Something to look at, no brain power required.

To add a light vibe to the blog, I wanted to share some pictures I took a while back. I took myself around on a near-dusk bike ride (when it wasn't snowing and frigid, like it currently is), and tried to capture some G'burg moments. I posted some to facebook...but who cares, this is better. 

What used to be FEMAville. A temporary city that included paved roads, stop signs, and street names.

FEMAville today. Deserted, yet perfect for bike riding.

There are lots of spare materials to be found around town.

The bricks along Sycamore Street, with the 5.4.7 (May 4th, 2007) Arts Center in the background. 5.4.7. is the first LEED platinum building in the State of Kansas.

These steps speak for themselves, a beautiful statue that remains untouched and reminds all those who see it of the true power of Mother Nature. (5.4.7. again in the background).

Where a house once stood.

The beautiful Kiowa County School.

A town reborn.

The Silo Eco-Home and the GreenTown office.

My neighbor's yard. My favorite yard in Greensburg.

And this is me today, I'm feeling a lot better (I knew crumminess couldn't last forever).

I'm also in the process of packing up my things for a conference in St. Louis! I would say I'd meet you there, but that's probably unlikely. Updates to come!

-J

It's okay to cry sometimes

Anyone who knows me...or maybe has only met me briefly...knows that I am very emotional, and I wear my emotions on my face. When I'm happy, you know it. When I'm sad...you definitely know it. Pent up stress/sadness/irritation/frustration is a hard thing to deal with...and we all deal with it differently. Me, I cry. I prefer being in bed, underneath my covers, alone. I love my friends, family, and anyone who offers a shoulder or sleeve...but I am most content being sad alone. It is my own type of emotional therapy. I enjoy silence as I place my hands under my thighs and I close my eyes. As tears run down my face, I feel a release of pressure. Crying just works for me.

Why I'm telling you this: This is a hard journey I am currently on, much harder than I anticipated. When change comes at you so quickly, when you have to leave one life behind (temporarily), my mind, heart, and emotions flail in all directions. 

This week I found myself listing everything I miss:
Davis
Falafel
Home
In n Out Burger
My own bathroom
Mountains
The ocean
The people I talk to but I don't get to see

It's frustrating. I hate the fear of losing people or missing out (FOMO to the max). It makes me mad/sad/frustrated...all the emotions that help orchestrate the 'Jana Waterworks Show' (seats limited). 

I have asked myself. "Why did I do this?" Which is something I am ashamed to say. But when something is so hard and challenges you in ways you never imagined for yourself, you start to ask yourself those questions. Why.

That is when trust comes in. I trust that people will still love me, tomorrow will be better, and I will have an animal-style grilled cheese in the future. Saying those things to myself--as I cry--is what I do on a bad day. 

Today is just a bad day, that's all, and you just helped me cope with that.

I would say this blog post is categorized as a 'reflection.' Greensburg, GreenTown, and Kansas are still kickin...each with their own ups and downs. 

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and I hope you do something yourself that challenges you to push your limits and evaluate how you deal with stress or frustration. And do me a favor, if you find a good falafel recipe, please share it with me!

Witches in Kansas

Happy Halloween (almost)! The day of the year when witches really do exist in Kansas...along with zombies, mummies, and inappropriate Miley Cyrus's. Since I know you are all dyinggggg to know what I was at our Greensburg get-together, take a gander... 

Jana the ski bunny hits the slopes...hops the slopes?...of Greensburg.

It's always fun to dress up, and I appreciate a town that fully commits to going full-blown hallow-ed out.

-Transition- 

Last time we met, I shared with you a really special story I heard while at work. I am so happy to hear feedback from blog-readers that Lisa LaDue's story was inspiring and uplifting. I shared it hoping it would have a positive impact on others, and I think that interview will be a powerful aspect of the Sustainable Disaster Recovery Handbook. The recovery process post-disaster is extremely emotional. You are not only rebuilding your home, you are rebuilding your life. I believe the handbook, and stories like Lisa's, will help survivors face many challenges involved in the recovery process. 

