Lots of traveling ➡️ lots and lots of #relaxing.
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TVSTRANGERTHINGS
One Nice Bug Per Day

if i look back, i am lost
Lint Roller? I Barely Know Her

祝日 / Permanent Vacation

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Product Placement
ojovivo
trying on a metaphor
dirt enthusiast
noise dept.
YOU ARE THE REASON

Andulka

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oozey mess
almost home

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@journalistjen
Lots of traveling ➡️ lots and lots of #relaxing.
Black and White.
There are very few things in the world that I see as solely black or white.
When faced with a tough decision we often try to confine the options into two categories - black or white - yes or no - wrong or right.
The variance in this world and in our lives is what makes life worth living...in my opinion. Though that variance can also become overwhelming, it is our task to define our values, choose our paths and see what unfolds.
When faced with a decision, I can question my impulse and even after moving in one direction over the other wonder, “Was that the right decision?”
I really don’t think we’ll ever know, because even that decision takes a different shape once made, once implied, once explored than the foresight you might’ve had when deciding.
When looking for answers and suggestions to a recent difficult decision I had to make, I sought articles, family and friends for some sort of guiding light towards the correct answer. Advice and opinions and even science can confuse one’s own intuition.
It wasn’t until I discovered this quote by Rainer Maria Rilke, that I decided to let go of the fear I had in making the “correct” decision and instead embraced my own deeper intuition.
"Live your questions now, and perhaps even without knowing it, you will live along some distant day into your answers."
You truly can’t let fear run your life -- for then where would beauty unfold unexpectedly, and divine acts of grace enter?
Wake me up when September Ends.
Ten year ago this September, I lost my grandfather.
Though I know it’s been awhile, September always seems to be very difficult for me. As a proclaimed and true Summer baby, September is not only hard because of the season change and pending stifling cold -- but I also get rather nostalgic. Remembering my grandfather, missing him, trying to move forward...
I’ve had these dialogues with him all month, with tears here and there -- yet his resounding, comforting voice always seemed to snap me out of it. He always knew and believed I was stronger than that -- so here I am. I made it to October!
Here are part of those dialogues, in the form of a letter, to my beloved “Pap.”
Dear Pap,
I miss you.
(Tears already!)
Mom and Dad are empty-nesters! Did you think it would ever happen! Both of the boys are going to Penn State -- I visited them last weekend. William turned 21 -- so I figured the big sis should join for the grown-up initiation. :-) I know how much you loved watching Penn State games -- we’ve watched plenty of them for you and in person, too!
And, Caitlin just started swimming as a Freshman at University of Delaware! Division 1 and kicking-ass. You’d be so proud of your little gal.
I thought about you all month -- during a few runs at Peace Valley Park. Can you believe, I’ve done 5 half marathons in the past 3 years?! I even got Uncle Warren into running and we completed the Philadelphia Half Marathon together last Thanksgiving. We’ve enjoyed a lot of runs together. Dad is doing a Halloween 5K with me this year on the..can you believe...202 bypass that is FINALLY complete!?
The sunset during a Peace Valley run on 9.15.15 - 10 years after we lost you...
And one small fact..I moved to New York City :) Remember all of our visits to see the Rockets and to go shopping at FAO Schwarz (which just closed its iconic location in July :-/)? It’s so awesome here! Sometimes feels like a dream -- I do really miss living with Grammy, though, which I did for almost two years after college before moving here! Don’t worry we didn’t throw too many parties in the house, right Gram ;-)
My job inspiration was born out three study abroad stints as an undergrad at Penn State - Italy, India and South Africa -- believe me, if you were still here I would still be trying to break that fear of flying that a tough guy like you surprised everyone with ;-)
There’s so much I could say here, but there’s one thing I want you know above all else.
You taught me the blessing that is found in Family. No matter how far away I may roam, you will always find me returning home -- to the home you loved, you nurtured and you filled with all of the sweet things in life. I am blessed to have known you and been able to see the power and energy that can fill you through a love for family and the importance of always being there to help and support each other.
As you look down from your perch in heaven, I am sure the gatherings that continue to fill your home with happiness and love bring a smile to your face. For we're all still here - Together - missing you, everyday.
Love you, always.
Your little Jenny <3
Gentrification.
A discussion at The City Museum of New York with Author and Sociologist William Helmreich, prompted my first reflection on what it means to live in a gentrified neighborhood.
To start, let’s talk about Helmreich, who is also a sociology professor at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York (CCNY), and the premise of his book, “The New York Nobody Knows: Walking 6,000 miles in the City.”
