Sunday, August 24, 2014
A little update/hello
The last year has been quite a whirl-wind; I've moved across the country; I've switched jobs; and I've gotten married (by far the happiest of the three things listed).
There is still something, however, that I can't seem to shake: The feeling that I'm not living up to my full potential as a person.
I feel like I can do more, both in my working life/career, and as a person.
The jobs I've worked in my life just haven't been fulfilling (in the least bit, to be honest).
I need something that is both more challenging to me mentally and something that makes me feel as if I'm actually accomplishing something, and not just working my life away with no ends....What good are the means if there are no ends?
In an attempt to keep my mind from becoming even more dull than it has become (and to sharpen it, to a degree) I'm going to make an effort to read and write more.
I imagine a lot of the feelings that both me and my wife have been feeling the last 4 or 5 months are pretty normal for late 20-somethings to feel...the difference is that I don't want to just get used to that feeling... I'm not going to let either me or my wife get used to that feeling.
I don't know why this post has sort of turned in to a rah-rah post for...well...myself, but so be it!
Please, oh please, let this last 4 months of 2014 finish on a high for both me and my wife.
Till next time,
Nick
Friday, May 6, 2011
Phew...
Well, life has been pretty busy of late; school, work and the lot really can take it out of you.
Recently, I looked at my blog – though I hesitate to call it a “Blog” anymore ‘cause I update it so rarely - and saw that I have (yet again) broken my promise to write more. Calm down, I know it’s shocking to everyone, but fear not! I have written something… I mean, I'm counting this (what I’m writing now) as something, but still!
The biggest problem I have when doing this, is trying to figure out what to write. Why do I even have this problem? I mean, I maybe – and I’m being generous with the maybe – have what, 5 to 10 readers every few months? So, I’m going to say the hell with it and write whatever I feel like writing. Sometimes it may be sports related, though if it is, it’ll probably be soccer/football/fútbol related. Maybe sometimes I’ll write something about how life is treating me, who knows? We’ll just see what happens! I hope that this blog post find you – my reader – well, and I hope to “Speak” with you again soon!
Bye!
Nick
Recently, I looked at my blog – though I hesitate to call it a “Blog” anymore ‘cause I update it so rarely - and saw that I have (yet again) broken my promise to write more. Calm down, I know it’s shocking to everyone, but fear not! I have written something… I mean, I'm counting this (what I’m writing now) as something, but still!
The biggest problem I have when doing this, is trying to figure out what to write. Why do I even have this problem? I mean, I maybe – and I’m being generous with the maybe – have what, 5 to 10 readers every few months? So, I’m going to say the hell with it and write whatever I feel like writing. Sometimes it may be sports related, though if it is, it’ll probably be soccer/football/fútbol related. Maybe sometimes I’ll write something about how life is treating me, who knows? We’ll just see what happens! I hope that this blog post find you – my reader – well, and I hope to “Speak” with you again soon!
Bye!
Nick
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A quick one
Looking back on these previous blog posts, I'm kind of shocked at the complete lack of effort I put forth to correct spelling, grammar and punctuation errors; yikes. I mean, I'm a pretty bad writer, but Jesus, come on man! So, two years late, an apology to any people who read this; I promise I'm really not as dumb as I might appear.
In closing I promise- well, promise is a strong word- no, no, I promise to write more on this thing in the near future. It's gonna take bold words by me to actually make me start posting.
Until next time, bye.
Nick
In closing I promise- well, promise is a strong word- no, no, I promise to write more on this thing in the near future. It's gonna take bold words by me to actually make me start posting.
Until next time, bye.
Nick
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
A couple thoughts
I'm really starting to find it very hard to write about the things I am doing; the people I am meeting and the children I'll never forget. For one I'm starting to get emotional about having to go and coming to realize that a lot of these people I've shared this last month with, I'll never see again, and that's really sad. I'm very happy I've met everyone I had (orphans very much included) and I really have no regrets about my trip, thus far, besides not being able to stay longer.
I don't know how long it'll take me to write about the orphanage experience thoroughly and completely; it really tugs on my heart. There is so many little kids...great little kids and it makes me so sad to think that I will have to leave them behind, and that some of them may never get adopted; It's really tough.
I'm really having a great time here...and as strange or cliche as it sounds I think I've changed greatly for the better. It's amazing what two and a half weeks as done for my perception of well, life overall. I am so grateful for everything the kids and people here have taught me over the last couple weeks. I can't even imagine what two more will bring me. I am going to be sad to go. Buhbye!
Nick
I don't know how long it'll take me to write about the orphanage experience thoroughly and completely; it really tugs on my heart. There is so many little kids...great little kids and it makes me so sad to think that I will have to leave them behind, and that some of them may never get adopted; It's really tough.
