I Have Been Blessed

I have just returned from a trip back to Virginia. A plane ticket was generously purchased for me at the last minute...just as homesickness was starting to set in. It was a short trip but I was reminded of two things:
-I have been blessed with friends & a wonderful church that support & encourage me on this adventure.
-This is where I am supposed to be at this moment in my life.

Many people have asked what I will be doing after my year of service. The answer: I have no idea. One of the things I learned during my initial Americorps training was about living IN the moment, not living FOR a moment. Just like God showed me this is where I am supposed to go, He will show me what to do next & where to go...in time.

Cold Much?

We have a rare event today - it's over 32 degrees!! The foot of snow was cleared easily within a day whereas DC would have been closed for a week & there would have been widespread panic. Fortunately, there are a couple co-workers who have offered to help me out with rides since I probably wouldn't make it up or down my driveway if there's a huge snow storm.

The job is still going well & I am learning a lot about the RC & non-profit world. I have several more training opportunities - both in the classroom & outdoors training - which will take up most of my weekends through April if I choose to do it.

The program I am in has been really helpful to network with other VISTAs who are going through this year with me. It gives us a chance to meet & commiserate, support one another, hang out, find good deals on stuff, etc. One girl even offered to teach me how to make a Ramen noodle casserole - I said thanks but no thanks! I have learned a number of LEGAL ways to get free food & stretch out your dollars. You can only imagine how creative people have become using their mind, a lot of Ziploc baggies, & clothing with big pockets!!

Blizzard

We got over a foot of snow yesterday. That would normally shut down DC for over a week but the roads are pretty much cleared here. I went cross country skiing last night in blizzard-like conditions & it was awesome...even though you couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of you!

The job is going great & my living situation has worked out really well. Molly is so happy here & just loves her roommates (3 brittany spaniels). She has found a favorite chair for napping & usually curls up with 2 of the other dogs when it's nap time...which is just about anytime we're not outside. We went walking yesterday & she really didn't like the snow so she ran all the way back home & waited for me in the garage!

It's been hard to meet people since everyone hibernates for the winter but I have been working or traveling most weekends anyways. The people are really friendly in Hopkinton...though there are usually over 50!

Southern Girl Frozen In The North

Winter has officially arrived in NH. The high today was in the teens...with the wind chill it's WICKED cold. I have a lovely office right next to the door so every time it opens I am reminded of my northern surroundings! This has not impacted my intake of ice cream though.

I opened the door this morning for Molly to go outside & she put her head & 1 foot out the door then gave me a look of "Are you crazy? I'll just hold it!" She has done quite well on our hikes & is getting lots of use out of her sweaters though.

A couple of you asked about the food stamps I mentioned in my last blog. VISTAs serve at the income level of the people they serve. Food stamps are a part of that & you learn to live accordingly. Things like cable TV & the Internet have become a luxury. I have gone from 100+ channels to 2 fuzzy ones. Molly will be learning lots of new tricks this year, whether she wants to or not!