so guess what I know were all so busy with our lives that most of you if no all have not realized I actually made it 6th months in cambodia so I don’t know who bet what month I would leave but looks like u all lost ur bets jkjkj. I am in a some what different place from when I first left I can say that for sure I no longer feel like sensory over load I feel this is all so normal. What helped me realize this even more was peace corps called me the other day asking if some random tourist that was interested in peace corps could come and stop by my site ask me questions about being a volunteers which of course gives me sooo many stories to tell you haha but first talking about his perception of Cambodia remind me how much I thought this was all so much when I first got to Cambodia. Now I will get to the good stuff aka his visit so he is really tall like 6 feet so after he left everyone I knew was standing on their toes to imitate him telling me that they thought I was Cambodia standing next to him bc im so short. Everyone thought he was my boyfriend I had to explain 20 different way why he came to visit the village which to them had them was all so much. I got told how much Khmer I speak that’s only bc he spoke none so not much to compare with but hey ill take that I speak Khmer now over not. Then bc he was all white with out freckles he was so much prettier then me they didn’t not understand why I have these black sports as they like to refer to them so now everyone thinks its bc he is from cali and im from ny I try to say no but its no use. Anyways I think he was more interested in ngo work then peace corps just wanted to see my living situation so I showed it to him so I took him around my yard and by the time we came back to the front all my neighbors were over to see the show I think this made him a little nervous or not really loving the lack of privacy however once you have people spying though windows at you people just being in the yard is called privacy in Cambodia lol. Well lucky for him it is 6 months so many of the volunteers went into the city to celebrate together so I had him meet other people. That being said yea it was a fun weekend I got to see so other volunteers do some work print things for free and eat hot wings! Right now I have a slight cold and was coined yesterday all I can say is I could not stop sweating after its like it sweats out the disease I dunno if I can say it worked but something was going on. I have my first wedding this weekend which meant I needed Khmer wedding attire which I didn’t feel like having made at a whopping 100 dollars so I asked my friend Jentee if she thought I could fit into anything of hers and so the trying on began. Honestly I don’t know what I was thinking okay so jentee isn’t like an anorexia looking Khmer person however she is still Asian so her bone structure is mad tiny compared to me so while we weigh the same it was embarrassing for them to realize how big my ass really is! Well after much trying on and feeling like this is going to lead to funny pictures I found one thing that seemed to fit not well aka I will not be eating at this wedding if I don’t want the sampot to rip open lmao. I have a lot of people helping me more so with my tom shoes project had time to work that out and then the best news ever today my soccer stuff came in ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!! They gave me so much stuff im supper excited and all the balls have pass back on them which makes it real easy to make sure people don’t steal my camp balls. Every one in the village I think knows about this camp so part of me is worried that its gonna get real crazy to quick or ill only have like 10 people show up to my camp. Speaking of everyone knowing they all saw the big ass peace corps truck at my house and them carrying out enormous boxes so all the teenage boys were hunting me down as soon as I got out for work to go though it all which I thought was gonna make me nervous bc I thought they would all start to ask for stuff asap but they understood its for camp im not trying to hoard soccer supplies. Now I am on the hunt for counters parts and get started on the actual fun part of the next 6 months which is running this camp ps just so you all know I have given my self the title of camp director for my resume haha o how I love to make up companies and make my self director and head positions! Who needs to find a job when you can give ur self made up positions its like playing dr when you’re a kid speaking of dr I deiced my title I will give my self from working at the hospital is health educational coordinator at Svay Medical center I guess that’s how I roll I really think the more vague the job title sounds the more prestigious people think it is so I might have to work on that last one might be to direct haha until next time peace out from the other side of the world.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
This is Barbra Walters 20/20
