75 days

That's how much time I've got left in Cambodia. As much as I keep telling myself I can't believe it, you'd think I'd believe it by now. I guess I am so focused on studying and planning my big post-Peace Corps trip to be thinking about it all, which is probably a good thing.

Really not much news to report. The Thais and the Cambodians are fighting again near Preah Vihear (literally on the opposite side of the country, so no safety concerns in my neck of the rice paddies; well unless you count the always dangerous navigation through Cambodian traffic a safety concern). They are fighting over this temple and who has the rights to it. If you google it, you can find more info about it. Apparently a cease fire was reached today, so that's good news for now. Until it all starts all over again. I am hoping it doesn't start back up again until after I leave the country so I won't get anymore of our safety and security officer's multiple updates via text everyday.

Um, it's hot here. Per usual. I am studying for my upcoming test. Per usual. I am eating lots of rice. Per usual.

I've got a Close of Service (COS) conference coming up in mid-May, so I'll be heading to Phnom Penh for that. I think it involves talking about the transition back home and reverse-culture shock (is that really gonna happen to me?), reports we have to fill out, medical/dental checkups that we have to do, and probably (unfortunately) skits that no one really wants to do. I am pretty sure that I will be diagnosed with a latent bout of something nasty, as my digestive system hasn't been normal pretty much since I stepped off the plane almost 2 years ago (sorry if that's TMI, but it's the life of a Peace Corps volunteer. This blog is tame when compared to the normal bodily discussions I have with fellow volunteers). I'll also be in PP with all the other volunteers for my birthday, which should be fun!

And that's about all that I have to report. I've been following this whole attack of the 'birthers' situation in the U.S., as certain birdbrained Americans have diverted their frustrations and ignorance to accusations questioning Obama's citizenship. REALLY? To borrow a recent outburst from a certain lackluster politician I find especially repugnant, "Come on! It's time to grow up!" I have a sneaking suspicion these people identify themselves with the Tea Party movement, those who mistakenly believe that we can lower the deficit without increasing taxes, yet scoff at even the hint of cuts in the Defense budget. Don't even get me started on their Originalist interpretation of the Constitution...

If you don't like taxes, I'd highly advise moving to Cambodia or another developing country where people don't pay any taxes. You can stop your bitching and simultaneously figure out how to deal with crime, health issues, environmental hazards, education, public infrastructure, and retirement because you'll be solving it all on your own, without government help, along with millions of others in crushing poverty. Good luck with that!