Yesterday I submitted my TNTP Fellowship application! It felt really good to complete it and send it off--I really hope I land a position! It's a very exciting opportunity. Plus, I REALLY want to help underprivileged kids back here in America. I'm feeling passionate, which I hope comes through my short-answer responses.
Last night I went out to Ipanemas with a crew of my friends. It's known as the "Jingo" club, based on some sort of made-up acronym that a bunch of my friends came up with one night. I got to see some friends I haven't been able to run into yet, so even though it wiped me out, it was really nice to see people! I did go a little crazy when we stopped at BAM! to go shopping. I love bookstores, and I found some exciting things, particularly in the cooking section. I have big aspirations to make my new way of eating more exciting!
This morning Baroody called and told me that my blood-work came back normal. The rest of the results will be in sometime next week. He also said he sent my information to the Portland Gastroenterology Department, so hopefully I can get an appointment soon!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
November 26, I Love Veggie Stir-Fry
Yesterday I went on a walk with Peter and my doggie, Baci, down in Deer Isle. It was cold but beautiful!
Today I went to the doctor's office and saw my family doctor, Dr. Baroody. He asked me for a run-down of what's been happening, prodded my stomach, and ordered some tests to be run. Getting my blood drawn was a ridiculous 15-minute ordeal, involving multiple pricks and two phlebotomists. Baroody said that he'd refer me to a gastroenterologist, though he warned that it will probably take months to see anyone. For now, hopefully they can help me at Dr. Aker's office and Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. I want to be healthy!
I also continued working on applications today and had some delicious stir-fry for dinner. It may not have been a large amount, but it was totally delicious!
Today I went to the doctor's office and saw my family doctor, Dr. Baroody. He asked me for a run-down of what's been happening, prodded my stomach, and ordered some tests to be run. Getting my blood drawn was a ridiculous 15-minute ordeal, involving multiple pricks and two phlebotomists. Baroody said that he'd refer me to a gastroenterologist, though he warned that it will probably take months to see anyone. For now, hopefully they can help me at Dr. Aker's office and Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. I want to be healthy!
I also continued working on applications today and had some delicious stir-fry for dinner. It may not have been a large amount, but it was totally delicious!
Saturday, November 24, 2012
November 24, Small Business Saturday
For the first time since I got home, I actually slept for a reasonable, solid amount of time. Eight hours of glorious snooze-time. It was great.
I've been working on a couple applications. I've found two fellowships that I'm SUPER excited about! I really want to continue teaching here in America and actually make a difference at home. My current career path is (loosely) as follows:
(1) Teach while I'm in my 20's. I love working with children, plus I want to get a good sense of the American education system and really make a difference in lives of students in urban districts.
(2) In my mid to late 20's, receive my masters degree in Education Policy, and potentially also Law if it feels like the right decision for me.
(3) Work with the government or with non-profits to promote education reform/better education practices in schools.
Obviously life has many detours, so I'm also open to working for other types of non-profits, and part of me would just love to open up an alternative-foods bakery for people with allergies like me. But...we will see! I'm 23, driven, and once I'm healthy I shall be unstoppable :) That's the dream anyway.
Yesterday I had a small gathering at my house to celebrate my birthday/being home. It was really nice to see people, especially since some old friends stopped by. It was kind of a surprisingly small turn-out, though. Given that I can't really party these days, I didn't mind how low-key it was.
Today I'm going to Bangor to check-out Small Business Saturday. I'm hoping to get some good deals and maybe find a couple cute, warm sweaters. Hopefully my body holds up! The past couple days haven't been ideal, but I'm hoping the full night of sleep I got will do the trick for me today! :)
I've been working on a couple applications. I've found two fellowships that I'm SUPER excited about! I really want to continue teaching here in America and actually make a difference at home. My current career path is (loosely) as follows:
(1) Teach while I'm in my 20's. I love working with children, plus I want to get a good sense of the American education system and really make a difference in lives of students in urban districts.
(2) In my mid to late 20's, receive my masters degree in Education Policy, and potentially also Law if it feels like the right decision for me.
(3) Work with the government or with non-profits to promote education reform/better education practices in schools.
