I've become a Saturday evening Mass attender. I very much enjoy going on Saturdays...the community is much smaller. Maybe a total of 40 people come causing the church to switch the Mass from the large sanctuary to a tiny little chapel down the hall that is generally used for a noon-time daily Mass. The community is comprised of many elderly individuals, including but not limited to Sr. Margaret (my wonderful boss), Sr. Bernadette (the spunkiest woman you've ever seen), and Margaret (our good friend who joined us for Thanksgiving). My Saturday evenings are filled with hugs and kisses, I feel, increasing with every week I attend. I enjoy being one of the youngest individuals in attendance.
However, this blog is not about my community, but about Saturday's Mass...namely homily and this Lenten journey.
This weekend's Gospel was the Transfiguration from Mark. The first reading, coming from Genesis, spoke of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac to show his undying devotion to God. Fr. Joe, then, spoke of withholding in life and how we are called to not withhold anything, especially in regard to showing our love to God.
His homily really stuck with me and has made me reflect upon my own life. Where am I withholding in life? Or with who?
I'm learning this year how to be more open and honest with myself and with others. Sometimes I'm more successful than other times. During the beginning of the year, I really learned how to share my sufferings with others, especially my roommates and mom. Before this year, I don't think I had ever called up my mother sobbing uncontrollably...I certainly did not make her anxiety about sending me off to big NYC any easier. I think things have improved greatly though. Being on the opposite coast from the vast majority of those I love has also taught me how to prioritize relationships among other things in my life.
Life is truly what we make of it. Every day has the possibility of being a great day if only we open ourselves up to everything it has to offer. It can be little more than smiling at little kids who are excited to run into their computer teacher or literally spending hours at the copy machine doing work for someone, but knowing that your work is helping ease their workload or it can be as monumental as spending an hour on the phone with a good friend laughing or crying or catching up or walking downtown as you work up an appetite with another friend or joining your roommates for a concert and just wonder and awe at the God-given voices sing praise and glory to our Lord.
My goal this Lenten season is to continue working on not withholding myself from life and God and what He's willing to show me. My prayer is that as my Lenten journey continues, I may learn how to incorporate this philosophy into my entire life long after the beauty that is the Triduum.
Behold...I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your will.
3.09.2009
2.13.2009
We want to give you a hug...
I didn't think I would enjoy working with kids on the computer as much as I have over the last several weeks. On computer days, my job isn't necessarily difficult. Essentially, I sit with one or two students at a time and work with them on computer games whether it be coloring, math, reading. The software and my purpose is more to get them comfortable working on the computer than anything else. Basically, I get to play with a bunch of four year olds.
Before working at St. Nick's and now with the pre-K classes, I've had more exposure to little kids than I think I ever had in my life. I'm constantly touched and amazed by their caring ways, their simple gestures, their youthful innocence.
When I am working with the little ones at times it does get to be a little much trying to get them to understand how to play a certain game or even learn not to press the mouse so many times to be able to let the computer think. Yet when I think upon my days working with the kids, these little things rarely cross my mind.
What stays with me is when I accidentally make one girl cry because she doesn't want me to leave. Or when another girl wants so badly for me to play with her in the kitchen. Or when one little energy-filled kid runs after me and tells me quite frankly "we want to give you a hug."
More and more this year, I've begun to understand the importance of a ministry of presence. I've talked to Sr. Margaret, my boss, about it from time to time and I realize, this is what life is all about.
It doesn't so much matter that I do the most or am the best at anything. What matters is that I'm here spending my time being me and being present to others. Sometimes I forget that fact, but then I hear Sr. Margaret tell me that I've made her life so much brighter by being in it this year or Ms. Minerva tells me how her students are always asking if the "computer lady" is going to be coming in that particular day.
While this is just one day out of a typical week for me, I feel at times it is what gives me the most joy. I pray that I may never lose that joy in life.
"You are not merely here to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." ~ Woodrow Wilson
May we never lose sight of the preciousness of being truly present to others.
Before working at St. Nick's and now with the pre-K classes, I've had more exposure to little kids than I think I ever had in my life. I'm constantly touched and amazed by their caring ways, their simple gestures, their youthful innocence.
When I am working with the little ones at times it does get to be a little much trying to get them to understand how to play a certain game or even learn not to press the mouse so many times to be able to let the computer think. Yet when I think upon my days working with the kids, these little things rarely cross my mind.
What stays with me is when I accidentally make one girl cry because she doesn't want me to leave. Or when another girl wants so badly for me to play with her in the kitchen. Or when one little energy-filled kid runs after me and tells me quite frankly "we want to give you a hug."
More and more this year, I've begun to understand the importance of a ministry of presence. I've talked to Sr. Margaret, my boss, about it from time to time and I realize, this is what life is all about.
