Wow! Another year came and went--Au revoir 2010; you were a good but hectic year. It's hard to believe that we are saying good-bye to a year that feels like it barely just begun. As the new year approaches I would like to dedicate this blog post as a reflection on all the events that occured in my life during 2010:
I went back to working full-time on the NPIC contract at my job at the time (which was amazing because we all dropped down to 32 hours with the bad economy during slow times); therefore allowing me to pay off my visa credit card balance from my travels abroad during 2008. I also obtained two other amazing part-time jobs teaching as a dance workout instructor at 24 Hour Fitness and Pure Fitness. Teaching dance has been one of the BEST jobs I've ever had...i miss it terribly. I met some AMAZING people in my classes! I loved going to work, and I was in the best shape of my life so far (which I can honestly say, I am no longer in the same shape because I live off white rice and oily sauces here). I've gained an estimated, unwanted 6 pounds....In two years I hope to go back to teaching--inchallah. :)
In addition, I sold my beloved car Scarlett to my awesome uncle, I sold my furniture to my co-worker before his marriage, and I gave my father my cellphone literally 15 minutes before boarding a plane to Washington DC for staging, which he does not use. I packed up my entire life and everything I own and crammed it into a small closet in my parents spare bedroom to sit and collect dust for the next two years. I had a month and a half during the summer to wrap up life and tie up loose ends in the United States and get ready for a new one in Senegal. I spent some time with friends, family, Mike, Tiffany, and of course Mael. I moved to another continent, relocated to Thies, then Mbour and finally Kounkane. I learned a new language in 4 months (it's still pretty rough, but I can get around). I learned how to use a squat toilet/douche and take bucket baths. I've been sick on and off since I've arrived in country, but love every minute of this experience. I celebrated a series of my first Muslim holidays including: Korite, Tabaski, Ramadan, etc. I've tried new dishes, traveled around most of Senegal, learned how to use public transportation and get around in a third world country. I've learned how to kill cockroaches instead of screaming and running in the opposite direction, which is what I used to do in the USA. I've gained two new sets of families: the Diallos and the Baldes. I drank more Attaya that anyone should in a lifetime. I've met some really amazing people who I serve with in the Peace Corps including my bffs in country: Ali and Pam! I said good-bye to my family and boyfriend knowing I probably won't return to the USA in the next two years. And I worked my butt off for 8 months trying to save enough money to pay my private loans while I'm gone, and was only successful in saving enough for 15 months (not bad, considering my short window of time). I also read lots of books including: The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, The Girl who played with Fire, The Other Boelyn Girl, On Love, The Girl with the Pearl Earring, The Kite Runner, Eat. Pray. Love, and The Hours.
Wow! There's so much more too, but I figured I'd just highlight the more interesting stuff. Yes, 2010 was a good year: a transition year. But here I am now in Senegal until October 2012, and I'm so very happy to be here. I hope I can accomplish a lot in 2011! I wish everyone has an amazing New Year's celebration! I toast to a happy year and good health for everyone! May it be a prosperous year! Best wishes for 2011! Bismillah! :)
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