Yellow House

Going to Kenya is beginning to feel very very real. the last training in Ottawa is done, and while it was long and sometimes ridiculous I think I learned a lot... and it will serve me well on the ground.. floating about East Africa. Honed in on my negotiating skills, team building (trying not to be such a bossy pants).. practiced the "feedback sandwich" bet you want to know all about that. Discovered that my default conflict management style is one of avoidance! Of course.. it was also lovely to see all the other volunteers.. attend Brian's 'farewell, here I come Zambia' dance party.. and become the VSO dance dance revolution queen (certificate and all - thanks Amanda).

In the vein of getting ready I bought my head lamp today.. Tamara (as seen below) never stopped talking about the wonders of hers. Ideal for hands free potty trips at night.. and of course "all the cool kids have them." I also bought Chaco's and so now I feel I might have a little bit of an in with any Peace Corps volunteers I run into.

and I'm finally getting around to 9th annual christmas party invites.. and it will be a fundraiser (after much thought). But here's some other cool things..

- I am going to be speaking with a girl scout troop about going to Africa on December 9th.
- the letter to the editor in this last American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) leader generated lots of emails about volunteering at St. Joseph's and possibly in Kenya
- I went to book club and a girl started telling me all about this cool article she had saved.. and it was the one I wrote (yay ra)
- A group in Highland Park are putting me on their permanent prayer list. Can't beat that. Between mum's circle of light and Chicago based church organization I could become an divine energy force field

Right. And.. I am reading "Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho..

So as it is Thanksgiving.. I am just going to say I am incredibly thankful for so many people right now.. and the oodles of support I have from everyone in my life.. even my father who thinks I am bloody crazy.