Living the Good Life

Well Folks,

 I've had another great weekend here in Gabs! It's hard not to have a good time when you've got time to do whatever your heart desires.  I think that's one of the great things about being here.  I don't have many commitments or responsibilities.  No job, not much school work, no club responsibilities.  If I want to volunteer at the vet clinic, I go.  If I want to sit and talk with a roomful of people, I do it.  If I want to just walk somewhere, I can.   I know what you are thinking... "Well isn't that nice, she's getting spoiled and that's not the real world.  In the real world you have jobs and responsibilities and you can't always do what you want."  Well, I agree.  I'm spoiling myself. I'm making the most of my time here. I'm learning and experiencing all that I can.  I have no problem going home to my life and my responsibilities, but I can go back with a fresh perspective now!

There are some people in the study abroad program who really aren't enjoying their time.  They don't like gabs, they don't like their classes, and they just aren't enjoying their time here.  This is just sad to me.  I feel like you should make the best of what you have.  This is such a good opportunity and there is so much you could do here.  If you don't like your classes, fine.  I understand, but get involved with other stuff.  Don't just sit in your room and sulk about it!!  I feel like it's about your perspective and attitude.  If you believe that this city is boring and horrible, then it will be.  I of course understand that everyone gets a little homesick and misses certain things.  I mean shoot, I would love Starbucks right now!  (Yes, that's a bit embarrassing to admit but just thinking of those pumpkin lattes... yummmmm)  Yet, what about all the things you won't have when you go back home? For example, papatas and pap and combis!     

Okay, Okay.  That was a side vent.  I guess what I'm saying is you need to enjoy where you are, when you are there.  Life's too short not to.  Open your eyes and realize all the stuff you do in fact have! 

As for my weekend...... Awesome!

Nora and I went to the vet Saturday morning.  It was pretty busy and we got to see quite a bit.  A dog came in with a dog bite on his leg.  It was all swollen and infected and we had to rinse it out.  Lot's of nasty fluid and even one maggot!  Interesting indeed! (Don't worry, my roommate wasn't as excited about this either.  You are allowed to scrunch your nose.)  We left around one and went to main mall, where Nora got a fish sandwich from Bimbo's.  It is a little fast food place with yucky, greasy food.  It's open 24hours so really I think it's popular for party people who want a snack after drinking. 

That afternoon, I took a two hour nap, played on my computer, and went for a run.  My run was okay but kind of pathetic compared to what I was running before I got sick.  It was amazing how much difference I could feel.  Sigh.  oh well.  Just jump back on the horse.  I took a shower and then got to skype my mom and cat!  B- LITTLEEEEE!!!  He's such a NICE cat.  I miss him!  And of course, it was great to talk to my beautiful, smart, amazing mother.  ;P 

I then went off to watch a movie.  We watched Step Up 2.  Oh what a quality film.  he he okay maybe not.  But it was the right movie to watch before going out.  I was ready to go take on some dance competition where I could show off my mad dance skills.  Oh yes,  my dance moves are really quite something.....  I met up with a group in the dorms and then we all headed to Bull and Bush.  We were met by a surprise... a LIVE alternative rock band!   They were actually pretty good!  There were people around the stage doing the typical head banging motion.  It was great, so entertaining.  I had to join in.  It felt so out of place in Africa.  After the band ended, another band that was purely instrumental played for a bit.  They weren't my favorite.  It was heavy metal and no singing.  I want someone to serenade me!  Finally, the typical dj started and we were able to dance for a good hour before the place closed.   I again got to enjoy watching people dance.  I think I'm getting their typical leg movement down.  But who knows....  It's fun, never less.

Sunday,  I awoke early and met a group to head to BSPCA.  It was fun because three new people came!  Fresh meat!  At the shelter we walked dogs, socialized a pen full of dogs, played with kittens, and snuggled puppies. There were even more kittens than last time.  SOOO many.  I wonder how they adopt them all out.  Today, was a bit sad because I noticed a lot of health issues.  Many of the dogs had bloody ears from where flies bite them and then they scratch at their ears.  The puppies were crawling with lice.  The kittens had an array of problems from suspicious ringworm looking spots to infectious eyes.  I hate to call the shelter out.  I know they do great work and I also know running a shelter on a limited budget is an extremely hard job.  Yet, it's important to realize and see problems shelters face.  Hopefully, these things will work themselves out for the best.   I got a good dose of pet love and felt refreshed! 

We started our walk back to BBM mall from the shelter as the BSPCA van was parked and showing no signs of leaving anytime soon. Yet, our dependable BSPCA van driver came along and picked us up not long into our walk.  I informed him he was quickly becoming one of our favorite people because he has given us a ride the last several times.  He laughed us off and told us his name was the old man.  Well old man, we sure are appreciative!!  (This is again just another example of how I keep meeting wonderful people!)

From BBM mall, we took two combis to game city.  We met up with a study group at Mugg and Bean. I had a delicious meal and read a few magazines instead of studying.  It was awesome.  From Mugg and Bean, we hit the grocery store and then headed to the graduate dorms.  We made a big salad and baked cookies.  The peanut butter cookies were pretty good but our chocolate chip cookies turned out a bit odd tasting.  The good news is we aren't picky!  Our classmate Zim, made us a type of flat bread.  I can't recall the name of it.  It was delicious.  Next time we decided we are going to buy hummus and make a meal out of it! Sadly, our baking time came to an end and we headed back to our dorms to be productive. 

We'll this is me being productive!  I'm updating you guys!  I hope you find all my rambling somewhat entertaining.  I've got two and a half weeks of of classes, two more days at Mokolodi, and around five weeks left in my dorm.  Tick tock, tick tock.  I'm living it up!

Love you all! 
Keep living the good life.