I need more than one "thankful feather..."

It is hard to believe it is Thanksgiving week and how fast this year is actually flying by.  Last year during this week, I was stationed in New York helping survivors of Hurricane Sandy in shelters.  This year, my life has changed significantly, and honestly, I am still so happy.  Now having lived in New Orleans for 7 months now, I am apart of the rebuild process.  This time around I am a site supervisor of volunteers that come in and out of the city weekly or sometimes daily to volunteer with our organization.  I got out of training in about the end of October and we started to be site supervisors of our own houses.  I have had the opportunity to work with a few different groups of volunteers so far on one particular house and these volunteers have changed my life. 

SBP sporadically gets a volunteer who I now like to think of as the SBP town crier.  Carl P Lewis is his name and he comes from Boulder Colorado.  He is an adult who has high functioning Asperger's Syndrome.  He worked with me for the past 2 weeks doing any task I asked of him.  His fixation with his disability is transportation...boy does he know his stuff.  He told me that he has visited Boston before on a stop coming from Maine, with a layover in Atlanta that took him to Denver DIA airport on an American Airways flight.  I had him doing tasks with me all week that had me working closely with him and I really got to know Carl pretty well.  He loves holding hands and getting to know others, too.  Carl reminded me how much I love people and how much I love getting to know the stories of people.  I can't wait for him to come back and visit my sites because as he calls me, "Christy, my friend," will be waiting for his return!

Last week was "Nuns Build."  This particular week was amazing for me.  My house I work at was sent 22 Nuns from all over the country, most were Sisters of Charity.  We were on the Drywall stage of construction so these nuns, ages 26-81 were lifting 12ft sheets of drywall upstairs, holding it high on ceilings, walls, and using drills to screw the pieces into walls.  They were amazing.  One of the nuns, Sister Theresa, was from Dorchester.  She was a little spitfire, no taller than 5'2.  She had the "Medfa" accent and worked in my BAAAA-thrum all week.  She gave me the most sarcastic remarks to my teachings and anything I had to say.  All of the sisters as a whole were literally unreal.  Before this week with my volunteers, I was feeling very unconfident in my knowledge and skill set.  After a week with these amazing women, I knew I was doing okay.  I would explain an idea or a skill to them and I would get an standing ovation at the end of my demonstration, now that gave me some hope.  On Friday, their last day, to start the morning they had Lauren, my co-worker, and I go in the front of the house.  They took some drywall home with them the night before.  They gave each of us a piece of it with the square of drywall outlined in beads from Bourbon Street (yes they can drink and go out, AND they DID).  This piece of drywall had their picture on it with the saying "Nun as Fun as Nuns build 2013."  As they were giving it to us they were singing an Latin Hymn and honestly I lost it in the front yard.  Having had a great 2 weeks with carl and then these fantastic ladies hit me hard and made me realize how happy and thankful I am to be doing the work I am doing.

The nuns+ Carl

With that being said, and given that it is Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for...

My family and our traditions...lately I have been talking to my friends here and other people about traditions.  The traditions we started as young kids with our parents are something I am so happy we have and I can talk about.  Not coming home for Thanksgiving this year made me really think about traditions we have.  One of the best- the bread on the table.  This is the first major holiday I am missing ever so I have put some thought into our traditions.  I am lucky to be raised in a family surrounded by deep tradition.  That stems from our solid upbringing, which makes me thankful for my parents.  They have taught the 5 of us that true love exists and can last, that family always comes first, and that if you want something, work hard and you will get it.  I am lucky to have the C parents allowing me to blaze my own trail.  They always put their 5 children first and make sure we all know they care, even from 1,500 miles away.  I am always thankful for Momma and Daddy-z Conceison.

My siblings...all 4 of my siblings are different in their own way.  Bobby is the silent (sometimes) leader of us all.  He leads by example and paves the way for us all to do good. (yes good, not well) MaryKathryn is our fun, spirited teacher.  She teaches all of us about everything.  She makes me laugh constantly and is the ideal older sister role model.  Paul is the fearless Axel. He does his own thing and is very independent. He has goals that I admire and is a great older sibling for Bridget. Then there is Bridgie, the life of the party.  She can light up a room with her smile, she is curious, and most of all she is caring.  Bridget cares about people in a way that most 11 year olds cant even comprehend.  She is our rock and always will be.  I don't think she knows how important she is to so many people, especially me. I am thankful for my siblings everyday...especially when they send me a little extra love $$

Casey Joseph Walsh Conceison...the cutest, most lovable Godson on the planet.  Almost daily I get a picture sent to me of Casey from Kara and everyday he gets more adorable.  What Casey doesn't know that his little face sometimes is the best part of my day.  The day he was born I felt a sense of responsibility for this little guy and I am more than happy to be his Godmother.  Coming home in October was a priority to meet this little stud and be able to be at his Christening.  I hope he knows i will be at his important events, just like his mother was right there front row at all of mine (minus one). I am really thankful for this little guy and to see him again at Christmas!

