SummesterSTARTS

Today was the first Wednesday on campus which the summer event started- Summester. Run by a few of the on campus clubs and societies, a lot of freebies are given out, music played and BEN and Jerrys Icecream scooped to students, for anyone who is patient enough to line up.

I received this cool banner which they personalised in your preference of colour or script, and made it up for you whilst waiting with your scrumptious tasty icecream. Today I melted over triple chocolate brownie flavours- which was just what I was needing this afternoon, a deligthful chocolate KICK!

Like sand through the hourglass.

BOY does time fly. I have been so occupied with exploring and experiencing and developing over in the U.S that everything has just crept up and over my diary pages.

I plan to update a lot in the next few days, from my days in NYC seeing the real Picasso and Pablo art work, NJ for my American Mothers Day weekend, my travels from L.A to Colorado-Las Vegas- Yosemite National park finishing out in San Francisco and then down to Miami for the long weekend.

Coming soooooooooooon.

Movements in Miami

Our first morning, and first view of Miami Beach

After a ridiculous early morning rise, and flagging down a very fancy taxi we were jetsetting down south for a weekend of heat heat heat. Miami was our destination, relaxing was our aspiration. A Cuban breakfast, but of course, to start our weekend just one block from the beach, we checked into your lovely Hostel in North Miami Beach and awaited the arrival of my Scottish come Texas friends!  Sarah, a friend and student from Scotland at my University also on the same Industrial Placement Program as I- but working within a different industry in Texas met myself and Molly in Miami with her younger sister, Laura! Learn by doing. 

This whole weekend was again short but so sweet- I managed to relax and enjoy catching up with missed friendships, and most importantly GET SOME SUNSHINE! Viewing South Miami Beach was a treat, the historic art deco district, which spans far is beautiful.  All of the buildings seem like they should be picked up and placed in a different scenic landscape. We shopped (more like window shopped) the Kardashians boutique clothes shop, DASH and rollerbladed down the boardwalk! Can I let everyone into a mammoth secret, rollerblading is not as easy as it looks, I assumed I would be a pro (almost pro) with the knowledge of ice skating but I ended up only knowing how to go forward, and unable to stop. Luckily, or perhaps unluckily I flew down a hill within the boardwalk and CATAPULTED myself into a large green bush out of the bath, crash landing and stopped by objects= superrrrrrrrb.

In true tourist travels, we wondered the areas and stumbled up on memorials and landmarks in Miami, and ended our last night of the four day journey over in Downtown Miami at a scrumptious Chinese restaurant beside the harbor. Walking straight up the Ocean Drive strip was interesting, full of Cubans and holidays goers enjoying the sun and sangrias crowded by these magnificent buildings. It felt like I was in the game Grand Theft Auto walking up the grassy areas beside the beach with all of the public walking past. .. . You see, you believe.



It was a late night chatting, and saying our goodbyes before an early morning rise to fly back up to BOS on the Monday.

A marvelous long weekend enjoying the sights of Miami, I even think I tanned slightly!

South Miami Beach

3rd day on the beach

Smiles with Smores

It was nearing the end of the Katies cousins visiting time with us in Boston. We had planned a BBQ night with Anthony to thank him for treating us to our Mardi Gras evening, and a belated birthday treat!  Of course, then, a great eXXcuse for a BBQ! After finishing work we enjoyed burgers at their plenty, and sMOOREs for the 2nd time.

Eating into the chewy warm marshmallow, brought back the memories of Trek, sitting in the Grand Canyon camp site telling stories and eating smores.. . a different experience tonight but again- a grand one!
So happy to have had a pleasant foody night, with pleasant fabulous friends!

 

Pamered with Puppy Love

Travelling sleepy eyed I boarded the commuter rail to Attleboro for a hairy happy day with loving Labradors! Tricia, a colleague and friend on the International Admissions team welcomed me at the Attleboro stop to her humble abode. I spent the afternoon enjoying a movie and soaking up marvelous amounts of puppy love.
We walked around a park with the dogs and Tricia, just before a thunderstorm started as I left the town that night.  It was a great evening with Tricia and her prince and princess puppies- the whole reason was to help her start packing, although time wise and the amount we chatted, not much packing actually took place.. .. I look forward to hearing about her moving stories, and hope her new house is approved by her little babies (the doggies!)


