March 27, 2011
Hello all. First and foremost I’d like to reassure you that I am alive and well. I have reached Belize safely, soundly and have been enjoying my first few days. I am happy, safe and healthy.
Staging was amazing in Dallas and I’m so lucky to have been placed with such a wonderful group of people here. Everyone in my group is amazing and I continue to look forward to getting to know them all more intimately as well as meeting and learning about and from the volunteers that are already here.
For those who feel like calling me, I will have a cell phone number tomorrow. It is free for me to receive calls, but costs a pretty penny to make calls.
I’ve already learned quite a bit here and I’d like to share some things about Belize and life in general. I will be doing this frequently throughout my journey. So here it goes;
- Watermelon and watermelon juice is delicious. Even if you don’t typically like watermelon.
- There is no speed limit in Belize, but there are speed bumps on the highway.
- Garifuna music and culture is rich.
- If you’re playing ultimate Frisbee in the park, don’t be surprised if your teams get vastly larger and those players end up being less than 4 feet tall and then instead of playing end up having you chase them around the field and give them piggy back rides.
- They do not use the metric system.
- Books are better than TV. I knew that already, but that sentiment is being strongly reinforced. I have a goal to read at least 100 books while here. Right now I am reading “The Sex Lives of Cannibals”. It’s hilarious.
- Rope is sold by the pound, laundry is most easily done in the sink or tub and you don’t need a clothesline if you have rope.
- Everything here is written in both English and Chinese.
- Don’t ask what something is, just eat it.
- There is a very large difference between ordering rice and beans versus beans and rice. Order wisely.
- Red Stripe beer is delicious.
- As is Belikin.
- Most people here make their own rum (No, I have not tried any…yet).
- Everyone is super nice.
- It’s hot, and that’s awesome.
- Good luck finding sunscreen over SPF 40.
- You can buy movies that are still in the theaters for about $2 USD. They are readily available. I have no idea what the quality is like though.
- The exchange rate is $1 USD = $2 BZD. Either is taken anywhere.
- Mail takes about 3 ½ to 4 weeks to get here and also be sent.
- 23% of the population has diabetes.
- The Caribbean Sea is warm and feels great on your feet.
- It is physically impossible to keep your feet clean for a period longer than 10 minutes if you’re walking anywhere, which you’ll be doing to get everywhere.
- Not every mosquito has malaria, but a lot do.
- Coconut water and Zucaritas (Frosted Flakes) is the breakfast of champions! (Opinion)
- There are various types of mangos. If it is not mango season it is hard to find them, but not impossible.
- Bugs are larger than you could ever possibly imagine. I think they were dipped in the same type of ooze the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were.
- Shampoo is cheap, conditioner is not.
- Stamps are 65 cents. I’m not sure if that’s USD or BZD yet.
- I’m in love with this country.
- The houses all are painted with awesome bright colors.
- Everything except a few stands and Chinese restaurants closes on Sunday.
- Easter and Christmas are the biggest holidays here.
- Skirts > Pants. Hands down.
- I love my life and have lived a very blessed life to date and continue to do so today. I’m truly lucky to be serving my country here and can’t wait to spend the next 2 years of my life here.
There are a few random missions I have as well. Here is what they are;
- See every country that borders Belize.
- Find a harmonica and learn how to play it.
- Find a guitar to practice my mad skills on.
- (Repeat) read at least 100 books.
- Learn to properly handle a machete
- Complete all entries in the book “List yourself’.
- More TBA.
That’s all for now. I love you all and miss you all very much. Just know all is well and such. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail. I will update as frequently as possible.
Preparing for lift off!
Today - I leave today for Dallas, Texas and tomorrow to Belize.
The time has come!
So I'm off to staging. It's real and it's happening.
Packing was extremely difficult. Making the weight limit is really hard and I have to have some things shipped to me. My friend Christina is going to ship them to me.
