Past and Present 2 months in Florida

Okay so lets recap the past 2 months I've been here.
Drove down from Michigan to Florida- did all the driving myself.
Car got towed on Orange Avenue downtown Orlando with ticket.
Found cute one bedroom that I could afford near work.
Involved in a car collision which resulted in my car being totaled-no major injuries.
Learning the bus system, it's going okay.
Broke up with boyfriend. (it was a mutual breakup)
Got library card! enjoying the Orange County Library System and still trying to go without internet at my apt.
Creating activity plan for Quest North Works.

Future plans.
Cut and dye hair for a big change and def join a gym (start working out more) That always helps the self esteem.
Bicycle or motor scooter...prob bicycle to start out with....
get furniture for apt!! Dec 11th made apt w/local charity The Mustard Seed.
Finish schedule for December with weekly outings with area D.
Join a networking site, maybe start dating again...ugh. lol
Start rosetta stone spanish? hmmm need to figure that out.
Start tutoring?
Well these are all good thoughts, not sure what I'll actually end up doing, I guess we'll see what actually happens!

Curious about the world around me.....

These weekly leadership meetings help to re inspire me. I can get caught up in the every day things and feelings. Comparing, judging myself on silly things. It's good to get back to what's important every week to keep my focus on why I came down here and what I'm doing. It's all going to come together and every week I feel like that is reinforced and I take a deep breath and let those other things fall away and refocus.
Our presentation today just made me more determined to keep my plans alive. I also felt more passionate about seeing Public Allies go to Detroit. It would be amazing to be a part of that. I believe in Detroit, my family is there, no matter how hard I try to fight it, it's my home. Don't' get me wrong, I love traveling, I love meeting new people, but as I get older and more focused on what I want out of life, making my home in Detroit just always seems like the only answer. My boyfriend mentioned to me the other day that no matter how many people I have around me he noticed that I always still feel lonely if my family isn't there, he's right. I've spend months overseas, having amazing times and loving every minute of it, but the pang of loneliness always creeps in and I miss my family.
How amazing would it be if I could have my base there and go out take others out into the world to explore! Make a better name for Detroit, show people how amazing it is!! despite the cold weather, it just makes me more determined to create a better world through that base.

I will remain curious about the world around me and learn from it! Be deliberiate with your thoughts and those things will be attracted to you.....

Life lessons

In school you learn the lesson first, then the test. In life its the test first in hopes you learn the lesson.

This quote was posted on my cousin's FB page the other day and I've been trying to learn the lessons. I've had quite a few tests lately. I'm doing okay, the support of old friends and new helping pull me out of my dark thoughts. I'm relinquishing control and realizing that maybe that is my lesson- I can't control this situation. Although I'm still always researching and brainstorming on how to fix this.... my favorite word the past couple days is "options."


Oh! just got a call that my background check is IN! I can go to work today!

I'll explain and clarify later. Checking bus routes for my trip up to Apopka.

78 degrees and sunny

Orlando is 78 degrees and sunny, lounging around, thinking back on the past 4 days.
Left for Florida on Wednesday, the drive down was long. Rain all morning through Ohio. Stopped that evening and rested at a hotel so great to lay down and stretch. Jacci was sick and throwing up, we discovered that the antibiotic that she was given was penicillin based, which she is allergic to.
Started up the next morning and I was lucky to be able to visit my sister at her new job in Charolette. I almost started crying when I saw her, it'd been so long. She looked great. I enjoyed a yummy portobello mushroom sandwich. Poor Jacci was in the car resting and feeling sick. She's stopped taking the antibiotic, but was still feeling the effects.

Made it into Orlando late Wednesday night. It was great to settle in. Staying at an extended stay hotel. A little kitchenette and basic amenities, close to the free way. Not sure where I'll be living, still exploring the area.

Thursday had to get my finger prints done and some documents notarized. Did some grocery shopping and brought in the rest of our bags. Robert, Jacci and I hung out and had fun finding the grocery store and things that were near by. Florida drivers are crazy!


First day of training on Friday went well. A morning filled with contracts and paper work. The afternoon consisted of an impromptu tour of all the Quest Locations with the other 5 people selected to serve with Quest. I'm at Quest North in Apopka. The location is new and the area is nice. It was nice to see the other locations as well. I think of all the locations I was placed at the one that fits my skills best. The center hosts a variety of projects that the clients are able to participate in. For example sorting wash cloths and hangers from Disney, making trip ticks for AAA and putting together tutoring supplies for A+ tutoring. It is great that there is work for people with different skill levels. I'll be working on designing activities for the clients that are finished with their work, don't want to work, or are physically/ mentally unable to complete the projects available.



