but if you are going to judge me there are many other things you could choose as the basis of your judgment (like me missing the Super Bowl).  

The day before I was scheduled to leave I came down with one of those sicknesses when your whole body aches and all you can do is bundle up and try to sleep.  This made packing a challenge mostly tackled by my mom.  Overall I wasn't really prepared for my trip, on the way to the airport I asked which one we were flying out of.  I realized on the flight that the only reason I had any cash on me was because on Tuesday at work I had to buy something on my credit card and they had reimbursed me $64.  When we landed I was feeling fine except for my nose was running and whenever I would blow it I would have to brace myself from the dizziness.  The next day I was feeling completely better but when we got to the town we were visiting I was starting to feel a little queasy.  I went to sit on this planter box for a while then moved to sitting on the ground with my back on the box for support.  After about an hour of this nonsense (spiced up by this man returning to sit by me and tell me his opinion of American women in Spanglish -- it was favorable) I threw up.  I was already on the ground so really I just leaned over, yup one of my finer moments for sure. TMI?  Probably so I will move-on.

I love Mascota, Mexico.  Every one of you should visit Mascota.  When I go back to Managua in 9 days I need to no be bitter that it is no where near as cool as Mascota.  Every one of you should visit Managua.  I don't know what to say about this trip.  I am glad I went but it was not easy.  Outwardly I guess it was I slept in late every day.  But internally it was a struggle.  Much of our time was spent doing street evangelism, something I am totally uncomfortable with (especially in Spanish).  One night I met with Luz and two girls Daisy and Julia for their Bible study.  They had just finished what they were studying so Luz thought it would be good to share testimonies.  God has obviously been equally faithful in all of our lives (because He doesn't change) but um some people's stories sound a whole lot cooler (especially in Spanish --once again).  Then there was the added factor of the things I "should" have been doing in the states for these 9 days.  So lots of that, but I am pretty sure it was good that I went, and I love Mascota.

The weekend before I left I went to Oregon (North, remember?).  It was great to hang out with my PawPaw and mom and sister and niece and nephew and five cats.  And one day my sister and I went to go see a family that I knew from Davis and hadn't seen in a few years.  That was great too.  When we were driving back a sign said we were going to need to put on chains, but we stopped at Targetfor an hour and by the time we got back on the road we didn't need chains anymore.  Praise God for Target.  

Now I'm back in Concord trying to get ready to leave again in 9 DAYS.  Tomorrow I'll be back at work so maybe today I'll finish cleaning my room. My mom said I have to dust because I haven't in two years and I'm lying on my bed writing this because my desk and two chairs are covered with stuff (like unopened voter pamphlets).  This weekend was the second one I've been home in 2008 and the only one I haven't worked, so I've been able to be productive with personal stuff like transferring my iTunes to my new computer and helping paint my parents' bedroom and writing this babble.  Now, I probably had some super amazing and unbelievable things to share but I presently can't remember them.  

Love,

Joy

PS I don't know why this is white

directions

NORTH
I'm going to Oregon tomorrow for the weekend. Once we get there I think it should a fine trip. The ride should be an adventure. I'm going with my sister, two-and-a-half-year-old niece, four-month-old nephew, and my mom. Emma (my niece) likes to talk a lot and Grady (my nephew) likes to spit-up a lot. We'll be visiting my grandfather and buying tax free items.
SOUTH
I've still been working. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in San Ramon. A few weeks ago I went to meet my boss for an interview thing, when I was half way there I realized that maybe it really was an interview and I shouldn't have worn jeans and 5 year old Vans slip-ons. He informed me that the office is “business casual,” no jeans. But I guess when you have the proper connections first impressions aren't as important. I decided that my proper title is “research-assistant” I assist my boss in researching things like home ceiling speakers and tripods. I'm pretty sure I could do all of this while wearing jeans but at least there is variety .
FURTHER SOUTH
Although I don't have an excess of funds or time right now last night I booked a flight to Puerta Vallerta, Mexico. I'll get picked up there and driven inland to Mascota. Think back to my first mass e-mail/blog posting in August '06. That was my first trip down to Mascota, right before I moved to Nicaragua. I know a lady Luz from San Diego that moved back to Mascota to be a missionary in her home town. The last time I went I was so blessed to see the heart Luz has for her people. I am excited to go again (with Jack Fliehmann, a man from my church here) a get to assist Luz in her service. I'll be there from January 31st to February 8th.
EAST
This Sunday and Monday I spent in Davis. I got injured twice on Sunday. First, while eating my egg roll at lunch part of the crispy shell stabbed me between my tooth and the roof of my mouth. It hurt and gave me a blister type thing that lasted all day. Then, Sunday night, I was at my friends house watching a movie and I decided to switch seats and sit in the bowl chair (I think they have an official name). It tipped over and I got a bruise on my bicep I guess because it is so big it hit the frame of the chair on the way down. Then what happened? I tried to get back in the chair and it tipped over, again. The second time I wasn't injured and the third time I was able to stay seated for the rest of the movie. I had a great time seeing people and things. I love that place.
WEST
I don't really have anything to say about Western travels. I did work in Walnut Creek today, I checked the accuracy of files for six hours. I know it sounds sounds exciting but it really isn't bad and it pays well.
HERE
It is a little on the chilly side right now but when I was driving to get blood work done this morning I could see snow on Mt. Diablo so that was exciting.
My hair has been a little crazy lately. Tuesday on the way to work I pulled a John Eklund and wore a hat during my commute so that my hair would stay down. When I got to the office I pulled off my beanie and presto! It was fixed. Tonight after I washed it I thought I would try out the brushing thing. I'll let you know how it works.
My plan is to return to Nicaragua February 20th.

