The Heart Grows Fonder

Emma in Bozeman:

After a night in Billings, I headed to Bozeman, Montana to stay with college buddy and roommate, Kat. Or Katherine, as they call her in Bozeman – are you growing up or something? Anyways, it was fantastic that this was going to be the long stay of our trip. I could hang out and finally catch up with Kat. Kat, Court (The Boyfriend), and Ottie (The Dog) live in the cutest house on the outskirts of downtown Bozeman. Kat has come a long way from our college abode. We reminisced about the leaky roof that our realtors never felt was important enough to repair, the soggy floor, the squeaky dryer, and the terribly insulated house – making our heating bill very expensive. I can only hope my next home is an upgrade from college-life. It will be.

So what’d we do all week? Well Kat is very busy, with school, work and physical therapy. When she’s not in one of her three (or four?) classes gaining pre reqs for physical therapy school, she’s either trying to get hours in at her part time job at a outdoor sports outfitter, or at physical therapy nursing her knee back to health after a ski fall. And this week in between all of that, she was hanging out with me! I was so lucky. I jumped on the opportunity to take her lunch or go out with her, hang out at a coffee shop, entice her to skip class, or call in sick at work. It didn’t always work but when it did, we went hiking to a waterfall in a nearby national forest, went shopping for new jeans (I’m finally not wearing the same jeans I had in Tanzania), or hung out in a coffee shop searching silly things on the Internet. On Saturday her co-workers called to tell her she didn’t have to come into work, so we spend the afternoon at Yellowstone. We went for a few short walks around the hot springs and just enjoyed the beautiful country that we live in.

So what’d I do while Kat was doing the responsible thing? I caught up on sleep, I wrote several cover letters for jobs I found, updated the blog ( I know I know you don’t think it’s really updated, sorry we were sitting still for a week), and caught up with other people. If the stolen wireless connection from the neighbors wasn’t working I went downtown to coffee shops to people watch, fill up on caffeine and do all the job searching and grad school application work I could handle. I didn’t get everything accomplished, but I’d say I didn’t do too bad. Now I just need someone to give me a job, and a place to live ☺.

Another enjoyable part of the week was cooking. When we didn’t get sushi or go to a sports bar to watch a baseball game or to a free work party we had home cooked meals. There were two things Kat requested almost as soon as I stepped foot into their house: garlic mashed potatoes with chicken, and Swedish pancakes. She definitely got the chicken and potatoes. The Swedish pancakes will have to be saved for when she comes to visit in Seattle. Along with a few other meals, I had so much fun cooking – they provide the ingredients, and I’ll do all the cooking, no problem. Loved it.

And Emily Ocheltree! I did not forget to mention you. I was just saving the best for last. Emily flew back into Bozeman on Tuesday to pack up her and Sam’s stuff to head back east. Emily (a college soccer buddy), Kat and I hung out all evening on Thursday. Kat sadly had to take a physics test for a few hours, but Emily and I got to catch up over a couple pitchers of beer. “You haven’t seen each other for three years, and you show up wearing the same shoes,” was the waitresses comment. Yes, it’s true. I’m so glad it worked out that we were here at the same time. For all of you soccer girls that I haven’t talked to, maybe we should catch up, or I’m just going to believe everything that Emily says. Ha. And it still seems strange that I was able to meet up with two college friends in Bozeman, Montana. Small world?

Now that the shoe and jean shopping is done, the quality time with Court at the laundry mat is over, and the week of spending way too much time on the Internet has passed. Phil and I reunite and head to Seattle, my future residence. More Peace Corps friends and family await us. We won’t be in the PNW as long as we’d like, but we’re going to be in San Francisco for Halloween. Back on the open road!

The Real General Lee is NOT in South Dakota

Dang it's a boring drive across South Dakota. So we had to look up random facts to keep ourselves entertained...

