So. I've been back on campus a for almost a week now. Things are weird, but normal at the same time. I feel like I am home, though I still don't consider Vicksburg my home. I no longer consider all these people around me strictly Corps Members, but friends and family. This whole new life has finally become real. It's no longer a "program I am in" it's just my life. It's a love/hate relationship I have with this realization.
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Chels, Dahlke, and Aaron seem to be integrating into their new teams well enough... There are moments for them I'm sure. I'm doing well with it. I have times when I see the team together and we're having a good time and I notice some people are missing and it really really sucks. I'm sure things will get fairly close to normal by the time we leave for spike, being on seperate teams, but then when we leave for spike it will hit full force and it will REALLY really suck.
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I have to brag a bit:
Sunday: I did the Insanity workout (like P90X) AND I ran a mile and a half.
Monday: I did Insanity AND Corps PT.
Today: I did Insanity.
Tomorrow: I will do Insanity AND Corps PT.
SHIT FREAKING YEAH!
It feels great.
My eating habits have changed tremendously. I am a vegetarian. It definitely helps my control in making healthy food decisions.
I'm really taking this health/lifestyle change to a whole new level.
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I am going to talk to Brendan (my Unit Leader) tomorrow about becoming a Team Leader. I am about 90% sure I want to do it. I have some questions I'd like answered before the final decision.
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We took some electives today, I learned about careers in the government and Wade (the instructor/staff member on campus) helped steer me in the right direction in my search for careers that set up clean water sources on a global basis.
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Even with the frustrations.... I am in love with my life.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Stuck in an airport!
I am currently in the Idaho Falls Regional Airport. Waiting for fog to lift in SLC so that I can continue my journey east, back to Vicksburg. Perfect time for a blog update!
Not that I have the energy to update all that has gone on since the last entry. Because so much has gone on. Too much, infact. The Louisville project ended really great, it was sad go leave but exciting to go back to campus and prepare for winter break. Un til we got back to campus and heard that sixteen Deltas had left the Corps. SIXTEEN. This means there are teams with only five individuals on them. Which means corps members are going to be shuffled around to make even, and better functioning teams. A lot of Deltas are unhappy with there current teams and have threatened to leave the program if a change isn't made. If too many more people leave it wont make the program look good and funding for next year could be shot.
Fine. A shuffle. Understandable. Five member teams won't get projects done for sponsors. But, shit, it sucks. Lisa, Chelsea, and Aaron are no longer Delta 5s. Lisa and Chelsea are Delta 4 and Aaron is Delta 1. They picked people off of teams to fill holes and threw the misfits on new teams. Like I said, I understand it, I just don't agree with how they did it. The people chosen feel like they're being targeted. There are now three huge holes left in the team's dynamic. I feel like they should have just mixed up all members of all teams and started from scratch. Or maybe they should just choose better applicants next time.
Christmas break, though, was really great. I've missed my family so much and I really needed the boost seeing them gave me to finish out these last five months.
The next two weeks will be filled with trainings in Vicksburg and then the newly shaped Delta 5 will head to Chalmette, Louisiana to work with the St. Bernard's Project in rebuilding homes that were destroyed by Katrina.
Now if you'll excuse me I have a very Langoliers type airport to get back to being bored in.
Not that I have the energy to update all that has gone on since the last entry. Because so much has gone on. Too much, infact. The Louisville project ended really great, it was sad go leave but exciting to go back to campus and prepare for winter break. Un til we got back to campus and heard that sixteen Deltas had left the Corps. SIXTEEN. This means there are teams with only five individuals on them. Which means corps members are going to be shuffled around to make even, and better functioning teams. A lot of Deltas are unhappy with there current teams and have threatened to leave the program if a change isn't made. If too many more people leave it wont make the program look good and funding for next year could be shot.
Fine. A shuffle. Understandable. Five member teams won't get projects done for sponsors. But, shit, it sucks. Lisa, Chelsea, and Aaron are no longer Delta 5s. Lisa and Chelsea are Delta 4 and Aaron is Delta 1. They picked people off of teams to fill holes and threw the misfits on new teams. Like I said, I understand it, I just don't agree with how they did it. The people chosen feel like they're being targeted. There are now three huge holes left in the team's dynamic. I feel like they should have just mixed up all members of all teams and started from scratch. Or maybe they should just choose better applicants next time.
