“There are times we must do what we cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Finally through January

When the month started for sure there was no where to go but up, although I couldn't have anticipated most of it:

• For one... I have finished my one and only business school application. I am anxiously awaiting an answer but the relief of finishing my GMAT and finishing the essays and application was enormous. Special thanks to Joey, Dave and my aunt Terry for helping me on my essays.
• The Job at CEGA is still kind of drag but I have found a very specific focus -- the organization PAKIV, a Roma European Fund Organization... what does that mean? Well, based out of Budapest this organization has taking promising Romi (plural of Roma) from all over eastern europe - trained them in English and Community Development skills. They are an active group and I work with several here in Bulgaria. www.pakiv.org -- My role is to help them develop and find money for a 3rd training group.
• I will start working with the organization Counterpart International -- www.counterpart.org - They are a very interesting organization. More on this later but I believe that I might be helping them develop the first social enterprise Business Plan Competition here in Bulgaria
• I started snowboarding classes. Every Saturday for 5 weeks... 4 hours each day... all equipment... all transportation -- 125 leva (80 dollars) It is soo much fun. Very difficult to understand the balance but I think I am catching on pretty quickly. I am taking the class with 4 people from the British Embassy (2 brits & 2 bulgarians) and one American from Colorado.
• I started Latin dancing classes. With 10 guys and 30 girls in our class how can I go wrong! Salsa, Merengue, Mamba...
• A new cat -- Now don't say it.... I know... I told myself I was done with cats here in Bulgaria but I got suckered into taking a beautiful black and white cat who was living in the stairwell of a friend of mine. She is cute and besides when she is heat we get along real well.
• E A G L E S -- Eagles! Wow. I have had the opportunity to catch all the games here in Sofia which has been totally exciting. I am planning the superbowl party here at the local irish bar... so if you happen to be passing through Sofia... :)