I got up at 7:15 this morning because my stomach was churning and I couldn't sleep. This is odd for me, as I have been accustomed to a 9:45 rising for the last few weeks.
Last night I called my mom and asked if she could come up to help me today. My friend is coming around 10 or 11 to help me with my bed and take it to my mom's place. Then she is going to follow me back because I need help. Mostly I just want her to clean my room/bathroom for the girl moving in. And maybe help me run some stuff over to Goodwill. And decide to bring or leave a few more things.
My bags are really pushing the limits. They recommend carrying 35 lbs. in my camping pack and it's definitely getting up to 50 lbs. I will probably try to leave it in the duffel until we get to Africa. I am going to be just under the airline limits on both bags, and way over PC's limits on both size and weight. I don't care! I've done my best to narrow it down and I just can't narrow down any more!
I am carrying on my usual pilot case type carry-on and it will have my stuff for staging (clothes, toiletries) and whatever food I can stuff in it. Then my backpack, which has all my books and paperwork, my laptop and my Alphasmart. It really may be too much stuff. But I just can't deal with trying to narrow it down more. I will just have to suffer through dragging it everywhere. Once I am at site I bet I will be glad to have everything.
So I have an insane amount of things to do today and I'm glad my mom is going to come help me. I'm supposed to have a little get-together tonight but I don't know if it will happen. I might feel better if I just got everything out of my apartment and finished that out, spent some time in Long Beach with Ricardo and Evangeline and slept at my mom's place. That way in the morning I can just deal with taking things to Goodwill and moving the keeper stuff into the guest room closet and have a leisurely last evening on the couch.
Ugh. I can't stop over-thinking. Any prospective volunteers reading this, don't underestimate how much time you need to prepare. Go hard, go early.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
6 Days To Go
So, I am not ready. 6 days to go. Not ready. I ALMOST have my iMac ready to give to the guy buying it from me, but I have had major computer crises in the last couple of days. Trying to figure out how to merge all my iTunes and iPhoto files is a nightmare. And there is like NO space to work with on this laptop. It has an 80 GB hard drive which is 85% filled with applications.
Also, I can't get my big files off my iMac. That's really all I have left to get off of it but my stupid hard drives are doing that stupid thing where they won't copy any files over 5 GB. And I can't remember how to reformat it so that it will! ARGH!!! On top of that my optical (CD/DVD) drive broke and will take a week to repair (but thanking my lucky stars I invested in AppleCare so it will be free). So basically I have to give it to the guy I am selling it to without reformatting and giving a clean install (so who knows how much of my info is still on there, though I did try to manually clean it out) and then HE has to take it to the Apple Store and have it repaired. But the good news for him is that the machine is covered under AppleCare until August 2010.
Stress. Seriously.
Also, I am pretty much out of money. Which is the other reason why I need to get these last stupid files off this stupid computer so I can get paid for it and have some freakin' money again.
Dude, I am really feeling the pressure right now. It's like nothing is going right. I have to have lunch with my old boss at 1, and then I'm going to Best Buy to get ANOTHER hard drive (I have, like, 10, no exaggeration) and try to get a Geek Squad guy to tell me how to make it copy huge files. And pray that I can finally be done with the computer fiasco tonight.
I checked the U-Haul website and they want to charge me like $150 for the smallest truck! All I need it for is to move my bed to my mom's place. The freakin' bed only cost like $200!! So I asked a friend with a truck if he could help me out this weekend so we'll see what happens. He has already helped me move like 3 times and I feel bad asking him again but I just DON'T have that much money to spend moving a bed.
My packing is also a disaster.
I have no idea how I am going to finish everything in 6 days. I might have to make my mom come up here and help me finish closing this place out. Time is running out.
Also, I can't get my big files off my iMac. That's really all I have left to get off of it but my stupid hard drives are doing that stupid thing where they won't copy any files over 5 GB. And I can't remember how to reformat it so that it will! ARGH!!! On top of that my optical (CD/DVD) drive broke and will take a week to repair (but thanking my lucky stars I invested in AppleCare so it will be free). So basically I have to give it to the guy I am selling it to without reformatting and giving a clean install (so who knows how much of my info is still on there, though I did try to manually clean it out) and then HE has to take it to the Apple Store and have it repaired. But the good news for him is that the machine is covered under AppleCare until August 2010.
Stress. Seriously.
Also, I am pretty much out of money. Which is the other reason why I need to get these last stupid files off this stupid computer so I can get paid for it and have some freakin' money again.
Dude, I am really feeling the pressure right now. It's like nothing is going right. I have to have lunch with my old boss at 1, and then I'm going to Best Buy to get ANOTHER hard drive (I have, like, 10, no exaggeration) and try to get a Geek Squad guy to tell me how to make it copy huge files. And pray that I can finally be done with the computer fiasco tonight.
I checked the U-Haul website and they want to charge me like $150 for the smallest truck! All I need it for is to move my bed to my mom's place. The freakin' bed only cost like $200!! So I asked a friend with a truck if he could help me out this weekend so we'll see what happens. He has already helped me move like 3 times and I feel bad asking him again but I just DON'T have that much money to spend moving a bed.
My packing is also a disaster.
I have no idea how I am going to finish everything in 6 days. I might have to make my mom come up here and help me finish closing this place out. Time is running out.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Packing Wars Wage On
Packing is super stressful. I would say the weight thing isn't really a problem, it's the size of the bags. One of my bags, my main bag, is 59". We are allowed 107" which puts my second bag allowed at 48". The backpack I bought yesterday is way over 48" fully loaded.
So. Stressful.
When I put 50 lb. of stuff in the big bag, I'm left with hardly anything else. Well, except food. There is really not going to be space for food. Hmmm...
I guess I should stuff my O'Gio backpack totally full (my under-seat carry-on) and see how much stuff that alleviates.
With only 9 days left until I depart for Philly, packing snags are unwelcome. Really unwelcome.
EDIT: Well, after checking the airline's website, I should be fine on size. They allow two 62" bags of 50 lbs each. My bags are about 59" and 55", so I am well within the airline limits. Also, should be fine on weight. So, a little sigh of relief. Considering I still have a list of stuff I still need to procure!! I think I'm going to be ok, though...still not much space for food, but...oh well!
So. Stressful.
When I put 50 lb. of stuff in the big bag, I'm left with hardly anything else. Well, except food. There is really not going to be space for food. Hmmm...
I guess I should stuff my O'Gio backpack totally full (my under-seat carry-on) and see how much stuff that alleviates.
With only 9 days left until I depart for Philly, packing snags are unwelcome. Really unwelcome.
EDIT: Well, after checking the airline's website, I should be fine on size. They allow two 62" bags of 50 lbs each. My bags are about 59" and 55", so I am well within the airline limits. Also, should be fine on weight. So, a little sigh of relief. Considering I still have a list of stuff I still need to procure!! I think I'm going to be ok, though...still not much space for food, but...oh well!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Epic Mailing Guidelines Post
Guidelines for Mail
I am told that receiving mail and care packages is key to keeping up morale in a successful volunteer. Please write often and send packages as often as is practical. In a place with few comforts, a box of things from home will seem like Christmas any time of year (and no matter how hot it is!).
MY ADDRESS:
Dorian [you know my last name], PCT (PCV after February 6, 2009)
Corps de la Paix Americain
BP 1927
Conakry, Guinea
WEST AFRICA
The way mail works in Guinea is that the only place that actually has a mail system is the capital, Conakry. This is where our PC headquarters is located. All mail should be delivered to PC HQ, and then they do a monthly mail run out to my site to give me everything I have received. During training (12/4/08 – 2/6/09), I may receive mail more frequently.
Something you send could take up to six weeks to actually get to me, and outgoing mail is no better. But PLEASE send letters and packages as often as possible. They will keep up my morale!