Over the course of four years, Helmreich walked almost every street in all of New York City’s five boroughs – 120,000 blocks, or 6,000 miles… During the discussion with moderator and journalist Ariel Kaminer, he shared stories of encounters he had on the streets of New York – from hilarious, to uncomfortable.
Helmreich decided to endeavor in this walking mission to answer questions like, “How do you place a nothing street in the Bronx?” and “What do we give a neighborhood when we walk them observantly?”
I live in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A neighborhood now known worldwide as the birthplace of hispter-dom. Tourists from around the world flood our streets in the summer to get a glimpse at the “locals.”
Just a regular sight in Williamsburg – a hipster fishing on the East River. As seen on a Thursday evening run :) 7.16.15
The evening before this book club discussion, I was having a conversation about New York City neighborhoods with someone about to move to the city. I shared my true feelings about my apartment, saying things like “I’m getting ripped off but the view of Manhattan from our roof is epic.”
“My place is tiny and it’s a six-floor walk-up.”
“I pay more for my rent monthly than my parents’ mortgage payment.”
“I wish I could live further north in Williamsburg, closer to the track and my yoga studio.”
It wasn’t until hearing Helmreich’s stories about the streets of New York that I realized how yuppie my comments were.
The moment of truth was when Helmreich shared a story about an interaction with a man who lived on “Force Tube Ave” in Brooklyn. Helmreich asked the gentleman where the street got its name and the man gruffly said, “I never thought about it.”
He didn’t care about the name of the street he lived on because it was the only street with an available apartment.
Remarkably, this realization makes me appreciate my interesting street that mostly is home to families of the Hasidic Jewish community. A street that is loud on weekday mornings, with city buses, honk-happy drivers and random jack-hammering street work; but silent on Saturday mornings, the Sabbath for my Jewish neighbors.
Yet, I appreciate that I had a choice in where I live…
While out for a run the other night, I passed the below sign announcing affordable housing in Williamsburg, just north of the Williamsburg bridge where the old Domino Sugar factory used to be…
I can’t lie, it crossed my mind that I don’t know how my new neighbors will afford to live in the neighborhood, with it’s boutique, organic grocery stores – a place where I just get by with only having to support myself – but why can’t they live in trendy, waterfront Williamsburg, as well?
My thoughts on gentrification and my place within it are mixed, but I think what’s most important here is that I am having thoughts on what it means – and all gentrifiers should do so as well.
26.
I usually get real nostalgic on holidays and birthdays.
While celebrating a tinge of sadness can creep in here and there and I’ll reminisce about the old days -- all the friends, family and routines no longer present in my life.
I can happily say this year is a bit different!
I feel a lot more confident, present and happy in my life on a day-to-day basis. Thank God for the mid-twenties!
I’ve shook a lot of my uncertainties about life, and where I was within it, and can finally say a lot of goals I set for myself growing-up I’ve achieved!
What a wonderful, wonderful feeling.
Those of you who know me well, know I’ve struggled hard along the way, but I’m grateful for your love and support through it all.
I feel so blessed to call so many wonderful people my family and friends. I pride myself in the daughter, grand-daughter, sister, friend, employee and global citizen I am.
Relationships are the most important thing in my life - so I could not be happier to hear from you all on this beautiful summer day.
Here’s to 26 -- a year of laughter, dancing, love and friendships.
Let the good times roll!! <3
Favorite Places.
If you ask a New Yorker where their favorite place in the city is -- there often is a pause. Sometimes followed by a cursory look around the room, with an acknowledgment of the vastness of the city: "There are so many places to choose from!" Then probably, a muttering about their apartment (a loyalty statement for that high as f*ck rent check they write every month)...then, hopefully, they settle on a spot.
Just one. Usually, it tells you a lot about them. Often, these are places they themselves don't own. A place they can explore -- outwardly, inwardly -- creative spaces, simple spaces, vast spaces, green spaces. The list goes on.
While out for a run tonight, I realized how deeming a spot your "favorite place" you also, in a way, claim ownership. And, maybe, just maybe, there are a few other people who also stake their claim over that exact, particular spot.
A space that might be yours in solace, may have, just moments before, captured the attention and grace of another soul.
I've learned to have moments here, in the midst of many others having moments around me. I used to be afraid to take in a space with someone else, a stranger, standing right next to me.
I'd ask myself, "Can they tell I'm stressed about work or worried about a family member?" Or, "This sunset is so damn beautiful but I don't want them to think I'm tourist if I take a picture right now!"
