yes, I've resorted to writing prompts...

My brain must be on hiatus. So here is random writing prompt number one: "Whose birthday was it? Write about the most memorable birthday party you ever attended."

Sarah Dyer's birthday party. I want to say second grade. There was lazor tag at Q-zar. I'm sure there was also cake at some point, though that's definitely not one of the most memorable aspects of the night. I was a bit of a wuss growing up. I would try to participate in sleepovers, but until the 4th or 5th grade I would end up surrendering to my homesick tendencies. This night I was particularly frightened because a family friend had recently been bitten by a copperhead when doing yardwork. It was actually my friend Peter's mom, if I remember correctly. She recovered fine, but the fear of snakes suddenly came to me after the night was winding down and we were putting in a movie. I called my parents, they couldn't come get me because they were out (and paying for a babysitter to be at home with my sisters) so naturally one of Sarah's parents drove me home. I remember the red brake lights in the driveway at my house and the immediately realization that it wasn't any better at home with the babysitter. I immediately wanted to go back to the party, but even in my naivete, I knew that would be unacceptable.

I'm an ordinary radical?

I’ve decided I want my next post to be a book review. I’ve been reading The Irresistible Revolution: living as an ordinary radical by Shane Claiborne and I can’t put it down. I’ll start by giving you some quotations from the books so you can get a feeling for it. These are also quotations that really spoke to me.

Over and over, when I ask God why all of these injustices are allowed to exist in the world. I can feel the Spirit whisper to me, “You tell me why we allow this to happen. You are my body, my hands, my feet.” (65)
This just makes me want to cry. How many times do we almost boast as Christians about being the hands and feet of Jesus one minute and the next we’re struggling, blaming God and asking him why he allows horrible things to happen in our world? Why doesn’t he just snap his fingers and make everything better. It’s because I’m that finger. And it’s my job to snap, to jump to action and do God’s will and work in this broken world.

As my teacher, Tony Campolo used to ask, “Even if there were no heaven and there were no hell, would you still follow Jesus? Would you follow him for the life, joy, and fulfillment he gives you right now?” (117)
As I was reading this book I kept thinking that this is the Christianity I’ve been searching for my whole life. I wonder how much stronger and secure in my progressive thoughts I would be if I was introduced to this Christianity my whole life. I used to ask people this question when I was younger. Most people in my church didn’t understand. I claimed that I didn’t care if the whole Jesus thing was a host, the joy and fulfillment that knowing Christ brings to my life is worth the possibility that I may be a fool.

So it’s important to understand that redistribution comes from community, not before community. Redistribution is not a prescription for community. Redistribution is a description of what happens when people fall in love with each other across class lines. (163)
Classism is an ism in our world with which I have the most trouble grappling. It’s so hard for me to not judge people (especially Christians) who are so fiscally conservative. Who think they’re entitled to their money. Now of course this is true to a certain degree, but if you claim to believe in Christ and try to follow in his footsteps then how can you sleep at night with all your money knowing there are people who die of starvation everyday. I know that’s a harsh statement and I know it’s a complicated issue. But I strongly believe that when people see other people as their brothers and sisters in Christ and get to know those people, they will not be able to resist the intense desire to make sure their basic needs are met.

… in the Lord’s Prayer … we are taught to pray for our daily bread. (To pray for “my” daily bread is a desecration; we are to pray for “our” daily bread, for all of us.) Over and over, we hear the promise that if we take only what we need, there will be enough. (170)
I think about all the food that is wasted in our society; from restaurants and family homes alike. Live simply so that others may simply live.

There are so many signs of hope, dear friends, and not just within the Christian underground. The crazy thing is that we are beginning to make sense; ordinary radicals are all around us. So we mustn’t allow ourselves to detach from the church in a self-righteous cynicism. That’s too easy and too empty. To those communities that have severed themselves from the established church, please build a bridge, for the church needs your prophetic voice. We can do more together than we can do alone. (354)
This pretty much sums up the reason I’m so passionate about going to seminary and becoming a minister. It’s silly, but I know I won’t be taken seriously by a lot of Christians unless I’ve been to seminary. I also want to be a part of the church and help to revitalize it and break the stereotypes and stigmas (ha) that surround Christianity. It won’t help to detach myself from the church and strike out on my own. I need to embrace the community that gives so much to help it discover a way to mend its brokenness.

