Just the Everyday

Baby Wyatt : The Little Man

2008-07-14T08:42:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos from Wyatt's first couple days in the world. He was 8 lbs 13 oz. It was a long night when he finally decided to emerge at 2 am. Char mentioned that he was definitely her son because he wanted to "stay in bed" as does his mom. Every morning before high school char would chant to the 'Toys r Us theme song ....'I don't want to get up, I'm a stay in bed Char!"

Now Wyatt is almost three weeks old and char is dead fast on her mission to fatten him up. He is fatter now and more alert. He clams right down when I sing to him and he is fascinated with ceiling fans and eyes.

A night in Paris

2008-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

My sister's 28th birthday had a Parisian theme. It was appropriate because Suzanne has always wanted to travel to Europe and this year she gets her opportunity. Not just with her party but in September for 20 days.

Derek made a 5 ft Eiffel Tower out of a cardboard box.

Blow out the candles! Char (Wyatt) & Me

Obviously earlier in the evening....

I tried to look like a French person...apparently they have big hair

Suzanne toting her new tote.

Events

2008-05-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

The last time we spoke it was the middle of winter. Now we find ourselves in May already and everything is coming up spring! I am all finished school for my first year and pleased to feel good about all five of my exams.

In April I was able to experience two different events. To begin with I had my first ever visit a Muslim Mosque for a World Religions assignment. I went with a good friend from School, Bushra. It was so fascinating to me to be in an environment so foreign to my own. The tradition of the Islamic people has a lot to do with rites and rituals. They are enthusiastic to share there faith and explain why their world view works for them. People were friendly seeing as I was an outsider ( and a pretty obvious one at that). I was happy to be there and I was grateful for an assignment that allowed me to see another part of the world.

The other event was something vastly different. An ELLE magazine Fashion conference show. Took in a couple of fashion shows, demonstrations and free stuff. I went with my friend from work, Amanda Allen. She recently got a job at FORD modeling agency here in the T-dot, as an assistant. The show was fun. Not very big but Amanda and I had a good time. We left earlier then expected and went to a local sushi spot for spicy tuna and california roll. The tuna had this crunchy top with just the right amount of sauce. SOOOO good!

Arabic prayer lining the inside of the dome.

Me standing inside the women's area in the main prayer room.

Me at the ELLE show.

Amanda Allen looking fabulous infront of the ELLE logo.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-03-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

It's sunday and I am taking a moment to update you on what is happening in Ontario. Since I arrived home from LA it was been crazy busy catching up on school work, work work and family /friends time. The flight back was straight forward and my (very pregnant) sister & my brother-in-law were there at midnight to pick me up! I finished up a mid term and a paper in a bit of a rush (BUT finished them nonetheless).

Yesterday Toronto area was loaded up with snow (again) and the driving was very dangerous. But this was the day I was meant to go to Mission Fest with my friend David Vallier and Trish Holroyd. We went anyway and had a great time. We were volunteering with Matthew House. This is an organization designed to help refugees set their lives up in Toronto. At the conference we were 'acting out' in a simulation geared to inform people what traveling along the refugee highway is like. I took on a Hungarian accent for my role and had a really good time!

This week I am looking forward to having Easter Dinner a bit earlier this year at a friends. It is being taped for a TV show on CTS.

Please check out www.asortega.blogspot.com for LA pictures.

The Group for Matthew House.

Laura and I in Politics Tutorial

So. Yeah, Buffalo

2008-02-16T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am here in the Days Inn Buffalo across from the airport. I can now attest to another unique and character building experience in travel. Last night my flight was canceled (plane mechanical issues) but was guarenteed a flight to Chicago that night at 9:30pm to catch my flight to LAX in the morning. Well, nothing in life is a guarantee. My flight was canceled and the flight I was promised was given to other United passagers that had been waiting longer. It is hard to explain because it is was a complicated series of miscommunicated events. As an added element there was a group of gentlemen on their way to Chicago to coach/chaperone 8-yr olds in a hockey tournament. The coach was a loud and opinionated individual that would yell complaints at the agents helping us. The Police were called and they brought a dog to break up at possible riot. It was a bit stressful. Through it all, it was great to make it to the free hotel and have a bath, and book an appointment for morning at a spa. I fly tonight at 4:30pm to Atlanta and then on to LAX for 10:30pm. My luggage is (supposedly) already in Los angeles. Lets hope (i mean pray) I will find that tonight! The salon this morning was in this amazing 18th century home that was converted from farm house. It was a great experience and everyone loved my airport stories and funny quips about Canada. I feel a little exhaustion but, rejuvenated! Baths, salons and (oh, yeah) room service!

SNOW!

2008-02-07T18:25:00.001-08:00

It is exciting to have a really good snowfall! We were completely covered yesterday night. Classes were canceled and I had the night off to catch up on some reading and TV watching. All of which happened after a long and extremely treacherous drive home. When I woke this morning, the light reflected tiny sparkles in the snow and the whole yard was lit up. A true delight! Today was a school day and I had a good time in Classical Myth. Two mid terms next week and I am off to leave the snow behind for sunny California. I am looking forward to seeing Sarah and Aaron, my great friends from YWAM and also venturing to a place I have never been before. I really need a good, healthy dose of travel. Hopefully this can be my fix for a while!