Wow, ummmm... So, I'm feeling just about completely out of control right now. I just got off the phone with my health insurance company and it turns out that I paid for a policy that I cannot use. I purchased a full year of health care last August before I found out I received the scholarship to study abroad and they *WILL NOT*, under any circumstances, refund my money despite the fact that I WON'T BE IN THE COUNTRY. Thank goodness for health care reform. I feel robbed.
Additionally, I'm having issues with my Visa. The "local" Thai embassy is in Coral Gables. For those of you unfamiliar with South Florida geography, that is REALLY far from Fort Lauderdale. Apparently the office is open on Tuesday AND Friday, not from Tuesday TO Friday. When I went in last Wednesday they were closed and the woman at the desk informed me that I had plenty of time to mail my Visa to the embassy in DC.
While she was right about this, what she failed to mention was that the DC office is stricter than the local office. None of the other students were required to have a letter of invitation from the university in Thailand when they got their Visas at the local office, but the DC office requires one. Now my Passport and Visa app are sitting in some office in DC and they're waiting for me to get a letter from Thailand and I leave on Friday!!!!
Ugh. I keep calling the DC embassy, but no one picks up or returns my messages. The lady made it sound so easy. Stupid lady. I did what I could... I didn't get my plane ticket (required for Visa) til about 2 weeks ago and I have been in and out of town. I know I should have done it earlier, but, realistically, I did it as early as I could have. Let's face it; it's a learning process.
On a lighter note, we booked Joe's flight to SE Asia. He will be landing in Singapore thanks to Continental frequent flier miles (95,000 of them). We're looking at Phuket and surrounding islands and Koh Chang, a rainforesty island off the Eastern border of Thailand. Travel to Malaysia would have been too much. Robin is taking the 16-20th off of work in South Korea and we have to put together a second itinerary. She's thinking island hopping... I like, but we'll see if we can't get to Bali.
AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! I can't believe I leave in 3 days!!!!! I am ssooo nervous!!!!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Newsflash: I'm a slut
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.
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.
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!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Put those shoes away
Put those shoes away
And stay
A while
Get comfortable;
Keyword: ABLE
Chill.
Smile!
Drop those pictures
Of the prior fixture
1, denial.
Trade in the matches
For kisses
Splenda style
And have a seat
If you please.
Last word?
Worthwhile.
And stay
A while
Get comfortable;
Keyword: ABLE
Chill.
Smile!
Drop those pictures
Of the prior fixture
1, denial.
Trade in the matches
For kisses
Splenda style
And have a seat
If you please.
Last word?
Worthwhile.
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