Rachel and Margaret...It is safe to say that without these 2, I would be pretty lost.  The three of us talked last year as our NCCC term was coming to a close about moving to New Orleans together.  The 2 of them made it a reality, and honestly, my case of FOMO was out of control.  I found myself a job and now we are happily living together in a great place (maybe) where we laugh, cry, snuggle, eat (a lot), and do just about everything together.  There aren't any2 other friends who have made an immediate impact on my life and there aren't any 2 people who understand the ups and downs of the life we are living quite like they do.  I am so lucky to have them in my life.  They bring me happiness, make bad days good, support my every move even when they know they shouldn't, a reeses fastbreak when we go grocery shopping, and some of the best memories of this city I have had so far.  I am more than thankful to have 2 best friends in this city with me.

New friends...starting a job in August brought on a whole group of new friends.  AmeriCorps is a beautiful program in that way.  There were 6 of us that trained on a house that we built together from start to finish.  I learned so much about these people and it is safe to say they are some of my best friends in this city.  I have never laughed so hard as I did for the 6 weeks we were all together working as hard as we did on our house.  These people in a short time have changed me for the better and I am really thankful for them this thanksgiving.

Second chances at things in life that are worth it...distance makes the heart grow fonder, right? I am more than thankful for the fact that two people can remain happy with one another after realizing what is really important in a relationship.  I am happy to have such a solid rock, maybe too far away, but still there enough with a caring loving attitude. Hey, if Joe can put up with my crazy as much as he has, something is going well.

Friends old and new...I've met a ton of people in New Orleans in the past 7 months, and i have remained close to friends at home.  I have had visitors, phone calls, and random presents sent to me that all mean more than words can say.  I am lucky for all I have in my life, but friendship is very important to me.  All friendship, old and new, is one big thing I am thankful for.

My life...it may seem weird to say, but I am so thankful for the life I am living.  Turning 25 for me was a little shocking.  I didn't really know what to make of it. I was reading an article online one day and it kind of hit me.  At 25 I've done more than I thought I would have ever done, I am the happiest I have ever been, and I am at a place in my life where I know I am supposed to be.  My age is just an age and I am happy I am where I am.  I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for everything I am thankful for this year.  I am volunteering for some of the most incredible home owners, I have traveled the country more than I ever thought I could, and I am living independently in an unbelievable city.  I feel very lucky this year on a holiday I love.  My turkey feather would be out of control!

This Thanksgiving is going to be different for me, but I am starting new traditions on my own.  I will be with awesome friends eating great food.  It wont be 10 Thomas, but it will be close as I am bringing cranberry sauce and squash, thanks to Dad.  I wont forget to put the cranberry sauce out, at least one Conceison has to remember.  I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving wherever you are.  Save me a seat at the kitchen table, in front of the onion dip, and a piece of chocolate cream pie for dessert! Ill be thinking of my family on Thursday hopefully winning the football game and enjoying Elf after dinner.  Little tradition to uphold even though I'm not home :) Love you all! Gobble Gobble

All Kinds of Kinds

It has been quite some time since I have even logged into this account never mind even typed a single word.  I decided to take this blog on a little bit of a ride instead of solely updating about my life.  To start, I have since left my job with one non-profit organization and joined another, St. Bernard Project.  This organization is rebuilding homes for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Yes, as of tomorrow 8 years later, rebuilding New Orleans.  I have fallen completely in love with this city.  I knew coming down here that I loved everything about New Orleans, the culture, the people, the food, the music, and the overall love each person also has for the city.  Never did I think after 4 almost 5 months living here that I would love it more. I have met some of the most incredible people since I moved down.  People from all over the country come here to serve with the same ideas and purpose in life as I have.  I know now that I am a lot happier in the job department of my life.  I was missing something since I moved here and started a job that involved me sitting behind a computer, we all know how well I do not interacting with people, so there's that.