It doesn't so much matter that I do the most or am the best at anything. What matters is that I'm here spending my time being me and being present to others. Sometimes I forget that fact, but then I hear Sr. Margaret tell me that I've made her life so much brighter by being in it this year or Ms. Minerva tells me how her students are always asking if the "computer lady" is going to be coming in that particular day.
While this is just one day out of a typical week for me, I feel at times it is what gives me the most joy. I pray that I may never lose that joy in life.
"You are not merely here to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand." ~ Woodrow Wilson
May we never lose sight of the preciousness of being truly present to others.
2.08.2009
"You have beautiful hair..."
On Fridays, my day consists of going between three pre-K classrooms and working on the computer with 4 year olds. It's funny how something as simple as sitting with a couple of kids at a time can cause such an impact, either for the students, teachers, or me.
This last Friday I was working with Dawnette and Brianna. I encourage the kids to work together taking turns to complete a game, whatever they happen to be playing. When they get answers right, I'm a huge fan of the 'high five' and I think most of the kids are as well.
Dawnette took an immediate and surprising liking to me. As I would go to give her five, she would leave her hand in mine for a few seconds as if to hold my hand for a bit. I was sitting right next to her and after another question answered correctly, she leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and informed me that I had beautiful hair. I returned the compliment as I was very much enjoying her long, thick black braids. After working with the two girls a little bit longer, Dawnette gave me another peck and told me she loved me. My heart melted.
It's amazing to me how spending so little time with these kids can create such a trust. In the middle of living in the Bronx, it's refreshing to see such innocence. While I feel as though many of these kids are forced to grow up way too quickly due to their difficult realities, it's nice to see that for a little bit these four year olds can still get excited over "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and a job well done.
While financially I may not have the most lucrative position available, I consider myself a rich woman. I feel blessed to be showered with hugs, kisses, high fives, and smiles. Whether I get these from my students, my coworkers, or my roommates, I feel as though I have been given this great treasure that so many people have been willing to share their affection with me.
What I'm learning is that New York, and especially the Bronx, is not as hard, cold, or distant as people make it out to be. At the end of the day, it is just a city filled with people who are all searching for love.
This last Friday I was working with Dawnette and Brianna. I encourage the kids to work together taking turns to complete a game, whatever they happen to be playing. When they get answers right, I'm a huge fan of the 'high five' and I think most of the kids are as well.
Dawnette took an immediate and surprising liking to me. As I would go to give her five, she would leave her hand in mine for a few seconds as if to hold my hand for a bit. I was sitting right next to her and after another question answered correctly, she leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and informed me that I had beautiful hair. I returned the compliment as I was very much enjoying her long, thick black braids. After working with the two girls a little bit longer, Dawnette gave me another peck and told me she loved me. My heart melted.
It's amazing to me how spending so little time with these kids can create such a trust. In the middle of living in the Bronx, it's refreshing to see such innocence. While I feel as though many of these kids are forced to grow up way too quickly due to their difficult realities, it's nice to see that for a little bit these four year olds can still get excited over "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and a job well done.
While financially I may not have the most lucrative position available, I consider myself a rich woman. I feel blessed to be showered with hugs, kisses, high fives, and smiles. Whether I get these from my students, my coworkers, or my roommates, I feel as though I have been given this great treasure that so many people have been willing to share their affection with me.
What I'm learning is that New York, and especially the Bronx, is not as hard, cold, or distant as people make it out to be. At the end of the day, it is just a city filled with people who are all searching for love.
2.03.2009
Todo Cambio...
Okay, so I'm titling my post this for three reasons: 1) it just came on and I'm currently listening to it; 2) I have a soft spot in my heart for Camila and this song in particular; and 3) my 2009 from my 2008, it's pretty fitting (except for what the song is about which is all romantic and lovey-dovey and such, which my life is not currently).
That being said...I'm going to try to be more faithful to this little blog for the remainder of my time in the BX, filling it with little anecdotes, inspiring quotes, thoughts on faith, and life in general.
As a brief update on the last 2 1/2 months of my life...I am no longer working at the school, but am now serving half of the week in a shelter for women and children (Siena House, with Meg) and the other half in a day care (Universal Day Care/Tolentine Zeiser Pre-Kindergarten). Life is grand. I've learned a lot. Cried a ton (before Christmas). And I've grown more than I thought imaginable.
Now, life...
Today, I had two big highlights.
The first, I made a new BFF. On Tuesdays I'm at Siena House. This morning I was working on a bulletin board down by the kitchen and Orlando,the maintenance/custodial man during the days was cleaning. Generally, we simply say a quick "hello" "how are you" and whatnot. I thought he knew that I knew Spanish (he's from the DR), but every time we've spoken, it's been in English. Anyhow, I'm in the middle of taking something off the board and out of nowhere he asks me, in Spanish mind you, if I'm usually that quiet (I wasn't really saying anything). This begins a lovely conversation about Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, our families, travelling, education, and so on. From then on, every time I ran into him, we shared a few more quick comments. Yay for new friends!
