Surprise Hannah. I am posting without a reminder. :)
You know, I don't really have anything noteworthy to write. Perhaps I'll just ramble and see if anything interesting pops out.
Let's see-it's the last week in October. That is just craziness. I am anticipating cool season so much I can almost taste it. Do you think that cool season can have a taste?
I got to square dance on Saturday night. Big deal-dancing here and all. I guess it was like riding a bike. Remember when square dancing was a big deal in 5th/6th grade?Mrs. Elliott would have been proud of my promenading put perhaps not the do-si-do (sp?) My partner and I kept going left first instead of right.
I have been staying at a friends' home the past week or so. My walk here sounds something like a route a back alley spy would take-go out the gate down the dirt road, around the round point and avoid all the crazy kids at the school on the "corner." Then take the dirt road and avoid the cars, take a quick right and then a left through the bricks. Watch out for the rams butting horns (happened on Saturday). Walk up the dirt gravel hill, behind the generator of an apt building, and through a sandy path. Then I'm here.
I am almost done with the Left Behind Series-all 12 books. I started around August 6th. I told the librarian I deserve a sticker. hehehe ;)
Well, I hope there was something interesting in all those ramblings.
Over and out.
AP
Monday, October 26, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
just following orders
My sister told me I had to update my blog. When I asked her for a topic, she said to write about my favorite things. What a great idea Hannah. I wanted to include things that may not be well known, even to my family.
First off Hannah, I love listening to you laugh. You have the cutest laugh so we need to talk on the phone more. :)
I love the feel of the first cool breeze, when the weather is starting to turn from hot to cold. I also love the opposite in the springtime. You know, when it feels like everything is coming alive again.
I love ice-cream sprinkles. I don't know exactly why. Perhaps it's the color and the small amount of crunch they add to ice cream.
I enjoy getting lost in a good book, when the characters and setting become real.
Learning something new, especially in math, makes me excited. I enjoy getting to tell my students about new discoveries.
The sound of the ocean; the sense of standing at the edge, looking out to the horizon, and knowing that only God could have created something as majestic as that. It always brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for being an amazing sis Hannah and bringing a smile to my face tonight.
First off Hannah, I love listening to you laugh. You have the cutest laugh so we need to talk on the phone more. :)
I love the feel of the first cool breeze, when the weather is starting to turn from hot to cold. I also love the opposite in the springtime. You know, when it feels like everything is coming alive again.
I love ice-cream sprinkles. I don't know exactly why. Perhaps it's the color and the small amount of crunch they add to ice cream.
I enjoy getting lost in a good book, when the characters and setting become real.
Learning something new, especially in math, makes me excited. I enjoy getting to tell my students about new discoveries.
The sound of the ocean; the sense of standing at the edge, looking out to the horizon, and knowing that only God could have created something as majestic as that. It always brings a smile to my face.
Thanks for being an amazing sis Hannah and bringing a smile to my face tonight.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
a week in my flip flops
A Day in the Life of…ME!
I believe I did this last year, but I thought it’d be fun to do again.
My alarm goes off at 6 am. Well, technically it’s 1 am CDT. For some reason, my alarm clock resets itself to U.S. time so I always have to account for the time difference. I get ready, have devos and am out the door by 7. During the day, I teach 5 classes: algebra, calculus, 2 geometry, and trig/pre-calculus. My classroom is located on the third floor and it’s not air conditioned. Most days I don’t mind. The climb is nice exercise and my room is like a free sauna…haha Today though, it was quite hot. The heat index was 104º so you can imagine what it felt like in the classroom.
After school I complete a workout program called P90X. I highly recommend it. It’s pretty intense, but it’s also quite addicting. I’m even liking all the push-ups now. On Monday I have French, Tuesday-dorm relief, Wednesday I watch the sports teams and mentor a student in the evening with Thursday and Friday evenings free. On the weekend there is usually some school activity like intramurals, movie night, etc.
As you can see, the days wear me out so I go to bed early. During this hot season, I cool myself down by sticking my head under the cold water and letting it drip down my back. I also take a couple ice cubes and just let them melt on my arms and legs. Considering my alarm clock thermometer reads around 86º (not counting humidity) at night, the ice is a welcome relief.
On Saturday, I like to do my shopping. I take my big teaching bag to the store where I buy French bread and other things for the week. Then I hit up the fruit stand where I usually buy oranges, bananas, and some type of vegetable like salad or potatoes. Then I go home and bleach the produce that doesn’t have a thick skin. If I’m motivated, I’ll cook my food for the week. Since the meat isn’t the best here, I try to eat lots of beans and eggs for protein. I am also trying to eat more rice but that also needs to be run through filtered water 2-3 times before it is cooked. Yes dad, I have had lentils and rice several times now.:)
Sometimes I’ll go to the Saturday clothing market which is held in the middle of a street. Most of the clothes are in big piles on the ground. You dig through the piles that have preset prices to hopefully find some treasures. There are also some nicer clothes hanging up which you have to barter for. (Yes, I have done this several times.) Believe it or not, you can find some great clothes.