I started at my new job almost two weeks ago, and honestly, I am so happy.  The organization has been rebuilding homes for individuals who lost theirs from the hurricane since 2006.  Now, 8 years later, they have completed 500 homes, as of TONIGHT.  Rachel became the site supervisor of the 500th house of the organization about a  month ago.  She knew the deadline for the home to be done was tomorrow, the 8th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.  The family who the home was rebuilt for are 4 of the most incredible people I have ever met.  The two kids in the home are being raised by their superhero grandparents.  I have learned so much from all of them, especially little Quinnton.  This 8 year old with a love for the world around him is one of the most life changing little boys ever.  I got to meet him about two weeks ago, and I instantly fell in love.  He is so curious about the world around him and told Rachel, Margaret, and myself that he doesn't care what his room looks like, he just wants somewhere to sleep...and to watch animal planet.  Since I moved down here to a city that my two best friends happened to be living in, we don't really do anything alone.  Needless to say, we were at this house working until, sometimes, the wee hours of the morning, just so this family has somewhere to finally "eight years too long" as one family member said, call home.  Everyday we had Vanessa come check on us to make sure we were okay, and to share a few stories about anything going on that she cared to share, which we loved hearing.  The Ross family has changed my life forever.  Their home was the first home I worked on with SBP and it will be a thing I honestly will never forget.  Each time a home is completed, our organization puts together a welcome home party for the family.  This one is the #500 home and it is going to be kiiiiind of a big deal.  I am really excited to see the faces of the kids when they go into the home and to experience what it is like to see a family come home from something the rest of our country views as something that is totally fixed. I am more than happy to have helped out on this house and more than proud of the job Rachel did leading the way the entire time.  This family is lucky to have someone as dedicated as she is to her job be in charge of leading the force on this home.

That being said, one thing I have really learned in the last almost 5 months being here is that, "to keep the world spinning it takes all kinds of kinds."  All Kinds of Kinds is a song by none other than Miranda Lambert (genius) that got me thinking, and gets me thinking every time I hear it.  She then created a music video that has people holding signs that say what "kind" of person they are and it got me thinking.  How does this song relate to my life you ask? Over the past 5 months I have had ups and I've had downs.  Ultimately, I have learned so much about who I am and who I want to be and quite honestly, who I want to share that journey with.  I have met some of the most amazing people, all who are EXTREMELY different than I am.  Everyone has their own story. In turn, everyone is their own kind of person.  I was trying to identify myself with a certain "kind of kind" but  trying to do this, I have discovered that my kind is an accepting kind.  Before the last 2 years, I haven't thought of anything outside of my bubble of where I came from.  Now, I couldn't picture my life without the different kinds of people I have met.  Those people, whether friends, coworkers, or the Ross family, have shaped me and molded me into who I am today; the happiest and most accepting me I have ever been.  If everyone I associate with here hasn't dropped me, the crazy person I've always been, like a bad habit yet, I must be doing something right!

Just a little review...in April I came down here to work for one non-profit.  I have a great relationship with my supervisors still which is awesome.  I love everything that organization stands for, I just ultimately had to do what was best for me, which involved getting a new job.  For the month of June until the beginning of July, Joe came to visit! He rented this sweet apartment close to where I live and work.  I got to show him around the city, he got to meet my friends, and I got to share my life down here with someone who now can understand what I am constantly talking about.  One fast month for sure! I started my new job 2 weeks ago and I haven't been this happy in a LONG time.  September brings a few friends coming to visit for a bit.  Then October, MK is coming to see me on my birthday again! Pretty exciting stuff coming up. As for this long weekend, I have never wanted to sleep, drink beer, and relax more than I have in the last 2 weeks.  Now that the house is done and our new little family is home, the three of us can relax, which we are looking forward to!

That's all I have for now. Keep the people of New Orleans and the Ross family in your thoughts tomorrow, and always! Thanks for reading!

My new life

So here I am week 3 into living in New Orleans.  Still haven't decided the route I am going to take for this year's blog, but I will figure it out.  Let's rewind to getting here almost 3 weeks ago...

I got here on Thursday the 11th.  Nice and easy travel day for me which was great.  Had a reunion of all reunions with Rachel and Margaret.  I still can't believe that the three of us are actually living in the same city kind of like we planned last year.  It may have taken longer for it to sink in for Margaret than it did for me since she did tackle me the second she got home and kept reminding me where I was...I didn't hate it, still don't.  I had nothing to do all weekend, but enjoy being in New Orleans during French Quarter Fest, meeting all of their awesome friends who kept reminding me that I LIVE here now, and trying to prepare for a week in Denver.  That brings me to Monday the 15th...

