Update

The past few weeks have been pretty eventful. Here's a highlight of what's been going on and what's coming up:

Two weeks ago Michael had his Commissioning Ceremony (sort of like graduation but not). Michael was chosen by his classmates to speak and did a great job. It's crazy to think we're down to a couple months left.



Last weekend we went to a wedding up in New Hampshire. We also got to visit friends from Oregon in Boston, and we stayed with some friends from Eastern in Maine. Here are some pictures from the trip:




Cheers Bar in Boston



The Johnsons and the Chapmans



Wedding in NH



This would have been a cute picture...



Our friends from Eastern. This is a lighthouse in Portland, Maine. Now we've been to both Portlands! (Are there more than two?)

My nanny job fell through, so I'm working on finding something else to do for the summer.

Michael starts his final Summer term next week. We still aren't sure about where we are going for the Fall. It's been a frustrating process trying to find a job placement. There are a few other couples in the program that are in the same boat we are, but no luck so far.

I'm flying home on July 4th to spend a week in Oregon. I'm super excited to see friends and family, (including all my nephews and nieces), and I am going to 2 weddings, which works out really well. Can't wait!

Here is a video of me that was made by one of the teachers at the school where I sub. I thought some of you might enjoy this.

Supreme Court Decision chips away at Bush's Executive War Power

A couple of months ago I read a book (Five Years of My Life: An Innocent Man in Guantanamo, by Murat Kurnaz) about an innocent man held in Guantanamo Bay for five years. (I also blogged about it here). The book prodded me to learn more about the situation there, and I was stunned and mortified at the U.S. government for its role in placing prisoners there, as well as individual military members and their lack of respect for basic human deceny.

Yesterday the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of basic Constitutional rights, regardless of what country a person calls home. Basically, the ruling gives detainees a chance to defend themselves and challenge their detention. Since 2004, this issue has come up three times in the courts, and each time the ruling has been against the government's (and our president's) claim that "enemy combatants" are not subject to the same rights as U.S. citizens, and the ruling made it clear that George Bush's war on terrorism tactics are illegal and beyond the scope of his power as President of the United States.

As a country with a loud voice (the loudest) in this world, and one who espouses democracy and equal rights to all citizens, we have a duty to extend these rights beyond our borders. If not, why should other countries be bound to be decent to us when we are trespassaing in their domain?

School's out for the summer...sort of

The heat has become bearable again. On Tuesday night there was a crazy thunderstorm. Our lights kept flickering, and thousands of people lost power, possibly for a few days. I guess around here it stays humid and hot until the thunderstorms break the heat. The storm was in and out within a number of hours, and the weather is more pleasant (still in the upper 80s).

Tomorrow is my last day of substituting! That's a cause for celebration. But more importantly, tomorrow is Michael's Commissioning Ceremony. It's sort of like Graduation, in that they wear a cap and gown, and go through the motions of a graduation, but they are not receiving a diploma, yet, because they still have to finish this summmer term, plus another summer term, plus the classes and the internship in the fall. But I'm really looking forward to it because Michael was nominated by his classmates to give a speech, and it's going to be great! (I know he's nervous but seriously, I have so much confidence that everyone will be touched by his words). I felt a little badly about it because I may have sort of guilted him into accepting the nomination, but it's only because I knew he'll have the right words to say. So honey, good luck tomorrow! Break a leg! Knock 'em dead!

Heat wave

Here on the east coast we are in the middle of a heat wave.

Yesterday the temperature was 99 degrees, with a heat index of more than 105, and today is likely to be the same. And it's humid. Michael and I are definitely not used to the humidity out here. (I was already sweating at 6:30 this morning as I was getting ready for work). Luckily, on Friday we finally fixed the A/C in our car, and also got a unit for our bedroom from some friends. It makes a world of difference. I have a feeling we will be spending most of the summer in our bedroom, where it's nice and cool.

This weekend we went camping and on Sunday afternoon as we were home and both getting ready to head to work, the power went out. I have to say that the power going out because of the heat (overuse of A/C units, etc.) is a new one for us west coasters. There were a few blocks around us that lost power, in fact, the restaurant I work at went out. I arrived to work and they let me leave (and a half an hour later the power came back on, but I was long gone).

Yesterday the school I work in let out early because the local elementary schools have no A/C, and it is unbearable for them in this heat. Today most schools all over the Philadelphia area are having half days, including mine, which means that tomorrow is my last full day of subbing (Thursday and Friday are half days).

I saw on the news yesterday that today's air quality levels are reaching very unhealthy for our area, and it is encouraged to stay inside when possible. There is an "excessive heat warning" in effect until 8:00 tonight.

All this heat and humidity makes me miss Oregon...

A run to the gym anyone?

Today I stumbled across this nifty bit of info.

What do you think is the #1 Worst Food in America?



Take a guess....



What's your guess?



Well, I'll tell you.

This is extra interesting to me because most of the items in the top 20 Worst Foods are foods I've never eaten.


But this...


I used to work at this restaurant...and I LOVED these...


Weighing in at a mere 2900 Calories

AND

182 grams of fat

AND

240 grams of carbs...


Drum roll please...




Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing

But really, what was your guess for the #1 Worst Food in America?