Someone recently reminded me how vitally important it is to listen to your own internal dialogue and not take on the possible judgements or perceptions others. This doesn't devalue others' opinions; rather, it allows you to more deeply experience yours...
Scenes of my moments over the past few days...
A beautiful Manhattan sunset from the Williamsburg pier, while others enjoyed around me :) 6.16.15
My solo Sundae on a Sunday, while others dined around me :) 6.14.15
A pause during a walk home in the rain to take in this art. 6.14.15
A father and daughter having a moment on the subway, with other riders all around. 6.14.15
Is My Story Inspiring?
DISCLAIMER: This is a Netflix documentary recommendation.
I don’t really watch television, or movies for that matter. I’d much rather be out and about, having conversations with others, and experiencing this rich and diverse world we live in. But, sometimes I get sleepy and need to relax and binge on some Netflix.
Tonight, after being out of town for work for five days and feeling rather maxed out. I decided to watch a Netflix movie and regroup before heading back into the office tomorrow. So, I googled, Netflix recommendations.
Ok, I love you Netflix because I’ve been able to watch Mad Men more recently and catch up with a long-running fad, but your “Romance” or “Chick Flick” selections are slacking. Yes, you have some of classics but what about some newer flicks I can chillax and watch while eating a pint of ice cream?
Anyhow, tonight I feel blessed that your chick flick selection sucks, because I came across a beautiful little documentary through my google search about a girl named Laura Dekker, a 16-year-old girl born in The Netherlands, who became the youngest to sail around the globe solo.
Images from my Spring Break 2010 sailing journey around the Florida Keys.
The documentary called, “Maiden Voyage,” is a beautiful tribute to the world we live in and the beauty that alone time -- whether in nature, challenging situations or the sea -- can bring to enriching our lives and personal development.
While Laura is a lot more of a free spirit than I will ever be, I admire her spunkiness, gumption and reminder that the world is here for us to explore. And, it’s ok to go at that exploration alone.
The aspect of Laura that prompts me to write she is more of a free spirit than I, is her frustration with the press and media attention she vocally portrays. Though, in processing that aspect of her personality now, I can understand how she would push away reporters because when she first announced she wanted to sail around the world solo at the age of 14, the Dutch government tried to stop her putting the blame on her father and labeling it as neglect. I am happy Laura, at some point asked herself the question, “Is My Story Inspiring?” and decided to share.
You proved them wrong, and in the process made a scary, solo journey appear not so lonely at all.
Our sailing crew during that Spring Break trip! Loved this group and learned the value of team work. Glad we took the journey together :) March, 2010.
A “Happiness Workshop.”
It sounds so self-helpy. So new-agey. So much so that I pictured my Dad of Suburban Philadelphia laughing about me even attending a “Happiness Workshop,” hosted by @YogadudeNYC.
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned living in New York City, in the midst of the most overtly expressive culture I’ve ever encountered, is to do just that – follow your interests, passions and goals and do so a big way.
Internalizing this lesson only more recently, the least I could do is attend a “Happiness Workshop” when the advertisement sparked a pang of interest in actually attending my first yoga workshop.
I have some personal goals right now that really require confidence. I’ve always been a visibly happy person – quick to smile and share a laugh, but that giggling, giddiness can act as a mask of my insecurities.
So, I set one intention for my 2-hour “Happiness Workshop.”
To find confidence in Happiness!!
When I signed up for the workshop I was only thinking of myself – to learn skills to cultivate happiness within me.
No sooner did I enter the workshop did I realize how wrong I was about the basic essence of happiness, as the focus was taken immediately away from me, and rather to what was going on around me, to others in the room.
We tend to think of happiness as a personal thing. Something we possess, or we don’t…something we work on cultivating for ourselves, not necessarily for others.
We go to therapy, yoga, the gym – to improve our own happiness. Oftentimes we don’t even pay attention to those around us, so focused on our current dip in mood, rather than making eye-contact with a stranger or sharing a comment on the recent spike in warm weather.
Somewhere amongst the Sandstorm dance party, staring into other yogis eyes, a giggly “Happiness Yoga” circle and the laughter waterfall – I found true happiness, or at least the recipe of true happiness.
It’s not about me. It’s about how I fit into the bigger picture – how I show kindness to others, how I make another individuals’ day a little brighter.
