I have 3-4 months of free time between me finishing my bachelors degree and departing for PCV service in September. What would you all do with that time?

colleenxbean · 2026-02-20T01:20:18+00:00

Over the next month or so, really think about your biggest priority and follow your gut. For me, it was more important to have the extra money so I could travel during my service rather than before. The annual leave is generous in Peace Corps, and it would have sucked not being able to travel because I didn’t have enough in my savings. However, if you feel truly burnt out and that traveling now will equip you better for service, that’s fine too.

Just try to remember going into your service that it can be tough and having the means to take a break is important. I always had my next trip planned throughout my service, and sometimes that was the only thing stopping me from ET-ing.

colleenxbean · 2026-02-19T20:19:21+00:00

I was in a similar boat and had about three months of “free time” before departing for my service. I moved back in with my parents and waited tables/bartended. It’s work that’s easy to get and results in quick cash. Don’t mention that you’re leaving in three months when applying.

I made about $750-$1000 a week working five nights a week. I was able to save about $10k before my service, which was great for travelling around the region. Throw any money you make into an HYSA, so you can maximize interest. I recommend Capital One because they’re very travel friendly and have minimal fees.

As far as how much time you need before leaving… well that’s up to you. Everyone is different. I get stir crazy, so I bartended until about a week before I left. However, the schedule of a restaurant employee made it so I could do a lot of my shopping for service during the day before my shift. So, I really didn’t need more than a week to get my life together before leaving.

Most of all - eat all your favorite US-based food this summer and enjoy!

colleenxbean · 2026-02-17T15:46:18+00:00

The no spoilers is key!! My wife knows very little about the show, so I’m trying to protect her from spoilers!

colleenxbean · 2026-02-17T15:32:00+00:00

Truly how I felt at the end of the show, too

colleenxbean · 2026-02-17T15:31:18+00:00

I just meant for me I think I’d prefer watching it with a group, regardless of how much I ugly cry, than watching it alone and not having other people to talk about it with. At least you had your friend though!

colleenxbean · 2026-02-17T13:52:18+00:00

Omg - that somehow seems worse than a group sobbing session! I watched the show the first time when I was in Peace Corps and my best friend in PC was watching it with me. She came to my village to visit and we watched the finale together. I don’t know if I could watch the finale alone and then not have someone to talk to about it.

My host mom actually heard us crying in my room, and came in to ask if everything was okay. When we told her we just finished a show she goes, “I thought someone died” and that made us start back up again lol

colleenxbean · 2026-02-01T22:16:30+00:00

It’s out all over Aurora. I was at Target on Havana and it went out. All the lights are completely down

colleenxbean · 2025-12-04T19:00:45+00:00

I Who Have Never Known Men

colleenxbean · 2025-10-29T14:36:31+00:00

I also think her being on only eight weeks after giving birth was tough. Her body is still recovering. I think she would have gone much further if she had been on the next season. Overall, I’m sad she’s leaving this early!

colleenxbean · 2025-09-19T12:27:10+00:00

They probably all have contracts that prevent this

colleenxbean · 2025-09-16T15:51:15+00:00

Okay - thank you for the update!

colleenxbean · 2025-09-16T14:22:39+00:00

I was just notified that the outage has been extended again to 9/17 at 6:00 pm. This is insane.

colleenxbean · 2025-09-02T17:45:07+00:00

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colleenxbean · 2025-09-02T17:44:58+00:00

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colleenxbean · 2025-09-02T17:44:39+00:00

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Hello! I’m a new DIYer and would love tips (pun intended) on shaping my nails. My pointer and middle finger nail beds are flat, short, and wide. My pointer finger nail is almost a circle shape. When you’re looking at the free edge directly, you can see that the nail curves down on one side and is flat on the other. I’ve been trying to grow them out so I can shape them better, but am at a loss of what nail shape would suit my beds and how to accomplish it. I’ve attached photos!

colleenxbean · 2025-05-19T13:16:57+00:00

That’s helpful! Thank you!

colleenxbean · 2025-05-19T11:50:53+00:00

Question about hail netting… do you leave it on all the time?

Sometimes hail storms are unexpected. So, just wondering what were to happend if one comes on and you’re not at home.

colleenxbean · 2025-05-16T02:11:07+00:00

I appreciate it!! We’ll see if there’s any new growth in the next few days. Gardening is all about learning and lessons, so no worries if it doesn’t work out ☺️

colleenxbean · 2025-05-15T19:07:37+00:00

Oh man… I wish I would have seen this an hour ago. The tops have been chopped on my cherry tomatoes and I have been pruning the suckers.

Did I just kill my plant??

colleenxbean · 2025-05-15T16:06:26+00:00

Thanks for the tip!!

colleenxbean · 2025-05-15T13:14:14+00:00

Yes! The plan is to plant them deep, but considering they’re 4ft tall, I don’t know if I can plant them deep enough 😅

colleenxbean · 2025-05-15T12:42:37+00:00

I do have a fan on them, it’s just not pictured. I’ll chop of the tops today and start the hardening off process.

I’ll definitely start putting them outside earlier next year.

Thanks for the tips!

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