Well, that was WAS the question. After learning that two of my friends back home in NY, Meghan and Barry are trying to create a good-bye gathering for me, how could I NOT go home? It's really sweet to know that, as I've mentioned in previous posts, I have AMAZING friends who love me and I'm so lucky to have them in my life.
So yes, on Wednesday I will get on my little plane and fly back to NYC. Though I am now staying with me parents instead.
I'm happy that my sister Kathy and her husband Matt are driving 4 HOURS from Pennsylvania on Saturday, to NY just to see me. She and her husband have been major rocks of support and although they both worry, which is understandable, they have been very supportive of my going to the Peace Corps. However when I ultimately have to say Goodbye to them, I'm probably going to cry like a baby. I'm very aware of this and have already accepted this fate.
I got some encouraging words from a cousin of mine, who is currently living and working with his wife and 2 children in Cambodia. I asked him about how he handled negative reactions to him going to cambodia and his advice was very helpful. My new response is now "Thank you for your concern" and changing the topic.
Things are slowly turning around, but I don't want to be too confident of that fact yet, as I have not gone to NY just yet.
I got my first, not one, but TWO e-mails from my Peace Corps pen pal today. Her advice is super helpful and it's nice to have that line of communication with someone who already went through the packing stages of things and she has already answered a bunch of my millions of questions that I have and am bound to continue to have.
That's really it for now. Time to get ready for a fun filled night of laundry, packing, netflix movies and resting. This is a big week for me, so we'll see how things go.
Last Day at Work
Today is my last day at work. Although I haven't always loved my job, I have always loved my co-workers, especially the ones on my team and a few others that I have forged some pretty special relationships with (Jesse, Archeshita, Perry, Laura, Cassadi, Barb, Elena, John, Harold and Sajid). I thought I would really enjoy this day, but I don't think I am going to as much as I may have thought a few months ago.
So tonight, despite the nasty gross icky weather outside, several of us are getting Bob Evans for dinner. I chose that for two reasons a) Because Breakfast food is my favorite food and b) It's vegetarian friendly and some of my friends at work are vegetarian. So that part of the night, I am definitely looking forward to.
I am going to try to sell more furniture on craigslist this weekend. SELL SELL SELL!!! That is my biggest goal.
I have not decided if I am going to cancel my trip to NY yet or not (see last blog). I love my friends, and that part of the trip will be fun, but most of it will be spent with family, where I'll be blatantly ignored, chastised and belittled. I'm not sure it's the healthiest thing for me to do right now considering the AMAZING experience I am about to embark on. More updates on that to come.
That's all for now. I'll try to update some more over the weekend. i hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend.
So tonight, despite the nasty gross icky weather outside, several of us are getting Bob Evans for dinner. I chose that for two reasons a) Because Breakfast food is my favorite food and b) It's vegetarian friendly and some of my friends at work are vegetarian. So that part of the night, I am definitely looking forward to.
I am going to try to sell more furniture on craigslist this weekend. SELL SELL SELL!!! That is my biggest goal.
I have not decided if I am going to cancel my trip to NY yet or not (see last blog). I love my friends, and that part of the trip will be fun, but most of it will be spent with family, where I'll be blatantly ignored, chastised and belittled. I'm not sure it's the healthiest thing for me to do right now considering the AMAZING experience I am about to embark on. More updates on that to come.
That's all for now. I'll try to update some more over the weekend. i hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend.
Is everyones family so destructive? Thank God for my friends.
I am going to preface this with one major thing: I AM STILL GOING TO THE PEACE CORPS.
So my brother told me to call him after work last night, so I did exactly that. I thought he wanted to talk to me about me staying with him next week. Instead, he wanted to yell at me for 1 1/2 hours and piss all over my Peace Corps dreams. He told me he's not going to come pick up my body when I die or get in trouble. He used our dead parents against me saying they wouldn't want me to go. He told me I need to get "a real job" and wants me to move back to NY, live with him, leverage my education, find a man, get married and have babies. He also said if I wanted to make a difference I could go to East Harlem and teach kids how to read, but to stay in the United States. He said I can't change anything in Belize. There are a lot more destructive things that were said, but I really can't handle going on with this negativity.
That is the opposite of everything I want for my life. I despise NY, I want to and am going to go the the Peace Corps because it is a real job, and it is MY job. I have been talking about this since I was in high school. This is the path I have chosen in my life, and it's really hard that so many people in my life cannot accept that this is a good thing. I'll get married one day, settle down and grow some roots somewhere, but now is not that time. I'm not ready to curl up and die yet.
