the globe rover

Nairobi, Kenya

One of our adventures in Nairobi was to visit The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which was started by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband. The trust houses orphaned elephants that are found all over Africa for various reasons including losing their mothers, falling down wells and other manholes, or due to attacks by other animals.

On the way into the center there was a monkey sitting on top of the entrance sign. We were lucky enough to see several groups of monkeys (two varieties) wandering around the grounds. That mad my day already!

The day we visited there were 21 orphans at the center that we saw in two groups (first group was 9 orphans from 3 to 13 months and the second group was 10 orphans from 8 to 22 months). They live at the center for three years before being reintroduced to the wild. The youngest elephant we saw was Olkej (three months). We also saw another elephant that was attacked by hyenas and lost it’s tail and part of it’s ear. They are all very playful and love getting their milk by bottle and then rolling around in the mud. The keepers sleep with the orphans (in the wild they are kept warm at night by all the adults surrounding them) and feed them every three hours with human baby formula milk (cows milk is too fatty).

We were also lucky enough (sad though) to see a baby black rhino that had been orphaned and was living at the center. The other residents of the center are a group of warthogs that roam around and splash through the mud when the elephants are done.

Great experience and neat to see the little elephants up close and in person - inspiring organization!

Nairobi, Kenya

We have been extremely busy for our first few days imersing ourselves in the local culture. Our experiences so far  have included church service at the local orphanage for aids kids (Nymboni) which was uplifting and thought provoking (picture five foreigners/mzungus with local kids on our laps throughout the service - it was great), a visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Centre where they rehabilitate orphaned elephants (and we were lucky enough to see different monkeys running around), a tour through Karen Blixens house and plantation and trips to local grocery stores and markets. It’s all been amazing and truly a unique experience. More details to come soon (with some photos)…

Denver, CO

stayed tuned for the adventure!

Denver, CO

ABC.com news story:

“EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Employees Claim ‘Horrific’ Treatment of Primates at Lab”

Denver, CO

Denver, CO

Historical day in the United States of America. Change has definitely come!

44th President of the USA - President Barack Obama

Denver, CO

Anyone who has watched the news todayknows about the amazing story of the crash of the US Airways flight today (story here). What an incredible story of smart thinking by a great pilot (here’s to Sully!), coordinated effort by a flight crew, and a cabin full of people pulling together to try and stay calm and do what was required to get out of a potentially tragic situation. Truly an amazing story of smart decisions and some protective guidance avoiding what could have been a horrific tragedy.

Kudos to Sully and everyone else on US Airways flight 1549.

Denver, CO

I am devastated that two of the kiddos that I follow from the cancer community earned their wings this week.

Coleman Larson was five vibrant years old and fought an amazing battle against Medulloblastoma for the last two plus years. Coleman was an amazing and very wise little boy filled with the spirit of life and faith unknown to many adults. Although I never met him, I have learned numerous lessons from him and his family. I have laughed and cried through their journey since I’ve been following them for the last year. Coleman leaves behind an amazing family - a very wise and devoted mother, Peggy;  a very caring and dear father, Scott; and a loveable and dedicated twin brother, Caden. I am heartbroken with this loss and amazed and so very thankful at the impact this little five year old has had on me.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott

 

Trooper Dante was a two-year old fighter that has been battling Neuroblastoma. He is an amazing little guy and has had the spirit and determination to keep fighting and making everyone around him smile. He is also leaving behind a brother, sister, and wonderful parents. And again, although I have never met Dante, his smile will be engraved in my memory forever.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TrooperDante

 

My desire to help fight Childhood Cancer only grows stronger. These kids shouldn’t have to fight. They deserve more… an opportunity to grow and learn and experience life. I have learned so much from these guys and their parents.

Please help… go to Cure Search or People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2). These groups are doing a great job but more help is always needed (childhood cancer is still way underfunded).

If there is any silver lining, it is that both these little boys have an amazing group of angels waiting in heaven to take them under their wing and show them the ropes.

My heart and prayers are with Coleman and Dante’s families.

Denver, CO

No matter which side of the vote you were on, if you’re an American, one thing is for sure…change is in the air and on the way for the US.

History has been made.

Denver, CO

St. Judes and Coors Light have teamed up for a great Halloween promotion - you can find pinups at your local restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail outlets (like local wine/beer stores). Simply make any donation you want and you’ve helped a great cause. Check out St. Jude’s site here and Coors Light’s site here (you can make donations online as well at St. Jude’s site).

Here’s to helping the amazing kiddos with cancer at Halloween and helping to find a cure!

