10:35 am on Wednesday Morning - Ibuprofen for potential fever and cold symptoms
8:35 am on Wednesday Morning - Metron for giardia
6:30 am on Wednesday Morning - Cold FX to combat impending cold
9:30 pm on Tuesday Night - Metron for giardia, melatonin for 10 hour jetlag
2:00 pm on Tuesday - Metron for giardia
6:00 am on Tuesday - Metron for giardia
9:30 pm on Monday Night - Metron for giardia, melatonin for 10 hour jetlag, and gravol for nausea
2:00 pm on Monday - Metron for giardia and gravol for nausea
Sunday night - arrival in Canada after 27 hours of travel being ill throughout.
27 hours earlier - chills, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting as started our trip and as we checked-in at the airport in India...
Welcome Home! More when I feel better.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
I made enemies today
It went something like this… we arrived at the Indian Embassy at the time they had told us to come. It was the largest gathering of foreigners we have seen – all waiting outside the gated doors… many had a number previously guaranteeing that they would enter the visa fort… but we didn’t…
So I went up to the armed guards and put on the charm… It must be noted that all the guards were Nepali. At some point, the armed guard came back to us in the back of the line and just stood there with his hands behind his back… I realized this must be for bribes, but I don’t know how to do such a thing. As he turned to me, I looked at him with a certain shy helplessness and told him “listen, I don’t know how this works – but we really need to get our visa today” – he smiled and led us past all the foreigners to the next armed guys – with whom I chatted a bit telling them our situation and they also let us through… I could hear behind us... 'well I guess speaking Nepali helps'... It was interesting since as soon as I explained that Clayton was my husband to the door guards, their eyes lit up and they shook his hand with heartfelt sincerity - we don't know what that was really - we wondered whether it was because they thought he would have control on the bribe money or something... but then again...
As we returned after a long wait to get the first phase of the visa process, I stopped at the guys again - thinking that they would want a 'tip' - but no... they just wanted to chat...
It was like a failed attempt at getting or giving a bribe... oh well...
So I went up to the armed guards and put on the charm… It must be noted that all the guards were Nepali. At some point, the armed guard came back to us in the back of the line and just stood there with his hands behind his back… I realized this must be for bribes, but I don’t know how to do such a thing. As he turned to me, I looked at him with a certain shy helplessness and told him “listen, I don’t know how this works – but we really need to get our visa today” – he smiled and led us past all the foreigners to the next armed guys – with whom I chatted a bit telling them our situation and they also let us through… I could hear behind us... 'well I guess speaking Nepali helps'... It was interesting since as soon as I explained that Clayton was my husband to the door guards, their eyes lit up and they shook his hand with heartfelt sincerity - we don't know what that was really - we wondered whether it was because they thought he would have control on the bribe money or something... but then again...
As we returned after a long wait to get the first phase of the visa process, I stopped at the guys again - thinking that they would want a 'tip' - but no... they just wanted to chat...
It was like a failed attempt at getting or giving a bribe... oh well...
Friday, May 9, 2008
Minus-1
Today, I am minus-1… Yeap, only a year before the big 30… Clayton and I just finished a lovely breakfast and I am now the proud owner of a color-changing pendant that I will proudly wear as my minus-1 birthday gift.
Pokhara is treating us well… relaxing days of walking, reading, boating, and just chilling. Today, we are heading to the Shangri-la, one of the nicest hotels in Pokhara for a lounging day beside the pool. The walls are so high surrounding the complex that I can even wear my bikini. It has also been great to hang around with Carol, as this will be the last time we spend time with her in Nepal. Tomorrow, we head back to Kathmandu and start the final craze of packing, getting a suit fitted, having dinner with friends, and getting the apartment spotless for the next renter.
Well better be off - there is much celebrating to be had...
Pokhara is treating us well… relaxing days of walking, reading, boating, and just chilling. Today, we are heading to the Shangri-la, one of the nicest hotels in Pokhara for a lounging day beside the pool. The walls are so high surrounding the complex that I can even wear my bikini. It has also been great to hang around with Carol, as this will be the last time we spend time with her in Nepal. Tomorrow, we head back to Kathmandu and start the final craze of packing, getting a suit fitted, having dinner with friends, and getting the apartment spotless for the next renter.
