Big week ... no, HUGE

As we go into the Thanksgiving break there is much to be thankful for. A glimpse of the past week - still smiling from it all.


Hanging with the Govenor. Govenor Patterson came to visit The Point to talk about clean air in the South Bronx. He had a chance to talk with some of the students afterwards about the difference they can make to the environment. I managed to get a hand shake and introduction!


The people who inspire me to come to work every day - my Corps Members. Celebrating Thanksgiving together we had a chance to say thank you to each other. My Corps come from all walks of life to create the most brilliant group ever!


Spent the last weekend with my favorite peeps in Boston. Kevin took us all around the Harvard Campus. Nothing short of AMAZING. And, I sort of want to go but rumor has it is a wee hard to get in. Laura, Leila and I got to see the city, hang out with our man and even manage to stop in at Cheers. Sadly, nobody knew our name.


Did I mention I was engaged? High on life ... this is how I feel! Overlooking the most incredible city in the world!

So ...

I am engaged!

All red

Some pictures from work and what has been happening. I think these three sum up the last month best.



Make a Difference Day in Mt. Vernon, just north of the Bronx. Working with a visionary Principal and the most outstanding teacher and mentor I know. Erik worked with his team to get our Heroes (middle and high school students) involved in a day of service. It involved in an impromptu wall painting a hideous shade of yellow! The service was amazing with book shelves, planter boxes, benches, murals, planting and painting being completed in one day.



Stress balls. What better way to build team then to make stress balls together? The condition was that once the balls were made - you have no more stress. Ever. Kayla, Mark and Rosie are competing to make the most stress balls ... they lost.



Halloween brought out the color in everyone! Dressed in uniform these Corps Members managed to bring out the Halloween in them with face paint galore. These are the people who make me smile every day!

Friends for like ... ever

This is Maro. We have been friends since 10th grade. That makes it 13 years and counting. We both live in New York city, in studios on the UES. We work for non-profits trying to do our bit in the world. And we both HEART the Yankees. Very few of my friends from Australia get to experience my life here. Maro lives it. And if you knew us in high school, you would say that is how it was supposed to be.

Eye contact

As Jon Stewart said "something strange is happening in New York - people are making eye contact!" People are smiling and talking about Obama. T-shirts are worn all over the city with his face plastered across the front. Kids are cheering because their President looks like them.

My favorite quote from the elections:

"I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents, and for as long as I live, I will never forget that in no other country on earth is my story even possible".

As much as I would like to debate that, argue that other Western countries are just as open ... the statement holds true. My only hope is that it is not for long.

Rolling, rolling, rolling ...

This picture certainly captures the mood of the past few months. Life indeed has been rolling. The past few weeks have been amazing. I have been inspired again and again.

Inspired watching the elections. I saw and felt a nation moved to act on what they believed in and the change we need.

Inspired supporting the marathon. By our Executive Director who ran the 26 miles after months of training despite his distaste for running. By the runner with one leg who pulled himself across the finish line in less then four hours. By the 30,000 people who ran for something that made the blood, sweat and tears worth it.

Inspired working with my Corps Members who bring joy to work every day. I get hugged, cheered on, I have my desk decorated, Diet Coke's delivered, poked, laughed at (and with) and moved daily. I smile coming to work no longer over whelmed by the never ending to do list. Work puts life in perspective.

Inspired by friends who are struggling through hardships. Loss always puts life in perspective.

Inspired by the community who is opening its arms more and more to my work, my team and me. I am shocked I didn't do more of this last year. I have contemplated moving to the Bronx.

Inspired by Jesse who left his job with P&G to realize his own dream. A million dollar grant and Coach For America is finding its legs. He dared and jumped and will make a difference. That is what it is all about.

Inspired by those committing ... Caroline and Steve, Jill and Joe, Amanda and Jim, Denise and Mark, Chris and Gretchen. Weddings always make me smile.

I am truley happy right now. Something inside me is glowing. Thanksgiving is around the corner but I don't need to wait to give thanks. Thank you to all who inspire me daily and make the rolls so incredible.

Yes "we" did

The city feels like it is hung over. Walking through the streets on Wednesday morning no one was about. New York was celebrating a victory - the first African American male to take the White House.

I watched this election intensely. And I know our children and their children will one day ask "who did you vote for". I say Yes "we" did because I didn't. I didn't get to vote but I, along with everyone else in this country, and in the world, am greatly effected by the outcome.

It was like watching a tennis match. Every point made a difference. You sat on the edge of your seat not beleiving it could happen ... and then it did. Like most people I know I choked up. I believe that change is here.

The Fall

September was a whirlwind that flew by so fast. The emotion was intense and I continue to learn what it really means to lead. Every day brings a new lesson. I stand in admiration of the young people I work with, committed to their year of service. Service is a hot topic in the US right now and getting some much needed attention.

I have a new office in the Bronx. It is my own little world connecting me to the community and people I work with each day. On Friday I attended a Rock The Vote event and was given a t-shirt "I CAN'T but YOU CAN ... vote". It is tough being an immigrant in such a heated election year. Take note Americans ... VOTE!!!

The air is becoming crisp, perfect for running outside. Soon the leaves will fall and decorate the ground in the park. I love New York at this time. My parent where here only a year ago. Jesse and I have booked our flights to Australia, less then five months now. And time will fly again!