New Skills

1. Running a generator—I know how to check the oil, the gas level, when to change the oil, and more importantly how to turn it on and off. 2. Walking in the dark—when you’re trying to conserve electricity (because the electricity comes from solar power and on a cloudy day you might be out of luck), you get pretty good at finding your way around in the dark. I would only recommend this if you know your way around somewhere really well…and always wear toe protection. 3. Changing a gas bottle—the frig and stove run on gas…and those gas bottles eventually run out…just hand me the wrench. 4. Eating with my hands—actually eating with my right hand only. Whether it is salad, sauce, rice, macaroni, or esh (similar to play dough), all you have to do is form a little pocket with your fingers and shove it in. This process becomes a little more challenging when you have to pull meat off a bone with only one hand. 5.Keeping a scarf on my head—this takes some practice, but with certain twists and tucks behind the ears…it can happen. 6. Washing Dishes—I, by NO means, know what’s going on in the world of the kitchen, but since my roommates can cook, I have developed into quite a dishwasher. I’ve even conquered my fear of grabbing the wet, gross leftover food that is in the drain after the dishwashing is finished. 7. Killing Bugs—crickets, grasshoppers, flies, scorpions…and other unidentified creatures. Hunting down these insects has enhanced my cat-like reflexes. 8. Holding/Drinking hot things—the calluses have formed…and I’ve concluded that the Starbucks sleeves for your cup are overrated. 9. Sleeping through the call to prayer—It’s over a loudspeaker right next to my house at about 4am…doesn’t phase me. 10. Eating carrots and cabbage—never touched them in the states…will pretty much eat anything you put in front of me here. This new fact will make some of my family very happy being that they are cabbage farmers. 11. Talking on Skype—there’s a delay…you just have to wait for it.