Today was mostly uneventful…if you believe Kevin’s report. They did interviews at a cool house. They took Craig to the airport. They had a leisurely lunch at a historic building that has very high ceilings and lots of interesting (and probably historic) decorating. They went shopping. They are back at the hotel and need to pack, shower and sleep.
They have to leave for the airport at 4 am Bucharest time, which is 11 pm my time. It’s now 1 am my time…7am Bucharest time…They are one their way home!
Don't get me started on what time it is in Australia! at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Friday, October 31, 2008
One Man's Crib, Another Man's Palace
I missed their first call today…it came early and I was walking where there was no cell signal. Kev’s message said, “met with a set builder today and the visited Ceausescu’s house and rummaged around his home for a few hours. I guess that would be like going through the Saddam Hussein of Eastern Europe’s home…palace actually. We also went to a forest. Got to run for dinner. Bye!”
There are several names for Ceausescu’s “digs.” “The Palace of the Parliament,” the “House of Ceausescu” and the “People’s Palace.” Apparently to the Communist Leader Nicolae Ceausescu, the “people” in the “People’s Palace” were him and his wife…There’s really no good way to describe the size and grandeur of the place, according to Kev. Megh and Richie deem it “ginormous.” She said it had everything…a swimming pool, priceless artwork, a movie theater, a stadium, at least three levels of basement, separate bedrooms for Nic and his wife Elena, parliament…everything a crazed dictator might want in a building, except a bowling alley. Elena must have been afraid those heavy balls would chip the marble.
Kev and Megh said it was stunning how huge the place was. The Ceausescu’s had bedrooms on separate ends of the building…which is like sleeping at opposite ends of the Pentagon. In fact, due to my intrepid research abilities, (here meaning 15 minutes on Wikipedia, that paragon of fact and accuracy), the Palace of the Parliament, as it is officially called is the second largest government building, bested only by the Pentagon, and the heaviest…I’m not sure how they figured out the Palace was the heaviest, but from the looks of it, why not?
Kevin wanted to see Ceausescu’s room…and was told that Michael Jackson slept and/or sat on the daybed in the room adjacent. Of course…Kev sat there as well. I can’t wait to hear how he spins the story of “Michael Jackson and him in the same bed….” You heard it first here.
Kev tried to finagle permission to spend the night in the building…there are plenty of rooms after all…and the lady in charge seemed about to acquiesce, but Cassie, I’m sure sensing what mischief the boys would do racing around on marble floors late at night in socks, nixed it. She probably saved them from prison or something…I only say this because I know my husband and his curiosity…he would have crawled through every inch of that place looking for goodies and treasure.
BTW: this was not the only crib of Nicolae and Elena’s. According to reports he owned over 15 luxury palaces around Romania…which isn’t bad on his salary of $3,000 a year. They even owned another palace in Bucharest, the Primaverii Palace, to act like their storage unit. Among other things, it had one room devoted entirely to Elena’s fur coats, another for Nicolae’s suits, tuxedos, and hunting outfits…etc. (gag me!) etc.
Of course this monstrous obscenity was near virtual hovels where the rest of Romania’s “comrade’s” lived.
What happened to the “Common” of “Communism”? Oh yeah, it never existed! at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
There are several names for Ceausescu’s “digs.” “The Palace of the Parliament,” the “House of Ceausescu” and the “People’s Palace.” Apparently to the Communist Leader Nicolae Ceausescu, the “people” in the “People’s Palace” were him and his wife…There’s really no good way to describe the size and grandeur of the place, according to Kev. Megh and Richie deem it “ginormous.” She said it had everything…a swimming pool, priceless artwork, a movie theater, a stadium, at least three levels of basement, separate bedrooms for Nic and his wife Elena, parliament…everything a crazed dictator might want in a building, except a bowling alley. Elena must have been afraid those heavy balls would chip the marble.
Kev and Megh said it was stunning how huge the place was. The Ceausescu’s had bedrooms on separate ends of the building…which is like sleeping at opposite ends of the Pentagon. In fact, due to my intrepid research abilities, (here meaning 15 minutes on Wikipedia, that paragon of fact and accuracy), the Palace of the Parliament, as it is officially called is the second largest government building, bested only by the Pentagon, and the heaviest…I’m not sure how they figured out the Palace was the heaviest, but from the looks of it, why not?
Kevin wanted to see Ceausescu’s room…and was told that Michael Jackson slept and/or sat on the daybed in the room adjacent. Of course…Kev sat there as well. I can’t wait to hear how he spins the story of “Michael Jackson and him in the same bed….” You heard it first here.
Kev tried to finagle permission to spend the night in the building…there are plenty of rooms after all…and the lady in charge seemed about to acquiesce, but Cassie, I’m sure sensing what mischief the boys would do racing around on marble floors late at night in socks, nixed it. She probably saved them from prison or something…I only say this because I know my husband and his curiosity…he would have crawled through every inch of that place looking for goodies and treasure.
BTW: this was not the only crib of Nicolae and Elena’s. According to reports he owned over 15 luxury palaces around Romania…which isn’t bad on his salary of $3,000 a year. They even owned another palace in Bucharest, the Primaverii Palace, to act like their storage unit. Among other things, it had one room devoted entirely to Elena’s fur coats, another for Nicolae’s suits, tuxedos, and hunting outfits…etc. (gag me!) etc.
Of course this monstrous obscenity was near virtual hovels where the rest of Romania’s “comrade’s” lived.
What happened to the “Common” of “Communism”? Oh yeah, it never existed! at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Totally Awesome Time-Waster
Because it's Thursday and you need a break.
Click Here.
You're welcome.
I'm rather addicted myself at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Click Here.
You're welcome.
I'm rather addicted myself at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Romania Film Making...Will We Look Good Enough?
They were in meetings all day with the film company and a representative from the Embassy.
There are the highlights:
Apparently, according to Kevin, to “fit” into the film industry in Romania you need to have a ponytail…the Assistant Director, the Key Grip, and the Director all sport one. “Fit” here means, and I’m just guessing, to look European, artistic and cool. That won’t be a problem for Shane and Cassie…and, by definition, even Megh could get in on the “I’ve got a ponytail so I can work in film” action. But Kevin…he hasn’t ever had longish hair let alone enough that can be pulled together with a rubber band…what will his mother think? What will my mother think? Personally, I think he’d look cute…I’ve been trying to get him to grow his hair out for years…maybe now he’ll do it…just envision him with a braid down his back and a little earring…OK maybe not the braid (aack!).
The Romanian director also sports a black cowboy hat…from casual research we know that Richard Rodriguez, director of movies like “Spy Kids,” also wears a black cowboy hat…I’m sensing a trend here… We better start looking for one just in case it is the Official Headgear For Professional Filmmaking. I don’t want Shane to be shunned.
The meeting at the Embassy was just to introduce themselves. The Secretary of Cultural Affairs seemed rather bored with them until Kev presented her with some Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls. Her face lit up and she said, “I drink! So this is good!” Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls: Diplomacy’s New Secret Weapon. Don’t leave home without some.
The team also went to a film shoot to observe how this particular company functions, in this case it was shooting a commercial using a steadicam and actual film. When the camera dude found out they planned to shoot Hi Def Digital he groaned, “You guys will wear me out!” When asked why he said, “With film we have to stop to change magazines…but with digital you never quit. I run all day long!” Another example of the striking differences between the types of media.
That’s it…the studio said they know of actors and actresses who can look emaciated and prison-camp-like, tanks can be procured, the sound stage is large enough for various prison interiors.
Now the team is trying to figure out what it will cost them to do this movie and what they will need to do it well. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
BTW: They ate at Pizza Hut…and Megh had the Best! Pizza! Evah! And she says that Discovery Channel is the only one in English, so I should count her television viewing as “Science.”