-Transition-

This last weekend I had a VERY special visitor. It's amazing how the comfort of having a loved one nearby can uplift spirits and totally recharge a mindset. I am thankful for the special people in my life who write me letters, text me a 'hello', and tolerate my inconsistent communication. It doesn't mean I love you any less when I fail at replying. I thought I was transitioned to my Kansas life, but I realize now that I will never be totally settled in because a huge part of my life is still on the west coast and scattered around the nation. I love my temporary home here, but I think it's almost a good way for me to experience the hardships that are tied to creating a new life in a place that no longer resembles home. 

I am becoming more and more recognized around the town, and that's really fun for me. I no longer need to add my name to my coffee order at the Green Bean, and the thrift store gals point out new items to me whenever I walk in, because I frequent that store a little too often. Every day brings someone new to meet, and that's a really rewarding part of being in a totally new environment. Kansas is offering me new experiences on countless levels. People, culture, weather, footwear, religion, entertainment, food, music, and more are different and great. It's always good to have an open mind and have a willingness to let people into your life. It's amazing the people you will meet and the lessons you will learn when you widen your vision to a larger perspective.

At this current moment, flashes of lightening keep entering my room, and the roars of a thunder storm are louder than anything I have ever heard before. I have heard the theory that since it snowed on October 18th, we will be expecting 18 snow storms this year...so expect a blogging marathon in the event of a serious snow-in. I'm already hoarding cans of soup. 

It's WAY past my bedtime, so I'm gonna hit the hay, but I hope you sleep tight, remember to floss, and meet the gals at your local thrift shop, guaranteed they're awesome. Goodnight!

Disaster Recovery Realisms

For the past week, my job has been to listen to 1.5 hour-long interviews and transcribe them to use in our handbook project. I have to take breaks and do finger stretches, and I find myself hunching further and further over the keyboard, but overall, I really don’t mind it. The interviews are with very well-spoken, intelligent, and grounded professionals who have had a notable impact on the disaster recovery world. The interviews are basically my own personal TED Talks that I get to record and really digest. One of the interviews is with Lisa La Due, an instructor at Colorado State University...

------------------For the record, I don’t know how this type of stuff works. I’m sure it’s fine to say, I’m quoting her words, but let’s just keep this between us...just in case. ---------------------

Lisa is extremely articulate and educated, as well as being very emotionally in-touch with disaster survivors. In this segment I’m outlining, she is discussing her time in Thailand after the tsunami. She and 5 others went to Thailand to help with the psychological recovery process. Here is a part of that experience:

(Excuse some of the rough transcribing) 

“Lisa: Do you mind if I share a story with you? When we went to Thailand after the tsunami to work with people, it was an interesting experience, and I won’t go into too many details, but I was the only one with any kind of disaster experience out of the six of us that went. We were in one of the relocation camps where the Thai army had kind of built metal structures for people to stay in for people who had survived but kind of lost their homes. We were working with one of the princesses of Thailand and had a medical team. She was the humanitarian princess, so we were working under the offices of her team. One day, towards the end of the afternoon, two Thai Red Cross workers came walking up to us with a Thai woman in between them. We’re all human, and we all have times of judgment, and I looked up, and I thought, “oh man, this is a long-term psych patient they are bringing to us and this is not a tsunami survivor, and they just want to try and heal everything.” And so I had these thoughts, and we were getting on the bus, so we said, sorry, we can’t today, have her come back tomorrow, and we’ll see her then. 

So sure enough, the next morning, she was sitting there in a chair, already waiting for us. Almost catatonic. You know, just there, but being unable to speak, no expression at all, and when I asked if she could sense anything in her body, she couldn’t sense anything. Usually, you can ask someone if they can put their feet on the ground, nope couldn’t do that. So I got down on the ground and put my hand on her feet so that she could feel that, and we kind of just did that for a while. Again, it was to get her present, to let her feel her body. With very little conversation with the translator, I learned that the morning of the tsunami she was in her hut, with her 4 children, making breakfast, and the tsunami wave came and stirred them all around, like in a washing machine, and threw them all out the door. 

