Aye!

Oops, so that did not work. :D I'm in the Philippines currently, so not much computer time. I don't know what happened with the first post, but I'm going to try and recreate it once I get a chance.

----- EDIT -----

I returned from the Philippines late last night and am procrastinating doing actual work, so I am re-visiting my muff up of a first post.

So, I was in the Philippines with the MechE department on an engineering service trip, as I may have mentioned in one of our get togethers. It was exactly what I expected in some ways and entirely not what I expected in others. It was a very worthwhile experience and I learned a lot of interesting things about construction, Filipino culture, perseverance, gratitude, religion, and myself. I have many stories and photos if any of you are interested to hear more. For now, here are some notable occurrences:

- Dealing with all convenient toilets breaking the first day and remaining so for the next three

- Having a following of literally 30 kids who would hang on to our cars as we drove out of the villages

- Trying to tear down an entire house while curious, naked toddlers played dangerously nearby

- Building a platform for a water pump for a village that was elevated 7 feet above ground by wooden stilts

- Losing my shorts while enjoying an au naturel dip in Taal Lake, an almost having to spend the rest of the day in boxer briefs if not for a trusty friend saving the day with an extra pair of shorts

And that's all for now. I hope all is well in whichever part of the world you are occupying currently. I am currently in Pittsburgh, and shall remain for the rest of the summer. Let me know if you're in town!

--- Patrick (Danger Milhouse James) Hogan