California Party

So a few weeks ago a friend threw a California party for everyone in our office who has moved out to Madison form California. Believe it or not, there's about 10-15 of us (or more).

Everyone was asked to bring a California dish. Any guesses as to what showed up?

We had, tacos, guacamole, some sort of tri tip/bean dip thing, artichokes, strawberry pie, a sushi casserole dish, salsa, and a few other things I'm forgetting now. But it is kind of interesting how there are some distinctive California flavors (mainly on the Mexican side).

The other funny thing to me was the conversation. At one point someone was talking about a friend who owns a winery and who was building a wine cave....and that seemed like a totally normal conversation. But one that you'd never hear anyone else in Wisconsin talk about.

Media Monday: Training

Who Needs Training? from InterVarsity twentyonehundred on Vimeo.

This by far has got to be one of my most favorite video's that Twentyonehundred has ever produced. And my respect for Mr. Bessnecker has only risen.

Hay Ride

So there is this scene in Ann of Green Gables (the movie) where Ann goes with Diana's family to a winter party. They of course travel to the party in a sleigh across beautiful fresh snow and I've always thought that was such a romantic idea.

I have yet to try a sleigh ride in the snow, but this past weekend at a church retreat, we went on a hay ride at 8:00 at night around the conference center. It's probably the closest I'll come to a sleigh ride in the snow. And I've decided it's way to cold. I don't know how anyone survived rides in the winter like that. I'm sure even bundled up it was down right freezing. It makes me very thankful for cars with heaters.

Snow

We finally pulled out the snow shovel and ice scraper today. Not sure if we'll really need it...but they are predicting snow in the forecast for tomorrow night.

Next on the list is to re-discover where we stored our air conditioner covers. We stashed them in some closet probably in some box that made sense at the time. But since we can't find them in our winter gear box, odds and end box, or in the junk drawer...I'm beginning to question my sanity.

Still haven't turned on the heater yet. Our apartment's been holding steady at 70 degrees. We'll see how long that lasts.

What's Better than a Pumpking Spice Latte?

A Starbucks Peppermint Mocha.

I just got an email saying that the holiday drinks are now out. I'm a little sad that they have them out before Thanksgiving. In fact when it comes to the whole holiday season, I feel like Thanksgiving kind of get's the raw end of the deal.

However, I might be able to handle the commercilism with a peppermint mocha in hand.

Hmmmm...I feel like I'm contradicting myself.

Either way, what's amusing to me is that I actually connect peppermint mocha's with InterVarsity conferences. They were often a slice of sanity amongst the chaos and hectic schedule. This might be the first year (in at least 5 or 6 years) I don't have a conference to be at...I wonder if that will taint my peppermint mocha experience at all.

I guess I'm willing to chance it.