Friday, July 3, 2009
Details
The DMV in CT is closed from July 2-July 7, preventing me from correcting my license b/c on my third trip to the DMV they gave me a wrong birth date on my new license. This is preventing me from getting my driving records from NM, KS, MD, DC, CT, India, Germany, Austria, and South Africa: these records are required by the CT bar examining committee. What is wrong with this world?!!!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Connecticut is Cold
A driving rain coupled with stiff winds made yesterday very cold--I was pulling out the wool socks and a thick sweatshirt to stay warm in the apartment. And it is June??!!! It feels like late February or November, not that we are approaching the summer solstice! I am worried...what will the winter be like?
Posted by Sarah
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Settling in
Having a chance explore New Haven the past few weeks has been quite fun. Cassidy and I were on a housing/apartment search and were hitting the pavement around town. We did a number of driving and walking tours, concluding with last Saturday when we walked approx. 10 miles around the city.
Our 20th apartment was the last that we looked at--when we called Carol the leasing agent, she did not want to show us the place due to its messy nature. The house was run as an acupuncture office and the first two rooms were relatively clean, but the back of the apartment was extremely dirty. The current tenant told me that we could keep our dog in the attic; I am not sure what he meant . . .but through the grime and muck and smell of stir-fried food, we saw a real gem. We will move in around August 1.
I have made some attempts at bar studying as I am sitting for the CT and NY bars at the end of July. Sitting and studying is a bit hard after so much non-studying type of fun, that it is challenging to sit down and get focused. I have studied at the public library here in New Haven--think lots of homeless dudes hoping for a dime or two from the copy machine; and at the Yale law library--think studying in a cathedral of sorts, with wan and very skinny academic type men with large heads and very frail looking hands moving quietly throughout the library. It is quite a contrast. I had to get a flimsy piece of paper to use at the law library; on the back it states, "This is not a Yale ID and does not indicate any affiliation with Yale University." I just find that so funny--I am still unpacking why.
New Haven has a lot of great things--plenty of restaurants, farmers' markets, bike paths, and parks. It is a much smaller city than Baltimore and I am surprised at how much it has to offer. Cassidy starts his residency orientation on Friday.
Our 20th apartment was the last that we looked at--when we called Carol the leasing agent, she did not want to show us the place due to its messy nature. The house was run as an acupuncture office and the first two rooms were relatively clean, but the back of the apartment was extremely dirty. The current tenant told me that we could keep our dog in the attic; I am not sure what he meant . . .but through the grime and muck and smell of stir-fried food, we saw a real gem. We will move in around August 1.
I have made some attempts at bar studying as I am sitting for the CT and NY bars at the end of July. Sitting and studying is a bit hard after so much non-studying type of fun, that it is challenging to sit down and get focused. I have studied at the public library here in New Haven--think lots of homeless dudes hoping for a dime or two from the copy machine; and at the Yale law library--think studying in a cathedral of sorts, with wan and very skinny academic type men with large heads and very frail looking hands moving quietly throughout the library. It is quite a contrast. I had to get a flimsy piece of paper to use at the law library; on the back it states, "This is not a Yale ID and does not indicate any affiliation with Yale University." I just find that so funny--I am still unpacking why.
New Haven has a lot of great things--plenty of restaurants, farmers' markets, bike paths, and parks. It is a much smaller city than Baltimore and I am surprised at how much it has to offer. Cassidy starts his residency orientation on Friday.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Some Thoughts on Stuff
This past week we went through a moving frenzy. Packing up boxes and loading a truck, driving to New Haven, CT, and, through a unique confluence of events, subletting from an old high school friend.
This packing experience has made me reflect on American consumerism and the glut of "things" that inhabit and, in some cases, control our lives. I also pondered how much stuff people own and how little stuff other people own. As we packed Cassidy and I made lists of things to sell, give away, and donate. Some items started in the "sell" category and then made there way to the donations box. These were things we did not need anymore, things that were superfluous, things that were too bulky to move, etc. The first thing that struck me was how difficult it is to get rid of perfectly good items. Certainly it is equally if not more difficult than going to the store and buying an item. (After moving, I am at least temporarily convinced that I don't need a single new thing!)
After posting stuff on Craigslist, we would wait for people to show up to look at the stuff, and sometimes they would come, but more often they would not. Freecyle, the yahoo group that promotes courtesy, community, and recycling, was better, and many of our things were taken through freecycle (for free, of course!).
Still, I ponder how in a society of such riches, there are so many people who are lacking in material resources. I would hope for the day when goods could go to those who need it most. While freecyle is wonderful in helping people get things for free, it is also for those who are internet saavy enough to know how to use the yahoo group. Craigslist is also available for those who know how to use a computer and have access to a computer.
The Baltimore Free Store (www.freestorebaltimore.org) is one organization that collects used goods and then holds markets in different neighborhoods to allow different communities to have access to the excess that some of us produce. This is an attempt to bring the goods to the communities that need them the most.
