The Time Between

For a long time, I felt like I didn't fully fit in with the things that were going on around me. I did not feel as interested, as others seemed to be, in certain popular aspects of society.

Every now and then, I would find people that seemed more like me than most others. Sadly, the occurrence of these people was so rare that I would forget what is was like to be with such a person during the time between occurrences.

I am surprised, happy, and drawing a lot of energy from the fact that through research and preparation for the Peace Corps, I am meeting many people that have some major wavelengths in common with me.

I feel like I have found a home for the parts of me that did not have a place to go before.

Repairs -- Ouch!

It looks like the dentist is going to be able to buy a new motorcycle; I now have 1,493 more reasons to sell mine...

Chalk up $2,985.00 worth of repairs to:

• 3 molars, each mostly comprised of disintegrating fillings
• one slightly decayed tooth
• one exposed root

The good news is my dental insurance will pay for half. The bad news is that half of a big number can still be big.

During my lunch at work, I posted my motorcycle for sale on the web. Posting it in my work's classified ads yesterday was at best, a half-hearted attempt to sell it.

Now, I definitely need to sell the bike so that I can stay on track with my "get out of debt" schedule.

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I am starting to see how getting ready for the Peace Corps can really force a person to view their life from a different perspective. Another aspiring Peace Corps volunteer, Kerry Boutell, said it best with this statement:

"I have been in the process of getting my entire life in order so I could continue with the Peace Corps process."

Getting Ready for Medical Clearance

Last night, I posted a message on a wonderful Yahoo! Peace Corps forum. I asked if there was anything I could do to prepare for my medical clearance -- anything that could make the process easier.

One recommendation was to get my teeth in order. So today I setup an appointment, for tomorrow, to see a dentist.

At 10:00 am central time tomorrow, I will be enjoying a hearty teeth cleaning.

Hopefully they will not find anything that needs to be repaired...

Debt Elimination Shifts Gears

Today I shifted my debt elimination project into the next gear.

[I need to be debt free by the time I enter the Peace Corps.]

First, I woke up and cut-up my credit card. I still have some lingering debt associated with it (left over from the trip to China). I must not add any more liability to it!

Second, before leaving for work this morning, I took a picture of my motorcycle. When I got to work, I used the picture to create a quick electronic posting in our company classifieds listing my motorcycle for sale. I will be sad to see it go.

This is how I have convinced myself to sell it:

• I could use the money to greatly reduce my debt.
• I can save money on reduced insurance costs.
• I don't feel that it makes sense to store it for two years -- especially because I am not sure what I will be doing when I complete my service with the Peace Corps.
• I can always buy a cheaper bike if I need one; when I get back.

If you know anyone looking for a nice sport bike, send 'em my way.

Paths -- Addendum

Although we can not easily change another's path,
we can at times wake them
so they can see their own path with clarity;
sometimes this is done with the smallest of questions.

Emergency Kit Item #6 -- My Path

Today, in my native land and culture, I see many people headed in directions I don't understand. When I don't pay attention to my thoughts, I become impatient and judgmental of these people.

I would imagine that when I am in a different land surrounded by a different culture, I will see even more people headed in directions I do not understand. I do not want to become impatient or judgmental of them, rather I want to watch with an open mind and learn more about the path they are on.

Sometimes when I am impatient or judgmental in this way, thinking about a simple fact can help me become less:

We are all moving along our own path.

[No, I did not forget any words, I wanted to end the sentence with less.][It makes sense if you think about it.]

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Item #6 -- My Path

I am going to write this in my thought book. On the opposite page I will draw a simple path leading into the page.

We are all moving along our own path.This is my path.Do not confuse my path with the path of others.