Sunday, January 18, 2009

It's even more official; my wait begins

After a frustrating battle over x-rays and "cavities", the Peace Corps Dental Office has finally deemed my teeth fit to survive the rigors of the third world. Which also means that I am completely qualified, it is more official than the last official invitation. And even though we will be leaving from LaGuardia on the 23rd of February, I have to go down to Philadelphia 22nd to handle paperwork and meet my fellow volunteers for the first time. So over the next month I will occasionally freak out remembering that I will not be back in the States for quite some time. And for those of you who know me, I am bound to forget some detail that evolves into a larger quandry and then somehow I get lucky and it all resolves itself. I have been on my fair share of international trips and have not died, yet the idea of packing up for a couple of years is quite a different monster altogether. I am already worrying about the books I want to bring. Knowing now that books abroad can be one's only and often best escapism. Regardless, I am trying to begin with little expectation and mindset of adaptability. Darwin would be proud.

Still I have important decisions to make, the most daunting right now is whether I should bring my laptop. Something that is very dear to me and that I would love to have, but I still don't know where my ultimate placement will be. I could be in the "Interior", which doesn't have electricity. I did read that other people from my group are bringing laptops (Macbooks even), so this provided some encouragement to bring my own. And so the dilemma goes...

Then there is the other side, my life back in the States. I would hate to not see some people before I leave and with only a month this could be difficult. If you haven't seen me, please do, it would make me happy. Also, my financial issues, already I am at war with my loan company over whether the Peace Corps warrants a deferment of my student loans. I refuse to lose this war. For now, I am still in Bloomfield, still very poor, and working the same job I did when I was 15 years old. Guyana here I come.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

don't tell me you still have braces.

Olivia said...

tyler-- this is my first comment (of many that will come) during your two year stay away from the beautiful and smelly new jersey. except, you havent left yet, which still gives me hope that i may see you again before you are on your way. the 22nd is closely approaching, but i think we might be able to make something work out. if i were you i would want to bring my laptop, but not if it were brand new and expensive. poor people can do desperate things, such as steal lap tops, and that would suck for you. any word on internet cafes in Guyana? in ecuador they were everywhere, and cheap! but, i did bring my lap top as well because i wanted my music and photos and i lived in a house with a gate. anywho-- best of luck! cant wait to read more!!

Unknown said...

good luck in guyana. jason is from guyana and still has family there in case you ever need a non-american in country contact for whatever reason.

and yes, i will invest in your life insurance policy. this isn't illegal, is it?

remember, Everything in moderation.

Tyler said...

I don't have braces, haven't since October. Sorry Josh.

Olivia I'm glad to have seen you once more, I had a fine time. There are a decent amount of internet cafes, but not knowing where I'll be still leaves that question up in the air. Regardless, I have decided that I am going to bring my laptop.

Ahh, moderation, something both you and I are very familiar. I'll let you know about the insurance.