On another random note, yesterday I had something crazy happen. My guitar was stolen from my storage unit. How do I know? I got a call from the store I've been taking lessons from for many years. Since my guitar is on the more unique side, they immediately knew it was mine. I checked the storage unit to confirm it was mission, the serial numbers matched up and the man who stole it was fired from the moving company and arrested. I tried to resolve it without the police, but unfortunately the only way to recover it was to press charges. It was sad, but I got Lucille back and she's now back in storage safely. So a public "Thank You" to Patrick McLaughlin and all the workers at Music Go Round.
So yeah, that's it. I'm headed to staging. I'm going to finish completing all my paperwork now, take a shower and head to the airport for my 7AM flight!
The time has come!
So I'm off to staging. It's real and it's happening.
Packing was extremely difficult. Making the weight limit is really hard and I have to have some things shipped to me. My friend Christina is going to ship them to me.
On another random note, yesterday I had something crazy happen. My guitar was stolen from my storage unit. How do I know? I got a call from the store I've been taking lessons from for many years. Since my guitar is on the more unique side, they immediately knew it was mine. I checked the storage unit to confirm it was mission, the serial numbers matched up and the man who stole it was fired from the moving company and arrested. I tried to resolve it without the police, but unfortunately the only way to recover it was to press charges. It was sad, but I got Lucille back and she's now back in storage safely. So a public "Thank You" to Patrick McLaughlin and all the workers at Music Go Round.
So yeah, that's it. I'm headed to staging. I'm going to finish completing all my paperwork now, take a shower and head to the airport for my 7AM flight!
As I lay here on the floor of my empty house
It's finally starting to sink in. I'm leaving for Belize on Wednesday. A majority of my life is officially in storage. Some things are in suitcases. I really hope I somehow make this 80lb limit with my 2 bags and my 2 carry-on bags.
I feel like a stranger in my own empty house. This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Especially in regards to my personal life. Why do matters of the heart always have to be so complicated? Why does love often require so much sacrifice?
*sigh*
Anyway, I best be getting on with my day. Still a lot to do.
I feel like a stranger in my own empty house. This week has been an emotional roller coaster. Especially in regards to my personal life. Why do matters of the heart always have to be so complicated? Why does love often require so much sacrifice?
*sigh*
Anyway, I best be getting on with my day. Still a lot to do.
It still feels like a dream
Less than a week...
In less than a week my whole world will be officially turned upside down. It still doesn't feel real, but I know when it hits me it'll be like a ton of bricks. The past few days have been really emotional though. That's the only part that seems real so far.
I started packing, my bedroom set is sold, my bookcases are sold and my desk will be picked up this weekend. my bedroom is so empty it actually echoes. I canceled my cable/internet and settled things with my bank. There's still so much to do and I'm super stressed, scared, excited, happy, sad, and I just plain don't know anymore. I had cold feet for a few hours today, but I got over it. Once I'm in country, I'm going to feel A LOT better. Until then I'm probably going to be the moody mess that I am, but this is my life and these are the choices I have made and I'm standing by them. It still just seems surreal.
I am excited to meet all my fellow Belize volunteers/future family next Wednesday at staging. Steve and Cathy, don't be surprised/scared when I run up and say "Hi!" and start talking to you out of the blue.
Alright, it's time to stop rambling and get some sleep. I have a long day of packing tomorrow with several runs to goodwill and consignment shops.
Until my next update...
Peace out.
In less than a week my whole world will be officially turned upside down. It still doesn't feel real, but I know when it hits me it'll be like a ton of bricks. The past few days have been really emotional though. That's the only part that seems real so far.
I started packing, my bedroom set is sold, my bookcases are sold and my desk will be picked up this weekend. my bedroom is so empty it actually echoes. I canceled my cable/internet and settled things with my bank. There's still so much to do and I'm super stressed, scared, excited, happy, sad, and I just plain don't know anymore. I had cold feet for a few hours today, but I got over it. Once I'm in country, I'm going to feel A LOT better. Until then I'm probably going to be the moody mess that I am, but this is my life and these are the choices I have made and I'm standing by them. It still just seems surreal.
