The Morning After....

After being up until 2:?? watching t.v. and having much on my mind, I finally went to bed and SLEPT. That was GOOD bc I was truly exhausted. This morning, I woke up bright and early to the sounds of children playing and snow plows (I think I enjoyed the latter more! ha!). I've been listening to them for about 2 hours now...it sounds like they are RIGHT OUTSIDE, and so I just looked and THERE IS ONE!!! Yay! It's plowing the driveway as I type! Love it!!! So, I'm going to brave the roads (eventually) and attempt to see the Christmas show at my cousin's church. I might also go to DSW for some snow boots. Maybe I believed it wouldn't snow this winter, so why get them before? haha.
Besides all my 'complaining' about this crippling weather, it really is beautiful. I don't really mind seeing the snow piled on my windowsills. Let's see how I do once I get outside.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Tonight we are getting our first big snowstorm of the season. Old Man Winter is actually scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Seems, though, that he couldn't wait and decided to come in with quite the greeting~~a blizzard. I am not a fan of the snow one bit. It makes me feel trapped and I quickly get 'cabin fever'. However, as Natalie said, "It is pretty to look at." True, true.
I guess everyone has their 'thing' that they like to do in the snow...
My friend, Shannon, is making cookies with/for the kids. Yum! My friend, Mike, likes to go outside with his munchkins, play in the snow, and when they are finished, they go back inside for hot chocolate by the fire. Angie likes to ski. She also tells me that I need to 'embrace the winter.' Not very likely. ; ) Natalie and Justyn will probably sled down Mom's driveway all bundled up and wild! Me~~Nothing. For someone who truly enjoys their 'alone time' the snow makes me dislike it. Possibly because I can't go anywhere, see anyone or do anything. So, maybe this snow storm I will change that. Maybe I will make it my business to find something I enjoy doing while nature is taking it's course...and making me crazy. haha. We shall see... I mean, there are 3 more months of this temperamental season. I suppose I'd better make the best of it!

Birthday of 2009

So, I'm officially 33 and a week. lol. For whatever reason, this year's birthday had me so stressed out. I have to really learn to 'get out of my head' because it can be destructive. I'm a thinker, but I do have the tendency to over think. I suppose there are times when I feel that by this age, I should have accomplished more with my life than I have. Then I realize, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I have the best family anyone could ask for, I have a great job filled w/ amazing, caring & amusing friends, and overall, I don't have much to complain about. So, once I got all this to overtake the other thinking, it turned out to be a great day! My students were amazing! They wrote me the sweetest cards. Some of them were VERY funny. At work we celebrated and ate delicious cookies and cupcakes. And, my day ended w/ the Celentano family. Shannon made a delicious pasta dinner for me, and her kids made me a cake! Loved it!! Who could ask for more??? Her son, Joey, was sweet enough to give me his old stuffed animals to 'keep me company' in my apartment! Thanks, Joe! And I was happily surprised with a Posada jersey! I can't wait for the first Yankee Day at work so I can wear it! Maybe I'll just wear it on Opening Day...just to wear it! They made my birthday very special, and I'm truly thankful and grateful for them! I have to say, regardless of how much I 'think', I always have to remember just how Blessed I truly am.

October???

This picture is of my running friends, Lyda & Margret. We are out at Ianelli's for Lyda's birthday. I should've blogged about this 3 weeks ago. Where does the time go?
When I looked at my blog & saw the last post was in October, I thought, "Really???" and I chuckled to myself. I've meant to post Marathon memories, Thanksgiving stories, and even birthday pictures. I just can't seem to find the time to sit, think & write. Now isn't the time, either. I'm exhausted in every way thinkable. We officially have one week left of work until Christmas break. We ALL need it. That's when I'll catch up on my posts. I want to promise myself that I'll write more in 2010. But, I'm supposed to go back to grad school at the end of January...so, we'll see how I really do.

Last Training Run of the '09 NYC Marathon

In one week from today, with God's grace, I will run my fourth marathon! Today I joined my friend, Paola, and her husband, Mike, for a 10-mile run that covered the last ten miles of next week's course. Paola had seen a notice to do this run with the Prospect Park Running Club, and so she signed up, and asked me if I had wanted to join her. I'm glad I chose to because I probably would have been lazy and run half the distance at my own ridiculous pace. I have to say that we ran 90 % of the way at my sprinting pace, which is their normal pace. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time! The course had become a blocked memory in my mind, probably because it is the most difficult I've ever run. As we ran it, though, I found myself remembering how and where I struggled the last time. I don't want to hit those walls again, so I have to figure out how to get myself through them mentally.

