Sunday, August 22, 2010

round and round it goes...

I think today may have been the first day I truly felt like I was back in America. 1) I saw the White House! 2) I got to listen to Delilah on the radio(yes, I'm a huge Delilah fan...don't hate). I also think that today was first day I really missed Malawi. I miss my own little house and my space. I miss doing work i'm passionate about and passion for every aspect of life. I miss the laidback attitude of folks. I'm tired of dealing with uptight folks...I'm tired of not having anything to do that i'm passionate about. I'm tired of waiting around for some type of job to deem me good enough to work for them(although I know i'm good if not better, still some folks just don't get it). Guess i'm in a bit of a slump and thank God for classes starting this week because I'll finally have something that is challenging going on. Time to set some new goals for myself that way I have something to work towards.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Osataya Mtima!

After waiting anxiously to hear back from AGE on whether or not i've been selected for a follow-up interview, I was told that I was not selected for a second interview at this time. Talk about a blow to the ego, but staying true to my positive side, it is not the end and there is an opportunity out there waiting for me, just not this one. I feel like a punk for crying about it, but it was ideal or maybe I just made it ideal. Either way the search was ongoing so I don't feel like i've wasted time waiting. A million possible things run through my mind but honestly its probably the best thing at this time, with all thats going on with this transition and jumping back into academia, maybe I need something less challenging...who knows. All I know is its good to know their decision so now I know to aggressively pursue other opportunities.

Osataya Mtima!

taking it one day at a time

So I decided to take a break from my job search to write a little. This whole job application thing is not for be, but I guess it has to be for me seeing as I need a job. I'm not sure how many places I have applied to but my resume is floating out there waiting for someone to grab it and give me a chance. I try not to be too picky in my search, ideally I will find a position that lies somewhere along my interests, past experiences, or skills. I try to be hopeful in the sense that the right opportunity will present itself when its meant to be presented, but after being in Malawi and being in control of the opportunities presented, its hard to wait. I mean there if I wanted something to get done, I got it done. If I wanted to focus my energy on a certain project I could do that. Why isn't there something like Peace Corps in America? I mean give me some money and to seek out projects and work related to my passions and interests and watch me work. I know that if given the right opportunity then i'll be able show whoever just what i'm capable of. Coming to DC is a catch 22 i'm coming to find out. I mean non-profit capital of the world, endless opportunities, but just like my reasonings for choosing DC as my next place of residence, several others have as well, meaning more competition. I know, and maybe I need to take a step back, but I really can't, I know that i'm the sh*t. My experiences are diverse and what I can bring to any environment is unique from that of others.

I feel like i'm back in Malawi during my first few months. I live with a host family i.e my cousin, still trying to figure out where i'll leave my mark and what my focus will be in my upcoming work, and adjusting to life different from the one i'm use to. As long as I put it in that perspective i'm able to deal with the fact that i'm not good with transitions. Been there, done that...right? Yeah...right. Patience truly is a virtue and I know deep down that the position i'm meant for will present itself at the right but until then, a place holder will have to do...Starbucks anyone?

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Ummmm...really?

What in the world?
I'm not sure if other folks have noticed, but it appears as if the economic climate has something to do with waist size. Now, let me put a disclaimer on this...if you are on the heavier side its ok as long as you're healthy. Not everyone's body type is meant to be skin and bones.
Ok, so since i've been back I have realized just how the economic crisis has impacted people...well, their mid-section. I'm surprised to see the gross amount of overweight and unhealthy folks there are. You may not be hung up on being healthy for vanity purposes but you should be hung up on it for longevity purposes. Come on now...heart disease kills and if prevention means skipping out on some fries and taking a walk, I think its worth it. My goal when I arrived back stateside was not to lose weight or maintain the weight i'm at, its to maintain and adopt the more healthy eating and exercise lifestyle I had in Malawi. Why? because it makes me feel good(and look better). The crap we put in our bodies is going to come out our bodies in some negative way. My rule of thumb is moderation. Do everything in moderation and it always balances out.
I plan on running a marathon next year, no i'm not a size two but my body and heart will be strong and healthy enough to withstand that type of pressure. I think everyone should set some type of health related goal, I mean we have no problem setting them when we want to make money, and stick to it. I mean just think how good it will feel when you reach the goal and know you're healthier because of it.

back away from the whopper....just once or twice can make a difference.