 

Trek America- Western Wonder

Below is an itinerary of an AWESOME 10 day adventure around the west coast. After leaving my DuBows in New Jersey, I flew to L.A. and had an incredible journey across California, Nevada and Arizona whilst meeting the best people I could have travelled with.

If you visit my other page, up above, you will find my blog of the travel, I figured it was too good just to note on small things.
I will miss you TREKKERS, it was amazing!!


Day 1-2: San Francisco & Yosemite National Park
Set off, bidding San Francisco a reluctant farewell, to head east through California's gold country, where in 1848, the finding of a single nugget triggered a stampede of gold-seekers known as the 49'ers. Then, a scenic drive into the Yosemite National Park region and a chance to hike or bike, through the extraordinary landscape of glacier-carved granite monoliths and spectacular waterfalls. Once inside Yosemite, keep your eyes peeled for black bears. Coyote roam freely as well and when the sun goes down, their howling often echoes amidst pines and sequoias. Admit it, this is what clicks the spirit of the great outdoors up a notch or two.
Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 3-4: Las Vegas

  Next, Las Vegas - the greatest show on earth! The Strip, the shows, the casinos, the clubs; Sin City's glitziest and brashest spots are sure to impress as you cruise the Las Vegas Boulevard on an included limo ride! Hop onto one of the world's highest thrill rides at Vegas' Stratosphere and it won't just be your head that's spinning.And if that's not enough, take a helicopter flight down The Strip or just gamble the night away in one of the world class casinos.
  Accommodation: 2 en-route hotel nights paid locally

• Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park

  Leaving Las Vegas, explore America's premier National Park, and find out why it is called the Grand Canyon. The grandest canyon of them all can challenge your head for heights too. Keep your feet firmly on the ground or swoop above it all on an optional helicopter flight. One thing's for sure though, this place looks incredible from any angle, especially walking along the rim at sunset.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 6: Colorado River

  Prepare to be wowed by vast swathes of Arizona's cactus studded desert and take a refreshing dip in the Colorado River. Enjoy one last blast on your final evening together, before striking out for the Californian coast.
  Accommodation: Camping included

• Day 7: Los Angeles

  Fresh from nature's most dramatic sets, you've stepped right into Movieland itself, we'll tour Los Angeles' famous Hollywood Boulevard and then you can star in your own snapshots in and around the city's iconic sights.

Glad for the Grads

(http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2013/05/commencement2013/)

An early 5am rise was completely worth being able to witness the sights and celebrations which took place today.  Northeastern University really knows how to host an event, volunteering my time at the TD Gardens, I worked alongside a mighty team of Northeastern professionals who also had volunteered their time to work behind and on the scenes of the 2013 commencement.  After a quick business breakfast we shuffled together and were given our priorities for the morning, I was working alongside a respected procurement colleague Mr. M.McNamara within the seating sections for NU staff and relations. It was a great task to have, as it allowed McMahon and McNamara to view the convocation in excellent birds eye positions.  The TD Gardens roared with student’s laughter, and parent’s glee mixed with tears of happiness when everyone started pouring down the aisles, with decorated caps and gowns everywhere I was in awe at the event taking place in front of me.  Being able to hear key speaker, Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group, speech and sigh at his hiccup of calling us Northwestern University, which I might add was very well recovered, it was a morning I won’t forget- witnessing an American Graduation.

 

After the graduating seniors received their certificate awards for their efforts, I met with friends on campus to congratulate them all on their superb successes and fruitful futures! It was then onwards to dinner with my close friend Michelle and her family and friends. Having the opportunity to be involved in such an emotional evening, I was very touched to be invited, and I could not be more proud of my clever cookie friend, Michelle! 

  

Congrats Huskies!!!

"Northeastern University welcomed students, university leadership, faculty, staff, family and friends to celebrate its 111th commencement on Friday, May 3, 2013 at TD Garden. Graduating seniors were lauded for their remarkable academic achievements and unique global experiences.

The uni­ver­sity presented hon­orary degrees to an accom­plished group of influ­en­tial leaders, as well as one that rec­og­nizes the first respon­ders and law enforce­ment per­sonnel who acted with extra­or­di­nary courage, com­pas­sion, and resolve fol­lowing the tragic Boston Marathon bombings." To watch the FULL commencement please see the youtube recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3uORGuT6eo