Now we've got a bike rider and a new blue bike. No more showing up at first grade with a pink bike with training wheels. Not that he seemed to mind, though.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Zack rides on 2 wheels
It took some encouragement, but Zack made a serious breakthrough today and has joined the ranks of 2 wheel bike riders. After these shots, Joanne and Chuck showed up and handed down one of their old - blue - bikes.
Now we've got a bike rider and a new blue bike. No more showing up at first grade with a pink bike with training wheels. Not that he seemed to mind, though.
Now we've got a bike rider and a new blue bike. No more showing up at first grade with a pink bike with training wheels. Not that he seemed to mind, though.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Leftover China pictures
I'm going to Prague this weekend, but I wanted to share this one photo - Starbucks in China. This one is at the "Lotus Market" - a collection of nightclubs and restaurants around a lake not too far from the forbidden city.
It's been great being home all this time - 3 weeks with no travel! Zack is still a little unsettled because he is at a new school, but we're expecting him to warm up to his new environment slowly.
Oh - and here's a look at how I see the world - this is over Japan. I was surprised how many mountains and green, unpopulated areas there are. I've only ever seen Tokyo. I guess I need to travel more!!
It's been great being home all this time - 3 weeks with no travel! Zack is still a little unsettled because he is at a new school, but we're expecting him to warm up to his new environment slowly.Oh - and here's a look at how I see the world - this is over Japan. I was surprised how many mountains and green, unpopulated areas there are. I've only ever seen Tokyo. I guess I need to travel more!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The New School Year
Here are some pictures from the first day of school. Siena was excited to start school, and she took great care in looking nice. Zachary, not fully awake, seemed fine about it. Lots of parents stayed around, which made me feel better as the doting parent! And, now I'm free until 2:25! :)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Back in Beijing
My postponed trip finally happened - at a very inconvenient time, of course! I'm trying to make the most of it, and hopefully return early.
Today I spent the day exploring the area around the hotel. I started the day by going down to the Tiena mien square area. Right outside the hotel, I ran into Jamie and Xao (sic?), who were visiting from Shanghai. We threw our lot in together and headed down the road. I've been very surprised this trip by how friendly everyone is, and how eager many are to speak english with anyone willing to talk back. Xao is a surgeon, and Jamie just graduated with an english degree.
Here I am in front of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao climbed up and proclaimed the People's Republic of China. It's also the entrance to the Forbidden City.
This is the mausoleum that holds Mao's tomb. It was closed. Supposedly it's open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. However, it looks closed for renovation. The National museum, also on the square, is closed and has a huge countdown timer for the olympic games. Less than a year to go!
On a less festive note, this is the section of Tiena mien where the student massacre took place. My friends were quite willing to talk about this, and described it as a "secret" that people could only talk about in private.
After the square, they showed me around the Hutong area behind it. These are traditional people's accommodations - courtyard houses in very narrow alleys. Some are totally squalid - and some are being completely renovated. They reminded me of some of the things I've seen in thailand, but on a massive scale.
Next, we went to a tea house for a nice cup of tea. A traditional tea ceremony, we learned, has 8 teas. We gave up after 6. We tried!
After that, lunch. We ate at a "hole in the wall" (almost literally) in the Hutong.
Here's Jamie, some Hunan Duck, and fish soup.
Yanjing is one of the names of Beijing, from ancient times.
After this, they had to go, but I was determined to see the Forbidden city. The crowds were much too large in the morning, but they were manageable by 2:30. I agreed to let a tour guide show me around, although she really wasn't all that helpful since I had already read about the palace and gotten a tour of a similar (but much smaller) palace in Seoul.
Conditions were not good for pictures - hellishly hot and humid weather and the traditional total smog out conditions.
After showing me around, the tour guide sent me out a different entrance. I had no idea where I was, and I was exhausted. So, I took the offer of a rickshaw ride back to my hotel. The driver took me on a super long ride through the Hutong, looking out for police, and then finally ditched me "5 minutes walk that way" from my hotel. Needless to say, it was more than 5 minutes, and I'd have gotten lost if I hadn't known my way around. I was quite happy to find my hotel, and I haven't left it since!
Today I spent the day exploring the area around the hotel. I started the day by going down to the Tiena mien square area. Right outside the hotel, I ran into Jamie and Xao (sic?), who were visiting from Shanghai. We threw our lot in together and headed down the road. I've been very surprised this trip by how friendly everyone is, and how eager many are to speak english with anyone willing to talk back. Xao is a surgeon, and Jamie just graduated with an english degree.