I am excited to meet all my fellow Belize volunteers/future family next Wednesday at staging. Steve and Cathy, don't be surprised/scared when I run up and say "Hi!" and start talking to you out of the blue.
Alright, it's time to stop rambling and get some sleep. I have a long day of packing tomorrow with several runs to goodwill and consignment shops.
Until my next update...
Peace out.
10 days and a TON of work
In 10 days from now I'll be in Dallas, Texas having finished staging and getting ready for my flight to Belize.
I still have a million and one things to pack, but I did officially purchase suitable luggage and a raincoat. I desperately need shoes and business casual clothing. I also need to hit the gym really hard this week. I haven't worked out since the day before I left for NY and I'm packing on pounds from all the goodbye dinners. It's harsh. I feel icky.
Anyway, I spoke to one of my (many) sisters today that I don't really ever get to talk to, but it was actually a really nice conversation. She's neither against nor for me going to the Peace Corps, she just wants me to be careful. That's all she asks, well that and Skype her kids, which shouldn't even have to be a request, just a given. I want to see all my friends, but my movers are booked for Sunday, so I really, really need to get packing...like...NOW.
I DID sell my bedroom set to a really nice family though. They're going to pick it up sometime this week. My TV will be going to Vinny and I'm probably just going to give him my blu-ray player because I think he'd really like it. There haven't been any interested buyers, and I'd like to know it'll go to a good home. Also KITTEN HAS A HOME!!!! My friend Christina is going to move into my place, so BAMF won't even have to leave. She just gets to stay here! I'm going to miss her. let's hope I can find a home for my living room furniture now.
I also accidentally made an awesome new pen-pal this weekend with a nice man who is currently serving our country overseas with the military. He wrote an inquiry about the bedroom set I was selling and we got to chatting outside the sale and we're going to be e-mail pals :-) I love meeting new people, so this excites me.
On a more serious note... my thoughts and prayers go out to Japan. What a nightmare they must be having right now and it doesn't seem to be over yet.
Anyway, I'm keeping this update short a) because my last one was so long and b) I need to go pack! AHHH!
More updates later this week!
I still have a million and one things to pack, but I did officially purchase suitable luggage and a raincoat. I desperately need shoes and business casual clothing. I also need to hit the gym really hard this week. I haven't worked out since the day before I left for NY and I'm packing on pounds from all the goodbye dinners. It's harsh. I feel icky.
Anyway, I spoke to one of my (many) sisters today that I don't really ever get to talk to, but it was actually a really nice conversation. She's neither against nor for me going to the Peace Corps, she just wants me to be careful. That's all she asks, well that and Skype her kids, which shouldn't even have to be a request, just a given. I want to see all my friends, but my movers are booked for Sunday, so I really, really need to get packing...like...NOW.
I DID sell my bedroom set to a really nice family though. They're going to pick it up sometime this week. My TV will be going to Vinny and I'm probably just going to give him my blu-ray player because I think he'd really like it. There haven't been any interested buyers, and I'd like to know it'll go to a good home. Also KITTEN HAS A HOME!!!! My friend Christina is going to move into my place, so BAMF won't even have to leave. She just gets to stay here! I'm going to miss her. let's hope I can find a home for my living room furniture now.
I also accidentally made an awesome new pen-pal this weekend with a nice man who is currently serving our country overseas with the military. He wrote an inquiry about the bedroom set I was selling and we got to chatting outside the sale and we're going to be e-mail pals :-) I love meeting new people, so this excites me.
On a more serious note... my thoughts and prayers go out to Japan. What a nightmare they must be having right now and it doesn't seem to be over yet.
Anyway, I'm keeping this update short a) because my last one was so long and b) I need to go pack! AHHH!
