Monday, April 27, 2009
Bad News...
The trip has been canceled. Sad day, and I don't know what I'm going to do. I have a LOT of options. I'll let you all know when I've decided what I'm going to do.
Range of Plans...
Just really quick... I got an e-mail from one of the instructors saying our plans could range anything and everything from flying out tonight around midnight to canceling everything. I'll find out more around noon or one MST.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Travel Delay...
As most of you know, I was supposed to fly out of Salt Lake tomorrow morning for Mexico. But because of the swine flu which broke out down there in Mexico City, our plans have been delayed. We'll find out on Monday at noon what the plan is.
This is what my instructor wrote us:
As many of you have heard, there has been an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico City. Because this just hit the news on Friday, there's not a lot of good information and there's a lot of MISINFORMATION. The US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have NOT placed any travel restrictions to or from Mexico. The illness seems to be spreading slowly. There have been cases of the same flu strain in the US, but they seem to be fairly mild. However, in Mexico, they have confirmed 18 deaths from this strain. In a city of 22 million, that's not a lot, but perhaps up 1000 have been infected. They just don't know. Because we don't know if it's serious or not, the University people in charge of tours (my bosses) have decided that it's best that we not leave YET.
WE STILL PLAN TO TRAVEL. But it looks like we'll skip Mexico City. I don't know how the itinerary will change yet. The change fee on the flights will be quite expensive. However, you won't be charged for those changes. Tentatively, I imagine we'll still fly home from Cancun on the day we've planned.
ABOUT INFLUENZA. I'm not a doctor so I can give you only general information. However, from what I understand, this strain of influenza is passed by touch. It isn't airborn. However, it can spread pretty easily. Influenza is NOT a permanent disease. It can become dangerous because of the complications it causes. Usually with good health care, influenza is not dangerous to young, healthy people like you (which could be why it seems to be adversely affecting more people in Mexico than in the US). Be careful about information you get from the news or general internet. The best sources of information are http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. They give the best advice and put everything into context.
In the mean while, I'm staying in Salt Lake, and I'm loving it. What a surprise, right?! ;) I'm kind of glad we're not leaving tomorrow because I've kind of been stressing out. Aside from the fact that we won't get to see as much. I really wanted to see the "sinking city." We've been learning so many cool things that make me excited to see and witness it firsthand down there. Anyway, I'll keep you posted...
This is what my instructor wrote us:
As many of you have heard, there has been an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico City. Because this just hit the news on Friday, there's not a lot of good information and there's a lot of MISINFORMATION. The US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have NOT placed any travel restrictions to or from Mexico. The illness seems to be spreading slowly. There have been cases of the same flu strain in the US, but they seem to be fairly mild. However, in Mexico, they have confirmed 18 deaths from this strain. In a city of 22 million, that's not a lot, but perhaps up 1000 have been infected. They just don't know. Because we don't know if it's serious or not, the University people in charge of tours (my bosses) have decided that it's best that we not leave YET.
WE STILL PLAN TO TRAVEL. But it looks like we'll skip Mexico City. I don't know how the itinerary will change yet. The change fee on the flights will be quite expensive. However, you won't be charged for those changes. Tentatively, I imagine we'll still fly home from Cancun on the day we've planned.
ABOUT INFLUENZA. I'm not a doctor so I can give you only general information. However, from what I understand, this strain of influenza is passed by touch. It isn't airborn. However, it can spread pretty easily. Influenza is NOT a permanent disease. It can become dangerous because of the complications it causes. Usually with good health care, influenza is not dangerous to young, healthy people like you (which could be why it seems to be adversely affecting more people in Mexico than in the US). Be careful about information you get from the news or general internet. The best sources of information are http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/. They give the best advice and put everything into context.
In the mean while, I'm staying in Salt Lake, and I'm loving it. What a surprise, right?! ;) I'm kind of glad we're not leaving tomorrow because I've kind of been stressing out. Aside from the fact that we won't get to see as much. I really wanted to see the "sinking city." We've been learning so many cool things that make me excited to see and witness it firsthand down there. Anyway, I'll keep you posted...
