What's something you should never waste?

What is something you should never waste? Another blog I follow {Happiness Is...} hosts a weekly question to ponder. This particular question challenged me and I wanted to take a shot at answering for you. I would love to hear your answer back (insert plea for people to comment on posts so that I know you're out there!!).

There is an Emerson quote hanging in my office that connects the dots between this question and my outlook on life in a pretty little sign - it states - Live in the sunshine, Swim in the sea, Drink the wild air. For me, the things I believe we should never waste are unique natural and social experiences. These experiences could be the tipping point in one's life or something that you may never get to share with anyone again. And for me, that's what life is about.

I have many moments that I know have shaped who I am on many different levels. Some good experiences, some bad - but all unique and I wouldn't want to take any of them away. Some experiences have challenged my ability to understand goodwill in people, others have shined a light on how much care and thoughtfulness a person can have. To have seen both sides creates a balance for me in a world of good and evil.

Nature has always been a draw for me as well. Experiencing natural phenomena in our lifetime is a gentle reminder of how much larger this world is than ourselves and the incredible amount of power behind it. I remember as a kid growing up in rural Maryland, my mom used to wake my brother and I up late in the night to watch meteor showers or when I started diving, seeing large schools of fish swim by in a hurry. These experiences have instilled a respect for the environment that I hope I can empower in others.

It's important to me to continue to experience things and never stop wanting to learn something new or try something I've never tried before. These are the things that make us who we are and connect us to others and empower to do things that are bigger than ourselves. It's unfortunate for me that I am a terrible story teller as one day I hope to have so many stories to tell. These stories are the things we should never waste.

Christmas Gifts

Earlier in the year in an effort to be a part of supporting local businesses and feel better about the gifts that I give, I vowed to reattempt to purchase only locally sourced or handmade gifts. I pride myself in trying to be as thoughtful about gifts as possible, often showing my appreciation this time of year by using my own talents to make something for someone who has shown me support and love throughout the year.

There has been a lot of talk the past two months or so about the scam that Amazon is running - to have consumers go into local shops and take a picture of what they might purchase locally and then get a discount for the item for purchasing it directly through Amazon. I don't agree with what Amazon is trying to do, but its a smart marketing tool for sure. I've blogged before about the 3/50 project and truly believe that supporting local businesses is something that we all should do when possible. My argument in the past is that it's not always possible to support locally as typically things cost more or what you need is just simply not available, but that doesn't discount the importance of thinking about it from time to time. Hell, even Seth Godin thinks it's a point worth pondering.

Back to my point and not just my rant, I tried this year to make local purchases or handmade gifts and mostly succeeded. At least better than last year, as when I started to run out of time I went straight to the big boxes and finished out my Christmas shopping.  So I've kept track of my shopping and figured out the percentages of gifts I gave that fall into each category. Out of the twenty total gifts I gave this year throughout the holiday season, sixteen of them were either handmade or locally sourced. That's 80%! I'm feeling proud of my accomplishment. Looking at the things that I did either order online or purchase through big box stores - I really could have purchased them locally. It would have taken a little more money and some time finding exactly what I was looking for but I think I could have made it happen.

I think it's easy to fall into a habit of convenience and the only way to truly challenge yourself to support local/handmade is to look beyond convenience. My key to success was truly trying to make a map of what I was looking for. I think I started back in October thinking of ideas of things I could make that would be fit for the person that I wanted to gift something to. Had I of waited I would not have been as successful.

So, I'll ask.....did you give gifts that supported local businesses (the best gift you can give to a small business owner is patronage!!) or maybe made an expression of your own talents to those you hold dear? I would love to hear some of the gifts you gave along these guidelines. Here are some of mine -

• Flower magnets (made by me!) for the girls at work to brighten up their cubes!
• Massage and locally made sundries from Down to Earth for me mere.
• Music Mix CD for my stepfather
• Calendar for my Poppop full of pictures of my family over the past year
• Watercolor paintings by me (I'm still learning, but I think they turned out okay)
• Knitted headbands (made by me)

The Art of Letter Writing

If you have known me for any amount of time, you probably already know how much I love writing letters (and receiving letters). My best friend will tell you that when we were in 5th grade (or somewhere around there) I wrote her a letter for every day that she was gone on vacation. She recently reminded me of my letters and it amazes me how long I have truly appreciated the art of letter writing. Letter writing for me is a time to organize my thoughts and feelings, construct them on paper, and express them to another. With life spinning so fast, it takes a deliberate action to sit down, process, and write for a short amount of time and one that doesn't happen often enough.

This NY Times Op-Ed sums up my feelings towards letter writing much more woefully than my own words can describe. An excerpt from this article that particularly speaks to me:

A good handwritten letter is a creative act, and not just because it is a visual and tactile pleasure. It is a deliberate act of exposure, a form of vulnerability, because handwriting opens a window on the soul in a way that cyber communication can never do. You savor their arrival and later take care to place them in a box for safe keeping.