The second, I held my second workshop by myself. Throughout the week, different people will hold workshops for the women ranging from health issues to arts and crafts to education. Yesterday I held my first. Today began our series on Black History Month. The topic was going to be an introduction to the month, what it means, why we celebrate it, other thoughts. I was really excited because I had four women (which is a decent turnout) join me and our conversation turned to issues such as racism, stereotyping, and Obama as president. Then, we all wrote our own "I have a dream"'s which will be typed up and put up throughout the building during the whole month. Living in the Bronx and especially working at Siena House has really opened my eyes to holidays like MLK Day and Black History Month in a whole new way. I don't think I've ever appreciated them so much as I do this year, being able to see what they mean to an inner city individual who has the chance to dream big because of them.
Tomorrow is another day at Siena. Hopefully the snow that has been falling all day will somewhat subside and be cleared by morning. Otherwise it'll be a slushy trek to work.
Other than that, I suppose I'll be bundled up for the next six weeks of winter Phil's predicted for us. Whoo-hoo...
That being said...I'm going to try to be more faithful to this little blog for the remainder of my time in the BX, filling it with little anecdotes, inspiring quotes, thoughts on faith, and life in general.
As a brief update on the last 2 1/2 months of my life...I am no longer working at the school, but am now serving half of the week in a shelter for women and children (Siena House, with Meg) and the other half in a day care (Universal Day Care/Tolentine Zeiser Pre-Kindergarten). Life is grand. I've learned a lot. Cried a ton (before Christmas). And I've grown more than I thought imaginable.
Now, life...
Today, I had two big highlights.
The first, I made a new BFF. On Tuesdays I'm at Siena House. This morning I was working on a bulletin board down by the kitchen and Orlando,the maintenance/custodial man during the days was cleaning. Generally, we simply say a quick "hello" "how are you" and whatnot. I thought he knew that I knew Spanish (he's from the DR), but every time we've spoken, it's been in English. Anyhow, I'm in the middle of taking something off the board and out of nowhere he asks me, in Spanish mind you, if I'm usually that quiet (I wasn't really saying anything). This begins a lovely conversation about Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, our families, travelling, education, and so on. From then on, every time I ran into him, we shared a few more quick comments. Yay for new friends!
The second, I held my second workshop by myself. Throughout the week, different people will hold workshops for the women ranging from health issues to arts and crafts to education. Yesterday I held my first. Today began our series on Black History Month. The topic was going to be an introduction to the month, what it means, why we celebrate it, other thoughts. I was really excited because I had four women (which is a decent turnout) join me and our conversation turned to issues such as racism, stereotyping, and Obama as president. Then, we all wrote our own "I have a dream"'s which will be typed up and put up throughout the building during the whole month. Living in the Bronx and especially working at Siena House has really opened my eyes to holidays like MLK Day and Black History Month in a whole new way. I don't think I've ever appreciated them so much as I do this year, being able to see what they mean to an inner city individual who has the chance to dream big because of them.
Tomorrow is another day at Siena. Hopefully the snow that has been falling all day will somewhat subside and be cleared by morning. Otherwise it'll be a slushy trek to work.
Other than that, I suppose I'll be bundled up for the next six weeks of winter Phil's predicted for us. Whoo-hoo...
I get by with a little help from my friends...
“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” ~ Pope John XXIII
I never anticipated calling my mom and crying to her about another difficult day. I never thought I would break down in front of my roommates and be so completely vulnerable to them in such a short time. I never foresaw coming to a decision to leave my placement, contemplate going home, and learning so much about myself before Christmas.
Before my year as an Augustinian Volunteer, I had done service work before. Granted, it had never been a situation anything like my time here in the Bronx, but I had done enough to know that when you put yourself in a situation of service, you should have no expectations. As much as I had thought I was coming into this experience without expectations, deep down inside of me, even though I was praying for a life altering journey, I did not ever consider it would play out as my first few months did.
I am thankful for every single moment of it.
I think during the period of September to December, I shed more tears than I ever have. I called home and opened myself up completely to my frustrations, sufferings, and fears in life. I was forced into pure honesty with myself and my roommates. For maybe the first time in my life, I looked deep into myself and stepped away from a situation that I knew for my best interest was not right for me.
I lived. I learned. I wept. I grew.
What, then, did this period teach me?
More than anything, I learned about love. I consider myself a pretty blessed person to have so many wonderful individuals in my life, but I know that I too often take them for granted. I find it difficult at times to be 100% vulnerable with myself, let alone with others, especially those I have not known for very long. Yet this experience broke down any boundaries I or my roommates may have had.
