Get a Reaction

Get a Reaction

OK, so I hear things selectively.  Don't we all?  Well, I've been on a Lily Allen vibe these days.  I say that I like her sophomore effort more than her debut; its musical style if more eclectic.  While the first album had more of a ska feel to it, It's Not Me, It's You is more varied--a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, with some ska, techno and others.  

That said, I've been groovin' to Lily's debut, Alright Still, a lot lately.  My life is just one big song, and the riff that's repeating is Friday Night.  I'm really feeling it right now.  I feel the need to hear it before I leave the house each morning and as I walk to my destination.  Let's take it a bit out of context.  Here's where the selective listening comes in handy.

If you're gonna play with fire then you're gonna get burned...

Don't try and test me cos you'll get reaction...

I don't know who you think you are,
But making people scared won't get you very far.

Ooooooooooooo
Ooooooooooooo

Don't understand why they're being really loud.
They make their way over to me,
They try to push me out the way...

What you tryna say?

I can pretend that my day is just a night at a club.  There.  It's already much better now.  Believe me,  I'm alright.  It's not me, it's you.  If you have a problem... Well, sorry for you.  Continue to express your frustration towards the printer if you like.

Too Close

Too Close

Saturday morning, while on the road to Jinja, we had the radio tuned to the BBC.  We were listening when the report was made of hostages being taken in the  western Darfur region of Sudan.  The woman whose vehicle we were riding in used to work for Goal, the same NGO the two hostages were working for, and she was concerned that the Ugandan hostage might be someone she knew, so she make a phone call to find out.  It was not someone she really knew; however, they had been involved together with a project a few years ago.  I only knew one person from Uganda in Darfur, and she had just been in Kampala for a visit.

Well, the one person I knew is the Ugandan woman who was kidnapped.  I didn’t really think much more about the hostages being taken over the weekend until I reached school Monday morning and ran into the woman’s mother, who is the care-giver to the grandson when her daughter is working in Darfur.  I see the child’s grandmother on an almost daily basis, and she was obviously troubled.  I greeted her as usual with a “Good morning,” and a “How are you?” and she came back with a summary of her nightmare of a weekend.  I was stunned. 

True, I don’t really know the woman who was kidnapped very well.  She was in town a of weeks ago and I did have a chance to speak to her once.  However, I have become pretty attached to her 3-year-old son… and I often find him attached to me—tightly gripping my leg as I try to walk around the playground.  He was a very timid little 2-and-a-half-year-old when he started the nursery class last September, always hiding in his teacher’s long skirts from the other children and teachers.  I kind of made it my mission to help him become more comfortable at school and made an effort to always talk to him and try to get him to play with the other children.  Now, he is quite confident, loves to be at school and plays with the other children.  When he sees me, he always gives a high-pitched squeal, runs to me and latches on to my leg, and sometimes I need assistance from his teacher to get home off. 

This is the latest article my google search produced on the situation.  There are not many details being revealed.  Maybe that’s a good thing.  Considering the history of hostages taken in the Darfur area, I’m optimistic… I hope I have a reason to be.  

On! On!

Jinja Relay 2009

The annual Kampala-Jinja Relay took place this weekend.  17 teams composed of 9 members each met at Kiira Town Council at 7:00am to begin their journey of approximately 90 kilometers through sugar cane plantations, forests and across the Nile River to reach the town of Jinja.  This was my third year to participate in this event  (Remember this?).  I really love it.  I would say that it is probably one of the events I look forward to doing most each year, and it comes along at the right time of the year--at the end of the school year when stress levels are through the roof, and I need a positive outlet.  Fighting a few kilometers of steep hill in the blazing sun is a great way to cool down after dealing with a few of Satan's disciples. 

This year's run was great.  Our team, No Hope, went through a few changes--as it has a tendency to do--but change, in this case, is welcome.  The run is a great opportunity to get to know people on a more personal level.  Instead of hanging out for a couple of hours on a Monday evening, you get to spend an entire day with your team.  Plus, the heat, stress and (perhaps) booze tear down barriers that sometimes prevent you from seeing who a person truly is.  It is sometimes surprising what a person can/will reveal over a 90 km trek.  This year's run made me face my personal demon of driving in Uganda.  In the more than six years I've leaved here, I'd only driven a motor vehicle 3 times.  I'm not exactly sure why I've refused to drive.  I really don't like driving.  Period.  I'm a good drive; however, because of my perfectionist tendencies, driving makes me exceptionally anxious.  How does one drive perfectly?  What does that mean?  Anyway:  I'd only driven 3 times and they were very short distances.  Well, I drove most of the route to Jinja (when I wasn't running, of course).  True, we were on back roads, so it did not matter if I kept right or left, but the important thing is that I was behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle for an extended amount of time.  I even got to put it into 4-wheel-drive for a while as we went through a pretty muddy area.

