So its been a while since I've written in my blog. Mostly I've been getting used to my job. I'm picking up work that the previous VISTA worker left off. Honestly I thought she would have gotten more work done getting a toolkit together for Faith-Based Organizations (aka a major part of my job). I really want to do well and work hard but I'm just not exactly sure where to start.
I have had a couple meetings with people. I met with this guy from Seeds of Hope which teaches people to farm/garden and then takes the produce from the practice garden to local food banks and other similar organizations. Then I went to the Blessing Way which works on prisoner re-entry and assisting the families of prisoners. They also have a basic food pantry for the general community. I've also been working on an extensive contact list of all of the places of worship in the state. Which may seems like a big deal down in NC but RI is much smaller. That said there are over 500 and I've gotten through just over 1/5, so I still have a good deal of work ahead of me. Next week I am meeting with the Diocese and the Food Bank of RI. I'm really excited about the Diocese.
Other interesting news, I have applied for food stamps and have gone to the food bank. I haven't really needed them yet because both my supervisor and the guy from Seeds of Hope have give me fresh produce, but I know I'll need them as the winter begins and I have less money because of an expensive gas bill. Its interesting people in the neighborhood recognize me now. I'm that white girl who is under 30 and over 15 and wears nice clothes when she rides the bus early in the morning. Whatever I've never had any problems with people.
I've started to get to know the fellows up stairs who go to Johnson and Whales. They're very nice, but man they like to party and don't realize how loud they get (most drunk people don't). Poor Christie usually gets the worst of it because their living room is right over her bedroom. Anyways they were having a party which Josh and I were sleeping peacefully through until around 4:30 they set of the fire alarm. I woke up going "Oh my god, oh my god! What the hell is that noise?" Then I start shaking Josh and it takes about 10-15 seconds to realize that its the fire alarm. So we start rushing to get on clothes, shoes, and find our keys. Well we're both half dressed in normal clothes when it turns off. It turns out they were cooking hot dogs and they burn them. Seriously how burnt do these dogs have to be before they set off the fire alarm?
Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful. I want to go to the beach, about a 30-40 min drive, but we are going to Aunt Diana's on Monday in CT. It might be time to save the gas and just have a picnic at Roger Williams park.
Josh and I are doing well, I hope everyone else is too!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
1st day at work!
Oh wait by now its the 3rd day. I work/volunteer at the Volunteer Center of RI (VCRI). Overall I really like the people I work with. Both of my supervisors are very passionate about the work we do, even after they have been doing it for almost a decade.
Here are the people I work with and the place I work: http://tinyurl.com/5fjwql or you can look at the general website. As you can see I am the faith-based outreach & training coordinator. I have a cubicle, though in a very small office, my own computer, and business cards, but I have almost complete freedom to take my position where I want it.
Mostly I've been doing orientation and getting used to the office. My supervisor has been awesome and scheduled in "getting used to Providence time," so if I want I can go wander around and just figure things out. The other really fantastic thing is on my first day they gave me a VCRI coffee mug, a lanyard, a travel pack of tissues, and chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but locally handmade truffles and a long stick pretzel covered with caramel, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. I strongly recommend them! So far my supervisor like to feed her VISTAs! Both of my supervisors check on my at least 2 or 3 times a day to see how I'm settling and to offer me help or advice.
Workwise it looks like I'll be working to make contacts within the community. Which means one of my favorite things... going to places of worship and hanging out with wonderful people there. Right now I'm working on getting important items discount like food stamps and general food which I can get from servenewengland.org which gives me highly discounted food because I do volunteer work in RI. The other important thing I'm working on getting cheaper is a bus pass. I ride the bus multiple times a day. I'm actually enjoying it except for how long my commute is to & from work (around 45 min). Its been good because I'm starting to get a handle on the city and learn where things are and how everything is connected. Although I do get funny looks getting on the bus in the morning in my business casual.
Other general interesting news: last night I made fried green tomatos my nothern roommates loved them, so it looks like I'll have to make them again. The other VISTA in my office is from SC and we get along really well. She wants me to come visit her in Riverside (aka near the beach) for thrift shop hopping, biking, and a clam bake! I'm excited! This weekend the Meshanticut Baptist Church (soon to be The Orchard Baptist Church) where Josh volunteers is having a cook out on a lake with swimming to which the two of us are invited!
My roommates are cool, I like my work and know I will more in the future, and the weather is nice so over all life is good!
