September update part 2

September has been filled with so many changes, it is only fitting that fall is just around the corner.

Some of the changes have been stressful, challenging and frustrating. However, I hope that they continue. Faced with adversity I will persevere... right? ;) When I feel stressed, frustrated or upset by hiccups in food stamps, roommates, lack of work at my job or length of time it takes me to get anywhere, I try to remember that this is when I am growing. I can learn techniques to help me through these and even focus on why it is bothering me so I can remedy the issue or just deal better. It may be my painfully optimistic point of view, but I am trying to take risks and be uncomfortable. Not to an excessive or unhealthy amount, but in a way that I can learn from my trials and tribulations and become a better me.

A few of my goals this year include really getting out there. Very vague.. I know. But in the sense of using resources for the teens I will work with, being creative with food stamps and cooking with a limited budget (again), traveling around Denver by bus and finding things to occupy my time that make me happy, I want to experience life. Denver is new to me- I want to take advantage of the time I have here and get into the community. On the flip side, a large goal of mine is to really focus on myself. This is my first apartment, and after living with 11 people 24/7 last year in AmeriCorps NCCC I am alone quite a bit, which is taking some getting used to. Exploring what I enjoy doing, how I like to spend my time and partaking in a lot of self care is something that makes my FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome anxious, but I think it will be good for me.

Alternatively, some of the changes had in September have been great. I have moved somewhere new and it went very smoothly. My room is exactly what I was looking for- with high ceilings and a walk in closet (what what!), and all the furniture I was able to purchase from the previous renter. Everyone in C.B.P.Y.T. is fantastic. We are a really great bunch of people. While playing the occasional Frisbee game, going to Thursday trivia nights, volunteering and just hanging out, I have made some connections that I am excited to explore this upcoming year.

Next month I will hopefully be getting a bike through Bike Depot's earn-a-bike program. Having a bike will enable more trips to Downtown and encourage my active lifestyle. I will also start working with kids one-on-one which will be a nice change of pace from being in the office all the time. Also, October means lots of pumpkin food/drink and HALLOWEEN!

September wrap-up

In my first month in Denver I...

- Moved into my first apartment... almost 2,000 miles from home
- Signed up for Foodstamps (With 800 a month and 400+ for rent.. it helps!)

        - on Colorado Peak https://peak.state.co.us

- Started volunteering at Girls Inc. as a tutor for 4th and 5th grade girls on 9/15

 "The vision of Girls Incorporated is empowered girls and an equitable society. We believe that girls have the right to be themselves and to resist gender-stereotypes, to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm, to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success, to accept and appreciate their bodies, to have confidence in themselves, to be safe in the world and to be prepared for interesting work and economic independence."

- Performed trail mainenance with Denver Parks and Rec on 9/21 in Aurora at the Northfield Pond Park for Team Service Day with all AmeriCorps members in C.B.P.Y.T. We worked on building the trails up from being eroded, and worked on erosion and plant control.

- Volunteered for Project Homeless Connect on 9/26. Project Homeless Connect is a United Way sponsored event where professionals and volunteers come together to aid homeless Denverites to get services in one location. Some of these services include recieving physical therapy, haircuts and massages, attaining vital documents, signing up for food stamps, free clothing, connecting with housing information, childcare information, legal aid and veteran services. It was a great day and between 1,800-2,300 clients recieved links to services and goods.

It was really inspiring to see all of the volunteers and professionals offering time and services to help out those who are struggling. I hope to definitely come back next year and help.

- Helped out with the Family Crisis Center service day at Senior Resources Center on 9/27 working with elderly. The youth and AmeriCorps members socialized, sang the Hokey Pokey and Hound Dog, and created arts and crafts sports flags. I met a woman from Arkansas who used to be a foster mother so we had lots to talk about!

Great first month in Denver, great first month at Chafee!