This weekend, in between group meetings, paper-writing and catch-ups with friends, I had a few stolen moments in New York's parks to enjoy the fact that after a long and painful winter, spring has finally arrived. This is New York at its most seductive: the trees and shrubs burst with blooms and the city comes back to life. City folk crowd every park bench, lawn and sidewalk cafe, soaking up that sorely missed warm sunshine.

It's amazing how a few hours of extra sunlight and fresh spring weather can completely change one's outlook on life. No matter how very stressful the next few weeks will be for me, I can't shake it—I can't seem to budge from this very happy place! That light at the end of the tunnel is oh so very bright now ... soon enough, I'll be soaking all that beautiful light up and I can't wait!