I'm here in South Dakota on the Eve before Christmas Eve. I had a wonderful weekend in Stockholm, WI with my Grandma and sister and then kept it going with even more celebrating with the entire family. It has been so nice to see everyone and catch up. One couldn't ask for a better family! Plus, I really appreciate all of the support and encouragement before I begin my Peace Corps adventure.
The highlights of Grandma's house include all of her homemade cooking and just having time to relax "at the Lake." I love hanging out with my Grandma at her house on the Mississippi River. The river is currently frozen solid - fairly early - but they had a deep freeze a few weeks ago and that froze it solid. My Grandma made a ton of Christmas cookies and we enjoyed lots of home cooking. I loved her Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, chicken and wild rice soup, homemade dumplings, and famous fried chicken dinner. My sister, Grandma, and I just relaxed and took it easy, talking and staying in pajamas until noon - what a luxury! Lots of memories, stories, and laughs were shared. I just love her house and seeing it is still the same as I've always remembered. Thank you Grandma!
Now as I sit, it is lightly snowing and we'll just see how much snow we get out of this big storm. It is nice knowing that I'm home, safe, and don't have to go anywhere. I have everything I need right here and can just enjoy some time with Mom and Dad and Grandma and my Aunt Susan. I'm sure many games and much good eating will be in store for the next few days.
I keep getting updates from the Peace Corps with a little more information. Only a few more forms to complete and then I'll be on the plane soon enough. Now it is just time to relax because soon enough things will be full steam ahead - early mornings included. Those who know me well know how much I just love early mornings ;) Oh well, it will be well worth it!
Cheers,
Tara
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
80lbs isn't a lot of stuff...
I'm in packing mode and am realizing this is really tough. I've got all of the stuff that I want to take with me and all of the stuff that would be "nice to have" and am really having to keep thinning down my pile of "must have gear." I'm finding that the shoes are really taking up the most room and I can't really figure out what to eliminate. Since I'm not sure if I'll be in hot/cool climate and I'm not sure how dressed up I'll have to be for work and meetings - it is making it tough. The Chacos and flips are key and so are the trail runners - but will I need the Danskos and dressier work sandals? From my experience working in Mexico, I know that when business or anything important is conducted, people really go all out and dress very professionally. However, I will have many days out in the field and want attire to work with that too. AAhhhhh!
One thing that I am taking is my "luxury item" of a few essential oils. A drop of lavender oil will smell heavenly as I'm drying off from my bucket shower. Also, I heard a good face wash is hard to find and expensive there, so I'm bringing a good one from home. Oh yeah and I've got to make a trip to Sally Beauty supply to find a pair of scissors to trim my own bangs while I'm down there too.
I spent the rest of the day today going through my music and trying to get everything loaded onto my computer for later load onto the Ipod. I've got a huge range of music and I think it will be key to getting through some of the more trying days. Also, I am psyched on my purchase of a short wave radio. It will be fun to see what I can pull in from all over the world. NPR or BBC will be a nice taste of home while I'm there.
As I look over this post, I realize it is kind of scattered and that is pretty much how I'm feeling at this point. Everything is feels like this might be the last chance to do something or remember to pack a certain item and my mind is kind of all over the place. I feel ready to go and am trying to have no expectations and go in with a completely open mind.
That's all for now - I'm off to Minnesota in a few days and can't wait!
Cheers,
Tara
One thing that I am taking is my "luxury item" of a few essential oils. A drop of lavender oil will smell heavenly as I'm drying off from my bucket shower. Also, I heard a good face wash is hard to find and expensive there, so I'm bringing a good one from home. Oh yeah and I've got to make a trip to Sally Beauty supply to find a pair of scissors to trim my own bangs while I'm down there too.
I spent the rest of the day today going through my music and trying to get everything loaded onto my computer for later load onto the Ipod. I've got a huge range of music and I think it will be key to getting through some of the more trying days. Also, I am psyched on my purchase of a short wave radio. It will be fun to see what I can pull in from all over the world. NPR or BBC will be a nice taste of home while I'm there.
As I look over this post, I realize it is kind of scattered and that is pretty much how I'm feeling at this point. Everything is feels like this might be the last chance to do something or remember to pack a certain item and my mind is kind of all over the place. I feel ready to go and am trying to have no expectations and go in with a completely open mind.
That's all for now - I'm off to Minnesota in a few days and can't wait!
Cheers,
Tara
Sunday, December 13, 2009
It's getting close now...
January 4 is rapidly approaching at this point. I have a few more days left in Bend, OR with my sister and I am trying to savor every moment. Today we watched the National Cyclo-Cross races that were in town for the weekend and it was such an awesome event to watch. If you've never seen a 'Cross race, imagine a field of crazed bike riders - rallying around a 3K course, consisting of everything from grass, mud, staircases, hills, wooden barriers, rocks, and any other hazard one would typically want to avoid on a bike. These guys and girls are at a full sprint the entire time (about an hour) completing laps, wiping out, taking each other out, and trying to win the race. It is crazy fun to watch! The spectators are just as entertaining. I witnessed a pirate playing a saxophone, a full high school drum corps, a crazy dude running around in a Speedo (it was 20 degrees out), a crazed devil with a pitchfork, and TONS of cowbells. It was a great time!
