Flu shot

I got a flu shot today!

That's about the most exciting thing in my whole day. I've been feeling a bit down and low energy and couldn't even get myself outside for a run. The cold certainly contributed, but it's still a little worrying.

Another thing I did today was buy a new pair of jeans, in a size larger than I'm currently wearing. I just need to realize that I am too big for my britches. haha. I will be very glad to have them but the process of buying them was put off, delayed, and painful because I've been trying to take weight off so I can get a size smaller, not larger.

It's days like today that I have to remind myself, sometimes verbally and out loud that I need to treat myself and speak to myself in the same way that I speak to my best friends and my sisters. This inner monologue that only finds fault and lack is mean. I would never be so mean to anyone I called a friend; there is no need to be mean to myself. Taking the words out of my head and into a new context really helps. I can look at the words from an outside perspective and recognize their negative impact. And then consciously make the choice to use other words.

I learned some of this from my therapist and realize how wonderful and life-giving it was to have someone actually be that external voice to give me perspective and tools.

It doesn't always work, and when it does, it doesn't always stick. But if I'm going to hold others accountable for being kind, using appropriate vocabulary, promoting those who are vulnerable, then I certainly need to hold myself accountable.

Dressing up

So my assignment booklet says "normal attire is 'casual business' and is fairly conservative. This includes ... modest dresses/skirts with a nice blouse for women. Slacks are rarely worn by women..."

Also....
"...sleeveless shirts and shorter skirts... and wearing flip-flops are not appropriate... Wearing less modest clothing can diminish the respect community members have for Peace Corps Volunteers and can make the work of PCVs much more challenging and ultimately ineffective."

Uh oh.

I knew I would have to buy some new things for the Peace Corps, I didn't realise I'd have to shift my clothing comfort zone THAT far.

Especially considering the average temperature in Togo is 22.5 - 33 degrees Celsius.
This is the annual average... not just the summer average. How do people possibly wear dress clothes in that kind of heat?

At least I've got a few months to start looking around for acceptable clothing (and stocking up on baby powder to ward off that painful 'chub rub' as my mum calls it).