Vacation

Going to Jamaica for a week. The toughest decision of the day will revolve around napping, drinking and eating. Ain't that how life should be!

That's a wrap

So Kevin literally fell asleep at the lunch table and I cannot think of a better way to summarize the end of the year. Since the start of June we spent a week in Boston for our end of year conference, came back for a wrap up week of service and then prepared to bid farewell to the 07-08 Corps. Graduation was on Thursday but it was the closing circle which brought tears to my eyes. 151 young people committed well over 1700 hours to the elementary, middle and high schools within NYC. They changed lives - but mainly their own. But Evie, Bryant, Mark, Kayla, Daren, Shardae and Erik changed mine and will not be forgotten ... ever.

For now ... summer is upon us. A few more goodbyes to come - the ones I really don't want to think about. Until then I will hum the new words to "My Favorite Things" and enjoy each passing day.

On 28

Last night, over a delicious meal, Jess and I talked about everything that happened in the last year. 27, in short, was a great year. I left AIESEC and though bitter sweet in leaving, I know the great times outweigh the challenging ones. I started a new job and fell in love - with the people, the mission and the work I do every day. We (Jess and I) traveled to Ireland and Ithaca and a ski trip in Vermont. My entire family all came to the USA in one year - first Mum and Dad, then a surprise visit from Keith and finally Caroline and Steve who I met for the first time. That is more family time in one year then the four preceding years. I spent about half the year in the Bronx and hung out with Middle Schoolers from the community. I learned more about myself through them then I thought possible. I moved from the West Side to the East Side of Manhattan and renovated an entire apartment. I said goodbye to friends and welcomed back others. And I found new ones who brighten my day, every day. I started running each morning and got a best friend in the process.

I am excited for 28. Things just get better and better.

On a roll ...

There is tired and then there is "oh my God, I can barely stand on a Friday night" tired. I am currently experiencing the latter. Why? Because the last 2 weeks have been unbelievable. I have a perpetual grin on my face even though my eyes sting just being open.

It kicked off with Young Heroes retreat. Our final weekend away with 200 Middle School students. I will never stop being surprised at what youth teach me - about myself or about the world. While the cabins were ... bare, the weekend was anything but!!!



Hanging out with at retreat in the sunshine! Lucky none of these guys are shy :)

And then Denise and Jacs came to town for a week of fun. We have not all been in the same place for over 2 years! The Jen Tour of New York went to a whole new level and we saw more then I could imagine in 4 days - 5th Avenue, China Town, Little Italy, Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Room, Yankees Game, Boat Basin and of course ... Central Park.



And finally the two biggest events on the City Year calendar ... Heroes Graduation saw all of our kids walk across the stage in completion of the program. Tears flowed at the end when goodbyes were said. A new group of Corps Members will take on the program in less then three months. That reality is hard to digest. And then the Annual Dinner, the most sensational dinner I have ever been to. In fact ... I am speechless.



Mills and Mike - our star of the year as he received his award.

Pics of the dinner to come. It was mind blowing.

Now time to put my feet up and relax. I cannot wait for this weekend to start :)

Zoooooom ....

Denise, Jacs, Mark and Tim are in town. The normal NYC tour has been taken. Feet already hurt. The past weekend was spent in the woods with 150 Middle Schoolers learning lessons about life. Time is flying at an abnormally fast speed. I blinked and ended up in Boston and came back to resume the marathon that feels like a sprint. Loving every moment but hoping time slows down this weekend ... pics to come!

7 days ...

Denise and Jacs get off a plane in 7 days. It has been 2 years since we have been in the same place! Can't wait ... I only have to get through a retreat with 200 Middle School students, a trip to Boston and our basketball final :)

2009 - International year of the bridesmaid

I have never been a bridesmaid or even in a wedding ... till now. 2009 marks Jen's international year of the bridesmaid. A quick who's who in the wedding world:

Caroline (sister) - getting married in April 2009 in AUSTRALIA.

Jill - getting married in June 2009* in MEXICO.

Denise - getting married in August 2009 in the UK.

So far the predicted color dresses I will be wearing: Caroline = red, Jill = yellow, Denise = green. Number of dresses with puffy sleeves = 0 (as it should be).

I have changed my savings account previously called "Australia Christmas 2008" to "International Bridesmaid Fund 2009". All that said I am VERY excited as three people I love are all marrying the loves of their lives. And three more international trips already planned for 2009. Woot! Oh and girls ... congrats :)