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.
Showing posts with label Peace Corps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace Corps. Show all posts
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!!!
To Visit or Not to Visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :-)
The last torturous days of waiting
Now that I've been officially INVITED comes the torturous days of stalking the mail carrier.
So here's the sitch:
I've been nominated for Youth Development in Latin America/The Caribbean for March 2011.
That only leaves Mexico or Belize on the table according to wiki which I am trusting with my life right now - literally.
Mexico leaves March 14th and Belize leaves March 23rd.
6 weeks from today is March 11th, so I'm really hoping it's Belize for many reasons.
1) More time to get my stuff together and fly around to see my loved ones. - that would be 12 whole extra days.
2) I really want to explore their rainforest. I've got a thing for the rainforest. I've been to a few and I'm happiest there.
3) I'd more likely get to learn a more unique language. I know conversational Spanish already, but I've love to learn Creole, Garifuna or Mayan or ALL OF THEM!
So now it's the torturous days waiting for invite. Tonight at work I came up with various plans on how to stalk the mail/ups/fed ex delivery person. These ranged from building a giant version of the mousetrap game to finding a homeless duckling and training it to alert me when any sort of mail carrier or delivery person arrived :-) Personally, I think the duckling idea is less messy and far more adorable.
I will definitely be posting more as I know it. I'm going to lay in bed and not sleep now, since it's going to be impossible for the next several days... BUT FOR THE BEST REASON EVER!!!
So here's the sitch:
I've been nominated for Youth Development in Latin America/The Caribbean for March 2011.
That only leaves Mexico or Belize on the table according to wiki which I am trusting with my life right now - literally.
Mexico leaves March 14th and Belize leaves March 23rd.
6 weeks from today is March 11th, so I'm really hoping it's Belize for many reasons.
1) More time to get my stuff together and fly around to see my loved ones. - that would be 12 whole extra days.
2) I really want to explore their rainforest. I've got a thing for the rainforest. I've been to a few and I'm happiest there.
3) I'd more likely get to learn a more unique language. I know conversational Spanish already, but I've love to learn Creole, Garifuna or Mayan or ALL OF THEM!
So now it's the torturous days waiting for invite. Tonight at work I came up with various plans on how to stalk the mail/ups/fed ex delivery person. These ranged from building a giant version of the mousetrap game to finding a homeless duckling and training it to alert me when any sort of mail carrier or delivery person arrived :-) Personally, I think the duckling idea is less messy and far more adorable.
I will definitely be posting more as I know it. I'm going to lay in bed and not sleep now, since it's going to be impossible for the next several days... BUT FOR THE BEST REASON EVER!!!
Just a quick note
Looks like a lot of people got their invites today/yesterday, so....
CONGRATULATIONS ALL!!!
Just wanted to send out some love before I hit the hay.
CONGRATULATIONS ALL!!!
Just wanted to send out some love before I hit the hay.
I keep having these dreams...
I keep having these vivid dreams of being contacted by my placement officer (whoever that is) by phone, having my interview and being accepted. Then the dream skips to my invite, but when I open it it's all filled out, except the spot where I'm going. Then it skips to me being in a country that's warm, sunny and naturally beautiful with these amazing people all around me as I walk down a dirt road on my way to a fresh market.
I really hope my dream comes true soon. Especially if my original nomination is going to stick. I figured out that if this nomination sticks, (which I hope it does), the last possible day I could get my invite would be February 9th, because that's exactly 6 weeks from departure of the last program that fits my original nomination (granted I would LOVE that last program).
But unfortunately the last few nights have been merely a dream. I really hope it comes true and soon.
On a random side note, where is everyone getting their cool widgets that they keep on their page like about other countries and maps of places you've been? I'd love to put some of those on my page too :-)
I really hope my dream comes true soon. Especially if my original nomination is going to stick. I figured out that if this nomination sticks, (which I hope it does), the last possible day I could get my invite would be February 9th, because that's exactly 6 weeks from departure of the last program that fits my original nomination (granted I would LOVE that last program).
But unfortunately the last few nights have been merely a dream. I really hope it comes true and soon.
On a random side note, where is everyone getting their cool widgets that they keep on their page like about other countries and maps of places you've been? I'd love to put some of those on my page too :-)
RAS is back again
So knowing that I'm supposed to depart in March is awesome, but also making me more restless than ever. I've counted by date to know exactly when the last possible date the Peace Corps could send me an invite. This way I know if I haven't heard within a week of then, I should be really, really worried.
I want to feel great about this and I want to go soooooo badly, especially to my nominated area, but I just have this ominous feeling I'm going to get pushed back again, which would make me truly upset. I really hope I'm wrong. In the meantime, I can hopefully continue condensing my life and hoping for the best.
Any suggestions how to handle my continuing RAS? I've had it for months now and I thought it was under control, but not really anymore. HELP!
I want to feel great about this and I want to go soooooo badly, especially to my nominated area, but I just have this ominous feeling I'm going to get pushed back again, which would make me truly upset. I really hope I'm wrong. In the meantime, I can hopefully continue condensing my life and hoping for the best.
Any suggestions how to handle my continuing RAS? I've had it for months now and I thought it was under control, but not really anymore. HELP!
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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