What the hill?!

I started this week so optimistic.

My coconut oil had resolidified for crying out loud!

Enough said.

No?

Okay, I’ll explain.

You see, coconut oil melts at 76 degrees fahrenheit. So naturally, on the drive to Ithaca, wrapped in a pencil skirt stuffed in a pan which had been wrapped in a sweatshirt and stuffed into a tupperware bin and placed in my trunk, it melted.

I stuck it in the fridge, it resolidified in a couple hours, all was good.

FALSE.

But by the time I was done with dinner at my great aunt’s house, it had melted again.

It stayed completely liquid for a week.

Which, admittedly, is functionally fine. I use it as a lotion because lotion normally has oodles of chemicals and comes in weirdly shaped plastic containers, whereas this is natural (but of course has a variety of other environmental implications and potentially ramifications depending on the brand, but we have to use something so…baby steps…and more on that shenanigans later *panics and feels like there is no way to save the planet ever* *considers moving into a cave and using nothing* *realizes I would die* *begins yoga*) AND it comes in a reusable glass container perfectly sized for carting around my lunch curry (not to be confused with my dinner curry).

BUT THIS MONDAY (Week 2 of Math Camp which this time was about statistical packing software and not calculus) it resolidified WITHOUT THE HELP OF A FRIDGE.

I was stoked.

Until Wednesday morning came around and it was as melted as a child’s ice cream cone (we all know they get in like two licks and the rest just melts all over them, don’t lie to me)

It’s like my own little weather system:

Melted: Wear loose fitting clothing, accept that you will be that awkward sweaty level all day where things stick to you (your clothes, chairs, unwanted people…oh wait, that’s a different problem), drink more water than anyone ever found necessary, DON’T USE THE OVEN.

Solid: Assume normal wardrobe, maybe use the stovetop to cook eggs, no need to stick your head in the freezer, you only need to shower once per day.

So naturally, when the coconut oil was solid, I went to yoga classes at the gym, wore cute loose dresses, and ate salad.

Which meant that when it was liquid I was craving eggs, roasted veggies, tea in large quantities (of the hot varie-tea, hehe), long runs, and only my fitted light gray clothes were clean.

What a sweaty, I mean sparkly, mess.

People keep telling me “Ithaca is Gorges,”

By people I mean bumper stickers and tshirts, no self-respecting human actually says that (except me in EVERY BLOG POST).

What they really mean is “It’s so beautiful here that we’re hoping you forget how hilly it is. Prepare for your calves and butt to hurt constantly and forget the time you weren’t sweaty 24/7.”

I ran my (extra) hilly route in this coconut-oil-melting-heat. Not the long slowly increasing slopes, nope, I opted for the series of steep, gut-clenching, breath-stealing hills that make you feel like you have a sword straight through your tummy but have to keep running faster in order to save some innocent cute thing of your choice.

Remember when I said I had a flair for the dramatic?

Verdict: Don’t do hills in the heat.

SPEAKING OF!

Since this is orientation week 2 of ? they keep putting on seminars, panels, and “social(ly awkward) functions” to help us get oriented.

What they’re actually trying to do is tell us to have our futures figured out ASAP while saying pseudo-comforting things like “Don’t worry, you have the whole semester to choose a thesis topic.”

YOU MEAN I ONLY HAVE UNTIL CHRISTMAS TO FIND AN ADVISOR, A TOPIC, AND A PROJECT UPON WHICH ALL OF MY FUTURE APPLICATIONS WILL BE JUDGED?!

I’ve had three revelations about my aspirations for a career in the past hour.

Let’s just assume they’re all wrong.

In an effort to comfort myself, I’ve been looking at some pictures of little Penny when she was SO TINY AND WRINKLY Ft. a mini Biruk who was SO IN LOVE with her and a mini himself, and a post Fo-Castle donut baking shift me (#throwbacktofirstminimumwagejob) when rolling one’s sleeves and tying t shirts with hair ties was “cool” (marginally acceptable for nerdy high schoolers).

LOOK AT HOW TINY THEY BOTH WERE! WHO LET THEM GROW UP?!

SHE WAS SO SMALL AND HAD THAT PUPPY SMELL THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO GOBBLE HER UP IN A LOVING AND NOT CREEPY WAY

I would apologize for all of the puppy pictures. But I know you’re loving them.

You’re welcome.

If you’re not happy squealing right now, you’re probably a psychopath incapable of real emotion.

So, now that I’m on a calmer plane of existence…back to planning my future.

In a moment of terror I felt like I had made the wrong decision. I’m not supposed to be here.

But then I remind myself that:

1. I voluntarily too AP Macro in my 2nd semester senior year of highschool.
2. I then MADE CUPCAKES with econ graphs and equations on them FOR FUNSIES.

So maybe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

And as I write this, I can see my coconut oil beginning to resolidify.

