Second Spike information:
My team got our FIRST choice. We are psyched!!
Project: Habitat for Humanity, building houses
Place: New Orleans
Housing: Camp Hope
Thrilled..And so releaved to know finally. Now to concentrate again on this project..
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Anticipation
Ryan, our team leader, turns 24 today.
Happy Birthday to him.
More importantly, he knows where our second spike (project) is going to me. And what we will be doing. And where we will be staying.
And he REFUSES TO TELL US.
Well, he refuses to tell just me. Or anyone, for that matter, before the entire team is assembled together. Which, given our crazy jobs, means about 5:30 pm.
I am not good at waiting.
Granted, I have patience. I was excellent at the quiet game. I can sit for hours reading a book. But tell me something is going to happen at a certain time, and keep that thing a secret, and I cannot focus on anything else.
It reminded me of the time after an audition before the cast list would be posted. Or before hearing from colleges. I know it's going to have a major impact on me. I know it's going to be news and change things regardless of th information. But I just want to KNOW. NOW.
Arggg...
Happy Birthday to him.
More importantly, he knows where our second spike (project) is going to me. And what we will be doing. And where we will be staying.
And he REFUSES TO TELL US.
Well, he refuses to tell just me. Or anyone, for that matter, before the entire team is assembled together. Which, given our crazy jobs, means about 5:30 pm.
I am not good at waiting.
Granted, I have patience. I was excellent at the quiet game. I can sit for hours reading a book. But tell me something is going to happen at a certain time, and keep that thing a secret, and I cannot focus on anything else.
It reminded me of the time after an audition before the cast list would be posted. Or before hearing from colleges. I know it's going to have a major impact on me. I know it's going to be news and change things regardless of th information. But I just want to KNOW. NOW.
Arggg...
Wildfire Arrives
Today we at Operation TLC got a new team to help us out. The wildfire team, with their physical training 3 times a day and their strict eating policies, have arrived at our office heavy job to work with us.
We automatically love them because they have opted to sleep in a sectioned off area of the gym rather than with us in our tiny room of bunk beds. Hurrah!
So far, we have tried to introduce them to the world of TLC, including the chaos that it our constantly changing jobs.
We have also decided to pool our food money and dinner cooking. So we went to Wal-mart, and 3 hours later, emerged with 550 dollars worth of groceries.
It is a lot of food.
We automatically love them because they have opted to sleep in a sectioned off area of the gym rather than with us in our tiny room of bunk beds. Hurrah!
So far, we have tried to introduce them to the world of TLC, including the chaos that it our constantly changing jobs.
We have also decided to pool our food money and dinner cooking. So we went to Wal-mart, and 3 hours later, emerged with 550 dollars worth of groceries.
It is a lot of food.
New Orleans
A bit of a crazy weekend.
Some highlights:
1. A slow speed rescue of a friend who wound up incoherant and lost in the wrong side of town.
2. Deciding that begging for beads is stupid. Later, deciding that my entire evening depending on getting said beads, plus a boa, stickers, and other random things thrown by men on floats.
3. Getting hit by a float in my attempt to achieve #2.
4. Eating at Cafe DuMonde with Jared and realizing that the food there was far better than the food at home.
5. Learning that the Day's Inn on Canal Street is absolutely gross. Do not stay there.
6. Laying in the grass in the French Quarter Park and just relaxing.
7. Having a psychic tell me that 1) I worry too much 2) She sees me working in the news 3)In Atlanta 4) And there, meeting someone who I will quickly fall in love with forever 5) And I worry too much (This was emphasized a great deal)
We really didn't get to see a lot of the devastation that still exists there, besides hearing stories of how many of the best psychics are still out of there homes and therefore aren't working in the area yet.
It was amazing to spend time with so many other teams and celebrate Rose's 22nd birthday!
Some highlights:
1. A slow speed rescue of a friend who wound up incoherant and lost in the wrong side of town.
2. Deciding that begging for beads is stupid. Later, deciding that my entire evening depending on getting said beads, plus a boa, stickers, and other random things thrown by men on floats.
