So, I'm sitting in my Multimedia Literacy class and he told us we have 15 minutes to explore how Google uses blogs and what you can do with it, blah, blah, blah. What a convenient time to update my Google blog! So here's the dealio, I'm a mere 6 weeks away from receiving my masters degree in TESOL. Wahooo!!! And in just three months we'll be moving back across the country, leaving our stuff at Ma and Pa's, then heading to Bolivia for a couple of months. After that, we'll be moving to Dayton, OH (or at least Camilo will be). Hopefully I'll get an ESL job there and if not, I'll be searching in other cities too. My real priority at this point is finding a full time job in my field and paying back my 60k in student loans (Holy Mary Mother of God, I'm dead).
Other than that, I love my job here still, my GPA is an awesome-o 3.95/4.0 (yes, I'm a smarty pants), and I love my man. Oh! And I finally made a friend in this random little town! She's only here temporarily also. Anywho, nothing else to update really. Life for the past year has been busy, steady, and quiet. The next several months will not be.
Happy 2012!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I have a job and stuff!
Well, happy news, I am employed. A lot has changed since my last posting. Where to begin?
First of all, my life was stagnant until December. I'm still in Paonia, and Paonia is, well...Paonia. After long months of being bored to tears, I decided it was time to do something with my life and go to grad school. So, I found the University of Southern California's Master of Arts in Teaching, specializing in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and applied. The program is also offered completely online so I get to stay in this delightful little town (dripping with sarcasm there). So yeah, I am now a full time grad student, overwhelmed with homework. Woo! This first semester is nearly over and then I'll be a quarter of the way through the program. If all goes as planned, I'll have my masters at the beginning of next March, one year from now.
Also (as previously mentioned), I have a job! While finding a place to do ESL observations for school, I was offered a job to actually teach an ESL class through Delta County Libraries. I now teach a small class of Mexican immigrants, two nights per week at the library in Cedaredge. So my life is pretty much back on track to where I was originally headed. Yay! I am now so busy that I don't even really have time to write this blog, I'm just procrastinating on writing a paper that's due today :)
In not so great news, my trip to Bolivia for Christmas was basically disastrous. First, our plane was delayed in Gunnison because of snow flurries. FLURRIES! The pilot was clearly inexperienced and didn't have the balls to take off in less than perfect weather. Because of this, we had to take a different flight in an attempt to make it to Miami in time for the flight to La Paz. We were in Gunnison for 8 hours so as you might imagine, we didn't make that flight. When we did take off out of Gunnison, the visibility was EXACTLY the same as it had been earlier, and our new pilot had no problem whatsoever. So, because of all that, we were stuck in Miami for 4 DAYS waiting for the next available flight to La Paz. Total waste of our time. Miami smells like a sewer and being December, there was no way I was going swimming in the ocean (December has the highest rate of shark attacks). When we finally got to La Paz, all was well in the world for about a week while we celebrated the holidays, visited family, and went to a resort near Coroico. Then, on New Year's Day, the WHOLE family came down with salmonella poisoning. That's right, not just me the weak-stomached-American, the whole family. Aaaaaand on top of that, I got a kidney infection and kidney stones...all at once! Imagine having salmonella poisoning, a kidney infection, and passing kidney stones all at the same time, at 12,000ft above sea level. And btw, the kidney stuff was unrelated to the food poisoning. I just have the worst luck in the world, that's all. By the time I was feeling alive again, it was time for our flight back. Interestingly enough, the altitude didn't bother me other than magnifying a hangover, and no other foods made me feel sick like I expected, just the food tainted with salmonella that affected the whole resort.
To summarize, my trip to Bolivia was NOT enjoyable and seriously made me question my future life there. It's sad. I know it was mostly bad luck but still, it was the worst trip of my entire life. Not exactly a great first impression to be left with. And because we were so busy visiting friends and family during the week that we felt good, I didn't even get to do fun touristy things and site-seeing. AND it put my relationship on the rocks for about a month. Turns out not wanting to live in the same place someday presents a serious problem.
Whatever, my life is in turmoil but also getting back on track. I'm beginning to regain confidence in my decision to live in Bolivia someday, depending on how the next trip goes. The boyfriend refuses to live in the US forever. However, it also sort of hit that Bolivia only has two CT scan machines in the whole country, and when I came back to the States, that's one of the first things they put me through at the nearest hospital to check if I had kidney stones. I'm beginning to think of things like health care for my future children, and their education as well. Even if La Paz is a totally modern city, it's still a third-world country that's thousands of miles away from my own family. How do I deal with that? And at what point am I making too many compromises?
