March Madness Begins.....

February 5, 2013

This weeks is the beginning of March Madness here in New Orleans for numerous of nonprofits in the area. March Madness, meaning not basketball, but a swarm of college students rushing to this lovely city to party, volunteer, party, party, party, drink, drink, drink, volunteer for their spring break. Now, it is true that you can tell the difference between service groups and spring breakers. In my opinion, spring breakers are the ones who seem a bit lazy and seem to have no clue. I can just imagine them bragging about their time in New Orleans and how they saved these poor unfortunate souls.I have so many stereotypes when it comes down to this. The jocks, the sorority girls and the frat boys. Drives me nuts actually. NO JUDGING. I do try my best not to judge, but sometime the thought crosses my mind when I'm interacting with folks. It happens.

So far, the groups I've worked with have been from bad to good. I love the groups that are self motivators, you give them a task and they get the job done. The others on the other hand, tend to need you to baby them. To tell you the truth, I'm not really the type who is going to do that. I'm not much of a leader as it is. I'm just not the type who is into bossing people around. I'll ask you nicely to do something and I have to raise my voice because people can't hear this shy girl's voice. Other than that, I'm pretty chilled. For me, I like having a job that's going to keep me busy for a few hours and if there is too many people in one spot working, I kinda back off.

Anyway, lost my train of thought. I guess, I'll just keep it short then. This month is going to be interesting that's for sure.

Murals and Volunteers Galore

February 28, 2013

This week is going by pretty fast, but I think that's mostly because one of my favorite people is coming to visit for the weekend. Yay! This week I've spent a day at Mr. David's house and the rest of the week here at the church priming boards for the Kid Smart project. This week we also finished a mural in the Hoffman Triangle area.

This is all Henry's idea and design. It turned out pretty cool and unique. Kinda makes you stop and think for a second. My thoughts on this one: The birds are fleeing, especially with that one bird parachuting in, possibly to save the others after bombs exploded or something like that. At least that's what I got out of it.

Also, I will be starting my mosaic piece tomorrow, which will be placed in concrete. We will be breaking up tiles and placing them in. Should be an interesting task. I'm actually ready to work on my mural. Today, I discovered graphite transfer paper. So I'm curious if that comes in like a mural, side of house size. Who knows?

First Couple Days As A Team Lead

February 19, 2013

Things are going pretty good down here in lovely New Orleans. We have about 46 volunteers, which includes 40 high schoolers and 6 adults. They are from Massachusetts. Pretty fun group. Oh, to be a high schooler again. So far, a few are working in Algiers with 8 Days of Hope, working on siding at Mr. Davids and yesterday, the group I was with worked at a community garden in Algiers. We did pretty well, mulching the pathway, removing invasive species, basic gardening and clearing away debris. That was the first group I had to lead on my own this week. It wasn't too bad because the lady who is over the garden was there all day giving us things to do.

But today was kinda different. I was with one of the other staff members and two of my roommates as team leads. While one group worked on a mural, the other half came with me to do a lot cleanup and then to prime two houses in Hoffman Triangle. It's nice having the chaperones around to help out as well, just communicate to them what needs to be done and they will relay the message to the kids. My only problem is getting over my fear of talking to people, especially groups of people and having them listen to me. Totally out of my comfort zone here.

To make my day even more worse, I misplaced my phone, found my phone, stepped in a fire ant mound, got black paint all over the leg of my favorite jeans and I had to haul a few ladders back to the work site because I gave the volunteers a choice of continuing to prime our last house, which I had a choice to go half way. When they say halfway, they mean the whole darn thing.

For me, I'm just getting back into this volunteering thing. I have done actual labor in 2 years (not including that one time during FEMA Corps). But I'm happy to be working again and finally getting back into the swing of thing. By next week I should be a pro at finding these tools and what not. I'm not looking for a pat on the back and someone telling me that I did good. I'm not looking for that. I have my own issues I need to overcome, so why not start now.

When Will I Ever Find Myself

February 5, 2013

Tonight, I started to think about why I decided to go on this journey. When I made the decision to come here, it was during those rough times in New Jersey and all my frustrations with FEMA Corps at the time. I felt like I needed to be somewhere where I felt useful. I wasn't getting that with FEMA. Other than that, now that I think about it. It's all about trying to find my independence. I'm 24 years old and I still feel like I haven't stretched my wings much. Breaking out my shell is high on that list. Just trying to find my voice and a lot of confidence. With this organization, that's something I'm gonna have to do. I have to say what's on my mind. Then it's possible that I may have to lead some volunteers, but this time I don't have my teammates standing beside me. I gotta be my own woman now. Gotta stand on my own two feet.

