January 17, In Jackson

I am currently figuring out things here in Jackson. I'm currently staying with Sam and his roommates Tom & Barb--super nice, hospitable people! I have a part-time gig in Victor, ID at the Teton Community School. I am working some at the preschool and also at the after-school program there. I may also intern in the elementary classes, but we'll see how my schedule works out. Driving the pass isn't optimal, but I'm not sure if I really want to get housing in Victor. It is cheap out there, but I kind of want to stay in Jackson/am hoping to get employment here.

I went snowboarding on Tuesday and it was A-MAZ-ING. I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Excited to go again soon!

Other updates:

• I slammed my finger in the car door on Monday. It is sort of concerning now since it's still very swollen/numb/discolored. I feel like the tip of my finger may actually be broken, but I don't think there's much to do for that. 
• My car had to be fixed AGAIN--spark plugs were causing the engine to buck and the "check engine" light to flash. Problem resolved at Sue's Roos down in Idaho. What-what.
• Xbox is officially set up. New games bought. Netflix capabilities established. 
• I love the grocery stores here. Epic Jade-friendly-food-options.
• It is BEAUTIFUL out here! Really digging it so far. I am very happy I came out here.

January 12, Car Problems

Sigh.

Wouldn't you know I have a fuel leak. I'm currently getting it fixed and hoping they'll be done by 11:00 so I can head out after my check-out time is up. For now I'm camping out at the Best Western and biding my time.

Yesterday I stayed in Denver. I had a virtual interview with Citizen Schools. I also threw together a letter of intent for TFA just for kicks. It was storming outside and the roads were bad, so I didn't really venture too far. I did discover a delicious butternut squash soufflé I could actually eat. City grocery stores are the best. Whole Foods is by far my favorite, but I didn't make it there yesterday. I'm hoping they have a good organic section in Jackson. We do back in Blue Hill, and that's population 3000 or something, so....why not Wyoming? Gluten free, dairy free, sugar-free lovin!

Oh, and peanut-free. Don't like hives. Nasty business.

My belly has been extra angry lately, though I didn't get sick yesterday which is a good sign (I hope.) In other news, I'm addicted to Downton Abbey, though I'm having a hard time getting Season 2 on my computer. I watched the first season through Netflix, but they don't have season 2 for whatever sad reason. I am not a tv person, but it is a fun show...hoping to find another viewing method that doesn't cost $$.

I am also thinking a lot about grad schools, fellowships, and where this job in Idaho may lead. I hope something pans out! Many big ideas swirling in my brain! I think I have my living situation figured out (nanny gig in trade for free housing in a little cottage on an Elk Refuge)...now to try to get a job at the resort....

January 9, Road Trip

So! Updates about my life:

1. I am moving to Jackson, Wyoming! Exciting!

Okay...some of you may ask: Why? Well, there are a number of reasons. First, I have always wanted to be a ski-bumb. PLUS I really want to experience the West. Second, I actually got a pretty sweet part-time teaching job out in Victor, ID, which is right next-door. I will be working as an after school counselor, pre-school teacher, and intern. This may turn into a full-time teaching gig next year, too! Third, I want to see where things go with Sam. Fourth, I want to get out of my parents house and go see a new place in the world! I'm 23 and it's time to be out of the nest!

2. I bought myself a Subaru Outback. It has some problems (it's a 2001), but it's a good little car. I'm excited.

3. I interviewed for a teaching fellowship in NYC, and also had a phone interview for a co-teacher program in Philadelphia. We'll see how both go! I have my final interview with Citizen Schools (AmeriCorps program) on the 11th.

4. I am currently road tripping across country! After spending time with some old college friends in NY, I got to see my cousins in CT. I also briefly saw Brittany (in Ohio) and Ethan (in Missouri), both former members of PC-Tanzania who left early like me.

Anyway, I am experiencing the mid-west for the first time outside of my visit from Chicago!

My route:

Limerick, ME --> Enfield, CT --> Columbus, OH --> St. Louis, MO --> Denver, CO --> Jackson, WY

Miles: 193 miles + 696 miles + 414 miles + 850 miles + 529 miles = 2, 682 Miles