In the life of DREW

the calm before the outage

2012-01-26T00:06:00.002-06:00

I sit thinking about walking back into work in the morning. I have a lot of mixed feelings... hope I don't spill anything! I'm happy to be back making money, yet sad to have to be working to do so. I keep telling myself "This is all for China!" and "I can do anything for 35 days." It's going to be fine. I just hope this outage I can be a little nicer to others around me when I'm feeling dead tired.

Well here we go again!

insane courage

2012-01-10T14:02:00.005-06:00

Benjamin: You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.

On Sunday I watched We Bought a Zoo and I'm still thinking about it today. It's that quote that won't leave my head.

I know there are times in my life when I've had that kind of courage. I joined a different religion that my family shunned and years later had the bravery to leave it when I realized it didn't fit my lifestyle. I've taken a trip down under to Australia when all my other friends bailed. It was an experience of a lifetime, one I'll never forget. I've said yes and trusted things will work out [as they so often do with time] and had some amazing opportunities, met some really great people and learned a thing or two along the way. It's amazing how courage can move mountains!

Tell me a time you've had such insane bravery in your life.

new year's eve toast & promise

2012-01-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

Before I pop the champagne and celebrate the New Year, I'd like to stop and reflect on the year that has gone by. To remember both our triumphs and our missteps - our promises made, and broken. The times we opened ourselves up to great adventures - or closed ourselves down, for fear of getting hurt. Because that's what New Year's is all about: getting another chance. A chance to forgive, to do better, to do more, to give more, to love more. And stop worrying about 'what if' and start embracing what would be. So when that ball drops at midnight - and it will drop - let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other. And not just tonight but all year long.

I now share with you, my faithful readers. As God is my witness I DREW will be in Times Square on January 1, 2015 to ring in the new year!

mail call... holiday cards

2012-01-03T23:40:00.006-06:00

I never bother getting the mail most days of the year, until December 1st comes around. Then it's the first things on my mind when returning home. My mailbox is frequently jammed full of holiday greetings.

Such fan mail has always been well received. I myself have been known to send out a holiday card with a form letter each year to not just close friends and family but anyone who willingly gives me their address. It's pretty easy to make my list; however, a little harder to stay on it. Rule #1: Unless you're old and gray and don't get out much you must return the kindness and either send me one back or at the very least acknowledge that you've been sent one. After two attempts on my end and none on yours you're off the list!

This year I received a couple [2] electronic greeting. Though cost effective, and very green... not the same thing! I LIKE GETTING MAIL.

Today more than two billion Christmas cards are exchanged annually, just within the United States. Christmas is the number one card-selling holiday of the year.

My question is why on January 3rd, 2012 am I still getting them? Is it poor planning on behalf of the sender, or is it the U.S. postal service? Either way I'm liking it!

my wish list

2011-12-24T06:37:00.003-06:00

When asked the other day by my four year old niece, what I wanted for Christmas I started thinking....

My standby answer for years has been WORLD PEACE; however, this year for my birthday I got just that. So I've made a list.

Artwork Created By 4 Year Olds
ChapStick
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Black Socks
Mittens
Gum
Hollister Giftcard
New Gym Shoes
Car Air Freshener
Money For My Trip To China

**Please no neck ties.**

dear friends

2011-12-21T10:17:00.006-06:00

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all I wish you the best this holiday season.

As lights twinkle from a decked out Christmas tree, I sit with laptop in lap, London next to me, and a full glass of eggnog. It's Christmas time once again and before I throw another log on the fire, I'm trying to think of the one word that sums up this year for me.

At this festive time of year it's easy to get sidetracked into the commercial side of the holidays. Don't get me wrong I like gifts as much as the next guy, but Christmas means more to me then presents! It means family... friends... togetherness... and love. Those are all great words, but none of them sum up completely what this past year has been for me, or where I'm at right now having just experienced 2011.

This past year has been a great one filled with trips to far off places such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and France. Some amazing parties with new and old friends, wonderful theatrical productions, a little romance, the addition of a guinea pig named Cupid. There were two grand wedding celebrations, a lot of time spent in the great outdoors, and lets not forget I turned 30 this year! For a full list of 2011 happens please check out my blog: pelehos.blogspot.com

As 2012 fast approaches this past year will not be forgotten. In the coming year I look forward to visiting China with friends and the many adventures we'll have touring the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace to name just a few. Then there is the planning of my 2013 trip to Argentina and Antarctica. I also hope to make monumental strides within my own graphic design business which has just taken on our biggest client yet. I will also uphold the title of "Uncle Drew" as I continue to strengthen the bond I have with my niece and nephew. Between traveling and working there is socializing, and though I tend to work hard I also play hard. That's not going to change in the coming year.

Now, after reflecting back on 2011 and looking forward to 2012 in determining where I am at right now, as I sip the last of my eggnog with London now snoozing at my feet I realize that really what I feel is simply this: PEACE.

May your world be filled with peace this holiday season and throughout the new year!

late night photo shoot

2011-11-21T13:01:00.000-06:00

My friend Daniel and I went out late Sunday night and captured this image. It's not perfect, but we now have a benchmark for what we are trying to accomplish. I'd like to see more red tail lights on the right side of the image. Regardless it's nice to have another friend who is as into photography as I am.

11/11/11 = what?

2011-11-11T22:25:00.005-06:00

Aside from 69, I’m not really big on numbers.

Nonetheless, many of my close friends pay attention to the number 11 in a special way. For believers, 11 is often associated with synchronicities, spirituality or just plain old good luck. And since today is 11/11/11, the date holds a real significance to many. In fact, one of my friends is getting married this afternoon. Congratulations, Davey!

Is 11/11/11 just another funky date? Maybe.

Beyond all the mystical numerology of the date (which, to be honest, doesn’t really resonate with me), today’s date can be a reminder. As the number 1 signifies newness and beginnings, 11/11/11 can be a reminder that each day is a fresh start and a blank canvas. We need not let our yesterdays dictate the trajectory of today; we always have the opportunity to start anew and follow the calling of our heart’s song. For me, that’s what today’s date means.

But what about you? Does 11/11/11 hold a special meaning for you? Will you be doing anything differently today?
At any rate, hopefully 11/11/11 doesn’t signify the start of the Apocalypse. Next week’s blog post is too good to die without sharing. And in the meantime, I’m looking forward to 6/9/69 – and already thinking of some fun ways to celebrate.

halloween fit for a princess

2011-10-31T23:00:00.000-05:00

Every year Halloween means a little more to me as an uncle. This year Katarina and I carved as many pumpkins as we could get our hands on. It's a mess and we are covered in pumpkin seeds that stick to our arms and faces when we are finished, but we have a blast.

I take her trick-or-treating and this year Katarina was old enough to ring the doorbells by herself.... Wow they grow up fast! I waited patiently by mailboxes just as proud as every of my niece.

The first image is one I took in the backyard of the Princess herself. She is such a little model and I gave her little direction. She is just that cute. The second image was art directed completely by Katarina. She chose the shirt she would be wearing, how the pumpkins would be set up, even down to the fact she wanted London in the picture. [she has a great eye and I have no clue where she gets it from.]

I hope you all had a great Halloween!

monica & ross in the potter's house

2011-10-31T07:10:00.009-05:00

A beautiful fall afternoon, a road trip through Wisconsin, a dear friend, a walk by the river, graffiti, a warm cup of tea, good conversation, red wine, meeting of the minds, invitation to stay for dinner, one of the best gourmet meals I've ever taisted, Just Dance 2 becomes a workout, handcrafted pottery an after hour sales, a few photographs, then hugs good bye, friends made, memories created, a wonderful evening in The Potter's House!

look who's back

2011-10-30T07:29:00.002-05:00

I'm back! Now that I am in a much happier place in my life with less stress and drama I return to the computer and you my faithful readers. Sorry for my absence. It's not that I have not been having fun or that I've been sad, I just have not made the time to blog about THE LIFE OF DREW. Today however I feel inspired... Let the blogging begin!

xxox, DREW

must have art

2011-09-07T00:45:00.003-05:00

Distracted 2011

The other day I saw this work of art at the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis. I even went back to look at it once more before I left. I thought about it all weekend and then on Sunday night I called Tai, the artiest. They had not left the state of Minnesota yet, but were in route to Chicago. We met up and as quick as a few dollars could be exchanged I was on my way back home with my new original work of art. Sometime you just MUST HAVE ART!

If you are interested in seeing other work by Weird Chief Pictures click here.

monica & ross go to the theater

2011-08-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

My friend Monica and I went to the Wild Roast in their new location on Main Street SE in Minneapolis, before heading to the rush line at the Guthrie Theater. [an almost monthly occurrence for us]

As we were eating in line [as we so often do], a lady approached us offering to sell us her tickets. I think she paid a lot of money for them and wanted to recover her loss; however, I held strong and we walked away with amazing seats for $20.00 a ticket! [all I had to do was reminder her we were in the stand by line for a reason... we only wanted to pay $20.00 for a ticket]

This was by far the best production I've seen at the Guthrie thus far. Only four actors with amazing energy and talent. I'd go back if the show was still running. [I guess I should have blogged about it sooner]

switzerland

2011-07-14T22:41:00.000-05:00

[above] The streets of Bern, Switzerland. I would have loved to have spent more time here. [below] Group picture in Switzerland; I'm front row third from the left in blue.

