Day One Hundred and Twenty-Five: True Southern Hospitality

Savannah is a beautiful old Southern town. I haven't yet had a lot of time to walk around (and I'm not sure that time will come), but fortunately, the area around our conference center is a sight for sore eyes.  The Savannah College of Art and Design is right across from our building. Apparently the school took an old depot or stable (or something along those lines) and converted it into their campus.  As a result, that old structure remains in fine working order.  During our lunch break today, I wandered over there an caught this scene for my picture of the day! Enjoy!

Day One Hundred and Twenty-Four: Leavin' on a Jet Plane

After packing all my things to head on my next trip (to Savannha, GA for another work conference), I made a last minute decision to bring both of my computers, meaning you get updates much earlier than expected.  (Why do I have to bring two computers, you ask?  I do all of my photo editing on one mac, but everything else on the other, so in order to keep up with the blog and with life, I needed both. Anyway...) My day today didn't really consist of much other than sitting in several different airports and planes.  Although both of our flights were delayed, we actually ended up in Savannah right on time.

I snapped this picture from the window seat of our flight from Kansas City to Atlanta.   I have to admit that I moved my camera from its position "securely fastened underneath the seat in front of" me before FAA regulations probably allowed, but I think capturing this scene was well worth it the accidents that may occur while we're taxing to the gate.  It illustrates the hustle and bustle of airports, people coming and going everywhere from the far east to the deep south.  

We're all flying for different reasons...some for business, some for pleasure, some as the result of unfortunate series of recent events.  Some are new fliers, and some are seasoned veterans.  Some are afraid of the swine flu, and some think VP Biden is just on crack.  Some get worried with every little bump, and some think turbulence is kinda fun.  I love airports and flying. I love speculating about why people are going the places they are going and, quite frankly, something about flying makes me feel special.  Buying a magazine feels more important, making sure a friend is always watching your luggage takes me to movie star level, and somehow even Starbucks tastes even better in the airport (who knew it was possible!?). I love to fly. :)

My flight "home" actually takes me on a detour to Minneapolis, but it's the last time I will be flying in the near future (as far as I know, anyway).  Until October, that is, when I'll be flying to D.C. to race in the Marine Corps Marathon! More on that soon...

Intermission

I am again venturing to the South (this time Savannah, Georgia) for a work conference.  We fly out this afternoon; I fly into Minneapolis to visit Pete's family late Thursday night and get to hang out with Ashley on Friday. (HOLLA!)  That being said, I won't be updating for a while.  Rest assured, I will still be taking pictures and will, a short time after I return, have a plethora of photos for you to check out!  Until then....

And yes, I will eat a Peach for you. :)

Day One Hundred and Twenty-Three: Watch for Falling Limbs

A walk through South Park (a park in Lawrence that is neither South nor full of boxy cartoon characters) is usually nice and relaxing.  It is not unusual to find families having picnics, games of ultimate frisbee or catch, concerts in the summer, kiddos splashing in the wading pool, college kids swinging and enjoying ice cream from one of the nearby shops, couples hand in hand, strolling along enjoying the weather and each other, or weddings taking place in the gazebo.  This site, however, is fairly unusual.

According to the kids sitting on the bench/ climbing the tree, the limb of this probably very old tree just snapped during the middle of the afternoon.  The winds were fairly calm today, no thunder or lightning. It just broke!  Although Pete and I were in the church right next door when the tree likely came down, we didn't hear anything because it was probably right about the time Scott was rocking out on the drums during the closing song.

The broken limb created a cool canopy and jungle gym for those of us in the park tonight.  Unfortunately, I suspect that this branch, along with the entire tree, will soon be removed from South Park, and along with it, part of Lawrence history.  The kids sitting on the bench pointed out a little light in the darkness, however: somehow the branch fell at just the right angle and narrowly avoided hitting the baby tree planted just across the sidewalk.  Coincidence?  I think not. :)

Day One Hundred and Twenty-Two (Part two): Tuba in the Rose Parade

As I was walking into my brother's basketball tournament today, a familiar sound caught my attention: a drumline.  Many of you know, and I have no qualms in admitting, that I was in marching band in high school.  The Ankeny Marching Hawks were and still are a quality program.  It may not be considered cool by society's standards, but we had a lot of fun, and actually knew what went on at band camp (not exactly what you think...)  Thus, when people make fun of the band, I try and fervently defend them.

As the time keepers of a large group of people, the drumline usually practices a lot more than the rest of the band, which is why they were playing in May when the marching band season isn't until August.  So chastise them if you will for spending time banging on the drum and wearing funny hats, but when they put Thriller on the field again in September and you feel those goosebumps along the back of your neck, you'll be biting your mouthpiece.

Jeff, I implore you to comment and add any insight that you may have about the Marching Jayhawks. :)

Day One Hundred and Twenty-Two (Part one): Ladies Man

Today, I was lucky enough to have two photo opportunities that I just can't get enough of.  So, lucky you, you get two sets of photos-of-the-day!  Here is part one! Enjoy!

This is Nicholas.

Nicholas likes to make funny faces....

... flirt with the ladies...

.

...and take long drinks from the drinking fountain.

But Nicholas will soon learn to be much stealthier in his water consumption because, although the ladies like boys who make funny faces, they don't like boys with wet pants. :)

Day One Hundred and Twenty-One: SWOOSH

There is no question that Lawrence is a basketball town. While I love my Jayhawks (see yesterday's post if you have any doubts), I've largely been able to keep myself from getting too wrapped up in the excitement most of the time (with the exception of the National Championship, of course...I don't think even the people most apathetic Kansans avoided nearly peeing their pants when the final buzzer rang.) I thoroughly enjoy watching Kansas Basketball and to trash talking with Mizzou fans about who is better, but no more than 5-10 minutes after the final shot is made, I'm back to focusing on whatever else I needs my attention. And I feel I've done a pretty job of not getting too attached to basketball in Lawrence over the past four years, despite the amazing things the Jayhawks have done.

Until today.

My brother's basketball tournament schedule FINALLY brings the All Iowa Attack to Lawrence this weekend. It's great to get to watch basketball, and then go home and sleep in my own bed. :) And just to have my family here is awesome. They haven't visited in a while and I like showing off "my" town. But when the ball is tipped off, I often become much like my two faced feline friend and change to the oober competitive Emily. Combine picture taking with basketball and you get a shot like this. This is my brother Ted, swooshing a free throw at his game tonight. If you could see the photographer of this picture, you would see a proud sister watching from above.

This weekend, much like a significant portion of my life in recent years, is going to be basketball filled. But I wouldn't really have it any other way.