And I’ll try to say things without crying. 

She had found the bodies of two of her children, but not the other two. Essentially all I did was work with the sensations in her body, and she cried for the first time, and that was 6 weeks after the tsunami. So she cried, and then I had her say what she was feeling in her body, and you could see that she was getting more affect; she started to look alive again. And that was all of her story I know, there was nothing else to ask about the story. My point was to try and get her to release the trauma stored in her body, and really just did that by holding onto her feet for about 45 minutes, and having her feel what was happening in her own body, her own tears. At the end of about 45 minutes, she said, “I can hear the birds singing.” And I said, “that’s wonderful, notice how it feels to hear the birds singing.”  And she said, “and there’s my friend over there.” I said, “notice how good that feels.” And then she said, I couldn’t see anything before, everything was dark. I had never experienced anyone before who experienced psychogenic blindness. But she had been unable to see. I have a photo of her with a big, bright smile on her face when we finished, and it is one of the greatest gifts I think I have ever had of all time. And she said, “I think I’m ready to go back and get some fish to sell. (And this wasn’t quite realistic), but I said “that’s wonderful, well think about how that will feel to be moving again.” And she looked at me and she said, “I think I’m ready to find my other two children.” 

And all I can say is there is a spiritual dimension about working at this deep level that nothing else really touches, and there really isn’t any other way for me to explain it. It’s not like it was what I did for her; I was just there and helped her feel safe enough to experience her current life again that day.  And I think that’s the essence of the work we do.  Give them their life back, even though it’s different now.”

This was a really powerful story for me to listen to and try and type out. I found myself unable to type at times, because I was so deep into her story. I would have to rewind and start over, only to find myself still again, listening. This is amazing work to me. She helps people regain life, hope, and a sense of safety. 

I hope you share this story, because I think it’s important. Compassion is an amazing trait to teach, learn, and share, and I think this story is a great example of that. I also think her words, as well as the rest of the handbook (est. release is this Spring), will help a lot of families in the future. The handbook is designed to guide people, families, and communities through the process (sustainably), and at a time when their brain is unable to fully absorb the magnitude of the disaster outcomes. It’s a guidebook, as well as being a book of hope. There are stories from professionals, like Lisa, as well as from other disaster survivors. I will keep you updated on that development, but in the meantime, remember be compassionate, keep your feet on the ground, and stretch...even your fingers.

A Midwestern Fall

Happy October!

Can you believe it? It's October. What happened to September? It was just 90 degrees, t-shirt weather, and BAMMM!!! it's 50 degrees, northern winds hit, and Fall has emerged.

Now, I have 'girl brain'...meaning I'm stoked to whip out all of my scarves, boots, and accessaries. But truly, who doesn't like sweater weather? Exploring new sections of your closet is always a great time.

Since the cold winds just started, colors are still tones of greens, but the crispness in the air will soon change that, I'm sure. BUT, it's ONLY October. I'm already layering and using all of my 'keep-warm' strategies. I lived in sweats this weekend, and have already habituated comfortably into my hooded sweatshirt. What am I suppose to do in November? December? JANUARY! Those are the real brisk months. No shame, I will wear all the clothes I have brought with me. Coldness is not something I am too familiar with. I mean, I'm a San Diegan. Those 70 degree Christmas mornings are as brutal as it gets. I hope to sport a marshmallow look this season, would Vogue be interested?

