GO PACK, GO

Packing for my move has developed into a larger project than I had originally anticipated. I actually enjoyed the idea of packing a few of my things and traveling off to live a simple lifestyle; however, it is proving to be much easier said than done. In theory, I thought it would be cool to live off of a couple of items, but this "You're stranded on an island with only a few items" scenario is not as fun in real life as it is when you are quizzing your friends.

One of the main issues with packing is what do I possibly put my precious belongings in?  Well, believe it or not, there are these bags that are shaped kind of rectangularly, that have pockets and zippers and even wheels and handles and  stuff for easy maneuvering.  Ahhh if only it were that simple.  Although my parents haven't vacationed with luggage in years, my mother is all, "I don't know if you should take our suitcases with you..."  Well, her suggestion is that they buy me a luggage set for my very POST graduation gift.  WELL, that is a FINE idea!  So whenever a luggage set goes on sale for like 75% off, I'm sure I'll be authorized to make that purchase.

UNTIL then!  I have been collecting a few items here and there in this lovely clothes basket.  So, who can guess the most items in my basket?!!  What a fun game :)

That brings me to my next fun game.  I'm been given what I thought to be a brilliant idea by one of the Americorps Alumni.  Buying a footlocker, and shipping it a few days ahead would 1) allow me to ship my bulky bedding and boots without taking up luggage space, and 2) provide me with a lockable container for my items while I am away.  When discussing this with Momma Roush, she seemed to agree with the idea.  Then I proceeded to bring Exhibit A (below) home with me, and now I don't think I will ever hear the end of it:

Yes, this is plastic.  Yes, it is blue.  And yes, there is a place for a lock on it!

Momma Roush has become increasingly concerned that this rubber/plastic bin will be completely demolished by the time it arrives in Sacramento.  I think she literally thinks it will look like this when I see it next:

Instead of trusting my judgement, M. Roush has been consistently giving me advice on the many other options I have for materials for sending: A wooden box, a duffel bag, and a small bag on rollers...all of which DO NOT LOCK.  Well, this is now waiting by the door for her:

Cold Feet

I'd like to view myself as a fearless individual--one who stops at nothing to get what she wants.  One who follows her dreams to all extremes, as long as her dreams happen to be attainable.  One who lives by the words of Ambrose Redmoon, "COURAGE is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."  Joining Americorps is that something to me.  Adventure is that something to me.  And above all, accomplishment is that something to me.


Amongst a hundred reasons for joining Americorps lies the desire deep within me to step into the lion's den.  To act fast and develop a thought process along the way.  To leap and further allow myself to pick up the pieces as I go.  However, the dwindling time prior to my departure is only weakening my thought process.  While fellow freshly-chosen crew members are able to express their excitement for arrival on campus, I'm finding myself feeling panicked and fearful.  I'd love to act as I've always imagined I would during this time--thirsting for my new adventure--but instead I feel weak as ever.


I will persevere!  However humbling this case of "cold feet" is, I will remember my reasons for joining.  I will step into the lion's den.  I will get whatever it is I am after.