Running with Paola and Mike was great because they have amazing energy and speed! Plus they were very cute in the way they played with each other along the route! It was nice to see them support and motivate each other. It reminded me of times I've run w/ friends and been challenged the way I was today. There's a much different energy to a run when you're with a group or partner. It was definitely a drive I needed because I have not pushed myself in a long time. Sure, I've done the miles, but not at the best pace I could have. It's okay, though. Today I did what I needed to, and I'm feeling the most ready I've felt all training season!

The anxiety of next week's run has already begun to kick in...it was a sleepless night & hopefully that won't be the case all week. But, at least I'm finally getting excited. I think I've been ignoring it for a while, just so I wouldn't get overly anxious. Now...I'm ready! And I'm so grateful to my family and friends for their support! I'm very blessed...I have the best people in my life!!

Grandma Aida

Today our grandma Aida was taken to the ER. It doesn't take much to give us a scare when it comes to EITHER of our grandmothers. They are both up there in age, but quite strong in the mind and soul, thank God. Last Thursday, she had gotten the Flu vaccine, which is suggested for older individuals, and really for everyone, I suppose. As of that night, she was not well up until today when our cousin, Ally, took her to the hospital. Grandma had become very ill & dehydrated. That's what worried everyone, including her. She received treatments and IV in the hospital, and thankfully is HOME resting!! Grandma is such a big part of us all. She's an amazing person inside and out... Thank God she is on the road to recovery!!

Decorating the Apartment

Now that I'm all moved in, the next step is to make my apartment ME. The set up of my apartments has always been the same, pictures of family and friends all over, and curtains. Sounds simple, right? Should've been! ha! Over the past two weekends, I have been decorating a little bit here and there. Last weekend, with the help of my sister and mother, I worked on my bedroom & eating area. I put up some mirrors & sconces, bought a new comforter set, and a new dining area set. It definitely added personality to the rooms! This weekend, I worked on curtains and pictures. I was very lucky to have Sue, Candice and Danielle come to help! We worked very hard & learned all about using 'anchors' and a power drill! I feel a little empowered now that I can do these things on my own! Sue did the living room curtains & Candice and Danielle worked on the bedroom ones! I have to say that I love the way they came out! The colors are great, and they make the rooms complete! After those tasks, we tackled the shelves in the living room. Trying to make the holes for the screws to precisely match the holes in the shelves wasn't easy. After a few attempts, we decided to give it a rest. All of the decorating didn't need to be finished at that moment. Through all the determination to get things aligned perfectly, and find places for other objects, there were many laughs & lots of eating! I cooked a small meal, and had other treats to share... it was a good time amongst friends! I am so very thankful and lucky to have such wonderful (and patient) people in my life. When I walk through my door every day, I feel peaceful and happy to be Home.

September...

It's been quite a month. I've meant to write for a while now, but between moving (again!), school starting, and work getting under way, my time has not been my own.

Yep, I moved AGAIN. Moving is NEVER fun...but this time it was. The people who surround you can make a world of a difference in any situation. And that was the case on moving day.

My old apartment was in no way, shape or form ME. I was never settled there. It never quite felt like home. Steps WERE taken to try and make it 'home.' Still, no matter what we painted, where I hung things, how I set the bathroom up~~it wasn't me. I suppose that 'inner voice' always knows best. I suggest we listen to it more than we do!! haha. So, I moved right next door to my good friend, Nicole, in New Rochelle! I'm the most content I've been since April 30th. (I only lasted in my apartment for 3 months!) The week before the move, my great & crazy friends, Lisa, Julia and Danny helped me move boxes, clothes, and a good amount of my furniture. I thought it'd be easier to get most of the little things done before the actual moving day. That Sunday, my dear friends, Sue, Danielle, and her fiancee, Joey, helped w/ the big move. For someone who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, I sure do have a lot of 'stuff!' My friend, Ski, was good enough to help out that morning before he went off to play in a band! That was definitely more fun than moving! ha! Jody & Ted were on 'Moving help stand-by' and my friends Anna & Sean actually met us here, but we were 85% finished, so they got to go home =) I'm grateful to everyone who helped (and even those who offered!) I'm truly content here...I just need to get curtains, and have my pictures hung. I can't wait to have my first gathering here!

Besides moving, school and work have had me consumed. My personal life has been a roller coaster. I suppose that's life, right? It's okay~~EVERYTHING happens for a reason. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? I think I'm pretty strong. Definitely trying to be.

Grad school didn't work out for this semester, which is disappointing. However, I'll get back to it next semester. By then, things at work should be underway!

September is nearly over...I'm glad about it. I want all the stresses of the month to be behind me. I'm ready to start new w/ everything. New apartment, new group of students, new beginnings...
Positive thoughts....and lots of prayers.