[above] Random window display found while walking in Bern, Switzerland. [below] Chocolate Bunny Gaga... lots of them. There were only $3.00 USD and I kick myself for not buying one. Gaga is just as big over seas as she is in the states.

[above] Skiing in the Alps. It was awesome! I can cross that off my bucket list. [below] A picture taken on my trip down the mountain. This was the last image I was able to shoot before my camera battery died... oops should have charged it the night before.

[above] The view from my hotel room. It was beautiful waking up to this every morning! [below] My friend Jill and I pose for a picture while dancing on a table at the disco.

[above] dancing at the disco! [below] Our bus after Thomas the bus driver crashed on the autobahn. No one was hurt and we all have great stories to tell... at least the ones who were awake do. Not to worry the tour company gave us all a pretzel for the inconvenience.

[postcard written home]

Dear Mom: This place (switzerland) rocks! Between kids throwing up every day of the trip, going out to the disco last night, seeing a bear in bern, skiing in the alps ,and now our tour bus just crashed on the autobahn. xoxo, DREW

what's in lanesboro?

2011-06-27T14:50:00.005-05:00

To be honest Lanesboro, MN feels like one of those small towns people stumble into and never return. We told only a hand full of people we were going to see Little Shop of Horrors. Those people would have to do a few google searches to find the Commonweal Theatre Company's opening night of such production and then those same people would have to drive south on highway 52 for a little under three hours before they could start looking for us. If they arrived early they could have found Travis and I eating pie upstairs in the coffee bar of Pedal Pushers Cafe. If they arrived after 7:30 p.m. they would have found us in the theatre enjoying an arousing production of Little Shop of Horrors, and if by some chance they had arrived after 9:45 p.m. they would have been to late! We hit the road immediately after the show ended.

A fun night, at a great show, in the interesting town of Lanesboro....

guys & dolls

2011-06-20T10:44:00.006-05:00

Frank Loesser's "Guys and Dolls" is one of the greatest musical theater scores of all time, set amidst the colorful background of Damon Runyon's New York and filled with everyone from gangsters, gamblers, and scantily clad showgirls to a doll trying to save their souls. This classic American musical is at the Ordway and is worth seeing. but you don't have to take my word for it. [I saw the show on Friday; see it before the 26th]

cupid

2011-06-16T07:12:00.000-05:00

First there was Achilles & Aphrodite. Then came Zeus and now I present to you… CUPID! In mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, affection, and erotic love. This five month old male guinea pig is a lover!

flirty @ 30

2011-06-13T07:20:00.000-05:00

1 almost sold out Glee concert + 2 days of camping + 3 birthday cakes + 6 parties in my honor + 29 cards from around the globe + 40 party guests at my largest celebration in the park + 52 gifts including “world peace” + 64 cupcakes + 251 wall posts on facebook wishing me a happy birthday = ONE AMAZING MONTH LONG BIRTHDAY BASH!

Thanks to all of you who made this month long celebration possible.

Happy Birthday to Me! Love, Me

night of glee

2011-06-11T00:27:00.004-05:00

What could be better then watching Glee with friends weekly? Watching GLEE LIVE IN CONCERT... with your friends! It was a great show; highly entertaining. I'd go again in a heart beat. [Slushy to the face not included!]

deutschland

2011-06-09T07:03:00.007-05:00

[above] Group picture at Neuschwanstein Castle. I'm in the red polo shirt with the pretzel. [below] Urinal with fly target to give a guy something to aim for.

[above] The view looking out from the castle. [below] A self portrait taken from the same view.

[above] German advertisement I thought was clever. This one was located near public restrooms underground that "smelled like dead goat"! [below] Dachau concentration camp, the Nazi concentration camp to open in Germany. The gate read 'work shall make you free'

Durrnberg Salt Mines [above] I have no interest in salt or the mines it comes from; however, I am always up for a group photo in the dark. [below] Group photo at the entrance. I'm the one in the red hat.
[above] The new swimsuit Megan bought, yet everyone seams to want to show theirs off! [below] Yet another group shot. This one comes from Olympic Park in Munich, Germany. The 1972 olympics were held here.

Our final destination... Germany! My whole reason for coming on this trip was to see all Germany had to offer. [I think I liked Switzerland better]

At this point I've been staying up late running around with 15-18 year olds, shopping as if it were a sport, seeing a ton of cool sights, and living the dream as a world traveler.

I'm grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity to travel with such remarkable and inspiring young people.

oprah take a bow

2011-05-25T06:11:00.000-05:00

25 year of the Oprah Winfrey Show came to an end today. I managed to ball my eyes out during most of the farewell episode.

I realize to some it was no big deal, but to me today marked the end of a legacy. I grew up with the television on and when four o’clock came Oprah was there in our home.

As a kid I was annoyed with the show and all the talking so I would watch cartoons or play outside, yet as I got older I became more interested in what she had to talk about. I started watching with my yiyia [grandmother] and when she died I continued to watch when possible. Through high school it was difficult to be a loyal viewer with after school activities; in college almost impossible, but I followed her online and when time allowed on TV. After college I would do everything in my power to at least turn on the television and see her even for a moment and then go about my life if I could not sit and enjoy the whole show.

Five years ago when she released the seven-disk DVD collection of the Best of Oprah. I laughed…. I’ve since watched everyone at least once. I knew long ago she was a marketing genius. But there was more to her then that.

I see myself in Oprah. The desire we share to help other and make a difference in the world, the ability to inspire and lift others up and a passion for life. I know if I met Oprah we would be friends. She has taught me and changed my life for the better by reminding me I’m worthy of whatever it is out there I want. When it felt like no one else could hear me and what I was dealing with throughout adolescence Oprah was there telling all her viewers to Live Your Best Life!

I laughed, cried, learned and loved right along with so many viewers for so many years. My close friends have been asking me how I’m going to deal with no Oprah on and if I’m upset about it. That’s crazy talk. Oprah has done so much for the world and me I think she deserves whatever she wants to do with the next part of her life and this is not the end... OWN is my new favorite network.

Thank you Oprah for 25 great years!

the birthday girl

2011-05-15T18:00:00.000-05:00

A very excited little girl runs around the house, the table is being set, gifts are wrapped, piñata being hung, cake in the fridge, guests arriving.

I find Katarina and ask her to join me for a second and we walk outside to photograph the cake and we share an uncle & niece moment! While looking though the viewfinder of my camera I see this little day old baby I could hold with one arm grow up into the enthusiastic, fun loving spit fire she is today. I've never been so proud. A few loving words were shared, then it was time to party!

another outage begins

2011-05-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is where I work!

Operators at Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Station began a scheduled refueling outage on Unit 1 on Friday, according to a May 2 company news release. The planned outage follows more than 500 days of continuous operation.

Approximately 600 contractors will help plant staff complete maintenance tasks to prepare the unit for its next operating cycle and will replace one-third of the unit's fuel.

Each of Prairie Island's two reactors is refueled approximately once every 18 months, and refueling outages generally last from four to six weeks. During the outages, Xcel Energy purchases power from other utilities or increases electricity production at its other generating plants to ensure an adequate power supply for its customers.

The Prairie Island plant, near Red Wing, Minnesota, generates 1,100 megawatts of electricity, enough to power nearly 1 million homes.

Unless you understand nuclear power/science then there is no need to tell ya what I do. I'd have to kill you after I told you anyhow. This is my ninth outage and I wish I could say they get easier with time. Nonetheless the money is great and keeps me coming back.

arms and the man

2011-04-30T19:18:00.003-05:00

Last night I was going to try my luck in the rush ticket line at the Guthrie. As luck would have it some lady came up to me and my date and offered us free tickets. WHAT A DEAL! Or so I thought.... Ten minutes before curtain as we strolled up to an usher and were stopped, informed we had tickets for Arms and the Man and redirected to another theater. Oops! Regardless it was a wonderful show and a most enjoyable evening with Travis.

paris [a second time for me]

2011-04-27T23:16:00.008-05:00

[above] Palace of Versailles... home of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Marie Antoinette before she met up with the guillotine. [below] Group shot of my 52 tour friends outside the solid gold gates of Versailles.

[above] Notre Dame Cathedral... note the fine detail in architecture.
[above] The flying buttress of Notre Dame. [below] A group shot in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. Front row, left side, black jacket... me.

