Reflections and Resolutions

Things have been busy in the habi-bubble since the New Year began! This weekend we had a three day weekend, but I've worked the past two Mondays. Since we had some extra time Alex and I took the train to Maryland for a mini-roadtrip to pick up her car and bicycle. We're currently driving back and enjoying the sunny Virginia highwayscape. Work has been going really well. I feel like I've been able to take on a lot more tasks and responsibilities on our work sites and I'm really able to do alot of the tasks without alot of active instruction. On the current house we're working on at Old Steele Creek I led the volunteer crew in removing the bathroom floor, replacing the rotten joists, and installing the new floor. Usually that next my supervisor oversees, but I felt that this time I was really in charge with a little bit of consultation from him. I'm feeling very comfortable at my job and can identify what needs to be done and I'm comfortable knowing what to do to complete the tasks. I really love what I'm doing and look forward to waking up and going to work everyday. I also had a partner swap. Instead of working with Sean, I now work with Caroline. We have a lot of things in common and I think its really enjoyable to chat with her while we're working.

Now that January is nearly over I have some concrete goals in mind to work toward this year. My February goals are:

•Do "Fab Ab February" with Alex (work on my six pack)

• Maybe go to a meetup group run? (I can work up the mental courage to meet new people in that kind of group setting. Maybe)

•Get my computer fixed

•Update my resume and my Americorps online application

•Go to Yoga one extra night a week

•Get out of the house more 

•Blog every weekend

•Donate Blood

•Put money into my savings account

I've been getting ready for the upcoming Habitat Global Village trip to El Salvador. I've filled out all the paperwork and bought my plane ticket. Now I'm just waiting for my new passport to come and I'm ready!

Today Alex told me that our Americorps term is half over. I've been thinking about whats next in my life and I have three options that I keep thinking about:

• Doing another year of Americorps here in Charlotte

• Doing another year of Americorps at another affiliate

• Doing a year in Charlotte as an intern then doing a year of Americorps at another affiliate.

I also keep turning over in my mind the idea of spending a summer leading a Bike and Build trip. My experience with Bike and Build was absolutely life changing. My first trip made me fully realize my passion for community service and the agordable housing cause as well as expand my comfort bubble to include group living that has made my Americorps lifestyle desirable to me. I would love to be able to spend a summer facilitating that experience for other young adults and experiencing the beauty of the raw upclose country. That experience has shaped my decisions since, leading me to my current job, friends, and lifestyle. I really like the person I've become. Somedays the mere thought of spending another summer doing that much biking exhausts me. But most days the thought fills me with excitement, and meeting other alums and current riders making preparations renews my passion for the organization, and makes me a little jealous!