Chess Champ

I knew she was learning how to play chess.

I knew that she sometimes played against her classmates.

I knew that she recently beat Pavel- a feat that made her proud.

I just didn't know there would be a tournament- complete with trophy!!

Way to go, kiddo!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!

I wish I had a picture of the sunrise to show you.

After all, we did attend a sunrise service at 5:45 this morning. But, it was raining (I know- hard to believe...).

We know the sun rose because the clouds got lighter.

And we know the Son rose because the world got the True Light. (John 8:12)

Happy Easter!

I just got bumped

It's sort of like being rear-ended, but at much slower speeds. I was sitting at a red light, thinking about dinner, and BUMP!

I checked with Ab- "Are you ok?". She was. I was, too.

So I put on my flashers, and got out of the car to see how the other driver was.

Me: You ok?

Her: Yes- I'm so sorry. Are you ok? I'm so sorry.

Me: We're fine and there's no damage to either car.

Her: I'm so sorry. I was just looking at my phone because my daughter called me. I'm so sorry.

Me: (Using my best "teacher face"- because she was younger than me and I felt it was called for) Ok, but please don't answer your phone when you are in the car.

Her: Yes, I'm so sorry.

Me: Ok.

As I got back in the car, I think she was still saying, "I'm so sorry" two or three more times. I wonder if she was really sorry or if she noticed my Law Enforcement Memorial license plates and thought maybe I was a cop.

Doesn't matter. I just hope she pays closer attention from now on. Sometimes, a little bump is all you need to stay on the straight and narrow.

Public Service Announcement

I just need to say that SmartWool socks are the BEST socks ever.

They cost a bit more than ordinary socks, but they last longer and keep my feet warmer/cooler/drier than any other socks I have ever owned.

They are also machine washable and dry-able.

I heart them.

The beach

We just got back from one night in Cannon Beach, OR with friends. It was a fun trip, even though it rained all day Monday, and most of the day Tuesday.

Here's a shot of us on the beach Tuesday morning.

There was a window of about 20 minutes when it wasn't raining. The wind was still strong and chilly, but at least it wasn't raining. When we went inside for breakfast, the rain started in earnest- the beach side of the restaurant was slammed with cold wet drops and the windows by us were streaked with rain streaming sideways. Good times, good times.

The rest of the time we browsed in the shops, bought salt water taffy, ate ice cream, and took the dogs outside for little trips.

Then we decided that we might as well go to Seaside and let the girls ride the carousel. It was a good way to end a soggy trip!

No foolin'

A year ago, I had just finished reading the Bible through in 90 days. It was a great experience- so great that I decided to do it twice more in 2010.

This year I am also reading through the Bible, but at a slower pace. Taking 90 days is like being in a flash flood. It drops on you at an alarming rate, hits hard and you get soaked. It's memorable, and then it is over. I figure I'll take the whole year and go deeper- kind of like rain in the Pacific Northwest. It surrounds you almost daily- falling lightly from the sky, rising as mist from the wetlands, splashing on you when the cars drive too close to the ever-present puddles...

Slowing down gives more time for contemplation, cross referencing, and concordance checking. The schedule has some breathing room- I can double up one day in case I didn't have time the day before. It's easier to take notes or email my Bible guru with questions in a timely manner.

Starting out with the 90-day plan was a good idea for me, but sticking with the 365-day plan will be even better. I encourage you to investigate and find a version that works for you. You'll never regret it- no foolin'!

Confessions of a Tour Junkie

I admit it. I love touring and doing touristy things. I totally geek out on things historic and almost any kind of museum- as long as it isn't too close to home. Seriously. I have to GO somewhere in order to feel like a tourist and not think about the dishes that are probably in the sink.

Did you know that Portland, ME has a "Freedom Trail"? I so want to walk that trail. I might this summer. Unlike the Boston Freedom Trail, it doesn't highlight events leading up to the Revolutionary War. No, it identifies 13 Underground Railroad sites. The Underground Railroad!? Yessss!!! I don't know much about the U.R. so this will be my chance to learn firsthand!!! Woot woot! Not only will I maybe get a chance to tour Portland on foot, but also other historic sites on the East Coast- DC, Philadelphia, Boston. I better get some sturdy shoes. I already have other travel gear- the perfect bag, the perfect watch, the perfect water bottle... (Can you say GEEK?)

Lord willing, we are taking a TRIP this summer that might fulfill most of my tourism needs. It's called a "TRIP" instead of a "trip" because it will involve planes, boats, automobiles, 4 families, 10 states, 2 provinces, 1 birthday, pilgrims, a childhood heroine (Anne of Green Gables), and the District of Columbia. That's a TRIP. Just planning for it makes me all weak in the knees. Sigh.

Oh, I can hardly wait. I was born to be a tourist. I can feel it in my guts. I daydream about memorials, cemeteries, and historic markers. If I could make a living being a tourist, I would. The only other thing that would be close would be to become a tour GUIDE. It wouldn't take much... I can almost do the Ford's Theater monologue by heart right now.

Evidence of my addiction:

Ab and I in a dugout canoe at the Jamestown Settlement, July '07

And you know what happens after we get back home, right? The scrapbooking begins...