I can't wait for them to come home at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
There are the highlights:
Apparently, according to Kevin, to “fit” into the film industry in Romania you need to have a ponytail…the Assistant Director, the Key Grip, and the Director all sport one. “Fit” here means, and I’m just guessing, to look European, artistic and cool. That won’t be a problem for Shane and Cassie…and, by definition, even Megh could get in on the “I’ve got a ponytail so I can work in film” action. But Kevin…he hasn’t ever had longish hair let alone enough that can be pulled together with a rubber band…what will his mother think? What will my mother think? Personally, I think he’d look cute…I’ve been trying to get him to grow his hair out for years…maybe now he’ll do it…just envision him with a braid down his back and a little earring…OK maybe not the braid (aack!).
The Romanian director also sports a black cowboy hat…from casual research we know that Richard Rodriguez, director of movies like “Spy Kids,” also wears a black cowboy hat…I’m sensing a trend here… We better start looking for one just in case it is the Official Headgear For Professional Filmmaking. I don’t want Shane to be shunned.
The meeting at the Embassy was just to introduce themselves. The Secretary of Cultural Affairs seemed rather bored with them until Kev presented her with some Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls. Her face lit up and she said, “I drink! So this is good!” Authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls: Diplomacy’s New Secret Weapon. Don’t leave home without some.
The team also went to a film shoot to observe how this particular company functions, in this case it was shooting a commercial using a steadicam and actual film. When the camera dude found out they planned to shoot Hi Def Digital he groaned, “You guys will wear me out!” When asked why he said, “With film we have to stop to change magazines…but with digital you never quit. I run all day long!” Another example of the striking differences between the types of media.
That’s it…the studio said they know of actors and actresses who can look emaciated and prison-camp-like, tanks can be procured, the sound stage is large enough for various prison interiors.
Now the team is trying to figure out what it will cost them to do this movie and what they will need to do it well. I can’t wait to see what they come up with.
BTW: They ate at Pizza Hut…and Megh had the Best! Pizza! Evah! And she says that Discovery Channel is the only one in English, so I should count her television viewing as “Science.”
I can't wait for them to come home at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I Shoud Have Pesto'd!
I heard it was going to freeze but was too snotty to realize that my Basil was in danger. Drat those 10 pounds of mucus sloshing in my head!
I shall Pesto again another day(it'll actually be next year)at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Mucus-Coated Report
My advice: don’t touch the screen as you read this…the cold germs that are attacking me have probably followed this link and are, right now, pulsing and plotting to find a way into your home and up your nose.
Even so, I have news to report so I shall risk it…you’ll recover, and besides Knowledge is Power, and all that.
Their visit to the Black Sea was beautiful and too short. In case you’re wondering, the Black Sea is “kind of” salty. This came as a surprise to me and I report, of course, not from experience… since I am writing this in the comfort of my bed and not from a lovely deck chair on the beach. No, this information has been collected using my keen mind, gifted fingers, and high speed internet. And now I feel the need to pass said information on and you are The! Lucky! Winner!
Actually, it was Shane who prompted me…Kevin said he dipped his finger into the sea and tasted it to see if it was salty. “That’s crazy!” I shot back. “There’s no way! It’s inland! It’s freshwater! The connection to the Mediterranean is too small!” SideNote: I’ve learned that when I respond with such confidence about something so obvious, I’m usually wrong. And so I was…The Black Sea is salty…apparently the various straights and stuff that connect it to the Mediterranean are deep…allowing sea water to flow into the Sea near the bottom while freshwater from the incoming rivers flow on top. Eventually they either are shaken or stirred. There is also scientific opinion that the Black Sea originally was only fresh water (I’m Vindicated!) but became salty from a massive flood that forced seawater into the basin. Gee…If we only knew of a globally catastrophic event that covered the world with water…
They visited yet another maximum security prison…this time full of juveniles of the male gender. These boys were not as discrete or polite as the adult prisoners from previous facilities. I know this because Megh said that she “felt like a piece of meat at the super-market.” She felt stared at and then something was shouted as the group left…Megh said she was sure it wasn’t “Have a Blessed Day” in Romanian. I’ll be happy to give you details…as soon as I finish signing her up for a Lethal Karate and Sniper course, or something similar.
Their next tour was around the Danube Canal. This little project was started in 1949 after the communist took charge…tens of thousands of people were forced to dig, with old picks, wheelbarrows, shovels and almost no food, a 40 mile trench large enough for barges and ships to travel. It was abandoned after 4 years. The Death Canal, as it was called locally, claimed between 10,000 and 200,000 lives, of course they weren't counting...they wanted to get rid of the filthy bourgeois. It was finally finished by Ceausescu in 1987, after digging for 11 more years with large earth moving equipment. In the 30 years it’s been open, the 3rd largest canal has generated almost no income and is more of a curiosity than a productive transportation highway.
In Bucharest, traffic is so bad they tromped around as much as possible and tried not to whine (poor, pitiful, car-dependent Americans!). They had lunch at a mall. Kev said, “Walk in and you're instantly transported to the U.S.” Starbucks, Burger King, Quiznos, KFC are all represented. I forgot to ask what they ate…too much mucus on the brain.
The night before they ate at a traditional Romanian restaurant. Chicken veggie soup was one of the items chosen…but the big news was dessert: Bourbon Ice Cream that tasted like Lemon cake batter…I’m not commenting on the accuracy of taste buds…but I am wondering what father would let his 14-year-old daughter order BOURBON ice cream! (I would have at least ordered it for myself and then gave it her!) Cassie and Craig had a dessert (or maybe an entre) that included tiny, and extremely hot, peppers. Everyone but Kevin tried them…with eye-watering, mouth singeing results. According to Megh: “This is the most pain I’ve given myself voluntarily!” Megh called Dad a sissy for not to try it. Kev said he was the smartest one there. I’m just reporting. You decide.
I’ll take what they’re having at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Even so, I have news to report so I shall risk it…you’ll recover, and besides Knowledge is Power, and all that.
Their visit to the Black Sea was beautiful and too short. In case you’re wondering, the Black Sea is “kind of” salty. This came as a surprise to me and I report, of course, not from experience… since I am writing this in the comfort of my bed and not from a lovely deck chair on the beach. No, this information has been collected using my keen mind, gifted fingers, and high speed internet. And now I feel the need to pass said information on and you are The! Lucky! Winner!
Actually, it was Shane who prompted me…Kevin said he dipped his finger into the sea and tasted it to see if it was salty. “That’s crazy!” I shot back. “There’s no way! It’s inland! It’s freshwater! The connection to the Mediterranean is too small!” SideNote: I’ve learned that when I respond with such confidence about something so obvious, I’m usually wrong. And so I was…The Black Sea is salty…apparently the various straights and stuff that connect it to the Mediterranean are deep…allowing sea water to flow into the Sea near the bottom while freshwater from the incoming rivers flow on top. Eventually they either are shaken or stirred. There is also scientific opinion that the Black Sea originally was only fresh water (I’m Vindicated!) but became salty from a massive flood that forced seawater into the basin. Gee…If we only knew of a globally catastrophic event that covered the world with water…
They visited yet another maximum security prison…this time full of juveniles of the male gender. These boys were not as discrete or polite as the adult prisoners from previous facilities. I know this because Megh said that she “felt like a piece of meat at the super-market.” She felt stared at and then something was shouted as the group left…Megh said she was sure it wasn’t “Have a Blessed Day” in Romanian. I’ll be happy to give you details…as soon as I finish signing her up for a Lethal Karate and Sniper course, or something similar.
