GVI Rules

Is there anything better than a hearty dose of inspiration?

OK, maybe, but I'm not going to go there.

I just got back from interviewing Global Vision International (GVI) - quite possibly the coolest organization ever. By promoting sustainable development through volunteer travel, GVI is making waves and more. Want to learn how to be a safari guide and save the elephants at the same time? GVI has about 10 different programs for you. Or, maybe you'd rather learn how to become a dive master in the Seychelles while saving endangered sea turtles? If that's not quite right, then there is always teaching English to novice monks in Laos... Just pick how you want to save the world, fork over a reasonable amount of cash for living expenses and conservation efforts (70% goes to the project you're working on), buy some carbon-offsets for your plane trip, and before you know it, you'll be on the fast track to an adventure of a lifetime, all in the name of sustainable development.

Forgive me, I'm still lost in an Ecuadorian jungle.


Maybe I'll end up going on safari after all.

I miss you, ConMom

This week, the world lost an amazing woman. What started out as a beautiful afternoon bike ride led to Connie Nagle's untimely, tragic passing in a very fluke accident. Accidents. There are no warning signs for accidents. There is no rhyme or reason for them. Things just happen. No matter how full you live your life, no matter how many times you've been reminded to live each moment to the utmost and to appreciate those you love, no matter what sadness you've been through before, nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one. The notion that someone we hold dear is gone forever is an incredibly difficult, almost impossible, concept to grasp. To be honest, I'm not sure that we're meant to.

I first met Connie when I was 13. She was the mother of my best friend. I called her my second mother, or 'ConMom.' I practically lived at her house throughout of my teenage years and quickly became a regular at all extended family functions. Connie was the person I called when I needed a mother's advice, but didn't want to ask my own mother. She had a wonderful warmth and openness about her. I could talk to her about anything. She also happened to be one of the smartest people I've ever met. An expert on women's health, Connie worked in the medical field her whole life, always there to reassure and support me any moment I (a self-proclaimed hypochondriac) diagnosed myself with cancer, or when I actually went through a very real medical scare in Seattle. She was there across the country with me, holding my hand. Connie also managed to be a wise, loving mentor while never losing her childlike, often cheeky, playfulness. Filled with life and laughter, she could make anyone smile. I admired her very much. So did many. And, now, after one leisurely afternoon bike ride, she's gone.

Life's just not fair sometimes. Even though I've heard the phrase a million times, it still just doesn't seem like a good enough explanation. Then again, nothing will.

Connie, you'll be sorely missed.

Thoughts on Boston

May I just say, much to my surprise, I am loving Boston. During evening strolls around the Charles, amongst trees ablaze in shades of red, gold, and green in the evening fall sun, I find myself saying, "California, what?" I didn't realize how much I missed being here, and how happy I am to have the chance to rediscover that again. A year ago, I was nearly married, living in an apartment in downtown San Francisco, ready to sign off the rest of my life to the Bay Area and one man. A fast, somewhat brutal, twist of events brought me back to the East Coast alone and lost. In Boston and back at BU, I have been given a second chance. Until recently, I didn't realize how much I wanted one...or needed one. I certainly didn't hide my disappointment at being back East. But, being amongst old friends and the family I've long missed, I'd forgotten how tied I am to this place, and how good it feels to have such strong roots. With Boston family history going back to the Mayflower, and grandparents that love to talk about family lineage and the good 'ole days, Boston has proven to be the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with my past. I didn't realize how healing it would be to come back here. Nor did I think I would feel such a strong sense of place, and in many ways, self. Being able to do the same things my father, my grandparents, and great grandparents did here before me makes me feel incredibly alive and connected to my past, present, and future, all at the same time. I really didn't see this coming. Life sure hands out amazing twists sometimes.