Marathon Monday for me has always been one of my favorite days with my family.  I remember growing up each year we packed the station wagon/green van/silver van full of coolers with subs from Burlington Cold Cut, cokes, water, the terrible radio so we could hear the start of the Marathon and sox updates. We would go with what seemed like a million people we knew and their kids clapping all day and screaming out whatever was on each runners shirts going by.  Standing at mile 17 each year, across from the oriental rug place, rollerblading behind buildings with Jill, Paul, ad Joey usually every year, trying to beat the runner across the street.  As we got older, I started to remember the people we all knew running by us, occasionally mom and dad jumping in to run with their friends, or even seeing Mom pass us running her first Marathon.  Now, making new traditions with my friends from home going into the Fenway area and enjoying the day with them.  These are the kinds of days I remember as Marathon Monday, until this one.  I got off the plane in Denver to read tweets about praying for Boston and getting texts from friends across the country asking me if my family was okay.  Immediately I checked the news, that is when I heard about the bombing.  Never in a million years would I think something like this could happen to this city on a day where the entire city is out on the streets enjoying an event that people all over the world tune in to.  This day was now filled with making sure my family was alright and that everyone I knew from home was safe.  Thankfully everyone is, but still being so far away, this feeling was uneasy for me.  Hearing stories about some of the people we know being minutes from the bombing, some people not finishing the marathon, and fear among the city made it hard to focus on what I was about to embark on.  That is how I felt the whole week following this event.  All I wanted was to be in Burlington with my family watching the news instead of a hotel room in Denver watching CNN with people who didn't really understand what was going on.  I spent a lot of time with Nick who I met who is from Boston and he actually went to Bridgewater himself.  We updated each other all week on what we were hearing and kind of stuck together to make sure we were okay.  Kind of the comfort we both needed.  This one day could never take away the memories from Marathon Monday growing up as a kid, but it has changed my view on my city for sure.  Watching Rene Rancourt give up his spot light we all know he loves to have the Garden sing the National Anthem was probably the highlight of the week for me.  I cried like a baby watching on my air mattress as the videos got quickly uploaded, and nobody will ever understand what this whole event means to our city besides people from Boston.  I am so proud of my upbringing, my accent, being rough and tough around the edges (not really) because of where I am from, but most of all I am proud to say the Marathon is one of the best family traditions we have.  Someday I will run the 26.2 miles and run by mile 17 with the memories we made and the same feelings I have now knowing those Monday's were some of the best ways to start April vacation ever.

With that being said, moving on to Pre Service Orientation in Denver.  This week was filled with learning about our roles as AmeriCorps VISTA's for the year.  I learned a lot about poverty in the United States and how as a VISTA we will be living at the poverty level of the city our organization is in.  No big deal, nothing I can't handle.  Basically we were separated into class rooms all day learning different things, I learned a lot, but most of all I made some new connections.  I met some aw3esome people in the 5 days 4 nights I spent in Denver.  We explored the city a bit, saw Coors Field right next to a sweet bar we found, drank a Coors Light in Denver, and enjoyed getting to know each other as like minded people about to start a year doing similar work.  Side note...the Rockies game was cancelled one day while we were there because of snow.  Never heard that one before, but God damn it was cold so I get it.  After this one week, I knew that choosing to come here and do another year of service was definitely the right choice.

When I got back to New Orleans I didn't do much all weekend.  Monday started my first day of work SINCE DECEMBER.  Did I miss working or what?  Monday and Tuesday were used to meet the people of the office I will be working in, getting to know my supervisor, and learning more about what I will be doing.  So...what I will be doing...this year for me is primarily recruiting volunteers.  I work closely with Johnny, he was a VISTA 2 years ago in my position and now is the front man of my position.  He brought me to the different facilities that Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans serves.  I met a whole bunch of people and honestly, I remember like 2 names.  But this year there are different events already set up that I have to recruit some volunteers for.  I was at my desk everyday this week doing research on different VOA's in America so I could see what our organization offers as a whole.  Pretty interesting stuff if I do say so myself.  There are already a few events I need to create volunteer recruitment material for, but that is next weeks work.  One major highlight from this week, amongst a lot of them, was Friday.  Not only was it Friday, but Johnny, Caitlin (my other supervisor who is actually from Marshfield, MA) went to the Hilton downtown to see where we will be hosting an event in early June.  The representative from the hotel took us to the room we are utilizing, toured our area, then treated us to lunch.  Again, food was my highlight.  We went to a seafood place, my mouth watered the second we got there.  She asked if I had tried oysters yet since I moved, and since I said no, she ordered a dozen.  I absolutely loved them.  She ordered those, Fleur de Lis shrimp which was unreal, and I got a catfish po boy.  I was pretty New Orleans all afternoon.  I thought I would never eat again after that. 

This weekend was veeeeeeeeery relaxing.  Friday night I made some pizza for the three of us.  We ate, sat on the couch hysterically laughing and eating Ben and Jerry's, and were in bed by 11.  Perfect Friday night.  Saturday Rachel and I got up early to go to the beach with one of her friends she works with.  The beach was quite a drive, but it was an adventure to say the least.  We packed basically a 7 course meal for the beach, laid out all day, went in the WARM water (Gulf of Mexico), I stepped on a fish and since I am afraid of fish it was traumatizing, and obviously since it is me I got FRIED.  I am currently the color of a Maine Lobster.  I will be tan in a few days so it is fine, but lesson learned, the sun is stronger here.  I should have known.  Last night we did a bit of the same, laid around and went to bed EARLY.  Today is another relaxing day for me doing a whole lot of nothing but catching up on shows and house hunting still.  Someday soon I will have an update saying I have an apartment finally...can't wait for that day!  This week is going to be extremely busy for me so I am glad I got to use today to do nothing. 

