People are always talking about making lists of adventurous things they'd like to accomplish during their lifetime. Here's my list, and what follows are notes about what I'm currently up to.
Wedding photosNovember 14, 2006
After much waiting, we were delighted this weekend to get our album from our wedding photographer. Mike did a great job -- we couldn't have imagined a nicer, more unique album! While there isn't any reasonable way to put our actual album online, I've done a Picasa export of most of the pictures contained in the album, plus a few taken by my friend Wilf, and a couple of engagement shots.
Here they are!FlyingNovember 12, 2006
This summer, Navtech offered to pay for those interested to take a ground school course at the KW airport. This month I'll finish that course, and so I thought it time to take my introductory flying lesson. As I drove to the airport, I got tingly with anticipation. Not scared, but a little anxious.
We started by doing our weight and balance, followed by a visual inspection of the plane. After going through some checklists, we were ready to go. My instructor started the engines and eased off of the brake.
When on the ground, the Cessna 172 is steered with the foot pedals which double as your breaks. What a strange feeling to have to keep your hands in your lap while you steer with your feet!
We taxied to the end of the runway and waited for ATC clearance. My instructor throttled up the plane and we headed down the great big wide runway. We lifted off before I knew it, and in the blink of an eye the buildings were already far below us. What a rush!
We started our flight by flying over KW and looking down upon Meredith and I's little apartment... seeing things from up high is breath-taking.
I figured an intro lesson would involve sitting and watching, but after we flew north out of KW, I took the controls and did some turns, climbs, and descents. I was flying an airplane! Wahoo! :)
I'll probably wait until the spring before I really get into flying lessons since I need to fly during the day -- the winter is a bad time for those of us that work 9-5.
I'm psyched!
Book review: The Kite Runner
September 25, 2006
I started reading The Kite Runner not knowing what I was getting myself into. All I knew from the outset was that it involved two childhood friends growing up in Afghanistan -- and kite flying. (This is becoming a bit of a theme for me: Picking up books that look cute and being startled by the actual subject matter)
This novel was very well worth the read. The story is moving; desperately sad, but rich. The main character, Amir, is strangely easy to relate to. He leads the reader on a powerful journey, quickly winning our friendship and ultimately deepening our understanding of the turbulent and upsetting history of Afghanistan.
I am struck by how novels like this open up a persons eyes to the tragedies of our world. Many of us live a well structured North American existence. A secure existence with many freedoms, rights, etc. But on the other side of the wall, not so far away, there has been much suffering.
I looked up the author after I finished the book and couldn't believe that this has been his first novel -- not only that, but he's a physician by practice. Well done!
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