The life of Jamie...

Well, I haven't really said a lot about myself on this site and I guess I should fill anyone in that decides to take the time to read it! I would have to say I am extremely adventurous and take a lot of chances to have fun (and get my way!).  My sister says I am high maintenance, but she says lots of things. Lol, jk, she says its because I have to always be doing something or going somewhere. What can I say, there is a world out there and I want to see it! Anyways...

I am currently a nanny in Alabama for an amazing 18 month old and 13 year old. They are my life and I really enjoy getting paid to pretty much be a "stay home mom". Although, I am living in a town that I am not too fond of and I am not intellectually stimulated or even socially for that matter. I have an amazing sister who gives the best advice anyone could ask for and a wonderful mom that is always there when I need her. She has raised me well if I may say so myself and she would do anything for me (and don't forget mom, you promised me a care package once a month ;) )

To say the least I try to accept any invitation to anything. I love new things, new people, new places, new knowledge, and really just life itself! I have been blessed in that I had a great childhood, the opportunity to attend college and receive a marine biology degree from Auburn, work for an amazing family making good money that I have been able to put away in savings, and now the chance to have an adventure of a lifetime! I have traveled A LOT for a 23 year old, to Hawaii (twice), Atlantis, San Salvador, Bahamas, DisneyWorld, Belize, New York City, Jersey, Pennsylvania (for Shocktoberfest), Telluride, CO, all over NM, TX, CO, AR, GA, FL, TN, and a cruise to Jamaica, Haiti, Cozumel. I just got back from a trip to New Orleans for New Years and I may be going to Ireland in May! My sis lives in Atlanta so it is like a second home! I was raised in Amarillo, TX, moved to Hoover, AL then Auburn, AL, then San Antonio, TX and now Gadsden, AL. I have been around ;)

I have been in love twice and can't wait to find the man of my life and start a family! Peace Corps will bring good memories and rare knowledge into another culture as well as myself. I know raising a family will be the highlight of my life, but for now, Peace Corps is my next endeavor!

I have some amazing friends! During a Peace Corps meeting/dinner in Birmingham, AL I met Megan! She loves dancing, healthcare, and spanish among lots of other things! She also makes amazing cakes! I mean mouthwatering, moist, rich, to-die for cakes! Hopefully one day she has a bed and breakfast with a gazebo or gardens for weddings! I will so be getting married at her inn! She is waiting on an invitation for healthcare in Latin America. She could possibly end up in Belize of which I would be sooo jealous. I went to Belize summer of 2006 for a study abroad course with Ole Miss and I fell in love! Oh Belize!

I am also extremely thankful for my Bestie, Kate! She has always been fun to hang out with and someone I can confide in and get advice from! She is great with kids (of course how we met!) and an expert on a computer! If anyone needs a web designer she is your girl! Look her up! Her blog is listed below!

I also love the families I have had the opportunity to be a part of. Babysitting since I was 12 has given me a lot of ideas of how to raise children, how to entertain them, train them, educate them, and just plain enjoy them. Their innocence draws me in and captures my heart.

Well, I better go, gotta get sis from work... I'll post soon!

Much love.

Just a Waitin

Well, I am extremely excited and a little over obsessive about knowing where I am going! I search google every day for Peace Corps Volunteers in Protected Areas Management anywhere in the Pacific Islands. I also called my recruiter and asked if he had any idea of when I may be shipped out because I am wanting to know if I can take a trip to Ireland in May with my mom. He said he doesn't have an exact date or even a generalized idea. Bah Humbug! He said that my country of placement has had my designated program in effect for a good while and the only reason I should not receive the position is if the program closed for some reason. So... I have tried to narrow it down by that information and my best guess is Vanuatu, (Well, lets just say Vanuatu is where I am hoping to go!) working for the Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area. Although, that is a 60% chance in my eyes. It may also be Fiji or Micronesia/Palau. The World's Largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) was recently declared in Kiribati, (KirEEbus) although, I do not think Peace Corps has placements working in this MPA. I also do not think Peace Corps is working in any MPAs in Tonga, so I have knocked these two options out. So, sadly, I still have no clue where I am going! I should get an invitation anywhere between today and the first week of April. So, I keep waiting!