"Restless at home, and ever prone to range." ~ John Dryden
The perfect quote to fit my mood. A grand adventure is surely due. Now, to decide where to go and make it happen.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
looking back, looking forward
"Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." ~Seneca
For as long as I can remember, I have had an insatiable desire to explore. As a child, I had the great fortune to travel to numerous states, landmarks, and places in the US and Canada with my family and through various trips with my elementary and high school classes. From searching for fossilized sharks' teeth along Florida's Gulf Coast to seeing a fabulous performance of the Phantom of the Opera in Canada, I was blessed with experiences of which some have only dreamt.
In college, my travels expanded when I had the opportunity to live and study in Mexico for a few months. Hiking to the pyramid and stunning view atop a mountain in Tepoztlan on market day, haggling with market vendors, Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, and floating down the crystal clear waters of Rio Las Estacas were only a sampling of the remarkable memories made and sights seen there.
Then, of course, there are those incredible 6 weeks spent journeying through Europe. Looking back on the adventure, I find that I have learned a lot about myself. The travels through 5 popular country destinations provided far more than a beautiful experience and stories to share. It provided yet another series of paths to follow in finding myself.
Looking forward, I see myself prospering in an ever changing world of international careers. From the research I've done so far, there are 3 schools in the US that have an accredited Social Work program with an international focus. Dominican University, Monmouth University, and Boston College are the schools. Next week, I'll be visiting Dominican University to find out more about their program and opportunities. Eventually, I hope to visit each school on the list and find the program that is the best fit for me. When all is said and done, I hope to be accepted into the program of my choice. First, I have to weigh my options and decide which program that is.
For as long as I can remember, I have had an insatiable desire to explore. As a child, I had the great fortune to travel to numerous states, landmarks, and places in the US and Canada with my family and through various trips with my elementary and high school classes. From searching for fossilized sharks' teeth along Florida's Gulf Coast to seeing a fabulous performance of the Phantom of the Opera in Canada, I was blessed with experiences of which some have only dreamt.
In college, my travels expanded when I had the opportunity to live and study in Mexico for a few months. Hiking to the pyramid and stunning view atop a mountain in Tepoztlan on market day, haggling with market vendors, Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, and floating down the crystal clear waters of Rio Las Estacas were only a sampling of the remarkable memories made and sights seen there.
Then, of course, there are those incredible 6 weeks spent journeying through Europe. Looking back on the adventure, I find that I have learned a lot about myself. The travels through 5 popular country destinations provided far more than a beautiful experience and stories to share. It provided yet another series of paths to follow in finding myself.
Looking forward, I see myself prospering in an ever changing world of international careers. From the research I've done so far, there are 3 schools in the US that have an accredited Social Work program with an international focus. Dominican University, Monmouth University, and Boston College are the schools. Next week, I'll be visiting Dominican University to find out more about their program and opportunities. Eventually, I hope to visit each school on the list and find the program that is the best fit for me. When all is said and done, I hope to be accepted into the program of my choice. First, I have to weigh my options and decide which program that is.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Groceries, Old Roads, & Destroyed Tires...
welcome home.
I picked up a few groceries in Ebensburg after visiting my sister and her boyfriend tonight. They've been watching the turtle since I left for my trip. He's looking good and I appreciate their fantastic babysitting services.
En route back to my house, I decided to take the familiar old farm road instead of spending more time on the highway. Generally, the path shaves about a minute off the over all drive time. It has a few more curves and isn't always in the best of shape, especially during winter weather, but I like the old road just the same.
Winding through the curves and bends, I came across a rather unpleasant situation. In the 2 months since I drove the old road, an enormous pot hole developed. Unaware of its existence and busily watching for deer and other suicidal critters through the rain, I drove right over it.
I thought, "That's going to leave a mark," as my passenger side wheel slammed into the broken pavement.
Of course it did. Minutes after my run in with the damaged road, the tell tale vibrations of a flat tire began. As I was relatively close to home (about a mile and a half), I chose to keep going. The tire got flatter and flatter as I went, but my speed was reduced and I made it.
Parking in the driveway, it was time to assess the damage caused by the pot hole. Of course, the tire was completely destroyed by a combination of trauma and abuse, but other than the shredded rubber, there wasn't any damage that I could see. A quick trip to the garage should have it taken care of in no time.
I picked up a few groceries in Ebensburg after visiting my sister and her boyfriend tonight. They've been watching the turtle since I left for my trip. He's looking good and I appreciate their fantastic babysitting services.
