I had a funny experience while completing my 40-required hours of Rosetta Stone French.

Four pictures are on the screen.  The phrase c’est mon mari (this is my husband) pops on the screen.  I click on the picture of two grey haired old men—one with his arm around the other’s shoulder.  Incorrect.  Confused, I click on the same picture again.  Incorrect. 

I pause, frustrated, and take a second look at the other three photos.  Then it hits me. Oh, maybe the photo of the young couple gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes belongs with the phrase c’est mon mari.  Not the old gay couple—who as it turns out are actually just “friends” in the world of Rosetta Stone… 

As much as I loath my current living situation—back home, in my Mom’s basement—I  have to admit living in Skamania County for the past couple of months has been a great transition away from my fast-paced, hipster,  girl-about-town life in Seattle (Ha!).

First, there is absolutely nothing to do.  Seriously.  This is the place where 20-something's come to die (or get married and have babies—but what’s the difference?).

Second, I am dead broke.  Which I don’t really notice, since there is absolutely nothing to spend money on in this town.

Third, there are only two types of people here:  Locals and tourists.  It is painfully obvious which is which.

Fourth, I must be on my best behavior.  Word gets around town fast.  If I had one too many beers at Walking Man or if I used inappropriate language in the Market, you bet everyone knows about it by tomorrow. 

Fifth, it takes forever to do anything.  I am bound to run into someone who wants to talk about their life has changed since the last time they saw me four years ago.  They also tell me how big (fat?) I am.  And tell me how glad they are that I left the “city”.

Finally, mail service is unreliable.  It takes forever for stuff to get here, and if it doesn’t fit in your mailbox you have to clear an entire day so that you can be sure to get to the Post Office during its opening hours.

Honestly, I think the SkaCo is one of the most beautiful places in the world (and I’ve been to a lot of beautiful places).  I am happy to spend my last couple months in America in my hometown, rent free and exploring the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. 

But perhaps the best part of being stuck in the SkaCo  is that it keeps me motivated and excited to begin my Peace Corps adventure.  I cannot wait to get the hell out of here!