Phillies!

Ok not much to write about interesting today, but I figured I should write something...

As for work, I'm still working on this farmers' training manual. Its almost done. I feel like I just wrote a term paper as the thing is almost 100 pages long. My boss gets back next week, so hopefully she doesn't tear it up too bad. I am looking forward to her getting back though. Hopefully she can give me some more direction.

I know that Monday throught Thursday next week I'll be heading out to the field for "focal farmer elections." I'll be going with one of the Rwandan business advisors. The plan is to go to each one of our co-ops and have them elect a 'focal farmer.' Then, throughout the year, T-S will come and do agronomy demonstrations on this farmer's plot. All the community coffee farmers will come to see the demonstration. We'll be looking for someone with a strong crop and good access to water. Also, they should be a community leader and someone who won't mind hosting these events once a month.

I went to Nairobi last weekend to hang out with a few Peace Corps friends. Dave was coming from Sudan and his flight was delayed 3 days, so that sucked. But, it was still good to see them. Nairobi is the wild west compared to here.

Adam and I patiently waiting for Dave to arrive at Taco's (No they don't serve tacos. Just a clever nickname I guess)

Bowling at Village Market - Dave, Adam, Me, Barclay

(notice my Phillies and Flyers gear. Superfan.)

So that brings me to the title of this blog post. The Phillies are tearing it up right now. They streaked their way into the playoffs and have beaten Milwaukee in the first 2 games of a best of five series. Last night they beat arguably the best pitcher in baseball on a Shane Victorino grand slam and solid pitching by Brett Myers.

It is heart wrenching to be over here during this. I love what I'm doing, I just can't believe that they actually have a chance and I'm going to miss it.

1. The last time the Phillies won the World Series, I was 1.

2. They went to the World Series and lost in 1993.

3. Its been over 100 seasons since any Philadelphia sports team has won their championship.

4. I'm a season ticket holder and have already given up my playoff tickets to friends.

5. The beginning of this year (February) I sent out a manifesto entitled, "Why the Phillies will win the World Series in 2008." Turns out it was quite insightful. If only I could put that knowledge to practical use.

6. I am a ridiculous die hard Phillies fan.

7. I haven't been able to sleep well the last 2 nights, knowing that they were playing.

This all may sound insane, but thats what its like to be a Philadelphia fan. You get absolutely wrapped up in the passion and hope of the city. All fears and hopes can lie on one series, one game, one pitch.

For these reasons, I've decided my best course of action is to fly home for the World Series. When the Phillies smash the foolish Dodgers in the National League Championship, I'm on a plane.

Yes, the ticket is expensive. Yes, this might not be the most financially responsible purchase ever. But, this is a once in a lifetime type thing. I have traveled all over in my life. Each trip always costs money. But, I'll remember those trips for the rest of my life, not the mere money it cost.

Work will be cool with it. I am only a volunteer. I'm sure they'll be able to tell how inportant this is to me based on my willingness to pay for the plane ticket. Plus, if theres a problem, I'll just tell them to add 2 weeks onto the end of my contract.

I may be stupid, or insane, but the answer is clear to me. Let's go PHILLIES!!