Yay! A get together!

So sorry if you've seen this a hundred times, but just wanted to make sure everyone knew about it! Hope to see you there!!



Hello everyone!

Attention HHS Graduates between 1999-2002. We are planning a little get together at the park over Christmas time. Nothing formal, just bring your spouse, kids, significant other, or just yourself, and come for a few minutes or a few hours. We will being having chili, since it is a super easy one dish dinner. Anyone who would be willing to bring a pot of chili or some drinks please email Becca at jujube4242@hotmail.com. Amber and I will both be bringing chili and providing the cups, spoons, bowls, etc. Here are the details:

.

Who: HHS grads between '99 and '02. Bring your spouse, kids, sig. other, or just yourself!

What: Fun get together at the park and some yummy chili!

Where: Freestone Park (exact location TBD)

When: Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 @ 5:00 pm

Why: To catch up with old friends.

.

Spread the word - forward this email your friends. Anyone who wants to, please post this on your blog! Also, please reply to this email so that we can get an idea of how many people will be joining us. Lets make sure all of our friends know about it!

.

Hope to see you there!

~Amber Ferrell Palmer, Becca Judy Nelson, and Britney Walker Bassett

Yay! A get together!

So sorry if you've seen this a hundred times, but just wanted to make sure everyone knew about it! Hope to see you there!!



Hello everyone!

Attention HHS Graduates between 1999-2002. We are planning a little get together at the park over Christmas time. Nothing formal, just bring your spouse, kids, significant other, or just yourself, and come for a few minutes or a few hours. We will being having chili, since it is a super easy one dish dinner. Anyone who would be willing to bring a pot of chili or some drinks please email Becca at jujube4242@hotmail.com. Amber and I will both be bringing chili and providing the cups, spoons, bowls, etc. Here are the details:

.

Who: HHS grads between '99 and '02. Bring your spouse, kids, sig. other, or just yourself!

What: Fun get together at the park and some yummy chili!

Where: Freestone Park (exact location TBD)

When: Friday, Dec. 26, 2008 @ 5:00 pm

Why: To catch up with old friends.

.

Spread the word - forward this email your friends. Anyone who wants to, please post this on your blog! Also, please reply to this email so that we can get an idea of how many people will be joining us. Lets make sure all of our friends know about it!

.

Hope to see you there!

~Amber Ferrell Palmer, Becca Judy Nelson, and Britney Walker Bassett

A favorite

Part of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God continues to reveal His will to people through Apostles and Prophets. We believe that God had called a Prophet, with his two counselors, and twelve Apostles to lead and guide the Church and the world. I believe that our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson is just that: called of God and speaks the word of the Lord for this time and day. I love him and am so glad to have spiritual leadership in his counsel. One of our late Apostles, who passed away in 2004, was one of the most poignant speakers I have ever heard. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a man I very much respect, expounded upon the mysteries of heaven and the immensity of space. He also had an uncanny way of describing the doctrines of the gospel in a way that always made me think.

After a conversation with a friend this last week, I began re-reading some of his old talks, and found some new gems. I thought this talk was particularly interesting in light of the current events. Keep in mind that this was written in 1979. Sorry it's long, but here are his words (with my favorite parts emphasized):

"Discipleship includes good citizenship. In this connection, if you are a careful student of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions—especially when the First Presidency has spoken out—the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people; and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired. Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions...

...The Framers of the Constitution … forbade the Congress to make any law ‘respecting’ the establishment of religion, thus leaving the states free to do so (as several of them did); and they explicitly forbade the Congress to abridge ‘the free exercise’ of religion, thus giving actual religious observance a rhetorical emphasis that fully accords with the special concern we know they had for religion. It takes a special ingenuity to wring out of this a governmental indifference to religion, let alone an aggressive secularism. Yet there are those who insist that the First Amendment actually proscribes governmental partiality not only to any single religion, but to religion as such; so that tax exemption for churches is now thought to be unconstitutional. It is startling to consider that a clause clearly protecting religion can be construed as requiring that it be denied a status routinely granted to educational and charitable enterprises, which have no overt constitutional protection. Far from equalizing unbelief, secularism has succeeded in virtually establishing it. …

...M. J. Sobran wrote recently: 'What the secularists are increasingly demanding, in their disingenuous way, is that religious people, when they act politically, act only on secularist grounds. They are trying to equate acting on religion with establishing religion. And—I repeat—the consequence of such logic is really to establish secularism. It is in fact, to force the religious to internalize the major premise of secularism: that religion has no proper bearing on public affairs.” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 51–52, 60–61.)

Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. M. J. Sobran also said, “A religious conviction is now a second-class conviction, expected to step deferentially to the back of the secular bus, and not to get uppity about it” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 58–59)...

...This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened."

A link to the entire talk is found here

I appreciate those who have voiced their opinion on my blog lately; thank you for your thoughtful insights. We do not all agree but I appreciate a country where we are allowed to voice our opinions, and I hope that everyone will feel like theirs can be heard!

A favorite

Part of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God continues to reveal His will to people through Apostles and Prophets. We believe that God had called a Prophet, with his two counselors, and twelve Apostles to lead and guide the Church and the world. I believe that our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson is just that: called of God and speaks the word of the Lord for this time and day. I love him and am so glad to have spiritual leadership in his counsel. One of our late Apostles, who passed away in 2004, was one of the most poignant speakers I have ever heard. Elder Neal A. Maxwell, a man I very much respect, expounded upon the mysteries of heaven and the immensity of space. He also had an uncanny way of describing the doctrines of the gospel in a way that always made me think.

After a conversation with a friend this last week, I began re-reading some of his old talks, and found some new gems. I thought this talk was particularly interesting in light of the current events. Keep in mind that this was written in 1979. Sorry it's long, but here are his words (with my favorite parts emphasized):

"Discipleship includes good citizenship. In this connection, if you are a careful student of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions—especially when the First Presidency has spoken out—the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people; and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired. Make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters, in the months and years ahead, events are likely to require each member to decide whether or not he will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions...