Along with working at Quest Monday-Thursday, Friday will be filled with learning and community service projects with the other Public Allies. The other 21 participants are placed at different nonprofits around the Orlando area. We will all be participating in training through Public Allies Mon-Sat of next week.

Saturday some adventuring and exploring the Orlando area. Learned my lesson about parking on the weekend and had to get my car out of the impound lot. Luckily a shuttle driver gave us a free ride up to the lot. Ended the night meeting some new people and getting some job leads for Jacci. Also saw the end of the Vince Neil concert---girls, girls, girls.......

I'm excited about the next 10 months. It is going to be filled with lots of learning and amazing experiences. Stay tuned for up coming adventures in Orlando.

Florida bound

I recently accepted a position in Orlando, Florida. I never thought I'd move to Florida, but I'm always up for an adventure. I applied with Public Allies at a couple different locations throughout the country. Orlando called me to set up a phone interview. Something was calling me down to Orlando. I passed the phone interview and was asked to fly down to Orlando for in person interviews with the local nonprofits that were partnering with Public Allies this year.
The interviews were a quick 15 minutes and the room was full of potential allies. After interviewing all morning and then staying after to get in a couple extra interviews in, I was exhausted. The whole process was information overload. I wasn't quite sure that I really "clicked" with any of the nonprofits. Some I knew I was suited for, but honestly unsure if I was up for the challenge. Before I left I chose my top 5 and added "open to any position" at the bottom of my list. I'm very adaptable and I hopped that the right fit would just work out.

I received a rejection email that weekend and although I was bummed I tried to just keep positive. Keep myself motivated at my current job and see what would happen. I didn't give up and applied at some more nonprofits.

After a stressful week of work, the following Friday, I received a personal call from Public Allies. One of the allies turned down a position and a nonprofit was requesting me. Quest Inc I pulled out my notes and remembered speaking with them. I had put them on my top 5 but crossed them out. I know that working with physical and mental disabilities can be difficult and from my past experience working in Special Ed, I was apprehensive, but due to that experience, my understanding of special needs must have impressed them and they felt that I would be an asset to their organization. So after a nice chat with the ladies from Quest, I accepted the position. They inflated my ego by telling me that I was their first choice and when someone declined they asked right away if I was available.

Why not? It's what I had wanted a week ago, and my current job wasn't very fulfilling. I smiled and reminded myself that I had to be patient and keep the faith.

So...here I am two weeks away from driving down to Florida with y new position as a Vocational Training Coordinator for Quest Inc..... stay posted.

Day 7 Disco.....Relax....Trip back to ROK Day 8

Disco and inflatable animals…

We walk into the Disco and it is HUGE and PACKED anyone from anywhere is dancing. There are small platforms with poles, tables, steps and the floor filled with people dancing. Like I said earlier we were dressed very cute, flower dresses, minimal makeup, and sandals…. most of the girls/guys here were in their black club clothes. We like dancing so we mosey our way to a dancing spot. We are dancing and this ‘lady boy’ gets K to get up on one of the small platforms and dance. As soon as she does she/he proceeds to flip up her dress. He tried to do the same to me but I stop him. It was funny and not at the same time. We decide to move to a different area. The steps seem safe and we can look out and observer the crowd. We are up there shimming and shaking for bit when the DJ behind us starts throwing Inflatable animals into the crowd. This causes a massive amount of Thai girls to congregate facing the stairs/dj booth. They throw Barbie’s and other toys but mostly these inflatable animals. It was interesting to say the least. By this time we’ve had enough so we venture back home through Patong back to our Hotel. Ahh sleep at last.

Relax...

The next morning is pamper day. We got Thai massages (which is a small Thai woman using her whole body to give you a massage...her elbows, lets to pull your legs, it's pretty amazing there was one point when she linked my arms and aligned my back with her body weight.) We also got super cheap manicure/pedicure. A pug dog kept trying to sit on my lap the whole time. We also just sat by the beach and watched the massive waves; it was a really windy day. Our driver wasn’t coming until around 6pm. This was very relaxing and everyone was just lounging around, taking in the breeze. Watching the ocean and the sway of the palm trees. I did try to do some shopping but most of the merchandise wasn’t as nice as Phi Phi or Krabi and they were pricing things high, so I didn’t buy anything.

Trek back to the Republic of Korea

The trek home was long. Our flight from Bangkok-Beijing was delayed. 12-3am So when we finally got to Beijing at 7am we’d missed our connecting flight to Seoul. There were about 20 random teachers that needed to get back to Korea. Two planes departed for Seoul that day. Kaleena got on the 1:00 flight but I had to wait until 5:30. Everyone was upset and in a tizzy. I asked about the lounge and they agreed. We were escorted up to the China Air lounge/hotel. We were provided lunch and dinner in a comfortable area to rest. The couches and lounge chairs were so nice and comfortable. I was thankful we didn’t have to wait down in the cold air-conditioning on awkward metal seats. It was fun being in a room with all new people; we played some games and got to know each other a little bit. We also partook in the fridge of Chinese beer, pop, tea, and other snacks they provided.