En route back to my house, I decided to take the familiar old farm road instead of spending more time on the highway. Generally, the path shaves about a minute off the over all drive time. It has a few more curves and isn't always in the best of shape, especially during winter weather, but I like the old road just the same.
Winding through the curves and bends, I came across a rather unpleasant situation. In the 2 months since I drove the old road, an enormous pot hole developed. Unaware of its existence and busily watching for deer and other suicidal critters through the rain, I drove right over it.
I thought, "That's going to leave a mark," as my passenger side wheel slammed into the broken pavement.
Of course it did. Minutes after my run in with the damaged road, the tell tale vibrations of a flat tire began. As I was relatively close to home (about a mile and a half), I chose to keep going. The tire got flatter and flatter as I went, but my speed was reduced and I made it.
Parking in the driveway, it was time to assess the damage caused by the pot hole. Of course, the tire was completely destroyed by a combination of trauma and abuse, but other than the shredded rubber, there wasn't any damage that I could see. A quick trip to the garage should have it taken care of in no time.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reflections
The time has come for me to return to life in the US. As I sit in the airport, reflecting on my 6 week journey throughout Europe, I feel very blessed. With all the amazing experiences and fabulous people and pets I got to know along the way, I know this place will always have a warm home in my heart.
I never knew time could move so quickly. The tapestry of my life is fuller and a lot more colorful since going international once again. Each experience, the bitter as well as the sweet, combined to create an interesting and memorable adventure abroad. Looking back, there are only 2 things I would have changed if I could. I would have scheduled my return flight for a later date in order to spend more time in the beautiful and peaceful Ambialet. The other, well, my friends and family at the priory know what it is.
Jenn in Europe 2010 has come to an end, but the real journey has yet to begin. I wonder what my next adventure will be...
To my new friends and family in Ambialet,
Thank you all for inviting me into your lives so openly. My first European experience was truly amazing, and I have you to thank for that. We shared many laughs and shed a few tears, some checked out while others checked in. It's been quite a ride and I look forward to seeing you all when you come back stateside. I'll see you at the reunion, don't forget the "French soil"! Take care!
Love, Jenn
Special Shout-Out to Jay-Z: I love you too, buddy. Thanks for all the walks and good times! :) I'll miss you.
I never knew time could move so quickly. The tapestry of my life is fuller and a lot more colorful since going international once again. Each experience, the bitter as well as the sweet, combined to create an interesting and memorable adventure abroad. Looking back, there are only 2 things I would have changed if I could. I would have scheduled my return flight for a later date in order to spend more time in the beautiful and peaceful Ambialet. The other, well, my friends and family at the priory know what it is.
Jenn in Europe 2010 has come to an end, but the real journey has yet to begin. I wonder what my next adventure will be...
To my new friends and family in Ambialet,
Thank you all for inviting me into your lives so openly. My first European experience was truly amazing, and I have you to thank for that. We shared many laughs and shed a few tears, some checked out while others checked in. It's been quite a ride and I look forward to seeing you all when you come back stateside. I'll see you at the reunion, don't forget the "French soil"! Take care!
Love, Jenn
Special Shout-Out to Jay-Z: I love you too, buddy. Thanks for all the walks and good times! :) I'll miss you.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I can't believe I'll be leaving tomorrow...
that's all for today. It was another fantastic, beautiful day here in Ambialet. Dinner was spectacular once again. There is really nothing else to report.
I just can't believe this journey has reached its end. :(
I just can't believe this journey has reached its end. :(
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sad Day at the Priory
Brun got hit by a car today. She will most likely have to be put down. Jay-Z is having a very difficult time wondering where she is. It has been a sad day, indeed. :(
Friday, November 12, 2010
Mel Brooks Night in Ambialet
It was another magnificently lazy day in the peaceful village of Ambialet. Plus, dinner was fantastic. Bernard, you are amazing! Tonight's meal was pork with a side of green beans. Yum!
After dinner, it was time for the first ever "Mel Brooks Night" in Ambialet! Compliments of my dad, Mark Lynch, we spent the evening watching Space Balls in the common room. It was fabulous and a perfect end to a lovely day. :)
I'm thinking that we should definitely have a Mel Brooks party when everyone gets home. Who's with me?
After dinner, it was time for the first ever "Mel Brooks Night" in Ambialet! Compliments of my dad, Mark Lynch, we spent the evening watching Space Balls in the common room. It was fabulous and a perfect end to a lovely day. :)
I'm thinking that we should definitely have a Mel Brooks party when everyone gets home. Who's with me?
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