Obviously life has many detours, so I'm also open to working for other types of non-profits, and part of me would just love to open up an alternative-foods bakery for people with allergies like me. But...we will see! I'm 23, driven, and once I'm healthy I shall be unstoppable :) That's the dream anyway.
Yesterday I had a small gathering at my house to celebrate my birthday/being home. It was really nice to see people, especially since some old friends stopped by. It was kind of a surprisingly small turn-out, though. Given that I can't really party these days, I didn't mind how low-key it was.
Today I'm going to Bangor to check-out Small Business Saturday. I'm hoping to get some good deals and maybe find a couple cute, warm sweaters. Hopefully my body holds up! The past couple days haven't been ideal, but I'm hoping the full night of sleep I got will do the trick for me today! :)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
November 22, I'm Now 23 Years-Old
So, yesterday was my 23rd birthday. (I'm going to miss being 22, but I'm still pretty young.) It was probably one of the most low-key birthdays I've ever had. My mom hurt her back, so we cancelled our family luncheon. I was feeling particularly sick to my stomach, so I also wasn't overly high-energy. Last night I did go out with some friends to Bangor, a city that's pretty close to my hometown. I drank some herbal tea and water, they drank beers and got some food. It wasn't a very crazy outing, but it certainly was good to see people! (And it was right on my energy-level.)
Anyway, on Monday I took what is called a "Nutri-Spec" exam. I got the results yesterday, which showed that I have two imbalances: Anaerobic and Ketogenic. An anaerobic imbalance means that my body doesn't efficiently use oxygen to produce energy. It also means that there's an inefficient movement of nutrients into, and waste products out of, my cells. This causes things like fatigue, allergic sensitivities, dizziness etc. A ketogenic imbalance means that I have poor glycemic control, leading to difficulty handling sugary and fatty foods.
I received a large number of different supplements to take, in addition to a diet plan to follow. I've pretty much already been on the diet they prescribed for the past 8 weeks, but the supplements are new. I'm hoping the supplements make a difference, but I'm also happy to be seeing a gastroenterologist soon*. On Monday I'll also be seeing my family doctor at the hospital here in Blue Hill, and I'm really hoping that he'll refer me to a good gastroenterologist who can figure out if I have any sort of underlying condition that hasn't been previously identified.
Anyway, as you all probably know, today is Thanksgiving! I'm a little sad I can't enjoy things like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, but I am excited about the vegetables and turkey. I had some mashed pumpkin for breakfast. Plus, it's just nice to spend time with my family in my beautiful home!
10 Things I'm Thankful For:
1. My family: My mother is one of my best friends, and is always there to support me. She is one of the most creative, hard-working people I know. My father has also always been there for me and loves me through thick and thin. He is intelligent, resilient, and giving. I am very grateful for their support, love, and their belief in my ability to do great things one day.
2. My dog: He is too cute. And loving. And smart.
3. My friends: Near or far, I have some great friends. They make me laugh, and they are there for me when I need to cry. We have some great adventures together, and I'm thankful for the crazy, boring, and fun times we share.
4. My education: I had mixed feelings about Smith, but I am SO thankful for the education that I received there. I'm also happy to still have good relationships with my professors, who were always amazing and inspiring educators.
5. Communication: Call it good or bad, but I love being able to reach people via phone, Facebook, e-mail, snail mail, personal visit etc. I am thankful for the ability to communicate across borders, oceans, and time-zones. I admit it, technology rocks my socks. I didn't mind being without electricity or running water, but having a cell-phone in Tanzania really did make a difference on those days I just really needed to talk to somebody.
6. Soft things: I love comfortable sweaters, fleecy blankets, cushy socks, and warm PJs. I am thankful to be wrapped in a pretty fleece blanket right now, and I will always love the feeling that soft things provide.
7. The health that I do have: I may not be well, but I'm also not laying in a hospital bed. I'm happy to have medical support and to be able to eat and drink at least some of the items on our Thanksgiving docket. More importantly, I'm glad that I can walk, talk, and use my right arm for pretty much whatever I need to do! (I got run-over in August 2011, but my arm has made a pretty strong recovery!)
8. My Italian host family: My Italian host family, the Verdes, will always be my second family. I am thankful to feel like I will always have a place to go in Livorno and in Milan. I miss and love them.
