Half way through training

So I've come to the realization that the previous trainees weren't lazy in posting, but that there just isn't that much time to get on the internet. Or at least not for me. Why you ask? Because I don't have internet access in my home anymore and have to pack up all my stuff, walk a ways down the hill, pay, and walk back up the hill.

Which my hill is pretty incredible....incredibly HUGE!!!! Also, these images are from my roof-top! Fun...dirt everywhere!

This is a super fun video

The Ups and Downs of Leaving

So I'm officially in count down mode. Meaning I only have 3 full days left in Ponca City with family & friends and then the Peace Corps adventure will be underway. So what does leaving for 2 years entail......

Saying goodbye!! Which is super duper hard. On Sunday said goodbye to my sister, Chelsey. One of the hardest things to do because we are close. When I think about how I won't just be able to pick up the phone to tell her something (wonderful or vent or talk about the weather) is when I start to get all mopey, even though this is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the world THAT I AM EXCITED ABOUT> But can't seem to stop crying over....haha the irony. With every goodbye I have to remember and take the advice (which Miss Emily Hays reminded me of just today) of my recruiter, Shand: Remember the answers you've given in this interview for why you want to be apart of the Peace Corps. They will help you power through the times when you think why or is this a good idea.  Such good advice...but hard to follow in my current emotional state. Which is needless to say a train wreck.  For all family and friends that have been experiencing the wreckage, Please forgive me and forget anything I've done. Especially to my mom, who is being supportive and trying to help in every way possible....I'm so sorry for being short with you. I love you so much! And don't want you to question that in any way because I'm being rude and taking my stress out on you. Also to my dad sorry for making our last few days together tense...I promise I'm not trying to and will try my hardest to lighten the mood the next few days. Up until today or maybe yesterday I hadn't let my over active mind analysis everything that I will be missing. So obviously now I can't seem to stop. Which in turn leads to more crying. Yeah! hahaha
I would like to take this time to thank all current or return Volunteers for their blogs. It really helps to read that this is not just happening to me. And a big thanks to the people that I let me just sob and sob.
xoxo....lets all pray for the next blog to be an up beat one!

Kansas City

Since I am no longer working at the hospital I have free time. It feels amazing, but I have noticed a noticeable lack of productivity. Need to do so many things to get ready for the Peace Corps departure.
How does one pack their life into 80 lbs? That me a weakling can carry...ahh the woes of life. This past weekend went to see my Bestie, Jenna Enevoldsen in Kansas City...Kansas...nope Missouri ha ha. We did so much that now that I'm home, I'm pooped.
First, on Friday went to my first professional football game: The KC Chiefs vs St Louis Rams. I'm not a sooner fan but I have to admit Sam Bradford is quite cute! haha. The game wasn't so great but the company was. The next morning we went to a fresh, organic market. So many spices and teas and veggies! My nose was in heaven and my stomach wasn't because I wanted to buy so many things but they wouldn't keep so I was denied fresh okra and similar other treats. And lo and behold there was also a Chinatown across the street. So many foods I have never seen or heard of before. All this makes me think about my time in Peru before...even though I was in another country I had heard or ate the majority of the foods. On this go round I really really HOPE that I get to try Cui! Guinea Pig! Didn't get to last time. Also, went to this awesome pub. They had a live band playing Irish music. I thought I was in love!!! Jenna you know me so well.
And of course there was some shopping done. Although I must admit I really don't like shopping, because it brings down my self esteem when something doesn't fit or costs more than I can afford...not that I have lots of packing space anyways but I want .................................... Anyways it was a wonderful trip. A good leading off point for my free time before the Peace Corps. Now that I'm back in Ponca City I must crack down on reading all the materials I'm suppose to and making comprehensive packing lists. Until next time!
P.S, I miss my BFF Jen C from SMC....see told you I would give you a shout out...hahaha.

Staging

Yesterday was a big day...finally got the Staging email about making flight plans for DC then to Peru with Peru 18 group.  Needless to say it was an emotional day.
1) Because I'm so ecstatic that the day, time, and place are finally all known...so when someone asks me what are you doing since graduation? I can answer with an affirmative well I joined the Peace Corps and I leave for PERU on Sept 14. (I say the 14th because I just booked my flight and to be in DC in time for all staging sessions have to leave the day before.)
2) Before it felt like I was moving in molasses. I will never get there. Now I'm thinking do I have enough time to get everything done before I leave. AHHHH!!!
3)OH MY GOSH can I really be leaving for the next 2 years. Will people forget all about me??
Oh the useless questions and what-ifs that are streaming through my head.

Now to say that one person shouldn't be able to feel all that at once is the truth to say the least but somehow I have achieved that leave of CRAZY! haha.
The name of this blog is in thanks to Tracy, RN at Stillwater Medical Center who after hearing my loose description of my assignment came up with this witty title. So many thanks to you.
Well for a first time blogger this is all I have..........for now!