Yes, today is my last day as a research staff member at Northwestern University. It has definitely been an insightful journey to learning about myself, Chicago, gang violence, and life outside of being a student.
Yesterday, my co-workers took me out to lunch at a lovely Ethiopian spot in Evanston. We ate, laughed, and talked about what's next in my life, their lives, and the future of the project. I learned a great deal from each one of them, which is something I will never forget.
The day before, I said my goodbyes to some of the staff members at CeaseFire. For about a year, I've lived and breathed gang life in Chicago. I had an amazing opportunity to be exposed to a life I've never known, and grew to respect the people who are putting their lives on the line to make a difference in the lives of others. I wish the program and all of the staff members much success! I will definitely be keeping up with the program!
On to new experiences...
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
A continuation on the theme: "Life is fine, fine as wine"
Oh, Lil' Miss Missy (and friends),
I must say that I'm at a great station in life (the Sedgwick Brown Line to be exact): I'm headed into my last week on the job; I keep meeting/reconnecting with people in/headed to South Africa; I will have just about a month (from yesterday) until I start one of the greatest adventures of my life; I have an opportunity to spend time with some of the best people I know here and will have the opportunity to do the same with people I know in South Africa; and in general, life just can't get any better!
My Job
I digress. When I received my invitation to serve in Peace Corps South Africa, the remaining time before resigning from my job seemed daunting. There was so much work that still needed to be done and I tried my best not to focus on the end (June 30th), because I wouldn't be able to concentrate on completing it all! And now, the time is upon us!
When I handed in my resignation letter, my boss decided to pull me off of some of the weekly meetings I've been attending since I started working at NU. The move was rather abrupt, and I didn't think there would be an opportunity to say goodbye to the people I've grown to know over the past year. It's interesting to serve as an evaluator of a program. You're supposed to maintain your objectivity, but you can't help but to start believing in what people are trying to accomplish, and connect with people on a more personal level. Last week, my boss walked in my office and said that my co-worker attended the meeting I usually go to, and the reported that the program staff insisted I could not possibly leave without saying goodbye! How sweet! So my boss encouraged me to take off work early one day next week to say goodbye! I'll miss the guys and wish them all the best!
Well, tomorrow will be the beginning of the end of my time at Northwestern University. On Thursday, my co-workers are taking me out to lunch at a local Ethiopian spot! On Friday, I'll have my exit interview and then proceed to roll bounce! I've learned so much about myself as an employee (my strengths and weaknesses), how to evaluate a State-funded program, Chicago, gangs in Chicago, Chicago politics, community policing efforts, and much, much more! I feel blessed to have this amazing opportunity to learn and grow!
Meeting/Reconnecting with People
The Yahoo group I've been a member of for a few months, that is dedicated for invitees soon headed off to South Africa with me, keeps expanding! It's great to have the opportunity to meet a very diverse group of people who share a common goal: serve in the Peace Corps. There are several people in the education program, and many more in the NGO Capacity Builders group (that's the one I'm in). We've all shared some great ideas with each other, comforted each other by knowing that we are not alone, and that there are many people that share our same hopes and fears. We've shared packing lists, made up silly polls for the group to take, exchanged resources, and for the So. Cal volunteers-having a pre-staging meet-up...You guys are oh so cool!
A couple of years back, my mother took one of her students under her wing, and that student (Kristin) went off to serve in Peace Corps Botswana. Last Christmas, Kristin came to visit with me and my friends in South Africa. We had a ball. I remember one night, Kristin, Marissa and I were in the midst of playing a game of Monopoly (I was losing and they ganged up on me...how crazy is that!), and had a craving for McDonald's french fries and hot apple pies! (Oh, you remember those fried apple pies that Micky D's used to serve...nice and crunchy! I was so disappointed that they changed to baked apple pies...just not the same!) We all hopped in the car (pajamas and all) and drove down to McDonald's, ordered Cokes, a few pies, ice cream, and fries (I'm still trying to bring my cholesterol down from that one). The guy at the window was a Bruin-ou...and we proceeded to hit on him until our order was up. Girls' night out, Sherwood style! Well, wasn't that a tangent! Back to the story, Kristin has just finished her Peace Corps service (and a couple of months traveling through South Africa), and will soon be headed back to the states. Soon after she returns, my lovely Kristin will be coming to Illi for a visit! I'm so excited and am so very proud of her and all that she's accomplished! Kristin M U, if you're reading this...You go girl!