Thank God I have so many amazing friends there to support me. Especially Meghan (my Meggles), who gave me the amazing advice that I need to stop letting toxic people "rent space" in my head and that sometimes "We have to make our own family". She's always been supportive and I know she always will be. Michael Allen, who told me to be safe and he knows I'll do well and Mike Carro, who is just a really supportive force for me. I have plenty of other supportive friends as well, and a few distant relatives (who I wish weren't so distant) are super supportive and loving.
I really wish I could shorten my trip to NY next week, but I know I have to find alternative sleeping arrangements, because after that "talk", I don't feel comfortable sleeping at his house. I'm sure I'll find somewhere to go. All of my friends are offering up spare bedrooms or couches.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant. I've got to get ready for work now. My face looks like I got beaten up, so that should mean a fun day at work.
I hope everyone has a great day.
So my brother told me to call him after work last night, so I did exactly that. I thought he wanted to talk to me about me staying with him next week. Instead, he wanted to yell at me for 1 1/2 hours and piss all over my Peace Corps dreams. He told me he's not going to come pick up my body when I die or get in trouble. He used our dead parents against me saying they wouldn't want me to go. He told me I need to get "a real job" and wants me to move back to NY, live with him, leverage my education, find a man, get married and have babies. He also said if I wanted to make a difference I could go to East Harlem and teach kids how to read, but to stay in the United States. He said I can't change anything in Belize. There are a lot more destructive things that were said, but I really can't handle going on with this negativity.
That is the opposite of everything I want for my life. I despise NY, I want to and am going to go the the Peace Corps because it is a real job, and it is MY job. I have been talking about this since I was in high school. This is the path I have chosen in my life, and it's really hard that so many people in my life cannot accept that this is a good thing. I'll get married one day, settle down and grow some roots somewhere, but now is not that time. I'm not ready to curl up and die yet.
Thank God I have so many amazing friends there to support me. Especially Meghan (my Meggles), who gave me the amazing advice that I need to stop letting toxic people "rent space" in my head and that sometimes "We have to make our own family". She's always been supportive and I know she always will be. Michael Allen, who told me to be safe and he knows I'll do well and Mike Carro, who is just a really supportive force for me. I have plenty of other supportive friends as well, and a few distant relatives (who I wish weren't so distant) are super supportive and loving.
I really wish I could shorten my trip to NY next week, but I know I have to find alternative sleeping arrangements, because after that "talk", I don't feel comfortable sleeping at his house. I'm sure I'll find somewhere to go. All of my friends are offering up spare bedrooms or couches.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant. I've got to get ready for work now. My face looks like I got beaten up, so that should mean a fun day at work.
I hope everyone has a great day.
Weekend and whatnot
So I didn't have as productive as a weekend as I had hoped, but I did have a productive weekend. I got my taxes done, I started attacking the dreaded closet. I made a pile for goodwill and a pile of things to sell. I DID sell my kitchen table and chairs. I haven't found a home for the rest of my furniture though (sadly) despite repeatedly posting it on craigslist every 2 days and continuously dropping the price. I may have a potential home for my amazingly wonderful cat though.
I did order a hammock from Hennessy Hammocks though. I got the ultra-light backpacker velcro version. It's what they recommended for me, plus I like that it's a bit lighter. Our discount made it worth the money, as I know I'll be abusing my new hammock.
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.html
Honestly, I will probably end up sleeping in it more nights than not. The only other large purchases I have to make are some shoes, a good swiss army knife and a good rain coat. I've got my eye on some of the north face ones, but they're all out of stock right now.
I'm sure things will figure themselves out money wise for me, but I'm still a tiny bit worried. All my bills (minor ones) will be paid by the time I leave, I'm just really hoping to take care of them sooner rather than later. It's stressful not having them paid right now.
Anyway, I have to get ready to go run errands. I'm bringing some stuff to the used guitar shop by my house to sell. Things I bought from them. I refuse to sell my guitar though. But I really don't need to store an amp, guitar rack and music stand for 27 months. So maybe I'll get a few dollars from that. I'm hoping for the best...
Off to face the world in this awful ice and snow... Until next time.
Oh and...30 DAYS LEFT IN THE US!!!!!
I did order a hammock from Hennessy Hammocks though. I got the ultra-light backpacker velcro version. It's what they recommended for me, plus I like that it's a bit lighter. Our discount made it worth the money, as I know I'll be abusing my new hammock.
