Going to Malawi!!!

So, a FedEx driver just dropped off my invitation packet.......and I'M GOING TO MALAWI!! I'm so excited to start doing research, and getting to know a little more about where I'll be spending the next two years of my life! I had it narrowed down to four countries that were possibilities for me (using peacecorpswiki.org), but was secretly hoping that I might get Malawi. So glad I did, and I'm really excited to meet the other volunteers that will be in my group. I'll be headed out on Feb. 24th, so until then, I will be packing, reading as much as possible, and saying goodbyes.

YEEAAHHHH!!

Peace,

Phillip

Changed my blog title!

Well, I decided to change the title of my blog from, "Application Anxiety" to, "Rich When Poor" since I'm finally in!! I thought it would be more fitting since I am currently broke, and will be for the next couple of years. Still no word on what country I'm headed to, but I'll update as soon as I find out!

Peace,

Phillip

I'M IN!!!

So, after yesterday's disappointment, Peace Corps called me back and
told me they had an open Business position (my degree is business)
leaving in late February, going to Africa. They gave me 24 hrs to
think it over, and after talking to friends, family, and a couple of
former PC volunteers, I decided to accept! I called them back,
accepted, and was informed that I will definitely get the position!
Long story short,...going to Africa!! I'll update when I find out
what country!
Peace,
Phillip Rich

Hope for the best, but expect the worst

Today is six weeks before the leave date of the position I was nominated for, and Peace Corps called me to tell me that I did not get the spot. Would have been nice to know sooner, but it holds true to the phrase I coined while in the Army...Hope for the best, but expect the worst.  PC is going to call me soon to get me nominated for another position, but I probably won't leave until June now. So disappointed...

Phillip Rich

Almost In?

So, I talked to a Peace Corps rep last Tuesday, and she told me that I should be hearing something next week. I also checked the status of my application on the PC website, and found that it had been changed from, "we received you medical file on..." to, "a decision has been made concerning your file. Look for a letter in the mail". So, that is VERY encouraging. I'm hoping that means that I got in, and will still leave in late January. I will post an update as soon as I find out anything else.

Medical cleared!

Well, I got a call today from the Peace Corps informing me that I am
finally medically cleared with no restrictions!! It felt great to know
I finally provided all the info needed to move on to the placement
stage of the process. From what I understand, over the next few weeks,
the placement office will review my (& other applicants) files to
determine who will be selected for placement and receive an
invitation. So at this point, I have done all I can, and am waiting to
either receive an invitation packet (stating my country and departure
date), or a phone call telling me I did not get this invitation, and
then probably get pushed back another 6 months or so. Obviously, I
hope to receive a packet within the next month so I can start
preparing for wherever I may go! Time will tell!

Phillip Rich

Fit As A Fiddle

Regression Confession

Well, let's just get this over with right at the beginning...

After an amazing trip, I am now back at home living in a camper trailer... outside my Sister's house...with my Mom. (fyi my Mom will be referred to as "my roommate" from here on out) Oh yes, and I do not have a job, girlfriend, or social life whatsoever. So, as you can imagine, my self-esteem has bottomed out like a used Ford Taurus on a motocross track. So, leave your comments of pity and ridicule, and I'll be sure to let you know which one pushes me over the edge!

Peace Corps update:

I have been tying up loose ends with some missing medical tests, and should get all the results back tomorrow. Can't wait to fax them back to the PC, and hopefully get a letter of invitation soon. Crossing my fingers from here on out...

Well, I better go...my roommate needs the computer. ;-)

KC to CO!

So I left Kansas City on Tuesday, and rode back to Colorado. I spent a couple days in Denver visiting friends, and just made it to my parents house today in Taylor Park (pictured above). It feels so great to be back in the mountains. I can't even really explain it, but there is just something that makes me feel at home in the mountains. It was great to see so much of the U.S., but Colorado will always be home. I'm planning on staying here a few days, then heading back to Montrose to see the rest of the family. I'm not really sure what I'm going to do now.....it feels really weird to be pretty much finished with the trip after being on the road for a month and a half. I received the packet of missing items that the Peace Corps still needs, and will be working over the next few weeks to get everything completed and sent back so I can finally receive an invitation and find out which country I'm headed to. Other than that, not really sure what I'll be up to. I think I will try to find a job back home to make some money while hanging out with the family.

All in all, it was an amazing trip. It was so great to see such good friends after so long, and I saw alot of wonderful country. Thanks to everyone who let me crash on couches and floors, eat their food, drink their beer, and did their best to move their schedules around to accomodate such a worthless individual. From now on, this blog will only be updated with progress concerning the Peace Corps. The adventure is in the journey, not the destination.

Peace

St. Louis

Dave and Erika

Nashville to St. Louis

So, I left Nashville a couple days ago after spending time with my
buddy Neal (awesome photo below). Now, I'm in St. Louis visiting my
friend Dave, and his girl (picture to be posted next). Emily got to
meet me here for the weekend, and it was SO great to see her! I'll be
here for a few more days, then on to Kansas City.
Peace Corps update:
I received some paperwork informing me about things that are missing
from my med packet. I will work to get this stuff completed over the
next month, and should be good to go.
Later...

