Sunday, July 27, 2008
Back to Boston
I will be back in Boston on Tuesday morning for a week of Sociology conferences. The first is the US/UK Medical Sociology conference for 3 days, then the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) where I will be presenting some of my research of menopause and HRT, and then the American Sociological Association (ASA) for a roundtable and some more medical sociology events. I am so happy that they are back in Boston so that I can visit one of my favorite places. After 5 years, I never got bored with it- I have to admit, that I don't miss the BITTER winters, but I do miss the city. Afterwards, my dad and sister are coming back to Boston for the last day of my conference and the next day, we are driving up to Quebec City to visit the beautiful city during its 400th anniversary. It will be a fun, but busy "business" trip. It might be awhile before I can blog again, but updates will be coming
Monday, July 21, 2008
Visit to the Center of the Earth and a Dark Morning
On Friday night, instead of battling crowds for Dark Knight and Mama Mia, we decided to see "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3D. We got these 3-D glasses that we got to keep- and on the side, they say "Not Sunglasses- No UV Protection." So these are one time use only. It was definitely worth it to see it in 3D- it made the film much better than it was. Thus, we recommend ONLY seeing it in 3D. William thought that the film would be "campy" (his exact words) without the 3D. We both think that this is definitely the next direction for films to go.
On Saturday morning, we saw Dark Knight at our favorite $6 showing. I had thought it wasn't going to be very crowded since it was in the morning, but of course, it was since it is the biggest opening weekend yet. And it was very good- fairly long (2 1/2 hrs)- but extremely suspenseful. It was definitely "dark". William and I read an article evaluating the different "Batman's" over the years. They gave Michael Keaton a perfect 10 and Christian Bale a 9 since they hadn't seen the 2nd film yet. I would have to give both Michael Keaton and Christian Bale a 10. Val Kilmer was ok- probably like a 6, Adam West is about a 4, and as much as I like George Clooney, he is NOT a Batman so I definitely give him like a 1. He is just too jovial to be like Batman.
On Saturday morning, we saw Dark Knight at our favorite $6 showing. I had thought it wasn't going to be very crowded since it was in the morning, but of course, it was since it is the biggest opening weekend yet. And it was very good- fairly long (2 1/2 hrs)- but extremely suspenseful. It was definitely "dark". William and I read an article evaluating the different "Batman's" over the years. They gave Michael Keaton a perfect 10 and Christian Bale a 9 since they hadn't seen the 2nd film yet. I would have to give both Michael Keaton and Christian Bale a 10. Val Kilmer was ok- probably like a 6, Adam West is about a 4, and as much as I like George Clooney, he is NOT a Batman so I definitely give him like a 1. He is just too jovial to be like Batman.
Charles aka "Chuckie"
besides the family reunion, we were able to see our first nephew, on both sides- CHARLES Christopher Kunz. Even before he was born, William has been calling him "Chuckie." William told Chris, his brother and Chuckie's father, that he would stop calling him Chuckie if Chris would stop calling William "Bill". Well, Chris was still calling William "Bill" even when we said goodbye so he is still "Chuckie."
And of course we gave him the perfect gift- with a Chuck E. Cheese gift card. We also gave him a special onesie since his uncle works for Google that says "Googoo". Chris took one look at it and said "thanks" because he didn't really read it but then was laughing when he really read it.
But, come on- we want the good stuff- the real Chuckie. And here he is- and like I said earlier, he is in the running to be America's next top model as evidenced here on grandpa's lap
This is his this thinker/"pensive" pose.
We love you little Charles and because we love you, we'll call you Chuckie to officially welcome you as part of the Kunz family!
And of course we gave him the perfect gift- with a Chuck E. Cheese gift card. We also gave him a special onesie since his uncle works for Google that says "Googoo". Chris took one look at it and said "thanks" because he didn't really read it but then was laughing when he really read it.
But, come on- we want the good stuff- the real Chuckie. And here he is- and like I said earlier, he is in the running to be America's next top model as evidenced here on grandpa's lap
This is his this thinker/"pensive" pose.
We love you little Charles and because we love you, we'll call you Chuckie to officially welcome you as part of the Kunz family!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Kunz Family Reunion
Saturday was all day family fun at the Kunz Family Reunion. We first went to the Farmer's Market in downtown SLC across the way from the hotel. It was so awesome to see such a crowd supporting both Utah farmers and artisans.
Things have gotten to be so upscale and "green" that they have a bike valet- here is the area for it.