The route we take is well off the main roads and the scenery is lovely; it really makes the difficulty of the task worth it.  We definitely provide a quite a bit of entertainment for the people who live along to path to Jinja.  I think this is the only day of the year that so many people pass through their communities at one time.  And we're a very diverse group, so I bet this is the only time in many of their lives that they've seen Europeans, North Americans or East Asians together with such a rowdy group of Ugandans.  I could be wrong about that, but judging from people's reactions as we trotted through their villages or took a break on the roadside, I don't think I am.  The weather was beautiful:  blue skies, few clouds and not a drop of rain.  The only negative thing about this is that it ended up being hot as hell with no relief from the weather.  A light shower would've been welcome around 1:00pm.

My team spent the night at Zamo Hotel in Jinja, a no frills hotel, but adequate.  On the way home, we stopped by the Rain Forest Lodge in Mabira Forest for a quick drink and a walk around.  I'd never been there.  It.  Was.  Beautiful.  I'm already making plans to go back and spend an entire day their with friends.  I'll spend a night there... when I marry rich.

Imagine the Most Beautiful Flower in the World...

Imagine the Most Beautiful Flower in the World...

This morning during my daily morning browse of the online newspapers and gossip blogs, I came across this:

I love the colors, and they do look like they are enjoying the occasion.  Putting politics aside (if that is even possible), I think this a great photo of Uganda's President Museveni and his wife, Janet.  As always, I'm not a fan of his hat... or hers, today, come to think of it.  The title that accompanied this story was Museveni Condemns Genital Cutting.  Important issue, yet not a feel-good read.  Follow the link if you'd like to know more.  

When I got to work this morning, where we get a physical copy of The New Vision, the above photo was blown up on the front page with the huge headline:  

Uganda Confirms Swine Flu Case

The title of the actual article that went along with the photo was printed to the side in a much smaller font so it really looked like the Musevenis were the confirmed case of swine flu.  Not true, but if the rumor begins to swirl, we can blame it on the New Vision.   

Swine flu was bound to reach Uganda; I guess we were just waiting for it to arrive.  How could it not?  Now, the New Vision story was very limited on details, but The Monitor wrote that the infected guy came from the UK, arrived in Entebbe, passed the health screening, went to Kampala--where he stayed with some friends instead of at a hotel--then got came down with the flu.  There is no telling how many people were possibly exposed to the virus.  Some people I met today were freaking out just a bit.  Should I be?  I don't know.  I just live with naive thought of:  It can't happen to me... Until it does, and then I deal with it.  

I Dream of Salmon

I Dream of Salmon

Happy Canada Day (albeit a bit belated).  I love my Canadian friends and at times confess to being a closeted Canadian.  Danger Bay on the Disney Channel is responsible for that.  As a child I used to dream of one day living in Vancouver.  At this point in my life, Toronto sounds more up my alley.  Canada has been on my mind a lot this week, not because of their recent national holiday, but because one of my tights just flew home and we've been communicating on a regular basis.  Her first facebook update after reaching home was:  

bbq, cedar salmon, bevies, family, high speed, love - what more could a girl want! ok one more thing....

Of course the one thing more a girl could want would be me... but that's a whole other blog post.  The part of this update that got my salivary glands working overtime was the bit about cedar salmon.  Actually, I've never eaten it (being from the South East and all), nor am I a huge fish fan, but I do enjoy salmon and anything grilled, especially using cedar.  Then there are photos like this I see on recipe and grilling websites:

YUM!

Good food is frequently on my mind... like some other delicious necessities of life.  Funny how I don't think much about breathing; that's one on life's necessities.  Then again, I guess I would think of it more if I did have to go long periods without good air (somehow like Spaceballs).  I guess in many ways, I'm just a typical male.

