Dude... where's my couch?

2012-01-29T17:01:00.003-08:00

Sometimes it's nice being in one place for a little while. Although I think most often being in one place doesn't necessarily mean that I'm sitting still. More often than none I'm juggling, shifting and
multi-living. So even though I was pretty 08055 bound there was plenty of time to take in a track meet where Jordan cleared 6'6 pole vaulting (woop!), Taylor was particularly bedazzled and stunning striking a pose for cotillion and I even managed to get a little time soaking in the beauty of fifty five degree weather in late January.

As we our on the heels of February it seems as if winter, to this point, has been pretty tolerable. I take advantage of any chance given to hop on my bike, breathe in a little crisp, clean Jersey air and sit still for a few minutes to take in a stunning sunset. There is something about a stunning sunset that leaves me in awe and wonder at the beauty of the creation around us. I've found myself propped up on the life guard chair of beach three soaking in many sunsets over the past two years. Finding time the time to make time usually pays off in the long run. I love nature. I love color. I love how epic our Creator is. Dig it.

bonding with the manatees : )

2012-01-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Free Counter

2012-01-22T13:03:00.007-08:00

There is just something about the sun and warm weather that is rejuvenating. For 53.6 hours Keith and I had a quick trek to Florida to attend the annual Manatee Festival in Crystal River. Keith and the kids had a vacation home there up until about a year before we met. So it was nice to visit a place that I have heard so much about over the past two years.

2012-01-22T13:03:00.005-08:00

From Tampa airport we stopped by Tarpon Springs, which is home to the largest Greek population in the world outside of Greece itself. As Gus from My Big Fat Greek Wedding would say, "it's everything Greek."

Boats lined the docks touting tours and loaded with sponges. The sponge is a very large part of the industry here that not only draws tourists, but provides an income for area residents. I've never seen so many sponges in my life.

2012-01-22T13:03:00.003-08:00

From Tarpon Springs we headed to Crystal River to embrace everything of a manatee nature. I've experienced quite a lot in my thirty four years, but nothing quite like swimming with the manatees.

They are fascinating creatures that I found myself totally mesmerized by their docile and totally unique nature.

At one point a calf approached me and rolled around in the water as I scratched it's belly. I even managed to get a little peck on my nose before it floated away to it's mama. What an experience....

2012-01-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

Both on the way to and from the airport we hit Mykonos restaurant in Tarpon Springs. Everything is covered in a pasty white and electric blue representing the essence of Greece through color and pictures. We embraced the flaming cheese, gyro, greek salad and baklava. Yum! It was an instant flashback for me to Athens and Corfu. Greek food is an art and this place is the definition of legit.

If you ever manage to visit Tarpon Springs, put this place on the top of the list. Opa!

2012-01-22T13:02:00.001-08:00

So although it was another whirl wind weekend, it was fully worth it. I was clinging to sun and flip flops for as long as possible. Sitting in the sun, sipping tea and embracing the state of relaxation before returning to the brisk chill of Jersey. But it is small chunks of time that make even the most gray, frigid day not seem so dismal.
Posivive self talk at its best : )

Peeps of a sharpened nature

2012-01-16T15:44:00.001-08:00

Relationships are a pretty powerful part of life. As human beings the connections that we maintain with others often has a hand in quality of life as well as our self worth. I have always been a people person, but as the years have gone by I've become more selective with who I spend time with. That might sound a bit arrogant, but the truth is there is plenty of negativity and sadness out there and there are plenty of people that I have met over the years that reek with an internal 'yuck' factor. My feeling is that iron sharpens iron...I enjoy being with those who make me feel good about myself, lift up instead of tear down and who are a pleasure to be in their company.

I count myself pretty fortunate to have a range of 'peeps' that range a broad spectrum in age, personality and interests. The past few years it has been a blessing to keep contact with a handful of graduates that have become a part of my life outside of the 9-5 realm. My feeling is that we can often find different forms of lessons and insight from young and old if we're willing to listen. I am often re-charged listening and re-connecting with young people that I have had the privilege to watch grow and mature over the years. It also is a pretty good feeling to have kids want to spend time with the old drug lady after all of these years : )

Arianna and I met up to break a little bean at Starbucks this afternoon and she has always had the ability to put a smile on my face. Great heart, big smile and a huge desire to paint the world with a whole lot of color...spread the goodness!

2012-01-15T16:23:00.000-08:00

The last time I was visiting my parents I managed to track down a rubbermaid container filled to the brim with family pictures. It contains hundreds of pictures that when you start digging are countless memories and faces that make up who I am. My goal is to find order and bring the past to life. They always say that a picture says a thousand words and I believe that. One of these days all of these pictures will make their way onto my computer and ultimately into a book. When pictures fade, discolor or simply wear over the course of time it does something to my heart. A goal of mine during the course of the year is to begin assembling the time line of pictures and then share that with the family.

It's easy to get trapped in the mindset that our parents are the individuals that we have known since birth and confine them to that. But I am always amazed at the people Paul and Brenda were before their three kids entered the world. Young kids who wanted to live, experience life and see the world. They busted out of Bayonne and haven't looked back since. I admire who they are, but I find myself possessing a similar spirit to the young P & B who camped out on the beaches of Hawaii, drove across cross country buying a plot of land in Idaho and trekked along the coast of California. With each picture I come across my mom and dad come across less as parents and more as people who have always possessed a level of passion for life that was then passed onto their kids.

There are moments when looking at pictures still strikes a nerve or causes my throat to tighten at a past that part of me feel has faded. Smiles and memories of when my sisters and I were little kids riding horses, smiling on the beach with surfboards in hand as the thermometer read thirty degrees and sitting around the table eating pancakes that mom made hot off the griddle.

I don't think it will ever not make my heart a little sad and a little happy, but my hope is to never allow the faces and memories to slip through my fingertips. Memories and what was is a part of all of us. It's sometimes easier to not think about, but all of the good, the bad, the sad and the joy forge us into who we are. So before December rolls around I hope there will be a book assembled with the history and life of a little kid and her two sisters from Medford.

Jam Session...

2012-01-07T18:33:00.001-08:00

This has to be one of my favorite clips of all time. Keith and the girls had an awesome weekend in Florida at the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon. Disney always does things top notch and that includes dinner.

Taylor was selected to do a little jam dance session up on stage in front over a thousand people! The girls continue to amaze me...always keeping things interesting : )

Check out the clip....pretty cool.

2012-01-07T18:10:00.003-08:00

Keith and the kids entered the sunshine state on Thursday and headed straight for Disney. They had awesome weather and it was a weekend full of sun, Disney goodness and the Princess 1/2 Marathon.

My parents and Tristan were able to trek to Jersey for a quick weekend while Jess and Gabe held down the farm. They very rarely have the opportunity to just relax and I think this weekend allowed them to do just that. I'm not really sure it is we did, but whenever we have the chance to spend time together it means the world to me.
Saturday the weather couldn't have been any more ideal. Sitting on the beach, playing in the sand, eating chowder and searching for shells hasn't been on the agenda since they left the Outer Banks. Needless to say, it was a pretty great day.
It was a joy to watch them just relax, lay on a blanket and have great conversation. It has been a long time since 'zen time' with the parents has happened and I'm so very glad it was possible.

While we sat on the beach Jordan and Taylor were in full gear running. They both had great times with just over two hours. The past month plus they have been hitting the tread mill and putting some miles on their sneakers all around Medford and it all paid off.
I've run my share of 5ks, but to run 4.5 of them I think my legs would detach from my body. I'm pretty proud of them....what an awesome accomplishment! Go girls!

New connects to the old

2012-01-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

It always takes me awhile to transition when a new year sets in. This might age me a bit, but there's a sense that with each year that passes the time slips by a little faster than the year prior. Scribing 2012 on a banking slip yesterday felt awkward and I'm often amazed that yet another 365 days have passed by.
We returned to school today and although I was not overly enthusiastic about returning from a great break, it was nice to see my friends and kids again. It's nice to love what you do.

