First up, a (long, in the best way possible!) meet the Casamate!
"Howdy! Gabriela’s roomie, Sarah Shorter, here! Coming to you live from the skies (yup on a plane at the moment). I’m headed back to the great state of Massachusetts, also known as both Gabriela and I’s home. Unlike Gabriela, who lives way out in the Western parts of MA, I’m from Lexington, which is a short jaunt outside of Boston. Lexington is famous for being the birthplace of the American Revolution. Ever heard of the shot heard around the world? Yup that occurred on the Lexington battle green and every year on Patriot’s day (also known as Marathon Monday in Boston and surrounding areas) there is a reenactment of the events of the day the American revolution began. There is also a pancake breakfast and two parades so if you’re not a big history buff, or simply have had enough of learning about the shot heard around the world in school or for some reason don’t want to see your dentist dressed as a minuteman, you can enjoy the other fun festivities.
Anywho… here are a few more tid bits about me:
1. 2021 Alum of the College of the Holy Cross in woooster (Worcester), MA. I majored in Anthropology and Latin American, Latinx, and Caribbean Studies. Outside of class, you could find me in the lib, the dining hall, on my RA duties, or at an ice rink (see item number 5).
2. Tye-dye lover – I brought a minimal wardrobe to Houston for JVC but somehow I think a solid quarter of my shirts (and a pair of sweatpants AND a newly purchased BUC-EE’S sweatshirt) are tye-dye! #style
3. I was born to a glasses wearing fam so naturally I too have been blessed with eyes that need a little bit of extra love. If you encounter me and I’m squinting an unnatural amount, I probably decided I needed a break from contacts and wanted to let the eyes be free
4. Crocs are my favorite shoe and I look forward to hopefully gracing the house with the croc presence when I return in January
5. I used to do competitive synchronized ice skating. I fell in love with skating when I was a wee little pre-schooler. I loved to watch the Zamboni zoom around and I guess I had a natural knack for gliding on the ice. Fast forward to sophomore year of high school and you could find me traveling around the U.S. and going to cool countries like Austria and Croatia for skating competitions. I hung up my competitive skates after my sophomore year of college and am a proud multi-time national and international champion. Here’s a lil link if you’re curious… [https://youtu.be/UeP5v3NaIkA] I’m not one to brag but it’s pretty unique I must admit hehe (Gabriela here: bragging is absolutely called for. Sarah is an incredible skater!)
6. I studied abroad in Lima, Peru during my junior year of college and escaped the country minutes after the border was closed due to covid. Eep. My 7ish months in Lima were challenging pero increible. I bonded with my Peruvian host family, made incredible friends, learned how to dance salsa cubano, and ate delicious food (#1 gastronomia en el mundo). My host brother, Tito, inspired me to run a half marathon while I was in Lima but I had to come home due to covid before the race so I’m FINALLY going to do a half marathon in less than a month (AHHHHH) with Gibs and I cannot wait to conquer this goal which has been 2+ years in the making.
7. This year I am working at the Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, which is a part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. I work with the Family Visa Program doing a variety of family-based immigration work. My colleagues and clients bring me joy every day with their unique stories, kindness, and passion. Not to mention that Cabrini is a sugar-hub and there is ALWAYS rogue sweets and food around the office (great for the soul). I’m so so thankful for all the kind folks at Catholic Charities and I can’t wait to spend 6 more months with my friends. Oh yes also the Reverend is my bff. He’d laugh at that sentence, but he knows it’s true. #iykyk
8. I like to write and ramble and blog so Gibs def got more than she asked for here… I hope you now know a wee bit about me! Cheers to more months of ice cream, tye dye, raspas, comida rica, banter, singing, dancing, smiling, and exploring.
With love,
Sarah Shorter"
Enjoy some tidbits of things that have brought me and the rest of the Casa deep joy during the months of November and December!
For most of November and December, it has been 60-70ish degrees. The sunshine and ability to walk outside (preferably while sipping a cup of coffee) does more for my spirit than one can imagine!
We all headed to San Antonio to be with three other JV houses for "Friendsgiving", which was a weekend jam packed with delicious food, dancing, and lots and lots of laughter!
Every time I open my inbox (or mailbox) and see letters and messages from mentors, teachers, and friends, it is the highlight of my day.
I was able to facilitate some meetings between my clients and some families who were willing to sponsor them for Christmas. While I was at first very skeptical of the idea of meeting in person (I never want my clients to be in a spot where they feel awkward or like a burden) I was blown away. The sponsoring families I worked with went out of their way to befriend my clients. A highlight was meeting at a park where the kids could all play together. There really are no words to describe it here. Let's just say that it was one of the best things I have gotten to be a part of in a long time!
Sarah and I headed to an ice cream place that rivals Jeni's (plus had a neon TX sign, so we naturally had to take a picture)
We went ice skating as a house, though the rink was more like a giant puddle with a thin layer of ice below (see bullet point one)
We walked around and looked at many, many Christmas lights! One neighborhood hosts a giant block party with live bands and wacky decorations!
There is another neighborhood called "River Oaks" full of actual mansions that go all out for Christmas. I went bike riding with my house at night to see them all! (For those of you that know me, that's a big deal...your gal does not love biking, especially at night). Emma Lou and I also walked there that weekend (walking was much more my speed!)
Our office decorated for Christmas, complete with a "Sugarplum Pandemic Fairy" (arts and crafts are not my thing, but laughing with great coworkers totally is)
We made a gingerbread house from scratch (I promise it looked and tasted better than this quality of photo would lead you to believe)!
Our last weekend in Houston before Christmas, the gals drove to Buc-ees to try on matching sweatsuits. When you picture Buc-ees, picture a giant gas station mixed with a tacky lake town souvenir shop mixed with lots of food. It's a distinct mood all on its own!
And last but not least, our house contains 4 kickball champions (Adeline was at a wedding during the weekend of the last game, which is the only reason she is not pictured). We got recruited to play on Shock and Slay when we were playing tennis back in October, said yes, and a few months later, here we are! The women of TWERK (Texas Women's Extreme Recreational Kickball) gave us the finest Houston welcome ever! (Pictured here are 2 of the women that took us right under their wing and explained everything, loving us well every weekend!) Being with them every week was such an incredible blessing, where I felt welcomed, embraced, and able to just play kickball. Next season is in March, so stay tuned for Season 2 of Shock and Slay!
All in all, November and December brought plenty of lessons and tons of moments to practice joy. I'm looking forward to another season of Casa Ruti G, TWERK, and leaning into deep deep joy as individuals and as a community!
Comentarios