My crazy rants may indicate otherwise, but I dare say that, somehow, I’ve begun to find my balance here (which is remarkable, because I am quite clumsy).

So, please excuse me while I go back to “researching” *stalking* the Cornell Waste Management Institute.

Because that’s a thing here.

Welcome home ❤

With love, hugs, and plenty of puppy pictures ready,

Marley and Me

Life’s A Struggle When You’re A Muggle

 

I’m at a funny point in my life where about half the people I consider close confidants missed major milestones in my emotional, social and physical development.

For example:

My highschool friends and members of my family who I don’t see every day missed:

1. The hiking adventures that resulted in two pairs of ripped yoga pants. Not jeans, yoga pants, THOSE THINGS ARE STRETCHY.
2. My intense addiction to the Thai Peanut Dressing at work, quesadillas, and water with so much lime it’s like a non-alcoholic margarita.
3. Me as a person who does not run a bake sale a week. (It frees up SO MUCH time, for myself…and my parents.)

My college friends and individuals I have since informed that they are required to be members of my family missed:

1. My dedication to culinary school and running a bake sale a week (Mom, Dad, you deserve awards for dishes, patience, and grocery bills.)
2. Bedazzled jeans. (We all have regrets in life.)
3. Buck teeth and vampire fangs that the orthodontist (mostly) fixed.
4. The phase of my life where I was completely unaware of all social norms and cues and simply wanted to be a wood elf.

…wait…that’s still a thing…

I’m also (apparently, at only five days in) at a funny point in my master’s program where:

1. We’ve only just begun (the optional portion, classes don’t start for two weeks).
2. We’re already getting presentations about what to do after our master’s and how to start planning…which apparently should have started last week.

HOLD THE DIAL UP PHONE ONE FLIPPITY FLAPJACK SECOND.

Yes, that’s right, not only did I reference old technology and use words that were never cool, I also said that I’m supposed to have an idea what I want to do POST master’s even though I HAVEN’T OFFICIALLY STARTED.

HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES?!

*laughs hysterically* *goes for a run*

This is where you, my poor readers, begin (continue) to suffer. When stressed, aside from running/yoga/flying off to neverland, I have three habits which are bound to arise that negatively affect you:

1. I listen to exclusively Disney music. Hannah Montana meets the Lion King. Prepare for Disney memes. Also, someone please call Luba and let her know that I’m going to need her to update my playlist again to get me out of this funk.

2. I watch stand-up comedy while I cook. This makes me laugh, a lot. It also makes me talk to myself, even more. The laughing and talking makes me think that I’m funnier than I already think I am. Which means you have to read more blog posts filled to the brim with terrible humor, if it can even be called that.

3. I put on Harry Potter audiobooks as I walk to class. Which means everyone becomes a muggle and everything around me gets equated to Hogsmead, Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Privet Drive, etc.

You’ll wish a dementor had you instead by the time this is over.

Conveniently, the 6 o’clock bell rang last night, from the tower in a building that I don’t yet know the name of, AND IT RANG IN THE OPENING SCENE SONG TO HARRY POTTER.

IT WAS AMAZING.

I REVOKE ALL PREVIOUS STATEMENTS OF BEING OVERWHELMED

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

THEY PLAYED HEDWIG’S THEME FOR A SOLID 45 SECONDS!

And then moved on to some inferior song that I didn’t recognize.

Here’s a behind the scenes look (…from 4 year’s ago)

Also, apparently this is McGraw Hall, which I call “Castle-esque building on the hill #1”

Instead of researching what to do post-master’s (I’ll leave that for an evening project when there’s no daylight for exploration) I explored Cornell’s Botanical Gardens (WHICH FEATURE A CLIMATE CHANGE GARDEN, but more info on that at a later date) and discovered the beauty of reading upside down on my porch.

A knobbly old tree (which reminds me of the Whomping Willow, obviously)

The vegetable gardens used for comparison to the Climate Change Garden:

When plants meet architecture:

A close up, because obviously I had to go sit in it:

Me enjoying my porch in the woods:

Ft. My lovely cuppa tea:

Math camp may be crazy, but life here is pretty, well…

Gorges.

With love,

Marley and Tea

Welcome to (Math) Camp

“Welcome to camp!” an overly excited camp counselor screams, disney themed name tag and soprano voice included.

Whether it’s band camp, girl scout camp, or the “outdoorsy” camp (I see your legitimate bathrooms masked by wood paneling, GO PEE IN A BUSH), we’ve all been there.

Or, you never went to camp, and that’s (SO UNFORTUNATE IT WAS A GRAND TIME) okay. But really, you should go as an adult then, because it’s an experience.

You see, as a child I was back-to-back camped, and I loved it.

My mom made sure there was never more than a week between camps, which for us was great because we needed the organization and socialization (neither of us does well without a daily routine to this day), and for the parental unit was helpful because magicians and social workers keep weird hours.

