Philadelphia

I'm headed to Philadelphia for an interview for the Hand Rehabilitation Foundation fellowship in a month (end of October). I got the official letter yesterday with the invitation to interview on Oct 31st at 9:30AM. After reading the letter, my first thought was, "Whoa, what have I gotten myself into?" The interview involves Q&A with the fellowship committee, a 10-minute case study or journal article presentation, then meeting and greeting staff members at the clinic. At the General Relief Society Broadcast last night, President Monson encouraged women to pray not for tasks equal to our abilities, but for abilities equal to the task. I felt this was timely wisdom. Regardless of the outcome- I am excited for the adventure and experience. (Although, it is pretty much impossible not to get my hopes up for a successful outcome!)

San Francisco 9/21-9/23

Stephi and I traveled to San Francisco this past weekend- it was great fun. We made new friends, enjoyed the city and found yummy cream puffs. (see http://www.beardpapasf.com/) Sorry, no photos of the lucious puffs, they were eaten too quickly. We even trekked the 1.7 miles (?) across the Golden Gate bridge and back.

Climbing, not just walking the Golden Gate bridge. (Sorry random jogger for posting your photo in my blog!)

"There is hope," there is a phone. We didn't check its functionality.

"Act like you just met." Stephi poses with our new friends Katherine and Dave squared.

Scary croc at Boudin Bakery.

9/8/07- I didn't get the best picture of them together, but these are my pals Ben and Susan as they came out of the temple after they were sealed for time and all eternity. I am sad to lose my friends to wedded bliss, but happy they will be just down the street from me. Superfriends, Unite!

9/7/07- Vicki and I survived the well-known pirate ship ride (the one that swings back and forth) at the Puyallup fair. We followed it up with a ride that was more uncomfortable than scary- a little too much time hanging upside down gives you a headache!

"Summon the Silly" Bumbershoot '07

Stephi and I attended the West Coast poetry slam and were asked to be one of five teams of judges. This was my first experience with a poetry slam and we were feeling the pressure of judging with little expertise. Low scores were boo-ed by the audience! The fate of the enormous golden cup and its winners were in our hands. I was really impressed by the talented word play and performance. It was a breath of fresh air after a series of tremendously emotional poems about serious topics when one poet began with the simple invitation to "Summon the silly." Ah, I couldn't agree more. They all did great and no one egged us- we were nice judges.

This is me and John Legend. He's the tiny spec in white pants on the stage. Stephi and I got a little closer, weaving our way to the middle of the crowd on the ground by the end of the concert. He called for a volunteer to dance with him on stage (alas, the moment I've been waiting for all my life!) and... no, I didn't make it. Another day!

Check it out, I can put my pho-to on the web!! Color me impressed. This was taken on a ferry to the San Juan Islands in late July '07.