Monday
Now that school is over and the bazar is over I don't have to worry about anything other than getting ready to go on my trip home. So today I decided that I was going to lay in bed and relax. I did enjoy painting everyday and going to work but I just needed a mental break.
Interesting fact/ observation about Grenada Christmas music.
As I was ridding the bus trying to understand the lyrics of the songs I discovered that most of the songs are about the types of food that they eat and brining run to and from different peoples houses. Its interesting to me that some people take Christmas as an opportunity to go to different peoples houses and enjoy everyone. Compared to me who likes to spend all of my time with my close family. I hope that I can be their in Grenada to see what its like during Christmas and the New Year.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
population and religion in Grenada
Population Facts
105,483 Hundred thousand people Grenada
4,788 St. Geoges, Granada
143.5 Million United States
524,295 Tucson, Arizona
Religion in Grenada
| Religion | Percentage [citation needed] |
|---|---|
| Roman Catholic | 53 |
| Anglican | 14 |
| Other Protestant | 33 |
| Rastafari / Spiritist | 1.3 |
| Hindu | 0.7 |
| Muslim | 0.3 |
| Buddhist | 0.2 |
| Baha'i | 0.2 |
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenada
Monday, December 23, 2013
Day # 320 Its here Bazar
Sunday
Bazar Day
This morning was crazy I had everything packed and ready to go but I was trying to make sure that everything was actually where I put it. I was planing on being on top where I was going to be picked up at 7 but I ended up getting some extra time so that was nice. When my ride came I piled in the car and we headed to the True Blue (Doggy Dock) Resort. When I got there I unloaded my stuff and I was so exited that under the roof so when it rained I didn't have to worry about it ad I got so lucky that I got a booth right next to White Canes booth, I work with them so that was nice I got to talk to them when it go slow. Are both was right next to the bar so people allays walked by. I sold enough bottles to make back what I booked the table for and cover supplies and have a bit extra, I think I did good. I got a lot of ideas and suggestions from people who walked by. It was a long day but it was fun, I was way ready for bed when it was over it was a relief to not have to go home and paint.
Photo coming soon
Bazar Day
This morning was crazy I had everything packed and ready to go but I was trying to make sure that everything was actually where I put it. I was planing on being on top where I was going to be picked up at 7 but I ended up getting some extra time so that was nice. When my ride came I piled in the car and we headed to the True Blue (Doggy Dock) Resort. When I got there I unloaded my stuff and I was so exited that under the roof so when it rained I didn't have to worry about it ad I got so lucky that I got a booth right next to White Canes booth, I work with them so that was nice I got to talk to them when it go slow. Are both was right next to the bar so people allays walked by. I sold enough bottles to make back what I booked the table for and cover supplies and have a bit extra, I think I did good. I got a lot of ideas and suggestions from people who walked by. It was a long day but it was fun, I was way ready for bed when it was over it was a relief to not have to go home and paint.
Photo coming soon
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Day # 319 Prepiration
Saturday
Today I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I was painting Grenada on a lot of the bottles, spray painting them wit the clear coat, adding my name, packing what I need for tomorrow, finishing bottles and trying to do it all in one day. Well I did it so I am happy about that. everything was wrapped packed and ready for in the morning. I was off to bed by 10 I was happy with that. I felt accomplished and ready for the next day to start.
Today I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I was painting Grenada on a lot of the bottles, spray painting them wit the clear coat, adding my name, packing what I need for tomorrow, finishing bottles and trying to do it all in one day. Well I did it so I am happy about that. everything was wrapped packed and ready for in the morning. I was off to bed by 10 I was happy with that. I felt accomplished and ready for the next day to start.
Day # 318 Order for 10
Friday
Friday is white cane, I was kind of disappointed that we could not paint but I was happy that white cane is getting so many orders for baskets. It was another day of observing. I also got a personal order for 10 bottles but I did not have the shape that she was looking for so I have to look for some before I can complete it. I was sad that I couldn't do that for her before christmas. I did however get Brigit's order of four peace corps bottles done so that was exiting, she came by and collected them. The clock is counting down until the show. I decided to go out to Doggy Dock and get some dancing in to let a bt of stress out and clear my mind before I had to settle in a paint like crazy for Sunday. I danced had a good night and then went home nice and early to get a good nights rest.
Friday is white cane, I was kind of disappointed that we could not paint but I was happy that white cane is getting so many orders for baskets. It was another day of observing. I also got a personal order for 10 bottles but I did not have the shape that she was looking for so I have to look for some before I can complete it. I was sad that I couldn't do that for her before christmas. I did however get Brigit's order of four peace corps bottles done so that was exiting, she came by and collected them. The clock is counting down until the show. I decided to go out to Doggy Dock and get some dancing in to let a bt of stress out and clear my mind before I had to settle in a paint like crazy for Sunday. I danced had a good night and then went home nice and early to get a good nights rest.
DAY # 316-317 Paint Paint Paint Paint Paint
Wednesday
My school was not going to do anything, I had asked the teachers the day before in level 2. So decided to go into white can and spend the day their being productive. I don't like sitting around not doing anything. So I worked with tow of the boys cleaning up some started bottles. It was a long day but well worth it.
When I got home I painted some more bottles I was up until 12 organizing and making strings for my labels.
Thursday
It was an interesting day, when I woke up and checked my computer people where like if you need anything let me know, did you here about so and so? I found out that one of my best friends from high school was killed in a hit and run walking home. I didn't know how to feel. But i was upset. I spent that day thinking a lot and painting some of my sadness away. I had so much to do before the Bazaar and heading home for christmas. I had no open space to put extra stress. I had to keep going and i did get a lot done that day.
My school was not going to do anything, I had asked the teachers the day before in level 2. So decided to go into white can and spend the day their being productive. I don't like sitting around not doing anything. So I worked with tow of the boys cleaning up some started bottles. It was a long day but well worth it.
When I got home I painted some more bottles I was up until 12 organizing and making strings for my labels.
Thursday
It was an interesting day, when I woke up and checked my computer people where like if you need anything let me know, did you here about so and so? I found out that one of my best friends from high school was killed in a hit and run walking home. I didn't know how to feel. But i was upset. I spent that day thinking a lot and painting some of my sadness away. I had so much to do before the Bazaar and heading home for christmas. I had no open space to put extra stress. I had to keep going and i did get a lot done that day.
Day #315 Lets talk next semester
Tuesday
So I discovered from one of the teachers that some of the other teachers where upset because they felt like I was in charge of arts and crafts and I was not doing all of the activities that they want. One teacher said that she didn't like my class. So I decided to talk to the teachers and see what I could do to make next semester better. They told me that I need to work more on crafts that were holiday connected for example, V-day is coming, sports, and independence day. I was really sad that those 3 teachers at my school felt that way. I don't understand why communication is so hard at my school. I always ask them if they have something that they would like to do, and they never say anything so I plan something. I am so fed up with some of the people at my school, I also found out that most if not all of the people teachers and principle call me white woman and do not use my name. Their is 12 people at my school and I know all of their name so I was very hurt to be herring all of this. I work so hard to not pick a side on the divide between jr staff and senior staff, and please everyone. Me and one of the other volunteers where talking about how bad the treatment is for hard working volunteers like resells. We noticed that the teachers are lazy and when people who come n and ask the teachers to participate more they tend to run the other direction. Its been a very hard place for me to work. I also found out by a teacher that a long time ago a Peace Corps volunteer had a little black book that she wrote down her emotions in, mainly bad. This is one strategy that is tough for us to release inner feelings without confronting people if its negative. Any ways she forgot it and the teachers found it, didn't like hat it said burned it and never admitted that it had been found. That was 10 years ago and still to this day we have a stigma placed over are heads. I think my school needs some serious work with teachers and ethics about everything, not just people who come out of the goodness of their hearts. I am so thankful that I am not there every day of the week and that I have another outlet where I am loved and taken care of.
This is my place to let people know some of my hardships because nothing is perfect no matter if your on a beautiful island or not.
So I discovered from one of the teachers that some of the other teachers where upset because they felt like I was in charge of arts and crafts and I was not doing all of the activities that they want. One teacher said that she didn't like my class. So I decided to talk to the teachers and see what I could do to make next semester better. They told me that I need to work more on crafts that were holiday connected for example, V-day is coming, sports, and independence day. I was really sad that those 3 teachers at my school felt that way. I don't understand why communication is so hard at my school. I always ask them if they have something that they would like to do, and they never say anything so I plan something. I am so fed up with some of the people at my school, I also found out that most if not all of the people teachers and principle call me white woman and do not use my name. Their is 12 people at my school and I know all of their name so I was very hurt to be herring all of this. I work so hard to not pick a side on the divide between jr staff and senior staff, and please everyone. Me and one of the other volunteers where talking about how bad the treatment is for hard working volunteers like resells. We noticed that the teachers are lazy and when people who come n and ask the teachers to participate more they tend to run the other direction. Its been a very hard place for me to work. I also found out by a teacher that a long time ago a Peace Corps volunteer had a little black book that she wrote down her emotions in, mainly bad. This is one strategy that is tough for us to release inner feelings without confronting people if its negative. Any ways she forgot it and the teachers found it, didn't like hat it said burned it and never admitted that it had been found. That was 10 years ago and still to this day we have a stigma placed over are heads. I think my school needs some serious work with teachers and ethics about everything, not just people who come out of the goodness of their hearts. I am so thankful that I am not there every day of the week and that I have another outlet where I am loved and taken care of.
This is my place to let people know some of my hardships because nothing is perfect no matter if your on a beautiful island or not.
Day # 314 Level two testing take two
Monday
I decided that I was going to help out with testing at St. Davids RC today but I ended up being late and missing most of the testing but that was ok because it was less kids than last time so we ended early. I was so exited I got to go home and nap for a little bit, I did not to a hole lot that day other than paint I have about 28 bottles done, I feel really good about that but I am pushing myself more to get as manny as I can done. The more I get done the more variety I have for people to chooses from. Its been nice though now that I have an assembly line going.
I decided that I was going to help out with testing at St. Davids RC today but I ended up being late and missing most of the testing but that was ok because it was less kids than last time so we ended early. I was so exited I got to go home and nap for a little bit, I did not to a hole lot that day other than paint I have about 28 bottles done, I feel really good about that but I am pushing myself more to get as manny as I can done. The more I get done the more variety I have for people to chooses from. Its been nice though now that I have an assembly line going.
Day # 313 Lunch on the beach with the girls
Saturday
I got to sleep in and then I got ready for girls day on the beach with my friends family. It was nice we went to the local drug store and got some snacks and then picked up bbq on the way into the beach. We all sat and talked for a long time. I found out that his sister is having a baby that is exiting so hopefully I will get to go to a wedding and be around for when another baby is born. Its nice to relax with the girls. It rained a little bit but we were shaded by a tree and it cleared up fast so we got to get in a water after lunch and cool off. I ran into Tom and Bridget two other Peace Corps volunteers and we got to talk for a bit as well. It was back to painting bottles after the beach lots to get done.
I got to sleep in and then I got ready for girls day on the beach with my friends family. It was nice we went to the local drug store and got some snacks and then picked up bbq on the way into the beach. We all sat and talked for a long time. I found out that his sister is having a baby that is exiting so hopefully I will get to go to a wedding and be around for when another baby is born. Its nice to relax with the girls. It rained a little bit but we were shaded by a tree and it cleared up fast so we got to get in a water after lunch and cool off. I ran into Tom and Bridget two other Peace Corps volunteers and we got to talk for a bit as well. It was back to painting bottles after the beach lots to get done.