Here are the people I work with and the place I work: http://tinyurl.com/5fjwql or you can look at the general website. As you can see I am the faith-based outreach & training coordinator. I have a cubicle, though in a very small office, my own computer, and business cards, but I have almost complete freedom to take my position where I want it.
Mostly I've been doing orientation and getting used to the office. My supervisor has been awesome and scheduled in "getting used to Providence time," so if I want I can go wander around and just figure things out. The other really fantastic thing is on my first day they gave me a VCRI coffee mug, a lanyard, a travel pack of tissues, and chocolate. Not just any chocolate, but locally handmade truffles and a long stick pretzel covered with caramel, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. I strongly recommend them! So far my supervisor like to feed her VISTAs! Both of my supervisors check on my at least 2 or 3 times a day to see how I'm settling and to offer me help or advice.
Workwise it looks like I'll be working to make contacts within the community. Which means one of my favorite things... going to places of worship and hanging out with wonderful people there. Right now I'm working on getting important items discount like food stamps and general food which I can get from servenewengland.org which gives me highly discounted food because I do volunteer work in RI. The other important thing I'm working on getting cheaper is a bus pass. I ride the bus multiple times a day. I'm actually enjoying it except for how long my commute is to & from work (around 45 min). Its been good because I'm starting to get a handle on the city and learn where things are and how everything is connected. Although I do get funny looks getting on the bus in the morning in my business casual.
Other general interesting news: last night I made fried green tomatos my nothern roommates loved them, so it looks like I'll have to make them again. The other VISTA in my office is from SC and we get along really well. She wants me to come visit her in Riverside (aka near the beach) for thrift shop hopping, biking, and a clam bake! I'm excited! This weekend the Meshanticut Baptist Church (soon to be The Orchard Baptist Church) where Josh volunteers is having a cook out on a lake with swimming to which the two of us are invited!
My roommates are cool, I like my work and know I will more in the future, and the weather is nice so over all life is good!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Back from Philly
We got back from Philly yesterday evening around 5 pm. Philly was definitely fun! We mostly spent our time in the Historical District around our hotel. Luckily for us, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell were like 3 or 4 blocks from the hotel. I went to Reading Terminal and ate yummy matzo ball soup and spinach knish. So for all of you who aren't exactly sure what I'm talking about, remember when you played Monopoly and there was Reading Railroad along with the other 3 railroads; well this is station where the railroad used to come in to Philly. Now Reading Terminal has become a market place where people sell fresh foods, small restaurants, and crafts. It was a lot of fun! Josh got his cheese steak there, and was very happy with it.
In our actual training we talked about poverty for most of the first full day. It was very interesting, not necessarily all that innovative or informative. Our trainer gave us pipe cleaners, play dough, markers & paper, and chocolate to help keep us interested. We made some interesting art including a basketball goal with matching ball, a bicycle with cart full of veggies, a bug and flower, and all sorts of random stuff. It was interesting to learn the formula to determine whether or not someone is considered below the poverty line. Sad to say this formula hasn't changed, except to reflect inflation, since the early 1960s. The best thing we had was a pseudo realistic relationship and partnering where we were randomly assigned to different volunteer organization with the assignment to get our goals accomplish. That was great because we had to argue our positions about why we should get money or why another group should partner with us.
The social part of the training was really the more important part for me. It was really nice to meet other Americorp people from Providence. We had some time to wander around in Philly and were definitely able to hang out and have a couple drinks. My roommate was in her mid 30s and was doing work with her church. She's nice and very interesting, but she snored like a train. So my lack of attention sometimes was due to the lack of sleep.
When we got back to the house, the final roommate had moved in. His name is Eric and his from New Jersey. He just graduated from a small college in Pennsylvania. He's really nice. He and Josh are getting along really well. I'm glad Josh has a guy to hang out with some, otherwise it would have been Josh and the girls.
I start my real job on Monday morning at 8:30 am. I won't start my volunteer work at the psychology lab until September. I think that will give me some good time (about 2 weeks) to get settled in my job. Hopefully I'll start working for AS 22 as well and be able to get some good time in the photo lab. Well I'm going to finished watching the Olympics and get to bed soon.