Denver, CO

Two unusual events happened last night. The first, I ate dinner at Chili’s - not a place that I normally eat at (nothing other than I’m not a fan of most chain restaurants). But yesterday was a special day as they were donating a portion of their proceeds from the day to St. Judes (for childhood cancer research). That’s my cause and I was happy to support it. Funny blond moment on the way - I accidentally went to Applebees (like I said, I don’t eat at “those” restaurants often). Needless to say, I got back to the pick-up area where they asked my name and looked at each other and said “you must have ordered from that ‘other’ restaurant”. They were not real happy but I told them my money was going to Chili’s for the cause. The best part of the dinner was that Chili’s was packed - that means more money for the kiddos!

My second big event yesterday was that last night was the first time I’ve slept in a house that I own :). Big day for me! Especially if you consider that the house is not finished and luckily has a toilet and sink albeit no hot water and no shower. It was an adventure though with no doors on the interior and listening to the different creaks throughout the night. It was nice though to think I’m finally not paying rent anymore.

Today is the last day of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. I’d like to think that great strides were made although I saw very little evidence of the “awareness”. I wore my gold ribbon pin all month and only one person asked me what it was for. That was a little disappointing but it is a start. Hopefully, each day and each month will bring more awareness.

Here’s to all the little kiddos out there fighting their battles (and of course all the angels watching over them)…

Denver, COI’d like to tell you about a project I saw on Members Project. It’s called “Project Brain Child,” and with your support it could get funding from American Express. American Express Cardmembers can vote for this project to receive potential funding by going to Project Brain ChildMembers Project is an exciting initiative that brings people together to make a difference in the world. It’s simple. People go online to share ideas for projects — and ultimately vote on which projects will share $2.5 million in funding from American Express.In 2007, Members Project provided clean drinking water to children all across Africa. What will Members Project do this year? The decision is yours. Please get out the vote about this project.Show Your Support
membersproject.com

Denver, CO

It is the one month a year designated to help bring more awareness to a terrible tragedy in our world - childhood cancer. There is so much we can do to work towards a cure. Please take the time to read about childhood cancer (the numbers are astounding). Cure Search is an organization dedicated to the cause. Read about Cure Search and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month here.

I’d also like to encourage everyone to sign the petition that I mentioned in an earlier post to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. The petition was started by a very dedicated father who lost is son to cancer earlier this year. Most people are unaware (as I was until recently) that a lot of the cancer organizations dedicate minimal funding to childhood cancer although it has such a large impact. I was shocked to discover that the American Cancer Society only dedicates 3% of their funding to childhood cancer. Needless to say, there is much work ahead to increase awareness. But we can start today!

Three of the major networks ran a special on Friday night called “Stand Up 2 Cancer” (you can watch the show here on NBC). Although it is a good start, there is still very little focus on childhood cancer.

We need your help.
Sign the petition.
Learn about childhood cancer.
Spread the word.
Increase awareness.
Too many beautiful children are suffering and becoming angels before they even get to grow up.

Please help us work toward the cure.

Denver, CO

To my faithful (three ) readers out there, thank you for the notes asking where I’ve been. There have been plenty of thoughts and adventures to share. But (lack of) time has been the factor. It must be something about trying to work full time, move out of one house, store my stuff in another, and move temporarily into a third (thank you my gracious friend) - this all while managing a complete renovation at not one, but two homes. Needless to say, that sums up my life. The renovation progress is coming along and I have learned a ton (and have a pretty phat set of tools these days). More on the renovations in another post (and all the adventures that has brought so far). But it leaves little time for much else…

I will do better to keep the globe rover following updated. And thanks for being interested!

Denver, CO

pas·sion [pash-uhn]
-noun
Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.

I am not much of a fan of the political parties for a lot of reasons (different topic for a different day). But as a citizen I do believe it is my duty to pay attention and learn about our candidates so that I can make an educated decision when I vote in November.

With both the two major political conventions held in the last couple of weeks, I have had plenty of opportunity to listen, observe, and learn. One thing I do love is the passion behind the parties. And especially seeing people of all ages and races stand up for what they believe in. That passion can and does make a difference (in both positive and negative ways although my focus here is the positive). It is uplifting to see the passion behind the parties and the number of citizens displaying their belief in different values or platforms (I observed this firsthand in Denver). Passion shows interest and involvement. Perhaps we need more of this in our country.

So as much as this season of political battles might cause a bit of unrest for me, I am so pleased to see the passion that the people have for their candidates. That belief exemplifies hope which is what we need for a better future. I believe that if you don’t put a stake in the ground and make a decision to support one candidate or the other (i.e. vote), how can you justify having an opinion on what happens in the future of the country?

