No news yet and Thanksgiving with friends

No news...

Is good news?

Wish I knew where I was going and when I was leaving and what I should pack and what am I thinking and will I miss donuts and why did I turn down that work project a few weeks ago and I am so excited and why doesn't someone from the PC contact me and who am I again and why did I cut my hair?

Maybe the Peace Corps Santa will stop by my home early?  Or not.  I know, he's busy.


Gobble Gobble day

Spent Thanksgiving week with my dear friends Stephen and Antonio (and my new boyfriend Koffee) in lovely Palm Springs.

Hiked Tahquitz Canyon (we were supposed to hike naked, but it was too cold), saw Elvis's Honeymoon Hideaway, cooked myself in the jacuzzi until I was fork-tender, put a small dent on my books-to-read pile, and shared an incredibly spectacular turkey dinner with S&A's family and friends.

I also got to practice speaking Spanish with Antonio who is a most patient teacher.  Muchas gracias Antonio.

But best of all, Koffee followed me around just so he could cuddle up with me in my arms.  What joy!

xo

Antarctica

Getting ready to depart with my mom to follow Shackleton's expedition.  We've been planning this two week adventure for over a year and the time has finally arrived!  Mom hopes to bring home a penguin (or two) so we'll see how that goes when we go through customs.  Are penguins duty-free items?

Congratulations! It's a boy!

Medical Packet Receipt

I was just notified this morning via email that the PC has received my packet and it is now under review.  Because my departure date is fast approaching, I've been moved to the front of the line. While I normally despise line-cutters (and I have been known to tattle-tale at Disneyland), I'm ok with it in this instance.

It's a boy!

Chopped the hair off yesterday.  I haven't had hair this short since I was six years old.  My mom cut my hair then and I cried and cried because I thought everyone at school would mistake me for a boy.  I refused to go to school the next day.

I wish I weren't so practical, but really, short hair equates to shorter cold showers.  If I have a host family who actually has hot water, I think I will request to move to harsher conditions.  Ok, not really.  But at least I'm prepared.

Tracy suggested I wear earrings (which if you look closely, you can see them) but I don't think it makes a difference.  I just look like I'm in drag.

Adios!

Blog addiction, PC statistics, and an update on my status

Addiction

I have an addiction - I am reading other Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) and Volunteers' (PCVs) blogs and I have to quit.  It creates even more nervousness in me as I question myself, "gee, what would I do in that situation?"  So I simply must stop.

Here's the link to all of the blogs, if any of you are curious.  And it's also where I will eventually post my blog once I am formally invited.

Peace Corps Journals


Statistics

General

1.  PC established in March 1961.  In 2011, PC will celebrate it's 50th anniversary.
2.  Over 200,000 volunteers have served.  Currently, 8,655.  60 / 40 female / male ratio.  93% single.  19% are minorities.  Average age: 28.  Over age 50 - 7%.
3.  139 countries served.  Currently, 77.
4.  2009 budget: $340 million.  2010 budget: $400 million.
5.  Only U.S. citizens can serve.  Minimum age is 18.

Out of 100

1.  As of Oct. 2010, over 13,500 applications have been submitted in 2010.
2.  Approximately 42 out of 100 get invited.  The 2010 stat was one in three get invited.  Various reasons why people don't make it past the application, nomination, or invitation.
3.  Approximately 76 out of 100 volunteers who are sworn in complete their service two years later.  (aka "Early Termination - ET" for those that leave.)
4.  So far, 239 deaths.  Leading cause of death: car accidents (i.e. bus, taxi, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.)


Status Update

Have completed 99% of my medical.  Just waiting for the lab results to come back, which "should" be by Tuesday, Nov. 9.  I had nine vials of blood sucked out of two veins (one collapsed under pressure).  Vampires!

Got a polio booster - ouch!  My doctor is great.  Patient, understanding, and has my best interests in mind.  She's fantastic.

Once I get the results back (and hopefully, I pass - hard to study for these tests), I can finalize the paperwork and mail them to the Peace Corps.  Then, it's completely out of my hands.

But everyone agrees, there's some * next to my name because I have been getting the royal treatment and I'm in some FastPass line (think Disneyland).  Thank you PC!  The feeling is mutual!

Will be visiting my best friend in Walnut Creek soon.  Then off to Antarctica with my mom for our lifetime dream excursion.