if i only had a brain

Want to spend some time learning about something that matters? Instead of watching a brainless reality show (I'm not trying to sound superior, I watch my share of reality TV) or browsing YouTube for yet another video of a baby laughing...check out these educational and INTERESTING resources on the web and learn something new about America's health care system compared to other countries, the patterns of production and consumption in our world, the back story behind the war in Iraq, or the genocide occurring in Darfur. Time for some brain stimulation:

Sick Around the World

The Story of Stuff

Bush's War

On Our Watch

living is simple

I had a perfectly delightful weekend which included great food, some musical theatre, seeing my close friend dance, and helping launch a new Sunday class for my church's post-college ministry. On Friday, David and I munched on sandwiches and yum-a-licious garlic fries at Pluto's and then headed over to see a campus production of the charming musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". For being a completely student-run show, it was very impressive---everything from the casting to the set design was great. Afterwards, we met up with Kristen and Brad and I enjoyed blueberry yogurt with mochi (my new favorite treat!) at Swirl.
Then on Saturday, we slept in (always a nice bonus) and eventually made it to Roseville to have a delectable dinner at Fat's Asian Bistro. We normally never go out to Roseville, but Ashley's company, Backhaus Dance, was performing a show at a small dance conservatory there and so we decided to make a full evening of it. The last time I saw Ashley and her company was two years ago and it's always awesome to be able to see her company perform and watch her doing something she is so passionate about.
And then on Sunday, I was truly blessed to see the post-college ministry at our church take a step forward with the start of a new Sunday meeting time called Cafe (Connecting through Adult Fellowship and Education). For the last year, there has only been one time that people from the post-college group gather during the week, during a bible study on Tuesday nights. However, for people like us that are already in another bible study, or for people that simply can't come on Tuesdays, having a meeting time on Sundays will be a wonderful way for people in the post-college demographic to meet one another. The turnout was good, there were about 20-25 people that showed up and several people that I had never seen before. We'll see what direction God takes with our group next...

And now for something completely random, here are a few new things I'm really into lately:

Aveda Hair Detoxifier - A fabulous (and fairly inexpensive) product that my stylist used on me a few weeks ago and it honestly made my hair feel like a new creation, so soft and no more build up (which happens with the nasty Woodland water).





Jon and Kate Plus 8 - My friend Dan introduced me to this refreshing take on reality TV--it follows a couple who have twin 6 year-olds and sextuplets that are now three. David and I have both really enjoyed watching this show lately, it shows that unlike what you see on "Supernanny" , there really are some good, competent parents out there.


Prince Caspian by CS Lewis- The second of the Narnia series gives me another chance to escape to a fantasy world with fauns and dwarves and all those cool things.

travelin thru

As I'm reminded by fellow blogger Kassey, I am not good about updating my blog consistently. This is true. But in my defense, I have been so busy at work and haven't had my usual procrastination time (haha). However, things are actually back at a normal pace and I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity to give a quick update!
I went down to Orange County for three days last week for the first annual "Davis Girls Weekend" and hung out with my four close friends from high school: Ashley, Kate, Amy, and Susan. It was a much needed vacation and break from life. We shopped (I got some super cute tops!), we dined, we got Sprinkles cupcakes, we did a little hike around Crystal Cove, we went to a service at Rock Harbor, and most of all we just talked and talked and updated each other on our lives. I am so thankful to have these friendships in my life and I really cherish how we have all seen each other through a variety of life changes from our high school years into adulthood. We all need people in our lives who can reflect with us on where we've been and be excited with us for what lies ahead. I look forward to next year's girls weekend '09!

My job in student advising has been great, I really am enjoying the interaction with our Design students. Last week, the first week of spring quarter, was intensely busy but I think I'm getting the hang of things. Then there's my other role as the overseer of all the faculty recruitments which has kept me busy as well. But I really really enjoy coordinating all the aspects of recruitment and meeting all the different candidates. One of the faculty told me yesterday that she thinks the department should give me a "spa day" for all the work I've put into these recruitments, but honestly, it's one of the parts I enjoy most about my job so I think that's reward enough (and let's face it, with the UC budget cuts, I don't think they are going to be any extra perks for staff anytime soon).

This weekend I did "Relay for Life" with ADX and it was a very cool experience that involved 160 different teams setting up camp on Toomey Field and having at least one person from each team walking around the track for 24 hours straight. It's a metaphor for how cancer never sleeps, so therefore the fight to find the cure for cancer should not sleep either. I was there for an afternoon and a night shift, and it was so inspiring to walk around the track and see luminaries with the names of cancer survivors and victims and to realize that you were walking for these people. Another awesome part of the event was sporting the "Save the Ta-tas" shirts, designed by ADX alum Julia Fikse! A percentage of the proceeds from the shirts go to breast cancer research and the shirts are just so fun! Check them out here: http://savethetatas.com/

Ok, time for lunch! More updates to come soon....