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.html
Honestly, I will probably end up sleeping in it more nights than not. The only other large purchases I have to make are some shoes, a good swiss army knife and a good rain coat. I've got my eye on some of the north face ones, but they're all out of stock right now.
I'm sure things will figure themselves out money wise for me, but I'm still a tiny bit worried. All my bills (minor ones) will be paid by the time I leave, I'm just really hoping to take care of them sooner rather than later. It's stressful not having them paid right now.
Anyway, I have to get ready to go run errands. I'm bringing some stuff to the used guitar shop by my house to sell. Things I bought from them. I refuse to sell my guitar though. But I really don't need to store an amp, guitar rack and music stand for 27 months. So maybe I'll get a few dollars from that. I'm hoping for the best...
Off to face the world in this awful ice and snow... Until next time.
Oh and...30 DAYS LEFT IN THE US!!!!!
Asking Too Much?
The following are Ani DiFranco lyrics that never cease to amaze me and it really speaks to how I feel today. They're the lyrics to the song Asking Too Much.
I want somebody who sees the pointlessness
And still keeps their purpose in mind
I want somebody who has a tortured soul
Some of the time
I want somebody who will either put out for me
Or put me out of misery
Or maybe just put it all to words
And make me say, you know
I never heard it put that way
Make me say, what did you just say?
I want somebody who can hold my interest
Hold it and never let it fall
Someone who can flatten me with a kiss
That hits like a fist
Or a sentence, that stops me like a brick wall
Because if you hear me talking
Listen to what I'm not saying
If you hear me playing guitar
Listen to what I'm not playing
And don't ask me to put words
To all the spaces between notes
In fact if you have to ask, forget it
Do and you'll regret it
I'm tired of being the interesting one
I'm tired of having fun for two
Just lay yourself on the line
And I might lay myself down by you
But don't sit behind your eyes
And wait for me to surprise you
I want somebody who can make me
Scream until it's funny
Give me a run for my money
I want someone who can
Twist me up in knots
Tell me, for the woman who has everything
What have you got?
I want someone who's not afraid of me
Or anyone else
In other words I want someone
Who's not afraid of themself
Do you think I'm asking too much?
I want somebody who sees the pointlessness
And still keeps their purpose in mind
I want somebody who has a tortured soul
Some of the time
I want somebody who will either put out for me
Or put me out of misery
Or maybe just put it all to words
And make me say, you know
I never heard it put that way
Make me say, what did you just say?
I want somebody who can hold my interest
Hold it and never let it fall
Someone who can flatten me with a kiss
That hits like a fist
Or a sentence, that stops me like a brick wall
Because if you hear me talking
Listen to what I'm not saying
If you hear me playing guitar
Listen to what I'm not playing
And don't ask me to put words
To all the spaces between notes
In fact if you have to ask, forget it
Do and you'll regret it
I'm tired of being the interesting one
I'm tired of having fun for two
Just lay yourself on the line
And I might lay myself down by you
But don't sit behind your eyes
And wait for me to surprise you
I want somebody who can make me
Scream until it's funny
Give me a run for my money
I want someone who can
Twist me up in knots
Tell me, for the woman who has everything
What have you got?
I want someone who's not afraid of me
Or anyone else
In other words I want someone
Who's not afraid of themself
Do you think I'm asking too much?
Motivation and sales difficulty
So, I'm trying to find some motivation to pack. The main problem is limited space, which is why I wanted to sell my living room furniture early. The problem is, no one is biting or they're offering me $100-$200, which is just insulting considering its perfect condition. I know I'm not going to get nearly what I paid for it and I know the economy sticks, but really, throw me a bone here.
So yes, I should totally be packing right now. So, I'm going to try to work on that in the next hour.
33 days, 33 days. Hopefully I'll get staging info soon. Once that flight is booked I have a feeling I'll be in hyperdrive.
In the meantime, I'm going to go back to posting things on craigslist.
So yes, I should totally be packing right now. So, I'm going to try to work on that in the next hour.
33 days, 33 days. Hopefully I'll get staging info soon. Once that flight is booked I have a feeling I'll be in hyperdrive.
In the meantime, I'm going to go back to posting things on craigslist.
Hopeful Accomplishments
So, I'm hoping I can abuse the privilege of having a 3 day weekend.
So this week is still crawling by. That I will admit. At least it's Friday.