Last night I met up with my dear friend, Sue, who is prepping for a two year plus venture in England with her husband, Mark, who was transferred to Bath. Sue and I have been through thick and thin and it's one of those relationships that months can pass without seeing one another and as soon as we're together we pick up right where we left off. Time sort of stands still when we get together to chat, laugh, cry and be the crazy drug ladies that we are. I have tremendous respect for Sue and as she embarks upon a new journey my excitement for her new chapter grows.

Change can be super overwhelming and anxiety provoking, but quite often how we look at the path we are embarking upon plays a roll in the journey. If you anticipate the worst and the 'what ifs' it's pretty definite that you'll be more inclined to be surprised for things to go well than the contrary. Life is a journey and we can choose to keep our eyes glued to the rear view mirror stuck on the past (the good and the bad) or we can opt to look through the windshield going forward and being able to have a grasp on what is ahead of us; that also includes the good and the bad.

So often, we white knuckle the future clinging to what was and what could have been instead of what can be. I am a part of Sue's life, but I will be here when she returns. Life goes on. Each of us have our own life to live and pages to fill. The trick is to not allow the rear view mirror or white knuckle mentality to forge our path. Live, embrace and dig the journey of life.

The After Christmas-Christmas

2011-12-31T15:12:00.003-08:00

On Monday I headed down at around 3 am for an after Christmas-Christmas visit to the farm. Tristan and I have had a tradition of chopping down a tree and decorating it for the past three or four years now and this year wasn't any different. Jess, the boys and I took a trek along the property and were on a mission to find the perfect tree. After a little comparing and contrasting the small, large and in between we came to an agreement.

To avoid the wrath of pine needles we opted to decorate and go all out with an outside set up. Lights, tied on sparkly wrapping paper and a few other improv decorations that pretty much made it the best tree in the area. I think if the proper individuals were around we might have won an award. I have to say I'm pretty proud of our efforts.

Tristan, Gabe and I assembled the coolest space ship IN THE WORLD. Not only was it pretty legit, but we found some glow in the dark paint that made it oh so very spacy. Lots of duct tape, paint brushes and paint for the coolest space ship I have ever seen.

The week always seems to fly by, but it was a wonderful few days with the the parentes, the boys and Jess. I value the time I am able to spend with them and feel blessed to have such richness in my life. From a improv Christmas tree, a cardboard space ship and roasting marshmallows in the fireplace and by the pit - it is simple things like these that bring a smile to my face and realize how very precious the little things in life are.

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed 2012!

Feliz Navidad

2011-12-28T10:20:00.003-08:00

Somehow Christmas Eve and Christmas managed to avoid feeling as both were in warp power speed. Christmas morning we started with coffee, stockings and moved onto unwrapping presents and just enjoyed being together.
I headed out for the farm a little before one and about fifteen minutes up the road I opted for a bit of a u-turn and returned to Camp Oswego to have a full day of Christmas with the fam. There are many times I wish I could have the parents and Jess situated about three hours north...it would make life easier and the fact of missing them wouldn't be so acute. But, all is good and we sort of had a post-Christmas - Christmas.

The kids and Keith get a few days without the 'E' as I am maintating a farm fresh mindset for the next day or so. I will return north of the Mason Dixon bearing straight out of the chicken eggs, Amish noodles and jams that keep this 'E' maintaining a 365 farm fresh mentality.

2011-12-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas Eve and nearing Christmas day in less than an hour. I am still awake and that in itself is a miracle. After a day of being with family, attending Christmas Eve service and eating way too much it is now a small window of down time before Christmas officially arrives. By window of time I mean more like seven hours, but I'll take down time in any form available.
I think one of my favorite part of Christmas time is Christmas Eve service standing in silence for about an hour, holding a candle and alloting time to reflect, give thanks and rejoice in the true meaning of the season...Christ's Birth. So often we loose sight of what it is all about. I realize there is Hanukkah and to that I say, Happy Hanukkah. We're moving onto night number six and the menorah is shining bright in our front window. We're a little half and half in Lawler-Patterson land : )

It is a beautiful time of the year. I love the smells, chill in the air and the stillness that seems to fill the air shortly before the unwrapping and hustling for presents begins. After our family dessert this evening I walked back to our house. It was less than a ten minute walk, but there's something pretty wonderful about total silence, stars above and a crispness in the air that chills your lungs. I am grateful for the creation around me, my family and the beauty in places that are sometimes easily overlooked.

Off to bed before Santa or Hanukkah Heloise show up....time's ticking!

Free Counter

2011-12-23T18:31:00.001-08:00

Our day in New York City was wonderful. There is something pretty great about being in the city right before Christmas with store fronts elaborately decorated, lights streaming along each building and the overall 'Christmas buzz' fills the streets.
We soaked in a bit of culture with the Nutcracker which I managed to maintain consciousness (not a small feat for a jittery, a.d.d ridden drug counselor) throughout the entire 2nd half : ) It was pretty amazing watching the dancers and the decour. Absolutely beautiful.

What better way to follow up the Nutcracker with a hot cup of coffee and browsing a local street market? Spices, teas, ornaments and fun hats....that is truly the definition of fun!

It was a great day with clear skies, a little chill in the air and a totally great prep for Christmas...

2011-12-23T18:24:00.001-08:00

The week before Christmas typically falls under the umbrella of crazy train status. It always feels like the pressure is on in all aspects of life and it can be beyond challenging to keep things in balance and remember, after all, it is about the birth of Christ and not a whirl wind of presents, to do lists and the rising of blood pressure.

The last day of work before break has become the moment of, as Barry Manilow so aptly sang, 'looks like we made it...' status. From getting all decked out in our ugly Christmas sweaters, to having a full fledge breakfast buffet with the girls and rolling with our 'Project Seneca Elf,' it is truly the final lap in the race to break. Yay!
Thursday and Friday we spent handing out over 80 bags, cookie trays and baskets for students. Coordinating and assembling such a large scale project is overwhelming, but I would not change a thing about it. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to look each kid in the eye and send the message of 'we care...'
I frequently use the cliche, "don't judge a book by its' cover." Each of us have our own chapters in life and no one really knows what goes on beyond the cover and Intro. With the economy and present state of economy for many, times are tough. My feeling is there is no better way to truly celebrate Christmas than assuming the eyes of Christ. May I not judge. May I look into the eyes of those I cross paths with and see the inner and not the outershell. May I extend my hand to assist with no intention of receiving anything in return.
There is tremendous joy this season, but also a whole lot of pain and sadness. My hope is that we alleviated even just a fraction of that for a few moments in some lives reinforcing the defintion of family, love and Christmas.
God Bless! Merry Christmas!

2011-12-11T15:51:00.001-08:00

Anytime I am in the presence of my girlfriends life seems a little better. I feel profoundly blessed to have such amazing women in my life that make me laugh, smile and unwind in a way that is healthy for the soul. Being in the midst of a whole bunch of people who love kids, dig what they do and want to make a difference is sort of like an early Christmas present for me. Laughter is good for the heart.

Saturday I headed up to Bayonne to spend some time with family. Sometimes there is no way to connect what is going on in your heart with words. As I climbed the three flights of stairs that lead to my aunt and cousin's apartment my heart was heavy with an overwhelming sense of sadness for them. For quite some time there has been a heap of issues, too many to get into via blog. I actually stopped on the second floor looking out the window and into the courtyard mired in ruble. The adjacent side of the building, in full view, facing me with its cracked window panes and faded brick exterior. How could our worlds be so drastically different? I'm not sure if I had a magic wand it could do the trick.

It has been probably six months since I have ventured up to exit 14a. Maybe that's intentional on my part. There are so many emotions involved when I visit. With my aunt and cousin I feel like I could never do enough to alleviate their problems and at the same time it beats the heck out of my emotionally. I feel like a hampster stuck in a wheel that will never cease spinning.
I walk down Broadway and along Kennedy Blvd. I have visions of my parents sitting on a bench or walking hand in hand around here as teenagers. Strolling by the swing set in Hudson County Park I can picture my grandfather pushing me on the swings with my sisters on either side of me. If I close my eyes I can almost remember his voice and their laughter. Man, that was a long time ago.
Sometimes memories can be joyous and other times they can be intense. This weekend was a tough one, yet I am thankful for the memories I carry with me and the people and places that have forged me into who I am today.

