It’s been quiet on here.  After the New Years-ing I’ve been thrown back into work, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  But I have definitely said goodbye to vacation and hello to what will be a busy last six months of my service.  In no particular order, what’s been going on this week…

1. Writing grants reminds me of writing papers in college.  Not the short 5-to-7 pagers, but the long, excruciating 15-to-20 pagers that just seemed to take over my entire life for the days leading up to the deadline.  I had to write two grants to the US Embassy last week, and while I was mostly pleased with the grant writing process undertaken for the same grant last year (we actually won, too, as did Sean’s old organization), this year’s was the opposite.  Stressful, last-minute and without any sort of capacity building opportunities for my co-workers, I couldn’t be happier they are done.  I’m trying to let go of any bitterness about all the work and stress and focus on other work that is more exciting.
2. Speaking of work that is more exciting, I’m planning a conference with other members of Peace Corps’ health committee early next month.  A similar conference took place last year and in retrospect I didn’t touch on it much here.  Either way, I’ve been knee deep in Behavior Change Communication Theory and spent Monday and Tuesday in Tbilisi in meetings with my committee members, strategizing and organizing.  We’re inviting the new group of volunteers and their counterparts and hoping that they’ll leave with a health-related project ready to implement in their communities.
3. Today is a national holiday, the Epiphany, meaning no work for Sean and me.  Hooray!  Much needed after the grant writing, I think.  Last year on the Epiphany, Sean was in the village partaking in the baptism festivities and we had an earthquake.  This year, I’m hoping that after I finish finalizing my sessions for the conference we can watch some Breaking Bad or Russia, Land of the Tsars.  (See, I told you I was on a Russian history kick.)
4. My dad’s birthday was on Monday, and I got his age wrong.  Apparently simple math is not my strong suit.  Happy 58th birthday, Dad!
5. We are pretty lucky to have great sitemates.  Not only are they fun and friendly, but also know how to get work done.  Last fall we collaborated on a Thanksgiving Day party, World AIDS Day and International Volunteerism Day.  Those of us remaining – as two have moved to another part of Georgia – met last night to talk about another big project, which has the potential to be great.  It is so helpful to collaborate and try to tackle shared problems together.  More to come.
6. My mom and aunt are coming to Georgia in July!  I can’t believe it either.  We’re spending a week here before going to Istanbul.  I’m trying to convince my mom to go to a Turkish bath, since Sean and I agree it’s the best thing ever.  When in Turkey, right Mom?!
7. My cousin posted on my facebook wall this morning, reminding me that she’s only six weeks away from having her second baby girl.  Sean and I have come to say that two years is and isn’t a long time.  This will be the second baby I will have not been able to meet shortly after her arrival.
8. And finally, what we’re missing out on today by staying in (note that it snowed about four inches yesterday)…
   

   Baptisms in the river a year ago today in Vale