Even with all these tools to get rid of the excess, probably the primary message is to buy less in the first place--and to allow space in one's life that is uncluttered by "stuff". The second thing is to give away your belongings and try to do it in a meaningful way to those who need it most. This will make your life lighter, make you happy in giving, and is good for the environment, too!
This packing experience has made me reflect on American consumerism and the glut of "things" that inhabit and, in some cases, control our lives. I also pondered how much stuff people own and how little stuff other people own. As we packed Cassidy and I made lists of things to sell, give away, and donate. Some items started in the "sell" category and then made there way to the donations box. These were things we did not need anymore, things that were superfluous, things that were too bulky to move, etc. The first thing that struck me was how difficult it is to get rid of perfectly good items. Certainly it is equally if not more difficult than going to the store and buying an item. (After moving, I am at least temporarily convinced that I don't need a single new thing!)
After posting stuff on Craigslist, we would wait for people to show up to look at the stuff, and sometimes they would come, but more often they would not. Freecyle, the yahoo group that promotes courtesy, community, and recycling, was better, and many of our things were taken through freecycle (for free, of course!).
Still, I ponder how in a society of such riches, there are so many people who are lacking in material resources. I would hope for the day when goods could go to those who need it most. While freecyle is wonderful in helping people get things for free, it is also for those who are internet saavy enough to know how to use the yahoo group. Craigslist is also available for those who know how to use a computer and have access to a computer.
The Baltimore Free Store (www.freestorebaltimore.org) is one organization that collects used goods and then holds markets in different neighborhoods to allow different communities to have access to the excess that some of us produce. This is an attempt to bring the goods to the communities that need them the most.
Even with all these tools to get rid of the excess, probably the primary message is to buy less in the first place--and to allow space in one's life that is uncluttered by "stuff". The second thing is to give away your belongings and try to do it in a meaningful way to those who need it most. This will make your life lighter, make you happy in giving, and is good for the environment, too!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Until Next Time . . .
We are back in the United States and, for the most part, happy to be back. Cassidy graduates from medical school in a few days, and, it will be time to move on in our lives. We plan a move to New Haven, Connecticut in a week.
Thanks to all who read and commented on the blog. We have enjoyed posting our musings. At this point we do not plan to continue posting. It has been fun, my friends. Until next time, Sarah
Thanks to all who read and commented on the blog. We have enjoyed posting our musings. At this point we do not plan to continue posting. It has been fun, my friends. Until next time, Sarah
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Election Day in South Africa April 22, 2009
The ANC and Jacob Zuma? or the DA (Democratic Alliance)? Or the Minority Front? or the myriad of other parties that exist in South Africa. Who would you vote for today? The election is huge due to South Africa's strong economy and democratic government. The country is a leader in Africa.
Today is a national holiday in South Africa. It is Election Day (or Voting Day, not sure what the exact name of the holiday is). I am here, flying back to Blantyre, after an unexpected trip to Kansas for my grandmother's funeral. So please don't be confused as to my whereabouts!! Cassidy is waiting to pick me up in Blantyre today.
South Africans are voting for a party, not for a person, as we do in the United States. If the ANC wins, then Jacob Zuma, a fairly controversial figure, will be the President.
The ANC's plug in The Star:
"Vote for the ANC because the ANC has clear policies to take South Africa forward. We have experience, we have been in government since 1994. We have policies that are better than anyone else's. Vote ANC for a future that you can see and understand."
The ANC is expected to win. They are the largest party--the party of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and probably soon . . .Jacob Zuma. But we will wait and see . . .
Today is a national holiday in South Africa. It is Election Day (or Voting Day, not sure what the exact name of the holiday is). I am here, flying back to Blantyre, after an unexpected trip to Kansas for my grandmother's funeral. So please don't be confused as to my whereabouts!! Cassidy is waiting to pick me up in Blantyre today.
South Africans are voting for a party, not for a person, as we do in the United States. If the ANC wins, then Jacob Zuma, a fairly controversial figure, will be the President.
The ANC's plug in The Star:
"Vote for the ANC because the ANC has clear policies to take South Africa forward. We have experience, we have been in government since 1994. We have policies that are better than anyone else's. Vote ANC for a future that you can see and understand."
The ANC is expected to win. They are the largest party--the party of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, and probably soon . . .Jacob Zuma. But we will wait and see . . .
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
"Unreachable" or "Don't Go There"
This past weekend we took a trip with some students from Michigan State University to Mount Mulanje, the highest mountain in Malawi. Although not high in altitude (less than 10,000 feet), the hiking was very difficult.
Our drive to the mountain on Friday was marred by a muddy road where the Peacock had to wade through three or more feet of mud and half of a village had to push us to get us unstuck on several occasions. As night fell the drive became treacherous and we were only happy to be alive when we arrived at our destination the Mulli Brothers. Long story. . . but Cassidy lost his hiking boots in the process. In our room at the Mulli Brothers I was kept awake by rodent noises the whole night as well as bat squeaks and mosquitoes buzzing. I was so relieved when morning came.