Day # 312 Photograph exhibit at the museum
Friday
Fun day at work we painted some bottles at White can and touched up some some old ones. Its exiting to see the progress that they have made over time, and determination to keep going that the have established. We spent all day doing that.
When I got home I got ready to go to the museum for open mike night, Max's family came to town and he was going to play some songs on the guitar for them. It was grate he played five songs and I got to meet his family. They also had a photography exhibit going on, I knew the artist and that was fun. He uses film and overlaps it to make your eyes see tricks as you look at them. He does some interesting stuff. It was kind of refreshing to be in a museum, I don't think any of my family would thought I would be saying that.
From their I went to Doggy Dock to dance and relax, and after that I went to the Spice Basket it had been a while since I had been so I thought I would go but it turned out to be a slow and boring night I wish I had gone home and slept. But its ok I had fun.
Fun day at work we painted some bottles at White can and touched up some some old ones. Its exiting to see the progress that they have made over time, and determination to keep going that the have established. We spent all day doing that.
When I got home I got ready to go to the museum for open mike night, Max's family came to town and he was going to play some songs on the guitar for them. It was grate he played five songs and I got to meet his family. They also had a photography exhibit going on, I knew the artist and that was fun. He uses film and overlaps it to make your eyes see tricks as you look at them. He does some interesting stuff. It was kind of refreshing to be in a museum, I don't think any of my family would thought I would be saying that.
From their I went to Doggy Dock to dance and relax, and after that I went to the Spice Basket it had been a while since I had been so I thought I would go but it turned out to be a slow and boring night I wish I had gone home and slept. But its ok I had fun.
Day # 311 Not as planed, but FUN
Thursday
Todays lesson did not go as planed but it was a learning experience for me. I was working with about 30kids for the day in one class grade 6, 7, and 8. I had planed on making the handprint santa cards but the kids got a little bi crazy and didn't follow the instructions so it turned into handprint cards and face painting. I however did not start the face painting another teacher did. I thought it was funny but I was worried about their cloths and the principle. As you can see their close got messy. They had a grate time.
Day #310 Business cards
Wednesday
As school is winding down less and less is happening, I asked the teacher last week if she wanted me to do something with the kids and she said something small so I just picked coloring wish lists. The kids enjoyed it but it was so fast. Its ok that they did it fast level two is crazy and they have a very low attention span. After that class I went into town and gathered some last minuet things for the bazaar on Sunday. It took me a long time because I had to go to two different places before I found the place that made business cards. From their I had to go to White Cane but to my surprise they where not going to be doing any painting because they had so many basket orders. I was interesting to watch one of the men who is completely blind make a basket. When I got home it was straight to painting. I was up late painting.
As school is winding down less and less is happening, I asked the teacher last week if she wanted me to do something with the kids and she said something small so I just picked coloring wish lists. The kids enjoyed it but it was so fast. Its ok that they did it fast level two is crazy and they have a very low attention span. After that class I went into town and gathered some last minuet things for the bazaar on Sunday. It took me a long time because I had to go to two different places before I found the place that made business cards. From their I had to go to White Cane but to my surprise they where not going to be doing any painting because they had so many basket orders. I was interesting to watch one of the men who is completely blind make a basket. When I got home it was straight to painting. I was up late painting.
Day # 309 Second grade assessments South St. Georges School
Tuesday
Today I got up and went to South Saint Georges, thats in Springs. Its funny how many times you will pass something and not know what it is. I must have passed thats school 100 times not knowing what grade it was. Any ways to met to of the other Peace Corps volunteers their. One who started the special education desk in Grenada and he is the one who is heading this testing of all second grade students in Grenada. He put in a huge amount of time putting together an assessment, he had never written one before,and training local teachers and Peace Corps how to give the test. We tested reading, math, and writing. It was interesting watching the kids take the test, some could not stay focused others where way advanced. I didn't give any assessments I kept the kids under control and then for the individual reading tests I went and got the kids. It was a long day and by the end I was so tiered because we had done like 60 kids and then we had to grade them.
Today I got up and went to South Saint Georges, thats in Springs. Its funny how many times you will pass something and not know what it is. I must have passed thats school 100 times not knowing what grade it was. Any ways to met to of the other Peace Corps volunteers their. One who started the special education desk in Grenada and he is the one who is heading this testing of all second grade students in Grenada. He put in a huge amount of time putting together an assessment, he had never written one before,and training local teachers and Peace Corps how to give the test. We tested reading, math, and writing. It was interesting watching the kids take the test, some could not stay focused others where way advanced. I didn't give any assessments I kept the kids under control and then for the individual reading tests I went and got the kids. It was a long day and by the end I was so tiered because we had done like 60 kids and then we had to grade them.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Grenada Christmas
Christmas is here again and for the first timers to a Caribbean Christmas, let us talk about what to expect, FOOD / FUN and FESTIVITIES.
FOOD
Sorrel is made from the flower of the sorrel plant. However, it may be spiked with white rum and is generally very sweet. Ask about the rum or if it is very sweet - it's ok (would not be considered impolite). Usually red in color.
Ginger beer is made from the ginger root. It could be made 'strong' – i.e.: with a strong ginger taste - so try a little first to be sure that you like!
Punch-a-creme is an alcoholic drink (a bit like eggnog but usually with lots of rum) – be fore-warned.
Black Cake - cake made with candied or mixed fruits (raisins, currents, prunes, dates, citrus peel, etc.) left to soak in sherry (wine) for an extended period of time (days, weeks, months), browning to make it black, and nuts (optional).
Ham - Ham is to Caribbean Christmas as Turkey is to American Thanksgiving!
FUN and FESTIVITIES
Ginger beer is made from the ginger root. It could be made 'strong' – i.e.: with a strong ginger taste - so try a little first to be sure that you like!
Punch-a-creme is an alcoholic drink (a bit like eggnog but usually with lots of rum) – be fore-warned.
Black Cake - cake made with candied or mixed fruits (raisins, currents, prunes, dates, citrus peel, etc.) left to soak in sherry (wine) for an extended period of time (days, weeks, months), browning to make it black, and nuts (optional).
Ham - Ham is to Caribbean Christmas as Turkey is to American Thanksgiving!
FUN and FESTIVITIES
Mid-Night Mass – We may not go to church all year round, but mostly everyone will go to church over Christmas, either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Many of whom will go to Mid-Night Mass on Christmas Eve. Normally starts at around 11p.m. with about an hour of carol singing by the Choir and Christmas skits and performances, usually by the church's youth group. If a community member or neighbor invites you to attend, it's a great way to experience the Christian side of our culture!
Caroling - Sometimes choirs may perform for the public, at schools, at homes or at special events
Serenading - a dying tradition. Still practiced in some of the more rural communities. Serenaders (singers and musicians with guitars, cuatros and percussion instruments) go around the community singing traditional Christmas songs and bringing Christmas cheer to everyone. Sometimes the steel band in the community may do this today!
Local Christmas music -Check out the local Christmas and parang music on the radio stations
Caroling - Sometimes choirs may perform for the public, at schools, at homes or at special events
Serenading - a dying tradition. Still practiced in some of the more rural communities. Serenaders (singers and musicians with guitars, cuatros and percussion instruments) go around the community singing traditional Christmas songs and bringing Christmas cheer to everyone. Sometimes the steel band in the community may do this today!
Local Christmas music -Check out the local Christmas and parang music on the radio stations
Grenada Highlight of the month ME!!!!!!
Grenada VAC Newsletter
A. VAC Spotlight
This month Grenada PCVs recognize Allie Armstrong for her outstanding contribution in her secondary project with White Cane Industries. Located in the capital of Grenada, St. Georges, White Cane is supported by the Grenada National Council of the Disabled (GNCD) and manufactures arts and crafts produced by individuals with special needs. White Cane is known for its high quality cane baskets, and aims to provide individuals with disabilities and special needs with skills and vocational training that enables them to generate incomes. GNCD is a non-governmental, non-profit organization which coordinates development and advocacy activities benefiting thecitizens of Grenada with disabilities and special needs.
As Allie began her primary assignment with the Grenada School for Special Education located in the Limes, St. George's, she recognized an opportunity to support a school-wide art show that was already in the making. Allie came up with the idea of teaching her students to paint recycled glass rum and wine bottles to place on sale in support of the school. The bottles and their artists received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and sparked the interest of PCVL Stephanie Rouch and counterpart Hillary Gabriel, Coordinator of GNCD. During the summer academic holiday Allie began teaching painting and bottle art at White Cane.
Allie continued her collaboration with White Cane into the new school term and currently instructs five individuals(counterparts) with varying special needs and strengths. Bottles are collected from local restaurants and privatedonations. Allie has taught her counterparts the entire process of bottle art creation, from cleaning and priming the bottles, to painting a variety of designs and figures, and finally applying a brilliant clear coat and product tag whichleaves the bottles gleaming and ready for sale. Finished bottles are sold at White Cane headquarters and at a newly founded booth in the Esplanade Mall. Proceeds support individuals with special needs and disabilities in Grenada.
Allie’s success stems from her patience and phased instructional techniques. She started by teaching basic skills such as mixing colors and various brush strokes. As her counterparts improved over time, she has taught them to paint more exact symbols and images such as nutmegs, the sunset, and the outline of Grenada. She supplies each of her counterparts with one bottle a week which is completed in two days of work.
Allie has had enormous individual success with her counterparts since starting at White Cane. Rudy is 23 and lives with cerebral palsy, leaving him with the full use of only one hand. Prior to Allie’s arrival his main job was to sanddown components of cane baskets. Allie noticed that on certain days he had little to do, and asked him if he wouldlike to help create bottles. At first he was hesitant and uncertain of his ability to paint. However, Allie encouraged him to start by simply priming bottles, and as time when on he learned the entire process of bottle art production.Rudy is now completing his second bottle and professes his newfound love to paint. Allie has had similar success with Kimani, a 19 year old counterpart with Down syndrome, who was previously unaware of his abilities and now loves to paint nutmegs and jellyfish.
Allie hopes to continue her support of White Cane and looks forward to training a new set of young counterparts in bottle art creation throughout the remainder of her service. Allie’s artistic talent and innovation have created both an immediate and sustainable impact in Grenada. Please join the Grenada PCVs in congratulating Allie on her exemplary achievements!
B. Grenada Fun Facts
1.
It is estimated that Grenada was formed 2 million years ago by a submarine volcano.
2.
Grenada is the world’s second largest producer of nutmeg, accounting for nearly 20% of the global market share.
3.
Grenada is the only home to the Grenada Dove (Leptotila wellsi), the island-nation’s national bird. It is considered to be one of the most critically endangered doves in the world.
4.
The Rivers Rum Distillery, located in St. Patrick, has been in operation since 1785, and is the only distillery in the Western Hemisphere that is still powered by wooden waterwheel.
C. Holiday Tidings
As the Michealmas Term on the Grenada Academic Calendar comes to a close, school-based volunteers have a much needed respite from December 16th until January 3rd. In this period many volunteers have family visiting Grenada or will be returning home to celebrate the holidays. The Grenada PCVs wish all volunteers and staff members in the Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean a happy holidays. We look forward to a safe, joyful, productive, and successful 2014 in the EC.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Day # 308 Christmas tree cards
Monday
This morning when I got to level one I found a big leaf on the desk. The teacher wanted us to do big leaf impressions. It was fun to watch the kids use their fingers to pain the leafs and then flip them over and feel the ridges on the leaf. I think they had a good time.
