Work/casual

So, I've uploaded some of my photos from the AmeriCorps conference I attended in Estes Park.  I snagged a few from the Good Works for Youth album - GWFY is the umbrella organization for VISTAs (AmeriCorps members) in CO organizations focused on youth and the environment...roughly.  It's complicated, but I was in Estes Park for 1) a conference for all AmeriCorps members in Colorado and 2) a conference for GWFY VISTAs.  Anyway, you should be able to view the pictures here: 

http://picasaweb.google.com/gates.sarahk/EstesPark?feat=directlink

We stayed at a YMCA, which was pretty amazing!  And I went roller skating - no big deal.

Overall, the conference helped a lot in terms of connecting with other people who are doing work similar to mine. Some of the other VISTAs (AmeriCorps members; it stands for Volunteers in Service to America) have done a lot of curriculum development in their programs, which is something I'm interested in pursuing.  This would be anything from environmental education to civic engagement to job readiness training.  A lot of people were generally knowledgeable about affordable recreation activities (if you discount the gas money it takes to get to them) throughout Colorado, like these classes that REI (an outdoor store) offers on everything from mapping to snow survival skills for women.  Pretty cool, hmm?

My mom was here this weekend, and we had a good time visiting the Denver Art Museum, eating upscale tamales, and seeing the debut run of House of Spirits at the Denver Performing Arts Center.  I stuck around in Denver on Sunday morning and bought 2 books...so what? 

Today I met with a lot? of high school counselors at the main district building to talk about WCYCC's (Weld County Youth Conservation Corps) AmeriCorps program for 17-24 year-olds, and it was interesting, but strange.  I felt weirdly comfortable, which is rare, but I think brought on partly by the fact that I was so tired and feeling slightly sick.  I thought about buying a cup of tea afterwards but then I didn't. 

From this sickness, or something, I'm feeling a bit bummed and stressed - so I'd appreciate any words of encouragement you might have to send along.  I think I might try to lessen the load, or the feeling of it, with a new pair of work/casual pants..um.
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(Here are some links that might clarify what I'm doing: http://www.cyca.org - Colorado Youth Corps Association;
http://www.co.weld.co.us/Departments/HumanServices/EmploymentServices/YouthServices/WeldCountyYouthConservationCorps.html - WCYCC)