Shake-n-Bake

I was sitting at my desk at work today, thinking about packing up and going home, when suddenly, the floor started to wobble. And then my chair wobbled. And my computer monitor wobbled. It stopped several seconds later, then there was a smallish aftershock.

Knowing the kids were at home without an adult, I called to see how they were.

Max: Hello?
Me: Hi, Max! Did you guys just feel that earthquake?
Max: Nooooo...there was an earthquake? When?

It was a 5.4 earthquake, but not one photo had fallen from the wall, nor had any books fallen out of the bookcases.

The kids were making some home movies--Jaws 5, The Two Burritos, a James Bond installment, a remake of Little Shop of Horrors, and Robin in the Hood. When we put it on youtube, I'll post a link. They're pretty hilarious and clever, especially Jaws 5.

Also today, I introduced Jordan to the joys of the Nordstrom personal shopper. We got her some darling things for school, and I bought something to wear to the upcoming wedding of our friends Marlo and Ty.

Which brings me to the "bake" part--"steamed" is more apt. Can't anyone make modest but attractive cocktail-type dresses? The other thing that I'm burned up about is my stupid laptop. I'm getting ready to take it into the repair shop for the third time in two weeks. It lasted all of thirty minutes after I picked it up today. Dadgumit!

Fun Friday Night

We were invited to a barbecue last night at the Ocean Beach home of Brian and Nicole. How Brian reached male adulthood without knowing how to grill is a mystery, but his first effort turned out very well. I met a fellow IR, and was once-again reminded that I don't eat, sleep and breathe my career. I like it and all, but there's more to life than reading journals.

The was followed by a bonfire at Fiesta Island with Tyler, Christy, Jen, Jeff, Andy and Tracy (and Jerome the Pug). Tyler and Christy needed to get rid of their old bedroom suite. Who knew pressboard could burn so brightly? It was so fun to sit with everyone and talk about whatever.

Lingua Pater

Last week, I started taking Swedish lessons. It's pronounced completely differently than I had ever imagined. Take for instance "i", which means "in". Take your tongue and put it against the inner aspect of your teeth. Open your lips slightly and then stretch them widely to the side. Now make an "l" sound. And then there's the word for 7, "sju". It's pronounced something like "whew!". "Tjugo" or 20? Shoo-go. Which is not to say that I'm not having fun taking the class, it's just much different from taking Spanish.

Memory Tag

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.


Thanks, Jen Young!

Recommended Reading

Before I leave for work today, I have to post this link:

UTAH VISIT THRILLS RUSSIAN ORPHANS
Thousands of miles from their hometown, five orphans and two of their teachers oohed and ahhed at the architecture in Utah's Capitol.
FULL STORY: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700238789,00.html

(Sorry, you'll have to cut-and-paste it. For some reason, I can't get it to link.)

My friend, Stephanie Haynes, visited this orphanage with her mother in 2004. This short visit made a huge impression on her. Much like Greg Mortenson and his drive to help the people of Pakistan, Stephanie has been driven to help the children of Sovietsk have opportunities for education, growth and personal happiness and peace in their lives.

In 2005, I was able to go with Stephanie and her mother, Eva-Maria, to Sovietsk. We taught the kids to knit, played volleyball, sang songs, danced and went for walks in the woods with them. Though I don't speak Russian, and they didn't speak English, we were able to build friendships and enjoy each other's company. These children deserve the opportunity to grow beyond the limits that are placed on them by their situation, and I'm so glad that this group of girls and their teachers were able to come to the US and see what possibilities the world holds for them.