...The Framers of the Constitution … forbade the Congress to make any law ‘respecting’ the establishment of religion, thus leaving the states free to do so (as several of them did); and they explicitly forbade the Congress to abridge ‘the free exercise’ of religion, thus giving actual religious observance a rhetorical emphasis that fully accords with the special concern we know they had for religion. It takes a special ingenuity to wring out of this a governmental indifference to religion, let alone an aggressive secularism. Yet there are those who insist that the First Amendment actually proscribes governmental partiality not only to any single religion, but to religion as such; so that tax exemption for churches is now thought to be unconstitutional. It is startling to consider that a clause clearly protecting religion can be construed as requiring that it be denied a status routinely granted to educational and charitable enterprises, which have no overt constitutional protection. Far from equalizing unbelief, secularism has succeeded in virtually establishing it. …

...M. J. Sobran wrote recently: 'What the secularists are increasingly demanding, in their disingenuous way, is that religious people, when they act politically, act only on secularist grounds. They are trying to equate acting on religion with establishing religion. And—I repeat—the consequence of such logic is really to establish secularism. It is in fact, to force the religious to internalize the major premise of secularism: that religion has no proper bearing on public affairs.” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 51–52, 60–61.)

Your discipleship may see the time when such religious convictions are discounted. M. J. Sobran also said, “A religious conviction is now a second-class conviction, expected to step deferentially to the back of the secular bus, and not to get uppity about it” (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 58–59)...

...This new irreligious imperialism seeks to disallow certain opinions simply because those opinions grow out of religious convictions. Resistance to abortion will be seen as primitive. Concern over the institution of the family will be viewed as untrendy and unenlightened."

A link to the entire talk is found here

I appreciate those who have voiced their opinion on my blog lately; thank you for your thoughtful insights. We do not all agree but I appreciate a country where we are allowed to voice our opinions, and I hope that everyone will feel like theirs can be heard!

It begins...

The official countdown. Yep...we have a paper chain. Days we're counting down to?

• Andrea's arrival (I hope you check this sis-in-law!)
• Turkey Day!
• leaving for AZ...Christmas in the heat! Hoorah!!

It begins...

The official countdown. Yep...we have a paper chain. Days we're counting down to?

• Andrea's arrival (I hope you check this sis-in-law!)
• Turkey Day!
• leaving for AZ...Christmas in the heat! Hoorah!!

Proposition 8

Did you know that Proposition 8 was only 14 words long? "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Nothing about taking away rights. Nothing about adopting children. Nothing about prohibiting civil unions. Why is it meeting such opposition?

I believe that the only purpose the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is trying to accomplish is to define what they hold to be a sacred, God-sanctioned institution. They are not denying people rights or privileges. I don't think they are saying that homosexual couple should not have the right to be together. Just maybe that we shouldn't call it "marriage".

After reading this article, I felt physically ill:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protest7-2008nov07,0,3827549.story

This issue is creating such a divide among people, even within our own Church. The poster "You have two wives, let me have one husband" is so off the rocker it makes me upset.

What is your opinion on this Proposition and the backlash on the Church?

Proposition 8

Did you know that Proposition 8 was only 14 words long? "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Nothing about taking away rights. Nothing about adopting children. Nothing about prohibiting civil unions. Why is it meeting such opposition?

I believe that the only purpose the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is trying to accomplish is to define what they hold to be a sacred, God-sanctioned institution. They are not denying people rights or privileges. I don't think they are saying that homosexual couple should not have the right to be together. Just maybe that we shouldn't call it "marriage".

After reading this article, I felt physically ill:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protest7-2008nov07,0,3827549.story

This issue is creating such a divide among people, even within our own Church. The poster "You have two wives, let me have one husband" is so off the rocker it makes me upset.

What is your opinion on this Proposition and the backlash on the Church?

Yikes

I "hope" President elect Obama addresses this:

YouTube

...or I will be writing a huge, long, not-so-happy letter to his office. Why have we not heard more about this? What ever happened to "live within your means"?

p.s. I heard on NPR the other day that some school in the Midwest borrowed $165 million to invest in some overseas "fund" that ended up being bogus...WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA?!

Yikes

I "hope" President elect Obama addresses this:

YouTube

...or I will be writing a huge, long, not-so-happy letter to his office. Why have we not heard more about this? What ever happened to "live within your means"?

p.s. I heard on NPR the other day that some school in the Midwest borrowed $165 million to invest in some overseas "fund" that ended up being bogus...WHAT IS WRONG WITH AMERICA?!

Brushing shoulders with celeb's

So over Labor Day weekend, Erik and I went shopping (yeah, I know, it was only after I went hiking with him). We hit some awesome outlet malls in Maine. Boy were we having a blast! I was so excited to hit up the Crate and Barrel outlet...Erik went to park the car. I was checking out the measuring cups, and some great spice jars, when I heard some guy talking loudly to someone else...curiously I turned around and saw HIM....

I saw him, knew he was famous, couldn't remember a name or a movie or a TV show for the life of me though. Erik was no help, and I didn't have Val for random celeb quiz, so I was left to let his face mull in my brain...who is he, where have I seen him? I mean, you got to tell the world you walked right next to a celebrity, right? But how cool is it if you don't know his name? Case in point. Exactly why I am just now blogging about it. Well for all of you uninformed bloggers out there, this is Ethan Embry.He has been in a bunch of movies I've never heard of, so I'm not sure how I recognized him. But Erik and I went to see Eagle Eye this weekend and he was in it! (He was also in That Thing You Do but I totally don't even remember his character...the bass guitar?!) Finally!!! One less worry! :) I have to say, in person he was not very impressive. Him and the girl he was with (which I'm hoping is his wife....although it didn't really look like her....but she is also somewhat famous supposedly too...

...were arguing about rugs. He was being a jerk and sounded drunk, but I don't want to paint him as a bad person. :)

THEN....(I know, it gets better) Erik and I run into JOHN KERRY while trick-o-treating! (K, so we were really just people watching, no candy involved). He was just chillin, standing outside his house, talking and taking pictures with everyone.

We were having a grand ol' time until some stranger started asking us if we thought John's wife had gotten a face lift...then we decided to book it. Here is proof...devil horns and all ;)

Brushing shoulders with celeb's

So over Labor Day weekend, Erik and I went shopping (yeah, I know, it was only after I went hiking with him). We hit some awesome outlet malls in Maine. Boy were we having a blast! I was so excited to hit up the Crate and Barrel outlet...Erik went to park the car. I was checking out the measuring cups, and some great spice jars, when I heard some guy talking loudly to someone else...curiously I turned around and saw HIM....