No lie I do miss that crazy lady as the host of that show she was the host of that shows right??? Feels like it been so long anyways hot topic of conversation peace corps in the hot seat what does this all mean…okay so first off I am safe and alive just incase you thought someone else was typing this jk but really I know many people seemed to be worried about my safety but where peace corps might lack that’s what my village is for. When you are the only American in a small rural area everyone knows you and if you have a bad day let alone something really bad happens they all know and are truly worried ex my leg people stopped by and a month later still ask me about it not to mention people went out of their way to make me traditional Cambodian medicine. Keep in my every country and even in country every site is different that being said I am speaking for self alone on this but I know in a perfect world bad things would not happen and a least if they did you would except immediate help or some sort of solution however this is not always the case with being a volunteer of any kind aboard. I know your all but why well I am going to assume right now your all really smart educated people and know nothing in this world is free while the hook line and sinker to get people like me to join the organization you can put out all the notions of saving the world but in reality its politics plain and simple. For instances I am sure with out a doubt peace corps does not want to end up dead or hurt however they also warn us in training that there are certain people in Cambodia for instances that can not be touched so if lets say I go to a bar in the city and get date rape there is little they can do I know it sucks sexual inequality but it’s the truth. Thing about politics its all very touchy one day your in with a certain country the next day your out similar to Hollywood hot or not list jkjk so peace corps also as to seriously worry about their reputation in small village as well lets say for example everyday my host family treated me badly wanted more money for rent etc however lets say my host dad was village chief or someone high up in society well peace corps cant just whisk me off to another house bc my service would heavily depend on support from high up people and moving out could hurt future volunteers chances as well. Just for the record I am no defending their actions either bc some of what they said on 20/20 like we changed how we handle issues like this etc is a lie when my phone was stolen out of my room I had to fill out paper work saying what time it was how I was at fault etc they have away of making the victim at fault which deff needs to be addressed and changed however bc I got over the notion of that peace love and hippy idea of peace corps I see where they are coming from. I guess you can look at it as static philosophy you know that senior where you can save your child from a run away train or save all the people on the train which do you choose and why well static reason would say let one die for the greater good aka your child well peace corps I some times think its the same line of reasoning for them if they can save someone they will however if there is a line of political death behind that one person well ill let you decide which option they take. Lucky for you peace corps wanted to address all the volunteers worries so I was privileged enough to get an email and decied I will copy and pase it for your all to see enjoy until next time peace out from the other side of the world
From: Price, Allison
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2011 11:31 AM
To: *PC Global
Subject: Statement: Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams' Response to ABC News' 20/20
Importance: High
January 14, 2011
Statement: Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams’ Response to ABC News’ 20/20
"ABC's program is deeply troubling and does not accurately reflect Peace Corps' unwavering commitment to our volunteers. The health and safety of our volunteers is the single most important priority for our agency. We are consistently reviewing and improving our global operations to ensure that we are doing our best to keep our volunteers healthy, safe and productive.
"We cannot comment on the ongoing investigation into the 2009 murder of volunteer Kate Puzey in Benin or do anything else that could risk compromising that investigation or the possibility of a successful prosecution. Peace Corps does not have a role in the ongoing investigation, but we have been assured that the Benin government is supporting the legal process necessary to conclude the investigation and begin a trial. The Department of State and the FBI have been working with the Benin authorities.
"Kate represented the best America has to offer the world with her dedication to her community and commitment to public service. Kate's death was a tragic loss for the Peace Corps. We continue to grieve with the Puzey family and Kate's friends. It is my sincere hope that justice is served both for Kate and her family. I would like to offer my apologies to the Puzey family if either the former leadership or the agency under my direction could have been more compassionate. Personally, it is heartbreaking to learn that they ever felt abandoned by the Peace Corps. This has never been our intent.
"Under my leadership, the Peace Corps has been implementing reforms to enhance the quality of Peace Corps service. These reforms include strengthening all health and safety measures. We do everything we can to keep our volunteers safe, and for those who sadly fall victim to crime, we do everything we can to support them in their recovery. The women interviewed by 20/20 are courageous and strong. Their stories are heartbreaking. Since their service, Peace Corps has improved sexual assault prevention procedures and practices, and we will continue to be responsive to the victims of assault and provide comprehensive care.
"We will never be able to eliminate volunteers' exposure to crimes overseas, but we will work continuously to maximize the safety and health systems supporting our volunteers. This is my pledge to Americans serving today and to the volunteers of tomorrow."
