SRU ROCKS! WAIT, THE ROCK IS SRU, BUT IT STILL ROCKS!

Congrats to Slippery Rock’s grads today!  YEAH!  :)  They came to Mexico about a month ago, led by Tom Gordon and Jodi Kastafanas (say that five times fast! and they, as always brought a fresh breath and new perspective to ASF.  It was AWESOME seeing them and having them here, and as always, it was always not enough time to get to hang with them as I wanted…:)

I was able to spend the time at the Basilica with many of them, and attend their gala which was awesome as well.  Without even being near the campus. I could sense the spirit of Slippery Rock –  I have to say this from experience, the best thing I EVER did was transfer to Slippery Rock from Edinboro.  This is the thing, I LOVED Edinboro for the Irish festivals, the amazing scenery, and the occasional downfall of snow.  I had to get alot of the partying out of the way, and sure, that did begin to dictate my life, so a transfer was in my best interests.  Dwight Greer helped facilitate much of that and to him I am indebted to opening up a world that opened doors for me. I love that there is this Award in his honor:

“Dwight E. Greer Legacy Award

This award recognizes a student who has made a unique contribution to the campus and surrounding communities by presiding over an organization or program that made a significant contribution to students of color and the community at large.”

From working with the Social Equity Office, to the amazing world of the Writing Center family, I began to grow into a position that molded me into what I envision and strive for today – the studies of English mobile-style – not contained in any one area but able to bring the info to others in many formats, in many areas, in many multi-disciplinary ways.  I NEVER, EVER, have had to worry about a second interview anywhere, as soon as they saw Slippery Rock and Education together, it was like a secret code was given out.  I owe much to SRU, and every chance I get to treat someone that comes from SRU or represents SRU, I feel that is my internal duty.

This amazing group of SRU students did one of the most amazing things after the day at the Basilica, they gave me a gift, I mean, they really did!  It gets better, it came from Wendell August FORGE!  Seriously, if you know this forge, you know the best quality of materials come from this forge, and this was no exception.  Take a look…

Hands down, that has been the BEST gift I have received in like YEARS!  I LOVE IT but loved meeting and being with the SRU group more.  The card from Sam, Suzanne, Kaelin, & Marissa was just – GREAT – and I felt so sad seeing them leave so quickly  :(  Congrats on their VERY special day – MUCH deserved – MUCH.

Let’s backtrack a bit – today, FIRST time in well, like it seems FOREVER, that I ran for 30 minutes straight, in shoes that have seen MUCH bette days, thanks Liz O’ Connor.  I felt AMAZING after the run though, like reborn.  I think I can do this on a regular basis with my schedule freeing up now, I am 100% devoted to building back up al the things I used to do in my personal life, traveling, running, and more – but today’s return to a weekend run felt GREAT.

The last open Mic held was this past Wednesday, and I have to say, I can’t think of a group of people I am more proud of than my Repentino. staff.  They work so hard on making sure food is out, prepared, all is set for the night, they have become masters of the Open Mic ceremony.  The seats are not enough for the people attending, and the performances keep getting better.  They are truly amazing and I am so proud, both of the soon to be departing seniors and the returning staff, I am lucky on multiple counts.  Perhaps one of the greatest things has been the advent of the Open Mics celebrating the talent that is right at our doorstep.

There is soooo much more to blog about dating back a few days, so stay tuned, this isn’t over.  By the way, by faaaar my favorite song?  Funky Cold Medina…reminds me of the time I dressed up as one of the Robert Palmer women with three friends (Pat, Curt) for one of my birthday parties, not sure since that is a different song, different artist, but it does.  I could ALWAYS get stupid and act funny when I hear that crazy song, Funky Cold Medina...

Not what you expected?

People say that about the things I write here, and I believe they would believe it sometimes as they are kind of, well crazy.  Makes for good reading and an unusual life…:)  Well this one might take the cake.

I get on my plane for IAD – arrive no prob, make the pickup and check back in luggage AND transfer, no prob, and see myself getting on this very small jet from IAD to Philly, (United doesn’t go straight to Philly so this shuttle was it, wow, I was a little nervous as this was like a private jet!  We literally were zipping along and 30 minutes later back off and I am in Philly!