Then I moved to level four and we worked on christmas tree cards. I cut out christmas trees out of green paper and then had them color pictures of ornaments to place on the tree. They turned out cute I did take some pictures of them I will come back on and add them this weekend hopefully.
Nothing ells to exiting that day.
This morning when I got to level one I found a big leaf on the desk. The teacher wanted us to do big leaf impressions. It was fun to watch the kids use their fingers to pain the leafs and then flip them over and feel the ridges on the leaf. I think they had a good time.
Then I moved to level four and we worked on christmas tree cards. I cut out christmas trees out of green paper and then had them color pictures of ornaments to place on the tree. They turned out cute I did take some pictures of them I will come back on and add them this weekend hopefully.
Day #307 Brunch fundraiser
Sunday
I had forgotten about this mornings fundraiser for Dorothy Hopkins but I am so glad that Steph reminded me. I got up and got ready and me and Steph walked down to the boat club. I was so exited to see all of the people their and the place was set up really nice. We volunteered, we passed out plates and seated guests. 300 people bought tickets to support the group home for people with disabilities. We got to enjoy lunch after we where done helping. It was a grate event I liked the auction at the end I was sad I did not know about it or I would have given one of my bottles. Next year I will. After tat I just went home and painted before bed.
I had forgotten about this mornings fundraiser for Dorothy Hopkins but I am so glad that Steph reminded me. I got up and got ready and me and Steph walked down to the boat club. I was so exited to see all of the people their and the place was set up really nice. We volunteered, we passed out plates and seated guests. 300 people bought tickets to support the group home for people with disabilities. We got to enjoy lunch after we where done helping. It was a grate event I liked the auction at the end I was sad I did not know about it or I would have given one of my bottles. Next year I will. After tat I just went home and painted before bed.
Day # 306 Peace Corps Thanksgiving Party
Saturday Thanksgiving
This morning I woke up and put my green been casserole in the oven, when it cam tout I tasted it and realized that I had missed a step in the preparation process. I forgot to cook the green beens before I put everything together, so I took out the green beens and boiled them for five more minutes and put everything back together, by then it was about time to go. Me, Max, Steph, Lyndon and Nan all piled in the little car and drove up to Croshue near Gren Vill. When we got their we finished help setting up before the others got their. We each had a name tag for are dish that we made we had all kinds of things, rosemary mashed potatoes, five layer salad, turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and then for sweets we had, pumpkin bread, penut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate covered pretzels and ice cream. We where well fed. We had about 25-30 people, local friends bosses, host families and the Chargé came as well. It was a good celebrations. I still missed my family back home.
After dinner I headed back to town to get ready for football (soccer), it is the finals. I was sad because when we got their I
had missed the girls match. I was surprised to here that SGU had a woman's teem. But any ways the mens football game went by so fast, that was nice because I could not see anything anyways it was so asked with people. Then after they had the concert. I think it was way better than the concert I went to last weekend. It was a long day but I had a grate time.
This morning I woke up and put my green been casserole in the oven, when it cam tout I tasted it and realized that I had missed a step in the preparation process. I forgot to cook the green beens before I put everything together, so I took out the green beens and boiled them for five more minutes and put everything back together, by then it was about time to go. Me, Max, Steph, Lyndon and Nan all piled in the little car and drove up to Croshue near Gren Vill. When we got their we finished help setting up before the others got their. We each had a name tag for are dish that we made we had all kinds of things, rosemary mashed potatoes, five layer salad, turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, stuffing and then for sweets we had, pumpkin bread, penut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate covered pretzels and ice cream. We where well fed. We had about 25-30 people, local friends bosses, host families and the Chargé came as well. It was a good celebrations. I still missed my family back home.
After dinner I headed back to town to get ready for football (soccer), it is the finals. I was sad because when we got their I
had missed the girls match. I was surprised to here that SGU had a woman's teem. But any ways the mens football game went by so fast, that was nice because I could not see anything anyways it was so asked with people. Then after they had the concert. I think it was way better than the concert I went to last weekend. It was a long day but I had a grate time.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Day # 305 Green been casserole
Friday
This afternoon I went into town and got my hair changed back to red. After that long time of sitting the a chair I finally got to go into town and go shopping I had to find a big tin pan to put the green been casserole in, then I had to go to the market so I could get a bunch of green beans (fresh). After the market I had to take a but to Gran Ance so I could get the cream of mushroom sup and the fried onions on top. More American things you have to go to the store closest to the University. So I got all of my stuff and then I went to Ricks Café and got a pizza. Every once in a while I like to spoil myself and friends with a good pizza. After that I went to Port Louie for happy hour with some of the other Peace Corps. We had a bunch of rum punches, that were grate sweet and had local juice in them. When I got home I made my green been casserole and then went to bed. It was a long day but I enjoyed it. Things seem to be getting more and more crazy as I get closer to Christmas and the end of school party's, fundraisers and such.
This afternoon I went into town and got my hair changed back to red. After that long time of sitting the a chair I finally got to go into town and go shopping I had to find a big tin pan to put the green been casserole in, then I had to go to the market so I could get a bunch of green beans (fresh). After the market I had to take a but to Gran Ance so I could get the cream of mushroom sup and the fried onions on top. More American things you have to go to the store closest to the University. So I got all of my stuff and then I went to Ricks Café and got a pizza. Every once in a while I like to spoil myself and friends with a good pizza. After that I went to Port Louie for happy hour with some of the other Peace Corps. We had a bunch of rum punches, that were grate sweet and had local juice in them. When I got home I made my green been casserole and then went to bed. It was a long day but I enjoyed it. Things seem to be getting more and more crazy as I get closer to Christmas and the end of school party's, fundraisers and such.
Day # 304 IST2 Day #3
Thursday
Its Thanksgiving. so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home in the U.S. This is the first one that I have missed but I now have a Peace Corps family up here to step in a fill a space when needed. Today was the rap up are project planning and then we went over how to write a grant. I loved this exercise. When I get interested in something its amazing how much I like to do the harder stuff. It was so awesome going over what people look for I your grant, what you need and how it will turn out. We spent all day on that. It was nice though because we had some people bring in pumpkin cookies and Steph brought a home made pumpkin pie, so all of are counterparts got to try a slice of the U.S traditional sweets. They don't really make sweet pumpkin stuff so that was fun. I am happy to say that tanning is over but I hope the next one is just as good. Mid service is next in May I believe.
When I got home I took a brief nap and then went to dance class. The married couple in my group had their kids visiting one was a peace corps volunteer in Maracco so I took her and her mom dancing with me and they loved it. It was just open dance but I showed them the basics and the dance teacher danced with them. That was a good day.
Its Thanksgiving. so Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home in the U.S. This is the first one that I have missed but I now have a Peace Corps family up here to step in a fill a space when needed. Today was the rap up are project planning and then we went over how to write a grant. I loved this exercise. When I get interested in something its amazing how much I like to do the harder stuff. It was so awesome going over what people look for I your grant, what you need and how it will turn out. We spent all day on that. It was nice though because we had some people bring in pumpkin cookies and Steph brought a home made pumpkin pie, so all of are counterparts got to try a slice of the U.S traditional sweets. They don't really make sweet pumpkin stuff so that was fun. I am happy to say that tanning is over but I hope the next one is just as good. Mid service is next in May I believe.
When I got home I took a brief nap and then went to dance class. The married couple in my group had their kids visiting one was a peace corps volunteer in Maracco so I took her and her mom dancing with me and they loved it. It was just open dance but I showed them the basics and the dance teacher danced with them. That was a good day.
Day # 303 IST2 Day 2
Wednesday
I was so exited that I finally had a counterpart to come with me to a training session. My boss from White Cane who I love to death came! Todays session is all about what you need to start a project. I have been talking to Hillary for a while about starting a ceramics program for the people at White Cane and GNCD. We worked on that project all day, looked for ways to get funding, community involvement, problems we would come accost and what all we would need. It was a step by step proses that was instructed by two other peace corps volunteers. It was such an amazing tanning, so much fun and inspiring at the same time. I love when I get all exited about something and I can feel my hole mind and body getting into it. I loved today and I am exited about tomorrow.
I was so exited that I finally had a counterpart to come with me to a training session. My boss from White Cane who I love to death came! Todays session is all about what you need to start a project. I have been talking to Hillary for a while about starting a ceramics program for the people at White Cane and GNCD. We worked on that project all day, looked for ways to get funding, community involvement, problems we would come accost and what all we would need. It was a step by step proses that was instructed by two other peace corps volunteers. It was such an amazing tanning, so much fun and inspiring at the same time. I love when I get all exited about something and I can feel my hole mind and body getting into it. I loved today and I am exited about tomorrow.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Day # 303 In serves training #2 day 1
Tuesday
Day #1 or IST 2
Wow this year in Grenada has flown by for me!!! I think that I have grown as a person in several ways. I am more confident about myself, I am more assertive and feel like I have a better understanding of life itself. I feel amazing and I am so happy where I am today in my life and have made several new friends and I added two new families into my life St. Lucia host family and Grenada host family with friends.
Its that time agin where I have training, today we talked about all of the good and troubling things that are going on with are services, work sites and such. I only had positive things to say because now I am working at about three different sites the school, home for persons with disabilities and white Cane/GNCD. I feel like I am being used to my full potential and I am making a difference. Some of the other people are having trouble because either their site is not working with them or is not organized as a company, I think two people are going to be re assigned to new job sites. We also talked about the rest of are year and up coming year plan. Mine in details with high hopes to have completed my sea glass tree with handprints, added some stepping stones to the garden and many implement a dance after school program at my school. At White Cane and grenada national council of the disabled GNCD I am hoping to have a grant approved for are ceramics room complete with (clay, tools, kiln, foot wheel) also getting more bottles sold, and for the group home Dorothy Hopkins I am hoping to have a good set of projects lined up with them as I know I will.
After lunch witch was ordered in for us we had a session called unwanted attention that steph put together for the new trainees coming in to watch but she wanted to see what we thought at do a test run of her presentation training. Oh man it was grate funny but helpful. She showed a video clip from a comady show and it was exactly how the men are down here. Then we went over how to avoid those situations or ways to work with the. Advice if your going to be a peace corps volunteer, what is in your training session comes from past pvcs experiences and we do are best to make sure that you are prepared for what you are walking into. It might seem dramatic some times but we find as close of an example as we can. When we watched the video it was amazing how cheese it was but right on about what kinds of unwanted attention you WILL be receiving as a woman in the Caribbean. watch this :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTFZyl7hfBw
Anyways it was a grate day, this training is by far going the best so far.
Day #1 or IST 2
Wow this year in Grenada has flown by for me!!! I think that I have grown as a person in several ways. I am more confident about myself, I am more assertive and feel like I have a better understanding of life itself. I feel amazing and I am so happy where I am today in my life and have made several new friends and I added two new families into my life St. Lucia host family and Grenada host family with friends.
Its that time agin where I have training, today we talked about all of the good and troubling things that are going on with are services, work sites and such. I only had positive things to say because now I am working at about three different sites the school, home for persons with disabilities and white Cane/GNCD. I feel like I am being used to my full potential and I am making a difference. Some of the other people are having trouble because either their site is not working with them or is not organized as a company, I think two people are going to be re assigned to new job sites. We also talked about the rest of are year and up coming year plan. Mine in details with high hopes to have completed my sea glass tree with handprints, added some stepping stones to the garden and many implement a dance after school program at my school. At White Cane and grenada national council of the disabled GNCD I am hoping to have a grant approved for are ceramics room complete with (clay, tools, kiln, foot wheel) also getting more bottles sold, and for the group home Dorothy Hopkins I am hoping to have a good set of projects lined up with them as I know I will.