THANKS SO MUCH TO YOU AND YOU AND YOU
While Cambodian mail is really snail mail I cant imagine being alive and really having to wait for the important messages for months I really wonder how wars were fought with horse delivering strategies. Well good news I got all the awesome mail and packages you all sent I would like to say thank you it made me supper happy and I can say I gained 10 lbs with all the awesome food jkjk but really great!!!
Joanne thanks for the socks Cambodians love to cover their feet as to not get the black color they tell me the socks are so beautiful
Mr and Mrs Fay thanks for the funds I have put it towards starting some of my 2nd dairy projects at site aka my soccer camp =)
Jeananne Bilka the different flavor gums are a big hit thanks a bunch all the kids are trying to learn to blow bubbles now.
Pam thanks I know your card was worried if the package would get to me it did I have the xmas lights hanging in my room as we speak and all the food was amazing!!! Ps love Jonny d good eye candy!
Aunt Sarah and Aunt Marry-Claire- thanks so much for the school supply and food my family loved the raisins I think they have them in Cambodia but I have not seen them but they were a big hit and me explain that they are like grapes but different in khmer was fun should have video taped it!
Aunt Irean- I will start to give out all the hacky sacks asap the socks with toes was a new concept for all the Cambodians I gave them to they thought they were gloves. Me and my khmer tutor messed around with that ball thing have to say its no easy feat at least now you know why my Khmer is subpar haha I play with toys instead jk.
Whitney- love the nightmare be4 xmas book I keep telling my self I need to get a small book like that to carry around to write Khmer words down now I can. Also me and the two year old I hang out with all the time loved the chocolate by the way it did not melt and the two year old now ask me if I have chocolate every time Im at his house.
Mom and Grandmamma- thanks for sending me stuff/ giving me funds towards my trip to Indonesia supper excited tell grandpapa I miss him and hope he feels better though Patricia tells me he thinks I was in his room the other day.
Passback- I got a call yesterday my soccer stuff is in from pass back the amazing organization that donated stuff for my camp so a big shout out via my blog to them thanks soooo sooo much I cant wait for my pc mail truck to come for feb and see it all!!!
I also know I am still waiting on some peoples packages but thanks to whoever that is to!!! Till next time peace out from the other side of the world!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Its All Partying Crashing and Monkey Businesses
Saturday was mostly spent doing massive loads of laundry because I was gone for two weekends in a row that meant no laundry lucky for me I packed 2 months worth of clothes to Cambodia and everyone thought I was crazy when I first showed up to Cambodia now I am supper happy that I schlepped all my stuff all over Cambodia =) after manual labor of laundry I was going to walk into the middle of nowhere which I will no start to refer to as walk to the forest bc that’s what jentee calls it when she yells at me and apparently they think I sleep underneath trees in said forest which for the record I don’t. However the fate’s intervened bc I did not make it to far before this girl im friends with though my family member witchatuh aka November in eng so I partied crashed and hung out with a bunch of 16 year old. Its odd enough to be around sexual tension in America however in Cambodia its sexual tension im not used to being around and culturally its all different so yea it was painful to watch lmao… let me explain okay so Cambodians like music videos from America and Korea they like to imitate said videos however bc its like grinding and dry hump ping this is not culturally acceptable so there will be no opposite sex involved in that type of dancing but instead guy on guy girl on girl well you get the pictures or if they pair up boy girl its all like fake air humping I don’t know just awkward to look at. They wanted me to dance to however I knew that my American dancing should not been seen by horny Cambodian boys that could lead to sexual harassment for years to come jkjk but I finally did agree to learn how to khmer dance which requires moving in a circle using ur hands no touching have to be honest unless I am drinking not really the biggest fan of dancing. Which brings me to another odd thing about this party what kind of 16 year olds throw a boy girl part with dancing and no drinks but instead food and a grandpapa to chaperon humm this really has be confused all I can say when I was 16 I had to wait for my mom to go on a trip to give my self a party (not that I ever did such a thing mom bc I would never hehe). However the party was still fun bc I met some new people one of which was this I think maybe 4 year old little boy who loved to dance and have me take his pictures I think his idol is Michael Jackson bc he was moon walking crotch grabbing him self it was soooo funny to see and he like took over the dance floor! The most important aspect of this party was that someone had a pet monkey that’s right a pet monkey so now I can scratch off playing with a monkey on my kick the bucket list. Talk about cultural