So the Pan-Armenian Games came and went and I didn't attend a single event. I would have liked to see at least the opening or closing ceremonies, but when it came to buying a ticket and making my way out there I was too lazy. I spent the weekend relaxing, shopping and tidying. There are so many little things you need when you move into a new house... have you every tried to live without one of those plastic organizer trays for forks and spoons? It is really quite annoying. So anyways, while I was walking around I ran into a local friend who informed me my dad was coming here towards the end of September. Now that is no big surprise since he comes pretty much every year to bring medical equipment and aid, but it is funny to hear it on the street that way. I saw my father online for only the second time ever later on that weekend and chatted with him. Although he loves computers, they seem to hate him. Files and e-mails are frequently lost... so I consider it fortunate to chat with him live.

Someone has asked me different ways it is possible to help Armenia. Of course there are a million ways, but here are a few that I thought would be easy, and not necessarily even involved much time or money.

• Send old computers - since old computers, monitors and printers are almost worthless in America, and thousands are donated each year to charity, this is an easy one. Armenia's National Literature museum does not have computers and even a few old pentium/486 would make a world of difference at places like that. If you specify a recipient here that would like it then the UAF airlift will bring it from LA for free. I would be willing to help coordinate.
  
• Buy Armenian products - increase demand for them abroad and help Armenia's economy. Buy Armenian cognac, wines, jams, etc for yourself and as gifts for others to develop a taste for them as well.
  
• Come to Armenia as a tourist or to live for a while - this will help pump cash into the economy and you can help people here with your knowlege of the west. Or you can start a business here whether you live here or not.
  
• Sponsor a family - there are many organizations that will help you do this. I can list some if needed.
  
• Sponsor an employee - for $50 or $100 per month you can sponsor someone here to work full time. I could get them an old computer and have them translating or typing up old Armenian texts for the internet. Their work can even say sponsored by you or your business. This kind of job often makes the difference between staying in Armenia or leaving.
  
• Another easy fast one is to just write your congressman about aid to Armenia AND Karabakh.
  

Those are the things that come to mind, if there are any other suggestions people would like to make I can add them too.