More updates later this week!
Extremely long update about NYC and Belize
First off, I'm leaving for Belize in 13 days and I really need to get moving, literally moving, packing and such. All my friends whoa re awesome want to hang out, but I really need to pack, pack, pack.
So, I've been MIA for a week, but for good reason. I flew home to NYC. Here are the crazy adventures I had in NYC.
Wednesday: I flew in on my scheduled flight and all went well. I didn't sleep that much that night, so I slept the whole plane ride. Right before boarding one of my sisters said I can't stay at my parents that night because my foster mom is sick. My foster dad had it a few days earlier, so it was to be expected. A plane flight, $60 cab ride and much hassle later, I'm on Long Island at my youngest nephew's school. My other sister met me there and I ended up spending the night with her and her family. I enjoyed it because I got to spend time with her kids, who I adore, even though they didn't recognize me at first. I slept on my nieces floor. I didn't want to leave because my foster mom claimed she felt better, but I knew she was lying and since I don't have health insurance, I'd rather not become ill. My sister had mercy, helped me load up on vitamins and airborne, which I then proceeded to take several of (way over dosage) for the remainder of my trip.
Things I learned on Wednesday: My 5 year old nephew wants to open a candy store and thinks I'm 77. My niece at the tender age of 11, is extremely bright and has a wonderful personality. She's extremely kind, loving and has an interesting wit. Airborne, despite the lawsuit, is still your friend when it comes to preventing illness.
Thursday: Unwillingly I went to my foster parents. HUGE mistake. My foster mom was not feeling better despite what she said and now that I was exposed, I wouldn't be able to see the kids again. Also her temperment has gotten even nastier with age. Lots of things were said under her breath (as if the entire room could not hear them) and it was just a really, negative experience and extremely hard for me to deal with. Luckily, that night my friend Mike came to rescue me, I was brought to the amazing place known as 24 hour bagel for my one and only glorious bagel of the trip. We then went to NYC and saw The Book of Mormon. AMAZING show. I haven't laughed that hard in YEARS. It really helped me balance out the negativity of the day. I then returned to my foster parents house to learn I get to sleep on the couch, which means no privacy, lots of noise from clocks and coffee makers (and I'm a heavy sleeper) and just an awkward situation.
What I learned on Thursday: Biting your tongue every 5 seconds sucks, but it can be done, however it really affects your mood and is physically exhausting. I will never own a coffee maker because they are loud, or a clock that chimes, that's just annoying. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are geniuses.
On Friday I began to plan my escape. Thanks to one of my best friends, Meghan, I had a new place to sleep as of Saturday. So Friday I had to suffer through a really boring day at the house with no means of escape. So I spent my day reading and getting ready, then took a train out to some extended family's house. My cousin Clare and her family are amazing people and I was really looking forward to seeing them. I took a 2 hour train ride from Long island, to Queens, then back out to Long Island because that's the only way to get there, but it was worth it. Trains don't bother me. I made it out there and I got to spend some time with Clare and 2 of her children, Katie, who I've been close with since we were young, and Becca, who has turned into a beautiful young woman since I last saw her as a tiny tot. We spent lots of time talking, i got to meet Katie's son, who is 6 weeks old and it was just a really happy, positive time. Also, I got to eat NY pizza. Yay! It was tons of fun, but sadly only a few hours as train schedules to that part of the island are sparse. Back on the train I went and back to the couch with the coffee maker and clock of doom.
