then. now. and future.

The holiday... It was interminable. Should have skipped out on it halfway through. We exceeded the ideal number of travelling companions. That is certain.

Next Christmas.. Malawi, Mozambique. Madagascar? (Maybe a little ambitious)..

This winter (or spring for youse guys in the northern hemisphere) … South Africa?

Love you, Namibia. However, I think I’m going to abandon you for a bit this year.

It’s not you. But, it’s not me either.

Inventory of the irretrievable:

1 pair of sunglasses, crushed by trailer of goats

1 (other) pair of sunglasses, discarded by accident

1 b-e-a-utiful pocket knife, lost to African finders keepers

1 ruined tank, stained by cheap mini-dress in wash (no real regrets there, I love my new inappropriate dress)

And… Some other things too depressing to deliberate on..

New Year’s resolutions:

None.

Wait.

Stop procrastinating?

I think I’ve recycled that one a few times now. I’ll get around to it eventually.

Current jealousies:

Chicago is -40°F

Col. City is enduring a snowpocalypse.

(A moniker stolen from the Chi-town blizzard. We had thunder snow, you fools.)

I miss snow.

And roast beef sandwiches (the ultimate comfort food)...

My current horoscope:

(courtesy of Rob Brezsny)

I'm guessing that in a metaphorical sense, you've been swallowed by a whale. Now you're biding your time in the beast's belly. Here's my prediction: You will be like the Biblical Jonah, who underwent a more literal version of your experience. The whale eventually expelled him, allowing him to return to his life safe and sound -- and your story will have the same outcome. What should you do in the meantime? Here's the advice that Dan Albergotti gives in his poem "Things to Do in the Belly of the Whale." "Count the ribs," he says. "Look up for blue sky through the spout. Make small fires with the broken hulls of fishing boats. Practice smoke signals. Call old friends. Organize your calendar. Dream of the beach. Review each of your life's ten million choices. Find the evidence of those before you. Listen for the sound of your heart. Be thankful that you are here, swallowed with all hope, where you can rest and wait."

On deck:

Schools open in seven days.

Am not at all prepared.

Going to attempt to break in tomorrow and start setting up shop.

Hopefully someone in the village is in possession of the keys.

I’m not a particularly skilled cat burglar.

twelve days, africa style.

Twelve Elis Stomping
Eleven Giraffes Grazing
Ten Kudus Leaping
Nine Donkeys Braying
Eight Goats-a-Bleating
Seven Hippos Charging
Six Roosters Crowing
FIVE CROCODILES
Four Guinea Fowl
Three Boomslangs
Two Go Aways
and a Peacock in a Palm Tree...

...........................................................................................

Update on ze white elephant gift exchange..
Guess who has two thumbs and is the proud owner of a rather sharp and dangerous six inch hunting blade? And who already cut herself... Mother is SHARP. 

not now, arctic puffin...

First Christmas in Namibia.

We PCVs are simulating home with miniature fake pine trees, holiday crafts, extensive holiday playlists, outrageously expensive holiday dinners (for PCVs, that is), and white elephant gift exchanges… and gingerfizz.  

Here’s a puffin. Enjoy..

Now playing...  
12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser | Christmas Cheers

You know the one... Doo do do doo doo do doo...