Well better be off - there is much celebrating to be had...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Smells like holiday
All is done - I did the big presentation on my results on Thursday - handed in my paper to NFHP on Friday - got 'evaluated' - even sent some job applications today... Now it's time to get some necessary stuff for a visit to the village and a trip to Pokhara to relax and spend time with Carol... AHHH You can just imagine me relaxing by the lake with a coffee soothing me and a good book (not on qualitative research or private health providers)... 2 weeks till we head home...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
A thing of Beauty!
Have a 21 day-trial with MindJet Mind Manager... and I think I have fallen in love. This is hot off the press and not quite polished... but isn't it just a beautiful sight - Am having a hard time separating myself from it.
So yes... I guess I have a streak of geekiness... but wouldn't you if you could create this?
My Somewhat Quirky Wife
It's not fair: Catherine-Anne just isn't as quirky as I am. That's the official line anyway, but I did manage to sneak the following seven quirks past the censors.
1) Geekiness. Catherine-Anne is not a geek, she insists. Now, she *is* addicted to Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Facebook, and Email. And she was ecstatic at having discovered the Style Manager in Word and the Auto-Update feature in particular. But she's "not a geek".
2) Linguistic skills. Catherine-Anne speaks four languages fluently, but unfortunately those little barriers that most of us erect between different languages are a little more permeable for her. Which is charming most of the time, but not, for example, when you're using Spanish as a private language in Nepal, and random phrases start emerging in Nepali by accident. Particularly when that phrase is about how you really want to buy a certain item and will pay any price. Grrr.
3) Performance anxiety. Due to a set of circumstances for which she is only partially to blame, Catherine-Anne's first two attempts to make rice in my presence ended in inedible failure. Since then, she has been psychologically unable to make rice for supper. So now that's my job.
4) Self-evaluation. Not her strong suit, I'm afraid. On those occasions when she gets a fabulous mark on a paper, she is utterly convinced that the teacher gave her the mark "just to be nice". Because they do that kind of thing in postgraduate studies.
5) Curiosity. Whenever an expression flits across my face that she doesn't understand, the question will not drop until a satisfactory answer is given or 72 hours have passed, whichever comes first. We've even decided that her middle name is "Penguin" in honor of her preternatural curiosity.
6) "Keel you over". As in, "have a snack to keel you over until dinner". Catherine-Anne has an honestly impressive English vocabulary, but her command of idioms and expressions is a little spotty. Now we all make mistakes, but she seems genuinely surprised each time she makes the same one again.
7) Pill swallowing. For whatever (hopefully genetically recessive) reasons, Catherine-Anne has trouble swallowing pills. Not just big ones either. She has to take a mouthful of water, and then tilt her head back and shake it like a bird swallowing a big fish. Amusing, but weird.
Well, only three weeks until we're in Canada! With a 50+ item to do list before we leave, things are going to be a little busy, but we will manage to squeeze in the better part of a week in Pokhara enjoying some sun and relaxation. Can't wait to see everyone in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Waterloo and Winnipeg!!!
1) Geekiness. Catherine-Anne is not a geek, she insists. Now, she *is* addicted to Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Facebook, and Email. And she was ecstatic at having discovered the Style Manager in Word and the Auto-Update feature in particular. But she's "not a geek".
2) Linguistic skills. Catherine-Anne speaks four languages fluently, but unfortunately those little barriers that most of us erect between different languages are a little more permeable for her. Which is charming most of the time, but not, for example, when you're using Spanish as a private language in Nepal, and random phrases start emerging in Nepali by accident. Particularly when that phrase is about how you really want to buy a certain item and will pay any price. Grrr.
3) Performance anxiety. Due to a set of circumstances for which she is only partially to blame, Catherine-Anne's first two attempts to make rice in my presence ended in inedible failure. Since then, she has been psychologically unable to make rice for supper. So now that's my job.
4) Self-evaluation. Not her strong suit, I'm afraid. On those occasions when she gets a fabulous mark on a paper, she is utterly convinced that the teacher gave her the mark "just to be nice". Because they do that kind of thing in postgraduate studies.
