November 2010...a blur!

I've had to backdate this entry, I must confess. November was not a happy month for me in the online world. For the first time in my digital life I became a victim of hackers' activities. Some of you may have received email messages ostensibly sent by me, sent on days I wasn't even online! I apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused you. Ironically, the hacking coincided with a phase in which I had much less online access, since the wifi connection at our city hall was mysteriously and suddenly disabled just prior to the November 7 municipal elections. So, the precious time I could access the Internet when in Asuncion or Villarrica was spent checking all my accounts, changing passwords, responding to those of you who alerted me to the spam coming from me, etc....in short, a major hassle which kept me from doing my "normal" online tasks, like posting to this! I have yet to catch up 100% with messages sent from many of you, and I thank you for your continued patience. Lesson learned: change passwords on a regular basis! I think I was vulnerable to a hacker's attack for having maintained certain passwords for way too long.

In the nonvirtual realm, November brought the official end of the school year, like last year, on the last day of the month. The month also included several library workshops that I gave, both in Troche, and in other communities. I participated in a "Diversity Panel" at the Peace Corps training center for the current group of trainees; I believe I was a part of it to represent the "seasoned youth" amongst volunteers! I submitted my proposal to extend for one more year in Paraguay. I also turned in a narrative about Nico, per my manager's request.

Thanksgiving was spent with a small group of other Peace Corps volunteers; we gathered at one volunteer's house and did our best to replicate turkey with trimmings, a la Paraguaya! The Thanksgiving weekend also included a family wedding in Troche. One of Doña Lilli's sisters tied the knot. It was a perfect evening for the outdoor event, and we danced under the stars. Another month in which to be thankful for all the good people and things in the world, hackers excepted!