Because I was told to update more...

List of things I still need to do for Uganda:
1. Buy a camera. Seriously, this is my number one item. I believe you and everyone else who reads this would be very disappointed in me if I did not produce some type of artifacts in the form of pictures/videos. That being said, I have the hardest time looking for a good one for under $100. Because I'm a cheap, poor person who spent all her money on shots, plane tickets, clothing, luggage essentials, and books...go figure. So yes, I'm hoping this trip to FL yields some fruitful research in that department. Amazon is too confusing. (Blasphemy, I know)

2. Study the material that I'm going to be teaching. Seriously. My CT (who is wonderfully brilliant) sent me the benchmarks for math (she probably realizes who she is dealing with and understands the importance of my getting this information ahead of time). She didn't send me anything else except the first interdisciplinary unit on ecosystems (which looks really fun and awesome by the way). I suppose she figures I know history, writing and reading (I'm pretty confident about those last two) so I hope I do alright in those areas. *Also, if anyone wants to help me study these benchmarks to make sure I understand these mathematical enigmas, I would be forever grateful*

3. Get my malaria pills in FL. Because it's only $20 instead of $170. yay!

4. Make another list of travel things I need to shop for. Bath stuff, food stuff, clothes, shoes, BUG SPRAY, SUNSCREEN, school supplies, etc.

5. Pack my carry-on backpack. I actually took a friend's advice and bought a backpack. It's brilliant and I love it.

6. Get all my ST documents, passport, yellow fever card, wallet, school documents, etc., and pack into my brilliantly blue backpack.

 7. Get Rajah's flea medicine, food, and write a list of instructions for my dad to follow. A "Taking care of the King Cat" survival guide if you will. Honestly, though. How can you not say awe?!?! He's better than your cat....and possibly your dog.

Rajah: roughly 4-6 weeks old 

Rajah: 4 1/2 years later.

*Naturally, the only picture I post in this entry are of him...haven't hit Uganda yet so you guys will just have to deal.

8. Rejoice in the realization that I am leaving this country and traveling to another. Ignore everyone who looks aghast at the prospect of Uganda.

9. Say goodbye to my family and friends (this happens all the time but still needs to be on the list)

10. PACK.

That's all for now folks. I hope you enjoyed this post. I know I enjoyed glowing with pride (lion pride....haha) at my little Rajah. Here's to Uganda! May it be the adventure of a life time!!

p.s. I wasn't joking about the math help either...I have the benchmarks!! : D

GACE scores and other tidbits

So for the blogger world update here it is. The moment you have all been waiting for. (Except that every single one of you who "follow" me already know the answer) So let me revise. Ahem. The moment you strangers, who happen to glance at this blog and wonder what that girl in GA is doing now, have been waiting for (or not), has arrived. Though, technically it arrived last Monday, the 15th. Sorry, I'm being tedious. I think I am just having way too much fun with the idea of writing a post that everyone already knows the answer to. With building suspense where there is none. (Sorry, strangers) Okay, I'm done. I promise.

Yes, is the answer. I passed all three GACE tests so now (after graduation in December), I am certified in the state of good ol' Georgia to teach Middle Grades (4-8) Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies!! Can you believe it? Well, sometimes I cannot, so it is exciting news. :D

Yep. Now I have no worries. Odd, but true at the moment. I have no idea what to do with myself now.


...


I suppose I should now concentrate on Uganda.


Yeah. Well, that is a whole other monster. Though, it's not really a monster, more like a new world. Anyway, it's also fast approaching. I just had my going away party yesterday and it was a wonderful celebration. Good fun, food, and a smattering of rain for good measure. Now all that's left is to have my last week of Publix (next week!!!), then visit my mom in FL for a week and a few days then come back here to Georgia and pack like crazy for Uganda!! What fun!

Obviously, the reality and seriousness of what I'm about to embark on has not set in, or my tone would be more frantic. I don't expect that side of myself until about August 10th or so. I'll let you know when I freak out. Maybe a couple days afterwards but you will be informed, strangers and followers alike!

Until then,

Britt

Shots and Band-Aids

Today, I received the shots I need to travel to Uganda. I got a dose of Hep A, Meningitis, Yellow Fever, Polio, and a TDAP booster. Quite a handful...actually, exactly a handful, haha. In addition to these five shots, I have to take the Typhoid Vaccine orally a day apart (there's four pills total and the vaccine is good for five years) and Malaria pills a week before I leave. So far it's not been too bad. The way my mother tells it though I used to put up a heck of a fight when given shots before. I believe her because who wants to get stuck with needles as a child? The answer to that is no one, naturally. Today, I'm lucky though. I'm a little sore in both arms, my neck and sometimes my lower back but these symptoms should go away in a day or two. I also made the nurse put band-aids on my arm, so for the rest of the day I am sporting Daffy Duck and all his hilarious tom-foolery. Yay for childhood distress not rearing its ugly head. :)

I feel like a kid again with all these shots. I also feel a tad invincible. Combined, this could make for interesting stories. Now that I have these shots I know that this is happening. I am leaving the country in a little over a month. I still cannot wrap my head around this...

We receive our GACE scores next Monday. I'll be sure to update once I know if I have passed or not. I hope I pass all three with flying colors. :D

Not much else for now. I'll see you ladies and gents in about a week.

Thanks for reading!