As we were walking around, we passed by Tony Caputo's stand where I saw my dear friend Vanessa who was visiting her boyfriend Andy who works there. She was literally "sweet" enough to take us over to the actual Tony Caputo's where she gave us the tour tasting of the chocolate items. Here is the official CHOCOLATE FILE. Vanessa is an amazing food goddess and she was able to explain to us the differences between all of these different chocolates. True good chocolates have their own distinct tastes and flavors to them, just according to the type of bean and where they are grown.
Some of our favorites were the madascar chocolate that has a fruity after taste. We also loved the white chocolate, and a fine milk chocolate. As well as a BACON chocolate. Yes, chocolate with bacon in it. It has one of the most unique tastes- the salty with the sweet. But, our FAVORITE chocolates are those handmade by Chocolatier Blue. He uses the freshest ingredients, many organic, to create these AMAZING chocolates. They have a rhubarb one, pistacio, and my favorite- PASSION FRUIT. He imports the passion fruits from New Zealand to have this out-of-this-world flavor. And Vanessa told us that he is moving to Berkley CA! WOOHOO!
I then ran into a few other friends who I knew when I lived at the Elms- Cris and Carrie. It is so funny that I ran into them at Caputos- it truly is such a small world.
We then had lunch with the Kunzes with more talking and fun. Some people went swimming, William and I decided just to talk with everyone.
We then went out to our uncle's mom's house for a bbq. Out on the patio waiting for the grub.
Some of the grandkids playing on the grass.
And of course, William is the instigator of the "fun." He took an empty water bottle, blew it full of air, and then twisted the bottom, and slightly twisted off the cap to have the cap fly off onto the roof. After EVERYONE saw this, all of the grandkids spent the rest of the evening making "bottle rockets" as William called them. Sorry for those that were stuck on the roof! 
Here's Aunt Bekky with little nephew Charles- aka Chuckie according to William. 
We're not sure what he is looking at, but he is definitely going to be "America's Next Top Model" because he would start crying, yet, when we pulled out the camera and started taking photos, he stopped and was ok. 
Grandpa and I were most excited about the ICE CREAM with yummy toppings- my favorite is the caramel.
Afterwards, a bunch of us went to Jordan Commons to see "Get Smart". It is crazy that when you buy your ticket, you also have to claim your seat. I mean, in ways it good and bad. We were lucky that there was still a big block of seats still together for us to sit. They were up in the corner though, but not too bad. The movie was actually really funny- and I hadn't seen very many of the original episodes but I still enjoyed it.
We are so BLESSED that we are part of such an amazing family and that we get to see everyone at least once a year. We love all of you!
Things have gotten to be so upscale and "green" that they have a bike valet- here is the area for it.
As we were walking around, we passed by Tony Caputo's stand where I saw my dear friend Vanessa who was visiting her boyfriend Andy who works there. She was literally "sweet" enough to take us over to the actual Tony Caputo's where she gave us the tour tasting of the chocolate items. Here is the official CHOCOLATE FILE. Vanessa is an amazing food goddess and she was able to explain to us the differences between all of these different chocolates. True good chocolates have their own distinct tastes and flavors to them, just according to the type of bean and where they are grown.
Some of our favorites were the madascar chocolate that has a fruity after taste. We also loved the white chocolate, and a fine milk chocolate. As well as a BACON chocolate. Yes, chocolate with bacon in it. It has one of the most unique tastes- the salty with the sweet. But, our FAVORITE chocolates are those handmade by Chocolatier Blue. He uses the freshest ingredients, many organic, to create these AMAZING chocolates. They have a rhubarb one, pistacio, and my favorite- PASSION FRUIT. He imports the passion fruits from New Zealand to have this out-of-this-world flavor. And Vanessa told us that he is moving to Berkley CA! WOOHOO!I then ran into a few other friends who I knew when I lived at the Elms- Cris and Carrie. It is so funny that I ran into them at Caputos- it truly is such a small world.
We then had lunch with the Kunzes with more talking and fun. Some people went swimming, William and I decided just to talk with everyone.
We then went out to our uncle's mom's house for a bbq. Out on the patio waiting for the grub.
Some of the grandkids playing on the grass.
And of course, William is the instigator of the "fun." He took an empty water bottle, blew it full of air, and then twisted the bottom, and slightly twisted off the cap to have the cap fly off onto the roof. After EVERYONE saw this, all of the grandkids spent the rest of the evening making "bottle rockets" as William called them. Sorry for those that were stuck on the roof! 
Here's Aunt Bekky with little nephew Charles- aka Chuckie according to William. 
