delectable doughnuts!

When somebody says to me, those are the best donuts in New York - maybe ever, I must have them. 

This morning I ventured into Queens to visit Peter Pan's Bakery. 

Coincidentally located at the corner of Manhattan Ave and Norman Ave - my past/present/future collision. 

The friendly staff and quintessential bakery shop look simply made me smile. 

They are best known for their red velvet donuts... and for a good reason!

 Don't worry - we didn't eat the whole box... yet. 

Nom nom nom... yummm

Hawaii pictures

Here are a few pictures from my trip to Hawaii that are from my friend Brittany's camera.  I wish I had pictures that captured every awesome moment, but here are just a few. 

After a looong trip, Brittany picked me up from the airport - greeting me with this beautiful lei! 

This is the kitchen - full of people - full of food. The house had such a happy, relaxed, familial quality to it! Many happy moments like this. 

Hanauma Bay - Brittany and I went snorkeling here with some cool fishies! 

Pictures from random hiking/sight seeing around the island.  It is just so incredibly beautiful there!

While we were watching the sunset in this cool little hidden spot a random wave just came out of nowhere and attacked Steve - not all of us, just Steve. I know its hard to appreciate this moment for those who were not there, but just look at the joy and laughter of this moment.   

We went to North Shore and went snorkeling with the sea turtles then made a bonfire and cooked dinner as the sunset and the stars came out.  A beautiful night!

Me and Mr. Sea Turtle - chillin.

 

I love Hawaii - so much.

Pluot.

Plum + Apricot = Pluot = Amazing.  

Perfect soft/firm combination.

Perfect sweet/tart combination.

Perfectly juicy.

Perfectly delicious. 

I may have found my new favorite fruit.

Hawaii!!!

I recently went on a trip to Hawaii to celebrate being done with TFA and grad school - it was amazing and I only hope I get to go back again in the future!  My camera broke the week before the trip (devastating) so I won't be able to include pictures, but these are the highlights of the trip:

People/Lifestyle

In the past couple years, I have truly realized that the people you are surrounded by make a tremendous impact on your experience/life.  I went on the trip with my friend Brittany - I couldn't have asked for a better travel partner.  To top that we stayed at her brother's house and were surrounded by tons of really great people.  Some of my favorite moments were just hanging around the house, feasting and drinking - it reminded me of college a lot.  I also want to take parts of their lifestyle and incorporate it into mine - they are incredibly active and emotionally relaxed.  They live for adventure, friends, new experiences, etc.

Beauty

I am used to seeing/hearing very beautiful, awe-inspiring things created by man - it is a whole different ballgame when it is all in nature.  Hawaii's landscape is truly incredible.  I even felt a bit silly - I had obviously seen pictures and videos of Hawaii, but seeing it person was somehow surprising.  I just couldn't believe it really existed.  

Top Activities:

- Surfing (way harder than it looks!)

- Snorkeling with sea turtles/reef and fishes

- Bonfire on the North Shore

- Hiking (amazing)

I loved Hawaii - it was the perfect trip. 

Smiling still.

More Reflections

First, a celebration: I am done with grad school!!!!! 

My last post was a fresh reflection on the last two years teaching.  I have a few more thoughts, continuing the reflection:

Gratitude

I always knew I grew up in a good home/neighborhood/school/community/etc. but this experience has made me so much more grateful for the things I have been given in my life.  My public education was what all students in this nation deserve.  I was blessed with a strong, positive community.  I had many opportunities that lead me to become the person I am.  I think when we have a good thing, or have been given good things, it is often easy to forget that or take it for granted.  Or we may not even realize how good we do have it.  

Love for Diversity

One thing my upbringing did not allow me as much as I would have liked, however, is a diverse setting.  Living in New York and interacting with so many people who are so different from me has truly made me love   being surrounded by a variety of cultures and people.  

Motherhood

I truly feel like one huge purpose in my life is to be a wife and mother.  This experience has undoubtedly helped me prepare for that role.  My patience and understanding of children is strikingly different.  I honestly think I will be a much better mother, when that day comes.  

It's funny what diverging benefits come from one thing.  What did I expect when I applied almost 3 years ago?  I'm not really sure... but what I got was so much more.