I go to get my rental car from Hertz, and needless to say, the ton of money I put on my credit card was delayed – um yeah, like for 24 hours meaning all my money, literally, on this American card was well, stuck for 24 hours, and so was I.  I had enough to cover the car, but not the 250.00 extra that had to clear as a security until the amounts I had paid would go through, yeah, in 24 hours, LOL.  What do I do?  I tried Enterprise but they had a 400.00 above the limit needed, I was freaking out now, what the heck did I do?  My amazing luck, the man working for Hertz, who just got off, said he;s suggest Septa, the train, and sure enough, he helped me get a ticket to Wilmington.  Close.  Not there but close.  I loved the train by the way, super cool.

Once in Wilmington, I realized I JUST missed the DART (Delaware bus system) bus to DOVER by 30 minutes, last one of the day, LOL.  No kidding.  I couldn’t find anything else then stumbled across a Greyhound, leaving 3 hours later for Dover.  No way.  Despite the huge time difference, I took it.  then I realized, after I bought the ticket, I had a chance to get a ticket for the stop in Salisbury, MD.

While in the station I let a man making his way to Texas, and a woman with a very thick German accent, use my phone to make their own arrangements to find a way home too.  I have to say, after coming here from a public system that is amazing in Mexico City, I can’t believe how inconvenient the public transportation is in Delaware with how soon it stops running and the limited routes, tonight being a perfect example.  I realized though, I was not the only one stuck in trying to get a way home, and when I couldn’t get wifi to charge my phone, and ran over to the AMTRAK station to do so, and it worked, I was in HEAVEN!

Back to the Greyhound ticket to Salisbury…Even better!  I took it!  Now it is 1:44 AM, and here I am again, another sleepless night, doing the same thing I was doing 24 hours ago, but in Mexico.  Is that crazy?  Crazier I am still kicking…:)   yet, I am in DE, and realize, not having a car is actually kind of cool…so far this only cost me 44.00 plus 15.00 for chicken at the rest stop, and 39.00 to recharge my old tracfone…and hey!  I ran into my to former students at the Royal Farms Store, my first two students since returning, CRAZY!  LOL….Autumn scared the bejeezus out of me when she said hit to me, I couldn’t believe it was her in front of me!

What REALLY worried me was the rain on the way in, hoping it would disappear before the 5k tomorrow.  Can you believe how ironic it is that I was expecting to just pick up the car and drive in, and all this changed everything of how and when I arrived in DE?  LOL…it will be a story to tell for sure, but you heard it here first…let’s see if I can function tomorrow for the 5k!  Anyone thick this trip was going to be boring  (I was hoping…)

The body can achieve what the mind perceives –Ryan Enriquez

Yes, it is 1:39 AM, and I can’t sleep.  This is why..

I leave for Seaford, so nervous, I am seeing family and friends I left so hurriedly that I never got to completely was able to say goodbye in my head, let alone my heart.  I have a chance to see them for one short weekend, but that is like a life time.  I am so excited, and moreso, at an event that honors two amazing people, Dr. Susan Betts and Vince Morris, there is no way this could be an even better reason.  I hope all of you, if you are reading this, will be in some way there Saturday to participate in the Vince Morris & Dr Betts 5k, Dr betts and vince morris app.  I am pumped. I was accepted to create my own non-proft organization called Brakeaway Productions, I receive the tax exempt number the other day and now just some final paper work items, and then the official nonprofit organization is created, allowing me to create events to raise funds for charities in need, this is exciting to me.

Then there is the fact of our magazine Repentino. is taking off. I mean, the staff I have grown so close to, within two years, I love the staff so much and these students have the power to change so much and do some incredible things, and they are LEAVING – graduating in a few short weeks.  I am not sure I am going to be able to say goodbye to them and be happy with that.  I am not ready top say goodbye to them at all, not at all.

Then of course there is the fact that my puppies are amazingly growing at a rapid rate and leaving them for a weekend.  Separation anxiety I think.

Of course there is this…

Can you believe the number of visits, 10,016 in what seems a short time?  Each of you have made this blog so successful, and I hope sometime we get a chance to reunite and just chill, I have been honored to reach this mile mark with you being by my side across so many crazy adventures.  I mean CRAZY.  :)

Courtesy of Alia Suhaimi

The amazing things lately have been putting Repentino. together, our very last OPEN MIC night this upcoming Wednesday with some incredible bands and performances signed up, you will not want to miss this one at all, I am amazed at the lineup – and these students.  AMAZED.  And yes, possibly a guest illustrator that will blow you away, plus a few secrets for our senior staff!