Game Day with Dad

This past Thursday my father and I went to Yankee Stadium for the Yankees - Rangers game. Early in the day, the weather felt very cool. When I left my apartment in a tank top and shorts, I was sure I would freeze, but I continued on my way regardless. Yes, even in August I get cold if it's not above 80 degrees with sunshine. Apparently, my dad had the same thought process, except he didn't dress for summer. He was in jeans and a long sleeve button down. When choosing my wardrobe I decided...August = HEAT = shorts! I am thankful I didn't go the long pants route because we sat in the Bleachers and there was no shade to be had. It actually turned out to be a beautiful day! The clouds completely gave way to the sun, and we ROASTED! For 80% of the game I sat with my hands covering my face. (In an effort to arrive on time, I flew out of my apartment sans hat or sunglasses. Bad planning on my part!) I felt badly for my dad because he kept repeating how he should've worn his shorts.

There were two young guys sitting next to my dad & was glad about it because they talked 'baseball' with him. I knew he was enjoying the conversation. I joked with him about making new friends everywhere he goes. Growing up I always felt like my dad wished I were a boy so that he could play and talk sports with me. He never ever made me feel that way...I guess I created that 'story' all on my own, mostly because he was so overprotective of me. He still is! haha.

The game started off with the Yankees making great plays and scoring before Texas did....unfortunately, the score didn't stay that way. As the game progressed, the Rangers took the lead and we lost 7-2. My friends have asked me to stop attending the games, as they believe I'm bad luck. haha!

All in all, we had a wonderful time. I'm glad to have spent this day with my father. Not everyone is fortunate enough to do that. It made me realize that I should spend more time with him. He really is a great person and father.

Thoughts of the Evening...

And so again I write...except this time my mind is blank. That statement could bring on MANY jokes from my dear friends. haha I suppose there are just so many things going on around me, I'm not sure where to focus my thoughts.

Today seemed to fly by~~gym, volunteer work with the NYRR, shopping for the weekend, meeting friends for dinner...I should be exhausted, but instead I'm wired. Truth be told, I know exactly who and what is on my mind. But, as one friend told me tonight~I need to stop thinking so much and just let things happen as they will... Much easier said than done. Interestingly enough, I gave another friend that very same advice this afternoon. Overthinking does nothing, really.

Part of me misses camp...it's possible that I miss the routine of the day. But, soon enough we'll be back @ work in a whole new routine...so, I think I'll just truly enjoy each day I have until work begins. Work and grad school, that is. I think it's going to be a good school year. This camp season & first half of the summer proved that positive thoughts and a positive attitude really can have a positive effect on things.

That being said, I head into the weekend with no expectations...only positive thoughts.

Updates =)

It's always too long between posts. If I try to write weekly, I may stay on top of it better...But Shannon did ask, "What's up w/the Blog???" so, here I am ~~ blogging. =)

So far, my summer has been amazing. If you've followed along from when I started it last summer, you know I wasn't returning to camp. haha. Well, life and such happened and I returned after a phone call from my fantastic boss, Jim, and much pondering and discussion over it. This year's camp season was much different than I've had in a long time. Things couldn't have gone any better... Yes, we had our share of stressful moments throughout the season, but they always seemed to end on a positive note. I couldn't have asked for more. Everyone that I worked with helped to make things run so smoothly and just be SO much fun! As I look at pictures, think of the days that came and went, I sit and smile at the memories. I actually went to Heathcote today to meet up w/ a friend. Just driving into the parking lot brought an instant smile to my face and tugged @ my heart. I can only hope next year is just as enjoyable.

As quickly as camp ended is as quickly as I got myself on a plane to Tampa, Florida! There I stayed w/ my lovely friend, Shannon, and her family. It really felt like I was amongst my own family. Every day we had a new adventure, and every night I was in bed by 10:30! haha. This trip was relaxing, fun and reflective. I'm very grateful to my friends for having me spend their last week there with them!! Pics will definitely follow shortly.

Summer still has a lot in store.... and I'm looking forward to every day until school begins....and I'll be blogging more often =)

End of June Updates

It's been a pretty busy time of the year w/ school ending and camp beginning. I almost can't believe I'm back @ camp, since I said last summer was it. However, I'm there again, and so far the season is looking good.

As always, the school year finished with out End Term Party...lots of eating, drinking and dancing & and all around great time! Many great teachers retired, and while it's always sad to see them go, I know they will enjoy their hard earned retirement.

I didn't get to dance as much as I usually do at these events (or any dancing event!) due to not being fully healed yet. It's amazing how many things we do that we don't even realize until we can't do them. So, I partied for as long as I could, and then ended my night earlier than usual. Still, I had lots of fun while I was there.