My goal for the weekend is to sell my living room furniture and kitchen table. Then promptly use that money to pay off a bunch of bills. I am also going to file my taxes - I made my appointment today. I'm hoping to pack at least 2 large tubs and go through the stuff in my basement and my closet. Then make a giant trip to good will. Those are the main goals. I have some other goals in mind, but those are the primary ones. Maybe I'll do something fun during that time like order myself a bathing suit or two from Victoria's Secret (since we were told to bring a bathing suit). So much to do, but so exciting! ONLY 34 DAYS LEFT!!!!
So though I was totally complaining about this paleo diet - it's pretty amazing. It's weird, even with the mild diet cheating I already feel a lot better and I'm not as hungry. I had a great workout this morning. I am buying a TRX today off of craigslist to take with me to the Peace Corps (2lbs worth the weight) and my trainer is gong to show me how to use it. It also has DVDs. I have to order the door mount though. At the end of the day I'm still saving $90, so it's worth it.
Alright, off to make some shrimp for lunch! I'll try to update this weekend.
So this week is still crawling by. That I will admit. At least it's Friday.
My goal for the weekend is to sell my living room furniture and kitchen table. Then promptly use that money to pay off a bunch of bills. I am also going to file my taxes - I made my appointment today. I'm hoping to pack at least 2 large tubs and go through the stuff in my basement and my closet. Then make a giant trip to good will. Those are the main goals. I have some other goals in mind, but those are the primary ones. Maybe I'll do something fun during that time like order myself a bathing suit or two from Victoria's Secret (since we were told to bring a bathing suit). So much to do, but so exciting! ONLY 34 DAYS LEFT!!!!
So though I was totally complaining about this paleo diet - it's pretty amazing. It's weird, even with the mild diet cheating I already feel a lot better and I'm not as hungry. I had a great workout this morning. I am buying a TRX today off of craigslist to take with me to the Peace Corps (2lbs worth the weight) and my trainer is gong to show me how to use it. It also has DVDs. I have to order the door mount though. At the end of the day I'm still saving $90, so it's worth it.
Alright, off to make some shrimp for lunch! I'll try to update this weekend.
Happiness is like peeing in your pants...
... everyone can see it, but only you can feel its warmth.
Just a cute little saying for everyone this week.
This week is moving like a snail trying to do the NYC marathon. It's moving painfully slow. I think it's because I have a 3 day weekend since I have Monday off.
So a few things have happened.
1) I'm finally starting to be able to walk again instead of waddle thanks to Juan's amazing leg work out the other day that pretty much had me paralyzed. I believe in working hard at the gym and everything, but to the point where you literally cannot function for a few days due to pain, not so much. Everyone at work was making fun of my waddling.
2) I booked a flight to NYC to see the family and friends and I'm already regretting it. I'm not regretting the trip itself, I'm psyched to see my friends and my brother and my nieces and nephews, but I booked the trip for 6 days. I'm scared I won't have enough packing time and time to get things straightened out. Hopefully I'm wrong and hopefully things will go smoothly instead of some drama filled craziness like every other trip I make to NY due to some key players (the ones I'm not looking forward to seeing). I just have to remember I'm mainly doing this for my friends, brother and sister-in law and the babies. ****Babies range in age from 6 months to age 20 - my nieces and nephews are all babies to me.*****
3) I'm on a new diet and it makes a lot of sense, but the first few days are really brutal and my love of bagels is making it hard not to cheat. It's the Paleo diet. I can eat anything a caveman would eat. I'm supposed to have protein, fat and only natural carbs. I can have all the fruit and vegetables I want. No pasta, no bagels, etc., not even if they're whole wheat. I'm an Italian girl from Brooklyn, not having pasta and bagels is not how I live. So I've decided that I will just severely limit myself. Pasta once every 2 weeks and 1 bagel a week. We'll see how this goes. I am just trying to shape up a bit before Belize so I'm not the "Fat American", even though I don't think I'm fat, I just want to feel better about my appearance and put my best foot forward when in Belize.
Speaking of Belize... 35 days!!! Woot woot! I'm getting psyched.
I really need to start abusing craigslist soon and selling all my things. I have someone coming to take my kitchen table and chairs away this weekend. I need to start listing my living room furniture though. ASAP. Maybe I'll do that tonight after work.
Anyway, that's all for now. I hope everyone is having a fantastic week and hopefully it's going more quickly than mine. Enjoy!
Just a cute little saying for everyone this week.
This week is moving like a snail trying to do the NYC marathon. It's moving painfully slow. I think it's because I have a 3 day weekend since I have Monday off.