Rockefeller Center

View of the Empire State Building from the top of the Rock.

Times Square

My tourguide

Matt by the East River/Queensboro Bridge

Battery Park view of Statue of Liberty

Food, glorious food!

I left NYC today, and have decided to head for Nashville and skip the
Carolinas. I made it to south/central PA, after riding through the
first rainstorm of the trip, but was lucky enough to meet a very nice
lady @ the Wendy's in the town I stopped in. It was so great to talk
to a genuinely nice person after such a stressful ride, & it really
lifted my spirits. I had a fantastic time with Matt in NYC, and ate
alot of amazing food (example below). The timing worked out great, as
Matt is flying to Italy as I'm writing this to start his newest
adventure. I also saw alot of the city, and will post a couple more
pics after this.
Peace Corps update:
I got an email from PC saying they are currently reviewing my medical
packet (forward progress!!).

NYC!!

I made it to NYC today!! This picture is the view from my buddy Matt's
balcony on Roosevelt Island. More later...

Niagra

Here's a pic of Niagra Falls I took from the bottom (I got drenched,
but it felt great!). After that, I drove all the way to the border of
PA and NJ (I drove right through Scranton, PA, but no sign of Jim
Halpert...sorry Quinn). I just ate one of the worst meals I've ever
had from some local chicken delivery place called "Cluck U". I'm only
about 2 hrs. from NYC, & am very excited to finally make it tomorrow,
even though I'm anticipating getting lost a few times trying to find
Matt's place. That's all for now. Also, no update from the Peace Corps.

Rock 'n Roll

So, I went to the Rock 'n Roll hall of fame yesterday in Cleveland.
They don't let you take pictures, but I managed to sneak a pic of this
sweet bass guitar (unfortunately, it's not for sale, Ian). Anyway, I
stayed by the coast of Lake Erie last night, and drove up to Niagra
Falls today. Pics to come next.

Oh yeah!

THE Vince Lombardi trophy! I could almost touch it!

Indiana to Ohio

So, I left Indiana today and made it to Ohio. I got to hang out with
my buddy Matt in Lafayette for a few days (which was lovely) and had
the chance to stop by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
GO BRONCOS!! (you were there in spirit, Dave) Anyway, I'm about 15
miles south of Cleveland in the typical rat n roach motel. I'm
planning on visiting the Rock 'n Roll hall of fame tomorrow in
Cleveland ("I wanna rock!!") & I'm pretty stoked about that. I'll take
some pictures & post them later.
Peace

Illinois

I know I already covered this, but I wanted to post a picture of my
buddy Ben.

Illinois

Leaving Illinois today after spending a few days with my friend, Ben,
outside of Chicago. It was great to see him after so long, and we had
a great time catching up. Headed to Lafeyette, Indiana, and man is it
HOT & HUMID!

Andy

Milwaukee

Hello from Milwaukee, WI!!

After a few days of hard riding, I made it to Milwaukee on Tuesday. So far it has been great to hang out with my friend Andy, and he has done a hell of a job showing me around and keeping me hydrated...today was a pretty rough recovery day. We are hoping to go to the Harley Museum tomorrow, and then I will be leaving on Thursday for Chicago. Everything is going very well, and I will update when possible. The pictures above are of Lake Michigan taken just a short walk from Andy's apartment. A picture of Andy (aka Ray Liotta) will be posted next.

Later

Is this Heaven?... ...it's Iowa...

Points to anyone who can name that movie.
Anyway, rode across Iowa today and guess what I found...corn!! That's
about it...

Nebraska to Iowa

Missouri River

Nebraska

My cousin's dog, Bandit tried to bite me when I arrived in Nebraska
(we later became friends). Sorry for the short posts, I'm using my
phone for this now.

Last Day of Work

Well, I made it to my last day at work! I've been at HP for over a year as a marketing intern, and have learned a lot. It was a great opportunity I am very thankful for, but I am definitely ready to be done and hit the road on my motorcycle trip. I'm going to leave next Wednesday or Thursday, and will be on the road for about a month and a half. My usual moto trip buddy, Cole, couldn't make it this time, so I'll be going "Lone Wolf" on this adventure. I'm very excited to start a new chapter of my life and am really looking forward to traveling around the East and seeing old friends. I will update this blog along the trip and am looking forward to people leaving comments.

Now for my short Peace Corps update...I talked to the same woman yesterday to get a status on my Medical packet, and was told there had been no progress. She confirmed that PC has my phone number, and that it will be ok for me to take the moto trip. Peace Corps will call me if anything changes, or if I need to redo something, and I will try to get it done while I'm on the trip. She mentioned that they are almost through their busy part of the year, and that myself and many others with similar deadlines are next to be screened. However, if some kid kept calling me to get a "status", I would say something similar to keep him from calling all the time too. :-) Anyway, hopefully the Med Packet has no errors, and I will receive an invitation in late August, but I have learned when dealing with any government agency it is prudent to "hope for the best, but expect the worst". That way, anything good that happens will always be a pleasant surprise. Take care, and feel free to leave me comments...I do read them, and will respond to any questions you have. Thanks!

