Mexican Food!!!!

I anticipate that come 12 months into my 24 months I am going to be writing about how much I miss Mexican food. I packed enough taco seasoning to last me maybe 2 months. Call me crazy, but since being home I cannot even count the tacos I have eaten! And I loved each and every one of them!

But lets to the important details...my bags are almost all packed! It sort of looks like a tornado went through the house!

Thank you so much to everyone for this weekend! I had an amazing weekend visiting with all of my loved ones! Saturday my parents threw a party and had the Taco Man at our house. Over 60 people joined us in the celebration. Sunday my Aunt Linda and Uncle Denny had a family feast and it was amazing! Thank you again to my amazing support system. I cannot express how grateful I am for the love that I have felt!

Mother Teresa

I swung by my Mom's office today just to say hello. Whenever I am in the area I try to always stop by. This time in her office I noticed something new. Amongst her framed pictures of our family and friends I saw this quote in a simple gold plated frame. This should be displayed in everyone's house. This will be in my new house in Cameroon.

People are often
Unreasonable and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
People may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are honest,
People may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness,
People may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
May be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end,
It is between you and God.
It never was between you and them any way.

Mother Teresa

Unemployed...well kinda!

I am back in San Francisco and back on Julie's green couch, which is like a tied died version of a thinking chair. One chapter of my life is now over and a new one is about to begin. I still feel like I am just on vacation, I guess that it is a mini vacation. Last Friday was my last day of work. Bitter sweet ending. That was my first real and I honestly can say that I did learn and grow a lot.

Last Saturday my best friend from high school, Lesley, came out and helped me make my move! We did all of the touristy things in Portland and ate literally ate everything in sight! We had every dessert possible. We have dubbed this trip "The Sugar High of 2011." I am planing on living it up before I head out to Africa for 2 years!

This past week has been extremely busy! Below are pictures of Lesley and my trip!

So far this has been a great trip! I am sad to leave Portland, but it will be there when I get back!

Blue Skies and All Smiles!

As I write this blog entry, I am looking outside my window in my living room. The sun has broken through the clouds and finally I get to see blue skies. This is fitting for how I am feeling. (On a funny note, April 1st aka. April Fool's Day it was a beautiful day, 60 degrees and sunny. Then the next day it was beyond freezing! That was a mean April Fools joke on us Portland!)

My departure date is quickly approaching. I am experiencing a wide variety of emotions. But mostly excitement. I have started getting little things in order. I bought a few Portland Timbers things. They are the local MLS. I figure that seeing that I am moving to a country that loves soccer, Timbers apparel and random stuff would be appropriate.


This is a video of what previous PCV have done during their service. Hopefully this helps explain what I might be doing!!



Well life in Portland has been exciting! I have been busy enjoying life here. Its weird to say this, but I am going to miss it! I might need to move back at some point! But here are some my most recent pictures.

I went to a Holi party, which in the Indian culture celebrates the start of spring. You celebrate by throwing color on everyone! New item on my bucket list...be in India for Holi!

63 Days!!!

In 63 days I will be on a plane to start for 27 month journey with the Peace Corps in Cameroon. I am starting to sell things in Portland and buy things for Cameroon. It just dawned on me that in less than a years time I have moved to 2 states (from Arizona, to California and finally Oregon), have traveled to 8 countries (Canada, England, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia) or 10 countries if you count Monaco and Rome. I have also traveled to Washington: 3 times (Seattle, Bellingham and Spokane), Arizona: twice (Phoenix and Tucson), California: twice; home (and I will be going back for Easter) and have been to San Francisco: 3 times, New York (Andy & Carole's Wedding)and Pittsburgh for work.

Now I am off to Cameroon! This year has been a whirlwind. After looking back on my travels this year...I realized that I am just like my Dad in regards to that I have been bitten by the travel bug!

Looking back on those 365 days I am exhausted, looking forward to the 63 days it stresses me out, but looking beyond those 63 days to 820 (about the time I am serving) I am excited. As I think about those 820 days that I will be serving, I am thinking about the quote I used in my high school yearbook: "Only the curious have something to find." I think that couldn't not be more true.

Please save these dates: Going away party at my parent's house in North Tustin, CA May 28th...everyone is welcome to come!

4:52 AM

I cannot sleep. I have been frantically searching the internet about people's experiences in the Peace Corps, Africa and Cameroon. I keep reading blog after blog attempting to figure out what I should expect and how I should prepare. I am tired, but I cannot keep researching. My emotions are going crazy...at times I am through the roof excited, other times I want to vomit because I am so nervous. My sister said it best today, Don't think...Just do. That will be my mantra.

I have started to get things for my 27 months. So far, I have a backpack, pair of pants, skirt and a couple shirts. I am not quite sure how one prepares for this. If anyone has suggestions...I would love some help!

I leave for Cameroon in 73 days.


Don't think. Just do.

Mt. Hood

I never thought that I would say this...but 25 degrees and sunny is amazing! I would take that any day over 40 and rainy. I went to Mt. Hood yesterday to soak up the sun and get a few runs in. I am determined before I leave to hike as far as I can up Mt. Hood. Anyone care to join me?