Cheers to my fellow Americans that have a passion and believe in something!

Denver, CO

This past Friday I participated in the second annual Wash Park Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. It was a great event and I am so glad that I was able to participate.

First, a note to my family and friends (and you know who you are) - thank you, thank you, thank you! Thanks to the generosity of my family and friends (and in a quick week and a half time period) I was the top individual fund raiser. I literally was brought to tears every time I opened my “progress” page and saw the number of you who donated. Thank you again for supporting both the American Cancer Society and me. I am moved by your generosity and giving spirit.

A little about the event…

The walk is an overnight walk where teams of participants keep someone walking around the park all night from the opening ceremonies at 7 pm on Friday until the closing ceremonies at 8 am on Saturday. The opening began with a researcher speaking personally and professionally regarding the benefits of basic research and the impact on cancer. Then the survivors took a lap around the park which was very moving. Amazing to see so many survivors representing the dreadful “C” disease.

Throughout the night there were great events planned such as luminaries that were placed around the entire track in honor of survivors and in memory of angels; bands; dancers; movies; volleyball; backward lap; fancy hat lap; Miss Relay (for guys) lap collecting money in their handbags; and numerous other events that made the event enjoyable and entertaining. Every team had tents set up in the infield (some simple and some pretty decked out) - there were all kinds of fun stuff like baby pools and corn hole (the game) set up. There was also a DJ that played during the entire event - kudos to him for his energy!

The relay concluded with a Dove release in honor and in memory of all the victims of cancer. It was very special to see the doves fly and circle around the track commemorating so many amazing people.

I can’t wait to get involved in next year’s event and only hope that it will continue to grow!

Denver, CO

A big first and goal long time coming was accomplished yesterday - I purchased my first house! The process was quite an adventure but made so much more manageable thanks to my wonderful agent, Emily (thank you Emily - you are the best!).

I have a ton of work ahead - the house is both units in a duplex that needs complete renovation. The house is in my favorite neighborhood, Wash Park, and on a great block. I am looking forward to going over there today and opening the door to my new house with my own set of keys!

Renovations here I come!

Denver, CO

Weekend before last brought a new BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) for me which was the MS 150 (Great-West Life Bike MS), a 150 mile bike ride over two days. I signed up on a whim through the company I am consulting with (North Highland) and had no idea what I was getting into especially since I am new to road biking. But I managed to convince a couple of friends to join me on the adventure - thanks Jim and Kathy!

Honestly, I didn’t do so well with the training. I managed about four Saturday rides (20, 30, 40, and 60 miles respectively) and one or two short rides in between. So I had no idea what I was getting myself into with 73 miles on Saturday and 77 miles on Sunday through the foothills of Colorado.

The ride started in Westminster, CO and ended in Ft. Collins, CO taking roads other than the expressway. We started in suburbia and winded through some neighborhoods and ended up in the foothills with beautiful views of the mountains. It was truly a beautiful route (despite my pain).

Day One was long but manageable. After a long climb up horsetooth canyon, we coasted down and ended in Ft. Collins. We had a tent waiting for us with a Caribbean theme - jerk chicken, rice and beans, fruit, chips, mojitos, etc. It was a great way to end the day. But we made a short night of it managing to shower and come back into old town for dinner before going to bed early.

Day Two started at 4:15 am again in time to get to the start and get our bikes, some breakfast, air in the tires, and get on our way. For me, day two was extremely tough. I had not done any back to back riding which meant I had one sore rear. We started with an uphill climb (up horsetooth canyon). At about mile 15 I began to feel nauseous which lasted for the next 15 miles. Needless to say, I was much slower and thinking about how good the SAG wagon looked (for those of you that aren’t familiar - it’s the van that picks up those that are “saggin’” behind and need a ride). But I persevered and somehow managed to find my second wind. The next 30 miles were pretty good and I managed to make up some time and paced pretty well. There were six rest stops on day two - each one a welcome break. They were great and set up with plenty of food and drinks, and some even had bands.

The event is amazingly well organized and North Highland did a great job with our small team. Overall, this is one of the best sporting events I have ever participated in. It was much harder than I anticipated and I do not recommend doing it without proper training. But I am so glad that I did it and am glad to be helping such a worthy cause (National Multiple Sclerosis).

Mission accomplished until the next BHAG!

Denver, CO

From HarperCollins

In this eagerly awaited new novel, Lionel Shriver, the Orange Prize-winning author of the international bestseller We Need to Talk About Kevin, delivers an imaginative and entertaining look at the implications, large and small, of whom we choose to love. Using a playful parallel-universe structure, The Post-Birthday World follows one woman’s future as it unfolds under the influence of two drastically different men.

