I can't believe I've been gone for two weeks already! I was so, so, so lucky to have my parents help me move into my new apartment. It was in less-than-desirable shape (really dirty, mouse droppings everywhere, bugs, mold covering the walls/doors, etc.) and they spent over 4 days helping me clean and get moved in. Parents of the year- of the decade!
Some initial thoughts on Oklahoma:
1. It's SO GREEN! The trees, the little rolling hills... it was very beautiful driving into Ada- really.
2. One of the first disappointing things I realized right away- there are no sidewalks. Or bike lanes. ?! It has made running a challenge, and forget biking to work or around town- my bike is set up on the trainer inside the house. Maybe more people would exercise here if they could walk places?
3. The people are super nice. 98% of the people I run by say hello, good morning, and/or wave. It's a lot like Fort Collins in that regard, which I love.
4. The weather can get ANGRY, but most of the time (so far... I know it's only early June) it's not so bad.
5. Cost of living is cheap! Except for healthy food. In the grocery stores there is a lack of not only organic produce, but produce in general, and what IS there is sometimes old and really expensive.
6. NOBODY RECYCLES! It's upsetting.
7. Okra is awesome- even when it's not fried. However, it's slimy! I had to google "is it normal for okra to be slimy" after cooking it and seeing what looked like mucous all over the other vegetables it was cooking with, and you know what? It is normal. And still delicious :)
8. They can't drive here... my parents and I have both had our parked cars hit already- and nobody is taking responsibility.
I've been in Oklahoma City for orientation this past week, so this will be my first extended stay in Ada. I really enjoyed getting to know a little bit about the other interns and can't wait for the next class day when I'll see them again! Tomorrow I start my community rotation with the Chickasaw Nation- let's do this!
1. It's SO GREEN! The trees, the little rolling hills... it was very beautiful driving into Ada- really.
2. One of the first disappointing things I realized right away- there are no sidewalks. Or bike lanes. ?! It has made running a challenge, and forget biking to work or around town- my bike is set up on the trainer inside the house. Maybe more people would exercise here if they could walk places?
3. The people are super nice. 98% of the people I run by say hello, good morning, and/or wave. It's a lot like Fort Collins in that regard, which I love.
4. The weather can get ANGRY, but most of the time (so far... I know it's only early June) it's not so bad.
5. Cost of living is cheap! Except for healthy food. In the grocery stores there is a lack of not only organic produce, but produce in general, and what IS there is sometimes old and really expensive.
6. NOBODY RECYCLES! It's upsetting.
7. Okra is awesome- even when it's not fried. However, it's slimy! I had to google "is it normal for okra to be slimy" after cooking it and seeing what looked like mucous all over the other vegetables it was cooking with, and you know what? It is normal. And still delicious :)
8. They can't drive here... my parents and I have both had our parked cars hit already- and nobody is taking responsibility.
I've been in Oklahoma City for orientation this past week, so this will be my first extended stay in Ada. I really enjoyed getting to know a little bit about the other interns and can't wait for the next class day when I'll see them again! Tomorrow I start my community rotation with the Chickasaw Nation- let's do this!