Thanks for capturing me at my best ELISA…(at least I was surrounded by attractive women!)

Of course celebrating the 125th birthday as the oldest American School in Mexico was a huge event Wednesday, and when was the last time I danced like that?  (I felt it today).

What the body can’t achieve, the mind can perceive. 

A quote that my amazing friend Coach Doakes always would say at XC practice, we are seeing this in reality everyday.  Repentino., my amazing friend Osseily Hanna,  with his artistic venture here, if you can spare a few dollars, and everyone does this, this project is going to be AMAZING.  I had the honor of reading a chapter from his book, and trust me, if you can be a part of this by being a donor, you will NOT regret this.

My former principal’s jazz site at WCMD, definitely worth a look at.

And our Slippery Rock students here in Mexico.  Life is hard yes, but sometimes, if you take a step back, you see oh how sweet it is just getting by during what we think are difficult times, with people that allow you to ride the wave of possibility and then some.  I have been that lucky.  Thank you!

June 1st! :)

Keyshawn Purnell 5k 2013

Subway and Hungry Howie’s just jumped on this as sponsors!  :)

 

Vince Morris and Dr. Betts 5k

Post One - Exactly one week.  Seven days, and my heart is beating extremely fast.  I had an idea, and I am going with it.  I think it is important for now and in the future, to lay down the reasons behind the questions often asked, “WHY on earth, if you made the decision to move to Mexico, would you continue to stress yourself out over activities that you can leave behind, 5k’s and such?”  One of many I get asked, but this is also a place that deserves some explanation and well, if it doesn’t make sense, then well, that kind of goes with my personality  :)

Steaming hot summer day, Delaware humidity as high as it can get, and I am walking past the athletic fields of Seaford, and maybe thinking it is a mirage, yet I am almost positive I see two images in the distance.  What the heck, something about circumference and cutting across an area to make it faster, etc, I cut across the fields.  As I came closer, I spotted Jackie and Vince hunched down, pouring cement into holes resurrecting a stronger foundation for the batting cage supports.  In the middle of the day, the hottest time of the day?  No kidding, that stuck with me.  That one single moment, defined a whole era of what Vince and Jackie represented.  No students were around, and I tried my best to help them although they had the hardest part already done, yet, alot of students were impacted by this.

It’s hard to explain, but leaving so much behind when I left was next to one or two things that come to mind at least the third hardest thing I ever had to do in my life.  Ever.  I remember spaghetti dinners, awesome picnics when we would go away for meets, THE ultimate football game after XC one year, and so much more, so much more.  Yet, I always tried to replicate what Vince believed in, I knew I could never achieve what he did, yet, it’s funny how I really only knew him about two years, and yet the activities I never had a chance to experience drifted down into events I felt important to try and carry forward.

I feel the same way about these 5k’s, and Chapel Branch; the people that these are really for had a standard that should be carried forward always, it will help so many out in future years.  Yet, they tie me to so many memories I had that I cherish about, in this case, Vince Morris and Dr. Betts.  The amazing heart and compassion they had for the things they did over and over for the community, a 5k to keep remembering is the least of what should occur I feel. I could be in Japan, and I feel, that coming home to Seaford to perform these 5k’s is a complete necessity.

Regarding Dr. Bett’s for me, this is maybe the worst tragedy personally, I never ever met Dr. Betts, yet communicated with her every year as she eagerly sponsored our year book, The Aloha.  I was amazed at just the generosity that oozed from the transactions and emails exchanged from her constant support for the students.  I was devastated when I learned about her brave fight with cancer, it you could just tell in her smile, that she was a fighter, and this characteristic, along with Vince’s, would place something forever in each of us.  The story given to me about the use of her red umbrella on the beach, I just love, love the fact this belongs to her.