I've been invited to a welcome-to-Uganda dinner tonight for a group of grad-students from somewhere in the US.  I'm always excited to receive a dinner invitation, being the social butterfly that I have a tendency to be, but this group of people just flew in this afternoon.  I imagine they will all be super-exhausted; that's a few long flights strung together.  I've been there.  Ouch!  But we'll see.  Maybe they'll just be super-excited to be in Uganda... After 6 years, I still am.

Dinner.  Something Ugandan?

YUMMER!

Getting Things Done

Getting Things Done

I've been a man on a mission for the past several weeks.  I've literally worked my ass off, and I have the jeans falling off my ass to prove it.  When I was an AmeriCorps volunteer, about a hundred years ago, our motto was 'getting things done.'  And that is still what I strive to do.  Well, I'm done with what I had to do--the final big task I had to complete this school year.  I must admit that I was more successful than I imagined I would be.  Two weeks ago, I encountered this behemoth of a challenge, and I almost freaked out.  I was on the verge of an anxiety attach more than once this week.  I am so thankful to friends and colleagues who supported me and those who were wise enough to just get out of my way and let me get things done.

Speaking of AmeriCorps, my former project director and I just became friends on facebook, and I discovered a new project she is working on; she's still involved with AmeriCorps.  The project is called I Am AmeriCorps.  The following is a a description of what it is.

The idea for this project was sparked by the desire to recognize the millions of individuals who work to build and strengthen communities through AmeriCorps. This project was launched on Inauguration Day 2009 when AmeriCorps Alums, Inc. marched in the inaugural parade. The faces you see represent alumni, current members, community partners, the Corporation for National and Community Service (federal agency that sponsors AmeriCorps), and many other countless organizations doing amazing work. AmeriCorps is a dynamic vehicle for change in our country. Over half a million Americans have served thus far. My goal is to build the collection to at least a half a million photos to be a symbol of the power of service. Show your support and post a photo holding an "I AM AmeriCorps" sign.

Well, let me get my beauty rest, so I can get my sign ready for my photo.

The Experience

The Experience

Tonight I went to Rouge for the Maurice Kirya Experience.  The Maurice Kirya Experience takes place every last Tuesday of the month and has been taking place for over a year; however, this was the first time that I took to opportunity to attend.  What did I think?  Honestly?  Well, I love Maurice.  I've seen him perform in the past, and I've always left impressed.  Overall, I think the Experience is a great way to spend a Tuesday night.  Maurice describes his music as 'fusion soul', and I think that is a very appropriate description.  He sings in five languages and blends together various styles.  My favourite song is one he sings in Luganda.  I wish I knew more Luganda  so I could tell you more about the song.  Tonight, he performed a song in English that reminded me of Positive K's I've Got a Man.  It was a great song, and the way he delivered it, with so much theatrics, was fun.  

I was not so interested in the other acts.  There was this one guy with really bad hair, but he was very entertaining on the guitar.  But he went a bit too far with his whole pulling a keyboard down, banking a cacophony on it and then throwing it on the floor.  This guy, -ozi-something had a decent voice, but he just didn't do it for me.  I thought the live backing band was GREAT.  

It was nice to go to Rouge.  I ran into  several old friends--people I'd not seen in almost a year.  I've only been to Rouge a hand full of times, but tonight was a great night to be there.  The Maurice Kirya Experience is worth catching.   See you there in July!

Mauritian Wine

to

I've just arrived home from a 13-hour work day.  For crying out loud:  I'm a school teacher. Who does that?  Ok, some of you new, first-years might claim that feat, but I've been at this for a while.  Yuck!  Well, you might say that I signed up for it, that I volunteer to be on the board of governors.  Yes, it's true.  But I did not sign up for management meetings and board meetings on the same night.  

So how was my day?  Let me rate it on a scale from Mauritain wine to bacon.  Definitely Mauritian wine.

