tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41738213100644361142024-02-06T18:39:32.907-08:00A Ugandan AdventureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-22373233170738486252010-05-27T14:27:00.001-07:002010-05-27T14:38:48.568-07:00We Made It!Hello yet again, here is another special treat for you, an update about me. Spencer, Dave, and I all made it back from Uganda together and all in one piece. I wasn't sure it was going to work out so well, considering I waited until the day we left to approach the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture for an export permit for Spence, but luckily by 2:30 that afternoon with only 8 hours until our departure time, they handed it over. The red tape wasn't too bad, I only had to get a form from the National Agriculture Research Organization, take it over to the Ministry of Agriculture for a bank pay-in slip, take that to the Stanbic Bank in town to pay for the permit, then take the receipt from the bank back to NARO to be handed the permit. All in all it only took from 9am until 2:30pm, so not too shabby for the old UG. After that we headed off to the airport and got checked in ok, told by the Brussels Airlines people that all our bags and Spencer would be checked through to Chicago. Too bad American Airlines didn't agree.<br /><br />We reached Brussels, worried about whether or not we had to pick up Spencer, but were once again reassured by Brussels Airlines that he would be checked through. We relaxed, and waited until someone showed up at the American Airlines counter so we could go through our security interviews and get our boarding passes for the next flight. By the time we reached the desk where we were to get the passes, it was 8:30, and our flight was boarding at 10:10, and the worker at the desk told us we now had to go through customs to the baggage claim, pick up our dog, then take him up to the outside check in desk and go through the hassle of security yet again. After much running around the baggage claim area, Spencer eventually appeared, and we made our way very quickly up to the check in desk. When we got there they told us the whole point of picking up the dog in between the flights is to walk, feed, and water him, so with about 20 minutes remaining until we had to be through security, I attached his leash and took him out into the 50 degree rainy Belgian morning. The desk workers were very helpful and allowed us the time we needed to take care of Spence while still getting onto our flights on time, and I think they knew Dave and I were a bit stressed out at that point, so I'd like to say thanks to them for helping us out and making the transition a little easier. Then we went through security again, which was about 40 times busier the second time around, but made it to our gate just in time for boarding. Let's just say the layover of 5 hours is not as long as you might think.<br /><br />We made it to Chicago and that was that. Mom and Dan were waiting for us, and Chicago even has a little fenced in area where dogs can have long and short calls, so Spence got to relieve himself before the five hour drive back to good old Prairie du Chien. So now we're back, and living the American Dream. Well, I guess we'll see about that, I'm only a day in, so I'm still a little confused about where I'm at and what hour of the day I'm supposed to be sleeping, but that should get better, I hope. Anyway, that's about it, and I hope everyone is well, and if anyone in Uganda is reading this, I miss you all already and I hope you'll dedicate a few dances to me at the next PC get together.<br /><br />peace out for nowUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-25738833706286162132010-05-11T06:58:00.000-07:002010-05-11T07:10:02.496-07:00You Say Goodbye, and I say HelloWell hello again. Thought the last one was the end didn't you? HA! I fooled you! You are soooo gullible. Ok, gloating aside, I just got back from Egypt this morning, after a, shall we say interesting, trip. The museums, pyramids, tombs, and other historical sights and monuments were absolutely fantastic, and something everyone should see in their lifetimes. The heat, especially in Luxor, is best avoided, although that could be our mistake of going in the summer instead of the winter, although I don't imagine it gets a whole lot cooler at any point during the year. The hassle of the Egyptian men of Luxor is something I will NOT miss, nor would wish upon my worst enemy, so there you have it. A love/hate relationship with a country, something I've never experienced before. There are places I've been that haven't blown my mind, or haven't made me want to return particularly badly, but this was something else entirely. I don't want you to go away thinking I didn't have a good time in Egypt, because I did, but being harassed by at least 30 different men in a 10 meter walk is not an experience I wish to repeat.<br /><br />So needless to say Casey and I were happy when our vacation ended, because every person in Egypt thinking we were twins didn't help the catcall factor AT ALL. But now she's leaving, saying goodbye to her 2 months in Uganda, and I have a whole 12 hours alone until my brother arrives tonight for his two week vacation. I have a lot planned for us, including toting my dog all over the country and then out of it, and also going to Lake Bunyonyi and my house and going on a safari, so it should be a very busy 2 weeks. But I'm excited, because it will go faster than I realize, and we'll have a ton of fun. And then I'll be coming home, and I know you all are holding your breath with anticipation at my return, but please, be sensible, I don't want you to turn blue and pass out. Continue breathing at a normal rate, and I'll be home before you know it.<br /><br />Well, this one isn't long, and it'll probably be my last one on the African continent, at least for a few years anyway. So, despite what the title says, I'm not only saying hello to my brother, but goodbye to Uganda, which is of course sad, but I think it's time. Although I have to say I've gained a whole new perspective of and appreciation for Ugandan culture after surviving the deserts of Egypt, I should begin the next chapter of whatever this thing called life is. So, tata for now, and mayhaps I'll keep writing once I start grad school. My summer exploits could also be tales of hilarity, considering how many idiotic mistakes and cultural slip-ups I'm going to make. One of which Casey already reminded me I cannot do once I get home, the eyebrow lift that means yes has to be released from my repertoire of replies giving a positive response to a question. Let's see how many you can spot once I get back.<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-84046353419338701872010-05-04T05:35:00.000-07:002010-05-05T06:07:24.533-07:00Egypt!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4enHKm36_BlWekykaMHXb3wYUwsvg5wfQKKqQTrxXofn8D_TnJUlNSKJZtHibeW-FoyDxJBh1VgT9HPZRo0jiT0zNy_rAtPFVRrLOQMGm4ueQMd-godrJpWOyVgcvlnbfoCWMuOg9Wbo/s1600/DSC01576.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4enHKm36_BlWekykaMHXb3wYUwsvg5wfQKKqQTrxXofn8D_TnJUlNSKJZtHibeW-FoyDxJBh1VgT9HPZRo0jiT0zNy_rAtPFVRrLOQMGm4ueQMd-godrJpWOyVgcvlnbfoCWMuOg9Wbo/s320/DSC01576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467397364210161154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66aRqofJWP8k_oRAlufuTo14Mr_APrd81jV2A8P9l_HAozezvrDXwdIFRdy4F8zK_fN_KYnT34DfVHccgG_5ZRbTxxJJ1P4JpLI5NY_A8gFc9xNfPY_JSq0F9R5xDuMRY8Laxm35IpAA/s1600/DSC01548.