9. Music: Through good times and bad, music ALWAYS makes everything better. I am thankful for the joy that songs bring me, whether I'm listening to them, singing them, or playing them on my guitar.
10. Possibilities: Life is a strange journey, and there are plenty of problems in the world, but there are also a lot of opportunities. I am thankful for the freedom and rights I enjoy as an American, and for the myriad possibilities out there I have yet to discover.
Anyway, on Monday I took what is called a "Nutri-Spec" exam. I got the results yesterday, which showed that I have two imbalances: Anaerobic and Ketogenic. An anaerobic imbalance means that my body doesn't efficiently use oxygen to produce energy. It also means that there's an inefficient movement of nutrients into, and waste products out of, my cells. This causes things like fatigue, allergic sensitivities, dizziness etc. A ketogenic imbalance means that I have poor glycemic control, leading to difficulty handling sugary and fatty foods.
I received a large number of different supplements to take, in addition to a diet plan to follow. I've pretty much already been on the diet they prescribed for the past 8 weeks, but the supplements are new. I'm hoping the supplements make a difference, but I'm also happy to be seeing a gastroenterologist soon*. On Monday I'll also be seeing my family doctor at the hospital here in Blue Hill, and I'm really hoping that he'll refer me to a good gastroenterologist who can figure out if I have any sort of underlying condition that hasn't been previously identified.
Anyway, as you all probably know, today is Thanksgiving! I'm a little sad I can't enjoy things like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, but I am excited about the vegetables and turkey. I had some mashed pumpkin for breakfast. Plus, it's just nice to spend time with my family in my beautiful home!
10 Things I'm Thankful For:
1. My family: My mother is one of my best friends, and is always there to support me. She is one of the most creative, hard-working people I know. My father has also always been there for me and loves me through thick and thin. He is intelligent, resilient, and giving. I am very grateful for their support, love, and their belief in my ability to do great things one day.
2. My dog: He is too cute. And loving. And smart.
3. My friends: Near or far, I have some great friends. They make me laugh, and they are there for me when I need to cry. We have some great adventures together, and I'm thankful for the crazy, boring, and fun times we share.
4. My education: I had mixed feelings about Smith, but I am SO thankful for the education that I received there. I'm also happy to still have good relationships with my professors, who were always amazing and inspiring educators.
5. Communication: Call it good or bad, but I love being able to reach people via phone, Facebook, e-mail, snail mail, personal visit etc. I am thankful for the ability to communicate across borders, oceans, and time-zones. I admit it, technology rocks my socks. I didn't mind being without electricity or running water, but having a cell-phone in Tanzania really did make a difference on those days I just really needed to talk to somebody.
6. Soft things: I love comfortable sweaters, fleecy blankets, cushy socks, and warm PJs. I am thankful to be wrapped in a pretty fleece blanket right now, and I will always love the feeling that soft things provide.
7. The health that I do have: I may not be well, but I'm also not laying in a hospital bed. I'm happy to have medical support and to be able to eat and drink at least some of the items on our Thanksgiving docket. More importantly, I'm glad that I can walk, talk, and use my right arm for pretty much whatever I need to do! (I got run-over in August 2011, but my arm has made a pretty strong recovery!)
8. My Italian host family: My Italian host family, the Verdes, will always be my second family. I am thankful to feel like I will always have a place to go in Livorno and in Milan. I miss and love them.
9. Music: Through good times and bad, music ALWAYS makes everything better. I am thankful for the joy that songs bring me, whether I'm listening to them, singing them, or playing them on my guitar.
10. Possibilities: Life is a strange journey, and there are plenty of problems in the world, but there are also a lot of opportunities. I am thankful for the freedom and rights I enjoy as an American, and for the myriad possibilities out there I have yet to discover.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
November 20, Resume Headache
Yesterday was a pretty good day. I caught up with a couple more friends and went on a short walk in the woods. I'm trying to push myself to get a little physical activity, even though I really haven't noticed much of a change in my health status. I miss running, dancing, and hiking!
