Well, it happened.
My time in Chicago came to an end.
I’ve left so many people, places and things behind — my newsroom, Cheesie’s, my yoga studio, Hopleaf, Tweet, the Lake Shore Trail, Doughnut Vault, the patio at Homeslice, Myopic, the Billy Goat…
…and my apartment.
I know this is probably something that some of you all much older and much wiser people have probably figured out a long time ago, but so many awesome things happen when you let go of societal expectations and start opening yourself up to new experiences that are considered taboo.
Like… friendships.
Hi, so, lemme go ahead and preface this real quick.
I am NOT good at accepting help or gifts. I’m also not super great at being the center of attention.
Ironic, yeah? Cause this blog is all about me.
Hoooowever. I’ve had lots of you reach out to ask “omg this is so cool HOW CAN I SUPPORT YOU?!” after I mentioned I’m quitting my full-time job, ditching my 401(k), bailing on my student loans and uprooting my life to move overseas and serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer for two years.
Enter… my Amazon wish list!
So, it has inadvertently* become Peace Corps Month over here on Randi with an i.
*Just kidding, I’ve been scheming and planning these posts since JANUARY.
Late last month, I announced that I’m quitting my full time job to move overseas and volunteer for two-plus years starting this August.
Then I talked a little bit more about what I’ll be doing in the Peace Corps — where I’ll be serving, what my job responsibilities will be, more about my family’s connection to my country of service, etc.
Today’s post is really personal. It’s a huge rambling diatribe filled with missives, laments and really deep reflections. I’m kinda putting a lot out there, guys. A lot of fears, insecurities, mistakes, thoughts and regrets. Go easy on me.
You guys. I am TIRED.
Don’t get me wrong! I’m good tired. I’ve been so busy lately trying to make the most of my last few weeks left here in Chicago.
But still? I. am. TIRED.
Anyway. This past weekend was Chicago’s couch crash weekend, and it was a toooonnnn of fun!
Hi hey hello! Quarterly check-in time!
I’m admittedly at a little bit of a rut with these. I feel like one post every other month is too much, but one every three months is not enough?
However, I suppose all that’s gonna change real soon, when I flip my life completely on its head come August!
Guys guys guys guys guys if you missed yesterday’s post, I’m quitting my job, leaving Chicago, moving overseas and joining the Peace Corps!
Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa.
I’m still in shock and I’ve known about this for months now.
Anywho. This is the second post in a series of posts to come in the next few weeks about this little adventure of mine. This is something that’s been in the works for more than a year now, and since I had to keep it under wraps for so long, I have so much to update you guys on.
I wanted to elaborate a little bit more on yesterday’s post and give you the details on where I’ll be serving and what I’ll be doing.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
Helen Keller
I’ve had this quote by Helen Keller — written on a sticky note and fixed to one of my four monitors — posted at my work desk since mid-January.
There’s a reason for it.
I’m not even sure how to start or where to begin, so here we go…
Hiii! I’ve had Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just a Bill” stuck in my head for like, four days now.
I’m back from a quick weekend trip to Washington, D.C.!
Earlier this year, The Freedom Forum announced that the Newseum — a D.C. museum based on news, the media and the First Amendment — would be closing its current location at the end of the year.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Newseum. I mean, cmon. I’m a full-time journalist. So, when the announcement was made at the beginning of the year, I knew it was a now-or-never situation.
I chose now.
So, a few weeks ago, I booked myself a cheap Spirit flight (you know me), packed my single backpack and headed to D.C. for a three-day weekend.
I hooopeee you guys are ready for today’s post, because it’s a topic I’m really excited about:
Couchsurfing!
