Disaster

Last week for Family Night we updated our Emergency 72 Hour Kits. It was a good thing too because the clothes in Teen Kitten's pack actually fit Littlest Kitten. We threw away old snacks (Ew!) and replaced them with things we'd really eat. My only concern is that when we tried some practice drills, our packs were so heavy that we didn't get very far very fast.

Tonight we participated with our neighborhood MOCK DISASTER. Each family was given a scenario caused by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake.

Our family was not lucky enough to get to practice major medical trauma, but we did have a fire in the basement, no water or electricity and had to be able get to our 72 hour kits.

We rocked it. I knew right where the fire extinguisher was located and we reviewed how to pull the tab.

As a family we practiced different techniques of finding cover during an earthquake.

We learned that we don't all fit under the coffee table. I feel better knowing that, for sure.

At the designated time, we put our sign in the window to let our Block Captain know that we were alright. Then we all met at the Captain's house to discuss and eat treats.

I insisted we do some drills as a group, just to get comfortable in an earthquake situation.

Seriously though, it's less scary to know that in an actual emergency, not only do we have a plan, but we have each other. It gives me a nice, warm feeling inside when I think about each of the people in my neighborhood and how I care about them and they care about me.

Before this experience I used to think, "PhD, ya wow, that sounds hard, too much writing and research and doing something no one has done before?!" Now, having lived this close to the experience, I have even more respect for those who accomplish this task. Some universities require more than others, UBC is one of those, with external examiners and a committee of highly respected scholars.

At Dan's dissertation defense, I've never been so proud of him. THAT was tough. He went from shaking before it started to pulling information out of the air. It was seriously amazing. The harder the questions got, the better he did. He was super human.

The most painful part was after he got through his presentation and defended his questions, they sent us (the public was invited to attend) out of the room so the committee could deliberate. We could see them through the glass in the door as they gestured and discussed. Next they called Dan back into the room. We watched from outside, waiting for a smile but it was just more discussing. Finally they opened the doors and introduced Dr. Daniel T. Barney. Luckily, what kept me from crying (all of it being very emotional) was that some of us had Dr. Dan t-shirts on under our tops and so we ripped off our sweaters to reveal our excitement and support just at the right moment. I feel that same excitement every time I remember that he did it, even now a few days later.

This experience reminded me that greatness comes not from luck or by accident, it comes from hard work, sacrifice and pushing yourself beyond what you think you are capable of... and a little luck isn't bad either.

It also reminded me that behind every great person there is a great... actually, a lot of people who believe and love him or her. It was tender for me to see Dan's scholarly friends standing beside him, not in competition, but as support. These are brilliant people who I sometimes can't even understand in conversation over lunch and there they are, laughing and crying with Dan.

Dan arrived a couple of days before me in Vancouver to prepare. He did is mock defense which he said was a train wreck. Then his best bud Juan Castro, put Dan in 'camp Castro' where he reworked his presentation and practiced over and over and over again. Juan was a lifesaver. He's getting ready to defend his own dissertation in a few weeks.

Plus, he bought Dan a whole banana chocolate cream pie, his very favorite Vancouver treat. Dan's advisor Rita Irwin (top photo) was also a great mentor, support and friend to Dan. I feel so much gratitude to her that I'm not sure even what to say. My highest respect is for those who teach and share their knowledge.

Lizzy House

Following my college graduation (pre-teaching) I didn't really have a plan or a vision about my career. I knew what I loved to do but I didn't know how exactly to apply it all.

I'm amazed when I meet somebody like Lizzy House who is starting her post-college year with a bang. I met Lizzy when I was in Idaho the past weekend. Lizzy studied printmaking with Carla Jimison. Lucky her that she did because all of what she studied got her ready to do what she is doing.

Above is a picture of Lizzy's top secret new work. She is designing fabric for Andover Fabrics. How cool is that! You an read her blog at lizzyhouse. Her designs are very cool. I'm excited to see that fabric. Below is one of her etchings. Nice.