The Intrepid Introvert

Dec 31

Dec 31 Weeks 37-38: Must-Mix-and-Mingle Fundraisers [Score +9 each]

My first memory of volunteering just for the purpose of doing something for the community—not because I would enjoy it or benefit personally—was bussing tables for a church breakfast over Labor Day weekend when I was in middle school. I'm scarred for life from the experience. The good news: I’ve found loads of opportunities to volunteer and give back in ways that I find much more enjoyable, and the holiday season offers many such opportunities.

Aug 26
Aug 26 Week 23: Ladies Who Brunch [Score +14]

Introvert Amanda

Activities

When did brunch become such an event? I’ve always found late morning to be an awkward time for a meal, especially when I’m being too type-A and overthinking it. Yes, one can overthink brunch. But even when I'm overthinking it, I can still enjoy it, especially when Copilot Mylee comes along on a gor-geous Saturday in Indianapolis.

Aug 6

Aug 6 Week 22: Summer Concerts and Social Intrepidity [Score +22]

Introvert Amanda

Activities

I love this time of year for 5,379 reasons, one of which is the opportunity to simply pick from a list of a dozen things I might want to do—especially outside—on any given day. So this week’s post is a combo: two fun activities, one more personally intrepid than the other.

Aug 2

Aug 2 Week 19: Nicaraguan Vacation

Introvert Amanda

Travel, Activities

I spent my final few days in Nicaragua acting the part of a woman on vacation: exploring colonial cities, taking boat tours, floating in crater lakes, and sipping fresh juices. But Nicaragua's reality was never far away.

Jul 21

Jul 21 Week 18: Two Uncomfortable Nights in Matagalpa

Introvert Amanda

Travel, Activities

I felt I had some advantages on my trip to Nicaragua since I was friends with our leader. But separating from the group had its disadvantages, as well, which I learned quickly on our two nights in the city of Matagalpa.

Jul 16

Jul 16 Week 17: Three Schools. Three Days. One Tired (But Happy) Introvert.

Introvert Amanda

Travel, Activities

Over the course of three days, our Alianza Advocates volunteer group visited three different schools in the campo on four occasions. One school was held in a standard building provided by the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education. One was a new facility built by the Project Alianza team. One was a private building provided by the farm owner himself for the kids living on his farm.

Jul 9

Jul 9 Week 17: Three Slices of Life in Nicaragua

Introvert Amanda

Travel, Activities

The campo. The bustling, working-class city. The colonial tourist destination. Over the course of my one week in Nicaragua, I spent time in each of these representative areas of the country. The result? I had both relaxing and uncomfortable moments but came away with a greater appreciation and understanding of the realities of Nicaraguan life than I would have if left to my own devices.

Jul 3

Jul 3 Week 16: An Intrepid Expedition: Nicaragua [Score +62]

Introvert Amanda

Travel, Activities

I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, but I generally keep it on the conservative side of the adventurous scale. So when I decided to go to Nicaragua this summer, my friends’ and family’s jaws dropped open, eyebrows shot up, and “What?!” was the first word out of their mouths.

Jul 3

Jul 3 Setting the Scene: Nicaragua

Introvert Amanda

Activities, Travel

Rather than try to fill my stories with informational background, I’ll instead share some interesting and helpful information here to use as a resource. Ready to learn about Nicaragua?

Apr 29

Apr 29 Week 9: Ideas Worth Spreading at TEDxIndianapolis [Score +9]

Introvert Amanda

Activities

At this year's TEDxIndianapolis, I was not only an audience member there to soak up new ideas and inspiration, but I got to cheer on one of my best friends during her time on that signature stage.

Hi.