Read On: A Logistical Post

I've decided to extend my service here. Looks like the earliest I'll be back is June 2008 and then it's off to graduate school, for which I was approved a year long deferral. But I'll be home for several weeks in December, and Diana has assured me we will bring in 2008 with festivities the likes of which will shake Manhattan to its core... her words, not mine. So if you're around, you should give me the heads up.

As for graduate school, I'll be getting a masters in international affairs, which is undoubtedly the coolest degree one can have. I'm imagining myself navigating the corridors of an airport; hips swaying to the music the scene is set to which is something contemporary, French and sexy; I get a private call on my cell phone: "Antoine?" - pause - "Pierre, pardon, mon amour"; and then the fantasy concludes with me ordering some strong cappuccino at a coffee shop in the terminal. Come to think of it every fantasy I've ever had ends with me getting some strong coffee. Ninjas jumping out of the bushes telling me I come from a long line of warriors and it's my destiny to battle evil minions and save the world - cut to ninjas and I devising battle plans over some lattes at Starbucks. Singing "Papa Don't Preach" on the stage of a karaoke bar as the owner waits in the wings to offer me boat loads of money and a sequined wardrobe to be the lounge's most popular singer - cut to me sitting on a red vinyl stool at the bar after hours, mourning about how hard it is being so well loved while the bartender tries to console me with a mug of coffee. Time I close the doors to the deep, dark secrets of my wormy brain.

This also means, staying here for another year as I am, the trickle of mail I'm receiving probably needs some improving. I'm not pointing fingers... cause you know who you are.

Here are some other updates, bulleted for your pleasure:

* I ran the Longtom Half Marathon in 1:44:09! A personal best. Thanks to everyone who contributed to my fundraising efforts! KLM made the most money it ever has this year.
* After the Longtom, I went hiking through the Drakensburg for five days and then did a 3 day pony trek into Lesotho. There are photos on my flickr account if you haven't seen them yet. Big fun had by all.
* After the marathon, the hike, the pony trek, I returned home, alighted from a minibus taxi, tripped on an empty can of soda and sprained my ankle. I'm healing slowly but intend on running a 10K race in the next month or so.
* There is a sequel to 28 Days Later... which I must see. I hope it gets picked up here. I love zombie allegory.
* It's getting colder here. The avocados are out in full effect... which means I am accepting donations of black beans to facilitate burrito-production. Citrus too has arrived.
* With help from a dashing young gentleman, I am restoring my garden to its former glory - and then some. Pictures to follow... eventually.
* Naheed is leaving Peace Corps early... she might even fly out today. I'll miss her tremendously. And I know all those people who viewed that photo of her butt on my flickr account will probably regret her departure as well :)

I am very happy.