I have internet access here in Fiji and I'm not afraid to use it. So if you do have any questions or thoughts feel free to email me, or comment here.
Also, I am currently working on a list of what you can't get in Fiji/Kiribati. So if you have specific items you are curious about... ask.
Good luck!
09 February 2008
Project Update: Senior Citizens Leadership Team
One of the projects I am currently working on is an ID for seniors in the Ba area, to recognize their contribution to community safety. This program is a joint venture between the Police in Ba and my organization, Senior Citizens Ba Community Centre. However my mind always working, I wanted to expand the project to serve several purposes and make the most of the opportunity.
So with the ID I have designed,
- I have collected baseline data on who the organization is reaching currently for grant write ups
- I have provided the seniors with emergency health cards
- We recognize a valuable service provided by the elderly of Ba
So with the ID I have designed,
- I have collected baseline data on who the organization is reaching currently for grant write ups
- I have provided the seniors with emergency health cards
- We recognize a valuable service provided by the elderly of Ba
06 February 2008
A Glimpse of Sunlight
Well, not physically. No we are still having daily heavy downpours here in Ba, which is very unusual. But emotional and psychologically... I have had a day of bright shining sunlight. The wheel has two sides... maybe I am just glimpsing the other side.. maybe the wheel turns fast.
So firstly, Senior Citizens Centre.
They've adopted many of my suggestions... we took program specific attendance for the first time today and in an unexpected stroke of brilliance I nominated one of our aunties to take on the task and she was thrilled. The main idea behind an attendance chart at the Centre is an accurate record of who attends which program so we can better plan programs in the future. It also encourages our 'golden oldies' to come more.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of our Annual Fundraiser, a very new concept to an organization accustomed to doing fundraising on an as needed basis. As we acquire more funding in the beginning of the year, we can begin to establish a monthly/yearly budget. I am very pleased, the board and staff have agreed to the idea and are thinking in terms of the larger needs of the Centre.
Second, Hip Hop Aerobics Class.
Tonight was my debut as a funky, upbeat aerobics instructor. I was a bit nervous not knowing what to expect of myself or the group. It was wonderful. I over planned of course. But I took it at a middle pace and reviewed the steps frequently for those with no movement experience. The soundtrack was on, the women liked the moves and by the end of the class I could see them letting their guard down. When we realized we had a scheduling conflict with the harmonium class and had to change the time, several women were really upset that they would not be able to make one of the proposed times. We figured it out in the end... but I was really pleased to see they stuck around to make sure they were able to get two classes a week. I did moves that I thought might have them walking out... body rolls, hip thrusts, chest pumps.... they loved it. I think by the end of this term I'll be looking at a studio full of more fit,more confident, and diva-like ladies.
Third, Dinner.
I've been letting meals slide. That isn't to say I haven't been eating. I'll grab a samosa or some Maggi noodles while on the run or sitting at my computer. But I have really been slack on preparing my own nutritious and well-made meals. Tonight, despite having had Bharatnatyam for an hour and then teaching an aerobics class for hour... I came home and prepared a lovely dinner. I had rice with snake beans (really long French beans), carmelized onions and pecans. (Kelly... I don't know if you read this, but you are a Goddess for those!) I put on some classical music and dined. I didn't shovel or rush... I need to do this more.
Simple little things. I need to relish those details more. For such a detail-oriented person you'd think it'd be natural... nope. I also don't need to hold myself to an unreal standard of expectation that I need to be some ultra-aware being. There is a middle ground. And standing on that ground doesn't mean I need to set my standards low... I just need to listen to myself in the moment and I'll find it naturally. (I have faith in that)
So firstly, Senior Citizens Centre.
They've adopted many of my suggestions... we took program specific attendance for the first time today and in an unexpected stroke of brilliance I nominated one of our aunties to take on the task and she was thrilled. The main idea behind an attendance chart at the Centre is an accurate record of who attends which program so we can better plan programs in the future. It also encourages our 'golden oldies' to come more.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of our Annual Fundraiser, a very new concept to an organization accustomed to doing fundraising on an as needed basis. As we acquire more funding in the beginning of the year, we can begin to establish a monthly/yearly budget. I am very pleased, the board and staff have agreed to the idea and are thinking in terms of the larger needs of the Centre.
Second, Hip Hop Aerobics Class.
