Some of My Favorite Things

I think in general any person in the process of joining the Peace Corps is faced by the same questions and comments from family and friends. One of the many questions that has been posed toward me is, "What will I miss the most?" I think this is a great question. Because on some levels identifying what I will miss most, is way easier then what I am looking forward to (simply because I can not possibly know everything I will be facing in the near future). I am familiar with the here and now.

Of course I will miss my family and friends the most. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them, and I certainly wouldn't have the strength to go out and do something like this without them either. I feel a great sense of gratitude that I have family and friends that just bring the best out in me and know how to light me up.

A few of my other favorite things ...

Food. I already know I will have cravings for Ledo's Pizza, which for as long as I can remember I have had at least two times a month since I was a kid. Of course I will miss Maryland crabs--that is a given.

Air conditioning. I will miss air conditioning. I have made it a rule over the last several months to not complain about heat. But by doing that it has made me grossly aware of how much of my psyche is put at ease, knowing the relieve of air conditioning isn't far away.

Dirty Dancing. OK, I confess I probably could recite this whole movie by heart, but I am no Jennifer Grey, nor am I Patrick Swayze. Perhaps by the time I get back I can recite it in French!

Looking at tabloids in the grocery lines. I don't dare buy the magazines, unless I am going on a plane, but I am unfailing in looking at the latest Hollywood gossip. This along with trashy reality TV are weaknesses--I mean how can a show about rich housewives captivate me so much?

Emily. My cat. I will say no more--only to avoid further incrimination of being a crazy cat lady.

These are just a few of my favorite things, but I am sure I will find they will be well worth the trade of the experience I am getting in return.