My 22nd Birthday

So my twenty-second birthday, kind of weird because I have been looking forward to Samoa so much I haven't had much time to really think about it. It has been a great one. Woke up took my handsome, affable, and absolutely irresistible little brother, Sir Reginald, for a walk at the dog park with my sister. Then we came home and made pancakes and baked my birthday cake, which I forgot to put eggs in so was ruined, or so I thought. Turns out that devils food with no eggs is like brownies but even better! We then went to Wal-Mart because instead of presents, my family is helping me get things for the Peace Corp. I bought a years supply of massive undies and ugly ugly bras. It was hilarious until I realized that I actually have to wear these things for two years then I almost had a panic attack. But hey it’s all in the name cultural exchange, so I can handle some big granny panties. Then off to my softball fields to loose two games in a row, but hey I caught a pop fly so I was excited. I had an unbelievable amount of birthday wishes and I feel so loved. Now headed home for lots of wine, very tasty food, and a good movie. All in all great birthday and an unexpected last minute present, another 83 contacted me! There is three of us know can't wait to hear from more! Great birthday, and the best present is now exactly 34 days away! 

told you he was adorable

Don't worry I found some a tad smaller then these

Waiting Might be the Hardest Part

It seems as though my days in Houston just crawl by. Work is long and boring. I feel like all I do is work, come home, eat dinner and watch shows with my mama. To be honest it’s really not bad at all, I get to go to fun lunches, have discovered bikram yoga, joined a softball league and spending time with my mother is awesome. The problem is I’m just so dang excited for Samoa, everything pales in comparison. All my friends are back at school, partying and going to class, and my adventure is stalled. Part of me knows it’s just a month and it will fly by, especially as I have lots of weekend trips planned to say my farewells. The other part of me wants it to be now! I spend my down time dreaming about what it will be like in Samoa, researching, looking at photos, and reading blogs. This is great because all the little tastes keep me going but they also get me all excited again, just to realize it’s not time yet. I should probably stop teasing myself, but I can’t help it. Anything about Samoa just makes me smile ear to ear. I know I’m having a pity party but I decided I am allowed one post to pout. My sister comes back in town tomorrow, next weekend I’m going to Austin to celebrate my birthday and hers. It’s going to be a great time and I have lots to be thankful for and look forward too. So for now, I will just have to love the moment I’m in, and know that the adventure will be here before I know it.

Bye Papa

Today was the first of my really hard goodbyes. I said good bye to a lot of friends when I graduated and also friends from Houston that have gone back to school this summer. So, it wasn't my first good bye nor my first tears shed, but this was different. This was my papa. My parents are moving to Nigeria this fall and my father had to leave to go and get things set up for their new life there. I have really enjoyed my summer at home, spending time with my parents and sisters. Again I realize how thankful I am that I didn't leave when I was supposed to and had more time with them. Isn't it funny how sometime things you think are a curse end up being blessings. My dad and I had a great last evening together, sharing wine, cheese, and tasty goodies, but it went too quickly. My father has always traveled a lot but it was hard to say goodbye knowing that it would be so long before I saw him again. How do you say good bye to one of people that made you? It’s impossible, especially when you have the most incredible parents like I do. All you can say is "I'll see you in Samoa," and then hope that time between now and your next meeting will pass quickly. My family is very close and my parents mean more to me then I could ever explain. I am so thankful for all the gifts my father has given me and I know they will help make me successful on this next adventure. Thank you papa and "I'll see you in Samoa."

Already Making New Friends

I cant believe it, I already know two people in Samoa. A couple days ago I sent out an email to a blogger I have been following who is serving in Samoa now. I got a prompt reply and answers to all my questions. I was pumped! Then, I read on his blog that he has heard from two people in 83, my group. Whos the other one? Well I asked him to give the person my info so we could get in touch. Then today I get an email from her! Im so excited to be in contact with my first new friends. The days in my cubicle fly by when I get my little daily doses of what is to come! Now time to start thinking about all the fun shopping I get to do preparing! A years supply on undies, bad ass!

StateSide

This is my first post and as of now I am reporting from Houston Texas. Im sitting in a cubicle doing office work for an oil and gas company. Its beige in every sense of the word. This is a temp job that I started after graduation to hold me over till my departure in August for Latin America, or so I thought. To my great dismay I found that my plans had to be changed and my stay in Houston would be extended. When I received my invitation my hopes weren't high as it seemed any replacement position would be second best. Then I read the Pacific Islands and my whole reality shifted. Never before had such a sense of adventure and excitement been awoken in me. I have traveled a lot both as a youth, living overseas with my father’s job, and in more recent years on my own. When I applied for the Peace Corp I never even considered the Pacific. I thought for sure I would be back in Africa, Latin America or Central Asia. I am completely ecstatic about this twist of fate and see it as an incredible blessing. The higher powers have seen fit to, once again, throw me into the unknown, and I couldn’t be happier. For know I am stuck in a beige cubicle filing, copying, and whole punching… a lot, but my heart and head are half way to Samoa already. The next couple of weeks I will be packing and day dreaming but I can’t wait to share my upcoming adventure with you.

Maybe this will be me one day soon? xooxox