What I learned on Friday: Babies have amazing powers and motherhood can be really wonderful for those who choose that path. My kindle is amazing as well and really helped me keep my sanity. my cousin and her family are truly wonderful and caring people, but I knew that, but reinforcement never hurts :-)
So finally Saturday comes (a big day), and this is the day where all the family is supposed to come out and that night is my party and my escape to Brooklyn. So that night/morning I was woken up by my foster Mom several times being sick, crying because she is weak, and being sick even more. I felt bad, but since I was banned from upstairs and I didn't want to get sick, I tried to sleep through it. The next morning I told my sister-in-law I didn't want her, my 6 month old niece, or my brother coming because the last thing we need is the baby getting sick. I wanted to protect her, because no matter what anyone claims, there was some serious nasty illness in the air, nasty where it could really endanger an infant. This will come into play later. So 2 of my sisters that I haven't seen yet are coming today, one with her kids. So I got to see my eldest nephew and eldest niece, both wonderful young adults. They've grown so much and they're extremely intelligent. I'm so proud of them and I'm glad I got to see them and spend a little time with them. Also, my sister Kathy and her husband Matthew, my blessings, drove 4 hours from Pennsylvania to see me!!! I was really looking forward to it and it meant a lot. I really enjoyed chatting with them too. Kathy gave me some rosary beads and a prayer card they had blessed for me and asked me to take it to Belize with me. They then offered me a ride to Meghan's, so I said my germ filed goodbye's and we then spent a nice long car ride to Brooklyn chatting and saying our goodbyes. Kathy and I both somehow kept our wits about us. I really thought either one or both of us was going to cry, but somehow we managed, even though I really wanted to. I'm really going to miss her. So I get to Meghan's and I see her and Sabi (her roommate and also my friend) and it's all happiness and excitement!!! We went out to dinner, came back, got ready then headed to the city for my Bon Voyage party. Several of my friends showed up and we drank, ate, wandered about and had a grand old time. It was AMAZING. I truly felt loved. So to all those who made the trek, Barry, Jake, Mike and Kel-Kel, thank you for coming. It was wonderful and I wish the night lasted forever. I love you all, truly. Eventually it was back to Brooklyn to wind down and eventually sleep.
What I learned Saturday: My eldest niece and nephew have grown into wonderful people, Kathy and Matthew continue to amaze me with how much love and respect they give to those around them, my friends are wonderful and I love them all, 24 hour diners in the city are wonderful, pineapples filled with alcohol are tasty, especially when shared.
Sunday was a nice lazy Sunday. We all slept in, but I got up reasonably early and read some of a book in my Kindle. I was supposed to meet my sister in law, baby niece, and brother that night for dinner. That quickly changed. I was talking to my sister in law and all systems seemed go, then she made me call my brother, who screamed at me because the whole family was there Saturday with my sick foster Mom. Everyone there was an adult, did not have the immune system of a 6 month old and kept their physical distance. He then cussed at me, told me how disgusted he was with me for going to the Peace Corps, that he didn't want me anywhere near his daughter, etc. so loudly that Meghan could hear it in the other room and Sabi who was in the same room was just shocked because she could hear every word. After about 2 minutes, I just hung up, surprisingly with my wits about me and walked away from my phone. He called back, but I never answered. I stood by that and my friends stood by me and my decision, which was nice. I informed my sister-in-law briefly of what happened and that I would no longer be in contact with any of them. I feel bad because the baby didn't do anything to deserve this, but that's a toxic situation and I want no part of it. The rest of the day was spent going to brunch and watching tv/movies with the ladies. It was a wonderful lazy Sunday.
What I learned Sunday: Sometimes, you have to make your own family. Meghans' infamous words reinforced :-) Brunch is amazing and I learned what compote is, and that it's tasty.
Monday was a nice, stress free day. Meghan took off of work and we went to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in the city. It was a wonderful time wandering around and checking out all the exhibits. I got to see Van Gogh's starry night!! I also got to see a lot of Pollock, Warhol and Picasso. It was nice. We then went to a coffee shop, did some shopping (where I got some cute things for Belize) and met up with Sabi for dinner in Brooklyn. We all went back to the apartment, spent some time together and I prepped for departure the next morning.
What I learned on Monday: Starry Night is at MOMA, MOMA is awesome, NY pizza is still awesome, my friends are still amazing and I'm really lucky to have them.