Friday, April 17, 2009
I think I might be going crazy!
I thought I had a lot to do back home! And now that I'm here, I feel like I have even MORE to do! AHH!!!! I'm going crazy! I just wish I could skip the school part of my trip and just have fun!
Actually, it's nice being in school. It's just a little intense since we're trying to pack most of our classes in before we leave, so we don't have to do as much when we get down there.
I'm taking Field Biology and Anthropology/Sociology. I am excited about my bio class because I HATE science, and yet I the one class I have to take to fulfill my general education requirement gets to be taken on a trip! I don't think I could have found a better way to take that class. Our teacher is pretty funny. But even though he's funny, he hasn't made me change my mind about science.
He started teaching us about evolution. He warned us at the beginning of the class that he would. He said that we should have an open mind and remember that those within the church have their own opinions for and against evolution. I was kind of taken aback because I thought evolution was wrong and that we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, don't believe in it. But I guess not. So, we discussed this topic for a while yesterday and today, probably a total of four hours. And I haven't changed my mind. In fact, I am a little annoyed at some of the things my peers have said. It's almost like they are pulling ideas out of thin air and making stuff up. I'm just glad that I'm not going into science. I would probably be highly annoyed and frustrated in that field.
My anthro/soc class is interesting. It's just a LOT of work! And when I say a lot, I'm not kidding. It's only 2 credits, and we have 10 times as much work in that class than in my 4 credit bio class. Imagine that! The teacher is awesome, but she gives lots of work. I love her though, and she definitely knows her stuff!
I leave in about a week, and Corey does too! It's crazy that my brother's time in the MTC is almost up! I do miss him! I wish he could be going to Mexico with me. There are two girls who are going on the tour, and they are sisters. How fun would that be!
Also, I won't have a phone while I'm in Mexico. So from April 26-May 27, the only way to get a hold of me would be through facebook or e-mail.
I am seriously loving life right now! Things are so great! Even with the curve balls!
Actually, it's nice being in school. It's just a little intense since we're trying to pack most of our classes in before we leave, so we don't have to do as much when we get down there.
I'm taking Field Biology and Anthropology/Sociology. I am excited about my bio class because I HATE science, and yet I the one class I have to take to fulfill my general education requirement gets to be taken on a trip! I don't think I could have found a better way to take that class. Our teacher is pretty funny. But even though he's funny, he hasn't made me change my mind about science.
He started teaching us about evolution. He warned us at the beginning of the class that he would. He said that we should have an open mind and remember that those within the church have their own opinions for and against evolution. I was kind of taken aback because I thought evolution was wrong and that we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, don't believe in it. But I guess not. So, we discussed this topic for a while yesterday and today, probably a total of four hours. And I haven't changed my mind. In fact, I am a little annoyed at some of the things my peers have said. It's almost like they are pulling ideas out of thin air and making stuff up. I'm just glad that I'm not going into science. I would probably be highly annoyed and frustrated in that field.
My anthro/soc class is interesting. It's just a LOT of work! And when I say a lot, I'm not kidding. It's only 2 credits, and we have 10 times as much work in that class than in my 4 credit bio class. Imagine that! The teacher is awesome, but she gives lots of work. I love her though, and she definitely knows her stuff!
I leave in about a week, and Corey does too! It's crazy that my brother's time in the MTC is almost up! I do miss him! I wish he could be going to Mexico with me. There are two girls who are going on the tour, and they are sisters. How fun would that be!
Also, I won't have a phone while I'm in Mexico. So from April 26-May 27, the only way to get a hold of me would be through facebook or e-mail.
I am seriously loving life right now! Things are so great! Even with the curve balls!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Feels like home...
Well, I made it to Rexburg safely. It feels so good to be back! I didn't think I would be this happy to be here, but I am and it's simply wonderful. I leave in two weeks for Mexico, which is just crazy. I have so much to do in two weeks. I hope I'll be able to get it all done.
