Merry Christmas

. . . and best wishes for a great 2011!

(2+3) x (2+1) - (8/2)

Sometimes things just appear to be a lot less complicated and lot less problematic than they really are. To others things might seem smooth and placid, or even fortunate, when in fact waters of frustration and despair swirl beneath. What I find remarkable about this is that despite the fact that we all realise that most of the time our lives, so logically the lives of those around us, appear more glossy on the surface than the real chaos that often lies beneath would reveal, we continue to put forth a more positive reporting that is often grossly incongruent with our reality. Whether it's by replying with an insincere fine to the how-do-you-do? Or with a blog, like mine, that seems always to showcase a seamless existence. Or the perpetually clever or "amazing" Facebook posts. And then there's the family Christmas card photos, everyone perfectly coifed.

In thinking on this topic recently I've often thought of closing up shop on the blog, because I don't think it necessarily reflects me or my family on the whole. It's rather the highlights of our corner of the world. As with the photos I post, I weed out those that are out of focus, badly exposed or just plain less attractive, so are the posts on my blog. Like life, there are easily a hundred bad shots on the cutting room floor for each good shot posted on the blog.

I don't know if it's habit, human nature or some sort of coping mechanism to effectually distort our realities for the benefit of others. And I suppose there are some good reasons for it. It would be a bummer if we were all walking around sporting the downtrodden, dark circles look. Sometimes things are too personal to air out to the masses. And likewise this kind of sharing can be painful, putting a finer point on hard things you'd like to forget. And sometimes we're trying to put forth a positive projection of ourselves, not for others, but for ourselves.

So here's my attempt to add a little tarnished ying to the often perceived polished yang. I'm not going to itemise my troubles here, but suffice it to say we have a great many out of focus and unattractive shots pilling up on the cutting room floor. Life is rough. But I am trying, albeit feebly, to stay positive. I'm especially proud of Dallin for his persistence and positive push forward amidst such opposition. He is such a great kid. And he's 11!

Here are some highlights from our celebrations of Dallin's 11th birthday . . .




The birthday boy enjoying his birthday outing to Six Flags




Sledding down the manmade snow hill at Six Flags








Go carts, Dallin has mad driving skillz!


A birthday hug

'Tis the Season

Merry Christmas!


















We spent Thanksgiving this year in Oklahoma with Scott's mom and step-dad. While the trip reminded me why I really hate connecting flights, it was a great opportunity to reconnect with family. The kids were in grandparent heaven the whole time, and we had a fun and lively Thanksgiving day joined by many other extended family members. We even managed to fit in a family photo shoot/self-portrait . . .

5K in Monterey

I've taken up a new hobby. Running. While I don't see a marathon in my near future, I'm happily pounding out a 5K three times a week. That's 3.1 miles per run for anyone who isn't familiar with this conversion. I find it interesting that so many races are measured in kilometers, as if somehow giving you the feeling that you've accomplished more than you have. It's like the clothing stores who have in recent years indulged us in size inflation. That size 6 really ain't a size 6 any more! And neither is my 9.3 miles a week, 15 miles, but I'll get there!


Dallin and I after crossing the finish line. We both ran the entire race, and I did much better than I expected. I was most proud of Dallin who decided to go for it and left me behind. He totally dusted me by 5 minutes! Way to go Dallin!

After the race we enjoyed a fun day in Monterey, spent mostly at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Good thing we are just 90 minutes from this place because with our budding marine biologist leading the way (and our annual pass), we expect we'll be here often.















Stare at this picture long enough and it becomes 3D :)

Muir Woods

Halloween 2010

SF Giants by Scott and Dallin, Jack-o-Lantern by Madeleine and the Pumpkin King by Trevon and Shannon


The Dementor


The Corpse Bride


The Skeleton

Hadrian's Wall

At the end of my London week I joined my former classmates on a weekend Roman Britain class trip up to Northumberland. There we learned more about the ancient Roman occupation and so much about how it affected Britain, even into the modern day. To prepare for the trip we read the book "Power and Stone" written by my instructor, and dear friend, Alice Leader. This historical fiction novel was written specifically for the junior high Roman Britain curriculum at the American School in London. It sheds light on what life could have been like along Hadrian's Wall for both the Romans and Brigantes. So while we can thank the Romans for the brilliant transit infrastructure, we can also give them credit for importing male-dominating social rule.


Alice, our fearless Leader!

Hiking along Hadrian's Wall was the main event on this weekend trip. The setting couldn't be more dramatic as much of the wall is built atop a cliff, and even in good weather it's a pretty harsh environment. While I have found myself lost for inspiration to blog or photograph in my new environment, this trip definitely reignited the flame.




























The Robin Hood Tree of Kevin Costner fame




























The group


Our inn




St. Paul's in Jarrow, where the Venerable Bede (who wrote The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) was a monk




Bede was here