Would you like a monthly feature where I upload a picture from my travels, and then explain the story behind the image? This has the potential to be pretty awesome, but I'm not sure if enough people have interest (not that a lot of people follow this blog anyway).
So let me know in the comments! Thanks!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Moving On...
Two posts in two days?! Can it be?!
Actually, yes. I have a lot on my mind, and a lot planned for the next few weeks. What is a nice way to say that I am a really anxious person? But honestly, I'm always looking toward the future, always planning, always crossing my fingers that things will work out, willing things to fall into place just the way I want them... this is not conducive at all to the kind of lifestyle I enjoy, or want to live.
When I am thinking about it, I can live in the moment. Every other time, though, I'm always thinking, thinking, thinking about the future. About my journey through life. About money. About paying back student loans. About finding a job. About the people in my life, and if they are proud of me. If I am okay with my actions... and on and on and on. It is crazy-making sometimes.
Anyway, I'm writing this because I realized it all at once. It hit me as I was going through notebooks from my freshman year of college. First, I can't believe that was four years ago. Whoa. But yes, I came across a note that just stopped in the middle of the story, and I was so anxious, racking my brain, trying to remember this insignificant moment so that I could satisfy the resolution of the story in my imagination. Not such luck. I'm not the kind of person who looks for signs, but the realization just dawned on me that, hey, this is what my life is right now. I'm in the middle, I can choose how to end it and where it goes and how well I live it and tell it. It was a very writer-y life realization, but a big one nonetheless.
So yes, I am moving across the country. I am leaving in 4 days and I am downright, absolutely, completely, and utterly terrified. I do not want to leave Southern California in the slightest. I'm focusing on my plans for New Jersey, so that I don't have to think about actually living in NJ. Yes, I love my family and my friends that I left behind four years ago, and have sporadically visited since then, but I just feel right in SoCal, like I never, ever felt right in Bergen County.
It's funny, because it was the same feeling leaving Ireland. I didn't want to, because it just felt like the right place to be for me... but I did leave, and it ended up being a great year, for the most part. I'm excited for what NJ will bring, but I don't know. I think, for the most part, I will just be counting down the days as more and more Peace Corps information comes in. I think that's why I'm taking 4 classes at 2 different colleges, and interning in NYC, and hopefully (if this job I heard back on yesterday works out) working in NY state; doing all of this, so I can make the time go by faster. It was the reason I volunteered this summer; I am unbearable to even myself when I have my mind completely set on something that is out of my control. Thinking about it all day, with nothing else to occupy me, it's crazy-making.
So this blog ended up being more personal than anything else, but hey, hopefully a few people can relate to all of these wonderful feelings associated with traveling.
Have a great weekend!
Actually, yes. I have a lot on my mind, and a lot planned for the next few weeks. What is a nice way to say that I am a really anxious person? But honestly, I'm always looking toward the future, always planning, always crossing my fingers that things will work out, willing things to fall into place just the way I want them... this is not conducive at all to the kind of lifestyle I enjoy, or want to live.
When I am thinking about it, I can live in the moment. Every other time, though, I'm always thinking, thinking, thinking about the future. About my journey through life. About money. About paying back student loans. About finding a job. About the people in my life, and if they are proud of me. If I am okay with my actions... and on and on and on. It is crazy-making sometimes.
Anyway, I'm writing this because I realized it all at once. It hit me as I was going through notebooks from my freshman year of college. First, I can't believe that was four years ago. Whoa. But yes, I came across a note that just stopped in the middle of the story, and I was so anxious, racking my brain, trying to remember this insignificant moment so that I could satisfy the resolution of the story in my imagination. Not such luck. I'm not the kind of person who looks for signs, but the realization just dawned on me that, hey, this is what my life is right now. I'm in the middle, I can choose how to end it and where it goes and how well I live it and tell it. It was a very writer-y life realization, but a big one nonetheless.
So yes, I am moving across the country. I am leaving in 4 days and I am downright, absolutely, completely, and utterly terrified. I do not want to leave Southern California in the slightest. I'm focusing on my plans for New Jersey, so that I don't have to think about actually living in NJ. Yes, I love my family and my friends that I left behind four years ago, and have sporadically visited since then, but I just feel right in SoCal, like I never, ever felt right in Bergen County.
It's funny, because it was the same feeling leaving Ireland. I didn't want to, because it just felt like the right place to be for me... but I did leave, and it ended up being a great year, for the most part. I'm excited for what NJ will bring, but I don't know. I think, for the most part, I will just be counting down the days as more and more Peace Corps information comes in. I think that's why I'm taking 4 classes at 2 different colleges, and interning in NYC, and hopefully (if this job I heard back on yesterday works out) working in NY state; doing all of this, so I can make the time go by faster. It was the reason I volunteered this summer; I am unbearable to even myself when I have my mind completely set on something that is out of my control. Thinking about it all day, with nothing else to occupy me, it's crazy-making.