Their next tour was around the Danube Canal. This little project was started in 1949 after the communist took charge…tens of thousands of people were forced to dig, with old picks, wheelbarrows, shovels and almost no food, a 40 mile trench large enough for barges and ships to travel. It was abandoned after 4 years. The Death Canal, as it was called locally, claimed between 10,000 and 200,000 lives, of course they weren't counting...they wanted to get rid of the filthy bourgeois. It was finally finished by Ceausescu in 1987, after digging for 11 more years with large earth moving equipment. In the 30 years it’s been open, the 3rd largest canal has generated almost no income and is more of a curiosity than a productive transportation highway.
In Bucharest, traffic is so bad they tromped around as much as possible and tried not to whine (poor, pitiful, car-dependent Americans!). They had lunch at a mall. Kev said, “Walk in and you're instantly transported to the U.S.” Starbucks, Burger King, Quiznos, KFC are all represented. I forgot to ask what they ate…too much mucus on the brain.
The night before they ate at a traditional Romanian restaurant. Chicken veggie soup was one of the items chosen…but the big news was dessert: Bourbon Ice Cream that tasted like Lemon cake batter…I’m not commenting on the accuracy of taste buds…but I am wondering what father would let his 14-year-old daughter order BOURBON ice cream! (I would have at least ordered it for myself and then gave it her!) Cassie and Craig had a dessert (or maybe an entre) that included tiny, and extremely hot, peppers. Everyone but Kevin tried them…with eye-watering, mouth singeing results. According to Megh: “This is the most pain I’ve given myself voluntarily!” Megh called Dad a sissy for not to try it. Kev said he was the smartest one there. I’m just reporting. You decide.
I’ll take what they’re having at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Diversion Needed
Mby Ndose Huhrts and mby brain is full of snot. So I must divert you with a diversion. Here is a sample of the citizenship test...would you pass?
Please pass the Kleenex and Niquel at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Please pass the Kleenex and Niquel at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
An Artistic Diversion
Incredible Edible Photos Made Entirely Out of Food.
I'm diggin' me some bacon hills at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
I'm diggin' me some bacon hills at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Come Ride With Me!
To get a "feel" of what Kev, Megh and the rest of the gang experienced the last few days driving through Transylvania, click here.
It's a mountain bike, it's a death wish at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
It's a mountain bike, it's a death wish at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mommy Trauma!
Another 7 hours to get from Iasi to the Black Sea. Or as Kevin puts it, from a Ramada Inn to a whatever. Oddly, they have begun to measure every hotel in Internet access. So the Ramada Inn was only average compared to the Tulip Inn which had killer high speed wireless. The Black Sea hotel (not its real name because of the Witness Protection Program) is rather archaic: it has only 1 20 foot phone cable that the team has to share...fortunately my adorable husband, who packs for everything, including Armageddon, packed an extra one. He and Meghan are Free.
Stressful Side Note: As a result of 7 hours driving over a washboard...or it could be some bad chicken, several folks...Kev and Megh included...have "unhappy" tummies. I don't know the extent of the "unhappiness" but the fact that they are there and not here where I, as Mama of the Universe can't take care of them is causing me a great deal of angst and trauma...and of course you know it's all about ME! ACK! *curls up into a fetal position to pray and/or worry*
Craig (from L.A.) has apparently been instrumental in helping pass the miles. He will regularly burst into a (generally 1970's) song...sometimes with the real words or sometimes updated to fit their current circumstances. He and the others are continually astonished that Megh not only knows the song, but knows the right words to the song and the artist as well. I keep telling people that we at Bryan Homeschooling Academy focus on nothing but the Classics...but no one has believed me...until now! YES!
Project Update: Their time in Iasi was sobering...it was where Sabina Wurmbrand's family and 13,000 others were killed in 3 days. For you Math nerds (like my husband) that works out to be 4 1/2 people murdered every minute. In one alleyway so many Jews were shot the blood ran ankle deep. In Iasi there used to be 37 synagogues...Now there is 1. 70,000 Jews were reduced to less than 20,000 in a few years. I'm reading a book entitled "Night" by Elie Wiesel (Suggested by Tyler Danyla...Thanks!). He was a Jew in Sighet (one of the places the team unknowingly visited) and he ended up in Auschwitz during the Final Solution...the only one of his family of 6 to survive.
A few cultural notes:
Their ketchup is runny and pitiful compared to Hunt's or Heintz. It's Sad Ketchup according to Megh.
Today they had the coldest cokes EVAH...or at least all week. Kev thinks they actually put them in the fridge this time! They don't serve ice with their soft drinks...ice is one of the easiest ways of getting sick...so the cokes come out in whatever state they were stored in. Today it was the fridge! And We Are Thankful Even For This!
Their driver got a ticket from the Lone Romanian Highway Patrolman. Everyone speeds, but their poor driver got the attention today.
Their translator and driver (although they met only to do this gig) argue and bicker like old married folks (or worse.) She (the translator) now refers to him (the driver) as her "husband" because the team has picked on her about their antagonistic communication styles. The translator is also picking up on the aspect of American slang known as Sarcasm. For example, Shane, even though they have 6 hours to go has decided to ask her every few minutes "how much farther"? She in turn responds, "20 more minutes." And then to Cassie, "That's what he wanted to hear, isn't it?" It makes them laugh...because road-weary delirium has set in. Soon they will be wanting to house-sit a giant hotel through a horrible winter is coming that will make them unable to leave...and...never mind!
It's Not All Fun And Games...Sometimes There's An Angry Tummy at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.comn
Stressful Side Note: As a result of 7 hours driving over a washboard...or it could be some bad chicken, several folks...Kev and Megh included...have "unhappy" tummies. I don't know the extent of the "unhappiness" but the fact that they are there and not here where I, as Mama of the Universe can't take care of them is causing me a great deal of angst and trauma...and of course you know it's all about ME! ACK! *curls up into a fetal position to pray and/or worry*
Craig (from L.A.) has apparently been instrumental in helping pass the miles. He will regularly burst into a (generally 1970's) song...sometimes with the real words or sometimes updated to fit their current circumstances. He and the others are continually astonished that Megh not only knows the song, but knows the right words to the song and the artist as well. I keep telling people that we at Bryan Homeschooling Academy focus on nothing but the Classics...but no one has believed me...until now! YES!
Project Update: Their time in Iasi was sobering...it was where Sabina Wurmbrand's family and 13,000 others were killed in 3 days. For you Math nerds (like my husband) that works out to be 4 1/2 people murdered every minute. In one alleyway so many Jews were shot the blood ran ankle deep. In Iasi there used to be 37 synagogues...Now there is 1. 70,000 Jews were reduced to less than 20,000 in a few years. I'm reading a book entitled "Night" by Elie Wiesel (Suggested by Tyler Danyla...Thanks!). He was a Jew in Sighet (one of the places the team unknowingly visited) and he ended up in Auschwitz during the Final Solution...the only one of his family of 6 to survive.
A few cultural notes:
Their ketchup is runny and pitiful compared to Hunt's or Heintz. It's Sad Ketchup according to Megh.
Today they had the coldest cokes EVAH...or at least all week. Kev thinks they actually put them in the fridge this time! They don't serve ice with their soft drinks...ice is one of the easiest ways of getting sick...so the cokes come out in whatever state they were stored in. Today it was the fridge! And We Are Thankful Even For This!
Their driver got a ticket from the Lone Romanian Highway Patrolman. Everyone speeds, but their poor driver got the attention today.
Their translator and driver (although they met only to do this gig) argue and bicker like old married folks (or worse.) She (the translator) now refers to him (the driver) as her "husband" because the team has picked on her about their antagonistic communication styles. The translator is also picking up on the aspect of American slang known as Sarcasm. For example, Shane, even though they have 6 hours to go has decided to ask her every few minutes "how much farther"? She in turn responds, "20 more minutes." And then to Cassie, "That's what he wanted to hear, isn't it?" It makes them laugh...because road-weary delirium has set in. Soon they will be wanting to house-sit a giant hotel through a horrible winter is coming that will make them unable to leave...and...never mind!