I am in the process of finding job/fellowship opportunities. I'm hoping to start working again in the end of January. Today I started an application for a pretty exciting teaching fellowship program that would enable me to work in a needy school here in America. It's just difficult to really get everything together right now, but deadlines are approaching for things that won't start until June! I'm hoping that I can write some really good essay responses to the application questions and streamline my resume within the next couple of weeks. I'm also hoping that employers will be understanding about my medical separation from the Peace Corps. I truly fought to stay at my site and in the PC, and I will eventually be plenty capable of working full-time, but it's a bit strange to be working on applications when I'm not really ready to re-join the workforce yet.
Tonight I am going over to have dinner at Kate's house. I think we're going to have some stir-fried vegetables. Being home and out of the hot weather has been helping me stay more hydrated and has increased my appetite a bit, though other symptoms are still persisting or worsening. I am still waiting to hear back from Dr. Aker's office about the tests I had run yesterday. I did urinalysis, blood pressure tests (sitting vs. standing), a spit ph, etc. I also submitted a symptoms list and had my pupils examined. I hope they find a way of fixing me quickly! I want to have a miraculous Christmas recovery :)
I am in the process of finding job/fellowship opportunities. I'm hoping to start working again in the end of January. Today I started an application for a pretty exciting teaching fellowship program that would enable me to work in a needy school here in America. It's just difficult to really get everything together right now, but deadlines are approaching for things that won't start until June! I'm hoping that I can write some really good essay responses to the application questions and streamline my resume within the next couple of weeks. I'm also hoping that employers will be understanding about my medical separation from the Peace Corps. I truly fought to stay at my site and in the PC, and I will eventually be plenty capable of working full-time, but it's a bit strange to be working on applications when I'm not really ready to re-join the workforce yet.
Tonight I am going over to have dinner at Kate's house. I think we're going to have some stir-fried vegetables. Being home and out of the hot weather has been helping me stay more hydrated and has increased my appetite a bit, though other symptoms are still persisting or worsening. I am still waiting to hear back from Dr. Aker's office about the tests I had run yesterday. I did urinalysis, blood pressure tests (sitting vs. standing), a spit ph, etc. I also submitted a symptoms list and had my pupils examined. I hope they find a way of fixing me quickly! I want to have a miraculous Christmas recovery :)
Sunday, November 18, 2012
November 18, Cold & Colds
Today has been a semi-productive day so far. My mom helped me go through my old clothes to sort what items are being (1) given away, (2) put in storage, or (3) kept in my room. I haven't had a ton of energy today (once again I failed to sleep for very long), but I do need to finish putting away the big pile of clothing now laying on my bed.
Unfortunately, I think that I'm coming down with a cold--I'm feeling particularly ill today, but in a different way than usual. I'm guessing that going on a plane with a low white blood cell count made me pretty susceptible to catching whatever colds are circulating these days, so it's not overly surprising to me.
I still haven't gotten used to the cold weather here. It's so crazy how much of a bite there is in the air! I got pretty adjusted to the heat and humidity in Dar. I am getting more adjusted to other things, although things like American currency and tea kettles are still 'noticeable' to me. It's hard to explain--I haven't been gone long enough for things to seem overly strange, but I do seem to notice certain things that I think I'd normally take for granted. I actually pay attention to quarters when I see them, using a washing machine is still extremely exciting, and it's also really neat that I don't have to do very much to get a glass of clean drinking water.
Also, Words With Friends? I forgot how much I love that silly game.
Unfortunately, I think that I'm coming down with a cold--I'm feeling particularly ill today, but in a different way than usual. I'm guessing that going on a plane with a low white blood cell count made me pretty susceptible to catching whatever colds are circulating these days, so it's not overly surprising to me.
I still haven't gotten used to the cold weather here. It's so crazy how much of a bite there is in the air! I got pretty adjusted to the heat and humidity in Dar. I am getting more adjusted to other things, although things like American currency and tea kettles are still 'noticeable' to me. It's hard to explain--I haven't been gone long enough for things to seem overly strange, but I do seem to notice certain things that I think I'd normally take for granted. I actually pay attention to quarters when I see them, using a washing machine is still extremely exciting, and it's also really neat that I don't have to do very much to get a glass of clean drinking water.
Also, Words With Friends? I forgot how much I love that silly game.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
November 17, Shopping
So, I am posting via my new phone. Super snazzy! Getting the phone today was a big headache, however. My prepaid phone dreams were foiled after a lot of wasted browsing time, so I wound up back in a contract with AT&T. I do love my new iPhone, though, so I guess it's worth it. (I'm still frustrated that you can't just buy a prepaid phone and switch it to any carrier you want, whenever you want. Plus, I must say that the prepaid options out there are pretty crappy for the prices charged.) Disappointing times at Best Buy, but ultimately I do love this new phone so it works out.