So this blog ended up being more personal than anything else, but hey, hopefully a few people can relate to all of these wonderful feelings associated with traveling.
Have a great weekend!
Peace Corps Application Process = Terrifying
Going through the entire Peace Corps application process is terrifying, exhilarating, and a true test of patience. In the past month, I have read quite a few blogs where things didn't work out well for Nominees or Invitees.
One guy, who made it all the way to his placement, was sent home after 22 days because of a rumor. A woman who was nominated twice just found out that she doesn't have enough experience in both of the areas that she was qualified for. A couple, 2 weeks before they were supposed to leave, had their invitation revoked because the husband accidentally forgot to include a small piece of medical information. A woman who had been serving in the Peace Corps for a few months was moved to a new location because of a tragedy, was only there for 3 months, decided that it just wasn't for her, left, reapplied to be put back where she originally was, and was denied.
And then there are those who get all the way through the process, only to drop out within the first few months. This process can take months upon months, sometimes years, and some people decide to get the invitation, accept, and then one or two weeks beforehand, decide that they don't want to do it. Or they can't get in to the service, or the people around them aren't cooperating or any number of things.
I'm not saying that these people are not entitled to leave at any point, especially if they are in a difficult position for themselves, and it does take a lot of courage to actually leave instead of coasting through however many months are left until their COS, but it is still frustrating as an applicant who just wants to be invited.
Sorry for just an entry full of complaint. Next week, I am going on a cross-country train adventure, so I should have some awesome stories to post after that. Until then, have a great weekend!
One guy, who made it all the way to his placement, was sent home after 22 days because of a rumor. A woman who was nominated twice just found out that she doesn't have enough experience in both of the areas that she was qualified for. A couple, 2 weeks before they were supposed to leave, had their invitation revoked because the husband accidentally forgot to include a small piece of medical information. A woman who had been serving in the Peace Corps for a few months was moved to a new location because of a tragedy, was only there for 3 months, decided that it just wasn't for her, left, reapplied to be put back where she originally was, and was denied.
And then there are those who get all the way through the process, only to drop out within the first few months. This process can take months upon months, sometimes years, and some people decide to get the invitation, accept, and then one or two weeks beforehand, decide that they don't want to do it. Or they can't get in to the service, or the people around them aren't cooperating or any number of things.
I'm not saying that these people are not entitled to leave at any point, especially if they are in a difficult position for themselves, and it does take a lot of courage to actually leave instead of coasting through however many months are left until their COS, but it is still frustrating as an applicant who just wants to be invited.
Sorry for just an entry full of complaint. Next week, I am going on a cross-country train adventure, so I should have some awesome stories to post after that. Until then, have a great weekend!
Friday, August 19, 2011
PC Timeline Update
Hey everyone! If any of you are remotely interested in how my Peace Corps journey is going, I have updated my timeline. Just click here and you can look and read to your heart's content.
My timeline page consists of a short timeline of the major things, a (much) longer timeline of all the little steps I have taken so far, and a summary of the cost to me so far. Feel free to comment (or not).
Have a great weekend!
My timeline page consists of a short timeline of the major things, a (much) longer timeline of all the little steps I have taken so far, and a summary of the cost to me so far. Feel free to comment (or not).
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Sorry! And A Great Documentary
I know I have been away for a while, but I have been trying to get my life together for the big move home to the other side of the country! I promise I will write more before the end of the month, however, I'm leaving you with a documentary about Fistulas that aired on PBS. It's under an hour long, very informative, and is an explanation of one of the reasons why I would like to be a midwife in developing countries.
It is called "A Walk to Beautiful" and it is a great look at one woman's journey.
I first heart about fistulas this past January when reading "Half the Sky." I was both surprised and appalled that they are rarely treated and instead many women are left to die because of the stench. I was also surprised that I had not heard of them before then, but you live and you learn!
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!
PS - Peace Corps Update: I'm sending my appeal paperwork by the end of this week. Wish me luck!
It is called "A Walk to Beautiful" and it is a great look at one woman's journey.
I first heart about fistulas this past January when reading "Half the Sky." I was both surprised and appalled that they are rarely treated and instead many women are left to die because of the stench. I was also surprised that I had not heard of them before then, but you live and you learn!
I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!
PS - Peace Corps Update: I'm sending my appeal paperwork by the end of this week. Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)