Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Staging....finalmente!
Hey everybody-
I've finally reached Philly after catching a 6:30 am flight! Yes, that meant that I had to get up (if I ever really went to sleep in the first place) at 3:00 am and be out of the house by 4:15 am to get to O'Hare. Just prior to leaving, my mom, dad, and dog took our last pictures and then lugged my overweight luggage to the car. I got to the airport and finally, it was time to say goodbye to the two most important people in my life...my parental units. Although I tried to keep a stiff upper lip throughout the entire process, it really hit me that I would be saying my final goodbyes for a while. I know, I know, I'm not dying or anything, it's just the Peace Corps. However, I was informed that during the two month Pre-Service Training, I would not have internet or phone service. I've never gone that long without a word from them. I know, however, that we will all pull through and be much stronger when it is all over and done with.
So now I'm in Philly, meeting new faces and finally meeting the people in my Yahoo group. I've sat through informational sessions and have signed my life away to Peace Corps for the next two years. I've now transitioned from an Invitee to a Peace Corps Trainee (PCT). In September, I will be sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer. I'm still not clear as to what I'll be doing and where I'll be going, but I'll make sure to keep you posted.
I know this entry isn't the most spicy bit of gossip (Jay-Pee), but I'm dog tired and have to wake up at the crack of dawn to meet up for another informational session. Wish me luck! I'm not sure when I'll be on next....maybe I'll get a chance tomorrow, but if not...you'll hear from me in a couple of months.
Ya'll come back now, ya here?!
I've finally reached Philly after catching a 6:30 am flight! Yes, that meant that I had to get up (if I ever really went to sleep in the first place) at 3:00 am and be out of the house by 4:15 am to get to O'Hare. Just prior to leaving, my mom, dad, and dog took our last pictures and then lugged my overweight luggage to the car. I got to the airport and finally, it was time to say goodbye to the two most important people in my life...my parental units. Although I tried to keep a stiff upper lip throughout the entire process, it really hit me that I would be saying my final goodbyes for a while. I know, I know, I'm not dying or anything, it's just the Peace Corps. However, I was informed that during the two month Pre-Service Training, I would not have internet or phone service. I've never gone that long without a word from them. I know, however, that we will all pull through and be much stronger when it is all over and done with.
So now I'm in Philly, meeting new faces and finally meeting the people in my Yahoo group. I've sat through informational sessions and have signed my life away to Peace Corps for the next two years. I've now transitioned from an Invitee to a Peace Corps Trainee (PCT). In September, I will be sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer. I'm still not clear as to what I'll be doing and where I'll be going, but I'll make sure to keep you posted.
I know this entry isn't the most spicy bit of gossip (Jay-Pee), but I'm dog tired and have to wake up at the crack of dawn to meet up for another informational session. Wish me luck! I'm not sure when I'll be on next....maybe I'll get a chance tomorrow, but if not...you'll hear from me in a couple of months.
Ya'll come back now, ya here?!
Friday, July 21, 2006
A different kind of packing list....
Wow,
I can't believe that I only have three more days until I head off to the Peace Corps-South Africa staging event. A few months back...oh, let's just say March...I was wondering if I would even have the opportunity to serve. Now, I sit in my wreckage of a room contemplating exactly which sweater to bring and which shoes to leave behind. I keep packing and repacking my bag, hoping that the next time, my suit case zipper will actually close. In some strange way, I feel as though I'm trying to pack my life up in my bags (2 bags hopefully equaling approximately 80 lbs by the time I'm done) so that I'll have everything I think I'll need for a two year stint in an undisclosed location, hoping that I don't leave anything important behind. Inevitably, however, some things will come with me and some things will stay. Maybe I'll forget about that really cute skirt that I wore to that fabulous party in Bucktown, and be so excited when we're finally reunited once I return home. I wonder if that blue blouse with the black dots will even be in style in 2008 (oh, but trust, quality never goes out of style). On the other hand, maybe I'll pine away for those b.a. (mom that's for you) maroon pumps with the zebra tipped toes (no animal lovers...no zebras were harmed in this commercial), and in my first care package from home, they will so kindly be included. Either way, my packing must continue and I'll keep trying until I make it right...hopefully, I'll be reunited with my pumps and all of the other things I left behind soon (granted that no moths eat them, no one else decides to wear them, and I can still find them after being in storage for so long)...12 months is it?
Back to packing........
