Two Thursdays ago we recieved a VERY exciting machine; A COPY MACHINE! It was very convenient considering the next week (last week) was going to be exam week. So just to let you know before the teachers would write their exams (thank God I only had 2 ) on Newsprint (larger but thinner posters). So a normal test would take up about 6 to 8 papers and sometimes more. So less work and a more effiecent way for the students to take their test. But you know what happened.... the teachers wanted their tests typed....and you know who they asked to do it....yes me. Now I am not complaining, well really, because I 100% excepted the job and completely OVER-estimating my typing ablitlies. So the teachers, in their timely fashion gave me the tests the Sunday before test week ( i hope your sensing the sarcasm). So I spent the week glued to my computer, only to get up to make copies and pass them out to teachers. I typed about 30 tests half of which were in Samoan, and let me just tell you the microsofts automatic functions come no help when you need A E I O instead of A B C D as multiple choice. So literally I typed all week, and there for really had nothing interesting to talk about and no enthusiasm whatsoever to write a blog post. But after a nice relaxing weekend I am re-charged and ready to blow your minds away with my words.Last week was like a little glimpse into the American life. Most of the time here I find myself twidling my thumbs looking for more things to do. So honestly typing tests for the week seemed like a good idea at the time. I found myself working til deadline trying to finish certain test for certain days. Going home at 6:30 and waking up at 5:00 to make sure all my work was finished. I had no time to relax or read a book, I mean yes I could have stayed up past 8:30 but have you ever stared at a computer screen for 7 hours? Ones eyes are just not strong enough to remain open the rest of the day. Thursday rolled around I was finally finished with my work and just exhausted. So what will happen when I assimilate back into the crazy fast lane culture I was once in. Here it takes me a day to go to the bank. What happens when I have to go to the bank, grocery shopping, do a delivery for my mom, send some e-mails, and work all in one day? Not to mention making sure i "check in" at all the above places to inform that cyber population that is oh so interested in my whereabouts at every second. I understand that American makes it easy to do all these things in one day, but not leisurly, leaving us exhausted but making our list for the next days events while falling asleep to whatever we tevod the night before. No one even has time for commercials anymore! I know I once loved that life, and it will only be a matter of time before I embrace it again. But I hope I can still have some time for myself and maintain my new favorite hobby of reading. You know what you wont find me doing though? Checking into places on my phone, if you are that interested you can call or text me to ask.
Friday I went into town for an errand I had to do at the bank. I met up with Rob and Olivia before catching the bus. We had our catch up of the weeks events and talked about our evening plans. Rob and Olivia were having a date night playing scrabble and I was planning to catch up on some much needed sleep. We all just shook our heads laughing at our dullness. Rob asked "What would you be doing tonight if you were at home". I visionsed myself meeting up with my girlfriends for cocktails and dinner at Cantina. And then a night on the town for some much missed american music and dancing. I talked about all my favorite spots and people I would see and songs I wanted to here. Oh I do miss the excitment of America and wearing high heels. By the time I get home I will have no arch left in my feet. But for now I have to take in the simplicity and slow paced life that is Samoa. I do love every second of it, and yes it may turned me against the ways of the American lifestyle. But I will let you in on a little secret.... I am just jealous.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving. So I just want to give all my American friends and Family a little love. I will be thinking of you. Enjoy the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie... but most of all enjoy eachother and be thankful for where you are and what you have.
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving
Peace and Love
These are pictures of me as the "Taualuga". The traditional dance that is performed at the end of a ceremony Tausala. Yes I am wearing a woven mat :)
