Coming to an End *tear

So, you know how I said I was going to try and write more often? Well, I clearly lied. Therefore, I apologize to my faithful fans for sparse blog posts. I also apologize for being pretty bad at keeping in touch with everyone! The very little free time I get, I usually just want to spend it quietly, curled up in my bed with book in hand, escaping from people. I know, I know, no excuses. But I'm doing it anyway. So sue me.

Now, I said in the last blog that I have changed my attitude, and you know what? It's actually working. Maybe it's the fact that this project will be over next Thursday, or the fact that I get to see Dan (who I haven't seen in 3 months) next Friday, but I really think I'm feeling much better about AmeriCorps. I decided to search hard for the personal benefits I am receiving from the program. I'm feeling much more confident about my academic abilities as I tutor geometry, algebra 1, and now, a little algebra 2. Also, I know that as long as I put in effort, I think I excel in many areas. Or at least I think I can pull off most of the tasks given to me. (Now, if only I could get a full-time job...) Along with confidence, I think I'm becoming much more adaptable. I'm not as scared of change. I'm not afraid that "things aren't going to work out" in the future. I try not to think about it very much anymore. Because, you know what? Nothing ever goes as planned. As my teammate Andrew (aka Jersey) said to me, so poetically "Life is like surfing. The wave will toss you all around, and keep changing, but there's no way you can stop the wave, you just need to adjust your board and body position and roll with it." Nice, Andrew, nice.

I think I've really, really enjoyed this project. Much more than expected. (I've also learned, if you go into anything with terribly low expectations, it can only get better!) The kids really are great, and thoroughly entertaining. It feels really good to help them. I get very excited when they are able to do a math problem on their own (or, not to flatter myself, when they say that I teach it better than their teacher, and they want me to be their permanent teacher. Oh, how I love that!) Victory!

I'm going to miss all the kids and fellow tutors I met. Talking to someone everyday, five days a week, really gets you attached. This will probably be the most difficult project to end. But hey, I have two more left! So who knows. New Orleans is going to be AWESOME!

Hope all is well with everyone! And don't take it too personally if I have been bad at returning phone calls/emails. I still like you!! I've just never been this busy in my life. Crazy times these AmeriCorps.

<3 anne

Blog Slacker

Yes, as you can see, I have been slacking on my blog. Part of it is because not too many exciting things have been going on around here. Work doesn't change all that much. The other part is that I haven't wanted to use my daily hour of free time to blog. I have more important things to do. Like, for example, showering. So, I am writing in response to our half hour early departure from work.

As many of you know, last weekend (the last weekend in February), I was in Seattle visiting the fam. It was wonderful being able to hang out with people who know you best. My sister also used my incredible visual talent to help with the interior paint choices. I must say, her townhouse looks fabulous.

I also realized that I vomited negativity about AmeriCorps all over my family. I have also vomited negativity all over this blog. Just all over. What a mess.

Everything I had to say was depressing. "AmeriCorps sucks. I'm lost. I won't find a job. I don't know what to do with my life." As KE$HA says, Blah Blah Blah.

So, I've decided to change my attitude. Look for the positive things about AmeriCorps. Try and form a life plan. So far it goes like this: take the GRE (I'm in learning mode now thanks to tutoring), move to Florida, find a job, love Dan, and apply for architecture school. Yup. After all these years I'm going to do it. No stopping Anne.

And, the cherry on top... Our next project is in NEW ORLEANS!!!!!!!!!!! Warm, delicious, fun, NOLA. And guess who lives only 3 hours away? Yes, Dan the Man. I will be able to apply and interview for jobs while I'm down there. The news couldn't have come at a better time. We will be working with Project Greenlight, going around the city changing lightbulbs to earth-friendly ones. So, if you see me riding a bike around New Orleans with lightbulbs in my basket, feel free to say hi. I'm thoroughly looking forward to it all. It's going to be great! Except for the whole one shower for 11 people thing... Oh, but no negativity here!

It's amazing what a weekend with family can do to the mind. I feel great. Work is going well. Today a girl told me "Thanks a lot. I really understand this better!" Music to my ears.

I hope all is well. It's stir fry time. I will try to write again sooner!

<3 anne