• There was a billboard advertising that the original General Lee is displayed in nowhere, South Dakota. RIGHT?! So then we looked up about where Dukes of Hazzard is based on. Phil was determined that it's in Georgia, and Emma was positive it was Kentucky. We were both somehow correct. The show takes place in fictional Hazzard, Georgia however, it's based on real life, home town Hazard, Kentucky.
• Gutzon Borglum created Mt. Rushmore. He started at the age of 60 and wasn't finished when he died of complications during surgery in Chicago. His son continued the project for one season but then decided to leave it at the unfinished state his father left it.
• Apparently the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder (writer of the Little House series) is in South Dakota. Well when we looked it up, we found out that she also has homes in Florida, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, and probably others.
• The population of South Dakota is 796,214. We tried to find the cow population, but we were unsuccessful.

We have also realized how important it is to know how to make coffee for each other. While one person gasses up the car and washes the windshield the other's job is to go inside and buy a cup of coffee. Or maybe it's just another factor of being a "couple." HA. Anyhow, Phil likes his coffee with a little bit of cream and no sugar. Whereas Emma will take it with cream and sugar, or just flavored creamer.



The Badlands were awesome. Such a spectacular natural earth formation. And how it happen completely blows my mind. Just one of those amazing things I guess. I'm glad we took the little detour to see the Badlands.

We have been getting along great - per usual. Right now we're both in Montana, though in different cities. Phil is hanging out with his little brother in Billings, while Emma is with a college besti in Bozeman. More to come about the week that we're taking off from traveling and from each other. Though I must admit - I miss Phil a little bit :)

Peace

Life on The Funny Farm

• Wisconsin has way too many indoor water parks through out the state.
• DethKlok is a great band to listen to when you are ready to blow off some steam
• Minnesota has a lot of lakes if you didn't know that already. Just a couple.
• James and Jane are freaking awesome people who work on Sleeping Cat Farm in the middle of nowhere USA.
• Darwin, Minnesota is home of the largest ball of twine - and we saw it!
  
• Sleeping Cat Farm is also known as Funny Farm
• It's cold here
• Phil and I are thinking more and more about that banana farm in Tanzania. Or maybe just the beauty of farm life.
• We got to feed baby calves, chase lambs back into their pen, and hear some really freaking funny stories. Dead calf left on the hood of a car is all I'll say.

There's something about being with Peace Corps Volunteers and on a farm that makes us feel like we're back in TZ. Doing laundry and cooking all day, drinking beer with s'mores next to a bon fire with good friend is comforting. It really is fantastic being with other PCVs; we understand each other, we can tell stories without having to explain them or explain what a choo is (a pit latrine, outhouse, or whatever suits your fancy).

We had such an amazing time it's quite difficult to put it into words. We weren't planning on staying long, but now we wish we stayed longer than we did. For the first time in a long time we sat around a kitchen cutting vegetables for home cooked meals - three times a day, in between all the farm chores. Jane you're a great cook and we are feeling so much better about ourselves after eating completely organic meals.

Sleeping Cat Farm is going to turn out to be a great learning experience for James and Jane - after a year or so of learning how to care for cattle, and tending to a one-acre fully organic vegetable garden and learning the whole market selling gig. After a year or so they are hoping to find their own land somewhere between Texas and Illinois. And have already invited us to come live and work at their new place. We may just take them up on that offer. I mean, I wouldn't mind wearing overalls everyday. Sidenote: James you're a hott overall-wearing farmer.

So we hung out on the Funny Farm for two nights before getting up before dawn to hit the road to Montana - our longest leg of the trip yet.

Back to school, back to school to prove to dad I'm not a fool.

Jake bid us farewell and the ride to Madison to see our besti Sean was under way. Madison became the second college town for us to visit on our trip. It turned out to be an awesome town, we think we could live there - until it gets cold. Upon arrival Sean took us on a tour of town, complete with the futuristic parking lot/lounge Frank Lloyd Wright built, Emma throwing a chair in the lake from the top, and watching all the bikers and runners. next tour stop was a statue of Frank Brown - or someone, who held Sean with an adorning look in his dying arms, next came Humpty Dumpty, who is really Harry Dumpty. Sean called the number emblazed in the statue hoping to get the chance to speak with the real Harry Dumpty, but instead his call was returned with a questioning citizen not recognizing the number. Though he commented that the number is there to be called...curious.