Today was awesome! I can't even begin to tell you how great it was. Anyway, that's all for now. I don't know how much I'll be updating or sending e-mails or posting pictures since I have a bizillion things to do.
Today was awesome! I can't even begin to tell you how great it was. Anyway, that's all for now. I don't know how much I'll be updating or sending e-mails or posting pictures since I have a bizillion things to do.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Surreality...
I made it safely to Provo. I drove up with a friend, which was nice because I usually make the drive alone. It was nice to have company and someone to switch off driving, even though I had only gotten two hours of sleep the night before, and he didn't get any.
You would think I would be used to this, since I've moved back and forth between Rexburg and San Diego so many times. But every time I drive to Rexburg or back to San Diego, it all seems surreal. It's just so exciting to see old friends and see how different things are. I love Utah! I know I've said it more than once. But I just love coming up here!
Last night I stayed with a friend who I grew up with in my home ward in San Diego. She is awesome! I've missed her a lot since she moved up here in February. It's so weird that I finally got to see her and spend time with her. We've been talking about this forever!
Well, I should get off the computer! But I'm safe. And I'll drive the rest of the way to Rexburg sometime tomorrow.
You would think I would be used to this, since I've moved back and forth between Rexburg and San Diego so many times. But every time I drive to Rexburg or back to San Diego, it all seems surreal. It's just so exciting to see old friends and see how different things are. I love Utah! I know I've said it more than once. But I just love coming up here!
Last night I stayed with a friend who I grew up with in my home ward in San Diego. She is awesome! I've missed her a lot since she moved up here in February. It's so weird that I finally got to see her and spend time with her. We've been talking about this forever!
Well, I should get off the computer! But I'm safe. And I'll drive the rest of the way to Rexburg sometime tomorrow.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Goodbye San Diego!
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a little sad to be leaving. I feel so blessed to know so many awesome people here at home. I'm going to miss everyone! The good thing is I'll be back in August! Well, I hope.
It's 11:30pm, and I STILL haven't started packing! UGH! Does somebody want to pack for me? I wish! Anyway, time to pack, but I am leaving tomorrow, Thursday, morning. I'll spend Friday and Saturday in Utah, and I'll drive up to Rexburg sometime Saturday. Then 2 weeks in Rexburg, going to school, and then I'll be off to Mexico!
I'm SO excited for this adventure! I wish you could all come with me! Goodbye for now San Diego!
It's 11:30pm, and I STILL haven't started packing! UGH! Does somebody want to pack for me? I wish! Anyway, time to pack, but I am leaving tomorrow, Thursday, morning. I'll spend Friday and Saturday in Utah, and I'll drive up to Rexburg sometime Saturday. Then 2 weeks in Rexburg, going to school, and then I'll be off to Mexico!
I'm SO excited for this adventure! I wish you could all come with me! Goodbye for now San Diego!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Can you please just push fast forward?!?!
My goal is to leave Thursday morning. But, at this rate, I don't know if it's going to happen. I just want to be packed and have everything taken care of. You would think that the fact that I'm leaving in 3 days would motivate me to get things done, but I just feel like doing absolutely nothing! All I want to do is visit and hang out with friends. I'm a little overwhelmed because I have to pack for two weeks in Rexburg, 4 weeks in Mexico, and then at least 4 weeks of EFY. That's a lot of stuff to pack!
Anyway, I should stop whining because I really am SO excited and SO grateful for the adventure that lies ahead. I just wish I could be there and skip all of these tedious last minute tasks.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Single Digit Countdown
I leave in 8 or 9 days to go back up to Rexburg. I'm getting so excited! I just wish I was packed and there already. I have SO much to do, and I'm not seeing how I can get everything done before I leave. Plus, I have to pack for three different settings: school for two weeks, Mexico for four weeks, and EFY for at least four if not six or more weeks. Ah!!!
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