I took this lesson into the holiday weekend that I spent in my hometown in Pennsylvania. On Monday, I pulled into my grandmother’s neighborhood and saw a lady in the shade of an evergreen patch with her dog laying on its side panting. One of the first hot days of the season, I figured the dog was dehydrated or over-exerted herself. In my head, this VERY LOUD, hard-to-ignore voice said, “YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!” I finished driving to my grandmother’s house, ran inside and filled a plastic jug with water and came back to help the lady and her dog.
I found out the dog’s name is Gabby, and she perked right up after downing the entire jug of water. The neighbor, Deirdre and I had a nice conversation and I went home.
About an hour later, there was a knock on my grandmother’s door and it was Deirdre with a bouquet of beautiful spring flowers. I certainly didn’t expect anything when I decided to help, I just couldn’t let the dog suffer, and it appeared there wasn’t help on the way. But, the gesture of flowers put a huge smile on my face, and Deirdre came in to meet my grandmother and offered to help her anytime she needs anything because they are neighbors and my grandmother lives alone.
I carried the bouquet on the bus back to New York City and placed it on my dresser. When the flowers reach their peak, I plan to hang it upside-down to dry out so I can keep them around longer as a reminder. I’m going to call them my “Happiness Flowers,” reminding me of the beauty of random acts of kindness and how it can contribute to a boost in happiness for a community.
The “Happiness Flowers” on my dresser in Brooklyn. :) 5.26
One Year in NYC: Identity and Sense of Place
It wasn’t until I went to Philadelphia to work last weekend’s Fulbright Foreign Student Enrichment Seminar, focused on the cities’ efforts in civic engagement and the arts that I realized my life over the past year has not at all been consistently tied to one singular place.
So, I decided to draw a basic map of my whereabouts since I moved to NYC last April. And what it looks like revealed to me not so much where I went, but made me realize, more so, the one constant. Me.
We often look outside ourselves to define who we are by who we’re with, the lifestyle we chose, the city we chose; but when these pictures change so often, it’s impossible to define yourself by these external pictures.
In Philadelphia last weekend, a place I traveled that very same weekend the year before on my first work assignment, I knew I felt different. In my interactions with students; In quick decision making moments; In the strong friendships I’ve made with colleagues // I was more confident and honestly, incredibly more present than I felt the year before.
The constant travel and external picture changing over the past year has challenged me, but in doing so invigorates me. There are a few places and spaces I consider a retreat and found an oasis in this past year // my bright bedroom with it’s big sunrise-facing window in Williamsburg, Brooklyn // my grandmom’s peaceful, happy home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania // The Brooklyn Yoga to the People studio in Williamsburg // my desk adorned with Tibetan Peace Flags on the United Nations Plaza // biking along the Boston Esplanade on a beautiful June day // Standing over the colossal Rio Grande Gorge in Taos, New Mexico // in the blue waters of Playa Porti Mari on Curacao island in the Caribbean //my yoga mat // my bike // my feet...
To find strength in myself was something I desperately needed, and I can happily say is the biggest accomplishment of my first year in NYC.
Insecurity.
No, but really....who invented insecurity?
Who invented the definition of what makes us insecure?
Who made me forever and always insecure?
What makes us feel inadequate??
What makes me feel inadequate???
Tonight, at 9 PM on a Friday in NYC, I'm eating a turkey burger dispersed in whole wheat pasta with Parmesan Cheese and rosemary infused olive oil.
Yes, YUM!
And, yes....alone...blasting Noosa Pandora.
I had a few drinks with an beloved co-worker after work and returned home to just chill -- but in this city that never sleeps, I feel like I'm missing out! That I should be out RAGING - dancing my ass off, meeting people and living my life.
Regardless of the reasons I feel inadequate at this very moment -- I'm so very curious to delve into this issue!
I did a bit of googling -- and the only Sex in the City quote I could find on insecure women was this:
“Why do magazines do this to women?” Miranda complains now, glaring at Vogue. “It’s all about creating insecurity. Trying to make women feel like they’re not good enough. And when women don’t feel like they’re good enough, guess what?” “What?” I ask, picking up the grocery bag. “Men win. That’s how they keep us down,” she concludes. “Except the problem with women’s magazines is that they’re written by women,” I point out. “That only shows you how deep this thing goes. Men have made women coconspirators in their own oppression. I mean, if you spend all your time worrying about leg hair, how can you possibly have time to take over the world?”
Now, I definitely am not a man-hater -- and you definitely can't blame insecurities totally on the men in our lives -- but, rather what this quote tells me is that "New York women HAVE TO BE STRONG. Have to be confident -- strut their stuff down the street, go out every weekend and meet ALL OF THE guys..."
