There have been so many little bits and pieces over the last few days ... here is what I remember happened. I also have to note that things seem to be gaining speed, that as of this evening, there are 16 days before I hop on the plane.
First - I haven't heard back yet from Marin Community Foundation. If'n you recall, I wrote a letter to Dr. Tom Peters, CEO of MCF. He spoke at my graduation, and I sent him a letter quoting his speech in my "ask" letter. Quite brilliant, if'n you ask me. I take it as good news that I haven't received a "thanks but no" letter.
Checks have been slowly coming in on my Family and Friends Sponsor Deb for a Day appeal. I have over a week now paid for. It is touchy - I don't want to go back to people and say "Remember, you said you would sponsor a day ....." but I would like to follow up with them. So .... I am sending them a link to this blog, as a gentle reminder. The checks are coming from people that I wouldn't have expected. It's nice. :)
Yesterday, I got my shots. Hep A. H1N1. The seasonal Flu Shot isn't out yet, so not that one. Plus, prescriptions. Because I am prone to bronchitis, and had pnemonia for the 4th!!!!!! time earlier this spring, my doctor gave me two courses of anti-biotics to take with me. Plus malaria tablets, a bronchial inhaler, and my standard allergy tabs. It is an entire bag of meds. Ick!!!!! But you know - I don't want to be in the dead of winter, gasping because I can't breathe (all I can do is gurgle) from pnemonia, and wasting time and energy going to the local clinic for meds.
Yesterday, also, we had a meeting at Dominican, with all of the Fellows coming from Dominican. There are Monica, Kevin, Dana (who will be my roommate - Hi Dana :)) and me. Monica and Kevin are on the Education side. Dana and I are the two MBA's. I still!!! can't figure out the structure of this project. I wrote to Ed Kujawa, Dean of Education, to ask him for an individual meeting to help me sort out who is who and chart an Organization Chart of how Teach with Africa intersects with Dominican. What I found out is that I am going as a student, under the reign of Dominican, and have two papers to write. One is a 15 pager (sigh ....) the other is 20 pages. How did THAT happen?? I thought for sure I had graduated!
I also purchased my Travel Insurance this morning. Travelersaid.com was the best place, best prices, with the most coverage. Dominican said it was mandatory that I have this insurance so that in the case of a fatal event, my remains will be extradited out of South Africa. Nobody get any ideas - Jim is the beneficiary :)
I need to find out about auto insurance. Because I am the only MBA that can drive a stick shift car, I am designated driver. But does that make me liable?? If we get in an accident, is my personal insurance covering me?? That is a question for Ed Kujawa for sure, and something that needs to be clear before I hop in the drivers' seat. Plus - there is the issue of driving a stick shift car on the left side of the road. I know I did it in London, and Bathe, and Isle of Wight, but how we didn't all die in that adventure is beyond me.
During the meeting, Monica suggested that while we all are spending the night in Dubai, that we hire a taxi and tour the town. That sounds like a great idea, as I can't imagine any other way we will see the sights.
Meanwhile, here at home, the cherries need to be harvested this week. It is almost the last day of school for Grant and Alex, and Jim and I need to help Grant prepare for going on his first job interview.
16 days to go.