Anything that will arrive after February 6, 2009 should say “PCV” (Peace Corps Volunteer) rather than “PCT” (Peace Corps Trainee) after my name.
LETTERS:
When you send letters, number them clearly at the top and put the date. Also, make a photocopy of the letter before you send it in case any get lost in the mail, so we will still have it if it never gets here.
Good things to send with letters are photos (especially of you and your kids, and my cat [Susan!]), comics, and news clippings. NEWS ITEMS will be especially important, as I will have almost no access to news from the US (I will need to know how Barack is doing!!). Due to budget cuts, Peace Corps recently canceled the Newsweek subscriptions they have provided to volunteers since the beginning of the Corps. Do not send money or anything valuable as oftentimes the edges of letters will be clipped to see if there is anything of value inside.
If you’re sending a postcard, put it in an envelope. The pretty pictures are likely to end up posted on some Guinean’s wall instead of mine.
Be sure to write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the envelope.
PACKAGES:
1. Print the address label from a computer if possible to make it official-looking. I have read that packages with labels printed by hand have not made it to their destination.
2. Insure the package, even if it’s just granola bars. One volunteer kept track of his packages and received 100% of those that were insured and only 56% of uninsured packages. Write “INSURED” and “ASSURANCE” (French) on the outside. Also write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the box.
3. Number and date your packages so I know I am receiving them.
4. If there is something super-important you really want me to get, put it inside an empty tampon box – apparently no one will touch it.
5. Mail is less likely to be tampered with if it’s addressed in red ink.
6. It’s also less likely to be tampered with if you draw crosses and write religious phrases on it (in French) such as “Dieu regardez-vous” or “Dieu merci”.
7. Please tape the box up really, really well after you seal it so no one can easily reach in and steal stuff.
8. If sending food, please wrap and double wrap in plastic bags (ziplocs preferably, since I can reuse them) to avoid rats and other wonderful creatures from sharing in on my treats.
9. You will also be required to fill out customs declaration form PS Form 2976-A. You can complete this form at the post office or online before you ship at https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/. Indicate all contents as “Used” on the customs form to reduce the risk of theft.
10. On the Customs form, when listing the contents make them lame. For example, tell them you are sending me pencils or education materials and not expensive chocolate or soccer balls. Just downplay everything. If you’re sending books, magazines, DVDs, things like that, you can mark it as “educational materials” (I would say you could even mark that for stuff like soccer balls and stuff for kids), as it is less likely to be tampered with.
11. If what you’re sending is relatively heavy, I suggest sending with the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate international box (same as the domestic box), as the weight restriction is 20 pounds as long as the stuff fits in the box. The rate is $38.95 for the regular box (11" x 8.5" x 5.5") and $49.95 for the larger box (12” x 12” x 6”). This rate is only good for parcels, so DO NOT include a letter inside as you may be charged the letter rate, not package rate, for the whole package. If you want to include a letter, it is suggested that you tape it underneath the address label or to the inside page of a magazine so it is unlikely to be detected. If what you are sending is light, you may be able to pay less than the flat rate. Ask your local post office.
12. If you wish to send money, the larger the bill, the better the exchange rate I will get. To send it most safely, I would put it inside something boring in the empty tampon box or tape it to the inside of a magazine page. But please note that this is risky. A better way to send money is to send to my mom (68 Pomona Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803) to deposit into my bank account, which I will have limited access to. You can make the check out to me, as she will have Power of Attorney to deal with my financial matters.
13. There is no method of disposing of trash or recyclables where I will be going (other than burning or throwing on the ground), so please minimize packaging or put things in containers I can reuse, like Ziploc bags, jars or airtight plastic containers/Tupperware.
Be aware that you can do all of this stuff online at www.usps.com, including ordering free flat rate boxes, printing postage, and scheduling a pickup. In fact, you get a 5% discount on the shipping fee if you do it online.
WHAT TO SEND:
I compiled this list based on things I might enjoy and the advice of current and past volunteers.