Events that have happened this past week:
(01) Watched 'She's the Man', a staple chick-flick, with some stand-up chicks.
(02) Was in the homecoming parade then helped media with the game that night.
-----Homecoming parade story-----
So this parade was WAY bigger than I thought it would be. Who knew that when a small town has a homecoming game, kids get out of school, business close early, and everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, watches the parade. We drove our natural gas vehicle as our 'float', but there were some stellar floats from students, community groups, and businesses. It was absolutely a community event. The funny thing was though, every float has candy to throw out. We were the 3rd to last float, out of about 40...so you could imagine, by the time it got to us, the streets were filled with candy, and people weren't even picking it up off the street anymore.
The way my mind works: "People should collect as much of this candy being thrown out, so they don't have to spend money on halloween candy. Monopolize the candy!"
BUT! As the parade ended, candy was still in the street, and being the sustainable group in town, we couldn't just leaaaaaaave the candy all over the place. We retraced the parade path, picked up the perfectly good candy, and added it to our collection. Guaranteed, we were the only float to end with more candy than what we started with.

Therefore, if you're in Greensburg and feel like some candy, stop by the Silo House.

(03) I had my first visitor! (Besides Mom). A college friend had to pass through G'burg, so I got to show him around and practice my tour guide skills. It was great practice for future visitors. Being here for about 6 weeks, homesickness sinks in from time-to-time, so it was so awesome to have a little taste of home come to Kansas.

(04) I USED MY CROCK POT. I made a veggie stew, and it was 89% great. Learned a few lessons about cooking with it, but it was a success. It also create a ton of leftovers, which was perfect!

(05) Today, I was lazy, but I did manage to get all of the ingredients to make pumpkin bars, one of my favorite Fall treats. It reminds me of home, my mom, and family, so having that scent fill the house was the most perfect way to end the weekend and prepare for a new week.

NEWS: I miss you, home. I love hearing that people are actually reading the blog! It's fun for me to relive some of my weekly experiences, but even more fun to share it with someone! Life has a lot of high and low moments, so it's comforting to know that there are people looking out for me. I love staying updated with your life too! Email me any time (jana@greensburggreentown.org), I'd love to see some familiar names in my inbox.

Have a GREAT week. Tis the season to eat candy (doesn't have to be off the ground), light candles, wrap yourself in a blanket, and put on some fuzzy socks. Hope to hear from you soon!

Wind, Rain, Lightning, Heat, Wind

Even though I have had way too many restless nights without much sleep, I think I'm actually starting to get into my Greensburg groove.

Triumphs for the week:
(01) Dillon's got tofu!!! There's only 2 boxes in at a time, and it's on a shelf...not refrigerated (iffy?)...but it's a start. I have yet to try it, but walking into the store and seeing it gleaming there was a huge VV this week (vegetarian victory).
(02) I saw a harvest in Kansas! What's more perfect than that? Whitney, my new buddy, invited me out to 'the farm' to ride the combine and see how corn gets harvested. It was amazing to see, and I was so stoked to be there. I made a VERY cheesy film summary of what I saw, if you want to check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S59_WXTCzQ&feature=youtu.be
(I meant to say 8.27.13)
It was super windy (like 60mph winds), so sorry for the shakiness.

(03) I purchased tickets to come home for the holidays!
(04) Met the CEO of Best Western International, really nice guy.
(05) Went to a Minute to Win It party, just like the TV show, and that was a lot of fun.

Struggles:
(01) Miss home, the people, and college...man I miss college.
(02) GRE prop, meh
(03) Need a workout plan, and I need to stick to it.
(04) I GOT PULLED OVER...for the first time, ever. I was speeding a little, and I was panicked. As the cop got out of his car and walked up to mine...he asked if I was new to the area. I explained my situation, and how I'm new to the area from CA...and it tuned out he was from Upland, CA. What are the chances? He let me off with a warning, we chatted about CA a bit, and I promised to watch my speed.

I've been here a month, and it's been great. I'm learning a lot about myself and simple life lessons you don't get in school. When I have a tough day, I've been writing it out in a journal, which has actually helped me a lot with reflecting back on certain events or experiences. Plus it's good practice, so that's always a plus.

This week, I WILL break-in my crock pot. Haven't decided on a recipe yet, but it's going to happen. I'll let you know how it goes!

It feels good to feel good

Today calls for a blog post. This will be a play-by-play type of post.