And yes, I save every letter or card or quick note that someone leaves me. I like to look back at moments captured in time and space through these letters to remind me of the amazing people that have been a part of my life.


I recently stumbled upon this stop motion video of a miniature letter writing set. I wonder if I can find some use for something like this because it's absolutely adorable.

World's Smallest Post Service Kit - An Introduction from Leafcutter Designs on Vimeo.

Please also listen to this beautiful song that fits so perfectly -

Peace, Love, & Awesomeness!

Sami

Failure

As a future Peace Corps Volunteer, I can not help but sometimes wonder if the work I will do will actually make a difference. Sustainability is a hot topic for Peace Corps and is something that should be at the forefront of anyone in the development sectors' mind.

I stumbled upon this TED Talk that highlighted many of the problems with development/aid groups. The speaker mentions a really cool forum for talking about (and learning from) failed projects. Check out the website here: http://www.admittingfailure.com/. It's vital to the success of projects to think in a systems perspective - how will my project sustain itself when I leave. As well as, learning from those who failed before us. Integration into the community, pairing you with a counterpart, and (hopefully) working on projects that are already an interest to the community are ways that Peace Corps enables volunteers to work on sustainable projects. Of course that is all easier said then done, but a good framework for success. Soooo...here's the video:

Here is another cool video and a neat project the speaker mentions. If you are interested in learning a new language and contributing to the increased access of information on the world wide web through language translation you should sign up to participate!

Desperately Dreaming Of Distant Destinations

Birthday Dog!

Happy 4th Birthday Prince!

Don't judge that I dress up my dog. 

Top moments of 2011

Being a part of my best friends wedding.

Pushing myself to run, not only to get exercise but also to be outside with the pooch.

Adding six more countries to my “been there, done that” list.

Hosting Miss Kitchen on her visit back to the right shore.

Countless trips to Maryland to visit people that I cherish.

Surviving Hurricane Irene.

The long days of waiting for the Peace Corps to contact me.

Helping friends see the best in themselves, while having friends that see the best in me.

Creating lots of new things.

Spending a too short evening with my second family at Emerald Isle.

Having a job.

Working with amazing students at UNCW.

Spending a weekend at the beach with my family.

Not just one but three Crab feasts this year.

Learning to paddleboard with two of my favorite people.

Making gift bags for my best friends bachelorette party – oh and having a blast in Philly with some amazing ladies (even if I did start to doze off at the bar…typical)

Helping a friend coordinate their wedding

Tuesday night watching Weeds with Erin and Steph. It better not be over L

Going kayaking with Amy and Andy and Prince!

Becoming the most immune person east of the Mississipi – although getting so many shots was not actually one of my favorite moments of 2011 it is just a piece of the puzzle towards something great.

Spending an amazing weekend at Lake Gaston with my family – celebrating Amanda’s birthday, renting a jetski, having cake, soooo many great things.

Ziplining with Amy!

Run (or walk) for the TaTa’s with some work peeps in honor of a beautiful woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
 

A Few Things I Love About Wilmington

I've lived in this town for almost seven years. I can't believe it. When I first moved here I thought I'd only be here for 2 years, tops! I moved here to finish my undergraduate degree. I loved the university. I loved being near the beach. I loved the quaint historic downtown. I loved the small town feel. All in all - I really like being here. So seven years,  two degrees, and six jobs later - this town has taught me some amazing things. I'd like to pay my respects to that by offering a few things that I love about Wilmington.

I love walking down the street and always seeing at least one person that I know - never fails. Small town life is golden.

Beach options. I love that Wilmington offers options as to what kind of beach you'd like to go to. Feeling social and like you can fit in with all the size 2 teens in their bikinis - go to Wrightsville Beach! Want to try out surf fishing in the morning with all the gray hairs - go to Fort Fisher. Feel like enjoying the sound of families laughing and watching children build sand castles - go to Kure Beach! Feel like making a bet with your friend on the number of mullets you'll see - go to Carolina Beach. I love options!

Food. When my friends from Towson came down to visit a few years ago they deemed Wilmington food capital of the world. Since they grew up around Columbia, MD - which I believe is the chain restaurant capital of the world, I feel like their words say a lot. Wilmington is overrun with independently run restaurants and they are soooo amazing.

Homeless people. If you live in Wilmington and ever frequent downtown - you know at least one homeless man by name (probably Byron...). I happen to know a few. There is the gentlemen, who I think is homeless by choice, that loves to tease my dog at the park. And there is the one that walks down Market St. talking to himself and violently waving his hands, then there is the drunkard that walks around harassing people downtown. Wilmington is quite the home for a homeless person - perhaps its due to our overwhelming amount of nonprofits that offer assistance or perhaps its just due to the wonderful location.

