Fixed Link

Sorry, but I couldn't make sure the link I posted worked because whenever the computer lab is crowded, the internet needs to be reset approximately every 30 seconds. So.... here's the real link: http://www.stlucieco.gov/community/intact.htm

OK, people. I haven't updated in a while, but you haven't missed much. Training is boring mainly because it makes no claim to be taught at a level above eigth grade, which is understanable because you want volunteers to be from all different backgrounds. Nonetheless, I have had to fight sleep with more persistence than I ever had to in high school or college... which, of course, says a lot. But other than that things have been good. I got my team assignment, which is the 10 people I will be working with for the remainder of my time here. At first I was wary about the team, but I've become really good friends with a few of my teammates, and, all in all, I think there will be very few problems in the coming year. What I've noticed about the campus in general is that this is a very diverse group of people. Being that we're all thrown in together, 8 people to a house, people are staring to go a little insane from lack of sleep and cabin fever, being that there are few people with vehicles, and, for those with vehicles, there's really no exciting places to go. However, I think everyone has met some people they can get a long with really well and that keeps us sane.

Now for the exciting news. I got more details little over an hour ago about our first project. Here's a quick rundown of what I know:

What: Intact Florida, mostly reinforcing homes of people in need to protect them from future hurricanes. Apparently this is mostly done with storm shutters. For more info, visit www.stlucie.gov/community/intact.htm

When: Nothing is in stone yet, but it should be approximately March 7-April 21

Where. St. Lucie, Fla. Again, not sure exactly where, but I've heard it's not far from the water...

Based on other's project and what I know, this will probably be the best project we get all year. Florida will be beautiful, and for at least half the time we are there we will be staying in a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with a pool-- beats the hell our of camping. Also, I should get to see some Mets spring training since they do it in Port St. Lucie (Again, this is a point I'm not clear on... If you look on a Florida map, you'll see Port St. Lucie is a bigger city to the southwest of St. Lucie, but I heard they're the same place. Either way, I should be close to where the Mets will be.).

And now it's Sunday...

Just a small update here. I went to bed early last night in anticipation of doing the "pack test", but I have recently come to my senses and am now taking refuge in the computer lab because I can't go back to sleep. It started when one of my roommates came into my room at 6:20 and said they moved it back to 7:00 instead of 7:30. As the minutes passed, I came to realize this was not happening. I may go cheer on some of these nutcases later, but for now I'm going to check out some TV shows online... thanks for the link, Dave.

Hey! It's Saturday.

Hello,

So it's Saturday. Here I am. Yep. Americorps. I've been inspected, neglected, injected, infected and the like. I realize I will probably look back on these first few weeks as the best of times and the worst of times. As far as the social aspect, it's not going to get much better. I've met a lot of really cool people and there's a place called The Renezvous where you can fill a huge mug with beer for $2. Good times. However, the training we've already had and it looks like we'll get more of is mainly very boring sessions of listening to someone go over rules. Another downside is the living situation. 8 guys, one run down house with one bathroom that has maybe the smallest shower I've ever attempted to cleanse myself in.... sorry... in which I've ever attempted to clean myself. Also, I picked the only bunk without a footboard so my feet can hang off... it's not bad, BUT I've already hit my back on the top bunk three times. Anyway, to make matters worse our basement is flooded. They told us last night someone would come to fix it today, and if they could not fix it, we'd be moved to the dorms, which at first seemed like a fate worse than death because living space seems like it will be even more cramped in the dorms and most of the people I know live in the houses. However, the food might be better, considering in the houses we have to make all our own meals and the major food staple our two delegated food shoppers got was hot dogs. Also, I can just spend all my time hanging out in the houses and just go back to dorms where there is a "lights out" policy. Anyway, right now I'm mainly anticipating Monday when we get our "teams", which are the groups of 10-12 people we will be doing all of our service projects with... the whole year... a little nerve-racking to say the least. Well, I suppose I'll go try to decide whether to go to 80's night at the "Vous" tonight, or get up early tomorrow to try to walk 3 miles with a 45 lbs. pack on my back in under 45 minutes...

The beginning.

I haven't actually left for Americorps yet. I don't even really know why I'm writing this. There is certainly no reason for you to be reading it. I'm sure you have more important things to do. I, on the other hand, don't. I was substitute teaching, but the calls stopped--which I do not understand because, to my knowledge, none of my pupils were ever fatally wounded. Oh well... expect some updates starting around the first week of February.