Big Changes

In the blink of an eye, we find ourselves two weeks away from Labor Day. How did this happen? Where did all that time go? One minute we were celebrating our entry into the race, and the next we're at the height of our training. From here on out, we're told that we are to build the distance we run for the next two months, starting with 16 miles last Saturday. Sixteen miles!! Sixteen miles is farther than I'm generally willing to drive, let alone run. But with the marathon being 26.2 miles and all, it's a good thing we've got great coaches and a great team to push us forward as we approach November.

Well, none of the Turtles actually went running with the Team last Saturday... we meant to, we really did. But some big changes have been a-brewing here at the Myrtle Avenue Mansion, and we are taking some time off as we find ourselves at a crossroads.

Yen, having left her beloved position as an AmeriCorps VISTA, will be starting her graduate studies in International Public Health at Columbia this fall. She is the first to leave the nest for the remainder of the summer, and is now back in Texas with her family.

LoAnn is also leaving her old VISTA position behind, and will be starting a new job at the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital in September. Her and her visiting brother, Ben, will be going back to Minnesota tomorrow to spend some quality time with the family as well.

Jac is preparing herself for her move to the sexy state of Florida at the end of September. Having spent years away, she's feeling the urge to be closer to family and friends, and is looking forward to the sunshine and beaches.

Nini is packing as we speak, and is leaving in two days for her move to Los Angeles. She'll be starting her next trimester of school at Yo San University in Venice, and has plans to grow up one day, hopefully some time in the near future.

Let's take a moment to acknowledge the accomplishments of these fine individuals, and celebrate change. Change is good!

So for the next couple of weeks you might not hear from us. Don't be alarmed! We're still here! The same forces that brought us together from the four corners are now sending us on our way back out into the world: Lo in Minnesota, Yen in Texas, Nini in Cali, and Jac holding down the fort in New York.

The party continues in September, so stay tuned!!