I'm going to get a little more intellectual at this moment and quote a women who has been an inspiration to many generations of women...
But really, in this case -- I'm the only one that's downing myself right now -- based on some pre-prescribed notion that a 25-year-old single girl should be out on a Friday night in NYC...
It's okay to totally rock out to Noosa and eat pasta and paint my nails...
This one's for the gurllls :-)
Please, please, share your thoughts on this topic...
Xo,
Jennifer
P.S. My favorite Noosa song...
Happy.
"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strong pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." ~ Rumi
Day 17.
To be completely honest with ya'll, I'm a few days behind in my 30-day yoga challenge. Technically four classes behind, due to an out of town work trip and general fatigue...but, I'm not mad about it!
While I work on growing the resolve to double up and take two classes in one day to catch up, I'd like to reflect on the amazing happiness I'm feeling right now.
It's like emanating from me! Evident in my smile (I'm told), and the way I'm carrying myself.
For this to be my reality in the dead of winter is in fact amazing. I recently reflected on how down I was last winter, so much so that I cried when leaving California to return to cold and snowy Pennsylvania last February.
It's amazing when your dreams become your reality -- which can only be achieved when you stay close to the things you really love. Doing this challenge hasn't necessarily been easy -- yoga in a room heated to 103-105 degrees for an hour or an hour and a half every day -- can be a struggle.
It can hurt. Make you dizzy. Make you angry when you step out into the 11 degree, windy, winter Brooklyn street drenched in your own sweat from the hot room to make your way home. But, at the same time, it's empowering me.
Filling me with SO MUCH JOY!
Yoga in general is something I love -- something I've felt drawn to since high school. Though this challenge is taking that love to the next level, as Rumi assures the things you love cannot lead you astray.
So though I'm tired and would love to leave work on this cold, snowy, slushy New York City Monday, to crawl into my bed, watch netflix and eat popcorn -- I'm going to yoga! Cuz I'm damn happy!!
:-) <3
Xo,
Jennifer
Fatigue. Stop. Break. Stop. More. Stop. Yoga. No, Stop...
It’s technically day five of my yoga challenge and I only have 4 stickers on my 30 Day Challenge card. But I am not disappointed in myself, rather I’ve learned my first lesson of this challenge: how to listen to my body.
I knew I was getting sick late last week, but I was so eager to start the yoga challenge and wanted to start on a weekend that I just jumped right in and signed up Saturday morning. Add one NYC adventure of a night out -- from Saturday night to the wee hours of Sunday morning -- and you have me waking up with no voice, tightness in my chest and very low energy.
I still went to yoga Sunday and Monday, though — I couldn’t give up on the challenge yet! But come Tuesday morning when I needed to return to work after the holiday weekend and still barely had a voice, I regretted pushing myself so hard over the weekend.
I didn’t go to yoga last night, instead came home after work, relaxed and went to bed early. I felt better today. Healthier. Stronger. Refreshed.
An image of the YTTP's 30 Day Challenge victory wall. One day *soon* I'll be here!
I found out you're allowed to miss a day, just have to double up on other days to still meet the 30 classes in 30 days quota. So, I just have to pick a day where I'm extra ambitious and take two classes.
As much as I want to write more, I'm going to leave now to ride my bike the 5 miles home, listening to my body to give myself a break before class at 8:30 p.m.
I leave you with that beautiful, beautiful Rumi quote above, while I surrender to my body. The most productive surrendering I've ever done.
My First EVER Yoga Challenge!!!
There have been a lot of New York City firsts for me in the past ten months since I moved here -- but I'm happy to say, after many of those firsts weren't necessarily the healthiest for my body (lots of partying and indulgent eating) -- I decided to take the plunge and pursue a passion I truly enjoy.
A passion and hobby that makes my body feel good every time I indulge in its challenging moments, and peaceful waves.
Yoga.
Such a simple word for a practice that can unleash such amazing empowerment, and yet be such a release.
I've been practicing yoga since 2010, following an intrigue in the culture that came along with yoga since high school. I remember purchasing a book on yoga basics at a local book store one night with my friends during senior year. But, oddly enough, I never opened it, really. Or started practicing, until my roommates senior year of COLLEGE, asked me to join them at classes on campus.
I instantly fell in love with the practice.
At first, it was solely for the way downward dog and the regular sun salutations released lower back pain that plagued my body since high school.
