Locked In

It seems I only write when something bad happens, so I'm going to try to change that. But for now, I will report that I once again was locked in my apartment- but here's the good news: Peace Corps was great about helping me, getting the locksmith here and freeing me. The locksmith came and pushed the door open, enabling me to complete my very important task of taking out the garbage. So, while I have a semi functional lock all is resolved for now.

It Finally Happened

I've heard of it happening to other volunteers. I've heard the horror stories, but its never happened to me. Or, I should say in the last 8 months it hasn't happened to me- until today. The electricity went out at the gym. Not a big deal right? Think- treadmill + running + electricity cut. Exactly - Ejection. Thought so. So, luckily I was being lazy and having a prolonged warm up so I was not forcefully hurled from the treadmill. When the generator came back on I hesitated a bit before I started running but since the guys who run my gym are some of the most responsible, respectful and effective business men and citizens in Vlore I really didn't worry to much. And in fact, 28 minutes later, before switching off the generator, one of the brother came up to me and quite nicely asked if I would stop running so they could switch the power back on. Sweet. Who says NYC is more exciting? I'll challenge those propulsion threat-free gym goers any day.

Rain

So today it rained. No- don't get sad. This is good news. Very good news. So good, in fact that when I bumped into my friend on the street the other day one of the first things he said was "Molly, I hear its going to rain". When it is so hot you sweat from sitting rain sounds wonderful. Just wonderful. And, now, having it I can tell you it was wonderful. The heat broke, the air had the great smell and the mud even felt like an old friend who had come back for a visit.

Cosmo is always right

For real. Cheer, elate, excite, exhilarate: I've been in an excellent mood lately. Some of it has to do with the rain but the root of the rest of it has remained a mystery. I've had some very productive engaging work meetings which have certainly been uplifting as I feel that the sluggish pace of August is finally wearing off and I can almost feel the renewed energy in the air. I'm ready to go back to real work and so it seems is everyone else. But its more than that, it is but what is "it"?

Well, after devouring Cosmo on the stationary bike I've come to the conclusion that it is due to 3 well researched prove mood lifters.

#1) I'm planning a trip. I'm going home for a week! Which according to Comso June 2010 is an instant booster. "Those planing a trip are happier than those not going away, but after the trip, there's no difference between the happiness levels of the two groups. -Dr. Linda says "As with many things in life, the anticipation is the best bit. So make sure you keep planning new things to do." Well, Dr. Linda and anyone else who is reading this, we know that's certainly not a problem for ms. I get ants in my pants if don't travel. But scientific research to back up my itch? Terrific. Love you Cosmo

#2) Work out- I think we all knew that already but here it goes "Keep Active. Exercise boots feel-good chemicals in the brain, so even going for a walk can help to lift your spirits." Considering I ran 5k today and have been diligently going to the gym in what is now a semi-successful effort to erase the last year of Peace Corps damage I think I can say its true. Working out really does release to those famous endorphins. In fact, endorphins can also block pain, induce feelings of euphoria and decrease anxiety. Why don't I do this every day?

And lastly
#3) Veggies, Veggies Veggies. In an effort to truly enjoy the bounty of Albania I've been trying to buy fresh produce every day. I'm painfully aware that the amount of fruits and veggies I eat would be about 4x as much in America and am trying to take advantage of eating locally and in season. Each evening, as it gets cool, I go to the same woman and we chat. She is one of the very few people who not only does not insist I take a plastic bag but offers to put all my veggies in one bag. For all of you who've visited me and anyone in Albania reading this, you know that is wonderful. She suggests it and I smile. I love visiting her every day. Cosmo says "Eat Healthily. Research has shown that even your diet can affect your mood. Sugary food and certain carbohydrates can make your metabolism sluggish, making you feel low while fresh fruit and leafy veg, can have the opposite effect."

So, in short, between the business meeting, trip, gym and wonderful produce I have been on a fabulous all natural high and am almost ready for NYC