Sunday involves attending an Anglophone (English speaking) African Church. It usually lasts two hours and includes lots of music and a 40-45 minute sermon. After that, I’m usually pretty tired so I take a nice nap. Occasionally I’ll hit up the beach. Right now the water feels like bath water, and it is quite refreshing. Believe it or not, the water will get cold.
Well I think that includes the large aspects of my life. There are the little nuances like making sure to greet the guards, drinking tons of water, etc. I hope this gives you a small glimpse into my life here in Senegal. :)
I believe I did this last year, but I thought it’d be fun to do again.
My alarm goes off at 6 am. Well, technically it’s 1 am CDT. For some reason, my alarm clock resets itself to U.S. time so I always have to account for the time difference. I get ready, have devos and am out the door by 7. During the day, I teach 5 classes: algebra, calculus, 2 geometry, and trig/pre-calculus. My classroom is located on the third floor and it’s not air conditioned. Most days I don’t mind. The climb is nice exercise and my room is like a free sauna…haha Today though, it was quite hot. The heat index was 104º so you can imagine what it felt like in the classroom.
After school I complete a workout program called P90X. I highly recommend it. It’s pretty intense, but it’s also quite addicting. I’m even liking all the push-ups now. On Monday I have French, Tuesday-dorm relief, Wednesday I watch the sports teams and mentor a student in the evening with Thursday and Friday evenings free. On the weekend there is usually some school activity like intramurals, movie night, etc.
As you can see, the days wear me out so I go to bed early. During this hot season, I cool myself down by sticking my head under the cold water and letting it drip down my back. I also take a couple ice cubes and just let them melt on my arms and legs. Considering my alarm clock thermometer reads around 86º (not counting humidity) at night, the ice is a welcome relief.
On Saturday, I like to do my shopping. I take my big teaching bag to the store where I buy French bread and other things for the week. Then I hit up the fruit stand where I usually buy oranges, bananas, and some type of vegetable like salad or potatoes. Then I go home and bleach the produce that doesn’t have a thick skin. If I’m motivated, I’ll cook my food for the week. Since the meat isn’t the best here, I try to eat lots of beans and eggs for protein. I am also trying to eat more rice but that also needs to be run through filtered water 2-3 times before it is cooked. Yes dad, I have had lentils and rice several times now.:)
Sometimes I’ll go to the Saturday clothing market which is held in the middle of a street. Most of the clothes are in big piles on the ground. You dig through the piles that have preset prices to hopefully find some treasures. There are also some nicer clothes hanging up which you have to barter for. (Yes, I have done this several times.) Believe it or not, you can find some great clothes.
Sunday involves attending an Anglophone (English speaking) African Church. It usually lasts two hours and includes lots of music and a 40-45 minute sermon. After that, I’m usually pretty tired so I take a nice nap. Occasionally I’ll hit up the beach. Right now the water feels like bath water, and it is quite refreshing. Believe it or not, the water will get cold.
Well I think that includes the large aspects of my life. There are the little nuances like making sure to greet the guards, drinking tons of water, etc. I hope this gives you a small glimpse into my life here in Senegal. :)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
I guess this is why it's called life
I didn't realize how long it's been since I've written on this. I guess it's because nothing seems to really stand out as newsworthy. Perhaps the larger reason is that I don't feel like I have anything happy/funny/poignant to write about. I don't want to write a blog that makes people sad. To be honest, it's been very tough for me to be back. I don't know if it's Dakar, my poor emotional health, the time of year, a combo, etc. I keep waiting for the moment to pass, but it keeps going strong. I hate this struggle. I know God is faithful. I really do. I know He is keeping the big waves from crashing over me, but the small waves are tiring.
Please pray for me my friend.
AP
P.S. On a happy note, it's dorm Tuesday.
Please pray for me my friend.
AP
P.S. On a happy note, it's dorm Tuesday.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ovens to the extreme
What to write on the blog…I seem at a loss. What’s new…hmm…
Well, I don’t think I mentioned my scary stove incident. We have a new oven, and it burns quite hot. (With our oven thermometer, what should have been 325 º turned out to be 500 º). Anyways, the pilot light does not stay lit so we have to light it each time we use it. I went to light it the other day, and I hear this loud whoosh and this gas ball comes out. (My roomie was even in the other room and she thought the door had slammed.) Fortunately I had my glasses on and I pulled back, but I still got singed. My eyelashes, some of my eyebrows and hair were burned. I am just thankful nothing worse happened. Needless to say, we have figured out another way to light our oven.