So we went to camp.

I have been psychologically programmed to associate camp with happiness, hiking, adventure, and laughter.

So when school sent me an email about summer Math “Camp,” I jumped at the opportunity.

Cue disassociation.

66 pages of notes and 3-6 hour days of calculus later, my brain is a pile of mush.

Our professor, the sweetest man on earth, was a fifth year P.h.D. student (read: Certifiable genius) who kept saying “This is highly logical, you can see the reasoning, right? We don’t need to do another example?”

WRONG.

You, having spent the past 6 years (two years of a masters and four completed years of a P.h.D.) studying (INTENSELY) this exact area of calculus and so, OF COURSE find Optimization Problems applying Hession Matrices SELF F****** EXPLANATORY. YOU ARE ABOUT TO DEFEND YOUR THESIS.

I’VE NEVER FELT SO STUPID

…except for the seven billion times I’ve been at home or at work and run into walls…walls don’t move (in the muggle world)… and I know where they are. Somehow, I hit them anyways.

I should explain that this camp was free (aka included in tuition-which I only had to sell my soul for), and I actually loved every minute of the 6 hour days.

Even the moments when 2nd year master’s students would come in and say “At some point, not today, but eventually, you’re going to feel overwhelmed, and we’re here to support you.”

NOT TODAY?! WHY NOT TODAY?!

I WOULD LIKE TO CHOOSE TODAY AS MY STARTING AND GRADUATION AS MY ENDING POINT OF BEING OVERWHELMED BY THIS PARTICULAR LIFE EVENT.

Nerdily, I’ve loved every math-intensive minute.

Socially, I felt awkward knowing no one and trying to introduce myself to the real grown-ups with families and life experience and the new grads from big name universities who ALREADY majored in Food and Ag Econ.

I JUST WANT TO SAVE THE PLANET.

Then a PhD student asked me why I decided against the engineering grad program, and I stared back blankly.

Because I never even considered it?

Because I really like applied economics?

Because I’m not qualified to be an engineer due to my obvious lack of experience in the subject?

Because it’s only (fake) day three and ALREADY everyone has me questioning every decision I’ve ever made from walking up the right hand path this morning instead of the left hand one (construction), to making a smoothie for breakfast instead of oatmeal, to deciding to go into a male dominated-science and math major concentrated-ivy league tier undergrads ruled Master’s program.

Please pause whilst I run 5 billion miles.

…

…

…

In these moments, after excessive amounts of running followed by yoga sessions practiced by breathing so deeply I think my mat actually merged with my nostrils, I like to recall a few key points:

1. At this exact moment I have made my parents terrified that this will be a repeat of my freshman year of undergrad, where after lying through my teeth for a semester I came downstairs, bawling like an infant, on Christmas night, explaining that I was miserable and maybe hated my life as it currently stood.
   1. This is not currently the case.
   2. Cornell is actually Hogwarts in disguise, my running route involves two waterfalls and hills that are whipping my calves and glutes into STEEL, and despite how emotionally and intellectually trying Math “Camp” has been, I’ve never been so excited to feel so underprepared (admittedly, I should cut myself some slack.)
2. Academia is a funny beast, ask anyone trying to get tenure. And when all is said and done, I’m such a lucky duck to be learning from such smarticle peeps in such a beautiful place. (Please note: The picture below is the result of an excessively well paid professional’s work, not my phone that sometimes likes to take videos instead of pictures (because technology is weird)).
3. I asked (begged admissions in my application) to come here.
4. I want to (am going to) save the planet.
5. I, Marley Bonacquist-Currin (I harass my parents for giving me a hyphenated name all the time, because am I really a good daughter if I don’t give them grief constantly?! But really, I like the excessive flair it adds to “I” Statements (not to be confused with “I feel” statements that health teachers and therapists all want us to use)), am a drama queen.

Or at least for these blog posts I am.

Because who really wants to hear about the fact that my rugs and pillows are color coordinated, my calculator has fresh batteries, my notes are numbered by subject matter, my cupboards are full of quinoa and veggies, and my cleaning materials are mostly vinegar mixed with more vinegar?

That just makes me sound organized, functional, and prepared.

And there’s simply no fun in that 😉

For those who want an actual look at my life (drama aside), please see my house (a work in progress, four housemates pending), my dinner, and my running route, below.

Welcome to Ithaca, where everything is Gorges.

Peace and all good,

Marzipan

So You Think You Can Pack

There are some things life can simply never prepare you for:

1. My Hogwart’s letter is OBVIOUSLY still lost in the mail. I’ll wait. It’ll come (eventually…)

1. You never have as much time to read as you have books on your summer reading list.

1. Taxes. (Just talk to any human come April.) Even tax accounts are upset, because they’re stressed, because everyone needs them, because no one knows how to do their taxes, because when we should have learned how to do our taxes we were being taught how to make low-fat yogurt dip (ew).

