More Philly

Dork alert!
I woke up early this morning for a run through Philly. After yesterday's rain, today's sunshine was welcoming. Though chilly, the weather made for a very clean and fresh smelling city. It was a pleasant stroll along the Schulylkill River banks. The dorky part of the run was my destination, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aka the Rocky stairs. And, yes, I ran up and down them multiple times while listening to Eye of the Tiger. Wow.

Nerd alert!
I spent the rest of this early morning visiting some historical sites of early America. Actually, it's a fitting way to say goodbye to America for the next 2 years.

The Liberty Bell (which is both symbolic and historical) and I - imitating a pose from the Dalai Lama when he visited the bell. It's a little blurry because I was fighting with all the other tourists to get close enough for a photo.

The Congress Hall, our nation's capital building until 1800. FYI - You can get some valuable historical information by following packs of middle schoolers on field trips.

I just gorged on a fabulous cheesesteak from a street vendor. Me and my full belly are headed to Peace Corps meetings for the rest of the day. Wish me luck meeting 60 new people in such a short time!

Philadelphia Flyer

I think the general populace splits 50/50 on this issue, but I really do love flying. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this, by conducting your own non-scientific, non-random, double-blind survey.) Besides the fact that it’s a technological marvel every time a huge chuck of steel converts speed and lift into actual flight, I love the heavenly views of the clouds. It’s impossible to describe to someone who’s never seen it. These textured dollops of fluff seem to go one infinitely into the horizon.

Of course, there is the potential for things to go wrong. And, trust me, I’ve seen Planes, Trains, and Automobiles dozens of times. It’s a hilarious film that takes travel delays to the extreme. If you can see the comedy in these kinds of misfortunes, you’re one giant step ahead in the game.

I’ll share some of my favorite travel tips with you.

1) Laugh it off (see above)
2) Earn rewards miles! Don’t change your spending habits, just consolidate the method with which you pay for things.
3) Bring snacks. Cranky, hungry whiners make for poor travel companions.
4) Podcasts are interesting, educational, fun, and portable means to entertain yourself for hours.

I was going to add something about packing light, but the glaring hypocrisy was too much for me. That’s it from this Philadelphia hotel room. I'm talking with my current roommate, venting about our travels. Kelner, out.

Jetplane Lessons

So now that I'm leaving on a jet plane for my great adventure, I feel like reflecting on what I've learned so far:

Saying goodbye sucks. That must be why people write sappy songs about it (not like that helps).

Packing builds character. 'Cut the fat.' 'Make tough decisions.'

NO ONE has heard of Kyrgyzstan.

We all take the internet for granted. Yes, all of us.

I think that I am way funnier than I actually am. I crack myself up.

The word 'peace' means many different things to different people. For some it's powerful beyond measure. For others, it's lost all of its significance and intent.

People can be much more generous with their enthusiasm and support than you'd think. Especially considering the current state of the economy and global relations.

Nostalgia is a confusing emotion, more akin to a medical condition. It's equally harsh as it is sweet, equally manipulative as it is endearing. Beware.

People all have their own reasons for over-indulgence. Those who are gifted enough can really rationalize anything. That's why a little self-control goes a long way.

Let go of fear. Do it. And then change becomes infinitely more exciting. It is that easy.

When The Cure sang 'Boys Don't Cry,' they were being ironic.

My back is going to be killing me after schlepping these bags across the planet. Even with the best intentions, packing 'light' eludes me.

You can only see the best in people when you're looking for the best in people.

So many more lessons to be learned...none more important than: the journey is the reward.

Mailing Address during Pre-Service Training

Looking for a pen-pal? Although mail service can be unreliable, I'd love to hear from everyone. Once I get there, I can also come up with a list for care packages if you need inspiration. I'd label the envelope/box with both languages if possible, although I'm not sure how necessary that is.

Кыргызстан,
ин. 722140, г. Кант
ул. Ленина 97, РУПС
аб. ящик № 22
Courtney Kelner

Kyrgyzstan,
722140, Kant city
97 Lenina Street, RUPS
Mailbox # 22
Courtney Kelner

I will be using this as my mailing address until June. Since mail can be long delayed, I wouldn't send me anything here after April. I should have an updated one by then anyway.

**Edit:(a fellow volunteer has compiled some further details to illuminate the postal process)

YOU MUST PUT BOTH THE RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH ADDRESS ON ALL MAIL

I am told it’s important to tell the postal clerk that the letter/package is to be sent to Kyrgyzstan. The expected time for non-air mail to arrive is 4 to 6 weeks. Air mail is supposed to make it in 4-10 days, but I have heard from current volunteers that it will take several weeks regardless.

SECURITY:
Regardless of the method (surface or air), mail passes through several countries and postal facilities. Mail – especially packages – sent from the U.S. is a favorite target for opening/pilferage and theft/disappearance but there are things that can be done to reduce the risk of pilferage of packages. The primary one is to discourage opening by 1) making it hard and time consuming to open; and 2) making it hard to re-seal it (so that it isn’t so obvious that it was opened). The recommendation is to pack and seal the box (heavily) with tape. Using normal packaging tape and some durable “strapping” tape over it is best. Put an address label on it. Then wrap the box again with brown shipping paper and seal all seems with more tape. Obviously another address label is needed. Again, the idea is to make it look like it will be difficult to open (at all) and to reseal without it being obvious. The second suggestion is to place the symbol of Islam (the Islamic Crescent and Star - see above) on the package in several places. I'm told that this is particularly effective if the symbol is placed along the seams of the outer wrapping – so that it would have to be cut through in order to open the package. The last suggestion (from Peace Corps) for reducing pilferage or theft is to insure the package. I have no idea of the cost and haven’t heard from other volunteers if it has helped. If the USPS will insure a package and it’s affordable, it may make sense. At least the value of the contents could be recovered.