I hate being a grown-up and making grown-up decisions. Life would be easier if he were French (but still the same person). I miss France.
First of all, my life was stagnant until December. I'm still in Paonia, and Paonia is, well...Paonia. After long months of being bored to tears, I decided it was time to do something with my life and go to grad school. So, I found the University of Southern California's Master of Arts in Teaching, specializing in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and applied. The program is also offered completely online so I get to stay in this delightful little town (dripping with sarcasm there). So yeah, I am now a full time grad student, overwhelmed with homework. Woo! This first semester is nearly over and then I'll be a quarter of the way through the program. If all goes as planned, I'll have my masters at the beginning of next March, one year from now.
Also (as previously mentioned), I have a job! While finding a place to do ESL observations for school, I was offered a job to actually teach an ESL class through Delta County Libraries. I now teach a small class of Mexican immigrants, two nights per week at the library in Cedaredge. So my life is pretty much back on track to where I was originally headed. Yay! I am now so busy that I don't even really have time to write this blog, I'm just procrastinating on writing a paper that's due today :)
In not so great news, my trip to Bolivia for Christmas was basically disastrous. First, our plane was delayed in Gunnison because of snow flurries. FLURRIES! The pilot was clearly inexperienced and didn't have the balls to take off in less than perfect weather. Because of this, we had to take a different flight in an attempt to make it to Miami in time for the flight to La Paz. We were in Gunnison for 8 hours so as you might imagine, we didn't make that flight. When we did take off out of Gunnison, the visibility was EXACTLY the same as it had been earlier, and our new pilot had no problem whatsoever. So, because of all that, we were stuck in Miami for 4 DAYS waiting for the next available flight to La Paz. Total waste of our time. Miami smells like a sewer and being December, there was no way I was going swimming in the ocean (December has the highest rate of shark attacks). When we finally got to La Paz, all was well in the world for about a week while we celebrated the holidays, visited family, and went to a resort near Coroico. Then, on New Year's Day, the WHOLE family came down with salmonella poisoning. That's right, not just me the weak-stomached-American, the whole family. Aaaaaand on top of that, I got a kidney infection and kidney stones...all at once! Imagine having salmonella poisoning, a kidney infection, and passing kidney stones all at the same time, at 12,000ft above sea level. And btw, the kidney stuff was unrelated to the food poisoning. I just have the worst luck in the world, that's all. By the time I was feeling alive again, it was time for our flight back. Interestingly enough, the altitude didn't bother me other than magnifying a hangover, and no other foods made me feel sick like I expected, just the food tainted with salmonella that affected the whole resort.
To summarize, my trip to Bolivia was NOT enjoyable and seriously made me question my future life there. It's sad. I know it was mostly bad luck but still, it was the worst trip of my entire life. Not exactly a great first impression to be left with. And because we were so busy visiting friends and family during the week that we felt good, I didn't even get to do fun touristy things and site-seeing. AND it put my relationship on the rocks for about a month. Turns out not wanting to live in the same place someday presents a serious problem.
Whatever, my life is in turmoil but also getting back on track. I'm beginning to regain confidence in my decision to live in Bolivia someday, depending on how the next trip goes. The boyfriend refuses to live in the US forever. However, it also sort of hit that Bolivia only has two CT scan machines in the whole country, and when I came back to the States, that's one of the first things they put me through at the nearest hospital to check if I had kidney stones. I'm beginning to think of things like health care for my future children, and their education as well. Even if La Paz is a totally modern city, it's still a third-world country that's thousands of miles away from my own family. How do I deal with that? And at what point am I making too many compromises?
I hate being a grown-up and making grown-up decisions. Life would be easier if he were French (but still the same person). I miss France.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I'm bored...story of my new life
I have nothing better to do so I guess I'll update this thing. I hate writing blogs.
Anyway, no job as of yet. And the only openings are at the coal mines for things like "Underground coal miner" and scary things like that which I am NOT about to do (even though they get paid something like $24/hr). When there are regular job openings, everyone within a 60 mile radius applies and there's always someone who has a better connection than you. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA with my B.A. dammit!!!! How can you not hire me for a position that only requires a GED?!?!? Not to mention I'm totally charming and lovable...right?
Whatev, I'm in the process of getting my Colorado certification to be a substitute teacher. That may take 10 more weeks to process, and then I can apply to the county. This takes forever! But it's not like I have anything else going for me so I might as well do it. Plus, I think subbing could be at least mildly enjoyable with decent pay, and taking vacation days won't be an issue.