-AA & AAA batteries (LOTS! – Consumer Reports lists even Costco’s Kirkland Alkaline
batteries as good ones!)
-Photos (of you with your kids, you with pets, places/vacations, etc…)
-Magazines/Newspapers (People, Time, National Geographic, Newsweek, etc…)
-Secret or Degree Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
-Skin Trip body lotion (Susan knows where to get this!)
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Wash & Moisturizer
-Phos-Flur Fluoride Mouthwash
-Listerine
-Q-tips
-Crossword puzzles
-Duct tape
-A jump drive with music and podcasts (even TV shows and movies!) on it (if from iTunes,
include your username and password so I can authorize use)
-Movies/TV Shows on DVD (when new LOST seasons come out, it should be your first
purchase!!)
-Music on CD
-Jigsaw Puzzles! (Linda I think I am ready to tackle The Seventies puzzle!)
-Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Trader Joe’s sells this cheap) or other, fancy soap
-Hair shampoo/conditioner (weak shampoo is available in-country, but conditioner is elusive –
try to make it something natural/herbal, as scents can attract more mosquitoes!)
-Shaving cream (Barbasol is fine)
-Foot care items (my feet will get trashed!)
-Cotton underwear (NOT WHITE, size 7 – hand washing with harsh soap wears them out quick)
-Hair clips/claws/ties
-Stuff kids would like: SOCCER BALLS (I will have a bike pump to inflate it), stickers,
glue, tape, kids safety scissors, colored pencils/pencil sharpener, paper, picture
books, inflatable beach ball world globe, etc…
-Pictures drawn by your kids for me to hang on my hut wall
-Books (good novels will be appreciated)
-Hand sanitizer
-Vegetable/tree/flower seeds (make sure it’s something that does well in Guinea’s climate)
-Indian pouch meals, especially with paneer cheese (International Foods aisle)
-Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s Mix (comes in a red box near the Pasta-Roni, but I feel
like you might only be able to find this someplace like Whole Foods – MOM!)
-Macaroni & cheese (EZ Mac, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, etc…)
-Dried fruit/fruit leather
-Dried veggies (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Dehydrated-Vegetables_c_1.html)
-Dried faux-meat (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/TVP-Meat-Substitute_c_6.html)
-Dehydrated vegetable soup (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Vegan-Soup-Blends_c_7.html)
-In fact, just check out www.harmonyhousefoods.com in general!
-Soy protein powder
-BeneFiber or other fiber supplement
-Supplements: Acidophilus, iron, Echinacea, etc…
-Peanut M&M’s and other candies and chocolate
-Sugar-free gum (Orbit Spearmint is my fave)
-Hot cocoa mix
-Nuts/Trail Mix (no peanuts please! there will be lots there)
-Edible Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc…)
-Emergen-C (vitamin section), Crystal Light, or other drink mix (preferably sugar-free)
-Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa (BOB!!!)
-Jiffy Pop popcorn (you know the kind you put on your stove and it pops into this big bubble)
-Granola bars
-Energy/protein bars
-Nutella
-Non-refrigerated cheese (Velveeta, parmesan, Hickory Farms, www.barryfarm.com sells
powdered cheese to make sauces)
-Non-perishable condiment packets (Taco Bell sauces, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, crushed
red pepper, etc..)
-Spices (garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, taco seasoning, pesto sauce, Ranch powder, etc…)
-Graham cracker and Oreo pie crusts
-'Just add water' cookie mixes
-Green tea (decaf please!)
-Any kind of food that will keep and is easy to prepare (i.e. add water, milk, eggs, oil)
Please think of this list as guidelines and suggestions and send anything you think will make it up to 6 weeks en route, as I’m sure whatever you send will be MUCH APPRECIATED! Also, check my blog for any special requests!
EMAIL/INTERNET:
Please send ALL email messages to dorianconnelley@gmail.com. I will probably only have enough internet access to check one box, so make sure whatever you send goes here. You can also read my blog at http://dorianinafrica.blogspot.com.