3. Getting hit by a float in my attempt to achieve #2.
4. Eating at Cafe DuMonde with Jared and realizing that the food there was far better than the food at home.
5. Learning that the Day's Inn on Canal Street is absolutely gross. Do not stay there.
6. Laying in the grass in the French Quarter Park and just relaxing.
7. Having a psychic tell me that 1) I worry too much 2) She sees me working in the news 3)In Atlanta 4) And there, meeting someone who I will quickly fall in love with forever 5) And I worry too much (This was emphasized a great deal)
We really didn't get to see a lot of the devastation that still exists there, besides hearing stories of how many of the best psychics are still out of there homes and therefore aren't working in the area yet.
It was amazing to spend time with so many other teams and celebrate Rose's 22nd birthday!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Kahans Unite!
Good news.
Just talked to Jared, and the lucky kid had his project switched again, this time to Hands on New Orleans, just a few blocks from Burbon St.
And he'll be there Friday.
I'm planning on road-tripping with my team on Saturday to go up there to
1. Celebrate my friend Rose's birthday
2. Meet up with about 6 other Denver teams
3. St.Patty's day ('nough said)
So Jared and I will finally be at the same place at the same time while in Americorps, which I was starting to think wouldn't happen. I'm pumped. We're already coming up with a gameplan.
Now, if only Ariel (older sister) wanted to fly in from LA....
Just talked to Jared, and the lucky kid had his project switched again, this time to Hands on New Orleans, just a few blocks from Burbon St.
And he'll be there Friday.
I'm planning on road-tripping with my team on Saturday to go up there to
1. Celebrate my friend Rose's birthday
2. Meet up with about 6 other Denver teams
3. St.Patty's day ('nough said)
So Jared and I will finally be at the same place at the same time while in Americorps, which I was starting to think wouldn't happen. I'm pumped. We're already coming up with a gameplan.
Now, if only Ariel (older sister) wanted to fly in from LA....
Feeling like a the media gal
Today Annie, our 2nd sponsor and the founder of Mississippi Home Again/Operation TLC, came back from her 10-day ski vacation.
Finally.
She gave me a whole lot of insight as how to do this crazy media/pr job here at the center, and because of her, I got to have a rather fantastic day.
She booked me to be on a radio show Tuesday to talk about getting more volunteers and donations for the program.
(I'll have to practice my sweet/sophisticated/older than I normally sound/responsible voice.)
I contacted local reporters to give them scoop on a great story for tomorrow morning. (I'll give the link if it makes it on tv or in the paper)
I made friends with the nice folks at the Chamber of Commerce, who let us use their photocopier.
I met a man profiled in one of the past Americorps member's articles in her hometown newspaper. He's writing a book on music theory. And learning how to type at 78 years old. Awesome.
I met a women who got into her house through her own blood, sweat and tears and works tirelessly to make sure others get what they need. She told me that she would fix me up with her adorable nephew and have me over for dinner. I fell in love. Her schedule is more packed than mine. She still drives and cooks and cares for people at 76.
A feel a little matchmaking action in the works.
I then sat in on a meeting of community members, heads of Churches, founders of various organizations related to Hurricane relief in the area, and FEMA Jay. (Well, Jay from FEMA)
Essentially, no one has what they need. People either have money and no crews, crews but no money, money and crews but no one to do case working, no skilled workers, not enough employees, trouble with the state's needs, trouble with the federal needs, the list goes on and on and on.
The amazing thing still is that no one gives up.
Everyone in that room knew they would still come in every day, still do whatever it takes to help their community. And that alone makes me sure that they will get it together. Because for me, there's nothing much I can do in that situation but sit back, assess it, and see whether I can offer anything with my fresh pair of eyes.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Finally.
She gave me a whole lot of insight as how to do this crazy media/pr job here at the center, and because of her, I got to have a rather fantastic day.
She booked me to be on a radio show Tuesday to talk about getting more volunteers and donations for the program.
