I Can Can

As a young child, I was extremely lucky to have the all natural, hippie sort of parents. I think that's why I love activities that focus on making it instead of buying it.

Last year, I tried my hand at homemade blueberry jam (from berries picked by Aggie B. and myself). After several attempts and lots of online research, I was able to can efficiently (and effectively) and developed a great spicy blueberry jam recipe.

This year, my research led me to find the best canned fish recipe. Now, canning fish is a whole different ball game than canning jam. Jam requires a hot water bath. Fish requires a pressure canner - something my dad doesn't own. Originally, I was set to borrow a friend's; however, when finding the exact location of the canner became a problem, the town of Nome came together to help me with my project.

I can't say the fish turned out super well, but it was an excellent first attempt. What did turn out super well was the community support for my project. Thank you Lee Ann for the recipes and the smoker. Thank you Cheryl for loaning me a canner. Thank you everyone for offering the use of yours! Nome rocks!

P.S. Did I mention I plan on bringing some of this homemade goodness with me to my Staging in September? Can't wait to share a piece of Nome with my PC homies.

Handmade & Handsome

A truly evil friend of mine recently introduced me to a money disappearing type of website: Etsy

Etsy offers a whole host of products handmade by the "little guy". Similar to a Cafe Press, artists use Etsy to sell their products online from the comforts of their own home.

Once introduced, I realized I would be spending a lot of money on Etsy. Interestingly enough, the artist who designed the recipe cards in the picture I featured on my Yum Yum post sells her art on Etsy. I was ecstatic to find her products and just had the wonderful pleasure of having post cards, note cards and recipe cards designed specifically for my upcoming Peace Corps adventure! Check out her gorgeous prints on her online Etsy shop Pink Bathtub Designs.

Thank you Noelle for the beautiful cards! I cannot wait to write home to my friends and family.

Why I Joined the Peace Corps

A current PCV (that’s short for Peace Corps Volunteer) suggested I jot down my reasons for joining the Peace Corps, just in case I have a bad day (or several attack me at once) and I forget why I am where I am at.

After listing my reasons, I realized I should tell someone else just in case Number 1 spontaneously explodes and I cannot retrieve my list. So, here you go - why I joined the Peace Corps.

• I joined to make a difference. I am not naive enough to think I am going to change the world - or even the small community I am in - but I do hope to impact at least one person, even if that person is me.
• I joined to help other people. I love to volunteer. There is something about serving others that is fun, exciting, and satisfying (similar to the feeling I get after a really hard workout).
• I joined to earn college credit. From my rough calculations, my service will bring me 12 credits closer to earning my MA degree. That’s pretty neat.
• I joined for the challenge. This reason comes with a whole host of sub-reasons. I know this experience will be a challenge for me personally. My beliefs, perceptions, opinions, ideals, values, culture, etc will be challenged. I can’t wait to be told I am wrong (and then proved wrong). I can’t wait to get frustrated. I can’t wait to grow throughout it all.
• And finally, I joined to become a better person.