Friday, October 31, 2008

Celebration of Bubble Game

Yesterday, as I was getting stretched out for Water Polo, I was playing my favorite game on Wii Fit. It is the Bubble Game.

I finally finished it - got all the way through without dying! This is big news for me! I have played that game way too many times, and finally I got it!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Water Polo

Last night, after having us treadwater using the new to me method of eggbeating, our instructor had us get out of the water to learn some rules of the actual game. My 10 year old teammate came up to me and said "My legs feel like they are going to fall off, is that normal?" I felt the same way.

We played last night - something that resembled water polo for the first time. We only played for 10 minutes with a break at 5 minutes, and only half court in the deep end. It was way cool, even though I am way bad!

The instructor had asked the high school girls team to come and play with us and teach us. It is so fun to actually watch them play I sometimes forget that I am supposed to being playing them too.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Murders in Chicago

Not only has Chicago just been named the murder capital of Chicago, but now all the national media is here "investgating" the murders of a mom, son, and grandson that were truly horrific. They have a "person of interest" and the missing grandson was found dead in the Amber Alert found SUV.

I am sad for the family that survives. I can't imagine the pain they are feeling. No one deserves this.

But...

This family is Jennifer Hudson's - a famous person. What about the families of the other 429 people who have been killed in Chicago? I heard a news story that the folks personally involved are hoping that this brings attention to the neighborhood violence that is happening in Chicago. I hope...I pray...

I hope that famous people aren't the only people that we care about...

Food quote

"A meal can be either more social or more gastronomical. It can't be a combination."

– Ferran Adria, chef at El Bulli
on how to approach dinner

I disagree - some of the most social meals I have had are ones that we are talking about how good the food is!

voting

So, last Friday, I voted. If I had to do it again, I might not vote early. For me, it is over...my vote is cast, I don't need more information or even want it. So, in this week before the election - I am getting frustrated with exactly how much I am reading to decide my vote....

However, I read that in Ohio alone 22% have already voted. And that in North Carolina 1 in 5 voters have already voted. Have you voted? Why or why not? Discuss!

I voted because I have several meetings on Election Day - and I live in Chicago - lines are going to be crazy in my district!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Reunion

Jim and I just got back from his 10 year reunion from Morton West High School. We had a lot of time to sit and talk so, if Krista and Jim were to plan a reunion, we would:

1. Have a table reserved for "old and married or just introverted" with board games. That way instead of sitting and looking stupid, a person could go and do something.

2. Have it cheaper than $40 per person.

3. Have labels at tables for new cliques. Old names - geeks, nerds, losers, goths, jocks, band, cheerleaders, popular - but you sit with people in your new clique - so Jim and I would sit with the geeks, even though he wasn't one in high school - then people might have something to say to each other.

4. Or, have labels stating what you are looking at this reunion. "See what people are up too" "Get drunk" "Find a date" "Get drunk and find a date" "Make friends with other couples" etc.

5. Have Krista run up to the DJ and do an ice-breaker with all the significant others.

It was sweet, in a lovey dovey way, that whenever Jim would be asked "What have you been up to in the last 10 years?" "I got married..."

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

LAX 2

I was sitting 50 ft from William Fichtner until he got on a plane to ABQ just a bit ago. Now, you may not know his name, as as soon as he left, I looked him up - but mostly likely you will know him - I remembered him as Kent in Contact. Most recently, he was in the Dark Knight.

Here is a link to his other films.

LAX Number 2

I was sitting 50 ft from William Fichtner until he got on a plane to ABQ just a bit ago. Now, you may not know his name, as as soon as he left, I looked him up - but mostly likely you will know him - I remembered him as Kent in Contact. Most recently, he was in the Dark Knight - I feel bad that I didn't remember him from that.

Here is a link to a list of his films.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Hollywood and beyond

On Thursday, I arrived at LAX to the welcoming view of my mom reading a book at the baggage claim of my flight. I had offered to fly her to LA for a gift for her retirement. So while I was teaching on Friday, she was watching three tapings of The Doctors - its a new show that is produced by Dr. Phil, and she was in the front row or almost each time. She will be seen when it is on TV. She had a great time.

