Healdsburg. Cue heavenly music.

It's been a while, so I'll try to be concise and fit in as much as possible... ha hahaa.  But to start with, the end of our first project went well- it was difficult to leave the students but also exciting, because it meant that I could go home and come back to a new project.  Also, the AmeriCorps team that is currently at Larchmont came and shadowed us on our last day, so we were able to introduce them to the kids.  It made for a hectic day, but it was nice to be able to say, come meet my friend that's going to work with you after break!  (As opposed to, I'm leaving and I can't guarantee that the situation will be good afterwards... which I guess is still true, but hopefully not.  Wah wah.)  Going home for break was a blur.  It was great to be home, but difficult because I felt restless at times due to the change in schedule and my constant awareness that it was only a short break.  Being able to see my friends, spend time with my family, play with my pets, and "enjoy" some snow was much needed.  I appreciated the effort that many of my friends put into seeing me while I was in NY, even though it was somewhat stressful trying to fit everyone and everything in.  It was also nice to spend time with my family, even though it was sporadic due to our differing schedules and general lifestyles.  This was all while trying to prepare for my return to CA at the same time, so I think I was in a weird state of mind for most of it.  That being said, I was somewhat hesitant to come back, but I had a few motivating factors.  Thanks to Rory there was pad thai waiting for me.  And that's the only reason I got on the plane.  Just kidding, I might have been a little intrigued at the prospect of going somewhere new and seeing what our new project would be like.  And to some degree I was having trouble adjusting to a lifestyle that I wasn't accustomed to having, so I was looking forward to being on a schedule again.  For the most part, I was looking forward to seeing my team, but after encountering a few issues before we all left, I was apprehensive about what I would find upon returning.   But what I have found so far is a great project and amazing sponsors, located in one of the most beautiful areas I have ever had the pleasure of living in.  And our team actually has a great dynamic working for us for the time being, and I hope it stays that way.  Being on a team of nine people has it's ups and downs, and there are many adjustments and sacrifices that have to be made throughout each and every day it seems, so it's not always peachy keen.  Such is life in AmeriCorps, right?  Despite the regular ups and downs, I am thoroughly enjoying myself.  I love that I get to work outside in this environment, and the ranch is beautiful.  More about this later though, as usual life is calling.