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!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
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 :)
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 :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, October 22, 2010
PARAGUAY!
I don’t know why I’ve put off this post until now...I found out on October 14 that I’ll be headed to Paraguay as an Early Elementary Educator with the Peace Corps!!!!! Super excited, nervous, anxious, the whole bit.
I’ve been putting together my packing list, and yesterday I made a large purchase from the North Face (PC volunteers get a discount). Schoolteachers wear uniforms in Paraguay, so I also made an investment in a couple navy bottoms and white tops. Other than that, I’ve been lurking on volunteer blogs and trying to wrap my head around the experience I’m about to have. I’ll be leaving on February 2 for Miami and leaving for Paraguay on the 4th.
I have approximately a million things to do: cleaning, passport applications, aspiration statements, etc, but I’ve been spending my (very few) off days lounging and reading up on Paraguay. Starbucks is still a drag, but at least there’s a definite end in sight. Hooray!
I’ve been putting together my packing list, and yesterday I made a large purchase from the North Face (PC volunteers get a discount). Schoolteachers wear uniforms in Paraguay, so I also made an investment in a couple navy bottoms and white tops. Other than that, I’ve been lurking on volunteer blogs and trying to wrap my head around the experience I’m about to have. I’ll be leaving on February 2 for Miami and leaving for Paraguay on the 4th.
I have approximately a million things to do: cleaning, passport applications, aspiration statements, etc, but I’ve been spending my (very few) off days lounging and reading up on Paraguay. Starbucks is still a drag, but at least there’s a definite end in sight. Hooray!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Call to the Corps
Today I finally broke down and called the medical office and asked for information on the status of my file. Apparently, my contact person has gone to law school, so there’s a new guy who’s taken over her spot. He told me that “unfortunately” (his words) my file was assigned to a part time nurse, which means most likely it’s been sitting in a pile untouched for the past 2 1/2 months. Great to know. Although, I must admit that I figured as much. I’ve learned time and again that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but I didn’t want to pester. I regret not calling sooner. He promised to call me with follow-up information this afternoon, a small but positive sign. The guy was nice and helpful, but the whole call begs the question, “what would have happened if I didn’t bother checking up?” Answer: it may have remained in limbo forever. That’s horrible.
As for my life, I’m taking my lumps at Sbux/the Cup, though perhaps not as gracefully as I would like. The 2 dead end job thing is taking its toll, and I’d like to hear some information that reminds me why I’ve made the choices I have for the remainder of 2010. I’m willing to make the sacrifice so long as I know that there’s a clear end in sight--a goal, a destination, a plan. I just about have to bite my tongue off at this point when people at CoffeeBux ask why I’m working there and what my future plans are. As per PC suggestion, I haven’t mentioned my application to them. I’m so fed up with the nonsense that goes on at that place; I need to make my move soon, before the siren slowly strangles my soul. If not the Peace Corps, then something else. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that makes you contemplate time and money like the current ridiculousity of my work schedule.
Things, however, are not all bad. Mom, Linda and I booked a cheap trip to Dublin for November...bring on the Irish mirth and Guinness pints :) I find that since the Peace Corps seems nebulous at times, I focus on mini-adventures/outings to take my mind off the mindlessness of my current jobs. This weekend, for instance, I’m going to visit Darren in NYC. Trips like that keep me going when I’m in the middle of a double double. So does snuggling with Finn, like I’m doing right now.
Let’s hope for a phone call, shall we?
As for my life, I’m taking my lumps at Sbux/the Cup, though perhaps not as gracefully as I would like. The 2 dead end job thing is taking its toll, and I’d like to hear some information that reminds me why I’ve made the choices I have for the remainder of 2010. I’m willing to make the sacrifice so long as I know that there’s a clear end in sight--a goal, a destination, a plan. I just about have to bite my tongue off at this point when people at CoffeeBux ask why I’m working there and what my future plans are. As per PC suggestion, I haven’t mentioned my application to them. I’m so fed up with the nonsense that goes on at that place; I need to make my move soon, before the siren slowly strangles my soul. If not the Peace Corps, then something else. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, that makes you contemplate time and money like the current ridiculousity of my work schedule.
