I've never been the queen of technology. I can use a computer for more than internet and email and have been my own help department on computer issues for years. Not cutting edge but I get by.
But telephone and tablet technology passed me by over the past two years. I've been working on catching up. I know now that an Android was not a character in Star Wars. I'm up on the basics but the application still sometimes fails me.
Like today, for example. I talked to a young (high school age) woman who responded to my add on freecycle.org to give away all the packing boxes I used. As I started to give her directions to my house , she asked me to just give her my address and she could use the GPS on her phone. Duh. The duh was implied on her part.
How things have changed. I don't know any of my best friends' phone numbers because I just depend on my phone. Basic math is a challenge because I've used a calculator for years. As bad as I am, I had to laugh when I was at dinner a few years ago with some very smart friends who whipped out their phones to calculate a 20% tip on a $100 meal.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
BFF
"You're wearing palagi clothes!" Those were the first words my BFF from Group 83 in Samoa said to me. I had the same reaction to her palagi attire. But since we were at Disney World, pulatasis and lavalavas just didn't seem appropriate.
We met when we were assigned to be roommates our first night at staging in L.A. We remained roommates for our first three weeks in Samoa. Although I'm about 40 years older, we bonded.
It was wonderful to see "Sesa" again while she was here with her younger brother to visit Orlando's theme parks. It was also great to spend time with her brother, who she loves dearly and talked about constantly while we were in Samoa. I felt as if I knew him before we actually met.
We talked a bit about transitioning back to the U.S. We both agreed that because there are so many options and so much "stuff" to choose from, decision making is hard. We also commented on how food seems so filling. We agreed that it isn't just the volume (because Samoans can pile on the food) but the fact that there's more "food" in the food - more ingredients.
In Samoa, you just have taro. Or bananas. Or chicken. While we were having this discussion I was eating a sandwich that involved turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce all on freshly baked bread. That's a lot of goodness packed into the kind of artisanal bread that I never saw in Samoa.
I brought up the fact the people seem to be either texting, facebooking or talking on the phone constantly - and frequently doing it to people who are sitting in the same room. Sesa'd had the same experience when at dinner with a few friends she realized two of them. who were sitting across the table to each other, were texting ... each other.
We agreed that we both miss Samoa. As we strolled through the crowded shops and sidewalks of Downtown Disney, I just kept thinking about how my Samoan kids would respond at Disney. And how much I could have used all the games and activities while I was teaching.
It was hard to hug goodbye but I know it was just "See you soon." not "Goodbye."
We met when we were assigned to be roommates our first night at staging in L.A. We remained roommates for our first three weeks in Samoa. Although I'm about 40 years older, we bonded.
It was wonderful to see "Sesa" again while she was here with her younger brother to visit Orlando's theme parks. It was also great to spend time with her brother, who she loves dearly and talked about constantly while we were in Samoa. I felt as if I knew him before we actually met.
We talked a bit about transitioning back to the U.S. We both agreed that because there are so many options and so much "stuff" to choose from, decision making is hard. We also commented on how food seems so filling. We agreed that it isn't just the volume (because Samoans can pile on the food) but the fact that there's more "food" in the food - more ingredients.
In Samoa, you just have taro. Or bananas. Or chicken. While we were having this discussion I was eating a sandwich that involved turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce all on freshly baked bread. That's a lot of goodness packed into the kind of artisanal bread that I never saw in Samoa.
I brought up the fact the people seem to be either texting, facebooking or talking on the phone constantly - and frequently doing it to people who are sitting in the same room. Sesa'd had the same experience when at dinner with a few friends she realized two of them. who were sitting across the table to each other, were texting ... each other.
We agreed that we both miss Samoa. As we strolled through the crowded shops and sidewalks of Downtown Disney, I just kept thinking about how my Samoan kids would respond at Disney. And how much I could have used all the games and activities while I was teaching.
It was hard to hug goodbye but I know it was just "See you soon." not "Goodbye."
