Hope Lodge

So tonight Mom and I went to Hope Lodge to cook dinner for the people staying there.Hope Lodge is a facility run by the American Cancer Society for people undergoing chemo/radiation and up to two family members or friends. It's sort of like the Ronald McDonald House, only it's 18 and up. There's at least one in 29 states, and they hope to have one in every state in the next 6 years or so. The one here in Burlington has 16 rooms, a big kitchen (with a lovely Meredith backsplash donated by North Country Tile) , living room, tv room, and laundry room (with beautiful new appliances that Whirlpool donated to all Hope Lodges across the country).

Mom made her fabulous lasagna and I made a salad, and the whole thing was a big hit. I had a really nice time talking to everyone there. At dinner there were 11 people, all of whom I believe are from Vermont. It was a very much a typical round-table of native Vermonters- everyone talking about the people they knew in common, the local organizations they belong to, etc. We talked about the inauguration tomorrow, and who knew people that we going. There was also a long discussion about a Butternut Tree, and I'm still not sure what that is, but apparently I've been missing out because apparently butternuts are fabulous.

I sat across from an older woman who was there while receiving treatment. She and I talked about where I was traveling to, and some of her adventures from her younger years. She's a justice of the peace, and we talked about some of the crazy weddings she's officiated, including under a waterfall. Not behind, not in front, under- "We were soaking wet!" seemed to be what she remembered most about it. We sat at the table for over an hour, listening to stories mostly of everyone's travels (aside from the Butternut disertation). Duncan, a man there also receiving treatment, talked about when he lived in California they would go down to a small town on the Baha Pennisula of Mexico to go fishing, staying a place with no electricity or running water, and how much he loved it. Now it has 5 story hotel and chain restaurants. My mom and the couple next to her had a long, loonng talk (with pictures) of their motor home, something my Dad dreams of retiring to. They drive to San Diego every year from Vermont.

I was honestly expecting people to seem a little 'sicker'. I don't really know what I mean by that, but I guess for people to look worse, or act sick, or something. It couldn't have been further from the truth- the vibe was so upbeat. Everyone was so thankful for the dinner, and so willing to share stories, and no one talked about cancer or treatment. I think it was the perfect way to spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day, doing something good for others. Now I'm off to watch more about the inauguration. I can't image feeling any more positive or inspired than I do right now.

Less than two weeks!

So I got my new backpack! Whew. I really like it, it's smaller than my old one, as you can see. Can't wait to get to use it!This time I don't have the luxury of packing whatever I want. I know it doesn't look a whole lot smaller, but it feels a whole lot smaller. I went with the Deuter 45+ SL as opposed to my old one, a Northface Cestone 60 (Women's). I'm already in love with the Deuter. This time I did a little more research than walking into EMS and going "that one's cute!" Can't believe I leave in less than two weeks. Things have slowed down at work a good amount, so at least it's a good time to leave. Tomorrow night Mom and I go to Hope Lodge to cook dinner. It's kinda like Ronald McDonald House, it's a place for people receiving chemo and their families to stay while they are receiving treatment. Paul's the night manager so we said we'd come in a cook dinner. Lasagna and salad. May not sound super exciting, but that's because you've never had my mother's lasagna.

Also, I set up my tent so my sister Kate could see it- I feel like it must be nice if it even got a reaction out of Kate. She even said she'd consider going camping this summer!

Best. Job. Ever.

So I read about this today, and I think I found my dream job. Getting paid to live on the beach and talk about it? OK! Going to sit tomorrow and apply. Even if you just get an interview, you get flown to Australia. Works for me!

Still waiting on my backpack. It's making me a little nervous... it should be here by now!

The high for tomorrow is 5 degrees. That's it, 5. According to the weather channel, that's not going to get much better anytime soon. And more snow. Every day the warm, late summer weather of New Zealand calls to me...

Nancy came over for dinner last night, and I got the Nancy stamp of approval on my tent and my packing list. A leap over last time I took off for a couple of months. Mom made a fabulous lentil and sausage soup (sorry no pictures this time). Mom and I committed to cooking Monday night at Hope Lodge, where Paul is the night manager. Now we just have to plan the menu!

Getting Organzied: T-Minus 20 days!

Tonight I am finally combing through my WOOF New Zealand book, trying to just get a rough list of potential places. I'm even making a google map of my first choices, so I try and cover all the places I want while in New Zealand. I'm so organized I can't stand it!

I also downloaded and figured out Skype today. I'm excited to have a better way to communicate with everyone back home. It was simplier than I thought, just type in someone's email and their skype number/name pops up. Now I just have to teach my family how to use it!

There's still more stuff I have to get, and I'm not quite as organized as I'd like to be in that department. I got my tent though! Can't wait to try it out. So far I've set it up twice the tiny condo living room and my bedroom. It's the REI Half Dome, and it's super easy to set up, even for one (un-cooridinated person like me).

Dinner!

I've been feeling creative lately, so today and the store I bought a whole bunch of seafood (cod, bay scallops, shrimp. I love it when Mom calls me and tells me what's on sale) and decided to make a soup. Something hearty and filling since it's getting so cold again, with of course the best bread ever- Red Hen baguette. I was very pleased with the outcome- I think it looks pretty good too! Anyone want to come over for dinner? :)