2011-12-04T14:16:00.001-08:00

December feels like it is running full steam ahead. I have officially placed my flip flops in temporary hibernation. There's talk Tuesday will bring temps to the high sixties which has possibility of being a flip flop friendly zone.
With a mere three weeks until Christmas the kids assisted in wrapping gifts for friends and family, but also for a few kids that we 'adopted' for our Project Elf at Seneca. This year we will tackle a total of sixty five gift bags and baskets for kids who might be facing some financial struggles, are dealing with a whole heap of 'stuff' or may have lost someone they loved over the course of the year. There is a whole lot of pain and struggles out there, but my heart is filled to the brim at the thought of how many kids will get a very clear message of care, hope and family through each gift passed from one hand to another.

Even with all of the craziness there is a whole lot of goodness rolling around the Christmas Season. Keith & I embarked upon the very distant Dicken's Festival in Medford (a whopping 2.8 miles away:) and enjoyed an evening of listening to carolers singing, sipping hot chocolate and examining a pretty impressive reindeer ice sculpture. I think I would be able to kick out a fairly impressive menorah if they would have entrusted me with the chain saw. For some reason, I don't see that happening anytime soon.....a girl can hope, can't she?

Thinking of more than just turkey

2011-11-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

This was the first time in my life that I wasn't with my parents and Jess for Thanksgiving. It was strange, but with each new chapter in life you adjust. Keith, the girls & I spent Thanksgiving up the road at their grandmother's house.
Earlier in the week we managed, yet again, another successful Thanksgiving Turkey Basket Outreach. I am always in awe at the generosity of my fellow workers as we pulled together 32 baskets and a number of extra turkeys that are in 'hiding' in various freezers for Christmas. Thanksgiving has extended beyond turkey and cranberry sauce. What I have come to look forward to is the giving aspect.

To look into the eyes of someone this is struggling (it very easily could be one of us) and know that we have passed on not merely a basket of food, but a message of hope, faith and giving. This journey is not about us, but the message and impact that we leave behind. The few days of assembly were a tad crazy train, but I have come to learn that it all comes together in one way or another.

The night before (of course, did you think I was just going to chill?) I played in the annual Seneca vs Cherokee staff football game. Besides the fact that it was a comfortable 43 degrees, pelting rain and constant winds swooping along the field it was a great game. By the end of the night my entire body was soaked to the bone and I couldn't feel my toes, but it was still a heap of fun. Yay, for good times at Seneca!

After an insane 3.5 days of the week I managed to kick it up a notch of insanity squared. The girls and I headed out a little after nine at night to partake in the pandemonium of Black Friday. Lots of rushing, waiting in lines and aiming for that super good deal that you didn't even know you were looking for. I haven't ventured out in the crazy since high school, but it was definitely an experience. I spent most of my time walking outside stores and searching for a cup of coffee as the kids embraced the BF madness.

I will never retreat...

2011-11-20T16:41:00.001-08:00

This weekend marked the sixth annual Drug Squad Retreat. Every year I have anxiety attempting to top the previous year's retreat. Part of me wonders how everything could fall into place as perfectly as it did a year prior. The funny thing is every year brings a new batch of kids, different experiences and an opportunity for some really great things to take place. Six years in and I feel beyond honored to have the opportunity to work, teach and learn from some pretty spectacular kids.

It's amazing what happens when we are removed from our every day obligations and the constant stimuli of the internet, texting and instant messaging. Step away from the crazy and step into the zen. Thirty one kids hopping on a bus from Jersey and spending 3 1/2 days on a farm removed from all reminders of their normal environment create the perfect platform for evoking change.

I spent a good amount of time conveying the importance of accepting people for who they are and attempting to put aside the impulse to judge and make preconceived notions based on surface. How often we are guilty of judging swiftly based upon external factors that are typically determined in a fairly short amount of time. We become judge and jury.

It's interesting how little we really know about those we surround ourselves with. How common it is for us to talk and how rare it is when one actually takes the time to listen. Pause. Silence. So much can come from accepting the fact that we do not know everything and we can learn from others, even if they're teenagers : ) It turns out that I have learned some of my greatest lessons in my own life working with teens.

I feel profoundly blessed to work with so many young people who have a desire to make an impact in their daily lives. Kids refusing to settle for just getting by in high school, but instead digging deep and having a vision for others. Out with the selfish and in with the goodness.

Going beyond ourselves requires taking the time to figure out how we work and what makes us tick. In order to be there for others we have to take time to take care of ourselves. How often we burn the candle at both ends or take on more than we can physically handle (I am guilty of this more often than I like to admit)? In order to be capable of being effective in the lives of others, on a long term basis, we have to place a little more emphasis on 'I' then we are accustomed to. Taking time to clear out the mind and recharge the heart is critical.

A whole lot of effort, time and emotion went into the weekend. After fifteen hours on a big yellow bus, a heap of time planning, chatting and processing and I can confidently say that it was all so very worth it. I have come to view the weekend as sacred, as a gift that I consider invaluable. My hope is that this annual tradition will stretch beyond a few days and will carry on into the hearts of these young people throughout the course of their lives. It is, after all, not meant to be contained among the thirty one, but for each of them to pass the baton and inspire their own challenges upon those they encounter for years to come.

May we all just keep on keeping' on.....

Conventional Goodness

2011-11-13T16:12:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting on the couch with only twelve hours until a new week begins. It was, yet again, another successful teachers convention (and there was much rejoicing). I headed down to the farm Wednesday with my car filled to the brim with plates, cutlery, marshmallows and cases of juice gearing up for the retreat. It was a good excuse to have a lighter load for the retreat as well as having time with the family.

2011-11-13T16:07:00.003-08:00

Early Wednesday morning I was checking in with kids on my case load and by night fall I was on top of a hill in the middle of a field milking cows with my Dad & Tristan. It's funny what a few hours can do. As the boys were tending to Betsy I sat on the front step of the barn soaking in the silence, breathing in the evening air and enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. A charcoal black sky sprinkled with stars and a sense of total peace came over me. Tristan's laughter, my father's voice in the background and a spectacular view of God's creation brought a surge of joy to my heart. Goodness...you have to love it.

2011-11-13T16:07:00.001-08:00

2011-11-13T16:05:00.001-08:00

So as the night falls and I am back home sitting on the couch with Taylor and Keith taking a little down time to recharge before another week begins.

It's not always possible to soak in the little moments in life, but when you can it's pretty special.

Mall Madness

2011-11-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

It might be an indication of my age, but a venture to the mall ranks somewhere up there with a trip to the dentist. This afternoon I headed to Cherry Hill with Taylor and her friend for a few hour shopping escapade that landed me smack dab in the middle of mall madness. People were dodging oncoming cars, drivers were weaving in and out of the course of traffic to nab their perfect spot and the level of anxiety could have been cut with a spork (and not even a rusty one).

I had intentions of heading inside and stopping in a few shops, but my thought process was swiftly altered as soon as we pulled into the parking lot. We planned to rendezvous in two hours at the same spot. The kids had fun and were able to find some great things. Seeing the kids smile, being happy and together makes me happy & brings with it a whole lot of joy. I get the fact that the mall, to a teenager, is on the same level as a great day of surf in LBI. Everyone needs their own means of stoke and that comes in many forms.

Driving around I found myself trying to reason as to why there were thousands of cars in the parking lot with people scurrying in every direction. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with shopping or embracing the mall, but it is a pretty interesting thought. Over the years I think a lot of what makes up 'me' has changed a bit. I find myself more comfortable in smaller settings. I prefer strumming my guitar next to the fire pit in the backyard over a Broadway show or fancy restaurant. Watching tv and hearing about the last lavish wedding or event I find myself perturbed at how far that money could have really gone to help pay a mortgage or give a school full of kids a whole year+ of meals. In crowds my mind drifts to who among them is struggling with an addiction, is foreclosing on their home or is being neglected. I realize the past eight years of sitting in a room hearing a whole lot from countless kids has altered everything about me. Sometimes that's a good thing and other times it isn't so good. I have found myself wishing that my head wasn't so heavy and that I could be less anxious. But, I guess if we were all alike the world wouldn't be so interesting now, would it?