Weather. Can't beat 70 degrees during the month of Christmas. I can't believe I wore shorts and flip flops to watch the football game this past Sunday.

The fast paced northern feel with a little southern hospitality all its own. Wilmington is sectored off from any large city and has really adopted a culture all its own. With so many northerners (myself included) infiltrating, Wilmington offers a good combination of both.

So much creativity, so little time. I am constantly impressed with the number of creative people in this town - it's probably suppressed my own hopes of actually successfully selling some of the things I've made over the years. With art shows and workshops almost every day of the week - the artistic community here does not disappoint.

All in all, I love Wilmington. Although I still consider Maryland home and hope to go back there one day - I don't discount all that Wilmington has to offer. If Wilmington's job market ever perks up I would highly recommend this place as a great place for people of all ages!

Peace, Love, and Weekends!

The Power of Vulnerability- MUST WATCH.

Movie Reviews

 As of late, there are a ton of movies on my list to watch. Without Netflix or a more expensive cable package, I’m limited to what Redbox has to offer these days (which is not so bad.) Despite the recent increase in move rental prices on redbox (up from $1.00 to $1.20), I will graciously accept the cheap fare to watch a movie. Still much better than the $11.00 to go see a movie in the theater. In Wilmington, we are fortunate to have multiple venues to see movies on the cheap including the recent movie festival, Cucalorus as well as the on-campus theater that offers $2.00 movie fare. Recently I have been watching LOTS of movies, with the cold weather moving from my comfy and warm bed in the evenings takes more energy that I  would like to give. Here are some movies that I have watched recently –

Crazy Stupid Love – My roommate and I almost bit the bullet and paid to see this movie in the theater. However, our lack of motivation in actually paying the $11.00 forced us a save it for another day. I picked this one up at Redbox as I am a big fan of Steve Carroll and Ryan Gosling (ummm, yes they were wrong about 2011 sexiest man of the year and here is why). Overall this movie was GREAT – 4 ½ stars in my book. It was all things you look for in a light-hearted Tuesday night movie – funny, cute – wait, maybe I am just describing Ryan Gosling. Ahhhh, well it was a beautifully told story of caring and forgiveness and the beauty of love and family.

Kumare – This movie was at the top of my list for the Cucalorus film festival and definitely lived up to its expectation. My dear friend Erin accompanied me to the screening of this movie at Thalian Hall. When I first heard about the movie I thought it was going to be about a really weird guy who changed his identity to get people to follow him on his path to spirituality. Well, it turns out, it was - but in the most humorous, enlightening way. I LOVED THIS MOVIE. 5 stars from me. I sincerely recommend it to anyone who is interested in a motivational story about finding one's self and where to look to do such a thing. It did not hurt that the movie was HILARIOUS too!

The Future – Having a little bit of a lady crush on Miranda July for the better part of the last five years. She is my creative inspiration. I had to check out this movie. Within the first 5 minutes I was totally creeped out and have decided that Miranda’s work is becoming a little to quirky for me. Not sure if it's her work or me getting older. The opening scene is a shot of a cat’s legs, one broken, while the cat is talking about being in the darkness and hoping that someone will take it home to care for it. We all know how I feel about cats and just the fact that it was talking was enough for me. I continued to watch the movie – while multi-tasking – as I couldn’t give it my full attention. I give this 1 ½ stars. Not worth watching but I give Miranda the benefit of the doubt as she is a brilliant creative artist. I am just not into this kind of work I guess.

So, what movies do you recommend? Up next on my list are – J. Edgar; The Muppets; finally jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon; Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud; Circumstance; The Lemon Tree; The Pool; Four Months, Three Days, and Two Hours (Thanks Linda for the foreign film recommendations!)

What does N G O stand for?

I feel like I've climbed Mt. Everest since I first took to plunge and applied for the Peace Corps. At first many people asked, what is that Peace Corps? Where are you going (which......I still don't have the answer to....)? How long will you be going? What will you be doing? And, what is the Peace Corps again? 

As it's been four years since I first applied and a year and a half since being actively involved in the second time around, it makes my heart soar for Peace Corps to finally be a common topic for many of my family and friends. Although I know it still leaves them puzzled sometimes as to why I'd want to give up my super comfy bed, my sweet digs downtown, a good job, and the comfort of being close to people that I know and love to go someone where I don't know anyone, can't speak the language, and may sleep in a 10' x 10' mud hut in the middle of no where - I think we've all come a long way.

