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.