Fall Festive-ness

2011-11-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to believe there is truth behind my Grandma Gert's ongoing reminder that time is fleeting and only kicks up speed as you grow older. Jess and the crew came up for a weekend visit combining Birthday, Halloween and Autumn Festivities. It went quickly.

Even though I have been in Jersey for the past eight years there are those moments when it's strange being here doing some of the same things I once did some twenty plus years ago. There's a renewed joy experiencing it all through the eyes of little ones. From the Halloween Parade watching Tristan (and yes, I will admit I was an accomplice) lunge for candy, examining the patch for the perfect pumpkin to nibbling on freshly baked cider donuts it is all a whole new experience when the little dudes are involved. I felt officially old rehashing memories of the days of Jess, their E and Shana. Lots of history in the 08055 for this 34 year old. Plenty of great, rich memories that quite often leave me speechless at the thought of how full my life has been.

It was also wonderful having some great catch up time with Jess and Carrie. We headed to Belmar and it was a blast having some down time with Carrie's kids, Tristan, Gabe, Jess & my Dad. No matter how much time lapses between seeing Carrie & Jess, as soon as we're together it's like we never parted ways. There's something pretty awesome about friendships where time stands still and the love, history and dependability is always there. Gotta love my girls : )

Free Counter

2011-10-23T15:07:00.001-07:00

The past few weekends have been nothing short of perfect. Saturday I headed out to LBI and felt like a little kid again jumping out of my car and doing a light jog to catch a glimpse of what the Atlantic had in store for the day. The surf was small, but the sun was out and the water was holding at 65 degrees.

I have a saying that I don't go a day without saying at work, "you have to find your high in life or it will find you." In the midst of the craziness of life we so often get lost in keeping busy to just keep busy. In the mode of crazy train it is easy to lose sense of who you are and the little things in life that bring you joy. As I approach numero '34' later this week my hope is that I will still manage to maintain a sense of stoke throughout each season of life.

There are moments that I become fearful of complacency or of not savoring the many simple joys of life that can, if one is not careful, go unnoticed. Buoying on my board with birds soaring only a few feet overhead and the spray of salt water on my face it was a moment of simple joy that definitely did not go unnoticed.

2011-10-23T12:34:00.001-07:00

Today's method of zen = mid.afternoon hammock session.

2011-10-16T16:48:00.001-07:00

It was yet again the perfect fall weekend. There was not much in the way of surf with the wind making the Atlantic a little too choppy for decent conditions, but you can't have ideal surf all the time. Saturday marked the annual Cranberry Festival in Chatsworth where it is the one weekend of the year with more people than cranberries buzzing around town searching for crafts, amazing baked goods packed with cranberries and the ultimate feel of fall. I fully endorse the next six weekends being carbon copies of this weekend....sending vibes.

Earlier this week I attended a meeting at the Medford's Women's Association. I consider myself pretty ambitious and a visionary, but there are times I find myself frustrated or disheartened. Sitting in a room with about fifty other women, most over the age of fifty, who all shared a dynamic vision to serve and make a difference was empowering. Many of these women have been plugging away longer than I've been alive charging ahead with a passion to leave an impact upon those around them. In a day and age when most seem more concerned about status and salary it was invigorating to find a commonality among these women that is rare in today's world.

Looking around the room that evening gave me hope that there is no time line for serving. There is no window of when and how we are limited to being useful. I believe as a woman, there is great responsibility in leading by example and that there is no excuse to live silently or apathetically. My hope is that I will possess the same vision I have today at age sixty and that my efforts will, even in the smallest way, touch a few hearts along the way. Life is way too short to live for self...strive to make a difference every day, because in reality each day is a gift.

Feeling a tad autum-nal

2011-10-10T16:55:00.002-07:00

Sometimes life can get overwhelming and the sense of 'crazy train' can make us lose sight of what really matters. There are some things not worth getting upset about. Choosing to not blow a fuse when someone cuts you off, taking a step back when that person who knows how to push your buttons is going at you and intentionally taking a few deep breathes when it feels like nothing is flowing in your direction.

There are days when my head spins and my heart is heavy. I'm not sure if that's something that will ever change with me. But it has been a blessing to have someone in my life that feels the vibe and conveys a sense of love and kindness that, in a split second, makes all the 'crazy' pretty loco free. I'm not a high maintenance kind of gal, shocking as that may seem:), but I have to say heading off to work finding a rose and daisy on the dash was the perfect start to my day. The dude brought a smile to my face....love my husband:)

2011-10-10T16:55:00.001-07:00

This weekend was the Apple Festival at Kirby's Mill in Medford. It's definitely one of the signs that fall is in full swing with the changing of leaves, smell of apple cider donuts and locals gathering in packs to peruse craft tents and enjoy some great food.

It was an enjoyable day, but what was my highlight was getting a hug and smile from an old friend. Cole Roberts is the official 'ice cream man' at the festival each year. Cole is probably in his mid-80s and as down to earth as they come. The guy is a staple of Medford's history, even though few would realize that these days. The Roberts family has been connected with Kirby's Mills for years along with running Jersey Jerry's Apple Stand on Church Road. Cole was a good friend of Bill Johnson, founder of Johnson's Corner, who recently passed.

In a day in age where we are driven by time, technology and status I have tremendous respect for the generation that seems to have a firmer grasp than my own generation on the importance of slowing down, working the land and the prioritizing of community and family. I have great respect for Cole, who represents a sense of morals, values and integrity that you don't see too often these days. In a lot of ways he reminds me of my own father who I have watched my whole life work hard, stand firm in his beliefs and possesses a love for God, family and country that has set him apart from most.

In the five minute conversation with Cole a million memories flooded my mind. In a second I flash back to being fifteen listening to the Beatles and cutting, leathering and cleaning slate with my sisters. I can see the apples hanging heavy in the orchard a few yards off in the distance and hear Cole's tractor sputtering towards the fields. Now, 18 years later all I can do is smile and give the old man next to the ice cream churner a big hug in appreciation of some pretty great memories.

Surf'n Fall

2011-10-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

This weekend was pretty much what life is cracked up to be...living life in the slow lane, enjoying the moment and just savoring the blessings you have. Sunday I treked to the shore greeted with 68 degree water temps, super clean swell and an overall sense of stillness that left me basking in the warmth of the day.

It was the kind of day that you dream of and if your lucky you might come across one or two in your lifetime. I rolled into LBI a little after seven and paddled out to the line up where I was greeted by two other women. Yay, women surfers! The sandbar made for perfectly clean, consistent waist to chest high swells for about four hours. I found myself wondering if there would be an ocean in heaven. It is moments such as these that I feel so very close to God, His Creation and a sense of peace that brings an overwhelming stillness to my heart. God is good. I dig His ocean and am thankful for days such as these that just re-affirm the beauty of life and the moments that truly leave you speechless.

Dragon Boat Festival of an Oar-some Nature

2011-10-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

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I think I've done quite a lot in my thirty three years here on earth & I'm always trying to expand on my experiences as new ones come my way. Up until about six months ago I didn't even know what dragon boat racing was. Fast forward a few months and I'm now digging my oar down the Schuylkill River in Philly with a few of my fellow thr girls participating in the 11th annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Each year there are appx. 100 dragon boats making their way down the river participating in a day of madness that consists of waking before one was intended to rise, chilling by your tent with a whole bunch of other crazies (I love crazies, just in case you were unsure) and attempting to kick some oar during your heat.

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Clouds loomed above and rain fell lightly from the sky until a little after six in the morning. Part of me was a tad nervous to spend the day on the river with rain and chill in the forecast, but it ended up being a perfect day with the sun out and the rain made its exit.