Despite how far we've come, I still get questions - mostly - what will you be doing and what is an NGO? NGO stands for Non Governmental Organization. These are the organizations that help solve problems innate civic problems, fill in the gaps of what the private sector and government can't fill, and connect with community in ways that no other sector can. For us in the United States, NGOs are equivalent to what you might know as the non-profit sector. Although the scope and scale of NGOs may be different in a developing country the concept is the same.

NGOs, in the U.S. and abroad, often lack the time and resources to build their capacity and expand their impact. NGOs historically exist because their is a need that needs to be noticed, a void that needs to filled, or a problem that needs to be solved. Peace Corps, for the few NGOs in the countries where Peace Corps is located, can serve as a resource to help expand human impact where resources are needed. And I can't wait to be a part of it :)

I am so excited for my job nomination. I really couldn't ask for a better fit as I've spent the greater part of the last three years getting my Master's in Public Administration with a focus in Nonprofit Management (and Environmental Policy). I can't wait to put all those enthralling strategic planning classes with Dr. Laurie Paarlberg to good use! 

What NGOs do you know or work with in the U.S. that can make an impact on your community?

It's so close, I can almost see it.

Over a long holiday weekend with my family, I finally got some reassurance from the Peace Corps. An e-mail from a Peace Corps Placement Assistant arrived asking for an updated resume and my Master's transcripts. I quickly sent them off today. Hearing from the Office of Placement is a GREAT sign that maybe I'll hear from a specialist soon about scheduling an interview and then the coveted INVITATION!!

My aspiration is to hear from them by the end of year so I can start the new year off with planning for my departure. It just seems so close to finally finding out where I will spend the next two years that I can barely stand it! However, as I've waited this long and will continue to wait - I know that it could be two or three months before I actually hear from anyone. This page on Peace Corps Wiki is a good source of how long applicants wait from one step to the next.

For now, I'll just continue with my daily routine of waiting, waiting, waiting. While I wait, I'll share with you some fun things around the web:

My tasty contribution to Thanksgiving Dinner.

Inspiration for my next necklace design.

Currently reading, next in line.

Inspiration for running.

Peace, Love, and Happiness!

And for the irony of posting this on my blog....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Remedy

A colleague (and neighbor) of mine put together a great CD exchange extravaganza. Thirty people each made one CD of their favorite songs, or just a remix, and made thirty copies to distribute to all the people participating. I loved this idea, so of course I was on it! Since the invention of MP3 players my CD player in my car has felt extremely lonely and excluded. I'm excited to finally put that bad boy back into use. Thirty CDs of good music will certainly get me through LOTS of holiday traveling! 

In addition to some good jams we could also decorate our CDs and possibly be given top accolades in a multitude of categories! I'll let you know if I win any!

I thought I'd share with you some pictures of my CD Exchange contribution. My CD was the theme of Remedy - featuring mostly somber songs that might lead you through a relaxing evening (I believe though there were a few outcast tunes that I threw in just because I like them and I want everyone else to like them as well). I wrapped them in brown kraft paper, tied with twine with apothecary labels - because who doesn't like a brown paper package tied up with string.

Remedy CD Mix

Birds-Emiliana Torrini

Challengers-The New Pornographers

Down In the Valley-The Head and The Heart

Fairy Paradise-CoCoRosie

Ghost Town-First Aid Kit

Heart Skipped a Beat-The xx

Islands-Young the Giant

The Littlest Birds-The Be Good Tanyas

Long Boat Pass-Tennis

My Only Offer-Mates of State

One May Die So Lonely-JayMay

The Passenger-Stars

People Got A Lotta Nerve-Neko Case

So Many Ways to Die-Bombadil

Take Me As I Am-Au Revior Simone

Let It Fall-Lykke Li

Academia-Sia

True Affection-The Blow

What I Wouldn't Do-A Fine Frenzy

Write About Love-Belle and Sebastian

If you'd like a copy, I think there might be some left over so let me know and I'll get it to ya!

Peace, Love, and Turkey?

Sami

Major Update

I feel as though I owe a major update since I committed to writing this blog. So here is the quick and dirty -

life. good.
work. good.
friends. good
prince. good.
all around mental outlook. good.

Alright - so, maybe that wasn't thorough enough. I'll start with an update on the topic that gives this blog purpose- PEACE CORPS! I believe in some of my last posts I told you that I received my Medical Packet. Man that seems like a light year ago. Well, quickly after receiving my medical packet I scheduled all the necessary appointments - dentist, doctor, health department, etc. Shots were given, cavities were filled, blood was drawn, and papers were signed.

On November 2, I received a status update on my toolkit that said "A decision has been made regarding your medical review." About 4 days later a letter was in the mail saying that I have been medically qualified for service! Ahhh, that is what I've been waiting for.

So, Peace Corps Application 101 - next stop - PLACEMENT!