1. NAPS ARE ELUSIVE AND THEN FIX NOTHING. When you’re allowed to take naps, you don’t want them. You throw temper tantrums. When you aren’t allowed to take naps and have no time and never sleep and have like five spare seconds in the day (which you should probably use to like pee or do something functional) it ends up being taken up by small talk at the grocery store or checking your phone for the bazillionth time in case something “urgent” (who the heck is so important you need to respond within ten minutes…besides your parents…) comes up. AND THEN, you FINALLY find the time and location for THE PERFECT nap. The one you and your sleep deprived self have been (literally) dreaming of all week. And what happens? You wake up groggy and tired and upset that you can’t sleep for 6 more hours, because you only slept for 2 last night and all this did was remind you that you’re overtired and living off a series of nighttime naps since no one would call that hellishly short time “a good night’s sleep.”

1. The number of times you will have to pack up your life and move it anywhere between 300 feet and 300 miles +

I thought I was a good packer.

I’ve watched my dad expertly pack backpacks, suitcases, and cars from hiking trips, vacations, and conferences. I’ve watched my mom make sure no one forgot a single f’ing thing (I swear the woman has a foolproof electronic checklist in her brain).

This is my 13th time moving in the past four years.

Just let that sink in.

13 times I have packed up my entire life and shuffled it to another location, knowing full well that in the next 3 months-1 year I’d have to do it again.

AND THAT’S NORMAL.

No 20-something-year-old bats an eye at this, we do it without thinking. It’s the nature of this transitory decade of our lives (which is really more 18-35 than just 20-29, but still).

13.

They say it’s an unlucky number.

But my best friend was born on Friday the 13th, in September.

And she’s my kickass, change the world, keep me sane, love you forever plus, stuck with me always, I could hate everyone and would still love you, person. So in my book, 13 is prime.

…

…

Wait, it’s always prime.

(hehe)

(hehehehe)

(Are you giggling at my math joke yet?)

(WHY AREN’T YOU LAUGHING?)

But really, 13th time’s the charm?

You’d think I’d be better at this.

But apparently, at 22, having moved 12 times in the near past, I still don’t understand what is and is not required in my life.

So as I’m stuffing ball jars with tank tops to wrap in a pencil skirt to put in a saucepan (because that’s how efficiency meets environmentally friendly) I’m wondering if I should pack the shirt I wear approximately once a year because it’s scratchy but cute (for the first week when you’re more dedicated to fashion than comfort). OR if I should pack the book I’ve been meaning to read for three years now…to read when the semester is in full swing? What about the incense smell that I hate? What if I run out of my bagillion other scents and have to resort to the one that claims to smell “clarifying” but really smells like expired bleach? Because I’m apparently that desperate? (I have yet to EVER finish an entire pack, but obviously moving means I will).

HOW ABOUT! Those math notes from the 5th grade. I need those. WHAT IF I FORGET HOW TO PEMDAS AND NEED TO REREAD MY ILLEGIBLE SCRIBBLE FROM 11 YEARS AGO TO REMEMBER?!

My sewing machine from middle school?! OBVIOUSLY IT HAS TO COME. Because in graduate school you actually have SO MUCH free time that you donate every sensible article of comfortably fashionable clothing you own and sew your own wardrobe in a “Little House on the Prairie” fashion in an effort to prove that you’re actually well-rounded.

Logic has left the building.

You see, what happens in my brain when immense change is upon me is (chaos, insanity, a wish to run into the woods and never emerge) that I forget EVERYTHING I’ve learned in my past 12 moves. I revert back to highschool senior packing for college, the one who forgets there are stores in case you forgot your toothbrush. Or sheets. (I have yet to find one where I can buy a new brain with a booster sanity pack…suggestions?)

I pack backups for backups and then unpack (in a calmer state of mind) and wonder

WHAT THE HELL WAS I THINKING?!

Without fail, I pack AT LEAST 3 pairs of pants.

I hate pants.

SO MUCH.

I will wear one pair,maybe once, and only because I feel some odd internal-but-blame-it-on-societal-pressure to wear jeans out and immediately regret it because I’m SO UNCOMFORTABLE that even if it looks good or is functional, it is COMPLETELY ruined by my shrinking so far into myself I actually become the size of one of those outdoor foldable chairs that comes with their own carrying bag (the kind you bring to your child’s baseball game when your child is athletic–aka coordinated–enough to participate in organized team sports–aka not me).

For those of you who are curious:

I am moving (this time) to Ithaca.

I will still be in the state of New York.

I will only be 3 hours from home.

My parents are coming NEXT WEEKEND to bring the rest of my stuff.

Which begs the question: Marley, why can’t you calm down?!