Besides the job search my life is a complete waste of time at the moment. I've been exercising and cleaning like a madwoman, 5 days a week. That's all I have in this town. My highlights of the day include checking our mailbox (which is usually empty, but sometimes not!), and having lunch with Camilo for a measly 30 minutes. Weekends are not much better but at least then I have some company.
I am SO incredibly excited for my brother's wedding in 2 weeks. I'll get to see the WHOLE family in Michigan (a rare treat). Then my parents should be coming here with the rest of my stuff. I miss my couch!! After that I don't think I'll have anything to look forward to until December when we should be going to Bolivia for Christmas. Yay! I'm super excited for that but it will be a little sad to miss my family's Christmas for the first time ever. Ah well...
Ok, I'm done :)
Anyway, no job as of yet. And the only openings are at the coal mines for things like "Underground coal miner" and scary things like that which I am NOT about to do (even though they get paid something like $24/hr). When there are regular job openings, everyone within a 60 mile radius applies and there's always someone who has a better connection than you. I graduated with a 3.5 GPA with my B.A. dammit!!!! How can you not hire me for a position that only requires a GED?!?!? Not to mention I'm totally charming and lovable...right?
Whatev, I'm in the process of getting my Colorado certification to be a substitute teacher. That may take 10 more weeks to process, and then I can apply to the county. This takes forever! But it's not like I have anything else going for me so I might as well do it. Plus, I think subbing could be at least mildly enjoyable with decent pay, and taking vacation days won't be an issue.
Besides the job search my life is a complete waste of time at the moment. I've been exercising and cleaning like a madwoman, 5 days a week. That's all I have in this town. My highlights of the day include checking our mailbox (which is usually empty, but sometimes not!), and having lunch with Camilo for a measly 30 minutes. Weekends are not much better but at least then I have some company.
I am SO incredibly excited for my brother's wedding in 2 weeks. I'll get to see the WHOLE family in Michigan (a rare treat). Then my parents should be coming here with the rest of my stuff. I miss my couch!! After that I don't think I'll have anything to look forward to until December when we should be going to Bolivia for Christmas. Yay! I'm super excited for that but it will be a little sad to miss my family's Christmas for the first time ever. Ah well...
Ok, I'm done :)
Friday, July 23, 2010
Some good things
Here's a little update for you. As far as internet goes, this town sucks. Some people came out to install it today only to let me know that it wouldn't be possible because there are too many tall trees around our apartment to receive the satellite signal. Damn it!! So now we have to go with this other company to get DSL but they also force you to get a land line phone as well for additional $30/mo. F-you internet companies!!!
Other than that it was a lovely week. We went rafting down the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs, sat in actual hot springs along the river, and saw a family of 3 mountain lions on the way home. Absolutely amazing!! Camilo's company (SEI) and his co-workers are all turning out to be fantastic so that's good. The weather is slightly less hot this week, and this weekend we will consider purchasing a real bed. Hooray!!! No more air mattress!!!
And now I'm being kicked out of the library because it's closing. I hate internet companies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other than that it was a lovely week. We went rafting down the Colorado River near Glenwood Springs, sat in actual hot springs along the river, and saw a family of 3 mountain lions on the way home. Absolutely amazing!! Camilo's company (SEI) and his co-workers are all turning out to be fantastic so that's good. The weather is slightly less hot this week, and this weekend we will consider purchasing a real bed. Hooray!!! No more air mattress!!!
And now I'm being kicked out of the library because it's closing. I hate internet companies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
We have arrived.
Alright, quick update. I have to use the internet at the library because we've yet to figure out where to go to actually get internet at our apartment. My cell phone barely works here so don't bother calling. I'm pretty much dead to the world right now.
Anyway, Paonia is chock full of real hippies, poser rastafarians, mexican immigrants, and organic "farmers" (although I suppose they could be counted in with the hippies). It's super hot and sunny here everyday. Occasionally it will sprinkle for 5 minutes and then be hot and sunny again. The town is small and strange. Yesterday they had the World Cup Final playing at the local movie theater for free so we were able to watch that with a strange mix of people and their children. This town is also full of very small children.
I'm not sure what to think of this place yet. The locals seem eager to meet us and very friendly. People keep telling us that we'll love it here and that's it's an amazing place to live. I think they have a different perspective and a different way of life than us though... Well, at least this place is cheerful. I just need to find some new hobbies.
Anyway, Paonia is chock full of real hippies, poser rastafarians, mexican immigrants, and organic "farmers" (although I suppose they could be counted in with the hippies). It's super hot and sunny here everyday. Occasionally it will sprinkle for 5 minutes and then be hot and sunny again. The town is small and strange. Yesterday they had the World Cup Final playing at the local movie theater for free so we were able to watch that with a strange mix of people and their children. This town is also full of very small children.