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh66aRqofJWP8k_oRAlufuTo14Mr_APrd81jV2A8P9l_HAozezvrDXwdIFRdy4F8zK_fN_KYnT34DfVHccgG_5ZRbTxxJJ1P4JpLI5NY_A8gFc9xNfPY_JSq0F9R5xDuMRY8Laxm35IpAA/s320/DSC01548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467396549965097410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxWyNYcT99gg8tSR-Jl1HokeJplnoXn1nPE6Ule-Ma8rqoKvOteU9QNLb4pwmB8Q3I7fOK-J-qFgPDnIwuIntJyOtS4ydjAN-Hxa8vxPkxx8k69KazRTnTdkrWvE1NhVfMOrfaRdyc24/s1600/DSC01539.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxWyNYcT99gg8tSR-Jl1HokeJplnoXn1nPE6Ule-Ma8rqoKvOteU9QNLb4pwmB8Q3I7fOK-J-qFgPDnIwuIntJyOtS4ydjAN-Hxa8vxPkxx8k69KazRTnTdkrWvE1NhVfMOrfaRdyc24/s320/DSC01539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467395758240635730" border="0" /></a><br />Hello again my peoples! I hope all is well, and that the anticipation of my homecoming isn't causing you to lose sleep and concentration at work. I'm currently in Egypt, and am having a wonderful time, if you can't tell from the pictures I've uploaded. Yesterday Casey and I went to the Egyptian National Museum to enjoy all the wonders that place has to offer. We got to see the mummified remains of multiple past Egyptian kings, queens, and pharaohs, along with their mummified pets and other goods they wanted to tote with them to the afterlife. It was pretty cool, and a long day considering how much they have in that place! But we made it, and feel that we have gained a fair bit of knowledge about Egyptian history, although it's a bit patchy considering how few placards were there labeling the pieces.<br /><br />Today was even better, as we went out to Giza to see the pyramids and the Sphinx. I had an incredible time, and I think Casey did to despite the fact that I basically forced her onto the back of a camel and then proceeded to make her pay for the long tour on the camel through the pyramids. In the end we completely enjoyed ourselves, and we got a ton of really great pictures. The place is amazing, although very surreal, I felt like I was on a movie set instead of actually in the desert at the real McCoy. After seeing the monuments, we wandered around the town of Giza and eventually had a glorious lunch at a place where no english existed, and it was a ton of fun. We ended up getting way more than we expected and for a great price, not to mention how delicious it all was. So today has been good, and we haven't even done that much yet! Needless to say I would highly suggest everyone come to Cairo and explore Egypt a bit, it's a ton of fun and not too pricey. Anyway, besides trying to get a job with the Egyptian board of tourism, I've got to take a nap. Riding camels takes a lot out of you.<br /><br />A little description of the pictures in case you can't tell, the first one is pretty self explanatory, being the incredibly mature and wise person that I am, I thought it would be best if I had a picture of myself picking the nose of the Sphinx. In the second one Casey and I have just climbed onto one of the smaller pyramids, which is apparently not allowed. Our guide had to argue with the tourist police for the better part of a half hour and then had to pay a fine. Since we didn't want to go up there in the first place, we didn't feel to badly for him. The last picture is just of Casey and I upon our dromedaries in front of the largest of the three big pyramids. I was thoroughly entertained by the camels, despite the fact that hers had a fly problem and mine kept growling and burping at Casey. It even spit it's cud at the guide, I think it had an attitude problem.<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-18039145652598240082010-04-30T01:33:00.000-07:002010-04-30T01:38:34.884-07:00It's OfficialWell, finally, it's official. I am now an RPCV, which stands for Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, despite the fact that I have not yet technically returned. I had my ID card punched and all my forms signed off on, so now I can do whatever I want, including riding Boda Bodas! Whoo hoo! Well I know this is incredibly short and uninformative, but I don't have a whole lot else to say, I have to go and reserve the places for Dave and I for our safar to Murchison Falls park here in Uganda so we can see the big five, and then it's a little R&R at the hotel before Casey and I leave for Egypt on Sunday. So maybe I'll write another one once I've had some awesome experiences going through the pyramids. <br /><br />PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-81063908369392951572010-04-23T00:57:00.000-07:002010-04-23T01:08:47.278-07:00Rescues and FarewellsWell everybody, it's about that time again. I'm almost finished. I've got a butt load of crap to do to make sure I can bring Spencer back with me, which is definitely turning into more work than I had planned in the first place, but I'll get er done. I talked to the district veterinary officer today, who seems to think I need a fancy trip to Kampala and a crap ton of shots, even though I've tried telling him the US is not the UK and has far fewer restrictions, but we'll see what can be done. I'll probably end up spending my whole return stipend on getting my freakin dog back home, but I suppose it'll be worth it since the total amount I've spent on him up to this point is about $3.00.<br /><br />Other than that, I had a banner week. On Tuesday I saved a chameleon from certain death. It was walking along, all nonchalant, in front of the school's office, which any place that puts a chameleon in front of Ugandan eyes is not safe because they consider them armed and dangerous. I picked it up, saving it from a thorough stomping, and everyone about popped a nut screaming at me to put the poisonous evil creature back on the ground where they could take care of it. I held it in my hand, where it remained motionless, and calmly told everyone that it was perfectly safe, not poisonous, and even if it did bite me I would come to no harm. They laughed and let the weirdo mazungu go on with her business. I put it in some very camouflaging foliage up near my house and hoped for the best. I believe it is still safe and sound, because I haven't yet seen a flattened chameleon body anywhere near the area.<br /><br />Last night my friend Sharon brought over two chickens, headless and featherless but still with their insides and feet, and we proceeded to clean and cut them up so that I could do something fun with them. I decided to give fried chicken a whirl, which I've never done before in my life, and was pleasantly surprised with the results. It was delicious! Who knew that flour, salt, paprika, curry powder, rosemary, and a bit of cooking oil could make something that wonderful? Everyone was impressed with my cooking skills once again, and we made a little going away party of it, with me providing not only the deliciously fried chicken and mashed potatoes, but also the beverages. We even did a little singing and dancing since my ipod battery was dead, and everyone was pleased with the turnout and the amount of food. We finished everything off, and I even bought the right amount of drinks. All in all, it was a really fun little going away party. I'll miss my friends, neighbors, and teachers and sincerely hope we can stay in touch, although I know it's going to be difficult. We'll see what I can do.