Ok, Context for the title:
It was one of the many nights of the annual beach vacation with my mom and sister. The previous conversation topics had included the afterlife(classic), reproductive rights(of course), gender dynamics relating to marginalization of people who are transgender(obviously), which marvel super hero we find hunkiest (Chris Hemsworth.. drool) and so this night we were discussing my imminent trip to Uganda with the Peace Corps, specifically, blog names. I was sharing that I wanted to write a blog but I didn't want it to be a generic "1000 steps from Maryland to Africa!" or "Chesapeake girl in Uganda!" (no offense, because those are lovely titles!) when my mom and sister reflected on the fact that I can get, now lets put it nicely, "passionate" and "energetic" when discussing certain topics. In reality, they were tipsy so they were being mean and calling me "obnoxious" and "aggressive." That is when my sister, Karlynn, said "You are like the amps from This is Spinal Tap! You go to 11!!" For those of you unfamiliar with the genius mocumentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOO5S4vxi0o
Now in previous moments in my life, I would get extremely sensitive about being called obnoxious and especially being called aggressive and have in fact thrown inanimate objects at friend who have called me such adjectives (sorry LB). But, I guess it's time to face the facts...
My name is Jamie Holland, I am 23 years old, I am from Southern Maryland, and I am obnoxious, intense, aggressive, caring, charismatic, passionate, energetic, thoughtful, and (in my opinion) delightfully charming, adorable, and hilarious! I am about to leave for a 27 month long service with the Peace Corps in Uganda. I will be leaving in exactly 3 weeks and I feel like this trip is kicking my life up to "11" and there will be days where I feel like only going to 4 or even feel like quitting, but I hope the name of this blog will encourage and remind me that I have all the strength and characteristics to "go to 11." I started this blog to chronicle my experience and share it with loved ones but I'm just warning you all, this might be the start of a life long obsession with blogging! Or I might pull a classic Peace Corps Volunteer move and only post once every 6 months.. just to cover all the options! But I am going to try my hardest to post as much as I can and I look forward (actually will be hoping and expecting!) for all who read this blog to respond and share thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
So here is my blog, to chronicle my journey, but let's be honest, it is really going to be more so I can write down my endless thoughts about my feelings and share them with you all. Pretend to be interested or strap down for the ride because it is getting real and we are all GOING TO 11!!!!!