Welcome to the irresistible revolution, a new and ancient way of life that is so attractive, who would settle for anything else? Welcome to the revolution of little people, guerrilla peacemakers, and dancing prophets, the revolution that loves and laughs. The revolution begins inside each of us, and through little acts of love, it will take over the world. Let us begin to be Christians again. Jesus, give us the course. (356)
What could be better than that?

City Year. Give a year. Change the world.

So it’s been a good while since my last post. I’ve been traveling all over! It’s been so wonderful. First I flew to Toronto to see my dad and Heather. That was an amazing trip and I wish so so much that it could have lasted much longer. Then I flew to Philadelphia for the Diplomas Now training. That felt so productive for the most part. We worked out a lot of details about how we’re going to implement this partnership at McAuliffe. After Philly it was off to Boston. For the first few days it was just Mary Elyse, Ethan and me. I got to see a lot of Boston. I did some site seeing on my own. Then the rest of the senior corps team from San Antonio came on Saturday night and we went to Charlie Rose’s (the Dean & VP of City Year) restaurant called Bella Luna. That was a great time. The rest of the week was filled with the inspirational training of Academy and getting to know all the other wonderful team leaders from all around the country. We worked hard and played hard. I never felt tired… not once the whole week. There was just too much energy and idealism swimming all around me and in my head. I don’t know how much I’ve stressed in this blog just how much City Year and all the people who work in this amazing organization inspire me and fuel my fire. I’m part of a national movement; a movement of service aimed specifically at eliminating the education gap and empowering the next generation to not just graduate from high school, but change the world. It seems so basic. But I think it’s just the answer I’ve been searching for. It’s just the place for me to start my travels and adventures in the non-profit world that I feel certain will be my life. Education. Not only as a means to a job or university, but maybe more importantly a means of feeling connected to your community and your world, a way to learn about different cultures and ways of thinking, and to learn that you’re not an island; to be inspired to see your potential come to full fruition.

City Year. Give a year. Change the world.

Head over heels?

I’ve been walking my dogs around Lexie’s neighborhood in Decatur and every time my senses are flooded once again by the smells of Georgia. The smoky smell of a barbeque from someone’s backyard hit me right in the face like childhood. The other morning the scent of rain was thick as fog in my nose and unlike San Antonio; I knew it meant I would be able to enjoy a nice afternoon thunder shower. I’ve decided on these nice walks that if I were to move back to Georgia I would live in Decatur. It’s a few miles away from downtown Atlanta, Little 5 Points, Freedom Park, and Hwy 78 connects Decatur to Athens so it’s a straight shot. All of these places come with amazing restaurants, shops, food markets, parks, and other recreation. I’ve also discovered that there are 4 Indian Restaurants and a couple Indian Markets less than a mile from my sister’s house as well. Decatur itself has an amazing culture. The Dekalb International Farmers Market is in Decatur, I mean, what more do I need? Katy Roe and I went there today and after I found out they take food stamps it definitely became one of my favorite places in the world. I bought some amazing fresh juice for my second juice fast experience which I will be starting tomorrow with Leigh. Here are some of the Little 5 Points wonders I’m talking about.

This is the spice wall in Sevanandah, a community owned natural food market. They have an amazing selection of bulk foods, coffee, fresh produce, plus a board that tells you what’s local this week. And I can’t forget the wide array of incense and aromatic candles.

This is amazing, fun, crazy store called The Junkman’s Daughter. They have a sister store in Athens called the Junkman’s Daughter’s Brother. They have zany clothes, costumes, jewelry, gifts, posters, home accessories and a lot more.

We ate at the Vortex. It’s known for its burgers (any of which you can substitute a veggie, turkey or bison burger for the regular beef patty). It has so much flavor and spunk. It reminds me a lot of the Blind Pig Tavern in Athens, they have the same sassy attitude. Those are just a few reasons why I love Decatur. It’s a part of Atlanta I’ve always been attracted to but never got the chance to get to know it like I am now. I may be falling in love.