The summer between my freshman and sophomore year at Spelman College, I participated in a program called Operation Crossroads Africa (this is also when I met my best friend Loopy Gurdlekisser), and went to Tanzania. In the Tanzania program, there were three groups. In one of the groups, I met a really cool guy! We kept up for a while, and I got a chance to visit him right before he headed off for his own stint in the Peace Corps...interestingly, he went to South Africa. Unfortunately, we lost track of each other, but with the help of a little post in one of my Yahoo groups, I found him...and he's still in SA! How great is that! So, hopefully, we'll be able to catch up when I'm there. I always did enjoy his insight, and look forward to hearing more!
An update on pre-staging plans
June 30th-July 2nd: The S.S. Jay-Pee and Ms. Pink Gloves will be in town!
July 3rd-5th: Headed to the Dirty-Dirty to visit my friends and family. On the 4th my uncle is having a cook out...and can't wait cause he makes the BEST desserts! Some time while I'm there, I'll be hooking up with Jessy-Wessy, Caroline, and hopefully Anna Banana. I'm gonna kick it with my brother and his friends (more like brothers), and see many more people!
July6th-10th (or later): I'll once again get to show Jay-Pee what happens when you put the Dirty-Dirty in Illi and give it a little 253/206 love! I'm also gonna kick it with the favorite homie Chris Cross Your Heart! Oh, so much fun!
July TBD: Kristin will come for a visit! KMU, I hope you're bringing lots and lots of pictures! Neci and Kye Hannah will be coming for a visit too! We love you with all of our hearts! I think the plan is to spend the day at the American Girl's store...we'll see about that one! Some of the wonderful ladies I've had the pleasure of meeting are gonna meet up for a good-bye dinner! How nice! My brother and Christina will be coming for a visit, but I'll see them in the ATL when I get there. I'll finally sell my sweet precious Candy. Packing, re-packing, and just a little more.
July 24th-26th: Philadelphia for staging.
July 26th: Headed to New York (where I'll meet up with Loopy for the last time in a while) and then to Pretoria, South Africa.
Wow...as usual, I get long winded, so I'll stop right there. I'll make sure to keep you updated on all of my adventures!
I must say that I'm at a great station in life (the Sedgwick Brown Line to be exact): I'm headed into my last week on the job; I keep meeting/reconnecting with people in/headed to South Africa; I will have just about a month (from yesterday) until I start one of the greatest adventures of my life; I have an opportunity to spend time with some of the best people I know here and will have the opportunity to do the same with people I know in South Africa; and in general, life just can't get any better!
My Job
I digress. When I received my invitation to serve in Peace Corps South Africa, the remaining time before resigning from my job seemed daunting. There was so much work that still needed to be done and I tried my best not to focus on the end (June 30th), because I wouldn't be able to concentrate on completing it all! And now, the time is upon us!
When I handed in my resignation letter, my boss decided to pull me off of some of the weekly meetings I've been attending since I started working at NU. The move was rather abrupt, and I didn't think there would be an opportunity to say goodbye to the people I've grown to know over the past year. It's interesting to serve as an evaluator of a program. You're supposed to maintain your objectivity, but you can't help but to start believing in what people are trying to accomplish, and connect with people on a more personal level. Last week, my boss walked in my office and said that my co-worker attended the meeting I usually go to, and the reported that the program staff insisted I could not possibly leave without saying goodbye! How sweet! So my boss encouraged me to take off work early one day next week to say goodbye! I'll miss the guys and wish them all the best!
Well, tomorrow will be the beginning of the end of my time at Northwestern University. On Thursday, my co-workers are taking me out to lunch at a local Ethiopian spot! On Friday, I'll have my exit interview and then proceed to roll bounce! I've learned so much about myself as an employee (my strengths and weaknesses), how to evaluate a State-funded program, Chicago, gangs in Chicago, Chicago politics, community policing efforts, and much, much more! I feel blessed to have this amazing opportunity to learn and grow!