I saw him, knew he was famous, couldn't remember a name or a movie or a TV show for the life of me though. Erik was no help, and I didn't have Val for random celeb quiz, so I was left to let his face mull in my brain...who is he, where have I seen him? I mean, you got to tell the world you walked right next to a celebrity, right? But how cool is it if you don't know his name? Case in point. Exactly why I am just now blogging about it. Well for all of you uninformed bloggers out there, this is Ethan Embry.He has been in a bunch of movies I've never heard of, so I'm not sure how I recognized him. But Erik and I went to see Eagle Eye this weekend and he was in it! (He was also in That Thing You Do but I totally don't even remember his character...the bass guitar?!) Finally!!! One less worry! :) I have to say, in person he was not very impressive. Him and the girl he was with (which I'm hoping is his wife....although it didn't really look like her....but she is also somewhat famous supposedly too...

...were arguing about rugs. He was being a jerk and sounded drunk, but I don't want to paint him as a bad person. :)

THEN....(I know, it gets better) Erik and I run into JOHN KERRY while trick-o-treating! (K, so we were really just people watching, no candy involved). He was just chillin, standing outside his house, talking and taking pictures with everyone.

We were having a grand ol' time until some stranger started asking us if we thought John's wife had gotten a face lift...then we decided to book it. Here is proof...devil horns and all ;)

Take my poll!

Tell me what you think and who you think deserves the title of the next American President.

Take my poll!

Tell me what you think and who you think deserves the title of the next American President.

Economic Crisis

So, here we are, in an economic "crisis". Our stock markets fall by record breaking amounts over a period of a eight days. Then, one day, after some "good news", our stocks rebound by one of the highest percentages EVER. Now CNN is reporting that economists think that the worst is over. SERIOUSLY?? Is someone pulling my leg here? There was crisis? Call me crazy, but apparently someone was holding the magic wand and now things are looking up again. I just don't understand how there can be that much volatility in a "stable" economy. Granted, I am NO expert, but this all seems a little bogus to me. We're up one day, then we spiral down, just to shoot up again. Any good conspiracy theories?

Economic Crisis

So, here we are, in an economic "crisis". Our stock markets fall by record breaking amounts over a period of a eight days. Then, one day, after some "good news", our stocks rebound by one of the highest percentages EVER. Now CNN is reporting that economists think that the worst is over. SERIOUSLY?? Is someone pulling my leg here? There was crisis? Call me crazy, but apparently someone was holding the magic wand and now things are looking up again. I just don't understand how there can be that much volatility in a "stable" economy. Granted, I am NO expert, but this all seems a little bogus to me. We're up one day, then we spiral down, just to shoot up again. Any good conspiracy theories?

"So, what do you....do??"

I have heard this question several times the past week or so, so I thought I'd make a general statement about what I do and the organization I work with.

I work in an Early Intervention Program here in Boston. This is actually a federally funded program and is found in most states in the US. I work in a program that happens to be connected to Children's Hospital Boston, and it is a fantastic experience. Here are some facts (I'm going to pretend I'm being interviewed...bare with me):

Who do you work with?
Kids ages 3 and under (yes, little little babies!) and their families (that part is very important!)

How do kids get in the program?
ANYONE can refer a child to be evaluated by an early intervention team. We mostly see pediatrician and parents referring because they are worried about some area of development: social, cognitive, motor skills, communication. Once an early intervention center has been contacted, the family will meet with a team of varied specialists (developmental specialists, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc) for an evaluation. I think each state has their own criteria on how kids can qualify for services, but the general gist is that if they fall below a certain percentage relative to their age, they will qualify for services.

Who pays for the services?
The government subsidizes much of the cost of early intervention. Insurance companies are billed, and most companies cover costs. There is also a one time fee for services based on income. These fees are generally really really low, and lots of families don't pay anything at all. At least here in Massachusetts.

So, what kind of things do you work on?
Most kids will not qualify for services based on speech problems (not being able to say certain sounds). Most of the work I do is working on language skills, or even pre-language skills. This may include working on getting kids to imitate, or creating language "rich" environments (parents who talk to their children at a level that is appropriate for their age, but also give them opportunity to talk or communicate back). I teach a LOT of sign language for kids who are having a hard time getting words, and may be getting frustrated. I also work on play skills....progressively more complicated types of play directly correlate with language ability....interesting, huh? For younger kids, I also work on feeding issues (extreme pickiness, not able to cordinate a suck/swallow, etc).

How do I know when to refer a child?
I can only speak for speech/language/communication, but these are my general guidelines on when you might want to talk to your doctor or perhaps call up an early intervention near you:
(**DISCLAIMER: a child who might fall into these categories does NOT imply or mean that something is wrong with them or they have some kind of diagnosis. They just may benefit from a little extra support! See my "Does EI work?" question below :))
Under 1 yr: you should be hearing lots of babbling with different types of sounds.
18 months: kids should be building a vocabulary with different kinds of words (nouns to label, and possibly others like "up" or "no!")
24 months: there should be a big increase or "spurt" in language around or just before this time. Kids should be putting two words together in new ways.

But really.....playing?! Does EI really work?
Why yes...I'm proud to say that there is TONS of research to support early intervention both for remediation for particular conditions but also for prevention of problems like reading or learning disabilities.

After nearly 50 years of research, there is evidence--both quantitative (data-based) and qualitative (reports of parents and teachers)--that early intervention increases the developmental and educational gains for the child, improves the functioning of the family, and reaps long-term benefits for society. Early intervention has been shown to result in the child: (a) needing fewer special education and other habilitative services later in life; (b) being retained in grade less often; and (c) in some cases being indistinguishable from nonhandicapped classmates years after intervention.

Disadvantaged and gifted preschool-aged children benefit from early intervention as well. Longitudinal data on disadvantaged children who had participated in the Ypsilanti Perry Preschool Project showed that they had maintained significant gains at age 19 (Berrueta-Clement, Schweinhart, Barnett, Epstein, Weikart, 1984). These children were more committed to schooling and more of them finished high school and went on to postsecondary programs and employment than children who did not attend preschool. They scored higher on reading, arithmetic, and language achievement tests at all grade levels; showed a 50% reduction in the need for special education services through the end of high school; and showed fewer anti-social or delinquent behaviors outside of school. Karnes (1983) asserts that underachievement in the gifted child may be prevented by early identification and appropriate programming.

