Snow and pumpkins

Ok, so I realized the other day that it's been a while since I've made a post here. I've been kind of busy...

In the last few weeks, I've gotten do experience a lot of new things- Montana things. I've gotten to go antelope hunting, which involved jumping out of a pick-up and watching a friend shoot at things, and helping grab more ammo. I've gotten to watch the guy's dog, and take it on walks (or did it walk me?). I also saw my first dead elk in the back of a pickup. This kind of caught me off guard- it was nearly as big as the majority of cows that I had seen in Wisconsin. Also, I didn't realize that one could legally kill elk here... Apparently a special permit is required, but it's totally allowed. Hunting seems to be a lot bigger here than in Point- most stores have signs saying that they have seasonings or grinders available, or that hunters are welcome. It's definitely a new thing...

It started to flurry today, which is kind of exciting, although a winter weather advisory has been placed into effect. I can't wait to expierence the winter here. I hear it won't be too much different, but slightly less snowy than in WI.

At any rate, things are going relatively well. We had a pumpkin carving party last night, and a Halloween party this weekend in Sydney. I am still uncertain if I plan to go, but I'll see what happens.

Snow!

I got a phone call last night, around 7 p.m. from the guy. He had gotten an antelope on opening day, and had wanted me to appear. I considered helping, and realized, upon walking in his shed, that this antelope smelled far worse than the deer that I remembered my dad getting in my youth. Instead of being helpful, I sat on a 4 wheeler, attempting to keep him company and occasionally offer comments of support. It was kind of nice, hanging out in a shed. It reminded me slightly of the feeling of family I remembered during deer season back home.

I awoke this morning to a radio alarm clock , wrapped up in his arms and a majority of the blanket, only to find out that the dog appeared to be really excited that we had finally awoken. I began putting my socks and jeans back on from last night. He looked out the window and said, "It's a winter wonderland!" I peered out the window after finally getting dressed, and a sudden wave of excitement came over me. I realized that the feeling of home had suddenly come to eastern Montana for me, but the snow had come a bit too soon. A majority of the leaves have not yet fallen, though the sky has recently been overcast and gloomy. There has been snow, but until today nothing has stuck around.

Fighting Poeverty with a Passion?

So, as a VISTA, I'm supposed to be fighting poverty with a passion and creating things that will help my organization (CNADA) become more sustainable. I feel that I'm not really doing that much, but I also feel like I'm learning a lot, and potentially might be able to help more as this year progresses. I have learned that making a living wage and being on food stamps kind of sucks. I mean, I've just graduated from college, so being broke is something I'm used to, so it's not really a new feeling, but the VISTA perspective is really helping to make things seem more real. I have a point, I promise.

This morning, I got to work, and did the usual check the email, check out cnn.com to see what's happening in the world, go on Facebook and see what's up in the world of my friends, ect. When I got to CNN.com, I found a story about a cabby who took pictures of homeless people while driving around Istanbul. (Here's a link to his website.) Anyway, (despite the fact that this story comes from half the planet away), seeing this story kind of hit home and reminded me of how lucky I really am. While we as VISTAs are supposed to be living a minimum wage life, we still have connections if we need them. Most of us have at least a Bachelors. We've got friends and family in better positions than we are. We've got warm beds to sleep in and regular access to the internet. We've got running water and electricity in our apartments. We have plenty of food to live on. Most people in poverty, like in the pictures the cabby takes, probably don't have access to these things. They are lacking money, and therefore it's harder for them to gain the things and opportunities that we, as middle and upper class Americans, so often take for granted.

This year (so far) has helped me to realize what's important (friends and family) and things that might not be as important (tv, having the newest pair of shoes).

Adventures at the Homestake

So over the past weekend, I got to attend another retreat. The Member Advisory Council had their fall retreat this year just outside of Butte at the Homestake Lodge, a pretty amazing place. The building was really pretty, and the scenery around even prettier. There was snow! And a yurt- a small shelter complete with 2 bunk beds and a futon, a fireplace and a kitchenette. The bedroom had like 6 bunk beds, which were super comfy. We even got a special visitor- the owners' puppy hung out with us for a little while. She was super friendly, and seemed to enjoy all of the attention we were able to give her. It was also neat getting to meet all of the ACMAC members. I feel as though there is a lot of potential for good connections.