One last thing I forgot to mention...since I don't have a car here and where I'm living is pretty far away from work, I have a nice hour commute in the morning and night after work on the bus and street car.  You thought your life was weird, try to ride the New Orleans public transportation.  I laugh at my life every morning at each stop.  I stick out like a sore thumb and wouldn't have it any other way.  This ride gives me the opportunity to really watch the culture of NOLA come alive, to put it in the most PC way possible.  There are some characters in this city, let me tell you.  However, on the first day of work on my first  day on the bus, mom you'll be proud, I did it all panic stricken all by MYSELF.  Brave little toaster.  Now, I am giving directions to people who need help and I am an old pro navigating bus 88 from the Lower 9th ward to Canal Street.  I tweet out bus diaries daily, look out for those.

Anyway, again, I am glad everyone in my family and my friends are safe.  I know a lot of you were in Boston or near Boston that day or were somehow affected by the "man hunt" in Watertown.  I love now more than ever telling people I am from Massachusetts because, as Big Papi said, it is our ******* city! I hope all is well with everyone at home! I miss everyone! Until next time..

Successfully avoiding packing...

I guess I can start blogging again!

Tomorrow I leave for another AmeriCorps adventure, because why the hell not.  This year is different from last year.  I am going to be an AmeriCorps VISTA instead of being in NCCC.  The difference being I am not traveling around the country, I am staying in one city working with one non-profit for a whole year.  I am moving to New Orleans to work for Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans.  Yes, like I said many blogs ago, I AM actually moving to the city I wanted to!  I am very, very excited. 

Since last term ended, my life again has changed.  I came home in December to a tough transition back into life here.  I felt like I didn't fit in anywhere and didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.  Frankly, I still don't know what I want to do.  The one silver lining to coming home for me was I got to get back into an activity I loved and that is coaching.  In November, the head coach of the high school varsity team in Burlington asked me if I wanted to join the staff when I came home.  Thankfully enough, they allowed me to come into the season two weeks late.  From day one at the rink I knew the team was something special.  I got to coach the girls into the first state tournament birth in school history, I got to help 20 teenage girls become 1 team, and I got to develop relationships with athletes that will forever be in my life.  In three short months, I learned many things about myself from these girls everyday.  They taught me the true definition of perseverance.  Some of them have been on the team for 5 years, 5 unsuccessful years.  They did not give up on their team and made it as far as a team could go.  That taught me, without them knowing, that anything is possible if you just stick to it.  I am going to take that lesson with me and remind myself that everyday while I am gone.  I owe a lot of my happiness in my life to the girls because of how easy they made my transition from the Amerilife to real life for a short period of time.  These girls have changed my life forever.

In addition to coaching, I lived the unemployed life.  Let me tell you, that was not fun.  I found odds and ends to do thanks to dirty windows and an office moving.  I interviewed for a few jobs, but this one is definitely the one I want.  I am feeling a bit different this time around about leaving.  My excitement comes from knowing I am going to a city I loved AND two of my best friends live there.  They are two of the reasons why I am really thankful AmeriCorps happened in my life.  I am going to be staying at their place for a bit while I find a place of my own and we are going to have one HELL of a reunion tomorrow.  I honestly can't wait.  I am also excited to be starting a new adventure in the "job" slash volunteering world.  I am going to be a volunteer recruiter for the non-profit.  I will be working with almost each employee in the non-profit.  I will know more after my first two days of orientation with them, and I will for sure fill y'all in on my life when I know more.  I move tomorrow and will be spending the weekend in NOLA, but then Monday I have VISTA training through AmeriCorps.  I will be traveling to Denver for 3 nights 4 days of training.  Warmer weather, to snow for 4 days, then back to warm.  Kind of New England like for me.  I am excited about that too.

This week for me has been full of seeing people to say bye, looking at everything I need to pack because yes I haven't started yet, and trying to not think about how I am again taking a year to be making minimal money.  But honestly, I wouldn't have my life any other way than it is right now.  I have some of the most supportive people around me daily and I am really lucky that I am going to be living the life I want again for another year.  I am happy and ready to start a new journey in New Orleans.  The way I look at it, everyone I know now has an unreal place to come visit.  I hope the city is ready for me!

Again, I am excited to start a new adventure and I am so thankful for the people who have come into my life in the  last year and for the people who have always been there with the utmost support.  I think Winnie the Pooh sums up perfectly how I feel right now...“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." In my case something is somethingS. 

Until next time blog readers...

It's all over.

Where do I begin? Today was graduation day.  As I said in my last post I had the honor of being emcee, or "ameridictorian" as my friends called it, for the ceremony.  This is my speech I submitted to get chosen to speak...I read the last paragraph.

Ever since I can remember leadership and service have remained a prominent event in my life.  Leading others takes a certain kind of person.  Before AmeriCorps, leadership to me meant showing people the way.  After meeting my team leader I have learned that leadership is more leading by doing.  People follow by watching someone they emulate.  I look up to my team leader more than she will ever know and from her, I have learned that leadership is not just showing a team how to run it.  Leadership digs deep into the surface of the word lead.  I feel leadership is showing others the proper way.  My team leader has taught me this simply by being the leader that she is daily. 

When I wake up for a day of service I think of, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” I risked leaving my home, job, and the known to come to a life of the unknown.  I feel as though service is the same concept.  Daily our job consists of waking up, greeting people of communities, and simply serving them.  Service makes me feel like my life is complete.  Daily we take part in some aspect of service through our work.  Service gives me a feeling of accomplishment.  It is important for everyone, young and old, take part in service throughout their lives because giving back to others is the ultimate way of showing appreciation for the next person.  People never really know what they are capable of doing in any aspect of life if you sit and let life pass you by.  It is imperative, in this program especially, that we all risk going too far to see how far we actually can go.

It is hard to put into words exactly what the experience in NCCC has been like.  The only couple of words that I can possibly think of would be, life changing.  We started on February 27^th where we entered a world that immediately I thought was MTV's the real world.  We were strangers, picked to be in a program where people stop living their real life and start living in the ameriworld a world where real clothes were a thing of the past and khaki and gray or green became something you wore and wore it looking good daily.  Training could not have prepared us for what we were about to embark upon for the whole experience.  Once in our permanent teams we set out for our spikes.  Each day we were faced with adversity and we persevered.  Our team became a family, a family that nobody else in the world would understand why.  Spending each day together, working, eating, laughing, cooking, and dancing are experiences that cannot even be explained.  You wouldn’t get half of the stuff each collective team went through unless you were on the team.  I am forever changed because of the 8 members of my team, other team members, other team leaders, and our staff.   This program has taught me that when you think that you can’t, you can and you realize you can because of your teammates.  This program has taught me that no matter what is going on in your life, you will survive with the help of your team.  This program has taught me that friendship goes beyond Massachusetts.  Friendship is now in Ohio, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware and every other state in the country.  Most importantly, this program has taught me that you have a family you are born into and a family you create for yourself.  I can honestly say that I come from a large family, but now it has significantly grown because of this program.   I would not change this experience, every tear, every laugh, every terrible singing and dancing session in the van, every fight, every ISP, every home gutted, every trail blazed, every ride with Roe, every tire slashed, every glass block installed, every WPR, every piece of drywall installed, every sleeping situation and everyday with my team and others for anything.  How do you sum up what I have experienced in NCCC into words? You can’t, you have to live it to understand

I was so happy I got to address the Corps as emcee for the ceremony.  It meant the world to me. 

I have met some of the most amazing people in the last 10 months.  I am forever changed by each and every person I have met in the last 10 months.  I am so grateful I have a supportive family that allowed me to leave a full time job and making money to be in a national community service volunteer program.  I am so thankful for my best friends, 5 girls I can now NEVER live without.  I am thankful for my team and the year we had together.  The members of River Ten will forever hold a place in my heart. 

Tonight is the last night in Vicksburg, our little community.  I remember the night before I left we all googled Vicksburg and I was more nervous because of what I saw, different things than Burlington.  Weird.  Now, I am in love with our little city.  The sunsets, the Mississippi river, highway 61 coffee, The Tomato Place, Biscuit Company, Duffs, Roe's Cab service, and especially the Southern Region Campus.  You can't really explain this to anyone.  I love the south and I am moving the second I get somewhere down here. 

As I reflect on the last 10 months I am realizing I am totally different than I was in February.  I am happier, more open minded, more skilled, and my cooking is at it's prime.  I really am trying my best to think of a good way to sum up what I am feeling and the last 10 months, but I am at a loss for words.  This program has meant the world to me and I am so happy that I joined.  I will forever be an AmeriCorps member, and I will try my hardest to "get things done" even outside of my "A" uniform. 

I am so happy I got to share my journey with all of my readers out there.  I hope a story or two has stuck with you while reading and it has made some sort of impact.  I head to the airport at 4:30am tomorrow and will be in Boston by 4pm, just in time to hop on the ice with the high school team.  For those of you who have read my 10 month journey, thank you.  I enjoyed sharing my thoughts for everyone to read.  Maybe I will continue writing, who knows.  I am going to end this post with a quote that was read at graduation, but is one of my absolute favorites.  I thought about it a lot while in the program, and it has helped me through some of my days where I wanted to quit. 