Please know that I will do my best to answer personal emails, but my internet access will be spotty and limited (most likely, I will only have access to internet when I make it into the capital, Conakry), so my replies will likely be few and far between. Please feel free to share the blog with any other family or friends as well. I will post stories, pictures, package requests, times I will be in phone service, etc…
PHONE:
Sometime in December, I will be getting a cell phone. I believe it will be free for me to receive calls, but expensive to call out. In all likelihood, I will not have service all the time. Watch the blog for dates and times that I will be in a service area.
You can buy phone cards to call or use Skype on your computer, which will allow you to call international cell phones. Go to www.Skype.com and sign up for a free account. You will be using your computer/internet connection to make the call (so you will need a microphone and speakers). It will cost about $.20/min. You put a certain amount of money on there and it will debit from that each time you call.
I look forward to hearing from all of you happily and often! Thanks so much for being such a supportive family!
I am told that receiving mail and care packages is key to keeping up morale in a successful volunteer. Please write often and send packages as often as is practical. In a place with few comforts, a box of things from home will seem like Christmas any time of year (and no matter how hot it is!).
MY ADDRESS:
Dorian [you know my last name], PCT (PCV after February 6, 2009)
Corps de la Paix Americain
BP 1927
Conakry, Guinea
WEST AFRICA
The way mail works in Guinea is that the only place that actually has a mail system is the capital, Conakry. This is where our PC headquarters is located. All mail should be delivered to PC HQ, and then they do a monthly mail run out to my site to give me everything I have received. During training (12/4/08 – 2/6/09), I may receive mail more frequently.
Something you send could take up to six weeks to actually get to me, and outgoing mail is no better. But PLEASE send letters and packages as often as possible. They will keep up my morale!
Anything that will arrive after February 6, 2009 should say “PCV” (Peace Corps Volunteer) rather than “PCT” (Peace Corps Trainee) after my name.
LETTERS:
When you send letters, number them clearly at the top and put the date. Also, make a photocopy of the letter before you send it in case any get lost in the mail, so we will still have it if it never gets here.
Good things to send with letters are photos (especially of you and your kids, and my cat [Susan!]), comics, and news clippings. NEWS ITEMS will be especially important, as I will have almost no access to news from the US (I will need to know how Barack is doing!!). Due to budget cuts, Peace Corps recently canceled the Newsweek subscriptions they have provided to volunteers since the beginning of the Corps. Do not send money or anything valuable as oftentimes the edges of letters will be clipped to see if there is anything of value inside.
If you’re sending a postcard, put it in an envelope. The pretty pictures are likely to end up posted on some Guinean’s wall instead of mine.
Be sure to write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the envelope.
PACKAGES:
1. Print the address label from a computer if possible to make it official-looking. I have read that packages with labels printed by hand have not made it to their destination.
2. Insure the package, even if it’s just granola bars. One volunteer kept track of his packages and received 100% of those that were insured and only 56% of uninsured packages. Write “INSURED” and “ASSURANCE” (French) on the outside. Also write “AIR MAIL” and “PAR AVION” on the box.
3. Number and date your packages so I know I am receiving them.
4. If there is something super-important you really want me to get, put it inside an empty tampon box – apparently no one will touch it.
5. Mail is less likely to be tampered with if it’s addressed in red ink.
6. It’s also less likely to be tampered with if you draw crosses and write religious phrases on it (in French) such as “Dieu regardez-vous” or “Dieu merci”.
7. Please tape the box up really, really well after you seal it so no one can easily reach in and steal stuff.
8. If sending food, please wrap and double wrap in plastic bags (ziplocs preferably, since I can reuse them) to avoid rats and other wonderful creatures from sharing in on my treats.
9. You will also be required to fill out customs declaration form PS Form 2976-A. You can complete this form at the post office or online before you ship at https://webapps.usps.com/customsforms/. Indicate all contents as “Used” on the customs form to reduce the risk of theft.