<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-71270760566102232172010-04-03T01:01:00.000-07:002010-04-03T01:12:24.192-07:00Decisions, DecisionsWell, it's official, I've finally made a decision about what to do with myself once I get back from Uganda. I'm going to attend Marquette University in the fall to get a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering in the program of Water Resources Engineering. I have decided this because they offered me the Trinity Fellowship, which pays for my tuition and gives me a monthly living stipend, which is difficult to turn down when you don't have any money :). I'm pretty excited about it now that I've finally picked what I'm doing, and already have an army of people on helping me figure out the next step. Mom and Dan are going to go apartment scouting for me even before I get back, so we'll see what those two pick out, it could be interesting. Although I guess I trust their judgment, so fire away kids. Watch out Milwaukee, because here I come...<br /><br />Casey arrived about a week and a half ago, and has been enjoying the busy and exciting life offered by the village of Kantare. I think she's gotten about 12 hours or more of sleep every day and finished about 6 books in the time she's been here, but she says she's enjoying it, so I hope she's not lying to me to make me feel better. Her respite is about to end however, she leaves today for Kisiizi Hospital and will begin her work doctoring people on Monday. In the meantime she'll settle into the guest house and enjoy the comforts of hot water showers and a constant supply of internet and electricity again. Not to mention cell phone coverage. She did enjoy getting to know my cows, and even could name a few by site by the time we left the village. The goats however, I have a feeling she'll never miss. I'm not sure if you know this about them but they all sound like children being tortured, and it's not a pretty sound. I apparently can tune it out completely at this point, but for someone new it can be quite distracting and disconcerting. Hopefully she can also learn to tune them out because I'm fairly certain that even Kisiizi has a constant stream of goats going by there, but again I could be wrong. <br /><br />So, it's nearing the end, and I've got a lot to look forward to still. Next week final exams begin at the school, so only one day left of actual teaching (Monday is a holiday here) then it's time to start grading their finals. I have to enter the grades into the report forms then it's time for me to head off to Kampala to complete all of the paperwork I have to do to close out my service. As soon as that's over, Casey and I head off to the magical land of Egypt, where we plan to ride camels off into the desert and view the pyramids astride the backs of the dromedaries. Should be fun, although I don't think Casey is looking forward to it, considering her last stint riding animals involved some fierce tree gripping to avoid broken legs and a nasty spill into some burning nettles. I've told her the desert doesn't have trees or nettles, but she's still a bit apprehensive. Wish us luck, and hopefully we won't run into any returned mummies or cursed pyramids. Happy Easter everybody!<br /><br />PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-80267191791003079752010-03-19T07:24:00.000-07:002010-03-19T07:34:18.349-07:00A Farewell to ArmsWell hello again. I hope this day is finding you all well, and enjoying life. I've been busy showing the trainees who are staying with me around my site and village, and showing them the ropes of life at a secondary school in the middle of nowhere. I think they've been enjoying it, and Spencer has been showing them around the trails and hills near my house, so they are pleased to be escorted by such a fine guide. I recently had my first rat in the house in a long time, it chewed a hole through the bread that I had just bought because silly me, I left it out thinking it would be fine since I hadn't seen a rat in over a month. I think I know the reason for their long disappearance, and will relate the story shortly, but am completely bamboozled by their sudden re-entrance into my life. Oh well, I guess that's how it goes.<br /><br />So I had been away from site for a few days, probably for some training or other, I can't recall the exact circumstances, but at any rate I was coming home from a short time away, but longer than a weekend. I walked into my house as usual, checking on everything important, opening windows, finding Spencer and putting his collar back on, checking to see if the water was working, and last but not least, checking the rat trap. To my great surprise, it was empty. It was not however still set, something had made the bar spring closed. And I could immediately tell something had at one time been under that bar, but escaped. The reason I could tell is the mess, there was grey fur everywhere, stuck to the bar and piles of it next to the trap. I was confused by this, but figured a rat had been trapped and somehow freed itself. I only figured out how it freed itself after walking into my bathroom and seeing a completely free and lonely front leg of a rat. I put two and two together, as I am a math teacher currently, and realized the rat had chewed it's own arm off to escape the certain death of my broom handle. I removed the discombobulated limb from my bathroom with a plastic bag over my hand and went about my business. Apparently the 3 legged soldier warned all of his friends, because they were afraid to enter my house for a while afterward. Unfortunately the fear has faded, and I've got to think of some new cruel and unusual punishment to keep them away. If you think of anything, please feel free to let me know.<br /><br />Other than that, life goes on. We saw President Museveni today as he was making a tour of the villages where elections will shortly be held, so I'm away from home for a bit. Not sure exactly when I'll get to return, but by the time I do, I'll have Casey with me! Hopefully Kampala stays secure and no more riots stop me from getting to pick her up from the airport! Anyway, that's all for now, so keep on truckin.<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-37142936995794236732010-03-08T05:33:00.000-08:002010-03-08T05:44:56.498-08:00Just DanceWell hello again my lovelies. I hope all is well with you, and I suppose it's time for yet another blog. I've been teaching for a couple of weeks now, and getting to know my students. Bright-eyed and straight from primary school, they have a terrible time deciphering what I'm talking about with my crazy American accent, but they're coming around. By the end of the term they'll have it down, and then I'll be going back to America and they'll have to get used to a Ugandan math teacher again! Oh well, I think it'll be good for them. We're beginning midterms this week and we'll see how much of what I've been saying has sunk in when I grade the papers. Could be interesting.