Initially, I wanted to do a year of service for the purpose of doing service. I really liked the fact that the Augustinian Volunteers focused so much on community, but I was viewing this as an added bonus to the spiritual and service oriented aspects of the program. I did not realize that living in community would come to be what I have cherished the most about my experience so far.
Katie, Kendra, and Meg have helped me tremendously over the last few months. When I was struggling, they would be there to listen to my problems or give me advice, even if I was not necessarily always the most receptive. They were patient with me as I worked through my difficulties. They were strong and believed in me when I had stopped believing in myself. They have inspired me, challenged me, and taught me about how to live.
I could probably go on for much too long about how each has individually shaped my life for the better this year and not even begin to cover all of their gifts, strengths, and beauty. When I think about community, I look to them and the community we have built on honesty, support, and love with one another. When I think about service, I look to them and see how each has embraced her position and far exceeded what was ever expected of them because they believe in what they’re doing with their heart. When I think about spirituality, I look to them and see how their differences and openness has made me look at my own spirituality and prayer in a different way.
While I feel as though there have been numerous individuals that I have met or been influenced by the last few months, I feel as though the three ladies I have the privilege of sharing this experience with have truly made the most lasting impact. In no small way, they have encouraged me to consult my dreams and hopes, telling me not to sell myself short; they have seen my potential and supported me in seeking it; they have believed that I can do anything I set my mind to and have helped me fall in love with the BX and all the amazing stories it has to share.
I never anticipated calling my mom and crying to her about another difficult day. I never thought I would break down in front of my roommates and be so completely vulnerable to them in such a short time. I never foresaw coming to a decision to leave my placement, contemplate going home, and learning so much about myself before Christmas.
Before my year as an Augustinian Volunteer, I had done service work before. Granted, it had never been a situation anything like my time here in the Bronx, but I had done enough to know that when you put yourself in a situation of service, you should have no expectations. As much as I had thought I was coming into this experience without expectations, deep down inside of me, even though I was praying for a life altering journey, I did not ever consider it would play out as my first few months did.
I am thankful for every single moment of it.
I think during the period of September to December, I shed more tears than I ever have. I called home and opened myself up completely to my frustrations, sufferings, and fears in life. I was forced into pure honesty with myself and my roommates. For maybe the first time in my life, I looked deep into myself and stepped away from a situation that I knew for my best interest was not right for me.
I lived. I learned. I wept. I grew.
What, then, did this period teach me?
More than anything, I learned about love. I consider myself a pretty blessed person to have so many wonderful individuals in my life, but I know that I too often take them for granted. I find it difficult at times to be 100% vulnerable with myself, let alone with others, especially those I have not known for very long. Yet this experience broke down any boundaries I or my roommates may have had.
Initially, I wanted to do a year of service for the purpose of doing service. I really liked the fact that the Augustinian Volunteers focused so much on community, but I was viewing this as an added bonus to the spiritual and service oriented aspects of the program. I did not realize that living in community would come to be what I have cherished the most about my experience so far.
Katie, Kendra, and Meg have helped me tremendously over the last few months. When I was struggling, they would be there to listen to my problems or give me advice, even if I was not necessarily always the most receptive. They were patient with me as I worked through my difficulties. They were strong and believed in me when I had stopped believing in myself. They have inspired me, challenged me, and taught me about how to live.
I could probably go on for much too long about how each has individually shaped my life for the better this year and not even begin to cover all of their gifts, strengths, and beauty. When I think about community, I look to them and the community we have built on honesty, support, and love with one another. When I think about service, I look to them and see how each has embraced her position and far exceeded what was ever expected of them because they believe in what they’re doing with their heart. When I think about spirituality, I look to them and see how their differences and openness has made me look at my own spirituality and prayer in a different way.
While I feel as though there have been numerous individuals that I have met or been influenced by the last few months, I feel as though the three ladies I have the privilege of sharing this experience with have truly made the most lasting impact. In no small way, they have encouraged me to consult my dreams and hopes, telling me not to sell myself short; they have seen my potential and supported me in seeking it; they have believed that I can do anything I set my mind to and have helped me fall in love with the BX and all the amazing stories it has to share.
11.15.2008
Back in the New York groove...
I have found the theme song for my community, the four lovely ladies of the BX, but I will get to that soon enough. The past week or so has been quite nice and a bit different from the general run of the mill that I've become accustomed to.
Everything began last Friday with a half day. St. Nick's has a half day every first Friday of the month. In some ways, it's still very traditionally Catholic. Therefore, at 11:30 the children come down the stairs into the gym where Evelyn and I attempt to see that their homework is completed, their food is eaten, and in general nobody dies for the next 7 hours or until the final child is picked up. I officially handed out my first Saturday detentions (which resulted in two, but especially one very angry parent...that was no fun).