[above] I've always wanted a picture in front of the Louvre. Each time I visit Paris the excitement of it all overwhelms me and I forget. I can remember the Mona Lisa and even how to find it inside the Louvre, but I can't seam to remember to pull out my camera and snap a picture.
[above] Morning in Paris. Photographed by: DREW This images was taken on my first trip to the city of love in 2005. [below] A picture of me in front of the Arc de Triomphe taken on my first trip.

[above] My friend Lisa W. and I at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This was fun for me, because Lisa is not a fan of heights but was willing to take a picture with me next to the edge. [below] A picture with friends. Second row, left side, same blue shirt I always wear in Paris... it travels well.

[above] Random sign I wanted to photograph! No food; no smoking; no camera tripods; no cell phones; no underwear or no speedos? [below] Eiffel Tower at night.
[journal entry] Will insert here later!

a very merry easter

2011-04-24T21:06:00.000-05:00

Home cooked breakfast, close friends, egg rolling contest, and that famous donut on a string game all equal... a new tradition!... DREW'S EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA!

a cold spring break

2011-04-18T06:06:00.000-05:00

When I hear the word spring I think of warmer weather, leaves budding on trees, flowers, and new life. The week before Easter I traveled to the Maher ranch, located in the Dakotas. [I understand it’s not a popular spring break destination.] Yet I’m always game for a road trip. What I was not thrilled about was the frickin snowstorm we encountered on our way. It was so bad that we had to spend the night in Bismarck, ND. The plus side to that was the waterslide in the hotel! Once we reached the ranch it was nice to meet Travis’ family, play card games, and lend a hand with spring calving. I had a great time and look forward to going back when it’s warmer.

patty day parade

2011-04-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you can tell, but I'm not irish! This is the first year in my 29 years on this planet that I have ever celebrated St. Patty's day. I went to the parade in Minneapolis with Daniel, Jay and Travis. Sadly this is the only photo I took, though I've very proud of it. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!

the great chicago trip

2011-03-08T11:40:00.000-06:00

I understand that it has been a while since I was in Chicago with Travis, but I'm just now getting around to blogging about it.
The Field Museum is home to over 26 million artifacts, including Sue, the world's largest, most complete T-Rex. I had a great time here and learned a thing or two in the process.
Shedd Aquarium was another stop we made while in Chicago. The 3-million-gallon salt water Abbott Oceanarium is the largest indoor marine mammal habitat in the world. I saw Beluga whales and pacific white-sided dolphins along with a lot of other marine life.

The Skydeck located in Willis Tower [formally known as Sears Tower] was a challenge for Travis, who is working on his fear of heights. We stepped outside the tallest building in the western hemisphere and the third tallest in the world. At 1,353 feet in the air, the Ledge's glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet. The image of my shoes was taken as I looked down 103 floors to the ground beneath me. I very cool experience!
The John Hancock building observatory was our last stop before taking the Amtrak home. We enjoyed a relaxing breakfast with breathtaking views of Chicago. A completely different experience then the Skydeck. We even seized the opportunity to skate in the clouds. Who would have thought the world's highest ice skating rink would have been in the in Chicago?
I did manage to see Oprah again, yet I'm sad to report my camera battery was dead. I'll just have to go back again, after all Chicago is my kind of town!

gabe the birthday boy

2011-03-03T15:49:00.005-06:00

Gabe turned one! This weekend we celebrated Gabe's first birthday. It's hard to believe just a year ago this cake eater was premachure. He is now a happy, healthy, and adorable little guy. The cake you see was baked by my mother and decorated by yours truly, assisted by big sister Katarina.

hole in the wall breakfast

2011-02-19T17:17:00.000-06:00

Al's Breakfast is a little diner that serves a very diverse clientele. When I say little, I mean 14 seats in the whole place. There's just enough space for coats, a line of people waiting and the stools for the people eating. It's that good; however, Al's is not a place for the claustrophobic.

At a width of ten feet, Al's is reportedly the narrowest restaurant in the city of Minneapolis. The Dinkytown Branch is crammed into a former alleyway between two much larger buildings and is located in the city's Dinkytown neighborhood near the University of Minnesota. Those 14 stools have seated generations of local students, along with notable figures such as writer James Lileks and humorist Garrison Keillor, all of whom consider the tiny diner to be a significant icon of the state.

Saturday morning Daniel, Jay, Travis and I experienced breakfast here for the first time. I can only speak for myself, but it's an experience I'd like to have again. Might I also suggest the blueberry pancakes!

winter's tale

2011-02-18T09:55:00.000-06:00

Ball gowns meet bluegrass in this fairytale romance that blends two wildly different worlds filled with music and dance: a bone-chilling ballroom where jealousy erupts and an enchanted forest where young passion blooms. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, one royal family's dream turns into a nightmare. Suspecting his queen cheated on him, a jealous king banishes her and their newborn from the court. Years later the child, a free-spirited young woman, falls for a handsome prince among the flowers of Bohemia. Yet as quickly as their love is forbidden, a series of twists lead them both to a magical homecoming like never imagined.

Out of all the productions I've seen at the Guthrie thus far, this one is my favorite hands down. The acting is always phenomenal at the Guthrie, the set and technical aspects were done beautifully, but the storyline was quite engaging. I even saw a bear take the stage!

THE WINTER'S TALE
by: William Shakespeare
directed by: Jonathan Munby
running: January 29 - March 27, 2011
image credit: T. Charles Erickson

things I like

2011-02-14T06:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Today I'm continuing a tradition, I'm listing 50 things that I like! [in no particular order]

1.talking on the phone while in bed
2.ringback tones
3.acting…on stage
4.visiting Las Vegas
5.international travel
6.spending Valentine’s Day with someone you care about
7.being photographed
8.the idea of getting a new Mac
9.chilling in Minneapolis
10.being able to see more theatre
11.my many jobs
12.house sitting
13.working out at the gym
14.Lady Gaga
15.Chi Spice Cookies
16.OWN [Oprah Winfrey Network]
17.sweet Rieslings
18.sleeping on the right side of the bed
19.seeing my name in lights
20.my Tempur-Pedic bed
21.dancing in the rain
22.sledding with Katarina
23.Stephan’s hot chocolate
24.making cheesecake
25.eating Key Lime pie with that special someone
26.skiing on employee day
27.Route 66
28.M.O.A. outings
29.long walks with London
30.having lawyer friends
31.dancing on the cubes at the club or on tables anywhere
32.landscaping
33.vests
34.playing pond hockey
35.being the highlight of someone else’s day
36.pancake sharing
37.giving fresh flowers
38.the nicknames: Drewski, Drewlander, Drewsepher, and Drew-P
39.Leni’s dog, Mel’s cat, Niguel’s roommate
40.Lake Okoboji
41.yoga
42.being mindful
43.dressing better then most others
44.Chipotle
45.playing the didgeridoo
46.Glee parties
47.bring an uncle to two monkeys
48.updating facebook statue
49.Go-Gurt
50.being me!

2010 in the rear view mirror

2011-01-05T08:29:00.002-06:00

2010 was a good year for me. As I've reflected on how far I've come as a human being I've recently thought about how far we have come as a world. Here's a short list of things that happened last year... some big, some small, some funny, some even inspiring.

* Texting HAITI to 90999 added ten dollars to donors' cell-phone bills and within seventy-two hours after the earthquake raised more than $8 million for American Red Cross relief efforts, a record amount for mobile, instant giving. By early March, the Red Cross had raised more than $32 million by text.

* Apple — on the verge of bankruptcy in 1997 — reached a market value of $222 billion in May, surpassing Microsoft as the highest-valued tech firm in the world.

* The Navy approved lifting the 102-year-old ban on allowing women in submarines. Twenty-four female officers begin deployment in 2011.

* The first trees, sixteen swamp white oaks, were planted at the World Trade Center.

* Target Field opened.

* A new element, the 117th, was discovered by a U. S.-Russian team of scientists after they smashed calcium and berkelium atoms in a particle accelerator.

* After seven years, Operation Iraqi Freedom ended...

* Operation New Dawn began. It, too, will end...

* On August 10, Netflix bought rights to stream movies and shows from Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate, bringing its on-demand catalog to more than twenty thousand titles.

* At last, dip or squeeze Ketchup from Heinz!

* The World Health Organization declared that the global swine-flu pandemic is officially over.

* The Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge opened, 890 feet above the Colorado River, the highest single-arched span in the Western Hemisphere.

* Toy Story trilogy is complete.

* On May 22, Google turned its home page into Pac-Man. Around the world, five million man-hours were wasted....

* The moon passed between the earth and the sun for more than eleven minutes, creating the longest solar eclipse of the millennium, until December 23, 3043.

* RIP: Lost, 24, and Law & Order.

* In August, scientists discovered new species of microbes in the Gulf that eat and dissolve oil far faster then ever thought possible.

* 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68: the longest tennis match in history, eleven hours, five minutes, over three days.

* Last but not least lets not forget those 33 miners trapped in a mine and their successful rescue.

baby you're a firework

2011-01-01T16:53:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

drifting though the wind

wanting to start over again?