Yesterday I saw Dr. Aker, who specializes in chiropractic and homeopathic medicine. He told me to stop eating fruit and to focus on vegetables, eggs, fresh fish, and some (free range) chicken from time to time. No sugar, nuts, shellfish, simple carbs etc. He also plans on running a nutrispect exam on me on Monday, and gave my neck some adjustments that might help my parasympathetic nervous system cooperate better. I will see my regular doctor on the twenty-sixth of this month, and then hopefully follow up with a gastroenterologist. Thanksgiving is making scheduling difficult. Anyway, I do hope things start improving soon. It will probably take at least two months to feel a real change...or so Dr. Aker said. For now I am just bearing with my body being seriously upset at me and focusing on the good things in my life. Good family, good friends, my dog, and all the joys of America!
Anyway, speaking of good things, I got to spend time with two of my favorite people in the world last night. Joan and Eric are basically my godparents--and they came over for dinner last night. It was really nice to catch up with them and share stories from TZ. I wish I had two years worth, but I do have plenty of new knowledge to share just from five and a half months abroad!
I visited the Young family this morning and gave the kids their gifts. It was fun to see them--the twins have gotten so big! (My mom works for the Youngs and they have three small, adorable kids...two twin boys and a daughter who is about to turn four.). I was shown a puzzle piece of Africa upon giving Emily her new stuffed elephant. She really is a smart cookie. Anyway, it made me realize that I truly do miss working with kids--they are fun.
I bought new clothes today. I actually got some size 0 and size 3 pants, which is crazy to me since I have a notoriously large rear-end. It was fun to get new jeans and some nice sweaters. Adjusting to the cold is hard! I need layers! I also just really liked spending the day with my mom. I have missed her a lot, so it was nice to have a girl's day out.
Lastly, I also got to see my friend Jesse Whitney today. We now have good vegetable-based meal plans and some tacky Christmas celebration ideas in the works. I can't wait to see everyone in my friend circles--it is a good time of the year to be home.
Yesterday I saw Dr. Aker, who specializes in chiropractic and homeopathic medicine. He told me to stop eating fruit and to focus on vegetables, eggs, fresh fish, and some (free range) chicken from time to time. No sugar, nuts, shellfish, simple carbs etc. He also plans on running a nutrispect exam on me on Monday, and gave my neck some adjustments that might help my parasympathetic nervous system cooperate better. I will see my regular doctor on the twenty-sixth of this month, and then hopefully follow up with a gastroenterologist. Thanksgiving is making scheduling difficult. Anyway, I do hope things start improving soon. It will probably take at least two months to feel a real change...or so Dr. Aker said. For now I am just bearing with my body being seriously upset at me and focusing on the good things in my life. Good family, good friends, my dog, and all the joys of America!
Anyway, speaking of good things, I got to spend time with two of my favorite people in the world last night. Joan and Eric are basically my godparents--and they came over for dinner last night. It was really nice to catch up with them and share stories from TZ. I wish I had two years worth, but I do have plenty of new knowledge to share just from five and a half months abroad!
I visited the Young family this morning and gave the kids their gifts. It was fun to see them--the twins have gotten so big! (My mom works for the Youngs and they have three small, adorable kids...two twin boys and a daughter who is about to turn four.). I was shown a puzzle piece of Africa upon giving Emily her new stuffed elephant. She really is a smart cookie. Anyway, it made me realize that I truly do miss working with kids--they are fun.
I bought new clothes today. I actually got some size 0 and size 3 pants, which is crazy to me since I have a notoriously large rear-end. It was fun to get new jeans and some nice sweaters. Adjusting to the cold is hard! I need layers! I also just really liked spending the day with my mom. I have missed her a lot, so it was nice to have a girl's day out.
Lastly, I also got to see my friend Jesse Whitney today. We now have good vegetable-based meal plans and some tacky Christmas celebration ideas in the works. I can't wait to see everyone in my friend circles--it is a good time of the year to be home.
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