Well, I am officially home sweet home in Chicago until I leave for Paraguay in February. I was in Denver for 5.5 months, the longest I have been away from home yet. While there were so many days I wished I was back in Chicago with the comforts of home and my friends, I wouldn't trade the last 5 months for anything.
Here are some of the high points (in no particular order):
-Living with Jill and Paul. Easily 2 of the greatest people ever. I am so glad I got to know them better and now consider them to be some of my best friends!
-Getting to know Ingrid, Jeff, and Kate better. I have the coolest cousins on this Earth. Guaranteed.
-Working for a major league baseball team. Has always been a dream of mine, and I can say I've done it! And who knows, maybe in a couple years I'll be back :)
-Going to see the John Butler Trio at Red Rocks!! Amazing concert venue!
-Learning to (sort of) like cats.
-Summer weekend in Breckenridge.
-Visits from Baker, Alli, and Becky! You guys are da bestest!
-Making new friends at the Rockies - some of whom I really hope to stay in touch with! They are some cool cats.
-The late nights of singing and wine drinking with Jill and Paul. Always spur of the moment, always amazing, always woke up exhausted but happy the next day.
-The Rockies Holiday Party! So fun! Minus the fact there were no Hanukkah cookies... ;)
I know I am missing a lot, but those are the things that really stick out. Overall it was a great time, and Denver officially holds a special place in my heart.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Thankful
The past few weeks have been a blast! The weekend before Thanksgiving, one of my best friends came to visit! I didn't have much planned, but we managed to have a great time. We met up with an old bartender from Illinois on Friday night and got a litttllllleeee too rowdy at the local townie bar. Then Saturday (once we were done being hungover) we went to Red Rocks and hiked around a bit. It was beautiful there! And we saw two deer mating, which was pretty hilarious. Saturday night we just relaxed and watched a movie. Then Sunday we did the Coors brewery tour, met some funny people, and then I went and dropped her off at the airport. It wasn't an action packed weekend, but great to see someone from home :)
Beautiful day at red rocks
Becky climbing the rocks
That following Wednesday, I flew to STL to meet up with family for what was my last Thanksgiving in the states for a couple years. Thanksgiving is absolutely my favorite day of the year, so I am so glad I got to see my fam and go out with a bang. We went to my aunt and uncles house on a small lake, did a mini olympics, talked, laughed, ate, drank, sang and danced. By the end of the night, I think about 30 family members were in attendance. I love those guys so much, so it was great to have one last big hurrah with all of them.
Last Zaideman family pic for a while
Karaoke contest!
Now I am back in Denver. I have gone back to working 5 days a week (finally, my wallet was suffering big time). Jill and Paul are gone for 10 days in Colombia, so it will be a pretty slow week. Next week is the Rockies Christmas party, which I am definitely looking forward to! Not much better than free food and booze with friends. Then Jill and Paul get home on Sunday. We will have 6 jam packed days of work and checking things off the bucket list, and then I will head back to Chicago 2 weeks from today. While I am ready to get home to my family and friends, I really will miss Denver. I have had a great time here. But -- I am ready to get back to my normal social life, see the Zaideman family who I haven't seen in almost 6 months! (my little cuz Sam has to be SO big by now!), and get all my things ready for Paraguay. Just over 2 months left until I leave!!
Until next time...
That following Wednesday, I flew to STL to meet up with family for what was my last Thanksgiving in the states for a couple years. Thanksgiving is absolutely my favorite day of the year, so I am so glad I got to see my fam and go out with a bang. We went to my aunt and uncles house on a small lake, did a mini olympics, talked, laughed, ate, drank, sang and danced. By the end of the night, I think about 30 family members were in attendance. I love those guys so much, so it was great to have one last big hurrah with all of them.