<br /><br />Other than that, my group had our final farewell COS (close of service) party a few weekends ago, and what a time it was. We rented out a place in Old Kampala and had Ethiopian food, which was of course delicious. Some of our number put together a slide show of pictures of the group from our arrival in Philly up to the present. Two years! I can hardly believe it. No tears yet, although I've still got a few months to go, so we'll see when the time comes. And after the slide show the real fun began, and we danced the night away. The Dance Triumverate, (me, Thomas, and Zach, shoutout to you I know you're reading this) showed everybody up with our stellar dance moves. I'm of course the leader of our trio, but that goes without saying considering how good I am at shaking it. Mackenzie, Holly and I even performed our dance to Lady Gaga's <em>Just Dance</em> for a very delighted audience, to rave reviews. All in all, I think the night was very successful, despite being very sad to say goodbye to many people.<br /><br />On a happier note, two training volunteers are going to come visit me for some instruction, I'm very wise you know, and will stay with me for two weeks learning the ways of the Jedi (and by that I mean secondary education, Megan style). While I feel my tutelage will be a very important part of these new volunteers training, who knows how they'll feel. I guess we'll wait and see, mwahahahahahahahaha<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-65058451819037650872010-02-27T00:05:00.000-08:002010-02-27T00:25:14.969-08:00Poker FaceWell hello again friends. How's life? It's getting better for me, as I have just recovered from some sort of respiratory infection, could have been bronchitis, but whatever it was, it's finally over. Or almost, I'm still hacking up phlegm on occasion, but at least I can speak whole sentences without the interruption of a cough every other word, and my lungs no longer feel like they are already half full of some strange semi-solid/semi-liquid concoction that doesn't allow for breathing. So this lovely little distraction stopped me from teaching the first week my first year students were finally here, and extended my vacation (although not in a pleasant way) by one more week. But I finally got to teach them this week, and it was more enjoyable than I remembered. I think I really just enjoy hearing myself speak, but then most of us do. Maybe I have a future in teaching, although what I'm qualified to teach, I couldn't tell you.<br /><br />I enjoyed a visit from two volunteers to my house last weekend. It was interesting at times due to the lack of water coming from my tap, but we made it work. We even made hummus and bruschetta for dinner one of the days, and let me tell you I rarely eat that well at my own house, unless I have visitors (for example while Dan my brother visited, I ate risotto, pasta carbonera, and anther delicious dish that I can't remember the Italian name for and enjoyed every minute of his cooking). So now it's back to simple things, like eggs and bread, but what can you do. I might try some beans and rice again, although beans seem to be very difficult for me. I think I've made every possible mistake you can make in trying to cook beans, first I would let them cook too long without adding more water and get a layer of carbon an inch thick cooked onto the bottom of my pan, then I didn't cook them long enough and ate crunchy beans which result in incredible amounts of painful gas, and last I soaked the beans for too long in advance and they got moldy before I even brought them to the stove for cooking. I may have the technique down now, but we'll have to see.<br /><br />Other than my culinary excapades, not much else is new, besides the fact that I got into graduate school! Whoo hooo! Marquette University accepted me to their Civil and Environmental Engineering/ Water Resources Engineering program, and I have a recommendation for acception to University of California - Berkeley in the Global Health and Environment program. So now it looks like I still have some decisions to make. I haven't heard back yet from UW Madison, but hopefully they'll let me know soon. Ugh, life decisions. Very difficult they are. Anyway, that's all the latest, so peace out for now, and wish me luck with teaching and training. Casey, you'll be here in about 3 weeks, so I hope you are prepared for the intensity of hurricane Megan in Uganda.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-77008032218772912002010-02-04T23:10:00.000-08:002010-02-04T23:19:31.438-08:00Back in the SaddleWell, it's that time of year again, the start of school. The students are returning slowly slowly, and teaching has begun. The senior ones won't arrive until the 15th of February, which means I have another week to prepare all of my lessons and get the math club (that's right, we're cool here at Kantare, and we're starting a math club, jealous much?) started and ready to compete. I've made my teaching timetable, color-coded it for ease of use, and hung it on my door. Now all I need are minds for molding.<br /><br />This will be my last term here at Kantare S.S., so I want to make it a good one. I'm going out with a bang. Or the usual end of term exams, but either way you look at it, I'm nearing the end. I've got a lot to do though, lots of paperwork for administration and I've still got to figure out what I'm doing once I get back. I guess I'm just waiting on responses from grad schools, so not much work there for me, but still, the waiting can be tough. And I get to train some of the incoming volunteers, which should be a good time. I think I'm even hosting one for two weeks, maybe more than one, and that could be interesting. I'll let them teach my classes and see how they do.<br /><br />Well, I guess that's all for now. Sorry this one is short, but I haven't got a whole lot to say, so peace out and keep on truckin.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-24311386531415923032010-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T00:10:57.654-08:00Lamu or Bust!So we did it, we made it all the way to the coast of Kenya, up to Lamu, and back to my site. It took about 50 hours of busing, but we accomplished our goal. Lamu is an island off the coast of Kenya, and is one of the last Swahili cultures left in the country. The island is somewhat small, and the roads are really more like alley ways, and since they are so small no motorized traffic is allowed on the island. The main form of transportation is the donkey, and everyone has one. They wander about here and there, sometimes carrying goods or a person, but most of the time free of any burdens. It was very interesting to see, and fun to pet them. I didn't get the opportunity to ride one anywhere, which was somewhat of a disappointment, but I'll survive. I did get to swim in the Indian ocean where white sand beaches abound, and that was quite joyful. We even went snorkeling and I got bit by some coral. Or I kicked it not realizing I was too close, but either way you look at it, I was bleeding from the foot and attracting sharks. Except there were no sharks, but I like to add a little excitement to my day. On the snorkeling trip they took us to an island where they grilled fresh lobster and jumbo shrimp and fed us coconut curry and fillet of kingfish, so needless to say we went home hungry:). The Italians who were with us kept giving Dan their halves of lobster, so I think he ended up eating 3 of them. It was kind of like being in paradise.<br /><br />After that we headed back down to where I live, in the southwestern corner of Uganda, and the exact opposite side of the country from Kenya. We made it though, and I think he enjoyed the time spent there. He got to meet Spencer, who made friends immediately, and also got to meet some of the teachers from my school and a few of the village characters that are around. We walked to Kisiizi hospital to see the falls there, and after all the bus riding, the 3 hour walk was kind of nice. Even if my knees and hips are still sore and I feel like a little old lady from it, it was beautiful and sunny all along the way. And I have the sunburn to prove it.