I think EI is one of the greatest things our government has to offer! And unfortunately I don't feel like enough people know about it or recommend it....pediatricians included. So the moral of the story is: if you know someone that might benefit from EI, please encourage them to find the EI center for their state!!

I have lots of soap boxes when it comes to my profession, so I will end now :)

"So, what do you....do??"

I have heard this question several times the past week or so, so I thought I'd make a general statement about what I do and the organization I work with.

I work in an Early Intervention Program here in Boston. This is actually a federally funded program and is found in most states in the US. I work in a program that happens to be connected to Children's Hospital Boston, and it is a fantastic experience. Here are some facts (I'm going to pretend I'm being interviewed...bare with me):

Who do you work with?
Kids ages 3 and under (yes, little little babies!) and their families (that part is very important!)

How do kids get in the program?
ANYONE can refer a child to be evaluated by an early intervention team. We mostly see pediatrician and parents referring because they are worried about some area of development: social, cognitive, motor skills, communication. Once an early intervention center has been contacted, the family will meet with a team of varied specialists (developmental specialists, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc) for an evaluation. I think each state has their own criteria on how kids can qualify for services, but the general gist is that if they fall below a certain percentage relative to their age, they will qualify for services.

Who pays for the services?
The government subsidizes much of the cost of early intervention. Insurance companies are billed, and most companies cover costs. There is also a one time fee for services based on income. These fees are generally really really low, and lots of families don't pay anything at all. At least here in Massachusetts.

So, what kind of things do you work on?
Most kids will not qualify for services based on speech problems (not being able to say certain sounds). Most of the work I do is working on language skills, or even pre-language skills. This may include working on getting kids to imitate, or creating language "rich" environments (parents who talk to their children at a level that is appropriate for their age, but also give them opportunity to talk or communicate back). I teach a LOT of sign language for kids who are having a hard time getting words, and may be getting frustrated. I also work on play skills....progressively more complicated types of play directly correlate with language ability....interesting, huh? For younger kids, I also work on feeding issues (extreme pickiness, not able to cordinate a suck/swallow, etc).

How do I know when to refer a child?
I can only speak for speech/language/communication, but these are my general guidelines on when you might want to talk to your doctor or perhaps call up an early intervention near you:
(**DISCLAIMER: a child who might fall into these categories does NOT imply or mean that something is wrong with them or they have some kind of diagnosis. They just may benefit from a little extra support! See my "Does EI work?" question below :))
Under 1 yr: you should be hearing lots of babbling with different types of sounds.
18 months: kids should be building a vocabulary with different kinds of words (nouns to label, and possibly others like "up" or "no!")
24 months: there should be a big increase or "spurt" in language around or just before this time. Kids should be putting two words together in new ways.

But really.....playing?! Does EI really work?
Why yes...I'm proud to say that there is TONS of research to support early intervention both for remediation for particular conditions but also for prevention of problems like reading or learning disabilities.

After nearly 50 years of research, there is evidence--both quantitative (data-based) and qualitative (reports of parents and teachers)--that early intervention increases the developmental and educational gains for the child, improves the functioning of the family, and reaps long-term benefits for society. Early intervention has been shown to result in the child: (a) needing fewer special education and other habilitative services later in life; (b) being retained in grade less often; and (c) in some cases being indistinguishable from nonhandicapped classmates years after intervention.

Disadvantaged and gifted preschool-aged children benefit from early intervention as well. Longitudinal data on disadvantaged children who had participated in the Ypsilanti Perry Preschool Project showed that they had maintained significant gains at age 19 (Berrueta-Clement, Schweinhart, Barnett, Epstein, Weikart, 1984). These children were more committed to schooling and more of them finished high school and went on to postsecondary programs and employment than children who did not attend preschool. They scored higher on reading, arithmetic, and language achievement tests at all grade levels; showed a 50% reduction in the need for special education services through the end of high school; and showed fewer anti-social or delinquent behaviors outside of school. Karnes (1983) asserts that underachievement in the gifted child may be prevented by early identification and appropriate programming.

I think EI is one of the greatest things our government has to offer! And unfortunately I don't feel like enough people know about it or recommend it....pediatricians included. So the moral of the story is: if you know someone that might benefit from EI, please encourage them to find the EI center for their state!!

I have lots of soap boxes when it comes to my profession, so I will end now :)

The Sweetest Thing...

If any of you have been following the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielsen, then I hope you saw THIS. I just about started crying when I did. I thought it was so touching. This family has gone through so much, I can't even believe it. If you don't know who this family is or haven't read the Nie Nie dialogues, you should. HERE.

Makes you want to live life a little more passionately, huh? Here's to starting a new week...passionately!!

The Sweetest Thing...

If any of you have been following the story of Stephanie and Christian Nielsen, then I hope you saw THIS. I just about started crying when I did. I thought it was so touching. This family has gone through so much, I can't even believe it. If you don't know who this family is or haven't read the Nie Nie dialogues, you should. HERE.

Makes you want to live life a little more passionately, huh? Here's to starting a new week...passionately!!

A fun thing I found...

It's from Wordle an you can get it HERE. You can use a link to your blog or insert your own words...It's pretty rad.

A fun thing I found...

It's from Wordle an you can get it HERE. You can use a link to your blog or insert your own words...It's pretty rad.

If you're ever in Boston...

...go swim in Walden Pond. It's pretty awesome. Especially if you do it at sunset on a warm day.

If you're ever in Boston...

...go swim in Walden Pond. It's pretty awesome. Especially if you do it at sunset on a warm day.

My awesome dad...

We just got word that my awesome dad, who is the point person for his firm, will be designing the Phoenix, AZ TEMPLE!! We are SO excited and happy for him!!! The Phoenix temple is one of three recently announced by the First Presidency in Arizona. we were kind of hoping that he might get to work on the Gilbert, AZ temple, but any will do!! This is a huge honor, as they will be the first architectural firm outside of Salt Lake to be given full architectural reign over the design, etc. YAY DAD!!!! No word on what it will look like yet, but I'm pushing for something similar to the San Diego temple :)

My awesome dad...