So a few things have happened.
1) I'm finally starting to be able to walk again instead of waddle thanks to Juan's amazing leg work out the other day that pretty much had me paralyzed. I believe in working hard at the gym and everything, but to the point where you literally cannot function for a few days due to pain, not so much. Everyone at work was making fun of my waddling.
2) I booked a flight to NYC to see the family and friends and I'm already regretting it. I'm not regretting the trip itself, I'm psyched to see my friends and my brother and my nieces and nephews, but I booked the trip for 6 days. I'm scared I won't have enough packing time and time to get things straightened out. Hopefully I'm wrong and hopefully things will go smoothly instead of some drama filled craziness like every other trip I make to NY due to some key players (the ones I'm not looking forward to seeing). I just have to remember I'm mainly doing this for my friends, brother and sister-in law and the babies. ****Babies range in age from 6 months to age 20 - my nieces and nephews are all babies to me.*****
3) I'm on a new diet and it makes a lot of sense, but the first few days are really brutal and my love of bagels is making it hard not to cheat. It's the Paleo diet. I can eat anything a caveman would eat. I'm supposed to have protein, fat and only natural carbs. I can have all the fruit and vegetables I want. No pasta, no bagels, etc., not even if they're whole wheat. I'm an Italian girl from Brooklyn, not having pasta and bagels is not how I live. So I've decided that I will just severely limit myself. Pasta once every 2 weeks and 1 bagel a week. We'll see how this goes. I am just trying to shape up a bit before Belize so I'm not the "Fat American", even though I don't think I'm fat, I just want to feel better about my appearance and put my best foot forward when in Belize.
Speaking of Belize... 35 days!!! Woot woot! I'm getting psyched.
I really need to start abusing craigslist soon and selling all my things. I have someone coming to take my kitchen table and chairs away this weekend. I need to start listing my living room furniture though. ASAP. Maybe I'll do that tonight after work.
Anyway, that's all for now. I hope everyone is having a fantastic week and hopefully it's going more quickly than mine. Enjoy!
Happy Valentines Day!
First and foremost, Happy Valentines Day everyone! Whoever you are, no matter where you are, know that someone cares :-)
So, my body hurts horribly right now. My trainer Juan, who is making routines for me to do while in Belize that involve no equipment, decided to torture me this morning. I'm having a very difficult time walking and I've lost almost all feeling in both my arms. I know it'll be worth it, but right now, my entire body hurts a whole lot. Enough that I'm actually considering taking an tylenol. At least it's good pain.
I had a very unproductive weekend. I was really tired after not sleeping so well last week, so most of my Saturday was spent sleeping. Sunday was spent running errands and finishing up making my Valentine's for my friends at work. I'm pretty sure between the nice notes, red velvet and strawberry cupcakes, and the candy, I might put my co-workers into a diabetic coma. We shall see what happens.
Anyway, I hope everyone has an awesome holiday! Remember to tell someone you love them, even if it's a pet.
So, my body hurts horribly right now. My trainer Juan, who is making routines for me to do while in Belize that involve no equipment, decided to torture me this morning. I'm having a very difficult time walking and I've lost almost all feeling in both my arms. I know it'll be worth it, but right now, my entire body hurts a whole lot. Enough that I'm actually considering taking an tylenol. At least it's good pain.
I had a very unproductive weekend. I was really tired after not sleeping so well last week, so most of my Saturday was spent sleeping. Sunday was spent running errands and finishing up making my Valentine's for my friends at work. I'm pretty sure between the nice notes, red velvet and strawberry cupcakes, and the candy, I might put my co-workers into a diabetic coma. We shall see what happens.
Anyway, I hope everyone has an awesome holiday! Remember to tell someone you love them, even if it's a pet.
Contact lenses vs. glasses and mid post surprise!
So, I know the Peace Corps does not supply contact lenses, but since I know where I am going now, I'm most likely going to be wearing contacts 80% of the time. I will definitely bring my 2 pairs of glasses, but contacts makes wearing sunglasses in an extremely sunny climate a whole lot easier and far less expensive. Some amazing news I found out, is that:
1) 1-800-Contacts, where I get my contacts anyway, ships to Belize!!! International standard shipping takes between 8-12 business days for delivery and costs $19.99. International express shipping takes 4 to 7 business days for delivery, and costs $35.99. Of course, customs delays are not reflected in those time frames, but still, super cool.