I'm not sure what to think of this place yet. The locals seem eager to meet us and very friendly. People keep telling us that we'll love it here and that's it's an amazing place to live. I think they have a different perspective and a different way of life than us though... Well, at least this place is cheerful. I just need to find some new hobbies.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Change in Plans!!
Yes, Camilo got an official job offer today with Solar Energy International in Paonia, Colorado. We are officially moving to the Wild West in about 3 weeks which doesn't leave much time for finding a place to live, figuring out how to get our stuff there, etc. Holy wow! I love spontaneous major life changes.
What am I going to be doing in that podunk little town you may be wondering? Well, I'm not exactly sure but hopefully it will involve making money in an at least somewhat pleasant manner. The big question of the day is, can my little Pontiac Vibe pull a smallish (but still 850 lb when empty) UHaul trailer through the Rocky Mountains? I don't know. And I'm not sure I want to try and find out. So I have no idea how we're going to get our stuff there beyond what can be crammed into my vehicle. We may live with nothing but my clothes & shoes, kitchen stuff, and maybe a few things for Camilo :) Okay, okay...maybe I could limit the number of shoes I take with me to fit his stuff in. But other than that I'm afraid we won't have room. So no furniture I guess. We'll have to buy a bed anyway but perhaps my gracious parents will bring stuff out in their ginormous white van eventually? I don't know. I guess we'll live like hippies for a few months without any possessions. We'll totally fit in there! Awesome-o.
What am I going to be doing in that podunk little town you may be wondering? Well, I'm not exactly sure but hopefully it will involve making money in an at least somewhat pleasant manner. The big question of the day is, can my little Pontiac Vibe pull a smallish (but still 850 lb when empty) UHaul trailer through the Rocky Mountains? I don't know. And I'm not sure I want to try and find out. So I have no idea how we're going to get our stuff there beyond what can be crammed into my vehicle. We may live with nothing but my clothes & shoes, kitchen stuff, and maybe a few things for Camilo :) Okay, okay...maybe I could limit the number of shoes I take with me to fit his stuff in. But other than that I'm afraid we won't have room. So no furniture I guess. We'll have to buy a bed anyway but perhaps my gracious parents will bring stuff out in their ginormous white van eventually? I don't know. I guess we'll live like hippies for a few months without any possessions. We'll totally fit in there! Awesome-o.
Monday, May 24, 2010
I don't feel like titles.
Today it got up to 92 degrees here. Crazy warm! This has been the most unusual spring/summer. It feels normal! I didn't even get a snow storm in April, and May has been totally gorgeous. I had to break out my hot weather clothing that's been wasting away in the bottom of my drawer for two years. It's not nearly as fun though without anyone here to enjoy it with me. Damn it boyfriend! Why do you have to be in Colorado when we actually have summer weather?
Well, the good/interesting news of Camilo being out there is that he has a potential job offer from the Solar Energy International place in Paonia, CO. Which is amazing! They told him to apply because they love him so much. At first when he told me I was totally disappointed about not moving to Dayton. I mean, yes, I kind of hate Ohio but I'd really pumped myself up about all the positive aspects of moving there like proximity to family (relative to here anyway), less snow, more job opportunities, potential for grad school, nearby dance companies and studios...all kinds of stuff. So when I heard that we may have to move to a town that's smaller and more isolated sounding than Houghton, well...I wasn't exactly overcome with joy. I'm getting used to the idea though. It would be really great for Camilo, and I will figure out something to do. It would probably only be for a year anyway, and it looks like a very beautiful, adventurous kind of place. I'll feel like I'm in the Wild West!
Life with my Bolivian is unpredictable to say the least, and I kind of love that, even though it often drives me insane :)
Well, the good/interesting news of Camilo being out there is that he has a potential job offer from the Solar Energy International place in Paonia, CO. Which is amazing! They told him to apply because they love him so much. At first when he told me I was totally disappointed about not moving to Dayton. I mean, yes, I kind of hate Ohio but I'd really pumped myself up about all the positive aspects of moving there like proximity to family (relative to here anyway), less snow, more job opportunities, potential for grad school, nearby dance companies and studios...all kinds of stuff. So when I heard that we may have to move to a town that's smaller and more isolated sounding than Houghton, well...I wasn't exactly overcome with joy. I'm getting used to the idea though. It would be really great for Camilo, and I will figure out something to do. It would probably only be for a year anyway, and it looks like a very beautiful, adventurous kind of place. I'll feel like I'm in the Wild West!
Life with my Bolivian is unpredictable to say the least, and I kind of love that, even though it often drives me insane :)
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