Finally, ITHACA IS A REAL PLACE WITH REAL STORES AND ALSO YOU LIVED OUT OF A BACKPACK FOR THREE MONTHS ONE TIME SO WHAT IN THE UNIVERSE IS THE PROBLEM?!

The problem, it turns out, is that I’m terrified*.

*excitedly

I’m beginning my master’s program in Applied Economics with a concentration in Food and Agricultural Econ.

Read: I (still) want to save the planet. I will use numbers to do so. I am the nerd who shows people how to make fiscally efficient environmental change.

Specifically in sewage.

I have dedicated my life to shit.

I’m serious.

No, really.

Just ask my dad how much he gets a kick out of explaining this.

The truth is (on the eve of my move, to every reader and facebook friend even though I like to pretend I’m writing to a great abyss of nothing but am also grateful you listen to me ramble incessantly):

I’m scared.

I feel unqualified, underprepared, like an accidental acceptance who is incapable of actually doing this.

AND

I’M SO FLIPPITY FLAPJACKING STOKED

I feel so excited I cannot stand it, like I worked my ass off to get where I am, like they world is my oyster, like I can and will change the world for the better, like society has no idea what they have coming. Mother Nature, don’t you worry, I’ve got you.

And none of these statements is me seeking reassurance or validation. I know all of these feeling are valid and normal and wonderful and real. And I am embracing them every step of the way.

So I’m moving for the 13th time in 8 hours.

I’m feeling unsure of myself and my future for the (zillionth time today) 13th time in 4 years.

I’m ready to move on with my life again (number unknown).

So Cornell, I’m on my way.

Planet Earth, you better believe I’m here to save you.

Humanity, GOODNESS YOU FRUSTRATE ME, but I want you to live on, so I’d like to help you thrive.

So, to:

Mom and Dad, you’re going to love the next phase of your life.

Biruk, my favorite, most loved and cherished person in the whole wide world, I can’t wait to watch you soar.

Family, thank you for all the love and hugs and pep talks.

Friends, thank you for making my family that much larger.

Everyone who doubted me: Don’t believe me? Just watch.

And finally, to myself (and everyone everywhere always):

Peace and love ❤

Dear Papa

You would be so proud. The little boy that you built engines on the kitchen table with is leaving for the Marines in two months. I still call him my little brother, but he’s tall and strong and the smartest whipper snapper I’ve ever known. He reminds me of you every day. Maybe it’s time to stop specifying “little.”

I leave for grad school in two weeks. I keep waiting for you to call and ask for a summary description of my program. I listen to the voicemail you left me when I was in JFK waiting (forever) for my flight to leave for Iceland. Thank you for always calling.

You are the most stubborn person I have ever known. In all of the best ways – Determination, Strength, and Dedication. I listen to Dad talk and I hear your responses, your words even. It’s funny how alike you two are – The magician farmer and the engineer. You would love to talk chemistry with him, you would love how impressive and astounding his creations are. I know you’re proud.

Mom tells the best stories. Of the PhD level discussions you would take us to, those legitimate lectures that smarticle people attend to get smarter, when she was just hoping you’d take us out for dinner. Biruk and I were so lost, and so hyper. In hindsight, I’ve never been so grateful to be so confused. I’ve attended similar talks in the years since then, and laughed at the mental image of us in the audience. And of mom meeting you for the first time, you in your PJs, eating cereal with ice cubes, her confused beyond belief. Thank you for knowing how to show her just enough of the crazy she was in for, and giving all of the love and support throughout the years. Your relationship with each other taught me a lot about family, support, love, and sometimes patience 😉 

Times are changing and so are we. Mom and Dad are about to be empty nesters, but that’s such a sad term. The world is theirs to snack and sip through, to adventure and explore, to find new places, spend time with each other, and enjoy the (hopefully) relaxing time that follows raising two headstrong, hyperactive children. Biruk is off to new adventures full of service and traveling (A travel bug we all have gotten from you).  I’m hoping to save the planet. 

You may not actually be able to call, but you’re the voice in all of our heads. Thank you for believing in all of us, for sending us on our way, and knowing that the journey is always

ONWARD.

 

Hiking Home

Today my heart is filled with love and gratitude for the 100 people in this village, and the 5 with whom I’ve spent every hour of every day .  I’m trying my hardest not to cry and I’m struggling to find the words to describe what this trip meant to me, so why don’t you just take a look? 😉

AKA I’m exhausted and filled with too many emotions to write a coherent blog post. So please watch my video.

(P.S.A. Amp up the volume.)

 

Love and hugs from miles away, see you Wednesday ❤

 

Live, laugh, love, bake,

Marley and Me

P.S. Always give in to your wanderlust.

Oh, Pooh

For the past hour I’ve been staring at this photo to remind myself that the world is a beautiful place.

Why?

I spent my day at a Sewage treatment plant.