I'm really hoping that I still am in the running for a June leave date for Eastern Europe in NGO Advising. Although I know that the reality is that 80% of applicants don't actually go to the location that they were originally nominated for - I'm still keeping my fingers crossed.

Peace Corps Application Time Line

A lot of Peace Corps applicants have some kind of documentation of their process so here is mine:

February 2008 -- Meet with recruiter to talk about the Peace Corps

April 28, 2008 -- Submit application

May 2, 2008 -- Recruiter contacted me about scheduling an interview and sending additional forms

June 9, 2008--Interview with Peace Corps recruiter, Sarah Barfield, in Wilmington, NC

June 23, 2008--Officially Nominated for either Eastern Europe or Africa::Community Development

July 30, 2008--Sent nominations for Community Development in Cetnral/South America or Sub-Saharan Africa

August 4, 2008--Pulled my application due to multiple reasons...to put aside this opportunity for a better time in my life

March 3, 2010--Talked to recruiter about reapplying for Peace Corps

March 15, 2010--Start Application Process Again

March 28, 2010--Turned in Application

March 29, 2010--1st Recommendation submitted (Thanks Peggy!)

March 30, 2010--2nd Recommendation submitted (Thanks Jeff!)

April 28, 2010--Emailed Recruiter because I had not heard anything (this is where the waiting game began!)

May 6, 2010--Heard from Recruitment Coordinator, have to wait due to outside circumstances to move forward with the process.

December 1, 2010--Can finally move forward with application

December 5, 2010--Recieved packet of information including fingerprints, NAC Questionnaire, College Transcripts, Certifications

December 16, 2010--Received an email from the recruiter stating that they needed the information back by January 5th (no problem!)

December 22, 2010--Had to submit a new recommendation to fit the guidelines of preffered recommendations (Thanks Sheila!)

December 23, 2010--Delayed information for log into my toolkit was finally sent to me

December 28, 2010--Peace Corps representative called to have me send over copies of scuba certifications

December 29, 2010--Send back all information including transcripts, fingerprints, etc.

January 20, 2011--Peace Corps Toolkit update! Paperwork is complete!

February 11, 2011--Interview at NCSU completed::possible nominations for Community Development or Business Development, waiting for program specs to be released

February 25, 2011--Emailed recruiter asking what else I should be doing--stated just wait for more information to be released and update him on any new skills I acquire

April 1, 2011--Emailed recruiter looking for an update. RAS (restless applicant syndrome) is settling in

June 13, 2011--Emailed recruiter while in Europe asking for updates. Officially nominated for Eastern Europe doing NGO Development leaving June 2012

July 17, 2011 -- Home from trip to Europe with a medical packet sitting in my mailbox.

September 13, 2011 -- Finished all medical paperwork - Sent back to PC headquarters.

September 24, 2011--Forgot to have Doctor co-sign all paperwork and have to redo two tests.

October 20, 2011 -- Send back all information to Medical Office

November 2, 2011 -- Status Update! Letter came in the mail a few days later saying I am Medically cleared for service!

November 28, 2011 -- Email from Placement Assistant stating my file is complete and a Placement Specialist will be in touch.

Medical Packet Received.

As any Peace Corps applicant may know, the best thing to wake up to in the morning is an email from PC saying "Application Status Update" !! Having sent in my medical packet on the 3rd of September after becoming the most immune person in North America, I have been waiting for an update since then. Seeing as I'm not set to leave until June 2012 I know, and have prepared myself for, this to be the longest and most agonizing part of the process. (Insert Restless Applicant Syndrome (RAS) Here). Even my status update prepared me for such -- "Peace Corps received the results of your physical exam on September 12, 2011. If the program you are nominated for is not scheduled to leave in the next 4 months you may not hear from Medical until the time of departure is closer. Currently those programs scheduled to leave in the next 4 months are being reviewed. For applicants leaving within 4 months Peace Corps may request additional medical information. Please respond quickly to these requests."

So now is the waiting game. Fortunately I'm in the best position possible with a great job, supportive friends and family, an opportunity to save some money before I go, and lots and lots of patience.

I've been fortunate to be able to talk to an old friend quite a bit and he has been a huge support through this process. My friend Josh (check out his blog -- eatingwatermelonseeds.wordpress.com) is serving in Peace Corps Kenya and really loving it. Josh and I applied at about the same time, so I'm super jealous that he is in country already and I'm still waiting and wishing. I've had the fortune to be able to talk to him about once a month so he can give me real time updates on what Peace Corps life is like. His statements - Peace Corps isn't for the faint of heart. Which I already knew.But he loves it!! The camaraderie, the challenges, the new experiences, the beauty of the people and places, are all well worth it.

I'll continue to keep you posted as more updates come along!!!