Enough with statue scandals, we then went to the state capitol building where security was on their toes ready as we did the self-tour, seeing the Eagle Mascot Abe, and the star fish embedded in the stairs. Much to our surprise we walked out of the building onto the stage of a reggae concert in the middle of an Obama rally. Once getting past the rally we came across the McCain supporters walking towards the rally and were hoping for a riot, though we didn't wait to see.

Instead we moved on to an art exhibit, where a maze of streamers and barking dogs got us a bit confused and dizzy. And an exhibit of plaster statues which would have made for great pictures if there wasn't a grad student "working" and watching us. However we ask you, "Do you love the dyke in your life?"

We said no to dinner that night and decided to pub crawl instead. Making our way to maybe 9 or 10 bars we were able to have everything from East Africa Tusker to the worst $1.50 beer in all of Wisconsin. "I just wanted to see that shot naked and rolled in butterscotch" was one of the many confusing quotes to come out of the night. On other occasions during the night swahili banter made its way quite normally into our conversations. At the end while drinking cheap rum and coke Emma and Sean played plastic darts, pool, Mrs. Pacman, and Phil watched Adult Swim with captions.

The next morning seemed really freaking early but Sean, who never fails at anything!!, made us breakfast before heading to his Swahili class. The weather seemed to also have a hangover. Gloomy, rainy, and cold. The way to class was fraught with eye gouging umbrellas, horrendous rain boots or galoshes if you listen to Emma, huge hills, and cars trying to hit Sean. Beatrice, the Tanzanian Swahili teacher was happy to have guests as per the culture of Africans. Amefurahi sana! It was fun, yet strange to be back in a classroom.

After a bit of failed vintage shopping we escaped the rain and watched movies in Sean's man-pad. Two movies later, and our first home cooked meal, we headed out to Wando's - home of the fishbowl, dumb blondes, and hot bartenders. Yeah we do love the dyke in our life! We would have had an early night but then the fishbowl appeared like a shinny piece of metal in our lives which we couldn't ignore. Phil made sweet love to it while the others watched on extremely appalled by this behaviour. Before the end of the night we showed two pieces of id to get our final beers of Madison and slumped home to rest for the ride to Sleeping Cat Farm. Sean, my friend, thanks for a grand time and being a besti to both of us. We love ya and will be seeing you again!

Best View From The Women's Bathroom

We made it to Chicago! Beautiful city - and so glad that I've seen a little more of it than just the airport. Unfortunately we could only stay in the city for a night so we didn't get to experience it at full. Upon arrival we let ourselves into J.C.'s house - went for a short run and then headed out on the bus to meet her downtown. P.S. love public transport. No, I'm serious - it's so nice not having to worry about driving into town and finding a parking spot. So we showed up at 4th Presbyterian, a gorgeous church- and got to see where Emma's childhood friend, J.C. works.

While waiting for J.C. to get off work we went to the top of the Hancock building to see the best view of the city and drink the most expensive drinks we have had since being back - or ever. Though they were fantastic. Once taking the last gulp we decided we'd search for a "cheaper" bar - and we succeeded in finding $11 pitchers of Sam Adams.

Added bonus to the trip into Chicago we got to see Preston! Another childhood friend. Shout out to Preston and Jonathan - the French Baker :) Phil got to know him quite well while the three of us reminisced and caught up on any hometown gossip we have. It was great to see them both!

There is something really fun about seeing hometown friends in their "new" places. Kind of strange really.

It wasn't a late night - we went back to J.C's and caught up a little more, talked about re-entry into the states and what not, and had nice conversation with Jake the cat. Thanks JC's for everything,including letting us clean out your fridge - and it was great to hang out with you.

