Back in Black

Life is back to normal. Or is it? There was a time when I thought I would never survive a year of service. I did. The last day was all tissues and soap operas but I managed to get out of there in one piece. The drive away from my newfound home was, I think, the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. A whirlwind of events happened after that. I arrived home in sunny southern California to be greeted by gloomy clouds and sunshine frowns. I escaped from that in less than a week and was off to Thailand! The excitement was drained from me bit by bit, hour by hour, on the longest plane ride of my life! I had much time to think and discovered I don’t care much for plane riding. When I finally arrived in the tropical land of Phuket, pad Thai noodles were falling from the sky and my ride showed up with a handsome man in it. Lucky me! One week of frolicking, swimming, harassment of monkeys, adopting diseases kittens, creeping on weddings, amazing seafood, massages, and romantics. Oh yea, and one week of sneezing, sleeping, coughing, burning up, sleeping more, trying to drink, feeling sick, sleeping more, and eventually giving in and getting antibiotics from the drug store. So maybe it wasn’t the best trip…but the times I was conscious it was fantastic. The little kid in me loved the adventures and the lady in me (yes, i really do have one) loved the dreamy, romantic moments. I found another place to feel at home and have to leave. Tragedy has stricken. Once I was back in California though I much appreciated getting to be home for realzees. I got to see my friends and spend time with Mom, Tom, and Bonnie. That was great. I found another place to love and leave. It was bittersweet the whole time I was there.  went from packing to partying and back again so many times. It was hard to meet new people and personalities I wanted to explore but couldn’t because I didn’t have the time. I still wonder which friendships will last through my next adventures. The things I have planned after this point may keep me away from my loved ones for a very long time. Hopefully it will be worth it but i highly suspect it will be. So, I moved from the glamorous Orange County to the beautiful and pure Lane County in the very green state of Oregon. Some might say an odd choice for a city girl like myself. I got many encouraging comments before leaving. “Erica….you know it like…rains up there, right?” “Erica, there are no malls there and like….you’re going to have to drive to get to the city.” Yes, friends, I am aware. I am acutely aware that little to no one has faith in my ability to adapt. Despite the fact that I did it professionally for a year. Lol. Anywho, if you haven’t seen me around, now you know why! I have up and moved to Oregon. Oregon…..where the fields are green, the meth dealers are in full bloom all year-long, and Alpaca poop gets stuck to the bottom of your stilettos. Lol J/k If you were wondering what it is that I’m doing here, fear no longer. It’s quite tame actually. I plan to start school this winter and I am now hunting for a rare and wild beast Oregonians call “jawbs”. I haven’t come across one yet but when I do I’ll let you know. Nasty little creatures. You might be thinking I have a lot of free time considering I am not employed and not in school. You would be wrong, my friend. I have been diligently turning my studio into a haven and have grown accustomed to farm life (taking it one day at a time, obviously). I have made 2 friends so far but have yet to go out to social events. I did, actually, see Willie Nelson live with my Dad a week or so back. That was cool. My and Willie Nelson both got the same haircut. Guess he understands you gotta get rid of all those years of growing to make room for the new stuff. Why is cutting your hair so liberating? I’ll never in my life tire of that rush. Now that I’ve got you all up to speed, I want to take this blog in a different direction. It was meant to keep people updated on my whereabouts and volunteer work in Americorps. Now that it’s over I think it’s time to make this something a little more fitting for my life and situation now. My next post will be in format with my new theme. As for now, it’s time to get back to fresh air. For all my friends and family around the world…I love you, I miss you, and if ever you want to visit me here just let me know!