Now I am back in Denver. I have gone back to working 5 days a week (finally, my wallet was suffering big time). Jill and Paul are gone for 10 days in Colombia, so it will be a pretty slow week. Next week is the Rockies Christmas party, which I am definitely looking forward to! Not much better than free food and booze with friends. Then Jill and Paul get home on Sunday. We will have 6 jam packed days of work and checking things off the bucket list, and then I will head back to Chicago 2 weeks from today. While I am ready to get home to my family and friends, I really will miss Denver. I have had a great time here. But -- I am ready to get back to my normal social life, see the Zaideman family who I haven't seen in almost 6 months! (my little cuz Sam has to be SO big by now!), and get all my things ready for Paraguay. Just over 2 months left until I leave!!
Until next time...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Volunteer Discounts!
So I don't know if I was the only one who didn't know about this, but in case there is another person like me out there who was veryyyyy curious as to how their bank account was going to survive all the purchases necessary to prepare yourself for the Peace Corps, here you go!
http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Volunteer_discounts
happy shopping :)
http://www.peacecorpswiki.org/Volunteer_discounts
happy shopping :)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Big Sky and Day Dreaming
This past weekend I went to Montana with my family, or the land of big sky. It isn't my faaaavorite place ever, but great to get away and have a nice and relaxing weekend with the fam. Our house there really does have the most incredible views, and watching the deer cross the river or the bald eagle fly from tree to tree is a great way to pass the time. That was the last time my family will be together as just the 4 of us for a looooong time. We will all be at Thanksgiving together, but so will 10+ other members of our family. My brother is headed to Israel in early December and is planning on staying there for 6 months and then doing some traveling afterwards. By the time he gets home, I will be long gone to Paraguay. I know my parents are planning on visiting me, but who knows what my bro will be up to! anywho, enough rambling, it was overall a great weekend.
In Montana, I had lots of time to think. Recently, I have found myself constantly thinking about the Peace Corps. I am always stalking the PC blog page, browsing online for shoes/clothes/gadgets I want to buy, or imagine what my life will be like there. I think about the projects I might be working on, and the difference I can make in people's lives. Usually, about 30 minutes into this day dream, i will slap myself in the face and remind myself that I still have 100+ days until I leave and I need to appreciate my time here in the US! Seriously though, I really need to start making a conscious effort to be present. I think part of the problem is that in Denver, I haven't made that many long lasting friends, so I have lots more free time on my hands. I live with my cousins who are always doing fun things so I choose to hang out with them rather than other people. Plus, knowing that I am leaving soon doesn't really motivate me to go out and such, so instead I pass the weekends daydreaming. I think this week i am going to make a bucket list for the rest of my time in the states. The people I want to be sure I see, the things I want to be sure to do, and appreciate all the luxuries that will soon be gone. I definitely do not want to look back on this time and wish I would have spent more time with the people I care about the most!
Until next time...
In Montana, I had lots of time to think. Recently, I have found myself constantly thinking about the Peace Corps. I am always stalking the PC blog page, browsing online for shoes/clothes/gadgets I want to buy, or imagine what my life will be like there. I think about the projects I might be working on, and the difference I can make in people's lives. Usually, about 30 minutes into this day dream, i will slap myself in the face and remind myself that I still have 100+ days until I leave and I need to appreciate my time here in the US! Seriously though, I really need to start making a conscious effort to be present. I think part of the problem is that in Denver, I haven't made that many long lasting friends, so I have lots more free time on my hands. I live with my cousins who are always doing fun things so I choose to hang out with them rather than other people. Plus, knowing that I am leaving soon doesn't really motivate me to go out and such, so instead I pass the weekends daydreaming. I think this week i am going to make a bucket list for the rest of my time in the states. The people I want to be sure I see, the things I want to be sure to do, and appreciate all the luxuries that will soon be gone. I definitely do not want to look back on this time and wish I would have spent more time with the people I care about the most!
Until next time...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
To all you current volunteers... Help!
Since I have registered my blog with the Peace Corps blog page , the number of views has increased significantly. hopefully, some of you current volunteers will see this!!
I need to start buying things for Paraguay... A backpacking back pack, sleeping bag, clothes, shoes, etc. Do you have suggestions on products and/or brands that you have found useful?? Things you wish you would have brought but didn't think of? or things that you brought and later realized you really didn't need? any suggestions are welcome and will be well received!!