OK..so my next observation has to deal with men. Oh, Lord, Jesus, what is going on there? If you found a good one, you should consider it a great accomplishment. Now, some of the things I have noticed and heard may or may not be true for all. Again, please do not take what I say as generalizations of a entire population. So, i've been living in DC a total of 9 days now with 2 of those days spent in NYC so far. I'm fresh, i'm new and i'm trying to learn the ins and outs of the city. I never knew that I would get so many warnings about the behavior of the men. From guys who don't know you feeling through your hair just to check and to see if its real, to men on the serious "down low" tip.
First, its extremely offensive to put your hands in anyone's hair if you don't know them and don't ask for permission. Second, if a girl wants to wear weave or whatever it is her head, on her body, and her choice. Pro-choice is not just for reproductive health anymore...Third, if you the dude trying to feel for some realness mess up the weave are you willing to pay for it? I didn't think so...remember you break you buy. Don't touch things that do not belong to you, save the hair check for a legit date or something of that nature and ask. Or be man about it and ask! If you don't like a girl with weave then leave the girl alone, she is not doing anything to bother you.
Second, "down low" men. Its played out...Yeah, thats right, I said it and will say it again...ITS PLAYED OUT!!! Be honest and real, you running around living a double life and hiding is not cute nor is it real. Be a man and be honest. If you love your ladies but enjoy being with a dude every now and then, be honest. You are more judged when you hide and lie then being upfront and truthful. We are in the 21st century, I believe we have become a bit more progressive and can handle it better. Now, if someone can't then its their choice not to, but really, do you want to associate with people that won't accept you for you? Keep it real.
Third, what ever happen to the common courtesy and manners? Damn, folks, i'm tired of dealing with rude people when i've been kind and respectful. There is no reason for you to take your anger out on the world. Simply take a deep breath analyze the situation and keep it moving. If you can't change it, doesn't make sense to ruin a day over it. Stop being so selfish, you never know how a smile or good morning can cheer someone up. For example, every morning I walk my cousin's dog past this garage place on her block and every morning i'm greeted by the same group of workers with a "good morning" then a "have a good day" so simple but it starts the day off right. Small things like that can have a great impact on how a person's day goes...don't be afraid to smile...it will come back to you.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Don't forget

If you want to read about my experience in Malawi, you can always go to my other blog:
www.courtneyinmalawi.blogspot.com

And i'm back!!

Hello all!
After a wonderful 22 month experience in the Warm Heart of Africa, I'm back in America gearing up for grad school in the nation's capital. There's a lot to fill you in on from my first month back stateside, so sit back and enjoy!

Making my way stateside...
Let's see...where to begin?
If you don't know, well now you will. I ended my contract early with the Peace Corps to pursue my Masters. It was an extremely difficult decision for me just because I love(d) living in Malawi and I enjoyed the work I was doing. It ultimately came down to the fact that I would need a Masters in order to continue working in the field of work I was doing in Malawi, so best to get it out of the way sooner rather than later. I made the decision to leave in March, which gave me plenty of time to prepare for my departure. I figured a month and a half was a good amount of time in between Peace Corps and grad school, yet some days I feel like I should have given myself a bit more time to transition back into American culture.

I was surprised that I didn't cry a lot when leaving Malawi. It all felt surreal until I got on the plane bound for South Africa. When we took off, I shed a few tears because it all became real. But, lucky for me the airplane served wine, so I got a bottle, drank it, and took a nap to take my mind off of what I was leaving. I had a four hour layover in South Africa which was uneventful but it felt weird to be in an airport of that size again. I hadn't been in a large airport since we arrived in South Africa 22 months prior. I wandered about for a bit before sitting by the gate to my next flight. There were tons of World Cup fans(assuming a majority American because my flight was full) and they were interesting quite a few "backwoods" type of people(I guess living in the back woods allows you to save some money to afford a trip to World Cup, still having a hard time understanding the whole financial crisis with that one). One girl got mad because she didn't get a receipt for her duty-free booze and the guards were getting ready to confiscate it. I guess the moral of that story is always get receipts for your duty-free booze.
Anyway...
Once on the plane, I sat in the middle seat between some asian dude and a dad. Neither were all that friendly and for the 19 hours we were on the plane we did not speak to eachother once. I enjoyed watching some movies but mostly t.v shows just because I was in and out of sleep. I would watch the little plane tracker map thingy they have and once I reached America I cried again, knowing that I really was no longer in Malawi. My flight made it to Atlanta at 6:30am and my connecting flight was scheduled for 7:30am and the customs lines were LONG...But I figured I already waited 22 months to see my family, what's another few hours if I miss my flight? I get through the line with 30 minutes to spare and after being scrutinized by security for my absence from America for 22 months(just a safety precaution I guess) I made it through security and to my gate. As soon as I got on my flight I went to sleep for the remainer 70 min flight to Chicago.
Sadly, I arrived in Chicago and no one was there to pick me up!!! How rude! Just playing, I didn't tell anyone when exactly I was coming home because I wanted to surprise my mom. So I grabbed my bags and headed for the train. Ahhhh, the CTA. You never quite feel like you're back in Chicago until you get on the dingy CTA train with disgruntled riders. I get off at what I believe to be the right stop and wait for a bus. Unfortunately, that bus would not take me where I needed to go so I had to get off that bus. But I really didn't know where I needed to go. So, thanks to Peace Corps and their small travel allowance(a whole $32) I was able to catch a cab home. I showed up and surprised my mom! Yay! It was successful.