This if your chance… with 2010 in the rear view mirror and 2011 already upon us now is your time to come on show 'em what your worth! Make this year matter. That's what I plan to do and you can fallow me on my journey right here. May you all have a great and happy new year. Hotter Then Fire, Higher Then Heaven, DREW Welcome 2011...

happy boxing day

2010-12-26T09:12:00.002-06:00

However you celebrate. Happy Boxing Day from my family to yours!

2010 holiday letter to family & friends

2010-12-25T21:37:00.015-06:00

BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE….

At this festive time of, year I find that my fingers are almost too cold to type out this letter I’ve spent the year drafting in my head. But what are the holidays without a form letter from DREW? …Let us not even go there! As the snow whirls outside my window and I snuggle under a handmade quilt, with London at my feet my mind turns to gratitude.

Yes, I know, Thanksgiving was a month ago, and that we are all racing for the 25th of December to arrive, but why? For what? Is it only after stressing out over every last detail that we may achieve bliss and true joy on Christmas day? I THINK NOT! It saddens me that the holiday season has become more of a marketing scheme for boosting the economy then a time to remember all that is important to us.

This past year, I’ve tried harder then ever before to not let the holidays stress me out. Sure I enjoy the festivities of the season… from the cookie baking, to gift giving and from the caroling to the wassail guzzling. The lights, the glitter, even decorating the tree itself are all wonderful and grand; yet, pointless if we don’t know why we’re doing them.

Since the day after Thanksgiving, known as “Black Friday” to some, I’ve continued to be thankful and grateful while striving to achieve the same joy I’ve come to expect only on Christmas day. It has not been easy; there are lots of things out there to sidetrack a person… yet it’s been so worth it!

My true joy has come from watching the excitement in Katarina build in anticipation as she participates in family actives—like tree selection, cookie taste-testing, and gift-wrapping. She and her baby brother, Gabe [now ten months old] are each little miracles sent from above. I'm so blessed to be an uncle and continue to try not to take the title for granted. I’m grateful for my relationship with the both of them, though I can do more fun things with Katarina who is now three.

I’m thankful for my mom’s friendship and love, along with her willingness to let me decorate as I see fit. Then there is Elena, my sister, who, though nothing like me, gives me some of the greatest complements right when I need them most. For her and her compliments I am grateful. Oh and I can’t forget London my loyal dog who has never shown me anything less then unconditional love. [By the way, she turned five a week ago.]

Baby it maybe cold outside, but my heart is warm with gratitude! Weather you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all, I wish you the best this holiday season.

DREW PELEHOS

there's no place like home for halloween

2010-11-01T01:55:00.000-05:00

There's no place like home.... There's no place like home.... There's no place like home for Halloween! This year Katarina went as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, I went as the brainless Scarecrow, and London went as Toto. We were quit the motley crew trick-or-treating through my old hood and we all benefited from the candy... even London!

... wonderful together

2010-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I like to think that I am a pretty good tour guide, but my skills were put to the test when long time friend Regina came to town. It’s taken me years to convince her that there is more to the united States then California and New York, but rather a whole new frontier of it’s own called THE MIDWEST!

She being the brave and courageous traveler that she is jumped on a plane and flew into Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport where our adventures began.

From a hike through the Mall of America… all four floors, to a road trip around Lake Pepin, tour of the Sheldon Theatre and a sunrise trek to the top of Barn Bluff she saw all the popular attractions Red Wing, Minnesota has to offer.

These are just a few images that summarize the fun we shared together during her brief four day stay in pretty Red Wing.

wicked fun

2010-09-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

NATALIE DARADICH as Glinda & ANNE BRUMMEL as Elphaba

I’ve tried to write this blog many times and yet I give up, set it a side and move on to something else. Wicked the musical is an amazing and astounding production from start to finish. If you don’t know that then you must live in a black hole.

I have also had the joy of seeing it performed countless times around the globe, most recently I had the pleasure of taking my own mother out for a night on the town of St. Paul. We had great seats and I know it’s fair to say we both enjoyed our enchanted evening together.

The costumes, music, and acting are again phenomenal, but it’s the story and the experience I have while in my seat that has me coming back with friends and family. It truly is something worth sharing with those you love.

Wicked changed my life and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

live in concert

2010-09-06T23:53:00.026-05:00

Three years ago, few people outside of the New York club scene had heard of Lady Gaga. Today, she's a pop culture phenomenon. She's had two number one hits ["Just Dance" and "Poker Face"] and several more in the Top 10. Her music is everywhere. Her outlandish style of dress is starting to be copied by young girls, reckoning back to the age of Madonna. Two weeks ago, she surpassed Britney Spears as the most followed person on Twitter. And she's in the middle of the largely sold-out "Monster Ball" tour, which made a stop Monday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN. Here's some facts about this new musical star.

Lady Gaga began her life in 1986 as Stefani Joanne Germanotta. That makes her 24 today. I began my life in 1981 with a different first and last name as well.

She attended a small Catholic girls' school in the Upper West Side of New York City. I attended a small LDS college. I see a pattern here....

There's no question about it - Lady Gaga loves her fans. The eccentric singer wrote on Twitter that she had the words "Little Monsters" - her nickname for her fans - tattooed on her arm. I too along side Oprah am now and will forever be a Little Monster.

Throughout the evening, the singer told the audience that the Monster Ball would set them free, no matter what their station in life was. She went on to say that everyone is a superstar and that no one can take that away from them -- except themselves. She said that at one point in her life she was told that she “wasn’t pretty enough, skinny enough, talented enough” to make it. Well, Lady GaGa has proven them wrong! She is currently one of the biggest stars in the world, and that is achieved with major talent. Her fans adore her -- not just for her creativity and talent, but because she continues to impart only positive messages to them. Her message of love is uplifting and something that is perhaps, even more powerful than the music itself.

Superstardom, after a series of steps and setbacks, came two years ago with Gaga's debut album, "The Fame," and its smash singles "Just Dance" and "Poker Face." Since then, Gaga has become a household name and earned many accolades, including being named as one of Barbara Walter's "10 Most Fascinating People of 2009."

During the show Gaga played “Living on the Radio” which MTV described as a “gentle piano ballad” with a nostalgic feel. The report said “Gaga gives herself a kind of pep talk about fame and fortune, throws a loving shout out to her adoring fans and pats herself on the back for finally realizing her ambition of getting on the radio.”

This mix of the bizarre and the heartfelt was summed up perfectly at the end of set-closer "Paparazzi": basking in the frenzied screams of her fans, Gaga, in a voice dripping with heartfelt sincerity, raised a hand in the air and said, "I love you all so much! Together we can do anything!" For a second there, it almost seemed true.

Lady Gaga is a moving art form. ... her colorful wigs, make-up and theatrical costumes are worth the price of a ticket alone. For those who have not experienced The Monster Ball, I highly recommend that you do so. You will be thrilled with the experience. Lady GaGa has arrived, and is here to stay. We can all look forward to seeing the star evolve even further, and of course, fans can look forward to seeing new, creative masterpieces in the future.

quick to live... slow to blog

2010-09-06T16:49:00.014-05:00

My ten-year class reunion took place a month ago, but I’m just now getting around to blogging about it. I was asked to create the invitation and it can be viewed here. I have to give credit to those who helped make this possible and for the record they were not our class officers.

I went, I saw people I had managed to live without seeing for ten years, I ate, I took a few pictures with someone else's camera, I left and had more fun at Monica's house with a cheesecake. To Monica, Sarah, and Maya I have to say we've only gotten better with age. To everyone else... see ya in another ten!

uptown outing

2010-09-02T15:16:00.011-05:00

The Uptown Art Fair is the largest art fair of its kind held in Minnesota. Monica suggested we go. The three-day-long fair is held every year, always during the first full weekend in August and always in Uptown, an eclectic neighborhood in south Minneapolis. I agreed and we spent one day checking it out. More than $2.5 million worth of artwork is sold during the event. I must say we contributed to that. The event attracts around 375,000 people over the course of the three-day weekend, and features about 350 artists, 20 food vendors and hundreds of volunteers. It was so big I don't think it's possible to see it all in one day. The art fair is the second largest event in Minnesota, second only to the Minnesota State Fair. I love the fair, but will be making this a new tradition. The fair is free to attend and visitors can browse the art on display, purchase a piece or chat with the artist. I am happy to call Sarah Dudgeon my new artist crush. She is a bowl of fun and you can check here work out here: www.dudgeonpottery.com

oklahoma!

2010-08-18T22:12:00.003-05:00

Penny currently resides in Oklahoma. DREW currently resides in Minnesota. Both are friends though miles apart. That changed last month. No silly they’re still friends, they just had a chance to hangout on DREW’s recent trip to Oklahoma. After packing a lot into nine days DREW returned tired, tan and with a new cell phone. When asked to comment DREW said “I’d return in a heartbeat if it meant more crazy adventures with Penny and friends.”

