we did it!

Saturday was the big race. I've been training with Alison Hanscom, Carolyn Smith and Angi Hansel for 3 months and it was awesome!
We did the last sprint triathlon (of 3) at Eagle Creek. We are already plotting next year and which race we'll do.
The swim completely threw me off. It was really hard swimming with all those people in the way :) I ended up doing a lot of breast stroke and side stroke...which I totally hadn't practiced. But still, I can't wait to do it again.

change is a comin'

We went to Maegan's "get to know you" school picnic today. Maegan starts Kindergarten September 2nd at Meridian Hills Kindergarten Co-op. I'm excited about being in a co-op because it's small, 3 days a week, and I get to be involved. At the same time I can tell things are about to get very busy. I will be in the classroom a few times a month, help with field trips, assit in Spanish class once a month, do the kindergarten newsletter, collect fun facts on the kids for the parents, take pictures at events, and more :)
We are also going to do swim & gym on Mondays because Maegan doesn't know how to swim yet.
I know this means I need to say no to other stuff I have going, but I'm not sure what yet. I guess I'll wait and see what balls start to drop and then make some decisions.

Olympics

The Olympics start this Friday and it is a very exciting time for China and all athletes around the world. I think some people are a little confused on why many human rights groups are not showing the same excitement. It's because of the host, China. In 2001, China was awarded this great opportunity and China signed an agreement saying they would work to remedy their many human rights issues. The way China has gone about this is to imprison potential Chinese protesters and to refuse visas to human right activists. This isn't what the Olympic committee had in mind.
Just one example from this week, Joey Cheeks, an Olympic speed skater, was refused a visa by China because he formed a group of Olympians who are speaking up for Darfur.
I'm not boycotting the Olympics events, but I am not going to watch the opening ceremonies and I'm going to switch off the commercials. Corporate sponsors (like Coke, GE, and Swatch) were asked to plead with China to pressure the Sudanese government to let peacekeepers in Darfur. The corporate sponsors declined to say anything. So, if you want to join me, all you have to do is switch the channel during commercials. You can instead choose to watch live coverage from a refugee camp in Darfur via www.darfurolympics.org
Here are a few facts about China's role in human rights issues:

1. According to a U.N. data bank, China is responsible for providing 90 percent of Sudan's small arms between 2004 and 2006.
2. Through its state-owned companies, China controls almost all of Sudan's oil potential, the report said.
2. As "the supplier of last resort for dictators and human rights abusers," China is also a major weapons exporter to Zimbabwe, Myanmar and rebel groups in Congo, the report said.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Friday was Doug's birthday and we celebrated it at the IMA's "Summer Nights" outdoor movie. This is another "must do" in Indy. At 6pm you can arrive to grab a nice spot on the grassy amphitheatre. The movie doesn't start until dusk (so around 9:30), but you have to get there early to get a nice spot. It's kind of like Symphony on Prairie, people set up all sorts of nice spreads and nice smelling candles. Our picnic started with Cherry Wheat brew, then we played a few hands of 2 person Spades, then we relaxed, ate a piece of chicken, had some Cherry Wheat, ate some fruit, nibbled some friendship bread, had some Cherry Wheat.....
Thankfully a jazz band played from 7:30-8:30. When they stopped at 8:30 we got well adjusted and ready for the movie. Then the jazz band (that played Nirvana) announced the movie would probably start around 9:30....and they were heading to another gig. 9:30!!! We have a babysitter, we can't be out all night!
We quite enjoyed the Hitchcock thriller "Strangers on a Train" and forgot about the long wait.
So, I recommend you go, just don't get there too early or too late :)

Trader's Point Creamery

I discovered this hidden treasure 4 years ago when my friend decided she wanted to try organic milk with her daughter (who was having some allergy issues). Now every summer and fall I enjoy taking the kids to freely roam this fantastic farm.
The organic creamery is located just north of 86th and Moore Road. If you take Moore road from Lafayette road you feel like you've been escorted out of the city into a most beautiful country setting. The creamery is great for kids because they can go wherever they like and even try to catch a chicken.
I love the plain yogurt. It is European and lovely. It reminds me of what I used to drink in Bosnia. Here are few pictures of our most recent outing with my nephew and niece.