Friday, September 22, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
If you want anything done, ask a busy person. . .
. . .well perhaps not too busy a person.
School has only just begun and it feels as if it is in full swing. Although, considering that the term is finished in 12 more academic weeks-the haste is understandable.
For the most part, I enjoy my classes. My Early Euro. Law/History course is amazing, regardless of the massive reading it entails. Professor Smith is energetic and makes lecture ?fun? - imagine that! I think I dislike Econ. Not that my preference matters a hill of beans because I need to do the work anyway.
Also, I have been surprisingly committed to continue running while I am at school. I run a half hour, six days a week. I am proud to say there is progress both mentally and physically: not only is my body becoming familiar with the activity, but my mind is finding other things to fixate on besides my lack of oxygen. Today, I was able to focus on the news. Some idiot said some ridiculous thing -of which is, unfortunately, escaping me. It was good though. I had to keep myself from blurting something moderately obscene at the television. Maybe that would have made everyone else's workout more interesting. . .undoubtably so.
On a more personal note, I still miss summer. On the 12 of September, however, I am too busy to dwell. That is perhaps the best aspect of being busy; one does so much that one neglects the negatives in order to increase efficiency. Others may feel that this effect isn't as virtuous as I believe it to be. To them I say: "This is me blog, dog. Don't like? Deal." The fact is, time spent daydreaming about June, July, and August is dwindling - for better or worse.
That will be it. Till next time. . .
School has only just begun and it feels as if it is in full swing. Although, considering that the term is finished in 12 more academic weeks-the haste is understandable.
For the most part, I enjoy my classes. My Early Euro. Law/History course is amazing, regardless of the massive reading it entails. Professor Smith is energetic and makes lecture ?fun? - imagine that! I think I dislike Econ. Not that my preference matters a hill of beans because I need to do the work anyway.
Also, I have been surprisingly committed to continue running while I am at school. I run a half hour, six days a week. I am proud to say there is progress both mentally and physically: not only is my body becoming familiar with the activity, but my mind is finding other things to fixate on besides my lack of oxygen. Today, I was able to focus on the news. Some idiot said some ridiculous thing -of which is, unfortunately, escaping me. It was good though. I had to keep myself from blurting something moderately obscene at the television. Maybe that would have made everyone else's workout more interesting. . .undoubtably so.
On a more personal note, I still miss summer. On the 12 of September, however, I am too busy to dwell. That is perhaps the best aspect of being busy; one does so much that one neglects the negatives in order to increase efficiency. Others may feel that this effect isn't as virtuous as I believe it to be. To them I say: "This is me blog, dog. Don't like? Deal." The fact is, time spent daydreaming about June, July, and August is dwindling - for better or worse.
That will be it. Till next time. . .
Friday, September 01, 2006
Hello September.
It is September the first and, unlike many of my peers, I am not yet on campus. Now that most everyone I care about has gone away for school-or for vacation, I have nothing better to do than wait and hope my packing takes all day tomorrow. You see:
Andrew left today for Ann Arbor. It has been a 'blah' day. It was inevitable, yes, but nontheless saddening. We've handled much worse situations, to be sure. So, why does this seem to knock the wind out of me? Today I had to force myself to stay preoccupied. I spent some time this morning dancing. I cut my sister's hair. I walked with her to pick up her check, get her lip ring changed, and eat lunch. The trip took a brief hour and a half. I surfed the internet. I napped. I talked with missionaries. I watched a foreign film. I even laid with my mother for a bit. All of this, and I still couldn't really shake it. Maybe I got too used to seeing him everyday. We were very lucky. On top of this, I only feel like we have grown closer over the summer (depite my month 7,000 miles south). The stronger bond, with the unknown of when we will see each other next, has made today unpleasant. I am wishing I had gone to school today - perhaps then I would have busied my mind more successfully. Oh well, as sad as it is, the facts are that we have been through this before, and we have done it while coping with other challenges. I wouldn't miss him if it wasn't so good between us. No use being sad over evidence of something so good, right? Right.
