Happy Father's Day, Dad and Grandpa

I am so very blessed to have two incredibly strong and admirable men in my life.

Dad, you are so supportive of me in so many ways. Thank you for all the opportunities you have given me.

You are an amazing father.





And a wonderful grandfather.



Grandpa,
Your strength and love have and will have a lasting effect through the generations.
You have proved that as a father.



Grandfather



and great grandfather



The above is a photo of my grandparents at Shane and Sören's T-ball game back when they were about four. They have been to almost every game since.

My Mother

Before I can get to my Father's Day posting I must first recognize my mother who has given me so much and sacrificed so much for me. I love you so very dearly, mom.

Found a place to live! Now just have to find a job. One step at a time, right?

I am sorry I have not been updating my blog much lately. Since I last updated I have moved back from Egypt, spent some time in California with the family and moved to Washington DC (yesterday). I don't have a place to live or a job, but I start Arabic classes at Johns Hopkins SAIS on Monday. I will try to post some picture, especially one of the Lincoln Memorial specifically for Shane.

Let it Snow!
I am a California girl, and therefore am quite unaccustomed to snow, but I must admit, it was pretty amazing to wake up to this this morning.

Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simble and more!
My thanksgiving break was spent seeing the wonders of Ancient Egypt. It was beautiful and the temperature was just right, though a little on the warm side. I got to see so much and take a Nile cruise. I must say though, I am glad to check all those temples and tombs off my to-see list.


pictures above and below are taken at the Karnak Temple. It is incredibly huge!


Below was taken at Abu Simble. It is only slightly disappointing when the guide tells you that the mountain is actually tin with rock facade, and that the giant Ramses were cut up into thousands of pieces and reassembled on higher ground when the Aswan high Dam was build and flooded the original island it was one.
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Friend Rebecca and I.

I think this was at the temple of Philae.

Reflections
Tomorrow is my 3 month anniversary of being here in Cairo. It seems like a lot longer. Here are some things I have learned
1)When crossing the street stand right next to an Egyptian and walk when they walk (Walk like an Egyptian?)
2) Always keep a 50 yard stare when walking down the street. Its easier to ignore numerous "Welcome to Egypt" comments in heavily accented english when you don't make eye contact.
3) Never expect that the one thing you want on the menu they actually have or are willing to make for you.
4) Push your way to the front of lines, otherwise you will forever be at the back. (Cut like an Egyptian?)

I've been trying to come up with positive reflections...hopefully I will come up with some next semester.

Traveling and living in a new country always challenges a person to try new things. Here are some of the very small quotidian things to everyone else that I am just starting to try here.
1) I now eat bananas. I used to hate the texture and therefore refused to eat them, but since they come with breakfast every morning I forced my self to start eating them as the one fruit I get a day, and now I am actually starting to like them. The same is not the case with hard boiled eggs. I have tried to eat them on many occasions and still cannot stomach them.
2) I drink water from the tap now. Granted not the real tap, but the filtered water fountains they have on campus. Those of you who know me well know that I normally prefer bottles water, especially Dasani, but the Dasani here tastes funny.
3) I tried a McDonald's apple pie for the first time two weeks ago. It was ok. I'm not hooked or anything. Its kind of funny that I waited until I was in Egypt to try a McDonald's apple pie, but like I said...trying new things. All the Americans here say that the apple pies are better abroad because they are deep fried, I think I might like the baked ones better in the states.