<br /><br />But Dan is gone now, so it's back to just lonely old me. But I have plenty to do in my remaining four months, including helping train the new batch of secondary education volunteers, which should be fun and interesting. Then Casey arrives to do her rotation at the hospital, and sit around bored out of her gourd at my house while I teach. Then my official ending date is on April 30th, after which Casey and I will head to Egypt, which is going to be AWESOME!!! And Dave arrives on the 11th of May, so I've got plenty to occupy my time until I head back to the land of the free and the home of the brave. I know y'all need my presence in your lives, so until that day, keep on keepin on.<br /><br />peaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-59622262310892056742010-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:002010-01-12T21:27:16.118-08:00Kenya Here We ComeSo I'm sure all of you are very concerned, and my brother Dan arrived safe and sound here in Uganda, despite the threat of delays and cancellations all along the way. We've been enjoying the central region of Uganda, and I got to show Dan a bit around Kampala. I've been stuck in my Close of Service Conference in Jinja, but luckily he's had other volunteer siblings to spend some time with, and they even went white water rafting on the Nile yesterday. He survived that too, and came back hale and whole, so no worries for you mom. He loved it, and apparently they flipped their boat on every rapid, so I guess he got his money's worth.<br /><br />Staying here at the Jinja Nile Resort for 4 days has been tough, but somebody's gotta do it. The rooms are cottage style and have hot water showers which we don't even have to turn on the hot water heater for! It's miraculous. The pool is amazing and I got to see Dan's boat float away down the Nile from the balcony upstairs. I fed the monkeys some chips from my room yesterday, and some of the brave ones even took them right from my hand! The food is incredible, I think I've gained 5 pounds in the past 2 days. Free internet doesn't hurt the charm of the place either. But this is the last of the lap of luxury for awhile, so I should appreciate what I've got while I've got it.<br /><br />Well, I've got to sign off now because I have to go attend sessions today, but know that I'm starting the preparations for coming home in approximately 4 months, and y'all will see me soon enough. I get to host a secondary education trainee in March, so just know that my knowledge and wisdom will be imparted to the next generation of volunteers in Uganda. I know you were worried that it would leave with me, but how wrong you were to fret! So peace for now, and start those party preparations now.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-2428113966196044972009-12-17T23:35:00.001-08:002009-12-17T23:45:29.281-08:00A Very Merry Christmas To YouYep, it's that time of the year again. Time for snow days, egg nog, long nights by the fire... oh wait, none of those things exist in my Ugandan style Christmas. Oh well, we'll make do, like we did last year. This time I'm going to be spending my holiday at Kabulasoke Primary Teacher's College, where another volunteer in my group works. There's going to be lots of Holiday cheer involved, as well as a Christmas day soccer match, I believe. It should be a good time, and like the good southwesterner I am, I'm bringing the cheese (good midwesterner as well). If nothing else, at least we've got cheese.<br /><br />I'm a little nervous about leaving my dog for the holidays, despite the fact that he's survived multiple times without me there, including when he was a little guy and much more vulnerable to whatever it is I fear is going to happen to him. But after I attended the Japan vs. America sports extravaganza in Ndegya, I returned to find him not eating and then he slept for two straight days. He's back to his old self now, so don't you worry your pretty little faces, but I don't know what caused the lapse. This morning he shied away from a furry caterpillar, so perhaps that was what happened to him. They might look and seem innocent enough, but the furry caterpillars here will break off their hairs in your skin if you touch them, and it doesn't feel good. They may even be poisonous, I don't know. Spencer really likes hunting crickets, probably because they are the only things he can actually catch, so I fear he may have tried hunting a caterpillar with adverse results. At least he now knows not to do it again.<br /><br />Other than that, not a whole lot else going on around these parts. Just waiting for my younger brother to arrive here in the UG so I can cart him off to Kenya. That should be a fun vacation, several other volunteers are going to come with us so we will have a good time. Laying on the beach beside the ocean is a good time no matter who you're with, so we really can't go wrong. Let's just hope I remember my sunscreen:). I got burned the other day just sitting outside and playing soccer, on a very overcast day, so fortune is not on my side. I'll just go prepared. <br /><br />Well, I guess that's enough for now, despite the lapse in entries, there just isn't much to talk about during the breaks from school. I'm off to make some chocolate chip cookies now, so eat your hearts out.<br /><br />PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-84954982400999477502009-11-05T23:03:00.000-08:002009-11-05T23:13:58.603-08:00Used to be Commander in Chief of my Pimp Ship Flying High...Ok so I really just like that lyric, I think Neyo is brilliant and should probably get an award for that one. So rap lyrics aside, I should update you on my life. Since the title has nothing to do with the content, which is terrible weather, here you go. It's getting to be the heavy part of the rainy season, and the roads by me are paying a high toll. I could hear from my house last night the bus that goes by me struggling through the mud and muck, and that was around 10pm. It usually goes by at about 8 or 8:30, but the rain was heavy yesterday and apparently it had to be pushed by the passengers for about 5 miles or so because it could not get through it on it's own.<br /><br />I say pave the roads. I know it's not an incredibly well traveled traffic artery or anything, but there is bus service and plenty of taxis venture down that way, and it would just be safer. Sure, we'd lose some of the bucolic charm the dirt roads provide to the area, but the safety of paved roads in the rainy season and the lack of dust during the dry season would more than make up for the loss in atmosphere. I'm sure it will not happen for many years, however, because we are so far away from the capital and the workings of government, I sometimes think those in charge forget we're here. Oh well, at least they give us a tractor that looks like a giant snow plow (I'm from Wisconsin, after all) to try to rid the roads of the quagmire. When it is in use, it works, but the rains do not care about the travel needs of us villagers, and so whether or not the plow is in use the rains come again and re-muck up the roads.