Nothing quite out of the ordinary occurred during the After School this particular day, and so I left at 5:30 to embark on a weekend getaway with the roomies to the Jersey Shore. Meg works at Siena House which is a shelter for homeless women who are either pregnant or have very young children. Two of the ladies that work there are Dominican Sisters who own a house (the order as a whole) in Ventnor, NJ about a mile away from Atlantic City. Once a year, the sisters like to reserve the house and have a little mini retreat/vacation for the staff and respective friends/family of Siena House. They were quite gracious and invited the four of us to join them for the weekend. To begin with, the house was gorgeous and literally right on the water. It was the last house on the street before you hit the boardwalk and sand. Our room looked out onto the ocean which was so beautiful to wake up to in the morning and go to sleep listening to.
The weekend was really nice for multiple reasons, one of which was the fact that the four of us were together for the whole weekend which rarely seems to happen. Also cool was the fact that two of last year's BX AVs come up from Philly for the weekend as well. We had all previously met Porter (Katie) who is going to S. Africa next year and went to orientation with. The second was Lauren M. (one of the two Lauren's living here). It was really cool to finally feel like we had stories to share with one another, people or events that we've each experienced in our respective times in the BX. All the volunteers are coming up the first weekend of December as part of a BX tradition which I'm excited about. It'll be fun to talk about the craziness that is St. Nick's and the BX in general.
I also absolutely loved playing on the beach. There is little better than the feeling of sand between your toes, lying down, collecting shells, and taking goofy photos with some great people. We went to Mass on Sunday at a really cute little church who 1) had a visiting Irish priest who gave an awesome homily and 2) sang "We are One Body" which totally took me back to the days of St. John's. The only negative part of the whole weekend...well there are two...1) it took us forever to come home because the traffic was ridiculous, although it was amusing either evading certain cars with creepy old men who would stare at our car or trying to catch up to other cars for one reason or another; and 2) we accidentally forgot to close the fridge all the way when we left so we returned to a smelly apartment with rotten milk among other items. That was quite unfortunate.
The week wasn't too bad all in all either. It was short due to Veteran's Day for which the roomies and I took the opportunity to take our Christmas photo. Be looking for that shortly. ;) We were quite amused at one point when we asked a gentleman from Moty's (the deli/bodega across the street) to take a picture of us to which he asked if we were going to use it for our MySpace page. Hmm. Not so much.
Last night was really fun and momentous because it was the first time the four of us roomies went out to the bars as a group. We've had several pairs or trios but at least one of us has always decided to sit out the night. Last night, however, we met up with a group of Dominican Volunteers that live in the area and went to a local BX museum that had an exhibit on street art from the 50s to now. It was really cool and I'd like to make it back to see it longer. Unfortunately, it was only open until 8, and we got there around 7. My favorite piece by far was entitled "New York Groove" hence the title of the blog (it's a song by Ace Frehley from Kiss). It was a video filmed in Mexico City (okay, slight bias because of that), where a guy was coming out of the subway and just rocking out dancing down the street. As he continues among the mass of people, he gets three other guys to join him who all begin dancing down the street as well. The roomies and I decided they were totally us and that New York groove is now officially our theme song. The End.
After the museum, we joined the Dominicans at Yankee Tavern where we actually had an opportunity to talk to them. They are all really cool and it's nice to have some other connections here in the BX. Afterwards, one of the Dominicans, Kim (Meg's friend from camp), and the four of us ventured into Manhattan to meet up with some JVs we met a few weeks back. They were at a bar that has 50 cent Bud Lights from 9 to 11 every Friday. It was insanely packed, but fun. The night didn't end too late either as we got back a little before 3 (which sounds late, but really isn't too bad considering most places around here stay open until 4).
The next couple of weeks are going to be ridiculously busy but wonderful. It all starts Monday with our director April coming for a site visit. She'll be here until Wednesday. Then, Thursday, Katie's boyfriend Oscar is coming to visit. And Sunday...MARY O is coming to visit me!!! She'll be here for a whole week to celebrate Thanksgiving. We're having a bunch of people over including the Lawrence AVs, my brother, and Evelyn and her husband. :) I'm so excited for it. Hopefully the dinner goes well. And we're planning on doing the Parade. It'll be great.
Anyhow, now we're heading out to the Irish pubs (with legit Irish folk I hear) in Woodlawn where the 4 train ends (although, we're taking a taxi actually...which is exciting because it's a gypsy cab that doesn't have rates and you have to haggle your price...oh, and it's my first official taxi ride in NYC).
All in all, life here is quite fabulous and I'm just enjoying being in the New York groove.
Everything began last Friday with a half day. St. Nick's has a half day every first Friday of the month. In some ways, it's still very traditionally Catholic. Therefore, at 11:30 the children come down the stairs into the gym where Evelyn and I attempt to see that their homework is completed, their food is eaten, and in general nobody dies for the next 7 hours or until the final child is picked up. I officially handed out my first Saturday detentions (which resulted in two, but especially one very angry parent...that was no fun).
