Hello from NOLA

While I was trapped in the car for five days I had plenty of time to think about just how much I love NCCC. Under a month ago I was in San Fran and now know I'm on the other side of the world in New Orleans. We made some stops at several one horse towns to get here and had a few team stand offs but we made it alive and still willing to hang out with each other. Amazing.

We did however have a few interesting moments. In between Lordsburg and Sonoro we had to drive along the Mexican border for about 80 miles...literally right next to it. As Nccc we are only allowed to drive two hours before switching drivers and safeties. So there we were driving through Texas absolute nothingness as we edged up on our two hour limit. The next gas station was thirty to forty minutes away and we HAD to change. Just then we blazed passed a "picnic area ahead" sign. Unfortunately we missed the last chance picnic stop and had to do what everyone...mostly just Eric feared most-driver change on the side of the road. Iman navigated us off the interstate where we saw another picnic area sign only to have no further leads. We made a left under the overpass and agreed to pull onto the shoulder ahead and swap drivers...despite the perilously parked border patrol car in front of us. Stephen my favorite safety and I were up next. We pulled off behind the patrol car and eric instructed us to only get out if we were switching....which would have worked IF we had not been three ppl deep in the seats. As everyone started tumbling clown car style out of the van in a somewhat hurried fashion the Border Patrolman stepped from his car and mosied on to our cluster. He was tall. He was not scrawny. He definitely had a gun. As he spoke...or rather grilled our now dwarfed fearless leader, we scrambled into the car. He asked eric what we were doing, feigned ignorance of Americorps, where we came from and where we were going and if we were all legal. He was rather curt. Back in the van of course in true Gold 1 style we began cracking jokes of drugs, passports and smuggling. Eric returned and our van tricked our with government plates was allowed to pass on. We all settled back into our jovial relaxed nature when I bega. Driving under signs telling trucks to exit right and cars to slow down and stay left for.....border inspection. As we waited in line I realized the car in front of me had Polk County IA plates! Shout out to home! We made it through and clearly the rest of the way to NOLA.

There is a lot more to talk about including housing nights out. Green Light New Orleans and the Po-Boy festival but for now I have to finish up some other things.
XOXO
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Awkweird headshot at jens request

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pics from the last post

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Wordy

Well its time for massive info time. I always find so much time to blog in the car and since I'm on a five day road trip from sac to NOLA, could there be a more perfect time?

I think the understanding was to start with Mendecino. The trip was amazing. I was able to grow much closer to several teammates inclydong our fearles leader Eric. I also triumphed on several personal levels. I got all harnessed up and did a high ropes course, a zip line and a little wall climbing. It was terrifying and gratifying. The camp itself is absolutely stunning and all the staff are dedicated and passionate.

About a week ago our TL revealed our round one Spike destination. We are going to New Orleans to work with Green Light New Orleans; this is an energy conservation projec which works primarily with lightbulb
replacement and education but a definite perk is all the one on one time well get to spend with the residents. Eric did an independent service project (ISP) with them last year and really enjoyed it. Another bonus is that our apartment iis two blocks off Canal St and close to the French Quarter. NOLA has such a phenom culture that I cannot wait to be immersed in.

Team positions were also announced. I was assigned ad a peer helper and while it was one of my top choices I was a little disappointed to not be doing anything related to English Media or Ed. Denise and I will serve as peer counsors and also work on team morale.

Everyone also had to move rooms to be on the same floor as their team. It was frustrating to leave Andretta but also to move from the third floor of one building to the third floor of the other. I'm rooming with Denise which has turned out to be such a wonderful thing. A select few have started calling denise sophie and I the three musketeers. I really am so grateful for Gold 1. Our unit leader Mike, our tl Eric and all other eight team members. I am fortunate to ve found a fit!

I was also able to go to San Fran with the pod two weekends ago. SF touched my soul. I loved it in a way I didn't know a big city on the coast could. I wanted to sit on the beach or a veranda looking out over the city and write. I really didn't get to do the museums or stuff that I wanted bc I was with ten people but we did see Haitt and ashbury which was great. I'm def going back on transition I really am seeing the country!

Friday we had induction and I officially became NCCC member. Its unbelievable that I'm here, that I'm doing this and that I'm happy doing it.

We had several days off this weekend and I actually got to hit up some vintage clothes stores in sac I bought two dresses one of which you have already seen. NOLA has promising vintage opportunities. My other exciting news was a gift. Justin found a Smith-Verona Clipper which I believe is roughly 1948? The ribbon is even good! Eric said I could take it to NOLA before I even asked. I knew I loved him. I do need to do a little research and see what I can do with the margins cause write know I've got about a half sheet of typing availability.

This morning we left McClellan for a five day road trip. Were staying in Indio CA Lordsburg NM Sonora TX Lake Charles LA and then finaloly home. Saying good bye to everyone was tougher than any college good bye. These people have been my life for the last thirty days and now were going all over the country to give back. If you are ready this NCCCers good luck! You make me proud!

I do have my plan tickets for Christmas and only have another 33ish days. I'm not necessarily homesick but I miss my family like crazy. They really are my best friends.

I think that's all I have for now.
Xoxo
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Clothes post!

Today was so wonderful. I went into Sac and found some fab vintage shops. Here is sneak peek of one dresses I got tomorrow ill be sure to photo op more.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Not even a real post

I know I have so much to tell you but now is not the time. Sorry!!
1) mendocino
2) new orleans
3) san fran.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Pick from make a difference day

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry