Trip up North...

Since my last blog, a lot has happened. I definitely have to write all the summer memories down before they are forgotten, and I plan to do so. Now that I have some time off before school begins, perhaps 'catching up' will be my next project. For now, I will begin today's update on my latest trip.

Once again, this NYC girl traveled out of state. This particular trip not only took me out of our wonderful country, but to our neighbor, Canada. Going there served two purposes, well, maybe three, and it proved to be a great time!

Normally, Canada would not be the destination of choice for my annual summer getaway. However, having met an interesting Canadian last month at my dear friends, Sue and Gary's, wedding, I decided to see what he was really about. Let's be honest...most people put their best foot forward upon meeting someone of interest. The question then becomes, "Is this REALLY who this person is?" After spending a few weeks getting to know him, as much as one can via phone and text, chatting, laughing, and just enjoying the moments, we decided a visit was an order. Being the travelista that I am, I decided to go back to Canada. As mentioned above, the trip would serve three purposes: a much needed vacation, seeing what this person was really about, and having the pleasure of spending time with my dear friend, Sue.

Having gone there with no expectations, well, less than usual for me, led me to be pleasantly surprised. Not only was Canada, specifically Georgetown, beautiful and quaint, but the company and everyone I met, was wonderful and hospitable. The days and nights were low-key, yet entertaining, and I got a lot of much needed rest. It's been an exhausting year in many ways, so this mini-vacation was simply perfect.

Getting to know my new friend was easy, enjoyable and entertaining, to say the least. I quickly felt comfortable and things seemed to fall right into place. Conversation flowed easily, the laughs and such that had gone on via phone were now happening in 'real life' and simply stated, it was a lot of fun. From wearing my cowboy boots and hat to the rodeo, to cheering him and his team on at the soft ball game, to hanging with friends, walking through a fair & making faces at ALL the unhealthy food there, haha, to simply relaxing, I could not have asked for a nicer time.

My friend is training the sweetest Golden Lab puppy to work, one day, with Autistic children. The puppy, at 14 months old, hardly seems like one. He's huge, playful and cuddly. However, when you return from breakfast to find one (just one) of your fabulous sandals and not yet read magazine both shredded to pieces, you're quickly reminded that 'fully grown' doesn't mean 'adult'. Good thing I was completely in love with the puppy, and getting over the sandal (and magazine) was surprisingly easy.

One day was spent with Sue and Gary. We all met for lunch, but not before indulging in a chocolate chip cookie. YUM! Afterward, I had the pleasure of hanging with them for the rest of that day. It felt just like our old times together in NY. I find that missing her hasn't gotten easier, but on this trip I learned that we don't say, "Good-bye", but instead we say, "See you later." And same with my new friend. Perhaps I'll 'see him later.' Time will tell, I suppose. For now, I will fondly remember my time away, and the memories I made with my new friend and old ones.


The puppy who chewed my things. Too cute!




The McDonalds in Canada have a maple leaf in the middle of the arches!

Here's What's Up!

I miss and love writing. Anyone who receives frequent emails, Facebook inboxes, or text messages from me can attest to my love for writing. It probably goes hand in hand with my love for talking (to and with the right people, as I can be quite shy around people I don't know). Anyway, every day I think about writing, then I realize that I just don't know what to say, I don't have any pictures to post, and by the time it's, well, this time of night (10:24 p.m.), the desire is no longer as strong as it had been earlier in the day.

A lot is going on in my life, and at the same time nothing is going on. Both of which are wonderful for me right now.

I have found a new love, desire and respect for the Lord and my relationship with Him. That's a huge aspect of my life, and I love it. I joined the choir at Manhattan Grace Tabernacle, and the people there are just like family. They are wonderful, loving, fun, and they've been a blessing in more ways than I could write about.

School (a.k.a.) Hunter is nearly finished for the semester. (YIPEEEE) With only one week to go, I really better put all my time and effort into doing well on my final. How I think I'm going to manage three classes next semester--I'm not quite sure, but it'll all work out.

Work work...well, it's exhausting, but I'm so thankful to be employed that to complain about it would be wrong. Days are exhausting, yes. But, what job isn't, right? Now, camp will bring a whole new meaning to the word exhaustion. However, again I say, I'm thankful to be employed! Whatever we do, we must do it well!

I miss a lot of people in my life... people who I realized have come and gone, perhaps come, gone and come again, or maybe just who are gone for good, etc. And, if I spend too much time trying to figure out why certain relationships, friendships, etc. have not worked out, I'll give myself a headache. Only God knows. I've learned to be happy with what is...and not spend too much time dwelling on what's not. Nothing happens by coincidence...this I've known for a long time, but I think finally accepted. And, in the end, everything works out...with a bigger purpose than I'll ever realize. However, being happy in all circumstances is what I want to do.

So, let's see what my next post will bring... Hopefully pictures, among other things. : )

Spring Break in Tampa

I can't believe I haven't posted since January. So many things, wonderful and not so much, have gone on since then. I truly need to make more time to write, since I do enjoy doing so.