I love live theatre

2010-08-16T07:12:00.004-05:00

There are moments in my life where I spend so much time living that I don't take the time to blog about what it is I'm doing. This blog was established to allow you the reader to follow me on my many wild adventures. [keeping in mind that not all events in my life are blog worthy or appropriate for the wold wide web] That being said here is yet another adventure IN THE LIFE OF DREW.

My dear friend Monica and I have made it a goal to see more theatre... together. Last month I selected A Streetcar Named Desire. We are stood in the rush ticket line and scored some amazing tickets. That dude Ricardo Antonio Chavira who plays Mr. Solis on Desperate Housewives played Stanley along side an amazing cast.

The Guthrie Theater is a great place and I look forward to returning next month and watching The Scottsboro Boys because... I LOVE LIFE THEATRE.

just how old is he?

2010-07-20T07:38:00.003-05:00

Your baby's age seems like such a simple thing. After all, you know what day you gave birth, and it's just a matter of counting the days and weeks after that. But figuring out a premature baby's age is a little more difficult. Premature babies [babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy] are given two ages: chronological age and corrected age

Today Gabe turnes five [chronological age] or three months [corrected age] old depending on how you look at it. Baby Gabe enjoys sipping formula, crying his head off, and being held by his big sister.

I look forward to owning a kayak

2010-07-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's been one week since my return from the cabin on Spirit Lake and kayaking is still on my mind.

My friend Julie Hoss and I did not waist anytime after I arrived in Iowa, we both grabbed kayaks and headed for the lake. Our goal being to cross the lake before sundown. We made it half way, but if you've ever been to Spirit Lake you know what a Herculean task we gave ourselves. I also went out on my own a few times and it was fun... at least up until I flipped my kayak and had to swim it back to shore.

I like to think that I'm a pretty proficient kayaker. After all they don't just make anyone the kayaking & canoeing instructor at YMCA Camp Pepin [my title for 3 summers as a councilor] My point being I was born to kayak!

I'm constantly asking myself why don't I own my own kayak? When I was looking for my first car, I sought after a vehicle that would be able to haul a kayak. I can spend hours in outdoor stores looking at them and reading fact tags. I've borrowed, stolen or rented kayaks for years now and think I could have spared myself a lot of grief if I just broke down and bought one.

So why haven't I got one of my own yet? I think the only thing stopping me is that I have more fun kayaking with others. I guess I'm really trying to say... I look forward to finding a kayaking buddy.

photo booth

2010-07-18T04:09:00.007-05:00

uncle & niece 2010 photo both shoot

I will admit that I have a slight obsession with photo booths. A photo booth is a vending machine or modern kiosk that contains an automated, usually coin-operated, camera and film processor. Today the vast majority of photo booths are digital; however, not the one at Lark Toy Store in Kellogg, MN.

If you'd like to find the nearest photo booth to where you're at click HERE. Photobooth.net has a whole website devoted to the magnificent machines millions have come to love. Whoever said photo booths are a thing of the past was wrong!

yet another blog

2010-07-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

DESIGN DREW is a creative outlet for myself to get feedback on my work. Please feel free to leave some! I've be posting all those ideas that pop into my head that I must express before I burst into flames. Enjoy!

raw food... yummy

2010-07-16T08:00:00.002-05:00

So, my dear amazing friend Monica (aka Kristin) and I went to a fabulous lunch at the Ecopolitan. She had the Flaxseed Tostadas, consisting of two flaxseed-sunflower shells with lentil "taco meat", greens, marinated mushrooms, onions, olives, cilantro, cashew "sour cream" & hot sauce. Served with salsa & guacamole and I ordered the Eco-Sausage Pizza, consisting of macadamia-cashew "cheese", walnut, eco-sausage, bell pepper, marinated mushrooms, onion, & ginger marinara sause. I've yet to blog about it so here goes. I LOVE THIS PLACE!

First let me say RAW FOOD is defined as “A raw vegan diet consists of unprocessed, raw plant foods that have not been heated above 46 °C (115 °F). Raw vegans believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost much of their nutritional value and are less healthy or even harmful to the body. Typical foods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains and legumes.”

I realize this might sounds strange to you meat and potato eaters out there, but for reals it's delicious and healthy. [two words you don't often hear together] The menu at Ecopolitan is creative and fresh, the setting is quaint and rather casual, the staff is outgoing and all natural if you know what I mean. You really have to try it if you're ever in Minneapolis.

Images captured by Monica. [and yes that's me in the picture with the pizza]

triathlon

2010-07-15T08:27:00.003-05:00

This summer I competed in a mini triathlon in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. After three weeks of intense training I am pleased to report I took third place!

Maybe I also need to tell you that I competed in a team consisting of my friend Lacey Traynor and her boyfriend Andres Toro. I swam, she biked and he ran. You don't need to know how many teams there were competing, but you maybe interested in knowing our time was 1.08 and that this picture was taken by Buena Farrell [then edited by me].

the unseen ghost brigade

2010-07-14T08:47:00.006-05:00

I spotted this motley crew on the banks of the Mississippi in Red Wing, Minnesota. Without a second thought I pulled my car over and began to ask questions.

The Unseen Ghost Brigade is a Minnesota based theatre troupe that is building a raft and devising an ecologically-based river history/ghost story performance and film. They are also my new friends, who will be floating 2,500 miles south down the Mississippi River to New Orleans while sharing their art for FREE, with impromptu street performances in over 100 towns and cities along the way. In a year an a half I'll be going to the premier of their film and blogging about it too.

Traveling down the Mississippi on a man-made boat is not really my thing, but I totally support people who do it! The next day I arrived with a food donation and bided them farewell after taking a few photos and being asked to sign their vessel as welcomed guest.

If you'd like to know more information about The Unseen Ghost Brigade check them out HERE at www.unseenghostbrigade.org

painting for a purpose

2010-07-13T08:46:00.001-05:00

Art lovers rarely can resist one-of-a-kind finds, even when the pieces are painted by rhinos.

That’s right, rhinos—as in the 4,000-pound variety housed at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

The custom-made abstracts are part of the zoo’s ongoing Rhino Rembrandts program, an effort that raises funds for the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), which promotes conservation and heightens awareness about the challenges facing the endangered animals.

The Cincinnati Zoo, is home to three Sumatran rhinos—one of the most critically endangered groups in the world.

The zoo drew international attention in 2001 when Emi, a Sumatran Rhino, gave birth to a 72.6-pound son. The birth of Andalas, her calf, marked the first time in 112 years that a Sumatran rhinoceros successfully reproduced in captivity. In the summer of 2004, Emi made history again with the birth of a female calf named Suci.

This painting was created by Suci and now proudly hangs on my wall as a reminder of how everyone can make a difference.

the not so secret garden

2010-07-12T11:55:00.002-05:00

This year I decided to expand the garden and by doing so I doubled it in size. Everything was planted by the second day in May and I feel that has made all the difference.

Everything in the garden is organic and delicious. This year I planted pumpkins, onions, roma tomatoes & big boy tomatoes, green & red peppers, snow peas, broccoli, romaine lettuce along with a garden blend of lettuce, decorative gourds, dill, mint, and cilantro. If you look closely you may even see a tiny gnome that has been my helper in the garden.

two less teeth in my head

2010-06-22T16:20:00.004-05:00

These are my wisdom teeth. They came out today at 11:40 a.m. and I feel fine. I only had two in my head and they were both upper teeth, that had already come in. My diet now consists of sherbet, vanilla malts, ice-cream, yogurt, and popsicles. So far so good.

monica + ross = friends

2010-06-20T23:00:00.000-05:00

My friend Kristin a.k.a. MONICA and I a.k.a ROSS have been FRIENDS since high school, when we ate lunch together at the cool table. We really do claim to be brother & sister and yes we really do call each other Ross and Monica. [somethings never die] Check out her new blog HERE.

summer is here

2010-06-03T10:52:00.002-05:00

With Memorial Day over we are officially in the season of summer! Bring out the white shoes….

Bonfires, Fireflies, Running through the sprinklers, Camping, Road trips, Swimming at the lake, Hiking, Fireworks, The Beach, Dog park, Block parties, County fairs, Sleeping under the stars, Gardening, Trips to the cabin, Tubing down the river, Grilling, and Mosquito bites…. You take the good with the bad.

Summer Is Here!

happy birthday to me

2010-05-27T08:56:00.003-05:00

In the 29 years I’ve been on Earth there are a few things I’ve learned and on this blessed day [my birthday] I’d like to share my wealth of knowledge.

[1] Don’t eat glue.

[2] Look both ways when crossing the street.

[3] Always wear sunscreen.

[4] The importance of sharing even when you don’t want to.

[5] Don’t kiss and tell… at least not all the time.

[6] I’ve learned how to make most of the words stand straight. (or how to deal with dyslexia).

[7] You don’t pick your friends… they pick you.

[8] Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.

[9] Live a balanced life.

[10] Don’t over feed the fish… even if they look hungry.