I managed to get out of bed at 8:47am, eyes refusing to open, and hair styled by Medusa. 

I ate my lemon zest Luna bar and sipped a cup of tea, only spilling once on my shirt. 

I then watched a video, which changed the tone of the morning. This TED talk is smart, inspiring, and smart...really smart. Simple suggestions for living a happier life. Check it out and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html

THEN...this song happened, enhancing the good vibes. Peter introduced it to me, and while it's supposedly pretty big on the radio, I had never heard it before. I love the beat, forcing this song to instantly become my 9/23 anthem. I probably played it 26 times today. Take a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4I0PqNzKE

Finally...the forecast for the day said chance of showers. Showers never came...but the dust certainly picked up. Greensburg got sucked into a time warp to the 30's, as flashes of the Dust Bowl came to mind. A haze set over the town, the wind picked up, and the scent of an elementary school playground filled my nostrils. Mmmm...recess. 

The conditions kind of reminded me of the San Diego wildfires. Even though you know the air quality is not ideal, there's an eerie beauty about the skies turning a pale pink. I tried to capture the scenery for you, but unfortunately, it looks a lot calmer than it actually is. 

Out the front door

Out the back door

I have also attached a wind clip. There is no artistic value to the clip, but I wanted this to be a sensory experience. Sorry I don't have anything for you to taste or touch. Maybe make a SANDwich. 

Anyways. 

I'm glad I got to sit down and blog to you; today was a pretty good day. 

Remember to be happy and jam-out often...and maybe try that 21 day challenge! (TED)

Weekly roundup 9/20

There's been a few events since we last met.

(01) Joined the rec center. Can't say I've gone too much...but it's a start.
(02) Helped with the graphics for the Greensburg Rodeo...and WOW...I have never seen so many wranglers, chew, and horses at one time. It was a unique and fun experience...one that reminds me that I am in a very special place, and I should soak up as much culture as I can. I walked into the rodeo with my head held high, wranglers on, and equality-stickered water-bottle in hand. I think I fit in.
>>I help with other media events too, and you can always check it out at http://www.kwksmedia.org/
(03) I got to visit the wind farm today! the 10 turbines nearest town generate enough energy to power 4,000 homes/businesses. In addition...there's another 60+ out a little further...so just imagine all of that turboooo power, baby! It's pretty amazing...and beautiful to see. Kansas is windy...wind farms just make sense.
(04) Picked tomatoes today and planted radishes a week ago. I had no idea so many veggies did well here.
(05) Had our first 40+mph winds...I left my bike at home and drove to work.

(06) Requested tofu at Dillon's. I hope Wade remembers to submit my request.

(07) About 1/11 done with my first quilt! Once I'm done, I expect everyone to say it looks fabulous...even if it's a stretch of the truth.

(08) Making some really great friends and feeling very fortunate. 

(09) All set up with AmeriCorps, and should be getting my first paycheck soon (yay). 

(10) Considering starting piano lessons. Why not come home with a pocket-full of new hobbies...I already feel more dynamic.

(10a) There is a very slight possibility (because of my AmeriCorps duties) I may help with the Colorado recovery. It is so unfortunate to hear about the events that occurred this past week. It's another reminder that a disaster can happen anywhere and at any time. It also reminds me that what I am working on here can have a pretty significant impact on other disaster communities...which feels pretty good. 

With that being said, take care, stay informed, and go for a bike ride...unless it's too windy and you find yourself biking at a stand-still. That's just awful. 

Till next week. 

Just Because

Thanks, Bonnie

'Mama, we ain't in Cali anymore' road trip

A fun, warm, and beautiful road trip to America's heartland with the best mom in the world! Enjoy my photo summary of our great journey! 
California>Arizona>New Mexico> Texas>Oklahoma> Kansas!

Our mode of transport. It was always easy to spot out.