You Can Choose Your Friends But You Can't Choose Your Relatives, Part TWO

“Well he must have cooties, either that or his jock strap don’t fit.” Grandma Jones

“Grandpa always said better out than in” Grandma Jones on farts

"Grandpa didn't ever want me to get my ears pierced, he said I already had enough holes in my head." Grandma

It really isn’t a terrible habit to just wake up when we wake up – ok well a little after Emma wakes up and then wakes Phil up. Anyhow, that way we’ve gotten enough sleep and we aren’t cranky in the car. There’s nothing worse than being cranky in a car for several hours.

Before heading out of Nashville we headed downtown for a quick walk down Historic 2nd Avenue and down the River Front and into the little Fort Nashborough set up. It was nice to get out and walk and see a little bit of downtown. Then we headed out to Centennial Park to see the Parthanon, a pretty amazing building in the ‘Athens’ of the South.

Then we hit the road – and probably one of the boringest drives we’ve had so far. Lots of farms and about nothing else. Yay corn! However, we took a quick detour at just the right time. Dunbar Cave State Park – was a nice little rest stop for a little walk and a visit to a big cold cave, and also home of Miss USA 2007, though not sure what town we were in. So if you really want to know, just google Miss USA 2007. The cave gave off cold air as the park ranger led a group of doomed visitors inside after locking the gate. We could hear their screams as the cave monsters tore their flesh off. I think we were lucky to not have arrived in time to figure out how to get tickets.




We arrived in Belleville, IL at Grandma Jones’ house around 5pm. We were able to sit around visiting until it was time to meet up with Uncle Jim and Aunt Bonnie for dinner at Jefferson’s. Once again, one of the best things about hanging out with family is the stories that you’re told and it’s also been fun for us that grandparents can relate to the simple way we lived in Tanzania.

The next day, Sunday, we staged as excuses for Grandma to skip church. Grandma and I sat around in the kitchen and chatted over coffee and toast while Phil slept in.

I finally woke up, had coffee, and then we headed to the ‘Shrine’ for brunch buffet. I think I save us money by waking up so late that we get to skip breakfast. We sat at brunch with Grandma just people watching – there was the family mom that couldn’t stop talking to the nuns who just patiently/attentively listened, there were the fancy dressed church goers with their Sunday hats and leopard print dresses, and the kid with a Mohawk and his strait laced parents. People watching should be a sport.

For the rest of the afternoon we patiently waited for my cousin Lori and her fiancé, Shawn. I hadn’t seen Lori since she and the family came to watch a soccer tournament in Memphis my junior year of college. And that wasn’t even a real visit. She’s all grown up and engaged and graduating from college soon – crazy. Anyhow, it was great to see her and to meet Shawn. Thanks for making the trip up guys!
Now we’re just preparing ourselves for the drive north to Chicago.



Stay Tuned. Tupo huru.

You can choose your friends but you can't choose your relatives. Part 1

“She’s drivin’ for ya! You got yourself a good one!” Grandma Betty

We began a bit late again (Phil’s habit) to get underway to Chattanooga and finally Nashville. Chattanooga was our first stop meeting each other’s relatives (Phil’s grandmother and Uncle Jerry) while on the trip. Needless to say Emma was warned of potential weirdness.

We had lunch at a fancy Thai place my long-haired Uncle picked out. The food was great but the lights a little dim for my Grandmother who checked her purse for a flashlight several times when the waitress came around. After we finished eating the two of them talked to us for about three hours.

The stories ranged from the mundane to simply preposterous, but we nodded and continued to listen. Since most of you don’t know my Uncle Jerry ‘invented’ the type of music that ZZ Top plays while he lived in Montana! On the truth end of the story spectrum the grizzly bear stories were the best part. I must say it was great to see them after two years and they are still the same loveable people. And Emma is now Phil’s girlfriend and there may be another wedding in the future, according to Grandma Betty.