work...work...work

Yesterday at Church was missions Sunday, I spoke and had a slide show about Nicaragua. It was less traumatizing than I was expecting. There was an open time for questions. Some people say there is no such thing as a bad question, I totally disagree. If you think my e-mails are good you really should have heard me in person. It is available on CD if you're into that.
I think my mom is under the impression that I don't like being back just because I can't afford going to the movies. That is not true, I've been having an amazing time. I will now fill in on some highlights.
In Huntington Beach I got to see some cool people (you know who you are) and I got to see the musical Wicked. It was wicked good. I also got to work at WaMu one day and put my label making skills to good use.
When I got back, last Tuesday, I had an interview type thing at Dowd and Guild. You may have never heard of them but I am an official short-term, part-time employee. I am Dowd's personal assistant's assistant. I will be working Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 4. So far I've done really important things like make a calendar so that the three men that share a sailboat know which week they have it. I also went to Staples to buy pads of paper and then back to Staples to return them. I think Thursday was my trial day and I'm pretty sure I passed since I have a company e-mail address and computer password.
Also last week I picked up another part-time job. I'm back to being a short-term, part-time employee at East Bay Regional Data. I get to file papers for ten hours a week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Pretty exciting. Wednesdays and Fridays aren't the best days to work there though because Mondays they have catered lunches, oh well.
I'm trying to keep up with my side jobs too. Saturday morning at 7, I started cleaning houses and continued until about 4. Sunday (the day of rest) I hemmed pants. I also have been working on a love poem for my friend to give to her husband but I think it need a few more stanzas. So really if you had been doubting my versatility you should stop.
This morning I really wanted to make biscuits and chocolate gravy. I don't know how to make gravy so I was a little stressed. Then this paper towel I had put on the counter caught on fire. I was like "ah, fire, fire" and then my sister started beating it out with the spatula. Then she took over the gravy making altogether and I stuck with the bacon and biscuits. Anyways they turned out good but we still haven't gotten them perfected yet so it was a little like biscuits and chocolate pudding (not a bad thing just not grandma style).
I hope your Monday is going swell.
Love, Joy

rhinocorn

Q: Oh so you collect rhinocorns?
A: Yes I have rhinoceros collection.

True story (me being the one asking the question). I guess everyone else knows what rhino is an abbreviation of.

My family is quite full of party animals. This picture is from our New Year's Eve party that went from 5:45 to 9:30. We did flip the TV off of Planet Earth DVD"s for long enough to watch the bell drop live in New York. The theme of the party was 'Cereal' we all were supposed to bring our favorite and then sit around eating them. Did I mention that it ended before ten.

Also on New Year's Eve, during the day, there was really nice weather, much like today. I like being in the sunshine.

Now I am in Huntington Beach. Last night I impressed my cousins with my Wii bowling skills. They are much better than my real bowling skills. Today I am dog sitting and typing some of Grandpa Vern's creative verse. This morning Molly and I walked to the beach it took a little longer than it would have with a dog with properly proportioned legs. So as you can see my life is really exciting these days. Peace out, Joy

simplify

Home is where the heart is.
Today marks my 14th day back in California. My heart is in my body, I feel fairly comfortable and “at home” in my skin. What am I talking about.

All work and no play makes days sad and gray.
Some fine folks have been hiring me to do things. Last week my brother-in-law's high school friend had me run errands for him, my aunt had me wrap Christmas presents, on Wednesday I did some house cleaning (and am doing some more tomorrow), and the mother of all odd-jobs...Grandpa Vern is paying me to type up a book of his poetry. I've also been able to spend plenty of time sitting around so don't worry my days aren't gray (just cold) and you can still have me do stuff for you.

When God shuts a door He opens a window.
On my last night in Nicaragua Lori and I wanted to go to the circus. Unfortunately, we got there late and they had already locked the doors. After standing outside pouting and looking and the miniature ponies for a few minuets we gave up and went to the fair. But lo and behold East Bay Regional Data had extra tickets to their company Christmas party and invited me (since I've worked there at least 30 hours this year). And guess where the party was. Cirque du Soleil. I was like a dream come true. I mean my only W in college was in tumbling so am impressed by a cart wheel, but they things they did were beyond amazing.

“There exist only three beings worthy of respect: the priest, the soldier, the poet. To know, to kill, to create.” -Charles Bauderlaire
Yes that is a stupid quote, but it is a nice transition into the topic of poetry. We had our 3rd annual Christmas Eve poetry contest this year. I got second place to my brother Joel. At least we didn't let Eric win again. For ridiculousness Grandpa Vern should have won with his drunk driving poem, but then he would have ended up with a plaque with a picture of himself. Definitely the poets in our family are not worthy of respect.

If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are planing on having a fantastic new year. I think I'm going to Huntington Beach on Tuesday for a few days so let me know if you're in that area.