Lizzie-nothing of huge importance has happened to me yet i still insist on writing a detailed account of my life thus far.....

Hello Friends,

First, to answer the question I’m sure you all have: No, I still have no news from the Peace Corps. I wrote a long, thorough email to the placement woman who had me rewrite my essay asking her what my next step is, if I’m still be considered for programs in September, or if I wouldn’t be leaving until later. I received a response that said “Your Placement Officer is reviewing your application and trying to locate a match between your skills and the needs of our host countries.” So, I learned nothing new, poo.

I just want to know if I’ll be leaving in the near future or not until next spring or something. Because, if I’m not leaving until later I’m gonna get off this rock. My best friend Katie is moving back into her apartment in Boston with Aaron (Leah, remember him?) and they asked me to live with them which I would love love love to do if I won’t be in some corner of the world. My friend who I studied with in Argentina got her invitation to the Peace Corps she’ll be going to Mozambique on September 29^th, it would be so amazing if I get invited to that program too!!

So, besides waiting and waiting, I’ve been reading books and blogs by Peace Corps volunteers, going to the beach (I’ve got some sweet tan lines haha), getting my butt kicked in some awesome yoga classes, working, and I started knotting pearl strands for a jeweler for some extra money on the side. Last weekend my parents were away so my brother and I wanted to have a little party with all our friends. He cooked his famous ribs with garlic mashed potatoes. We seriously called EVERYONE in our phones inviting people but everyone was either away, busy, not answering their phones, or vegetarians. So, just us two ate. Then, Kylie and Sean came over and we ate fondue out of the fondue holder my brother bought me for my birthday. We played a drinking game to Superbad, every time someone referenced a certain male organ we drank. And that was our rockin party.

I don’t know if I told you yet, but Sean and Kylie are moving to New Zealand in September, meaning I will have friends in all corners of the world: Argentina of course, New Zealand, China, England, Spain, Mozambique, Honduras, NYC, DC, etc… Andy’s coming the weekend before NYC weekend and I think he’s bringing Meredith with him too, so that’ll be fun. Sadly, I couldn’t get Erin and Phred to come visit. Erin didn’t want to take off another Friday to come because she’s going to her friend’s baby shower next weekend. Phred’s going to see Kathy Griffin next weekend, haha how great is that?

Yesterday, I got yelled at by the rudest woman ever at my bead store. She was angry that she found a bead kit we sell at another store for cheaper and wanted to return it. We only return for store credit and we have signs explaining this and it says it on the receipt. But, she gave me attitude and was just not nice. For some reason, August people here are mean, it happens every summer. After work though, I went to my godmother’s 50^th birthday party with my parents and all their buddies. It just made me think of how in a few years I am going to be/want to be just like them. All the ladies (who are all in a book club together and go away on girls weekends) were drinking champagne and playing musical chairs, while the guys were doing shots and talking about the Red Sox.

On a sadder note, my grandmother is in the hospital again and tells us she doesn't want to get better this time. She has congestive heart failure. My mom told her she has to stay alive long enough for my brother and I to go visit her. This is my nanny, the spunky irish lady who's been telling us she's gonna die for the past ten years. I was planning on visiting her once I knew when I would be going to the Peace Corps, but I may have to move up that trip.

Sorry, that was a long update, but you should know by now that I like to describe every detail of my life to others… I’m sure you’ve seen my pictures on Facebook.

I can’t wait until our reunion! Like I said earlier, I arrive Friday at noon will hang out in JFK until Claire arrives, at which point I guess we will try and find Dodd/Cait. A note to Diddy: I don’t think I’ll be able to bring a sleeping bag because I am flying on itty bitty planes (eek scary!) that won’t let me check luggage so will you have a blanket or something? I will, however, be able to fit my hypoallergenic travel pillow in Surrey Cruise. Let me know if that’s a problem.

LOVE,

Lizzie