Calm before the storm

Like many others, I'm not sure how many people read this, or if anyone reads blogs in general. Its fair to say that blogs serve their authors more than anyone else. A nice way to journal, express, document and communicate all keeping in mind that perhaps a family member, friends, aquaintence or even a wandering reader might stumble upon one's work.

Well, I turned 23 today. Got to love the twenties, its like living in a maturity limbo, too old to be a kid and not old looking enough to be taken seriously. I wouldn't have it any other way. I realized with my parents today that my next birthday to be celebrated at home won't be until my 26th birthday!

April 20th is creeping up on me and I haven't heard from the Peace Corps considering anything, I'm sort of getting anxious to call them and see whats up, as I am waiting to recieve my plane tickets to staging. I'm starting to gather my packing material, but nothing too serious yet. Hopefully by the end of today I will have a new camera fit for travel and lack of electricity.

The video I'm including in this post is a test to see how video will work, apparently my shutterfly account only can hold 10 videos max, and well, i'm not payin for the premium, sorry. So we will see how helpful shutterfly and/or blogspot will be.

What you don't anticipate and what you come to realize

I have to admit that I do appreciate the time I have between receiving my assignment to the actual departure, its given me time to let things sink in, read. work and put other things into perspective.

I'm not sure how other Peace Corps volunteers have felt in the past, but at times I feel a little out of place sharing with people that, "I'll be off to the Peace Corps in April". I suppose I've always had my own stigmas of the Peace Corps in the past but its ironic to now confront the reactions and comments other people have. Some of which you don't anticipate. Good, bad and random.

Also once you realize how many other Peace Corps blogs that are out there, you start to get a little dizzy!

You Can't Control the Wind but you can Adjust the Sails

As my sister and the financial aid counselor discussed payment plan options, I took a mental vacation staring at a photograph on a nearby wall...

Colorful sail boats under a brilliant sun and of course an accompanying inspirational quote:

"You can't control the wind but you can adjust the sails".

Inspirational quotes always seem to do a better job at making the simple sound sensuous.

Despite being one to poke fun at anything remotely "corny", this particular quote struck me as very appropriate.

"I can see you being placed in Africa somewhere, possibly along the west coast" said a peace corp recruiter at a student fair on Marquette's campus.

"Eastern Europe seems to be a great fit for you" said my peace corp interviewer.

"I'm open to whatever you think best... however to be honest..." And thanks to this honesty my sail was able to catch a wind heading straight south!

Introduction

It is so easy to veer from the point. Believe it or not I had to edit this first post about twice before feeling that this post was sufficient!

Therefore, in keeping with my goal to be on point, this blog will be dedicated to the new beginnings of my post-college experiences with my life in Peace Corps Panama.