U.S.: Peace Corps, Here I Come

My thoughts on packing: I wish I lived in the magical world of Harry Potter and could pack an entire library, tent, and kitchen sink inside my purse just like Hermione. But since my packing abilities are limited to the resources of the muggle world, I have had to take a different approach to preparing for two years in Central America. My packing strategy shares similarities with the average college student's approach to studying for finals: Do a little bit at a time, take breaks, eat lots of food throughout the whole process (mostly the unhealthy kind), witness a semi-acceptable result after what seems like hours upon hours of effort, and feel extremely accomplished once the task is complete. 

I could include a list of all of the contents of my suitcases for you all to read through, but I've decided to spare everyone from the boredom which would result. Just know that I've got everything I should need, including my set of watercolors and a bag of jellybeans to share when Easter rolls around--the black kind because they are my favorite. 

Talking about food, I've spent a good portion of this past week indulging in some of the signature foods the United States offers. Pizza from Pizza Hut, a mint Oreo blizzard from the Dairy Queen, a shamrock shake from McDonald's, and my all-time favorite: Noodles and Company, just to name a few. I may miss some of these not-exactly-healthy treats in the near future...and my body will probably be okay with that. One week was enough to get my "American" food fix.

The goodbyes have been said (although I prefer to think of them more as "see-you-laters"), invitations to come visit me in Nicaragua have been extended, and the next chapter is waiting to unfold...