Christmas break, though, was really great. I've missed my family so much and I really needed the boost seeing them gave me to finish out these last five months.
The next two weeks will be filled with trainings in Vicksburg and then the newly shaped Delta 5 will head to Chalmette, Louisiana to work with the St. Bernard's Project in rebuilding homes that were destroyed by Katrina.
Now if you'll excuse me I have a very Langoliers type airport to get back to being bored in.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Workin' 9 to 5... plus 5 more.
The last few weeks are going to be so draining. I'd much rather be back in that Spartina field!
I feel like I don't have any down time. We wake up, work, sleep, start all over.
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| Jo and Charlie filling gift bags |
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| The Lisa buried nose deep in Angel Tree presents |
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| Angel Tree presents ready for distribution |
As frazzled as I get, and as stressful as it can be, and as busy as we are, I am really enjoying this project. The people we work with are so wonderful and our sponsors are so great. Our Florida sponsors will always be number one, but these guys are a close second.
I'm sick of talking about work.
Let's talk fun things.
Chelsea and I are reading The Patricia Briggs Series about Mercy Thompson. So Dorky, but so fun. Shes almost on the third book though, I was reading another book before I started this series so I need to catch up! It's set in my home town and I love reading it and knowing everything she is referring to! It makes me feel like I'm back home.
Lisa's Birthday was the other day!
Happy Birthday The Lisa!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Breaking New Grounds
I mentioned in that last post that I was really excited for this ISP with Breaking New Grounds, well hot damn, I think it was my favorite ISP so far.
What Breaking New Grounds has done is created an urban farm. It's really more of a large garden, but it is in the middle of this neighborhood and is for anyone to come and harvest from the plants. What the organization is setting out to do is provide healthy meal options, show that commercial and factory farming isn't the only way to do things, and to set up a place where the community can get involved in taking care of itself.
It was absolutely incredible! After working in Florida and on this ISP I have realized working outside, with my hands, is definitely something I enjoy and want to make a part of my everyday life. This community garden idea is such an amazing thing, I would love to set one up wherever I decide to live after NCCC.
Not only is it a great healthy option but there is something so fulfilling about the thought of working for and producing your own food. I love it.
If you didn't check out their website like I told you to do in the last post, check it out now:
http://www.breakingnewgrounds.org/
What Breaking New Grounds has done is created an urban farm. It's really more of a large garden, but it is in the middle of this neighborhood and is for anyone to come and harvest from the plants. What the organization is setting out to do is provide healthy meal options, show that commercial and factory farming isn't the only way to do things, and to set up a place where the community can get involved in taking care of itself.
It was absolutely incredible! After working in Florida and on this ISP I have realized working outside, with my hands, is definitely something I enjoy and want to make a part of my everyday life. This community garden idea is such an amazing thing, I would love to set one up wherever I decide to live after NCCC.
Not only is it a great healthy option but there is something so fulfilling about the thought of working for and producing your own food. I love it.
If you didn't check out their website like I told you to do in the last post, check it out now:
http://www.breakingnewgrounds.org/
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| Greenhouse growing |
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| Compost sifting |
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| In the middle of a neighborhood! |
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| Preparing the garden for winter. |
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| Harvested tomatoes. |
Saturday, November 20, 2010
I don't really feel like updating...
...but I'm updating anyways!
Things are going really well with the project. We finished all the tagging of bags and data entry ahead of schedule and have been given busy work to tie us over until mall setup, which actually kind of sucks at times, but it doesn't take much to remember why we're here which provides a nice morale boost.
Today we went to the Muhammad Ali Center which was phenomenal. Obviously he was an amazing boxer, but I had no idea of his humanitarian efforts or his strong and extremely deep religious beliefs. Both of which I plan on finding out more about and hopefully apply some of that focus and drive to my own life.