Our group of twelve hired six porters and two guides for our trip up Mulanje. The guides and porters are truly amazing as they hike barefoot, in flip flops, or in ill-fitting shoes up steep and slippery terrain. Our guide never even broke a sweat or became winded. I would not even call it "hiking" in the traditional sense, as mostly you are climbing stairs, scrambling over rocks, and grabbing onto roots and other vegetation to keep some sort of upward momentum. Our hike was about seven hours and the last thirty minutes were up a rocky vertical streambed. At the top of Mulanje there is a plateau from which several higher peaks jut. We spent that night in a hut on the plateau, and then six of us climbed up to Sapitwa.
Cassidy gets props for his climbing as he made it all the way up Sapitwa in Chaco sandals (due to the disappearance of his hiking boots). Sapitwa means "unreachable" or "don't go there" in Chichewa and from what we have heard, the guides and porters do not relish going there and there are all sorts of legends about disappearing hikers attempting to get up to the highest point of Mulanje. The hike was very difficult, supposedly round trip could be completed in 5 hours, but it took us 9.5 hours to complete it. Even though the weather was beautiful, the rocks were still very slippery and we climbed up slick vertical granite slabs. Our guide, like most Malawians who confuse L's and R's, warned us that it was "sripperly" and to make sure that our shoes had good "glip". The second leg of the journey was climbing through and around eerie low-lying trees and rocks.
The guide and two porters who accompanied us made the climb possible. They are unbelievable surefooted and strong. At one point our guide, John, pulled each of us as dead weight up over a huge rock. John is about 5 foot 5 inches talls and weighs a maximum of 140 pounds. The guide and porters rarely ate or drank anything when they hiked and the porters carried heavy loads.
The peak of Sapitwa was nice, not the most stunning place I have been, but we could see over the border to Mozambique. It had more of a happy 'I made it' feel then anything else, although the way down was not any easier than the way up.
Our third and final day of hiking was probably my favorite as we hiked across the plateau. The plateau is comprised of gentle rolling hills and it was the only time that I did not have to stare at my feet while we hiked. The plateau was gorgeous and we had perfect weather.
A day and a half later we are still sore, but have a distinct sense of accomplishment after climbing Mulanje.
Our drive to the mountain on Friday was marred by a muddy road where the Peacock had to wade through three or more feet of mud and half of a village had to push us to get us unstuck on several occasions. As night fell the drive became treacherous and we were only happy to be alive when we arrived at our destination the Mulli Brothers. Long story. . . but Cassidy lost his hiking boots in the process. In our room at the Mulli Brothers I was kept awake by rodent noises the whole night as well as bat squeaks and mosquitoes buzzing. I was so relieved when morning came.
Our group of twelve hired six porters and two guides for our trip up Mulanje. The guides and porters are truly amazing as they hike barefoot, in flip flops, or in ill-fitting shoes up steep and slippery terrain. Our guide never even broke a sweat or became winded. I would not even call it "hiking" in the traditional sense, as mostly you are climbing stairs, scrambling over rocks, and grabbing onto roots and other vegetation to keep some sort of upward momentum. Our hike was about seven hours and the last thirty minutes were up a rocky vertical streambed. At the top of Mulanje there is a plateau from which several higher peaks jut. We spent that night in a hut on the plateau, and then six of us climbed up to Sapitwa.
Cassidy gets props for his climbing as he made it all the way up Sapitwa in Chaco sandals (due to the disappearance of his hiking boots). Sapitwa means "unreachable" or "don't go there" in Chichewa and from what we have heard, the guides and porters do not relish going there and there are all sorts of legends about disappearing hikers attempting to get up to the highest point of Mulanje. The hike was very difficult, supposedly round trip could be completed in 5 hours, but it took us 9.5 hours to complete it. Even though the weather was beautiful, the rocks were still very slippery and we climbed up slick vertical granite slabs. Our guide, like most Malawians who confuse L's and R's, warned us that it was "sripperly" and to make sure that our shoes had good "glip". The second leg of the journey was climbing through and around eerie low-lying trees and rocks.
The guide and two porters who accompanied us made the climb possible. They are unbelievable surefooted and strong. At one point our guide, John, pulled each of us as dead weight up over a huge rock. John is about 5 foot 5 inches talls and weighs a maximum of 140 pounds. The guide and porters rarely ate or drank anything when they hiked and the porters carried heavy loads.
The peak of Sapitwa was nice, not the most stunning place I have been, but we could see over the border to Mozambique. It had more of a happy 'I made it' feel then anything else, although the way down was not any easier than the way up.
Our third and final day of hiking was probably my favorite as we hiked across the plateau. The plateau is comprised of gentle rolling hills and it was the only time that I did not have to stare at my feet while we hiked. The plateau was gorgeous and we had perfect weather.
A day and a half later we are still sore, but have a distinct sense of accomplishment after climbing Mulanje.
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