On a lighter, more positive note, I'm going through another Elle Woods phase.  Legally Blonde is my New Year's inspirational movie that I must watch on, well, New Year's Day.  It's kind of like blacked-eyed peas (not the music group, note:  no capital letters); they bring me luck and set the tone for the year.  But I sometimes need the perkiness and sticktoitiveness of our blonde heroine to inspire me and keep me (or put me back) on track.  This particular phase was triggered by the soundtrack to the now-closed Broadway musical version.  Right now, I need to be positive, keep it positive, and get whipped into shape.  Omigod you guys!  I don't want to be overly negative or slap her to the floor, but I do some days fantasize of running away to, perhaps, Ireland.  Ok, that's enough Legally Blonde association.  The soundtrack is good stuff. And I will not be defeated.  

I'm just plowing through Wednesday, then I'll be home free... I hope.  I plan to do a bit of coasting after that.  And, no, I'm not getting lazy.  Believe me, I've earned that privilege. Remember:  Mauritian wine.

All Day Sucker

It's Sunday evening, and I'm just relaxing at home after a not-so-eventful-yet-pleasant weekend.  I'm lying on my back on the sofa, laptop in lap listening to Stevie sing/play Songs in the Key of Life (which, by the way, was released the year I was born).  I'm trying to decide if I want to eat supper tonight or if I'll just call it an early night, grab a book and head to bed.

After spending most of yesterday in my bedroom brooding, I put myself to task and prepared dinner for five and invited over some friends.  Originally, it was to be a dinner for three, but the other two each brought along one more.  Stuffed pork steaks (the ones with blue cheese, bacon and apples) were my original plan, but that plan was slightly altered when I discovered one of the last-minute guests of a guest was Muslim.  But as fate would have it, I'd bought chicken breasts while at the supermarket, so stuffed chicken breasts (with blue cheese and apples, no bacon) were added to the menu.  I cooked my first carrot cake (success).  The supermarket did not have cream cheese, so I substituted plain yogurt to make the topping.  It was not as thick as I would've like (hence the name change from icing to topping), but it tasted great.  I had a fantastic evening with John, Leo and friends.  

Today started with a good 10 km run.  I hate to begin a run, but once I'm out on the road, I just can't get enough; I love those endorphins.  They make me happy, and happy people don't go around killing people.  I ended the run at the new Nakumatt shopping center.  Since I had a bit of cash in my pocket, I decided to take care of this week's 'taking care of me' activity.  I have a plan where I try to do one pampering (taking car of me) activity each week.  It might be a hair cut, a pedicure, a massage, etc., just something that is not absolutely crucial, but makes me feel good--lets me unwind and takes care of my mental health.  I'm the kind of person who holds a lot in and gets stressed over small things because I'm on an unattainable never-ending quest for perfection.  Today I was a bit short of cash, so I went for a manicure.  I decided to try the new Salon Ultra in the shopping center.  The place appeared to really need the business; it was empty.  Overall the manicure was good.  However, I prefer Sparkles at Garden City.  The guys at Sparkles really seem to know what they are doing there; however, I think they could pay more attention to detail when doing nail work.

(If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love someone else?)

By the way, As is playing right now.  I cannot hear this song and not think of Taye Diggs singing it to Eric McCormack on Will & Grace.

This afternoon was spent between going to some friends' farewell barbeque and episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I finished season 1 and began season 2.  Buffy is one of those shows I can watch over and over again.  I'm getting into the season 8 graphic novels.  I've read the first one and the second one has been ordered from Amazon.com. I'm anxiously waiting its arrival.  

Well, maybe not dinner, but a bowl of cereal might be enough.

Hatcher out.

Memories and Michael

I've been in my bed all day.  Reading and reading and reading some more.  All about MJ.  Oh, and I've also been making my credit card company and iTunes very happy by downloading songs that are a part of the soundtrack of my life.  True, I already have a good collection of  Jackson's hits, but there are a few songs that I love that I let slip between the cracks, plus there are some favourites that were never 'hits' so they did end up on later compilations.  

"Thriller" is a 7-year-old buying his first album with his own money he'd save.  It beat out the "Flashdance" soundtrack.  "Beat It" is Dana's elementary-school talent show performance, sequined glove and all.  This is the year before she scandalized the PTA with her pre-pubescent performance of "Like a Virgin."  The "Bad" album is my brother Steven and Christmas 1987.  I cannot hear "Man in the Mirror and not think of Kristi K.' s 1988 birthday party when we all loaded up her mom's car and were driven around town to toilet paper some friends' yards.  "Smooth Criminal" is study hall in the 7th grade.  We tried to figure out how Michael and his dancers could lean over so far without nails through their shoes.   "We Are Here to Change the World" is my sister, Melissa, and I enjoying Epcot Center in 1994 before I went off to college.  It was the final family holiday before our family was irreparably severed.   "You Rock My World" is a frustrating and lonely volunteer experience in El Salvador.  "The Way You Make Me Feel" is me wishing that Britney would sing live.  "Speechless" is, well, BMac.  Peace Corps Uganda (2002-2004)!