Once we finally got on the road we started the few hour drive to Nashville. A few days prior to this trip we got a call from Emma’s besti, Abi, who released the good news and the bad news – good news, her sister Katie was in labor; bad news, we wouldn’t get to hang out with her in Nashville. But we’re glad Abi got to be there for Katie when happy and healthy Tyler Scott Canestrano was born on October 9^th.

Our plans weren’t thrown though – we met up with Amanda who was happy to host us, especially since Emma hosted her in Tanzania for 3 weeks J. After playing a little bit of Wii – a relatively new thing to us, and visiting, we headed out to dinner where we met up with Kristin, another friend for Emma’s summer working in Nashville.

After dinner we headed to 3 Crow where we continued to take advantage of free “gifts,” from beer to pin balls we gladly accepted anything that saved us a penny or two. We even had another friend come out! Joy, a WCF friend of Nicholas and Kristy’s at ASU met up with us at the bar. Emma hadn’t seen her in quite a long time – and though she was friends with her brother, Nicholas, she was there during the time Emma first got a little intoxicated as a wee little high-schooler.

Not a terribly late night, but glad to hang out with old friends and have good conversations. After a bag of beef jerky, some tuna and crackers, and a bit of water, we crashed.

Special salutations to Emma’s Dad: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and watch out for table saws, they could take off your finger if you aren’t careful.

"We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time"

Salem, VA October 8-9

"What'd you say baby? Fill 'er up?" - gas attendant in Danville, VA. sweet.

"Concealing a fart is an age-old art." Magic Hat bottle cap



We spent Tuesday and Wednesday night at Roanoke College, visiting old professors, friends, and walking down memory lane.

We reminisced our college soccer days by going to the men's and women's soccer game. Where the men beat Emory & Henry 3-0 and the girls came back to tie all time rival, Lynchburg 1-1. It was a fabulous game and the weather cleared up just in time.

Pitchers of beer and a smokey bar brought us back to those good ole days of college. Cramming for an exam then blowing off the resulting steam with friends right before break is the same formula for students today.

We spent the night on the Chi O hall - and had a grand time with Becca and all her friends. Thanks again sisters of Chi O.

After a short night's sleep and a quick stop at Sheetz we got on the road and headed to Knoxville, TN. It felt like a long drive even though it was only 4 hours. We took a little detour into Marion, VA to hike in Hungry Mother State Park, and then headed back on the road.



Once in Knoxville we tried to find Seth's house - thank god he doesn't live in the neighborhood we came to first. Remember he lives on Valley Drive not Valley Avenue. We had a relaxing evening with Seth and the boxers Daisy and Oscar. And headed to bed early to have a fresh start...

Shout outs to: Jesse, Jan, Mary (MC), Phil, Martinez, Melissa, and Seth.

How To Introduce Your Friend As Just A Friend...not a significant other

So we left Raleigh this afternoon, it was just a short jog to Roanoke, Virginia, but a good trip nonetheless. We're still trying to figure out the kinks of this blog so if you have suggestions just let us know. We'll try to make it good though.

Just a few conversation highlights.
- We agree with each other that it feels as though Peace Corps never happened. It seems so long ago and it's such a different world and life that we lived for two years. And no one around here knows that part of our life really. How can we make it feel like we really did live in Africa?

- Also we talked a little about all the questions we've gotten about Peace Corps since we've been back: what's next? how was your experience? did you have toilet paper?

- Being back on a college campus is weird. We feel old - well Phil feels really old. Emma knows very few students on Roanoke's campus, and though the feel of campus is the same it's still somehow different. that was a lifetime away.

- We watched the Presidential Debate this evening. And we were pumped when Obama said he wants to double the size of the Peace Corps. Rock on with your bad self Obama. Let twice as many people save the world.



shout outs for the day: Mom, Dad, Laura, Nancy, Becca, Paul, Kristen, Meredith, McKenzie, Meredith, Rachel, Hannah, Katie.