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss

One week left...

I can't even believe this is where I am...I am in Vicksburg for one last time.  We left New York on Monday morning to trek back for a nice 26 hour, 3 day drive.  Before I get to the emotional mushy gushy stuff, there is still some New York to talk about!

One of the best parts of the last 2 weeks had to be the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.  A few teammates and myself went to see the big 80 foot tree be lit while listening to the live music from Rod Stewart, Cee Lo Green, and Mariah Carey.  I have always watched this on TV and it was awesome to be there for once.

I went home for Thanksgiving and my 5 year reunion for a nice 4 day vacation from the disaster life.  It was the most perfect 4 days.  I slept, saw old classmates, family, and enjoyed not being in New York.  When I got back, our team got switched to bulk distribution.  We now were helping stock up box trucks and Emergency Response Vehicles to provide hot meals to the Rockaways that are STILL without power.  These past two weeks were great.  I worked along side the site manager who was in charge of the food.  I pretty much was his little slave, but he will forever be someone I use as a reference for jobs.  He told me that I was one of the hardest workers he has ever worked with and on my last day got a standing ovation at the staff meeting that we had daily.  I loved the little projects that he had me doing.  This little time with him gave me new insight to the Red Cross.  We ended work on Sunday by out processing from the ARC.  Sam and I used Sunday to walk around the city and see things we hadn't seen yet.  We went to FAO Schwartz, Grand Central Station, and Central Park.  It was kind of the best day ever.  Our team went to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to take a nice team picture and then Chris Sam and I went to dinner at a French Steak House.  Holy damn, it was amazing. 

On Monday morning, our team piled into Scooter the 15p one last time to start the trip back to Vicksburg.  We made two stops in Richmond Virginia and Atlanta Georgia.  This ride back was one of the best rides yet.  We all knew that it was our last one, so naturally I made sure everyone knew every 5 minutes how sad I was.  We sang, danced, and fought like we usually did.  It was awesome to get back to campus and see everyone.  I missed my best friends a lot this round and I am so happy that we are back together!  We got to choose our roommates this time, which was great.  Rachel, Margaret, Julia and I have the greatest little room ever.  We have been enjoying our time since we got back on Wednesday.  Not too many tears yet.

This week is our last week in AmeriCorps.  I can hardly wrap my head around this.  I have made some of the best friends ever in this program.  I don't really know what I am going to do not surrounded by my team and friends daily anymore.  Wednesday and Thursday are our final days in AmeriCorps.  Wednesday we have our banquet and Thursday we have graduation.  I have been chosen to be the emcee of graduation Thursday so I have some speech writing to do in the next few days.  Pretty excited about that.  I don't really know what to think at this point about graduation.  I am nervous for life after AmeriCorps knowing I don't have a job, besides assistant coaching the high school girl's hockey team! I am so excited for that.  But, all in all, I am really sad about this program coming to an end.  I have always said how it has changed my life, and it sure has changed my life.  The experiences have forever changed my life, but more importantly, the people I have met really have left a large imprint on my heart.  This week, I will go on with a heavy heart because of how sad it is that I am leaving, but completing over 2,000 hours of community service and earning a presidential award for community service make it all worth while.  I am excited to be the emcee of graduation or as Julia likes to call it the valedictorian of AmeriCorps.  I am just glad part of my speech I wrote gets to be heard by everyone! 

I will write more during the week, but this is where I am at now.  Thanks for reading!

I am thankful for...

Hello y'all...or since I am in the Northeast, Hello you guys.  I am still in New York, in Times Square.  Awesome living conditions for us.  Work is going okay.  We finished our last shelter day about an HOUR AGO! Thank God.  We are happy.  Tomorrow we will be moved to bulk distribution to start delivering supplies to those in need.  I can't wait to see what another sector of Red Cross does for disaster relief. 

We had to say bye to some clients this week who, again, have changed my life.  I met a grandmother, "Mama" and her 5 grandsons that she raises on her own at our first shelter.  These boys are full of life, spunk, and energy.  I loved them.  They got placed in a home this week with Mama and watching them react to the housing decision was awesome.  They at first were so upset because they were leaving us, one actually asked how to join AmeriCorps when he is 18.  They were so down until someone told them their new apartment has a basketball hoop.  Little things in life make people happy is what these boys taught me.  Their grandmother is a saint.  Another couple told me they want to adopt me to make them PB&J everyday.  I was told I make a mean sandwich, I have a gift what can I say.  All of the clients we have met in the shelters are amazing.  I hope they all recover quickly and find a warm home for the holidays.

