4 February, 2010 by nuttycow
The time of my departure draws ever nearer and I’m in two minds as to what to do with this place when I go.
Part of me would like to open it up to the world, update it, use it as a method of letting people know what I’m up to. The other part of me quite likes the privacy I’ve built up here. The fact that only a handful of my readers (ok, ok, I know, I’ve only got a handful to start with!) know who I am and know the people I’m talking about.
It’s a decision for another time.
Until then, please accept my apologies for non-posting. Things are so manic at the moment that I need to get on with things, refresh my mind, refresh my writing and start all over again.
Next time we speak, I’ll be here.
Posted in cow abroad, everyday bits 'n' bobs, switzerland | Tagged my brain hurts, why is tax so taxing? | 9 Comments »
19 January, 2010 by nuttycow
I know you, like me, have been shocked and horrified by the recent events in the previously relatively unknown (at least to me) Haiti.
I have sat in the car, crying at radio reports. I have watched the news, not quite being able to comprehend the immensity of the situation.
It’s easy to feel useless. To think, I’m thousands of miles away. What can I do?
Luckily, a group of bloggers, led by the ever wonderful and amazing English Mum, have set up a JustGiving page for the Haiti disaster. So far, they’ve raised over £3,000.
What’s the money going to? No, not her personal wine collection (I asked, she’s kosher, promise) but these amazing ShelterBoxes. They cost around £500.
ShelterBox is such a unique organisation, because what they provide is an entire rescue kit in a box. Each box contains:
- A ten-person tent with privacy partitions that allow its occupants to divide the space as they see fit
- A range of other survival equipment including thermal blankets and insulated ground sheets, essential in areas where temperatures plummet at nightfall
- Life-saving means of water purification. Water supplies often become contaminated after a major disaster, as infrastructure and sanitation systems are destroyed, this presents a secondary but no less dangerous threat to survivors than the initial disaster itself.
- A basic tool kit containing a hammer, axe, saw, trenching shovel, hoe head, pliers and wire cutters. These items enable people to improve their immediate environment, by chopping firewood or digging a latrine, for example. Then, when it is possible, to start repairing or rebuilding the home they were forced to leave.
- A wood burning or multi-fuel stove that can burn anything from diesel to old paint. This provides the heart of the new home where water is boiled, food is cooked and families congregate. In addition, there are pans, utensils, bowls, mugs and water storage containers.
- Each box can be adapted to the individual needs of the disaster area, for example, following the Javanese earthquake in 2006, when some resources were available locally or could be salvaged from one storey buildings, the overwhelming need was for shelter – so ShelterBox just sent tents, packing two in each box. The box itself is lightweight and waterproof and has been used for a variety of purposes in the past – from water and food storage containers to a cot for a newly born baby.
- And lastly, but I think just as importantly, each box contains a children’s pack containing drawing books, crayons and pens. For children who have lost most, if not all, of their possessions, these small gifts are treasured.
So a small donation, then?
Oh and if you’re a blogger, please join us in promoting Bloggers for Haiti. You’ll be amongst some serious blogging legends!
(Please note that if you prefer, you can also donate to the DEC Haiti Earthquake appeal and UNICEF by clicking on these links.)
Posted in a cry for help | Tagged haiti | Leave a Comment »
14 January, 2010 by nuttycow
I’ve managed to guilt myself into writing something, anything down in this sad, neglected corner of cyberspace. Having come back from my holiday (which was fab, thanks) a relaxed, slightly pink tinged, generally chilled out woman, I’m now slowly submerging myself in work again. Except I’m not. Except I’m demob happy. I’m counting down the days, weeks, months until the next big adventure begins.
When will it be?
When will I move?
Where am I going to live?
Will I have a local café that I’ll spend lazy Saturday mornings in, watching the world go by or, more probably, will I think about going to a local café and watching the world go by but veto it and stay in bed instead?
How will I decorate the new place?
Will I go IKEA mad at the slightest chance?
The more I think about it, the more excited I am to leave. Which surprised me when I first came to that dawning realisation.
After all, I don’t hate my life. It’s pretty damn awesome. Or is it? Or have I got myself into a rut of comfort which I really need to leave? Isn’t it time I got out there, met new people and had a bit of adventure? Isn’t it time that I started enjoying the fact I’m free and single instead of constantly thinking that there’s nothing left for me?
When I was 17, being in my late 20s didn’t seem too bad. I mean, why would it? I was going to be married and happy by that point, right?
Now that my late 20s has hit, I feel like I’m past it. Friends around me get married and produce babies in quick succession. People change, priorities change and I haven’t.
Which is why this move will be good for me. It’s a chance for me to Ctrl-Alt-Del, start anew and see what life brings me.
No preconceptions, no goals, no expectations.
No guilt about this trip.
Posted in cow abroad, home sweet home, how i'm feeling, jobsworth, kenya, ponderings, switzerland | 7 Comments »
16 December, 2009 by nuttycow
I’m off on holidays.
Green pastures in foreign lands.
I’ll be back in the new year.
Have a good ‘un y’all.
xx
Posted in random | 6 Comments »
