Levee Tour/AmeriPuppy!

Today was an amazing day. We didn't have a normal day of work site supervising, instead all of the AmeriCorps teams that are in the New Orleans area got together (there were 5 teams, so 50 of us) and went on a tour of 3 different levees around Louisiana. It was really fun to get out and do something new, even though I do really like site supervising and working with volunteers. It was also really fun to hang out with a bunch of other AmeriCorps members from other teams that we don't normally get to see. The first levee was just basically a big wall, and we weren't there for long. The second one was awesome though! First of all, we had to wear construction equipment because it was being worked on while we were there (it's new, so they are still in the process of building it) we got to wear some awesome reflective vests, hard hats, and special sunglasses...all of which looked amazingly flattering on me, obviously...just kidding!

We also got to hike up some creepy unstable steps to get on top of the levee, where this picture was taken...and there was an awesome view! (pic below) 

We also got some yummy electrolyte popsicles up on top of the levee, because it was really hot and sunny today. That doesn't sound too surprising, but it has actually been kinda cold here lately! It's been in the 80's instead of the 90's this week, and this is gonna sound really wimpy to all you New Englanders, but I have been freeeeeezing down here in the 80 degree weather! I have literally had goose bumps at work every day this week--so ridiculous! So much for being a tough Mainer! I am absolutely going to FREEZE when I go home for winter break in December! The 3rd levee tour we went on was pretty neat, we got to see more pumps and the computer side of the levees, which we hadn't seen at the other two. Oh, we also had a lunch break at a beautiful park right by the water with palm trees, which I like to refer to as "Southern Foliage" these days, because I miss New England's color-changing leaves so much! But it was still beautiful, I just feel like I am in Florida or something, not that it is October in Louisiana. 

When we got home tonight, I decided to skip our ISP at the theater and just relax for the night, since we have to work all dat Saturday and Sunday this weekend. It was a great decision, because I got so much done! I got to talk/skype with Nathaniel, and run to Subway for dinner and it counted as PT! Also, we had a surprise visitor in the form of the most adorable chocolate lab puppy everrrr! It didn't bark or make any noise the whole time it was here, just followed us around and sat down and drank the water we gave him. Our team leader, Alleigh went door to door around our neighborhood trying to find it's home, but no one seemed to want to claim this adorable, perfect, little pet! We were all really sad when we couldn't find the owner and we wanted to keep it, but obviously we can't, so we had to let him go outside...hopefully it will find its way home soon! 

One more thing before I go to bed...I just want everyone to know that when I get back from AmeriCorps, I will be able to build y'alls houses for you...seriously...it's crazy how much I have learned in just the few weeks I have been here...I have noticed so many little details around the house we are living in, like how the bedroom door frames are way uneven, and the floor boards are too far apart in the hallway...that the mudding on our bedroom wall was not done very well, because you can see where the taping was done through the paint, etc. CRAZY! I didn't know anything about any of that stuff before I came here! I'm pretty excited that I have learned so much here, because it's all really useful stuff to know for life and just goes to show how much easier it is to learn in a hands-on setting!