10. On the Customs form, when listing the contents make them lame. For example, tell them you are sending me pencils or education materials and not expensive chocolate or soccer balls. Just downplay everything. If you’re sending books, magazines, DVDs, things like that, you can mark it as “educational materials” (I would say you could even mark that for stuff like soccer balls and stuff for kids), as it is less likely to be tampered with.
11. If what you’re sending is relatively heavy, I suggest sending with the post office’s Priority Mail flat rate international box (same as the domestic box), as the weight restriction is 20 pounds as long as the stuff fits in the box. The rate is $38.95 for the regular box (11" x 8.5" x 5.5") and $49.95 for the larger box (12” x 12” x 6”). This rate is only good for parcels, so DO NOT include a letter inside as you may be charged the letter rate, not package rate, for the whole package. If you want to include a letter, it is suggested that you tape it underneath the address label or to the inside page of a magazine so it is unlikely to be detected. If what you are sending is light, you may be able to pay less than the flat rate. Ask your local post office.
12. If you wish to send money, the larger the bill, the better the exchange rate I will get. To send it most safely, I would put it inside something boring in the empty tampon box or tape it to the inside of a magazine page. But please note that this is risky. A better way to send money is to send to my mom (68 Pomona Ave. Long Beach, CA 90803) to deposit into my bank account, which I will have limited access to. You can make the check out to me, as she will have Power of Attorney to deal with my financial matters.
13. There is no method of disposing of trash or recyclables where I will be going (other than burning or throwing on the ground), so please minimize packaging or put things in containers I can reuse, like Ziploc bags, jars or airtight plastic containers/Tupperware.
Be aware that you can do all of this stuff online at www.usps.com, including ordering free flat rate boxes, printing postage, and scheduling a pickup. In fact, you get a 5% discount on the shipping fee if you do it online.
WHAT TO SEND:
I compiled this list based on things I might enjoy and the advice of current and past volunteers.
-AA & AAA batteries (LOTS! – Consumer Reports lists even Costco’s Kirkland Alkaline
batteries as good ones!)
-Photos (of you with your kids, you with pets, places/vacations, etc…)
-Magazines/Newspapers (People, Time, National Geographic, Newsweek, etc…)
-Secret or Degree Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant
-Skin Trip body lotion (Susan knows where to get this!)
-Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Wash & Moisturizer
-Phos-Flur Fluoride Mouthwash
-Listerine
-Q-tips
-Crossword puzzles
-Duct tape
-A jump drive with music and podcasts (even TV shows and movies!) on it (if from iTunes,
include your username and password so I can authorize use)
-Movies/TV Shows on DVD (when new LOST seasons come out, it should be your first
purchase!!)
-Music on CD
-Jigsaw Puzzles! (Linda I think I am ready to tackle The Seventies puzzle!)
-Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap (Trader Joe’s sells this cheap) or other, fancy soap
-Hair shampoo/conditioner (weak shampoo is available in-country, but conditioner is elusive –
try to make it something natural/herbal, as scents can attract more mosquitoes!)
-Shaving cream (Barbasol is fine)
-Foot care items (my feet will get trashed!)
-Cotton underwear (NOT WHITE, size 7 – hand washing with harsh soap wears them out quick)
-Hair clips/claws/ties
-Stuff kids would like: SOCCER BALLS (I will have a bike pump to inflate it), stickers,
glue, tape, kids safety scissors, colored pencils/pencil sharpener, paper, picture
books, inflatable beach ball world globe, etc…
-Pictures drawn by your kids for me to hang on my hut wall
-Books (good novels will be appreciated)
-Hand sanitizer
-Vegetable/tree/flower seeds (make sure it’s something that does well in Guinea’s climate)
-Indian pouch meals, especially with paneer cheese (International Foods aisle)
-Fantastic Foods Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s Mix (comes in a red box near the Pasta-Roni, but I feel
like you might only be able to find this someplace like Whole Foods – MOM!)