After lunch witch was ordered in for us we had a session called unwanted attention that steph put together for the new trainees coming in to watch but she wanted to see what we thought at do a test run of her presentation training. Oh man it was grate funny but helpful. She showed a video clip from a comady show and it was exactly how the men are down here. Then we went over how to avoid those situations or ways to work with the. Advice if your going to be a peace corps volunteer, what is in your training session comes from past pvcs experiences and we do are best to make sure that you are prepared for what you are walking into. It might seem dramatic some times but we find as close of an example as we can. When we watched the video it was amazing how cheese it was but right on about what kinds of unwanted attention you WILL be receiving as a woman in the Caribbean. watch this :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTFZyl7hfBw
Anyways it was a grate day, this training is by far going the best so far.
Day #302 Finishing up crafts
Monday
Today was a good day, I worked with the level one students with cutting craft clay. The teacher had planed something for them but didn't end up coming so e worked on that. When I got to level four we finished the paper pumpkins that we started last week, we added the green stem and vine. They planted pumpkins thats why they wanted to make them. Then we added a backing to the rain dear coloring sheets they did and cut them out so I could add a string so they became christmas ornaments. We also made hand print reefs. They liked that a lot. It was kind of a slow day but fun. After work I went home and painted some of my bottles and went to bed.
Today was a good day, I worked with the level one students with cutting craft clay. The teacher had planed something for them but didn't end up coming so e worked on that. When I got to level four we finished the paper pumpkins that we started last week, we added the green stem and vine. They planted pumpkins thats why they wanted to make them. Then we added a backing to the rain dear coloring sheets they did and cut them out so I could add a string so they became christmas ornaments. We also made hand print reefs. They liked that a lot. It was kind of a slow day but fun. After work I went home and painted some of my bottles and went to bed.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Day #301 Hog Island
Sunday
This will be the third island tour that I have been on, but this time we had a friend who has her own personal car so we could go wherever we wanted. So we started up at two of the forts. I like the forts I thin fort Matthew is my favorite because it has the cave bar and lots of underground tunnels that you can explore. When we where done we headed to Hog Island In order to get to hog island you have to drive don a bumpy dirt road and then, you have to walk across a bridge to get onto this small island that is still Grenada. When we got their I didn't see much on the island so I called some of the local Peace Corps girls and they said that you had to go on a small hike to get to nice beach, we decided not to do that and move on. We ended up going to Mt. Camel water fall. It was two waterfalls one really big one and then the other one that I had been to was lower down, but I had no idea that their was a big one up further so its a good thing we had a tour guide. After that we went to a small lake just looked at it, and then to Bathway beach for lunch. I had made pasta salad, tuna salad sandwiches, and had some small snack stuff as well. After we ate we went to Keribs Leap or Leapers Hill what ever you want to call it but during one of the wars between the Arowaks and the Karibs the Karibs had the choice to be shot or jump of a cliff and that was it. Its a historical place in Grenada. From their we went back down the west side of the island and watch the sun set as we drove down the cost. It was a grate day trip of things that I had and had not seen. I can't wait to do another one and see some more water falls and other things on the island!
This will be the third island tour that I have been on, but this time we had a friend who has her own personal car so we could go wherever we wanted. So we started up at two of the forts. I like the forts I thin fort Matthew is my favorite because it has the cave bar and lots of underground tunnels that you can explore. When we where done we headed to Hog Island In order to get to hog island you have to drive don a bumpy dirt road and then, you have to walk across a bridge to get onto this small island that is still Grenada. When we got their I didn't see much on the island so I called some of the local Peace Corps girls and they said that you had to go on a small hike to get to nice beach, we decided not to do that and move on. We ended up going to Mt. Camel water fall. It was two waterfalls one really big one and then the other one that I had been to was lower down, but I had no idea that their was a big one up further so its a good thing we had a tour guide. After that we went to a small lake just looked at it, and then to Bathway beach for lunch. I had made pasta salad, tuna salad sandwiches, and had some small snack stuff as well. After we ate we went to Keribs Leap or Leapers Hill what ever you want to call it but during one of the wars between the Arowaks and the Karibs the Karibs had the choice to be shot or jump of a cliff and that was it. Its a historical place in Grenada. From their we went back down the west side of the island and watch the sun set as we drove down the cost. It was a grate day trip of things that I had and had not seen. I can't wait to do another one and see some more water falls and other things on the island!
Day #300 Concert
Saturday
It was a long but good day, I started off the day by heading into the country for a nice lunch with my friends mom. She made split pee sup with corn meal dumplings, sweet potatoes, bananas and pig tail. Its been a pig tail kind of week I think for people. As I have stated before I don't care for pigs tail so I put them in my friends bowl when his mom was not looking along with the bananas and dumplings. I don't like corn mean either, I think its the texture. That was funny his bowl was so full. Anyways I got to talk to his brother on the phone who lives in Brooklyn NY, that was fun because he knew all about me from his sister sending pictures of us. It was a short visit because I had to go into town after and get some groceries for Sunday and get some rest.
When I got home I ate dinner and went straight to bed because we were going to a concert later that night but it did not start until about 12am. When they say a concert is on the 8th they really mean the 9th because it starts so late. They had a big soccer match or football as they call it here and then after an artist from Jamaica (Adonia) came to preform. We where their until 2am and then got a ride home. I had to get some rest because I had to be ready by 11 that morning.
It was a long but good day, I started off the day by heading into the country for a nice lunch with my friends mom. She made split pee sup with corn meal dumplings, sweet potatoes, bananas and pig tail. Its been a pig tail kind of week I think for people. As I have stated before I don't care for pigs tail so I put them in my friends bowl when his mom was not looking along with the bananas and dumplings. I don't like corn mean either, I think its the texture. That was funny his bowl was so full. Anyways I got to talk to his brother on the phone who lives in Brooklyn NY, that was fun because he knew all about me from his sister sending pictures of us. It was a short visit because I had to go into town after and get some groceries for Sunday and get some rest.
When I got home I ate dinner and went straight to bed because we were going to a concert later that night but it did not start until about 12am. When they say a concert is on the 8th they really mean the 9th because it starts so late. They had a big soccer match or football as they call it here and then after an artist from Jamaica (Adonia) came to preform. We where their until 2am and then got a ride home. I had to get some rest because I had to be ready by 11 that morning.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Day #299 Friends at Doggy Dock
Friday
White cane was very productive today, I had the hole bunch with me 5 in all. We are working hard for the bazar that is coming up. White Cane has a table as well as me. Its nice because they can help me understand hoe it works and keep me company. We completed a few bottles and started some new ones. When I got home I cooked some dinner and got ready to go dancing.
I met this woman at dance class who is a traveling lower. She lived in South Africa for 3 years and just works from home where ever she is. Any ways she wanted to see what its like at doggy so I envied her to come along. She has not been feeling good so when we got their it was just relaxing and we got dinner and watched the group dance. She called it a night when we were done dancing, but I decided to go out to the spice basket after and dance some more. They played good music so I got to dance a lot.
White cane was very productive today, I had the hole bunch with me 5 in all. We are working hard for the bazar that is coming up. White Cane has a table as well as me. Its nice because they can help me understand hoe it works and keep me company. We completed a few bottles and started some new ones. When I got home I cooked some dinner and got ready to go dancing.
I met this woman at dance class who is a traveling lower. She lived in South Africa for 3 years and just works from home where ever she is. Any ways she wanted to see what its like at doggy so I envied her to come along. She has not been feeling good so when we got their it was just relaxing and we got dinner and watched the group dance. She called it a night when we were done dancing, but I decided to go out to the spice basket after and dance some more. They played good music so I got to dance a lot.
Day # 298 Dorothy Hopkins
Thursday
The day has finally dome where I get to go to Dorothy Hopkins, its a group home for people with disabilities of all ages. I have to thank Steph agin for helping me get the opportunity to go. Anyways it is my firsts day so we introductions to the staff and the residents, I did not meet all of the residents there is about 40 of them. They come from when they are babies. Some some threw child protection and other are dropped off by family because the families can't take care of them. Then me and steph set up for art! I had 9 people that I was working with. The 2 older lades where awesome both in wheelchairs one with good function with the upper part of her body and the other with medium control. They had so much spunk I loved it. I had a few nonverbal, 1 deaf, and 2 awesome little girls that painted with their feet. It was the best feeling in the world to be working with them. It was relaxed and clam. I do however have some ideas of things to get when I am home to help a few of the people/residents out.
After art we cleaned up and headed up stairs for lunch it was pumpkin sup with dumplings and pig tail. I have decided that I do not care for pig tail its a bit fatty for my liking. It was grate for me and steph to sit and talk about ideas that we could do with the. I think I will be able to so some more things that people such as my grandma suggested because of the environment. I am so exited to go back and work there. I am hopping that I can start going once a month but I have to move slow with it because I just got my second assignment working with white cane approved last month. Step by step.
After lunch steph tough a workshop on assertiveness to the staff. It was so awesome she had videos and worksheets to get them involved, we had about 12 staff members. Their is another workshop next month.
After the workshop it was off to dance class, steph teaches it. We had 7 residents, both woman in wheelchairs, the young man who's deaf, and some others I don't know what they have. She played music and they followed her. They did ballet, folk, and some soca dancing. Then she has this board with 6 spots for velcro spaces, and little cards with different body parts hips, arms, legs, head and they pick 6 to create their own dance. So amazing to watch and help with the people. we walked home and talked about everything that we had done that day and what we could do next time. It was an amazing magical day because I am inspired and ready to go back. The staff asked me to come back and so did the residents. I even got invited to a fundraiser brunch.
So happy that I went.
The day has finally dome where I get to go to Dorothy Hopkins, its a group home for people with disabilities of all ages. I have to thank Steph agin for helping me get the opportunity to go. Anyways it is my firsts day so we introductions to the staff and the residents, I did not meet all of the residents there is about 40 of them. They come from when they are babies. Some some threw child protection and other are dropped off by family because the families can't take care of them. Then me and steph set up for art! I had 9 people that I was working with. The 2 older lades where awesome both in wheelchairs one with good function with the upper part of her body and the other with medium control. They had so much spunk I loved it. I had a few nonverbal, 1 deaf, and 2 awesome little girls that painted with their feet. It was the best feeling in the world to be working with them. It was relaxed and clam. I do however have some ideas of things to get when I am home to help a few of the people/residents out.
After art we cleaned up and headed up stairs for lunch it was pumpkin sup with dumplings and pig tail. I have decided that I do not care for pig tail its a bit fatty for my liking. It was grate for me and steph to sit and talk about ideas that we could do with the. I think I will be able to so some more things that people such as my grandma suggested because of the environment. I am so exited to go back and work there. I am hopping that I can start going once a month but I have to move slow with it because I just got my second assignment working with white cane approved last month. Step by step.
After lunch steph tough a workshop on assertiveness to the staff. It was so awesome she had videos and worksheets to get them involved, we had about 12 staff members. Their is another workshop next month.
After the workshop it was off to dance class, steph teaches it. We had 7 residents, both woman in wheelchairs, the young man who's deaf, and some others I don't know what they have. She played music and they followed her. They did ballet, folk, and some soca dancing. Then she has this board with 6 spots for velcro spaces, and little cards with different body parts hips, arms, legs, head and they pick 6 to create their own dance. So amazing to watch and help with the people. we walked home and talked about everything that we had done that day and what we could do next time. It was an amazing magical day because I am inspired and ready to go back. The staff asked me to come back and so did the residents. I even got invited to a fundraiser brunch.