And now~~the summer begins. I'm looking forward to a different kinda year @ camp. I think it's going to be a great one!

Graduation Fun!

I'm happy to report that more of my cousins have graduated from High School and are on their way to College! I know I speak for my family when I say we couldn't be prouder of them!

Last weekend, the family gathered at my aunt's house, on Long Island, for a small celebration in honor of my cousins, Nick and Alexandra. Nick had already left the party when I'd arrived, and Alex was there hanging out w/ some friends.

While we were there, we enjoyed lots of food that my aunt graciously catered, and the late Michael Jackson's music. My mother couldn't stop dancing!

It really was a nice way to spend the day. I wish my cousins much luck on this next, very important step, in their educational journey! Have LOTS of fun, too!!!
Posted by Jessica at 9:50 AM 0 comments

Natalie's Moving Up Ceremony

Today little Miss Natalie had her 'Moving Up' ceremony at Weston High School's grounds. I guess she really isn't little anymore.
Since it's been raining for quite some time, the grass was terribly muddy and many people's shoes and pants got ruined. However, despite the damp conditions, the skies cleared, the sun came through, and the students were amazing!
Natalie has worked very hard this school year with her studies and some extra-curricular activities, as well. She has earned excellent report cards and works through some very exhausting days. Somehow, like the rest of us, she gets it done. Don't be fooled, though...behind this bookworm is a very witty, talented, beautiful, blessed girl. She plays the piano, the violin, enjoys softball, and is much more computer savvy than I am! She has a GREAT sense of humor and ALWAYS cracks me up...I don't think she knows exactly how special she is. She definitely is a blessing to me and our family. Natalie~know that we love you very much. I wish you all good things in High School..continue to work hard and do what makes you happy! I love you always...
Sica

Who Needs a Professional Carpet Cleaner....

when you have friends to help do the job? Since moving into my new apartment, I've been trying to accomplish many things to make it 'home.' The biggest things I've wanted to do, such as vacuuming, painting, and carpet cleaning should have been done prior to moving. However, sometimes things just don't happen as they should. One of the things I really needed to do was steam clean my carpets. Personally, I prefer hard wood floors, but there are carpets here, and we all thought it would just be more economical to have them steam cleaned. So, I made an appointment to have them done, however, long story short, I had to cancel the appointment. I decided I was going to do the job myself...although, I knew I'd need help. haha. So, I called upon Lisa to see if she would lend a hand, and she surely did. She came over w/ our friend, Joanna, and McDonalds. I DID ask for a parfait, but she didn't bring me one. Sighs... Of course we argued about WHY I hadn't done all of this beforehand, blah, blah, blah, but it ended in laughs, and w/ Lisa doing all of the legwork. I was kinda spastic as I tried to maneuver the awkward machine...but Lisa jumped right in and got to work. We definitely had a lot of laughs, which isn't unusual when spending time w/ her. When you have patience, determination, family and good friends, anything can be done.

NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon

It definitely felt like a summer day once again. Two lovely weekends in a row~~no one would've guessed it after the awful gloom we had this week. The beautifully blue sky, warm day and cooling breeze were perfect for today's Half-Marathon through Brooklyn. The course took us through two loops of Prospect Park, which I'd never been in before. It's definitely smaller than Central Park, and the hills did challenge me. I got bored w/ the park though, after the first loop around. One more loop, though, then we got to move on to better things! We finally exited the park and went onto the road. We ran maybe 6 miles down what seemed like a never ending long, flat stretch. A flat road can never be complained about, and while the buildings and tree lined streets were appealing to look at, the stretch of road was a bit boring. I truly thought it was never going to end. But, like all things, it did, and we ended the race by running, maybe half a mile, into Coney Island. The crowd that lined the boardwalk was amazing. Cheers at the end of a race, heading towards the finish, is always motivational! I did well, and I'm proud of myself. I still have to work on not shutting down at the last mile.
I was lucky to meet two ladies, Lyda and Katie, who are also teachers, at the race. We took the train together from Coney Island to Prospect park, and got to know each other a bit. I ran w/ Katie for nearly the entire race. At the end, I let her go~I didn't have any gas left to push myself. But, running w/ Katie for a good portion of the run helped me push myself, and I was able to help push Katie a bit, or so she said. :) Lyda fished about 10 minutes before Katie and I did. It was nice to meet these two people! We are going to run the Mini 10K next weekend! It'll be good to see them again!
Another half completed! Definitely enjoyable!!

Bronx Girl rides over the Brooklyn Bridge...for Ice Cream

Well, not quite sure what to say about today's biking experience... I feel like the biggest bike riding spaz that ever lived! ha! Sounds very dramatic, but goodness, that's how I felt!