-Macaroni & cheese (EZ Mac, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, etc…)
-Dried fruit/fruit leather
-Dried veggies (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Dehydrated-Vegetables_c_1.html)
-Dried faux-meat (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/TVP-Meat-Substitute_c_6.html)
-Dehydrated vegetable soup (http://www.harmonyhousefoods.com/Vegan-Soup-Blends_c_7.html)
-In fact, just check out www.harmonyhousefoods.com in general!
-Soy protein powder
-BeneFiber or other fiber supplement
-Supplements: Acidophilus, iron, Echinacea, etc…
-Peanut M&M’s and other candies and chocolate
-Sugar-free gum (Orbit Spearmint is my fave)
-Hot cocoa mix
-Nuts/Trail Mix (no peanuts please! there will be lots there)
-Edible Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, etc…)
-Emergen-C (vitamin section), Crystal Light, or other drink mix (preferably sugar-free)
-Mrs. Renfro’s Salsa (BOB!!!)
-Jiffy Pop popcorn (you know the kind you put on your stove and it pops into this big bubble)
-Granola bars
-Energy/protein bars
-Nutella
-Non-refrigerated cheese (Velveeta, parmesan, Hickory Farms, www.barryfarm.com sells
powdered cheese to make sauces)
-Non-perishable condiment packets (Taco Bell sauces, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, crushed
red pepper, etc..)
-Spices (garlic salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, taco seasoning, pesto sauce, Ranch powder, etc…)
-Graham cracker and Oreo pie crusts
-'Just add water' cookie mixes
-Green tea (decaf please!)
-Any kind of food that will keep and is easy to prepare (i.e. add water, milk, eggs, oil)
Please think of this list as guidelines and suggestions and send anything you think will make it up to 6 weeks en route, as I’m sure whatever you send will be MUCH APPRECIATED! Also, check my blog for any special requests!
EMAIL/INTERNET:
Please send ALL email messages to dorianconnelley@gmail.com. I will probably only have enough internet access to check one box, so make sure whatever you send goes here. You can also read my blog at http://dorianinafrica.blogspot.com.
Please know that I will do my best to answer personal emails, but my internet access will be spotty and limited (most likely, I will only have access to internet when I make it into the capital, Conakry), so my replies will likely be few and far between. Please feel free to share the blog with any other family or friends as well. I will post stories, pictures, package requests, times I will be in phone service, etc…
PHONE:
Sometime in December, I will be getting a cell phone. I believe it will be free for me to receive calls, but expensive to call out. In all likelihood, I will not have service all the time. Watch the blog for dates and times that I will be in a service area.
You can buy phone cards to call or use Skype on your computer, which will allow you to call international cell phones. Go to www.Skype.com and sign up for a free account. You will be using your computer/internet connection to make the call (so you will need a microphone and speakers). It will cost about $.20/min. You put a certain amount of money on there and it will debit from that each time you call.
I look forward to hearing from all of you happily and often! Thanks so much for being such a supportive family!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
2 weeks til Guinea...oh god!
I am aware that this makes me a complete loser, but I keep thinking my cat is still in my apartment. Every time I walk in the door I expect her to come running up to greet me. It's almost like I just want to GO already so I can stop thinking I see her out of the corner of my eye! I know she is doing well at my aunt's and will like it there, but I just can't help missing the hell out of her!!!
I have managed to purchase the bulk of the gear I am planning to buy. I still have to purchase my backpack, the Bug Hut, a digital camera and some toiletries. And some clothes. But that's it. My family has been really great about pitching in on the cost of all of it, which takes a load off of me.
I did a casual test pack/weighing and I think I am going to be fine on weight. I thought it would weigh way more than it did, and it let me breathe the first sigh of relief I have had since being invited 4 weeks ago.
Which brings me to another point: Monday marks exactly 2 weeks until I board the plane for Philly. I want to throw up every time I think about it. I really know no French. Or very, very little. I don't think I could answer a question in a complete sentence. I am not sure if this should be a cause for concern or not.
