FYI from the HQ

The leaves are changing color, our clocks have turned back an hour, and half of this season's new TV shows have returned to the Hellmouth from whence they came. Must be the beginning of a long cold winter--and in fact, here in Boston, our first snow is already behind us (Thank heaven for the Dunkin' Donuts next to the bus stop).

Those of you--including me--who joined up in August of this year are coming up fast on the 100-days marker. For U.S. Presidents, the first 100 days are a measure of priorities, effectiveness, and potential. For VISTAs, it's all those things--but it's also a measure of how well we're adjusting to lives as full-time volunteers, with all the privileges, responsibilities, and difficulties that entails (like when you don't have enough spare change for the Dunkin' Donuts). It's not always easy to keep your balance, but we're all doing our best

Over here at the Hub, as it were, of the project, we've been dealing with our share of obstacles, including the lack of an assistant director and an epic battle with the Community Technology Review website. But our hopes are high and so are our collars; we feel we've been successful in adapting to the VISTA life, and we're ready to face the challenges and chills that winter brings. Of course, we have the added bonus of working with James "Pops" Fishwick, our beloved VISTA leader. All those of you who are lucky enough to be working alongside second-year VISTAs know how valuable shared experience and insights are.

So, what insights and stories do you have from your first 100 days? We want to hear from you--about your project, your hobbies, and hell, even your wacky dreams. Contact me if you're interested in contributing to upcoming editions of this newsletter. Come on, don't be shy. We're all in this together.

Best wishes and double lattes,

Caroline