[11] It’s better to have loved and lost then never to have loved at all.

[12] If you claim to be a lifeguard you better know 2 breaths; 30 compressions.

[13] Don’t eat broccoli with strangers.

[14] Guys don’t like sharing clothes as freely as girls do.

[15] No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.

[16] If you fall off a horse you’ve got to get back on it and teach it a lesson.

[17] Animals have feelings and most people do too.

[18] Live in the moment.

[19] I maybe from Colombia, but I’m American.

[20] Floss.

[21] Being the uncle rocks.

[22] It’s better to be a traveler then a tourist.

[23] Sleep is more important then I thought it was 10 years ago.

[24] I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

[25] I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

[26] I've learned that my best friends and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

[27] The words “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, and “Please” are the most valuable of all the words I know.

[28] My mom loves me more then I’ll every probably comprehend.

[29] Birthdays are like boogers…The more you have, the harder it is to breathe!

I don't know what to say, but wanted to say something

2010-05-19T23:35:00.003-05:00

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sleeping on cloud nine

2010-04-11T23:30:00.006-05:00

For over a year now I've been toying with the idea of buying a new bed. I didn't want to spend the money, then couldn't decide which Tempur-Pedic I wanted. Well I'm happy to announce I now have a BIG BOY BED! I traded in the full size mattress and box-spring I'd had since I was ten, and now sleep in complete bless. I introduce you to the queen size Tempur-Cloud Supreme... The perfect balance of softness and support. May you all sleep well knowing my bed search is over and my duvet search has just begun. Good night.

NEW MANTRA: No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.

cracking me up cute

2010-04-04T12:37:00.004-05:00

Today we celebrate the American and Greek Easter. It's not often that both fall on the same day, but today they do. As a child it meant double the egg hunt, double the candy... double the fun! Now today with London and Katarina I'm still enjoying double the fun. Happy Easter!

vegas on a cocktail napkin

2010-03-25T16:42:00.013-05:00

As I sat on the plane heading east to Minnesota I wanted to sum up my recent trip so I could update my blog in a timely manner. I now present to you Vegas on a Cocktail Napkin.

* Being the last ticketed passenger to board the aircraft and filling the remaining middle seat next to “Banker Dave”, one of those people who talks your ear off during the duration of your flight, making you think about trying skydiving from 30 thousand feet.

* Seeing Bret & Natalia Matson again and meeting Abby their almost 2 year old daughter for the first time.

* Picking out paint colors.

* Chilling in Vegas and having great weather. [not freezing and yet not to hot]

* Our road trip to San Diego, CA.

* My $120.00 a night room which I loved.

* The San Diego Zoo and seeing a real Panda Bear, which I loved even more.

* The Strip.

* In-N-Out [I ate there 4 times]

* Going out for a night on the town with Ashley Lawson.

* Watching LE RÊVE in our amazing seats.

* LE RÊVE, presented exclusively at Wynn Las Vegas, offers breathtaking performances in an intimate aqua theater-in-the-round. The show features aerial acrobatics, provocative choreography and artistic athleticism.

* The buffets, need I saw more.

* Poppy’s Frozen Yogurt.

* Sunday dinner with Mindy and family.

* Flight home with “Airplane Megan”, one of the coolest people I've ever sat next to on a plane and the iguana story.

* This quote: Las Vegas: all the amenities of modern society in a habitat unfit to grow a tomato.

* Home and already missing friends and Vegas!

shopping cures

2010-03-09T14:36:00.000-06:00

I went into a few stores today and the second I bought something my whole day got better! It's pathetic I know, but I totally get how women or anyone for that matter, feel better after shopping. I was already having a good day, now it's just better... so sad... so American.

march is red cross month

2010-03-07T16:02:00.009-06:00

I'm now the newest Red Cross volunteer in Goodhue County! I've been on a save the world kick for some time now, and after a little research I've decided to team up with the American Red Cross to do some good.

Following the earthquake in Haiti I wanted to book a flight over and lend a hand. It didn't take me long to realize that once I got there I too would be one of the many needing food and water. I lacked the training in disaster relief to really aid the people of Haiti. So instead of buying a plane ticket, I gave money, and paid the Red Cross a visit. I signed up to be a volunteer and have already started online training in disaster relief.

Part of their mission is doing whatever it takes to relieve and prevent people from suffering - through lifesaving programs and services in your local community, across the country, and around the world.

Though it’s still to soon for me to go to Chile and start feeding the masses, I’m very excited to be working with the Red Cross right here in my own community.

meatless mondays

2010-03-01T09:09:00.001-06:00

Today is Monday and that = No Meat for Me! I've chosen to abstain from eating meat one day out of the week. It's not that I don't like meat or am trying to protect the animals (P.E.T.A. already does that). I'm trying to protect the environment we all live in.

Americans eat lots of meat. So much so that livestock is now one of the leading contributors to global warming, responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions as measured in a carbon dioxide equivalent.

The amount of energy and resources used to raise, ship, slaughter, process, then ship again, before it's purchased and cooked is very disturbing to me. A recent United Nations report concluded that the meat industry causes almost 40% more greenhouse gas emissions than all the world’s transportation systems — that means all of the globe’s cars, trucks, planes and ships combined.

I have to say that I have been living this way for about a year now and I have enjoyed rediscovering vegetables. I've always liked them but Meatless Mondays have taught me to be more creative with my eating choices and try new things. It's been really fun.

My favorite fact and the last one I'll share: According to Environmental Defense, If every American skipped one meal of chicken per week and substituted vegetables and grains, for example, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off of U.S. roads.

See how easy it is to make an impact?

my new nephew

2010-02-22T09:28:00.002-06:00

On 20 Feb 2010 at 9:20 p.m. baby Gabriel came into the world. Not an easy task for him or his mother, but both are doing fine at the moment. Baby Gabe is 2 months premature and weighs only 2 lbs. 11 oz.

things I love

2010-02-14T23:33:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Today I'm starting a new tradition, I'm going to post 50 things that I love!

1.Tim-Tams
2.the first snow
3.paper stars
4.traveling
5.learning new things
6.helping people
7.art museums
8.Dr. Pepper
9.live theatre
10.my niece
11.being an uncle
12.eating out at new places
13.cupcakes
14.staying up late
15.sleeping in
16.black beans
17.the quiet moments before the sun comes up
18.camping
19.going out for a night on the town
20.faithful friends
21.exploring the world
22.water fights
23.pizza
24.moon light swims
25.photography
26.a fresh pair of underwear
27.good design
28.Oprah
29.road trips
30.meatless Mondays
31.Hollister
32.teaching
33.balloons
34.Chaco sandals
35.my Mac computer
36.nalgene water bottles
37.cards in the mail
38.comments on my blog
39.frosting
40.fireworks
41.mangos
42.bright colors
43.birthdays (mine and yours)
44.free samples
45.starry nights
46.fabric softener
47.London (the country and dog)
48.those little umbrellas you get in your drink
49.all of you who are reading this!
50.my beloved mother

substitute teaching

2010-02-08T07:14:00.002-06:00

That’s correct... I’m a substitute teacher and the students call me Mr. Drew! I’ve been in and out of classrooms for a month now and have had nothing but really positive experiences. Today I'm teaching Health in the same high school I graduated from in 2000, but I’ve also taught AP Geometry, AP Calculus, 1st Grade, Music and Physical Education in the elementary schools, AP English, Language Arts, and Reading to both the kids who get it and the other reading class of the kids that don’t. I told the district I'm willing to teach any subject to any grade. The wonderful world of subbing has already proven to be more rewarding then I ever could have expected. I guess teaching just runs in the family.

freezing february fun

2010-02-01T03:36:00.000-06:00

Cabin Fever set in today for Katarina and I. We just couldn't stay indoors any longer so, once the snow stopped falling, we bundled up and headed out to enjoy it. There is nothing like the great outdoors in Minnesota during the winter... except maybe the south pole!

america's new deadly obsession

2010-01-23T20:33:00.004-06:00

If you didn't watch Oprah's show on Monday, check it out at oprah.com where you can watch clips and read through some of the stories. Basically the show was an eye opener to me of how distracted being on a cell phone makes a driver. I heard many stories of people's family members who were killed by a person talking or texting on a cell phone while behind the wheel. It made it a reality for me, and has changed my life forever. Now I am pledging to make a difference.

"I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by not texting or using my phone while I am driving. I will ask other drivers I know to do the same. I pledge to make a difference."

I have a dream too

2010-01-18T09:47:00.000-06:00

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."²

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

my personal thoughts after a day of meditation

2010-01-18T09:30:00.005-06:00

* Martin Luther King Junior was an amazing man and leader. A real hero in my book.

* I respect Dr. King for never using violence and teaching us we don’t have to either.

* His example has taught me that when you have hope you have determination.

* Children are born not knowing how to hate, but are taught.

* This new generation of children on Earth are more colorblind then any other. Lets keep it that way.

* We shall overcome!

* Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Mr. and Mrs. Loving, and many others unnamed changed history forever.

* When most people think of Dr. King they remember his I HAVE A DREAM speech. Forty-five year later that dream is still alive and we are even closer to reaching it. I ask you…. How will his dream live in you?

[Artwork created by my personal friend: Shepard Fairey.]

christmas continues

2010-01-03T19:52:00.010-06:00

12 strands of lights, 11 cutout cookies left, 10 yards of garland, 9 candy canes, 8 gift receipts, 7 extra pounds, 6 inches of snow, 5 nativity sets, 4 budging stocking hung with care, 3 sprigs of mistletoe, 2 fruitcakes that will never be eaten, and 1 not so freshly cut tree.

Yesterday we finally celebrated the last of Christmas. We opened gifts. (8 days after most people did) The house was filled with laughter, gift-wrap, and a billion brightly colored bows everywhere. I have to say Christmas is so much more fun with a kid in the house. Katarina is now old enough to shred through the prettiest of gift-wrap in a matter of seconds.

Today was spent playing with new toys and packing up the Christmas decorations. Happy New Year Everyone!

hello 2010

2010-01-01T06:12:00.001-06:00

It’s 4:00 a.m. and I can’t sleep. Yesterday I burned a bridge and today I’m going to a funeral. As you can see 2010 is off to a great start.

2009 holiday letter to family & friends

2009-12-18T01:55:00.004-06:00

Dear Your Name Here:

My first holiday tradition of the season is putting off writing this very letter. As the snow falls outside my window I’m reminded of what a happy time a year this is. When people turn their hearts and minds to the season of giving and families gather together in celebration.

I like to think that I’m pretty good at keeping in touch thought the year with my friends; however, if you are not one of those lucky individuals here’s the part where I fill you in.

Maria my beloved mother only wanted a few things this year, one of which was a new knee that worked better then the previous one she had. Well as luck would have it she got her wish early and is recovering quite nicely from surgery. She is also unemployed and is enjoying retirement to the fullest. Who knows for how long, because she likes to be busy, but at least her days working the front desk of the Best Western are over. Now she has more time to play with her granddaughter who happens to love and adore her.

Katarina my favorite niece turned two this year and seams so advanced for her age. Cutter then a speckled pup Katarina and I continue to strengthen our bond. I had no idea being an uncle could be so much fun, but it is like having your own fan club. When we're together we’re inseparable and I’m okay with that. She enjoys coloring outside the lines, dancing to my kind of music, and smothering my dog London. I don’t know why people make such a big deal over the terrible twos. Frankly she’s an angle!

Elena my loving sister is pregnant once again. I tell ya, she’s just so fertile. This time she’s having a boy and he should arrive in March. This year she moved to Alma, Wisconsin and seams to be enjoying it there.

London my loyal dog turned four this year and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. She enjoys long walks, chasing tennis balls and barking at nothing whatsoever. This year for Christmas she is getting a barking collar and I would appreciate it if you didn’t share that with P.E.T.A. She truly is a joy in my life.

Myself… what can I say that I haven’t already posted on my blog. The economy certainly has not effected me this year. I’m a traveler not a tourist. Travelers travel and I recently returned home from the land 'down under' to below zero temperatures in Minnesota. It just made me miss Australia all that much more. From touring the Sydney Opera House to petting kangaroos and from snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to visiting friends I hadn’t seen in years, I packed a lot into my month long stay.

Weather you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all I wish you the best this holiday season. May 2010 be your best year yet and remember let's not let old acquaintances be forgotten.

Peace,
DREW

journey back to american soil

2009-12-03T23:12:00.003-06:00

John Hulbert (former college roommate) picked me up from LAX airport and showed me Bellaire, Beverly Hills and Hollywood before we headed to Chinatown for lunch. It as a quick visit, but great seeing John again. Emerson Jackson (former student activities counsel friend) met up with us after lunch and she and I went around Abbot Kinney in Venice and over to Santa Monica. We checked out a lot of cool galleries and boutiques, ate delicious Pinkberry (healthy frozen yogurt) and petite cupcakes at Vanilla bake shop. I was so full, happy, tired and thankful from my adventures around the LA area you think I would have fallen right asleep when I got to Emerson’s place; however, jet-lag is still a problem for me. Oh and I can’t forget to mention meeting Sean (my newest Jewish friend) Emerson’s boyfriend who like me likes In-N-Out! Thank you John, Emerson and Sean for a remarkable time in LA.

fly away

2009-12-02T11:57:00.001-06:00

After a late night on the town I woke up, said good-bye to Justin and headed out to mail my last two postcards. I took a train to the airport that I didn't pay for. (you see I thought I already had, but hadn't...oops) I got onto my plain (pictured above) and waited for takeoff as I chatted with those around me. The thought dawned on me I've been on here for a while, then the announcement came that there was a small problem with the backup air tanks onboard. Three hours later we took off.

I was in no rush to leave Australia, but it was the $30.00 dollar food vouchers they passed out that made it all seam worth it. I bought two drinks, a breakfast sandwich, a club sandwich, a donut, cheese & crackers, slice of banana bread, and a bag of chips. It all came to $29.90, which was good because they don't give change back and I was famished.

After a 14 hour flight I landed just as the kid two seats over from me vomited on the aisle floor. There was no time to clean it up so the flight attendant placed a blanket over it. (lesson learned: never use a complimentary blanket on an aircraft) Once we touched down the 7 year old, red headed girl who had sat directly behind me woke up and started crying again. When she was not sleeping she was kicking the back of my seat or crying, as her parents did absolutely nothing.

last day in australia

2009-12-01T23:59:00.004-06:00

This morning like most I woke up and found Justin. We grabbed our laptops and headed for the Victoria Library to check e-mail. (got to love free wi-fi) Then at noon I headed to the Princess theatre to buy a student rush ticket to see Jersey Boys! I was as giddy as a school boy… that’s how much I love live theatre. It was marvelous, but I knew it would be after all they don’t just go around handing out Tony awards. The rest of my day was filled with my favorite Australian things… taking pictures of the graffiti and the skyline, eating pork buns, hooking up with locals. There was even sometime for quiet contemplation to review my trip and the wonderful experiences I’ve had down under before heading back to the hostel to pack.

just days left down under

2009-11-30T23:19:00.003-06:00

I am making the most of my time here in Australia. Today I checked out the National Gallery of Victoria. I really enjoy looking at art and they have some great works there.

It’s been a good day. Since I returned from Tasmania, this all just feels like life. I wake up, check my e-mail at Southern Cross train station, then I set out in search of food, check out a museum or gallery and stop along the way to photograph as I please, eat a light supper, return to my hostel and update my journal, before heading out for a night on the town, I return exhausted and fall right to sleep.

leaving tasmania

2009-11-29T23:59:00.003-06:00

I’m back in Melbourne and very happy to be here. This morning I woke up at 4:15 a.m. and left for the airport with Julie, Jayne, and Lloyde for a 6:00 a.m. flight. Julie and I asked real nice and were able to sit next to each other on the plane. We graded papers most of the flight, but I had a great time. (see I’m meant to be a teacher) Once we landed we still hung out for a couple hours and talked over breakfast before Julie flew to Singapore. I can’t stress enough how nice it was to just sit and chat. I know that is what I’ve been doing the last three days, but it was different in that pub. It was just Julie and I and it seamed like all time stopped. I don’t remember anyone else… just Julie and I and great conversation. I do wish we lived a little closer.

Now back in Melbourne I’ve met up with Justin again and we checked out the Melbourne Museum. It was fascinating! I saw and learned so many new things about the human mind and body, the Melbourne story, Aboriginal culture, and the dinosaurs. We spend several hours there after tearing ourselves away from just their animal section. This museum was visually stimulating with it’s architecture, and interactive exhibits. A half day of fun for only $8.00… priceless.

rain... not going to stop us

2009-11-28T22:54:00.001-06:00

Liquid sunshine poured down from the skies today in Tasmania. That did not stop us from shopping around at the Salamanca Market. We were drenched from head to toe when all was said and done, but that just added to the fun and thrill as we ran from coved tent to covered tent and back to the car. I found some cool gifts made right here in Australia. I also found some Tasmanian apples for myself. Did you know that Tasmania is known for it's apples? I didn't but they're very good.

port arthur

2009-11-27T23:39:00.000-06:00

This morning Julie and I woke up early and went on a hike around the cottage. It was so beautiful and we got a workout in just like old times.

After breakfast we left and headed for Port Arthur, a penal station established in 1830 as a timber-getting camp. After 1833 it became a punishment station for repeat offenders. I was expecting a sad tale of torture and misery, but there is so much more to Port Arthur. After dinner we headed back for a ghost tour in which we heard some fascinating stories of things that happened and continue to happen around Port Arthur that can’t really be explained. It was the scariest part of my whole Australia trip thus far and there where two times when frightened I jumped higher then I thought possible. It’s no wonder to me why this place is Tasmania’s premier tourist attraction.

tasmanian devil conservation park

2009-11-27T22:39:00.000-06:00

Today I saw my first Tasmanian Devil. It was quite exciting, I had never seen one before. They are so cute when they aren't hungry, annoyed or bothered. If they are watch out!