<br /><br />The vehicles still attempt passage, however and it makes for a hair-raising ride. We fishtailed through it for the couple of miles of boggy road from yesterday's rains, and I did not enjoy my front row seat. I would have preferred to have been located in the 2nd or 3rd row of the taxi, exactly in the middle, pinned between multiple bodies with no view whatsoever of the outside world. It used to make me claustrophobic, now however it makes me feel safe, wedged in with plenty of cushion in case anything happens. Oh well. We made it through with no dire consequences. Let's hope my lucky streak continues.<br /><br />Peace<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-14998373257978716842009-10-31T01:15:00.000-07:002009-10-31T01:24:24.566-07:00Happy Halloween, MwahahahahahahaHappy Halloween all, and I hope it's a great one. Dave, I hear your costume is quite interesting, I must see pictures. I'm sure you are the bell of the ball. No real Halloween plans here, last night we watched Hocus Pocus and Trick'r'Treat while eating chili and sugar cookies with orange and brown frosting, so it was quite an eventful evening. Oh and I can't forget about the caramel corn with g-nuts, which was very tasty, somewhat like cracker jacks. No costumes this year, could just be because I'm lazy and never looked for one, or there is no celebration to attend, either one. Take your pick.<br /><br />We just finished midterms the other week and are fast approaching finals, only two weeks left before they begin, and then it's the holiday which will go until the first week in February. I'm excited for this break because Dan will come for a visit, and hopefully we'll do something incredibly fun and interesting, because that's just how we are. Fun and interesting I mean. <br /><br />I don't have a whole lot else to talk about, I had running water for most of this week, which was very exciting. I got to take a shower and wash my hair, do lots of laundry which skinned my fingers raw, mop my floor, and do lots of dishes. It was all great fun. It's amazing what you look forward to when not much else is happening. I also read three books this week, and enjoyed them immensely. Of course two of them were Harry Potter (2 and 3, I'm starting again, for like the 15th time) but the third was the Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood, which was very good and I highly suggest you read it. I'm only trying to improve your literacy, so take my advice and pick it up.<br /><br />Well, that's all for now, but I'll try to write again soon, and everyone else should write to me as well. I demand it. And Jenni, thanks for the card, cause it was one of 2 that I received, the other one from my mother. But I'm not bitter, so don't worry:)<br /><br />PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-65814458742485454562009-10-19T23:06:00.000-07:002009-10-19T23:18:22.011-07:00A Close CallWell, it's official, I'm now 26 years old. It's hard to believe, but true. I think that means I'm finally supposed to figure out what I'm doing with my life, but it may take a few more years yet. At least I have a beginning, I have started the applications for grad school, so eventually I may have something figured out. Oh well.<br /><br />It was an exciting birthday. Kind of. I went to Kampala for the weekend, and everything went fine, I even got a lot of work done for the applications, but the return journey was a little different than what I'm used to. Everything was going fine until we hit the dirt road that goes to my house. I was pretty excited because the bus had made good time up to this point, and I thought I would be home at 7, or just before it gets dark. Well, something always happens when I get cocky and think that things are going to continue to go well for me, and so things obviously had to go wrong.<br /><br />It's the rainy season, so the roads aren't in the best condition at the moment, and rains were heavy recently. I noticed something was wrong when we were on a slight incline but seemed to be slowing considerably. Eventually we stopped, and this was not a steep part of the road, let me tell you. But we could all feel the tires skidding and losing traction, and knew what the problem was. This particular stretch of road is incredibly prone to landslides and bad conditions, so every able bodied passenger (except for myself because I wasn't exactly sure what everyone was saying) got off the bus to try to help push the thing up the hill. The driver tried to accelerate, and everyone else was pushing, when suddenly the bus fishtailed and the rear end slid towards the edge of the road. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if there was a barrier of some sort, or no 30 foot drop on the other side, but only a small ledge of earth existed between the wheels of the bus and the drop. So the last passenger, an old man, and myself decided it was time to also vacate the bus. We got out, and the bus workers grabbed a hoe from the locals and began to dig out the areas in front of each of the tires and place dry dirt and sand in front of the tires. I stood beside the road watching helplessly, hoping something would go right. I was only 20 km from home, but it was getting dark and I didn't want to make that walk at night with all of my luggage. So I watched on as the bus continued to slide further and further to the edge, but luckily the ledge kept the bus on the road, it being lighter from having no passengers. The people pushing got the thing up the incline, and eventually we all jumped back on, although I was quite alert for the remainder of my ride. A little excitement in an otherwise calm and eventless 8 hour ride.<br /><br />I got home safe and sound, and am here to tell the story, so no harm done. I probably would have survived if the thing had gone over the edge anyway, since the drop was only like 30 feet. But at least I didn't have to go through that! And sorry mom, for worrying you. Dan told me you were kind of freaking out, it wasn't that big of a deal, I was just worried because I didn't want to walk home in the dark:). I hope they can do something about that part of the road, because even in small cars you fishtail through the entire thing, and the rainy season has barely begun. I could be in for some more hair raising adventures.<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-58503186010210551142009-09-25T00:22:00.000-07:002009-09-25T00:29:30.238-07:00Back to School...Back to school, back to school, to prove to Dad I'm not a fool... so the wise Billy Madison once said. Third term has begun and I'm teaching my senior ones math once again. They always enjoy the beginning of the term because I hand out the candy and prizes for doing well on the exams from the previous term. It's kind of a bribe for my kids to keep liking me and continue to listen when I speak to them. So far its working...<br /><br />I missed a few days of teaching due to getting stuck in Kampala during the riots over the Kabaka's (King of the Baganda) visit to Kayunga, but otherwise things are going well. I'm getting used to being back in Uganda, and used to teaching again. Not a whole lot is new, I'm still trying to train Spencer to behave properly, and now the new puppy Elf too, and living on a farm is always interesting. We have two new calves and two more on the way, which is always exciting. I also recently removed two little lizards from inhabiting my bathroom and dirty dishes basin. While I do enjoy lizards due to their bug eating habit, I don't enjoy them crawling around my bathroom while I"m bathing (or other bathroom duties) and I don't enjoy running into them while I'm cleaning my dishes. But luckily lizards aren't poisonous and these ones didn't even try to bite me as I removed them with my bare hands (I'm incredibly brave if you didn't know that about me, considering they were less than an inch long).