a change of pace, or, notes of context to better compose a mental picture

I think that there are some things I’ve been leaving out. The goal for this work in progress is for it to consist of little word postcards; self-contained anecdotes that display some facet of my life and activities here. This will be a deviation from the norm. This is be a list.

Here are some things that I really like about the Marshall Islands and/or Assumption:


· The apex of style for the young Marshallese man is a rat-tail.


· The proper way to bid someone adieu is the phrase “Goodnight,” usually with a raised lilt of voice on the last syllable. This is appropriate regardless of the time of day. I can not express how much I enjoy saying “Goodnight!” to people after mass on Sunday mornings.


· The moon on the ocean. Some nights I stay up late grading or lesson planning in the faculty room at Assumption. When I head home, often the moon reflects off the water beautifully and bathes everything in soft silvery light.


· The Marshallese, instead of saying “dang,” or a like expression of frustration, have their own mild curse. I’m not sure of the spelling, but it might be “worwor.” It is pronounced with rolled R’s, “arrrrrrrrr-arrrrrrr” with the first half being longer and the stress on the second half. It sounds a little like a growl and perfectly fits the emotion.


· Instead of nodding, the universal sign of agreement in the Marshall Islands is raised eyebrows. Likewise, shaking of the head is replaced with a sort of “yucky face,” with one end of the mouth pulled down and out. I often do it in conjunction with a headshake.


· To peep on someone, like looking in their window, is called Corned Beefing, after the popular canned meat product.



as an added bonus, here is a picture of me from the Assumption High School Halloween party. I was a chaperone. Dressing in drag is very funny to the Marshallese. please note, that is a wig and not my real hair. thanks.