2) When I asked how to confirm the prescription, I was told I could fax or scan it in, but also, direct quote here, "If your order is shipping outside of the United States we aren't required to verify your prescription before your order is shipped. You can simply update your prescription information on out website and complete your order." Now I know contact lens solution is way different down in Belize, so that I'll bring a ton of and have some shipped from family members as well.
************************
I just had to go get the door, the UPS guy was here. I wasn't sure if it was something from PC< but it was BETTER! One of my friends in NY, who I miss dearly sent me roses!!!
And it only took a mere 2 minutes for Baby BAMF to get her part of the present...
All these things make my day :-)
I hope everyones Friday is as awesome as mine is thus far.
1) 1-800-Contacts, where I get my contacts anyway, ships to Belize!!! International standard shipping takes between 8-12 business days for delivery and costs $19.99. International express shipping takes 4 to 7 business days for delivery, and costs $35.99. Of course, customs delays are not reflected in those time frames, but still, super cool.
2) When I asked how to confirm the prescription, I was told I could fax or scan it in, but also, direct quote here, "If your order is shipping outside of the United States we aren't required to verify your prescription before your order is shipped. You can simply update your prescription information on out website and complete your order." Now I know contact lens solution is way different down in Belize, so that I'll bring a ton of and have some shipped from family members as well.
************************
I just had to go get the door, the UPS guy was here. I wasn't sure if it was something from PC< but it was BETTER! One of my friends in NY, who I miss dearly sent me roses!!!
And it only took a mere 2 minutes for Baby BAMF to get her part of the present...
All these things make my day :-)
I hope everyones Friday is as awesome as mine is thus far.
My Belize themed Valentines
At work my boss had us all make Valentines mailboxes like we did when we were in 2nd grade. My Peace Corps adventure is no secret there (not anymore) so I made mine Belize themed and stuck in some hearts for good measure. Here are the pictures.
Titles, changes now and in 42 days
So much has happened since I got my big blue packet! I'm super excited. I leave for Belize in 42 days!!
I'm planning on doing a lot more packing this weekend. I'm going to go talk to some ld bosses at Best buy and discuss stealing boxes from their shipments. I think working there for over 2 years means they'll give me a few boxes :-) The hardest part of the whole packing thing thus far is turning out to be selling my car, though if all else fails, at least I can still go get ripped off by the dealership. Anyone need a 2006 VW Jetta?
I've been finding myself daydreaming of Belize a lot. Staging info should be coming soon too. I know staging is in Dallas, Texas. I have to fill out some new forms and answer some new questions about my program for the Belize office. I have to do that ASAP too. I'm also not quite sure if I should sell my living room furniture either.
I re-hired my boxing instructor Juan to help me find ways to do work-out circuits without using any machines. I think I'll be able to handle cardio no matter where I end up in country, but everything else is questionable. I'm going to bring some resistance bands in my suitcase, but still, it'll be nice to have some circuits memorized a la Juan. He never fails to make me sweat. Maybe I'll just shadow box some trees and walls. I missed going to the gym a lot and I'm glad I'm going to have a lot more time for it once work ends in a few weeks.
I also learned that Storage Units are REALLY expensive. More of a reason to sell as much of my stuff as possible. I'm definitely working on it.
So my blog title isn't really applicable anymore, because I know where I'm going. I really like Belize it or Not, but I've seen that somewhere. My friend John recommended Beauty IN Belize, but I'd prefer the word AND in place of IN. I just hope it doesn't come off as cocky because it most certainly not meant to. It's meant to reflect the beauty of the wonderful country that I am moving to. We'll see.
Anyway, that's all for now. I'm going to make some Valentines for my co-workers and start answering my PC questions. Ciao!
I'm planning on doing a lot more packing this weekend. I'm going to go talk to some ld bosses at Best buy and discuss stealing boxes from their shipments. I think working there for over 2 years means they'll give me a few boxes :-) The hardest part of the whole packing thing thus far is turning out to be selling my car, though if all else fails, at least I can still go get ripped off by the dealership. Anyone need a 2006 VW Jetta?
I've been finding myself daydreaming of Belize a lot. Staging info should be coming soon too. I know staging is in Dallas, Texas. I have to fill out some new forms and answer some new questions about my program for the Belize office. I have to do that ASAP too. I'm also not quite sure if I should sell my living room furniture either.