(I'll have to practice my sweet/sophisticated/older than I normally sound/responsible voice.)
I contacted local reporters to give them scoop on a great story for tomorrow morning. (I'll give the link if it makes it on tv or in the paper)
I made friends with the nice folks at the Chamber of Commerce, who let us use their photocopier.
I met a man profiled in one of the past Americorps member's articles in her hometown newspaper. He's writing a book on music theory. And learning how to type at 78 years old. Awesome.
I met a women who got into her house through her own blood, sweat and tears and works tirelessly to make sure others get what they need. She told me that she would fix me up with her adorable nephew and have me over for dinner. I fell in love. Her schedule is more packed than mine. She still drives and cooks and cares for people at 76.
A feel a little matchmaking action in the works.
I then sat in on a meeting of community members, heads of Churches, founders of various organizations related to Hurricane relief in the area, and FEMA Jay. (Well, Jay from FEMA)
Essentially, no one has what they need. People either have money and no crews, crews but no money, money and crews but no one to do case working, no skilled workers, not enough employees, trouble with the state's needs, trouble with the federal needs, the list goes on and on and on.
The amazing thing still is that no one gives up.
Everyone in that room knew they would still come in every day, still do whatever it takes to help their community. And that alone makes me sure that they will get it together. Because for me, there's nothing much I can do in that situation but sit back, assess it, and see whether I can offer anything with my fresh pair of eyes.
Can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
I am the Queen...
of getting hurt in the most random ways.
Last night, for PT (Physical Training) we decided as a team to play kickball. But not just any kickball on some lame field, but obstacle indoor kickball. Half the gym is sectioned off by a large blue FEMA tarp and filled with such things as a basketball net, lounge area, drywall demonstration area, fridge of cold water bottles and of course, a recycling center.
No matter, we play anyway.
I'm up to kick.
The bases are loaded.
Ryan's at 1st, the water fridge.
Desi at 2nd, the red line on the floor
Carlo on 3rd, the "A" painted on the blue FEMA tarp.
And the pitch--
It's a kick!!
I race towards first, diving forwards with my hands reaching for the fridge.
My hand grips the corner of the fridge, crashing into it.
It hurts. A lot.
I begin to whimper, not wanting to show my teammates that I am, indeed, a wimp.
A chorus of "Are you okay"s follow me as I motion "one minute" and, clutching my hand and stiflying my sobs, retreat to the women's restroom where I proceed to run cold water over my throbbing hand.
20 minutes later, plus a quick trip to the kitchen, I return to the game with red eyes plus a kitchen towel wrapped around a bag of ice.
But in the face of my teammates, I must "SUCK IT UP!" and be a trooper.
I play the rest of the game one-handed.
and only missed one catch due to looking at my swollen hand)
Last night, for PT (Physical Training) we decided as a team to play kickball. But not just any kickball on some lame field, but obstacle indoor kickball. Half the gym is sectioned off by a large blue FEMA tarp and filled with such things as a basketball net, lounge area, drywall demonstration area, fridge of cold water bottles and of course, a recycling center.
No matter, we play anyway.
I'm up to kick.
The bases are loaded.
Ryan's at 1st, the water fridge.
Desi at 2nd, the red line on the floor
Carlo on 3rd, the "A" painted on the blue FEMA tarp.
And the pitch--
It's a kick!!
I race towards first, diving forwards with my hands reaching for the fridge.
My hand grips the corner of the fridge, crashing into it.
It hurts. A lot.
I begin to whimper, not wanting to show my teammates that I am, indeed, a wimp.
A chorus of "Are you okay"s follow me as I motion "one minute" and, clutching my hand and stiflying my sobs, retreat to the women's restroom where I proceed to run cold water over my throbbing hand.
20 minutes later, plus a quick trip to the kitchen, I return to the game with red eyes plus a kitchen towel wrapped around a bag of ice.
But in the face of my teammates, I must "SUCK IT UP!" and be a trooper.
I play the rest of the game one-handed.
and only missed one catch due to looking at my swollen hand)
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