We just got word that my awesome dad, who is the point person for his firm, will be designing the Phoenix, AZ TEMPLE!! We are SO excited and happy for him!!! The Phoenix temple is one of three recently announced by the First Presidency in Arizona. we were kind of hoping that he might get to work on the Gilbert, AZ temple, but any will do!! This is a huge honor, as they will be the first architectural firm outside of Salt Lake to be given full architectural reign over the design, etc. YAY DAD!!!! No word on what it will look like yet, but I'm pushing for something similar to the San Diego temple :)

Standing for Marriage

I find it continuously interesting to keep my proverbial finger on the social jugular regarding marriage. Being in Boston, I hear about it a LOT and am surrounded with all sorts of differing opinions (mostly differing from my own). I found this article on CNN today:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/08/26/o.divorce.dreams/index.html?imw=Y&iref=mpstoryemail

Started out interesting, thought she made some good points, but then the article took a serious nosedive. I was amazed...how did point A lead to point B? How are my values and moral so completely different than this woman's?? And is this really what society believes? In my experience I have found that while people are usually unwilling to "declare" morals that apply to others (I have mostly heard the "I believe one thing but it doesn't mean that it's bad if someone else doesn't ascribe to that same mentality"), most I've met generally still believe in "marriage" as an institution. I have definitely met some who do not, don't get me wrong, but it seems like the majority do. So my question is...why do people ascribe to marriage if divorce is right around the corner? Why put on a wedding (and a horrendously expensive one at that), creating a union recognized by God and the State, just to know that when you both start to change (which you see as inevitable), you'll go through the heartache, the trouble, the money, the court, to end this thing in which you never actually believed? I don't get it. Why not just NOT get married? You know what I think it is? I think people actually DO believe in marriage, or at least WANT

Gainfully EMPLOYED!!!

That's right....I have finally found a job! I will be working as a speech pathologist at Children's Hospital Boston in their Early Intervention program (a government funded program for children ages birth to three years for those of you that don't know). I start on August 11th. I'm WAY pumped...talk about a DREAM JOB!!! This was always what I wanted to do, and now I feel like I've found one of the best places to do it! Tea parties, children's books, snack and circle time here I come :)

Gainfully EMPLOYED!!!

That's right....I have finally found a job! I will be working as a speech pathologist at Children's Hospital Boston in their Early Intervention program (a government funded program for children ages birth to three years for those of you that don't know). I start on August 11th. I'm WAY pumped...talk about a DREAM JOB!!! This was always what I wanted to do, and now I feel like I've found one of the best places to do it! Tea parties, children's books, snack and circle time here I come :)

Oops......oh well!

So...I bought this today. I don't have a Mac. Problem. Best way to solve the problem? Getting a Mac. Darn.

Oops......oh well!

So...I bought this today. I don't have a Mac. Problem. Best way to solve the problem? Getting a Mac. Darn.

Join me!

So this is the scoop...I saw this on a blog the other day and decided to give it a shot. It has been years since I have done any strength training, and dang, I'd love to have more sculpted arms!! So this is the deal: do a push-up test, aka how many guy push-ups you can do without stopping, (believe me when I say that mine was humiliating...) and then follow the chart based on where your baseline is (mine was the 0-5). I only started it this week but it has been FUN! I love following routines because I feel like I push myself so much further. Already I've noticed that I can do a few more push-ups and my form is a lot better. PLUS my stomach is a lot tighter and sore (that is one of the best feelings in the world to me! :))

SOOOO...........join me! Will I actually be able to do 100 push-ups in a row...I don't know. But I'm sure I'll be able to do a heck of a lot more than I can do now! I'll post how it goes for me and I want to hear from you.

WHO'S WITH ME?!

Join me!

So this is the scoop...I saw this on a blog the other day and decided to give it a shot. It has been years since I have done any strength training, and dang, I'd love to have more sculpted arms!! So this is the deal: do a push-up test, aka how many guy push-ups you can do without stopping, (believe me when I say that mine was humiliating...) and then follow the chart based on where your baseline is (mine was the 0-5). I only started it this week but it has been FUN! I love following routines because I feel like I push myself so much further. Already I've noticed that I can do a few more push-ups and my form is a lot better. PLUS my stomach is a lot tighter and sore (that is one of the best feelings in the world to me! :))

SOOOO...........join me! Will I actually be able to do 100 push-ups in a row...I don't know. But I'm sure I'll be able to do a heck of a lot more than I can do now! I'll post how it goes for me and I want to hear from you.

WHO'S WITH ME?!

Recipes and upcoming posts...

I just posted a lemon rosemary cupcake recipe from my dear friend Megan on my joint recipe blog here. Check it out!


(ha ha, I did NOT take this beautiful picture :))

Soon to come:
4th of July fun and not so fun
Adventures with the Bassett's and Walker's
Newly decorated apartment!

Recipes and upcoming posts...

I just posted a lemon rosemary cupcake recipe from my dear friend Megan on my joint recipe blog here. Check it out!


(ha ha, I did NOT take this beautiful picture :))

Soon to come:
4th of July fun and not so fun
Adventures with the Bassett's and Walker's
Newly decorated apartment!

Autism and vaccines

My professional journal just released this statement regarding the connection between autism and vaccines. I thought it was very interesting...

In response to their public statements linking autism to vaccines, ASHA President Kate Gotffred has sent letters to the two presumptive presidential candidates asking them "to consider strongly the critical need for evidence-based decision-making."

A long-running court case alleges a link between autism and thimerosal, a preservative in some vaccines given to young children. Three leading medical organizations—the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—have rejected the link. At least five major studies have found no link between autism and thimerosal, including a California Department of Public Health study that found an increasing rate of autism in children even after manufacturers stopped using the preservative in vaccines (see The ASHA Leader, Mar. 25).

"Science is critical to the enlightenment and facilitation of decisions regarding health care and public policy," Gottfred said in identical letters to Sens. Barak Obama and John McCain. "Parents who think that vaccines cause autism may not have their children get the vaccinations they need, a choice with serious potential health risks.

"Moreover, these parents are making this choice even though the scientific evidence supporting it is quite weak and indirect."

In an April rally in Pennsylvania, Obama said, "Some people are suspicious that it's [autism] connected to the vaccines. This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it."

McCain made a similar statement at a February meeting in Texas, saying "there's strong evidence that indicates it's [autism] got to do with a preservative in vaccines."

"As you help lead the way toward meeting the many challenges facing our nation with respect to autism," Gottfred said in the letters, "we urge you to do everything you can to ensure that the way is informed by an evidence-based approach."