I have planned an African dinner at the African place in LA, and am waffling about scheduling a going-away party.
Writing my will was also super fun :(.
Still have a million things to take care of, but everything major has worked itself out, so I think god is saying to just shut up and stop worrying. But...that's not going to happen! I think until I have gotten all checked in and boarded the plane for Philly, I will still be in a state of complete disarray.
I have managed to purchase the bulk of the gear I am planning to buy. I still have to purchase my backpack, the Bug Hut, a digital camera and some toiletries. And some clothes. But that's it. My family has been really great about pitching in on the cost of all of it, which takes a load off of me.
I did a casual test pack/weighing and I think I am going to be fine on weight. I thought it would weigh way more than it did, and it let me breathe the first sigh of relief I have had since being invited 4 weeks ago.
Which brings me to another point: Monday marks exactly 2 weeks until I board the plane for Philly. I want to throw up every time I think about it. I really know no French. Or very, very little. I don't think I could answer a question in a complete sentence. I am not sure if this should be a cause for concern or not.
I have planned an African dinner at the African place in LA, and am waffling about scheduling a going-away party.
Writing my will was also super fun :(.
Still have a million things to take care of, but everything major has worked itself out, so I think god is saying to just shut up and stop worrying. But...that's not going to happen! I think until I have gotten all checked in and boarded the plane for Philly, I will still be in a state of complete disarray.
Monday, November 3, 2008
4 Weeks Til Guinea
The morning marks exactly 4 weeks until Day 1 of stage. I am going to be in IL for a week starting Thursday. I am starting to realize how little time I have to get everything squared away. Last night I finally started buying stuff online.
Major stores I need to hit:
-Target
-REI
-Bed, Bath & Beyond
-Petsmart/Petco
I made my final Barry Farm and Harmony House orders, got my Alpasmart, Leatherman, iPod speaker and Macabi Skirts. Now awaiting delivery.
I am waffling over the Bug Hut, but I do really feel like I should bring one. I'm just anticipating all the uses for it and while it seems bulky, I feel like there would be a lot of occasions for use.
I still have to pick out a digital camera and am leaning towards the new Canon PowerShot ELPHs.
Really have to make a decision on a backpack and luggage.
Other things weighing on me are selling both of my computers and purchasing a small iBook. Maybe I'll do some iBook searching tonight...
Tomorrow I am going to go to the African restaurant and make plans for my going-away dinner and have lunch. Also have to drive to Long Beach for a dentist appointment in the morning. And bring all my yard sale stuff.
My last night at home with my cat will be Election Night. Weds we will spend the night at mom's, Thurs we fly to IL and I will spend the night with her at Aunt Sue's and then she will have to start acclimating to that environment. I will miss her so much.
UNDER PRESSURE! Being distracted this last week did not help, either.
C'est la vie.
Major stores I need to hit:
-Target
-REI
-Bed, Bath & Beyond
-Petsmart/Petco
I made my final Barry Farm and Harmony House orders, got my Alpasmart, Leatherman, iPod speaker and Macabi Skirts. Now awaiting delivery.
I am waffling over the Bug Hut, but I do really feel like I should bring one. I'm just anticipating all the uses for it and while it seems bulky, I feel like there would be a lot of occasions for use.
I still have to pick out a digital camera and am leaning towards the new Canon PowerShot ELPHs.
Really have to make a decision on a backpack and luggage.
Other things weighing on me are selling both of my computers and purchasing a small iBook. Maybe I'll do some iBook searching tonight...
Tomorrow I am going to go to the African restaurant and make plans for my going-away dinner and have lunch. Also have to drive to Long Beach for a dentist appointment in the morning. And bring all my yard sale stuff.
My last night at home with my cat will be Election Night. Weds we will spend the night at mom's, Thurs we fly to IL and I will spend the night with her at Aunt Sue's and then she will have to start acclimating to that environment. I will miss her so much.
UNDER PRESSURE! Being distracted this last week did not help, either.
C'est la vie.
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