This is the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona; A Frank Lloyd Wright design. The red bluff backdrop and cloud-kissed sky make this space a truly sacred destination. You enter into the church and are invited to light a candle and think of those you have lost, which we both took part in. Even though the day had been calm and warm, as my mom and I walked out of the church, a powerful gust of wind wrapped around us, and seemed to be a sign of spiritual connection. 

This is the lower view of the church. Tucked into the hillside, the structure touches the landscape without having a loud and obtrusive presence. 

Leaving Sedona, my beautiful mom stands before the hills of Arizona. Which, who knew Arizona had landscapes like this? She definitely puts Vanna White to shame. 

I'm really glad we got a shot together! Even though we're hogging the picture, we are outside of Flagstaff observing some of the amazing cliff dwellings tucked away in the steep slopes of the ravine. We both wore flip-flops, and it started to storm, but this will definitely be a place to revisit again. 

Made it to Santa Fe! Mom said to pose like O'Keeffe, and this happened. A full art collection dedicated to a very talented and strong woman. This was a great museum and highly recommended. 

Santa Fe is a very old city, and this is one of the older churches in the community. Colors just popped more in this town. 

What can I say, I got my kicks on route 66. On our way to Kansas! (First had to jump across Texas and Oklahoma)

Had to stop in Liberal, Kansas to take some pictures of THE Dorothy house. Everything Wizard of Oz can be found here. Had to put those red slippers to use! (Thanks, Aunti, Wen!)

Follow the yellow brick road. What you don't see is Jana being cranky because she's hangry (hungry+angry (Peter)) in this photo. Sorry, mom.

Made it to Greensburg, Kansas! The home of the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well...and my future/current home!

Thanks for the great trip, mom!

Made it

Hello to all!

(01) I am extremely sorry for the long delay of posts and a less-than-sufficient play-by-play of the mother-daughter road trip (more pictures and the red shoes will be shown soon).

(02) Momma Schwartz has made it back to San Diego safely, and I have finished my first official full day of work (yay).

Our trip might have been the best send off in the world of send offs. Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and especially Kansas, treated both of us very well, and we were able to venture into crevices of the country we never thought we would ever see.

In Arizona, Native American cliff dwellings tucked away in the hillsides were a definite highlight (along with seeing my beautiful cousin, Alyse in Flagstaff). In New Mexico, we walked the streets of Santa Fe, and we learned to understand why Georgia O'Keeffe left New York to be surrounded by the unique New Mexico terrain. Aqua skies and brick red hills were landscapes I hadn't, we hadn't, seen before. In our last day of the long drive, we passed through 4 states, all of which have a strong part in our American history, and it was great to have shared it all with such a great mom.

But now...I'M HERE...and I'm very excited! I'm even official and made it on the website, which is pretty fun for me to see and share: http://www.greensburggreentown.org/staff/

I am geared up and ready to contribute everything I have to this great organization and amazing town. To walk the streets and see everything they have already accomplished in the short 6 years since the tornado is simply inspiring. I have already met so many kind-hearted people who are willing to relive their May 4th experiences and still smile and say that that disaster was an opportunity in disguise. That optimism and strength is something I really hope to take away from my time here.  

GreenTown supports Greensburg but also the idea of supporting other disaster relief towns and the Green Initiative.  One project I am working on is the 2013 Sustainable Disaster Recovery Conference (SDRC) that will take place in St. Louis the 14th-15th of November. I am a verrrrrry small small small  part of the conference, but involvement has already helped me better understand the process of city rejuvenation and how important it is to have the support and resources to rebuild stronger, faster, and greener. 

In not-so-distant news, the Walt Disney Creative Director/Imagineer, Debbie Petersen, will be coming to Greensburg and working with GreenTown and the community this weekend. She was inspired by Greensburg's story, and is coming to have public discussions about sustainability and help Greensburg 'Imagineer' the next steps in their own sustainable development. I made a flyer for the event, but I am excited to hear her creative thoughts and perspective.