5) Curiosity. Whenever an expression flits across my face that she doesn't understand, the question will not drop until a satisfactory answer is given or 72 hours have passed, whichever comes first. We've even decided that her middle name is "Penguin" in honor of her preternatural curiosity.
6) "Keel you over". As in, "have a snack to keel you over until dinner". Catherine-Anne has an honestly impressive English vocabulary, but her command of idioms and expressions is a little spotty. Now we all make mistakes, but she seems genuinely surprised each time she makes the same one again.
7) Pill swallowing. For whatever (hopefully genetically recessive) reasons, Catherine-Anne has trouble swallowing pills. Not just big ones either. She has to take a mouthful of water, and then tilt her head back and shake it like a bird swallowing a big fish. Amusing, but weird.
Well, only three weeks until we're in Canada! With a 50+ item to do list before we leave, things are going to be a little busy, but we will manage to squeeze in the better part of a week in Pokhara enjoying some sun and relaxation. Can't wait to see everyone in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Waterloo and Winnipeg!!!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A feverish Cry...
Our compound has a lovely couple who care for the area and maintain safety. They are always followed by a little boy with the quirkiest voice, Subash their grandson. Subash has become the source of much laughs in our household and makes his presence known to us by his cries and by banging on our door.One morning, our bathroom floor got flooded as we did our wash - we checked outside and we found that someone, with little wee hands, had used our water pipe to hide rocks and even a bottle of gentian violet. Subash's mischievous face was priceless as he realized he got caught.
Subash is a perfect example of why I'm here... He has had recurrent respiratory infections, fever, and diarrhea in the last few months. His grandmother brings him to the private clinic and returns with yet another set of meds.
I'm presently writing my research paper - trying to highlight the main findings that we obtained from our 26 interviews. It is clear that private health providers don't follow best practices... they give unecessary medications, they don't assess well, they offer services that they are not trained for... but then again, they are there... The need is great, and some do respond well, mostly considering their limited education.
The final goal is to better understand how private providers treat children under 5... It's interesting since we've touched upon some of the factors that influence their practice: marketing forces, financial status of patients, beliefs about meds, etc... I'm finding it hard because I am always second-guessing my conclusions - hoping I am being faithful to the data.
This paper is one tiny step forward towards figuring out how NFHP and the government can engage the private sector for improving child health outcomes. Interesting to think that maybe, one day, this will help a little Subash...
Thursday, April 17, 2008
My Quirky Husband
Much time has been spent together in the last few months. Clayton couldn’t escape to yet another dancing event… and I wasn’t bustling around town with coffee engagements or on the phone… so we have learned a lot about each other.It seems that some ‘other’ woman (sorry Sarah – but until I meet you you’re another woman!) has previously listed some Clayton’s quirks (http://www.claytronics.org/faults.htm) and in it she said wisely that “his to-be wife must be warned - God help the one who has a lifetime of this!”. For all of Clayton's friends and family - we can all agree that Quirky could be Clayton's middle name - Here is just a taste...
Ten 'Clayton' Quirks, as per his Loving Wife
1- In our quite honestly well-distributed household tasks, I do the laundry. This activity does not include folding following the wash – we do that together. The interesting thing I have come to realize is that Clayton only fishes out his clothes and folds them. When my clothes are the only ones left, he throws them my way and feels happy to have contributed. I on the other hand, fold whatever is in reach… and how does he come to the conclusion that towels/kitchen clothes/sheets are my clothes… one will never know…
2- Clayton has urgent physical pains/needs that come upon him in a flash. For example, out of nowhere, he could have the worst headache ever or needs to pee so bad…This latter serious critical need will not stop him from googling on the mating habits of the proboscis monkey, premillennial theology in western Texas, or a new 25 inch computer screen.
3- Clayton hates… and I mean hates… putting away leftovers. I honestly don’t get it.
4- When he awakes, Clayton can barely walk straight, hits walls and corners, and recently, even fell to the ground.
5- But there is more to the morning Clayton I have come to laugh at. As his eyes see the light of day, his blood is causing him to loath all that he sees. I know to quickly give him what he needs....no not that.....something sweet like Mango juice… and then after 5 minutes, the worlds seems like a better place to my lovely husband.