Children’s book illustrator Irina McGovern enjoys a quiet and settled life in London with her partner, fellow American expatriate Lawrence Trainer, a smart, loyal, disciplined intellectual at a prestigious think tank. To their small circle of friends, their relationship is rock solid. Until the night Irina unaccountably finds herself dying to kiss another man: their old friend from South London, the stylish, extravagant, passionate top-ranking snooker player Ramsey Acton. The decision to give in to temptation will have consequences for her career, her relationships with family and friends, and perhaps most importantly the texture of her daily life.

Hinging on a single kiss, this enchanting work of fiction depicts Irina’s alternating futures with two men temperamentally worlds apart yet equally honorable. With which true love Irina is better off is neither obvious nor easy to determine, but Shriver’s exploration of the two destinies is memorable and gripping. Poignant and deeply honest, written with the subtlety and wit that are the hallmarks of Shriver’s work, The Post-Birthday World appeals to the what-if in us all.

When I first started reading this book I was frustrated with Irina “straying” from what appeared to be a strong relationship. But after the first chapter I realized the book was more complicated than that simple storyline. The premise of the story is what the different outcomes could possibly be by the choices we make. And that premise is not uncovered until deep into the story.

The two stories center around Irina who is “married” (although not officially) to Lawrence who is stable and rather boring. They are friends with Ramsey who is a famous Snooker player in London. In one story, Irina chooses to leave Lawrence and ensues the life of the Snooker player’s wife. In the second story, Irina stays with Lawrence but faces trials and tribulations and eventually her “husband” leaving her.

Both stories amazingly follow the same themes and timing (each chapter has two versions). Both lead to Irina writing a children’s book and being nominated for the top award. In one she wins, in one she loses. Both stories lead to Ramsey making the Snooker championship (again). In one he wins, in one he loses. The book is brilliantly written - in the first few chapters I wanted to skip along and stay with one story to find out what was going to happen next. But then I settled in and read one version then the other.

The most facsinating thing about the book is the last chapter. It is the same for both stories. Amazing! A brilliant creation of our choices, the consequences and rewards, and outcomes. One morale of the story is that when we make choices, they are not always wrong or right; yet they lead us on different paths to potentially the same place.

Very enjoyable and thought provoking book.

Book club selection.

Denver, CO

From Publishers Weekly

This fourth effort from British writer Winterson ( Sexing the Cherry ) is a high-concept erotic novelette, a Vox for the postmarital crowd. The narrator, a lifelong philanderer (”I used to think marriage was a plate-glass window just begging for a brick”), has fallen in love with Louise, a pre-Raphaelite beauty. Louise is unhappily married to a workaholic cancer researcher, so the narrator leads her into a sexually combative affair. This scenario seems obvious enough, but Winterson never reveals whether the narrator is male or female. Rather, she teases readers out of their expectations about women and men and romance: Louise calls the narrator “the most beautiful creature male or female that I have ever seen,” and the narrator observes, “I thought difference was rated to be the largest part of sexual attraction but there are so many things about us that are the same.” When the narrator breaks off the affair after learning that Louise has cancer–only her husband can cure her–the work turns into a eulogy for lost love. Winterson manipulates gender expertly here, but her real achievement is her manipulation of genre : the capacious first-person narration, now addressed to the reader, now to the lover, enfolds aphorisms, meditations on extracts from an anatomy textbook, and essayistic riffs on science, virtual reality and the art of fiction (”I don’t want to reproduce, I want to create something entirely new”). “It’s as if Louise never existed,” the narrator observes, “like a character in a book. Did I invent her?” One wonders, as Winterson intends, and then wonders some more. For Louise–and the narrator’s love for her–never seems quite real; in this cold-hearted novel love itself, however eloquently expressed, is finally nothing more than a product of the imagination.

This book was interesting and different from most books that I read (although I read a lot of different types!). The writer never reveals whether the main character is male or female and at times has the reader wondering. The story follows the narrator through their adult life of relationships (from failed relationship to the next wacky sex driven relationship). Until they meet Louise who changes the narrators life.

Louise was married at the time to someone with whom she did not have a good relationship. And through the trials of the narrator wanting to ensure that the love is real and not an infatuation that will die with commitment, they make Louise not leave her husband. But that eventually changes and once Louise leaves, the husband comes to find the narrator to tell them that if they let Louise stay, she will die given that she has cancer and needs special care.

The remainder of the story is how the love unfolds and the decisions that are made that impact them both. This book is an easy and moderately entertaining.

Book club selection.