exchange well when I saw this monkey its all I wanted to pay attention to however when all the kids saw I had an ipod that’s all they wanted to play with so for 30 mins we switched I still think the monkey is cooler then an ipod. I wish I knew how one gets a pet monkey but its most likely best I don’t know other wise my host family will have a pet monkey by the time im done with service if I had anything to do about it =) well the Khmer party ended around 5 when I deiced to go for a shorter walk when I was on my way back I crashed yet another party but I will say this one was a bit more awkward it was a wedding. I was waved into said party and I tend to go when someone waves me over as to be more liked by my community and its not like I am ever in a rush to be somewhere so I figured I would say high and leave not so haha… first I had a shot of rice wine really sweet and was forced to sit down however once other people realized I was at the wedding I could no longer sit in the table in the corner but then was forced to move to the table with the bride and groom talk about not being discreet well things just started to cross lines from their on im dressed in jeans and a tank top bc my plan was for a walk now they have me lining up to be in wedding photos with the bride and groom family members I dunno who else wish I could say it ends their but then the camera man who video tapes the wedding pretty much started to focus on me ahh. Then they all wanted me to eat and I kept refusing bc it was dark out I had to get back to eat dinner my family cooked for me already. I sort of also was scared that they thought I had a lot of money on me so I was just trying to leave be4 I was joining the wedding and felt like I had to give in money which I did not have or really ever have haha. Well now when that couple looks back on their wedding their will be a grungy looking American till next time peace out from the other side of the world!
What color are your nipples
Well after a long time away from site and feeling like I have not really had my feet grounded in a while I get back to like some sort of family feud going on between my host dad and I guess another older brother I was never aware I had about this net for rice harvesting I only know this much bc my Khmer tutor had to come over to teach me and he got their to translate lucky me though I actually could figure out some of it on my own I just had no idea I had another brother. So lets see on going at site I have been trying to get soccer camp started except I still have not got the package for the stuff but im in desperate need of translators and trainers to help me run camp so ill keep fishing around for help that way. Well I got into my educational breast cancer boob and got a myriad of questions from my Khmer staff not on breast cancer because who needs to know that when you can ask about color of boobs and nipples. Okay so I am showing them this boob when the nurse who speaks English a little bit is being asked a questions by one of the other male nurses and all of a sudden the question gets directed at me about is that how white peoples boobs look mind u this educational boo is realistic to touch but not so much to look at and I was like well sort of but not really. Well then it was quiz time did I know that Khmer women have black nipples and what color where my nipples I know your all on the edge of your seats wondering did I answer I did however in the most scientific way I could and all I can tell you is the reason I know this I saw some random documentary awhile ago so I just say well your nipples are 3 shades darker then your skin this left them like o so not black then I was like what do you think and they all just laughed. Honestly I kind of would have thought this would not be a question bc I would assume they watched some sort of porn with a white chick in it but I guess not what kind of men don’t watch porn jkjk and have to save all their odd sexual questions for yours truly if this is the world we live in I really wonder jkjk. On an actual productive note me and all the volunteers who are living in kp chhanage are starting a group project on domestic violence a 2 today conference with educators in our rural communities so they can bring information back to their small villages etc to bridge the gap between big city’s and small rural Cambodia as to what can be done with victims of domestic violence I feel like this is a really big under taking but its awesome to have a lot of help from all the other volunteers and feel it will be a really useful to my community and mean a lot to my service. I don’t know if I really talk about the abuse in Cambodia but its pretty culturally accepted but also there is general unawareness of rights of women men get drunk and beat on their wives a lot. My neighbor at site is over once a week crying about this and for a while I tried to stay out of it bc I didt’ know what I could really do however because I have started this project I have stuff in Khmer however when I gave it to her she told me she cant read so I felt pretty bad but my sister read it all to her and she listen however as far as her doing anything to get her self out of her situation I don’t know but anyways I like to think this conference will help people like her till next time peace out from the other side of the world.