6- When he wants the bigger share of chocolate… he says “mama-bear” pointing to me, and then “papa-bear” pointing to himself, thus permiting his self-indulgence
7- Almost all of you know that Clayton has a somewhat surprising obsession with dogs… but I hope you have been protected from his canine growling biting snarling displays of affection. I am sometimes surprised when I'm typing that some unknown animal is gnawing at my shoulder in need of attention.
8- Clayton after imbibing in maybe half a glass of wine becomes almost embarrassingly self-disclosing… a perfect opportunity for a girlfriend (potential wife) to get all the dirt he usually keeps concealed! It has served me well!
9- Yes, I admit it, I can be sometimes annoying and a tease. In response to this, Clayton has perfected name calling… well I don’t know if calling his wife "sushi-for-brains" or "poo-head" really reflects his intellectual skills.
10- He keeps all… and I mean all… his email ever written and ever received… so that if he really wants to know what an ex wrote to him 9 years ago – it’s always available…arghhh
So that is my brief outline of some of Clayton’s quirks… now I haven’t even
described all the quirks I have witnessed when he’s frustrated with customer service, or when something doesn’t smell right… oh well… One thing is certain, this present list will bring forth his wrath… and I’m sure he will have to compensate by writing some not-so-true comments about me. One thing is sure whatever he will write will have to be wittier, funnier, and more to the point... since well his competitiveness will require it of him and he must prove that I'm too wordy! So please realize the hyperbole this will produce.
1- In our quite honestly well-distributed household tasks, I do the laundry. This activity does not include folding following the wash – we do that together. The interesting thing I have come to realize is that Clayton only fishes out his clothes and folds them. When my clothes are the only ones left, he throws them my way and feels happy to have contributed. I on the other hand, fold whatever is in reach… and how does he come to the conclusion that towels/kitchen clothes/sheets are my clothes… one will never know…
2- Clayton has urgent physical pains/needs that come upon him in a flash. For example, out of nowhere, he could have the worst headache ever or needs to pee so bad…This latter serious critical need will not stop him from googling on the mating habits of the proboscis monkey, premillennial theology in western Texas, or a new 25 inch computer screen.
3- Clayton hates… and I mean hates… putting away leftovers. I honestly don’t get it.
4- When he awakes, Clayton can barely walk straight, hits walls and corners, and recently, even fell to the ground.
5- But there is more to the morning Clayton I have come to laugh at. As his eyes see the light of day, his blood is causing him to loath all that he sees. I know to quickly give him what he needs....no not that.....something sweet like Mango juice… and then after 5 minutes, the worlds seems like a better place to my lovely husband.
6- When he wants the bigger share of chocolate… he says “mama-bear” pointing to me, and then “papa-bear” pointing to himself, thus permiting his self-indulgence
7- Almost all of you know that Clayton has a somewhat surprising obsession with dogs… but I hope you have been protected from his canine growling biting snarling displays of affection. I am sometimes surprised when I'm typing that some unknown animal is gnawing at my shoulder in need of attention.8- Clayton after imbibing in maybe half a glass of wine becomes almost embarrassingly self-disclosing… a perfect opportunity for a girlfriend (potential wife) to get all the dirt he usually keeps concealed! It has served me well!
9- Yes, I admit it, I can be sometimes annoying and a tease. In response to this, Clayton has perfected name calling… well I don’t know if calling his wife "sushi-for-brains" or "poo-head" really reflects his intellectual skills.
10- He keeps all… and I mean all… his email ever written and ever received… so that if he really wants to know what an ex wrote to him 9 years ago – it’s always available…arghhh
So that is my brief outline of some of Clayton’s quirks… now I haven’t even
described all the quirks I have witnessed when he’s frustrated with customer service, or when something doesn’t smell right… oh well… One thing is certain, this present list will bring forth his wrath… and I’m sure he will have to compensate by writing some not-so-true comments about me. One thing is sure whatever he will write will have to be wittier, funnier, and more to the point... since well his competitiveness will require it of him and he must prove that I'm too wordy! So please realize the hyperbole this will produce.
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