a birthday playlist

A friend recently challenged me to make a playlist with one song from each of my years on earth. Seemed too hard, but I compiled a list of my favorite birthday memories, a play-list of sorts:)

I've always loved having fall birthday, backdropped by leaves changing color

• Most of my 6-16 birthday parties were in the backyard on Lake Forest, homecoming on the horizon. One year we made a pyramid:)
• 16 year old birthday on Mom's back porch on Lake Hill....big bash, wore a Red and White shirt, did a Eric Nies dance with Lizzie (peppa, peppa)
  
• My 21st at 104 W Gorham. BIG PARTY. Lots of my friends from Madrid drove in
• India birthday #1. Jeff Perkins oh so lovingly pointed out I was drinking Delhi tap water-and 1st time I could throw an adultier party:)
• Keg on the Yamhill porch....that was probably 26 or 27 Trav, Kevin, and Tyler groovin some tunes
• Another Yamhill party, this time with Mom and Tim
  
• The blue oakley sunglasses birthday (thanks SCS!) , celebrated at the Nitty, and then hosted by Sarie- on Bassett?
• Every birthday celebrated with Jules who decorated rooms, sang songs AND invented dances for my two left feet:)
  
• Roller-blading birthday party on the lakefront with the happenstance of big balloon arch that we skated with
  
• First year in Portland birthday, Sarie came in (left little Ian alone at home with craig) and we went to the Cuban place with Rose (el was working)
• Nitty Gritty birthdays with a tag-off to Missy:)
  
• Birthday at the Delta Cafe in Portland-same year as party on the porch?
• Madrid birthday, celebrated in our dorm, then went dancing
  
• Today-starting the day with a 4 mile run with my friends, my motivation and lots of love!
• All the parties I've shared with Doug (and this year marks the end)
• Coffee date birthdays with Kyle before school
  
• My birthdays with my birthday twins, Laura Chrusciel Stone, Brandon Markle, Josh Jenkins, Douglas Beam, Carrie Bui
  

Thanks for all the memories:)

september stuff

It's been a crazy few weeks! Fall is my crazy time. As trip leader for our Week withOut Walls adventure, Team 6 leader, and a member of 3 different musical groups, it seems crazy that I'd also add half marathon training to the mix. But yes, I have. It's been such a fulfilling month. From trips to some Delhi landmarks, to incredible classroom work, I'm totally pleased.

For those of you not on facebook, ask if you'd like to see some pics....haven't quite gotten to that.

I got pulled over last week (not a highlight), which has always been one of my biggest fears of driving in a seemingly lawless city. I was talking on my cell phone, and I suppose I don't know if that really is illegal or not. THe cops here are usually on motorbikes, so they just risk their lives by tapping on your window and pulling in front of you, using there very delhi hand signal of pull over. I WAS FREAKED. Most things in Delhi I have under control, this I did not. I have heard many a horror story about emptying wallets and unsatisfied police officers. I tried to get smart and force them to come with me to the embassy. The policeman was having none of it, or understanding none of it, not quite sure. Eventually he just wabbled his head and said matter of factly "money, " followed with a smile and "now." Um yeah, there aren't many fabulous times to be a white girl in delhi, and this wasn't winning any first time awards. I was able to win a small battle of getting him to back up off my car, which he was leaning into with a creepy grin on his face, while I got my money out. 500 INR was a fine exchange for letting me continue to drive, somewhat lawlessly, on the Indian roads.

I've also started another blog...a professional one with my kids, if you're interested, check it out
http://rgalvan.msblogs.aes.ac.in - my kids are doing AWESOME and inspirational things with it. Very exciting.

What else? I'm in a band. This is pretty much a dream come true gone blues. While I never dreamed of singing the blues, I'm loving the opportunity to sing and perform, it's definitely taking me outside of my comfort zone, which is a welcome adventure. On Friday we'll have our first gig. Ha, a GIG! Love it!

Lots of trips and adventures coming my way this next month. Stay tuned!
LOTS OF LOVE, and drop a comment!