dum de dum...

I'm running out of things to post about on my blog. What with this being a blog about being in Peru, and seeing as how I'm not in Peru yet, it seems like I'm a little fluffy hamster, just spinning in my squeaky metal wheel.

Or something like that.

I have been itching to be in Peru ever since, well ever since I went there the first time in 2005. I knew I would go back. Don't ask me how, but I think in the back of my mind it wasn't ever really a question. Then when I did go back in 2006, I knew I would be going back for a more permanent visit...someday. Again, don't ask me how I knew. Actually maybe it's more of a hindsight bias thing Either way, the fact of the matter is that I am exactly 24 days away from leaving and now that it's close (well, closer than what it was 2 months ago) I just don't know what to do with myself before I leave.

I guess that's only partially true. I leave in 3 days for my brother's wedding- the last of the trilogy- and after that, I'll be in South Carolina to see friends one last time (possibly ever John Boyte) and then FINALLY I'll only be 13 days away. Does anyone know how to make time go by faster?

It was bound to happen eventually...

I don't consider myself a girl with regrets. I am a firm believer that every experience, whether good or bad, has occurred in my life thus far for the benefit of me and God's perfect plan for my life. Still, there are bad times in my life, and I am quite afraid that my first borderline regret has just occurred.

I just watched Bob Barker's farewell and final show of The Price is Right.

For the past 35 years, good old Bob has warmed hearts of millions of people and warned millions of the dangers of pet over-population. He taught us how to bargain, how to be discerning when it comes to considering the costs of wall to wall carpeting, jukeboxes, and year-long supplies of Centrum Silver (Centrum complete from A to Zinc). He tested our abilities to think under the pressure of a screaming audience when trying to correctly guess the price of hot pockets and blenders while a yodeling swiss man climbs up the mountain, hoping to not fall to impending doom. He even tested our motor skills with the Hole in One Golf Game, and was always ready to help a little old lady from Boca Raton wearing a shirt that says "Kiss Me Bob" that just couldn't quite spin the Showcase Showdown wheel on her own. Need I even say anything about Plinko? I don't think so.

Anyway, the reason why this is a borderline regret for me, is that one of my life goals was to be on the Price is Right. Alas, I believe Socrates once said "you snooze, you lose." Roughly translated of course. Somehow, though, I must press on. Here's to you, Bob- I will always spay or neuter my pets.

Important Public Service Announcement!

Well in this spirit of change, Christian Missionary Society has decided to pay a little tribute of its own. They are changing their address as of July 1st. So what does that mean for you/me? It means that if anybody would like to make a very large donation in the neighborhood of 10,000 dollars or so...or you know, whatever you have lying around you can now send all cash or check donations to:

Christian Missionary Society
P.O. Box 53363
Knoxville, TN 37950-3363


Just a friendly reminder, if you do make a check donation, please mark Gillian Baikie in the memo line! Other than the address, everything is the same process.
Thank you again to everyone who has donated thus far. I currently have about 52% of my overall support raised, and my goal is 80% before I leave July 19th, so once again, if anyone has a direct number for George Clooney, Tiger Woods, Donald Trump, or Oprah Winfrey and can put in a good word for Peru Mission, it would be greatly appreciated :)

Pieces of my past...

A few posts ago, I deduced that I must have missionary blood due to my family history of the women being missionaries (I'm quite clever apparently). Both my grandmother and my Great-grandmother spent a good chunk of their lives serving others, and while hanging out at the breakfast table with my mom this morning, she let me in on this little gem of information: I actually will be serving with Peru Mission, a branch of the Christian Missionary Society, which is in fact, the same missionary society that my great-grandmother Bonda served with. How do you like them small world apples?

Anyway, that was my little interesting tid-bit of the day. Second factoid is that in exactly 35 days, I will be on a plane headed to the great country of Peru to live my life down there. Hooray!


Some of the most gorgeous flowers in Peru are awaiting me in 35 days!

Ch-ch-ch-Changes...

I love David Bowie songs. But..I digress, and I haven't even started yet.
The title is a not-so-subtle reference to what is happening all around me right now. Changes. Changes in location, in living situation, in my job, and especially in my friend's lives. My best friend Missy just started nursing school, alot of my college friends are starting their careers, and, oh yeah, lots of weddings lately, eh? My best friend's wedding (not the Julia Roberts one) happened last Saturday. Happy one week anniversary by the way Ruth & Jon! Ashley and Derrek are getting married on the 9th, and my brother is getting married on the 30th. Woo buddy, that's alot of marriage. It's wonderful though to see so many exciting life changes for my friends and family! Congratulations to all the happy couples!