Caroline's Graduation Party

Today I joined some friends from work to join in Caroline's Graduation Party. Debby kindly invited us to share in the festivities at her block party. Boy, did the kids have fun! (Everyone under the age of 30 is a 'kid' to me.) Caroline and her friends danced up a storm, had a conga line going, and socialized away! It was great! My friends and I sat, ate, talked, and repeated the sequence. We were happy as clams!

Caroline is a very sweet girl. I'm privileged to know her and to have been invited to some of her events. A few months ago, I was invited to watch her dance group performed a small routine at Carnegie Hall. They all do wonderfully, but she was the best :: not because she is my friend, but because she was.

Interacting with Caroline is always sweet and often funny! You never know what she is going to say, and she loves being involved in conversations. I also love our text message conversations, the few that we have engaged in. I honestly smile at the memories of the texts we have shared. Now that school is finished, she will enjoy a summer camp program, them on to a work program in the fall. I'm hoping to hear all about it when I see her again.

One Last Celebration

As I mentioned in a past blog, celebrations are had quite often, for any and every reason, with my friends at work. During one of our final lunches together, we had a 'Summer Birthday Celebration.' Debby, (who refuses to be photographed) made a cake for our friends, Maria, Lisa and Koren. Their birthdays fall during our vacation, so we won't be with them to celebrate. Convincing those three to take a picture (for the blog!!) was a bit trying, but eventually they complied ... And even smiled.

We loved the cake, and I loved the different conversations being had around me. It was challenging to keep up with each one, but the moment left me with the memories of our school year together. Many laughs, at times tears, occasional frustration, but always friendship. Love you guys!

Happy Birthday, summer babies!! Xoxo

Momma's Pinning Ceremony

We have another family member with a degree! This past week, my mother completed the Medical Assistant program at Norwalk Community College. She struggled through it, as most people probably did, but she continued to push through along the way and did not give up.

Mom hasn't worked since Natalie was born :: 16 years ago! The work force has changed a great deal over that time, and mom decided she wanted to do something new. A Medical Assistant is a very interesting and challenging job; I think so anyway. She didn't always tell me when she was struggling through her work, but I know she gave it her all. I truly could not be more proud of her. She has inspired me in more ways than I can mention. If I thought I was someone who strived to achieve in the past, now I feel even more encouraged to continue doing so.

My sisters, nephews and I love her very much. We look forward to her finding her first job in this profession soon, God willing.

Fairfield Half Marathon

Date :: Sunday, June 24, 2012

Time :: 8:30 a.m.

Place :: Jenning's Beach, Fairfield, CT

Course :: Residential, Rolling Hills

Runners :: Jess Baez, Leon Stewart, Lyda Jo Martinelli, Rebecca Toth.

Cheering :: Kristi Stewart

It was a beautifully sunny, warm Sunday morning. Beginning at 8:30 almost made it too warm to run 13.1 miles, but there was enough shade & a lovely breeze that kept us cool and not overheated along the way.

The course was beautiful. It was decorated with different types of houses, and their owners and friends were out front cheering the runners on, as well as handing out water and Gatorade. We were very grateful.

The course was also routed along every hill in Fairfield. Along with being a beautiful course, it was also quite challenging. I attribute being able to get through it to training in Central Park, which is all rolling hills, although not as steep. Also, running with Leon helped a lot. There were times when we were both fading, but did not want to let the other down. We pushed each other through hard times without saying a word, and walked by each other's side (or right behind) if we needed to regroup for a moment.

Factor in the 40 minute commute to the race, heat and hills, and I'd say we did a great job. Now, marathon training begins!

End Term Party 2012

Another year (nearly) over, another P.S. 83 End Term Party. Our usual venue didn't work out this year, which was fine by EVERYONE, so we dined and danced at Westchester Manor. I haven't been there since my cousin's wedding three years ago, and it was just as lovely.

The crew at my school is famous for what we're wearing (sounds like the Red Carpet) and dancing ALL night. Sadly, our beloved DJ, Donato, had to work a wedding last night, so in his place we had a substitute. While the music was decent, it wasn't our usual playlist. I wanted to dance SO MUCH MORE, but it just didn't work out that way. I did enjoy the time I was able to dance, as well as all the catching up I did with friends I don't get to see very often.

The End Term Party is another way of saying, 'It's almost over.' Three more days and the school year 2011-2012 will be a mere memory. I must admit, it was full of many great moments that will be reflected on fondly.

End of the Year ...

BREAKFAST!!

