One More Thing Done

Got my yellow fever shot plus MORE information about living in Ghana than I ever wanted to know.  I went to a travel clinic and she gave me about 50 pages of what to do, how take care of myself, and all the things that could go wrong.  When Linda M. and I went to Africa in 2001 I remember leaving the clinic wondering what we were doing to ourselves.  Of course that turned out wonderful and no illness.

More forms sent in today to Peace Corps so hopefully I am done until it is time to work on flights.  My next project is my computer.  Should I buy an extra battery?, is there a good solar battery I could use, should I buy an extra cord encase there is an electrical surge and it ruins things, and on and on.  Checking prices on Microsoft word trying to get the least expensive for the program.  Need Deals Ha!!

Thinking about going to NM to get some cool weather and enjoy some time with Tish and John before September is upon us.  John just called said it was 57 and pouring rain that sure sounds good.  The bears are out so lots of sightings - guess walking at night would be a bad idea. Ha!!

Will check in when something new happens. 

GETTING THINGS LEGAL!!!

First if anyone is reading this going to Ghana Oct. 4 please contact me.  Know only one other at this time who is going.

Got all information needed from my bank.  When I told my bank officer what I was doing she looked at me and said her brother was a big man in Barclays's bank in Africa.  She contacted him to ask questions I had like credit card, debit card etc.  He happened to be home when she called and he was very happy to answer questions about money in Africa.  The bottom line cash is king.  Debit card is used to get cash and credit cards are very hard to use.  Going back to the old ways!!!  He also got me in contact with a banker in Accra so I have someone to call if I need help.  Nice security blanket.

Next Social Security.  Next year I turn 65 but don't need my medical to start since Peace Corps is taking care of me (of course Medicare won't take care of me in Africa.)  After lots of information went to take care of it today dragging an unwilling Jack with me.  Guess what?  The young girl took care of everything and Jack did not need to go....she says sometimes people at 800 # don't get it right Duh you think???

Now it is back to the stacks in my room .... order a few things from REI then going back over the list again!!!

Getting closer!!!

Paper Work

The excitement is still there but this whole week I have been doing paper work.  I have to get VISA and Passport done and sent off tomorrow. I have to
update my resume and write an aspiration essay and it will all be sent to my in Country Director to help place me in a job. 

My passport photo was not flattering- the only thing keeping me going on my "look" is apparently every gray hair and wrinkle brings me respect in Ghana.  I am told they will treat me special- special seating, preference in different things so being a Princess sounds pretty good Ha!  Will see how that works out.

52 DAYS TO LIFT OFF

Time is going so fast....Packing is a trick!  I have two boxes one to go and one to be shipped.  I put things in shipped then I think WHAT IF I .....

The one that goes is just to travel and go to school.  Then shipped is when I will be living on my own.  But what if.....

I have decided since I don't know the ages of the children I am going to take games and puzzles for gifts.  My "parents" ( you KNOW I will be older than either of them so will  have to get new titles Ha!) is a little harder but have a couple of ideas.

Two 40 lbs in duffel bags and two carry on back packs one with rollers just  what I can carry including Laptop and Kindle and all my paper work.  If luggage gets lost I need clothes in my carry on also - a PCV told of his awful luggage story so it has made me think.  At staging in US we have meetings, medical reviews, etc so I have to be dressed and we hit the ground running in Accua with meetings and trips.  No time for washing!!

Shots to start!!!

Got an email saying I had a hold on my account because I need a Yellow Fever shot.  I have called around and I have to see a Dr. then get my shot.  Of course my Dr does not give this shot.  I have asked the cost and the shot alone starts at $100. - $130 and then you have to pay for a Dr Visit!!! No wonder PC said they would reimburse up to $150.  I would like that because I could get $150. worth of Ghanian money to get me started.

Two months from today I am on my way.  Two months....... boy this summer is going fast.  Have had some great times with the Grandkids hope they will remember like I will. 

I have missed Haley so much - being a cheerleader is a bussssy life.  Ronny, I have seen a little but a working, living on his own 19 year old does not leave much for Grandma so I will enjoy it when I can.  Who else would look for coupons for food deals?

Will let you know what the shot does to me!!!  Talk to you soon,

Studying Twi

I have gotten the written text and the MP3 downloaded of the language TWI-pronounced Chwee- That is how I am learning the language is verbally.  The written language is hard to pronounce.
I listen to a lesson play it again and try to say the words with them - oh my!!!

For example: Please = Mepa wo kyew = Me pa chow
                      Yes = Aane = A knee

I use to be good at memorizing but I am not sure with this.  Anyway I have all kinds of cheat sheets and on tape - Jack says to sleep with the tape going boy that would be great but ..... - I will try it!!! Ha! 

Wish me luck - Ese se mesua adee - es set set me seum ade a (in case you need me to interpret it is I need to study!)                  

3 months and counting

I told a number of my friends at the health club today.  Everyone was very supportive.  I had to cancel my membership for the 4th of October.  Trying to get bills in line for Jack.

Been out looking at shoes, dresses and skirts.  Everything has to be strong since I have to hand wash but I want light cool etc.  Found nothing yet but the search is still on.

I am thinking light broom skirt, with camp shirt; denim jumper with a sleeve or t shirt under it, 50's style dress button down the front with short sleeves-think the Beavers Mom Ha.  Any ideas?? I am willing to look.

Shoes- clarks, merrill something like that in a Mary Jane so I can wear with dresses but they would support my feet on unpaved uneven streets.  Anyone have a fav shoe???

Love to hear anyone's ideas.  Till next time.