So here are a few pictures that have been taken in the past few months...no theme or rhyme or reason.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
So here are a few pictures that have been taken in the past few months...no theme or rhyme or reason.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A few random pictures from the last couple months
Its been a month since my last post. I think I'm getting worse at doing this whole blog thing on a regularlike basis. Sorry. Things have been moving at a pretty quick pace lately. Its good, it keeps me busy! I am sitting in the computer lab typing as the five ladies in my intermediate class work on a typing program. (for those of you in the know its called Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing) Its a pretty decent program but now that the ladies are comfortable with it they don't really need my help for the first hour. Guess my chickies are leaving the nest?? Yeah no, that sounds weird :) Buut anyways...what have I been up to lately other than work you ask?? Well...lesseee... Last month I went back to Asheville for Susannah's birthday. It was supposed to be a surprise but lets be honest, I stink at keeping secrets. I'm like a little kid, "I have a secret but im not gunna tell youuuuu!" Yeah it came out. No popping up at her door outta nowhere. But thats ok, it let us both enjoy the anticipation. It was a short trip, only four days, But absolute magic the entire time. Got to eat at 12 Bones, drive on the parkway, enjoy cold weather, check out the fall leaf colors. I loved it! Being back in Asheville was instantly familiar and I was shocked with how much I felt like I was back home. It was also wonderful because Suzy and I fell right back into the comfortable pattern of our relationship...it fits.
the visit was too short but I have something to look forward to in November...thanksgiving in dc!!! The whole family; sister, brother, niece, nephew, the new york crew, the nashville dirty duo and suzy will be there. I can't wait! It will be my first time back in DC in well over a year. I am trying to whittle down the list of things I want to do while Im home. (going to the aquarium and the zoo in one day may be a little too much, no?)
This past weekend I traveled too Caye Caulker for halloween. It rained most of the time but I really enjoyed myself. As usual I met cool people, drank a beer on the beach, danced the night away and ate amazing seafood. A good trip.
Its looking like Hurricane Ida is heading towards us here in Belize, should be an interesting couple of days. I promise to keep all informed! Gotta run teach a class!
Jake
Friday, October 2, 2009
Interconnect
Things have started moving more quickly here at the library. I find myself getting so busy at times that I am almost too busy. Quite a few of my projects are moving forward rapidly and today I am going to tell you about a new project idea.
I have been put into contact with a group called Interconnect. They are based in Washington State. Basically what this group/company/organization does is take used computers, refurbish them and sell them to developing nations at a discounted price. Now I have told you all that I am going to be teaching computer classes at the library, right? Well the computers we are using are all quite old. One of the things that I would like to get the ladies in the class to work on is raising funds to get "new" machines for the library. I am actually pretty excited about the idea. Another interesting dynamic revolves around shipping. The more computers you order the lower the cost to ship. So I have been exchanging emails with a number of different groups, peace corps volunteers and other Belizeans to hopefully put together a larger order and drop the per unit cost.
As of right now we are estimating a cost of about US$100 per computer, not bad really. The head librarian and I have been doing some brainstorming as to how we are going to raise the funds, about BZ$3000 or US$1500. We have set a working goal of US$750 to be raised by the library itself, with other assistance coming from outside sources. (Don't be surprised if in the next couple of months you see an appeal come from me :)
I am putting up a few pictures from the library as well as a couple fun ones...enjoy!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Happy Independence Day!!!
I know, I know…its been too long since I have written anything. But man have I been busy. I am writing this from home on my fancy new laptop…Dude I got a Dell. I’m not gonna lie, I am still a Mac person, but hey, the amount of computer for the price…how could I not have gotten this guy.
Things have been pretty busy lately. I moved into a new house in early September. I am living in an area of Orange Walk known as the “fruit tree section” Evidently all the streets are named after fruit trees. I say evidently because as much as I have walked around this neighborhood I have yet to see a single street sign. I am on the top level of a two story house. I have three small bedrooms, one of which I have turned into my kitchen. The other one Im currently using as a storage/staging area. Im pretty pleased with the place. There are a ton of windows and plenty of natural light. Being on this level also gives me relief from mosquitos and a sweet breeze. I actually have to close my windows if I want to sweep J Directly across the street is a huge park. The park is filled with mature trees, the majority being Mahogany. The trunks are all painted white up to about 3 feet and provide great shade for the playgrounds and benches. Mo really enjoys it when I decide to take a book over there and he can wander around smelling whatever it is that he smells.