I just always felt so great when I left class after a sufficient dose of savasana -- relieved of pain and almost floating on air.
Then, I started to notice how the lessons I learned in class began to infiltrate my daily life. Anyone who knew (or, especially dated) me in college, knew I was always super stressed out with a ton on my plate. But, yoga taught me how to breathe and move through it -- one task, class, paper, or barista shift at a time.
My yoga journey has taken many shapes over the five years that I've been practicing, but always felt necessary -- not only to my sanity, but also to my body. I crave coming to my mat, especially when I'm having a super stressful day at work. Sometimes, it's the only thing that can take my mind off of all the *shit*.
When I moved to WIlliamsburg, Brooklyn in April 2014, I began practicing at Yoga to the People because of the affordability. Their donation-based Vinyasa classes were a saving grace for me in this expensive city. I generally prefer Vinyasa-based classes over the Bikram style, because you move through many poses at a faster pace.
For a new yogi, it seems the easiest way to transition into Yoga, because moving through more poses and having more body specific movements to focus on can keep your mind off other outside things and focused on what is happening on your mat.
That's why at first I had an aversion towards joining Yoga to the People's 30 Day Yoga Challenge -- their challenge requires that you take 30 classes in 30 days of their Bikram-based hot yoga classes.
Prior to moving to New York City, I regularly practiced with good friends at Dana Hot Yoga in Bala Cynwyd or Glenside, Pennsylvania and absolutely loved the style of that studio. They combine the Vinyasa-style with super fun challenging poses like crow, half moon and my all-time favorite -- bird of paradise.
But, I wanted a new year challenge and something to get me through the cold, dreary winter -- 30 days of HOT yoga during the dead of winter started to sound pretty enticing. For $90 for 30 days, I can challenge myself to make it to 30 hot yoga classes during the next month, no matter how shitty I may feel, how stressed out I may be or how snowy and gross it may be outside. When I make it through, I get two weeks free - so it's also a lot more bang for your buck! Putting that smiley-face sticker up every day after class is going to feel great!
Ladies and Gentleman, I am now on the Yoga Challenge wall in the Yoga to the People Brooklyn studio! Photo taken 1.17.14 after two days of yoga. :-)
I could go on and on about yoga -- it's kind of crazy how much I love it, which is why I'm going to try my very best to document the transformational realizations this challenge is offering me.
To start, I took my first class on Saturday at noon, which happened to be an extra-special hour and a half class. Admittedly I could feel the wine I had with friends Thursday and Friday nights in my body. When the room is 103 degrees, and beads of sweat collect all over your entire body just in a relaxation pose before class, you can instantly feel the slightest bit of dehydration.
The teachers do not play music in the hot yoga classes, which I really enjoy (when it's good music) during the Vinyasa classes, but I actually didn't notice the lack thereof as much as I expected to - I was too focused on my breathing and trying to get as deep as possible into the poses.
I think my favorite pose in Saturday's class was dancer's pose -- it's just such a liberating, yet powerful pose that makes me feel bold to be where I am.
I didn't make it to the studio until 5 p.m. today for my second class of the challenge (due to some late night holiday weekend shenanigans last night) but still enjoyed my class -- only an hour today, which was fine by my tired body.
If I feel better tomorrow, I plan to take two classes, because I have to go out of town for work later this month and want to make up for the classes I'll miss ahead of time. But, I'm proud of myself for taking this step and indulging in a fun challenge to get me through the dark, dreary, cold days of this winter. I'm ready to do something uplifting for this body of mine.
Attraversiamo!
Get Gutsy: Get To Know Our World
Getting gutsy is all about stepping outside your comfort zone to reach your goals and live a life that makes you truly happy. This post is my entry for Jessica Lawlor’s Get Gutsy Essay Contest. To get involved and share your own gutsy story, check out this post for contest details and download a free copy of the inspiring Get Gutsy ebook.
When applying to colleges at the ripe age of 16, I had two criteria for my future four-year home:
1) A strong journalism program
2) Opportunities to study abroad
In fact, I wanted to study abroad so badly that at the end of that search I chose to live at home for the first year and a half and attend the local Penn State campus in Abington, PA in order to save money to fund a study abroad experience.
Until college, I had never been outside United States’ borders, yet my intrigue about how the rest of the world lived their daily lives infiltrated my daily interactions. I don’t know if it was a thirst for the “different” or the desire to live a rich and varied life full of diverse cultural experiences — but international countries, and their peoples, beckoned me.
I got gutsy and took that intrigue about what was happening outside our borders to overcome a fear of the unknown, and take the first leap.
