Rise Up Singing

As my time in Nome comes to an end, so do my awesome, awesome guitar lessons.

I am a little sad that August brings to a close the opportunity to learn from a very accomplished musician, Sarah C. Hanson. If you haven't checked out her store, Bearing Song, stop by for a quick visit (if you happen to live in Nome). If you can't make your way to the store, check out her newest c.d., Treasure A Storm Can Bring on CD Baby (it's also available on CD Universe and Amazon). This c.d. is quickly becoming the soundtrack to my eventual departure and is a mainstay in my truck's c.d. changer.

At any rate, I am feeling much more confident in my guitar skills and cannot wait to share my new found love of strumming with any new PC peps.

I am even more excited to share my rendition of Moondance with my mom, in which I have been working to "own" that song. I may not be the best singer on the block, but I think I can rock out with the best of them.

Thanks Sarah for helping me grow musically (and happy birthday)!

Served

I got served -

my staging packet! It came in the mail yesterday. Inside this hefty package was everything I need to know about my first day as Peace Corps Trainee and how to get there. Also, there's a compact disc with more info, another Volunteer handbook, a handbook for my family, and some miscellaneous paperwork.

Today, I am making travel arrangements to the East coast. Wish me luck - flying across the nation is not an easy feat.

Staging starts Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m. Nowhere on the list does it say "Immunizations" - so now I am worried when they will stick that in (get it...stick it in...I am so funny). Ugh...I hate shots.

Anyway, after two days of fun, I leave the United States at 9:35 p.m. on Monday, September 22. I fly to Frankfurt and then on to Baku. I arrive in Baku at 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

It's so on.

Let's Get Political

Tuesday was Primary Day here in Alaska. I love voting days - well, really, I love the sticker you get for voting. Stickers are cool.

The best thing about Primary Day was it turned out to be just one stop in the Tour D'Political for Nome. On Monday, my dad and I helped organize an Obama Rally (Obama's Alaska Office sent up a representative), Tuesday was Primary Day and another Obama event, Wednesday Alaska State Senator Donny Olson gave a Rotary presentation and on Friday, Alaska Senatorial Candidate and Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich will be in Nome!

Although, I am leaving the country in 25 days, I am pretty excited about this year's political climate. I am ecstatic at the number of young people taking notice of today's issues. I cannot wait until November - well, actually 60 days earlier for me as I get a special Absentee Ballot!