So Much To Update On, Oh the places I have been!

How interesting to sit back and read the stories you have 'blogged' about OH SO LONG AGO. One word: funny. Anyways, I guess I stopped blogging in March of 2011, as I was supposed to update you on the things that were changing in my life as I transitioned from one point to another. Well, I guess I will be doing another long update here, as I chronicle things of the past. But, we will start with what I am doing now.

In February 2012, I accepted a job with Keep Akron Beautiful as the Program Manager. Basically, I am in charge of planning our events, doing all of our Public Relations, and being the point person for all of our volunteers (as we have many different events throughout the course of the year.) We are affiliated with Keep America Beautiful, a national organization, and my good friend, Melissa had this job before I did. Needless to say, I am filling some big shoes. Melissa moved on to BIGGER things and is now working in the Keep America Beautiful office in Washington, DC.

On top of my job with Keep Akron Beautiful, I decided to stay with the Cleveland Marathon as the Volunteer Coordinator. I love the race and it is something I look forward to promoting and working on each year. My strength is definitely the "volunteer portion," so I was blessed when Joan asked me to stay on the team. My position runs January-June, so only half-year--and I am still able to stay connected with an organization that is near and dear to my heart.

I have made 2012 a quite busy year for myself through scheduling activities for my family and I to participate in, getting involved in organizations such as the Junior League of Akron and Junior Women's Civic Club, and still volunteering for many organizations near to my heart. I am currently spending quite a bit of time working on and fixing up the house that Bruno and I purchased in February in North Akron. We are really excited to have our future 'home together' be in the Akron-area, because it is a community we have truly come to love. (After all, it is the place where we met!)

They say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I am just going to finish this post with some of my top-favorites from this year so far. Sorry you missed out on 2011, I have been really bad about posting updates that are significant to my life and to what is going on. But, I promise to be better about this, as I am trying to learn the 'World of Blogging' so that I can create a blog for Keep Akron Beautiful here in the near future. Until next time... 

October 2011: The ING NYC Marathon, at the finish line--one of the best moments from 2011. Pictured here with Katie (my cousin), Joan (a friend from the CLE marathon staff) and here mom. What a great day!

October 2011: A family photo-op spending time together during my Grandma Flaherty's birthday. Love this.

November 2011: Visiting Walt Disney World during Christmas-time with the family. This is Jimmy and I. 

December 2011: My beautiful family on Christmas-Eve! I love them!

December 2011: My love graduates from The University of Akron. So Proud! 

February 2012: This is my friend, Melissa and I at her going away party! She moved to DC to work with Keep America Beautiful and I now work for Keep Akron Beautiful, her old job! 

April 2012: Jessica's prom. Seriously gorgeous. Love my little sister!

April 2012: Reconnected with some Alpha Gamma Delta sisters and hosted a baby shower for my pledge sister, Jamie (center), with my other pledge sister, Alyssa (pictured on the right). One of my favorite parts of 2012 (so far) has been re-connecting with these girls and helping Jamie welcome beautiful baby Aubriella into the world in June! :)

May 2012: Cleveland Marathon Race Day (on the grandstand) with some wonderful ladies.

Pictured left to right, Leigh, Joan, myself, Jen, Darla and Sarah. Love. These. Ladies.

May 2012: Baby sister graduates high school! This is one of my favorites of my younger siblings. Love them!

May 2012: A huge win for Jimmy and his baseball team! He is a little rock-star on the field :)

June 2012: I visited my friend Melissa in Washington, DC in June. What a wonderful trip--I had never been to DC before, so I loved everything about the city! So much history! So much fun!

June 2012: Mike and Courtney's Wedding. This wouldn't be complete without a picture of Bruno and myself. I just love this photo (and this cute guy) so much! We had a wonderful time that evening celebrating two wonderful friends. Unforgettable! 

June 2012: Jessica's Graduation party- A wonderful opportunity to catch up with our babysitter (Kristen, picture in-between my sister and I) and her daughter, Samantha! The world has come full-circle. This is another one of my favorite things about this year; being able to catch up with some wonderful people I haven't seen in quite some time, especially Kristen! I just love her and her kids.

