"There's always tomorrow"

I am still feeling lost without my computer, but "luckily" for me, I am working Monday-Saturday this week, so I haven't had that much time to fret...

My new computer has already arrived and my dad and brother are helping me install all the needed programs (it's incredible how much you need!) while I get to focus on my essay. Which was due last week, so my reaction is probably best described with: "Gaaaaaah!"

If I were in Niger now, I would just shrug my shoulders and listen to people say: "Don't worry, there is always tomorrow!"

But in the Western World, there is never a tomorrow, because the "tomorrows" are always booked in advance. No wonder I miss Niger!!!

Not to talk about my little horsie darlings... :-) Just hugging them is stress therapy...

I wonder if they would write my essay for me as well? Now that would be some marvelous little barb mares!


OK, got to go back to work - enough longing for one day. Just needed to have it said: I am missing my girls to bits right now.

Ishtar

Back in Sweden!

So - I've been in Sweden for 3,5 days now and I'm starting to adjust. Slept two hours on the plane so Friday was a bit groggy. Have been working on settling in and trying not to miss Africa too much (won't do me much good since I'm sticking around here for another five to six months!). Anyway, here's a little summary I put together just for fun!

Hours of sleep per night since arriving: 10
Cups of coffee had since setting foot on Swedish soil: 9
Hours spent talking to my sister and other family members: +12
Money spent since arriving: 0 kr
People met: 6 (people that I know)
Hours spent bicycling: 0
Hours spent walking in the sunshine: 7
Meals cooked: 1
Restaurants visited: 1

Numbers of kg gained since arriving: so far 0
People concerned about my current weight: 1
My odds as I see it of keeping my current weight: 0
Minutes spent longing for Africa: +200
Number of calls made to Niger since arriving: 3

Minutes spent worrying about my future(finances etc): surprisingly few
Minutes spent stressing: 0
Contacts with workplaces: 2
Working days scheduled this week: 2 (+1 pro bono)
Hours spent organizing my life in Microsoft Outlook: 2
Days spent being happy and feeling fulfilled: 3,5 (of 3,5!)

So there you are! I'll let you know in a week or so if the stress mode has gone up somewhat. But right now it is surprisingly cool and "African"!

Cheers!
Esther

Stress...

Stress is an interesting concept. It’s a second gear that comes in handy when you want to have many things done. It’s an amazing resource in our Western culture but it also comes with a price. When you abuse it, which we so often do, the body finally puts its foot down and suddenly says: “Hey, no more!” And that’s when you realize that it’s time for a two week long vacation where your brain just gets to rest…

That said; stress is an even more interesting concept when you find yourself in Niger. Mentally, somewhere in the back of your head, you are aware of the million things that need to be done, sooner or later. You find yourself making a mental list at least twice a day. The interesting thing however is what happens in between. You simply forget about it… In Niger, everything takes its time and this does not only concern the Nigeriens. It feels wrong to hurry through something which is working well. It feels wrong not to take your time with people you meet on the street. It feels wrong to rush even though you know it’s the only way you’re going to get all those million things done. And so even if you worry (over all the things you need to do), and your really find yourself frustrated (over the slow pace) at times, it is in fact impossible to stress in its true Western meaning.

Relaxing in the pool...

Renate, Tabita and Arwen in the garden...

Playing with Alsan and Kinza...

Though relaxing in the sunshine, this species is not one of Anette's favourites!

Ishtar