I still fight with learning how to cut corners, save money for the 5k’s have processes work out so the 5k is memorable, unique, yet raises the funds needed for the designated recipient areas, so not all is spent on shirts, trophies, etc and the funds goes to the charities designated for.  I am getting better.  Right now I received an EIN from the Federal Government, and made the name Brakeaway Productions.  My goal is to have this be a non profit organization that can create events for non profit charities, and then checks can be made to that name, and distributed out to the charities.  In order to bring transparency to the funds, I hope to create a website for each event, and then participants and anyone can see where the funds go directly, and then this will help maximize the profit to the designated charities. Without the help of the below, this dream of having an event to always bring out that part of our hearts that are filled with the generosity of individuals like Vince and Dr. Betts, these events would not occur:

Jackie Morris

Coach Perciful, his wife, and awesome family (with stories)

Coach Doakes

Coach Hood

Coach Uhlich

My Mom

Melinda Duryea

Dan Dobson

Tammy Pham who is PAVE

The Halters

The Fields

The Hawkins

The Doyles

Jerry Sodano

The Betts (yeah, all of them)

The DeMotts (same as above)

Ms. Mervine and her army of volunteers from the Nanticoke River Watershed Conservancy, Inc.

The Sigai’s (yep, all of them)

Local supporting companies (Pizza King, Michael D. Betts, LPCMH, Invista, Seaford Florist, Sherwin Williams, Crown Trophy, ASAP Printing).

ALL the amazing XC athletes I came across and that ran under Vince, the athletes that swam for Jackie, and so many volunteers in the form of Boy Scouts, Jason Beale, and the Master Gardener’s who helped add to components to the trail.

All the way to Mexico, the carpenters who have asked and learned about this 5k and contributed to the impacts of this event.

Honestly, this is just a FEW of the individuals I have met in the last few years that have made major motivations, changes to myself, in lieu of Dr Betts and Vince Morris.  More names and individuals will begin to appear.

Strange as it is, my dream is to come home May 10th flying in from Mexico, and see The Vince Morris Trail at Chapel Branch PACKED with those affected by the results of what Vince and Dr. Betts paid forward to all of us.  This is why I believe in this and other 5k’s, they send benefits to others, if conducted the right way, that were the same exact motivations the people they represent pushed forward to others as well.

There is so much history, meaning, and motivation in an event such as a Vince Morris and Dr. Bett’s 5k Walk/run, I hope many future generations will learn of such events and want to participate, with the stories being passed down continually.  :)

If you know of someone that would also be intrigued by the reason for this 5k, please bring them along, I feel this day will be one to remember for many many years.  :)  Did I mention I am nervous?  I feel like I am on the edge of the starting line again, and without fail, my heart always speeds up, no matter how many times I’ve done the distance. Only this time, I will be surrounded by individuals that share something we will cherish aside from the running.  :)

Dr betts and vince morris app

Can’t attend!  Be a sponsor to help this cause!

Sponsor Sheet

President Obama – My gosh in person…WHOA!

Last minute we received tickets for going to see President Obama today, oh mygosh!  I grabbed my zoom lens and whoa!  Wait until you see the pictures!  WHOA!  Thank you Mr.Williams, Mr Lemmon, and Ms Gallie!

Two of our students were interviewed too!  See below:

“I hope to hear about his education plans in the U.S. because college is expensive and I’m hoping to study there,” said Stephanie Vondell, an 18-year-old senior.

“The biggest thing I want to see is how the U.S. and Mexico are willing to tackle the war on drugs,” said Julio Meyer, another 18-year-old senior. “In my point of view, it has not been successful.”

More to come, it was exciting!  He was right in front of us!  :)

http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/03/world/americas/mexico-obama-visit/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

May Day, President Obama, and finishing Library Week!

MAY DAY!  In Mexico!  What dos it mean! Aside from a day of me catching up on sleep, rest, and emails, check the link and you’ll see the deeper significance!

We are running our premiere tomorrow at ASF – after school showing of Perks of Being a Wallflower – fully equipped with all things theatre like! – and our Book swap is growing including some brand new videos that can be swapped for your swappable books – during lunch and brunch only – check it out before some GREAT books get missed for a great swap!  Also, do not forget to stop by Twitter at

#asflibweek2013

and add a line to our short story, we need your entries please!

Also, with President Obama visiting tomorrow in Mexico at the Embassy, everyone, including 10 students from our school attending, are excited.  Yes, I remember that cold day when we skipped class Alison to see President Obama’s Inauguration and were within his seeing distance and how amazing that was…and a friend has also joined in the celebration!  Check this out -