When I arrived in Seoul it was 9:40….the last bus to Cheonan left at 9:30…I was very tired and upset at this point and I was adamant not to sleep on the bench of the airport till 6am, I had to work the next day. So after a couple failed attempts I managed to get a hold of an Air china rep and they agreed to give me a night in a hotel. They had a shuttle bus in the morning back to the airport where I could catch the bus to Cheonan. I definitely thanked my lucky stars knowing that someone or something was looking out for me. When I got to the hotel I kicked back and rested in a plush bed appreciating life and decompressing from the week in Thailand.

Caught the bus back to Cheonan the next morning and headed straight to work.
Ahh the life of a jet setter. ;)

Day 6 Phi-Phi island - Phuket

Early morning up and I walked to the view point. As i am trekking up the hill past hostels and locals working I take a few moments to take in the view. As i ascend the mountain the views become more and more beautiful. I can see both bays on either side of the island. A giant crescent cut into the island on my left and right. I notice a shop set up for the viewpoint. Along with some benches and flowers. A small boy no older than 1 year is standing at the edge of the open front shop on the side of the mountain grinning and waving at me. Soooo cute! I walk up and take a couple pictures. A young woman comes out and feeds the boy some breakfast. A couple cats curl up next to him and wait patiently for their helping. I watch them and then take a few more glances at the view before I head back down.

I am in the mood for more adventuring so I turn at the fork in the road away from the main beach area. There are more hostels and hotels that are usually filled during peak season. Birds in cages hang randomly. Boys pull carts with water and other supplies. Life seems simple and relaxed.

I go back to the room and pack up. Kaleena and I need to catch a ferry at 2pm over to Phuket. We check out and leave our bags at the front desk. The sun is shinning and I am sad to already be leaving Phi Phi island. We venture around and end up at another beach and opt to get some tropical cocktails to kill some time and get out of the heat. One Phi-Phi sunrise later we ask our waiter, Mow, the time. He informs us that it is 1:00. The island is small so we opt for another drink. I am feeling anxious and inquire the time again from a different waiter...he says 2! We should have known we had to be somewhere..we are having too much fun relaxing. Definately need to invest in a travel watch with an alarm...too bad i dont' really like wrist watches...i guess that's why I'm always running places...but it would have been very helpful on this trip.

We jump up pay our bill and RUN to our hotel....they tell us our bags are at the ferry. So we RUN to the port. I take the back way that i discovered earlier in hopes that we'll be able to run faster without all the people, shops and turns the other way. As we are running up to the ferry along the dock, the man from the hotel is waving us toward the boat saying "why?" "why?" we jump on the boat and they unlatch it from the dock. They were waiting for us....We find a spot in back and brave the journey to Phuket.

Phuket is not as relaxed as Phi-Phi and it is a bit of a shock. Similar to Bangkok. We get our room, which is the poorest of all of our rooms besides the first one in Bangkok...but we know we've been spoiled so far. Our stomachs start to grumble indicating a desperate need for food. I want to splurge on a nice seafood meal so we stop at the first place called Mr. Goods. I order a seafood basket and K got an entire fish. The food was delicious.... i felt happily guilty totally devouring everything...We also got some fun tropical in coconut drinks. This was our most expensive meal at ~$23 each

Phuket is supposed to be a good place to 'go out' so since we haven't done that since Bangkok we are determined. We set a wake up call with the front desk for 11pm and take a nap. We turn on the TV and the Wondergirls music video comes up. Ahhhh! Korean pop music is everywhere! Some other Thai and Japanese music videos play as well.

All dressed up we head out and walk down the street. We both feel a little too cute looking but we venture on. I see a side street and we go down it. I think it is called Patong..... It is completely lined with bars after bar after bar, there are bars inside of bars. Everything is dark and dirty. Thai girls dance on poles and taxi driver try and get us to go to a ping pong show. A man shoves a picture in my face after asking me if i want to go to the show I don't' look down but I'm pretty sure a cigarette was being smoked....you fill in the rest. Western guys walk down with a Thai girl on one arm and another Thai girl or Lady boy on the other. We spot a bar with a balcony view and head up there to observe.

After the crowd clears a bit down below we walk back down. We meet these random blokes from somewhere and then other woman tells us about a disco. We love dancing so when we find out where it is we head over there.

Disco....