At Binu's wedding (a few weeks ago), I met one of his friends, Thom. He was just as nice, friendly, and fun as Binu's other friends that I had met, so it was truly a pleasure meeting him. Since then, we've chatted it up a bit, and decided to get together and go for a bike in Manhattan. Outdoors, Manhattan, something exercise related, and hanging w/ a new friend~~I couldn't have asked for more!! He threw out the idea of bike riding, and so we did! We took a ride from the South Street Seaport, over the Brooklyn Bridge to an ice cream shop called Blue Marble. It's a farm-fresh, eco-friendly, organic ice cream & coffee shop. It was delicious and well known in the area! When we first arrived, the line was out the door...when we left, the line went down towards the neighboring Brownstone. I got one scoop of yummy Blackberry ice cream and Thom got a scoop of Chocolate and something else! He tried to convince me to get two scoops, but I had to save room for all the food I was going to eat @ my aunt's bbq! : )

I have to say~the ride OVER the bridge was STRESSSSSFUL!! One would think I'd never been on a bike before. I imagined that the people walking towards me took one look @ the expressions on my face and thought, "Oh my! That poor girl!" I was quietly freaking out! I was sure I was going to run into someone. There were a few times I rode right into the side and JUST stopped! I am shaking my head as I replay it in my mind! ha! Thom said that I was swaying back and forth and that he was kinda laughing @ me. Special! haha! I suppose like anything, if you don't use it, you lose it! My performance definitely humbled me in my small athletic world. However, on the way back, I felt confident in myself and actually had more fun! I didn't want the excursion to end, but like all things, it did.

Today wound up being the perfect end to the weekend! I got to spend time with a new friend ~ who is a very interesting & fun person, and I got to be ME. Who could ask for more?

Yankee Stadium

Although I haven't been blogging as regularly as I should be, I'm going to throw this one in, and update on everything else at a later time. I know that if I don't write about last night NOW, I won't...just as I haven't been doing with anything.
Jen and Mike offered me a pair of tickets to a Yankee Game for Friday night. I happily took Natalie with me. She and I don't have many chances to spend time alone, so for me, this was special! We did everything from singing in the car together to taking playful jabs @ each other. I have to say~Natalie is one funny kid! Besides being funny, she's INCREDIBLY smart, sensitive, beautiful and so much fun to be around.
The new stadium was absolutely BEAUTIFUL inside and out! The field could be seen from pretty much anywhere we were walking! Of course I was SO hungry (and tired!) when we arrived, so I made Nat wait on line for food for what seemed like FOREVER! But, once we got food and walked to our seats, everything fell into place! We had great laughs w/ Jen and Mike, and a truly enjoyable night. Sadly, the Yankees lost and ended their winning streak...I'm wondering if I was a jinx....hmmm..they DID hit two home runs after we left out seats...Yikes!
I'm definitely thankful to Jen and Mike for the tickets, and for the sisterly bonding Nat and I were able to do.

Botanical Gardens

Last weekend I went to the Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens with my dear friend, Madeline. It happened to be a beautiful day, and the Orchid Show was unlike any other I'd ever seen. Well, I'd never actually BEEN to a flower show, and I happened to know that Madeline LOVES Orchids. When I saw an ad for it, I knew she'd ABSOLUTELY love to see it! Now, anyone who knows me could attest to my adoration for flowers. Their scent, beauty, the delicateness of each one simply brings a smile to my face. After seeing the Orchids, I think I may have found a close second (the first being the Calla Lilly)favorite flower. Orchids have so much detail, and there are so many different kinds! I truly was in awe of every one that I saw! Madeline was, as well, and just watching her expression and hearing her excitement brought me SO much joy. It was quite an enjoyable day!

Grad School Stress

I remember working hard in Grad School the first time around, but maybe it's the extended absence since obtaining my first Master's Degree that has me so overwhelmed. I'm not sure WHAT the problem is. What I do know is that this degree is going to kill me AND make me gain weight. I partially laugh at the latter, but not really. ha! While my Hunter friends are pretty much as stressed out as I am, I feel the most overwhelmed. I am glad to have spoken with them over the course of the week, still, I'm exhausted. We each have to write a paper on Securing Educational Services for our Exceptional Child. My hypothetical 5 year-old child has been classified as having a Traumatic Brain Injury, and my paper is about WHY I'm not happy with the school he is to attend in September, and WHERE I'd like him to be, and HOW, I plan on getting him there. Did you parents out there know how many rights you really have for your child's education? It's SO overwhelming, but at the same time, very interesting.