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Grilling
I've lost my grill skills! I was a grill master before I left for Samoa. Not for crowds or for contests, but I grilled for myself almost every night and could put out an amazing chicken or pork or beef or fish grilled dish.
I bought a new grill this week. Thanks to Home Depot for giving me a grill at twice the value I asked for because they didn't have the one I wanted in stock.
Last night, I grilled a pork chop. I brought it in and had to take it back out. Too rare. What?
Tonight, I'm grilling a boneless chicken thigh. I'm struggling to figure out the timing with the timing of the side dishes (ranch style beans, salad and baked onion).
Part of it is the new grill, which is the fanciest I've ever owned. Part is due to the lack of grilling for the last couple of years.
One thing I learned in New Zealand is that grilling is not just for dinner. In Tokeroa I learned that you can grill bacon just as easily as steak.
My timing may be a bit rusty but I expect to be back to maven level soon.
I bought a new grill this week. Thanks to Home Depot for giving me a grill at twice the value I asked for because they didn't have the one I wanted in stock.
Last night, I grilled a pork chop. I brought it in and had to take it back out. Too rare. What?
Tonight, I'm grilling a boneless chicken thigh. I'm struggling to figure out the timing with the timing of the side dishes (ranch style beans, salad and baked onion).
Part of it is the new grill, which is the fanciest I've ever owned. Part is due to the lack of grilling for the last couple of years.
One thing I learned in New Zealand is that grilling is not just for dinner. In Tokeroa I learned that you can grill bacon just as easily as steak.
My timing may be a bit rusty but I expect to be back to maven level soon.
Too Busy to Blog!
Excuses, excuses. I know. But really, there's a lot more going on here than when I was living in the village in Samoa.
First, Christmas. I flew to Boston to spend Christmas with friends who have been like family for years. It was a perfect combination of togetherness and parties and downtime. I did my friend a "favor" by baking a cake for Christmas dinner dessert. She is a master baker but had to work Christmas Eve so I volunteered. Yup, throw me into the briar patch, Br're Fox! Make me spend a relaxed day doing something I love.
I had her kitchen to myself as I baked. I made a chocolate fudge layer cake with butter cream frosting and a chocolate ganache glaze. Just part of the reason I've gained ten pounds since coming home.
We had just enough snow on Christmas to make it festive without making driving a problem. It was really wonderful to spend time with old friends. I especially enjoyed the "kids" who grew up so much while I was gone. The last time I saw two of them, they were freshmen in high school. Now they're seniors and we were discussing university plans.
And the babies? Grown up little girls now who were funny and friendly and a pleasure to be with.
Back home I prepared to move back into my own home. Moving day was officially New Year's Eve. Between then and now I've been unpacking and getting settled. Thankfully, friends have been helping enormously.
It's great to be home and in some ways feels as if I never left. But then a second later I'll realize something that is so different from Samoa. I love sleeping in my own bed. I LOVE the luxury of my over-sized shower that comes with lots of hot water. Washing clothes is a treat. Preparing meals in a fully equipped kitchen is fabulous.
That doesn't mean I don't miss Samoa, though. My home in Faga doesn't compare to the luxury I have in Florida. But it was my home. On Christmas, I thought about the church service I was missing. I constantly think about the kids. I miss their smiles, laughter and hugs.
My friends will be getting ready for the new school year soon. I wish I was there. But I want to be here. Brings to mind that saying about having your cake and eating it, too.
First, Christmas. I flew to Boston to spend Christmas with friends who have been like family for years. It was a perfect combination of togetherness and parties and downtime. I did my friend a "favor" by baking a cake for Christmas dinner dessert. She is a master baker but had to work Christmas Eve so I volunteered. Yup, throw me into the briar patch, Br're Fox! Make me spend a relaxed day doing something I love.
I had her kitchen to myself as I baked. I made a chocolate fudge layer cake with butter cream frosting and a chocolate ganache glaze. Just part of the reason I've gained ten pounds since coming home.