Finally my trip is coming to an end, HOMEWARD BOUND! I got up early and went with Meghan to the train. We split up in Jamaica and off I went to JFK, 6 1/2 hours early. I checked my bags and went through security quickly. I then found a nice place to eat breakfast and decided to have a mimosa. The bartender was a really nice guy, we talked about my Peace Corps adventures, his life, my life and it really is amazing the people you meet in airports. I've always liked airports because I felt they were magical. A place where so many journeys begin and end. A place where chapters of peoples lives are opened, closed, expanded. A place for reunions and new beginnings. I enjoyed my time in JFK, talking to the restaurant staff and my new bartender friend. He asked for my info, so I gave him this blog site and my e-mail address. Who knows, maybe I'll hear from my new friend :-) If you're reading this, it was wonderful meeting you and I do hope to hear from you. Eventually I made it home and I was exhausted. I did a little packing and lots of TV watching.
What I learned on Tuesday: Airports are magical, mimosas are deadly and you never know who you might meet. Also, I really missed being here in Ohio.
And that was my trip. If you've made it to the end of this, congratulations!! I owe you a cookie. I need to go to bed. Until next time, Peace Out!
So, I've been MIA for a week, but for good reason. I flew home to NYC. Here are the crazy adventures I had in NYC.
Wednesday: I flew in on my scheduled flight and all went well. I didn't sleep that much that night, so I slept the whole plane ride. Right before boarding one of my sisters said I can't stay at my parents that night because my foster mom is sick. My foster dad had it a few days earlier, so it was to be expected. A plane flight, $60 cab ride and much hassle later, I'm on Long Island at my youngest nephew's school. My other sister met me there and I ended up spending the night with her and her family. I enjoyed it because I got to spend time with her kids, who I adore, even though they didn't recognize me at first. I slept on my nieces floor. I didn't want to leave because my foster mom claimed she felt better, but I knew she was lying and since I don't have health insurance, I'd rather not become ill. My sister had mercy, helped me load up on vitamins and airborne, which I then proceeded to take several of (way over dosage) for the remainder of my trip.
Things I learned on Wednesday: My 5 year old nephew wants to open a candy store and thinks I'm 77. My niece at the tender age of 11, is extremely bright and has a wonderful personality. She's extremely kind, loving and has an interesting wit. Airborne, despite the lawsuit, is still your friend when it comes to preventing illness.
Thursday: Unwillingly I went to my foster parents. HUGE mistake. My foster mom was not feeling better despite what she said and now that I was exposed, I wouldn't be able to see the kids again. Also her temperment has gotten even nastier with age. Lots of things were said under her breath (as if the entire room could not hear them) and it was just a really, negative experience and extremely hard for me to deal with. Luckily, that night my friend Mike came to rescue me, I was brought to the amazing place known as 24 hour bagel for my one and only glorious bagel of the trip. We then went to NYC and saw The Book of Mormon. AMAZING show. I haven't laughed that hard in YEARS. It really helped me balance out the negativity of the day. I then returned to my foster parents house to learn I get to sleep on the couch, which means no privacy, lots of noise from clocks and coffee makers (and I'm a heavy sleeper) and just an awkward situation.
What I learned on Thursday: Biting your tongue every 5 seconds sucks, but it can be done, however it really affects your mood and is physically exhausting. I will never own a coffee maker because they are loud, or a clock that chimes, that's just annoying. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are geniuses.
On Friday I began to plan my escape. Thanks to one of my best friends, Meghan, I had a new place to sleep as of Saturday. So Friday I had to suffer through a really boring day at the house with no means of escape. So I spent my day reading and getting ready, then took a train out to some extended family's house. My cousin Clare and her family are amazing people and I was really looking forward to seeing them. I took a 2 hour train ride from Long island, to Queens, then back out to Long Island because that's the only way to get there, but it was worth it. Trains don't bother me. I made it out there and I got to spend some time with Clare and 2 of her children, Katie, who I've been close with since we were young, and Becca, who has turned into a beautiful young woman since I last saw her as a tiny tot. We spent lots of time talking, i got to meet Katie's son, who is 6 weeks old and it was just a really happy, positive time. Also, I got to eat NY pizza. Yay! It was tons of fun, but sadly only a few hours as train schedules to that part of the island are sparse. Back on the train I went and back to the couch with the coffee maker and clock of doom.