Although we didn't come home with any medals, it was a heap of fun and it is one more thing to add to the 'been there, done that' list. We also were not one of three boats to capsize and followed by the police boat which attempted to haul about 10 too many stranded boaters to shore and nearly became a statistic of sinking. It was a long day, but not without a little suspense, dragon-ing and all round oar-someness!!!

Day in D.C.

2011-09-26T16:38:00.005-07:00

Tristan hit the big numero '6' last week and I hopped in the car & headed to DC for 24 hours to surprise the little Dudes with a very quick, yet fun filled visit from their E. Besides the torrential rain, rush hour traffic and strange odor on the metro it was all worth it. It was great spending time with Jess, catching up with the kids and having a few hours of Birthday time with Tristan.

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Every visit seems that the little guys have grown up just a little bit more. I cherish every visit and when the elevator doors opened and I was able to capture the startled surprised looks on their faces the ride was worth it. Tristan took a few looks and Gabe stared mouth agape only to jump up and down with a, "E!!!!" It made my heart swell with joy and a big smile painted my face.

2011-09-26T16:38:00.001-07:00

It was a great 24 hours and it was wonderful to be able to spend a few hours with Tristan on his special day. Yay, for Birthdays! Lots of good stuff.

This weekend D.C....next weekend = Dragonboat Festival 2011!!! Very excited to paddle down Boathouse Row with my girls!

2011-09-18T13:06:00.001-07:00

I love summer. I love all aspects of summer from sand, sun, flip flops and even the beach tag checkers that I have grown to love as I haul towards the Atlantic with surfboard in tow. Run away! But there is just something about the end of one season and the beginning of another. What I love best about fall's return is catching up with my girls of 110 Carranza aka Seneca. We all seem to go our separate ways during summer, drift and do our own thing, but as soon as opening day rolls around we're back and in full bonding mode. There is nothing quite as wonderful as sitting around a table with a whole bunch of loud, raucous and down to earth girls who are all about the goodness (and some serious food).

2011-09-18T13:05:00.002-07:00

With good food and friends also brings the return of thr (target heart rate) group at school. So you're thinking,"why is there a pic of the moon? what does that have to do with thr?" Well, now that you asked I shall respond. I took this pic outside the house before heading out to thr for a run and swim at beach one (yes, that is a lake not a pool). Driving with the moon hanging above and stars still twinkling in the sky there was something that made me wonder if my actions ranked under earning a gold award for
hard-core-ness or placed me more on the lines of straight up crazy train. A little mix of both? Hmmm...I like it.

2011-09-18T13:05:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the annual Medford Lakes yard sale which equated to me driving around for a few hours on a mission to find things of a fun nature. Mission accomplished.

I was most proud of my sofa find. I pulled up in my jeep, hopped out and asked how much they were asking. A firm $75 for the couch and $25 for the matching chair. I proceeded to use my questionable charm explaining how the furniture would be used in my office for, as I like to say, goodness. Working with kids, encouraging them to make good decisions and, of course, to always eat breakfast. How can you argue with that? So, this is a pic of me following Keith (at a stop sign of course) schlepping the couch and chair for a mere $45 green backs. Can I get a challah? You know it!

Gettin' Dirty

2011-09-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend Taylor and I treked over to Maguire Air Force Base to participate in the annual Mud Run. The Mud Run is a 10k throughout the base with heaps of obstacles, mud and a little more mud. True confession...I was a little nervous. I did nothing to train and haven't gone on a solid run since June. My last target heart rate experience was opting not to go on a long run with Taylor, but instead hopped on the beach cruiser and enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. Did I just confess that? Ouch...this chick is morphing into a bit of a slacker. No, say it ain't so! It's just a phase, jumpstart MUD RUN 2011!!!

My goal: Finish Alive. Outcome: Still breathing and I actually did fairly well. Taylor clocked about an hour and five minutes. I was about twelve minutes behind.

The obstacles ranged from crawling on your belly through mucky water under a mesh of rope, climbing over huge mounds of slippery mud and wading through thick mud (I felt like I was swimming through a huge vat of pea soup) and then jumping up and over man made trenches in between wading in muck. It was all right up my alley. Thousands of people gathered to just go a little crazy. It was sheer awesomeness. Already I'm planning on my tee shirt design for next year's event. Woop!

In all the fun and craziness the event was planned the day before 9/11 in honor of the lives lost that day as well as raising funds for our local military. We are a blessed nation. I am proud to be an American and each of us are indebted to those who daily put their lives on the line.

It's easy to take our everyday freedoms and privileges for granted. Men and women are putting their lives on the line every day on home soil and abroad. I have the greatest respect for those who wear a uniform representing the USA. Be proud. Be thankful.

It is our job to remember the fallen, encourage those who serve (military, fire department, police force, etc.) and never take our freedom for granted. God Bless America!

Reflection of a life well lived

2011-09-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

There aren't that many people in life that leave behind a legacy. Tonight I attended a viewing, or more likely a celebration, of the life of Bill Johnson. My first hint at what lie ahead was the inability to find a parking spot met with a sea of people standing in a line with over a two hour wait.
For those of you who don't know who Bill is, it might be Johnson's Farm that rings a bell. Bill & Bette Johnson started Johnson's in 1953 and it has grown into somewhat of a landmark for Medford. As I joined in the line it was amazing how many, young and old, filed through.
I'm only 33, but still feel like I remember 'the old Medford,' if you will. Bill represents the old Medford. I bumped into Coles Roberts who used to run Jersey Jerry's years ago. I used to love stopping in for a gallon of cider that was on a slab of ice and bags of apples that you had to grab out of the big wooden bins. My family actually rented out the back section of his main building for their craft business and Coles used to stop by every so often to see what we were up to. He always got a kick out of watching my sisters and I clean & cut slate. As I look back now, those were moments that mean the world to me.
As I gazed at pictures of Bill, his kids and grandkids it was amazing to see the love, hard work and dedication that he had to really make it work. Jess and I were both bakers in the small red barn that is now home to a few cash registers and seasonal decorations. From rotisserie chickens to pumpkin pie and quiche - we knew how to kick out some mean baked goods. I can remember Bill coming in from a tractor ride perusing the bakery for a little pie or some cookies. He was always just sort of around.
In line I spoke with guys who used to drive tractors at the farm and others who had been loyal customers over the years. It's funny how one little place has so much history in so many people's hearts. From the mom who used to bring her kids to pick pumpkins to the kid who had his first real job or the high school kid who used to pop in after school to grab a snack before track practice....it has really connected a ton of people over the years.
From Bill's worn out pitch fork to Bette's still of her husband with a bird on his head - they are truly two people who have accomplished a tremendous amount along with leaving imprints on the hearts of countless people. Tonight wasn't filled with rows of people sobbing and silence. Instead, Frank Sinatra tunes played, corn stalks and mums lined the walls and there was endless chatter of those in line reflecting and remembering a man who touched their lives in some way.
None of us have any clue of how long we have on earth. Bill had 84 years and I have to say, the dude lived, loved and was loved in a way that's pretty rare these days. Bill, thank you for everything and you will be missed, but mostly cherished in the hearts of many.

Life by the salty sea

2011-09-04T14:22:00.001-07:00

No matter how intense and stressful life can be my instant remedy is found in the ocean. The moment I drive over the bridge, with windows down, the smell of salt air & anticipation of paddling out has been my most successful form of therapy for quite a number of years now.

On Tuesday I was out past the breakers and was startled by a pair of dolphins that greeted me with a light spray from their air holes. I am often overwhelmed by the vast beauty of nature and the ocean is an ever changing canvas of color and richness. Sitting on my board as the sun began to peak above the horizon I was overcome with every ounce of nature's awesomeness. My eyes have viewed some pretty spectacular sights over the years, but nothing quite beats a beach sunrise.