Chelsea and I also went to the Blue Dog Cafe and Bakery which was delicious. I had this pear, walnut, and maple bacon salad... oh my dang. It was so delicious. We got coffee afterward and relaxed at another cafe. I think Chelsea and I use each other as a source to get away and relax a bit. It's really great to be able to have someone to do that with.
I mentioned on my last entry some goals I'm looking to accomplish.
PT goals are currently going really well. I work out twice a week with the entire team and three times a week (starting this last week) I am at the YMCA making Leroy kick my ass.Aaron and Tommy are their too. We did an extensive arm workout yesterday and I found out that my max benching weight is 80
lbs. Not bad for a girl who has never lifted before, right? I fully expect my arms to not work in the morning, however. We did abs this week too, on Monday, I still feel a little sore from that. I'm holding my own though working out with those boys. It's such a great feeling too.
We have an ISP tomorrow that is centered around gardening which is so great! A nice change of pace from working in a warehouse. Its with Breaking New Grounds which is an incredible organization that promotes urban farming and community connections (google them). I'm excited for it.
Thanksgiving it also coming up! I live to far away to travel home, but I am going to Kari's whose home is 2 hours away. It should be a good time. I cant wait for some stuffing and some pie.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'm all for giving turkey day its own day and don't like to acknowledge Christmas until the thanksgiving leftovers are tucked safely in the fridge, but I couldn't wait. I miss home and I needed something to take comfort in. So Chelsea and I decorated the tree in our common area:
It makes me feel happy. And warm. And cozy. And a little less homesick.
Things are going really well with the project. We finished all the tagging of bags and data entry ahead of schedule and have been given busy work to tie us over until mall setup, which actually kind of sucks at times, but it doesn't take much to remember why we're here which provides a nice morale boost.
Today we went to the Muhammad Ali Center which was phenomenal. Obviously he was an amazing boxer, but I had no idea of his humanitarian efforts or his strong and extremely deep religious beliefs. Both of which I plan on finding out more about and hopefully apply some of that focus and drive to my own life.
Chelsea and I also went to the Blue Dog Cafe and Bakery which was delicious. I had this pear, walnut, and maple bacon salad... oh my dang. It was so delicious. We got coffee afterward and relaxed at another cafe. I think Chelsea and I use each other as a source to get away and relax a bit. It's really great to be able to have someone to do that with.
I mentioned on my last entry some goals I'm looking to accomplish.
PT goals are currently going really well. I work out twice a week with the entire team and three times a week (starting this last week) I am at the YMCA making Leroy kick my ass.Aaron and Tommy are their too. We did an extensive arm workout yesterday and I found out that my max benching weight is 80
lbs. Not bad for a girl who has never lifted before, right? I fully expect my arms to not work in the morning, however. We did abs this week too, on Monday, I still feel a little sore from that. I'm holding my own though working out with those boys. It's such a great feeling too.
We have an ISP tomorrow that is centered around gardening which is so great! A nice change of pace from working in a warehouse. Its with Breaking New Grounds which is an incredible organization that promotes urban farming and community connections (google them). I'm excited for it.
Thanksgiving it also coming up! I live to far away to travel home, but I am going to Kari's whose home is 2 hours away. It should be a good time. I cant wait for some stuffing and some pie.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I'm all for giving turkey day its own day and don't like to acknowledge Christmas until the thanksgiving leftovers are tucked safely in the fridge, but I couldn't wait. I miss home and I needed something to take comfort in. So Chelsea and I decorated the tree in our common area:
It makes me feel happy. And warm. And cozy. And a little less homesick.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Whuddup 502?
So I am currently living in Louisville.
In the basement of a school, which is freezing.
Eating out of a soup kitchen, which is hearty and delicious but not so healthy.
I am overwhelmed with the realization that next transition means I am half way done with this program and I still have no idea with what I am going to do with my life when it is over.
One could say my life is kind of shitty right now.
But I am so in love with it.
Exhaustion? Who cares. I still get out of bed every morning with joy.
The work is tedious and boring. I sit on my butt all day either in front of the computer doing data entry or labeling bags that will be filled with goodies come Christmas. I eat candy all day to help stay awake and inhale incredibly weak coffee. It makes me feel gross, fat, and lethargic.