I'm really having a great time here...and as strange or cliche as it sounds I think I've changed greatly for the better. It's amazing what two and a half weeks as done for my perception of well, life overall. I am so grateful for everything the kids and people here have taught me over the last couple weeks. I can't even imagine what two more will bring me. I am going to be sad to go. Buhbye!
Nick
Monday, March 23, 2009
I may wirte more about this later...
So it's been a few days and I thought it was time for another blog post.
When I first got here I was kind of down I have to admit.I mean, maybe that was my version of jet lag, but when I landed I was just kind of bummed about leaving all the people I really love back home which is some 7000 or so miles away -for a month! Long and short of things, I was starting to think I was in for a long month. After a week though, I've come to the conclusion that it may fly by in record time.
Work is great, and the kids I work with are AMAZING! I cannot really put into words how cool they are, and how fun it is to go there every mon-friday; they truly are the highlight of the placement; no doubt. From the time we get there in the morning until we leave in the afternoon they are all so happy to see us, and get shown some love. I don't think I've ever done anything "work" wise that had been so inspiring and fulfilling. It really kind of puts having a bad day in perspective. These kids have things about as bad as any human can have it, and they still get a kick out of something as silly as taking them for a walk or tickling them. To be honest, I wouldn't really be having all that great of a time if it weren't for my placement. Real talk. It actually makes the time away from friends, family and the money I've spent so worth it.
We aren't supposed to have favorites (At least I don't think we are) but I do have one Hasha; I still like the other kids but she's my pick; She looks like Annie, like, "It's a Hard Knock Life" Annie. So awesome plus she always is so happy and has and amazing smile. As you can probably tell, I kind of like her a bit. We aren't supposed to take photos inside the orphanage or of the kids, but I'm am guaranteeing I'm going to break that rule. I'm talking like take it to the bank 100% guarantee. It's going down. There is no way I could leave without taking a visual representation of the memories I'm going have. So with that I say away with this silly rule and to the wind with it!
Fez was cool this weekend. It was a bonding experience with the other people that started CCS the same day I did. It's very intense. Lots and lots of people mobbing you and hustling/peddling there wears. It's very old timey that way. It's a very difficult things to Fes for me so I'm not going to try via in internets I'm going to show pictures and let the stories come out that way... I love it when a plan comes together...till next time! Vaya con dios
Nicholas
When I first got here I was kind of down I have to admit.I mean, maybe that was my version of jet lag, but when I landed I was just kind of bummed about leaving all the people I really love back home which is some 7000 or so miles away -for a month! Long and short of things, I was starting to think I was in for a long month. After a week though, I've come to the conclusion that it may fly by in record time.
Work is great, and the kids I work with are AMAZING! I cannot really put into words how cool they are, and how fun it is to go there every mon-friday; they truly are the highlight of the placement; no doubt. From the time we get there in the morning until we leave in the afternoon they are all so happy to see us, and get shown some love. I don't think I've ever done anything "work" wise that had been so inspiring and fulfilling. It really kind of puts having a bad day in perspective. These kids have things about as bad as any human can have it, and they still get a kick out of something as silly as taking them for a walk or tickling them. To be honest, I wouldn't really be having all that great of a time if it weren't for my placement. Real talk. It actually makes the time away from friends, family and the money I've spent so worth it.
We aren't supposed to have favorites (At least I don't think we are) but I do have one Hasha; I still like the other kids but she's my pick; She looks like Annie, like, "It's a Hard Knock Life" Annie. So awesome plus she always is so happy and has and amazing smile. As you can probably tell, I kind of like her a bit. We aren't supposed to take photos inside the orphanage or of the kids, but I'm am guaranteeing I'm going to break that rule. I'm talking like take it to the bank 100% guarantee. It's going down. There is no way I could leave without taking a visual representation of the memories I'm going have. So with that I say away with this silly rule and to the wind with it!
Fez was cool this weekend. It was a bonding experience with the other people that started CCS the same day I did. It's very intense. Lots and lots of people mobbing you and hustling/peddling there wears. It's very old timey that way. It's a very difficult things to Fes for me so I'm not going to try via in internets I'm going to show pictures and let the stories come out that way... I love it when a plan comes together...till next time! Vaya con dios
Nicholas
Photo Links
So for some reason or another Myspace is the only place I can upload my photos that seems to work on a fairly regular basis. So I'll post the links here. I was too tired to do it last night but I'm going to try photobucket as well so, If that works I'll be sure to update this post. I'm still having a good time and still miss everyone. BYE!
Myspace photo
P.S. I also got tagged in a few facebook photos if you have a facebook account.
Myspace photo
P.S. I also got tagged in a few facebook photos if you have a facebook account.
Monday, March 16, 2009
I don't want to proof read this.
I'm back again. We'll see how long I can maintain this every day type of schedule. So far soo good.
So today was my first day at my orphanage placement. It went well. I had to fill out a contract when I first arrive saying that I would show up and do my job. I'm not really sure why I had to because the last words in the contract stated that either party can terminate it at anytime. So if for some reason I just wanted to stop going I could just stop. So why does this warrant a contract? I don't know.