What I learned on Friday: Babies have amazing powers and motherhood can be really wonderful for those who choose that path. My kindle is amazing as well and really helped me keep my sanity. my cousin and her family are truly wonderful and caring people, but I knew that, but reinforcement never hurts :-)
So finally Saturday comes (a big day), and this is the day where all the family is supposed to come out and that night is my party and my escape to Brooklyn. So that night/morning I was woken up by my foster Mom several times being sick, crying because she is weak, and being sick even more. I felt bad, but since I was banned from upstairs and I didn't want to get sick, I tried to sleep through it. The next morning I told my sister-in-law I didn't want her, my 6 month old niece, or my brother coming because the last thing we need is the baby getting sick. I wanted to protect her, because no matter what anyone claims, there was some serious nasty illness in the air, nasty where it could really endanger an infant. This will come into play later. So 2 of my sisters that I haven't seen yet are coming today, one with her kids. So I got to see my eldest nephew and eldest niece, both wonderful young adults. They've grown so much and they're extremely intelligent. I'm so proud of them and I'm glad I got to see them and spend a little time with them. Also, my sister Kathy and her husband Matthew, my blessings, drove 4 hours from Pennsylvania to see me!!! I was really looking forward to it and it meant a lot. I really enjoyed chatting with them too. Kathy gave me some rosary beads and a prayer card they had blessed for me and asked me to take it to Belize with me. They then offered me a ride to Meghan's, so I said my germ filed goodbye's and we then spent a nice long car ride to Brooklyn chatting and saying our goodbyes. Kathy and I both somehow kept our wits about us. I really thought either one or both of us was going to cry, but somehow we managed, even though I really wanted to. I'm really going to miss her. So I get to Meghan's and I see her and Sabi (her roommate and also my friend) and it's all happiness and excitement!!! We went out to dinner, came back, got ready then headed to the city for my Bon Voyage party. Several of my friends showed up and we drank, ate, wandered about and had a grand old time. It was AMAZING. I truly felt loved. So to all those who made the trek, Barry, Jake, Mike and Kel-Kel, thank you for coming. It was wonderful and I wish the night lasted forever. I love you all, truly. Eventually it was back to Brooklyn to wind down and eventually sleep.
What I learned Saturday: My eldest niece and nephew have grown into wonderful people, Kathy and Matthew continue to amaze me with how much love and respect they give to those around them, my friends are wonderful and I love them all, 24 hour diners in the city are wonderful, pineapples filled with alcohol are tasty, especially when shared.
Sunday was a nice lazy Sunday. We all slept in, but I got up reasonably early and read some of a book in my Kindle. I was supposed to meet my sister in law, baby niece, and brother that night for dinner. That quickly changed. I was talking to my sister in law and all systems seemed go, then she made me call my brother, who screamed at me because the whole family was there Saturday with my sick foster Mom. Everyone there was an adult, did not have the immune system of a 6 month old and kept their physical distance. He then cussed at me, told me how disgusted he was with me for going to the Peace Corps, that he didn't want me anywhere near his daughter, etc. so loudly that Meghan could hear it in the other room and Sabi who was in the same room was just shocked because she could hear every word. After about 2 minutes, I just hung up, surprisingly with my wits about me and walked away from my phone. He called back, but I never answered. I stood by that and my friends stood by me and my decision, which was nice. I informed my sister-in-law briefly of what happened and that I would no longer be in contact with any of them. I feel bad because the baby didn't do anything to deserve this, but that's a toxic situation and I want no part of it. The rest of the day was spent going to brunch and watching tv/movies with the ladies. It was a wonderful lazy Sunday.