We're not sure what he is looking at, but he is definitely going to be "America's Next Top Model" because he would start crying, yet, when we pulled out the camera and started taking photos, he stopped and was ok. 
Grandpa and I were most excited about the ICE CREAM with yummy toppings- my favorite is the caramel.Afterwards, a bunch of us went to Jordan Commons to see "Get Smart". It is crazy that when you buy your ticket, you also have to claim your seat. I mean, in ways it good and bad. We were lucky that there was still a big block of seats still together for us to sit. They were up in the corner though, but not too bad. The movie was actually really funny- and I hadn't seen very many of the original episodes but I still enjoyed it.
We are so BLESSED that we are part of such an amazing family and that we get to see everyone at least once a year. We love all of you!
Visit with the Family
Last week, William even took a day off work and we headed off to Utah to visit with both our families, but primarily the Kunz family especially since we haven't seen his parents for awhile since they live in Siberia. They brought back some special items for us to try. William looks pretty authentic- except for its strawberry lemonade :-)
These are perfect for a warm, Utah summer.
On Friday, we spent the day with William's parents and they took us over to a retirement community they were looking at in Springvalle. It was interesting for us because the larger, 2 story house was actually the least expensive. Only in a retirement community. Next, it was off to Ikea where we went and had such a fun time looking around. And got an ice cream cone for dessert :-)
Next, it was off to the Marriott Residence Inn in downtown SLC where we met up with the rest of the Kunz family. And the key to a Kunz family reunion is FOOD and FUN. I fed William grapes- well, more than he bargained for.
That night we stayed at my parents where they welcomed us with a Cookie Dough Delirium cake from Cold Stone. Well, actually my sister Sarah received it as a graduation gift and was kind enough to share with us
YUMMMYY- look just at all that ice cream deliciousness.
We then spent the rest of the evening playing an ever entertaining game of Scattergories. My mom even played with us because of William's creative answers. It makes me so happy that William has become an integral part of our family and that I am becoming part of the Kunz one :-)
These are perfect for a warm, Utah summer.
On Friday, we spent the day with William's parents and they took us over to a retirement community they were looking at in Springvalle. It was interesting for us because the larger, 2 story house was actually the least expensive. Only in a retirement community. Next, it was off to Ikea where we went and had such a fun time looking around. And got an ice cream cone for dessert :-)Next, it was off to the Marriott Residence Inn in downtown SLC where we met up with the rest of the Kunz family. And the key to a Kunz family reunion is FOOD and FUN. I fed William grapes- well, more than he bargained for.
That night we stayed at my parents where they welcomed us with a Cookie Dough Delirium cake from Cold Stone. Well, actually my sister Sarah received it as a graduation gift and was kind enough to share with us
YUMMMYY- look just at all that ice cream deliciousness.
We then spent the rest of the evening playing an ever entertaining game of Scattergories. My mom even played with us because of William's creative answers. It makes me so happy that William has become an integral part of our family and that I am becoming part of the Kunz one :-)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
SF Symphony in the Park
On Tuesday I was able to enjoy the San Francisco Symphony for FREE out the park in San Jose. It was a beautiful day- not too hot- and the music was great as well. And I even managed to find FREE parking. I was impressed that they played for 50 minutes and I really enjoyed their repertoire, including part of Dvorak's New World Symphony which is such a monumental pieceespecially the finale of the Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4.
It really was a great way to end the performance. I also liked this neat church that was right nearby.
It really was a great way to end the performance. I also liked this neat church that was right nearby.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Boston Fourth
Boston is where the revolution all began and so what better place to celebrate our nation's freedom than here. They have a full week of special events called "Boston Harborfest". Some of these include a Chowda Fest where for a fee you can sample- and vote- and eat as much as you want of some of the best clam chowder in the city. A few years ago, I went on a special tour of Old North Church where I was able to go into the upper levels where the lantern was hung that sent Paul Revere on his famous ride.
On the evening of July 3rd, I would head out to the Esplanade at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River to hear the Boston Pops perform their rehersal concert for the 4th. They would practice the whole program minus the fireworks. They had some unique performers over the years such as David Lee Roth (Jump!) and Rockapella and as always, Keith Lockhart conducting the Boston Pops. A few of the highlights of this concert is the patriotic sing along (I always sing my heart out) and the 1812 Overture complete with cannons.
They also hand out flags and programs and CONFETTI.
Then, on the morning of the 4th, I head down to Government Center to City Hall Plaza for the parade. Everyone is dressed up in authentic period costumes and they have fife and drums.