I'm all about 'celebrations.' At work, I constantly come up with different reasons to have a festivity of some sort! For Christmas, my friends and colleagues on the first and second grade have a Secret Santa and 'multicultural luncheon', for Daylight Savings Time, we have a jewelry-grab bag breakfast party (its my favorite day!!!), and just this year I decided we should have a breakfast to celebrate the end of another successful school year.

We all chose a breakfast item to bring in (I brought the table cloths ...) and viola, there was a feast! Some of the foods we enjoyed were :: muffins, donuts, bagels, fresh fruit, banana bread and blueberry cobbler. There was much too much food, but it was all delicious, none went to waste (except the cup of coffee that I spilled), and as usual there were many laughs amongst the group.

There was so much food, apparently we did it again the following day. Upon arriving at my classroom, I found everyone there with the leftover deliciousness. This time, I was able to get some photos! I will so miss my friends over the summer. I know we'll be in touch, though, and possibly meet up for a dinner accompanied by lots of laughs.

Can We Take a Picture?

It's for the blog!!!
Yeah, that request went over QUITE well, got me some (loving) jabs, and low and behold, 5 photos later, we have a keeper (or two).

Lately, I've been keeping track of most of my life on here, simply because revisiting things I've done, or where I've been, brings many memories. We hear 'live in the moment' all the time. That's my goal right now - To just take each opportunity presented to me to do something different, and not over think it.

Tonight, after conversing with friends post gym class, too much thinking and a very long phone call, I decided to heed a friend's advice and 'go to City Island' to meet some of the girls. Well, I was 2 hours late, so while I missed dinner, I made it for dessert (actually, my favorite part of a meal) :: at Baskin Robbins. Why not?

Despite how I was feeling, I got through it with laughs, stories and photo taking. Everyone had a different idea of which photo was 'the best', so to appease all, I am posting BOTH pics, even though I know Lisa will oppose. Sorry, love. I am glad that I met up with the girls ... But next time I will be sure to make it CLOSER to dinner time ... Cause right now, my stomach sure is grumbling.

Photos ::
Which was taken first? Second? LOL

This Too Shall Pass

For the most part, I like to be a positive person. There is a plethora of negativity everywhere we turn, and it can wear us down if we let it. Those situations that bring negative vibes are where I usually throw in a positive spin. It helps to realize that there will be a rainbow on the other side of the storm we're currently plugging through.

Lately, I've felt as though I've had a few of my own negative clouds following me. Thankfully, God is greater than anything I will ever go through, and He sends words of encouragement through my friends. This week, I've received some uplifting words, and have 'borrowed' a few from another friend's blog. These little reminders help during those harder moments that seem unending. I'm blessed more than I realize & am truly thankful.

Father's Day 2012

Every holiday without my grandmother seems strange. I can definitely sense something, or someone, missing. Since she and my dad lived together, she was the first one who greeted him every morning, but holidays must have been extra special. If I'm missing her, I'm certain he has a hole in his heart, today especially.

For Father's Day, Marisel, Justyn and I took Dad to the Mets game, which was wonderful despite the traffic. I really spend too much time in traffic, and sometimes it can be infuriating. I can laugh now at how crazed it made me. Between the traffic and all my 'co-pilots', it was enough to make me cry. But thankfully, one fell asleep, another was playing games on my phone, and the last was making random conversation. So, all in all, we arrived safely and got to enjoy the game. The crowd did the wave three or four times, and seeing it go ALL AROUND THE STADIUM was the MOST exciting part of the game. Lol. Spoken like a true Yankees fan.

We ended our time at City Field early and went to eat. That's always my favorite part of an outing. A friend directed me to PIO PIO, a Peruvian restaurant, in Flushing. I've been to their location on the Upper West Side, so I knew the food would be delicious. We all LOVED the dishes that were ordered, and enjoyed them to the last morsel. I, of course, ate my food and my half of my nephew's. Ridiculous. But, it was delicious and better than what I had ordered. My dad enjoyed his food, and I was glad about that. He can be particular about where he wants to dine. Thankfully, this worked out.

The outing ending at my aunt's house to celebrate my uncle's birthday. There :: more food! Ah! My sister's friend joined us, as did my cousin & her children. We all got to enjoy each other's company and catch up. It was truly a memorable day in more ways than one. I'm pleased knowing that my father had a good day. He deserves it. He is a very good father and we have been blessed to have him in our lives all these years.

Roll With It

I am a planner. It's very difficult for me to begin a day without knowing where it will take me. For whatever reason, I always need to know what I'm doing on any given day. Today was no different.