Puppy Post!

I’ve been in Athens since Thursday. Leigh, Lexie and I went to Pain and Wonder for a consultation about the tattoos we’re getting. I’m pretty darn excited about getting another tattoo. We’re actually leaving in about 10 minutes to go to Athens and have them done!!

Here is Ashley’s new puppy, Dylan, looking adorable! This is at the Terrapin Brewery. We went there Thursday night and took some of the dogs. You buy a glass for the taste testing and then you hang out in a great field where the dogs get to run around. Oh, and there is always a band playing. Koda and Falkor are definitely enjoying hanging out with the old pack. Here is proof how much Koda has taken a liking to Dylan. They were so adorable sharing the bed.

I also got to see one of Koda’s puppies, Clover! She’s the one who looks the most like Koda, check it out!! She looks exactly like her momma bear.

So after lots of awesome puppy time, Brooke, Ashley and I went out Saturday night to check out AthFest. I noticed there is a distinct feeling when being out in downtown Athens and I love it. So nostalgic. I got to see Katy Roe and hear about her amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest. I’m definitely jealous. We ended the night perfectly with some sushi and Girl Scout Cookie Martinis.

Hot 'Lana

Just observe the beautiful Gelato. Leigh and I had a great day together that started at Whole Foods with some delicious Sushi (observe below), Kombucha and Gelato. It was so delicious! It’s kinda our tradition to go buy Sushi and usually a pint Ben & Jerry’s (this time Gelato) and eat out in the beautiful Georgia weather.

This Sushi was amazing! A California Roll with Soba noodles instead of rice. I highly recommend you try it.

Salmon Avocado Roll. A good one for sure. And of course you can see my Superfruit Kombucha in the background. If you haven’t tried Kombucha, it’s definitely an experience.

Here is evidence of the wonderful Georgia weather that graced our presence. This bright umbrella was surrounding us in yellow warmth during our lunch.

After lunch we went to 1,000 Villages, which you know is my favorite store. I just had to share these beautiful chopsticks. Leigh and I went back to Lexie’s and watched He’s Just Not That Into You. Then we went to Freedom Park. It’s right near Lexie’s house and there is a beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline from the park. Koda and Falkor went crazy over some squirrels. Then Leigh and I went up to Olive Garden to visit with Lexie and Philip. All and all a wonderful day! Tomorrow we’re going to go to the Vortex and then head up to ATHENS!!!! Yay vacation.

Aroma of home

The smell of Georgia. I wouldn’t have believed it either. But on Saturday I drove back into Georgia after being gone for 6 months (the longest I’ve ever been away) and the smell hit me. I speculated that it must be all the pine, the fresh scent of rain or the fireflies. I think the changing seasons much have something to do with the smell. Summer is warm enough or fireflies, but spring and fall are not. Spring is perfect for pine pollination and so yellow snow coats everything. And let’s not forget the rain. Oh Lordy Lordy, have I missed the rain. I was welcomed home with the low rumble of thunder and the misty smell of fresh summer rain in the air.

I have a list of activities and places to fill my time while I’m back in Georgia. I’ve had a couple days to adjust and get over my sadness about my first City Year coming to a close and the miserable car ride home that followed. So now I’m ready and raring to go! My goal is to post at least one picture for each day I’m here. I’m a little behind… So I’m starting today J PS Emeril is making fried Oreos on his show!

So an overview of my first two days in Georgia. Sunday, Father’s Day, we made our way up to Bulldaddy’s house in the north Georgia mountains. I got to see my cousin’s new babies, Shyler and Landon. I also got to play with their older sister, Brinly. What an adorable family! I’m going to go up to Abby’s one weekend so I can hang out with them again. Then we came home and I shaved my puppy dogs. Poor Falkor, I shaved his belly a little short, but I was a pro by the time I got to Koda. I spent some time hanging out with my mom and then went down to Lexie’s to spend the night. Monday morning I slept in until about 12:30, it was wonderful. The rest of my day was filled with necessary errands. Getting a battery for my car, going to the pet store, washing the pups and making dinner with my mom. Then it was back to Lexie’s a hang out and spend the night and that’s where I am now, watching Food Network. I’m going to tromp around Atlanta today. Hopefully Leigh will come down to join me. I’m so excited to see Layton!! AHHH!!!