Here I am in front of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao climbed up and proclaimed the People's Republic of China. It's also the entrance to the Forbidden City.
This is the mausoleum that holds Mao's tomb. It was closed. Supposedly it's open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. However, it looks closed for renovation. The National museum, also on the square, is closed and has a huge countdown timer for the olympic games. Less than a year to go!
On a less festive note, this is the section of Tiena mien where the student massacre took place. My friends were quite willing to talk about this, and described it as a "secret" that people could only talk about in private.
After the square, they showed me around the Hutong area behind it. These are traditional people's accommodations - courtyard houses in very narrow alleys. Some are totally squalid - and some are being completely renovated. They reminded me of some of the things I've seen in thailand, but on a massive scale.Next, we went to a tea house for a nice cup of tea. A traditional tea ceremony, we learned, has 8 teas. We gave up after 6. We tried!
After that, lunch. We ate at a "hole in the wall" (almost literally) in the Hutong.
Here's Jamie, some Hunan Duck, and fish soup.
Yanjing is one of the names of Beijing, from ancient times.After this, they had to go, but I was determined to see the Forbidden city. The crowds were much too large in the morning, but they were manageable by 2:30. I agreed to let a tour guide show me around, although she really wasn't all that helpful since I had already read about the palace and gotten a tour of a similar (but much smaller) palace in Seoul.
Conditions were not good for pictures - hellishly hot and humid weather and the traditional total smog out conditions.After showing me around, the tour guide sent me out a different entrance. I had no idea where I was, and I was exhausted. So, I took the offer of a rickshaw ride back to my hotel. The driver took me on a super long ride through the Hutong, looking out for police, and then finally ditched me "5 minutes walk that way" from my hotel. Needless to say, it was more than 5 minutes, and I'd have gotten lost if I hadn't known my way around. I was quite happy to find my hotel, and I haven't left it since!
Curtains - A murder mystery
I got the chance to see Curtains on Broadway last week. This is David Hyde Pearce's first leading role, alongside Debra Monk (George's mom on Grey's Anatomy). It's a "backstage murder mystery" in which the (really suck and hated) star of a new show is killed during the premier. DHP is the Boston detective brought in to solve the crime. Along the way, he helps re-invent the play and eventually makes his musical debut (oh, and, of course, wins the heart of a lady).
If I'd left after the first act, I would have to say that I'd have given the play a pretty negative review. Although the acting and dance were great, the songs themselves were often less than inspiring.
However, one of the sub-plots is the improvement of the show. As this subplot evolved, so did the quality of the songs. So In the first act, DHP was quite reserved and the show was a little less captivating, but by the middle of the second act, he was running (both) shows and the pace picked up considerably.
I'd recommend it. Not the best show I've ever seen, but well worth you time.
If I'd left after the first act, I would have to say that I'd have given the play a pretty negative review. Although the acting and dance were great, the songs themselves were often less than inspiring.
However, one of the sub-plots is the improvement of the show. As this subplot evolved, so did the quality of the songs. So In the first act, DHP was quite reserved and the show was a little less captivating, but by the middle of the second act, he was running (both) shows and the pace picked up considerably.
I'd recommend it. Not the best show I've ever seen, but well worth you time.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
My students
I just heard that the girls I tutored in reading this past year, have greatly improved. They improved reading scores more than a grade level each! I'm delighted and proud, and I miss them!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
What to do Monday nights in midtown
I was in NYC early this week, and Monday was the only night that I could go out. As some of you out there know, I love theatre, and I try to go out to a play or a musical whenever I can stay in Manhattan or Central London. Sadly, Monday most theatres are "dark". Instead of going to see Phantom (now in it's 17th year!), one of my only choices, I did some research and found a couple of really fun things to do walking distance from my hotel at 43rd and 8t. I love NY!
Les Paul, the Iridium Jazz Club, 8 PM and 10 PM every Monday.
Yes, that's Les Paul, the inventor of the only guitar worth playing. He plays two jazz sets each night in a basement bar at 55th & Broadway. It's $40 with a $10 minimum. I sat with a guy who is a charter jet pilot. Les and "his trio" - a rhythm guitarist, bass, and piano, played a 1:15 set that consisted of jazz standards like Tennessee Waltz, Blue Skies, That's Entertainment, etc.