It's Not All Fun And Games...Sometimes There's An Angry Tummy at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.comn
He Even Has Purty Pictures!
Richie is the scriptwriter for this project. He's also an excellent photographer. Check out his blog, which consists of a lot of LOVELY photos and some brief descriptions.
http://www.aletheiastageandfilm.blogspot.com/
Or click here.
Someday I'm Going To Be That Talented at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
http://www.aletheiastageandfilm.blogspot.com/
Or click here.
Someday I'm Going To Be That Talented at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Driving Them Mad
They spent 2 hours at a prison turned museum that offered them some physical insight as to what occurred then the Russians took over Romania after they (the Russians) and America and the other Allies won the war. We can sum it up like this: After we gave Stalin most of Eastern Europe as a "thanks for helping us kick Hitler's bootie," 2 million Romanians, out of a population of 16 million (1 out of every 8), were put in prison as enemies of the state. Over a quarter of those never returned.
Our Food Report of the Day: The team decided to forgo their usual 2 hour Linner/Dunch time, and it is “typical” in that Europeans eat like this. The team is, of course, "typically" American, which means they are, “Hurry! Down the hatch! And keep on driving!” travelers. Today, they picked up some “stuff” at a grocery store and had sandwiches as they went. Megh said they were delicious.
She also said the sights are Phenomenally Fantastic.
Only one incident to report, really:
Cassie warned the team that it would be another 7 hour bus ride (for the 3rd day in a row).
Megh chirped, “That’s not so bad.”
Cassie “Are you always so overly optimistic?”
Megh: “Someone has to be.
Shane (as though in agony): “NO! No one has to be!”
Kev (thinking): “hmmm…being overly optimistic is irritating. I must remember that.”
Craig: “I’m pessimistically optimistic.”
Richie says nothing but is seen taking notes…this will probably end up in a screenplay somewhere.
I'm probably Optimistically Pessimistic at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Our Food Report of the Day: The team decided to forgo their usual 2 hour Linner/Dunch time, and it is “typical” in that Europeans eat like this. The team is, of course, "typically" American, which means they are, “Hurry! Down the hatch! And keep on driving!” travelers. Today, they picked up some “stuff” at a grocery store and had sandwiches as they went. Megh said they were delicious.
She also said the sights are Phenomenally Fantastic.
Only one incident to report, really:
Cassie warned the team that it would be another 7 hour bus ride (for the 3rd day in a row).
Megh chirped, “That’s not so bad.”
Cassie “Are you always so overly optimistic?”
Megh: “Someone has to be.
Shane (as though in agony): “NO! No one has to be!”
Kev (thinking): “hmmm…being overly optimistic is irritating. I must remember that.”
Craig: “I’m pessimistically optimistic.”
Richie says nothing but is seen taking notes…this will probably end up in a screenplay somewhere.
I'm probably Optimistically Pessimistic at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Yet Another Diverson
The little-known history of the wild west cat-herder cowboy.
I would not do well at this at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
I would not do well at this at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Can We Get There From Here?
Here are the highlights…
It’s taken them 2 days to go 400 miles. Not because they’ve stopped and “touristed” but because they are driving in the mountains on roads that make Kentucky country roadways look like landing strips and on switchbacks where you not only meet yourself coming and going…but you meet yourself running away and stopping for prayer as well. You will meet yourself in these many positions because of the way Romanians drive. Kevin said that there is only one apparent goal for a Romanian behind the wheel of a 2-ton death machine and that is…to pass another Romanian. So cars careen around the mountains passing other drivers only to be passed by others who were likewise overtaken by another hell-bent motorist. This would be an interesting experience except that the roads are narrow and go both ways. After several hours of muttering “we’re all gonna die” Kevin encouraged everyone (except the driver) to put their heads down, close their eyes, and hope for the best. His hope was that the next time they all opened their eyes it would either be at their destination or in heaven.
They didn’t see many sights on their drive through the mountains(mostly because their eyes were closed, duh!). But they did see several signs pointing to possible sights. Among these were Dracula’s Castle and the turn off for the World’s…or Eastern Europe’s…or Romania’s Largest/Longest Castle… or Fortress… or Fortified church. Compare and Contrast them and let me know what you think.
One other thing about the driving. Kev said the trick to staying sane while riding along Romania mountain roadways is to make it like a video game or a 3-D movie in your mind. The terror of death is then diminished to the level of “thrill” and you begin to root for the driver to “win” the “game.” Personally, I think some sort of controlled (or uncontrolled) substances would be much easier…but all they had were the granola bars and cheese and crackers and candy that I sent…so they had to (unfortunately) work with that. The irony of it all were the signage, which occurred at amazingly regular intervals, and which depicted a curvy road and said “No Passing” so plainly that even non-Romanian speakers/readers could understand it.
Interestingly, Kev had driven the same route 19 years ago at Christmas time. He remembered parts of the trip…and commented that the most stunning thing was how far the country has progressed in nearly 2 decades. He said you see the old communist apartment buildings...but now they are covered in personal satellite dishes. He also commented about the vehicles (because he is a guy), “I’ve never seen so many Audi, Porshe’s, and BMS’s anywhere,” he said (and we love him for it).
Yesterday they had lunch with the first (and possibly only) Romanian Cosmonaut to run for the Senate (or possibly Mayor, depending on who's telling you). In fact, we think he’s the only Romanian to ever go into space, so he has that going for him as far as name recognition, which carries a lot when running for office, or so I’m told.
They are at that stage where many commonplace cultural differences are becoming increasingly funny. As just one example: Italian restaurants are very popular there and pizza is often found on the menu. Today the menu listed at least a dozen pizzas and then described them. Each one had, as their first ingredient, “dough.” Not “a delicious crust of…” or not “stone-ground wheat crust” or even “decent crust.” No…it was simply uncooked, unadorned “dough.” Soon they were saying things like, “Look! Pizza #8! It’s got dough!” “Thank goodness! I was wondering what their pizzas were made of.” And “You’ll never guess what they use in Pizza #4…Dough!” “Woo-hoo!” See what I mean? Drugs (and serious ones) may be the only solution.
Meghan said the trees are beautiful there and are turning such beautiful colors. The weather is very similar to Louisville with many days having nearly identical highs and lows. She said she doesn’t like sleeping on the bus because it keeps her on Kentucky time and she wants to be on Romanian time since she’s there so she’s been watching the trees and listening to George Winston. If you do not know George Winston, you can meet him here.
She also said that she would be happy to stay a lot longer (she sounded sad that the trip was almost half over!) if she had three things: 1) Ale 8, 2) her friends, and 3) snack food because they don’t eat on our time schedule. She failed to mention “her mother” in the list…and I’m…sniff…OK with that…sniff, sniff. I’ll just keep myself busy…sniff, sniff…Don’t mind me. SOB!
One final food observation: Today, when they finally got to eat Linner or Dunch (It’s too late in the day to call it Lunch but a bit too early to call it Dinner), the team was so hungry that they started snarfing down the bread brought to the table while the Romanian translator and driver watched them with amusement. Meghan looked up and realized what was happening so she sat back and looked around. She said, “Mom, I watched everyone attack the bread and the Romanians watching with odd expressions on their faces and thought ‘could we be any more American?…I don’t think so.’” Kevin is still looking for the elusive Skittles and Dr Pepper. He thought he found some at one of the modernized prisons…(of which I will tell you more later) but it was an illusion.
