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...

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 :)

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