Today was beautiful! And just like any other day, my 'plan' was set:: run, errands, clean and meet a friend for dinner. Sometimes, things don't work out as 'planned' and dinner didn't happen. Thankfully, there was a plan B! My sisters had called me earlier to meet them for some outdoor activities! Being that I already had plans, I declined. I've been known to double and triple book, and I'm trying not to do that much anymore. It's exhausting. Luckily for me, I called and was able to meet them before they headed out. Of course, me being 'me', I wanted to know 'the plan.' My youngest sister shot me down pretty quickly. She said it was a just a chill day ... No plan ... Going to walk and relax ... If I wanted to join them, all I had to do was go. Sighs.

As difficult as I found it to simply go along without having an idea of what we would do, I decided to head up to Connecticut and join in on the fun anyway. And that's just what we had ... fun ... Unplanned fun.

We walked along the paths at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, got ice cream, joked and just 'chilled.' Then the silly of me kicked in & I started a sing along as we walked. Natalie, Justyn and I sang away while Marisel walked ahead & ignored us, and Lindsay sang, too. Of course it was interrupted with yells of, 'No! That's not the right line!!' and followed up with ridiculous laughter, but that's all part of just 'being.' I really had a great time :: just what I wanted; not that I expected anything else. And I was reminded that sometimes, the best moments are the ones that just happen.

Photos ::
Natalie being silly
&
Justyn, Me and Natalie

Listen to Yourself

Most nights, after long days at work followed by a training run & then gym classes, I enjoy the quiet of my apartment & simply unwinding.

Tonight, with too much on my mind, and not really wanting to think, (which I do too much of) I decided to shop after the gym, and made plans to meet friends out to watch the basketball game.

Pair taking too long to settle on plans with me being in a funky mood, and you have me right here in my quiet apartment with the game on in the background & thoughts flying around my mind. It's okay. I believe we're always exactly where we are supposed to be. Maybe tonight, I needed to deal with my thoughts, feelings, and the things I'm trying to avoid thinking about. The irony of me recognizing this is I'm the one who is a big advocate of handling things that need to be addressed & not avoiding them. Perhaps tonight, I needed to address the reality of my life.

It's very easy to get discouraged and question everything you believe in when things don't 'go your way' or turn out as you thought they would. One big blessing in my life is to have dear friends and family to talk to when you feel like you can't even pray anymore. I feel like God speaks through, listens and even comforts through the precious people He has placed in my life. I am blessed in more ways than I realize. And through it all I know, no matter what storm I'm facing, there will no doubt be a rainbow on the other side. *God's promise*

Below ::
Just some
of the people I trust with my thoughts ... A few are missing. I will update this post if/when I get photos of/with them.

CPR & RTE Recertification ...

For as much complaining as I do about all the 'Pre-camp' work that takes up my time, the past few 'gatherings' have been more entertaining than torturous.

Today was part two of my CPR and RTE recertifications. As I stated on my Facebook, if ever I'm in a situation where 911 needs to be called, I definitely will do JUST THAT. My CPR certification really holds no water in my own personal book. Perhaps I just don't give myself enough credit. However, my RTE skills are much better, if I do say so myself. Perfect? Definitely not. I failed at making a sling today. Shocking? Absolutely not! Amusing, yes. All joking aside, anything that is of UTTER importance (which is everything) regarding CPR and RTE, I will be able to handle this summer :: God willing nothing major comes up.

Now, sitting in these training classes for 2 days, 2 hours each day, after work was ... Sighs ... More fun than I thought it would be. We laughed more than we probably should have, but it was a good way to get through the videos and 'practice' and test. Our instructor, Barney, is really great (and patient) with us! After (too) many years, there is NO reason for any of us should have gotten the questions or skills wrong, but that's what recert days are for! And it's a good thing we have to do them! Tis true .. If ya don't use it, ya lose it!

Below :: Barney using me and my arm for demonstration. I should have paid more attention at how the sling was made. ;)
Oh, and Will, one of our staff ... Had to have a picture of himself taken, as well.

Etzel Year End BBQ

This weekend was filled with more activities than I remembered! I was SO busy and EXHAUSTED, I just forgot to write about them ALL in ONE blog! It's fine, though. It makes each memory that much more special.

