Goodbye, Coolio II!

My dear car, Collio II, is getting picked up in less than two hours so that it can be shipped to Phoenix. It's the first time I've ever had my car shipped anywhere, and I'm a bit nervous. Pretty much all the reviews and ratings that I read on car shipping companies were 50/50. Some people were very pleased with the service, while others vowed never to do it again. When it came time for me to pick a company and book the trip, I went with the one that had the better feedback, but that was also reasonable in price. I've had a couple of friends that reassure me that the car will indeed get there safely, but I'm still getting a bit nervous. In fact, I'm getting nervous about the whole trip. I had been feeling quite calm for the past month, not trying to freak out about packing, finding a new place, and saying bye to my family and friends here in State College. Not anymore, though. Just last week I started to feel a hint of nervousness, and things I thought I had completely taken care of actually got a bit more complicated. And, even though I tried to fool myself into not getting sad about parting with people, I'm definitely starting to get a bit teary-eyed.

But all of this got me thinking about the moving process. I've met lots of people that, like me, have constantly been moving around and living in different places. I've also met people that are completely opposite and have lived in the same house they were born in for their entire lives. Both cases have their ups and downs, but can we say that one experience is better than the other? At first, I'm tempted to just say that each experience is the best when it comes to the individual's taste, and if they're happy, then that's what works for them. But after thinking about it for a bit, it's obvious that the whole experience of moving around has many things that the sedentary life will never be able to offer. Although getting somewhere new can be tough at first, I'm going to be bold and say that it's completely worth it. I mean, yea, it's hard saying goodbye to the people you love and care about. Yes, it's hard adjusting to a new community. But, once some time has gone by, you begin to establish yourself and the process of challenging yourself to be out in a foreign place and push your boundaries becomes really exciting. In fact, it becomes addicting. For me, the move from Venezuela to Texas was the one. When I moved before that, I didn't really care for the experience. I just went where my parents went, and didn't really mind any of it. But the last one was the toughest, and I was so miserable the first year I was in Texas. After that, however, it all started to come into place. It really came down to a simple decision - stay bitter and angry at my parents for moving, or take this time to explore and experiment? I did the latter - a lot of it. You get used to the new place, you make new friends, and you always find out new things about yourself and those around you all the time. There's something about starting fresh, challenging yourself to see how quickly you can adjust and evolve, but still maintain your core, that is so rewarding and refreshing - it makes you want to do it all over again. And I guess this is why I found myself wanting to get out of here as soon as possible. I see myself doing this for quite a long time. Am I addicted to moving/traveling? And is there even a cure?

On a different note, this past Wednesday was probably one of the best nights I've ever had in my life. Not only did we all dance our asses off to some groovy tunes at Roustabout, but we continued the party over at DZ's place 'till the wee hours of the morning. Amazing.

I'm off to bed. Much lovin' for all of you!

Oh, dear!

All I want to do is dance! Seriously, I've been saying this for the past week, but it's really all I want to do. It's as if I've never danced in my life and I now I'm all wiggly and unable to keep it inside. Is this some kind of disorder? Restless dance syndrome to the max? I don't know, but whatever it is, it's driving me nuts.

Also, if any of you go to Viet Thai, I recommend getting the coconut water - It's delish!

New hair, new house, new job...

Hello!

I got a new haircut! I went to Designer's Den yesterday morning and told them I wanted it all off! I was concerned that I didn't have enough to donate, but once it was all combed out (ouch!) and in a pony tail, I had a whopping 10 inches! It was really exciting. And now my hair is super short. I also made some phone calls to the apartment complex I want to live in when I get to Phoenix and they are holding a unit for me and Jacquelyn. It's a cozy 2 bedroom/2 bathroom with a patio, washer/dryer in unit, and some other stuff... I can't wait to move in. I've never had my own place, so I'm definitely looking forward to decorating and cooking in my own space.

So, last night was a blast. A bunch of my friends and I gathered at tall Michael's place and hung out for a bit before heading to the Darkhorse tavern. DJ Joe Diamond and Candace played a bunch of sweet reggae and soul tunes for the entire night. It was lovely! And I got my groove on, as well as my drink on. Totally didn't mean to get as tipsy as I did, but it was still a good time and I was very coherent the entire night. Except for the part where I randomly texted a whole bunch of people. Nothing offensive, but it was late, so I later worried that I had woken them up. All in all, good times. Then we headed over to the Pita Pit and Michael's place to hang out and chat for a bit. I fell asleep, and around 3:30 got up and made my way home. I'm really going to miss these nights; they make up a big part of what made my time here at Penn State special and memorable.

When I woke up today, Nick and I decided to be lazy for two hours and watched a bunch of episodes of Shear Genius. Oh, yes. Nick watches a whole bunch of those Bravo shows and loves every minute of it. After that, I called Kate an Maciej up and made some lunch plans for Green Bowl. I later met up with my man, David Francis Zak, and smoked a hookah and chatted it up. And now I'm here, documenting every minute of my day. Lame. I won't do this anymore. I'll probably start filling this thing up with more interesting posts once TFA starts. That's why I even created this blog in the first place.

Okidoke. Tonight is taco night! I'm going to go walk my dog. Everyone should come to Roustabout! tonight at Bar Bleu - lots of dancing going, fo sho. And that's always a good time.

Let's give it a try

Hello, friends!

Tonight I am starting my very first blog. Well, unless you count Xanga. I once had one of those back in high school, but got rid of it after a month because I never really kept up with it. This time, however, I'm really going to try and write on a regular basis. I'll make it easily accessible to all my family and friends and do my best to post regularly on all that goes on during my time in Phoenix while working for Teach for America. I would love for you all to leave me comments and let me know if you have a blog, too! After all, the more ways of keeping in touch, the merrier.

Now, off to go watch an episode of Flight of the Conchords (amazing show!) with Kate.


Much love and peace for all.