Meeting/Reconnecting with People
The Yahoo group I've been a member of for a few months, that is dedicated for invitees soon headed off to South Africa with me, keeps expanding! It's great to have the opportunity to meet a very diverse group of people who share a common goal: serve in the Peace Corps. There are several people in the education program, and many more in the NGO Capacity Builders group (that's the one I'm in). We've all shared some great ideas with each other, comforted each other by knowing that we are not alone, and that there are many people that share our same hopes and fears. We've shared packing lists, made up silly polls for the group to take, exchanged resources, and for the So. Cal volunteers-having a pre-staging meet-up...You guys are oh so cool!
A couple of years back, my mother took one of her students under her wing, and that student (Kristin) went off to serve in Peace Corps Botswana. Last Christmas, Kristin came to visit with me and my friends in South Africa. We had a ball. I remember one night, Kristin, Marissa and I were in the midst of playing a game of Monopoly (I was losing and they ganged up on me...how crazy is that!), and had a craving for McDonald's french fries and hot apple pies! (Oh, you remember those fried apple pies that Micky D's used to serve...nice and crunchy! I was so disappointed that they changed to baked apple pies...just not the same!) We all hopped in the car (pajamas and all) and drove down to McDonald's, ordered Cokes, a few pies, ice cream, and fries (I'm still trying to bring my cholesterol down from that one). The guy at the window was a Bruin-ou...and we proceeded to hit on him until our order was up. Girls' night out, Sherwood style! Well, wasn't that a tangent! Back to the story, Kristin has just finished her Peace Corps service (and a couple of months traveling through South Africa), and will soon be headed back to the states. Soon after she returns, my lovely Kristin will be coming to Illi for a visit! I'm so excited and am so very proud of her and all that she's accomplished! Kristin M U, if you're reading this...You go girl!
The summer between my freshman and sophomore year at Spelman College, I participated in a program called Operation Crossroads Africa (this is also when I met my best friend Loopy Gurdlekisser), and went to Tanzania. In the Tanzania program, there were three groups. In one of the groups, I met a really cool guy! We kept up for a while, and I got a chance to visit him right before he headed off for his own stint in the Peace Corps...interestingly, he went to South Africa. Unfortunately, we lost track of each other, but with the help of a little post in one of my Yahoo groups, I found him...and he's still in SA! How great is that! So, hopefully, we'll be able to catch up when I'm there. I always did enjoy his insight, and look forward to hearing more!
An update on pre-staging plans
June 30th-July 2nd: The S.S. Jay-Pee and Ms. Pink Gloves will be in town!
July 3rd-5th: Headed to the Dirty-Dirty to visit my friends and family. On the 4th my uncle is having a cook out...and can't wait cause he makes the BEST desserts! Some time while I'm there, I'll be hooking up with Jessy-Wessy, Caroline, and hopefully Anna Banana. I'm gonna kick it with my brother and his friends (more like brothers), and see many more people!
July6th-10th (or later): I'll once again get to show Jay-Pee what happens when you put the Dirty-Dirty in Illi and give it a little 253/206 love! I'm also gonna kick it with the favorite homie Chris Cross Your Heart! Oh, so much fun!
July TBD: Kristin will come for a visit! KMU, I hope you're bringing lots and lots of pictures! Neci and Kye Hannah will be coming for a visit too! We love you with all of our hearts! I think the plan is to spend the day at the American Girl's store...we'll see about that one! Some of the wonderful ladies I've had the pleasure of meeting are gonna meet up for a good-bye dinner! How nice! My brother and Christina will be coming for a visit, but I'll see them in the ATL when I get there. I'll finally sell my sweet precious Candy. Packing, re-packing, and just a little more.
July 24th-26th: Philadelphia for staging.
July 26th: Headed to New York (where I'll meet up with Loopy for the last time in a while) and then to Pretoria, South Africa.