Leadership Summit

Washington DC.

Monday: Get up super early (didn’t get enough sleep the night before) and head to the airport (THANKS JILL) There I met up with John, Paul, and Patricia Cornales (Exec in SAISD) I was fortunately able to sleep on the plane. Arrived at the hotel. John and I went to the Air and Space Museum. Met up with Colleen and Nick from City Year Columbus and walked around with them, a lot; then walked back to the hotel. Then walked with Paul to dinner; ate a delicious dinner at The Ebbot Grill. Walked back to the hotel and met with all the other corps members with Charlie Rose. Met my roommate for the trip; Caitlin Kelly from City Year Detroit. We had a lot of good talks at night, especially about the state of Detroit. Sleep.

Tuesday: Went to have coffee with Senator Cornyn and talked to a CUTE intern there. Then met with Michelle Chin from his office to convince them City Year is awesome and so the Serve America Act needs to be funded. Then we met up with the rest of City Year at Georgetown to have lunch and hear lots of speakers. Among them were Arne Duncan (Secretary of State), Michelle Rhee (Chancellor of DC Schools and an amazing woman), Joel Klein (Chancellor of NYC Schools), Michael Brown, The Feltonville Diplomas Now! Team and a few more. Then we went to Union Station (beautiful) and mingled with appetizers. Heard from Mrs. Colin Powell and saw 5 amazing City Year alumni awarded the Comcast Awards. Also saw an amazing corps member from LA win the Building Bridges (basically corps member of the year) Award. He reminded me of Jonathan Fletcher. The DC Senior Corps took all the CY CMs to Ben’s Chili Bowl. I got a chocolate milkshake. Talked to interesting people. Then they took us on a tour of the Washington Memorial, WWII Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, which are all beautiful at night. Then sleep.

Wednesday: Got up super early to have Breakfast with Congressman Gonzalez. Next we had a meeting with Moe Vela, Administrator for Biden. He was such a dynamic guy; very very nich. He talked to us for 2 hours!! Then a luncheon. Then a meeting with 2 more representatives. Airport, delayed plane. Talked to Allison; she works in development with World Wildlife Fund. That was an amazing conversation. I learned a lot about the organization. But we missed our flight in Chicago. Took forever getting out of the airport. Drove around Chicago (now I want to live there more than ever!) and finally, sleep.

Thursday: Woke up early, got on plane, tried to sleep… got to San Antonio. Sleep.

That was the outline for my amazing trip to Washington DC. But what I really got from the trip was a bigger better version of the awe I experienced when Charlie Rose came to City Year San Antonio for our ATA. It is amazing to see the impact of City Year on a national level and all the amazing people who support our efforts (see speaker list above). It shows me I have a lot to learn from City Year… maybe more than just my two corps years.

Getting back

The year is winding down. All that meant to me before was a trip home and then the craziness of next year will start. All of which I’m totally ready for. But today we went to McAuliffe to say good-bye to our kids. It is the last day of school for them. I definitely wasn’t ready for that. I’m so lucky I’ll get to see a lot of the kids again next year, but some I won’t. Especially my three 8th graders I’ve been tutoring/mentoring two days a week for pretty much the whole year. I made a promise to myself to go see them at the 9th grade academy. They all play sports too so I’m going to go watch their games. Not to mention our kiddos in after school and lunch clubs. I remember missing them over winter break and I don’t know why that didn’t clue me in that I’d miss them even more now. These kids have been our focus for the past 10 months. Everything we’ve planned from lunch clubs, after school, family nights, a legacy project and so much more…. has all been for them. That’s amazing, but it makes leaving them so hard. It’s not hard because of how much we’re helping them and all we want to do is keep it up. This is the part when we realize just how much they inspire, teach and share so much of themselves with us. This is the part when all I want to do is give my all next year. Not because I want to change the world, but because these kids are some of the most amazing people I know and they deserve nothing less than everything I’m possibly capable of giving. I want to get to know these kids; their struggles, joys and laughter. I don’t care how much harder it’ll make leaving them after another 10 months. I was so touched by the assemblies for the 8th graders today; recognizing their accomplishments and letting them have fun with dancing and a slideshow. Christa McAuliffe Jr. High School will forever have a very special spot in my heart and I’m a far better person because of it.

