Back in the USA

First allow me to apologize for the inconsistent posting lately! I ended up back in Santo Domingo for about a week and then made the decision to come back to the US. I must say it wasn't much of a decision, but at that moment a pure requirement. You see, I have a good friend by the name of Sallie Mae and she said that she needed to have a discussion with me A.S.A.P. ( For those who did not catch on - they are my student loans) Unfortunately you can only push obligations similar to those to the side for so long, before they start becoming an issue again.

Needless to say the hardest part about leaving the beautiful island of Hispaniola was leaving the kids. I have never became so attached to a place, let alone people, in my life. It was hard enough not have an explanation for them when I left, but it became even more difficult when they would call me everyday asking when I would return to see them. What do I say? How do I explain?.... I still haven't figured it out. But, in the meanwhile, I try to talk to them as much as possible to let them know that I still do care and think about them all the time! ---

I went directly home to NY to see my family and some close friends. But, saying goodbye's have never been easy for me especially when I don't CHOOSE to leave, but it makes it even harder when you add in these 3 factors.

1) Traveling alone so even if you do cry no one you know personally can make fun of you.

2) Having to leave a beautiful island with amazing weather to come back to the COLD

3) Receiving a phone call from all the amazing children I volunteered with in Haiti asking why I was leaving

I touched down in the U.S. - I was and still am a little uncomfortable being back. I find myself becoming rather irate at people complaining about things that, in my opinion, have no important significance in life. But, then I catch myself comparing everything to Haiti and the situation over there, which is also not fair.

The big question now is... where do I go from here?

Bad Dreams

Working in Haiti for the past 3 months has been undeniably one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of my life, I must admit. However, in order to be here I had to make several big sacrifices... I had to leave my family and friends, I put a halt on my career search, but most of all I had to give up my ability to eat what I want when I want it... and for those who know me - know that I love food.

This does not mean that I was not eating in Haiti - it was actually the complete opposite - I probably ate TOO much in Hait... But when you eat rice and beans every single day (no matter how Delicious they may be) you tend to crave other "options". It became an issue when one night I had a horrible dream of a double stacked cheese burger that was fully loaded... only problem was that it was running AWAY from me. Pure cruelty, because I woke up the next morning to eat .... go ahead and guess... yes rice and beans!

BUT luckily enough, a few days ago, I jumped on a bus back to Santo Domingo where my friend/coworker, Richard, pickme up and brought me to see the love of my life... That evil burger that ran so far away from me in my dreams was consequently right in front of me! Needless to say I ate the WHOLE thing! A tad bit cruel to eat the love of my life, but at least I know it will never have the chance of running away from me again! :)

When you don't know what to do...

For those who know my sister, Juana Maria, we all know she is someone comparable to Ghandi...

ok I'm exaggerating, but in all honesty, my sister is one of the wisest people I know. Now, let me be clear about this, not EVERYTHING she says makes sense (sorry Juana - I have to be honest ) But, for the most part her wise words can help you live an amazing life.

My sister once told me, "Nena, when you don't know what to do...do nothing at all." At first I looked at her like she was crazy... Do nothing? What will me doing nothing accomplish = nothing? It didn't make sense!...I fought the idea for a long time. It wasn't until this past months that I fully agree with her... and must give her public credit for her intelligence! -Yes Juana, that is a special shout out just for you.

Me doing nothing has lead me to taking an amazing vacation to the Dominican Republic, a volunteering experience in Haiti that I will never forget, and a possible job opportunity that will begin my career. Not to mention along the way of me doing nothing I have met amazing people from around the world and done things I never imagined I would do. Yes, this all came from doing nothing!

I want to assume that you are all quick enough to understand what I mean when I say do nothing - but like they say you should never assume because you make an a** out of you and me and I know I have a reputation to protect, so let me explain.

This does not mean quit your job and do nothing and eventually you will end up the next day on a Caribbean island drinking mojitos on a private cabana.... Sorry folks it does not work that way! It means take yourself away from all the stress and problems and just relax. Do what comes to you naturally. In my case traveling is just something I DO - so when I don't know what to do in life and I feel overwhelmed I get away... So please don't take me saying "do nothing" too seriously, but take it seriously. Make sense?

I've come to realize that no matter what you do in life, stress and problems will always accompany you. This is just the nature of life - with good comes bad. But, the true measure of people is how you deal with the bad and how well you bounce back. The biggest problem we have as humans is how to deal with it all when it comes your way... my words to you today - when you don't know what to do... DO NOTHING! Try it out and let me know how it goes!