We went up to the Hollywood Hills on Friday night to the Observatory - and felt like if Dad had been a long we would have stayed longer and read more but the view was amazing. Then we went to Target. (The funny thing about traveling so much is that I forget you shouldn't stop at Target on a tourist trip.)

Yesterday, we walked to the famous sites of Hollywood - the Chinese theatre, the stars in the sidewalk, pinkberry (a frozen yogurt place that is all the rage). Then worked our way to Rodeo Drive which we were on for a whole block when we realized that was enough for us. We then drove to the famous old farmers market to look around, and then went to Whole Foods for supper. Yes, we know...we flew across the country for Whole Foods. See note in above.

Today, we are heading to First Presbyterian of Hollywood, it is the church that sponsors DOOR here but also has been seen in Heroes and other like Desparate Housewives. Then to the Santa Monica beach.

More training for me to do on Monday, before we head back on Tuesday.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Another Friday 5

So for today's Friday Five, you're invited to share your experiences with the exciting, challenging world of business travel....

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?

Yes, in fact, I am Denver right now. It is a joy - I love what I do when I travel. Especially looking forward to a trip to LA next week training a new person. I think over the last several months, husby and I have figured how not to make it a burden.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?

Jim gets to ride the train everyday to work - does that count?

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?

I really like trips that I can spend an extra day and see friends. I got to spend time with Jackie and Betsy the last trip to Atlanta!

4. ...and the worst, of course?

Trips don't tend to be bad, airport experiences tend to be horrible sometimes - including watching my computer fly up and over the security table crashing to the ground.

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?
I learn, Matthew (person I am training) learns, get to spend time with mom, and we don't get lost going to the beach!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Some thoughts

I have been meaning to post about several things.....but haven't....here is my attempt at remembering everything.

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Thursday night: My co-worker and partner in crime, Darrell, who in a former life used to be a chef, made Indian for all my students. It was amazing. But on my left, I heard these words come from my husband's mouth: "Its not that I don't like Indian, I just don't like curry." My first thought was - that is just like my Dad. When I was recovering from back surgery, I took the spices that make up curry and tried to figure out which one dad didn't like so that I could make indian food just without that particular spice. Dad doesn't like Turmeric - the spice that gives curry the color it is known for. I feel bad that I don't have time to do with Jim. As I was retelling this story though, my mom thought it sounded like another comment - "The Chinese can keep their cabbage." This made me laugh all day long. Inside joke from Colorado!

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Last Saturday: I was excited about walking a 5K, then forgetting my bus pass, and needed to walk another 5K home - all by 11am on a Saturday.

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In the last week or two: I assign blogging to my students (16 this year). It helps me understand where they are processing and helps keep them in touch with others as they leave for Sweden, England, Brazil and Paraguay. However, when setting them up, I promised a reply to each post...wow, that takes a lot of time!

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Thursday night: The debate was better than I expected; not as much for Tina Fey to pull from this week.

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In the last couple weeks: My students went to Trinity UCC a couple weeks ago. In reflection time, I realized the difference from other students. These are the first people who know about Trinity from the news. Their reflections showed the bias of the news coverage. The media has robbed Trinity of some of its power, its hospitality, its beautiful spirit - since no one is left in the country probably who hasn't come up with an opinion about it. It used to be a place where students were shocked and yet open. Now, my students were ready to see where it fit what the media said. The question becomes "How do I frame it? How do I help people understand the importance of a prophetic church like Trinity? Or does it just become that crazy church that Obama used to go to....

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Today: Appartently, I have forgotten how to travel. As I carried my bags up the escalator- one got caught at the bottom and I had to go to the bottom to get it as my other bag was riding to the top. Silly scene, I laughed the whole time. I start with my traveling again since my students have left for their destinations!