BUSY
This week has been soooooo busy! My computer students have been asking me to make notes for them to have. It has been very difficult to do this because I turned my blackboard into a spreadsheet with masking tape, so I don't have room to put notes. In responce to their request I've started handwriting a notebook full of complete notes for everything we've been talking about in the class. It is a huge amount of work, and I may end up re-creating it all on another computer so tat it looks better, and can be even more complete.
This weekend has been rediculus.I spent friday night helping Mr. Neyestani install a new surround sound system in his house, and to get him set up on Skype. Saturday morning I decided to go out to Banjulnding (to Bob and Barbara's) to return the Liaden Universe books, a trip of about 14 km from Bakau. Whlie I was there Kia called and invited me to his place, which meant I had to rush back out to Bakau (the sun was already getting low in the sky). I was completely exhausted when I arrived - 28km in one day! It was too much.
The new computers have arrived in the country, but they're having to go through a lot to get them out of customs at the port. Hopefully by the end of this week they will be at the centre so I can start setting them up and getting them ready. Bob suggested the GCF (http://www.gcflearnfree.org/) course about PowerPoint - its an organization that produces free computer-related course material - its very cool. I need to have a closer look, but more likely than not I will be using their course.
I did get mom's 'snail mail' letter, and a couple of post cards from Aunt Monica. Its hard to say exactly how long it took for them to arrive, because the NSA doesn't check its PO box more than a couple of times a month. One of the postcards reminded me of so much of Black Rock - I put it up on my wall! :)
It is really weird to think that I've already been here more than three months, and that there are fewer days ahead than there are behind (at least for this project). I love being here, and its weird to think about leaving in a couple of months - I don't think I'm going to think about it until the time is much closer!
This weekend has been rediculus.I spent friday night helping Mr. Neyestani install a new surround sound system in his house, and to get him set up on Skype. Saturday morning I decided to go out to Banjulnding (to Bob and Barbara's) to return the Liaden Universe books, a trip of about 14 km from Bakau. Whlie I was there Kia called and invited me to his place, which meant I had to rush back out to Bakau (the sun was already getting low in the sky). I was completely exhausted when I arrived - 28km in one day! It was too much.
The new computers have arrived in the country, but they're having to go through a lot to get them out of customs at the port. Hopefully by the end of this week they will be at the centre so I can start setting them up and getting them ready. Bob suggested the GCF (http://www.gcflearnfree.org/) course about PowerPoint - its an organization that produces free computer-related course material - its very cool. I need to have a closer look, but more likely than not I will be using their course.
I did get mom's 'snail mail' letter, and a couple of post cards from Aunt Monica. Its hard to say exactly how long it took for them to arrive, because the NSA doesn't check its PO box more than a couple of times a month. One of the postcards reminded me of so much of Black Rock - I put it up on my wall! :)
It is really weird to think that I've already been here more than three months, and that there are fewer days ahead than there are behind (at least for this project). I love being here, and its weird to think about leaving in a couple of months - I don't think I'm going to think about it until the time is much closer!
posted by Liam Hanks @ 1:05 PM
7 Comments:
At Sunday, July 30, 2006 6:26:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Wow, Liam, that QCF we site is awesome! I had downloaded the Open Office Suite last year after Hurricane Katrina and have enjoyed "playing" with it. It is a lot like WORD, the other parts I haven't used, but now with the tutorials I can do much more with it. It is a free download from Sun Micorsystems and when my free trial ran out, rather than spend the $100.00 for Microsoft Word, I got Open Office.
The tutorials by QCF are very easy to understand and cover everything step by step. Definitely will save you time rather than trying to re-invent the wheel with your own lessons. They come in nice little steps.
Enjoy the rest of your stay, you'll back in NS for winter! So soak up that sunshime, but don't pass out from heat exhaustion, I'm guessing those 28k were on your bicycle! You'll be in great shape when you get home!
Best, Virginia
At Sunday, July 30, 2006 6:55:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Wow Liam! 28k in the heat of Africa - tooo much!
How did the pancake experiment go - what can you get there to put on them? Fruit no doubt. Syrup too?
Am wondering if your return date is cut in stone, or is it 'adjustable'? Nobody there will want to see you leave, and nobody here will want you to stay longer! Can't blame your students for wanting you to put in all that extra time making notes for them - you won't exactly be next door for question answering and explanations.
I have been missing the Black Rock excursions too, as have spent the last month in Ohio for the grand event of Sam's arrival and followup. Erika is there now, but will leave this week. (Monica will be lonesome when she goes.) I must return to my job on Tuesday - bittersweet, as I would like to stay at home, but do love my job too. Hard to have it both ways.
Love you, miss you. Consider yourself hugged!
Odd Add
At Monday, July 31, 2006 8:20:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Liam...just found your newsy blog. Was without my computer for three days....I suffered through somehow!!
Sounds like you are really busy but are enjoying it. I'm so glad you like it over there.
Don't overwork yourself in the heat. How hot does it get there?
Thanks for the update...
Love to you....
Grandma K.
At Tuesday, August 01, 2006 9:47:00 AM,
Anonymous said…
Again, wow, Liam! That's quite a day of biking . . . were your muscles sore after that, or are you already in good enough shape that it didn't bother you? I will check out that site too. Virginia makes it sound quite amazing! We have been to the shore a few less times than normal . . . Uncle Terry was away on his birthday, Rob was away on his birthday, and Jason's away for his birthday (today). My birthday is on Friday . . . we'll have to see what the weather is doing before deciding if it will be at the shore. It's been hot here, (27 - 30 most days), but will cool off later this week with some rain. Great to visit with you here! Love Aunt Mary
At Tuesday, August 01, 2006 12:23:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Liam - sounds like things are continuing to go well. I have a feeling a little bit of The Gambia will live in your heart forever. I just got back after going to summer school in Moncton and spending a couple of days with Lena by the sea. It was wonderful! More details in an email. Love you lots. Mom.
At Sunday, August 06, 2006 11:02:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hi Liam. I don't want you to think that I've forgotten you; I think of you lots and Happy that you are enjoying your wonderful adventures in Africa. (Aunty Monica)
At Wednesday, August 09, 2006 5:17:00 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Liam
I know that I haven't wrote in a long time. I have been reading through your blog and it seems that you are making a lot of progress with your students and the spreadsheet board is great!!! : ) We miss you here at work (OLS) and I can't wait til you get home and come sit by me again!! I know you will have a lot of amazing stories and I want to hear them all. A lot of changes here but for the good I think. I hate the rain, I couldn't believe some of the pictures, and 28KM in the heat, what are you thinking!? Miss you to pieces, glad to see you're doing so well.
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