In our actual training we talked about poverty for most of the first full day. It was very interesting, not necessarily all that innovative or informative. Our trainer gave us pipe cleaners, play dough, markers & paper, and chocolate to help keep us interested. We made some interesting art including a basketball goal with matching ball, a bicycle with cart full of veggies, a bug and flower, and all sorts of random stuff. It was interesting to learn the formula to determine whether or not someone is considered below the poverty line. Sad to say this formula hasn't changed, except to reflect inflation, since the early 1960s. The best thing we had was a pseudo realistic relationship and partnering where we were randomly assigned to different volunteer organization with the assignment to get our goals accomplish. That was great because we had to argue our positions about why we should get money or why another group should partner with us.
The social part of the training was really the more important part for me. It was really nice to meet other Americorp people from Providence. We had some time to wander around in Philly and were definitely able to hang out and have a couple drinks. My roommate was in her mid 30s and was doing work with her church. She's nice and very interesting, but she snored like a train. So my lack of attention sometimes was due to the lack of sleep.
When we got back to the house, the final roommate had moved in. His name is Eric and his from New Jersey. He just graduated from a small college in Pennsylvania. He's really nice. He and Josh are getting along really well. I'm glad Josh has a guy to hang out with some, otherwise it would have been Josh and the girls.
I start my real job on Monday morning at 8:30 am. I won't start my volunteer work at the psychology lab until September. I think that will give me some good time (about 2 weeks) to get settled in my job. Hopefully I'll start working for AS 22 as well and be able to get some good time in the photo lab. Well I'm going to finished watching the Olympics and get to bed soon.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Busy Busy Always Busy
Well Josh and I made it to the island for a couple of days. It was pretty cool and rainy. I think everyday it rained at least some. As per usual I went for my daily dip at the morning beach. Josh wasn't very into swimming because the water was cold from the storms stirring up the water. We were able to have a nice time still building a fire, working on a puzzle, and reading. We were able to get out in the kayaks and sun on the dock for a couple hours one day. I wish there had been more nice weather, but I'm still glad we had fun. My mother's cousin Andy, his wife Cathy, and their kids were up visit at Old Camp. They were very nice and fed us dinner every night. Oh and I celebrated my 22 birthday on the island!
We left the island on Saturday and went to my Aunt Diana's for a folk concert to raise money for the scholarship fund in memory of their friend Steven Miles. It was very fun and chill. It was mostly potluck also with burgers and hot dogs. We all sat on blankets and quietly chatted during the music. I'm very glad it was a gorgeous day, particularly because of the threatening rain clouds. Josh really enjoyed the music, it was his first real introduction to folk music. Of course when my aunts get together there were multiple games of scrabble.
In about 20 minutes Josh, Christie, and I leave for Philadelphia for Preservice Orientation Training. I'm excited about the visit to Philly because I've never been there before. Josh and I are both really tired of traveling, Josh particularly. I'm not sure if I'll have internet so you probably won't hear from me for a couple of days. When I get back hopefully I'll have grand stories of Philly and ideas for starting my new job on Monday.
P.S. Weird New England Stuff
1. Sunday was Portugal's independence day, and there were flags, music, and a parade
2. Yesterday was VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day) and most people had the day off
We left the island on Saturday and went to my Aunt Diana's for a folk concert to raise money for the scholarship fund in memory of their friend Steven Miles. It was very fun and chill. It was mostly potluck also with burgers and hot dogs. We all sat on blankets and quietly chatted during the music. I'm very glad it was a gorgeous day, particularly because of the threatening rain clouds. Josh really enjoyed the music, it was his first real introduction to folk music. Of course when my aunts get together there were multiple games of scrabble.
In about 20 minutes Josh, Christie, and I leave for Philadelphia for Preservice Orientation Training. I'm excited about the visit to Philly because I've never been there before. Josh and I are both really tired of traveling, Josh particularly. I'm not sure if I'll have internet so you probably won't hear from me for a couple of days. When I get back hopefully I'll have grand stories of Philly and ideas for starting my new job on Monday.
P.S. Weird New England Stuff
1. Sunday was Portugal's independence day, and there were flags, music, and a parade
2. Yesterday was VJ Day (Victory in Japan Day) and most people had the day off
Monday, August 4, 2008
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go...
Woo hoo! We're going to the island tomorrow! Now most of you know what that means because you known me long enough to hear about it, but for those of you who don't here is some quick background. It is half of a 5 acre island on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. This land has been in the family for generations. There is no electricity, no running water (except for a pump which we can't drink) and only 3 buildings on our side (not counting the outhouse). Anyways most of the time we spend swimming, boating, eating, and general up keep of the island.