It's nice to have projects and keep busy. I am far from home, and it's hard to be away from the those you love and the comforts of being a Californian...especially when dinner conversation includes talking about how your tears freeze in the winter and become tearsicles. So many things to look forward to. But in all seriousness, there is a lot to look forward to...and I promise to do a better job of sharing those moments. 

For now, I bid you adu. I wish you all good health, moments of laughter, and avoidance of tearsicles. 

Don't forget the red glittery shoes

Shoes, shoes, shoes...the final step of packing; a bit extreme, but equally humorous and appropriate (see below)

T-32 hours until the trip to Oz (I'm sure Kansians hate that) with Mamasita. A trip filled with cave dwellings, craft breweries, and lots of Wizard of Oz references. 

"What road do I turn onto?"
"The one with yellow bricks."

"Did I forget something?"
"Do you have toto?"

"Is that a plane?...or a flying monkey?"

...hilarious

I would also like to take this time to say 'thank you' to my Aunt Wendi (Auntie Wen?) for providing me with the most perfect pair of Kansas footwear. These glamorous shoes will be making many guest appearances on this well-photographed road trip...so come on back to check it out!

Greensburg GreenTown

In all of the excitement of the move, I realized I never said too much about the project/town. Please check out the website for the most eloquent explanation of what GreenTown is all about.

http://www.greensburggreentown.org/

Additionally, my drive with my mom out to Greensburg starts in exactly 3 weeks (August 20th), so there are sure to be some updates about that adventure. Then, after the long-awaited mother-daughter road trip, Mama Schwartz will fly back to the Golden State, I will begin my much anticipated year in the windy and uncharted Sunflower State.

But for now, check out the site. 

Rewind

Before I jump too far into the Kansas experience, there is some serious prep work that needs to happen. At this current second in time, I am taking a break from packing up my Davis life--meaning I'm lying on my stomach in bed, head barricaded in a pillow, avoiding all packing responsibilities--to let my brain spill out a little. In the midst of this packing ordeal, my brain starts to shoot off in tangents, and I realize the seriousness of some of the lifestyle changes I will be facing. And, given the current setting, my mind is geared in a more materialistic state of thought. I think about how I am going to have to carefully select what items comes with me to the center state. Is it terrible that I ask myself, "Well, Jana, IF a tornado were to happen, what would you be okay losing?"...as a way sifting through items (mostly concerning shoes). Needless, then I ask, "What if a tornado DOES happen?" To a Californian, earthquakes are chump change. But tornadoes...tornadoes are the real deal. I mean, I've seen Superman, I know of the overpass being a safe place for protection. But there are definitely no overpasses in Greensburg...and I'm pretty sure there aren't any Clark Kents either, unfortunately. I know I am going into a tornado hot-spot, but damn, that's scary! But finally, my thought goes full circle, and I think, "But thank God for tornadoes." Without the tornadoes, Greensburg would still be a freckle on the globe, unknown to the outside-of-Kansas world, and I would not have the chance to help and be a part of such a powerful and significant project. Tornadoes are dangerous, cause tragedy, and are one of the strongest forces Mother Nature conjures up. However, they have provided Greensburg, and myself, the unique opportunity to start over, create a sustainable community model, and remember that Mother Nature is one tough lady. So to that, I say, "Whisk away, tornadoes, whisk away."

How it all started

Soaking up my new surroundings in Greensburg, Kansas

My name is Jana, and I am a recent graduate of the UC Davis Landscape Architecture Department in Davis, California. With the assistance of one of my professors, persistent emails, and a site visit (shown above), I have been given the opportunity to work in Greensburg, Kansas with the GreenTown organization and AmeriCorps. I am able to be a part of the rebuild process of a town that was flattened in 2007 due to a tornado, and has now chosen to revive itself and become a model for innovative and sustainable city development. My job will last 1 year, and in this time, I hope to learn more about myself, my design philosophy, and the reality of living in a totally new environment. I will dive into this new culture, where I am sure to face challenges of various sorts, but learn from every experience. Job details, tales of adjustment, and many, many photos, are still to come, so please stay tuned, this journey will begin shortly.