http://www.endofnow.com When is now? Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:27:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I’m excited because I got several packages this week. The packages from my mom included a new flash drive, some books (including Adventure Motorcycle Touring), a couple Frisbees, yo-yos, some games, and a bunch of magazines. The package from my grandfather was primarily food stuff. I got a great big Sam’s Club ... http://www.endofnow.com/2007/02/19/a-dilemma/ This Valentine’s day is a sad day for me. I’ve been in a long term relationship that I think is working on coming to an end. We’ve enjoyed great times together. We’ve had our ups and downs, good and bads but alas all things must come to an end. It ... http://www.endofnow.com/2007/02/14/happy-valentines-day/ So I made an offhand remark about having to use a squatting toilet outside now that it's cold out. This friend (whom I will allow to remain nameless, although he may name himself in the comments) made a mention of squatting being healthier. I decided to put google to work ... http://www.endofnow.com/2007/02/04/squating/ I am really lucky to be in Moldova and celebrate two Christmases and New Years. Most of the Orthodox church uses the old calendar which means they celebrate religious holidays on different dates. Today was Christmas. Under communism much of the Christmas traditions were moved to New Years to down ... http://www.endofnow.com/2007/01/07/merry-orthodox-christmas/ Since Moldova doesn't celebrate Christmas until January7 today is just a normal day for most people. For volunteers, we get to celebrate Christmas twice! Today I went to a larger town about 30 minutes away for dinner on speaking English. The menu was the most random assortment of food, none of ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/12/25/merry-christmas-from-moldova/ I just got done discussing politics for an hour and a half with my host family. Now, I love a good argument or discussion, but I tend to avoid politics. I know just enough to know that I don't know squat. I know that both sides of the table have ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/12/20/my-head-hurts/ One of the things about being a Peace Corps Volunteer is living my life in a fishbowl. Just like any small town in America it seems everyone knows everyone. I'm the new guy in town, and an American. I can pretty safely assume everything I do will be known by ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/11/21/living-in-a-fishbowl/ As of yesterday I'm officially a Peace Corps Volunteer. The swearing in ceremony was large, attended by probably 300 people including embassy staff, training host families, partners, and the media. For those of you wondering, I didn't trip when walking across the strange. Some of the volunteers sang and danced. ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/11/17/the-glorious-life-of-a-peace-corps-volunteer/ Wow, It has been a while since I posted. A lot has happened in the life of Ryan. Language is continuing. I'm far from comfortable and fluent but I can at least communicate basic things to intelligent and patient people. I started to write a long narrative of the last ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/10/28/catching-up/ We had our site assignment this morning. They way they communicated our assignments was pretty cool. They drew a big map of moldova on the ground and placed a chair with each assignment in the appropriate location with a label. They drew our names from a hat, read a brief ... http://www.endofnow.com/2006/10/10/i-got-my-assignment/