Once again, I'm in Florida w/ the Celentano family for Spring Break. Our first full day here has been eventful. From Target, to the pool, dinner and now 'Just Dance', there's always excitement to be had!

Today also is Palm Sunday, the start to Holy Week. From what I hear, service was amazing, and I'm sad to have missed it. However, thanks to the power of technology & the great crew @ MGT, I will be able to hear it online @ some point.

Tomorrow we're off to Adventure Islands! While I'm excited, I'm slightly nervous due to today's sunburn! Ah! It's much too early in the week to be sunburned. There are more days of sun and fun to be had!

In closing, (how official that sounds! ha!)I'm thankful to God for his traveling mercies on us, and to the Celentano clan for inviting me back again.

Good Bye to 2010

Today is the last day of 2010. It's been quite a year, and I can honestly say I'm glad that it's (almost) over. I have a good feeling about 2011; I'm not 100% sure why, but it beats having anxiety over it. In reality, we are supposed to live for the moment and not worry about tomorrow. I can't say I'm worried, though. I look forward to what will come in the New Year. Both good and hard times are to be expected, but by the grace of God, I'll get through them all.

I was supposed to be 'on top' of my blog throughout this year, but I've always allowed 'life' to get in the way. Anyone who is a frequent text or email pal knows I can 'go on' forever. So, why not put some of that energy into my blog? One of my resolutions is to dedicate some more time to my writing each month. As I look back at my posts, I see how much emotion is in my writing. While reading, I either laugh out loud or have tears in my eyes by the end. Regardless of the emotions my blogs bring, I know that I have a passion for writing and preserving memories.

I end this blog with some photos of happy memories from this year. Of course I have MANY happy memories from 2010, but not enough time to post all of the photos I'd like to. Perhaps I'll start a scrapbook. Someone check up on me and see if I've actually started one! I wish anyone who reads this blog a blessed and Happy New Year!

For Michelle

Back in September, my friend, Michelle, was gently reminding me to get going with my blogs. For someone who loves writing, I certainly have stopped doing something I truly enjoy.

These last four months of 2010 have been very busy and full of emotions. I'm glad to be on Christmas break to kind of organize and catch up with things, as well as relax. I slept for a very long time last night, and God knows I needed it. This week is also a good time to catch up with my blogging, and to try and do (much) better in 2011.

This blog is for Michelle. She is currently home being a wonderful mommy to her little loves, Katie and Christopher. I miss having her at work every day, just because we had fun together. Yes, through some tough days at work, we managed to have fun, or at least throw an encouraging word each others way. She visited us a few weeks ago with little Christopher, and he is just too cute for words! On this post, I'm including some pictures from her Baby Shower @ work. Love and friendship, Michelle!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Aida

Last week my family and I celebrated my Grandmother, Aida's, 82nd birthday. I never remember how old my grandmothers are, and when I asked her how old she would be this year, she responded, "84." That didn't seem right to me. We had just celebrated her 80th birthday not too long ago, but definitely not four years ago! So, I asked my aunt, and she confirmed my thoughts. Grandma was to be 82 this year.

This year's celebration took place at my aunt's house. Most of my cousins were there, but Ally was out of town, and we did miss having her there. The fiesta began with a bar-b-que. We all strolled in at different times, just because my family's schedule is always all over the place. Sure enough, though, we all got there and I know Grandma was delighted to be amongst her family. After eating way too much, and laughing very hard over the silliest things, we moved the party inside for singing and cake! Grandma really does not like to be the center of attention. Getting her to smile for a picture is a project in itself. However, it seemed as though she was at peace this time around, and just let the pictures snap away as she took it all in. I'll never know what was going through her head as we sang "Happy Birthday." Maybe she was praying, thanking God for another year of life, perhaps she was talking to my grandfather, wishing he was by her side, which I'm sure he was. Regardless, she just let it all happen without a fuss, and wore a smile.

I will forever love my grandmother. There are a few people who know what she truly means to me and my family. She is so wise, loving, prayerful and simply put, amazing. I do pray that God blesses her with many more years of life. She is our blessing.

I love you, Grandma. Always.

Random Evening Thoughts

There is so much on my mind, I wouldn't even know where to begin writing. We have 16 days left of this school year. It's been quite a year, but I will save that for a later blog. The camp season is quickly approaching, and that's definitely at the forefront of my mind. I did as well as I had hoped to in the class that just finished. That was the highlight of my week! And now, I just have so many other things to think about and sort through, I just have to take it "one step at a time," and hope things get figured out. I have a feeling June is going to fly by. The first week is nearly over, and I have a jam packed weekend planned. Being busy usually makes the time fly by. I look forward to August 6th, which is the last day of camp, and my summer will actually begin. I'll need a week or so of just quiet. The thoughts of this blog are very random, which I suppose is how I feel tonight. Kind of all over the place. I did have the best time/dinner with Sue and Gid. Being with them always keeps me laughing and smiling; even long after we've said good-bye. They are wonderful friends and people! Hopefully my next blog will be a bit more 'organized.'