I am very excited as this is Josh's first visit to the island. We are leaving as soon as he gets his car back from the mechanic tomorrow morning in which he had to replace the water pump. Nothing very exciting today. We mostly got the car to the mechanic and worked on our Americorp training info. We were able to meet the other house mate who is awesome, but is moving out this weekend.
She took us on errands with her to the pet shop and another Stop & Shop. The seem to be like Lowes food in the south, so not quite as ritzy as Harris Teeter but then not as cheap as Food Lion. We did grill out with our neighbors on the 3rd floor. They are really awesome and very very nice. We ended up playing scrabble with their 15 year old son and some of Christie's friends who were over visiting. I won (silent thank you to the Aunties). Poor Emily Jo (one of the 3rd floor neighbors) splashed boiling water on her face and is now at the ER. I'm sure she'll be fine, but it still sucks.
Man now I'm tired and so I'm going to go crash. Sorry this won't be updated for a while! Hope everyone is doing well, but in the mean time much love!
I am very excited as this is Josh's first visit to the island. We are leaving as soon as he gets his car back from the mechanic tomorrow morning in which he had to replace the water pump. Nothing very exciting today. We mostly got the car to the mechanic and worked on our Americorp training info. We were able to meet the other house mate who is awesome, but is moving out this weekend.
She took us on errands with her to the pet shop and another Stop & Shop. The seem to be like Lowes food in the south, so not quite as ritzy as Harris Teeter but then not as cheap as Food Lion. We did grill out with our neighbors on the 3rd floor. They are really awesome and very very nice. We ended up playing scrabble with their 15 year old son and some of Christie's friends who were over visiting. I won (silent thank you to the Aunties). Poor Emily Jo (one of the 3rd floor neighbors) splashed boiling water on her face and is now at the ER. I'm sure she'll be fine, but it still sucks.
Man now I'm tired and so I'm going to go crash. Sorry this won't be updated for a while! Hope everyone is doing well, but in the mean time much love!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Plans Altered!
So last night the entire house went to sleep around 10 or 10:30. I was the latest person up, which to me is kind of surprising. Anyways we all totally conked out, we were exhausted.
This morning we mostly bummed around and worked on deciding utilities. Christie works with an autistic girl named Sarah and they came by today. Sarah was really nice and quirky, though a little difficult to understand sometimes because of a speech impediment. They went to the Roger Williams Zoo & Park, which hopefully I'll get to visit tomorrow.
Josh and I were originally planning to go to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire tomorrow, but his car is having issues. Something is happening which makes the engine over heat, either its the thermostat ($5 fix) or the water pump (much more expensive). We're hopefully going to figure that out tomorrow. This car issue came up when we were driving to find the Stop & Shop that was supposedly about a mile away. Well the Stop & Shop was gone and the car overheated so we hung out in a parking lot off of Elmwood. Nothing very eventful there we just waited until the car cooled. I did realize that some people hear follow the same strange practice of having stereo systems that are more expensive than their cars as with some young men in the South. When we got home there was very little food so we decided to go to the bodega just down the street. Walking around in this neighborhood is definitely different than Chapel Hill. Its a bit uncomfortable because we are the minorities and I am totally not used to it, but the people are all really nice. They are kind of surprised that we are from the South.
Luckily Christie was home after our exploration. She and Sarah took us to the Stop & Shop where we stocked up on tuna and other basics. Stop & Shop is organized rather differently than the grocery stores in the south. I'll get used to it, but its another thing to add to the list of differences. Its still hard because we don't know when/if we will be able to make it up to NH.
The interesting food thing of the day was stuffed squash blossoms. Christie who works for farm fresh, organizing local farmers markets, got them from one of the farmers. She stuffed them with ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, some spices, and then rolled them in egg and bread crumbs. Then we pan fried them and holy shit! they were wonderful. She has asked me to make some southern regulars, so I'll definitely have to make some cheesy grits, okra maybe in some gumbo, and hopefully some good swiss chard. If anyone has any suggestions of traditionally southern (preferably veggie) dishes please let me know!
I guess overall I'm still realizing the differences and getting used to the neighborhood. I mean it is only my first full day here, but I think I'm really going to enjoy it. Please come visit if you get the chance.
With Love...
This morning we mostly bummed around and worked on deciding utilities. Christie works with an autistic girl named Sarah and they came by today. Sarah was really nice and quirky, though a little difficult to understand sometimes because of a speech impediment. They went to the Roger Williams Zoo & Park, which hopefully I'll get to visit tomorrow.