Just let that sink in for a sec.

(REMEMBER HIM??? Hint: Lizzie McGuire)

Actually, it was really interesting. And for a developed country, Iceland is doing a really shitty job.

(Excuse the pun.)

 

Ideally we’d all convert to compost toilets, give up on plastics entirely, and stop dumping crap into our beautiful bodies of water.

But since people don’t seem to find this glamorous (SHOCKING), we’re lacking some serious funds and conversation.

 

SO if you’d like to talk more about poop processing, I’m all ears.

(Like this creature.)

But for those of you who find this entirely disgusting (which I totally understand), I’ll change the topic.

So here’s to some of these Siena hooligans who remind me that the whole world isn’t full of shit 😉

We go by “The Minions” but formally we’re Peer Advisors (which sounds like way less fun…)

Just one of the many Siena Families I can’t wait to squeeze when I come home ❤

To Kaylee: Without you’d I’d have lost every last one of my three remaining marbles. Thank you for the hours you spent with me covered in dust and old school supplies and class essays from the 80s in order to organize, prioritize and (obviously) color code the office.

To Ellen: To the sweetest of the sweethearts, I am so glad that we had time together this summer for adventures, storytime, and homework bonding. I miss you so very berry much and cannot wait to come home and see your beautiful smile!

To Jess: (Yes, I stole this picture from your facebook 🙂 which means we need to take some together…) It’s hard to believe how close we’ve gotten just over one semester, I miss you so much and am so grateful to have a friend who loves hiking, yoga, nature, and food as much as I do. Here’s to all the sanity we’ll lose next semester ❤

To Holly: There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful I am for everything you do for me. Your help, guidance, kindness, and love are unmatched. I hope that someone is making sure you get your fruits and veggies while I’m gone. (And if your desk is a mess there will be hell to pay…JUST KIDDING…kind of…) You’re not just advisor of the year, you’re one of a lifetime ❤

So, even when the world seems full of poo, or particularly poo-ish* individuals, it helps to remember you’ve got a group of Minions ready to help ❤

*NOT to be confused with Pooh-ish. He’s perfect. Everyone should aspire to be Pooh-ish.

 

Hugs and hugs and hugs and hugs ❤

 

Live, laugh, love, bake,
Marley and Tea

P.S. Always give in to your wanderlust

The Game is Never Over

When applying to come to Solheimar I was:

1. A ball of excitement (as evidenced by lots of jumping and spontaneous Disney song singing)
2. Impatient impatient im…AM I THERE YET?!
3. SO FLIPPITY-FLAPJACK READY FOR THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

I was a woman on a mission. (Still am.)

Prepare your gameface.

I explained to them that I am optimistic about our ability to change this path humanity has put itself on, we can come back and save our planet, and better yet, we will. But I am just one person, and a young one at that. I need teachers, researchers, and practice. I believed that a semester in Solheimar was the perfect recipe to  push me on my quest for a better planet.

And show me they have.

Here I have learned, grown, and experienced all that I could have ever dreamed of. And yet, there is still so much more to do.

It seems we haven’t been listening to our grandparents. I remember their generation reiterating the saying “don’t bite the hand that feeds you” as words to live by. And yet, here we are, years down the road with a depleting ozone layer, melting ice caps, a rising sea level, and draining sources of fresh water. To say the least, we’re in a pickle (and not one of the yummy kinds).

Simply testifying that we are faced with critical sustainability issues is a vast understatement of the predicament humanity and planet Earth are stuck in. With the issues varying far and wide, the task can seem too daunting to accomplish.

But it isn’t.

Like a term paper the importance is in the details, details that are allocated to different paragraphs. If we all unite together with one common goal (save the planet by focusing on sustainability) we can use this as our thesis and then divide and conquer.

So what would the main body paragraph include in my mind? Currently, development. Today’s globalized economy is watching the effects of colonization continue to grow as underdeveloped nations fall further behind and developed economies charge full speed ahead. The current state of all-consuming absolute poverty in many developing countries and growing inequality around the world begs the question: Where did this all begin?

During the periods of colonization and industrialization mother countries took raw materials from their colonies and used them to their own gain. The immediate impact was that of imposed monoculture and poverty, while today the lack of industrialization kept them from being affluent participants in the global market, even post-colonization, and thus they fall further and further behind as the technological era speeds ahead.
Nelson Mandela was quoted saying “We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender, and other discrimination.” And around the world we claim this is what we do, start movements and policies to ensure the eventual flourishing of everyone on the planet.

But, European nations and the United States wrecked the planet in their efforts to grow. And yet here we sit, wondering why underdeveloped nations cannot progress when the materials are gone AND there are imposed environmental regulations to boot.

