YOLO (I'm sorry about this title)

Hello to all!! I am now living in College Park, MD, about thirty minutes out of the bustling city of DC. We arrived a little over a week ago, after driving a few days worth of traveling and seeing the slow transformation from Midwest to the east coast. We are living in a cottage called Abigail Adams. We all have beds, one roommate, two TVs with cable, a full kitchen, and most importantly four bathrooms. It's funny how living in a house makes the team seem like a real family. We all have chores around the house, we cook every night, we watch movies together, and we relax with each other.

Being able to say that I, Annaliese Schmiel, has worked at FEMA's Head Quarters at the age of 18, is an honor. Every morning I walk into the NRCC (National Response Coordination Center) to work is incredible! I always feel so important and official, as I say 'good morning' to all the people I pass. The NRCC kind of looks like something in a CIA movie, computers everywhere and the big screens running news 24/7 up on the walls, the first time I saw the room I was in awe. But the BEST thing about working there is...the opportunity to go to the daily OPs debrief. Its this little secretive room with a long shiny wood table, where all the heads of the departments sit. The 9 big screens on one wall shows all the other important facilities on air. Personally, my favorite part of the whole room is the world day light clock.

 But in the serious sight of opportunities, my POC's are planning to help us network within the fields of occur interests. The fact that I have the opportunity to have interviews with people from the Red Cross, Peace Corps, and the endless non-profit businesses within our country's capitol is mind blowing. When my POC's Chad and Emma asked me what I'm interested in, I of course froze. What do I want to do for the rest of my life? It's this concept that gives me anxiety whenever I think of it. Because I have no idea. Well, actually that's a lie. I have some ideas, such as being an EMT or a Occupational Therapist, or maybe a nurse, or maybe go into non-profit business, hell I've even thought about being teacher(very briefly)! I have all of these ideas.... but no clear picture of what I want to do. All I know is that I want to help people. That's it! Simple...right? Of course not! If I have learned anything in this program, its the fact that this world is complex. Even the most simple thought will lead you through mountains and mountains of trouble, just to get to that simple outcome. But another thing I've learned is that this complexity of going through so much is what makes the outcome so great. Because if you think about it, all the simple outcomes become something extraordinary once they make it to the final mountain. Would you rather have a store bought blanket with you when you are away from home for so long, or would you rather have the blanket that someone you love thought of and acted on making it for you? Personally, I have a blanket that a very important leader made me and I bring wherever I go. It's this blanket that I look at when I'm feeling discourage from a day at work, I read the messages from my squad family and I smile. I smile because I know I can make through all of my insecurities and make a difference. Because in realty all I want to do in this crazy life of mine, is to make a mark. To leave behind a ripple in the water. To know that when I leave, people will remember me, what I've done, and what I stand for. So I guess what I'm trying to say here is that I know what I want to do...the only problem is that I don't think it's a job that exist fully. which only means I need to continue to search the world, meet as many people I can and just hope that I somehow make a difference.

In conclusion, I'm in DC and working on a new program. I'm loving the life in Pine 5 household. And I will be searching what to do next.

Thank you all for reading and I apologize for the lateness! Hopefully I can get another one up next week and I'll be talking more about my project and the ISP that my team and I are doing tomorrow!! Love you all and Miss you all! Til next time, Have a wonderful life!!!! P.S. please do comment, or email, or call, or write!!! I love to talk to everyone!!

This pin is from a small store in Colorado, it sums up everything.

Homewards and Forwards!

So here's to another end of a great year! To think a year ago I was still in high school and could only think of my future in college! Well here I am a year later in Vinton, Iowa and I have already traveled through Colorado, a state I have always wanted to be in, and planning on going to DC.

During my break I decided to go home and surprise almost everyone, and I actually succeed!! My mom flipped out and cried...my dad attacked me with a hug...my friends all mauled me with bear hugs... my kids that I babysit ran to me... my brothers were confused... my dogs jumped on me... and my soul became warm. The feeling of being back home after four months was odd. I had this feeling that AmeriCorps was all a dream and I just woke up in the same sleepy town. Then again I also felt like being home was all a dream, I would wake up any second in Vinton, Iowa. There were times that I felt like I missed so much within my family... Which is true! I missed the small moments that made a difference. I missed the simple laughs of my brothers. I missed the simple smiles from my mom. I missed the simple mornings with my dad. I missed the simple times that made bonds between people. I've never realized the impact that time has on my home when I'm away. 

I was scared to go home for break. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to go back to AmeriCorps. I kept on thinking 'what if I want to stay?' 'What if something happens that makes me stay home.' 'What if my friends have forgotten about me?' 'What if my family is awkward towards me because I left them?'. The What if's made me extremely anxious towards going home for the break. But when I saw my three friends at the airport when I landed, my worries vanished as I ran to them and we all hugged. On the car ride to surprise my mom and the kids I babysit, my worries came back to me in waves. But the biggest wave of worrysome was right before I walked into the door. Knowing my mom was only a few feet away and the fact that she had no clue made me grin, nerves got to my mind. My mind quickly ran through all the possibilities of her reactions. Right when I almost had a panic attack I walked in... My mom cried, screeched, screamed, smiled, yelled, and crushed me with a hug... And it was priceless. My worries melted away with each person I hugged. My heart lifted as the all the kids I babysat remembered me and told me how much they've missed me. The best part of all this was the fact that everyone was so intrested in my stories. I've been around the same people so much, that it felt odd telling people all of my stories. Each time I told someone a story, they would look so happy to hear it. I found new pride in my life choice each time someone told me they were jealous. So I guess going home did the complete opposite of what I thought it would do. Instead of drawing me back in, it pushed me to go further in the world and to do my best so I can make everyone proud. 

So here is a posting! I am so sorry for having it a bit delayed. I will post one as soon as I get to DC!! Thank you all for your patience! Til the next post, have a wonderful life!!!! 

A great tradition of the Giving Season!! 

A very small Tree 

My Mama!

Good ole Chester missed me!