I know that it must be VERY hard to be a parent of a child with autism. Finding a cause or source might make it feel more justified. But the truth of the matter is, there is no conclusive evidence at this point to say that there is any connection between late "onset" of autism (when a child appears developmentally normal until a certain point, and then exhibit a regression) and administration of vaccines. I think that there are a variety of things that can "cause" autism. Not one thing is going to be pointed out. Some kids respond to a change in their diet, suggesting that there may be some sort of metabolic contribution. Some kids don't. Some kids respond to controversial medical procedures, most do not. There is not one right or surefire way to treat autism. The best thing to do is to identify early and enroll in services quickly.

Sorry for the soapbox, but it just really makes me sad and a little angry that certain theories and cures are propogated by individuals and groups that are either very poorly informed (giving people hope) or are not shown to work for the majority of cases. I've read a few blogs lately, if you can't tell. There is SO much that has been done in autism research...let's use those things that we KNOW work.....

Autism and vaccines

My professional journal just released this statement regarding the connection between autism and vaccines. I thought it was very interesting...

In response to their public statements linking autism to vaccines, ASHA President Kate Gotffred has sent letters to the two presumptive presidential candidates asking them "to consider strongly the critical need for evidence-based decision-making."

A long-running court case alleges a link between autism and thimerosal, a preservative in some vaccines given to young children. Three leading medical organizations—the World Health Organization, the Institute of Medicine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—have rejected the link. At least five major studies have found no link between autism and thimerosal, including a California Department of Public Health study that found an increasing rate of autism in children even after manufacturers stopped using the preservative in vaccines (see The ASHA Leader, Mar. 25).

"Science is critical to the enlightenment and facilitation of decisions regarding health care and public policy," Gottfred said in identical letters to Sens. Barak Obama and John McCain. "Parents who think that vaccines cause autism may not have their children get the vaccinations they need, a choice with serious potential health risks.

"Moreover, these parents are making this choice even though the scientific evidence supporting it is quite weak and indirect."

In an April rally in Pennsylvania, Obama said, "Some people are suspicious that it's [autism] connected to the vaccines. This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it."

McCain made a similar statement at a February meeting in Texas, saying "there's strong evidence that indicates it's [autism] got to do with a preservative in vaccines."

"As you help lead the way toward meeting the many challenges facing our nation with respect to autism," Gottfred said in the letters, "we urge you to do everything you can to ensure that the way is informed by an evidence-based approach."

I know that it must be VERY hard to be a parent of a child with autism. Finding a cause or source might make it feel more justified. But the truth of the matter is, there is no conclusive evidence at this point to say that there is any connection between late "onset" of autism (when a child appears developmentally normal until a certain point, and then exhibit a regression) and administration of vaccines. I think that there are a variety of things that can "cause" autism. Not one thing is going to be pointed out. Some kids respond to a change in their diet, suggesting that there may be some sort of metabolic contribution. Some kids don't. Some kids respond to controversial medical procedures, most do not. There is not one right or surefire way to treat autism. The best thing to do is to identify early and enroll in services quickly.

Sorry for the soapbox, but it just really makes me sad and a little angry that certain theories and cures are propogated by individuals and groups that are either very poorly informed (giving people hope) or are not shown to work for the majority of cases. I've read a few blogs lately, if you can't tell. There is SO much that has been done in autism research...let's use those things that we KNOW work.....

In honor of my first tag...

I guess I'll give in and fill out this survey :) Thanks Leash!

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Man I really have to think about this...I guess I was getting ready to start high school in Gilbert, AZ...I was SOOO excited to get out of junior high. I even got a boundary exemption to go to a different high school for music...I think it was a good idea...GO HAWKS!!!

2. What was I doing 5 years ago?
Home for the summer after my first year away at college. I decided to change majors and schools (go to ASU), but that didn't last long. But oh, how I loved that summer! I lived for Mesa Institute classes!!!!

3. What was I doing 2 years ago?
I was working at BYU Broadcasting just after graduating from college. I had just decided to move to BOSTON and was gearing up to start a new life on the East Coast!

4. What was I doing 5 months ago?
Revealing in the bliss of being a very newlywed woman :) I have the best husband...marriage has been even better than courting...who would have thought!

5. 5 Things on my To-Do List...
Buy a couch
Find good budget software (anyone have any suggestions?)
Find a job (see post below :))
CLEAN the dang house
Catch up on the lives of all my girlfriends

6. 5 Snacks I Enjoy...
Ice Cream
Cookies
Granola and yogurt
Chips and salsa and guacamole
Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares cereal

7. 5 things I would do if I became a Billionaire...
I'm not going to list the obvious...this will be a fun/frill list :)
Buy new and tall and not sinking (not stinking) furniture
Go to Africa for a year
Set up a tool shop for Erik
FIJI....buy the whole dang island of whatever it was called that the Octopus Resort is on
Buy real shoes (not the Payless kind) and go crazy on some fun coats from Banana

8. 5 Places I have lived...
Scottsdale, AZ
Gilbert, AZ
Provo, UT
Brighton, MA
Cambridge, MA

9. 5 Jobs I've Had....
Nanny
Violin Teacher
Sandwich Artist (Subway)
Teller
Personal Assistant (and no, not to my husband :))

10. 5 People I Tag...
Anyone who wants to be tagged!

In honor of my first tag...

I guess I'll give in and fill out this survey :) Thanks Leash!

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Man I really have to think about this...I guess I was getting ready to start high school in Gilbert, AZ...I was SOOO excited to get out of junior high. I even got a boundary exemption to go to a different high school for music...I think it was a good idea...GO HAWKS!!!

2. What was I doing 5 years ago?
Home for the summer after my first year away at college. I decided to change majors and schools (go to ASU), but that didn't last long. But oh, how I loved that summer! I lived for Mesa Institute classes!!!!

3. What was I doing 2 years ago?
I was working at BYU Broadcasting just after graduating from college. I had just decided to move to BOSTON and was gearing up to start a new life on the East Coast!

4. What was I doing 5 months ago?
Revealing in the bliss of being a very newlywed woman :) I have the best husband...marriage has been even better than courting...who would have thought!