July 2012: The final picture... that I just adore. My girls and I volunteering our time at the 2012 Italian-American Festival at Lock 3 on July 13th! What a wonderful time to give back, enjoy ourselves and bond with my family and friends. Pictured left to right is: Shannon (my cousin and good friend for 24 years), Juanita (my sorority sister--just love her), Me, Alyssa (my sorority sister--we pledged together!) and my best friend, Ann (who I have known virtually all my life.)

So glad I was able to update on all these wonderful things that have happened. I am incredibly blessed. I love my family. I love my friends and life is good. Most of the time ;)

Around The Bay

Wow- it has been over a month since I have blogged... but, I have had a revelation. This weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Around The Bay Expo, as a part of my internship with the Cleveland Marathon. It was a great time--and I met some fantastic people! Being there really made me (MORE) excited for our race that is coming up May 15th! Also, it inspired me to start running. You see, I got involved with the Cleveland Marathon to gain experience in MAJOR event planning, but as time goes by, I really want to start running, as well. I have been thinking about what I need to do to start this process--and I have decided that a GOAL is going to help me keep my eye on the prize! So, here it is.. I am telling the world: I am going to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon during Princess Marathon Weekend from February 24-26, 2012. This gives me 333 days to train and work my body to accomplish this! :) If anyone is interested in becoming my running buddy, please check out the Disney Princess Half Marathon website, at: http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/events/rundisney/princess-half-marathon/


As I close one chapter in my life (school), and all the busy-ness that comes with that, I have decided to make my half marathon training a number one goal of mine. Along with that, I must say.... back to studying for me! Only a few weeks of classes left and I will be graduated! :)

Reminiscing . . .

In the last few weeks, I have had some time to reflect and really think about my life. Anyone close to me will tell you how scared I am, as I search for the "next step" in my life. I guess I am only scared because I do not know what is to come.

 When I was little, two things were important to me. My family and the time I spent "playing"/ doing what I wanted to do. My fondest memories are playing outside in our pool (especially when we made our parents let us take bath's in the pool); Mr. Mackintosh with my cousins Lindsay and Shannon and brother Jeffrey; My Grandma Flaherty's Green Pump's which I LOVED to sport with every outfit imaginable; and all my fabulous birthday parties.I also remember some of the crazy things my siblings and I used to do, such as the afternoon Jeffrey drug a large bag of naval oranges down our Valley View driveway and started throwing them at cars. Another fond memory was when my mom sang to me every day. The song was:  "Do You Know The Muffin Man". I'd look out my window in the morning and see if he was walking down the road. But, for some reason, I always missed him. Probably because he was make believe :)

During the next stage of my life, the only thing that was important to me was shopping, doing what I wanted, and FRIENDS. This is about the time when I met my best friend, Ann Fajt. (Now Ann Fajt-McKee) The "story of us," which sounds kind of weird, but it just describes HOW WE ARE, is a funny one (and I can't believe I am telling it here.) I met Ann on the bus one day in 6th grade. I sat down next to her and proceeded to tell her: "Hi, my name is Jacqui and I like to shop. Do you like to shop?" (I waited for her answer; and she thought I was crazy.) Then, I proceeded to tell her, "I like to shop so much, that I keep a list of every store I have ever shopped at." Now, if I was Ann, I probably would have gotten up and ran away, but this is the "love story" that started our beautiful relationship. I had to tell this story, because this literally marks the time where I would wake up every Saturday morning and call my Grandma Helen and ask her to take me shopping. I swear, I inherited that "shopping gene" from her. ;)

When I started high school my priorities were to do good in school and to spend as much time with my friends as I could. I wanted to be as far away from my family as possible. (Oh how times have changed!)

Now, as I sit here, a college student (almost an alumni!) my priorities are as follows: my family, my boyfriend (and his family), my best friends, doing good for the community--I have an urge to do things for others who need it more than I do, being happy, and traveling.

And as I reminisce on all the great memories I have from the past, I know that the future will hold some pretty good ones too. I guess I am nervous and EXCITED about what is to come.

