Good bye Los Angeles! Hello Nicaragua!

hey! so It is officially 12am and now the day I leave for the Peace Corps! I just finished packing. After a little freak out because I thought I was taking to much, I am basically ready to go. Everything fits! Its all in a big backpack, a smaller rolly suitcase, and a big carry-on tote.

I have said goodbye to basically everyone, it was all very weird, like I don't even believe I wont see them, but I am sure tomorrow the tears will come. so it goes. Anyways, hopefully I will update in the next couple of weeks, when I will actually have some interesting stories to tell you all about. Until then!

Irene

10 days left!

Hey friends!

only ten more days and i leave for the Peace Corps! 10 DAYS! I got my plane tickets a few weeks ago and I am actually going ot Washington D.C. for 2 days before leaving for Nicaragua. I am super excited about this because I have not really been to the east coast before (apparently Disneyworld doesnt cut it). So, in D.C. I will have a 2 day pre-service training and get some more info on Nicaragua and my program. I can't wait!

Currently, I am packing, and trying really really hard not to overpack. I can only take 80 pounds in the combined linear dimension of 107 inches. ya, i know, what? but its all good, i will make it! I am shooting for 60-70 pounds. we will see..... I was reading these blogs and some people are bringing like 5 socks and 5 underwear. WHAT? am I missing something? I dont know, but that isnt enough for me! I mean, I guess you can do laundry every 5 days. soo, I am trying to figure out whats enough for ME, because everyone will have their own preferences of whats important or enough. Its hard for me figuring it out! but I am thinking everything will fit just fine, even with a little extra room, and I still have a week to organize and figure things out! I am glad I started early...

Besides, packing, paperwork, and other little details, I am so excited for the weekend. I am having a little get together at my house with some friends from college, which will be a fun way to see everyone and say goodbye before I go, and take lots of pictures so i can remember all of your beautiful faces...

On a side note, last night I watched the end of the Arrested Development series. What a great show! I am contemplating bringing season one with me. That show always always makes me laugh.

Peace out! Irene

Leaving in one month!

Hey Friends!

Since I depart for the wonderful beautiful Nicaragua in exactly one month, exactly 4 weeks from today, I thought I would officially set up this blog and begin documenting my adventure. Here is a little background:

• On April 30, 2007, I am leaving sunny, smoggy Los Angeles to join the Peace Corps!

• I am going to Nicaragua!

• In Nicaragua, I will be working in small business development as a Business Educator and Advisor providing entrepreneurial training and skills to youth and local small businesses.

• Yes, I will be trained in this topic when I get there. Thank goodness!
  

• YES! YOU CAN COME VISIT ME!!! and I really hope some of you come! you have 2 years to plan!
  

• and finally, No, I haven't started packing and I am afraid to start, hahaha

Anyways, I hope to keep up this blog while I am in Nicaragua and tell everyone my stories and adventures. I hope you all enjoy! Of course, I will also be checking my email too. Well, thats basically all for now!

Besos pa todos!

Irene