So happy that I went.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Day # 297 Handprint Reefs
Wednesday
I simply don't understand being sick here one day I feel horrible and the next three days I feel grate and then another sick day. Today I felt better and I had water thank goodness so I got ready for work and headed to my level two students I had seventeen that day. oh man that class is crazy. We are still working on christmas stuff so I had the kids make handprint reefs to hang on the tree or door. So each child did six or more handprints in their own color. Then we cut them out and glued them in a circle. I attached a string to the tops and added their initials in glitter glue.
I think that i mentioned that I had joined a new dance group but decided not to take part in the dance performance for the Cuban wedding. After the wedding I decided to continue to take the class because I love to dance but some of the politics on a small island between one dance towards another is overwhelming and stupid. We have some well organized groups going strong and others that are just getting started and are spreading roomers. These are grown adults acting like high school children. I don't understand people some times. But any ways we will see how that goes.
from dance class we went to a new latin bar/ club place, its small but has AC, grate dance floors and good music. It was a lot of fun. I am exited that the latin community is branching out and creating new places for us to dance.
I simply don't understand being sick here one day I feel horrible and the next three days I feel grate and then another sick day. Today I felt better and I had water thank goodness so I got ready for work and headed to my level two students I had seventeen that day. oh man that class is crazy. We are still working on christmas stuff so I had the kids make handprint reefs to hang on the tree or door. So each child did six or more handprints in their own color. Then we cut them out and glued them in a circle. I attached a string to the tops and added their initials in glitter glue.
I think that i mentioned that I had joined a new dance group but decided not to take part in the dance performance for the Cuban wedding. After the wedding I decided to continue to take the class because I love to dance but some of the politics on a small island between one dance towards another is overwhelming and stupid. We have some well organized groups going strong and others that are just getting started and are spreading roomers. These are grown adults acting like high school children. I don't understand people some times. But any ways we will see how that goes.
from dance class we went to a new latin bar/ club place, its small but has AC, grate dance floors and good music. It was a lot of fun. I am exited that the latin community is branching out and creating new places for us to dance.
Day #296 Bottle Ready to rumble?????
Tuesday
This morning when I woke up I felt terrible, all stuffed up and drowsy. To top it off as I was going to tempt to get ready for work I noticed that the water was gone. Well I waited a few minutes and decided that I needed that shower to del better to go to school and that was not going to happen so I called in, but I was still productive with my bottles and thats for school supplies so I felt good about that. I need to start taking a daily vitamin to hopefully start preventing all of these colds from getting me. Some of it is that people here don't have any one to watch their kids with disabilities if they are at work and the child gets sick so I am surrounded by dozens of kids all day. If one gets sick let me tell you it spreads like wild fire threw the schools staff and students. One parent who works at the school brought her child who had a cold and ring worm at the same time. I felt bad but he wanted to do arts and crafts with me and I told him I did not have enough for him but really I didn't want him in my class around the kids or myself. The rest of the ay at home i just rested. Let me tell you when you don't feel good here and you have to be smooched between strangers on a bus, walk all over in the blazing sun and humidity and be around screaming kids you would understand why I called in.
This morning when I woke up I felt terrible, all stuffed up and drowsy. To top it off as I was going to tempt to get ready for work I noticed that the water was gone. Well I waited a few minutes and decided that I needed that shower to del better to go to school and that was not going to happen so I called in, but I was still productive with my bottles and thats for school supplies so I felt good about that. I need to start taking a daily vitamin to hopefully start preventing all of these colds from getting me. Some of it is that people here don't have any one to watch their kids with disabilities if they are at work and the child gets sick so I am surrounded by dozens of kids all day. If one gets sick let me tell you it spreads like wild fire threw the schools staff and students. One parent who works at the school brought her child who had a cold and ring worm at the same time. I felt bad but he wanted to do arts and crafts with me and I told him I did not have enough for him but really I didn't want him in my class around the kids or myself. The rest of the ay at home i just rested. Let me tell you when you don't feel good here and you have to be smooched between strangers on a bus, walk all over in the blazing sun and humidity and be around screaming kids you would understand why I called in.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Day # 295 Pumpkins
Monday
Talk about exited about today. When I got to school and in level one class the teacher told me that she had all of the materials for the water bottle jelly fish. Awesome I have been wanting to do this project for such a long time and now I finally get to. So I had mad a practice one and tested it out. Just using the plastic bag like the instructions said was not good enough, they where not floating like they should be so I had the kids color peaces of styrofoam. It was grate because it gave the kids more to do and personalized it more. Then we tied the bags cut the tentacles, added glitter, powder food coloring and are jelly fish into the water. Oh my how they sparkled in the light and the shimmers of glitter reflecting and sticking to the tentacles. It was fantastic watching the kids make the jelly fish dance in their bottles. Each child had their how color bottle. After brake I was so exited to have everything all ready to go for the level 3 kids. I had been planing, cutting and organizing for the last few days. The teacher was sick soI had to do the projects by myself, I don't like to teach alone but it worked out. I had them glue together their green and orange strip of paper so that it could dry and we worked on attaching the snow flakes to the snow man they had last week. I also had them color a page of a rain dear after they where done with everything ells. Then I gathered the beginnings of the pumpkins and folded up the edges so that they where round. Next week we will finish them.
Talk about exited about today. When I got to school and in level one class the teacher told me that she had all of the materials for the water bottle jelly fish. Awesome I have been wanting to do this project for such a long time and now I finally get to. So I had mad a practice one and tested it out. Just using the plastic bag like the instructions said was not good enough, they where not floating like they should be so I had the kids color peaces of styrofoam. It was grate because it gave the kids more to do and personalized it more. Then we tied the bags cut the tentacles, added glitter, powder food coloring and are jelly fish into the water. Oh my how they sparkled in the light and the shimmers of glitter reflecting and sticking to the tentacles. It was fantastic watching the kids make the jelly fish dance in their bottles. Each child had their how color bottle. After brake I was so exited to have everything all ready to go for the level 3 kids. I had been planing, cutting and organizing for the last few days. The teacher was sick soI had to do the projects by myself, I don't like to teach alone but it worked out. I had them glue together their green and orange strip of paper so that it could dry and we worked on attaching the snow flakes to the snow man they had last week. I also had them color a page of a rain dear after they where done with everything ells. Then I gathered the beginnings of the pumpkins and folded up the edges so that they where round. Next week we will finish them.
Day # 294 Hi mom
Sunday
Was a grate day I got to sleep in ad recover from over filling myself at the Cuban/ Grenadian wedding, and when I was ready I went and had lunch/ dinner with my host mother,Steph and Max. We always find such good topics to talk about and update each other on whats going on in are Peace Corps lives. I am so exited Max's family is coming at the beginning of December so I will get to meet them. My host mother mad a crazy amount of food as she always does for Sunday dinner. We had BBQ chicken, salad, potato salad, bread fruit and lime juice. After lunch I went down to Belmont not to far from where my host mother lives so I just walked the 20min to my friends house. That family was just coming back from the beach and were just getting ready to eat so I had a little taste of their macaroni pie and potato salad as well. I have always been a sucker for cheesy macaroni. We had a good evening before I headed home to to work on some bottles. I know its not much but I have 10 done and a line up of 9 more that just need the designs painted on them, and more soaking so the labels can come off and they can get their white undercoats and background color. I think I will have at least 25-30 bottles for the bazar on December 15th. It was a long but grate day! I also got to Skype with my mom witch always makes my day a bit happier. Love you mom and family
Was a grate day I got to sleep in ad recover from over filling myself at the Cuban/ Grenadian wedding, and when I was ready I went and had lunch/ dinner with my host mother,Steph and Max. We always find such good topics to talk about and update each other on whats going on in are Peace Corps lives. I am so exited Max's family is coming at the beginning of December so I will get to meet them. My host mother mad a crazy amount of food as she always does for Sunday dinner. We had BBQ chicken, salad, potato salad, bread fruit and lime juice. After lunch I went down to Belmont not to far from where my host mother lives so I just walked the 20min to my friends house. That family was just coming back from the beach and were just getting ready to eat so I had a little taste of their macaroni pie and potato salad as well. I have always been a sucker for cheesy macaroni. We had a good evening before I headed home to to work on some bottles. I know its not much but I have 10 done and a line up of 9 more that just need the designs painted on them, and more soaking so the labels can come off and they can get their white undercoats and background color. I think I will have at least 25-30 bottles for the bazar on December 15th. It was a long but grate day! I also got to Skype with my mom witch always makes my day a bit happier. Love you mom and family
Day # 291 Let it snow
Thursday
I got lucky to work with the older kids two weeks in a row so we got to finish the snow man that we started last week. So today they had to cut snow flakes and hang them on their snow man. Oh how they loved that, one of the girls was so good at it that she had like 20 snowflakes hanging on her snow man I think he was going to make a blizzard, I wish he would bring it to Grenada its hot here, but I am going home for christmas so it should hopefully be cooler in California!
I think that the school food made me sick because I sat all threw dance class and went home and went straight to bed. I also know that a cold is working its way to me agin for the third time since I have been here.
I got lucky to work with the older kids two weeks in a row so we got to finish the snow man that we started last week. So today they had to cut snow flakes and hang them on their snow man. Oh how they loved that, one of the girls was so good at it that she had like 20 snowflakes hanging on her snow man I think he was going to make a blizzard, I wish he would bring it to Grenada its hot here, but I am going home for christmas so it should hopefully be cooler in California!
I think that the school food made me sick because I sat all threw dance class and went home and went straight to bed. I also know that a cold is working its way to me agin for the third time since I have been here.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Day # 293 Microwave
Saturday
This morning I finished cleaning up the apartment and waited for my boss to come, it was time for another site visit. That does not mean that he looks at my house it just means that he comes by to the comfort of my home and we talk about how i am doing health, work, outside of work all of that good stuff. Mine was very short because we had talked the week before. I think I had made a post about that. I was so happy that it was short because right after I got to pick up my microwave. One of the St. Georges University SGU student was leaving and selling hers for cheep. When I got it I was so exited I got my surge protecter that I plug everything into, iPad, Lap top, cameras and so on into. I thought that it was over protecting it but worth it. So I plugged it in it turns on oh man I have been wanting one since I got here my eyes lit up with excitement. I put some food in to warm it up and pushed the reheat button. Rruuuuuu it starts up and goes Black. Well my luck was about two seconds long. I was so mad I had to just walk away.
Latter that night I needed to get out of the house so I decided to go to the Cuban Grenada wedding that the dance group is going to dance at. So we crammed into a car and started looking for the venue. When we found it we went around back and saw a beautiful set up a two buffet tables and on top was some tables and the cake. The Dj was playing some music playing before the bride and groom came in and they gave the toasts before dinner. The had a hole cuban style cooked pig that was a big part of dinner. After dinner was latin dancing and it was a late night but well worth it :) I have some picks of the food and reception coming in a bit.
This morning I finished cleaning up the apartment and waited for my boss to come, it was time for another site visit. That does not mean that he looks at my house it just means that he comes by to the comfort of my home and we talk about how i am doing health, work, outside of work all of that good stuff. Mine was very short because we had talked the week before. I think I had made a post about that. I was so happy that it was short because right after I got to pick up my microwave. One of the St. Georges University SGU student was leaving and selling hers for cheep. When I got it I was so exited I got my surge protecter that I plug everything into, iPad, Lap top, cameras and so on into. I thought that it was over protecting it but worth it. So I plugged it in it turns on oh man I have been wanting one since I got here my eyes lit up with excitement. I put some food in to warm it up and pushed the reheat button. Rruuuuuu it starts up and goes Black. Well my luck was about two seconds long. I was so mad I had to just walk away.
