No Worries

I never know what day of the week it is. Seriously, if it wasn't for Christmas trees, presents, and twinkle lights I'd probably still think its November. I'm convinced someone or something is eating time. Anyway, here I find myself more than a month out of Cairo. A month of cold, a month traffic laws, a month without falafel, a month without hearing Arabic.

I can't lie- I thought that by now my world would be rocked. I'd be slipping around on the ice of Minnesota as a new person.

Every day I change and learn new things, but travel presses my buttons. My high school trip to France started me up for business. I learned to take charge and lead in Australia. Rwanda infused my whole being with the love of people and culture. And Cairo? Two months in Egypt ... still waiting. What the HECK!? Where is my breakthrough!? So far, I've only been seeing the breakthrough or rather, breakdown of my bank account.

Wasn't some BIG change part of my package deal?

Of course, this is drama speaking. Not a day goes by that I don't think of the beauty and hospitality of my friends in Egypt. Or the colors of a country filled to the brim with ancient culture and people. But I'm talking about me. What has changed about me?! Other than a higher tolerance for noise and fiber.

Well...

Tolerance is the key word, I think. Tolerance.

Not exactly what I would have predicted pre-Cairo, but nevertheless, I think TOLERANCE has been my gift from Egypt. Shukran Egypt for your creation of civilization, beer, language, etc etc ... and thank you for tolerance.

Tolerance, patience, understanding, sympathy ... however you want to say it, well, I think I've got it! After two months of living amongst some 19 million people, without the right of freedom of speech and movement, a schedule on 'African time', and uselessness of English. This year's holiday shoppers, long lines, bad winter drivers, crying children, and a few extra cookie calories are nothing. "No Problem/No Worries" was the English phrase I heard most in Egypt, and did I ever pick it up.

The phrase and mindset of "No Problem" have become a daily essential in my life. Because really, what are we stressing about? Why are we in such a hurry, and what is the point of dwelling? We've got a life to live people, and we're living it amongst a world full of unpredictable human beings. LET THINGS GO. This new level of tolerance may or may not be my Egyptian breakthrough, but whatever brought it on - I like it.

Life presents itself more beautifully when we're not worrying about the small stuff.

Happy Holidays and Hakuna Matata!

Lee-Da

onetwo

2 weeks into home life.

2 days into job searching.

Who knew depression and discouragement could set in so quickly.

I’ve been pretty bummed lately, feeling really out of control and sad in this whirlwind of readjustment, job-hunting, and frankly- loneliness. Welch Minnesota is the prefect place to sit back and enjoy the peacefulness of Mother Nature, not so much for entertainment. Although, watching Ringo be chased by our new chickens did throw the family into a fit of giggles.

The other week during my visit to Ames, my beautiful friend Megen told me that she had made the decision to be happy.

Made the DECISION to be happy.

Made the decision FOR HERSELF to be happy.

Made the decision to be HAPPY.

Today, it finally set in what a wonderful idea that is! Who wants to hire a frumpy, unenthusiastic, bitter recent graduate? My disheartened attitude has done nothing but hurt the people who are closest to me, and put me further behind on the ‘to hire’ list.

SO. I started with a smile and a library trip.

Book List:

“Guide to Internet Job Searching” Co published with the Public Library Association.

“The Perfect Resume: Today’s Ultimate Job Search Tool” by Tom Jackson

“Resume Buzz Words: Get Your Resume to the Top of the Pile” by Erik Herman and Sarah Rocha; it just might work!

“The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler; because she keeps me spunky, and the courageousness of women keeps me motivated.

“Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations… One School at a Time” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin; I am constantly on a hunt for inspiration, and my lovely IRIS crew tells me it is a must read.

DVD List:

Michael Moore’s “Sicko”; I’ve got not health insurance …

Ugly Betty Season One; simply, I love her.

2 weeks until all these things are due back to Redwing Public Library.