His playing was good, not perfect, but usually beautiful, with all the great qualities of the Les Paul guitar - lots of sustain, and the beautiful warm tone that fills the room with happiness and light. This is a must see. I forgot my camera, but here is a picture I found on the web:
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/les.shtml
Les Paul, the Iridium Jazz Club, 8 PM and 10 PM every Monday.
Yes, that's Les Paul, the inventor of the only guitar worth playing. He plays two jazz sets each night in a basement bar at 55th & Broadway. It's $40 with a $10 minimum. I sat with a guy who is a charter jet pilot. Les and "his trio" - a rhythm guitarist, bass, and piano, played a 1:15 set that consisted of jazz standards like Tennessee Waltz, Blue Skies, That's Entertainment, etc.
His playing was good, not perfect, but usually beautiful, with all the great qualities of the Les Paul guitar - lots of sustain, and the beautiful warm tone that fills the room with happiness and light. This is a must see. I forgot my camera, but here is a picture I found on the web:
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/les.shtmlJim Caruso's Cast Party, Birdland Jazz Club, most Mondays 10 PM - 1 AM
This is described as an "open mic night for Broadway". When I got to 42nd street, it was about 5 minutes before 10. It was pretty dark outside the club, and no one was walking in. I almost didn't go in. I walked into the club not really knowing what to expect, and found a room full of happy people, many in evening attire. $10 cover, $10 minimum.
Since I was alone, I just sat at the bar. The show started almost immediately. There was a long line of VERY good performers. Some had shows on broadway, many had shows around the city. Some performed covers, some showed up with their own originals to try on the audience. There was an amazing house band (keyboards/upright bass) Typical open mike stuff, except for the extreme level of the performances. Probably the most famous person there was Jazz legend Phoebe Snow. She came up and belted one out that totally rocked the house.
Here's a picture I found of a previous appearance by Phoebe:
http://www.castpartynyc.com/
Most of the people there were regulars, and everyone was very friendly. You can check out http://funnyjazzchick.com/ where one of the performers, Joan Crowe, posts videos of her performances. She's pretty funny.
This is described as an "open mic night for Broadway". When I got to 42nd street, it was about 5 minutes before 10. It was pretty dark outside the club, and no one was walking in. I almost didn't go in. I walked into the club not really knowing what to expect, and found a room full of happy people, many in evening attire. $10 cover, $10 minimum.
Since I was alone, I just sat at the bar. The show started almost immediately. There was a long line of VERY good performers. Some had shows on broadway, many had shows around the city. Some performed covers, some showed up with their own originals to try on the audience. There was an amazing house band (keyboards/upright bass) Typical open mike stuff, except for the extreme level of the performances. Probably the most famous person there was Jazz legend Phoebe Snow. She came up and belted one out that totally rocked the house.
Here's a picture I found of a previous appearance by Phoebe:
http://www.castpartynyc.com/ Most of the people there were regulars, and everyone was very friendly. You can check out http://funnyjazzchick.com/ where one of the performers, Joan Crowe, posts videos of her performances. She's pretty funny.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
What We have been doing
Well, not so unusual, Rich has been on business travel a lot. Below you see pictures from Korea. Meanwhile, the kids and I were very busy with end-of-year shows, thank you parties, picnics and such. I rushed to finish the gift tote bags you see pictured for Siena's teacher, Ms. Britton. The students put their finger-and thumb-prints on the bags and I did my creative magic on it, with fabric paints and stencils. Then a potluck picnic for Siena's class and face-painting (which is very fun for me!). I then RUSHED off to fly to Las Vegas to join Rich, who was there on business, for a show (Spam-a-Lot), eating well, shopping and gambling in the Venetian hotel, and seeing a Picasso exhibit at the Bellagio. And, my favorite part, winning a great deal at blackjack! I love this game! The kids and I are now settling into our new leisure life since school ended Wednesday. I think we're going to do a lot of fun things this summer!
A few more pictures from LV
1.
Our room at the Venetian
2. Lobby of the Venetian
3. A shopping area inside Venetian
4. Good picture of Caeser's Palace
Our room at the Venetian 2. Lobby of the Venetian
3. A shopping area inside Venetian
4. Good picture of Caeser's Palace
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