Tonight, I have eaten EVERYTHING in my apt...well, just an abundance of food, along with a liter of Diet Pepsi...somehow a liter of diet anything just doesn't seem right. Ha! Caffeine~very necessary. I thought of coffee, but am not up for brewing any. As I returned from the last food binge, somehow I sat incorrectly on my chair and FELL, slow motion right onto my left butt cheek. Oh my goodness.....the PAIN. No joke. Tomorrow it's going to hurt something awful...guess I'll be standing most of the day...for now, I sit leaning on the right cheek, and am going back to work mode...at 12:33 a.m....

Dad's Birthday Dinner

Last night, we celebrated my Dad's 57th birthday. I think Marisel was in shock @ the realization of his age, but she doesn't know ANY of our ages, so her shock is no surprise to me. lol.
Marisel, Jusytyn, Natalie, Grandma, Dad and I went to Charlie Brown's for dinner. Although it wasn't my #1 choice of dinner venues, Dad wanted to go there, so we did. The night was filled with many laughs and zero drama! My kind of night! I have to say that my father has always been a FATHER. If you have an idea of what a parent should be, my dad is THAT person. He's always been involved in as much of our lives as he could while we were growing up. Even now he tries to be aware of, and advise us on, the events of our lives. I don't have one childhood memory without him, and although he didn't live with us, there wasn't a day he didn't come to see us. I think we're definitely blessed to have my dad as our father. He's taught us a lot. I hope that if I'm blessed w/ children, their father will be as good to them as my dad has been to us.

Some San Francisco Pics

Good-Bye Cali, Hello NY

My last day in San Francisco was nothing short of wonderful, as my previous days had been. Abby had her tennis lesson, and I went for my final run on the hills. Abby's friend, David, whom went to dinner with us last night, met up w/ us this morning, and joined me for the run. We went up the steepest hills I've ever run. Needless to say, I was not thrilled, as I'm constantly defeated by hills. However, after finishing the last one, I turned around to see a beautiful view of the city I'd come to enjoy.

Afterward, Abby and I went to a DELICIOUS breakfast @ Ella's. I'm pretty sure it's called Ella's. When I'd told Abby how much I LOVE biscuits, she decided we'd have breakfast there on my last day. Well, the biscuit was HUGE and amazing, as was breakfast. Gooooood food! Great call, Abby!

The rest of the day just kinda flew by. I finished packing, she drove me to the airport, and that was it...good-bye Cali, hello NY. There's always an element of sadness when leaving a place where new memories were made. I definitely felt that when I was boarding the plane. I went over the week in my mind for a short while, and then went about my reading. 5 hours later, I looked to the window on my right, and there were the lights of the East Coast cities. For a moment, I smiled my 'glad to be home' smile, but still felt the pang of having left San Francisco. Of course, once I hit the cold of NY, I was ready to fly 5 hours back to warmth. That didn't quite happen, though. Lisa was waiting for me, and it was just like I'd never even left...we went from the airport straight to the diner for 'dinner' and a complete catch up session.

As I sit in my own bed, comfy and content, I'm grateful for what I have, and where I have had the opportunities to visit. As I look around and take in my things, my pictures, etc., I know I'm glad to be home~~but I am also beginning to feel that home CAN be anywhere that you're happy.

Action Packed Days in California

I'm not quite sure where to begin. It's been a wonderful few days here, which is the opposite of how I felt when I first began this trip, only because of the rain. I suppose once we get acclimated w/ a place, we begin to feel more comfortable, and things just feel like home. That's how I finally feel...the day before I'm leaving.

Wednesday, Abby and I hit the gym and had the most relaxing night afterwards...dinner was definitely a joke w/ our popcorn and beverages, haha, but it made us happy! I've truly enjoyed getting to know her, and the chats we've had. I love making new friends and learning about them. Meeting Kimberly, who knows how many years ago (how many, Kim?), was a blessing in so many ways. She's wonderful,and we've maintained our friendship through the years. The friends I've made from my friendship w/ her have been amazing, as well.

I spent Thursday out of San Francisco and in the small town of Los Gatos (the cats, as Abby said this morning! lol), where another friend is from and currently lives. It definitely was a small town, but it was also lovely and relaxing. It reminded me of the Bronxville, Scarsdale areas...that kind of atmosphere, but w/ many more little stores, shops, places to dine, etc. I even went into a cute little bakery (big surprise, I know!) called Icing on the Cake. Their cupcakes reminded me of CRUMBS in the city, but they had cookies, loaf cakes, bday cards, gift, etc! I LOVED it! I was good and only bought a chocolate chip oatmeal cookie! I ate half before my trail run and the rest after! I enjoy a good cookie after a hard run! And the trail run I did was just that...HARD. Trail running is NEVER easy~~to me, anyway. It was peaceful and beautiful, and it made me wish there were more areas like this at home, which I'm sure there are, but not anywhere nearby.