<br /><br />Again it may be a while before I write another blog, simply because my weekends are now going to be spent trying to apply to graduate school, which could be interesting considering the amount of computer time and internet access I have. Oh well. You'll hear from me again soon.<br /><br />Peace<br /><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-76021514479619318212009-09-01T23:32:00.000-07:002009-09-01T23:35:32.677-07:00Back In the UGHey everyone,<br /><br />I'm back in Uganda, safe and sound after 4 hours of car travel, 12 hours of bus travel, and 16 hours of plane travel, not including layovers and just plain waiting around. It was a lovely journey I can tell you, and my ankles won't go back to their normal size for weeks. I'm lucky I didn't get deep vein thrombosis. I'm not sure exactly what that is, but the airline cards in the seat pockets warn you about it, so don't you worry, I did plenty of ankle stretches to prevent it from happening.<br /><br />That's all I got for now, cause I'm tired and want to sleep, but rest assured that I have returned safely and will get back to saving the world in short order.<br /><br />cheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-44032664504717490942009-07-24T06:04:00.000-07:002009-07-24T06:13:26.184-07:00Impulse BuysWe've all done it. Picked up that last minute candy bar, ice cold soda, trashy gossip magazine at the check-out counter in the supermarket. I love impulse buys. They're fun and always unneccessary. Here in Uganda, specifically Kabale for me, the impulse buys are a little different.<br /><br />Last time I was at the supermarket, my impulse buy was the delicious looking new brand of peanut butter, which had caramel crunchies embedded throughout the peannutty goodness. It was a successful purchase, although I'll gain about 20 pounds if I buy it any more, because I ate a jar in about 2 days. <br /><br />The time before that it was the pretzels I saw for the very first time here in this country, and was so excited I couldn't stop myself. I bought 3 bags. I shared them, and they got old because they were flavored which was wierd, and I haven't bought them since, but it was a fun time and I enjoyed the purchase.<br /><br />The lastest impulse has been different even for my standards. A boy came to the back yard of my and my neighbors house last week with a chicken. I saw the chicken and couldn't help myself, I wanted to buy it. They're only about 10,000/= ($5.00) for a whole live chicken, and let's face it, everyone's got one. I see them in the buses, crowding the overhead luggage compartments. On the floor of the taxi's under the seats, pecking at my feet. Tied to the tops of sedans in packs of 30 or more. Laying out front of stores with their feet tied, they're everywhere (ubiquitous, GRE word, look it up) and I wanted one too. I inquired with my neighbor as to whether or not the chicken the boy was jabbering over was for sale, but alas, no. He had found it wandering around and was looking for it's owner, not trying to sell it.<br /><br />It's probably a good thing, because I really don't need impulse buys that squawk, eat my dogs food, and shit all over my floor.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-17672058448435430452009-07-10T02:26:00.000-07:002009-07-10T02:39:45.481-07:00Sand and SunOh the Sese Islands. What a wierd and wonderful little place. It's an island chain in Lake Victoria, and well worth a visit, even if you have to let your comfort bubble be invaded a little bit in order to get there.<br /><br />It's nothing too different from normal travel around Uganda, the usual hassles are involved; obnoxious conductors, overcrowded taxis that stop every few minutes, hot buses with lots of smelly exhaust, etc. But there are some new and wonderful things to deal with once you reach the shores of Lake Victoria.<br /><br />The boats that travel like water taxis to all of the islands are large and cannot come all the way to the shore, and are anchored probably 20 to 40 feet away from the waterline. To get to these boats you have to hire a porter, which I didn't really understand until I got there meant a human porter to porter you from the shore to the boat. Oh how I love being carried by Ugandan men, especially since they are quite unafraid to tell you just how heavy you are. But they are strong and reliable, and could even carry my ass along with my backpack, no easy feat I assure you.<br /><br />So after that embarrassment, I'm finally in the boat with those going as well, and we get to ride about 3 hours to reach our island. It would be a nice and beautiful ride, except you can't see over the sides of the boat, and so stare at the wooden sides of the boat, trying not to think about what would happen if that patch over there started to leak heavily and also avoiding thinking about how sore your butt's going to be after riding on these wooden benches.<br /><br />But despite all of the problems, the trip was totally worth it (including the 7 hour bus ride to get to Kampala prior to the taxis, etc. to get to the boat). The island was amazing and relaxing, and I enjoyed the 4th of July weekend sitting around a bonfire, so besides the lack of explosive fireworks, it felt rather like home. And then 6 am Sunday morning rolls around, and I have to repeat the entire traveling process again...<br /><br />Oh well. That's life (in Uganda).<br /><br />CheersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-78543584416902954072009-07-03T00:14:00.000-07:002009-07-03T00:21:33.518-07:00Mama I'm Coming Home!But only for a visit, don't worry. I just like those words because they are immortal words spoken by the wise Ozzy Osbourne. Times have changed, and times are strange, etc. <br /><br />The ticket is bought, the vacation request is approved (I believe) and I'm making my plans. I'm keeping it fairly open, but I know for certain I have to do the following things:<br />1. Eat good pizza.<br />2. Have a burrito<br />3. Eat bread that isn't stale<br />4. Drive a car<br />5. Bake something<br />6. Use fast internet<br />7. See my dog<br />8. Drink some GOOD Wisconsin tap beer<br />9. Oh, and I guess I'll have to put in an appearance with my friends too.<br /><br />You get the picture. I'm pretty excited, but I hope I don't say too many strange Uganda-isms while I'm there. Just look at me strangely when I say something funny, and preferably make a comment, and I'll get back to normal quickly.<br /><br />I arrive in Madison the evening of the 14th of August and am leaving the 31st. So get ready, and prepare yourselves. I know you all can't wait to see me.<br /><br />PeaceUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-65671537724344574342009-05-29T00:50:00.000-07:002009-05-29T00:58:10.953-07:00I Got Wheels!Hello Everybody!