I can't believe that I only have three more days until I head off to the Peace Corps-South Africa staging event. A few months back...oh, let's just say March...I was wondering if I would even have the opportunity to serve. Now, I sit in my wreckage of a room contemplating exactly which sweater to bring and which shoes to leave behind. I keep packing and repacking my bag, hoping that the next time, my suit case zipper will actually close. In some strange way, I feel as though I'm trying to pack my life up in my bags (2 bags hopefully equaling approximately 80 lbs by the time I'm done) so that I'll have everything I think I'll need for a two year stint in an undisclosed location, hoping that I don't leave anything important behind. Inevitably, however, some things will come with me and some things will stay. Maybe I'll forget about that really cute skirt that I wore to that fabulous party in Bucktown, and be so excited when we're finally reunited once I return home. I wonder if that blue blouse with the black dots will even be in style in 2008 (oh, but trust, quality never goes out of style). On the other hand, maybe I'll pine away for those b.a. (mom that's for you) maroon pumps with the zebra tipped toes (no animal lovers...no zebras were harmed in this commercial), and in my first care package from home, they will so kindly be included. Either way, my packing must continue and I'll keep trying until I make it right...hopefully, I'll be reunited with my pumps and all of the other things I left behind soon (granted that no moths eat them, no one else decides to wear them, and I can still find them after being in storage for so long)...12 months is it?
Back to packing........
Monday, July 17, 2006
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3.....
Hello Everyone-
I've recently received word from the Peace Corps "South Africa Desk" about how and where to contact me while I'm gone...at least for the first two months. When I get word of my permanent site address, I'll make sure to post it. Please feel free to contact me as much (I need letters and care packages people) as you want! I love receiving mail in the states, so this aspect of my being won't change once I'm in South Africa!!!
At least for the first two months of Pre-Service Training, there may or may not be regular communication with me. Yes, I know you're distraught by this news...limited telephone calls, letters, emails, and blog entries...but trust me, it will all work out! When the opportunity presents itself, I'll get a cell phone. If you want the number, email me or contact my parental units.
Ahhh....letters and packages! From prior experience, letters generally take two to four weeks to arrive (more like 3 weeks). If you're expecting a letter from my end, be patient, it should arrive soon (hopefully)! Number each letter/package that you send, so we can collectively know if the mail service (both US and South African) is working in our favor.
If you're planning to send a letter during Pre-Service Training, send it to:
I've recently received word from the Peace Corps "South Africa Desk" about how and where to contact me while I'm gone...at least for the first two months. When I get word of my permanent site address, I'll make sure to post it. Please feel free to contact me as much (I need letters and care packages people) as you want! I love receiving mail in the states, so this aspect of my being won't change once I'm in South Africa!!!
At least for the first two months of Pre-Service Training, there may or may not be regular communication with me. Yes, I know you're distraught by this news...limited telephone calls, letters, emails, and blog entries...but trust me, it will all work out! When the opportunity presents itself, I'll get a cell phone. If you want the number, email me or contact my parental units.
Ahhh....letters and packages! From prior experience, letters generally take two to four weeks to arrive (more like 3 weeks). If you're expecting a letter from my end, be patient, it should arrive soon (hopefully)! Number each letter/package that you send, so we can collectively know if the mail service (both US and South African) is working in our favor.
If you're planning to send a letter during Pre-Service Training, send it to:
Danielle D. Morris, PCV
U.S. Peace Corps
P.O.Box 9536
Pretoria 0001
South Africa
Leah Berkowitz, co/U.S. Peace Corps
Danielle D. Morris, PCV
126 Verdoorn St
Sunnyside, Pretoria
South Africa
DHL will need the telephone number to Peace Corps South Africa: 01127123444255
DHL will need the telephone number to Peace Corps South Africa: 01127123444255
Well, that's all for now! Later Skater!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Live it up, we could go crazy, live it up, you and me baby...live it up, live it up, live it up!
Hey There-
Long time no see (read)! If you've been following along with the misguided adventures of Dani-Mo, you'd already know that I've been working very hard at having as much fun as possible with family members and friends. Towards the beginning of this month, I had the opportunity to hang out with my Sunday School homeboy Jermaine and his family in Chicago. If I had to pick out the most exciting thing we did, it would be the self-guided tour of the Taste of Chicago, dancing in the park, and getting soaked at Millennium Park (Ok, I know that was more than one thing..more like a list...but it all happened in the same day...so that counts, right?). As a side note, if you've never been to Chicago in the summer time, it is a must do! The city is colder than a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ on a _ _ _ _ _ _ _(fill in the blank) for most of the year, but right along with everything else in nature, it comes alive during the spring and summer months!