5. 5 Things on my To-Do List...
Buy a couch
Find good budget software (anyone have any suggestions?)
Find a job (see post below :))
CLEAN the dang house
Catch up on the lives of all my girlfriends

6. 5 Snacks I Enjoy...
Ice Cream
Cookies
Granola and yogurt
Chips and salsa and guacamole
Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares cereal

7. 5 things I would do if I became a Billionaire...
I'm not going to list the obvious...this will be a fun/frill list :)
Buy new and tall and not sinking (not stinking) furniture
Go to Africa for a year
Set up a tool shop for Erik
FIJI....buy the whole dang island of whatever it was called that the Octopus Resort is on
Buy real shoes (not the Payless kind) and go crazy on some fun coats from Banana

8. 5 Places I have lived...
Scottsdale, AZ
Gilbert, AZ
Provo, UT
Brighton, MA
Cambridge, MA

9. 5 Jobs I've Had....
Nanny
Violin Teacher
Sandwich Artist (Subway)
Teller
Personal Assistant (and no, not to my husband :))

10. 5 People I Tag...
Anyone who wants to be tagged!

We're staying in Boston!!!

Boston, oh Boston, I guess we're sticking around for a few more winters!!!


Erik just accepted a job at Massachusetts General Hospital here in Boston! We're very excited about the job: he will be working in a tissue regeneration lab with a bunch of doctors (he's an engineer for those of you who don't know). This means Boston will be our home sweet home for a few more years. I'm so proud of him and we're really excited to be able to spend some more time in this city that we love so much!! Boston has become such a special place for us and we've really enjoyed our time here...now we will be able to explore more of what this beautiful city has to offer! YAY!!!!

Next step...find Britney a job.... :)

We're staying in Boston!!!

Boston, oh Boston, I guess we're sticking around for a few more winters!!!


Erik just accepted a job at Massachusetts General Hospital here in Boston! We're very excited about the job: he will be working in a tissue regeneration lab with a bunch of doctors (he's an engineer for those of you who don't know). This means Boston will be our home sweet home for a few more years. I'm so proud of him and we're really excited to be able to spend some more time in this city that we love so much!! Boston has become such a special place for us and we've really enjoyed our time here...now we will be able to explore more of what this beautiful city has to offer! YAY!!!!

Next step...find Britney a job.... :)

Really really late....

Father's Day!

I feel horrible that this post is so late, but I've been so grateful for the wonderful men in my life lately that I can't NOT write this, even if it is unfashionably belated.

First, my Dad!! What a wonderful Dad to have! There are so many good things about my Dad that I remember...I used to love having my friends come over and talk to my Dad because I got to see a side of him that we didn't see that often. He was hilarious! I don't know what happened, but I've seen that side of my Dad a lot more since I've moved out and I love it! He has such a quite sense of humor but it is a riot. He also is such a great example of a hard worker who never complains. There isn't a Saturday that I can remember that my Dad wasn't out working in the yard, even in the 115 degree weather, without complaining. Even working on the cars or random things around the house...he always seems to be looking for a project and a way to help out. When he came and visited for my graduation he even took apart a door! He is so selfless with his time too...if there is something that needs to be done, he'll do it, no questions asked. I will always love and remember 'half-day' Friday's where Dad would call us girls and want to spend the afternoon with us, even if it meant shopping! Also connected with memories of Dad are popcorn and movies, ice cream in little bowls, plunking out tunes from Les Mis on the piano, taking an obscenely long amount of time to buy cars, and creative surprises for gifts for my Mom. He is world class and I am so grateful for him in my life!



The other great man in my life is, of course, my husband. Not a day has gone by since we got married that I do not thank the Lord for this man in my life. He is SUCH a blessing to me. I have also discovered his hilarious sense of humor over these past several months, and I love to hear him laugh. He is constantly inspiring me to become better and to work harder, because he is such a great example of a hard worker. He gives everything 100%....I don't know that I've ever known anyone quite like him in my life. I'm amazed at his consistent dedication and enthusiasm for all that he does. What a great example of what I want to become. He is so sweet with me when I'm not feeling well or have had a bad day...he's always good about showing me how much he loves me, and that is the most important thing to mel!! (he even does our dishes since we don't have a dishwasher! but don't tell him I told you!!! :)) So even though he's not a dad yet, I know he's going to be an amazing father someday!


I'm so grateful to have these wonderful men in my life! Happy Belated Father's Day Dad and Erik!

Really really late....

Father's Day!

I feel horrible that this post is so late, but I've been so grateful for the wonderful men in my life lately that I can't NOT write this, even if it is unfashionably belated.

First, my Dad!! What a wonderful Dad to have! There are so many good things about my Dad that I remember...I used to love having my friends come over and talk to my Dad because I got to see a side of him that we didn't see that often. He was hilarious! I don't know what happened, but I've seen that side of my Dad a lot more since I've moved out and I love it! He has such a quite sense of humor but it is a riot. He also is such a great example of a hard worker who never complains. There isn't a Saturday that I can remember that my Dad wasn't out working in the yard, even in the 115 degree weather, without complaining. Even working on the cars or random things around the house...he always seems to be looking for a project and a way to help out. When he came and visited for my graduation he even took apart a door! He is so selfless with his time too...if there is something that needs to be done, he'll do it, no questions asked. I will always love and remember 'half-day' Friday's where Dad would call us girls and want to spend the afternoon with us, even if it meant shopping! Also connected with memories of Dad are popcorn and movies, ice cream in little bowls, plunking out tunes from Les Mis on the piano, taking an obscenely long amount of time to buy cars, and creative surprises for gifts for my Mom. He is world class and I am so grateful for him in my life!



The other great man in my life is, of course, my husband. Not a day has gone by since we got married that I do not thank the Lord for this man in my life. He is SUCH a blessing to me. I have also discovered his hilarious sense of humor over these past several months, and I love to hear him laugh. He is constantly inspiring me to become better and to work harder, because he is such a great example of a hard worker. He gives everything 100%....I don't know that I've ever known anyone quite like him in my life. I'm amazed at his consistent dedication and enthusiasm for all that he does. What a great example of what I want to become. He is so sweet with me when I'm not feeling well or have had a bad day...he's always good about showing me how much he loves me, and that is the most important thing to mel!! (he even does our dishes since we don't have a dishwasher! but don't tell him I told you!!! :)) So even though he's not a dad yet, I know he's going to be an amazing father someday!


I'm so grateful to have these wonderful men in my life! Happy Belated Father's Day Dad and Erik!

Italy! (and the world's longest post...)