So, bring it on GRADUATION! Bring it on! :)

Relaxing Snowday

As I sit here on my second SNOW DAY of 2011, I finally have the time to reflect on all good things that have come out of 2011 already. And its only been a month! :) (Ohhh...and this is probably the first time in the last month and two days, that I have had to RELAX... snow days are perfect for some relaxation time!)  I celebrated my 23rd birthday on the 15th of January, with lots of good friends and family. Also, in January, I made my first trip to TEXAS! I interviewed with Southwest Airlines, for a post-graduate internship position. Sadly (and thankfully,) I did not get the internship--as I am not sure if was ready to make a big move, so soon, anyways. I really enjoyed Dallas and the surrounding areas, as I was able to explore for an entire weekend opposed to just a day. I arrived in Dallas on a Saturday and was able to spend all day Saturday and Sunday with Bruno's Aunt Clare and her husband, Todd, and children Alex and Nico. :) It was a really great time and I can't wait to head back to "The Big D" for another visit in the near future. The day before I headed to Texas, Bruno and I went to our first Cavs game of the season. It was a bittersweet moment as my Cleveland Cavaliers weren't able to keep up with a less-than-perfect team. But, I can't wait to see what is in store for them in the next few seasons... my love for Cleveland sports (especially Cleveland Basketball,) has had so many ups and downs through the years! My internship with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon is going wonderfully. I am really enjoying all the time I am spending there and have had a great experience thus far. Hmmm.. other than that, not much else is going on. Classes are good; ZPN is still so much fun (I love all of the exec board... and it is sad to think I will be leaving "all this" behind in just a few short months!); and I have to mention, I love living with Stacey Lynn :). Stacey is just one of those people that makes you feel so happy all of the time! We have so much fun watching "our shows" on Monday nights and sharing countless bottles of wine. I have to say... this year is already proving to be fantastic and I can't wait to see what is in store in the future. Cheers! :)

2010 . . . It's Over Already?

So... 2010 is over, ALREADY, and I'm thinking we need to review everything wonderful that happened last year! Although last year was a great year, with ups and downs, as every year has, 2011 is my year!

I'm quite sure that it is going to be alot of fun, especially because I have much to look forward to. First and foremost, GRADUATION. My college graduation is going to bring about an entirely different chapter in my life... so, 2011, yes you have begun... but, I can't wait to see what you bring.

Here is my 2010 YEAR IN REVIEW:

January 2010:As always, each January starts out with my birthday. This year, I celebrated with friends at El Jalapeno, my favorite Mexican Restaurant in Barberton. We had a great time, as always.



Mom, Dad, Me and Jeffrey Celebrating my birthday

 February 2010:
On Valentines Day weekend I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an AFLV Undergraduate Intern at the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This conference brings together many Greek (Fraternity and Sorority) students and their advisors all for a common purpose. I attended AFLV the previous year, as PHC President, and came back as an intern in 2010. I met some wonderful people at AFLV, whom, I will always call lifelong friends.





Most of the Undergraduate Interns on our first night in St. Louis





Me and Colin showing off one of the many reasons why we are friends... we were so excited that we were so alike!



Bryan and myself... Matching Outfits ;)

 March 2010:
In March, I assisted in planning and hosting the 2010 Greek Leadership Awards. The GLA's was one of the best events I helped plan! It was so beautiful inside--everything looked wonderful! In March, we also celebrated one of the best holiday's ever... St. Patrick's Day. (I have to say this because I am Irish... and of course I have an Italian boyfriend who won't even wear green!)


All the tables at the GLA's




After winning the Thomas J. Vukovich award for Outstanding Leadership.




St. Patrick's Day 2010 with Annabelle and our Green Beer :)




With all the girls and Terry, our leprechaun

 April 2010:
In April, Songfest took over my life! Good thing I had wonderful co-chairs to work with! I had such a great time planning Songfest with my Little and Micah! Also in April, was Easter. Easter was spent at my parents house in Wadsworth, last year. April was also my last month as an active Alpha Gamma Delta member.



Colin, my AFLV-bff, came and judged Songfest for me! It was so much fun to have him there.




Songfest Chairs 2010




My AGD Family at IRD.