What I learned Sunday: Sometimes, you have to make your own family. Meghans' infamous words reinforced :-) Brunch is amazing and I learned what compote is, and that it's tasty.
Monday was a nice, stress free day. Meghan took off of work and we went to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in the city. It was a wonderful time wandering around and checking out all the exhibits. I got to see Van Gogh's starry night!! I also got to see a lot of Pollock, Warhol and Picasso. It was nice. We then went to a coffee shop, did some shopping (where I got some cute things for Belize) and met up with Sabi for dinner in Brooklyn. We all went back to the apartment, spent some time together and I prepped for departure the next morning.
What I learned on Monday: Starry Night is at MOMA, MOMA is awesome, NY pizza is still awesome, my friends are still amazing and I'm really lucky to have them.
Finally my trip is coming to an end, HOMEWARD BOUND! I got up early and went with Meghan to the train. We split up in Jamaica and off I went to JFK, 6 1/2 hours early. I checked my bags and went through security quickly. I then found a nice place to eat breakfast and decided to have a mimosa. The bartender was a really nice guy, we talked about my Peace Corps adventures, his life, my life and it really is amazing the people you meet in airports. I've always liked airports because I felt they were magical. A place where so many journeys begin and end. A place where chapters of peoples lives are opened, closed, expanded. A place for reunions and new beginnings. I enjoyed my time in JFK, talking to the restaurant staff and my new bartender friend. He asked for my info, so I gave him this blog site and my e-mail address. Who knows, maybe I'll hear from my new friend :-) If you're reading this, it was wonderful meeting you and I do hope to hear from you. Eventually I made it home and I was exhausted. I did a little packing and lots of TV watching.
What I learned on Tuesday: Airports are magical, mimosas are deadly and you never know who you might meet. Also, I really missed being here in Ohio.
And that was my trip. If you've made it to the end of this, congratulations!! I owe you a cookie. I need to go to bed. Until next time, Peace Out!
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY PEACE CORPS!!!
The Peace corps is officially 50 years old today and I couldn't be prouder to be shipping off in 23 days.
Today I am going to a nice dinner at THE Ohio State University (one of my Alma Maters) celebrating the birth of The Peace Corps. My friend Maria who is in the application stages is also going and then we're hoping to go out for Mexican afterwards. Hopefully I can find something appropriate to wear in my closet and have time to run to whole foods afterwards. Since I'm going to NY tomorrow I'll need to bring my own food if I want to stay on my diet. There's no shot anyone is going to make anything remotely healthy, so I'm going to stock up on almonds, pecans and larabars. All super easy and super portable.
Tonight I'll have to pack for my "adventure" home too. I am going to see it as a test of how long I can hold my tongue and ignore negative comments. I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends though, however most of the trip will be spent in some family members living room attached to my kindle for dear life.
Anyway, I have to start getting ready for my special dinner.
Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEACE CORPS!!!
Today I am going to a nice dinner at THE Ohio State University (one of my Alma Maters) celebrating the birth of The Peace Corps. My friend Maria who is in the application stages is also going and then we're hoping to go out for Mexican afterwards. Hopefully I can find something appropriate to wear in my closet and have time to run to whole foods afterwards. Since I'm going to NY tomorrow I'll need to bring my own food if I want to stay on my diet. There's no shot anyone is going to make anything remotely healthy, so I'm going to stock up on almonds, pecans and larabars. All super easy and super portable.
Tonight I'll have to pack for my "adventure" home too. I am going to see it as a test of how long I can hold my tongue and ignore negative comments. I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends though, however most of the trip will be spent in some family members living room attached to my kindle for dear life.
Anyway, I have to start getting ready for my special dinner.
Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEACE CORPS!!!
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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