Tidbits

Ok. It's October. I have been in my site for two months now. But I have been in Panamá for 4.5 months. I think that's the longest consecutive period in which I have not returned home to my parents house in Kenmore. Previously it was my Alaska adventures. But oh on, this is outlasting that by a long shot. I miss my family and friends. But things are good, very good. I'm quite enjoying this whole Peace Corps buisness. This is a slightly rambling post, but I'm actually on an internet connection with SPEED as I am in the PC office in Panamá City, so thought I should use it to my advantage and post something. So, some random tidbits for your perusing pleasure.

* Two ways I know I am becoming much more comfortable with my Spanish: I can make people laugh on purpose, instead of just having them laugh AT me. And I actually got really mad and yelled at a man on Saturday night, instead of just shying away.
* I'm trying my darndest to get used to this whole "Panamanian time" thing, but for the life of me it's really hard to be late on purpose! Even if it means sitting there by myself for an hour (or more) waiting for the people to show up, I just know that the one time I figure it all out and show up late will be the one time everyone else actually showed up on time. As it is, everything starts at least an hour later than is scheduled. And this is perfectly normal and usually planned for. The Panamanians call it "Tiempo de Panamá" themselves and laugh about it, this is not just a gringa complaint.
* We're approaching the high point of the rainy season. And as it rains more and little animal nests get flooded, more little animal encounters are normal. Including thousands and thousands and thousands of ants that have figured out the nice, warm, dry safe place that is my bedroom. Not so safe anymore! Silly ants. That'll teach you to try to build all your freaking nests on my floor.
* Following that: I would like to clarify that yes, I am an OUTDOOR conservationist. ;)
* One thing nobody can ever possibly try to claim about Panamá is that the people are inhospitable. Every day I am amazed at the kindness and generosity of the people of my community. Truly wonderful people. I'm really enjoying my site. :)
* I'm getting worse (better?) at mixing my English and my Spanish into a nice Spanglish. This is very common among PC volunteers. I also quite enjoy the fact that I work in a billingual office. Makes me feel special. :-p Moral of this tidbit: when I'm talking to y'all from home on the phone, sorry if I throw some Spanish words into the conversation or fumble over my English. After two years I'm sure you will all know more Spanish as well! :)
* Update on my work: I am starting English classes very soon. I'm having a preliminary meeting on Saturday to figure just why people want to learn English, as I'm not really down for spending all that time (mine and theirs) for two years just to have them forget it after I leave and they figure out that they don't need to actually know it. I'm also starting a pen-pal type interaction between my school and a school in Bellevue where the awesome and amazing Melinda Schwartz is now a Kindergarten teacher. Woot! I think this'll be really fun. A little hard since the school years are on different schedules (Panamá's summer break is January to April), but we'll make it work at least for the time when the years do interlap. And I'm attending a conference about the youth group Panamá Verde at the end of this month because I'm super interested in starting one of these groups in my community. And yes, I do actually get to go to this conference, unlike the last one I got kicked out of. :)

So yes, that is my rambly update for everyone. For now. I love you all and miss you bunches and want to spread big hugs, so give yourself a hug from me and give a big hug to the next person you see. Yay! :)