Thanks :)
I need to start buying things for Paraguay... A backpacking back pack, sleeping bag, clothes, shoes, etc. Do you have suggestions on products and/or brands that you have found useful?? Things you wish you would have brought but didn't think of? or things that you brought and later realized you really didn't need? any suggestions are welcome and will be well received!!
Thanks :)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Random Thought
In reading people's blogs from Paraguay, I am realizing that for the entire duration of my 27 months there, I will likely never see a porcelain toilet. Therefore, I vow to enjoy my toilet every time I use it for the next hundred and something days. And take as many hot showers as possible.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend! haha
Hope you all have a lovely weekend! haha
Thursday, September 22, 2011
FAQs
Hello there--
So since my announcement that I will be leaving the US for 27 months, I have received many interesting reactions. Awesome! Why?? Are you Insane?? How are you going to keep up with reality television?? (the last one I definitely receive the most...) Anywho, this is a post to help clear some things up. Enjoy!
Where: I will be in Paraguay (see map on right side of the page). One of two landlocked countries in South America. I will be in the capital, Asuncion, for the first 3 months for training, and then be off to my side (TBD) for 2 years.
When: Leaving February 8, 2012 and coming home late April, 2014. Although the world cup is happening in Brazil the summer of 2014, so maybe I'll hang around in South America for an extra couple of months to experience that! Who knows...
Why: This is definitely one of the most frequent questions... and it is divided into 3 parts.
1 - For an adventure! I have worked a few desk jobs in my day, and while I easily may end up with one in the long run, that isn't what I am looking for right now. I want to experience new cultures, meet new people, and encounter surprises on a daily basis. While I do love the US, there is nothing quite like traveling the world and learning something new and interesting every day.
2 - To help people. This partially goes along with reason #1. While working in marketing or sales or whatever the hell I would be doing had this not come through do have a cultural impact, I don't think they will be as rewarding as the impact I hope to have as a Peace Corps volunteer
3 - To challenge myself. I am well aware of what a privileged life I have had the luxury of living. Grew up in the suburbs, great education, grocery stores with everything to choose from, hot showers at any given moment, the list goes on... Who am I when I strip away those luxuries? What do I really need to be happy. It's about time I figure that stuff out.
What is the schedule Like? Peace Corps is definitely not a 9-5 job. You are representing the US and Peace Corps around the clock. That being said, it's not like all hours of the day I will be leading seminars and building wells. A lot of the job is building relationships and immersing yourself in the culture. It is very important to gain the respect of the community and understand their needs before jumping into projects. Also, you get 2 vacation days per month. The only limitations are that you can't travel the first 6 or the last 3 months. Visitors are welcome (**hint hint**) :) Some volunteers do travel home at some point, but I am hoping not to do that.
How can I stay in touch? Each volunteer is given a cell phone, and for you all in the US, the regular rates will apply. So that is easy! I should also have limited internet access at cafes and such, so emails/facebook/twitter/skype will all work as well. The most reliable and consistent method will be snail mail though. It takes a while, but no need to depend on electricity and such for that.
Hope that answers some of the basic questions. If you have any other basic questions for me, comment away! If I get enough, I will do a FAQ part 2. And if not, I will respond to you individually :)
Besos!
So since my announcement that I will be leaving the US for 27 months, I have received many interesting reactions. Awesome! Why?? Are you Insane?? How are you going to keep up with reality television?? (the last one I definitely receive the most...) Anywho, this is a post to help clear some things up. Enjoy!
Where: I will be in Paraguay (see map on right side of the page). One of two landlocked countries in South America. I will be in the capital, Asuncion, for the first 3 months for training, and then be off to my side (TBD) for 2 years.
When: Leaving February 8, 2012 and coming home late April, 2014. Although the world cup is happening in Brazil the summer of 2014, so maybe I'll hang around in South America for an extra couple of months to experience that! Who knows...
Why: This is definitely one of the most frequent questions... and it is divided into 3 parts.
1 - For an adventure! I have worked a few desk jobs in my day, and while I easily may end up with one in the long run, that isn't what I am looking for right now. I want to experience new cultures, meet new people, and encounter surprises on a daily basis. While I do love the US, there is nothing quite like traveling the world and learning something new and interesting every day.