Summer is over. Only 8 months. . .that doesn't sound so bad. : )
I wish you all the best. . .also, here are the pictures of my sister's hair:
Monday, August 28, 2006
This is what it is like when summer ends.
Andrew and I spent our last Sunday together in Ludington. After a hike to the lighthouse, a beach stroll, a cat nap in the car, and a sunset on the pier, I hate that summer is leaving us.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Home again.
This is my family - Team Prickly Cholla Brush (PCB). These wonderful people were a major component of my leadership experience at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiq, New Mexico. For those of you who may not know, I was in New Mexico this past week, at a leadership seminar for Alma's Center for Responsible Leadership. My experience was surprisingly eye-opening. I was challenged. My family helped me confront some flaws in my leadership style and step outside my comfort-zone. Through numerous activities we did, I learned about myself and what I can improve on. Also, the rest of the learning community was extremely supportive and many are anxious to help me reach my goal of universal recognition of the basic human rights of women and children. I am excited to work with them to fundraise over the next year - I want to raise $50, 000 dollars for a local domestic abuse center.
As amazing as the week was - I am ready to enjoy some time with my sister and Andrew.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Forgetting about the photos
We played tennis, went swimming and had not taken pictures. . .
We lounged around watching movies and had not taken pictures. . .
We spent the day at the beach and had not taken pictures. . .
We had a key made and inspected the migrant housing at Klackles:
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Peru by Picture Tour
As you probably expect, I have many more pitures I would love to share with everyone. Unfortunately Blogger will only allow me to upload 5 photos. These are some of my favorite memories from my time in Peru. In the first one I am with one of our abuelas, Eulogia. We are standing in front of the cart she uses to make her living. Whenever we visited her we were sure to try some of her soda. My favorite was the pinapple flavored. The second photograph is of some of my friends and I during our horseback riding trip through the mountains near Huaraz. Next - a rather silly picture of my buddies in the Chan Chan ruins outside of Trujillo. The fourth is a group picture of everyone who helped repaint Los Martincitos. Not only did the paint give the center a fresh face, but we had a great time getting the job done. Finally, is a picture of myself, Tom, and Missy at the beach below Barranco. Sven, sadly, is taking the picture. The four of us had a great time that night. Not only was it my first time swimming in the Pacific Ocean, but I got to know those three well.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
I love Peru.
I have been in Peru for the last three weeks and I have two more weeks left. I have come to the conclusion that I love Peru and, if I could, I would live here for a year or so. My placement at Los Martincitos is much better than I anticipated. On MWF the the elderly in need come into the center and recieve two hot meals and a social atmosphere. I help prepare food, serve food, do activities with the abuelitos (cute grandparents), and do very little paperwork. On T, Th, I visit those abuelos that are too ill to come into the center. We go into their homes and provide company. Sometimes there are desperate situations that we have had to deal with. In general, however, people mostly just want love.
As far as travelling, I have been lucky enough to visit Huaraz, Trujillo, and Chiclayo. All were wonderful. I much prefer the smaller cities and towns of Peru to Lima. If it is financially feasible I would like to visit Huacachina this weekend, but we shall see.
I hope everything is going well at home. See you soon!
As far as travelling, I have been lucky enough to visit Huaraz, Trujillo, and Chiclayo. All were wonderful. I much prefer the smaller cities and towns of Peru to Lima. If it is financially feasible I would like to visit Huacachina this weekend, but we shall see.
I hope everything is going well at home. See you soon!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
I'm struggling: Is the real problem money?
Everyday it seems that there is not enough money. When all I pull from my pockets at the end of the day is an addictive tube of lip balm and a hair tie among balls of navy-colored lint, I get depressed. However, this isn't a post about my financial issues. Although I do have a number myself (attending a private college and having no job creates a seemingly infinite need for green). My concern is the broader issue of distribution and global demand for more money to fund more services for more people. Is it the real issue?
