WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun

WHO: Swine flu pandemic has begun

I taught a class at an Emergency Preparedness Expo this past Saturday. The title was, “Dealing With Pandemics.” Unfortunately I didn’t get a very good turnout in my classes, but since the World Health Organization has now declared the Swine Flu a pandemic I thought I’d give you this information.

I am working on a video synopsis from the class, and will let you know when it is finished. I also have a handout with information on symptoms and treatment and hope to get a link for you to download it soon. —I depend a lot on Rob for helping me get these kinds of things set up, so it takes a little longer since he has to work and stuff 😉 —

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A Pageant News Story

Hunter had his first dress rehearsal last night. This news story is from another night where the press was allowed to come and take pictures. Hunter thought it was a great time, but was surprised at how long it took to get the makeup on (almost and hour!) and to take it off (It’s really thick and more like paint)!  Everyone backstage and the other cast members were all so nice, helpful, and friendly.

When everyone was in costume the set was put onstage, everyone took their positions, and I sat in the audience seats and watched them work on the lighting. Hunter held totally still for several minutes. Longer than he will have to on performance night, so it should be a breeze after that. After his group was done, Hunter and I watched them set and light a sculpture and another painting. It was a late night, but so fun!

Hunter’s first performance is July 6 and he will be on that whole week. He then works every other week for seven days at a time. I hope some of you can come see it!

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The Hotel Del

I have been way behind on this blog, and it’s getting a bit overwhelming thinking of trying to catch up, so I’ll just pick something. Just after my birthday in April, Rob gave me the biggest surprise ever… He gave me what I asked for as a birthday gift! (Just kidding sweetie, couldn’t resist) When he asked me that question, “What would you like for your birthday?” I don’t think he was expecting to get my candid answer: “A weekend away, just you and me.” My birthday came and went without me thinking too much more about that conversation, so I was absolutley shocked when one Thursday night I was sitting on my couch, and in walked my parents. My reaction this time was the opposite of when Rob surprised me at Christmas. I sat frozen, wordless, with my mouth hanging open. The three of them then went on to explain their covert plan. Rob arranged for them to come (and they graciously agreed!) to stay with the kids for almost three days while Rob and I had a getaway at The Hotel Del Coronado.

We had a great time there and it was so fun to walk the narrow halls with crooked floors and ceilings. The hotel was built over 120 years ago, and there is a wonderful sense of history that comes with staying there. Although the rooms have been updated, the outside architecture is the same and there is an incredible amount of detail. My favorite part was the gold cage elevator with accordion door. Beautiful!

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Four Times Three

Sabrina: 1 – has to have a ponytail and a headband in her hair at all times; 2 – is working on perfecting the “glide” on her scooter; 3 – Can put on her princess backpack, socks, and shoes all by herself.

Hannah: 1 – loves to have “math” printed out so she can do homework; 2 – is learning to ride a big girl bike with training wheels; 3 – came up with a way to get a puppy: “…get a baby, sell it, and get a puppy.” (Once when she asked why we couldn’t get a puppy I told her I would have to trade in one of the kids, and I wouldn’t be able to decide which one)

Emma: 1 – wrote a song called, “My Rainbow SUV”; 2 – started a new blog called Huge Laff as a place to do little web shows; 3 – cracked her tooth while eating a roll and said, “…I saw the sticker on it said 75% off, so it must have been old.”

Hunter: 1 – is raising money for 6th grade camp by doing a garage sale this Saturday; 2 – designed a Lego racer for his last Pinewood Derby. It won second place in the maverick (no rules) races; 3 – scored in the 99th percentile on the GATE test- smarty!

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Fresco #1

“Fresco #1” is Hunter’s ID for Pageant of the Masters. He is the man on the lower left cutting something with a saw. He went in for his fitting, and unfortunately I’m not allowed to take pictures of anything behind the scenes, so I can’t show you how it went. The fitting consisted of trying on a pair of pants and a shirt made of canvas. The canvas will be painted by an artist to match the original painting. He was also fitted with shoes and a “headdress” of canvas that will be painted as well. In talking with one of the costume designers while we waited, she told me how this is so different from any other job she has had because the costumes are painted and need to look two dimensional when they are finished. Everyone was so friendly and nice and didn’t seem to mind that I had brought my other three girls along for the fitting. I really think this will be a fantastic experience.

Apparently, Hunter’s painting will be the first one in the second act, and disassemble somehow in front of the audience. So cool! Hunter is scheduled to be on stage for 30 of the 60 performances and so I’m sure we’ll become very familiar with the drive between home and Laguna Beach.  Emma has been very supportive of Hunter in spite of her own disappointment at not being called. She is excited because we were told there is a patio with games and snacks for the cast and their families while they wait their turn. But it’s not the games and treats that are the pull for her. It’s knowing that sometimes there are last minute problems and substitutes are pulled from the patio.  So although all parts have been cast now, she is hoping that she’ll be able to stand in for someone at least once. I’m crossing my fingers for her too.

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