Innocence

Jill and I (hmm…) were talking about the lack of volunteers to go to war refugees in a great time of need. People will flock to aid a hurricane or a tsunami. With the abundant and saddening amount of displaced people around the world I wonder if people realize the greatest number of displaced people is a result of war; in places like Sudan, the DRC, Sri Lanka, and Somalia, just to name a few, the need is great. I know there are many reasons not to go and help these people. But there are many reasons not to do a lot of things. I’ve found one very good reason to help. Children. Children are affected by this war it seems even more than the adult. With the horrors of becoming a child soldier, facing rape, and having any opportunity for education taken away from you in a moment, a child’s future in these war torn areas seems hopeless. I don’t have the answers. I know some people who would pick up and go to these places in a heartbeat. For others, it seems unfathomable. I think the biggest thing we need to do is talk about it. Talk about these children, because nobody can say it’s their fault, that they don’t deserve help. Then conversations around how you’re willing to help, how you’re able to help can happen. Maybe if we talk about it enough the right person will hear; the person who can do something. I’m all about action and deeds, but those actions need to start by getting a little fired up. Spreading awareness is as good an action as anything. So here’s a letter, written by parents in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on behalf of the children of their country. This is just one country, but unfortunately their story is common.

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/04/22/letter-parents-eastern-democratic-republic-congo-un-security-council

Austin and Koi

Jill and I made a day trip to Austin yesterday. It was a great decision and something we plan to do more often. We walked around SoCo (South Congress) which is like a bigger version of South Town (First Fridays) here in San Antonio. Some of the highlights are a huge candy store that sells chocolate covered bacon, an amazing antique store called Uncommon Objects, and a little grocery store called Farm to Market. I also got to show Jill 10,000 Villages, which is my favorite store of all time. It’s a non-profit, completely free trade store. You can learn about the artisans here: http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/artisan.php Everything there is beautiful. We met up with Layton at a great little coffee shop and had a great time talking and catching up with her. Then we ate at Mellow Mushroom which was delicious. It made me very nostalgic for our days playing Trivia there this summer. Ahhh the good ol days. Finally, Jill and I went to a bookstore Layton told me about called Book People. Book stores always make me happy : ) but it also made me decide that I have to start going to the library more, because I just can’t afford new books right now.

So along with Austin, tattoos have been filling my mind lately. Lexie, Leigh and I are going to all get Koi tattoos when I’m back in Georgia this summer. I’m going to get one like this, but with 3 Koi in a circle instead of just 2. I want all of them to be like the black one with accents of color that my sisters choose. I’m debating between 2 places right now. The first one is the top part of my right calf; on the back/side just below my knee. The other is on my left side right below armpit. I like that one because it’s close to my heart. But my other tattoo is behind my left ear… so my balance would be off… any suggestions or opinions?

Adios!

Oh my god, SHOES!

I’m sitting in my new amazing beautiful apartment! It’s just 2 blocks away from San Pedro Park, the second oldest park in the United States and my favorite place. I’m living here with Jill and Carly. They’re amazing, I wouldn’t be happier with my living situation. The three of us are also coming back for a second year with City Year. They asked me to be a team leader for McAuliffe next year! We also had our McAuliffe Legacy Project yesterday. We have these two huge murals designed by the city based off of all the ideas from the kids in after school at McAuliffe. It started pouring down rain during lunch so we didn’t get to finish the murals, but that just means that I get to paint murals all week :)

Jill told me about TOMS SHOES. http://www.tomsshoes.com/ you should all definitely check out the website. The shoes are pretty awesome and it’s an amazing cause. If you have any other opportunities like this, please pass them my way. I think these are my favorite shoes on their website.

STONE SOUP!!!

My last post was insignificant and lame. I'm sorry. I'm going to tell you about the important things. City Year. Young Heroes. Camp City Year. Senior corps application. Did I mention City Year?