Honestly, that's the only thing holding me back. Sometimes I wish I was loud and outgoing, but I'm not. That isn't me. My voice actually gets people to shut up and listen for a change, sometimes.

Anyway, I'm currently on some spiritual enlightenment thing. It is most likely going to fail because I always get frustrated with something and then crawl back into hole. Just saying. Lord, Jesus, God whatever higher being is out there, guide me in the right direction and give me strength.

First Day Of Work

February 4, 2013

First day of work!

As always, I'm still trying to find my spot. I've realized that I'm more of a follower if anything. Not much of leader. I think I'm more of a silent leader, I can't just throw myself out and there be all loud and what not. Anyway, I'm working from 8:00am – 4:30pm. I was assigned to the deck crew. We're actually working on the blue apartments next to the church. Three guys, one girl. I just feel intimidated by all these dudes and their construction skills. I don't work well with tools, angles, tape measurements and all that jazz. For one thing, I'm constantly on edge when it comes down to those things and having eyes on me. On top of that I get really frustrated when I can't get the hang of something quickly. When it comes down to those things, I always end up winging it. I think I picked the wrong time to come down though because it's possible that's all we are going to be doing up until the group volunteers come in. I'm actually looking forward to the art projects though, since I've rediscovered my drawing ability.

This morning I was a little upset because I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. Couldn't get in the church, hungry. It was just rough. I'm getting a little comfy now that I'm figuring things out. What I really need to do is open up more to people? Talk to them, but that's not me. I'm not the most talkative person in the world unless you start the conversation.

Now, what did I do today. Like I mentioned earlier, I helped take up floorboards from a deck, but somehow shifted to the errand girl, giving people this and that, guessing what this tool is, moving ladders hauling off things and standing around watching them do there thing. It's been two years since I've used a power tool. Our mini spike doesn't count in Vinton doesn't count. We didn't do much. I struggled with the bits for the drill. Hell, I struggled with the drill in general. And it sucks when you're working with people who know what this is and how to use it properly. I wonder what they think about me. I can't seem to get anything right. I blame my nerves and how flustered I get when I'm under pressure.

Hopefully things will get better. It actually does feel good to get off work and actually feel tired. Like right now I'm yawning like crazy.

First Day In New Orleans

February 3, 2013

This is my first blog post from New Orleans, LA! After finding out that all the tickets from Natchez, MS to New Orleans were sold out. I had to buy a ticket straight to Baton Rouge and get on a later bus about 20 minutes later. Man, strange people ride buses. After getting into New Orleans and having one of the staff members pick me up because all the taxis were in the downtown area trying to cater to those tourist and of course get their money. I'm actually living in the same house I was in during my time AmeriCorps NCCC.

It feels so weird though. I'm the only girl volunteer here. As soon as I walked into the house it felt like I'd stepped into a man cave/bachelor's pad. Maybe because I'm a woman and I just sensed the testosterone or something. That intimidation is setting in again and I'm not so happy about that. Surrounded by a bunch of men, I'm gonna have to show them that I'm not some weak little girl. I just wish there were some girls around, you know even out the men to women ratio going on here. So far, I've seen old faces, new faces and even heard someone vomiting in the middle of the night. Must have had a wonderful night. But that's what happens when you pick the room connected to the bathroom, I suppose.

Today, I took a trip to the French Quarter in search for some beignets (ben-yays) from Cafe Du Monde. It was packed as always and just as full because the Super Bowl is today. And I saw the black dude from CBS Sports, I don't know his name, but he always reminds me of the actor from the Shaka Zulu movie, lol. Yeah, he's not all that cute. Also, it's possible that I could be on TV since I wandered into the CBS Sports area where they were filming. If anyone watched Super Bowl, I had on my blue Make A Difference Day shirt and of course my short yarn braids. What else happened today? Oh yeah, I gave my 4 bags of beignets to some homeless men in Jackson Square. The whole beignet thing was confusing in itself......I just bought too many. Don't ask.

Oh yeah and I encountered this:

This my friend is a Weed World truck. Now, I'm not sure if they are selling real weed, ice cream, lollipops or spice. Only in NOLA.

A bit of loneliness is kicking in as well as I type of this blog. I'm bored. I need something to keep myself busy. I didn't think it would be so boring here though. Things are a lot more interesting when you have more people with you and since it's just me.......I think my attention span is low. You know how introverts are quiet people, but they also like being around people as well. They feed off it through listening and gaining more information. That's how I feel right now. I'm sitting in this house all by myself, trying to keep sane. I could go to church to get online, but I don't have the code to the church and the staff member who I was keeping in contact with didn't respond back to my text today about it AND the other volunteers don't seem to want anything to do with me. So yeah. It's going to be a miserable 4 months. It's only been one day, things could change once we start working together. Who knows. I think I'm going to leave in March if nothing gets better. I also think I picked the wrong time to come here. We'll see how everything works out tomorrow.