Tonight was my debut as a funky, upbeat aerobics instructor. I was a bit nervous not knowing what to expect of myself or the group. It was wonderful. I over planned of course. But I took it at a middle pace and reviewed the steps frequently for those with no movement experience. The soundtrack was on, the women liked the moves and by the end of the class I could see them letting their guard down. When we realized we had a scheduling conflict with the harmonium class and had to change the time, several women were really upset that they would not be able to make one of the proposed times. We figured it out in the end... but I was really pleased to see they stuck around to make sure they were able to get two classes a week. I did moves that I thought might have them walking out... body rolls, hip thrusts, chest pumps.... they loved it. I think by the end of this term I'll be looking at a studio full of more fit,more confident, and diva-like ladies.
Third, Dinner.
I've been letting meals slide. That isn't to say I haven't been eating. I'll grab a samosa or some Maggi noodles while on the run or sitting at my computer. But I have really been slack on preparing my own nutritious and well-made meals. Tonight, despite having had Bharatnatyam for an hour and then teaching an aerobics class for hour... I came home and prepared a lovely dinner. I had rice with snake beans (really long French beans), carmelized onions and pecans. (Kelly... I don't know if you read this, but you are a Goddess for those!) I put on some classical music and dined. I didn't shovel or rush... I need to do this more.
Simple little things. I need to relish those details more. For such a detail-oriented person you'd think it'd be natural... nope. I also don't need to hold myself to an unreal standard of expectation that I need to be some ultra-aware being. There is a middle ground. And standing on that ground doesn't mean I need to set my standards low... I just need to listen to myself in the moment and I'll find it naturally. (I have faith in that)
29 January 2008
Cyclone Gene
Just wanted to let everyone know I am safe and sound here in Fiji (yet again). We did get hit generally speaking by a small Class 1 cyclone last night and it seems to be affecting us today still with heavy winds and rain.
The only real loss was my beloved papaya tree in the backyard, which met my back door in the wee hours of the morning with a tremendously loud thud. But I've included pictures here for your perusal.
Hope everyone else, everywhere else is doing well. And I promise to write a real update soon.
The article in Fiji Times:
The only real loss was my beloved papaya tree in the backyard, which met my back door in the wee hours of the morning with a tremendously loud thud. But I've included pictures here for your perusal.
Hope everyone else, everywhere else is doing well. And I promise to write a real update soon.
The article in Fiji Times:
Cyclone Gene claims four lives, flatten homes
 |
| PC/Fiji Event - Cyclone Gene |
27 January 2008
From the local paper: Condoms slow village growth
Thats right.... Apparently in this article, we learn that condoms are slowing village growth and school attendance.
I just don't undertstand where this mentality comes from. I am flabbergasted.
I just don't undertstand where this mentality comes from. I am flabbergasted.
18 January 2008
I sometimes love technology - Kindle
I rarely lust over gadgets.. except when they would be of supreme use to me... this is one of those.
The Kindle
I wouldn't have to carry books anymore.... my back would rejoice. I could travel with just my camera, laptop and kindle and have most everything I need... oh and clothes of course. Sometimes I wish I was earning a salary, this would be one of those times. Sigh.
The Kindle
I wouldn't have to carry books anymore.... my back would rejoice. I could travel with just my camera, laptop and kindle and have most everything I need... oh and clothes of course. Sometimes I wish I was earning a salary, this would be one of those times. Sigh.
03 January 2008
Peace Corps Fiji Barbie
Over vacation, I had a bit of spare time and I decided to tinker with an idea a fellow volunteer suggested... so here it is Peace Corps Fiji Barbie.
14 December 2007
A Maze Without Walls
I won’t presume I know what is best for the world (as if I ever could) - But I do know I feel like I am drowning in opportunity. I’ve tried to relax my ideas of boundaries, to embrace non-duality but when it comes down to it... if you remove all the walls in the maze - you are always everywhere. Then what? Where do you go from there?
I realize the only boundaries on my actions are the ones I choose to accept... but thats more than a little overwhelming isn’t it?
I was raised as an artist but within a structure - that was my foundation and I think some part of me is always returning to that. I want to create and innovate but I want it to serve a purpose, to feel as though I am offering a genuine and meaningful contribution.
I realize the only boundaries on my actions are the ones I choose to accept... but thats more than a little overwhelming isn’t it?
I was raised as an artist but within a structure - that was my foundation and I think some part of me is always returning to that. I want to create and innovate but I want it to serve a purpose, to feel as though I am offering a genuine and meaningful contribution.
Thinness
Everything here has a thinness to it.
Even the strong palms seem riddled by the persistent sun.
The grass is like a child’s pretend world with jagged green paper as turf
The water has weight but no substance - its transparency makes it seem shallow.
Even the strong palms seem riddled by the persistent sun.
The grass is like a child’s pretend world with jagged green paper as turf
The water has weight but no substance - its transparency makes it seem shallow.
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