Speaking of Mo he seems to have taken to the place quite quickly. I find myself spending a lot more time with him just messing around. He has become a gangly teenager of a dog, with front legs shorter than the back. He doesn’t seem to be able to just walk, its more of a sway down the road. Its kinda a butt wagging back and forth thing that he is obviously unaware of. The best part was watching him figure out how stairs work, ass sticking straight up towards the sky as he slowly made his way down. His health has improved immeasurably, and I am getting a glimpse of the personality he will have. He is a sweetheart, a total space cadet and a lover to the highest degree. Example: He has learned that he is not allowed up in my bed, so what he has been doing is waiting until im fast asleep then quietly creeping in. I’ll wake up pushed all the way to the side with 70lbs of hound stretched out comfortably. I woke up the other day and I had Doggie head on my left shoulder and doggie paws on my right leg, the rest sprawled out quite contentedly across my torso. What a punk! We spent an hour wrestling in the rain and the mud yesterday
In other news I have started working at the library. Things have been really good really quickly. My new counterpart is absolutely wonderful. She really wants me to focus on working with the children and teens. I am running a program called Homework Helpers. I supervise high school students who volunteer their time to helping younger children with their homework. I am also doing a Story hour on Saturdays. All the great books of my childhood are coming back to me. Can you believe that none of these kids has ever read “Where the Wild Things Are”??? Tragic. I’m looking for a copy of that and a few other titles down here. Ima blow these kids minds with literary awesomeness. I also have plans to get some computer classes going on as well as a fantasy of mine…a book club. I have always said I wanted to join a book club but never did. Maybe if I am running it itll actually happen?! Ooo…I think we are going to paint a world map on the library as well. That’s a project I am really excited about. Yep. So work keeps me busy.
I am also really enjoying Orange Walk itself. I feel comfortable here. Im a block from the river, have a tiny shop across the street and access to whatever I need a 15 minute walk away. Its not too close and not too far. Hopefully I will be able to post these pictures and yall can see what the house and Mo look like. Seems like that about covers it…Ill work on posting more often and getting more pictures posted!
Jake
Things have been pretty busy lately. I moved into a new house in early September. I am living in an area of Orange Walk known as the “fruit tree section” Evidently all the streets are named after fruit trees. I say evidently because as much as I have walked around this neighborhood I have yet to see a single street sign. I am on the top level of a two story house. I have three small bedrooms, one of which I have turned into my kitchen. The other one Im currently using as a storage/staging area. Im pretty pleased with the place. There are a ton of windows and plenty of natural light. Being on this level also gives me relief from mosquitos and a sweet breeze. I actually have to close my windows if I want to sweep J Directly across the street is a huge park. The park is filled with mature trees, the majority being Mahogany. The trunks are all painted white up to about 3 feet and provide great shade for the playgrounds and benches. Mo really enjoys it when I decide to take a book over there and he can wander around smelling whatever it is that he smells.
Speaking of Mo he seems to have taken to the place quite quickly. I find myself spending a lot more time with him just messing around. He has become a gangly teenager of a dog, with front legs shorter than the back. He doesn’t seem to be able to just walk, its more of a sway down the road. Its kinda a butt wagging back and forth thing that he is obviously unaware of. The best part was watching him figure out how stairs work, ass sticking straight up towards the sky as he slowly made his way down. His health has improved immeasurably, and I am getting a glimpse of the personality he will have. He is a sweetheart, a total space cadet and a lover to the highest degree. Example: He has learned that he is not allowed up in my bed, so what he has been doing is waiting until im fast asleep then quietly creeping in. I’ll wake up pushed all the way to the side with 70lbs of hound stretched out comfortably. I woke up the other day and I had Doggie head on my left shoulder and doggie paws on my right leg, the rest sprawled out quite contentedly across my torso. What a punk! We spent an hour wrestling in the rain and the mud yesterday
In other news I have started working at the library. Things have been really good really quickly. My new counterpart is absolutely wonderful. She really wants me to focus on working with the children and teens. I am running a program called Homework Helpers. I supervise high school students who volunteer their time to helping younger children with their homework. I am also doing a Story hour on Saturdays. All the great books of my childhood are coming back to me. Can you believe that none of these kids has ever read “Where the Wild Things Are”??? Tragic. I’m looking for a copy of that and a few other titles down here. Ima blow these kids minds with literary awesomeness. I also have plans to get some computer classes going on as well as a fantasy of mine…a book club. I have always said I wanted to join a book club but never did. Maybe if I am running it itll actually happen?! Ooo…I think we are going to paint a world map on the library as well. That’s a project I am really excited about. Yep. So work keeps me busy.
