Pre-script: I am vowing to start blogging again—I was apprehensive since I came home because folks followed my blog for Peace Corps/Togo updates. Well, I still have things to talk about, and I should take advantage of the internet and electricity I have in the states I will not be offended if you decide to [...]

I wrote this blog post on June 28, 2011: Training As I mentioned previously, the health trainees are in a village about an hour north of the capital, Lome. We have language and technical training Monday through Saturday, and so far we’ve learned about health and the healthcare system in Togo, HIV/AIDS and other STDs, [...]

After less than two weeks as a PCV, I have decided to end my service early. I’ve thought about this very thoroughly, and it’s one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made. I love so many things about being in the Peace Corps/Togo. The other volunteers are amazing, Peace Corps is really well organized, [...]

Let me start by saying: Don’t expect this internet access to last. We’re at a “nice” hotel now, and Tuesday we will leave the capital, Lomé (pronounced low-may), and travel to our training village where we will be living with families for the next two months, and likely have infrequent access to the internet. Things so [...]

Since I was 4 years old I’ve dreamed of going to Africa. I am overjoyed for this to finally happen. I’m leaving for the airport in 10 minutes. Peace Corps Staging is today in Philadelphia, and we’re leaving for Togo tomorrow night. It’s surreal being here with my parents and my dog, who I love so [...]

Wow. It was so overwhelming packing, but I think I’ve done it. Airlines allow 2 bags and 1 carry-on item. Max 50lbs per bag, so 100lbs total, but for hot-weather countries, Peace Corps recommends 80 lbs total. As my checked baggage I have one large rolling luggage (50lbs), and a backpacking backpack (40lbs). I’m still [...]

[Prescript: I promise I won't inundate you with blog posts--I know most of you are probably more interested in Africa and could care less what I'm doing now! In a few days I'll post my packing list since you've expressed interest in how I could possibly pack for two years. I'm also interested in this [...]

I completed my first half marathon. After training for 16 weeks (topping out at 9.25 miles because of a few sick/painful/busy weeks), I am in awe that I actually ran 13.1 miles. I ran only one other race in my life–a 4-miler in the summer of 2008. The 34th annual Cleveland Marathon (aka The Cleveland [...]

Only 22 days. This still feels like an eternity to me. It is odd to now count in days instead of months. I don’t think I fully comprehend the minute scale of days. I  still don’t believe I’m actually going. I’m often asked “are you nervous?” I, at least at this point, have absolutely no [...]

In seventh grade, I was at McDonald’s (the one that used to be on Euclid and E 115) for lunch after an art field trip. I decided that the hamburger I was eating was repugnant, and vowed to never eat (red) meat again. As a nascent environmentalist and feminist (eco-feminist), I stopped consuming white meat [...]

It’s official! I received and have accepted my invitation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) in Togo, Africa departing June 2, 2011. After ten months, one process ends and the adventure (finally!) begins. Here’s some frequently asked questions I receive from family and friends. Much of this information is from my welcome booklet. [...]

I walk into my office this afternoon after a chat with my boss and my phone starts vibrating–it’s a 202 area code. I know what this is. I take a few deep breaths in a sorry attempt to calm my escalating heart beat before I answer the phone. It’s my Placement Specialist, wanting to know [...]

Today begins the 35th annual Cleveland International Film Festival at Tower City Cinemas, through April 3. This is an exciting time! I’ve always wanted to go to the film festival but due to school deadlines, transportation/time and money issues, I was never able to attend. This year will be different. Since the Lesbian Gay Bisexual [...]

My alma mater, Case Western Reserve University, wrote an article about the Peace Corps in their daily e-newsletter and online blog. I was interviewed for/quoted in it! Here’s the story: Students, Recent Alumni Increase CWRU Participation in Peace Corps More and more students at Case Western Reserve University want to give “Peace” a chance—the Peace [...]

Hahaha…these are, like, all my favorite dance songs. lol. … 1. Dog Days are Over__Florence+The MachineFilthy/Gorgeous__Scissor Sisters 2. Filthy/Gorgeous__Scissor Sisters 3. Blow__Ke$ha 4. Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)__Beyonce 5. Bills, Bills, Bills__Destiny’s Child 6. Get Crazy__LMFAO 7. She Wolf__Shakira 8. Bulletproof__La Roux 9. Tik Tok__Ke$ha 10. Deceptacon__Le Tigre 11. Just Dance__Lady Gaga 12. [...]

Anniversary Celebrations March 1 was the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. To celebrate, the Northern Ohio Returned Volunteer Association (NORVA) held a Global House Party hosted by Kevin O’Donnell, the Peace Corps national director from 1971-72, in Lakewood, Ohio near the Pier W restaurant. First of all, the view from the apartment building was [...]

I’m a firm believer that algae biofuel and wind are the most promising and sustainable forms of renewable energy. Since I walk past CWRU’s newly erected wind turbine (located conveniently across from their coal plant) every day, I’ve been thinking a lot about the materials used to make wind turbines. The usual anti-turbine complaints are [...]

It’s 6:11pm on Saturday night. I just got home, I’ll probably take a shower, listen to some music, drink a glass of wine and a teacup of coffee. Preparing to visit some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Prepping for the cold. Meanwhile, I’m viewing my Facebook and Twitter accounts to see what’s going [...]

Hi everyone, Lots of folks have been asking about my Peace Corps application status. I’m in the purgatory-like stage known as “The Great Wait.” I was nominated back in August, submitted my medical/dental forms in October and received dental clearance in January. Tuesday I got an email notifying me that my medical forms are currently [...]

As you may know from my frequent movie-related posts on Facebook, I am recently addicted to Netflix. The other day I was bored, didn’t have enough time or energy to watch a movie, so I chose the short and seemingly mindless TLC show, “Toddlers and Tiaras.” At first I started going through the common feminist [...]