I re-hired my boxing instructor Juan to help me find ways to do work-out circuits without using any machines. I think I'll be able to handle cardio no matter where I end up in country, but everything else is questionable. I'm going to bring some resistance bands in my suitcase, but still, it'll be nice to have some circuits memorized a la Juan. He never fails to make me sweat. Maybe I'll just shadow box some trees and walls. I missed going to the gym a lot and I'm glad I'm going to have a lot more time for it once work ends in a few weeks.
I also learned that Storage Units are REALLY expensive. More of a reason to sell as much of my stuff as possible. I'm definitely working on it.
So my blog title isn't really applicable anymore, because I know where I'm going. I really like Belize it or Not, but I've seen that somewhere. My friend John recommended Beauty IN Belize, but I'd prefer the word AND in place of IN. I just hope it doesn't come off as cocky because it most certainly not meant to. It's meant to reflect the beauty of the wonderful country that I am moving to. We'll see.
Anyway, that's all for now. I'm going to make some Valentines for my co-workers and start answering my PC questions. Ciao!
A 5 year boy's take on Valentines Day
This is a brief conversation that took place with my 5 year old nephew Tommy today.
Me: Hi Tommy.
T: Hi Aunt Stephanie.
Me: How are you?
T: Good (pronounced dood).
Me: So who is your Valentine this year?
T: I don't know.
Me: What do you mean you don't know? A handsome dude like you has to have a Valentine.
T: Uh uh (No sound).
Me: How about your Mom or your sister?
T: I don't want to pick anybody.
Me: Why not?
T: Maybe my Mom and my Dad.
Me: And not your sister?
T: No.
Me. Why not?
T: Just because. I gotta' go watch TV. Do you want to talk to my Mom or my sister?
Me: Sure. Put your Dad on the phone.
He then proceeded to put my niece Emma back on the phone.
I just thought it was adorable and funny.
Hopefully you did too.
So my sister Peggy made it out to visit today. That was nice seeing her and meeting her nice friend and her friends daughter. We went out to lunch and then we went to TJ Maxx. The they had to head back up to her friends house. My mom sent a ton of stuff from NY (BUT NO BAGELS OF COURSE!!!! GAH!!) out to my house. I'm going to spend the rest of the night sorting through it and trying to at least put a dent in it. So we'll see what happens.
I'm also going to try to write my aspiration statement tonight and at very least do my resume. I'm not a big super bowl fan, I only care about the commercials.
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.
Me: Hi Tommy.
T: Hi Aunt Stephanie.
Me: How are you?
T: Good (pronounced dood).
Me: So who is your Valentine this year?
T: I don't know.
Me: What do you mean you don't know? A handsome dude like you has to have a Valentine.
T: Uh uh (No sound).
Me: How about your Mom or your sister?
T: I don't want to pick anybody.
Me: Why not?
T: Maybe my Mom and my Dad.
Me: And not your sister?
T: No.
Me. Why not?
T: Just because. I gotta' go watch TV. Do you want to talk to my Mom or my sister?
Me: Sure. Put your Dad on the phone.
He then proceeded to put my niece Emma back on the phone.
I just thought it was adorable and funny.
Hopefully you did too.
So my sister Peggy made it out to visit today. That was nice seeing her and meeting her nice friend and her friends daughter. We went out to lunch and then we went to TJ Maxx. The they had to head back up to her friends house. My mom sent a ton of stuff from NY (BUT NO BAGELS OF COURSE!!!! GAH!!) out to my house. I'm going to spend the rest of the night sorting through it and trying to at least put a dent in it. So we'll see what happens.
I'm also going to try to write my aspiration statement tonight and at very least do my resume. I'm not a big super bowl fan, I only care about the commercials.
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.
Uplifting words and excitement
“Overcome that notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary." - Uta Hagen
Honestly after the past day or two, I really needed to hear that.
The most common objection I hear from people who don't support my PC endeavors is along the lines of "Why can't you be normal?" or "It's it time where you should be seriously looking for a husband?". And any time I even have the inkling of a doubt, the most brilliant quotes end up in my lap and that inkling gets sent to the depths of hell where it came from.
Today I happened to wander in to a Barnes and Nobles. Let me just say, once I found the travel section, I didn't leave for quite some time. I had a stack of books on Belize next to me and I was reading all of them. I'm soooo EXCITED!!! I even started a count down in my day planner. If staging (March 23rd) is Day 1 - I've got 47 days left.
Though I must admit, the picture of the Red Rump Tarantula - was less than pleasing. I'm definitely going to have nightmares.