COST AND PACKAGE WEIGHT:
It may pay off to visit the Post Office and learn the “rules” from a postal clerk. Obviously, the costs are very high. I’ve been told that sending packages weighing more than 20 pounds is a huge problem and that it’s actually less expensive to send two lighter packages. Apparently the cost goes up drastically for a package weighing more and we’ve heard of the Postal Service refusing to accept packages over 20 pounds.

Manas AF Base Closure

Most signs point to the closure of the US air force base in Kyrgyzstan.

Luckily, the Peace Corps' relationship with the country is entirely separate from that of the US military. Regardless of the politicians' inability to resolve this issue, we'll continue to serve the Kyrgyz people.

News on Central Asia/US Relations

Kyrgyzstan seems to be in the midst of some drama. Check it out.

Arguing with Myself

There have been some serious arguments going on in my psyche lately. Almost every little, insignificant daily decision instigates an awkward debate in my brain. The tension stems from two conflicting views on my impending departure. The first view is overly indulgent and believes that since I will be deprived of future luxuries, I best take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to indulge myself. The second view is rather masochistic and believes that I better start getting used to going without certain things. For example, I debate eating the excessive amount of sushi that I enjoy, giving myself a pedicure, and taking the elevator. These internal debates are tiring me out!

But, just so no one worries, the indulgent side of me has been winning lately. My toenails look adorable and I am delightfully satiated from the In-N-Out burger I just devoured.

Call to Service

“And so a new generation inspires previous generations, and that’s how change happens in America. It doesn’t just happen in election and campaigns, it’s happened in service all across America. Young people getting involved in Teach for America and Americorps, people teaching in schools and working in community organizations [pause] joining the Peace Corps! And as this is broadcast all around the world, we know that young people everywhere are in the process of imagining something different that what has come before. Where there is war they imagine peace, where there is hunger they imagine people being able to feed themselves. Where there is disease they imagine a public health system that works for everybody. Where there is bigotry they imagine togetherness. The future will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the kind of energy and focus you showed on this campaign. I promise you, that America will get stronger and more united, more prosperous, more secure. You are gonna make it happen and Michelle and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”

President Barack H. Obama

MTV’s Be the Change Inaugural Ball Jan. 20th 2009

Don't Worry

It's Alive!!!

I know that this blog has been dormant for a dreadfully long time...but, as with stratovolcanoes, around here dormancy is rarely permanent.

I'd like to begin using this tool to communicate with my friends and family near and far.

Let me start by communicating some rather significant, dare I say, life-altering news:

In two months time, I will be moving to Kyrgyzstan. (I'll allow time for you to google this obscure location before following up with details, news, and updates from this pre-departure, soon-to-be Peace Corps Volunteer.)

Mud Run!

On Sunday my mom and I ran the 10K "Mud Run" at Camp Pendleton. It was definitely the most fun and most organized race I've ever encountered. I'd recommend their races to anyone and everyone.

(World Cup Update: The US Men's Team is playing poorly and I really doubt they'll beat Czech Republic. There goes the "best US team ever" PR they're touting.)

Video Posting

I think the video post (see below) is too large of a file to be practically viewed by anyone. So I'm seeking alternative methods...but let me know how well it is working for you.

Commencement Video Clip

Now What?

So, I've completed the requirements for my degree, survived the ceremony and hoopla, and recovered to some extent. I just wanted to update my family and friends...even though it seems my life has slowed down a bit.

I'm currently enjoying some World Cup Soccer - Costa Rica is actually making a match out of this...but I have faith in my beloved Germans. This summer I'll be campaigning for Roxana Folescu, as we attempt to get her elected to the California State Assembly. A lot can happen between now and the November election, but right now we're pretty optimistic. Next week, I'm headed to Alaska to visit Ingrid. It should be an amazing adventure for this city-slicker...

I'm trying to post a video clip of my commencement ceremony, but (as usual) technology may get the best of me.

We Did It

Cristina and I - seems like just yesterday we were freshman roommates. wow.

Family Time - My Graduation

The family enjoying German beer and cuisine...Kaiserhof (the only German restaurant in town). Prost to me and being a COLLEGE GRADUATE.

Brunch after the ceremony

My two favorite boys!!! I loved spending time with family to celebrate my graduation...that's what it's all about.

Sunshine and Shamu

Ingrid and I at Seaworld.

Spring Break! (emphasis on the 'break' part, not the 'spring')

Ingrid and I had an awesome reunion during her visit and it was definitely tough to say 'goodbye' again. But I'm headed to Boston for Easter to visit her (and possibly other JYMers...yay!).

Then, I had two weeks of midterms, which culminated in 4 IN ONE DAY. That was not fun, but I was well prepared and I wasn't stressing myself out as much as I used to. However, the people all around me were giving off serious stress-vibes (and germs, for that matter), to which I am unfortunately not immune. So I ended the week feeling sick and dead tired. Luckily I have this entire week off school to recover mentally and physically. And that's what I've been doing - bumming around the house, watching movies, and contemplating the meaning of life. Who would expect anything less from me?

Oh, and I survived the hail/rain/thunder storm that hit this weekend. It's hilarious how weather makes Californian's crazy. You'd think it was the apocalypse...everyone was cancelling their plans, building arcs (just kidding), and just being weird. I personally like hail...it looks like snow, which reminds me of nothing but positive memories.

my favorite baller of all time

Here's the kid in action.