Afterwards, I was shown the town, we went to a winery WAY up in the mountains, took a walk along the beach (where my sneakers and socks got soaked because I refused to take them off...it wasn't warm enough! lol), and went home for a nap before going to my first hockey game! This was DEFINITELY EXCITING! We saw the San Jose Sharks play the L.A.....team. ha. Everything moves so dang quickly that I missed EVERY shot they scored! haha. However, the excitement afterwards was awesome, the energy of the players and fans was contagious, and I am SO glad to have attended the game! Good times!!!

So, here I am BACK in San Francisco. After Abby picked me up from the train, I took her to work and went for another fantastic run. This time, though, I overcame my fear of the bridge and ran it! It was truly exhilarating! After that, I ATTEMPTED to go to Fisherman's Wharf, however, the parking didn't work out AND I got lost driving. Imagine that! lol. So, I came home, made lunch, and have been relaxing ever since... Tonight~Mexican dinner (and drinks!!) w/ Abby and her friend. That'll be a perfect end to my time here.

San Francisco Really Is Beautiful!

Although I haven't done the 'touristy' things, I've done things that I enjoy when on vacation. Such things include walking around, exploring the unknown (to me), appreciating architecture, and RUNNING. Today was the FIRST day of absolute sunshine we've had since I'm here....and I took complete advantage of getting a great run outside! I went down to the marina area, closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. I believe part of the area I was in was called Chrissy Field...it was once war grounds, so that was neat to read about as I ran through it. Everything about that area is lovely! The waterfront houses are breathtaking, the view over the water, w/ Alcatrez in the middle of it, the Golden Gate Bridge in front of me, the Fort Mason Center behind me~~ I mean, all in all, it was a beautiful view!!! I ran towards the bridge, through some fantastic trails, the fresh smell of the trees was amazing and calming, and I wasn't too scared, haha. I did run TO the bridge, which was cool, however, I could NOT bring myself to run OVER the bridge! Just couldn't do it! I'm SUCH a chicken, lolol. Still, the experience of just getting there was awesome! The views~amazing. I'm kicking myself for not running w/ my camera, but I didn't think to. The run was really mind clearing, which for anyone who knows me, understands what I'm saying. The peaceful view, the outdoor air, everything was amazing~~for a second, I didn't miss Central Park.

My afternoon was just as much fun, but in a different way. After coming home to clean up and such, I ventured on the T train to downtown San Francisco where I met Abby for a Vietnamese lunch that was delish! After that, we shopped a little, she went back to work, and I window shopped on Union Square and Market Street. The atmosphere definitely reminded me of home because of all the familiar stores, but it clearly was San Francisco, and I was glad to have gone there. I mean, me~~shopping~~even if it just window shopping~~very happy! When I spoke w/ my friend earlier, he noted how much happier I am today than when we met up yesterday. It's true~the change of weather, along w/ feeling a bit more secure w/ my surroundings, made all the difference in my trip =) I'm sure I'll be sad to leave on Saturday.

A Scavenger or a Hunter

Abby and I have decided that in the decision of whether or not the raccoon would've eaten the duck or garbage....the raccoon would NOT have eaten the duck! They are INDEED scavengers... I don't feel like such a DUH!!!

Out and About....Finally!

Well, I do have to say that I did have a mini-meltdown due to the weather. It hasn't just been raining~~it's been miserable! Rainy, windy, chilly, awful! When I spoke w/ Natalie this morning she reminded me that I AM on the other side of the country and rain shouldn't stop me from going out. Point noted, so after the gym I decided that I WAS going to go out. The question was.... where?!? I decided on Boudin Bakery...famous for San Francisco's sourdough bread. Okay, not the MOST interesting place, but heck, I LOVE bakery food, so why not? ha! Well, turned out that my friend was having dinner w/ his boss in the city, so we made tentative plans to hang out & tentative turned out to be definite. I'm definitely grateful that he came because I was about to lose it. I even text messaged some of my friends that I missed being in N.Y. At that point, I truly did. Maybe I just had cabin fever...not too sure. Anyway, my friend picked me up and took me to the Golden Gate Bridge! First of all, it was S U P E R windy. Oh my gosh, haha, there was no way we could walk across it, but we took pics, and he pointed out all the parts of cali and such. From there we did a little hiking, which is so up my alley! The smell of the pine trees was amazing~~for a few minutes I thought, "Yep, I could do this outdoorsy, country thing." Then I stepped on a bush that snapped up @ me, I screamed, we laughed and I remembered that I am, indeed, the city girl! ; )
From there we went to an art gallery that was closed~~sorry, I don't remember the name, but since it was closed, we walked around the water for a short while...we watched 'nature' at it's best... raccoons running from someone's property to the water/grassy/shrub area. Well, he thought the raccoons were going to eat the ducks... I stood for a minute, thought about WHAT raccoons eat...and said, "Raccoons eat GARBAGE." WELL...OH MY GOODNESS. Really~raccoons ARE scavengers, right? Yeah~NO! That's sooo not the rationale to my statement. Of course as I'm HYSTERICALLY laughing at what I'd just said, he's all~"I'm sure if Raccoons had their choice between garbage and ducks...they'd choose the ducks." I couldn't contain my laughter OR my embarrassment. Could we call that a city girl statement? After ALL that laughing, we stopped @ a bar for a drink. The view from there was amazing. I have pics that I'll post when I get home. I have to say~~ I had a wonderful, wonderful day!!