Wow...as usual, I get long winded, so I'll stop right there. I'll make sure to keep you updated on all of my adventures!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Staging Update!#$@%
Ahh, the gloriousness of Peace Corps! Don't cha just love the way they keep you waiting with baited breath and anxieties out the so-on-and-so-4th, 5th, 6th, to find out their next move?! Oh, so I guess you want to know what has caused me say such things. Well, after coming home for a mid-day refresher (eating lunch at O'Brians and a walk to the bike store with the parental units) on Saturday, my mother grabbed the mail on our way to the crib. As she looked through the short stack (none of which is ever for me...except bank statements...student loan people...and the random bill...boring!), I was notified that I had a package...and it was from the Peace Corps...my staging packet!
As you know, we've covered the whole "staging" conversation a few posts ago, so I won't digress. I opened the packet, which included a pile of papers and a CD. One sheet in particular, was the itinerary for staging...which is supposed to be set for July 17th...or at least that is until the Peace Corps changed the date to July 24th leaving out of Philly (I was right after all)! No problem-o...oh...oh...goody two shoes...that means that I have extra time to fit in visits with the family and friends! This also gives me the opportunity to procrastinate about everything from selling my car, getting a power of attorney written up so that my parents will once again be my legal guardians (is this progression or regression?), spending a few more days of quality time with my favorite pup-cake and parents, eating my favorite foods, hangin' out with the girls, chattin' it up with Jeb and Jay-Pee, and a few more days to do nothing if I feel like it (or don't feel like it...I'm not sure which one)!
The next thing I need to do is call the Peace Corps travel agency, to book my flight out of Chicago to Philly. Oh, and that also means that I'll be headed out of Philly to NYC on July 26th, then to Dakar, Senegal for a short lay-over, and then to Jo'burg. Can I add a cha-ching to that schedule...more Delta frequent flyer miles for me. I already have more than enough to take an international flight anywhere in the world...beautifully coveted frequent flyer miles!
Life is fine, fine as wine!
As you know, we've covered the whole "staging" conversation a few posts ago, so I won't digress. I opened the packet, which included a pile of papers and a CD. One sheet in particular, was the itinerary for staging...which is supposed to be set for July 17th...or at least that is until the Peace Corps changed the date to July 24th leaving out of Philly (I was right after all)! No problem-o...oh...oh...goody two shoes...that means that I have extra time to fit in visits with the family and friends! This also gives me the opportunity to procrastinate about everything from selling my car, getting a power of attorney written up so that my parents will once again be my legal guardians (is this progression or regression?), spending a few more days of quality time with my favorite pup-cake and parents, eating my favorite foods, hangin' out with the girls, chattin' it up with Jeb and Jay-Pee, and a few more days to do nothing if I feel like it (or don't feel like it...I'm not sure which one)!
The next thing I need to do is call the Peace Corps travel agency, to book my flight out of Chicago to Philly. Oh, and that also means that I'll be headed out of Philly to NYC on July 26th, then to Dakar, Senegal for a short lay-over, and then to Jo'burg. Can I add a cha-ching to that schedule...more Delta frequent flyer miles for me. I already have more than enough to take an international flight anywhere in the world...beautifully coveted frequent flyer miles!
Life is fine, fine as wine!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Peace Corps Nomination Party
Yours Truly
Me and the Parental Units after the Peace Corps "Nomination Party"Hey,
Today, my parents and I attended the annual Peace Corps "Nomination Party" hosted by the Chicago recruiting office, which was held at the Mexican Fine Arts Museum. The first part of the meeting included a question and answer section, where audience members (full of interested people, family members of currently serving volunteers, invitees who have already received their assignments, and those in the application process) asked questions of a former volunteer, her parents and another couple who's three children served. Very interesting.
Next, family members in the audience were asked to go to the front of the room and introduce themselves, as well as talk about their family members' assignments. I thought that my mother would be eating up their words, because she had her little pen and paper out to take notes. Well, I was kinda wrong, because instead of taking notes, she was doodling like a high schooler in 5th period American History class. Over dinner, I realized that she was actually paying attention, or at least she remembered enough to pretend like she was listening.