The first time I ever lived outside of my parent's house and the hometown where I was born and raised, was in an apartment with five other Americans I never met before in the historical center of Florence, Italy. In other words, 5,158 miles away on another continent, in a country that spoke a language I had modest skills in.
Though against daunting circumstances, I rose to the occasion and rather than succumbing to fear embraced my excitement in the reality I now called my life, which resulted in incredible, pivotal realizations throughout that semester.
Some of my favorite views from that semester in Italy:
Italian latte and delicious Panini on one of my first days in Florence. January 2009
Wicker bike excursion around the fortress walls of the Tuscany-town of Lucca. January 2009
A beautiful Roma fountain right when exiting St. Peter’s Basilica. February 2009
I took a Fresco Painting class during my semester abroad at Palazzo Rucellai
The view from above the Almafi Coastal town of Positano. April 2009
An overarching impression of those experiences caused such a huge shift in my life and world outlook, however. The most intimidating experience I took on while living in Florence, ended up being the most fulfilling.
Through a connection with our study abroad university, I had the opportunity to interview for a position as an intern at Palazzo Vecchio, or Florence's City Hall. The castle-like building is filled to the brim with medieval, Medici history, and I had the honor to lead English-speaking tourists on the "Percorsi Segreti," or tour of the "secret passageways!"
Palazzo Vecchio on a chilly March evening, 2009.
In addition to working closely with my Italian colleagues, I met tourists from all over the world on a daily basis. Connecting over a shared experience of discovering the history, enchantment and beauty of a place, brought visitors from Russia, Denmark and Australia, to name a few, together.
These interactions were beautiful to watch, and even more fulfilling when they seemed to be fascinated with the stories I shared with them! I began to break my own preconceived stereotypes about their respective cultures just by having these interactions.
I returned from Italy with the desire to get to know even more of my world and sought opportunities on campus to participate in international service projects -- then suddenly, a professor dreamt up my dream class and made it a reality. I was selected for the International Reporting Class Trip to Cape Town, South Africa over spring break of my senior year.
Picture of me taking in the scene on the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa (March 2011) Photo by Kev Cirilli!
My friend, Mapz, who I met while interviewing students at the University of Cape Town -- a campus that seemed a lot like Penn State's campus. Here we are watching rugby match. March 2011
Now, I'll be honest, prior to this semester I knew nothing about South Africa, except what I gleaned from the Disney movie, The Color of Friendship, at a young age. I have to admit I did not know what to expect, except I remember telling many people when I returned that "it was a lot more modern than I expected!"
This trip above all helped me shed my preconceived notions about a "third-world" or developing country - and helped me realize no matter where a country may fall on the western determinations of what's "modern" there are still beautiful, progressive, intriguing debates and research happening all over the world. Never before had I realized there was NOT a hierarchy of knowledge or development - there are many different ways to live this life, which are shaped by the many different experiences and environments we find ourselves in.
I took that realization and applied compassion to it, though I know there are many different people that live varying degrees of comfortable to challenging lives in India - I jumped on the opportunity to participate in Penn State Schreyer Honors College International Service Project to spend a summer volunteering at an orphanage in India.
While there were many, many challenging moments during that time at the orphanage (read more about that experience on my blog), I learned mostly about the responsibility "do-gooders" have when going abroad to try to solve "problems." One must be open to understanding the community you intend to help -- and refrain from applying quick fixes that seem natural to an American. Above all else, there needs to be an emphasis on the sustainability of that help and a way for the locals to be able to take future ownership over the solution when you are no longer there.
Teaching a class at a local english speaking school during my time in India in 2011.
Some of the adorable youngsters at HOINA I played with often.
Helping the boys with homework (aka drawing Disney characters) during the evenings at the orphanage.
I loved these adorable orphans -- and found a strength in them I carry with me until this day, only emphasizing that "you can't let fear run your life." Though they had experienced many hardships in their short lives to that point, they smiled and giggled and played, and worked hard in school to have a promising future. They are fearless.
These are just some of the ways my life was transformed by cultural experiences and experiences abroad that I would not have had if I didn't shed my fear of the unknown. I wholeheartedly believe that as peoples, our fear of the unknown - from other people, to cultures, to countries, to religions - holds us back from truly embracing the diversity of this planet. In order to facilitate peace in our world, we all need to do our part to get to know our world. I challenge you to take the first step, which may be as simple as getting to know the Indian man sitting next to you on the train, or the girl wearing the hijab in your grad school class. Though you may not know where this conversation or friendship may take you, I can assure you it will only make you wiser. You can't let fear run your life. To achieve peace, we can't let fear run our world.