A Case of the "Mondays"

Hey everyone,

So I got back yesterday from a great 4th of July weekend. I flew to Missouri to see my girlfriend Emily and her family. They took me to Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend to enjoy lots of great food, waterskiing, and fireworks. I really had a great time, and it was cool to visit somewhere I had never been. They always make me feel at home, and go out of their way to pack as much fun as possible into the short time I can visit. All in all, it was a perfect weekend, and I can't wait to visit again after my motorcycle trip.

Now on to the Peace Corps "update". I called PC Headquarters this morning and talked to the same lady I did a month ago. She said that Peace Corps is still really backed up reviewing medical packets from applicants who leave in August and September. I was told there had been no progress on my packet, but she expected there would be a development in "Late August". This was kinda discouraging b/c she told me a month ago that she thought there would be progress by now. I'm guessing that means that by late August they will at least start to look at my packet. Then, if there are any paperwork errors, etc. they will let me know. I am NOT planning on this part going easily. Maybe I'm a bit of a synic, but I would be very surprised if the medical packet gets reviewed and approved without a hitch. I know that it will all work out, but its just getting really hard not knowing anything new for so long. Its hard not to worry about your future when its so uncertain, but everything happens for a reason. Patience is one of the best things you can learn from the application process, but it can be a hard pill to swallow at times.

So, that's about it for now. I'm getting pretty excited about being done at HP (July 24th!), and starting the motorcycle trip (August 1st). I bought a new helmet, ordered new tires, and have my one man tent ready to go! I'm planning on using this blog to update everyone once I'm on the motorcycle trip. So check back around the end of July for that. Take care.

This is how I feel at work everyday...

Dental Approved!

So I called the Peace Corps headquarters in D.C. in order to be my, "own best advocate" and spoke to one of the head screening nurses the other day. She told me that my dental paperwork had been reviewed and approved! So, I got that going for me...which is nice. She also informed me that Peace Corps is really swamped with medical packets right now, and they don't even start reviewing your medical paperwork until about 4 months before your departure. That kinda sucks, but its all part of the process. So we'll see what happens. When I first started the application process in February, I would talk to returned volunteers and read things that described how lengthy the application process is. I never understood what all the fuss was about (being I had completed the online application in a day), but now I definitely understand. It reminds me of the Army a little...(Hurry up and wait). By the way, for any of you applicants reading this, I want to recommend a book for those thinking of joining the Peace Corps, or those waiting to leave. It is called, "The Insider's Guide to the Peace Corps: What to know before you go", and the author is a RPCV (returned peace corps volunteer) named Dillon Banjeree. He just wrote a 2nd edition that was published in April 2009. I found the book to be very helpful and informative as far as what to expect during the application process, as well as what you may encounter while serving.

So that's about it for now. Oh yeah, I have decided to take a couple month motorcycle trip out East starting at the beginning of August. My plan is to get out to NYC as soon as possible to see a friend, and then cruise around and see old Army buddies and family in Wisconsin, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Tennessee, South Carolina, and anywhere else friendly faces may be. I'm not really sure what my plan is after that, but I'm sure it will all work out...it always does.

How it started...

Hello Everyone! I decided to start getting some practice blogging with the hopes that I will soon rely on it for communication with friends and family. I am a recent graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Marketing (Go Rams!!!). I graduated in May 2009, and am currently awaiting approval of my Peace Corps application. I turned in my medical packet about a month ago, and am having a hard time waiting to hear back from Uncle Sam. I have been nominated for an Agricultural Business position in Asia leaving sometime in January. I am very excited about this nomination, but am trying not to get my heart set on it because I have heard stories of people getting completely different assignments and/or regions at the last minute.
I just remembered the title of this post, so here's how it started...
After serving 4 years in the Army (2000-2004), I toyed with the idea of joining the Peace Corps. After looking into it lightly, I decided to pursue higher education and get a degree instead. During my Senior year, I obtained an internship with Hewlett Packard in Fort Collins. The excitement of being part of such a reputable corporation soon faded after seeing behind the curtain, and I found myself wanting something different. With graduation around the corner, and the economy in a slump, my friends and I always joked about, "there's always the Peace Corps". Out of curiosity one day, I decided to look into it again (this time more in depth). I sat at the computer for probably 5 hours and poured over every link and resource on the official site. I was so taken and inspired by what Peace Corps volunteers were doing around the globe, and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. It was one of those moments when something just clicks, and you think, "This is what I'm supposed to do." So, I started and finished the online application the same day, and have now mailed off my medical packet awaiting a response.
So, that's how it started, and I'll let you know when anything changes.