This past Friday was the annual End of the Year Etzel BBQ. After the school year we had, this was a WELCOMED and MUCH NEEDED BBQ. It's always a good, relaxed night that's filled with delish food, drinks and my personal favorite :: the desserts! Most of my friends and I go to hang out with our other friends and colleagues whom we rarely get to see, as half of us work in different buildings. The time spent at the BBQ is very chill. Sometimes a group of us will sit on the front porch and be loud and laugh there, other times, we'll hang out in the yard where mostly everyone usually stays. No matter where we are, we spend most of the night reminiscing on all our great memories and laugh ... A lot. I almost didn't make it this year because I got sidetracked and had to run to the city. Friday traffic delayed me about two and a half hours, and boy was I wild over it. Now I can laugh about it, but in the moment, I was not a happy camper. Much to my surprise, everyone was still there when I arrived, and I was thrilled! I wanted to be able to spend time with my friends outside of the work setting.

It's very thoughtful and kind of Jen to have this BBQ for us. She actually does a get together for the December holidays, as well, and we're all truly grateful. Rain or shine, she never fails to get it together, and every year we have more fun than the last and add to our memories.

Below :: Me and Rob Grant. He is one of my long time friends at P.S. 83.

Even The Little Things Are Big

It's a very RARE occasion for my sister to ask me to babysit. Sometimes I'm a little hurt that she never does, but after three short hours with the boys, I'm okay with it. Just kidding. They were WONDERFUL to be with. Sadly, we don't get to spend much time together since we're not close (in proximity). In reality, it was a pleasure. I got to hear all about Justyn's friends and the unruly things they pull in class (not sure which of my personalities scolded him on that ... The teacher in me or the aunt), and we just watched t.v. and laughed at how he wouldn't stop changing the channel the moment a commercial came on. At 12, he's already becoming 'a guy.' He is growing up SO quickly. It's shocking, sometimes. I love him and love catching up with him. He definitely makes me laugh, even on the inside when he can't tell because I'm too busy playing 'mom #2' to him.

Ayden, and all of his 6 months, was all smiles for the most part. He is the cutest little boy! Marisel says he looks like Justyn when he was a baby, but all I see is HER face. Not to say she looks like a boy, but it's scary how much he resembles her. By the time 8:00 rolled around, he wasn't all smiles anymore. Justyn was so engrossed in whatever he was watching, he seemed deaf to Ayden's cries. While I felt helpless, I just walked him around until even I couldn't anymore. We laid on the bed until Mari came and saved the day ... And told me, 'oops, I forgot to tell you his bed time was at 7.' Sighs. For a moment there, I felt like a failure. ;)

As I look back now, I was TRULY exhausted on Saturday. After an 11 mile run that morning and a few sleepless nights, I didn't have all that much energy to work with. Plus, my mind's been a little consumed with 'life' and if I had had my way, I would've slept it off. Still, I believe God plays a roll in everything. Something as small as being with the kids not only kept my mind from thinking too much, but it also helped my sister, which brings me greater joy than anything else could have that day.

Below :: Little Ayden and Titi Jessie

Just Another Sunday in June

Summer days = weekend BBQs. It's just one of the many things I love about this season. Today I went to Shannon's for the 'Puerto Rican Day' BBQ. I actually gave it that 'name' in my mind. Today, in NYC, there is a HUGE parade in honor of Puerto Rico, and almost EVERY Puerto Rican in the city goes to participate in the festivities. I'm not a big fan of it, as it is known to get a little rowdy. However, the idea of it is very nice. The country, culture, and heritage of Puerto Rico is actually very lovely. Personally, I prefer to visit the country itself as opposed to watching the parade.

So, after church, I went home to change and got myself to Shannon's. Spending time with her, her family & friends was a much more entertaining way to spend the day than I had actually planned. Between good food and conversation, I couldn't have asked for a better day. BBQs with the Celentano family is always a lot of fun!

I'm actually glad I chose to attend the early service today because I was able to make it to her house earlier than I would have had I gone to the 3:00 p.m. service. Today's sermon was so touching and applicable to my life. Just what I needed today, as it almost always is. There's always SOMETHING going on in my life, and at times, I feel as though I can't see clearly or understand the whys and hows of what I'm dealing with. After today's sermon, I still don't understand those things. I do, though, have a better understanding of how to tackle certain situations as God expects me to. It's the calm and peace I need at this moment.

As I wind down this evening, finish up chores around the apartment, I will go over the notes I took from today's service and think about things a little differently.

Photo:: Me at Shannon's. Her facebook caption :: 'Jess, where are your Puerto Rican colors?'.

Mini 10K Race in Central Park

Another day, another race! I truly am so thankful that through all the injuries I have dealt with over the years, I can still get out there and do what I love :: RUN.