I have to say how overwhelmed I am by God's awesomeness and His creation. Man, I hope there's some swell to ride in Heaven....and I probably won't even need a board:)

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Freak of nature

2011-08-28T13:54:00.001-07:00

I am not a gold card member of the "I dig living in Jersey.com" or anything of that nature, but there are definitely some great aspects of the state that supersede the insanely high taxes, paying for beach tags (which I have yet to do since moving back 8 years ago), the turnpike or always being referenced in movies in a negative context. There's the fact that, if I really wanted to, I have the ability to paddle out and surf in the a.m and follow it up with a few runs down the slopes. We're close to Philly, NYC and some other pretty hopping spots. It has a pretty bad wrap for all the positive aspects the state possesses. But what has been interesting is how crazy and unpredictable this area has been in the past two weeks.
In a short span of time there's the earthquake that sent me hopping out of Wawa, the tornado watch that had the lights flickering and the imminent arrival of, Irene, and the insanity that she brought with her. Jersey has, in many ways, gone a bit on the crazy side of things. I got a kick out of watching people bob and weave down the aisles of the grocery store in pursuit of the last case of water and playing tug of war over the multigrain loaf that, if they didn't have, the world just might come to a halt. There's a song that I think captures the last week+ fairly well..."God is good, beer is great and people are crazy." I couldn't have said it any better.

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2011-08-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

2011-08-23T19:06:00.001-07:00

Summer never seems quite long enough. With August beginning to creep closer into September I had a few days to head down to the farm before the school year kicked off. The farm in summer is always brimming with color, life and abundance. From the piglets scurrying around the pastures to the turkeys hanging under the apple tree waiting for an apple to make its way to the ground Faith Farm is in full swing. The boys are growing by leaps and bounds. Tristan is starting the first grade & turning six next month and Gabe is a ball of energy and ready to take on the world.

2011-08-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

On my trek back to Jersey I made a quick stop into Wawa about two hours outside of Richmond. I have to say, it was the most interesting Wawa experience of my life. Within less than a minute the floor began to shake, pretzels & bags of chips fell to the ground and east coast earthquake fever filled the air.

I've seen and experienced a good bit in life, but this was my first earthquake. It was a good five minutes or so before we realized that it wasn't a Wawa experience, but a full fledge east coast earthquake. For the next hour and a half it was close to impossible to send/receive texts or make/receive phone calls. It's amazing how dependent we have become on technology and how powerless and uncomfortable it is when it isn't at our fingertips. It was strange not being able to just let people know I was ok or they were ok and so forth. I am dependent on the cell, big time. But, a handful of hours later I am back to the tech world sitting on my couch, clearing the mind and thankful for the goodness (and even the splash of crazy) that surrounds me.

2011-08-23T18:55:00.001-07:00

2011-08-23T18:54:00.001-07:00

Return of the Wrangler

2011-08-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

It's strange how certain materials, objects, etc. in life can mean more to us in sentiment than in their true monetary value. In high school my dream was to have a red jeep wrangler. My sophomore year of college the red jeep became a reality. I don't really consider myself a materialistic person, but the jeep's value to me goes way beyond the green back.
For about a year that jeep brought me back and forth from college to the Outer Banks. I can close my eyes and feel the breeze and smell of the ocean as I drove with my sisters up and down beach road and treked sand and surfboards along the island. I remember driving with Shana up to Corolla parking on the beach and watching stars loom above with waves crashing a short distance from the shore line. I can close my eyes and remember it like yesterday.
After a few break downs the jeep ended up on the farm sitting and being pretty beaten up by weather, frustrated chickens and other forms of farm life. We had it towed up a few months back and after a whole lot of time and fixing up it's on the road and running. It would have been a whole lot easier to just find another used jeep, in much better condition, and have that as 'wrangler II, the legend continues.' There was something within me that really wanted the old, character laden jeep back. It's not going to win any awards and I crossed my fingers and held my breathe taking it through inspection, but for me it works. Yay!
As I drove home from work yesterday in the pouring rain, soaked to the bone, all I could do was laugh and flash back to all those years ago. My feeling is, you can't take life and little things too seriously. Besides, wet jeans and soggy tee shirts dry, but memories last forever.

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We rolled back into Medford Lakes late Saturday afternoon. It's amazing how it feels eternal awaiting for vacation to begin, but how fleeting time is once it arrives. No cell phone and rare encounters with the world wide web can feel strange, but it is nice to get away from it all once in awhile.

It was a pretty good first 'official' Patterson family vacation. From roaming the streets of Venice, to cliff jumping in Croatia and perusing the countryside of Bosnia it was definitely not your standard holiday.

Now, I am sending vibes in hopes of a little swell in the Atlantic's future. I frolicked in the Adriatic, now it is time for a rendezvous with the New Jersey Shore. A little swell = goodness...

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Enjoying the afternoon in Venice on foot. **********************************************************

2011-08-06T12:06:00.001-07:00

Day 2.75 of our Eastern Europe trip lead us to some pretty stunning views of Slovenia. We hiked through a state park along with making a stop in a small village. The homes in the country side bear resemblance to Swiss chalets busting with flowers of vibrant purple and red. So far, it has been pretty wonderful.

Tomorrow...Croatia!**********************************************************

2011-08-06T12:05:00.001-07:00

Diving in Dubrovanik and border jumping in Bosnia

2011-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Again I locate a computer without the ability to upload pics. Aaaagghh!!!! Sitting in port with exactly 12 minutes until departure time. No pressure. We hopped a ferry from Dubravonik, Croatia onto a small island with great hiking trails and amazing rocks to leap from. Yay! The four of us had a blast taking strides into the Adriatic's crystal blue waters. No surf, but heaps of cliffs to take the plunge.
We hired a taxi to take us up to the highest point of the city for a panoramic view of the old city. Stunning. Pics are to come. I promise. I know I've had an influence on my Patterson clan when our driver said, "oh yes, Bosnia is 10 km over those hills" and all three of my familia turned and gave me a look. Oh yes, we are hitting Bosnia. And that we did hitting the border, bonding with the officials, waiting in a long que, passports stamped and we rejoiced. Woop! Country 37, it is! The countryside is breathtaking and with it a rich sense of history, turmoil, but resiliency. I hope to return and spend a bit more time soaking it in. But 8 minutes until departure...therefore I am signing off. E-Law..out!

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typing behind the cash register...total commitment

2011-08-02T05:08:00.000-07:00

I think this is the longest that I have gone without internet access in quite some time. We docked in Bari, Italy earlier this morning. Keith and the girls headed for a tour in the countryside and I opted to just sort of chill for the day. I have spent the past two hours sitting, sipping cappuccino and thinking that opting to zen was wise considering that I have been light headed and feeling not so epic the past 24 hours.
When I asked one of the girls at the cafe about internet she nodded her head and responded, "no internet in Bari. In Italia, yes. But no, no Bari." So the couch surfer in me kicked in where I opted to ask a guy at a few cafes over to use the shops laptop. Score.
So I check in without pics, but checking in nonetheless. Typing behind the cash register and cappuccino machine. It has been a nice few days hitting some great areas of Italy, Slovenia and tomorrow we head to Croatia. Ever since my stint in Belarus, Eastern Europe has always held a place in my heart.
Well, I am checking out before the dude making a cafe six inches from me escorts me out. :) Hope to check in again before heading back to the STates with pics to boot. Ciao for now!

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2011-07-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

Cake in the face:)

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2011-07-29T07:07:00.002-07:00

Cake!

2011-07-29T07:07:00.001-07:00

A no wave Atlantic kind of day

2011-07-29T07:06:00.001-07:00

Hanging with Grandma Gert on the farm

defrosted cake and the adriatic

2011-07-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how quickly time flies. Last night we unwrapped the top tier of our wedding cake and shared a little nosh. We opted to do an early breaking of cake because in less than 12 hours we head out for a week long cruise on the Adriatic Sea (Italy, Slovenia & Croatia...here we come!). My thoughts were, just bring that sucker with us and we could eat it on international waters. But being that customs might night be so open minded, we were good with celebrating early in good old Medford Lakes.
It has been a good year and with one behind, I look forward to the years ahead and all the chapters that are before us. I drove Grandma Gert and Harold around the farm for a little personalized tour and as we drove along the pond where we exchanged vows the grass is higher and the cows and pigs now graze. It was a great night with even more amazing memories surrounded by our loved ones. I've sort of freeze framed different parts of that night from walking down the aisle, singing to my husband by the lights of cell phones, glow sticks and leopard throws courtesy of my thr girls; it was quite an experience.
I feel profoundly blessed to have so many really good, salt of the earth people in my life. As my dad would say, 'it's good stuff.' Yes it is.
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2011-07-26T06:42:00.001-07:00

Tristan picking pears

2011-07-26T06:41:00.001-07:00

Gabe taking a walk from the big barn

2011-07-26T06:40:00.001-07:00

Grandma Gert visiting the farm

Farm, Grandma & Heat...oy vey!

