Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Invisible Children

I have not historically been one that gets passionate about social justice issues. If I were being totally honest, I would have to tell you that I intentionally tried to stay as ignorant as possible about such matters. I have always found these issues easier to talk about than to apply to my own life. I can talk all day about the reasons why using child slaves to work the cocoa bean farms is wrong....but it is difficult to turn down a snickers bar or chocolate cake, even knowing that it isn't trade-free. Recently, however, I have found myself unable to escape the 'nagging' presence of the Holy Spirit that tells me I have to do something with said knowledge. So I prayed and waited, until The Invisible Children brought me to my knees. I am aware that there are numerous social justice issues that you can be involved in....but this is it for me. The Invisible Children have got me.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Tour of California




Patrick has kept up with Lance Armstrong for as long as we have been together. We have a book or so on him and Patrick is pretty knowledgeable of Lance's background and crazy ability to dominate the Tour de France. Needless to say, we were both pretty excited when Patrick discovered that Lance Armstrong would be riding in the Tour of California just 20 minutes away in Pasadena. We were stoked. We called Harrison and Lindsay and planned the day around the race. We were sure to get there early, and were able to get an incredible spot on a beautiful residential street that was part of route. Actually, we were on the part of the route that was part of a 5 mile loop that they would go around 5 times. That meant we had 5 chances to spot Lance in the midst of the pelaton. We didn't realize how difficult that would actually be. The cyclists were going so stinkin fast my hair was blowing in the wind. I could have stuck out my arm and not only severely injured it, but totally foil the efforts of many riders. It was quite an experience. No lie, it was the last lap until I was able to get a glance at Lance (no pun intended). We were able to get quite a few pictures and you can actually see him in a couple. He is the one with the yellow on his helmet and the yellow Oakleys. Levi Leipheimer is the guy in the lead in the yellow shirt....obviously.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Jimmy Kimmel Live




One of th great thingse many about the L.A. area is all of the free show tapings you can be a part of. We would love to go to more, but most of them tape during work hours. We have been able to enjoy watching "According to Jim", "Dancing with the Stars", and most recently, "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Patrick is the one officially in charge of getting us on waiting lists and keeping us with show schedules. He was quick to inform me that we needed to try our best to get to Jimmy Kimmel by mid afternoon. The guest list included Marisa Tomei, Dimitri Martin and Matthew McConaughey. Yes....Matthew McConaughey.

I definitely wasn't going to miss an opportunity to see Matthew McConaughey in person, so I got off work without hesitation. We tried hard to look our best, in hopes that we would get better seats than we did at "Dancing with the Stars". We arrived early enough to get a decent spot in line. We are definitely becoming veteran's at this audience member role. We know the deal....dress up because they put the pretty people up front and get there a few hours before they start letting you in. As we approached the inside of the studio we were both wondering if we would pass inspection and be awarded an enviable seat. As the "inspector" examined our outfits, smiles, and overall attractiveness we continued our conversation and acted like we didn't notice. But we couldn't continue the "be cool" act when he pointed to front row. We were like two kids in a candy store. We tried to keep our composure, but we were too excited to care. I literally couldn't cross my legs because the stage was in my way! I couldn't believe it. I observed Jimmy Kimmel's desk and the chair for the guest. I estimated that when Matt McConaughey made his way on stage, I would be sitting approximately 8 feet away from him!

Indeed it was a great night. We had great seats, great entertainment and even some great music. I did get to see good ol' Matt and no...it isn't all it's cracked up to be. Don't get me wrong, he is an attractive man, but his face looked sickly thin and his age was more obvious in person. Matt was actually there to promote the first signed artist to his record label. Mishkah brought some great music to the night, especially if you enjoy reggae at all. It made me start thinking about a vacation this summer.