As I learn more about the world, I am finding that very few people of the six plus billion can honestly afford to "waste" money. Arguably, this group of comfortable individuals is shrinking--greater amounts of money is being funneled into fewer bank accounts. Accordingly, larger groups of people worldwide are running out of things to empty their pockets of. There is a correlated strain on service institutions of local, regional, national, and international realms.
This comes to what started this whole rant: today, the World Food Programme (WFP) appealed for increased funding. The United Nations agency just started a new program in Azerbaijan to feed some of the 300, 000 people that will have continued food dependency throughout the coming years (WFP Food Security and Nutrition Assessment 2005). This new program is slated to provide "26,833 metric tons of food assistance valued at $15.7 million to the most vulnerable of the displaced population, particularly women and children," and is the last phase of a broader operation in Azerbaijan (United Nations News Centre 2006). According to WFP’'s Regional Director for the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, Amir Abdulla, continued financial support from donors is vital as this final phase needs to provide a smooth transition to government control of this service.
Over the past twelve years, WFP has provided more than 100 million dollars to Azerbaijan for the food security of some million displaced people. Since the creation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), WFP has coordinated its operation in the west Asian country to parallel and compliment the State Programme for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development and with the Millennium Development Goals which works to remedy a number of socio-economic issues. Also, this WFP operation has included a Food For Education component (improves primary school enrollment through providing school meals) and a Food for Work component (increases employment opportunities for rural households, particularly for women).
It is noteworthy that the WFP runs operations in over a third of the countries of the world and is working in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. While it is a United Nations Agency, the General Assembly does not appropriate funds to WFP--all of the WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations. Most of these donations come from governments, but there are also contributions from businesses and individuals. Despite these donations, WFP programs are frequently underfunded. The WFP emergency operation in Kenya has been funded 60% of the necessary US$352,322,333 to feed 3.5 million children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and pastoralists who have gone hungry due to drought. The operation in Niger--56%.
Some would argue that, if the WFP does not have the money to run these programs to feed people, it should not run the programs. This is valid--to a point. If the WFP does not feed these people, they are left without access to necessary food and water. The families that benefit from the aid provided by WFP depend on it for survival. Does the WFP, then, have a choice? If they start a new program that is underfunded because the need is too great, should they have not tried to remedy the situation; thereby, leaving millions without resources necessary for life? 'Cut back or kill' does not seem a very civil choice.
I think what the real issue boils down to is: can we, as a planet, continue to grow and, through smart development, survive? Forever an optimist, I feel that we can. Forever a realist, I don't think it will happen. Every person in the developed world and many in the developing world realize that the manner of which we go about living on this planet--taking and rarely giving back--has to stop. We have to live better. The planet is full of too many people and reckless absorption of irreplaceable resources. We suck oil from the Earth. We cut down trees and condone air pollution. We dump trash in our water. We waste. For many of us, this destruction has been subconsciously justified by the idea that humans are, after all, the dominant and destined species on the planet--I daresay, the universe. Humans are in control, take no heed to the laws that govern the rest of creation.
Most of this thinking is inspired by a novel I have been reading (I lost it and cannot find it to finish it). The novel: Ishmael. The book explains our problems simply. All over the planet, species are subject to basic laws of ecology. Those are: if there is an abundance of resources, populations will increase; If the food disappears, so do the populations. What we have done to ensure that our needs are met with the growing population is to destroy natural threats to our resources. Hypothetically, a bison is roaming the plain. We eat the bison, but we need more bison to supply our meat demand. So, we protect the bison from it's other threats. We kill off it's predators and take it into captivity. Husbandry. Bison populations increase, human populations follow suit. Soon, the bison is no longer enough--we need more. We kill off the threats to the bison food supply. One grass takes over, the bison populations rise, human populations grow. The cycle continues.
We have been reducing diversity of the world to cater to the human race, but at a cost that we are now beginning to realize. We destroy something that is not necessary for our survival, like the grass varieties competing in the same field as the bison grazing grass. This destruction echoes through the ecosystem. Humanity can only evade ecological law for so long.