Nothing quite out of the ordinary occurred during the After School this particular day, and so I left at 5:30 to embark on a weekend getaway with the roomies to the Jersey Shore. Meg works at Siena House which is a shelter for homeless women who are either pregnant or have very young children. Two of the ladies that work there are Dominican Sisters who own a house (the order as a whole) in Ventnor, NJ about a mile away from Atlantic City. Once a year, the sisters like to reserve the house and have a little mini retreat/vacation for the staff and respective friends/family of Siena House. They were quite gracious and invited the four of us to join them for the weekend. To begin with, the house was gorgeous and literally right on the water. It was the last house on the street before you hit the boardwalk and sand. Our room looked out onto the ocean which was so beautiful to wake up to in the morning and go to sleep listening to.
The weekend was really nice for multiple reasons, one of which was the fact that the four of us were together for the whole weekend which rarely seems to happen. Also cool was the fact that two of last year's BX AVs come up from Philly for the weekend as well. We had all previously met Porter (Katie) who is going to S. Africa next year and went to orientation with. The second was Lauren M. (one of the two Lauren's living here). It was really cool to finally feel like we had stories to share with one another, people or events that we've each experienced in our respective times in the BX. All the volunteers are coming up the first weekend of December as part of a BX tradition which I'm excited about. It'll be fun to talk about the craziness that is St. Nick's and the BX in general.
I also absolutely loved playing on the beach. There is little better than the feeling of sand between your toes, lying down, collecting shells, and taking goofy photos with some great people. We went to Mass on Sunday at a really cute little church who 1) had a visiting Irish priest who gave an awesome homily and 2) sang "We are One Body" which totally took me back to the days of St. John's. The only negative part of the whole weekend...well there are two...1) it took us forever to come home because the traffic was ridiculous, although it was amusing either evading certain cars with creepy old men who would stare at our car or trying to catch up to other cars for one reason or another; and 2) we accidentally forgot to close the fridge all the way when we left so we returned to a smelly apartment with rotten milk among other items. That was quite unfortunate.
The week wasn't too bad all in all either. It was short due to Veteran's Day for which the roomies and I took the opportunity to take our Christmas photo. Be looking for that shortly. ;) We were quite amused at one point when we asked a gentleman from Moty's (the deli/bodega across the street) to take a picture of us to which he asked if we were going to use it for our MySpace page. Hmm. Not so much.
Last night was really fun and momentous because it was the first time the four of us roomies went out to the bars as a group. We've had several pairs or trios but at least one of us has always decided to sit out the night. Last night, however, we met up with a group of Dominican Volunteers that live in the area and went to a local BX museum that had an exhibit on street art from the 50s to now. It was really cool and I'd like to make it back to see it longer. Unfortunately, it was only open until 8, and we got there around 7. My favorite piece by far was entitled "New York Groove" hence the title of the blog (it's a song by Ace Frehley from Kiss). It was a video filmed in Mexico City (okay, slight bias because of that), where a guy was coming out of the subway and just rocking out dancing down the street. As he continues among the mass of people, he gets three other guys to join him who all begin dancing down the street as well. The roomies and I decided they were totally us and that New York groove is now officially our theme song. The End.
After the museum, we joined the Dominicans at Yankee Tavern where we actually had an opportunity to talk to them. They are all really cool and it's nice to have some other connections here in the BX. Afterwards, one of the Dominicans, Kim (Meg's friend from camp), and the four of us ventured into Manhattan to meet up with some JVs we met a few weeks back. They were at a bar that has 50 cent Bud Lights from 9 to 11 every Friday. It was insanely packed, but fun. The night didn't end too late either as we got back a little before 3 (which sounds late, but really isn't too bad considering most places around here stay open until 4).
The next couple of weeks are going to be ridiculously busy but wonderful. It all starts Monday with our director April coming for a site visit. She'll be here until Wednesday. Then, Thursday, Katie's boyfriend Oscar is coming to visit. And Sunday...MARY O is coming to visit me!!! She'll be here for a whole week to celebrate Thanksgiving. We're having a bunch of people over including the Lawrence AVs, my brother, and Evelyn and her husband. :) I'm so excited for it. Hopefully the dinner goes well. And we're planning on doing the Parade. It'll be great.
Anyhow, now we're heading out to the Irish pubs (with legit Irish folk I hear) in Woodlawn where the 4 train ends (although, we're taking a taxi actually...which is exciting because it's a gypsy cab that doesn't have rates and you have to haggle your price...oh, and it's my first official taxi ride in NYC).
All in all, life here is quite fabulous and I'm just enjoying being in the New York groove.
11.06.2008
Somewhere in Between...
My roommates and I have been talking recently about getting to that point where you realize that you're not in New York for a vacation and that this is our life for a year. The city seems to be less and less larger than life and life in the Big Apple becomes its strange way of routine.