We had just enough snow on Christmas to make it festive without making driving a problem. It was really wonderful to spend time with old friends. I especially enjoyed the "kids" who grew up so much while I was gone. The last time I saw two of them, they were freshmen in high school. Now they're seniors and we were discussing university plans.
And the babies? Grown up little girls now who were funny and friendly and a pleasure to be with.
Back home I prepared to move back into my own home. Moving day was officially New Year's Eve. Between then and now I've been unpacking and getting settled. Thankfully, friends have been helping enormously.
It's great to be home and in some ways feels as if I never left. But then a second later I'll realize something that is so different from Samoa. I love sleeping in my own bed. I LOVE the luxury of my over-sized shower that comes with lots of hot water. Washing clothes is a treat. Preparing meals in a fully equipped kitchen is fabulous.
That doesn't mean I don't miss Samoa, though. My home in Faga doesn't compare to the luxury I have in Florida. But it was my home. On Christmas, I thought about the church service I was missing. I constantly think about the kids. I miss their smiles, laughter and hugs.
My friends will be getting ready for the new school year soon. I wish I was there. But I want to be here. Brings to mind that saying about having your cake and eating it, too.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Brenda Ellrodt
I had a great holiday in Boston. I'll fill you in on that later. Sadly, when I logged in to the internet tonight, I found out that my friend and accountant of 19 years had passed away.
She was only 54 and we'd planned to get together for Mexican food next week. A reminder to not put off what we want to do.
Brenda had kicked cancer's butt before and come back to work long hours and continue to love and spoil her family. She was a smart, funny, caring woman.
I met her through my brother in 1994. I hope they're reconnecting now, in a way that we may not understand.
To Brenda's family - she talked about you often and so loved you. I can only imagine how you'll miss her humor, caring and presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
She was only 54 and we'd planned to get together for Mexican food next week. A reminder to not put off what we want to do.
Brenda had kicked cancer's butt before and come back to work long hours and continue to love and spoil her family. She was a smart, funny, caring woman.
I met her through my brother in 1994. I hope they're reconnecting now, in a way that we may not understand.
To Brenda's family - she talked about you often and so loved you. I can only imagine how you'll miss her humor, caring and presence. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Shoes
I was just sitting on this very comfortable couch, watching Top Chef Seattle, relaxing and feeling very blessed. My mind wandered to the packing I need to do tomorrow in preparation for heading to Boston for Christmas.
Suddenly, I sat up straight and had a "holy crap!" moment when I realized that I probably needed to wear something other than sandals when I headed northeast.
The last time my little piggies were totally enclosed was February, 2010. I'm not looking forward to having to wear something that covers them.
As I've described before, I have foot issues. My index toes cross over my toe "thumbs". It's a combination of bunions and hammer toes, caused by years of wearing very high heels and genetics. They don't hurt and kids find them very entertaining. Doctors have recommended that I leave them alone, since the surgery to repair them is both painful and can have complications.
When I wear sandals, my feet are no problem. But regular shoes are a pain in the ...feet. I have to wear what I call toe condoms (rubber covers) over my index toes to cushion them from rubbing against shoes.
I bought new shoes when I got home, knowing this was coming. But I haven't worn them because I didn't have to. It's been about 80 degrees and beautiful since I got home and sandals have been perfect. Now, I'll have to wear "real" shoes. Crap.
Wish me luck.
Monday, December 17, 2012
People I Miss
Photos of a few of the people I miss in Savai'i....
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| The teachers, my boss (the handsome guy in the middle) and Avaoia, my principal's boss in the yellow puletasi. |
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| My best friend Meripa and her youngest daughter, Lofi. Lofi and I were pals. She spent much of the day following me from class to class. |
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| There was a lot of groping going on here. I was the gropee. |
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| Pila, the cutie from next door, holding my boy Julius. |
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