Election Fever!!!

Do you have the fever? Election fever? Or are you just running a fever from McCain's desperate responses in the debate and poor choice in a running mate? Well, I have good news for you! I proudly sent in my absentee ballot with a big fat blob next to OBAMA! I am taking next Wednesday off work, so another Volunteer and I can have an Election 2008 party.

I considered deleting my blog, but I will try and keep it going for your pleasure. I am reluctant to make the switch to Mac, but might go for it. I am seriously considering purchasing a laptop and having my brother bring it down in December. In that case, I hope to get more pics and blog posts up. This computer at the house is a real hunk o' junk. But it works.

Thank Jah it's Friday! I'm sittin' here at the computer munching on some fresh pineapple from a street vendor down the road.

First of all, I have to give a shout out to Jen and Rhi for sending the kick ass care packages full of goodies that I so desire! You two rock! I ate Fun Dip for the first time in like 15 years, and it took me back to the good ol' days on Valerie Road in Roscoe, Illinois! And the Trader Joe's ginger chews........holy crap they are addictive! Last night I was indulging myself in these ginger chews, and began wondering the life of each chew. Where is the ginger grown? Who picks it? Where is the factory where its all made, and then shipped to the Trader Joe's warehouse in California? From there is comes to Trader Joe's Albuquerque where Rhi purchases it. Next she boxes it up again for yet another journey to the relaxed atmosphere of the Caribbean. Then it sits bored in Kingston for a few weeks at the Peace Corps office before being driven to Savanna La Mar where I picked it up from a Health Conference. Next it taxis to Falmouth and into my little dank room in the back of the house. Finally on a quiet Thursday evening, bugs chirping, the bag and wrappers open up to culminate into an orgy of taste in my mouth!

So you are probably curious as to what's been going on here lately. Well, last night the house rooster started "cocka doodle doing" at a record 11:56pm. There have been many mornings I have wanted to cut it's head off, and spent one morning brainstorming where to find some poison to put in its water. He cocka doodle doos about 5 meters from my head EVERY morning. I figured my only choice is to become allies with it, so I thank him on running days when I need to be up early to exercise. I can't kill him, as he is now the proud father of two baby chicks.

The country of Jamaica proudly hosted the return of the gold medal athletes from Beijing, China, and they paraded their way from Montego Bay to my little home town of Falmouth. It was cool to see Usain Bolt and the rest of the gang. The town went nuts and hundreds of Jamaicans elbowed their way for a good view. My buddy Tom nudged his way up to get an autograph and all he had was a 1000 Jamaican dollar bill, so Bolt signed it! I told him to auction it on eBay, but he wants to keep it. I'm not a fan of crowds, so I slipped out and went home for dinner.

The majority of my time has now been at the Falmouth All-Age school two blocks from my house. I work there 3 to 4 days per week, and its going well. I am assisting in teaching grade 7, and absolutely LOVE it! I feel like I may have found my calling as a teacher. I'm already getting attached to our class of 46 students. There are a few bad apples in the bunch, but for the most part the kids mean well and its a rewarding feeling to help them where I can. Today for the first time I got to sit in the hot seat. I had to teach class today all on my own! I was ready for the challenge, and stepped up. It went better than I expected, as some of the kids take advantage of the fact that I'm not a hard-nose authoritarian like most of the other teachers. So, I'm nearly convinced that I will pursue my teacher certification when I return to New Mexico.

Working at the school has also brought about some new possibilities for little side projects. I have been brainstorming the idea of creating a boys' club, campus cleanup, tutoring program, HIV/AIDS awareness training, and some other things. The possibilities are literally endless. The beauty of being a Peace Corps Volunteer is that we can do whatever we want to. I have no boss micro-managing me or telling me what to do. This opportunity is absolutely amazing, and I am so happy to be here with these kids.

Last weekend I needed to get out of town, so I took public trans to Negril on the west coast to take in some sunsets, Red Stripes, scuba diving, and cliff jumping. Stupid me jumps off this 25 foot cliff (doesn't seem scary until you look down) and realize halfway to the water that my cell phone is in my pocket! No reason to get mad, so I shrugged it off and picked up another cheap phone for $2,700 JD(35 USD). The rest of the Volunteers went to Kingston this weekend for quarterly meetings, but it was optional so I chose to relax. Besides, tomorrow is Snorkeling Saturday!

Can't get pics up until I get a laptop:( Until next time......"Be true to your work, your word, and your friend." -Thoreau