Latter that night I needed to get out of the house so I decided to go to the Cuban Grenada wedding that the dance group is going to dance at. So we crammed into a car and started looking for the venue. When we found it we went around back and saw a beautiful set up a two buffet tables and on top was some tables and the cake. The Dj was playing some music playing before the bride and groom came in and they gave the toasts before dinner. The had a hole cuban style cooked pig that was a big part of dinner. After dinner was latin dancing and it was a late night but well worth it :) I have some picks of the food and reception coming in a bit.
Day # 292 Town trip
Friday
White cane was interesting today. I have some people that I work with that like to paint but are to crazy about it and end up with some non attractive bottles. One girl decided that she wanted to paint but didn't want any instruction, she ended up with a brown bottle. No one is going to buy a brown bottle. It was hard for me because I know that she is being creative but at the same time I have to help her so she will learn and people will want to buy the bottle. Any ways the other two boys worked grate and almost finished their bottles. When I was done working with them at the end of the day I went into town to help some of the people in the dace group pick out outfits for the wedding on Saturday. That was fun but a bit rushed because I had to run home and get ready for Doggy Dock where we dance. I had a grate night and when it was over I climbed into bed and passed out.
White cane was interesting today. I have some people that I work with that like to paint but are to crazy about it and end up with some non attractive bottles. One girl decided that she wanted to paint but didn't want any instruction, she ended up with a brown bottle. No one is going to buy a brown bottle. It was hard for me because I know that she is being creative but at the same time I have to help her so she will learn and people will want to buy the bottle. Any ways the other two boys worked grate and almost finished their bottles. When I was done working with them at the end of the day I went into town to help some of the people in the dace group pick out outfits for the wedding on Saturday. That was fun but a bit rushed because I had to run home and get ready for Doggy Dock where we dance. I had a grate night and when it was over I climbed into bed and passed out.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Day # 290 Reindeer handprints and santa handprint cards
Wednesday
Level 2 and 2a are always a hand full, small kids running around jumping on you and screaming. Wow do I love a challenge some times. I started with the small small kids first. We made santa hand print cards for them to take home to their families. We dipped the kids hands in white paint and that was santa's white beard, then they finger painted the cheeks, nose, mouth and hat. I did most of it but they still helped. When I was done with them I moved on to the older level 2 kids. we traced their handprints on brown paper, cut them out, added pipe cleaner antlers and drew on bells. I think the cards turned out the best but they all had fun so thats all that matters. I have been taking pictures of all of the kids stuff with my little red camera so you will see some soon.
Level 2 and 2a are always a hand full, small kids running around jumping on you and screaming. Wow do I love a challenge some times. I started with the small small kids first. We made santa hand print cards for them to take home to their families. We dipped the kids hands in white paint and that was santa's white beard, then they finger painted the cheeks, nose, mouth and hat. I did most of it but they still helped. When I was done with them I moved on to the older level 2 kids. we traced their handprints on brown paper, cut them out, added pipe cleaner antlers and drew on bells. I think the cards turned out the best but they all had fun so thats all that matters. I have been taking pictures of all of the kids stuff with my little red camera so you will see some soon.
Day # 289 Popsicle stick snow men & Reindeer handprints
Tuesday
I dont start teaching first thing in the morning on Tuesdays so that gives me some prep time before class. So today I am so exited because I wanted to make popsicle stick snow men ornaments. I went to my art box got my fabric for the scarfs, paint and popsicle sticks and I started to paint the snow men white so that the kids did not have to wait for that part to dry. When the kids came in I was basically all set up and ready to go. I showed the kids what they were supposed to do and then they started. This is a big glass of about 12 young students, all levels of function. Well my idea was to simple I think because we ended up with every color snow man you could think of and some that where just painted sticks. I was sad but I learned from this that some things are just to simple. They just needed to draw a face, color the hat and glue on the scarf. Ohh well what can ya do, they did how ever enjoy hanging them on their small tree in the classroom.
We have a little shop up the road that teachers and students go to to get snacks or lunch. Today I wanted a coke to drink but I had never been to the shop so I had one of the boys take to, I ended up going on a mini field trip I had four of the older boys with me. We had a good time just a short outing from school.
When I got back It was time for me to switch classes. The teacher in my next class was not their today because she is sick so I had them all to myself. I set my stuff on the desk and went to get my lunch. As I was collecting my lunch a teacher came in and said "Mis. Alex? Joni finished your coke and playing with the bottle!" Oh man I was so exited to drink that coke to wash down the school food with. Oh well. Joni has autism and loves plastic bottles so I should have known better than to leave that on the desk, but she was not in that class so I didn't even think about it.
I continued with my day I printed out a cute picture of a reindeer and I had the kids make antlers out of their handprints, they loved it and it was a grate fast activity before the bus came. As I was teaching one of the new volunteers came in and set a nice new ice cold coke on my desk. I was so exited and stunned at the same time. I had one friend at the school last term and she was not here any more but I felt like maby I had made a new one. I had an ok day at school.
Fun Term- Poppy show- to trick someone
I dont start teaching first thing in the morning on Tuesdays so that gives me some prep time before class. So today I am so exited because I wanted to make popsicle stick snow men ornaments. I went to my art box got my fabric for the scarfs, paint and popsicle sticks and I started to paint the snow men white so that the kids did not have to wait for that part to dry. When the kids came in I was basically all set up and ready to go. I showed the kids what they were supposed to do and then they started. This is a big glass of about 12 young students, all levels of function. Well my idea was to simple I think because we ended up with every color snow man you could think of and some that where just painted sticks. I was sad but I learned from this that some things are just to simple. They just needed to draw a face, color the hat and glue on the scarf. Ohh well what can ya do, they did how ever enjoy hanging them on their small tree in the classroom.
We have a little shop up the road that teachers and students go to to get snacks or lunch. Today I wanted a coke to drink but I had never been to the shop so I had one of the boys take to, I ended up going on a mini field trip I had four of the older boys with me. We had a good time just a short outing from school.
When I got back It was time for me to switch classes. The teacher in my next class was not their today because she is sick so I had them all to myself. I set my stuff on the desk and went to get my lunch. As I was collecting my lunch a teacher came in and said "Mis. Alex? Joni finished your coke and playing with the bottle!" Oh man I was so exited to drink that coke to wash down the school food with. Oh well. Joni has autism and loves plastic bottles so I should have known better than to leave that on the desk, but she was not in that class so I didn't even think about it.
I continued with my day I printed out a cute picture of a reindeer and I had the kids make antlers out of their handprints, they loved it and it was a grate fast activity before the bus came. As I was teaching one of the new volunteers came in and set a nice new ice cold coke on my desk. I was so exited and stunned at the same time. I had one friend at the school last term and she was not here any more but I felt like maby I had made a new one. I had an ok day at school.
Fun Term- Poppy show- to trick someone
Day # 288 colored rice
Monday
Today in level 1 we worked on coloring rice with food coloring and water so that they could make shack shacks with the tissue stain glass bottles we did. It was interesting and did not really work due to the fact that it was o messy and we literally had to hold their hands the hole time. It was good to know though. I am leaning new things that work and don't work so well with each grade level. I would have to say that level 1 and 2 are the hardest to work with because they either don't listen to instructions, dont have fine motor skills, or cant focus that long.
Grade three made Snow men and snow flakes. I used a pattern, the same one from last Thursdays class. They are a small class and the teacher is very involved in making sure that everything is done correctly, they move very fast threw projects so I have to have a back up plan for them. We flew threw putting the snow man together and making snowflakes was simple for them, so that worked out good.
In the evening nothing much happened
Today in level 1 we worked on coloring rice with food coloring and water so that they could make shack shacks with the tissue stain glass bottles we did. It was interesting and did not really work due to the fact that it was o messy and we literally had to hold their hands the hole time. It was good to know though. I am leaning new things that work and don't work so well with each grade level. I would have to say that level 1 and 2 are the hardest to work with because they either don't listen to instructions, dont have fine motor skills, or cant focus that long.
Grade three made Snow men and snow flakes. I used a pattern, the same one from last Thursdays class. They are a small class and the teacher is very involved in making sure that everything is done correctly, they move very fast threw projects so I have to have a back up plan for them. We flew threw putting the snow man together and making snowflakes was simple for them, so that worked out good.
In the evening nothing much happened
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Day # 286 & Day #287 Visitor from Trinidad
Saturday
Every Saturday is a day for me to sleep in and relax my brain. I don't do a hole lot on saturdays. I cooked some curry chicken, played with soca and hung out with a friend down the the next city.
I am helping her get ready for her mom who is coming in tomorrow.
Sunday
I took Penut to the beach and threw the ball around for him, and then went to meet my friends mom who had just come in from Trinidad. We went threw old pictures and sat around and talked. My friend Donnella also cooked so it was s good family day. Her mother had also never met her grandson before today. He had talked to her on the phone but had never seen her. I was their for a long time before I went home and went to bed.
Every Saturday is a day for me to sleep in and relax my brain. I don't do a hole lot on saturdays. I cooked some curry chicken, played with soca and hung out with a friend down the the next city.
I am helping her get ready for her mom who is coming in tomorrow.
Sunday
I took Penut to the beach and threw the ball around for him, and then went to meet my friends mom who had just come in from Trinidad. We went threw old pictures and sat around and talked. My friend Donnella also cooked so it was s good family day. Her mother had also never met her grandson before today. He had talked to her on the phone but had never seen her. I was their for a long time before I went home and went to bed.
Day #285 White Cane sail
Friday
Today was a crazy day! I got ready to go to work and when I got their they told me that I would not be working on painting they where having a big sail. Some people from Canada had shipped down cloths, shoes and medical supplies for the hospital and local people. We where selling and tying to make back the money that they spent on the shipping. Later in the day two of the employees for the Peace Corps the secretary and the driver came down to see what I do with the people. It was an opportunity for them to see some of the peace corp work sights and day to day activities. They don't normally get to see what we do so it is nice for them. I just showed them around and explained what I do with them.
When I am at work a lot of local vendors pass by with local things. Today I bought soreal. Its a flower that is used to make tea here. Its really good but I had never made it by myself so I decided to get a bag. I will post the pictures of it when I make it. After work me and the other volunteer that works with me Steph, we went to go and order her a guitar for teaching a class. It took a long time but we got it done. Then we headed to the store and then the fabric store I got my fabric for my table for the bazar. I am so exited!!!!! On the way home we stopped and got some jeloto ice cream at one of the local shops. I got after midnight it was chocolate mint. When I got home I started to paint some more and then crashed from my long day.
Today was a crazy day! I got ready to go to work and when I got their they told me that I would not be working on painting they where having a big sail. Some people from Canada had shipped down cloths, shoes and medical supplies for the hospital and local people. We where selling and tying to make back the money that they spent on the shipping. Later in the day two of the employees for the Peace Corps the secretary and the driver came down to see what I do with the people. It was an opportunity for them to see some of the peace corp work sights and day to day activities. They don't normally get to see what we do so it is nice for them. I just showed them around and explained what I do with them.