Well, I don’t think I mentioned my scary stove incident. We have a new oven, and it burns quite hot. (With our oven thermometer, what should have been 325 º turned out to be 500 º). Anyways, the pilot light does not stay lit so we have to light it each time we use it. I went to light it the other day, and I hear this loud whoosh and this gas ball comes out. (My roomie was even in the other room and she thought the door had slammed.) Fortunately I had my glasses on and I pulled back, but I still got singed. My eyelashes, some of my eyebrows and hair were burned. I am just thankful nothing worse happened. Needless to say, we have figured out another way to light our oven.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
I know I've returned to Africa when...
I go to the grocery store and my change is paid in mints.
I tell myself I will hang my mosquito net at 8 pm and then have an electricity cut happen at that time.
I'm still sweating after stepping out of a cold shower.
I buy pink toilet paper.
Seriously, life is pretty good. We've had three days of school. It's going to be a very busy year for me, but I am looking forward to building more relationships. That is my favorite part about teaching.
I've already had my ups and downs with the heat and illnesses, but I am going to focus on God's hands.
Thanks for being such an amazing support system. I miss y'all.
Much love.
AP
I tell myself I will hang my mosquito net at 8 pm and then have an electricity cut happen at that time.
I'm still sweating after stepping out of a cold shower.
I buy pink toilet paper.
Seriously, life is pretty good. We've had three days of school. It's going to be a very busy year for me, but I am looking forward to building more relationships. That is my favorite part about teaching.
I've already had my ups and downs with the heat and illnesses, but I am going to focus on God's hands.
Thanks for being such an amazing support system. I miss y'all.
Much love.
AP
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Greatest Show on Dirt
I absolutely love the CWS. It's a great event with an electric atmosphere. It's hard to put into words really. I enjoy seeing the series again through the eyes of first timers as they look wide-eyed at this event known as the CWS in Omaha, Nebraska. If you've never been, I urge you to come. Next year is the last year of Rosenblatt Stadium.
Some highlights from last night:
Hi this is Hannah. I have never written on a blog before! Annie said to write anything so I will tell you about the CWS game we went to last night. First of all I have to say this "Hook em longhorns!" anyway last night we got home at 11:50 at night! Second of all I got two for one cotton candy! yum! Third of all I got 9 autographs from the Virgina bullpen plus I got Robin Ventura's autograph, whoever that is?!? Annie just said I should get his autograph so I did! Tomorrow we are going to Chicago to see Joe! I will let Annie tell you the rest! See ya!Hannah
Isn't my little sister adorable? Last night we attended a great CWS game. I took my sis and one of her friends. We got there early enough for autographs and many of the Virginia players signed. The UVA relief pitchers were playing this crazy warmup game where several balls were tossed at once so we found that quite entertaining. I hope to post the video on facebook.
The game went 12 innings so the girls got to see many of the players who signed their program. It was an amazing game with Arkansas hitting a ninth-inning, two-out homerun to send it into extra innings. They eventually pulled it out in the 12th, but UVA had their chances.
In the bottom of the 12th, there was a foul ball hit down our way. Marvin and Dustin Benning were there with us so Marvin yelled to Darr (who hit the RBI double in the top of the inning) for him to throw it to the two little girls. Dustin caught it and Hannah P (dot) graciously gave it to Hannah L (dot). I guess that whole sequence of events was on ESPN! The girls were so excited (almost as excited as the two-for-one cotton candy) ;)
Some highlights from last night:
Hi this is Hannah. I have never written on a blog before! Annie said to write anything so I will tell you about the CWS game we went to last night. First of all I have to say this "Hook em longhorns!" anyway last night we got home at 11:50 at night! Second of all I got two for one cotton candy! yum! Third of all I got 9 autographs from the Virgina bullpen plus I got Robin Ventura's autograph, whoever that is?!? Annie just said I should get his autograph so I did! Tomorrow we are going to Chicago to see Joe! I will let Annie tell you the rest! See ya!Hannah
Isn't my little sister adorable? Last night we attended a great CWS game. I took my sis and one of her friends. We got there early enough for autographs and many of the Virginia players signed. The UVA relief pitchers were playing this crazy warmup game where several balls were tossed at once so we found that quite entertaining. I hope to post the video on facebook.
The game went 12 innings so the girls got to see many of the players who signed their program. It was an amazing game with Arkansas hitting a ninth-inning, two-out homerun to send it into extra innings. They eventually pulled it out in the 12th, but UVA had their chances.
In the bottom of the 12th, there was a foul ball hit down our way. Marvin and Dustin Benning were there with us so Marvin yelled to Darr (who hit the RBI double in the top of the inning) for him to throw it to the two little girls. Dustin caught it and Hannah P (dot) graciously gave it to Hannah L (dot). I guess that whole sequence of events was on ESPN! The girls were so excited (almost as excited as the two-for-one cotton candy) ;)
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