It’s my understanding they left Bucharest and drove northwest to Brasov (to a prison), then to Sibiu and Cluj-napoca (the college where Wurmbrand spoke), then, I believe to Baia Mare and possibly Satu-Mare (another prison). Their next goal tonight is Iasi, which is almost directly East of Satu-Mare but on the Moldavian border as the crow flies. Unfortunately they are not crows, nor are they flying so their route will be longer and consist of more meetings of themselves (in various positions I’m sure).
I'm missing them horribly at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
It’s taken them 2 days to go 400 miles. Not because they’ve stopped and “touristed” but because they are driving in the mountains on roads that make Kentucky country roadways look like landing strips and on switchbacks where you not only meet yourself coming and going…but you meet yourself running away and stopping for prayer as well. You will meet yourself in these many positions because of the way Romanians drive. Kevin said that there is only one apparent goal for a Romanian behind the wheel of a 2-ton death machine and that is…to pass another Romanian. So cars careen around the mountains passing other drivers only to be passed by others who were likewise overtaken by another hell-bent motorist. This would be an interesting experience except that the roads are narrow and go both ways. After several hours of muttering “we’re all gonna die” Kevin encouraged everyone (except the driver) to put their heads down, close their eyes, and hope for the best. His hope was that the next time they all opened their eyes it would either be at their destination or in heaven.
They didn’t see many sights on their drive through the mountains(mostly because their eyes were closed, duh!). But they did see several signs pointing to possible sights. Among these were Dracula’s Castle and the turn off for the World’s…or Eastern Europe’s…or Romania’s Largest/Longest Castle… or Fortress… or Fortified church. Compare and Contrast them and let me know what you think.
One other thing about the driving. Kev said the trick to staying sane while riding along Romania mountain roadways is to make it like a video game or a 3-D movie in your mind. The terror of death is then diminished to the level of “thrill” and you begin to root for the driver to “win” the “game.” Personally, I think some sort of controlled (or uncontrolled) substances would be much easier…but all they had were the granola bars and cheese and crackers and candy that I sent…so they had to (unfortunately) work with that. The irony of it all were the signage, which occurred at amazingly regular intervals, and which depicted a curvy road and said “No Passing” so plainly that even non-Romanian speakers/readers could understand it.
Interestingly, Kev had driven the same route 19 years ago at Christmas time. He remembered parts of the trip…and commented that the most stunning thing was how far the country has progressed in nearly 2 decades. He said you see the old communist apartment buildings...but now they are covered in personal satellite dishes. He also commented about the vehicles (because he is a guy), “I’ve never seen so many Audi, Porshe’s, and BMS’s anywhere,” he said (and we love him for it).
Yesterday they had lunch with the first (and possibly only) Romanian Cosmonaut to run for the Senate (or possibly Mayor, depending on who's telling you). In fact, we think he’s the only Romanian to ever go into space, so he has that going for him as far as name recognition, which carries a lot when running for office, or so I’m told.
They are at that stage where many commonplace cultural differences are becoming increasingly funny. As just one example: Italian restaurants are very popular there and pizza is often found on the menu. Today the menu listed at least a dozen pizzas and then described them. Each one had, as their first ingredient, “dough.” Not “a delicious crust of…” or not “stone-ground wheat crust” or even “decent crust.” No…it was simply uncooked, unadorned “dough.” Soon they were saying things like, “Look! Pizza #8! It’s got dough!” “Thank goodness! I was wondering what their pizzas were made of.” And “You’ll never guess what they use in Pizza #4…Dough!” “Woo-hoo!” See what I mean? Drugs (and serious ones) may be the only solution.
Meghan said the trees are beautiful there and are turning such beautiful colors. The weather is very similar to Louisville with many days having nearly identical highs and lows. She said she doesn’t like sleeping on the bus because it keeps her on Kentucky time and she wants to be on Romanian time since she’s there so she’s been watching the trees and listening to George Winston. If you do not know George Winston, you can meet him here.
She also said that she would be happy to stay a lot longer (she sounded sad that the trip was almost half over!) if she had three things: 1) Ale 8, 2) her friends, and 3) snack food because they don’t eat on our time schedule. She failed to mention “her mother” in the list…and I’m…sniff…OK with that…sniff, sniff. I’ll just keep myself busy…sniff, sniff…Don’t mind me. SOB!
One final food observation: Today, when they finally got to eat Linner or Dunch (It’s too late in the day to call it Lunch but a bit too early to call it Dinner), the team was so hungry that they started snarfing down the bread brought to the table while the Romanian translator and driver watched them with amusement. Meghan looked up and realized what was happening so she sat back and looked around. She said, “Mom, I watched everyone attack the bread and the Romanians watching with odd expressions on their faces and thought ‘could we be any more American?…I don’t think so.’” Kevin is still looking for the elusive Skittles and Dr Pepper. He thought he found some at one of the modernized prisons…(of which I will tell you more later) but it was an illusion.
It’s my understanding they left Bucharest and drove northwest to Brasov (to a prison), then to Sibiu and Cluj-napoca (the college where Wurmbrand spoke), then, I believe to Baia Mare and possibly Satu-Mare (another prison). Their next goal tonight is Iasi, which is almost directly East of Satu-Mare but on the Moldavian border as the crow flies. Unfortunately they are not crows, nor are they flying so their route will be longer and consist of more meetings of themselves (in various positions I’m sure).
I'm missing them horribly at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
While You're Waiting
I had a nice long visit with Kev and Megh. In order for me to properly report the information I'll need some extra time...and another Diet Coke. Diet Coke is this blogger's Official Beverage for Braincell Activation (OBBA, which is unlike ABBA in that OBBA has no hit singles and would not be caught dead in white stretchpants.)
While you wait, please time stop at NYC's Central Station.
Wishing Diet Coke came in a convenient IV at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
While you wait, please time stop at NYC's Central Station.
Wishing Diet Coke came in a convenient IV at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
It's Great, When It Works
I talked at both Kev and Megh today via cellphone. It was an experience of frustration and irksomeness. Please note I “talked at” them, instead of the traditional “talking to” or “talking with” or even “talking about” as I’m doing now.
They called me three times, and out of those few minutes I heard the following, and I believe this could be considered a quote: “ack,” “up,” “mah,” and possibly an “eep.”
I wanted to hang up, to end the misery and send them to bed…but I couldn’t… Because I so wanted to hear them. I wanted that connection and to know they were there…So I told them what I was doing (going to dinner) and how much I loved them and then, finally, with the third call, to go to bed. After all, it was after 1 am their time. I make that distinction only to clarify that I am not of the appropriate celebrity shape or status to be going to dinner at 1 am my time. My proper place at 1 am is home, in bed, hopefully sleeping…but if not, reading a good book. Or, worse case scenario, folding clothes and getting my family ready to leave or the house ready for company.
So there you have it. Not much to report, except that I'm a bit lonely. Instead of information I will offer this as a diversion. It's not related to anything...but strangely fascinating anyway.
Continually in awe of the blasted technology whether it works or not at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
They called me three times, and out of those few minutes I heard the following, and I believe this could be considered a quote: “ack,” “up,” “mah,” and possibly an “eep.”
I wanted to hang up, to end the misery and send them to bed…but I couldn’t… Because I so wanted to hear them. I wanted that connection and to know they were there…So I told them what I was doing (going to dinner) and how much I loved them and then, finally, with the third call, to go to bed. After all, it was after 1 am their time. I make that distinction only to clarify that I am not of the appropriate celebrity shape or status to be going to dinner at 1 am my time. My proper place at 1 am is home, in bed, hopefully sleeping…but if not, reading a good book. Or, worse case scenario, folding clothes and getting my family ready to leave or the house ready for company.
So there you have it. Not much to report, except that I'm a bit lonely. Instead of information I will offer this as a diversion. It's not related to anything...but strangely fascinating anyway.