Moving to New York brings with it one challenge after another, yet when encountering those challenges I am constantly comforted by the fact that each day I can return to my desk at the Institute of International Education and live and breathe my passion for international exchange and peace through understanding; and support our efforts to double the number of U.S. students going abroad through #GenerationStudyAbroad.
Get Gutsy: Get to know our world.
I am happy to speak with anyone about how I was able to have all of these study abroad experiences, and how you can too. Here are some useful links to get you started:
Study Abroad Funding
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
2014: Moving to New York
2014 began, for me, in a local newsroom in Pennsylvania; and with a roommate very dear to me: my Grammy.
My life was filled to the brim with strong family relationships and friendships; but, my dream of living in New York City incessantly beckoned. So, I continued to apply for jobs in that great big city and hoped for the best.
A winter of bitter cold and snowstorms prompted an escape to Southern California to visit family and friends -- a much needed escape.
My cousin, Matt Connor and I, during a sunset dog walk. February 22, 2014
I didn't realize how needed that escape was until Matt and his girlfriend, Liz, dropped me off at the airport and tears filled my eyes beneath my sunglasses...
I was so upset that even the TSA official checking my bag said, "It's okay, hunny, you'll be back soon enough!" (As if I was on my way back to college...)
I mean, I couldn't be crying just because I love sunshine and warmth that much, right?
My plane ride back to Philadelphia was filled with much reflection AND the conclusion that I needed a change.
Just two weeks later I mysteriously got an email inquiring if I was still interested in interviewing for a position at the Institute of International Education. I applied for the positon nearly two months prior and to be honest, forgot I had.
Three weeks later and what I must admit was a stellar final in-person interview in NYC, I had an offer!
And, two crazy weeks later, I moved to NYC!
A quote I find myself revisiting when life gets chaotic.
The move, in itself, was only a part of the choas of 2014; but to me, it was beautiful chaos.
I snatched up almost every invitation to explore my new city; endeavors certainly made easier by the warmth of spring and summer, and an ethereal energy this city seems to posses.
Mural visible from the Meat Packing District's highline path. Photo taken 5.31.14 during a stroll with Lindsey Keane!
Summer Central Park hangs with friends Becky Levin and Brian Walker. Photo taken 6.7.14
The Kara Walker Exhibit on display in Williamburg, Brooklyn this summer. Photo taken 7.5.14
Summer boat ride up the Long Island Sound to Half Moon Beach with Maks Suski and Joe Stehle. Photo taken 7.22.14
These are just a few of the NYC highlights of this past, incredible, chaotic year; not to mention numerous work trips -- Atlanta, GA, Boston, MA, State College, PA, Albuquerque, NM, Philadelphia, PA and four trips to Washington, D.C.!
As i look forward to changes, some growing up, and love to come in 2015; I can't help but first look back to the year when my childhood dreams of living in New York City came true; and the anthem I kept returning to this past year by The Avett Brothers.
"One foot in and one foot back
But it don't pay, to live like that...
Ah, Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in, Are you aware the shape I'm in?"
What was your 2014 anthem?
Video taken the morning of 12.3.14 at Union Square Subway Station during my commute to work.
Christmas gems are abound in this magical city <3
I wish you could see the joyous smile of this subway musician as he plays his amplified Steel Drum. ;-)
It's Christmastime in the city!
I've spent some time out of the city over the past month -- for a work trip and the Thanksgiving holiday -- affecting my ability to write about my new city!
I returned on November 30th from a week home in Pennsylvania to the city glowing in all of its holiday glory.
Christmastime has always been a special season for me; a glimmer of hope in the cold months that have always been difficult for me.
Strolling down Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg around 11:30 PM on that last Sunday of November, I passed a holiday moment -- a couple purchasing a great big Christmas Tree.
I kept walking, then I doubled back...and snapped this photo...
Holiday lights have sprung up all over the city -- the glow feels warm even on the coldest nights.
Tonight, I'll bring a piece of my hometown -- the below music video of "O Holy Night" by my dear friends The Revere -- to my new city. As I stroll around Manhattan taking in the Christmas lights and joy, I'll play this beautiful, powerful and moving rendition on my headphones.
Thanks guys for giving me a piece of home to carry me through the next three weeks until I'm home for the holidays and your acoustic show at Villa Capri in Doylestown on Friday, December 19th!