When I am at work a lot of local vendors pass by with local things. Today I bought soreal. Its a flower that is used to make tea here. Its really good but I had never made it by myself so I decided to get a bag. I will post the pictures of it when I make it. After work me and the other volunteer that works with me Steph, we went to go and order her a guitar for teaching a class. It took a long time but we got it done. Then we headed to the store and then the fabric store I got my fabric for my table for the bazar. I am so exited!!!!! On the way home we stopped and got some jeloto ice cream at one of the local shops. I got after midnight it was chocolate mint. When I got home I started to paint some more and then crashed from my long day.
Day #284 Snow man
Thursday
Today I was lucky enough to one be able to teach the older kids in level 7&8 but also supper exited that I had some help prepping for my class. We have some students from of UK and they come every Thursday to help out. They didn't have anything to do so I borrowed them to help me cut out all of the pieces for my craft. Today we made the Snow man. Its a snow man that has snow flakes hanging from him. Because we did not have a lot of scissors it took us all of class just to put him together, we did not have time to finish the snow flakes so next class we will be working on that. Any ways it was cool because some of them decided that their scarf pieces where going to be turned into ties. Well I thought this was a grate idea that I had not even thought of. I love that about arts and crafts you can be so creative. Any ways I used my hole punchers as well. I am so happy to have a lot of my own supplies it makes my classes go smother. It was a good class and I hope that next Thursday we can complete them.
When I got home I worked on painting bottles and then it was off to dance class. A nice easy night.
Today I was lucky enough to one be able to teach the older kids in level 7&8 but also supper exited that I had some help prepping for my class. We have some students from of UK and they come every Thursday to help out. They didn't have anything to do so I borrowed them to help me cut out all of the pieces for my craft. Today we made the Snow man. Its a snow man that has snow flakes hanging from him. Because we did not have a lot of scissors it took us all of class just to put him together, we did not have time to finish the snow flakes so next class we will be working on that. Any ways it was cool because some of them decided that their scarf pieces where going to be turned into ties. Well I thought this was a grate idea that I had not even thought of. I love that about arts and crafts you can be so creative. Any ways I used my hole punchers as well. I am so happy to have a lot of my own supplies it makes my classes go smother. It was a good class and I hope that next Thursday we can complete them.
When I got home I worked on painting bottles and then it was off to dance class. A nice easy night.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Day # 283 Weather on a stick
Wednesday
It was one of those days when I opened my door and what do I see?? Gray cloudy skys and I cant see the mountains at all. Poring rain in front of my veranda. Well I love ran because it cools the island down and brings in a breeze, but when I am trying to get out the door for work its not so exiting. Any ways it gave me an idea as I was ridding the bus to school. So when I got to school I drew out some suns, clouds, moons, and rain drops and we glued them in popsicle sticks. Popsicle sticks are awesome I was so happy when they where in my box that my grandma put together for me. After all of the things where glued we talked to the kids about what each one did and where it came from. The little kids love things they can hold and run around with but they also love to destroy them so its hard for me to want to do supper cool things with them when I know that its not going to last. But all and all it was a good class. We took them outside to run around and burn off energy when we where done. Nothing ells much happened that today.
It was one of those days when I opened my door and what do I see?? Gray cloudy skys and I cant see the mountains at all. Poring rain in front of my veranda. Well I love ran because it cools the island down and brings in a breeze, but when I am trying to get out the door for work its not so exiting. Any ways it gave me an idea as I was ridding the bus to school. So when I got to school I drew out some suns, clouds, moons, and rain drops and we glued them in popsicle sticks. Popsicle sticks are awesome I was so happy when they where in my box that my grandma put together for me. After all of the things where glued we talked to the kids about what each one did and where it came from. The little kids love things they can hold and run around with but they also love to destroy them so its hard for me to want to do supper cool things with them when I know that its not going to last. But all and all it was a good class. We took them outside to run around and burn off energy when we where done. Nothing ells much happened that today.
Day # 282 Starting suns
Tuesday
Suns and tissue paper wow I didn't know that kids could be so smart. My first attempt at getting the kids to work on some suns for the Good Morning America show went ok. I decided that I was going to print out a variety of suns for the kids and then have them fill them in with tissue paper. Some of my kids did not fill any of the space some filled way to much, some traced the tissue paper and then glued it in the outline. It was fun but interesting to watch all of the different things that they would do with it. I worked with two classes today on that. I will post some picks soon. I think I am going to use some paint chips and see if the older kids can do a collage with them. We will have to see when I work with the older kids next. It changes every week some times I work with them some times I don't.
Suns and tissue paper wow I didn't know that kids could be so smart. My first attempt at getting the kids to work on some suns for the Good Morning America show went ok. I decided that I was going to print out a variety of suns for the kids and then have them fill them in with tissue paper. Some of my kids did not fill any of the space some filled way to much, some traced the tissue paper and then glued it in the outline. It was fun but interesting to watch all of the different things that they would do with it. I worked with two classes today on that. I will post some picks soon. I think I am going to use some paint chips and see if the older kids can do a collage with them. We will have to see when I work with the older kids next. It changes every week some times I work with them some times I don't.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Day #281 Owls in a tree
Monday
When I first got to school I worked with class 1 on making christmas handprints in salt dough. I thought that salt dough would be a grate substitute for clay because you can make just about anything with it and you can leave it in the sun t dry. Wasting gas for your stove or adding to your electricity bill is a big no no down here. So any ways I had the kids mix up the ingredients, all put the recipe at the bottom. Then they rolled out their own dough. When they where done I had them mix together different colors and they dipped their hands into the paint and then placed it on the dough. I think that they loved it. Getting messy was always something I like to do when I was young. Ask my grandma and grandpa about my mud pie making kitchen outside, or the mud pit I dug and sat in. Thank goodness the teacher in level one does not mind when the kids get dirty or the classroom.
After brake I worked with class level 2, we worked on paper owls in a tree. I took a lot of time and did a mock up and traced out all of the pieces. All the kids had to do was follow my instructions and glue down the pieces where I told them to. It worked out good an all of the owls in a tree turned out. We had some tim after the owls so we worked on Blues clues slippery soap coloring sheets. Slippery soap is a character from blues clues. they just colored it and then we cut them out.
After school I went to the Peace corps office to drop off my phone bill money and I ended up having a meeting with boss. It was a productive meeting and much worth the time that I spent talking to him. I find him to not be the easiest person to talk to some times and I think this is due to cultural differences, but some times he can be helpful, like this time.
When I got home it was time for bottles, your going to be herring a lot about that in my up coming blog entries but thats because I have so many to do I will be spending a lot of time on it.
Salt Clay
1 cup salt
2 cups flower
3/4 cup water
I dont like to use that much water its hard to work with when it is to wet.
When I first got to school I worked with class 1 on making christmas handprints in salt dough. I thought that salt dough would be a grate substitute for clay because you can make just about anything with it and you can leave it in the sun t dry. Wasting gas for your stove or adding to your electricity bill is a big no no down here. So any ways I had the kids mix up the ingredients, all put the recipe at the bottom. Then they rolled out their own dough. When they where done I had them mix together different colors and they dipped their hands into the paint and then placed it on the dough. I think that they loved it. Getting messy was always something I like to do when I was young. Ask my grandma and grandpa about my mud pie making kitchen outside, or the mud pit I dug and sat in. Thank goodness the teacher in level one does not mind when the kids get dirty or the classroom.
After brake I worked with class level 2, we worked on paper owls in a tree. I took a lot of time and did a mock up and traced out all of the pieces. All the kids had to do was follow my instructions and glue down the pieces where I told them to. It worked out good an all of the owls in a tree turned out. We had some tim after the owls so we worked on Blues clues slippery soap coloring sheets. Slippery soap is a character from blues clues. they just colored it and then we cut them out.
After school I went to the Peace corps office to drop off my phone bill money and I ended up having a meeting with boss. It was a productive meeting and much worth the time that I spent talking to him. I find him to not be the easiest person to talk to some times and I think this is due to cultural differences, but some times he can be helpful, like this time.
When I got home it was time for bottles, your going to be herring a lot about that in my up coming blog entries but thats because I have so many to do I will be spending a lot of time on it.
Salt Clay
1 cup salt
2 cups flower
3/4 cup water
I dont like to use that much water its hard to work with when it is to wet.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Day # 280 Bottle prep
Sunday
Today was a sleep in kind of day and then I worked on my bottles. I had to clean off the labels from them, let them dry and then start the white under coat. Man is that time consuming. But in the end it will be worth it. I am so exited about the Christmas bazar. I found the perfect fabric for my table cloth in town its light blue but shiny like the water. I spent most of my day working with the bottles and playing with Soca she keeps my busy as well.
Today was a sleep in kind of day and then I worked on my bottles. I had to clean off the labels from them, let them dry and then start the white under coat. Man is that time consuming. But in the end it will be worth it. I am so exited about the Christmas bazar. I found the perfect fabric for my table cloth in town its light blue but shiny like the water. I spent most of my day working with the bottles and playing with Soca she keeps my busy as well.
ay # 279 Masquerade
Saturday
It was an early rising morning due to the fact that I was not in my own home. I stayed at one of the other Peace Corps volunteers house because it got so late after the party and the busses back to town did not run at that hour. It was nice though a bunch of us where their so we made breakfast and finished the left over eye ball cake that are local friend made us for the party. We all just sat and chough up on are lives at Peace Corps Volunteers. When we had cleaned up the house we decided to go down to the beach as a group. So we took a bus into town got a punch. I went home and garbed my swim suit and Soca the puppy and headed down to catch the bus. She is so small that she fits in my back pack so I just put her in their and the buss people do not even care. We had a grate day at the beach, Soca went swimming with some of the local kids and sat on my shoulders in the water to dry off. After the beach I headed home and got ready for the masquerade party that I had tonight. This party is related to the latin dance group that I spent a Sunday making masks for. It was a grate night lots of dancing. I was so exited to dress up. I have a long sleeve black dress that is longer in the back and shorter in the front and the back is open with crossed back. Its so much fun to dress up for dancing. The dancing shows off the outfit and the dancing. It was a good night of dancing and friends. Photos coming soon.
It was an early rising morning due to the fact that I was not in my own home. I stayed at one of the other Peace Corps volunteers house because it got so late after the party and the busses back to town did not run at that hour. It was nice though a bunch of us where their so we made breakfast and finished the left over eye ball cake that are local friend made us for the party. We all just sat and chough up on are lives at Peace Corps Volunteers. When we had cleaned up the house we decided to go down to the beach as a group. So we took a bus into town got a punch. I went home and garbed my swim suit and Soca the puppy and headed down to catch the bus. She is so small that she fits in my back pack so I just put her in their and the buss people do not even care. We had a grate day at the beach, Soca went swimming with some of the local kids and sat on my shoulders in the water to dry off. After the beach I headed home and got ready for the masquerade party that I had tonight. This party is related to the latin dance group that I spent a Sunday making masks for. It was a grate night lots of dancing. I was so exited to dress up. I have a long sleeve black dress that is longer in the back and shorter in the front and the back is open with crossed back. Its so much fun to dress up for dancing. The dancing shows off the outfit and the dancing. It was a good night of dancing and friends. Photos coming soon.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Day # 278 making progress one by one
Friday
Wow White cane is going really well!!!! The boy that I am working with is getting better each time I work with him. He is a high functioning young man with down syndrome. He listens to am and works with me really well is he has made a mistake and he has to fix it. He completed another bottle almost 100% in less time with less errors. He just needs to do some finishing small details and spray it clear. I am so happy about that. I also got to get some labels made for my personal bottles thanks to Steph the other peace corps volunteer. We also got some more rocks painted with nutmegs so that was productive.