May 2010:
In May, we celebrated Jimmy's birthday... as well as an end to another semester. Summer was not too far away and I was so happy to have the summer off!


Jimmy's Birthday



June 2010:

SUMMER! In June, we spent a lot of time swimming and having fun. I also worked at a Country Club in Hudson, for the entire summer. I kept busy by spending time with friends.

July 2010:

In July, we celebrated the 4th out on Bruno's boat with his family and friends. The second weekend in July was spent at the Italian-American festival downtown Akron. Each day and night, different activities were going on. On Friday, a group of friends and I served beer at the Beer and Wine Trucks. On Saturday, I was able to enjoy the festival with family and friends. And, on Sunday, I spent the day volunteering with friends and Alpha Gam's at the Annual Pasta Dinner at the Festival. The Carovillese Club actively participated in many of the events at the festival, that weekend. Later in July, we celebrated the Feast of Santo Stefano with Bruno and friends, at the Club.



The 4th on Portage Lakes




Watching fireworks downtown Akron




Beer Trucks at the Italian Festival with my best high school gals




Saturday evening at the Festival with the ladies




All my Carovillese boys



August 2010:

August was one of the best months of 2010! In August, I spent a week at the beach with Alison; we celebrated Bruno's birthday with a surprise party at El Jalapeno;  spent time with my favorite girls at Ann's bachelorette party; Ann got MARRIED in the Smoky Mountains; and we returned to school. MY LAST YEAR OF COLLEGE. August proved to be one of the biggest highlights--with the most FUN packed in to ONE month!

Just arrived at Tybee Island after a long day/night of driving!

Downtown Savannah

Crab Legs!

With the girlies after the worst game of putt putt ever---As you can probably assume, I am a champion :)

Celebrating Bruno's Birthday

Ann's Bachelorette Party



Tennessee for Ann and Zak's Wedding



Best Friend on her Wedding Day

Beautiful Bride and Groom

Congratulations!

Gameroom during Welcome Weekend

The Crew

Jeffrey's 21st

September 2010:

September proved to a great month as well... We helped celebrate my Grandma and Grandpa Flaherty's 50th Wedding Anniversary on Friday September 3rd with a gathering of family and friends, as well as a celebratory mass. We also celebrated my sister, Jessica's birthday! Then... On September 23rd, Mom, Jimmy and I headed out of Ohio to the beautiful sights of Orlando, Florida and Walt Disney World. We were very excited because we had been planning every detail of our vacation since May. The trip was one of the best experiences of my life, as I was able to see Walt Disney World... every bit of it, through the eyes of a child. We really enjoyed Epcot, The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The highlights of our trip included eating delicious food at Epcot, Character Greetings, and the Very Very Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Grandma and Grandpa Flaherty's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Their present that we made them, A Photo Quilt



DISNEY WORLD!!! Our First Ride... At Epcot



Hawaiian Luau

A Bugs Life Show

Minnie Mouse

Magic Kingdom

Very, Very Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

The Incredibles.



October 2010:

October brought Homecoming Weekend, Football Games, Blue Man Group, Pumpkin Picking at the Pumpkin Patch // Pumpking Carving and Halloween 2010!

Homecoming Court

ZPN Exec at Homecoming 2010

Bruno and I

With Mom and Dad at the Homecoming Court get together



With Dr. Proenza and Chad



Blue Man Group

At The Farm

Halloween

November 2010:

Thanksgiving... A Holiday job at Coach... Accepted my internship with the Cleveland Marathon... Surprised Jimmy with tickets to Justin Bieber... Browns game with Bruno....

Justin Bieber Concert in Cleveland

Out with Juanita





Browns Game

December 2010:

Finals, Christmas Parties, Giovanni's Birthday, An Evening at Playhouse Square, Christmas, Milena's Baptism, and Honoring Nonno....

My pink tree

Gio's Birthday

Christmas Party at  Thad's

Christmas Show at Playhouse Square

Family Photo on Dad's Birthday

Christmas Eve

Siblings after Christmas Day Mass

Christmas Day

BRING IT ON 2011!!! BRING IT ON!!!