Busy & Behind

I have to post today! It has been way too long since you heard from me, I know you missed my entries. The exceptional weather put me in such a good mood that I decided to write an entry. So here I am writing outside on our little deck enjoying the last of the sun and crisp cool breeze. I have my headphones in listening to a little Eminem in order to drown out the horns, sirens, and screeching breaks that NYC offers.


View from our apt - I took this mid-typing

Today is a great day. Work was manageable, colleagues were in good moods, I got a D&D coffee, and left work on time! When I got back to the apartment I quickly changed into my gym clothes and headed outside for a leisurely run/jog/walk along the river to take in the sunshine before it went away. The wind provided some difficulty but I managed to exercise for an hour outside and loved every minute of it - a natural high!

Last I wrote I was on my way to Jen & Mark's wedding. Time really flies. Being a part of Jen's wedding meant a lot to me and I know one that I won't forget. The ceremony was beautiful and represented Jen & Mark's relationship perfectly. Following the ceremony we all headed down to Philadelphia for a fabulous celebration at the Bellevue. The Bellevue's a very ornate old hotel and ballroom in Philly. Interestingly my Popou worked there as a young man. As I mentioned the ceremony and reception were great however my favorite part of the wedding festivities was getting ready at Jen's parent's house with all the bridesmaids. We all have known each other for a long time and share a lot of memories. We caught up on life and remembered our past commenting on fast it has gone. Jen further impressed me and again showed us how big of a heart she has when instead of giving out wedding favors she and Mark made a donation to Young Survival Coalition. Her gift to YSC hit home for all of us, especially Jackie. YSC has provided her with support, education, and friendships and with Jen & Mark's donation YSC is closer to achieving its goal that no woman should be left to face breast cancer alone. Thanks Driscolls!

Since the wedding YSC National hosted their 10th Annual In Living Pink fundraiser in NYC. The casino themed night proved to be a huge success! YSC honored the late Kristen Martinez, an amazing woman and advocate for young women with breast cancer. She lost her battle last June. YSC created an award in her honor and presented it to her brother and will be presented each year to someone who possesses the same qualities of Kristen. Our "celebrities", Chris Wragge of The Early Show and Betsy Johnson attended and willingly posed for some photos.We achieved the highest attendance ever and raised a little over our goal. The weeks leading up to the event I only focused on the preparation and putting together all the raffle prizes and taking orders from my team. It got intense, lots of late (midnight) nights getting all the details final. Planning began last week for In Living Pink 2012!  

Jennifer, YSC CEO; Betsy Johnson & Chris Wragge



One more thing, Memorial Day. Thank you to all those who have served, you mean a lot to all of us and I am so glad there is a day to remember each and every one of you. God Bless.

The long weekend seemed too short. I was in Avalon, NJ with great friends and hot sunshine. Mike and I hit up our favorite breakfast spot and sat on the beach for hours ending the days with "lemonades" and laughter. We drive back down there tomorrow to do it all again and I can't wait!

Stay well and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been blessed with today. Time to head inside and cook dinner!