Last Minute Packing

Well, I'm currently doing my last minute packing and I still feel like I'm over packing. I have too many darn shirts. It's kinda hard trying to figure out which shirts you don't mind getting paint all over. I ended up packing on paint covered AmeriCorps shirt, 1 khaki and black pants. Hey, those pants need to be used for something.

Honestly, I'm a bit nervous as well, since majority of the people I worked with last time won't be there, but there are a few familiar faces. I'm a little worried about shutting down though. I tend to crawl back into my tiny shell and keep people out of it. I do believe I am a little outspoken now, but not as much. That's something I'm still working on. I'm just looking forward to exploring the city and actually doing something with my time. Who knows, something good may come out of it.

Anyway, back to packing. The next time I post something else, I will be in NOLA. :D

Realization

I have come to realize that I don't have any support with my new adventure. My boyfriend seems to be the only one with high hopes for me, but that's because he has seen me be the obedient child for the longest of time. I'm always the one to do what mommy and daddy say, with occasional outbursts every now and then. Now, I'm 24 years old and I'm trying to stretch my wings, but my parents won't let me. Mostly it's my mom who seems to have a tight leash on me and she is having a hard time trying to let go. Sometimes, I wish I didn't have parents who cared so much. Sometime, I just want them to let me do my own thing whenever I feel like it. I don't mind having the occasional lecture, but when there seems to be tension in the air every time I mention what I plan on doing in New Orleans. It honestly makes me feel bad because I feel like I don't have their support.

I don't like it when my folks act like I know nothing about the city. Like I'm naive, stupid and I don't have any street sense. Like I haven't lived there before. I keep telling them over and over again, I know the safe route. I know the quickest route to St. Charles Avenue. I've even stooped so low into showing my mom the safe route using street view on Google Maps. I know which streetcar to take to get to the French Quarter. I keep telling them as long as I'm in a crowded area, I will be fine. Even though New Orleans has some crazy people, I'm pretty sure they aren't crazy enough to shoot someone in broad daylight in the French Quarter. From what I read, most of the violence isn't on tourists, but between neighbors. What gets me, it's the people who are afraid to stay in the city who always have negative things to say. I say you should stay in the city for more than a day yourself to make a judgement. Because everyone in New Orleans aren't gangbangers.

I also feel like they don't trust me, even though I keep saying I'm not going to go wander off in the night unless someone is with me. What are they going to do when I get myself a good paying job in another city that's bigger than New Orleans and much dangerous? Are they going to forbid me from taking that job? You can't run my life forever. I know I'm getting their acceptance now, but deep down inside, to be honest, they would drag me off the bus if they could.

All I'm asking for is some support and have an open mind and stop being so close minded. That's all I'm saying. I don't even feel excited when I discuss New Orleans with them, just because the support isn't there and they aren't happy with my decisions. I guess it also makes me feel bad because I'm always seeking approval and always wanting someone to be proud of me. It's funny, they don't even see the good in what I'm doing. I'm dedicating my life to service. SERVICE! Helping someone better themselves.

Why can't they be happy with that?

Short Intro and Thoughts

Hello everyone!

Welcome to my new blog. Well, I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Courtney and I am from Ferriday, LA. I've recently, not recently, more like two years ago I was bitten by the volunteer bug through AmeriCorps NCCC. I am an alumni who was recently in FEMA Corps for a few months as well. Currently, I am getting ready to start my next adventure in New Orleans, LA volunteering with the United Saints Recovery Project for 4 months. During my first year as a Corps Member, my team Moose 4 worked there during our first round and I absolutely fell in love with the city and organization. I told myself that I always wanted to go back and this is my chance.

Being from Louisiana, you would think I'd been to New Orleans dozen of times, but I honestly haven't. I can count on my hands how many times I've been to the city before 2011. Those 2 months I spent there in 2011, really changed my outlook on the city. In all honesty it's not as bad as any other major city in the country, but outsiders don't seem to realize that. New Orleans is a city you have to experience on your own. You have to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Walk with confidence, is what I've been told and have a plan of action. Don't wander around aimlessly. Also, if you plan on traveling at night use the buddy system and if your friends decide to venture off elsewhere without you call a taxi.

For me, I'll be in the city alone, unless I make some friends along the way. Because of this I don't plan on exploring the city during nighttime. Of course, I would love to experience the nightlife, only if I had a few people coming with me. Other than that, I will enjoy the daylight hours the best way I can and look forward to the days when my boyfriend comes down. You know, so he can be my personal bodyguard, lol. Besides, there is going to be a lot going on this weekend. It's Super Bowl weekend and it's still Mardi Gras season. So it should be interesting.