Continually in awe of the blasted technology whether it works or not at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
I Live 2 Skype
Today was another Skype day from Bucharest. Here is what I learned in my 30 minutes of Virtual Face Time:
1) They leave tomorrow morning early (which is just after midnight for us) for Northern Romania in which (I’m not making this up) they skirt along Transylvania and the Carpathian mountain range. If you are not familiar with Transylvania, please check out the scholarly information helpfully offered here. And here.
2) They went to a real live prison today. Felons apparently differ in post-communist Romania from America in several significant ways, not the least of which they let their maximum security prisoners walk around, in the open, meaning…and I don’t think I can overstress this…not behind bars, and in “normal” clothes…with all sorts of woodworking and glass cutting tools in their rooms…afterwards I wondered if they had mistaken “maximum security prison” for an Eastern European form a Male Adult Day Care. I guess I better check on that.
3) Megh and Cassie walked through the entire prison except for one room…and I forgot why…I think it had something to do with it being where all the murderers were milling about before lunch, or something. She just said that she and Cassie decided they “didn’t need to see whatever was in there.” As her mother I would comment unbiasedly, “No DUH!” However, Kevin, who is there but still lacks the patented “Mother Instinct” basically because he is a Father, is in the background saying, “Why didn’t you go in there! I was there to take care of you!” I didn’t have the heart to remind him of the number of felons (of which included more than one…the clue being the “s” after felon…) vs. the number of him…even after taking into account what weapons he had “packed.” (Let me give you a hint: none.)
4) Megh’s favorite dinner tonight was traditionally Romanian which came in the form of a traditional Chinese restaurant where she had some traditionally Romanian food in the manner they called “General Tzao’s Chicken.” Classical music, in the form of David Cassidy (of “Partridge Family" fame), was provided for their dining enjoyment.
5) Cassie, being the ever-fun-loving cruise director had them while away the travel miles by playing an ever-fun-loving game: Each person had to say 5 kind/nice/complimentary/ positive things from the heart as they drove to the prison. Let it be noted that Kev (whose name…I kid you not…means “kind” in some foreign language) got a grand total of…2… He said he would have gotten 3 but he talked too long and it turned into a negative. They failed to tell me how the others fared. Maybe they’ll do a “Round 2: Cynical Edition.” Kev would be a natural. I say that with total love and respect.
6) Then they signed off…to pack. They’ll do a 5 day circuit….feel free to Follow! Along! They’ll go to Tirgu Ocna (a prison/hospital) and then to Iasi (where Sabina’s entire family were slaughtered along with most of the village.) Then they’ll go to the mouth of the Danube-Black Sea Canal Project (which was finished 30 years after Communism was) and then back to Bucharest.
Hoping they have internet at all those places at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
1) They leave tomorrow morning early (which is just after midnight for us) for Northern Romania in which (I’m not making this up) they skirt along Transylvania and the Carpathian mountain range. If you are not familiar with Transylvania, please check out the scholarly information helpfully offered here. And here.
2) They went to a real live prison today. Felons apparently differ in post-communist Romania from America in several significant ways, not the least of which they let their maximum security prisoners walk around, in the open, meaning…and I don’t think I can overstress this…not behind bars, and in “normal” clothes…with all sorts of woodworking and glass cutting tools in their rooms…afterwards I wondered if they had mistaken “maximum security prison” for an Eastern European form a Male Adult Day Care. I guess I better check on that.
3) Megh and Cassie walked through the entire prison except for one room…and I forgot why…I think it had something to do with it being where all the murderers were milling about before lunch, or something. She just said that she and Cassie decided they “didn’t need to see whatever was in there.” As her mother I would comment unbiasedly, “No DUH!” However, Kevin, who is there but still lacks the patented “Mother Instinct” basically because he is a Father, is in the background saying, “Why didn’t you go in there! I was there to take care of you!” I didn’t have the heart to remind him of the number of felons (of which included more than one…the clue being the “s” after felon…) vs. the number of him…even after taking into account what weapons he had “packed.” (Let me give you a hint: none.)
4) Megh’s favorite dinner tonight was traditionally Romanian which came in the form of a traditional Chinese restaurant where she had some traditionally Romanian food in the manner they called “General Tzao’s Chicken.” Classical music, in the form of David Cassidy (of “Partridge Family" fame), was provided for their dining enjoyment.
5) Cassie, being the ever-fun-loving cruise director had them while away the travel miles by playing an ever-fun-loving game: Each person had to say 5 kind/nice/complimentary/ positive things from the heart as they drove to the prison. Let it be noted that Kev (whose name…I kid you not…means “kind” in some foreign language) got a grand total of…2… He said he would have gotten 3 but he talked too long and it turned into a negative. They failed to tell me how the others fared. Maybe they’ll do a “Round 2: Cynical Edition.” Kev would be a natural. I say that with total love and respect.
6) Then they signed off…to pack. They’ll do a 5 day circuit….feel free to Follow! Along! They’ll go to Tirgu Ocna (a prison/hospital) and then to Iasi (where Sabina’s entire family were slaughtered along with most of the village.) Then they’ll go to the mouth of the Danube-Black Sea Canal Project (which was finished 30 years after Communism was) and then back to Bucharest.
Hoping they have internet at all those places at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
They Are Fine
I just haven't had any time to be clever.
Please enjoy this time-wasting game while I write.
Wishing for a few more (creative) hours in my day at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Please enjoy this time-wasting game while I write.
Wishing for a few more (creative) hours in my day at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Bucharest: It's So Old It's New
Technology is a wonderful, terrible thing.
I say this because I just finished Skyping with my family. If you haven’t skyped before it’s just as well because it brings several elements of technology together to make a person worry (yet again) how they look and what they might have dangling from their teeth or nose. Skype is apparently a “program” that “turns” your computer into a "videophone." Please don't ask me how. It might be demonic... or some sort of black magic. Or, if I was in a better mood, I might call it a miracle. Regardless of whatever voodoo that makes it all work, one thing is true: I could see and hear my family and now I miss them worse than ever!
And they could see me. Of course, being that technology is a two-edged sword, I could also see me…in a little box in the corner. This quickly became a problem because my eyes continually focused down on the box making me aware that I was slouching or my hair had poofed up funny because of my slouching or my t-shirt had bunched up around my throat as a direct result of slouchiness…and so on. So I spent as much time desperately trying to not be aware of my “slouchifiedness” as I did watching my family.
The connection was wonderful, although a bit blurry...At one point I just sat and watched my husband and daughter work on a computer "issue" that Meghan was trying to solve...I had nothing to say…so I watched them do their thing 7 time zones and 5,317 miles away from me...and they seemed so normal...not distant or foreign at all.
We got to talk about 30 minutes...which is WAY longer than the 12 of the previous night...and here is the news:
They went to some local "infirmaries" and prisons. There were no prisoners there. One of the prisons they want to go to, called Jilava, has flooded (it’s underground) and they won’t be able to use it.
Sometime during the day Kevin had an Italian Chocolate…which he described as basically a liquefied, warm Hershey bar. Meghan had a milkshake, which she said should have been called a “frothshake” because…well, you can guess why.
The biggest surprise for Kev was how modern Bucharest had become…he had visited on the anniversary of Ceausescu’s overthrow and execution and saw a country of bare shelves, old cars, and people who were hungry. In fact, Kev’s team passed out Bibles and their truck was mobbed when people realized what they were doing. This trip, there are packed stores, BMWs, and electronic billboards. He even saw in IKEA by the airport. And if you have an IKEA…You definitely won’t pass for a post-WWII communistic-ravaged city.