<br /><br />I hope all is well in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I just wanted to write a blog since it's been a couple of weeks and to let everyone know that I finally bought a bicycle. I've been debating about it for about a year now, but finally a volunteer near me just decided she wasn't riding her bicycle enough and that she would sell it to me, so I finally did it. <br /><br />I've been riding around the village a bit, and am learning that while I assumed the roads were not hilly because walking small hills is not difficult, hauling your ass up those same hills on a bike isn't so easy. And then there's the going down the other side part of it. This is incredibly scary for me, because my roads are not what you would call smooth. They are made of packed dirt and have many potholes and rocks all over the place. So cruising down a hill at a speed faster than the cars go is incredibly frightening, although don't any of you worry, I always wear my helmet. It makes me look really good too.<br /><br />I'm working up my strength on the bike so that hopefully I can ride all the way to Kisiizi Falls (16k) on it to use internet and possibly do some good vegetable shopping. That could take awhile though. I might be able to make it that far by the time Casey gets here in 2010. That would be good though too, because then I can ride my bike to visit her.<br /><br />Well, that's pretty short, but it's all I got for now. Keep me in your hearts and minds, hopefully picturing me in my lovely bike helmet cruising crazy downhill slopes or puffing on the uphill side. It's a pretty picture, I know.<br /><br />Nothin but love for ya.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-2294170904416969872009-05-02T02:14:00.000-07:002009-05-02T02:21:27.047-07:0018 Hours From Home...Hey everyone,<div><br /></div><div>Sorry it's been so long since my last blog, but internet is being stubborn in Kabale, and I haven't been able to access it long enough to complete one. But not I'm in Soroti, which is in eastern Uganda, visiting the other volunteers who are on the completely opposite side of the country from where I live, approximately 18 hours by bus if you wanted to go straight from one to the other. Uganda is such a small country, but apparently it takes forever to cross it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is quite different from Kabale, as it is hot and dry and very dusty. Right now I am the color of the roads because I'm so gross and dirty, but hopefully that will change after I bathe a bit later today. You never know though, because this dirt is pretty tricky, and can stick with you for days or even weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just was in Kampala this week for our midservice conference, which marks one year of our Peace Corps service. It's an exciting landmark, and now I feel like our group is on the downhill slide of this thing and very soon we'll be finished. It's crazy, I never thought I would feel like my time here was short, but 2 years goes incredibly fast when ... well I'm not exactly sure why the 2 years is going fast, but I'm reading a lot of books and learning how to sit still and stare at the wall for hours at a time. Silences being awkward? Doesn't exist here. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I've been hogging another volunteer's computer for awhile now, and its time to pass it on and share with others. See mom? I did learn something from you.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-90802267927681164382009-03-30T00:28:00.000-07:002009-03-30T00:38:04.060-07:00Let Me Live Here, You WillI had an interesting couple of weeks. I was sitting in my living room, minding my own business and reading a book, when my nieghbor called my name. "Megan, come out here and look at this." I didn't know what he wanted, but figured I'd go take a look. I go out behind my house, and there at my back door is a 4 to 6 week old puppy, skeletal from lack of food and covered in 20 or more ticks. "Spencer produced!" was my nieghbor's comment, because this little thing did look somewhat like my current dog. I felt so bad for the skinny little thing and so gave it a can of tuna to perk it up a bit. It then walked into my house, ate Spencer's leftover bones, and laid down in his bed. When Spencer returned from wherever he was, the little thing decided he was going to protect me from the evil giant and began barking and growling at him. This little puppy is the size of Spencer's head, but doesn't lack any gumption, based on his bravado throughout the situation.<br /><br />I left for Kampala the next day, and decided that if the dog stuck around I would at least feed it and take care of its ticks until I could find it a home, because it seemed that he had adopted me as his human. Besides, his ears stick out and he looks a lot like Yoda, so I had already named him, which we all know is a bad sign. Well, I got back from the weekend in Kampala and he was still there. My neighbor tells me Spencer took to protecting the little bugger from the other big dogs in the area, who have a propensity to kill unattended puppies. So by the time I got back, these two were best friends and Yoda was following Spencer around like his own little Mini-Me. And after over a week of good food and a comfy place to sleep, the little guy is perking up and has even started to lift and wag its tail.<br /><br />So now I'm pretty sure the neighborhood dogs are talking to each other and telling each other that my place is a good spot for a free meal. I'm guessing that soon I'll be running a dog kennel. I guess I always knew it was only a matter of time before I became a crazy dog lady, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. Luckily I have a taker for this current puppy, and soon I'll just be back to my one dog, which is more than enough.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4173821310064436114.post-64124120819228748452009-03-14T01:13:00.000-07:002009-03-14T01:20:17.833-07:00Chewmonster SpencerIt finally happened. Spencer's good behavior couldn't last forever, I knew that, but I was waiting for the fall. It is here now. I think Spencer must have reached the teenage rebellious stage, because suddenly I cannot leave him alone inside my house anymore for any length of time. Not only does he jump on my bed, furniture he knows he's not allowed to be on, but he now chews my blanket while there. Granted I probably spilled some food on it at some point, but still, you'd think he could leave the sanctity of my bed in tact.<br /><br />He also has discovered he has a shoe fetish. At first it was just one of my flip flops I use to walk around behind my house. Then it was a pair of my neighbors shoes that she doesn't wear anymore. But it's gotten a bit ridiculous. He chewed up a pair of shoes that the younger brother of my neighbor wore around while doing house chores, and since those are gone now he has to wear his big sisters high heeled sandals to do the work. Then he chewed one each of two different pairs of my flip flops again. This time, he luckily went for the left foot of one pair and the right foot of the other, so at least I still have one pair; they might be mismatched but who cares? I can still wear them around as long as I don't go out in public with them.<br /><br />Spencer has always like to chew on my wooden furniture, so there's no surprise that every chair leg and bed post has teeth marks in it. But I just bought a new mat for the floor, and what does he do? Chews the papyrus reed to shreds. At least it was only about 3000/=, which is about $1.50. And I wanted this monster in my house? The joys of dog ownership.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1