Car Free Lifestyle

I'm thinking about selling my car. Living a car-free lifestyle has often been on my mind, but as of late I have been thinking about it more and more. As I'm trying to cut back my expenses and reevaluate where I'm spending my money, I realized I spend an astronomical amount of money on my car. Actually, I spend more money on my car than I do on the roof that is over my head. Seems crazy, huh.

Although in my head I'm thinking about this in sheer dollars there are a lot of other things to think about to. Currently, I can walk to work, the bank, food and drinking establishments, the park, and many other things but there are things that would be less convenient. Such as:

Trips to Target...which could be the death of Sami as you know her.
Easily accessible grocery store
Beach Days
Cold walks to work in the Winter Time
Am I missing others?

Fortunately living downtown allows me to walk to work and there is an OK bus system that would allow me to get to the grocery store and target with little afterthought. However, for 25 years I've lived a life of instant gratification...and I want to be sure that I think about all the aspects of my life that may be affected positively and negatively before I make this drastic lifestyle change.

Here's what my 7th grade History teacher, Ms. Hanifee taught me to do when life offers choices: A good ol' pros and cons list.

Pros
Environmentally Friendly
Get Exercise
Save LOTS of money
Wilmington offers Public Transportation and living downtown allows me to walk to food and entertainment
Can rent a car for long day or weekend trips

Cons
Won't be able to do things at a moment's notice
Will have to walk in the cold/rain
Inconveniencing friends when needing a ride

So, it's looking pretty good that I may want to try this. My mom and I came up with a good idea to try to live for two weeks without using my car. Meaning hide the keys from myself and see how I can get around without using my car. Seems easy enough.  Since I'll be leaving for the Peace Corps, hopefully, in June 2012 and will need to sell my car anyways I really want to think seriously about this. It's a great way for me to save up some money before leaving by severely cutting my expenses.

What do you think? Any advice would be great. I know a couple of you have lived in Wilmington without a car and I would love to hear your experiences!!

Peace Corps Update

Online status update!!

As I'm looking out the window at Hurricane Irene whipping through all the trees in my neighborhood, I'm trying to stay focused on other things. The storm has not been too bad but the wind and rain kept me up for most of the night. Minimal damage has ensued to our area but I'm thinking about my friends and family in the Northeast who might be affected by Irene as well.

My Peace Corps status is moving along quite well at this point. Since I arrived back from Europe to find a medical packet in my mail, I have been going to the doctor and dentist quite regularly. I don't even have to sign in anymore they already know who I am! I've been to the doctor for four visits, the dentist for three, and the health department twice. All in all I've completed all of my dental and medical paperwork and am just waiting for one more shot on the 31st and I can send it all back to Washington. I can't wait!!!

I am one of the few that has already received my legal clearance, which from what I've read is sometimes takes the longest and typically doesn't clear until after your medical clearance goes through. So I'm feeling like I'm in a good place to leave in June or maybe even sooner. Who knows!! If there is one thing that Peace Corps is not good at, it is keeping applicants abreast of leave dates/locations. I'm constantly sitting on the edge of my seat through this process.

Good luck to all those that are waiting out the storm!!!

Surfer's Healing

Today I got the chance to spend the day at the beach instead of sitting at my desk. But really it wasn't just a day at the beach, it was so much more. This is the third year I have volunteered at Wrightsville Beach with an amazing organization called Surfers Healing. Today more than most days I'm feeling extremely lucky for the life that I've been given and the constant reminders of how easy most of our days are despite our simple complaints.

So, I'm guessing you're wondering why I'm being so sappy and want to know what Surfers Healing is. Well today I got to spend the whole day with over 200 children who have some form of autism. Surfers Healing is an organization who sets up camps all over the United States for one day to take children with autism out into the water and show them what it feels like to surf.

There are lots of reports that show the healing power of water for children with autism just google - autism and water therapy. Pretty amazing stuff. However, it's a different kind of therapy for those of us who have life so easy compared to the families of these children. I have the utmost respect and admiration for some of the daily struggles that these families go through every day.

Although I was just a volunteer today helping the kids put on life jackets before the surfers took them out into the water, I took away so much more than just that. I learned that every person, no matter what their physical or mental ability, deserves to be given the time and chance to try something that will make them smile and for so many kids (along with their families) that is what Surfers Healing brings them.

This event is truly amazing! The only moment I felt sad today was watching one boy have an outbreak of emotions when we couldn't get to his turn fast enough. The boy was told his time was at 11:30 and at 11:32 he gave up and walked away. Because he didn't get to go right at his time he just couldn't focus on having the opportunity to do what all the kids around him were able to. It truly broke my heart that I couldn't get him to take his focus away from the time and think about getting in the water. His mother then told me that they same thing happened last year as well. I wish I had written the families name down so we could ensure that next year he'll get to go at the right time. I just wish I could have helped him, but it's impossible to understand the thought processes of another human being.

