Getting Busy

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So, things are really starting to pick up here in the office. We are planning an Environment Day for Puyo where all the Environmental NGOs and the high schools will be putting together presentations/info booths. It is a big undertaking since we only have 3 weeks to pull it off and we just thought of the idea yesterday afternoon. The idea will be a competition for the high schools, of which there are 9. Each school must select a class or group to represent them. Then each group picks an environmental topic or theme to present at the Environment Festival. They can choose to present the info as a skit, with posters, models, games, activities - the sky is the limit. Each group will be judged and winning groups will receive prizes.

The NGOs will have their own tables set up to present information about their organizations and the state of the environment in and around Puyo. They are also responsible for keeping the theme kid-centered.

In the afternoon, younger kids and parents will be invited to see the booths and/or presentations. There will be music, food, movies, and games. If all the students show up, which they will not, then we may have as many as 6,000 kids there - yikes.

My responsibilities will be focused on preparing the rules for the competition, organizing the student groups, and providing the list of environmental topics each group must choose from. This is my first real work challenge and will likely take most of my energy for the next 3 weeks. The fair is set for the 4th of June and it already seems too soon.

Oh well, I think I can manage this. Besides, this will get me the inroads I need to work more in the schools during my service. I will undoubtedly make many great connections during this process. I need to keep reminding myself that my job is to coach and mentor the process, not to direct it.

I think that CODEAMA and I, have set a lofty goal for this event and that in reality, it will be smaller than we anticipate - however, I still think it can and will be a success. I have a ton of info about planning activities such as these and those guides recommend 6 months of planning - we´re on a bit of a shortened schedule.

My two bosses, still don´t see eye-to-eye on things and the office has been getting tense. They are trying very hard to pull me into the fray - wanting me to take sides. This is now difficult, because when it comes to asking me my opinion on something I am bound to have an opinion more in line with one than the other - this then gives the illusion that I am taking sides. And, of course, since the Spanish is not up to par, I am completely unable fully express my ideas and opinions.

Other than that, not much else to report on here in Puyo. Sue and I have already put ourselves into a daily routine. Here is my routine:

5:30-6:00: Wake up to the sounds of dogs, cars, rain, people, you name it.
6:00-6:30: Lie in bed trying to go back to sleep, knowing that it will never happen
6:30-7:00: Read whatever book I am currently working on
7:00-7:30: Push-ups and crunches - Eat a bowl of granola and yogurt - Clean-up and get dressed
7:35-8:00: Walk to work
8:00-8:10: Wait for Karina to come to work to unlock the doors
8:10-8:25: Uninterrupted Internet Time
8:25-12:30: Work on office related stuff
12:30-2:30: Walk home, eat, rest, walk back to work
2:30-6:30: Work on office related stuff
6:30-6:55: Walk home * Days I leave work early, I go home and run *
6:55-7:00: Get a beer out of the fridge and ponder what to make for dinner
7:00-8:00: Make dinner, eat dinner, clean-up after dinner
8:00-8:15: Take a shower
8:15-????: Read then go to bed

This is the life of Peace Corps for me. Of course, some days are different, but you can pretty much bet that this my routine 9 times out of 10. What a joy I tell you!

Jeremy

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Comments

[Greg]

Plusses and deltas
Jeremy, Sorry to hear about your being robbed. Glad to hear you (and Sue's 6th sense) were able to get your cell phone back. I also have to say "6:55-7:00 Get a beer out of the fridge and ..." Are you SURE you're in the peace corps? Frisbee has been pretty good the past couple of weeks. Lots of good action. Today's lessons: 1. Don't hang the frisbee in the air near Jake if he's on the other team. 2. Pay attention to Chris lurking behind his man. Fortunately Chris's five or six nice step up grabs were on my team this week. Go Cavs! Go Indians! Greg

[chris]

recomendings de beer
How about from 8:15-way too late: Drink Beer, this will make the first several sections of your schedule more exiting. Hang in there