After work I took a quick cat nap and then it was off to the museum for open mike night. The Camp Glow girls preformed their song. It was a fast event because it was getting late and we had to get all the way up north for the Halloween party with the Peace Corps. It was so much fun. We all dressed up, we had Dorothy and Scare crow, Jack Sparrow, Despicable Me minions and more. Some people acted out songs and we did a treasure hunt. We even carved pumpkins. It was a good night.
Wow White cane is going really well!!!! The boy that I am working with is getting better each time I work with him. He is a high functioning young man with down syndrome. He listens to am and works with me really well is he has made a mistake and he has to fix it. He completed another bottle almost 100% in less time with less errors. He just needs to do some finishing small details and spray it clear. I am so happy about that. I also got to get some labels made for my personal bottles thanks to Steph the other peace corps volunteer. We also got some more rocks painted with nutmegs so that was productive.
After work I took a quick cat nap and then it was off to the museum for open mike night. The Camp Glow girls preformed their song. It was a fast event because it was getting late and we had to get all the way up north for the Halloween party with the Peace Corps. It was so much fun. We all dressed up, we had Dorothy and Scare crow, Jack Sparrow, Despicable Me minions and more. Some people acted out songs and we did a treasure hunt. We even carved pumpkins. It was a good night.
Day # 277 prep work
Thursday
Today I was sad because I was all set to teach the older kids and I had to wait all day to teach them. I found out that agin I would not be working with them. So I did some prep work for another teacher. I had to make a mock up and cut out all of the pieces for the kids in the class. Man that took me all day. So I guess that its good I didn't teach but I do mis the older kids. They are the highest functioning kids that I get to work with.
When I got home I worked on the under coats for my bottles just the plain white, but that does take me a lot of time because they need about three coats to be smooth and paintable. Then I started to brain storm some new ideas and when I found them I started to draw them out. That takes some time to. I want to do sea horses, octopus, birds of parricide plant, and fish bottles to add to my collection.
Then I went to dance class. I really do enjoy my dance class.
It was a good day for the most part
Today I was sad because I was all set to teach the older kids and I had to wait all day to teach them. I found out that agin I would not be working with them. So I did some prep work for another teacher. I had to make a mock up and cut out all of the pieces for the kids in the class. Man that took me all day. So I guess that its good I didn't teach but I do mis the older kids. They are the highest functioning kids that I get to work with.
When I got home I worked on the under coats for my bottles just the plain white, but that does take me a lot of time because they need about three coats to be smooth and paintable. Then I started to brain storm some new ideas and when I found them I started to draw them out. That takes some time to. I want to do sea horses, octopus, birds of parricide plant, and fish bottles to add to my collection.
Then I went to dance class. I really do enjoy my dance class.
It was a good day for the most part
Day #276 Crowns
Wednesday
Today was one of those really good days. I worked with level 2's. Their teacher had suggested that we do some form of Halloween costumes so I came up with doing kings and queens crown for all of the kids. The day before I had made the outlines for all of the different ones that they could choose from. I don't like it when the kids cant choose for themselves what they want or they all have the same thing. I like for them to all be different and individual. So any ways I had them color the backs and then we cut and fit each one to the kids head. They had a grate time, they danced around the classroom and showed all of the other teachers. It was grate, I wish I could have done more for them Halloween wise.
Any ways when I got home I called the woman that is in charge of the 14th annual Bizzar at the resort that I dance at. I am so exited I have to pay for a space to place my bottles but it is all mine. They even have prizes for best table set up. I want mine to be like the beach, blue table cloth and maybe even some sand. Also because all of the proceeds will be going to my school I want to bring some of the kids finished craft projects and make a flier explaining myself. I am so exited to see what happens. I even came up with some new ideas for my bottles. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I already started a mass production line ad collecting form everywhere I can.
Today was one of those really good days. I worked with level 2's. Their teacher had suggested that we do some form of Halloween costumes so I came up with doing kings and queens crown for all of the kids. The day before I had made the outlines for all of the different ones that they could choose from. I don't like it when the kids cant choose for themselves what they want or they all have the same thing. I like for them to all be different and individual. So any ways I had them color the backs and then we cut and fit each one to the kids head. They had a grate time, they danced around the classroom and showed all of the other teachers. It was grate, I wish I could have done more for them Halloween wise.
Any ways when I got home I called the woman that is in charge of the 14th annual Bizzar at the resort that I dance at. I am so exited I have to pay for a space to place my bottles but it is all mine. They even have prizes for best table set up. I want mine to be like the beach, blue table cloth and maybe even some sand. Also because all of the proceeds will be going to my school I want to bring some of the kids finished craft projects and make a flier explaining myself. I am so exited to see what happens. I even came up with some new ideas for my bottles. I have a lot of work ahead of me. I already started a mass production line ad collecting form everywhere I can.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Day # 275 chines paper dragons
Tuesday
Oh boy is level four a hand full. I think that class has 10 smaller children. They are loud and very impatient. I dont know why but I have been doing a lot of crafts that I have to cut out all of the pieces. One reason is because the school does not have many children's scissors and also because some of the kids can not cut things out. So thank goodness I had two teachers helping me glue and cut and work with kids. Being a teacher at that school or I should probably say most schools n 3rd world countries must be hard having so many children to handle by yourself. I level one at the school I teach at the woman has siz autistic, non verbal children. I Mis and love my little guy I worked with but six she has to be a strong woman to be able to work with all of them and still have her hair at the end of the day. I know when that some schools in the states have teaching assistants for some of the classes. They should have that here. Any ways so at the end of the class everyone had a dragon and loved it so I was happy.
After work I went to a new class with my normal dance teacher. It was just a beginners salsa class. Its good to go over basics and make sure that everything is being done correct. Also I am so new about nine months in that a refresher is grate. It was fun and I liked just woking on one dance at a time. So now I have Tuesdays beginners salsa and Thursday beginner bachata, Friday dancing at the resort. My Monday class does not have a space any more so we had to cut that class out. Still dancing and loving it.
Day # 274 stain glas bottels
Monday
Good morning to Monday. Today I was in level 1 first and we worked on stain glass bottles. So let me give you some back ground information. We have a soda here called Chubby and they come in very small plastic bottles. I thought that these would be perfect for my kids to decorate. So I had to drink like 10 of these supper nasty flavored Chubbys for this project. People thought I was crazy for drinking them, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the kids. So when I finally had enough it was time to take them to school. That was today. So I tore up some different colors of paper and then had the kids rip them into smaller pieces so they could put them on the bottles it was fun I made a rime up for the kids Rip it, Dip it, Stick it. That was the steps that they had to do to get the paper on the bottle. One of the little girls liked it so much she wanted to take another students turn. When I was done working with level one I moved on to level three and we made chines dragon puppets. So they colored the dragons and then cut it in half so that we could put the accordion like body between the to. When that was dry we added fire and popsicle sticks to help move the dragon. It was a good class and they really liked it.
Good morning to Monday. Today I was in level 1 first and we worked on stain glass bottles. So let me give you some back ground information. We have a soda here called Chubby and they come in very small plastic bottles. I thought that these would be perfect for my kids to decorate. So I had to drink like 10 of these supper nasty flavored Chubbys for this project. People thought I was crazy for drinking them, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make for the kids. So when I finally had enough it was time to take them to school. That was today. So I tore up some different colors of paper and then had the kids rip them into smaller pieces so they could put them on the bottles it was fun I made a rime up for the kids Rip it, Dip it, Stick it. That was the steps that they had to do to get the paper on the bottle. One of the little girls liked it so much she wanted to take another students turn. When I was done working with level one I moved on to level three and we made chines dragon puppets. So they colored the dragons and then cut it in half so that we could put the accordion like body between the to. When that was dry we added fire and popsicle sticks to help move the dragon. It was a good class and they really liked it.
Day #273 Public holiday Thanks giving
Friday
Whe the americans came to grenada and stoped the revolution. The revolution was when Americans came and killed morish bishop, some work opportunities where taken away from the local people. Some local people to Grenada don't know if the revolution was a good thing, and others do. I do not know all of the details involved in the revolution but their is a few.
Lack of transpiration in Grenada is a big problem and that is one of the things that are dance group is having problems with. Some of the people in the dance group have cars and can help getting the group to and from where we dance and practice. So tonight me and my dance partner didn't get to go and dance because their was not enough room. That was ok though because I got to rest. All and all I had a good day.
Whe the americans came to grenada and stoped the revolution. The revolution was when Americans came and killed morish bishop, some work opportunities where taken away from the local people. Some local people to Grenada don't know if the revolution was a good thing, and others do. I do not know all of the details involved in the revolution but their is a few.
Lack of transpiration in Grenada is a big problem and that is one of the things that are dance group is having problems with. Some of the people in the dance group have cars and can help getting the group to and from where we dance and practice. So tonight me and my dance partner didn't get to go and dance because their was not enough room. That was ok though because I got to rest. All and all I had a good day.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Day # 272 Grading day
Thursday
Today was basically a day off for me, it is teacher grading day and because I don't grade any of the students I didn't have to come in to school. So instead I went to the beach again. I had a small picnic and swam sat along the shore with the waves crashing up on me. I was exited that I was getting to spend so much time with Penut. He is feeling so much better from his tick fever. It was a lazy day for the most part. When I got home I took a nap before dance class. I really to love my Latin dance class, it is so much fun and some of my best local friends from Grenada are their. After class me and two of my friends went home and cooked a big pot of Pilow (rice, chicken and juice). Just as the pot was finishing up the gas ran out :( ohhhh that sucked. Friday is a public holiday so I cant go and get any tomorrow. Thank goodness for bread and cheeses. It was a late night just up talking and hanging out.
Today was basically a day off for me, it is teacher grading day and because I don't grade any of the students I didn't have to come in to school. So instead I went to the beach again. I had a small picnic and swam sat along the shore with the waves crashing up on me. I was exited that I was getting to spend so much time with Penut. He is feeling so much better from his tick fever. It was a lazy day for the most part. When I got home I took a nap before dance class. I really to love my Latin dance class, it is so much fun and some of my best local friends from Grenada are their. After class me and two of my friends went home and cooked a big pot of Pilow (rice, chicken and juice). Just as the pot was finishing up the gas ran out :( ohhhh that sucked. Friday is a public holiday so I cant go and get any tomorrow. Thank goodness for bread and cheeses. It was a late night just up talking and hanging out.
Day # 271 Special ED Training
Wednesday
I need to find someone in my school who is going to communicate with me on what all of these events are and when. I am so tiered of showing up to school and it being a public holiday NO school, or trainings that are not called trainings. They called today teacher development day but did not give me any specifics on what that was. I was not informed and I missed it. Si I talked to a teacher at my school and he told me what they talked about and caught me up. They talked about implementing a new low involving incident reports. Any ways I didn't do a hole lot. I worked around the house and went to the beach with soca and penut. I wanted to introduce the two of them. It was a good first try. They did ok Socas so small compared to Penut so she was a but scared. My friend also moved into a new apartment so we went and hung out with her for a little bit.
I need to find someone in my school who is going to communicate with me on what all of these events are and when. I am so tiered of showing up to school and it being a public holiday NO school, or trainings that are not called trainings. They called today teacher development day but did not give me any specifics on what that was. I was not informed and I missed it. Si I talked to a teacher at my school and he told me what they talked about and caught me up. They talked about implementing a new low involving incident reports. Any ways I didn't do a hole lot. I worked around the house and went to the beach with soca and penut. I wanted to introduce the two of them. It was a good first try. They did ok Socas so small compared to Penut so she was a but scared. My friend also moved into a new apartment so we went and hung out with her for a little bit.
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