With all his flaws, I loved MJ.  I didn't do my usual morning browse of the online newspapers yesterday morning before I went to school because I overslept.  I was stunned when I saw the notice written on the board in the staff room:  Michael Jackson has died... a genius.  I really thought it was some very unfunny joke.  I refused to go online at work yesterday.  I didn't want the news to be real.  Of course I didn't know him personally (but I did know one of the dancers from the "The Way You Make Me Feel" video who is now a foreign service officer) but it did seem like I lost someone important in my life.  I waited until I got home to deluge myself with internet news and speculation.  

Good or bad, like it or not, this man had a huge impact on the world.  At this moment, I choose to focus on the positive contributions.  He will be missed.

Michael Jackson:  The Death of Peter Pan

"My heart ... my mind ... are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can't imagine life without him."

"I'm devastated he's gone."

(I think this is an amazing photo of Liza.  Her makeup is simple but fantastic.)

"He was just a really splendid man," she said. "And a brilliant performer who changed theatrical history. And I will miss him, I cannot tell you."

Liza also said:  "All of us who knew him well really know what he was like," she said. "And I'm sure that now the accolades are going, and I'm sure when the autopsy comes, all hell's going to break loose. So, thank God we're celebrating him now."

Thank you for the music.

My whole life is just one big song.

I've felt like a train wreck this weekend... so exhausted.  It is one of the few weekends that all I have wanted to do is sleep, and I've done lots of it.  I really over did it at the gym yesterday, from there, I made an appearance at a friend's child's birthday, and from there it was home to SLEEP.  But I find it difficult to sleep during the day, so it was like on and off.  Last night was supposed to be the newly started practice of classic-movie night at Lynne's.  (Well, classic-movie night was supposed to be on Friday because it is scheduled for the third Friday of the month, but complications forced postponement.)  Ok, I shouldn't say supposed to be because it was.  We watch Breakfast at Tiffany's--one of my all-time favourites.  Problem:  we all fell asleep during the movie.  It think it had been a hell of a day for all of us, and settling down for the film (which has a great story but is not flashy or as fast paced as films are today) triggered sleep for each of us.  (I propose we more the time of our movie nights forward.)

I stayed the night at Lynne's but set off before 6:30 to try and get a good run in this morning.  I should've listened to my body and taken a day off.  I had to quit after about 5km.  I was just too tired.  My body had not recovered from Friday's run nor Saturday's gym workout.  I was totally pooped.  I went home and decided to watch 7 Pounds.  (I have it on my laptop even though it was just released.  It's actually a really clear bootleg.  I know, bootleg:  bad, but my access to good films, legitimately shown in a theatre, is very limited.  Believe me, I much prefer seeing films at the cinema rather than watching them on my laptop.  I do what I can.)  It was ok.  Will Smith has really grown as an actor and was fantastic.  I know the role took a lot out of him; it could not have been an easy one to play.  I think Rosario Dawson is just amazing.  The camera loves this woman and she just brings a touch magic to the screen.  She has that it quality.  But I just felt no chemistry between Smith and Dawson.  Two beautiful people on the screen, and... nothing.  I just didn't feel it.  Perhaps it was the darkness and depressing nature of the film that overshadowed everything else.  I do think the film is worth seeing, as is this photo (neither dark nor depressing) of Rosario from a recent awards ceremony (I think.  Ok, I know the photos is from January, but I'm not sure which function she was attending.)

Who's my second-favourite Rosario?

Need you have even asked?

Sign O' the Times

So you know how I'm into Drew.  And I must say she was a vision in tulle a the Golden Globe awards... 

I concede that the hair was a brave choice--a bit high, perhaps channelling a hair hopper--but Drew has a way of rocking it, keeping it fun.  What I do find disturbing are the wrinkles around her eyes.  Those are more than smile creases.  Come on!  She's only 33.  So.  Am.  I.  After seeing this photo, I had to run to the mirror in the bathroom to check and make sure I was not in an equal situation.  Still safe. 