Once the parents were finished, and were handed a Peace Corps coffee mug, everyone in the audience who has received an invitation to serve, a project, and leave date, were asked to go to the front of the room and say: their name, program title, and departure date. There was one lady who called herself "older", one other African American female going some where in Eastern Europe, a bunch of seemingly recent college graduates, and an older married couple. Instead of getting cool coffee mugs (even though I don't drink coffee and prefer sweet iced tea...which is served in a nice tall glass), we were given a Peace Corps key chain and luggage tag. When I took my seat, I told my dad that I was happy I got the luggage tag, because that was $4.00 that I didn't have to spend...is Peace Corps making me cheap?
The president of the Chicago Returned Peace Corps Volunteer group spoke about her respective organization, and informed all of the invitees that the group awards grants for volunteer projects. I'll make sure to keep her number!
Finally, after the event was over with, I ran into one of the family members who stood up with the first group. She was a really nice African American lady whose 70 year old aunt is serving in the Peace Corps in a country close to South Africa. It was great talking to her, and look forward to connecting with the aunt while I'm serving...see, I'm already starting to make connections.
I'll keep you posted as more things occur...I guess this is a nice way to say I'm tired and sick of typing...so I'm going to practice looking at the back of my eyelids. Until next time!!!!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Packing Conversation (Part II)
As you may or may not know, I am a member of several Yahoo groups dedicated to Peace Corps. One group is for anyone interested in Peace Corps (current/returned PCV, interested, nominated, invited, applicants, you name it!), Returned Volunteers from South Africa, and others who have been invited to serve in South Africa (about 15 of us that we know of)...in short: peacecorps 2; [sa-RPCV]; and [sa2006pcts].
The [sa2006pcts] have made contact with current and former South Africa Volunteers in the [sa-RPCV] group, asking about everything under the sun, including packing advise and tips. Yesterday, I was reviewing all of the packing tips, which got me into the packing mood...my parents keep telling me not to wait until the last minute. After creating a list based off of what I've garnered, my mother so graciously ushered me around to a couple of different stores (Costco/Target) in order to get what I needed. After last night, I feel closer to being ready to hop on the plane...as well as closer to being broke...which isn't a good feeling...sooooo, if you feel like donating to the cause, I won't complain!
Remember, this is my tentative list...it sounds nice in theory when stuff is outside of my bag...but in the bag is another story. Also, many of these things are small...so right now, I have two nearly empty bags when all of the stuff is inside...but like I said, we'll see! I'll keep updating it until I leave for Staging. Things written in bright red still need to be purchased.
Toiletries (This section is complete)
Palmer's Cocoa butter (2 bottles)
Tooth brush (3)
Tooth brush holder (1)
Tooth paste (2)
Dental floss (2)
Retainers (2)
Suave roll-on (2)
Women's once-a-day vitamins (1)
Q-tips and cotton balls (1 box each)
Pumice stone (1)
Razor, plus razor heads (4)
Neosporin (1)
Rubbing Alcohol (1)
Hand Sanitizer (1)
Sewing Kit w/ extra needles (1)
Safety Pins
Lent brush (1)
Mini tissue packs (8)
Cherry chap stick (6...to feed my addiction)
Body soap (4 bars)
Noxema face bars (3)
Soap container (2)
Sanitary napkins (an heir and a spare package)
Brush (1)
Ponytail holders (lots...to manage what months of missed hair cuts will not)
Bobby pins (lots...to strap down my thick hair)
Shampoo (need)
Conditioner (1)
Tide (small bottle)
Handy wipes (1 package)
Fingernail clippers
Make-up (limited...I don't wear it much here and don't think I'll pick up on the trend there)
Tweezers (not for the eye brows)
Small mirror
Loofah
Glasses (2 pair per Peace Corps' request)
Glasses cleaner (3...I loose them)
Glasses repair kit (need)
Sunglasses
3 month supply of perscriptions (per Peace Corps' request)
Packing/Camping Gear
Compass (to guide me to the nearest Nando's)
Osprey Arial 65 camping pack
Large suitcase
Book bag
Books (hopefully you generous people will buy a book for me off of my wish list)
Bag locks
Water proof backpack cover
Tent
Ziploc bags (gallon/sandwich size)
Nalgene water bottle (2- one wide mouth and one small mouth)
LED flash light
Sleeping bag
Full size bed sheets
Pillow
Laundry bag
Towel set
Scissors
Entertainment
iPod
Lonely Planet South Africa guide book
Lonely Planet Southern Africa guide book
Solio solar charger for phones and iPod
iPod speakers
Back up battery pack
Ear buds
Map of the world
Laptop
Back up battery
Rechargable Batteries
Cell phone (unlocked 900/1800 band)
Thumbnail drive
System back up disks
Digital camera
Camera batteries (2)
Memory cards (2)
Scrabble
Playing Cards (3-4 decks...Uno too...even though I don't remember how to play)
Pictures (My dad and I are going to look through the volumes of pictures we have and put them on disk...to be printed out soon)
Soccer ball (for host family children)
Atlanta and Chicago memorabilia (for host family)
Index Cards (for language training)
Pens/Pencils
Sharpie Markers
Note pads
Envelopes
Journal (to write everything I won't put on my blog)
Clothes (Yet to be determined...but I already own what I'm bringing)
Northface Fleece (Polkadot Pink)
Black Jacket (1)
Marmot Waterproof Jacket (1)
Gloves
Scarf
Hat
Long johns (2)
Sports socks (16)
Dress socks (black/brown)
Thermal socks (2...damn...I'm bringing a lot of socks!)
