11/4/84

Just got back from another trip. this time to Bequia. Seems I've been traveling a lot lately and there is more to come. Ron wants Deb to go down to Canouan and Mayreau later this month or early next. The Grenadines are in great need of some attention and Deb has been a favorite choice to go help. For her, it's a chance to establish the protocol for the next physio to follow which would add some variety to a regular 9 to 5:00 job (or 8:00 to 4:00). It gives us both a chance to get a change of pace in to our usual routines. It does keep us jumping and I'm not so sure we need all this variety, sometimes. Could have used it last year…

The coffee and donut stand for the Bequia Handicapped Committee is struggling and I'm feeling a bit guilty for obtaining the donation of the coffee urn from Zion Lutheran. Not that it's going to waste, rather it may have been better to have things start smaller. I figured Joanie and Michael had done more homework on it. I hope it survives because it is a good idea and a good cause. Will check on it next in May. Deb and I are talking about the possibility of an additional trip. This time to South America after COS. the Bienamens seemed to have enjoyed their stay and since Deb and I speak a bit of Spanish, it wouldn't be too difficult to get around. Money, of course is a barrier so we'll have to see how much Dick and Ann spent while there. Could catch an Eastern flight up from Trinidad to Miami, so the return trip would go directly to the US and fit nicely into our visiting schedule before Christmas. There is always a chance.

 I got a letter from Dad today. I find it interesting that he is considering his retirement in the same way I am looking at the “what now?” question of employment once we return stateside. Beginnings and endings. It doesn't sound like he is as enthusiastic about his job as he was prior to the recent hassles. I'm amazed at the treatment he is receiving after nearly 30 years of service to Morton Salt. It sobers me to think of corporate indifference after a year and a half of dealing with this Peace Corps “adventure” where I'm used to enthusiasm or hostility but never indifference. Could I survive the corporate melting pot? What should I do and how am I to find meaningful work? Gads, I keep procrastinating on taking some positive steps in looking for work. The deadline is approaching. I've got to start making some decisions. But with my current job so involving and demanding it's hard to look ahead. The unit is doing well. Thriving actually. I now have a long list of to-do's to finish. Some of them are not very inviting but need to be done. Still studying the possibility of a move to MTA combining or utilizing the info and stats units. Another big item on the agenda.