My first thoughts upon entering Chicago were 1. There's a lot of cars. 2. Where are the goats? 3. What type of pizza should I indulge in? 4. Welcome home Me!

Summer is my favorite season and seeing as it was winter in Malawi I believe coming home in late June was a good idea. I haven't done a good job adjusting to weather under 75 degrees, so coming home during winter may have been a huge problem for me.

Readjustment...
Readjusting to American culture has had its ups and downs. Some days are better than others, some days are more overwhelming than others. My plan was to give myself two weeks to bum around before doing anything related to any type of work. Oh, how quickly that changed. Seeing as I had to move to DC, I really couldn't invest 2 of the 4 weeks I had to lay around being a bum. I had a total of 2 days, and I guess that will have to be good enough for now. It was nice to see my friends and family in person. To see how much my nieces have grown and to see how the city I grew up in has changed. Its interesting, as large as Chicago is I felt like I have outgrown it. I don't know if its because I've been gone so long or if my new global perspective is larger than a city one, all I know is that Chicago will always have a spot in my heart but its not where I need or suppose to be at this point in time. And on a side note, what the hell is up with all these folks shooting eachother there? Damn...get it together. Anyway, I think the most overwhelming thing is personal time and reconnecting with people. I have spent the past two years for the most part living in my own little bubble. I mean from 6pm-6am it was all personal time. At first it was hard to have so much me time but then I realized that I do enjoy being with myself from time to time. Coming back and living with my mom was difficult just because I'm not use to sharing my space with anyone. I'm not use to having someone around a majority of the time. Sometimes I just need to be in my own mind and i'm starting to see that its quite difficult doing that here without neglecting folks. Reconnecting has been interesting. For the most part I have been able to pick up with my friends where we left off, but its hard to not want to talk about Malawi all the time(I'm sure y'all are bored by now) and its even harder to understand some of the problems that seem pretty trivial to me after my experience. I'm not going to go too much into my perspective on immigration, financial crisis, people or the government, just know my thoughts around these topics have been shifted due to my experience in Malawi and for me to hear some of the things going on here after some of the things I saw there, makes it hard for me to relate.
Not a day goes by that something doesn't remind me of Malawi. I miss it dearly and some days I wonder if I made the right decision by coming home early. I know I would have to come home at some point but...life in Malawi was just easier and I miss that. I miss my community, my house, my friends, the lake, the goats, all the adventures on the minibus or other public transport, hitching(yes, I hitchhiked and there have been several moments while waiting for a bus here that I've been tempted to stick my hand out and try it here...except folks are crazy!) , I miss the friendliness of people, the Peace Corps staff, the nsima, the children, my girls, I miss everything...

Making moves...
I landed in DC on Friday August 6th. It was hot, it was weird being on an airplane again. After a 24 hour flight from Malawi to Chicago, I wasn't really looking forward to being on a plane again. But you have to do what you have to do, I guess. I spent my first nights hanging out with friends, including D'Lynn, a volunteer and friend who served with me in Malawi. It was nice being around someone who could relate to what I am going through. I've been making my way around the city and getting adjusted. I'm getting use to the metro and how the city is split up in quadrants. I'm getting use to the fact that you have to pay 5 cents for a bag in stores(I know...i'm still tripping but I guess its all a part of being green. It does remind me of Malawi though..) People here are friendlier than folks in Chicago, there's a lot to keep me busy. Its compact but not too compact where folks are on top of eachother. Its diverse and I love meeting people from all over the world. Besides galavanting around the city, i've been trying to find work. I have my breath held for one position. AGE(Advancing Girls Education) in Africa a non-profit organization that focuses on girls education in Malawi is looking for an executive director. If you know me, then you know this is right up my alley and my dream job. I'm a bit worried that they're concerned with how the position will interfere with my graduate studies, but i'm going part-time and when I have something to get done and i'm passionate about it i'll get it done. I've been thinking about what I could do for this organization to bring it to the next level, If I could get paid for my thoughts then I would be making bank right about now. I'm excited to be in the running for this position just because I want it soo much.If for some reason I don't get the position, well, i'll have a heart attack..naw, just kidding. If I don't get it, I know this wasn't the right time in my life for this position, but will give me something to strive for since I have more of an idea of what is expected for this type of position. Either way i'm going to keep hope alive, but it keep it moving too. I've applied to all types of jobs even for an organic gelato shop, so i'm hoping something comes through soon seeing as my funds are disappearing.

Ok. I believe this is enough for now, feel free to post questions or comments
!