We need a revolution: A revolution to marry development with environmental sustainability. Let’s pull people out of poverty and tie it to pulling the planet away from death’s door. Environmental sustainability was one of the main millennium development goals set up by the United Nations. 15 years in and we’re not there. Have we even started? We need people-power behind the movement. The planet’s got people, and plenty of them, so let’s start moving. Together we can change the world, and together we can save the planet, in fact, we can do both at the same time. I think. I’m still brainstorming on how.

With a semester in Solheimar (almost) under my belt, I thought I had found a good starting point.

And hopefully, I have.

But then I realized that so much of what brought me here today was what I learned in the Dominican Republic. I was volunteering to teach English through Siena College, but what really happened is that the kids and my fellow volunteers taught me some Spanish, and a lot about life.

To Charlieann: It’s hard to believe I met you less than a year ago. You feel like the big sister I’ve always wanted, a mentor I’ve always needed, and a friend I am so grateful to have ❤ Some people you’ve known forever, even if you only just met. Thank you for your kindness, love, hugs, and smile that lights up a room 🙂

To Danielle: Where would I be without you?! From sleepless nights in the DR to Saturday coffee dates at Professor Java’s, I’m forever grateful to have you in my life. Without your sparkling eyes and laugh, the world wouldn’t be nearly as wonderful ❤

To Kelsey: The Elsa to my Anna, I cannot wait to come home and see you! Your positivity, passion, and pure heart will lead you to great places darling ❤ and I can’t wait to see where.

To Shannon: Once upon a time you were the resident who wasn’t mine but basically lived in my hallway, now you are the friend without whom I’d be lost. I’m grateful for every hug, dance, conversation and moment we’ve had, and every piece of our journey to come ❤

To Kate: YOU WEREN’T SUPPOSED TO GRADUATE (I mean I’m happy for you but…). Anywho, I know you’re taking med-school by storm and changing the lives of everyone you meet (as you once did mine). I love you to death and cannot wait for more documentary-adventure nights to come ❤

To the Sisters: Thank you for opening up your home, school, and hearts to a bunch of over-excited students looking to learn and love the world. We were blessed to have met you.

To Sister Sue: Siena misses you dearly, and I am grateful to have met you in all of your glory before you left to a new adventure. Thank you for your hope, guidance, and the peace you spread with every word you spoke to us all. Come visit us soon?

To Amorcito/Lucky: Once upon a time you were left on the Sisters’ doorstep, and we couldn’t have fallen in love faster. These days you’re taking the backyard world by storm as you trample through the grass on a mission to make friends and chew everything in sight. What an unexpected surprise (and beautiful one) you were for us all ❤

To all of our friends in the D.R.: We miss you, we love you, and we will forever hold you in our hearts.

My time in the Dominican with the Sisters and students continued to change my life long after I returned home. It motivated me to try harder, to get more involved, and to follow my heart wherever it takes me.

I joked that I left my soul there when I left. It must have been doing a lot of traveling since, because it met me here in Iceland. Words cannot describe how blessed I feel to be in a place of such magic, adventure, and learning.

Th world is ours for the changing.

So put on your Nikes and…

Here are some pictures of this weekend’s snow covered hike (I have only just regained feeling in my toes and gotten my nose to stop running…yes, I caught it hehehehe) to remind you that this world is worth saving:

Love and hugs from a positive popsicle ❤

 

Live, laugh, love, bake,

Marley and Tea

P.S. Always give in to your wanderlust.

 

Time Flies (And So Do Pigs)

Once upon a time, I read a novel where a girl could pause time.

It sounded like heaven, she could learn hundreds of languages, read any book she pleased, and travel without interruption, without the fear of being late for class, dinner, and all those normal things 🙂

It had me wishing I could stop time.

Then she aged prematurely, her extra years catching up with her.

One day her skin shriveled up, her hair grayed, and she died. Poof, from a 16 year old, to a literal pile of dust on the floor (I don’t know why this was their interpretation of death…like, BOOM you’re a sandbox?).

I no longer wish I could stop time. Because while I love a good sandbox, I don’t really want to be one.

Every once in a while my thoughts drift back to my original wish though, wondering if it would be worth it for just a little while longer in this heaven on earth in Solheimar.

Yesterday, it hit me hard.

2 weeks…

14 days…

Decreasing every minute (second, millisecond, you name it)…

…Until I leave the place I’ve come to call home and head back to the states.

Did I blink? I must have. 3 months can’t be almost over yet!!!

I JUST GOT HERE GOSH DARN IT ALL!

So today I am grateful for the 6 people who reminded me that the end of an adventure does not mean the end of living, of friendships, of experience, and of growth.

To Angie: It’s hard to believe you’ve only been in my life for a few months. You feel like a sister that’s been in my life forever, and not the kind of sister that you hate…the one that you love and go to for everything always because she’s perfect and understanding and wonderful in all ways. I miss you so much and can’t wait to come home just in time for your going away celebration BECAUSE YOU’RE ON A FULLBRIGHT TO BRAZIL BABY!!!