After I signed the contract I went upstairs to meet the kids I'd be working with. Apparently I missed the hard part whilst waiting for the contract lady to show up. The hard part being bathing and dressing. Anyway as soon as I got there I was put to work feeding Sumia...it's very difficult for me to spell the kids names...also to describe their handicaps. Lets just say most of them have pretty severe Coercible Palsy. After Breakfast we took a few kids around in their wheelchairs for laps around the garden (Yard). I guess usually they all come out but the nurses were worried about rain...which I don't understand because it was sunny after an hour or so of clouds. Anyway, After taking a few kids around it was time to feed them lunch, which was potatoes and chicken. Somehow I ended up feeding one of the more challenging kids to feed (or so I'm told) He's blind so you have to make a noise, say something or kind of rub the food on his lips. So after the main course I fed him some yogurt for dessert. My next child to feed cannot support herself so she lays down all the time. I was pretty nervous feeding her for the first few minutes because I didn't want to cram her full of food and choke her. The nurse saw this and gave me a lesson. She just more or less crammed food in the little girls mouth. I was kind of shocked but soon got the hang of things. The kids there are all pretty nice. One kid really reminds me of Jon's brother Mike a.k.a Mike Dirty a.k.a Commander Dirty a.k.a Dirt Dog...OK I'll stop there, because his list of names could go on for a good while. Anyway, this kids name was Jamel. He's was happy the whole time I was there. We had a good time in our laps around the garden. I also made a friend called Aslam(n?) he was very happy to show me around and wanted me to push him in this little car all day long. He got PISSED when I stopped. Oh well. The other kids needed some attention too. Most of the kids there are about as happy as you could expect of kids in their situation. I got some hugs as soon as I walked in. there was a girl who pulled me down to her right before lunch and I didn't really know what to do...one of the other volunteers was just like, "She just wants a kiss" and that's all it took. A fun way to end my first day at my placement.
After this we took a tour of Rabat and surrounding area. We went and saw the Mohammad V mausoleum, the Casaba, and the souk. A very nice intro to Rabat. The souk was like a dingy, kind of sketchy pike places market. You can find almost anything ever there. Really. Anyway my blog is kind of running out of steam here. I'm gonna stop. Till the next go. Bye!
Nicholas
So today was my first day at my orphanage placement. It went well. I had to fill out a contract when I first arrive saying that I would show up and do my job. I'm not really sure why I had to because the last words in the contract stated that either party can terminate it at anytime. So if for some reason I just wanted to stop going I could just stop. So why does this warrant a contract? I don't know.
After I signed the contract I went upstairs to meet the kids I'd be working with. Apparently I missed the hard part whilst waiting for the contract lady to show up. The hard part being bathing and dressing. Anyway as soon as I got there I was put to work feeding Sumia...it's very difficult for me to spell the kids names...also to describe their handicaps. Lets just say most of them have pretty severe Coercible Palsy. After Breakfast we took a few kids around in their wheelchairs for laps around the garden (Yard). I guess usually they all come out but the nurses were worried about rain...which I don't understand because it was sunny after an hour or so of clouds. Anyway, After taking a few kids around it was time to feed them lunch, which was potatoes and chicken. Somehow I ended up feeding one of the more challenging kids to feed (or so I'm told) He's blind so you have to make a noise, say something or kind of rub the food on his lips. So after the main course I fed him some yogurt for dessert. My next child to feed cannot support herself so she lays down all the time. I was pretty nervous feeding her for the first few minutes because I didn't want to cram her full of food and choke her. The nurse saw this and gave me a lesson. She just more or less crammed food in the little girls mouth. I was kind of shocked but soon got the hang of things. The kids there are all pretty nice. One kid really reminds me of Jon's brother Mike a.k.a Mike Dirty a.k.a Commander Dirty a.k.a Dirt Dog...OK I'll stop there, because his list of names could go on for a good while. Anyway, this kids name was Jamel. He's was happy the whole time I was there. We had a good time in our laps around the garden. I also made a friend called Aslam(n?) he was very happy to show me around and wanted me to push him in this little car all day long. He got PISSED when I stopped. Oh well. The other kids needed some attention too. Most of the kids there are about as happy as you could expect of kids in their situation. I got some hugs as soon as I walked in. there was a girl who pulled me down to her right before lunch and I didn't really know what to do...one of the other volunteers was just like, "She just wants a kiss" and that's all it took. A fun way to end my first day at my placement.
After this we took a tour of Rabat and surrounding area. We went and saw the Mohammad V mausoleum, the Casaba, and the souk. A very nice intro to Rabat. The souk was like a dingy, kind of sketchy pike places market. You can find almost anything ever there. Really. Anyway my blog is kind of running out of steam here. I'm gonna stop. Till the next go. Bye!
Nicholas
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