The surfers that make the event what it is truly have a gift. They take each individual child into the water and work with their individual capabilities. To watch them sit out in the surf waiting for the perfect wave and get almost every one of those kids to stand up on the board is an amazing site.

I'm truly blown away when I get to take a day away from my desk to do things like this. I learned some valuable lessons.

Check out this video: VIDEO: Surfer's Healing at Wrightsville Beach | WWAY NewsChannel 3

Amazing Peace Corps slogan

Crafting!

Now that I'm officially done with school I've been doing lots of crafting. Here are some of the things that I've been making. If you want one of something just let me know :)

Yarn wreath with seastar embellishment

This is a terrible picture of this necklace but it's made from an old t-shirt

Beaded Earrings

Pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats...obviously Prince really wants some :)

Bead braided necklace with black/clear beads

Up close picture of the necklace

Bachlorette Weekend

This past weekend I traveled up north to visit my best friend and celebrate her last two months as a single woman. All the girls got together and drove up to Philadelphia for a weekend of fun and relaxation. It was so great to spend time with so many wonderful people. Crystal and I started the weekend early getting crabs at Middletown Seafood, yummy! Something I can't pass up on a weekend to Maryland in the summertime. The weather was absolutely perfect,too. A great break from the 105 degree heat here in the North Carolina. We spent the evening sitting around a fire in the back yard gabbing the night away about the upcoming wedding.

Bags for the girls with all the goods!

Upon arriving in Philadelphia we headed straight to Toppers Salon and Spa where I got an amazing massage and facial. Just perfect to relax before a night out on the town. To get the party started I made gift bags for all the girls, which I think really got everyone in the spirit of a Bachelorette Party!! Dinner was amazing! If you are ever in Philadelphia and are looking for a great place to eat please go to Continental Midtown. The food there is absolutely amazing! We basically ordered one of everything including:  Lobster Mac n Cheese, Cheesesteak Eggroll, Black Quinoa "Tabbouleh" Salad, Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and the most delicious fresh fries EVER (And that is saying a lot because I'm basically a french fry connoisseur). Yum.

Here are some pictures from the evening!

Crystal and I, best friends since 2nd grade. dang.

All the ladies taking it to the basement.

I'm so excited for the wedding but more excited for them to spend there life together. So precious. Love!

Medical, Dental and Legal Frenzy

As I returned home from Europe, I had a stack of mail as tall as the papasan chair in the living room. I was so excited to find hidden in its depths real information from the PEACE CORPS!! I received two envelopes from the elusive agency, one that congratulated me on accepting my position in Eastern Europe and one that was chock full of medical and dental paperwork to fill out. It's a bittersweet moment, as I have been warned, to open up the medical documents. Inside you'll find a whole slew of shots and tests and pricks and jabs that the doctor and dentist need to give you but it also means that you are one more step closer to placement. 

Now the process starts in locating all of my medical records....oy. After having gone through a period of my life where I moved every two years and not having a primary physician since I was 12, I first wonder how I am even remotely healthy and second dread trying to locate all my shot records from the past 25 years.  

Today that journey begins as I try to call every doctor I've ever been to and take a jog down memory lane and call Queen Anne's County High School to see if they can dig through their closet to find my records. I can't believe I've been out of high school for so long.

Wish me luck!

Peace, Love, and Awesomeness

Sami

Germany Part Drei - Landschaftspark

One of my favorite, and most unique might I add, stops on the trip as a part of our curriculum was a little place called Landschaftspark in a town called Duisburg Nord. Landschaftspark in simple turns is an on steel mill abandoned in 1985 to be left and later converted into a public park. The pure size of the steel mill left your eyes in awe until you walk around and see all the careful thought that went into the conversion process for designer Peter Latz.

The idea for converting the park came from the desire to use the area to understand the regions industrial past and make it usable to the general public. To me, a public policy student, red flags went up as we were being guided around this area of how chock full of legal landmines this place is....I mean wouldn't this be considered a brownfield site or something? How much does it cost to maintain rusting metal? Something like this would never happen in the United States.

But sometimes that is the simple charm of Germany, Germans have the ability to accomplish things that could even be imaginable in the United States for the simple fact of not wanting to waste the space.

So now, Landschaftspark has become a destination park with something for everyone (not to let my public relations background filter into my post, but really......it has something for everyone). If you want to read more about the design aesthetic check out these sites.

And of course...here are some pictures of this awesome place :)

View of the campus 

Some of the steel holding tanks are converted into flower beds

Our group 

The entrances to the steel melting areas are made to look like an entrance to a secret garden. There were over thirty entrances and every door looked a little bit different and every garden had a different feel.