It is my opinion that the WFP appeal for money is only a symptom of Mother Nature's karma-like impact on humanity. Unless we shape up, look at the larger mistake (destroying the world because we are humans and we can), and change our lifestyles worldwide, we are entering war with the rest of the planet. That isn't to say we are completely disabled. I think we could do it--if we want to. However, I don't think enough people care and, for me, the future seems a dark place, ridden with serious challenges for humanity.
Nevertheless:
As I learn more about the world, I am finding that very few people of the six plus billion can honestly afford to "waste" money. Arguably, this group of comfortable individuals is shrinking--greater amounts of money is being funneled into fewer bank accounts. Accordingly, larger groups of people worldwide are running out of things to empty their pockets of. There is a correlated strain on service institutions of local, regional, national, and international realms.
This comes to what started this whole rant: today, the World Food Programme (WFP) appealed for increased funding. The United Nations agency just started a new program in Azerbaijan to feed some of the 300, 000 people that will have continued food dependency throughout the coming years (WFP Food Security and Nutrition Assessment 2005). This new program is slated to provide "26,833 metric tons of food assistance valued at $15.7 million to the most vulnerable of the displaced population, particularly women and children," and is the last phase of a broader operation in Azerbaijan (United Nations News Centre 2006). According to WFP’'s Regional Director for the Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, Amir Abdulla, continued financial support from donors is vital as this final phase needs to provide a smooth transition to government control of this service.
Over the past twelve years, WFP has provided more than 100 million dollars to Azerbaijan for the food security of some million displaced people. Since the creation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), WFP has coordinated its operation in the west Asian country to parallel and compliment the State Programme for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development and with the Millennium Development Goals which works to remedy a number of socio-economic issues. Also, this WFP operation has included a Food For Education component (improves primary school enrollment through providing school meals) and a Food for Work component (increases employment opportunities for rural households, particularly for women).
It is noteworthy that the WFP runs operations in over a third of the countries of the world and is working in every continent except Australia and Antarctica. While it is a United Nations Agency, the General Assembly does not appropriate funds to WFP--all of the WFP operations are funded by voluntary donations. Most of these donations come from governments, but there are also contributions from businesses and individuals. Despite these donations, WFP programs are frequently underfunded. The WFP emergency operation in Kenya has been funded 60% of the necessary US$352,322,333 to feed 3.5 million children, pregnant and nursing mothers, and pastoralists who have gone hungry due to drought. The operation in Niger--56%.
Some would argue that, if the WFP does not have the money to run these programs to feed people, it should not run the programs. This is valid--to a point. If the WFP does not feed these people, they are left without access to necessary food and water. The families that benefit from the aid provided by WFP depend on it for survival. Does the WFP, then, have a choice? If they start a new program that is underfunded because the need is too great, should they have not tried to remedy the situation; thereby, leaving millions without resources necessary for life? 'Cut back or kill' does not seem a very civil choice.
I think what the real issue boils down to is: can we, as a planet, continue to grow and, through smart development, survive? Forever an optimist, I feel that we can. Forever a realist, I don't think it will happen. Every person in the developed world and many in the developing world realize that the manner of which we go about living on this planet--taking and rarely giving back--has to stop. We have to live better. The planet is full of too many people and reckless absorption of irreplaceable resources. We suck oil from the Earth. We cut down trees and condone air pollution. We dump trash in our water. We waste. For many of us, this destruction has been subconsciously justified by the idea that humans are, after all, the dominant and destined species on the planet--I daresay, the universe. Humans are in control, take no heed to the laws that govern the rest of creation.