The parade marches along the Freedom Trail where they lay wreaths on the graves of the victims of the Boston Massacre and then they head back to the Old State House. I learned that it is better to just watch the parade and then head immediately to the Old State House to get a great spot for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. The same man who is like 91 sings the National Anthem every year and he is just incredible- it is so moving. Then, they read the complete declaration- this year, I even received a free pocket copy.
Here's me with Lisa and Amy- my buddies for the festivities last year
Then, its off to the "Crade of Liberty" at Fanuiel Hall where the first meetings of the revolution are held. Every year they have a special guest perform an annual narration- the coolest was the "modern day Betsy Ross"- this man who designed our current 50 star flag design and submitted it as part of a class in high school and he got a B for it. His teacher told him that if he was able to get it accepted by the President of the United States that his grade would be raised to an A. Several years later, this man went back with a letter from the President and had his grade changed. It just goes to show that you should believe in yourself and the works that you do. Here he is with the flag (sorry its kind of dark- we were inside and I didn't want to flash him)
After this narration, I would head out near the aquarium to see from a distance the 21 gun salute from the U.S.S. Constitution that goes on a short trip to make it the oldest operating active ship. It is pretty far away, but I'd rather see the other events than to head down to Castle Island for just that one part.
Waiting for the salute
Then, I would hit Quincy Market where I would have my clam chowder in a bread bowl from Boston Chowda. In this interm, what I would do varies from year to year. One year I went down to the JFK Museum and Library where I LOVE this quote
last year I went out to Brewster Island to see the lighthouse.
Along with some beautiful views of Boston
But, always in the evening, I would head to the Mass Ave Bridge where I would watch the most amazing fireworks display over the Charles River. The show lasts 30 minutes long and it choreographed to music and has some of the biggest and most unique fireworks in the world. You truly feel that you are being engulfed in these fireworks.
I have never felt such a great love for my country and how blessed I am to have been born in a nation where I experience such amazing freedoms. Thanks to all of those rebels who fought so hard to give this to us!
On the evening of July 3rd, I would head out to the Esplanade at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River to hear the Boston Pops perform their rehersal concert for the 4th. They would practice the whole program minus the fireworks. They had some unique performers over the years such as David Lee Roth (Jump!) and Rockapella and as always, Keith Lockhart conducting the Boston Pops. A few of the highlights of this concert is the patriotic sing along (I always sing my heart out) and the 1812 Overture complete with cannons.
They also hand out flags and programs and CONFETTI.
Then, on the morning of the 4th, I head down to Government Center to City Hall Plaza for the parade. Everyone is dressed up in authentic period costumes and they have fife and drums.
The parade marches along the Freedom Trail where they lay wreaths on the graves of the victims of the Boston Massacre and then they head back to the Old State House. I learned that it is better to just watch the parade and then head immediately to the Old State House to get a great spot for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. The same man who is like 91 sings the National Anthem every year and he is just incredible- it is so moving. Then, they read the complete declaration- this year, I even received a free pocket copy.
Here's me with Lisa and Amy- my buddies for the festivities last year
Then, its off to the "Crade of Liberty" at Fanuiel Hall where the first meetings of the revolution are held. Every year they have a special guest perform an annual narration- the coolest was the "modern day Betsy Ross"- this man who designed our current 50 star flag design and submitted it as part of a class in high school and he got a B for it. His teacher told him that if he was able to get it accepted by the President of the United States that his grade would be raised to an A. Several years later, this man went back with a letter from the President and had his grade changed. It just goes to show that you should believe in yourself and the works that you do. Here he is with the flag (sorry its kind of dark- we were inside and I didn't want to flash him)
After this narration, I would head out near the aquarium to see from a distance the 21 gun salute from the U.S.S. Constitution that goes on a short trip to make it the oldest operating active ship. It is pretty far away, but I'd rather see the other events than to head down to Castle Island for just that one part.
Waiting for the salute
Then, I would hit Quincy Market where I would have my clam chowder in a bread bowl from Boston Chowda. In this interm, what I would do varies from year to year. One year I went down to the JFK Museum and Library where I LOVE this quote
last year I went out to Brewster Island to see the lighthouse.
Along with some beautiful views of Boston
But, always in the evening, I would head to the Mass Ave Bridge where I would watch the most amazing fireworks display over the Charles River. The show lasts 30 minutes long and it choreographed to music and has some of the biggest and most unique fireworks in the world. You truly feel that you are being engulfed in these fireworks.
I have never felt such a great love for my country and how blessed I am to have been born in a nation where I experience such amazing freedoms. Thanks to all of those rebels who fought so hard to give this to us!
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