Europe

Erik and I were very blessed to be able to take advantage of him having a conference in Zurich and travel around Europe for a bit! After his conference was over, I flew in and met him. We hung out there for a few hours...

... then headed down to Lucerne (still in Switzerland). It was beautiful! We took trains between all of these towns, and the best part was the views in Switzerland! Look at these Alps!


Lucerne was fun because of how old some of the structures and buildings are there. The are famous for their covered bridges, like this:


Another famous attraction in Lucerne is this monument. The Lion Monument was dedicated in the early 1800's to pay tribute to Swiss mercenaries who died defending the Tuileries from an invasion of angry Parisians. It is a truly breathtaking monument...and HUGE!


There is also a wall that runs through part of the city with towers that you can climb up. I don't remember the exact time when the wall was built, but it was very, very old. And very cool.



Milan

Next stop, MILAN!! Before coming on our trip, everyone told us that Milan was not their favorite city. We decided to go anyway, just for a little while. We got into town on a Friday evening and left early the next afternoon. But boy am I glad we stopped! I would not have wanted to miss this treasure!


This is the Duomo. Apparently the facade of this church hasn't been free of scaffolding in a very long time...we got lucky! It was so beautiful. We climbed to the top the next day and got an awesome view of the city and the amazing details of the spires that dot the entire roof:



Cinque Terre

Next stop, Cinque Terre (or favorite place #1). I was so excited about visiting here after all that we had heard from family and friends about how wonderful it was. I was NOT disappointed in the least...in fact, I think it was even better than I could have imagined! So the Cinque Terre (or 5 towns) are a connected set of small, interesting towns that are like a flash from the past (or a movie set). Many towns have little to no allowance of motorized vehicles (ours had none). The walkways are narrow, with the apartments multiple levels high. Windows are open and laundry hangs out to dry everywhere. This is what I picture Italy as being! This is the main street in the town we stayed in:


There are also terraces above many of the towns with vineyards and flowers everywhere. Erik got ambitious and hiked to get this view of Manarola (the town we stayed in).



The towns are all linked with a walking path that travels along the ocean cliff. We walked to the two closest towns (Riomaggiore and Corniglia) and on the way back snapped this shot of Manarola:


Oh, and this was the view from our apartment!!! WOW. Paradise. An unobstructed view of the Mediterranean.


We are two very happy people!


Florence

Alas, our time in Cinque Terre had to end. But we traveled to the beautiful and bustling Florence! It was quite the change from the slow and small Cinque Terre! We visited museums nonstop, at least until we couldn't take any more, unfortunately! (museum-itis). And did you know Florence is supposedly home to the creation of gelato? Don't worry, I think we tried enough for EVERYONE (we had 1-2 two scoop servings daily :))

One of the most exciting attractions for us in Florence was the Duomo. Erik had studied it's unique and innovative design and was excited to see it in person. Here is a view of one of the sides (the side closest to our hotel, which was a block from this corner):


We climbed to the top, and here is a view:



We also celebrated my 24th birthday in Florence (don't rub it in...I'm feeling old!). It was so fun...we found a cute little restaurant with patio seating and had the most interesting meal. I got pumpkin filled ravioli with a duck sauce. It was delicious! OH, and we got gelato too :)


Did I mention we went to lots and lots of museums?! We saw David (which is breathtaking) and many other famous works by Michelangelo and Titian, Caravaggio, da Vinci, and many many others. One of my favorite sculptures was a Pieta by Michelangelo. This piece was created to be the monument on his own tomb, supposedly becoming a devout Christian late in life. Some event rendered it imperfect in the eyes of the artist, however, and was never finished. It's power is still evident though, and I thought it was so moving!


Another fun museum to visit was the Pitti Palace, long time home of the Medici Family. Some of the apartments are still furnished as they would have been, and hundreds of famous and not so famous pieces are art fill the walls. They also have a beautiful garden filled with sculptures:


I loved watching some of the street artists:


A sunset view of one of the bridges:


Venice

Finally, now, Venice (or favorite place #2). Venice was everything we could have ever hoped for! Relaxing and beautiful, with amazing weather and so much to watch!

Here is the famous Rialto Bridge, lined with vendors selling everything from carnival masks to fresh fruit:


The most beautiful windows and flowers everywhere!


I always thought it was interesting that all of the doors here were so beautiful!


Canals, canals, and more canals! We took so many pictures of beautiful canals! It was like being in a movie set...it couldn't have been more picturesque.



Our last night there we decided to splurge a bit on dinner and dined at this swanky place on the Grand Canal (that is the main waterway that runs through Venice). You can see it on the left with the lights. It was really fun and the food was fantastic! They even gave me an unpriced menu and Erik the priced one...it was pretty funny! We were out under the patio, and a couple times throughout the night, the waves from the canal came up under the deck and got people wet!


One of my favorite things we did here was go to a Vivaldi concert (Vivaldi was born here). Having some experience with music, I prepared myself for a somewhat disappointing tourist trap. I was WONDERFULLY surprised at both the talent of the musicians and the quality of the performance! It was held in a small church with only about 100 patrons, and the violin soloists were incredible. WOW I was amazed by every movement (they played the Four Seasons along with a few other songs).

Other highlights from the trip:

• Pesto in Cinque Terre
• Bread....pretty much everywhere
• Amazing cheese in Switzerland
• Talking to an interesting couple on one of our trains...they were globetrotters
• Did you know you can't picnic (ie eat and sit) almost everywhere in Venice? They are serious about this. They have signs everywhere and a "decorum patrol" (ie old women with florescent vests) explaining the crime to the young families with small children, telling them to stand up and leave
• Immigrants selling knock off purses everywhere in Venice...tourists can get fined if they are caught purchasing!
• Rick Steves books EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!
• Ever had a Magnum? Go to Europe and have one...it's worth the plane ticket!
• A favorite discovered painting in the Pitti Palace: Ecce Homo
• Swiss chocolate. Enough said.
• A fun ENGLISH used bookstore in Florence...where I bought one of my new favorite books!
• The thrill of the hunt! (gelato hunt :))
• Reading and reading in Venice and on our porch in Cinque Terre.
  

All time Gelato favorites (and must tries...and only a fraction of the flavors we tried):

• Grapefruit
• Peach
• Kiwi
• Pineapple
• Coconut
• Melone
• Dark chocolate
• Nutella

What a trip!