Easter Break

We spent the week before vacation wrapping up topics, chapters, and projects that we had been working on. The week ended with tests, discussions, and activities that closed those subjects, so that we could start fresh after vacation. The week was a blur of activity, as work and tasks needed to be finished before the week off. But the time went by quickly, and suddenly the schoolwork was behind me and I still needed to get ready for my trip to New Jersey! The vacation was welcome and such a relief.

I drove the 6 hours to New Jersey to see my family first. I stayed there for three days, visiting with my mom, grandmother, aunt, and sisters. I also saw my other grandparents and saw some good friends. I saw Mirror, Mirror, which I found to be charming and light, and went out to dinner several times. I also had the chance to go to local parishes and have some reunions there, too. After spending the time with family, I went to northern Jersey, where I first entered. My plan was to take some time to do some low-key visiting and hanging out with the sisters there. I was surprised to find many activities and events happening, and several visitors there. I continued to be in vacation mode, though. I visited our sisters in the infirmary, slept in, played games, and caught up with the sisters in the main convent there. I attended a few of the events that were happening, too. I went to a gala for the college, where I danced and ate to my heart's content. I heard James Martin, a prolific and talented writer, speak humorously about the importance of humor and joy in our spirituality. I also attended a grieving workshop, which was more reflective and engaging than I had expected it to be. I ended up staying for more of it than I intended to! Also, my father drove to Lodi to take me out to lunch, which was nice.

I went back to school today, and I felt recharged and ready-- well, as ready as I was going to feel! It was a lovely vacation but it is nice to be back.