Snapshots meme from LadyS

[mamculuna]

*30 years ago (1975) I was a stay at home mom with two kids under 3.

* 20 years ago (1985).Master’s degree finished at last, I was teaching and being an administrator-the only year both kids lived with their father and I was trying to get myself to look for work in California.

* 10 years ago (1995) Ph D in hand, divorced and remarried, I was just back from teaching in China.

* 5 years ago (2000) I spend part of the summer in Chicago for the first time.

* 3 years ago (2002) .Back in administration with one more year of work to go, I had started writing again, and doing yoga. And found ATPO.

* 1 year ago (2004) Free at last, LJ at last, Chicago now part of my life. One novel down.

* So far this year (2005) Started looking for publishers and dabbled with writing fantasy.

* Yesterday: The great family dinner: my son and his partner, me and Bill, my ex and his girlfriend, son’s partner’s mother, father and stepmother. And aunt.

* Today. Walk in the hills with my younger son

*Tomorrow: Wander around and explore the hills and bay. Maybe take a ferry to Sausolito?

In the next year: Go to Guatemala for Spanish, maybe to India, also Dubrovnik and Budapest. Keep writing. Look at disaster relief training?

Comments

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

What a splendid list of milestones--go thou and adventure!

[masqthephlsphr.livejournal.com]

So I have some free time this week in the evening or next weekend. Are we still planning a meet?

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Indeed! Let me do a post to the whole Bay Area group in case anybody else wants to join us. Basically, days 9/26, 27, 28, 29 and 10/3, 4, and 6; nights 9/26, 28, 10/3, 5, and 6. I'll be in SF during the afternoon of Wed. 10/5 so that would be really convenient, but any of the listed times would be great if they work for you. Glad you'll have some time!

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thankful for the time and health and freedom to do so!

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

If you do decide on India, I can give you some off-the-beaten path suggestions, of which the most important is Kerala:

http://images.google.com/images?q=kerala%20backwater&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wi

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Kereala is the number one spot on my list! I'm contemplating working as a volunteer for a couple of months at a Buddhist-run orphange somewhere in Tamil Nadhu, which would put me in that areal. But may decide just to go wihtout the work.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

But thanks very, very much! I would love the benefit of all your experience.

[fraydecat.livejournal.com]

hey mama moon, your post made me want to ask for your advice. I want to go to Africa, not to vacation, but to work and eventually live. Ok, you will think I am a silly fool for this, but I have no idea in what capacity. I am giving myself two years to train in some field and then GO! - I am thinking medical. Do you have any ideas? Of course, don't bother with this until you have time.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

I have lots of time! And it sounds wonderfully compassionate. Africa is in desperate need.

But I'm not sure I know the answer. I'd suggest starting by looking at agencies--Peace Corps, Save the Children, etc. Then ask them what would make you most useful. I agree that medical seems best, and the good place to get that is one of the Atlanta Perimeter Colleges--I think each has a different name. But some of the most important medical programs have long waiting lists, at least they did in my state, so you probably need to decide soon. Dental might be helpful, and some of those programs are one-year. But I really thing the agencies are the best place to start.

I'm so glad you're finding your way to this. Are you feeling more confident about traveling?

[fraydecat.livejournal.com]

I actually go to Perimeter, Clarkston campus, and weird thing, I have been thinking of becoming a hygienist, I need a TRADE while I finish my degree. I know in SC, the state will put you through nursing school if you work there for x amount of years.
I hope there is something similar in Georgia.
I have wanted to live in Africa for many, many years. Yes, I want to go work there, but ultimately it is where I want to spend the rest of my life. I became involved with the "Lost Boys" Sudanese refugees back in 2000 - or '99, so I began knowing the people I want to be with - forever. It is like a calling, I don't know how to explain it. I don't belong in the U.S. everything about Africa calls to me. I know with the U.N., if you have a "program" doing anything to help the people, maybe primarily refugees, they will pay your way there.
I guess I am just beginning my search. I know if I keep looking and putting my energy out there, I will find someone(s) to help me get there.
Part of my ambivalence with traveling with my friend was my friend. I still don't like flying, but if it is in pursuit of my life-long dream, I will brave up.
Thank you for your advice, mama moon.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

I'd definitely look at the Peace Corps as a starting place. They train youin some fields (not medical) and pay your transportation plus a stipend for two years. If you get some health skills, they might be really interested in you.

Good luck on this.

[fraydecat.livejournal.com]

I thought the Peace Corp. required a bachelor's at least. I don't have that - yet, and at the pace I am going who knows when. i will check it out anyway. Thanks, MM.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Check this:

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whovol.collegestu.associate

[fraydecat.livejournal.com]

MAMA MOON!! I got an email about driving for the "Mystical Arts Tour"!!!!! they sent me an application! I am so excited! It's a secret, so we have to talk about it on your posts instead of mine, okay?..cause I am superstitious like that! Isn't that exciting!

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Wonderful! I'm so excited for you--really, really hope it works. Feel free to post me any news here.