Of Futures and Opportunities

As is surely common for many young couples, young singles, visionaries, nomads and gypsies; Mike and Melissa have found themselves recently plagued with a desire to leave. The desire is preceded and surrounded by questions regarding the future. A range of questions from where shall they live, what shall they do, when shall they go and for how long. However, it has not been the questions that have left them scratching their heads, but rather the vast range of opportunities that are presented around each bend. As of this moment in time, the Harrington's have simply concluded, "We will live in Laramie from now until summer of 2010, but between now and then - no firm plans, and after then - no firm plans."

Here, in no particular order, are some of the considerations the Harrington's are making in regard to their futures; short-term and long-term.

This summer; shall they go or shall they stay?

Having been gifted a National Parks Pass by sister Luella, Melissa is anxious and desirous to spend summer 2009 travelling the U.S. exploring parks, mountains, rivers, canyons, restaurants, and of course couches. Mike also sees the reasoning behind this but has his heart set on World Cup 2010 and looks toward ways of saving money as to see the actualization of this dream. Compromising may include working Cheyenne Frontier Days and/or Sturgis Motorcycle Rally as a means of funding some future fun and travel. However, the Harrington's may also choose to stay in the Wyoming area so that they may enjoy the coummunity of friends here and events such as Mud Volleyball and Nowoodstock. To complicate matters further, Mike is also considering enrolling in a construction/contracting course offered by LCCC so as to gain a skill that would surely bring about great benefit to the happy couple.

After World Cup; what shall they do?

The Harrington's have been given tons of information regarding teaching English in Hong Kong. Teaching English where ever they wish is also an option! Most recently, the Harrington's have been chatting with their good friend Mark and were lead to consider WOOFing (Working on Organic Farms). These opportunities would provide room and board and teaching may even provide an income. A serious consideration at this point would be to purchase an around the world ticket and visit many of their desired locations choosing to work on farms, teach English or seek out other service opportunities.

Long-term future; should they even consider this?

Whether the answer is yes or no, the fact is the Harrington's have been considering what they may want to do in order to fulfill their passions, desires and talents. Here, in no particular order are some thoughts and musings from the Harrington conversations: Be a mother/father, Run a Bed and Breakfast, Manage a small eBay business, Sell Tea (obviously), Start up a Non-Profit Organization called 'Books for Babies', Repair homes, and Serve as a 'Disaster' specialist - building and repairing homes in locations of devastaion.

What the Harrington's decide to do is still in the Hands of One who is much bigger and wiser and they have no desire to push into the future unguided and unaware. They do however, look forward to the days and years ahead with great anticipation and seeing the ways in which their passions and talent are put to work and even changed as each day passes.

Lessons from the Couch: December '08 - February '09

To the greater community: The Harrington's still exist and continue to many of the same things they have always done. This includes the heralded Couchsurfing. Although the couch is not in as popular demand as it once was, the couch has still served a great puporse and offered a few travellers a good nights rest. Here are there stories and advice.

Tuesday December 9: Shaun from Pittsburgh, PA

"I felt very welcome in your home and that is always greatly appreciated by anyone on the road. The enchilasagna was delicious, and the tea and cookie too. If you ever make it out to Pittsburg we'd be delighted to host you and show you around. Unless we're living here, of course. Best wishes and perhaps I'll be living in a house near you soon."

Tuesday December 9: Mike and Melissa

• Not everyone has yet had the chance to play the Nintendo Wii - Thank you mom and dad Harrington for gifting this to us so we can spread the joy!
• Sometimes enchiladas don't work they way you want them to, but can still become a delicious dinner.
• People choose to interview and move to Laramie despite warnings of cold weather :) (Who are we kidding, we love living in Laramie!)

Friday January 23 - Sunday January 25: Kristy and Cleo - beloved friend and dog!

"Thank you so much for welcoming Cleo and I into you home. I loved baking with you and with free food from the dumpster, apple and sausage and potato hash which is delicious with a fried egg on top and sour cream and leftover pizza Quiche which was delicious. I also really enjoyed getting to talk to both of you and drink tea and work on convincing you guys and Mark to teach in Hong Kong...thank you for sharing so much of who you are and being so real. I just really enjoy being in the presence of the Harrington family and being surrounded by your warm and loving hearts."

Friday January 23 - Sunday January 25: Mike and Melissa

• Pizza Quiche - enough said!
• It is good and right to deal with emotions, it is even more enjoyable along side another.
• Yay for Puppy Rescues and the life of Cleo!
• Hong Kong just may be the "land of Opportunity" for the Harrington family...

Friday February 6: Trevor - Representative of International Studies Abroad

"To all Future Guests:

Be glad you are in the company of kind, generous people. After a long day I arrived in Laramie wondering if I could give my hosts the personable guest experience they deserved for opening their home to me. I was tired, a little cranky, like an old man. This all changed though upon meeting Mike and Melissa. I felt at home, but with heaping portions of Indonesian cuisine instead of mom's potatoes and steak. Somtimes you just know people are good. Sometimes its an instinct you feel in their presence (the opposite is certainly true; bad intentions are hard to hide). Sometimes this goodness comes out in the first words spoken. Other times, it just takes a look, I knew I was in for an enjoyable stay when, from the bottom of the stairs when I foolishly knocked, Mike acknowledged the act with a simple, friendly glare that could not be interpreted as anything less than: come in, you're welcome here. Thank you."

Friday February 6: Mike and Melissa

• If done correctly, travelling can be cheaper than staying and living.
• If you host, you will be hosted.
• It is good to have cake and sweet things on hand, you never know when one will come to your home on their Birthday.
• International Studies Abroad is a GREAT choice for studying abroad :)