I can't tell you how much I love this project. It's not the most fun right now, but in a couple of weeks I am sure we will see the pay off. One more week of computing and labeling and we begin mall set up. I'm working with the Salvation Army to help organize and setup their Christmas Tree Angel Program, have I mentioned that? We're giving children a Christmas! That's so great.
I am really really happy.
I have some goals I would like to have accomplished by December 16 which is the day we leave.
PT goals: run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes, strengthen my upper leg muscles (I am already beginning to see definition!), 20 real pushups (none of that on-your-knees-shit).
SLI goals: (its AmeriCorps jargon, I'm too lazy to explain)
Personal goals: money, relationships, inner happiness. I don't want to go into detail on the world wide web.
Oh! And living in a large, urban, skyscraper filled city... I get lattes often.
Because a coffee filled Ashley, is a happy Ashley.
In the basement of a school, which is freezing.
Eating out of a soup kitchen, which is hearty and delicious but not so healthy.
I am overwhelmed with the realization that next transition means I am half way done with this program and I still have no idea with what I am going to do with my life when it is over.
One could say my life is kind of shitty right now.
But I am so in love with it.
Exhaustion? Who cares. I still get out of bed every morning with joy.
The work is tedious and boring. I sit on my butt all day either in front of the computer doing data entry or labeling bags that will be filled with goodies come Christmas. I eat candy all day to help stay awake and inhale incredibly weak coffee. It makes me feel gross, fat, and lethargic.
I can't tell you how much I love this project. It's not the most fun right now, but in a couple of weeks I am sure we will see the pay off. One more week of computing and labeling and we begin mall set up. I'm working with the Salvation Army to help organize and setup their Christmas Tree Angel Program, have I mentioned that? We're giving children a Christmas! That's so great.
I am really really happy.
I have some goals I would like to have accomplished by December 16 which is the day we leave.
PT goals: run 1.5 miles in 14 minutes, strengthen my upper leg muscles (I am already beginning to see definition!), 20 real pushups (none of that on-your-knees-shit).
SLI goals: (its AmeriCorps jargon, I'm too lazy to explain)
Personal goals: money, relationships, inner happiness. I don't want to go into detail on the world wide web.
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| Labeling! We label the bag, the angel tag, and tape the tag to the bag. Then a counter counts ten, a checker checks the number/names, then we box 'em up. |
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| Chels, rubberbanding her ten count like a pro |
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| Denny with the data entering. |
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| These fools, getting things done because that's how we do in the AmeriCorps. |
Because a coffee filled Ashley, is a happy Ashley.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Back in Vicksburg
We have a week of training before the next round. It's weird to be back on campus surrounded by more than just the eleven faces that have become part of the routine. It's also been great! I forgot how much I liked some of these people.
Right now Kari and I are at Highway 61, a coffee house in downtown, I like when I am able to do normal things like a normal human being. It's so difficult to be "on my own" and still have rules and regulations to follow. It's all part of the program though, I knew what I was getting into.
I don't have anything terribly exciting to write about. The last week of work I didn't do anything, I slept. It was...awful. I felt useless. I also have to make up the hours I missed of work. Which actually shouldn't be a problem because of the hours we put in in Florida and the hours we're going to be putting in in Louisville.
I am not allowed to run baseline because my spleen might rupture. So that's awesome. I still have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn and cheer on my fellow corps members though. I think if I'm not allowed to run, you should let me sleep.
I want to sleep now, actually.......................
Right now Kari and I are at Highway 61, a coffee house in downtown, I like when I am able to do normal things like a normal human being. It's so difficult to be "on my own" and still have rules and regulations to follow. It's all part of the program though, I knew what I was getting into.
I don't have anything terribly exciting to write about. The last week of work I didn't do anything, I slept. It was...awful. I felt useless. I also have to make up the hours I missed of work. Which actually shouldn't be a problem because of the hours we put in in Florida and the hours we're going to be putting in in Louisville.
I am not allowed to run baseline because my spleen might rupture. So that's awesome. I still have to wake up at the ass crack of dawn and cheer on my fellow corps members though. I think if I'm not allowed to run, you should let me sleep.
I want to sleep now, actually.......................
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