National hangover day and more
The day after New Years Eve is also national hangover day just fyi on that one anyways I stayed in Phnom Penh because I had a meeting so I had basically 5 days in the city. So lets see I stuffed my face with Khmer food due to the fact it was so cheap a price I later paid for what I mean by this is new years day aka national hangover day we stopped at some small rd side stand to have rice and pork not really a good combo no I did not get sick but my roommate did and not just a little sick either. On Saturday night we had to get her host brother who was down the street sleeping at the wat ill explain more about this sleeping at the wat businesses down the line promises one story at a time. Okay back on track by the time Sunday morning rolled around well she was feeling a bit better but this was bc of the coining so I know there is no proof behind coining however the people who have done it all of which happen to be my friends ha-ha I guess were the crazy people who try Cambodian medicine way of life out but anyways it seems that after one gets coined it makes u feel better for a few hours but after that its like whatever you were putting off comes on full force so its odd like you might have no temperature but then it will just spike not gradual like if you were not coined. Besides the little adventure of getting her to Peace Corps office and the hospital I still had to get ready for the meeting. Yes I guess I should go into why their was a meeting well this is the first year for any health volunteers in Cambodia and as health volunteers due to this fact we all have a lot to figure out as volunteers each of us is having a totally different experience but one thing in common no idea really what to do. However for me I feel like this blank open page is awesome I have had a pretty good service however a lot of volunteers have not been able to intergrad at their hospitals etc and we figured it would be good for all of us to get together and see what has been working and not in our health care centers it was a really good meeting overall. So with the holidays and all I feel like I have been away from site to long so I was ready to get back and when I did my friend Jentee’s brother apparently saw me in the city however I scare him so he never said hi anyways I guess he lives in the same wat as my friends Khmer brother from prey chore. Let me explain about living in the Wat so you don’t have to be a monk just a male most young boys who are going to school live their really cheap its 2 dollars and 50 cents a month and 25 cents per meal you eat at the Wat it’s a really sweet deal I got a chance to visit the living quarters Khmer boys are really organized lol my host brother makes fun of me all the time bc I am so disorganized but anyways the only downer is no girls can live at the wat so sexual discrimination inequality not something im a fan of even the nuns who clean up and deal with all the monks cant live at the Wat.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011 overview for Aquarius
update it is 1/10/2012 what was true about 2011
so planed for a trip in aug ended up in china by oct, i did have a long period of just loving to many things and places and could not focus on one thing, i did go on to learn how to better teach in july is when i started my work with I.U and have since been planning to start an ngo with my teacher so a new career as well just as predicated, their have been times when i have felt crazy surges of energy that i need more work to do which only added to my loving to many things at once this year, i dont know if i can say i have been in meet the parents mode but i have been more willing to sit down and think about long term house etc career feeling less nomadic if that make senses. all and all pretty accurate!
I decided that for some odd reason it would be fun to put up my yearly horoscope those of you might not know i actually read it everyday don't really know why just became a habit. This way you can all judge for your self though my blog writing to see if this all comes true 2010 seemed to be pretty accurate and this year has alot of traveling and trying new things perfect for my cambodian life right?!?!? and thoes of you lucky enough to be the an aquarius read away! for the rest i got this one off of lifetimetv.com so you can check urs out to if you feel like it hope you all enjoy.
Lucky Jupiter tours Aries and your flirtatious third house from January 22 to June 4. On March 11, your ruling planet Uranus officially moves into Aries for seven years, igniting a fun-filled and fantastic voyage in your love life. There’s been a heaviness around your heart since 2002, when Uranus entered Pisces. In 2011, the levity returns. Finding “The One” is not really your focus. You just want to enjoy the moment, whether you’re single, dating or head over heels in love. Here’s the irony: As your energy lightens up, you attract more appropriate partners, or bring back the magic with the one you’re with.
Between March 11 and June 4, seven planets will tour Aries, making it hard for you to concentrate on just one true love. You’ll need two, Aquarius. Your heart is big, and while in 2010 you were able to focus on one major passion, in 2011 you have just too much energy for one person, place or thing to hold. That doesn’t have to mean two lovers — although with your unconventional approach to life, why not? If you’re the monogamous type, you might be rolling tight with a new best friend, obsessively involved in a hobby or extracurricular activity, or even showering a new baby with adoration. Many Aquarians got news from the stork in 2010, as Jupiter toured Pisces and your family-oriented second house.
