Insanely Busy But Loving It

Hello, All. I hope you've all managed to avoid the plague that's happening everywhere (Flu). It's been really bad up here. We've had over 70,000 cases reported and 18+ deaths. Scarry Captain Trips stuff (look it up). So far, I'm good. Fingers crossed.

Shawna found Kumquats up here so we had them in the office. Everyone was tasting and enjoying... especially Jarrett who is from Tampa/Florida like Shawna and I. Adam replaced the cookie stash with kumquats at one point. He and Ashley have quite a little joke thing going on. It's a lot of fun in our bullpen.

The YAB Winter Dance went off without a hitch. It was amazing. We had over 350 kids from all over Metro Boston dancing and having a good time at The State House. Jarrett came and spoke briefly (former politician who knows brevity? Rare?!) as did one of the State Reps. All of Shawna and my bosses were there to support us (Bob, Regional Director of Volunteer Services...and Lilly, Chief Program Officer). I think they were impressed and well, we made them look GOOD! We even had proper Press there: The Improper Bostonian!  Pictures galore were taken. We haven't gotten the "official" ones back but here are a few of mine. Some others are at: ARCEM YAB Winter Dance 2013

Jarrett Barrios, ARCEM CEO, Lilly Mendez Morgan, Chief Program Officeer and Bob Bowers, Regional Director of Volunteer Services

Oh yes, I am rockin' the professionally done make up!

Lilly, Shawna, Bob and Jini... Youth Programs and our Directors!

Thing One and Thing Two!

Shawna, Bob, Jini, A reporter for The Improper Bostonian, and Jarrett

Our awesome Coat Check Gentlemen, led by YAB Co-Chair, Thomas Vu (with the ear pods)

Jini, Jarrett, Lilly and Bob

Jini and Alex...she's an AmeriCorps, too but works in Disaster. Alex awesomely volunteered to chaperone with Shawna and myself.

Last week I went to The Cape for the first time. It was cold and foggy so I didn't get the full effect. However, before our appointment Shawna and I hit the beach to look and then we stopped by...

The JFK Memorial. During peak times there is a reflection pool in front of the wall with his face plaque. It's pretty nice.

The Korean War Memorial

We were on The Cape to visit one of our Middle School clubs at a Charter School. Oh my goodness. This particular group of 12 or so children belong to a national group called, "Destination Imagination." Every year they pick a specific project and compete regionally, state-wide and nationally. This year they had to choose a community need, partner with an organization that might help to fill that need...and then jump through all kinds of creative hoops to present it in competition. Look up the national group for more detail because I am so NOT giving it the proper due. 
Anyway, these kids picked fire safety (remember I said that the number one disaster in which ARCEM responds is Fire?) and chose to ask us to partner with them. These MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN, created a fun and imaginative Fire Safety Program and presented it to us like they would teach it...and then filmed an interview with us to use in the competition. Like I said, there are a bunch of details they have to incorporate.
They made coloring books, stickers, rulers, interactive games to teach fire safety...and a boy created by himself an "Operation" style true/false game that lights up when you get answers correct. It was incredible. We are "mass producing" for their competition as well as using the program to teach in our department. I'll be teaching this in Metro Boston.

They made us cupcakes! Look at the Red Cross Logo! So cute and tasty!

One of the games...they created characters that would ask the kids a question when they spun the dial and landed on that particular character.

 
 Anyway, they are amazing kids. They invited us to their competitions. I am SO going! 

View from my bedroom window last week.

It has been crazy cold up here. It was 10F today. It hasn't snowed a lot, though. More this weekend, I think. We'll see.

Prince Riding the T...like a Boss!

He was a tad cold waiting for the bus, though.

I have loved having Prince up here this week but alas, he's going back with Daniel this weekend. I'm sad about it but:

1. I'm gone a minimum of 13 hours a day and it's not fair to him to have to "hold it" all day long like that. He's almost 11 (April for those of you who want to send a gift). 

2. My roommate's cat is a neurotic beeyotch (I know that's redundant since I said, "cat.") who attacks him.

So, yeah...I'm sad but it's best for my boo. Daniel lets him out when he stops for gas and food and he's got company (both of them) all the time. He's got a bed and heat/air. Sad. *tears* because I love having him.

Not much else has been going on (I know...that's funny, right ... since I'm so busy). Just work stuff. And some fun stuff, too. I'm actively looking for a bed. I'm SO tired of sleeping on a mattress on the floor. Shopping this weekend...to at least look. Probably IKEA b/c cheap and good and they install!

This weekend Daniel will be here for my birthday. I'm being taken to a "surprise" place for dinner. It's fancy so I've been told to dress up. FUN! I may have some people over to my furniture-less apartment on Saturday night...or I may just go out and invite people. It's pretty low key. I'll post pics next week.

Oh yeah, my "ring" had a little mishap with a piece of it falling out. We tried to exchange it for the same one but the store was being uncooperative. Don't get me wrong, I loved that ring. Daniel did an awesome job picking it out. Instead of the exchange, now I'm getting a new one. I'll have it Friday and he picked out another gorgeous one. My man has good taste and knows what I like. Shawna teased me that I'm going to get super spoiled and be one of those Princesses who want an "upgrade" every year or so. LOL. Never say never.

Everyone have a great week. 

Much love, 
Jini