(Even with the wrinkles, she is still beautiful.  Look at that smile.)

In the end, it could be worse.

You could run, but judging from her track suit, she'd probably run after you, and with those legs, she'd catch up.

For the Record

I'm not happy I missed the airing of Britney: For the Record, Britney's documentary, on MNET. It was repeated tonight, having premiered on 23rd December. Where has my mind been? I should've picked up on the show's airing long before it ever took place. Man, I'm slipping.

Quotes (via SMS) from a friend watching it tonight:

• She is very endearing... and funny.
• She also comes off quite smart and "real", whatever that is.
  

For the record: I'm a Circus fan. Favourite track: Trouble.

For the record: I'm ready for another vacations after only two days back at work.

You're not quite there; you're not on my level. Trust me, for you I'm TROUBLE.

So Much Better

Yesterday, I was in a funk. I referred to myself as the melancholy boy. I went to the gym for a two-hour work out with my trainer, Jeff. The release of endorphines is usually enough to snap me out of any semi-sadness. Didn't work. Thank goodness I have fabulous friends. They were having none of my attitude. I love them for it.

This morning, taking a page from Barbarah, Goddess of Gorgeous, I organised a 2-hour birthday run with friends followed by breakfast. The run was so fantastic. I love Kampala on Sunday mornings when people are still sleeping or have gone to church. There is little-to-no traffic to watch out for and I can just enjoy the city. I'd not done a Sunday run with a companion in quite a long time. Running is so much better when there are others around. We began in Bugolobi, went over Mbuya Hill, crossed Jinja Road and went up to Ntinda. From Ntinda, we went over to Bukoto, then down Lugogo Bypass, ran up Jinja Road and branched at Nakawa. We made the loop back to Bugolobi. Completing the run felt so great.

Sheila, Dan, Leo and I had my birthday breakfast at Café Ballet on Kyadondo Road, Nakasero. I've had lunch there a couple of times; they make great soups and salads, and the cappuccino is not bad either. Well, the breakfast did not disappoint. The four of us got number 3 on the breakfast menu, the one with beef fillet. The size of the portions were more than enough, plus they make fantastic home fries. The coffee and juice that are included with the breakfast were also excellent. It was an almost perfect meal. The beef fillet was a bit rare instead of medium as ordered, but I forgive them for that. The wait staff were adaquately attentive and friendly. (For a more in depth review of Café Ballet check out The Eye.) Sheila treated us to a bottle of bubbly, and Mphanga made a surprise stop by. I love her. I was so great seeing her after her holiday in Zambia; she was absolutely radiant.


Changing topic, I blogged a few months ago about seeing Mamma Mia in Boston with my friend, Beth. Yes, I enjoyed the film. I even sent the DVD to my sister's family as a Christmas gift. (Isn't Amanda Seyfriend, surprisingly, quite a good singer?) As I perused last week's issue of Time Magazine today, I learned that Mamma Mia has bumped the 1997 smash, Titanic, out of the spot of top grossing movie int he UK. The Brits love themselves some ABBA. The film has been in theatrical release there for more than 23 weeks. The DVD also sold some 1.7 million copies on its first day of release in the UK.

It won't be long...

I'm one of the most indecisive people I know, and I guess that is one of my attributes that make me a walking contradiction because I'm also a person who makes decisions and gets things done. However, getting anything done is never a simple task for me and even the simplest decisions receive a thorough debate inside my head. I'm a dweller and I over-analyse. Perhaps that's why I find it difficult to relax; there are always a million things racing around inside my brain. My own version of quality-control, I guess.

Right now, I have some important decisions to make:

• To renew or not to renew my contract. If I don't, then what?
• Well, if I don't renew my contract, shouldn't I begin applying for jobs now so I'll have a job lined up for August/September 2009?
• Do I really want to stay on this career path, or should I leap in another direction?
• Is it time for my return to the US?
• Screw the job, should I just go back to school?

I just wish I could be certain as to what the future holds and which decisions will work out best for me. I know it's time for a change. I've been fighting this feeling for a year now, but for what? Yes, I think I'll get the application sent today. I updated and tweaked my resume last week, near perfection. We'll just have to see what happens.