Since it is Thanksgiving week, I thought I would share what I am thankful for...

I am thankful for:

My mom & dad...they are my rocks.  Without their love and support over the last 10 months, I would not be where I am today.  I loved during training calling in the morning and talking to Dad-Z and I love the inspirational texts I got from the best mom in the world.  I would be lost without these two.

Bobby..There is no way I would have even heard of AmeriCorps without Bobby.  My brother is one of the people in my life I look up to most.  He calls weekly even during his busy schedule to ask how my spike is going, uses the AmeriCorps acronyms that nobody else in the world knows, and is constantly checking up on me.  This Ameriworld is a complicated one and it has helped so much to have a family member know what I am going through.  I am lucky to have such a positive role model in my life.

MaryKathryn...My birthday wouldn't have been the same without my sister.  I am not just thankful she came to visit me, but I am thankful I got to share my life that I am living now with a family member.  I am also thankful for the fact that MaryKarthryn has taught me the true meaning of teaching.  She is an unreal teacher, but she also teaches me about life.  Without an older sister to guide me along some tough roads, I probably wouldn't have survived as well as I have.  I am so lucky to have the support of a sister like I do in MaryKathryn.

Paul...This is Paul's senior year in college and as many of you know has played hockey for the past 3 years at Worcester.  This year he is not because he wasn't happy.  I am thankful that Paul has taught me, without knowing, that if you aren't truly happy and don't do what makes you happy, you ultimately won't be happy.  I am so happy Paul is doing what he wants and is enjoying his last year in college.

Bridget...I am more than thankful for Bridget.  Her curiosity and love for everything I am doing makes me happy everyday.  I joined this program to try to make our country a better one for Bridget to live in.  I hope someday I can share with her in detail my projects and all I have done.  From the day she was born until now she has been the most important person in my life.  I bring her with me everyday in my pocket through a sock of hers I found in my clean laundry and I can't wait to come home and finally see her play hockey.  She makes me happier than anyone in the world and I am so thankful she is my little Mini Me.

River 10...Beste, Sam, Chris, Terrell, David, Johnny and Lannise AND Jamie have changed my life in ways they don't even know.  I have learned so much about people, myself, and our world just from these 7 people.  I am so thankful for this program for bringing these people into my life.  My River 10 family have been the reason why I do what I love everyday and I honestly wouldn't have had the year I have had without them. 

Rachel, Margaret, Julia, Tiffany, and Sam...these 5 girls are 5 of the best people to have ever come into my life.  The past 10 months have been a roller coaster of emotions and without these 5 to go through it all with, I would be in Burlington by now.  I know that I have 5 of the best friends across the country (kind of) now because of them.  I am more than thankful I met them, they have changed my life forever and I wll forever be thankful for AmeriCorps for bringing them into my life.

Jill...I have the best friend in the world.  Jill is the one constant friend in my life that has been there for me through EVERYTHING.  Without her support this year through my journey, I would be lost!  She has been my touch of home daily just by saying hi.  I am so lucky to have a best friend like her that cares so much about what I am doing.

My GF's, haverhill girls, and the suitelife...where would I be without Bridgewater?  all of my gf's are the best!  They know how thankful I am for them and I honestly would be lost without them.  I know I say that about everyone, but these girls are it. 

Alyssa, Julie, Jen, and Amanda...they may be younger than me, but my gangstas are awesome.  I am thankful for their constant friendship and love.  I am lucky to say I have so many groups of friends especially these ones to count on.

My extended family...I have one giant family that I miss a whole lot.  I have heard from a lot of them this past year and I am so thankful for everything everyone has done for me.  I can't wait to see some of you over the holidays!

AmeriCorps & every person I have met this year...this year has changed my life.  I am not the person I was when I started.  I am so happy I joined the program and met everyone I have whether it is fellow Corps Members, Team Leaders, sponsors, people of the communities we have worked in, or a stranger in WalMart.  Everyone has changed me for the better and I will be forever thankful for AmeriCorps.

Last but not least...
Volunteerism...I said this last year in my blog, but without volunteers, the would would not turn.  Volunteerism is so important and I am so happy I chose this path for my life right now.  Volunteering makes me so happy and I can honestly say, I am so happy in my life right now.


I have several other things I am thankful for, but I wanted to highlight my important things in life right now.  I am such a lucky girl to have the life I do.  Everyday I am thankful this is my work and I am serving others.  I have a lot to be thankful for this year. 

Enjoy the turkey, family, friends, and relaxation.  I know I sure will be at 10 Thomas Street with the bread on the table and hoepfully a win from BHS.  Yes, I am going home!  I am thankful for that!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!