Most of this thinking is inspired by a novel I have been reading (I lost it and cannot find it to finish it). The novel: Ishmael. The book explains our problems simply. All over the planet, species are subject to basic laws of ecology. Those are: if there is an abundance of resources, populations will increase; If the food disappears, so do the populations. What we have done to ensure that our needs are met with the growing population is to destroy natural threats to our resources. Hypothetically, a bison is roaming the plain. We eat the bison, but we need more bison to supply our meat demand. So, we protect the bison from it's other threats. We kill off it's predators and take it into captivity. Husbandry. Bison populations increase, human populations follow suit. Soon, the bison is no longer enough--we need more. We kill off the threats to the bison food supply. One grass takes over, the bison populations rise, human populations grow. The cycle continues.
We have been reducing diversity of the world to cater to the human race, but at a cost that we are now beginning to realize. We destroy something that is not necessary for our survival, like the grass varieties competing in the same field as the bison grazing grass. This destruction echoes through the ecosystem. Humanity can only evade ecological law for so long.
It is my opinion that the WFP appeal for money is only a symptom of Mother Nature's karma-like impact on humanity. Unless we shape up, look at the larger mistake (destroying the world because we are humans and we can), and change our lifestyles worldwide, we are entering war with the rest of the planet. That isn't to say we are completely disabled. I think we could do it--if we want to. However, I don't think enough people care and, for me, the future seems a dark place, ridden with serious challenges for humanity.
Nevertheless:
"Whoever saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind" Qur'an 5:32
... keep trying.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Perhaps the best weekend ever, despite failing health
There is one thing that can overpower the negativity of physical pain: the company of someone special.
This past weekend I went to Ann Arbor to visit Andrew. I was originally planning on leaving Thursday afternoon to be with him after he finished his classes. Unfortunately, I had to babysit and didn't leave Greenville until 9 pm. I couldn't get there fast enough. On Friday I woke up and had an earache. All I could think to myself was: please let it clear up so I can enjoy this weekend, please, oh please. After a wonderful dinner on the roof of Palio's my silly ear problem got much worse. Andrew was a great friend and he cared for me. I didn't sleep much that night, but by the next morning I felt much better. I was able to enjoy our visit with Eric and Anna.
Most of the Saturday was a double date. As an unstoppable wrecking ball of coupledom, Andrew and I successfully defeated Eric and Anna in tennis and bowling (in all actuality it was quite close many times during our tennis competition). Although my ear still hurt (not as badly, but I didn't want Andrew to worry about me), Saturday was still very enjoyable. It was the first time Andrew and I had played any sport together. I think we make a good team. He was very supportive of me when I goofed and I tried to reciprocate but, we did tease each other for silly mistakes. It felt very natural for me to be with him.
I didn't end up leaving until 8:30 last night. The drive home stunk. I missed Andrew, I hit a deer, and, come to find out, I forgot my typhoid vaccination in Ann Arbor.
As if I needed another reason to appreciate him, Andrew got up early this morning and drove my Vivotif to me. I feel like an idiot but, secretly, I am glad I forgot my medicine; I got to see him again.
Overall, it was the best weekend I can recall. Andrew made it so enjoyable that it was easy to overlook the extent of my earache (popped ear drum - eek!). Maybe he's dangerous for me? ha ha. Who cares?
I will miss him very much.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Not much has changed. . . .
I figure that it has been quite long enough since I last posted (or at least since I posted anything worth reading).
To be frank, I haven't posted because I have not felt like I have anything happening in my life that is appropriate material for my blog. Nevertheless, I will update you on the general landscape of recent day-to-day life. Perhaps the most important thing, of which I am most proud, is my sister's graduation from high school. Today we hosted her open house and went over very well - if you ask me. Stephie, of course, looked wonderful wearing a dress she bought in New York City. I wish she knew how beautiful, wonderful and talented she is. When I think about everything she has put up with and her attitude - there are fragments of her that I wish I had in my character. I am proud of her for her bite. If you are lucky enough to know Steph, you know what I am referring to. She doesn't take crap from anyone - which sometimes can be unpleasant when I am the one dishing out the trash. Many times I feel like I am too placid. I turn around and see her there telling some jerk-face-loser-pants that he needs to get a life, and I wish I could dish it out like her. I cannot wait until she gets married ( just a warning to her future husband : she never loses). I am proud of her unwavering commitment to right and wrong. If something is immoral, inappropriate, or uncouth she's there to make sure it doesn't happen in her presence. I wish I had that - at least to the degree she does. I look up to her in so many ways. Watching her graduate tomorrow is going to be emotional; my soulmate is grown up; our careless childhood memories have a finality like never before; my home is changing and there is a threat that it could leave and I would not be able to stop it. More than this, I have confidence in her.