Now, don't get me wrong or anything. Living in New York is anything but normal...especially living in the Bronx. It's not an easy life here...at all, and sometimes just when I begin to feel comfortable in this place, I am thrown back into the reality of life this year and the people I see day in and day out. It's beautiful and it's tragic and it's one of the most eye-opening experiences I've ever been in.
This is my life and the people I work with: most of the students at St. Nick's either currently or have had a family in prison. The idea of a five or six year having multiple siblings by multiple parents is normal. Many of the kids I see and work with are being raised by a single parent, if that...there are some whose biological parents are not even in the picture and are being raised by their grandparents because their parents are addicted to drugs or are young themselves. Some of my favorite students (even though I know I'm not supposed to have them) break my heart the most because they have learned at much too young an age how cruel this world can be. Children who have been abandoned or abused.
And then, I take a step back and think...this is in a private school. These are the lucky ones who have at least someone in their life who cares about their future enough to try to get them a decent education. As many problems as St. Nick's may have and it's students endure, at least they have a shot. It's no secret that New York City Public Schools are the worst in the country by far. Did you know that last year over 90,000 students missed more than a month of school. Dr. Moffa is constantly telling me about the students coming from public schools and the sad thing is you can totally tell. They are so far behind the other students in just about every subject. Being a public school kid my whole life, I never realized how great a school district I was a part of. Granted, it was perfect by a long shot, but it was an education taught by people who cared. And I'm not saying people don't care here in NY. I think there's a solid core of instructors who are trying to better the situation but currently, the reality is if you want a decent education, you go private.
This is my life at school. Living in the Bronx also has its share of eye-opening experiences. Take for example Halloween, where schools are let out early (1:30 at mine) so that kids can go trick-or-treating when there is still plenty of daylight. Why? It's too dangerous to be out and about at night. This year, the rumors ran rampant that Halloween weekend is Blood Initiation weekend. Thus, those hoping to be initiated into the Bloods were supposedly going to go on a slashing spree targeting young women. Initially, my roommates and I were talking of going into the city to see a really big popular parade in the Village and have a night out on the town. We opted to going to Kim's apartment, ordering Chinese, watching Friends, and playing Mad Gab. I had a lot of fun regardless. Another interesting tidbit about Halloween here in the BX. The area I live in is not very residential at all. All you have are huge apartment buildings (if you're familiar with WSU, imagine the Stephenson Towers all over the place) in place of houses with yards and white picket fences. Other parts of the Bronx are a little more residential, but that's a different story. My street is right off of Fordham Rd, a huge main road in the BX. So, what do the kids do? They go up and down Fordham which is lined with lots of little stores and get candy from the store owners.
The latest news comes today where literally the next street over from where I live there was a 13-hour standoff as a man stood outside on a ledge outside his apartment threatening to jump because he had stabbed his girlfriend to death.
While stories that extreme don't necessarily happen every day in my neighborhood, they're not really all that rare either. And I think that's one of the most interesting lessons I'm learning about this year. For example, hearing sirens multiple times a day doesn't really phase me any longer. And I'm not sure if that's a good thing to be taking away from all of this. Life is different. People are different. In many ways, they're harder. The kids for example...they know so much and act so differently than I ever would have imagined when I was 5, 6, 7.
But at the same time, they're just kids. They love candy and enjoy playing basketball and cards. They seek hugs and high fives. They smile and they cry and they tell you they love you. And a large part of me loves them back.
Living in the Bronx is crazy. There is truly never a dull moment. Take for example on Tuesday when Obama won and people went wild on Andrews Ave driving down the street blasting their songs of victory, cheering, dancing, and whooping out their windows and on the sidewalks. No matter what your political views may be, it was a beautiful scene to behold. Or then there's living in my ancient apartment being home alone on a quiet evening and having the fire alarm go off forcing me to call the Bronx fire department who were just as clueless as I was about our outdated fire system. It was quite amusing the next day. :)
Even aside from all the hecticness, I really enjoy all I'm able to do over here. It's spending the weekend with my aunt and her family who discovered I was craving pozole and made me a whole huge pot. It's bowling in our really long hallway and ending up doing handstands instead. It's having the little kids get excited when they see me or tell me I need to go home because I'm sick (again...one priest told me he thinks I'm allergic to the East Coast, a second told me I should eat dirt to build up my immune system).
I'm loving it here even though I miss home sometimes more than than I ever thought imaginable. I cry really easily which is good and bad. I'm learning a lot about myself and about this world that I'm a part of. Even though I can't ever picture myself living in the Bronx or even on the East Coast permanently, I have a feeling this year will always be a part of what I become in the future. At the end of the day, I always feel as though I'm somewhere in between being completely here and completely at home, but more and more, the people I see day to day are becoming my family...although I really can't wait to fly home for Christmas. :)
Now, don't get me wrong or anything. Living in New York is anything but normal...especially living in the Bronx. It's not an easy life here...at all, and sometimes just when I begin to feel comfortable in this place, I am thrown back into the reality of life this year and the people I see day in and day out. It's beautiful and it's tragic and it's one of the most eye-opening experiences I've ever been in.