One day, I'm hopping that elevated train and I riding away...

Anxiety

Ridden

I quote Natalie from Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, the amazing 1985 dance musical starring a young Sarah Jessica Parker, Helen Hunt, and Shannen Doherty:

Decisions are the worst.

But they are not going to make themselves...
...now are they?



Happy New Year.

Hope

I mentioned yesterday that I could not think of another person that has inspired more hope, worldwide, this year than Barack Obama.  Well the readers of Uganda's daily newspaper, The New Vision, have demonstrated this hope by voting Obama "Man of the Year."  This is a similar accolade given to him by Time Magazine proclaiming him "Person of the Year."  However, it's different.  Each year for the past decade, The New Vision has awarded the "Man of the Year" title to Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda.  I find this to be an interesting shift.

Well, it's the last day of the year.  I went for a jog.  I've been to the gym.  I made an amazing tuna salad (a bit of Tabasco makes (almost) everything taste better) that I ate for lunch on toast.  The end of one year and beginning of another inspires many people to reflect on the past and plan for the future, and I'm not exempt from this.  I've never been affected by a new year as much as this one.  I guess that's because I can feel a big change is about to occur.  Many people have posted lists of what they consider to be the best songs of 2008.  Well, when I reflect on the past year, one song is always playing as the score in the background of my mind:  It's a Bitch to Grow Up by Alanis Morissette, from her Flavours of Entanglement album (a great album if you've not given it a listen-to), released 10th June 2008.  It pretty much summarises my overall feeling for this year.  Alanis has a talent for doing that for me.

I feel done, I feel raked over coals 

and all that remains is the case 

that it's a bitch to grow up.

Time.

Time Magazine's pick for person of the year is no surprise. I cannot think of another person that has inspired more hope, worldwide, this year.  I don't need to elaborate much on this topic.  The world has been buzzing about this man almost incessantly as of late.  I ran the hash yesterday.  It was hosted by Sir Apollo Kagwa Primary School, Mengo, and we all received t-shirts with Obama's name on it.  I'm not sure what the meaning was; nevertheless, his name was imprinted on these bright orange t-shrits below the name of the school.  My first Obama t-shirt!

I bought this issue of Time at the Uchumi supermarket this morning before I went to watch High School Musical 3 for the second time.  (I had to go a second time because they moved it to cinema hall 4.  The first time I saw it, it was being shown in cinema hall 1 which has horrible sound.  It's. A. Musical.  Proper sound in imperative.  Although, I sometimes think Cineplex could care less about the satisfaction of patrons.  Where else are we going to go?  Just take the 12,000 shillings.)  I thumbed through the pages of the magazine as I waited for the movie to begin.  There is a section of photographs of people's art depicting Obama and representing what he means to them.  I was over come by emotion looking at these photos.  While I don't think it's particularly fair to place so many expectations on one man, and I know that some of the decision he'll make will disappoint many (including myself), it has been a long time since I've been so inspired by a person and what he represents.  The emotion I felt today while thumbing through Time Magazine was almost as strong as the morning I learned that Obama won the election.  It's difficult for me to give a specific reason why/how this man has reinvigorated my pride in being an American.  I can't hardly wait for inauguration day, 20th January 2009!

On another topic, I'm trying to get more use out of the iPod Touch I was given as a gift (because I'm a teacher) when I bought my new MacBook in August.  I'm using the calendar and notes applications more regularly.  I had it with me this morning because I'd typed my to do list in it.  I figured I wouldn't misplace this list.  Anyway, while watching the film, I took a few notes with my iPod.  I later used these notes to come to my conclusion about the top three performances in High School Musical 3.  Here we go...

1. Ashley Tisdale played the devil out of her role.  Her performance as Sharpay was fabulous.  Favourite line:  "That is so gross."  Entertainment Weekly agrees with me on this one: "...the breakout star is Ashley Tisdale, whose Sharpay makes narcissism a goofy, bedazzled pleasure."  
2. Vanessa Hudgens' legs.  Someone has been doing pilates.  Beautiful.  Plus V has improved her dancing skills exponentially from the first HSM, and her legs look great moving in a coordinated manner to the rhythm of the music.
3. The third standout goes to the-guy-who-plays-Troy's dad's (I'm not even going to bother looking up the actor's name because I'm sure after High School Musical, he'll fade into obscurity.) bags under his eyes.  The bags along with the serial-killer haircut actually overshadowed his horrible acting and the horrible advice his character always give Troy.  Advice to Troy (fictitious as you are):  listen to your dad's counsel and do the opposite.  