Also, I have been ill these past few days. It's dumb, and I have been trying to ignore it.
I have been reading a book called Ishmael. If you ever wondered why, historically, advanced civilizations have never survived, this book offers an interesting thesis. What is more, it is put into a digestable fiction form with helpful anecdotes. Solutions are inherently obvious. . .
I won't write about Mexico because there is too much to type. I will have to figure out an effective system to update others about happenings while I am in Lima.
Nights are bad for me too.
To be frank, I haven't posted because I have not felt like I have anything happening in my life that is appropriate material for my blog. Nevertheless, I will update you on the general landscape of recent day-to-day life. Perhaps the most important thing, of which I am most proud, is my sister's graduation from high school. Today we hosted her open house and went over very well - if you ask me. Stephie, of course, looked wonderful wearing a dress she bought in New York City. I wish she knew how beautiful, wonderful and talented she is. When I think about everything she has put up with and her attitude - there are fragments of her that I wish I had in my character. I am proud of her for her bite. If you are lucky enough to know Steph, you know what I am referring to. She doesn't take crap from anyone - which sometimes can be unpleasant when I am the one dishing out the trash. Many times I feel like I am too placid. I turn around and see her there telling some jerk-face-loser-pants that he needs to get a life, and I wish I could dish it out like her. I cannot wait until she gets married ( just a warning to her future husband : she never loses). I am proud of her unwavering commitment to right and wrong. If something is immoral, inappropriate, or uncouth she's there to make sure it doesn't happen in her presence. I wish I had that - at least to the degree she does. I look up to her in so many ways. Watching her graduate tomorrow is going to be emotional; my soulmate is grown up; our careless childhood memories have a finality like never before; my home is changing and there is a threat that it could leave and I would not be able to stop it. More than this, I have confidence in her.
Also, I have been ill these past few days. It's dumb, and I have been trying to ignore it.
I have been reading a book called Ishmael. If you ever wondered why, historically, advanced civilizations have never survived, this book offers an interesting thesis. What is more, it is put into a digestable fiction form with helpful anecdotes. Solutions are inherently obvious. . .
I won't write about Mexico because there is too much to type. I will have to figure out an effective system to update others about happenings while I am in Lima.
Nights are bad for me too.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
A Response:
Friend: one attached to another by affection or esteem (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th ed.)
Friend: A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. (Dictionary.com)
Friend: A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts. (Dictionary.com)
If either of the above apply to you - regardless of contact over the past weekend - re-read previous post and keep in mind that the term "friend" is not exculsive to only those that I happen to mention.
Thank You.
Thank You.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Good ole Alma
I am back in Alma - it's fun to look forward to what I will be doing in Mexico, but I was home too long. I got a taste of how nice it is to see my friends again - meaning friday Andrew took me to a movie, saturday I watched movies with Corey, and sunday Andrew took me to lunch and then we went to Andy's and talked for about an hour and half. And now, as much as I wanted to leave, I want to stay. I remembered how wonderful Greenville can be with the right people around - my friends. And I miss you already.
Love,
Kim
Love,
Kim
Saturday, April 29, 2006
So true. . .
Your Power Color Is Indigo |
 At Your Highest: You are on a fast track to success - and others believe in you. At Your Lowest: You require a lot of attention and praise. In Love: You see people as how you want them to be, not as how they are. How You're Attractive: You're dramatic flair makes others see you as mysterious and romantic. Your Eternal Question: "Does This Work Into My Future Plans?" |
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