Some of the areas were built into rock climbing walls and obstacle courses

or just places to lounge and enjoy nature and reflect on Germany's industrial past.

View of the steel furnaces where you can SCUBA DIVE! I really wanted to but we didn't have time :(

View to the top. Note the juxtaposition of the steel and nature. It's truly a remarkable sight.

Europe Trip Part Zwei

My jet lag still hasn't straightened itself out so I apologize for not staying on top of blogging and updating about my trip, even post return, as I promised. Here are some pictures of some of the gorgeous nature and national parks that we visited. This was a core focus of our class. We traveled to different parks in Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland to better understand their governance systems and analyze their management programs. Interestingly to us we found that despite the EU (with the exception of Switzerland) directives on natural resource management guiding their systems--every park that we visited was managed completely different. If you are interested in this, let me know, I'll send you my final project when it's finished. All in all, traveling these different areas was a great way to see Europe and all that it has to offer. Enjoy!

In the Bavarian Forest they have constructed a tree top walk that ends with this journey to the top of the tree with gorgeous views of the Bavarian Forest and the cities that surround. We were here on the most beautiful of days and the tree top walk gave an interesting perspective to the forest as you were looking down into it. They had lots of fun activities throughout the walk for children to learn more about the forest.

These are the views from the top of the tree top walk. The majority of the Bavarian Forest is the right of this picture.

The view from our hotel in Berchtesgaden. This was the most beautiful city we stayed in and had so much culture. During our time here we hiked through Berchtesgaden National Park. Absolutely breathtaking...and some delicious beer as Bavaria is known for.

A picture from the hike through Berchtesgaden National Park. We cheated on this hike by taking a bus to the highest point and hiking down the mountain. We were able to visibly see the management differences between the buffer zones and core zones and the different practices carried out in each zone.

A beautiful water fall in Berchtesgaden National Park. We also saw beautiful orchids on the hike.

View from a lookout at Eifel National Park (Germany). This part of the park is known for its limestone. Eifel National Park is very well funded by the state (National Parks in Germany are state run) with great facilities, signage, and trails. They have a fully handicap accessible trail as well as very well maintained more rigorous trails.

We were highly entertained by the giant slugs at Eifel National Park. See the orange spots on the tree?

Eifel National Park is also home to one of the training grounds for the Nazi party during Hitlers regime. It was so interesting as we visited many of these parks to see the necessity of cultural integration in natural resource management and protection.

Hohes Venn Nature Park. This area is known for its peat moss. When we visited, about two months prior, they had just experienced a fire...which if you know anything about peat moss, it is highly flammable. It was so interesting to see many of the trees and structures totally burnt to the ground. As we all know how much I love Disney, I referenced it to looking like you were walking through The Lion King when Scar takes over. tee hee. don't judge.

Hohes Venn also was home to a lot of different carnivorous plants. So cool!

This is our group hiking through Siebingeberge Nature Park, the first designated nature reserve areas in Germany. This day was a very rigorous hike for us but we made it to the top where there is a big castle and great views of the Rhine River.

Hiking through Siebingeberge Nature Park. So much green makes this girl happy :)

Siebingeberge means seven mountains in German. These mountains were once active volcanoes. This holes in the ground are condensed volcanic ash that bats and other critters use as homes now.

And of course and really cool tree shot from Siebingeberge.

Weiner Heide Nature Park (Belgium). Here at Weiner Heide shepherds still have access due to historical reasons to graze on the land despite the fact that its a protected area....although I think that is strange those goats sure were funny and cute.

Amphibians had made a home in an old Nazi vehicle washing basin. We saw tons of different amphibians in this area. It is amazing to see how quickly they have made this their permanent home.

Views from Glacier Express, a World Heritage Site in itself. This train took us through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland showing us some of the most beautiful views of the region.

Here is a picture of the Glacier Express with all glass windows on the top and sides. Such a cool way to see this beautiful area.

Glacier Express again.

Swiss National Park. So beautiful.

We had a pretty rainy and cold day in the Swiss National Park but it still was amazing. This hike was the toughest for me probably because of the altitude difference but was amazing all the same. We stopped a lot throughout our hike to observe lots of active wildlife. The right of the this picture we saw a group of Chamois with little babies jumping around enjoying the rain.

If you look in the center of this picture we saw a two marmots. Sooooo cool.

The cloud cover really inhibited our visibility but you can still see how majestic the mountains are in the fade of the haze. Swiss National Park.

And of course - cows in Switzerland. I got a little bit too excited and got shocked by the fence trying to pet the cows. They were soooo cute.

Hope you enjoy the pictures! If you ever get the chance to go to Europe although the cities are spectacular take a day trip to one of the local parks and really get a look at how amazing this region is. Check my facebook if you want to see more pictures as I plan on uploading some later today.