Things, however, are not all bad. Mom, Linda and I booked a cheap trip to Dublin for November...bring on the Irish mirth and Guinness pints :) I find that since the Peace Corps seems nebulous at times, I focus on mini-adventures/outings to take my mind off the mindlessness of my current jobs. This weekend, for instance, I’m going to visit Darren in NYC. Trips like that keep me going when I’m in the middle of a double double. So does snuggling with Finn, like I’m doing right now.
Let’s hope for a phone call, shall we?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Long Time, No Write
Greetings Cyberspace,
It’s been a while since my last post, nearly 2 months. A highlight: I graduated college with honors (YAY!),
got a second job at Starbucks (sort of YAY!),
and sent out my excruciatingly long medical packet (triple YAY!).
The medical packet thing was quite an adventure. I compiled all of the requested information in just about 2 months, with a vacation and a faulty urine analysis holding me up a bit. As of June 29, the Peace Corps office has acknowledged that they have received my medical packet, but may not be reviewing it for quite some time. We shall see.
After the heady experience of graduating college and traveling to Montreal (where I turned 22), I’ve been keeping extremely busy trying to hold down 2 jobs. Starbucks is a good position for the most part, but it’s quite draining. I work around 50 hours a week, sometimes more, and often with double shifts. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude about the whole situation, knowing that this isn’t a long term career, but rather a grueling but necessary bump in the road. I’m trying to build up my bank account for any upcoming PC expenses (did I mention how freakin’ expensive getting medically cleared is? Sheesh), plus SB will offer me insurance in a couple months. That will certainly unburden my mom a bit.
Off to enjoy my day off. Guatemala in 7 days!
It’s been a while since my last post, nearly 2 months. A highlight: I graduated college with honors (YAY!),
got a second job at Starbucks (sort of YAY!),
and sent out my excruciatingly long medical packet (triple YAY!).
The medical packet thing was quite an adventure. I compiled all of the requested information in just about 2 months, with a vacation and a faulty urine analysis holding me up a bit. As of June 29, the Peace Corps office has acknowledged that they have received my medical packet, but may not be reviewing it for quite some time. We shall see.
After the heady experience of graduating college and traveling to Montreal (where I turned 22), I’ve been keeping extremely busy trying to hold down 2 jobs. Starbucks is a good position for the most part, but it’s quite draining. I work around 50 hours a week, sometimes more, and often with double shifts. I’m trying to keep a positive attitude about the whole situation, knowing that this isn’t a long term career, but rather a grueling but necessary bump in the road. I’m trying to build up my bank account for any upcoming PC expenses (did I mention how freakin’ expensive getting medically cleared is? Sheesh), plus SB will offer me insurance in a couple months. That will certainly unburden my mom a bit.
Off to enjoy my day off. Guatemala in 7 days!
Monday, May 3, 2010
You Suck, L.L. Bean
Knowing that I’m in the medical clearance phase of my PC application, I thought it would be wise to apply for a second job in the interim. L.L. Bean seemed like a good choice, since they’re known for their outdoorsy apparel and general lefty attitude. Only problem: application denied. Boo. Apparently, my skill set (college graduate, bilingual, costumer service experience) does not match their current needs. Bitter? A little. I guess I’ll be shopping at the North Face for my PC supplies--assuming that my med clearance goes well.
I looked through my paperwork yesterday, and it is intense. I’m hoping my stint in therapy doesn’t limit my eligibility--I’m going to ask both my shrink and my regular doctor to write a letter of consent along with the forms they have to fill out. I’m also required to write a statement of purpose, which I was sort of expecting. I guess it’s time to plead my case.
I looked through my paperwork yesterday, and it is intense. I’m hoping my stint in therapy doesn’t limit my eligibility--I’m going to ask both my shrink and my regular doctor to write a letter of consent along with the forms they have to fill out. I’m also required to write a statement of purpose, which I was sort of expecting. I guess it’s time to plead my case.
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