In 2011 there are two Gemini eclipses that could bring sudden baby news, as Gemini is the ruler of your pregnancy sector: a solar eclipse on June 1 and a total lunar eclipse on December 10. Also, on December 21 of 2010, there was a total lunar eclipse in Gemini, so that little pink line might appear on the home pregnancy test by your birthday. If you already have children, these eclipses bring them into the spotlight. Your kids will need extra care and attention from you on these days. Strive to really listen to them. Although they are dependent on you, they are individuals, with their own developing dreams and talents. Make sure you aren’t pushing them too far down a path that doesn’t suit them, especially when it comes to their education.
If you’re single, these Gemini eclipses are A-plus days for meeting a mate as well. Dress up, go dancing, initiate conversations with attractive and interesting people. Your bold approach to love helps break you out of the terminally single trap that your signmate Jennifer Aniston seems to be stuck in. You’ve gotta give people more to work with this year. Show off, if you must; be silly. That wild streak of yours may have been on hiatus, but these eclipses remind you that you still have a pulse ... and how!
Coupled up? Instead of gazing enviously at your single friends, set an official date night each week. This structure might seem dull, but it’s all about how you work it. You and your S.O. can take turns surprising each other with plans. Make the lion’s share of these dates public ones. You need to get out of the house and into the world together, to remember the fullness of who you are. Try new restaurants, take workshops, go to film openings and concerts. Keep that cultural guide tucked under your arm at all times so you can be spontaneous with your sweetie, too.
On June 4, Jupiter moves on to Taurus and your domestic fourth house. The vibes shift dramatically in the second half of the year, as this Jupiter phase awakens your nesting instincts. Cohabitation, family planning, building the dream home, playing “Meet the Parents” — suddenly you’re getting into a more settled-down groove. Just don’t do this at the expense of your social life. You still need those date nights and a strong connection with the outside world. Find relationship role models who “have it all”: family, friends, a loving partner, freedom to explore outside hobbies. This is possible for you too, Aquarius. You’re a Renaissance woman, don’t forget that.
On November 11, Mars kicks off a rare seven-month-long tour through Virgo, your eighth house of sex, intimacy and intensely bonded connections. You’ll feel ready to give someone your all at this point — and oh, the fun you’ll have behind closed doors! On the flip side, you may have reached the limit of what you can tolerate from a badly behaving partner. Issue your ultimatum and be ready to make good on your promise to walk out if things don’t change. There’s no room for half-measures as 2011 draws to a close. The question is clear: Are you in or are you out?
WORK & MONEY
With structured Saturn in Libra and your ninth house, this is a huge learning year for you. While you’re eager to explore fresh terrain, Saturn keeps stepping on the brakes, forcing you to slow down, stay put and pay your dues. This Saturn phase lasts until October 6, 2012, so your best bet is to just accept it. If you’ve planned to go back to school for a specialty certificate or college degree, you have the thumbs-up from Saturn. Ditto if you’re training directly with a master in your field. It can be humbling to be the rookie or the student — especially when your sign has such a strong urge to be the best. Humility sets you up for success now. Let go of the ego-based concerns and drink up all the knowledge you can.
Entrepreneurial ventures can succeed this year, but they too will need to be built on a solid structure. You may find yourself traveling to develop a business idea, or nurturing a connection with a long-distance partner. Let this growth happen organically, Aquarius. One of your written works could be published this year too, so develop, edit and refine.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s a flurry of energy coming from Jupiter and your ruling planet Uranus as both of them tour your third house. Let yourself dabble in new industries in the first half of 2011. Sign up for weekend workshops in fields that interest you. Learn how to use social media to build a customer database: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, even selling advertising on your personal blog could provide access to new streams of income. Build up your own Web presence. Do you have an offbeat idea to share with the world? This is your year to write about it. People may flock to you, prompting the desire to turn it into an entrepreneurial venture after June 4.