Josh and I were originally planning to go to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire tomorrow, but his car is having issues. Something is happening which makes the engine over heat, either its the thermostat ($5 fix) or the water pump (much more expensive). We're hopefully going to figure that out tomorrow. This car issue came up when we were driving to find the Stop & Shop that was supposedly about a mile away. Well the Stop & Shop was gone and the car overheated so we hung out in a parking lot off of Elmwood. Nothing very eventful there we just waited until the car cooled. I did realize that some people hear follow the same strange practice of having stereo systems that are more expensive than their cars as with some young men in the South. When we got home there was very little food so we decided to go to the bodega just down the street. Walking around in this neighborhood is definitely different than Chapel Hill. Its a bit uncomfortable because we are the minorities and I am totally not used to it, but the people are all really nice. They are kind of surprised that we are from the South.
Luckily Christie was home after our exploration. She and Sarah took us to the Stop & Shop where we stocked up on tuna and other basics. Stop & Shop is organized rather differently than the grocery stores in the south. I'll get used to it, but its another thing to add to the list of differences. Its still hard because we don't know when/if we will be able to make it up to NH.
The interesting food thing of the day was stuffed squash blossoms. Christie who works for farm fresh, organizing local farmers markets, got them from one of the farmers. She stuffed them with ricotta cheese, spinach, garlic, some spices, and then rolled them in egg and bread crumbs. Then we pan fried them and holy shit! they were wonderful. She has asked me to make some southern regulars, so I'll definitely have to make some cheesy grits, okra maybe in some gumbo, and hopefully some good swiss chard. If anyone has any suggestions of traditionally southern (preferably veggie) dishes please let me know!
I guess overall I'm still realizing the differences and getting used to the neighborhood. I mean it is only my first full day here, but I think I'm really going to enjoy it. Please come visit if you get the chance.
With Love...
Saturday, August 2, 2008
First Post
Hey everyone,
This is my first night in Providence. Josh and I moved in around 2:30 today. I really like our roommate Christie she seems pretty cool. Our first experience in Providence was interesting. We pulled off I-95 to see a car on fire and a cop arresting a guy in handcuffs. Honestly that was a shock, its really not something you expect to see in the south.
Last night we got to my Aunt's house in Connecticut around 1:10 am. We had a horrible drive through D.C. in which we got stuck in traffic for almost 5 hrs. Otherwise we had a relatively good drive. We stayed with my Aunt last night. She was wonderful. We got a good night's sleep and a good breakfast and lunch. She also showed me around Stonington near where she lives. We may stay with her when we go to the beach.
The house itself is pretty cool. Really beautiful hardwood floors and lots of windows. Josh and I have adjoining rooms. My room has an old dresser, a twin bed (with an air mattress), and a nightstand. I haven't gotten fully moved in yet. I'm not sure if I will before I go to the island. I'm really excited about going to Kinneho Island on Lake Winnipeasukee.
So far tonight I've only unpacked the car and some of my clothes. We made dinner together (Christie, Josh and I). It was really yummy. We sauteed onions, squash, eggplant, green beans, and some garlic (always garlic) with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a french batard with herbs and a bottle of white wine.
This is my first night in Providence. Josh and I moved in around 2:30 today. I really like our roommate Christie she seems pretty cool. Our first experience in Providence was interesting. We pulled off I-95 to see a car on fire and a cop arresting a guy in handcuffs. Honestly that was a shock, its really not something you expect to see in the south.
Last night we got to my Aunt's house in Connecticut around 1:10 am. We had a horrible drive through D.C. in which we got stuck in traffic for almost 5 hrs. Otherwise we had a relatively good drive. We stayed with my Aunt last night. She was wonderful. We got a good night's sleep and a good breakfast and lunch. She also showed me around Stonington near where she lives. We may stay with her when we go to the beach.
The house itself is pretty cool. Really beautiful hardwood floors and lots of windows. Josh and I have adjoining rooms. My room has an old dresser, a twin bed (with an air mattress), and a nightstand. I haven't gotten fully moved in yet. I'm not sure if I will before I go to the island. I'm really excited about going to Kinneho Island on Lake Winnipeasukee.
So far tonight I've only unpacked the car and some of my clothes. We made dinner together (Christie, Josh and I). It was really yummy. We sauteed onions, squash, eggplant, green beans, and some garlic (always garlic) with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a french batard with herbs and a bottle of white wine.
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