Goodbye NCCC!

Well, I really did suffer blogger burnout after Mardi Gras. But, ladies and gentlemen, I'm back, and with an awful lot to talk about.

Hands-On reopened its doors to short term volunteers after Mardi Gras, so the volunteer population once again filled with new people, and I must say the craziness is reenergizing me. Hands-On closed down most projects from the 10-21, only allowing long term volunteers to stay on base. Despite the considerably smaller population, the increased amount of personal space, and the decreased amount of work, the break environment actually burned me out. It was a combination of not getting very much sleep, being in close proximity with the same 3 or 4 people all the time, and a close group of my friends, the long term NCCC group leaving, that collectively made me hit a restless point. It was then I decided I needed to take a little break and planned a New Jersey return for a week or so. Now that people are coming in from all over again, the new flow has made the desire to go home decrease, but I still booked the tickets today. I'll be home from the 16th-26th, so gimme a call.

I want to dedicate this next little section to the NCCC team. I kept planning on posting something for them immediately after they left, but that was almost three weeks ago. Nonetheless, you guys were some of my best friends here, all spectacular and easygoing and different from one another. It's refreshing to have a group where each person has possesses different qualities and idiosynchrasies, but still manages to gel collectively.

I miss you guys, even three weeks later. The new NCCC group isn't nearly as cool as you. But more importantly, and I can't stress this point enough, the individuals don't seem to differ from each other enough. Every one of you were captivating personalities, and brought something different to the table. And I just really miss how collectively, because you were each different from one another, you created this super group, that together had anything anyone could possibly want.

And, to name names...Amber, I always wish you were here, but occasionally I feel like I need you here, because there are few people as level headed and grounded as you, nor are there many people with such great taste in music, or who appreciate good music as much as you.

Anyway, a great, great, great, group.