This is my life and the people I work with: most of the students at St. Nick's either currently or have had a family in prison. The idea of a five or six year having multiple siblings by multiple parents is normal. Many of the kids I see and work with are being raised by a single parent, if that...there are some whose biological parents are not even in the picture and are being raised by their grandparents because their parents are addicted to drugs or are young themselves. Some of my favorite students (even though I know I'm not supposed to have them) break my heart the most because they have learned at much too young an age how cruel this world can be. Children who have been abandoned or abused.
And then, I take a step back and think...this is in a private school. These are the lucky ones who have at least someone in their life who cares about their future enough to try to get them a decent education. As many problems as St. Nick's may have and it's students endure, at least they have a shot. It's no secret that New York City Public Schools are the worst in the country by far. Did you know that last year over 90,000 students missed more than a month of school. Dr. Moffa is constantly telling me about the students coming from public schools and the sad thing is you can totally tell. They are so far behind the other students in just about every subject. Being a public school kid my whole life, I never realized how great a school district I was a part of. Granted, it was perfect by a long shot, but it was an education taught by people who cared. And I'm not saying people don't care here in NY. I think there's a solid core of instructors who are trying to better the situation but currently, the reality is if you want a decent education, you go private.
This is my life at school. Living in the Bronx also has its share of eye-opening experiences. Take for example Halloween, where schools are let out early (1:30 at mine) so that kids can go trick-or-treating when there is still plenty of daylight. Why? It's too dangerous to be out and about at night. This year, the rumors ran rampant that Halloween weekend is Blood Initiation weekend. Thus, those hoping to be initiated into the Bloods were supposedly going to go on a slashing spree targeting young women. Initially, my roommates and I were talking of going into the city to see a really big popular parade in the Village and have a night out on the town. We opted to going to Kim's apartment, ordering Chinese, watching Friends, and playing Mad Gab. I had a lot of fun regardless. Another interesting tidbit about Halloween here in the BX. The area I live in is not very residential at all. All you have are huge apartment buildings (if you're familiar with WSU, imagine the Stephenson Towers all over the place) in place of houses with yards and white picket fences. Other parts of the Bronx are a little more residential, but that's a different story. My street is right off of Fordham Rd, a huge main road in the BX. So, what do the kids do? They go up and down Fordham which is lined with lots of little stores and get candy from the store owners.
The latest news comes today where literally the next street over from where I live there was a 13-hour standoff as a man stood outside on a ledge outside his apartment threatening to jump because he had stabbed his girlfriend to death.
While stories that extreme don't necessarily happen every day in my neighborhood, they're not really all that rare either. And I think that's one of the most interesting lessons I'm learning about this year. For example, hearing sirens multiple times a day doesn't really phase me any longer. And I'm not sure if that's a good thing to be taking away from all of this. Life is different. People are different. In many ways, they're harder. The kids for example...they know so much and act so differently than I ever would have imagined when I was 5, 6, 7.
But at the same time, they're just kids. They love candy and enjoy playing basketball and cards. They seek hugs and high fives. They smile and they cry and they tell you they love you. And a large part of me loves them back.
Living in the Bronx is crazy. There is truly never a dull moment. Take for example on Tuesday when Obama won and people went wild on Andrews Ave driving down the street blasting their songs of victory, cheering, dancing, and whooping out their windows and on the sidewalks. No matter what your political views may be, it was a beautiful scene to behold. Or then there's living in my ancient apartment being home alone on a quiet evening and having the fire alarm go off forcing me to call the Bronx fire department who were just as clueless as I was about our outdated fire system. It was quite amusing the next day. :)
Even aside from all the hecticness, I really enjoy all I'm able to do over here. It's spending the weekend with my aunt and her family who discovered I was craving pozole and made me a whole huge pot. It's bowling in our really long hallway and ending up doing handstands instead. It's having the little kids get excited when they see me or tell me I need to go home because I'm sick (again...one priest told me he thinks I'm allergic to the East Coast, a second told me I should eat dirt to build up my immune system).
I'm loving it here even though I miss home sometimes more than than I ever thought imaginable. I cry really easily which is good and bad. I'm learning a lot about myself and about this world that I'm a part of. Even though I can't ever picture myself living in the Bronx or even on the East Coast permanently, I have a feeling this year will always be a part of what I become in the future. At the end of the day, I always feel as though I'm somewhere in between being completely here and completely at home, but more and more, the people I see day to day are becoming my family...although I really can't wait to fly home for Christmas. :)
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