On July 3rd, I headed off to the great city of Atlanta, my home town! Getting together and laughing with my family and friends on the 4th of July is something I will always treasure. Ok...here's another side note...every once in a while, when talking to a person who has been in/is in/interested in the Peace Corps, you'll hear about how difficult it is/was to convince family members and friends that joining Peace Corps is better than the many alternatives: not joining Peace Corps, getting a "real job", going off to school, etc. In some situations, parents/friends/significant others believe that they know what is best for the individual, and refuse to accept anything outside of the box they have created. For anyone experiencing this situation, I offer up my full support and encouragement to follow your heart!
I guess that I've been on the lucky end of the spectrum, where I've received nothing less than everyone's full support, regardless of if they understand my decision or not. While I know that I will be miss tremendously, everyone...including the most unlikely characters, know that this is my dream and that it will propel me forward in a positive direction. As I spent time with my friends and family in Atlanta and Chicago, I was enveloped with love and sent along knowing that I have the best support system! I love you all!
Currently, I'm in the midst of livin' it up in Tacoma with my homie Jay-Pee. Thus far, I've been to a couple of high school/AAU basketball games, cook outs, a Rainiers baseball game, a day at and around the Experience Music Project, played a game of Mafia, several games of Spades, watched The Devil Wears Prada, laughed, talked, and laughed a whole lot more! Every time we hang out, there's always something fun going on. I've concluded that good times come along with his infectious personality!I'm constantly reminded of why we are so cool...we're opposites, but ironically, we're soooo similar! Well, anyway, I'm sure that once this trip is (sadly) over, I'll have more to post.
When the opportunity presents itself, I'll make sure to post some crazy pictures!
Long time no see (read)! If you've been following along with the misguided adventures of Dani-Mo, you'd already know that I've been working very hard at having as much fun as possible with family members and friends. Towards the beginning of this month, I had the opportunity to hang out with my Sunday School homeboy Jermaine and his family in Chicago. If I had to pick out the most exciting thing we did, it would be the self-guided tour of the Taste of Chicago, dancing in the park, and getting soaked at Millennium Park (Ok, I know that was more than one thing..more like a list...but it all happened in the same day...so that counts, right?). As a side note, if you've never been to Chicago in the summer time, it is a must do! The city is colder than a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ on a _ _ _ _ _ _ _(fill in the blank) for most of the year, but right along with everything else in nature, it comes alive during the spring and summer months!
On July 3rd, I headed off to the great city of Atlanta, my home town! Getting together and laughing with my family and friends on the 4th of July is something I will always treasure. Ok...here's another side note...every once in a while, when talking to a person who has been in/is in/interested in the Peace Corps, you'll hear about how difficult it is/was to convince family members and friends that joining Peace Corps is better than the many alternatives: not joining Peace Corps, getting a "real job", going off to school, etc. In some situations, parents/friends/significant others believe that they know what is best for the individual, and refuse to accept anything outside of the box they have created. For anyone experiencing this situation, I offer up my full support and encouragement to follow your heart!
I guess that I've been on the lucky end of the spectrum, where I've received nothing less than everyone's full support, regardless of if they understand my decision or not. While I know that I will be miss tremendously, everyone...including the most unlikely characters, know that this is my dream and that it will propel me forward in a positive direction. As I spent time with my friends and family in Atlanta and Chicago, I was enveloped with love and sent along knowing that I have the best support system! I love you all!
Currently, I'm in the midst of livin' it up in Tacoma with my homie Jay-Pee. Thus far, I've been to a couple of high school/AAU basketball games, cook outs, a Rainiers baseball game, a day at and around the Experience Music Project, played a game of Mafia, several games of Spades, watched The Devil Wears Prada, laughed, talked, and laughed a whole lot more! Every time we hang out, there's always something fun going on. I've concluded that good times come along with his infectious personality!I'm constantly reminded of why we are so cool...we're opposites, but ironically, we're soooo similar! Well, anyway, I'm sure that once this trip is (sadly) over, I'll have more to post.
When the opportunity presents itself, I'll make sure to post some crazy pictures!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
