A Parade Service Project

Kathleen asked us a while back if we could help her with this parade a while back.  She was doing it with her foster agency/company so I am considering this a service project.  

My kids wanted to wear costumes but the 100 degree heat index made them pair them down, although i think jones looks a little like spanky from little rascals.  Her companies theme was Bubbles and that seemed to work well my kids handed out candy and shot parade goers with bubble guns, while i pulled them in the wagon.  By the end of the parade however we were drenched in sweat so we didn’t even check out the festival.  

We also got to hit up the museum while in town and see super hero exhibit and hot wheels one.  My kids continue to be in love with the outside part especially tennis so we also hit that up.  And we spent the night at auntie Kathleen’s so that was something to cross off the bucket list. 

Movies to See & Black Swan

So I have a list of movies to see in my phone seeing as it's movie award season and which I love almost as much as I love going to the movies.  It's also the weekend for Sundance - which is on my bucket list.  Anyhow my list looks something like this...

Movies to See: 

• The Social Network 
• Blue Valentine
• The Town
• Greensburg
• Kings Speech
• Black Swan
• I am Love
• No Strings Attached
• 127 Days
• Country Strong
• Somewhere
• The Way Back

I am crossing them off one by one.  Today I went to see Blue Valentine, but it wasn't really playing even though the internet said it was so instead we saw Black Swan.  It was good... I want to say really good but I think CRAZY good would be more appropriate.  It surprisingly was NOT anything like I thought it was going to be, some of the scenes were over the top and some were even vulgar (I'm so glad that I didn't take mom to see this last weekend).  I thought it was supposed to be a scary movie but I think it's more of a dark movie not necessarily scary although some scenes you find yourself wanting to look away but at the same time not.  Anyhow if don't mind vulgar you should check it out - I totally see Natalie Portman winning the oscar for her performance. 

Anyhow I'm thinking that I just might have to go to the movies everyday this week so I can get more of these movies crossed off - not really sure if that's doable or if I will do this but I'm thinking about it.

Head of the Charles 2010 - Crossing Something off the Bucket List

From the very first time I came to Boston and the rowers were out on the Charles - I have been drawn to Memorial Drive to sit and watch them row - I also am fascinated with the sailing on up the river but that is another story for another time.  And I also love ferry boats, and clipper ships, kayaks and tug boats (notice how I leave out canoes).  Perhaps I was supposed to be a boat captain not an IT consultant??? 

Anyhow I divert.

When I learned of the Head of the Charles this super big regatta that happens in Boston every year I instantly knew I wanted to go.  So I actually wrote this in on my 100 things to do before I die list (which is also another post for another day).  The last few years I wasn't able to go but NOT this year.  This year I made it happen - CHECK! 

And it was fun, and I was just content to sit and watch the rowers, even though I didn't know anyone in the race, and I didn't even know the rules - but I learned a little met some new people and really enjoyed myself.  Dawn sorry you and Travis didn't get to come too. For the record my picture are horrible because the sun was either too bright or gone.  I should have come earlier in the day.

Just one rower is called a sculler

 more sculling

 In events as large as the head of the charles - everyone doesn't start together - it's a timed event where they start in heats, and the best time will win.  I love seeing the rowers and the brick of Harvard in the background lovely.

 The big boats have a extra person in the boat who navigates and encourages the rowers - I have already forgot what Tara and Dave told me they call that person.  (Usually this person is hidden in the front of the boat)

 Nice Sock boys

 Once you complete the race you turn your boat around and go back on the other side of the river.  I saw these lumberjacks returning don't they have a cool uniform?

 Girls row too.

 They go under the bridges (I also like bridges)

Anyhow it was a awesome day for rowing, an awesome day for watching not to hot, not to cold - just right. Until next time.