Photo of the Week - January 27, 2008

Friends and Family!

It has been a busy yet incredibly exciting weekend. This weekend, Bradley University hosted a Regional Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Conference...I know, I know...your thinking that it sounds like a painful way to spend a Saturday. It was actually an incredibly fun Saturday. Nearly 700 professional and collegiate women came from across the mid-west to participate in the event complete with seminars, entertainment, and job fair. I had a moment at lunch when I looked out across the banquet hall and saw the room full of educated women and was filled with Thanksgiving to live in a society that supported education for Women. I had an entirely new perspective of SWE Pride! See the photo of the women for the Central Illinois SWE section.

Today Beckie and I went to a Chinese buffet for dinner. I don't know if we have ever laughed together as much as we did tonight. What a great way to end the inspiring weekend!

Have a great week. Encourage the young women in your life to live with joy and strength.

Jada

Photo of the Week - January 20, 2008

Friends and family!
This Friday night through Saturday evening I participated in an amazing leadership retreat with my church. After the hustle bustle of the week, I was a bit apprehensive about packing up and participating in an intense 24 hours of workshops. Wow, was I underestimating the fun I was going to have at the event. Along with growing as a leader, it was an opportunity to turn many acquaintances into friends. The event was held at a beautiful horse ranch near Peoria. It was a FRIGID, yet bright day. I had a chance to get out into the sunshine and snap a few photos on Saturday.

Have a blessed week...and try to stay warm!

Jada

Photo of the Week - January 13, 2008

Photo of the Week - January 13, 2008

Friends,
Oh No!!! Technical difficulties...No pictures this week. Here is the text to go along with the photos I hope to send next Sunday. My apologies!

This weekend was fantastic with the comfort of routine and some special events as well. Today I spent time with my little sister, Beckie. We went to the Lakeview Museum to see a photography exhibit. As I become more involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters as a board member and as a big, I grow in appreciation of the organization. On Saturday I went to a board retreat for BBBS. In addition to the numerous inspiring testimonies I heard of Bigs and Littles, one economic statistic still lingers in my mind. The cost of supporting one match for one year is $1000.00 vs. the cost of maintaining a juvenile for one year in governmental correctional programs averages $65000.00. Today's paper covered the organization on the front page. See more at http://pjstar.com/stories/011308/TRI_BFDF33UD.005.php

Have an excellent week.

Jada

January 6, 2008

Happy New Year!

I am officially back into a routine after the holidays...and with a renewed joy and anticipation for the year ahead. My year end time off has been especially blessed this year. Like never before I am entering the new year with a sense of contentment and peace.

This week I had the chance to meet up with some friends from my days working in Miami. All of the gals in the photo worked in Caterpillar's Latin American office with me at some point in time. Dinner conversation allowed us to reminisce over the fun we had in the tropics.

Cheers to 2008. Enjoy the week ahead.

Jada