We're going through the application process for senior corps/team leader positions for next year. I'm getting very nervous as the process is quickly coming to a close. We've had time to "lead" other teams, have our interviews, and get freaked. It's hard because City Year is kind of my only option at the moment for next year. I really really want to come back as a team leader. I know that may make me super lame, Leigh, but it's true. City Year has been the best dang experience of my entire life and I'm not ready or willing for that to be over. So cross your fingers and think happy thoughts on March 13 (a Friday, by the way).

Young Heroes is still amazing and going strong. Last week we educated the Young Heroes about the Homeless population and they all went to various locations for service in the afternoon. The programming in the morning was fantastic. Carly arranged a rotation of quick games they had to win in order to get supplies to make a home out of a cardboard box. Guess which team won. Stone Soup of course. That afternoon my team went to the soup kitchen at the Samm Shelter. It was amazing. The man, Thomas, who ran the kitchen there said that our kids were great and more hard working than most of the volunteers that come every week. Yay, Stone Soup is basically the greatest. This service project reminded me of all my great and first experiences serving that got me hooked. It's really amazing to be in a position where I'm leading youth who are potentially having those same experiences. Goosebumps. Today was amazing with the Young Heroes as well. We spend the morning just in our team talking about people with different abilities. Our service during the afternoon was at the Mission Road Development Center. It's a home for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Our kids loved it and really got into the last part of the afternoon, which was playing basketball with the children at the center. One of the children played basketball really well. I also brought Falkor to this Young Heroes saturday. He was a big hit with the Young Heroes when we were hanging out in the morning, waiting for everyone to arrive and the building to be opened. And he was so great with the children at the development center. All of our Stone Soupers had a fantastic time. If they had a thorn for the day it was only that we didn't get to stay at the development center longer.

I have to run with my roommate to goodwill now. I'll write more about Camp City Year later :)

sick sick sick

I'm sick... since Tuesday morning I've been in this deplorable state and it sucks. The good news is that I'm taking care of myself this time. Unlike my sickness last semester that ended up last 2 weeks plus because I just kept going to work like I'm superwoman or something. And I'm not. Not even close. So I finally went to the doctor this morning. They gave me some meds and a steroid shot. My boss has ordered me away from City Year for at least today and tomorrow... which is smart. It's nice to have people around who will make me take care of myself. Cause Lord knows I'm not going to. I'm already getting stir crazy cause I've taken the last two afternoons off to rest. But that's the relatively uneventful sad story of right now... Let me catch you up on the good stuff.

CAMP CITY YEAR!!! I'm so excited about it. It's going to mean so much more to me since I have a hand in the planning as the Program Director. It sounds too official. Carly and Lilly are my Arts people, Shawn is my recreation guy, and Bella is handling all aspects educational. David, Allison and I were brainstorming quirky, random thinks to do througout camp so the kids never ever forget us. We also got this huge, amazing campsite in the Texas Hill Country so we get to go all out with an overnight camp!! I can't wait to see what the final product is going to look like. Watch out Cyzygy!!! Here we come!

We've also had a couple Young Hero Saturdays. As a team leader it's been a little tiring. I've worked the past 3 weeks without a single day off. I guess this sickness is my body asking "WHAT IN THE HECK?!?!" But I'm still loving it. Loving my YH team, Stone Soup! We had our huge MLK weekend extravaganza. A service project on Saturday. Young Heroes training and a retreat on Sunday. And then the HUGE (largest in the country as a matter of fact) MLK Day March. We had the Young Heroes in tow. I thought we'd lose someone for sure, but they stuck with us. Then the following weekend the Young Heroes learned about stereotypes among the middle school generation and cleaned up Woodlawn Lake. On Sunday we had our first Camp City Year meeting! We decided to go with the theme "Nature" and we're still working on a catchy title.

I miss everyone back home like crazy. Sarah, Brooke, Ashley, Katy, Lexie, Leigh, Dad, Daniel, Meredith, Naomi, Mom. And Layton in Austin... But I will say I feel lucky. I'm here in San Antonio and everyday I feel more and more like this was the best decision of my entire life. I know I wouldn't feel that way if I didn't have a best friend here to share it with. I don't think she hears it enough so... Jill you are amazing and you keep me going strong. I hope you know just how much you mean to me!