“I just want the rest of my life to feel as good as my high school musical.”

Meow.

Eartha Kitt has been on heavy rotation on my iTunes for the past few days.  The icon passed away on Christmas day from colon cancer at the age of 81.  The announcement of her death triggered my curiosity.  I confess that until I read the announce and went to wikipedia to read her biography, I knew her for little more than her role as Cat Woman in the Batman television series (in which she was perfectly cast, much more appropriately than Julie Newmar).  I had to find out more about this woman whose name I'd heard since my childhood.

I downloaded several of her songs over the weekend, and I've become a fan of her music.  I'd heard her original version of Santa Baby many time but never knew it was Eartha Kitt.  Some other of my favourites include Je Cherche Un Homme, C'est Si Bon, her version of Diamond's are a Girl's Best Friend, and Just an Old Fashioned Girl.  

Eartha Kitt was a sultry, singer, dancer, actress, sex symbol who was once referred to by Orson Welles as "the most exciting woman in the world."  Apparently, she was honest with her opinions and didn't hold back when she felt strongly about an issue.  She attended at a celebrity luncheon hosted at the White House in 1968 and criticised the Vietnam War and its impact on minorities in the US to the First Lady at the time, Lady Bird Johnson; thus, shooting her career in the foot as she could not find work in America after that. “You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot.”  (It kind of reminds me of what the Dixie Chicks experience after their criticism of Bush 43 and the invasion of Iraq.)  Despite all the controversy, she made a comeback in America beginning in the late 70s and continued to perform until her recent death.

I've enjoyed the opportunity to explore the history of this incredible woman.  I'm a fan.  Unfortunately it took her death to led me to learn more about Eartha Kitt.  I wish I'd discovered her music years ago.  There was much more to Earth Kitt than the 3rd season of Batman.  Find some of her recordings and enjoy!

Purrrrr!

With a Roar!

Well, well, well...

I just got back from an amazing holiday retreat to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Western Uganda.  It was Am-maz-ing.  A big thank you to Rowena, her family, Olavi and the folks at Savannah Resort Hotel in Kayunga District.  It was such a wonderful Christmas holiday experience.  I finally made it to the national park after almost six years in Uganda.  I finally saw lions, elephants and hippos in the wild.  

The ride home from Mweya was almost as eventful as the formal game drive.  A buffalo jumped into the road in front of us on our journey home.  I braced myself for collision, convinced we were going to ram it.  Thanks to our skillful driver, Johnny, we literally only skimmed its tail.  We also saw ever-elusive hyenas and three male lions crossing the road.  An elephant in the middle of the road, surprised by our vehicle, unhappily rushed off the road.  The Isuzu Trooper we were travelling in chose that inopportune time to stall and the agitated elephant took the opportunity to trumpet and charge.  Our vehicle, fortunately, started again and we left the elephant chas

ing.

The following day, we found the three male lions from the night before lounging on a nearby bridge.

They were not bothered at all by all the vehicles that came with excited tourists taking photos.  We got some amazing close-up shots!

It was fabulous to spend the Christmas holiday with a wonderful family.  Being so far away from home during the holiday season is never easy, and it seems to get more difficult as the years pass by.  I've not been home for Christmas for eight years now.  I try to make it home once a year, usuall

y in the summer, but it's never the same as being home and with family during the festive season.  I am always very thankful to be invited to spend Christmas with beautiful people I meet along the way.  When you are so far away from home, your friends become your family.  In many circumstances, friendship is thicker than blood.

I made it home yesterday only to find that I'd left the key to my flat in the cottage I was staying in Kihihi, Kayunga.  Once again, I'm so thankful for friends.  In mean time, as I waited for a spare 

key to arrive, I was able to watch Miss Venezuela win the Miss Universe Pageant in Vietnam.

I am not in love with one particular person right not; I'm in love with many.  One of the people I am most in love with right now is Rowena.

Thanks so much for the fabulous time!!!  

It was like a honeymoon.

MWAA!!!