My packing list, so far

Okay here's what I have so far for my packing list.  I know I'm going to add a few more things and there will be a few things on here that I will not take.  I'll up date this in a later post when I'm actually in Ecuador to see what was used and what wasn't. 
Also I can't believe Christmas is next week!  Where does the time go?  As of today I have 46 days till I leave for Ecuador!!

Packing List:
2 rolling duffel bags (totaling 107 inches or less)
medium sized backpack
small messenger bag
vacuum sealed bags
locks for bags
1 pair dress pants
3-4 nice shirts
1 dress (modest)
2-3 pairs capris
4 pairs work jeans
14+ pairs underwear
fleece jacket
rain jacket
work gloves
bathing suit
6-7 bras
skirts 2-3
running shoes
hiking boots
chacos
dress shoes (1 pair)
sunscreen (lots!)
Airborne
swiss army knife
toothpaste (with fluoride)
toothbrushes (2-3)
tampons
makeup
socks (5-6 pairs running and wool)
hats
Skin So Soft by Avon bug repellent
Nalgene bottle
Netbook computer
cross stitch patterns and hoop
Ipod
Ipod speakers/headphones
Digital camera
AA batteries
Shampoo/Condition to last 2-3 months
Soap (2-3 months)
Face wash/Moisturizer (2-3 months)
Books (2-3 paperbacks)
photos of family/friends
nail clippers
razors
SW radio (red cross)
journals
daily planner
aloe vera
markers
pens
pencils
duct tape
zip lock bags

Well there it is.  I haven't really started packing yet.  That will begin after Christmas.  Happy Holidays!!!

So much to do and ONLY a month and a half left to do it in

The more I think about what I have to do, the more excited and stressed out I get.  I know I'm quitting my job two weeks before my departure (hopefully I'll have enough money for last minute bills and other things before I depart) and I'm pretty sure I'm moving my stuff that I don't sell or get rid of back home.  Aside from getting rid of stuff or packing I have to: Call my landlord and let them know I'm moving, sell my car, discontinue my car insurance, cut off all bills in my name (or change them over into josh's name), move stuff home, clean out whatever stuff I've left at my mom's house from college or high school, possibly go to the dentist again, pack for my trip (I'll put my packing list up soon once I get it a little more together), do whatever last minute paperwork PC asks me to do, and of course study as much Spanish as I can.  WHEW!....I feel like I'm forgetting something?....Well all this will begin after Christmas.  Can't wait!!

First Post YAY!!!

Well I'm completely new to the blogging world sooooo here it goes!!  For the most part this is going to be about my 27months over seas in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer (YAY!).  The program is Sustainable Agriculture and my job title is as an Integrated Farms-Animal Production volunteer.  I'm going to put some things on here from my assignment handbook so you guys can see some of what the PC expects from me.

'The main purpose of the sustainable ag. program is to work hand in hand with rural farmers and community    members introducing them to organic agriculture.'

Some of my primary duties will be:

• Spending time with small farmers to enhance their agriculture and agri business skills.
• Introducing small famers to organic agriculture methodologies.
• I will also be collaborating with my counterparts to design and create no cost demonstrations and supplementary learning materials.
• Also I am to support projects and activities with farmers associations; women's group; and youth groups and work on building life skills among people and collaborate with community members.

Goals:

• Community member will adopt sustainable agricultural practices to increase production.
• Community members will increase market opportunites by developing and managing small business projects within the agricultural sector.

Here are also some specific tasks that I may have to do:

• Train individuals in appropriate management techniques for small animal production
• Train farmers in the utilization of animal and plant wastes as a part of an integrated agricultural production system
• Introduce marketing concepts to individuals
• Introduce small animals, including butchering and preparation, as an important dietary protien (WWHHAAATTT!!!!).....oh dear....that's going to be a tough one....I killed a chicken once in one of my AG classes in college and that was really difficult...I guess a chicken is one thing but what if it's a guinea pig or something bigger than 5 lbs?! I guess I'll have to tackle that bridge when I come to it. OK continuing...
• Train individuals in the prevention and proper management/treatment of the most common diseases affecting small animals in Ecuador (that will be really interesting to learn and teach!)
• AND...Motivate farmers to form associations and promote leadership.

OK there was more but I thought I would be boring people.  Well there is a glimpse in to what I'll be doing for 24months (plus 3 months training)....I'm so excited about this program, I feel like it couldn't ask for a better placement for me.  I had been nominated into a program early this year in January in crop extension but was not medically cleared before the departure date of the program so I had to wait till November of this year. Even though I was bummed out about not getting accepted right away, it really worked out in my favor.  I have a lot more experience in animal production.