The New Year

We had two weeks off for holiday break and so I went back to Georgia!! Of course two weeks was not long enough to fit in all the things I wanted to do and all the people I wanted to see, but it was pretty close. I could list all the details, but the highlights were hanging out with Lexie and Leigh. Olive Garden. Taco Mac with Layton, Meredith and Daniel. Relaxing a lot at my dad's house and meeting Heather. Going to the burbs with all the puppies. Rock Band 2 and World Tour with Sarah, Ashley, Brooke, and Colin. Allgood with all the same people. Sushi with all the same people. Sushi and Trapeze with Katy. New Years at Meredith's lake house playing Dutch Blitz and Pass the Pigs :) Baking. Cooking. Watching movies. All in all doing nothing but what I wanted to do. Good times.

I'm back in San Antonio now after a grueling 18+ hour drive. Some punks tried to steal my car again! But this time is was all old news. The first week back at City Year for Advanced Training Academy (ATA) started out a bit overwhelming. First of all I over slept and was late. But then we got all this information about the tons of stuff we're going to do this semester. Which is very exciting and I'm looking forward to all of it. It also makes me a bit tired just thinking about it. Here are some things I'm especially excited about. YOUNG HEROES!! You have a little background information from my last post. I'm excited to build relationships with these amazing kids I've met. I know my Saturdays as a Young Heroes Team Leader are going to be some of the best times. I'm also really looking forward to the after school program we're starting at McAuliffe called Starfish. It's a service learning program kind of like young Heroes, but not quite as intense. The units we'll be talking about with our kids are Health, Environment, and Peace & Conflict. I'm point person for the Environment unit and I'm really looking forward to that experience. I'm trying to revamp my lunch clubs. I'm hoping to have a lot more success. I'm also looking forward to Camp City Year. It's a camp we put on for kids in San Antonio over their spring break. This year it's not overnight, but it'll still be a great time with the kids. I'm also really looking forward to Cyzygy. It's our national conference where all the City Year sites come together. That's going to be amazing, especially if San Antonio gets paired up with South Africa again.

Another thing that was overwhelming about the first day back was the rolling out of Senior Corps Member applications. I want to come back and do a second year in City Year as a Team Leader. There are many reasons I feel like that experience will be extremely beneficial to me. I came into City Year telling myself that I would put 110% into the year and take advantage of all leadership opportunities. I know that being a Team Leader would teach me so much more and prepare me to take on my future endeavors with confidence and experience. I never expected City Year to be so much bigger than just a gap year… It’s introducing me to this huge movement toward Nation Service. I think City Year is doing such wonderful and amazing things. It’s a strong leader in this movement and I’m so lucky to have found this community. I know that it will be a big part of my life from here on out. The Vice President and Dean of City Year, Charlie Rose, was in San Antonio these past couple of days. He is such an inspiring individual. Someone I can really look up to and model my career in the non-profit sector after. I’m so overwhelmed (in a good way) with City Year and all the experiences I have to look forward to this semester. Last semester was hard. It was a time to grow and get acquainted with City Year life and all the ups and downs that come with it. Now that I have my feet wet I’m ready to make the plunge and not look back.

So speaking of taking a plunge. One of the other activities we did for ATA as a corps was a high ropes course. I’ve been rock climbing and rappelling, but I’ve never done a high ropes course before. Man o man was it intense. I was so proud of everyone. So many people were terrified but did it anyways. Everyone was encouraging to each other as well. The first course our group (McAuliffe, Casey, and part of the CE team) was crazy! We had to climb to the top of a ladder and then climb up a telephone pole to this platform. From there we had to walk across a cable (we had a cable above our heads to hang on to). The last part was the hardest for me. We had to walk out to the middle of this log (with nothing to hold onto) and then free fall off of it. It took me a while to let go and walk to the middle of that log. Keep in mind that all this is going on about 30 feet up in the air. The second course started the same. Climbing up a telephone pole. Then you had to walk across another cable and this time you had two cables (one on each side) to hold onto. After that you hooked up to a zip line and went on down. It was a great experience!