Workout pants (1)
The [sa2006pcts] have made contact with current and former South Africa Volunteers in the [sa-RPCV] group, asking about everything under the sun, including packing advise and tips. Yesterday, I was reviewing all of the packing tips, which got me into the packing mood...my parents keep telling me not to wait until the last minute. After creating a list based off of what I've garnered, my mother so graciously ushered me around to a couple of different stores (Costco/Target) in order to get what I needed. After last night, I feel closer to being ready to hop on the plane...as well as closer to being broke...which isn't a good feeling...sooooo, if you feel like donating to the cause, I won't complain!
Remember, this is my tentative list...it sounds nice in theory when stuff is outside of my bag...but in the bag is another story. Also, many of these things are small...so right now, I have two nearly empty bags when all of the stuff is inside...but like I said, we'll see! I'll keep updating it until I leave for Staging. Things written in bright red still need to be purchased.
Toiletries (This section is complete)
Palmer's Cocoa butter (2 bottles)
Tooth brush (3)
Tooth brush holder (1)
Tooth paste (2)
Dental floss (2)
Retainers (2)
Suave roll-on (2)
Women's once-a-day vitamins (1)
Q-tips and cotton balls (1 box each)
Pumice stone (1)
Razor, plus razor heads (4)
Neosporin (1)
Rubbing Alcohol (1)
Hand Sanitizer (1)
Sewing Kit w/ extra needles (1)
Safety Pins
Lent brush (1)
Mini tissue packs (8)
Cherry chap stick (6...to feed my addiction)
Body soap (4 bars)
Noxema face bars (3)
Soap container (2)
Sanitary napkins (an heir and a spare package)
Brush (1)
Ponytail holders (lots...to manage what months of missed hair cuts will not)
Bobby pins (lots...to strap down my thick hair)
Shampoo (need)
Conditioner (1)
Tide (small bottle)
Handy wipes (1 package)
Fingernail clippers
Make-up (limited...I don't wear it much here and don't think I'll pick up on the trend there)
Tweezers (not for the eye brows)
Small mirror
Loofah
Glasses (2 pair per Peace Corps' request)
Glasses cleaner (3...I loose them)
Glasses repair kit (need)
Sunglasses
3 month supply of perscriptions (per Peace Corps' request)
Packing/Camping Gear
Compass (to guide me to the nearest Nando's)
Osprey Arial 65 camping pack
Large suitcase
Book bag
Books (hopefully you generous people will buy a book for me off of my wish list)
Bag locks
Water proof backpack cover
Tent
Ziploc bags (gallon/sandwich size)
Nalgene water bottle (2- one wide mouth and one small mouth)
LED flash light
Sleeping bag
Full size bed sheets
Pillow
Laundry bag
Towel set
Scissors
Entertainment
iPod
Lonely Planet South Africa guide book
Lonely Planet Southern Africa guide book
Solio solar charger for phones and iPod
iPod speakers
Back up battery pack
Ear buds
Map of the world
Laptop
Back up battery
Rechargable Batteries
Cell phone (unlocked 900/1800 band)
Thumbnail drive
System back up disks
Digital camera
Camera batteries (2)
Memory cards (2)
Scrabble
Playing Cards (3-4 decks...Uno too...even though I don't remember how to play)
Pictures (My dad and I are going to look through the volumes of pictures we have and put them on disk...to be printed out soon)
Soccer ball (for host family children)
Atlanta and Chicago memorabilia (for host family)
Index Cards (for language training)
Pens/Pencils
Sharpie Markers
Note pads
Envelopes
Journal (to write everything I won't put on my blog)
Clothes (Yet to be determined...but I already own what I'm bringing)
Northface Fleece (Polkadot Pink)
Black Jacket (1)
Marmot Waterproof Jacket (1)
Gloves
Scarf
Hat
Long johns (2)
Sports socks (16)
Dress socks (black/brown)
Thermal socks (2...damn...I'm bringing a lot of socks!)
