Freaking out less now (which is a good thing)

I must start out by saying that I have tremendous respect, admiration, and sympathy for those amazing people who work outside all day long. I spent the first portion of my day at the flea market here in Dothan trying to unload a bit of the stuff I've acquired over the course of my lifetime. I honestly expected it to be harder than it was - I was selling/giving away stuff that, at one time, had tremendous sentimental value to me. On a somewhat related note, I must say that it's hilarious to me how all my life fits together through God's providential plan. Most of last semester I was looking for a travel trailer to live in, which meant getting rid of a large portion of my belongings. It's so interesting how God used that to prepare me for now.



Anyway, I made about $60 at the flea market today, which may not sound remarkable, but considering that the most expensive item I sold today was a microwave at a big $10, and most everything else was $1 or less than that, it's pretty good. Also, one must factor in that I spent about $15 on food for Haley and I. I promise, being out in the sun makes me able to consume disturbingly large amounts of food. I was there for six hours, and in that time I drank three bottles of water, two large diet cokes, one snow cone, a hot dog and small chips, and more boiled peanuts than I can even explain. And after I got home and took a shower and a nap, I was hungry again! It's really quite embarrassing! Nonetheless, I did have a wonderful time today. The lady that had a table beside me was VERY nice, providing me with bags (since I didn't have the foresight to bring any) and change (likewise, no foresight), and giving me tips on international travel. I kept on telling people, "I'm leaving the country...everything must go. I'm more interested in getting rid of it than I am in making money." It amazed me how many people actually stopped to talk to me and ask where I was going, why I was going there, etc. I've never lived outside of the south, and the whole southern courtesy and charm is something I think I'm going to miss a whole lot.



I also think I might have found a no-kill shelter to take Juliette and Oskar to. It's down in Orlando, which is great because it means I get to go see Bethany again. And no, I didn't do that on purpose just to make another trip down there - all in the providential plan of God. I'm going to call them tomorrow and make arrangements, and hopefully take them down sometime this week. I'm sure it's not surprising, but it's just near fixing to kill me. I cry everytime I think about it. It just seems like there should be a better way, you know? Anyway...I don't want to go on down that road again. At the flea market today Haley (wonderful wonderful Haley that I love and will miss horribly) had the genius idea that I should put up a sign advertising my car. I did, and actually got a nibble (which is remarkable considering it was right up beside my booth, all open, and COMPLETELY trashed on the inside - those of you that know me know how messy I keep my car, and it was pretty bad). Anyway, the guy wandered around it a couple times, asked me questions, obviously trying to look uninterested, and finally asked for my number so he could get up with me about it later. Maybe he never calls...but maybe he does. Again, all in the providential plan of God.



I'm feeling more and more prepared every day, which is wonderful and reassuring also. I'll be much more relaxed once everything with the dogs is squared away. Oh yeah...I don't think I mentioned this, but I also emailed a Bichon rescue group about White Puppy. I saw a show about them on Animal Planet once, they're very wonderful people. I just submitted the form an hour or two ago and they already emailed me to let me know they received it, are reviewing it, and will be in contact with me shortly. What wonderful people!



Anyway, I suppose that's about it for now. Actually, I wanted to throw in "5 tips from a TASP elder." One of the other TASP interns has been in contact with an intern who will be starting her second year when we first start in August, and she gave these five tips to those of us up and coming:



1. Come with an open mind.

2. Come with money, because you CANNOT survive on 2000 shekels a month!

3. Love kids - you have to, cause you're going to meet some bratty ones!

4. Be ready for schoolwork - it's hard work, not nearly as easy as I thought it would be.

5. Definitely do some traveling while you're here.



And with that I'll leave you all...



Erev tov (good evening)