Where in Africa?

How good is your African Geography? We had a discussion about this recently, and it inspired me to test my knowledge. I took a couple tests (1) (2) online and was HORRIBLE at first. However, after admitting I knew far less than I thought I did, studying the world map in our office, and taking the test a half dozen times, I can now successfully name about 90% of the countries in Africa. The sad thing is, I probably won't remember then in a week. And what's worse, I'm sure that the average American doesn't even know that there's two different Congos in Africa, much less where they both are.

Book Club

We started a book club at work. The first book, which we discussed earlier this month, was Blink. I enjoyed the read and the discussion. Intellectual, yet light reading. Some interesting examples, including one that really freaked me out about how someone figured out how to slice a 15 minute conversation between a couple into 1800 numbers (one for the mood of each person for every second), and analyze the resulting numbers and figure out with 95% certainty if the couple would be together in 15 years. I would be freaked out to take that test! If Bryce and I won't be together in 15 years, I don't want to know that now. July's book is "Wicked". I just finished it today, and I have to say, I found the last 100 pages a chore to read. And, it's got more sexual references in it than I would feel comfortable discussing with my co-workers (including one of my former supervisors). But, it has inspired me to watch the Wizard of Oz for the first time. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if I understood all the references. I picked August's book - the Bookseller of Kabul. I hope it's good! I'm nervous that other people won't like it...

Summer Colds

How is it that everyone I know is getting sick? I have three friends that have lost their voices in the past 2 weeks. Maybe it's the extreme shifts in weather, but I caught a cold on Saturday. I'm sniffling and sneezing - and it's JUNE! I've had probably 3 or 4 colds so far this year. I have a theory that work stress is running down my immunity.

Cd Release Concert

 

We are in the La Peña Community Chorus, and we had a big concert on Saturday to celebrate the release of the chorus's 2nd CD (though it's the first one that we are on). We also had a raffle and bake sale and sold CDs so that we could pay bake some of the multiple thousands of dollars that we spent putting together the CD. It was a great concert. Britt's dad and step-mom came and saw us perform for the first time, which was a real treat for both us and them.