In case you don't know what they are here are some facts. Tasmanian devils are meat eating marsupials. While now found only on the island of Tasmania they once roamed widely across Australia and on islands around the coast. Recently Tasmanian devils have suffered greatly from a mysterious cancer that appears to be passed directly from animal to animal by biting. The disease causes terrible tumours around the face and is always fatal, killing the host about five months after the first signs of the disease. Around half the wild devil population has succumbed in the last 10 years. Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, which is the only wildlife centre in an isolated disease-free area, is involved in a number of research projects to help solve the problem.

jumping kangaroos

2009-11-27T22:23:00.002-06:00

Well since I was in grade four I've always wanted to go to Australia to see the Kangaroos. Well today I touched one! I was that close. Defiantly the highlight.

thanksgiving

2009-11-26T23:59:00.001-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving and I am thankful for many things such as my family… this trip… friends… and life… to name a few.

At 2:00 p.m. I was outside my hostel waiting for Julie Hoss, Jayne & Lloyd. (This was after I sent my mom a Happy Turkey Day e-mail) I was very happy to see Julie around 2:30 p.m. and like that we were off and on the road again. It was just an hour before that I found out that she had been approved for her travel visa and would be joining me.

Tonight Julie and I stayed up late talking and catching up. We are staying in a cottage that used to house sheep at one point. It’s beautiful and we have a loft to ourselves with three beds. I’m so “thankful” Julie could make it and that everything worked out.

lesson learned

2009-11-25T22:36:00.006-06:00

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. You get what you pay for when it comes to staying in hostels. Last night I booked a room at a hostel that claimed it was Tasmania’s most glamorous hostel. I’ve been here for ten minutes and I don’t like it! It’s a dump and I can’t find anything glamorous about it.

I’ve taken ill and I hope that it’s not a problem the next few days. Right now it’s only a head cold, but I keep telling myself that I’m not miserable. I also keep popping pills that I packed before I left and am very happy I did.

Okay this just in: The showers are good! The one thing this place has to offer is good water pressure. Who would have thought?

The pictures above are NOT of my current hostel, but where taken when I stayed at the YHA Metro in Melbourne. (wish I was there now) Pay close attention to the toilets they have “down under”. See the two buttons on top? When you urinate you push the half circle on the left, when you have solid matter you push the half circle on the right to flush... it saves water I've been told.

st. kilda

2009-11-23T19:50:00.000-06:00

Went to St. Kilda today. It was not as cool as I was expecting it to be; however, Leanne, a girl I met on this trip from England told me once over dinner that I expected a lot. She then told me it was not my fault I was an American. Today her words could not have been more true.

my personal guide & friend

2009-11-23T00:14:00.006-06:00

Yesterday I met and American named Justin Laufer and it made me so happy. Funny how everyone here speaks my language… English, but it’s different talking to an American. It's also funny to me that I have not met a lot of American traveling over here in Australia.

Today Justin was my Melbourne city guide. I've felt like there was more to Melbourne then I was finding on my own. Today I discovered a lot. That's the joy of him living and working here for several months before I showed up. The central business district (CBD) is a melting pot of culture, people and great food. There are little arcades down just about every major street where you can chill at a café or shop at a chocolate boutique. There are other ones that sell clothing, but I stay away from those and have been spending most of my money on food. You could eat at a different ethnic restaurant every day for at least a month and not eat at the same place. The food is magnificent. Along with food another basic need of mine is access to the Internet and it just so happens that Justin also knows the best spots to get free wi-fi. This city truly has it all even graffiti, which I always find interesting and inspiring.

random note: Justin is my first Jewish friend.

finders keepers

2009-11-21T00:08:00.000-06:00

Today was a flying/travel day. I was happy to leave Cairns and looked forward to Melbourne with much anticipation. Yesterday evening on my way to dinner I found $50.00 on the street. I’m so lucky!

jai gallery

2009-11-17T17:48:00.004-06:00

Well walking around Port Douglas I stumbled upon Jai Gallery. From the moment I walked in I was blown away by the colors and design of the work. Jai Vasicek is a 24 year old, self taught artiest, who five days prior to our meeting had opened the doors to his new gallery. It was so refreshing talking with an artiest who was willing to take chances in the name of art. I learned a lot in the few hours I spent with Jai and encourage you to check his work out here. Lets just say I did not walk out empty handed and am honored to call Jai my friend.

the great barrier reef

2009-11-16T23:11:00.000-06:00

The Great Barrier Reef was great… no it was amazing! I spent a whole day snorkeling around a part of the reef called Opal and even took pictures underwater. I am very pleased with how well they turned out considering it was my first time using an underwater camera. Life is peaceful under the water; the colors are intense and vivid. After you jump in the fish encircle you as you swim around and over beautiful coral. It was a day I hope to always remember.

port douglas… paradise on earth

2009-11-16T00:34:00.000-06:00

After one night in the rainforest I left relaxed and rejuvenated. Headed to Alexandra range lookout, took a few pictures, and was on the road again to Mossman Gorge where I went swimming and took a few more pictures. Then it was off to Port Douglas my new home for the next three days.

Here is a picture of the foods I always find myself purchasing. Tim Tams have got to be my favorite thing in the world right now and lime & black pepper chips are wonderful too.

cape tribulation

2009-11-14T22:43:00.002-06:00

Cape Tribulation is the best area to see where the rainforest meets the reef. This morning I set out on a crazy drive through sugar cane fields with Cindy my tour guide and headed north. Along the way I took in a wild life cruise on the Daintree River where I saw a crocodile, some kind of snake, and plenty of birds. Then I went on the Marrdja boardwalk through the rainforest where I learned a ton about the different plants and animals. Didn’t see a Cassowary, but did find an awesome sign warning people to slow down and watch out for them. I’m spending the night at a beach house where I’ve got my own jungle hut in the middle of the rainforest.

next stop cairns… that’s in queensland

2009-11-13T08:21:00.001-06:00

It was a dark and stormy day when I arrived in Cairns, but in a matter of hours the sun was shinning and the cockatoos were singing in the trees. I came all this way to check out the Great Barrier Reef. I have to admit I am surprised at the tourist trap I now find myself in. That’s okay I guess Cairns has a lot to offer bewildered guests. Besides snorkeling and diving you can go bungee jumping, rafting, biking, ballooning or book a tour like I did and leave this town. In the morning I’m traveling north to Cape Tribulation. Right now I’m headed to the lagoon to spend the afternoon swimming with friends.

goodbye sydney

2009-11-12T19:24:00.000-06:00

Today I left Sydney and flew into Cairns. I was not ready to leave my friends, but I know that I'll be back. Tou and Tanya thanks from the bottom of my heart for letting me crash at your place and, taking me places, feeding me, and being a true friends!

sydney aquarium

2009-11-11T20:17:00.002-06:00

This morning I woke up and headed to Sydney Aquarium. Not really expecting much… because I’ve been to Underwater World at the Mall of America and the Tropics Trail at the Minnesota Zoo I was amazed by the Sydney Aquarium! For the first time in my life I saw a Platypus. They are fast swimmers and smaller then I imagined. I also saw some neat looking sharks and fish. It might be true that everything is bigger in Australia. (with the exception of the Platypus)

The best part of my aquarium experience was seeing a Manatee for the first time, or as the Australians call them Dugongs. I’d heard about them, learned about them, raised money to save them, but never saw one before today. A magnificent experience!

while in Sydney

2009-11-10T00:55:00.000-06:00

Today I ventured inside the iconic Sydney Opera House on a guided tour, climbed the historic Sydney Harbor Bridge Pylon Lookout, cruised the around the harbor aboard Majestic a catamaran, and then was amazed by Sydney’s best views from Sydney Tower & OzTrek. This all happened in one great day before I got lost… on my way home. No worries though. I made friends with the locals who let me use a computer to facebook my friends I was staying with. (What did people do before computers?) All in all a wonderful day in Sydney.

`Amone family

2009-11-09T18:39:00.001-06:00

These are the wonderful people who I'm staying with. I met Tou in San Francisco while on my mission in 2001.

sydney australia temple

2009-11-09T00:56:00.000-06:00

Today was Sunday and a day of rest for me. I met up with Samuela `Amone yesterday and today I went to church with his family and later to the Sydney temple. Australian culture has a much more laid back lifestyle and I've come to fully embrace it.

sydney australia

2009-11-06T18:09:00.000-06:00

I'm here and loving it. I spent my first night in the YHA Centeral Hostel. This morning I went for a walk to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, where I ate breakfast and watched the sunrise. I'm still trying to meet up with my friends from the mission. Today we are going to try again. I guess I should have packed a cell phone.