Wondering where they’ll find the 1950’s for their movie at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
I say this because I just finished Skyping with my family. If you haven’t skyped before it’s just as well because it brings several elements of technology together to make a person worry (yet again) how they look and what they might have dangling from their teeth or nose. Skype is apparently a “program” that “turns” your computer into a "videophone." Please don't ask me how. It might be demonic... or some sort of black magic. Or, if I was in a better mood, I might call it a miracle. Regardless of whatever voodoo that makes it all work, one thing is true: I could see and hear my family and now I miss them worse than ever!
And they could see me. Of course, being that technology is a two-edged sword, I could also see me…in a little box in the corner. This quickly became a problem because my eyes continually focused down on the box making me aware that I was slouching or my hair had poofed up funny because of my slouching or my t-shirt had bunched up around my throat as a direct result of slouchiness…and so on. So I spent as much time desperately trying to not be aware of my “slouchifiedness” as I did watching my family.
The connection was wonderful, although a bit blurry...At one point I just sat and watched my husband and daughter work on a computer "issue" that Meghan was trying to solve...I had nothing to say…so I watched them do their thing 7 time zones and 5,317 miles away from me...and they seemed so normal...not distant or foreign at all.
We got to talk about 30 minutes...which is WAY longer than the 12 of the previous night...and here is the news:
They went to some local "infirmaries" and prisons. There were no prisoners there. One of the prisons they want to go to, called Jilava, has flooded (it’s underground) and they won’t be able to use it.
Sometime during the day Kevin had an Italian Chocolate…which he described as basically a liquefied, warm Hershey bar. Meghan had a milkshake, which she said should have been called a “frothshake” because…well, you can guess why.
The biggest surprise for Kev was how modern Bucharest had become…he had visited on the anniversary of Ceausescu’s overthrow and execution and saw a country of bare shelves, old cars, and people who were hungry. In fact, Kev’s team passed out Bibles and their truck was mobbed when people realized what they were doing. This trip, there are packed stores, BMWs, and electronic billboards. He even saw in IKEA by the airport. And if you have an IKEA…You definitely won’t pass for a post-WWII communistic-ravaged city.
Wondering where they’ll find the 1950’s for their movie at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Prayers and God's Kindness Strike Again!
Your prayers and God's kindness strike again!
Meghan and Kev called today around 2:30 in the afternoon. It should be 9:30pm here...although Megh said it was nearly midnight. Frankly, I took most of what she said as General But Undocumented Information, primarily because the entire team had (at that time) gone without sleep for the past 24 hours...delirium had firmly set in. It must have hit around dinnertime;
Meghan said she noticed they were eating (it was some kind of chicken she thought) but were not aware of what they were putting in their mouths or what else was going on around them. I think she referred to "now knowing how a zombie feels like on a normal day."
The biggest answer to prayer was that the camera made it safe and (mostly) sound. There is apparently one small fracture on one of the thingys that hold the boom mic to the camera. It sounded like something that won't hinder their "image gathering" in Romania and can be replaced when it finally goes completely bad.
Thank you SO VERY much for praying with me last night and today. I must confess...and this probably seems horribly ridiculous...but there are times when I feel like I'm the Weakest Link in the Prayer Zone. So when a call comes in, as it did from Kevin last night, I feel so impotent and
helpless...I want to ask God for His will but I want MY will actually done. I wonder just how much my meager beggings matter to the Omnipotent Creator. And I know that I should pray the "prayer than never fails"...(Your Will be done, Lord)...but I struggle to mean it. Knowing that there was a lot of prayer-warring going on gave me joy and hope. And peace. Thanks.
We were able to talk about 10 minutes total...Megh said the plane flight was unbelievably long but that she and Kevin watched a marathon of "Heroes"... which suits me fine because I am spared from having to watch it. Actually last year they un-invited me from their "Heroes" nights...because I believe I can change the outcome of the show by yelling loudly and often at the TV and become "somewhat" unpleasant when they don't obey me. For some reason my eruptions "bother" them because they can't "hear" or something.
The only other thing they told me was that they had a meeting with the Romanian film production company they might work with. Meghan said they have a huge warehouse filled with sets like castles and such. She was just stunned....and muttering..."it's so big!" "And a castle!" "And the set to mumble, mumble...(some movie I couldn't quite hear)!"..."And I'm really
tired."
So I sent them to bed with "loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!"
Thanks again for sharing the burden...feel free to keep on praying. They start visiting prisons tomorrow. And most of them are still active. They won't be in any danger that I know of, but still.
Grateful beyond words at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Meghan and Kev called today around 2:30 in the afternoon. It should be 9:30pm here...although Megh said it was nearly midnight. Frankly, I took most of what she said as General But Undocumented Information, primarily because the entire team had (at that time) gone without sleep for the past 24 hours...delirium had firmly set in. It must have hit around dinnertime;
Meghan said she noticed they were eating (it was some kind of chicken she thought) but were not aware of what they were putting in their mouths or what else was going on around them. I think she referred to "now knowing how a zombie feels like on a normal day."
The biggest answer to prayer was that the camera made it safe and (mostly) sound. There is apparently one small fracture on one of the thingys that hold the boom mic to the camera. It sounded like something that won't hinder their "image gathering" in Romania and can be replaced when it finally goes completely bad.
Thank you SO VERY much for praying with me last night and today. I must confess...and this probably seems horribly ridiculous...but there are times when I feel like I'm the Weakest Link in the Prayer Zone. So when a call comes in, as it did from Kevin last night, I feel so impotent and
helpless...I want to ask God for His will but I want MY will actually done. I wonder just how much my meager beggings matter to the Omnipotent Creator. And I know that I should pray the "prayer than never fails"...(Your Will be done, Lord)...but I struggle to mean it. Knowing that there was a lot of prayer-warring going on gave me joy and hope. And peace. Thanks.
We were able to talk about 10 minutes total...Megh said the plane flight was unbelievably long but that she and Kevin watched a marathon of "Heroes"... which suits me fine because I am spared from having to watch it. Actually last year they un-invited me from their "Heroes" nights...because I believe I can change the outcome of the show by yelling loudly and often at the TV and become "somewhat" unpleasant when they don't obey me. For some reason my eruptions "bother" them because they can't "hear" or something.
The only other thing they told me was that they had a meeting with the Romanian film production company they might work with. Meghan said they have a huge warehouse filled with sets like castles and such. She was just stunned....and muttering..."it's so big!" "And a castle!" "And the set to mumble, mumble...(some movie I couldn't quite hear)!"..."And I'm really
tired."
So I sent them to bed with "loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!loveyou!"
Thanks again for sharing the burden...feel free to keep on praying. They start visiting prisons tomorrow. And most of them are still active. They won't be in any danger that I know of, but still.
Grateful beyond words at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
It's Starting Early This Trip!
Well...
As you probably know, Kevin, Megh, Shane, Cassie, and Richie all left this afternoon for two weeks in Romania (or at least you knew they were going...details like the exact day and time should only be required for those who would take them to the airport or are responsible for them packing clean underwear and socks).
OK...at least we thought details like everyone knowing exactly when they were leaving and such weren't important...
So, at noon, Shepherd (our eternal intern whom we love) and myself took them to the airport and sent them off in a prayerful fashion and thought no more about it.
For 4 hours. To be exact.
At 4:30 pm I get a call from Megh. They were about to board the flight to Amsterdam and I asked the typical mom-type question: "How are you doing?" "Most of us are doing well," she replied. "But Dad's not doing so good." (She's mastered Kentucky grammar, isn't she incredible?) "There's a problem with the camera."
