Uh… did that seriously just happen?

This is my rug. It may not be my style, it may seem gawdy, and it may not match any other décor in my room… but it is MY rug. It is the first rug I have ever bought, for a place I am officially calling “home.” I moved into my new and permanent (for 2 years) place. It’s a self contained flat which I share with one other occupant and it is attached to the house of a completely lovely older woman whom I am positive that I already adore. It is a perfect fit for me. I am very, very happy. Crazy happy.

Speaking of crazy...

I had what you would call an “incident” this week. Peace Corps would refer to it technically as a “violent crime” but I want to immediately assure you that I am perfectly well and safe and taken care of. Basically, a mentally ill/drug addicted person made a death threat toward me and tried to enter the office that I work at while I was alone…through the window… which had a grill over it. Not sure how he thought he was going to pull that one off but he gave it a shot anyway (he gets an A for effort). I remember thinking, “Is this seriously happening to me right now!? This is freakin’ crazy, man!” The police and Peace Corps were notified right away and within 48 hours the man was taken into custody and hopefully will be receiving some help soon. Big Up to my SSC (she’s the person who looks after my safety and security issues) and my work supervisor for helping me out every step of the way and getting things taken care of for me! Thanks Ann! Thanks Mr. D!

You know… I definitely didn’t see that whole thing coming. I have to admit, it was really stressful and extremely ridiculous, but it all worked out in the end. Evriting irie. Lessons learned this week: 1) I am white. Sometimes I forget. White = looks different = sometimes I get unwanted attention. I am STILL learning how to deal with this is culturally appropriate ways. 2) Be nice to police here, even if you aren’t happy with them. Their job is difficult and rudeness does not inspire them to help you out. 3) Sometimes you just have to laugh at the crazy stuff that happens in life even if it scares you or frustrates you because sometimes that’s the only thing that keeps you from getting mad and giving up. 4) Invest in pepper spray. 5) Good friends are priceless sources of strength and love. 6) Wait long enough and something good will happen to end a streak of bad days. 7) Jamaican food and snacks are making me fat. Note to self: eating fried foods and whole sleeves of cookies everyday will cause weight gain. Eat accordingly.

I never really know what you guys want to read about on this blog, so I have an idea: Add a comment stating a topic you would like to know about and I will write about it in future blogs. Sound good?

Best wishes and good vibrations to all of you!

P.S. Happy 7th Anniversary to Holly & Brad and Happy Birthday to my big bro Mike, and my friends Kelly and Tami!! Hope everyone has fun celebrating! Take care--