its like ive lived here forever

Another Monday, just like it would be anywhere else. Headed off to work in the morning prepared with expectation that I might not have anything to do today since the doctor that I'm supposed to work with is at training. I'm currently reading Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald, a book that has the most ridiculous cover with Krishna wearing hot pink sunglasses (thats the main reason I didnt buy the book when I saw it in America, something about it offended me). Miriam brought the book and out of sheer boredom (and ok i admit i was a bit curious) I opened it up and have been completely fascinated with it since then. If you ever plan to move to India, definitely read this book. Work was just as I expected; I spent the day writing my gigantic journal entry, writing emails, and reading. And I left completely satisified with my day. Surprising.

As I waited for our second reflection session, I caught the end of the movie, Autumn in New York. Life is short, make the most of it. It also made me think that when you're not in a romantic relationship, its easy to forget the feeling of love and all of the illogical/irrational feelings that comes along with it. Random, I know. The reflection session was great because we all went around the table and shared our thoughts about our projects (or in my case, lack thereof). I came up with a back up plan for myself. If Niramaya can't find anything for me to do, then I can work for AVSAR by creating a marketing plan for them which would include updating the web site and finding other avenues for them to advertise through. I pitched my idea and they liked it. Volunteer profiles would be especially valuable so potential volunteers can relate to the experience. AVSAR tends to get a lot of medical volunteers so marketing all of the other non- medical volunteers would help to recruit people with a variety of skills. Tomorrow, we're going to speak with my contact at Niramaya to see if they have a project for me or if I should spent the rest of my time here with AVSAR. With a limited amount of time here, its in my best interest to be positive and proactive.

We went vegetable shopping in the rain because we're all sick of eating out and feeling unhealthy. Talk about getting ripped off, these veggie vendors really try to make the most of it when they see us. By now, they are beginning to recognize us so the prices are coming down but still, they attempt to rip us off because they really have nothing to lose if they say a high price and we agree. We asked how much an eggplant was and the answer was 24 rupees. At the stand next to us, a local woman bought one for 6. We ended paying 8. Fair enough. After thrity minutes of bargaining and walking away from countless stands, I didnt have the energy or patience to continue, so we went home with whatever we had managed to buy up to that point. For the first time in India, my patience is wearing thin. Deep breath. A good nights rest should do the trick.