Okay, folks. This was a long time coming. Apologies all around. I'll pull a CNN.com for those of you busy people and everyone who has a short attention span:
Story Highlights:
-Officially an "early return for medical reasons", i.e. my post was terminated in Guatemala.
-Currently getting massages for tension in my head, shoulders and neck that cause a lot of pain but, I think, are working.
-Was taking painkillers for 3 weeks but have stopped yesterday due to side effects.
-Still have constant headaches but they are less severe. More dizzy, having trouble speaking clearly, and had a weird episode of mixing up words. I'm hoping those were just due to the painkillers.
Alrighty, so on Nov 18, I got an email from CUSO that my post was going to be terminated because after 3 months of medical leave, your contract ends. We considered just postponing my return, but when we found out my next neurologist appointment is Feb 17, it was decided that was too late. Cecilia originally proposed a January return date, which obviously cannot happen.
All of my things, essentially, are still there. Carola is incredible and has packed up my stuff to ship back here next week. Hopefully the bank is able to transfer my funds to my account in Canada.
I'm currently volunteering at the Red Cross. I went in the last two Wednesdays to do research for different projects. It's hard with the massages to try to schedule things during the week since the day after my massages tend to be pretty terrible in terms of pain in my head and shoulders.
I've been getting massages twice a week. We're going to try reducing that to once a week. They're painful during and after. Last Thursday, my massage was very intense and I spent the next 4 days in a lot of pain. However, my headaches have lessened and I think the massages are responsible for that. I've managed to find time to work out most days, so I'm feeling healthier because of that, as well.
I got an apartment downtown. I'll be moving on January 1. Very excited. I'll be playing intramural volleyball at the University of Ottawa, right by my new place, which should be lots of fun!
I have no concrete updates on work or anything. I'm hoping to get a job with a development organization in Ottawa once I'm feeling better. I have no clue when that will be. Right now, I'm just booking a few short modeling shoots to get some extra cash while I wait for my Guatemala money!
In random personal news, I've been knitting up a storm. I have a lot of projects on the go. I ordered in beautiful needles for my birthday (thanks Lolo and Lola!). I'm also making [tomato, celery, carrot, meat, food colouring-free] soups and [wheat-free] breads. Now that it's freezing outside, I'm craving Guatemalan food less, which is helping my quest to eat more local food. And I get to take Mom's breadmaker with me to the new apartment. Score!
Jessica and I went to the rally for a coalition government yesterday, which was wonderful. It's a wild time in Canadian politics. Never thought I'd say that. Here are some of my favourite quotations from non-Canadians that were published in the Globe and Mail today:
"Only in Canada could they replace the least charismatic Prime Minister in their history with the least charismatic man in the universe. A coup in which whatsisface overthrows whatsisname."
- Babel69, Guardian.co.uk
"I'm loving this! This is the best news since our own election ... Go, Canada! Go, Canuckians! Holy Jumping Poutine!"
- mattman, DailyKos.com
"If this parliament was a dog it would be brought out behind the shed and shot. Rabid dogs aren't reformed, given second chances or trusted ever again."
- Rick Mercer, Rickmercer.com
The winner in my eyes (of course):
"It seems that Canadians are experiencing what we Americans experienced under 8 years of Bush. We are extremely relieved that there is now a change of guard. Keep knitting, it alleviates the stress."
- Monique, yarnharlot.com