2 - To help people. This partially goes along with reason #1. While working in marketing or sales or whatever the hell I would be doing had this not come through do have a cultural impact, I don't think they will be as rewarding as the impact I hope to have as a Peace Corps volunteer
3 - To challenge myself. I am well aware of what a privileged life I have had the luxury of living. Grew up in the suburbs, great education, grocery stores with everything to choose from, hot showers at any given moment, the list goes on... Who am I when I strip away those luxuries? What do I really need to be happy. It's about time I figure that stuff out.
What is the schedule Like? Peace Corps is definitely not a 9-5 job. You are representing the US and Peace Corps around the clock. That being said, it's not like all hours of the day I will be leading seminars and building wells. A lot of the job is building relationships and immersing yourself in the culture. It is very important to gain the respect of the community and understand their needs before jumping into projects. Also, you get 2 vacation days per month. The only limitations are that you can't travel the first 6 or the last 3 months. Visitors are welcome (**hint hint**) :) Some volunteers do travel home at some point, but I am hoping not to do that.
How can I stay in touch? Each volunteer is given a cell phone, and for you all in the US, the regular rates will apply. So that is easy! I should also have limited internet access at cafes and such, so emails/facebook/twitter/skype will all work as well. The most reliable and consistent method will be snail mail though. It takes a while, but no need to depend on electricity and such for that.
Hope that answers some of the basic questions. If you have any other basic questions for me, comment away! If I get enough, I will do a FAQ part 2. And if not, I will respond to you individually :)
Besos!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Let the Journey Begin!
Hello peeps-
Well as most of you know, this blog has been a long time coming! The application process took just under a year, but it’s finally official! I am going to be a Rural Health and Sanitation Extensionist with the Peace Corps in Paraguay starting February 8, 2012!!! YAHOOOOOO!!! After a summer full of ups, downs, excitement, and anticipation, I am SO glad to finally know what I will be doing for the next couple of years.
As a volunteer, I will likely be living in a small village in rural Paraguay helping them get clean water, learn environmentally friendly waste management practices(go ahead, let the poop jokes begin), and educate the community on health topics ranging from general dental care to HIV/AIDS prevention. Once I am able to assess what the community needs assistance with, I am hoping to get involved in some youth activities and maybe some English classes or leadership seminars. There are 3 months of intensive language/technical training in the capital, Asuncion, and then I will be on my own at my site for the following 2 years. Should be challenging and full of ups and downs, but I am hoping to come out the other side with a very rewarding experience, new friends and family, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Not much else to say until I leave for Paraguay, so don’t expect any updates until February. I am planning on staying in Denver until Christmas, and then will head home for 6 weeks to tie up all the loose ends and say my goodbyes. I am hoping to see all of you before I leave, and I will definitely plan some sort of going away bash!
Keep in touch!
Emily
Well as most of you know, this blog has been a long time coming! The application process took just under a year, but it’s finally official! I am going to be a Rural Health and Sanitation Extensionist with the Peace Corps in Paraguay starting February 8, 2012!!! YAHOOOOOO!!! After a summer full of ups, downs, excitement, and anticipation, I am SO glad to finally know what I will be doing for the next couple of years.
As a volunteer, I will likely be living in a small village in rural Paraguay helping them get clean water, learn environmentally friendly waste management practices(go ahead, let the poop jokes begin), and educate the community on health topics ranging from general dental care to HIV/AIDS prevention. Once I am able to assess what the community needs assistance with, I am hoping to get involved in some youth activities and maybe some English classes or leadership seminars. There are 3 months of intensive language/technical training in the capital, Asuncion, and then I will be on my own at my site for the following 2 years. Should be challenging and full of ups and downs, but I am hoping to come out the other side with a very rewarding experience, new friends and family, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Not much else to say until I leave for Paraguay, so don’t expect any updates until February. I am planning on staying in Denver until Christmas, and then will head home for 6 weeks to tie up all the loose ends and say my goodbyes. I am hoping to see all of you before I leave, and I will definitely plan some sort of going away bash!
Keep in touch!
Emily
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