With your stellar people skills, you’re an incredible teacher. If you’re searching for work but are unsure about what lights you up, look into this field. Getting certified isn’t always a lengthy process. There’s also the possibility of ESL teaching, or creating a continuing-education class in your area of expertise for a community college.
It’s also important that you attend networking events in your industry this year. Expanding your contact database is essential to your career growth. People like you, Aquarius, and that’s what sets you apart from other candidates. It really is all about who you know. The people you meet could illuminate new possibilities for work that you hadn’t previously even thought of or considered. Bye-bye, dead-end job.
On July 1, a solar eclipse in Cancer could bring that very job opportunity you’ve been hoping for. This is the last of a series of eclipses that began in 2008. Since then, you may have faced some sudden changes, department upheavals or even the need to switch jobs a few times. This final eclipse in Cancer is like the bright red bow on the present ... those shake-ups were learning experiences, and now you get the payoff.
This new position could even be one you can work at from home. From June 4, 2011, to June 11, 2012, lucky Jupiter will tour Taurus and your domestic fourth house. You’re a highly independent person, so having that level of freedom is refreshing. There’s one caveat: You’re also a serious people person, so working at home can get lonely. Check into shared office spaces as an affordable alternative, or find a local cafe and declare it your official satellite office.
From April 4 to August 4, you’ll need to watch your spending carefully. Foggy Neptune makes a quick stop in Pisces and your second house of financial planning. (In 2012 it will return there in full force and stay for 13 years.) All that glitters ain’t gold now, Aquarius, so be wary of those compelling sales pitches and “get rich quick” schemes. Although you’d do well in the sales industry this year, you must be in love with the product you’re offering in order to convince others to buy it. You’re also prone to overspending, or creating projects that are too big to pull off with your budget. Do not take out a loan this summer. If you don’t have the funds to cover costs now, you’ll have to either wait or find creative ways to raise them.
On November 11, go-getter Mars enters your house of investments and other people’s resources. The network-marketing model might be intriguing to explore at this point. If you truly believe in the products you’d be selling, and know at least 25 people who would benefit from them — and be willing to buy them — it’s worth a try. With Jupiter touring your third and fourth houses, your friends and family might see a real opportunity in being part of your sales force. Keep your expectations realistic, however: This venture will take a while to build up, providing more of a side stream of income than a replacement for your day job this year.
This Mars phase brings debt into the spotlight, too. You’re ready to pay it off, so focus on this mission. If you’re spending on real estate or home renovations, pull back and let your champagne wishes cool down — those Italian marble countertops are not a good enough reason to add 10K to the mortgage. Consider joining an investment club. You’ll get sage advice and inspiring ideas from the people you meet there, especially at the end of the year!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
As your ruling planet Uranus makes a shift on March 11, you may feel a rush of frenetic, nervous energy. It’s going to take physical activity to calm that brain of yours...ah, sweet endorphins. Let the spring training begin! As the sign that rules the calves and ankles, cycling and running will be right up your alley. Pump up the volume on the music. This can drown out the anxious thoughts and help you release them. They aren’t worth analyzing too deeply. What’s actually more important is shifting your focus to the proactive and positive.
Buddy workouts will help you stay motivated, too. Yes, there will be some days where you just need to vent. Do so while circling an indoor track or going for a run through the park with your pal. Between January 22 and March 11 you might engage a personal trainer to show you some basic muscle-building moves and get you motivated to start your 2011 routine. Taking hour-long classes that are active, fun and energetic will also help kick-start your fitness regimen.
With Saturn in the ninth house, you probably won’t have time to run marathons or do anything extreme this year. Keep your expectations of yourself reasonable. Doing three half-hour workouts a week is better than doing nothing at all. After June 4, setting up a home gym or working out with exercise DVDs can keep you powered up while Jupiter tours your domestic fourth house.
Since your brain will be super active this year, you’ll need to feed yourself at regular intervals — no skipping meals in 2011. That much-lauded plan of “six small meals per day” is right up your alley. Forget about the no-carb Atkins diet. You need slow-burning, healthy foods like whole grains and other complex carbohydrates to ensure that you don’t crash by noon.