2011-07-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Last week upon returning from Colombia the jungle temps were pretty comparable to good old 08055 temps. Yay, jungle fever! I don't mind the heat, but feeling like one bears resemblance to a gingerbread in the oven or a empenada in the fryer isn't the most empowering state to be in. But, with an intense week of heat it seems to be breaking, at least, for the moment.
I headed to the farm on Friday and left around 3 am where I hopped in my car and spent the first 3 hours going through a heavy layer of humidity. I have to say, early morning combined with high humidity is a great combination for the hair. To add, no hair product was applied at that early hour and therefore no pics will ever be provided to document.
The boys are growing by leaps and bounds and the farm is in prime season as July seems to be quickly transitioning to August. I may be on summer vacation, but the farm is far from it.
I love seeing the kids heading up to the big barn to help milk the cows, hop on the hay bales to pick apples for the market and collect eggs from the chickens. The little dudes have quite the work ethic and it's pretty impressive. Although I'm not really the 'farm type,' I do my best to help out while here and get my fill of outdoor physical labor. There has always been that part of me that enjoys hard work, physical challenges and just being part of nature.
Yesterday, Grandma Gert arrived to Faith Farm from Florida. She typically heads up for a visit once a year around this time. Last year, she visited for a little over a week for my wedding. I have to say, there is no one on earth like my grandmother. From her leopard print pajamas (aka evening wear) to golden bedazzled shoes, she is one of a kind. The boys get a kick out of her and I'm glad that there is GG time for them. Being that she is my only grandparent still with us, time with her is something I value no matter how very different we are. Good times on the farm.

2011-07-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just a week ago I was in the middle of the Colombian jungle & now I am full fledge back to 08055. After ten days abroad I returned to find my garden still green and even kicking out a decent batch of cucumbers and beets. Yay, for veggies that are going strong! I have to do a shout out to the husband for keeping the garden hydrated:)

2011-07-19T18:52:00.001-07:00

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I'm not sure it's possible for me to sit still for any long period of time. Summer has been jammed packed and I have to say so that I'm loving it. Five of us from work signed up to participate in the Annual Dragon Boat Festival held on the Schuylkill in October. We had our first practice late yesterday afternoon and it was awesome. About mid-way through digging our oars through the waterways it started to down pour and shortly after that lightening streaked the sky.

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Garden of goodness

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Needless to say, we managed to pick up the intensity and made it back to shore safe and sound. I was with 19 others skimming along the waterways and it was really an experience. We have practice again in a few weeks and I plan on toning the upper body muscles a bit and really being ready for October's race. Good stuff.

2011-07-19T18:49:00.001-07:00

Me gusta Colombia

2011-07-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Another successful trek with the backpack, no compass and new friends. From the get go many were leery of my venture to Colombia. I heard over an over, why Colombia? why not somewhere in Europe? How about London?' Hmmm...let me think. No gracias.

This time around I spent more time researching, networking and pulling my itinerary together. There definitely has been justified reasons for being apprehensive in naming Colombia as an international tourist destination. But the government and country of Colombia is doing its best to shake its bad reputation and long history of violence, drugs and just all around negative perception held by most of the world. For the past ten years there has been a shift in government leaders and a consistent focus by the military and police to dismantle drug alliances, drug cultivation/ production and all of the nasty stuff that accompanies it. Is the drug issue a thing of the past? Absolutely not. But tolerance for it has lessened and most of the warfare is going on is concentrated in the northern portion of the country. In the jungles near the Venezuela/Colombia borders violence, drug growth and production is still intense and real. There are still serious problems and violence. The drug issue will always be a problem, but it seems there priorities here and realization that tourism's success banks of the world perceiving this place as safe and not a huge mound of cocaine, guns and counterfeit money. I think the perception, in many areas of the world, is beginning to change. It is a slow process. And now for something completely different...

This morning I headed out to the markets for a little shopping for some things to bring back home. I packed up on a bit of coffee, cocoa and some snacks for heading to the airport tomorrow. I have wanted to pick up a few gems while here and a friend recommended a small section of town to check things out. Ducked into a few places and managed to pick up a few stones that I'm pretty happy with. Woop!

I headed up to the north part of the city to meet up with a friend, Hernan, and do lunch. It was absolutely one of the best meals I have had during my time here. Grilled plantain, chorizo with grilled potatoes and a traditional soup heaping with rice, potatoes, corn, avocado and a whole bunch of other ingredients I couldn't figure out. It was awesome!

As evening fell and this couch surfer's feet were aching from ten days of hiking, walking and hitting the pavement in a way I haven't in a long time. I was observing a protest locals were having on the main strip when a little shop caught my eye. Manicure and pedicure! Yay! I strolled in and for $11 USD I was all about a little pampering. I can say with confidence there was no 'judge free zone'going on with these ladies. My feet, legs and fingers look a little rough from ten days of global treking. When three ladies huddled around me poking and shaking their heads and proceeding to suggest that I needed 'much help.'I figured there was no room for hiding the fact that I was in dire need of some serious assistance. For the next hour they went to work and when they whipped out the sand paper, I was sure that this was not going to be pain free. But, it was so worth it!
I am ready to go home and it has been a wonderful trip with great pics, memories and experiences. Viva Colombia!

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a little coastal Colombian footage

2011-07-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

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Return to Bogota

2011-07-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day of keeping it low key. I was fortunate enough to connect with a friend of a friend in a great area of town overlooking the beach and overall, a pretty great place. From strolling around town, taking pics, sitting by the pool and ending the day with a barbeque my battery was recharged.

Returning to Bogota I feel like I have a pretty solid grasp of town, where to go and where not to go. The people here are so welcoming and I was pretty content just sitting in one of the main squares sipping a cup of coffee and taking in my surroundings.

I'm not sure if it's a sign of age, but I have become more fond of soaking in the culture of a country and interacting with locals than seeing how many countries I can hit in a week. There was a point a number of years ago I was more consumed with how many countries I could rack up instead of really taking it at pace and getting a solid grasp on what the country consisted of. I have enjoyed the last week and a half and I am looking forward to more journeys and seeing what tomorrow brings. Good stuff and ready for a solid sleep before heading out and soaking in one last day in the Bog. Ciao for now!

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Bueno

2011-07-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours ago I was in the middle of nowhere in a place most have never heard of and less will venture to. After hours of hiking, dodging jungle animals, hopping on and off busses I arrived back in Cartagena. I am staying with a friend of a friend about ten minutes outside of town.

It was really nice sleeping in a real bed and getting things prepped before heading back to Bogota. Another perk is staying at a flat overlooking the beach and in a great area of town. The world is massive, but in reality my feeling is I know someone who knows someone somewhere.

I love travelling, meeting new people and discovering new cultures and dots on the map that become more than a place, but more of a page in another chapter in life. Tomorrow, the road leads to Bogota. Hasta luego!

Dodging donkeys and chilling on a hammock

2011-07-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

I have returned to civilization. I woke this morning and treked a solid three hours through the heart of the jungle sweating like mad and about midway through wishing I had rented a horse instead of opting to go on foot. The past few days were truly spectacular. The two french backpackers I met in Santa Marta accompanied me along the coast line. We pressed past the first two towns and made camp at Cabo San Juan with our hammocks perched high on a hill overlooking the coastline. The views, from all angles, were simply astounding. From sunrise to sunset the scenery took my breath away and it was the definition of paradise. I wish time permitted me to stay longer, but I am really happy that I was able to experience the few days that I had.

