Miami

What a day, what a day! As one would expect, it was an emotional whirlwind. I woke up this morning and ran around like a crazy person trying finish everything I’d forgotten (mostly making copies of paperwork and putting together my photo album). I was feeling so anxious Mariel, Mom, and Linda took me to the airport, and after paying 60 dollars (!#@$#) to check my bags, we hugged, kissed, cried, and said goodbye.

I was actually really early checking in, so I sat and stewed for an hour and a half before boarding the plane. The flight was pleasant and uneventful. Getting myself to the hotel was another matter entirely. Apparently my hotel only has one or two put-put minibuses to shuttle people to and from the airport. Unfortunately, when you’re dealing with PC trainees, you’re dealing with a lot of luggage. The little red bus passed me three times before I finally pitched a fit and basically forced the driver to let me on (just for the record, I gave him a good tip). It look about an hour and a half to go four blocks. In retrospect, I should’ve just taken a taxi.

Once I got to the hotel and checked in, I had a minor meltdown about what to wear to registration (I felt sooo underdressed), got everything straightened out, and then went out to dinner with another girl from my group. The ropa vieja was delicious. Now I’m back in the hotel room for some much needed shut eye.

Sweet dreams, cyberspace.

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane...

A big thanks to everyone who made my going-away party a success. I had so much fun seeing everybody :) It was great to feel the love from my friends, neighbors and family, especially before I embark on such a huge, fun, exciting, and scary journey.

One Week

In 7 days I’ll be flying to Miami for orientation. I’m trying as best as I can to prepare myself for the journey ahead. This past Saturday I had a little get-together with friends that almost fizzled out completely. None of my Starbux acquaintances were able to come and a couple of my friends from the Cup bailed. I allowed myself about a half an hour to feel bad for myself and then moved on. The people who did come enjoyed themselves and we all had a great visit. Big props for Mariel for putting the party together and catering the whole affair.

This upcoming Saturday I’m having a decidedly larger party for neighbors/family friends/the most important people in my life. I’m excited to see everyone and say some proper good-byes. I think this part of the game is supposed to be bittersweet. I’m going to miss my mom and brother and best friend terribly (not to mention the lovely non-human members of the family), but I’m ready to get going.

Paraguay here I come!

The best thing I’ve done in a while

I’m proud to report that I’ve given away 14 bags/boxes of clothing, toys, books, shoes, and other assorted goods. Add to that 8 bags of trash and 2 bags of recyclable paper, and I’d say I’ve done a pretty damn good job de-cluttering, if I do say so myself.

After quitting my jobs, I spent about two weeks relishing the openness of my schedule. I woke up whenever I felt like it, read the NY Times and PC blogs, and generally allowed myself to recover from several months of 4:30am mornings. During my internet surfing, I stumbled across the blog Zen Habits, that promotes minimalism and de-cluttering. Something rung true. Since I’d already packed for Paraguay, I decided to do a clean sweep of the stuff I’m leaving behind.

There were moments when going through my stuff was bittersweet (remember that first trip to Disney?), but other moments were absolutely exhilarating (finally trashing my old RA binder). I feel lighter, happier, and calmer now that I’ve opened up some physical and mental space. Highly recommended :)

15 days!

Unbelievable! I’ve got so much to do and so little time.