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.

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!

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?