Getting to and from was sort of like prepping for the ironman, but I survived. At one point a line of donkeys with bags of grain made there way along a path and one nearly knocked the wind out of me, but I managed to grab a vine in time and sort of swing around it. I actually found myself laughing out loud and feeling very ´Jewel of the Nile¨ for a split moment. From geckos, tribes people, dodging donkeys and scaling the sides of hills with vines it was insane and I loved every second of it!
There are still villages of Colombians who have resided in this area since the beginning and crossing paths with families making their way to and from villages was really amazing. Every moment here has been an experience.

I will go into more detail later, but I have to catch a bus to Cartagena which is about four hours south of here. Ciao for now!

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Jurassic Park without the Dinosaurs...

2011-07-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

arrived in tayrona national park. it is beautiful. hiked through the jungles with two other backpackers and i was amazed at the beauty of this place. sleeping under the stars in a hammock that comes equipped with a mosquito net. this place is truly breathtaking. hoping to spend two nights, maybe three before heading back south.
i wont have internet access for the next few days. i am using the net via the small hut at the info center about 75 feet from the beach. so far, it has been an amazing journey.
signing off and checking in when the internet resurfaces:)

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en santa marta...bien!

2011-07-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

I woke this morning and took a brisk walk around Cartagena. By the time I returned, around 8 am, my shirt and shorts were fully drenched from sweat. Cartagena is situated right on the doorstep of the coastline and is surrounded by a very massive and thick wall originally constructed to protect it from incoming threats. It´s a cute town, but this morning I was feeling a little too tourist laden. So with that, I grabbed a taxi to the bus station and hopped the first bus to Santa Marta with the intention to connect to Tayrona State Park.

The roads here are pretty much small etchings along a very massive region of jungle, mountain and coast. The ride may have been a tad on the bumpy side, but the views were breathtaking. The vegetation and terrain reminded me of a cross between Fiji and Costa Rica. From all angles it was an absolutely breathtaking ride and I met some great locals along the way.

Once in Santa Marta I was informed that Tayrona had closed for the day. This, I was later told, was incorrect. So, that leaves me in a small little hostel about three blocks from the beach in Santa Marta. I spent the afternoon taking a swim with some local kids who refused to believe that I was not fluent in Spanish, perused the local markets and enjoyed some pretty epic Colombian fare in one of the local squares with a fellow back packer. I was a little frustrated with not reaching Tayrona, but all in all it worked out well.

Three of us are heading up north tomorrow and my intention is to be laying in a hammock, listening to waves slapping on the beach by eleven in the a.m. Bring on the playa!

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Next push pin on the map...

2011-07-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

ok. I am going to try to give this a go for the fourth time. The internet here is not much to talk about, but then again I will be grateful for what I have. It is midnight and I am in Cartegana, twenty hours north (by bus) from Bogota. The temperature is a comfortable 8 million point six degrees.
This morning I awoke in Bogota to fairly comfortable temps with a light fog layering the city. I headed out early with a few other back packers biking through the city with our tour guide, Mike, who is actually from California. I am not much for tours, but I have to say it was pretty awesome. We treked through the various boroughs of Bogota the are as ecclectic as they come. Areas that were stunning in architecture to peddling a few blocks where kids were begging on street corners for pesos and others searching for scrap food in corner trash bins.
In the States, or anywhere else for that matter, when you hear Colombia one quickly thinks drug cartel, poverty, blood shed and corruption. There is still a drug issue in Colombia, but mostly concentrated near the Colombia-Venezuela border. The FARC, as they are so aptly known, are the force behind a great deal of unrest, but not nearly what it was ten years ago.
Colombia is struggling to recreate its image and prove to the world it is more than Pablo Escabor, cocaine rings and oozies. I will say in a mere 2.5 days it has exceeded my expectations and is so much more than I was prepared for. Colombia is a country rich in tradition, pride and character. I have experienced a very small fragment of what it holds, but already I am embracing the people and their culture. From the old ladies who whipped up a wicked batch of empanadas this morning for me to the college students I chatted with in the town square this evening;Colombia is a myriad of color, faces and richness that jumps out at you.
Looking forward to tomorrow, but enjoying the moment.

Beautiful Bogota and beyond....

2011-07-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in front of a fan typing on a computer that more than likely was assembled when Edison was around. Ok, so maybe not that old. I arrived in Cartegena, the northern part of Colombia, about two hours ago and it is hot.
Earlier this morning I was in Bogota and headed out with a few other backpackers, and a guide:) on a tour through the numerous buroughs of the city. Whenever you hear Colombia or Bogota it is generally not associated with Sandals Beach Resort or that small island get away. Nope. Automatically drugs, corruption and a very non.nancy reagan friendly zone (just say no...not really well received here I would imagine) pops into mind. The reality is Bogota has been mired in all that and then some, but the truth is it happened and in many areas of the country is still occuring. But in all honesty, the country is desperatly trying to rebuild its image and prove to the world that it isn´t such a bad place.
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Biking through the buroughs today there were areas that were breathtaking in color and design and a few blocks away small children picking thorough trash desperate for food and shelter. This country is rich in history,color and character. But my heart aches for the level of poverty is the pockets of Bogota and how far it reaches in many areas of the country. But I would have to say a resurgance in tourism has the potential for growth, employment and a renewing of a country that has endured quite a great deal.
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It was really neat exploring the local markets, ducking into a local coffee factory (I dig the bean:) and noshing on some great local fare. Empenadas are soooo good! For my first 2.5 days here in Colombia it has exceeded expectations.
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Tomorrow I plan on hitting the streets of Cartegena early and exploring and possibly paddling out if surf permits. The beach is a mere 146 feet away. Looking forward to tomorrow, but still enjoying today. Ciao, for now.
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2011-07-06T10:36:00.001-07:00

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Bogota City

2011-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

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Bogota in the present tense

2011-07-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

It is midnight. I have been in travel mode for eighteen hours and this chick is exhausted. From Hamilton Station to Newark Airport and then hanging in Houston for a few before a five hour flight to Bogota. But I am here.
The most exhausting part was customs. Standing in line for over an hour, playing a classic game of 'dude, where's my bag' hopping from one carousel to another and then standing in two more lines that really served no purpose. But I am in Colombia!
I am staying in Olde City where there is a sudden shift from contemporary buildings to a maze of houses, flats and restaurants that are stunning in color and rich in character.
I am typing away sipping on a fanta and noshing on a hawaiian pizza. Yum! Tomorrow I am joining some fellow globe trekers for a bike tour around town and beyond. I am really looking forward to returning later in the evening to watch Colombia vs Argentina play a bit of futbol. I had the opportunity to be in Italy when the World Cup was going on and it was madness. I am ready for some global madness (I mean that in the most positive of senses:)
Excited for what tomorrow holds. Heading to bed. Ciao!

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2011-07-04T19:52:00.001-07:00

Bookin' it to Bogota

2011-07-04T17:55:00.001-07:00

In exactly 24 hours from now I will be making my way into Bogota. I booked my ticket a little over a month ago and in the past week it has really set in that I'm heading out and I have to admit that I'm pretty stoked. There is a tremendous amount to see and experience in Colombia & 10 days is honestly going to give a quick glimpse into a country that has really peaked my curiousity. I will land in Bogota tomorrow evening and will be in the city until the seventh where I'll then head up to the northern tip of the country to visit Cartagena.

I shall keep you posted. Ciao for now!

St Michaels

2011-07-04T07:16:00.001-07:00

A few months back I was totally kidding around with Keith that he needed to abduct me somewhere for the weekend before I headed out on my solo Colombian venture. With my bag packed we hopped in the car on Friday & as we pulled out of the driveway I was still clueless as to where we were headed.

2011-07-04T07:14:00.001-07:00

We rolled into St. Michael's early evening. I had never heard of this quaint, laid back town on Maryland's eastern shore. We stayed at a b&b in the heart of town and just spent the weekend perusing through town, noshing on some very epic seafood & just taking in the beauty of the eastern shore.

You know it's a great day when your most pressing decision is where to eat lunch and dinner. If you know me, that's a pretty serious decision considering the importance of good food:)