Right now I'm trying to figure out what to pack for the "Land of Eternal Spring." I've been reading some blog posts from other volunteers and it seems like sites range from freezing cold to hot and humid. I have wardrobes to accommodate both extremes, but since I don't know what temperature zone my site will be in, I will try to pack a little of everything and maybe send for back up later. I'm bringing anything from a down jacket and sleeping bag to flip flops, skirts, and short sleeve shirts. I'm now thinking that my Smartwool socks will be a good addition too. At least I know anything I NEED to survive will be available once I get there, so I'll just go from there. It's been freezing here in Oregon (negative temps) - so 40's and 50's will feel on the warm side to me.
I will be spending the last few weeks with my parents and grandparents, so I have the food requests in as my favorites might not be readily available for some time - can't wait for my grandma's fried chicken, roast beef, and sugar cookies. My dad recently went pheasant hunting so he has a few on hand for me and also just got his deer sausage and jerky back too. I also received some photos of my parents frosting Christmas cookies - so I told them to save some for me :) I love Latin inspired cuisine, however, am trying to lay off for the rest of my time here in the States since I will be getting more than enough in the years to come.
That's all for now - more to come later!
Cheers,
Tara
Right now I'm trying to figure out what to pack for the "Land of Eternal Spring." I've been reading some blog posts from other volunteers and it seems like sites range from freezing cold to hot and humid. I have wardrobes to accommodate both extremes, but since I don't know what temperature zone my site will be in, I will try to pack a little of everything and maybe send for back up later. I'm bringing anything from a down jacket and sleeping bag to flip flops, skirts, and short sleeve shirts. I'm now thinking that my Smartwool socks will be a good addition too. At least I know anything I NEED to survive will be available once I get there, so I'll just go from there. It's been freezing here in Oregon (negative temps) - so 40's and 50's will feel on the warm side to me.
I will be spending the last few weeks with my parents and grandparents, so I have the food requests in as my favorites might not be readily available for some time - can't wait for my grandma's fried chicken, roast beef, and sugar cookies. My dad recently went pheasant hunting so he has a few on hand for me and also just got his deer sausage and jerky back too. I also received some photos of my parents frosting Christmas cookies - so I told them to save some for me :) I love Latin inspired cuisine, however, am trying to lay off for the rest of my time here in the States since I will be getting more than enough in the years to come.
That's all for now - more to come later!
Cheers,
Tara
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Let the Adventures Begin
Welcome to my first blog post! I'm excited to start this blog to keep everyone updated on my new adventures in Guatemala! I am currently in Bend, OR hanging out with my sister for one more week and then I'm off to South Dakota to visit my parents and family for Christmas! I can't wait to see everyone as I haven't been back for a Christmas at home in many years.
In regards to current Peace Corps status - I can't believe my departure date is less than a month away. I will be in Guatemala for 27 months, working in Environmental Education and Ecotourism. I am thrilled with this assignment as I am passionate about the environment and am excited that I will be able to actively do something to make a difference. I know there will be many challenges, however, I'm coming in with an eager heart and open mind and can't wait to be a part of this experience.
I will be living in a rural area and also will be living with a local family for at least 6 months. This is for our safety and to help our integration in the local community. I know this will be quite the change for me as I've been living on my own for a long time and am used to the freedom that comes with it. However, I am looking forward to learning about my new culture from my family - how to cook, happenings in the community, and how every day life works in my new location. I know what I learn from them will be invaluable.
As of now, I'm not sure how often I will be able to update this blog as I'm not sure what my access to computers/Internet will be like. However, I will try to keep this as updated as possible and will start posting pictures as well.
Cheers,
Tara
In regards to current Peace Corps status - I can't believe my departure date is less than a month away. I will be in Guatemala for 27 months, working in Environmental Education and Ecotourism. I am thrilled with this assignment as I am passionate about the environment and am excited that I will be able to actively do something to make a difference. I know there will be many challenges, however, I'm coming in with an eager heart and open mind and can't wait to be a part of this experience.
I will be living in a rural area and also will be living with a local family for at least 6 months. This is for our safety and to help our integration in the local community. I know this will be quite the change for me as I've been living on my own for a long time and am used to the freedom that comes with it. However, I am looking forward to learning about my new culture from my family - how to cook, happenings in the community, and how every day life works in my new location. I know what I learn from them will be invaluable.
As of now, I'm not sure how often I will be able to update this blog as I'm not sure what my access to computers/Internet will be like. However, I will try to keep this as updated as possible and will start posting pictures as well.
Cheers,
Tara
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