Happy Summer!

We are almost officially in the midst of a Vermont heatwave! Apparently, an official heatwave is when three days in a row reach 90 degrees...we've got two under our belts, and a third is almost guaranteed to come tomorrow (plus and fourth and fifth on Thursday and Friday...phew!).

I'm relaxing in my apartment tonight, trying to beat the heat. Thankfully, my landlord put in a window air conditioner today and my place is starting to cool down a bit...I've never lived anywhere with an air conditioner, so it's a nice treat!

I enjoyed a long weekend for the Fourth of July filled with small-town Vermont festivities, parades, fireworks and family gatherings. It's hard to believe that it's already July!

I am meeting with Kristin Fitzgerald, Senior Associate Director of Admission at SMC on Friday to talk more about my travel this fall. I have the official word that my travel territory will be New York (not NYC), New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but I will be meeting with Kristin to talk more about the logistics of planning an admissions travel season. As soon as I know where I'm going, I'll be sure to let you know!

I am looking forward to getting ready to starting my new position with SMC admissions...it's going to be quite the adventure!

SMC Wedding!

I attended an SMC wedding this past weekend - what a wonderful affair! Em is one of my very best friends from SMC, despite being a year older. She married her high school sweetheart and fellow SMC grad, Andy. Both Em and Andy are Resident Directors at St. Mike's - they are just the best couple!

It was so much fun to reconnect with Em, Andy, their families and other SMC friends at the beautiful event. Enjoy the photos!

The beaufitul bride and her dad - I didn't take this picture - I was too welled up with tears!
The happy couple!

SURPRISE!!

Yes faithful blog readers, I'm the newest SMC Admissions Counselor!

I'm still finishing up my VISTA year down in Middlebury but when my service ends I'll be moving back up to Burlington to work for the Saint Michael's College Office of Admission, traveling, meeting with prospective students, reading applications and so much more that I can't even begin to guess. I am PUMPED.

So, fear not, I have not disappeared - just moved on to bigger and better things!!

Giving Back...

Every Tuesday I go over to the local nursing home to spend time with a few of the residents - I had initially wanted to crochet with an elderly resident who might like to have some company, but I've become more like the visitor of the day, going around and visiting various ladies, talking about crochet projects, nursing home happenings, my life and wheeling them from place to place. I love being able to spend a little time during my work day with a totally different population than I am used to.

Today was BINGO day for the residents - boy did they all get excited about that! The activities lady wheeled out a little cart of prizes and drew about 20 of the elderly residents. It was so much fun to sit with them as they played - they were all so happy and excited!

As you know, St. Mike's is where I really started with my passion for service, but oddly enough, the movie UP was one of my motivations for wanting to volunteer at this nursing home. When I watched the movie I cried my eyes out when thinking of the poor old man without his wife, so I was motivated to try to make a difference in an elderly person's life. I hope I am succeeding!

Farmer's Market!

One of the things that I love about Burlington in the summer is the weekly Burlington Farmer's Market, held in City Hall Park.

The famer's market is so Burlington - very eclectic, friendly, fun, local and fresh. Today, I bought a loaf of delicious 3-grain bread, some local cheese and a root beer float with locally made ice cream and locally made root beer. I also met another crocheter who was selling her adorable creations, eyed a beautiful handcrafted ring, and had samples galore!

In addition to the farmer's market, this weekend is the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival, with events taking place all over Burlington. There was some awesome music as we perused the farmer's market, and there are many more events throughout the week.

Burlington is great during the summer - I hope you have a chance to come visit and experience it for yourself!

Congratulations SMC Class of 2010!

Happy Graduation Day SMC Class of 2010!

One of the things that I love about SMC is how connected everyone remains to the school. My newsfeed on facebook was filled with well wishes for the class of 2010 in so many other people's statuses. Graduation day is one that unites everyone who is a part of the SMC community.

I'm pumped for all of my friends from the class of 2010 for everything that lies ahead for them - welcome to the life of an SMC alum!

23 Big Ones

Yes blog readers, it's true. I'm officially 23 years old. How did I grow up so fast??

23 is definitely another age where I felt like I should feel much older on my birthday. I clearly remember turning 10 and expecting to feel some sort of impact of the double digits. Same with 18, and again with 21. 23 also seems important to me because it is the first "post-college and into the real world" age.

23 has treated me well so far - my co-workers got me beautiful boquet of purple tulips, my parents and Emily got me a lovely vase of Gerbera daisies and mums and my roommate, Rachel, got me a potted daffodil. Spring has to be on its way with all of these flowers brightening up my desk at work and table at home!