Also, one of my alma maters - THE Ohio State University - is throwing a party for The Peace Corps 50th anniversary and I'm invited!!! President Gee will be there and lots of speakers, RPCV and OSU Alumni and Invitees. I won't be working at that time, so I'm really happy to be going to that event. It should be really nice.
Anyway, that's all for now. I think I'm going to run to Target before they close tonight and get some things to bring with me. I have 2 gift cards so some journals and a water bottle or two can be purchased with that.
Until next time. Same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel.
Honestly after the past day or two, I really needed to hear that.
The most common objection I hear from people who don't support my PC endeavors is along the lines of "Why can't you be normal?" or "It's it time where you should be seriously looking for a husband?". And any time I even have the inkling of a doubt, the most brilliant quotes end up in my lap and that inkling gets sent to the depths of hell where it came from.
Today I happened to wander in to a Barnes and Nobles. Let me just say, once I found the travel section, I didn't leave for quite some time. I had a stack of books on Belize next to me and I was reading all of them. I'm soooo EXCITED!!! I even started a count down in my day planner. If staging (March 23rd) is Day 1 - I've got 47 days left.
Though I must admit, the picture of the Red Rump Tarantula - was less than pleasing. I'm definitely going to have nightmares.
Also, one of my alma maters - THE Ohio State University - is throwing a party for The Peace Corps 50th anniversary and I'm invited!!! President Gee will be there and lots of speakers, RPCV and OSU Alumni and Invitees. I won't be working at that time, so I'm really happy to be going to that event. It should be really nice.
Anyway, that's all for now. I think I'm going to run to Target before they close tonight and get some things to bring with me. I have 2 gift cards so some journals and a water bottle or two can be purchased with that.
Until next time. Same Bat Time. Same Bat Channel.
Quick updates
Now that I'm feeling better (mini-stomach flu yesterday), I'm planning to do a lot with my 3 day weekend (using a vacation day I had saved).
Today, I have to find a way to de-ice my car from the storm that's hit the past 2 days. I'm also going to pay my rent (finally - I have an awesome landlord that gives us grace time during ice storms) and go the Post Office for the passport photos I need for my special passport.
Tomorrow I'm getting new oil for my car and they're fixing my broken headlight as well. Then it's cleaning all day and sitting down to re-format my resume and write my aspiration statement. Hopefully Belize will like me as much as I like them.
Saturday is my typical weekly guitar lesson, but then, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, a member of my family who is in Ohio is coming to see me. This has NEVER happened in the 3 1/2 years I've been here. She is coming to see me, but the point is she's coming, dropping stuff off and we're getting lunch together.
That's all for now, maybe I'll update tomorrow. We'll see. I definitely need to find a way to Belize out my blog though :-)
Today, I have to find a way to de-ice my car from the storm that's hit the past 2 days. I'm also going to pay my rent (finally - I have an awesome landlord that gives us grace time during ice storms) and go the Post Office for the passport photos I need for my special passport.
Tomorrow I'm getting new oil for my car and they're fixing my broken headlight as well. Then it's cleaning all day and sitting down to re-format my resume and write my aspiration statement. Hopefully Belize will like me as much as I like them.
Saturday is my typical weekly guitar lesson, but then, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, a member of my family who is in Ohio is coming to see me. This has NEVER happened in the 3 1/2 years I've been here. She is coming to see me, but the point is she's coming, dropping stuff off and we're getting lunch together.
That's all for now, maybe I'll update tomorrow. We'll see. I definitely need to find a way to Belize out my blog though :-)
Cheap Passport/Visa photos - required for PC
Just found out CVS will only charge you $7.99 for your 2 photos with the coupon I'm linking below.
http://www.cvsphoto.com/passport-photos?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=PhotoPS_NonBrand_iCrossing
I found this on the internet when I googled where I can get passport photos. Thought I would share with everyone.
It's legit. I don't spam, but I'm sure you know this by now.
Just print it right of the site.
More updates later. For now, that's all.
http://www.cvsphoto.com/passport-photos?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=PhotoPS_NonBrand_iCrossing
I found this on the internet when I googled where I can get passport photos. Thought I would share with everyone.
It's legit. I don't spam, but I'm sure you know this by now.
Just print it right of the site.
More updates later. For now, that's all.
About Me
- S. Wanderlust
- I'm Stephanie, a 26 year old Social Worker who got bitten by the travel bug at a young age. My innate need to see the world and philanthropic ways have led me to become a Peace Corps volunteer leaving for Belize in March 2011 as a Youth HIV/AIDS Facilitator.
S. Wanderlust
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