East Coast Girl in a West Coast City

The second half of my first day in San Fran was great! After chatting w/ Abby for a bit, we ventured out & she drove me around town. I got a glimpse of the sights I've read about, which was cool. It's always great to put a 'face to a name.' San Francisco is known for it's hills, yes? Well, my GOODNESS, did we drive down a HILL!! I was completely unprepared for the drop we took, and couldn't contain my surprise! Abby sure did laugh, and it was when we reached the bottom that I remembered exactly WHY I don't love roller coasters ; ) We did drive down the 'crookedest' street~I believe it's called LOMBARD. It was a brick road~just windy, really...I guess when I think of crooked, I think of corners. You definitely can not drive down this road fast, and there are stairs along side for pedestrians.

The architecture is awesome...something I've always noticed & loved since seeing buildings in NY & DC. Some houses look like the brownstones of NY, and others remind me of Spanish style houses from Puerto Rico. The drivers are pretty crazy, much like NY, and the people are kinda New Yorkish, but not sooooo much. They're def California, but 'city type.' All in all, I like it! We drove by some schools, and I wondered if I could do it...could I move out of NY and teach here, or anywhere for that matter? I think we decided I'm a New Yorker for life.

Not quite sure what tomorrow will bring...I'm still researching what I want to do. Abby will be working all day. It's supposed to rain in the morning, so I have to figure it out.... ; )

San Francisco Day 1

It's a rainy Monday in San Francisco! Right now, I've just finished breakfast, which consisted of MANY things~nothing unhealthy, though. Well, maybe the sugar cookie I started of with, but, that's it. ha =)
My flight here was VERY long, but I had company, which helped w/ the initial annoyance of the delay. Of course, my sinuses were acting up, I took a decongestant, and then had a runny nose for the remainder of the flight. Kinda funny, yet not.
I won't lie~the thought of the two flights that came down in NY over the past month had me more nervous than I'd ever been on a flight. However, prayers, the tv, and sleep got me through just fine!
Abby, who I know through Kimberly (my first Southern friend, who then introduced me to all of her SWEET friends), was nice enough to pick me up @ 1:30 in the morning~West Coast time, of course~~4:30 our time. We were both exhausted, but it was so great to see her! Abby and I have never hung out just the two of us. I'm eager to get to know her better! She stocked up on lots of fruit, pretzels, and other yummy snacks~~I feel right at home! My experience w/ the coffee grinder~~interesting...I MUST get one! haha!Today she's taking a half day so we can hang. She'll show me around so I won't be TOTALLY lost for the remainder of the week~~Thanks Abby!
Other than that~I saw Palm Trees, which I've always LOVED, and that's the update for now....more to come!

My school had it's annual 'winter' party. The parties used to be "Holiday" and "End of Year." The latter still goes on, but our "Holiday" has been "Winter" for the past two years. We LOVE to dance and have a good time! This past Thursday we did just that! Not many people came, but it was just the right amount from each 'crowd' so to speak, to have a fun night! We ALL danced, which is one of my FAVORITE things to do, and ya know, as I always say, the company makes the night. I'm glad to have spent this much needed night out w/ my friends.

A Blog a Month?

It seems as though I've been 'slackin' in the Blog department. My friend, Michelle, often reminds me of that. ;) So, on this lazy Saturday, as I wait for my clothes to finish drying, I thought I'd upload some photos and get a blog in.

Last month we celebrated my Godson's 5th birthday. He's so cute & smart! Seanie is a wonderful child who has a love for everything that comes his way. Being in his presence is enjoyable, even after I've been w/ my students all day long. I'm so proud to be his Godmother~~over the past 5 years, I've watched him grow into this little person who has such unique qualities. His smile makes my heart melt, and I love that he has a special name for me~~Drina (pronounced Dreena).

Although these pictures are a bit late, they still hold a special memory for all of us in the family.