Today was a loooooong day. I started out by taking Zazzy to the vet to get him his certificate of health so he could fly on the plane. What a pain in the butt this whole traveling a pet thing is turning into. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly tomorrow. Wish us luck!!!!
I followed that event up with a trip to school in monsoon-like conditions to pick up my letter for the consulate, pick up some paperwork for my research hours and attend a meeting for MHIRT scholars before we leave. The first batch of students ship out on Friday.
I had to leave early to go teach an SAT class, but before I stepped out Dr. Anderson stopped me to make sure I heard the next part of the lecture. It went a little something like this: Have safe sex and beware of foreigners trying to impregnate you; you will be sent home if you have a drinking problem; strangers will want to marry you for a Green Card -- you are a meal ticket. In short, by stopping me and following that up with this lecture she single-handedly insinuated I was: slutty; an alcoholic; not inherently interesting.
We all had a good laugh about it. I might have cried in the elevator.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
I excite!!! :::in Borat accent:::
I spent today trying to create an itinerary for travel post-scholarship. WOW, IS IT CHEAP!!! I'm so psyched about some of the great places I plan on visiting. They include, but are not limited to, Phuket, Thailand, Singapore (iffy), and Palau Tioman, Malaysia.
Like mother, like daughter -- yo soy playera. This is not Spanish for player, but rather for a girl who likes the beach a lot. I plan to visit as many beaches as humanly possible!! Can't wait to take some amazing pics. Tioman also has lush tropical forests complete with waterfalls. Good times with shutter speed.
My only gripe is that I wish my love could be with me the entire trip, but alas... the 9 to 5 duty calls :::sigh:::
Time to focus on Family Guy. Giggity.
Like mother, like daughter -- yo soy playera. This is not Spanish for player, but rather for a girl who likes the beach a lot. I plan to visit as many beaches as humanly possible!! Can't wait to take some amazing pics. Tioman also has lush tropical forests complete with waterfalls. Good times with shutter speed.
My only gripe is that I wish my love could be with me the entire trip, but alas... the 9 to 5 duty calls :::sigh:::
Time to focus on Family Guy. Giggity.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Preparations
AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So much paperwork to file and so many copies to make and so many banks to call!!!
Yesterday, I ordered the international student card that was mandated by the program. I love how they didn't tell us it was mandatory until yesterday. I'm glad my trip isn't until mid-May; I feel sorry for those who are leaving in a few days and had to put a rush on their cards.
In general, the level of disorganization within the program is fairly disconcerting. Back in the fall I was so afraid that the disorganization would leave me stranded in a foreign country; however, time has shown me that things do get done eventually. Note to self: never bite off more than I can chew, especially when being in charge of students abroad is involved.
Today I received notification that my letter for the Consulate is ready. Additionally, I contacted BOA to prepare my debit card for study abroad and have been trying to get a hold of my credit card companies to determine the lowest interest on purchases. I definitely plan to NOT use my debit card for purchases. I'm paranoid about having my account cleared out by crooks.
Last night Joe booked a flight for me to see him and my parents for the last time before I leave. At that time I will pick up a mish-mosh Blackberry Tour. Joe's friend had one for sale for cheap because it's missing a battery and door. Luckily, my Dad has a tour and, since I got him the Powermat for Christmas, he has an extra batter and door :)
Ugh. I just got off the phone with Continental and, for the record, they do NOT allow you to pay for flying your pet in-cabin with Frequent Flier miles. Stupid Zazoo... He's lucky he's so cute and cuddly. He'll be staying with Joe's family. We'll see how he handles Valdez, their giant golden retriever. :::sigh::: I'm going to miss his ridiculous antics.
So much paperwork to file and so many copies to make and so many banks to call!!!
Yesterday, I ordered the international student card that was mandated by the program. I love how they didn't tell us it was mandatory until yesterday. I'm glad my trip isn't until mid-May; I feel sorry for those who are leaving in a few days and had to put a rush on their cards.
In general, the level of disorganization within the program is fairly disconcerting. Back in the fall I was so afraid that the disorganization would leave me stranded in a foreign country; however, time has shown me that things do get done eventually. Note to self: never bite off more than I can chew, especially when being in charge of students abroad is involved.
Today I received notification that my letter for the Consulate is ready. Additionally, I contacted BOA to prepare my debit card for study abroad and have been trying to get a hold of my credit card companies to determine the lowest interest on purchases. I definitely plan to NOT use my debit card for purchases. I'm paranoid about having my account cleared out by crooks.
Last night Joe booked a flight for me to see him and my parents for the last time before I leave. At that time I will pick up a mish-mosh Blackberry Tour. Joe's friend had one for sale for cheap because it's missing a battery and door. Luckily, my Dad has a tour and, since I got him the Powermat for Christmas, he has an extra batter and door :)
Ugh. I just got off the phone with Continental and, for the record, they do NOT allow you to pay for flying your pet in-cabin with Frequent Flier miles. Stupid Zazoo... He's lucky he's so cute and cuddly. He'll be staying with Joe's family. We'll see how he handles Valdez, their giant golden retriever. :::sigh::: I'm going to miss his ridiculous antics.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Returning to blog, leaving the country
Soooooo, I haven't blogged in for-ev-er. I'm creating this post to inform my many, many fans that I will return to blogging because I plan to chronicle my adventures studying and doing research abroad in Thailand this summer!
You'll notice that many of my old posts have been hidden. I did this in the event that important people decide to read the blog... I'm applying for my doctorate at Columbia in NYC in December. Hey, Dr. Garber!!!!!!
The approximate date of my departure will be May 14 and the approximate date of the termination of my tenure will be August 7. At that time my wonderful boyfriend, Joe, will likely be joining me and my good friend Robin, who is currently teaching English in South Korea, on tour de Asia. He got me this kick-ass SLR digital camera so I hope to capture some breath-taking images.
I will be accompanied by two other students from FIU -- one nursing student and one OT student. Ummmm, yeah... the OT student will provide me with some challenges. She will definitely be testing my growing patience. More to come.
Check back in soon!
You'll notice that many of my old posts have been hidden. I did this in the event that important people decide to read the blog... I'm applying for my doctorate at Columbia in NYC in December. Hey, Dr. Garber!!!!!!
The approximate date of my departure will be May 14 and the approximate date of the termination of my tenure will be August 7. At that time my wonderful boyfriend, Joe, will likely be joining me and my good friend Robin, who is currently teaching English in South Korea, on tour de Asia. He got me this kick-ass SLR digital camera so I hope to capture some breath-taking images.
I will be accompanied by two other students from FIU -- one nursing student and one OT student. Ummmm, yeah... the OT student will provide me with some challenges. She will definitely be testing my growing patience. More to come.
Check back in soon!
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