Wednesday, July 9, 2008

What happens now?

It is hard to believe that Dan and his classmates were sworn into the Foreign Service almost 2 weeks ago. So what happens now?

Well, sadly, the class has split into their individual studies. Some are starting language lessons, others are taking security classes, while others are enrolled in area studies. We try to get together for movies, parties, concerts, and happy hours, just to keep in touch!

Dan has been in a class focusing on Sub-Saharan Africa. Through lectures, movies, field trips and panel discussions Dan has learned much of the area. I met one of his instructors during a visit to the institute to view a movie on Lagos. He was very kind and invited me to the panel discussion at the end of the week. Luckily for us, one of the participants just returned from Lagos. I am looking forward to the discussion. Maybe we can have some extra time to sit down and talk...get the inside scoop.

As usual, while Dan is in class I am busy reading and making more lists. I have lists of things we have to do, lists of things we need to buy, lists of forms we need to fill out, and lists of shots we need to get. Just to name a few.

Today I took a step in "checking off" one of the items on my list. I went to the clinic. When I told the nurse where we were going she printed out a list of (no kidding) 9 shots we need to have, not to mention the malaria pills we have to take. I, luckily, had two of the shots recently and did not need them again.

So she looks at the list and says, "Well, we should do 4 today." Of course my mind is yelling, "REALLY!!!!! FOUR!!!!!"

No problem.

She decides that two in each arm would be best. That way I will have difficulty lifting both arms by the end of the evening. I put on a brave face, look away from the needle and give her my arm. Ouch! x4!!
I'm glad I can still use the key board.

Until next time..... have a great evening.
(I'm going to ice my arms!)