To Jenna-bean: After living with you all summer, and being on staff together last fall, I go through legitimate separation anxiety when we’re apart. You are a spot of eternal sunshine in this crazy world, my source of everlasting optimism (and sarcasm), and my go-to coffeethattasteslikebadburnedtarbreakfastbuddy and readingintreesonthechapelpatioinspiration. Love you darling ❤

To Isa: I can’t believe it has been over three months since I have heard your amazing laugh, gone on random adventures to who knows where with you, had you to keep me company on those nights on duty, and done so many arts and crafts that we were covered in marker and glitter. But you’re coming to visit this year…right?!

To Lucas: I AM SENDING YOU SO MANY HUGS RIGHT NOW. You have the most loving heart and I miss your smile all the time. Keep being amazing and don’t let anyone tell you you’re anything less than world-dominating and fabulous. The world could use more people like you ❤

To Lio: You may not know it, but you are a teacher. You have taught me so much about friendship, adventure, travel, and growth. Thank you for your hugs, helping me through every mental breakdown, your indisputably amazing taste in music, and all the love you give to the world. Your friendship is something I will forever treasure.

To Filipe: The world has know idea how lucky they are to have you in it, if they did they’d thank you everyday. You are so pure of heart and soul, your kindness is unmatched, and your sense of adventure made for such an amazing summer for us all.  Thank you for putting up with my barefoot runs through fields, and always being up for star-gazing. I’m grateful for you always, don’t you dare ever forget that 🙂

It’s not goodbye you see, it’s simply…

So while this adventure is coming to a close (BUT IT’S NOT OVER YET), I know that the friends I’ve made and moments I’ve had make all of the sadness of leaving worth it.

Plus, how are we going to change the world if we don’t go home? 😉

Love and hugs from miles away, you’re always in my heart ❤

Live, laugh, love, bake,

Marley and Me

P.S. Always give in to your wanderlust.

 

Moves like Jagger

 

When I was a wee little one, I went to my first dance class. Barefoot and full of energy, I ran about the room with the poise of a rhinoceros.

These days, I’m more like a baby elephant. But not for lack of trying to be otherwise (I promise Mom and Dad I TRY to be quiet…I just also fail).

Despite the face that my limbs have not transformed from 15 years of dance, my heart, mind and soul have.

To Ginny: From the moment you gave me my invisible string I felt blessed by a goddess. Your patience, grace, love, and encouragement have given me the belief in myself to take the world by storm. With you as our guide, dancing was so much more.

To Dana: You instilled us with elegance and sass, a dangerous (and fun) combination. You motivated us to be the change we wanted to see the world, and reminded us daily not to let the world tame us. Thank you ❤

And when formal dance education ends, crazy dancing with friends begins…

To Kayla: Thank you for random dancing to disney songs when it was 2am and we were still doing homework in a building neither of us can pronounce, laughing at our dysfunction, keeping me sane through first semester of freshman year, being the light in my day and my person for always, and for becoming even more like a sister and staying by my side even when we’re 300 miles apart (303 to be exact).

Then (when we didn’t have our lives together) and Now (when we still don’t)

 

Without all of you I’d still be a rhino, and hunters keep trying to poach them so I’d probably be dead…and I kind of really enjoy living…

ANYWHO…why have I made you listen to me reminisce about dancing years gone by?

Because  when the weather gets rough, you can always dance in the rain!

hehe hehe hehe hehe

So that’s what we’re going to do 🙂

And with that, the final five Sustainable Development Goals for 2030:

Goal 13: Climate Action

As the UN puts it “Climate change presents the single biggest threat to development.”

And if we can’t get the government to believe us, we’ll just have to do the heavy lifting

(It’s okay people, I work out…2lb weights count, right?)

But seriously, this one’s on us. (I’ve only been talking about this for two and a half months…)

Goal 14: Life Below Water

If nothing else gets to you, at least tell me you’re willing to save Dory.

WE MUST FIND HER

(And save the lakes, oceans, rivers, ponds, streams, and puddles from pollution and disappearing biodiversity.)

I highly recommend you watch “Damnation” (which will make you say “Damn we need to fix this nation” mwahaha)

Goal 15: Life on Land

You know how people have been telling you to plant a tree for years?

This time, do it.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

We need to be held accountable for our actions, our choices, and our future.

It’s in our hands.

Make something of it.

Some say we’ve reached a negative tipping point, we’re doomed.

I say the time has never been better to be the change you want to see in the world.

Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals

It takes two to tango, and it takes every person for peace.

 

THIS is our time (*powerful voice inflection* *assumes wonder woman stance*)

 

Hugs and power poses ❤

 

Live, laugh, love, bake,

Marley

P.S. Always give in to your wanderlust