The camera in question is City on a Hill's brand new little beastie. I don't know how much this little box cost...but if I did, it would curl your hair and mine. Keeping in mind that Kevin used to travel overseas. A lot. So he's prepared down to having jar of peanut butter and packs of tuna in
his bag. His plan was typical and simple: carry it on at Louisville...and have the little baggage dude put it under the plane with the strollers....Kev carries some $5 and $10 bills for that very purpose and it works very well. He's done it in other countries and it worked magically. And, besides, this is America, so no problem, right?
All went well until they got to Detroit...and Kevin went to get the case. Apparently it was put with the "normal" baggage and then taken off the plane in the "normal" baggage way, and was sent into the bowels of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, (which is under the total control of satan-spawned robots and where no human is allowed to venture under penalty
of death and dismemberment...or worse) and has been treated like the rest of the "normal" baggage and is, at present, supposedly under the plane on its way to Bucharest...because "normal" baggage doesn't really have layovers like people so you can't get to them...they just keep going and going until they reach a Predetermined Final Destination. Hopefully it matches yours.
Knowing Kevin the way you do, you can only imagine how "Perry Mason" he can become when things refuse to go the way he so carefully planned. And I'm sure he Perry Masoned several Northeast Airlines employees until he had to get on the plane. He might even Perry Mason some people at the Northwest Air Corporate (motto: Let Us Really Take Care of Your Bags) offices (he
asked me to look up their phone numbers). Megh tried to get him to eat something, but you can't eat and Perry Mason. Just so you know.
Last I talked to him, he was disappointed at the situation and frustrated to have the case so close and yet to far (that ought to be a song). He also said that "God knew this was going to happen...so He's got a plan." But he did have three prayer requests (and this is why I'm taking up your time):
1) That the camera and other stuff not sustain any damage. It's in a soft case and, although wrapped in bubble wrap and clothes, that's not a lot of protection against oversized, and overweight, American luggage.
2) That the camera not be stolen. It was hand delivered under the plane. I don't know what kind of identification or bar code (if any) that it had. And even so...it would be very tempting to "lift" something that looked tantalizingly like a large, expensive piece of equipment somewhere between here and Bucharest.
3) That it will be happily there with the rest of the luggage, ready to be used...
They won't know anything until Monday afternoon, their time (that's early morning here) but I don't know when they'll be able to contact me.
Please keep them all (and the camera) in your prayers. I'm praying for some Holy Spirit Bubble Wrap to encase that little piece of equipment and keep it safe and invisible (if need be).
And it's barely Day One. And it's just the scouting trip. What kind of crazy spiritual battle have we got ourselves into?
Thanks, so much.
BTW: Megh was SOOOO excited! Last night she said, "Just think: tomorrow I'll have breakfast in Louisville, lunch in Detroit, dinner over the ocean, breakfast in Amsterdam, and lunch in Bucharest! I might just have to freak out!"
She called when she got on the plane to Amsterdam and said, "I still can't believe it! I'll believe it when I see strange soil." I can't imagine anything stranger than Kentucky clay...but you never know...
Their goal once they hit Bucharest is to scout possible locations for the next large film project which surrounds a Romanian couple who started Voice of the Martyrs. It sounds simple enough until you read their books. ("The Underground Church" by Richard Wurmbrand and "The Pastor's Wife" by Sabina Wurmbrand) Then it is obviously God-sized and stunning. Kev had hoped he and Megh would film the team as they went scouting about for a "behind the scenes" thing and to share with those of us "left behind."
Grateful our God is Bigger at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
As you probably know, Kevin, Megh, Shane, Cassie, and Richie all left this afternoon for two weeks in Romania (or at least you knew they were going...details like the exact day and time should only be required for those who would take them to the airport or are responsible for them packing clean underwear and socks).
OK...at least we thought details like everyone knowing exactly when they were leaving and such weren't important...
So, at noon, Shepherd (our eternal intern whom we love) and myself took them to the airport and sent them off in a prayerful fashion and thought no more about it.
For 4 hours. To be exact.
At 4:30 pm I get a call from Megh. They were about to board the flight to Amsterdam and I asked the typical mom-type question: "How are you doing?" "Most of us are doing well," she replied. "But Dad's not doing so good." (She's mastered Kentucky grammar, isn't she incredible?) "There's a problem with the camera."
The camera in question is City on a Hill's brand new little beastie. I don't know how much this little box cost...but if I did, it would curl your hair and mine. Keeping in mind that Kevin used to travel overseas. A lot. So he's prepared down to having jar of peanut butter and packs of tuna in
his bag. His plan was typical and simple: carry it on at Louisville...and have the little baggage dude put it under the plane with the strollers....Kev carries some $5 and $10 bills for that very purpose and it works very well. He's done it in other countries and it worked magically. And, besides, this is America, so no problem, right?
All went well until they got to Detroit...and Kevin went to get the case. Apparently it was put with the "normal" baggage and then taken off the plane in the "normal" baggage way, and was sent into the bowels of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, (which is under the total control of satan-spawned robots and where no human is allowed to venture under penalty
of death and dismemberment...or worse) and has been treated like the rest of the "normal" baggage and is, at present, supposedly under the plane on its way to Bucharest...because "normal" baggage doesn't really have layovers like people so you can't get to them...they just keep going and going until they reach a Predetermined Final Destination. Hopefully it matches yours.
Knowing Kevin the way you do, you can only imagine how "Perry Mason" he can become when things refuse to go the way he so carefully planned. And I'm sure he Perry Masoned several Northeast Airlines employees until he had to get on the plane. He might even Perry Mason some people at the Northwest Air Corporate (motto: Let Us Really Take Care of Your Bags) offices (he
asked me to look up their phone numbers). Megh tried to get him to eat something, but you can't eat and Perry Mason. Just so you know.
Last I talked to him, he was disappointed at the situation and frustrated to have the case so close and yet to far (that ought to be a song). He also said that "God knew this was going to happen...so He's got a plan." But he did have three prayer requests (and this is why I'm taking up your time):
1) That the camera and other stuff not sustain any damage. It's in a soft case and, although wrapped in bubble wrap and clothes, that's not a lot of protection against oversized, and overweight, American luggage.
2) That the camera not be stolen. It was hand delivered under the plane. I don't know what kind of identification or bar code (if any) that it had. And even so...it would be very tempting to "lift" something that looked tantalizingly like a large, expensive piece of equipment somewhere between here and Bucharest.
3) That it will be happily there with the rest of the luggage, ready to be used...
They won't know anything until Monday afternoon, their time (that's early morning here) but I don't know when they'll be able to contact me.
Please keep them all (and the camera) in your prayers. I'm praying for some Holy Spirit Bubble Wrap to encase that little piece of equipment and keep it safe and invisible (if need be).
And it's barely Day One. And it's just the scouting trip. What kind of crazy spiritual battle have we got ourselves into?
Thanks, so much.
BTW: Megh was SOOOO excited! Last night she said, "Just think: tomorrow I'll have breakfast in Louisville, lunch in Detroit, dinner over the ocean, breakfast in Amsterdam, and lunch in Bucharest! I might just have to freak out!"
She called when she got on the plane to Amsterdam and said, "I still can't believe it! I'll believe it when I see strange soil." I can't imagine anything stranger than Kentucky clay...but you never know...
Their goal once they hit Bucharest is to scout possible locations for the next large film project which surrounds a Romanian couple who started Voice of the Martyrs. It sounds simple enough until you read their books. ("The Underground Church" by Richard Wurmbrand and "The Pastor's Wife" by Sabina Wurmbrand) Then it is obviously God-sized and stunning. Kev had hoped he and Megh would film the team as they went scouting about for a "behind the scenes" thing and to share with those of us "left behind."
Grateful our God is Bigger at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I Am Not Dead
I will explain.
Later.
Forcing Myself to Get on With Other Things at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Later.
Forcing Myself to Get on With Other Things at: marcyjoybryan@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)