This morning was just as CRAZED as any other morning. I'm always very good about setting my race things out the night before. My clothes are ready, bib, sneakers and iPod are always set to go. Today, even though those things were ready, everything that followed delayed me. I had to get breakfast, there was a back up there. Traffic on the Cross Bronx expressway was insane ... And at 7:30 in the morning, I don't understand how, but it's the Cross Bronx. I should have expected it. Parking was IMPOSSIBLE, but again, I knew that would have been the case. End all of this with my unknowingly turn onto a ONE WAY street, and you've got one frazzled girl. That's when I thanked God I didn't cause an accident, and put the car into a lot.

Because of all these delays, I started the race 25 minutes late. The plus to that was no overcrowded start, running on Central Park West alone, receiving lots of personalized cheers, lol, and some funny lines along the way. A big part of me was ready to turn around and GO HOME, but I chose not to. I had to meet my friend, Lyda, at the finish so we could run another 5 miles. We have a half marathon in 2 weeks and training is ongoing.

I eventually caught up with the rest of the runners and got to be part of the actual race. I needed that comradery to help me along the way. Sometimes races aren't as easy as they seem. Different factors can make it feel a little harder than usual. Often we didn't sleep enough or well; other times we feel great and can plug right through. Today I was in the middle. All in all, I finished the race in perfect timing (for me). I wasn't too fast or too slow. I think my time was under an hour, but the race clocks say differently because of my late start. I didn't even get to hit the starting mat. Low and behold, I finished, got my medal, guzzled Gatorate and found my friends. We happily exchanged hugs and chatted about the race. I was truly so glad to find them.

After we all finished chatting, Lyda and I went on our way for 5 more miles. They weren't easy, but we surely did it. It was fun to run with her. We caught up on each other's lives, and were able to encourage, motivate & encourage each other along the way. It was a good run in many ways.

My goal :: to stop getting to my races at the last minute. I must leave ONE HOUR before they start. I will try to do that beginning next Sunday for my next race.

Street Fair Fun!

Beautiful days in June are not to be wasted. The weather in has been so unpredictable lately, well, all winter and spring, actually. When we get a streak of great days, we have to jump at the opportunities to enjoy them. And so today, Lisa and I did just that. We spent the afternoon at the Mardi Gras street fair on Avenue of the Americas. Like most street fairs, it's loaded with many fun vendors and lots of unhealthy, but great smelling food! I opted to eat NOTHING while I was there (and that wasn't easy!), but Lisa and I did buy cute fashion scarves --- yep, scarves in June. Besides all the shopping, we caught up, and that was probably the most important part of today's outing. Lisa and I haven't talked in a while, and today I think we covered everything that we've missed. Simply put, it was great. I'm glad we got together, enjoyed the beautiful day, and had fun at the fair. Days like this, and opportunities to catch up with friends, shouldn't be passed up.

In the pictures below, you can see Lisa and I posing as tourists! We actually made people stand in line to take photos in front of it. We're such teachers. Lol We didn't take a picture in it together because, as Lisa asked, 'Are we in love?' Ridiculously hilarious.

Memorial Day Weekend Memories

I can hardly believe May is over. It seemed to have come and gone so quickly. Maybe that was because I had something going on every single weekend, most of which have been blogged about.

The weekend began with a fundraiser for a person I know whose has Autism. He is an energetic and sweet boy! It was quite the event with many prizes won, lots of songs sung, much money raised, and a good time had by all for a very precious cause.

The activities continued the next day at Jones Beach, as the weather was amazing! Who knew (apparently everyone did) that the Bethpage Air Show starring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, was going on and would be happening there? We arrived much too late for a beach day, and got stuck in ridiculous traffic due to the air show. We literally parked a mile and a half away from the beach and it was quite there walk there and back. Still, it was worth it! The air show was completely amazing! It made the traffic and long walk worth it. When beach time was over, I was able to visit with my family who live on the island. That was special, as I don't get to see them so often, particularly my grandma. So, that made it extra special. My aunt cooked for us, and it was great to just catch up on a day where everyone wasn't around.

Sunday was spent out on the island again at a BBQ. Memorial Day just doesn't seem complete without a BBQ, so I'm glad I was able to get to one. There were games, karaoke and even a little dancing ... None of which I participated in. Hahaha. I wish I had, though.

On Memorial Day itself, I participated in Bootcamp, went for a run, then relaxed and soaked up some sun. It was a much needed day of rest after such an action packed weekend.

May left me with many memories. Its important to make each day count. I hope June will be just as wonderful.