I am also really enjoying Orange Walk itself. I feel comfortable here. Im a block from the river, have a tiny shop across the street and access to whatever I need a 15 minute walk away. Its not too close and not too far. Hopefully I will be able to post these pictures and yall can see what the house and Mo look like. Seems like that about covers it…Ill work on posting more often and getting more pictures posted!
Jake
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Pics!!!
What a lovely way to start the post. This deer's tongue was like that...all the time.
Birdie has big wings.
Dancin with the big dogs!!
The view from the bottom of my stairs lookin up. Mo waits for me up there in front of the door.
The front view of the house. I have the top part.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
VEGAS BABY VEGAS!!l!
Las Vegas changed my life.
How do you talk about a trip to Las Vegas in a blog that your parents read??? Bachelor party, a drink or two, clubs, socializing...not exactly conducive to storytime, eh? So i guess this will be a short post :)
Las Vegas was effing amazing. Everything i expected was blown out of the water by the actual event. The gentlemen formed a wolfpack and we boldly went where every man who goes to vegas hopes to go. We were lucky enough to have the assistance of a couple ladies who live in Vegas and somehow happen to know EVERYONE. We did not wait in a single line, we had private cars coming to pick us up and drop us at the door of the club. Bottle service and private tables at the hottest clubs. Fer goodness sakes one of the clubs had a 3 story waterfall! It was super neat. Everything about the place is made to just let loose and go crazy, which is exactly what we did. From our knockout suite overlooking the lights to our VIP tables we did it right.
The craziest part about Vegas is that it lives up to all expectations. For example: You know when you watch entourage and theyre hanging out by the pool and every woman that walks by them could be a model? Yeah thats what it was like. I think there is a sign at the doors that says "if youre not a ten just dont even try coming here. EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL. Craziness.
We spent our days lounging by the massive pool, sippin beers and watching the world go by and our nights by the big lights. Im thinking I need to write a book: From the Village to Vegas. You would read that, right?! I think we did the bachelor party right. I think we did it all right. I don't even know what to say. Either God or the Devil lives in Vegas, and they're probably sleeping together.
Vegas baby Vegas!
ps ill try to post some pics when i get a faster internet connection and i find some tame ones :)
How do you talk about a trip to Las Vegas in a blog that your parents read??? Bachelor party, a drink or two, clubs, socializing...not exactly conducive to storytime, eh? So i guess this will be a short post :)
Las Vegas was effing amazing. Everything i expected was blown out of the water by the actual event. The gentlemen formed a wolfpack and we boldly went where every man who goes to vegas hopes to go. We were lucky enough to have the assistance of a couple ladies who live in Vegas and somehow happen to know EVERYONE. We did not wait in a single line, we had private cars coming to pick us up and drop us at the door of the club. Bottle service and private tables at the hottest clubs. Fer goodness sakes one of the clubs had a 3 story waterfall! It was super neat. Everything about the place is made to just let loose and go crazy, which is exactly what we did. From our knockout suite overlooking the lights to our VIP tables we did it right.
The craziest part about Vegas is that it lives up to all expectations. For example: You know when you watch entourage and theyre hanging out by the pool and every woman that walks by them could be a model? Yeah thats what it was like. I think there is a sign at the doors that says "if youre not a ten just dont even try coming here. EVERYONE IS BEAUTIFUL. Craziness.
We spent our days lounging by the massive pool, sippin beers and watching the world go by and our nights by the big lights. Im thinking I need to write a book: From the Village to Vegas. You would read that, right?! I think we did the bachelor party right. I think we did it all right. I don't even know what to say. Either God or the Devil lives in Vegas, and they're probably sleeping together.
Vegas baby Vegas!
ps ill try to post some pics when i get a faster internet connection and i find some tame ones :)
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