Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! There have been so many things going on since the last post…so many things! But, it was good to get out there and live life for a few weeks. Ready to recap…and GO!
Remember that time I told you about taco night at our house -- simple recipes that are filling and fun -- we decided to welcome some friends to taco night in early December to help everyone to unwind before thesis reviews and then those hustlin' and bustlin' holiday weeks ahead. It doesn't take much to get taco night together and you can just lay it out there as a colorful array of toppings and sauces for everyone to have at. Make a quick grocery run, pick out some new things to try -- we added a pre-made avocado spread and polenta to our buffet -- simmer ground beef with taco seasoning and boil up rice for the side. And there you have it, taco night. Fortunately, our taco night turned into a slideshow of pictures from recent adventures. It was a blast and we highly recommend the next time a dinner party slows down or you are looking for something to do, plug phones into your tv and start going through pictures. It's interesting to see what others capture in their everyday lives.
Remember that time I told you about taco night at our house -- simple recipes that are filling and fun -- we decided to welcome some friends to taco night in early December to help everyone to unwind before thesis reviews and then those hustlin' and bustlin' holiday weeks ahead. It doesn't take much to get taco night together and you can just lay it out there as a colorful array of toppings and sauces for everyone to have at. Make a quick grocery run, pick out some new things to try -- we added a pre-made avocado spread and polenta to our buffet -- simmer ground beef with taco seasoning and boil up rice for the side. And there you have it, taco night. Fortunately, our taco night turned into a slideshow of pictures from recent adventures. It was a blast and we highly recommend the next time a dinner party slows down or you are looking for something to do, plug phones into your tv and start going through pictures. It's interesting to see what others capture in their everyday lives.
Whew…so that was taco night. Then came the charrette with the scouts. And when I was expecting tables with ten 11-year-olds rotating through 30-minute stations, I found myself in a lecture hall situation with twenty 8-year-olds. On top of that, I was sharing the lecture hall and had to battle with the anthropology station. These girls looked like deer caught in the headlights with twenty-something women yelling at them about various professions. But, that didn't stop them from getting creative. Many of the girls embraced the idea of using both words and images to describe the space they would like to have their Girl Scout meetings. I was definitely surprised by the number of hot tubs that girls included, but overall they were interested in comfortable spaces that would allow them to hang out with other girls and work on projects, watch movies, and play games.
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The girls were great sports and came away from the station with a different perspective on space. They were able to think about how their environment affects their abilities to participate in different activities. This lesson was learned through conversation about their current meeting spaces and even the recognition that we were in a less than optimal space for the activity they were doing with me.
And the charrette was a mere week before my review. Having barely digested the findings from the charrette, I set out to create a comprehensive presentation of my thesis research and design to date. I decided to present using Prezi, an online tool for creating the anti-PowerPoint presentation. This would allow me to move sequentially through my process and ideas for both my continued research and site development. I supplemented my Prezi with a few printouts for the jurors to reference while I presented. Although the week was long, I finished on Thursday night so that I could spend Friday rehearsing my presentation. Michael made me practice several times on Friday evening, against my wishes, but because he really does know best. And I am glad I did because my nerves had the best of me all Saturday morning, but were not found in my voice when I got up to talk in the early afternoon.
And the charrette was a mere week before my review. Having barely digested the findings from the charrette, I set out to create a comprehensive presentation of my thesis research and design to date. I decided to present using Prezi, an online tool for creating the anti-PowerPoint presentation. This would allow me to move sequentially through my process and ideas for both my continued research and site development. I supplemented my Prezi with a few printouts for the jurors to reference while I presented. Although the week was long, I finished on Thursday night so that I could spend Friday rehearsing my presentation. Michael made me practice several times on Friday evening, against my wishes, but because he really does know best. And I am glad I did because my nerves had the best of me all Saturday morning, but were not found in my voice when I got up to talk in the early afternoon.
When the presentation was over, it was officially Christmas, in my world, anyway. I am fortunate to have spent the last few weeks focusing on planning holiday parties, wrapping presents, enjoying my friends and family, all the things I find most relaxing.
December was a whirlwind, but helped me to recognize how much I appreciate writing this blog and sharing with you! I hope that you will join me in the New Year as I embark on the many adventures that 2013 will bring. Stay tuned for ideas on what to do with those overripe bananas you find upon returning from holiday ventures, how to put a new spin on meatballs, and creating family traditions as a young married couple.
December was a whirlwind, but helped me to recognize how much I appreciate writing this blog and sharing with you! I hope that you will join me in the New Year as I embark on the many adventures that 2013 will bring. Stay tuned for ideas on what to do with those overripe bananas you find upon returning from holiday ventures, how to put a new spin on meatballs, and creating family traditions as a young married couple.
