Root Canal

Met with my endodontist for the root canal evaluation, the office was lovely and quiet, the staff was quite nice and the endodontist looked like I would ask him for ID before I would sell him booze.... and miracle of miracles, he deemed it not necessary at this time.

I AM SO RELIEVED!

I am a real dental fraidy cat, and was so nervous about even going to the appointment... so this was great news.

I am going to take antibiotics with me... just in case... and I do have travel insurance- also just in case. The Faye policy is worth it for my piece of mind.

I am going to Europe on Monday. London, here I come!

The countdown has begun

 I have my bag packed. And yes that's all I am taking for the 2 months.

I have my ride to the airport all set. And my friend plans on meeting me when I land. I have my BritRail pass and my Oyster card, and my Scotland plans have been confirmed. Wales and Ireland are set. I even got my Paris details settled.

But the thing about traveling is you have to expect bumps along the way.

My first bump I have an aching front tooth. Saw my dentist today and, yup, I need a root canal. And all I keep seeing is CJ of West Wing trying to survive after hers.

The procedure is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon and I fly out on Monday. 

I won't say "what could go wrong" as I know all the things...

All I know is I am getting on the plane Monday no matter what.

The Peace Corps- and disappointment

 I got a message notification yesterday and read it this evening. It was from the nurse who has been reviewing my medical forms.

My medical history means I am not eligible to serve in Peru as a Sanitation and Water Hygiene volunteer.

And I am disappointed... but not totally surprised. 

So now I need to plan for my next adventure. But first, Europe.

Retirement starts Tuesday and I can't wait.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Since the movie isn’t officially out yet, I will not say anything about the storyline to avoid spoilers.

As a Prime Member, I was able to get tickets for an early viewing and took my child, as we have watched the Marvel movies together.

Of course, because it was me, we ended up in the very first row…

And because it was me, our seats were not working, so we could not recline…

My child mocked that I printed out the ticket instead of having an app on my phone…

And none of that mattered once the movie started.

I loved it!

The characters… the story progression… the twists…

The last little bit after the credits… because of course I waited…

My thoughts… Peter looked pretty rough throughout the film, he has AGED, and looked weary (Not sure if it’s the story or because Tom Holland was worn out after filming the Odessey right before this)

Zendaya is beautiful, and nobody should make her (or her characters) cry.

Some friendships are forever!

Peace Corps

On July 15, 2026, Representative Scott Perry (R-PA) withdrew his proposed amendment to House Bill 8595. The amendment sought to eliminate the entire $410.5 million proposed for the Peace Corps in the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bill. Zeroing out the funding would have ended the program I love.

I don’t understand why he wants to kill the Peace Corps. It’s a small budget item… one that has already been reduced, shrinking the staff and the opportunities.

As someone who served in Guatemala and hopes to serve again, I am glad I will have the opportunity.

If I can get all my medical documents approved!

The Peace Corps

 Anyone who knows me knows that my service in the Peace Corps was the making of me. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Guatemala after finishing my Nursing degree.

I always intended to serve again when I retired and am in the process to do so.

Now, that plan is under threat. Because The Peace Corps is on the chopping block.

The NPCA reports: The House of Representatives has before it the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations bill (H.R. 8595) that funds the State Department and other international program spending, including funding for the Peace Corps.
One of those amendments (Amendment #137), proposed by Representative Scott Perry (R-PA) would eliminate all funding for the Peace Corps.
 On June 23, the Rules Committee advanced the bill for final House action, including the consideration of dozens of amendments.
While a vote was originally expected on June 25th, that vote has now been postponed and it is unclear when the bill will come up for consideration. 

But the bill will be back...

I understand some folks don't see the point in funding work overseas. But soft diplomacy is so important. USAID has already been dismantled and we are already seeing problems in tracking an Ebola outbreak. Many have lost access to HIV medications. Not to mention all the resources and materials left behind when these offices were suddenly shuttered. At that time, I worried about the Peace Corps being treated in the same manner, even after decades of success. Now the plan has been shown to everyone.

These programs that are being destroy will be incredibly difficult to recreate, if that is even possible. It breaks my heart to think of a world where The Peace Corps is just a memory.

So if you think there is a place in the world for the Peace Corps, call your congressional representative.  

Passing the test

 I woke up early this morning. I drove thirty minutes to a testing center and had a momentary panic when I didn't see their name on the parking lot sign. Rechecked the address in my e-mail, ensured it was the right place, and put on Frankie Goes to Hollywood's RELAX, and walked into the building. I got a drink from the water fountain and got my number and the testing site rules. I was the eighth person to arrive and decided to go to the bathroom while everyone was checking in. Had another drink at the fountain- my mouth was really dry- and noticed how sweaty my hands were. After finally signing in and having my picture taken and taking a few mints to suck on from the basket on the desk, I went to the back where the rules were explained and then each of us was checked- my glasses were examined, and I had to show there was nothing under my dress but me.

I wore a dress like the professional I am supposed to be. Yeah- I was WAY overdressed. I was seated at the computer and ready to start at about 4 minutes after 8am and I had 90 minutes for the first section, after I took the tutorial- which talked about striking things out and highlighting and how to change the font and background colors (the only thing I used from the tutorial, if I am honest) I went with a black background and white letters and I was off.

Typically, I don't have to watch my time, as I take tests quickly. I found out early in my test taking career to go thru and answer and make sure to answer everything, and not to change any answers. So the first 90 questions were finished and I got up for my break and a quick run to the bathroom and sat back down at just after 9am.

I clicked my last answer, submitted the exam, and then did a 12 question survey and once that was done, I was shown my passing result- a check-mark in a green circle with the word PASS.

I resisted crying out, but I wanted to. I raised my hand gathered my things and was walked out by the proctor. It was 9:30am.

I PASSED. I answered 180 questions in under 90 minutes and now I am certified... or will be when I get my official results in the mail in about six weeks.

And they tell you not to talk about the test or the questions etc. and - honest to God - I couldn't if I tried. It's all a big blur. I am just so happy it's over.