Workout pants (1)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
I'll miss you most of all...Stinky Stinky Fat Cupcakes!
I knew that you were mine even before I met you at six weeks old. I met you, along with your birth mom, brothers and sisters. I said to myself: I wanted you to choose me. There was a really cute puppy that I just knew would be mine, but as usual, you want what you want when you want it. As I was holding this sweet ray of sunshine, I felt you tugging at my shoe strings...it was love at first sight!Fast forward through your puppy years: your childhood friend Cowboy, sliding into the beveled glass window a few times, running away only to return at 4 am the next morning without your collar on, loosing your puppy teeth, jumping in the Chattahoochee River (stand up fool, stand up), and so many other memories.
You watched me go away to college. I watched you take your first plane trip to Chicago. You watched me through the windows by the front door as I'd get in the cab headed for a flight back to Atlanta. I've watched you as you bark, kick, and scratch while you're asleep.
Now you're a senior citizen, a card carrying AARP member, leaky potty boy, calm, cool, collected, distinguished gentleman. I love you and I'll miss you when I'm away! Hold it down in the Chi my boy!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Take a tour of the S.S. Jay-P...check!
Ladies, this is how you do it: Have him cookin' you breakfast with a smile! Whip that batter Jay-Pee...and I want some bacon and eggs too!
And the rest of the night was a blur!
Me and Jay-Pee out with Mary and AJ at the RamYou're back...I guess that means you want to hear more about what I've been up to...with only a few weeks remaining before the big move to ZA! If you remember the agenda that I included a few posts ago...you would know that this weekend I was in Tacoma, Washington, visiting my friend Sunday School Jay-Pee (the S.S. Jay-Pee for short)! If I could sum my trip up in a word (which I don't think is possible): Wow (for everyone); "Be my bass...a boom boom" (for Jay-Pee). I knew he was cool (from the many, many, many conversations we've had), but he is even better in person! We laughed, ate (he cooked pancakes, bacon, and eggs one morning and a noodle, broccoli, and chicken dish after I requested that we eat a meal with veggies), went drinking with AJ and Mary, worked on little to no sleep, hung out with (his) friends and family, listened to a lot of music, did the SpongeBob Squarepants dance (me) and the extra special E-40 dance (him), saw "The Break Up" and had to wait in the movie theater parking lot while Jay-Pee locked me out of the car and drove around just for a few laughs, played cards with Uncle Zack and Michele (and got a beating...thanks a lot Jay-Pee), watched the "Pink Gloves" play and win, gave a personalized-midnight concert, laughed and listened to him play the trumpet at 3 am while everyone in the house was asleep, went to Seattle and watched a neuvo-Janice Joplin dance to a live blues band, and laughed a whole lot more!
Why is it that time seems to move so quickly when you're having sooo much fun? Before I knew it, my long weekend was up (Friday-Sunday), and was dreading the thought (or reality) of leaving...which is why I'm very, very happy that it worked out that I stayed until today...and had even more funny experiences! Hopefully, I'll be able to make an extra trip out there for more fun in the sun...well, overcast sky and light drizzle. If I didn't have to go back to work...I'd still be there...but alas...all things must come to an end...but not in this case...it's just the beginning!
Wanna hear some of the music we listened to? (PBJ...you're teasin' me...lol)
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