AZDonna

I saw the latest installment of Harry Potter movies this morning. “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” came out last weekend. Carrie and I always go see them together, and she and I were joined by Glenda, Tonya and Kelsey. I hope I don’t ruin it for any of you if I tell you several major characters were still alive at the end of the movie.

I did a bit of snooping around the internet this morning because I wanted to read the spoilers on the last book in the Harry Potter series, which came out this morning. The author, J.K. Rowling, previously announced that one or more major characters dies in the end. I know who it — or they — are, but I won’t spoil it for anyone who wants to read the book without knowing. That might be a bit like telling Daryl the UA won a basketball game before he had watched the final seconds. You just don’t want to go there!

After the movie, we headed over to L.I.F.E. for a tour. It opened this week, and they gave therapy to a few children, including (of course) LAUREN, the star of the show! The construction is complete, supplies are in, computers are hooked up, the receptionist is on duty, and applications of the 300+ children on the waiting list are beginning to be read. They are fully staffed. Several therapists who were previously uninterested changed their minds when they saw the facility. It’s beautiful. I took some pictures, which I’ll post later.

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my iPod? I’m downloading five more audio books to it as I speak (er, type). I look like one of those teenagers you see walking around the mall with their earphones in. I’m always listening to it! I found a way to convert my digital camera videos to MP3s (with a free software I downloaded) and I now have cute videos of Nathan just beginning to toddle, Megan tap dancing across the stage, Lauren climbing the slide ladder and Steven reading a book, on my iPod. I also have my latest photos and some of my favorite Christian music stored there. I’ve been such an advocate, Glenda is going to buy one.

And yes, the rumors appear to be true. Marvell has a chip inside the iPhone. Our stock went up quite a bit on Friday. It’s a pretty cool phone, but the hefty price tag (and AT$T contract) make it impractical. I’ve read several articles about why NOT to buy an iPhone, and that makes me feel a little better. I just don’t have the abundant cash lying around to throw into this device. (I’m shopping for a new laptop. More about that on a future blog entry.)

It’s 115° today, so not a good day to have a barbecue or sit outside watching fireworks. This is a good day to stay inside or soak in the pool. My church (Central Christian Church of the East Valley) always has a Fourth of July event, with food, games, concert and a huge fireworks show. We draw around 30,000 people to the campus. I’ve gone many years, but sometimes I decide I just can’t bear the heat. This year is one for the latter. I’m staying home!

Dayna and Devon both graduate from college with their Bachelor’s degrees this year, and we are having a celebration weekend for them. Devon graduated with high distinction from Harvey Mudd College in May, and landed a new job with SubSurface Exploration Company. Dayna graduates from University of Phoenix on Saturday, and she has done it while working full time and raising a family of 4. I’m very proud of my niece and nephew. We are having a party on Sunday at Brian and Carrie’s house. (Yes, there will be swimming!) Richard, Dianna, Dayna, Chris and the kids will be staying with me for the weekend. It’s been several years since I’ve seen the Jennings, so will be so good to catch up. We’re still not sure if Devon will be able to make it home from his new job (in Pasadena) but we’ll toast him even if he’s not here!

Well, speaking of house guests, vacuuming and laundry beckon. I know, it’s not a very exciting way to spend the holiday, but hey … it beats one hundred and fifteen degrees!

The Arizona Republic did another (follow up) article on Lauren, and the school. It’s posted online here.

My employer gives eight set holidays and two floating ones each year. The floating holidays must be taken one in the first half of the year and one in the second half. We got a notice a couple of weeks ago reminding us if we haven’t taken our first one, we need to before July 1 or we would lose it. So I’m on a holiday today. Hooray, a three day weekend! I’m just puttering around the house. I cut some baseboards with Mark’s miter saw to finish off my laundry room and master bath where I just laid new tile. That tired me out, so I’m resting up before going to see “Spiderman 3” with Glenda later this afternoon.

Last Sunday, Mom and I went to see how the building is coming along for L.I.F.E. Construction is ahead of schedule, and they expect to open by the end of July. The grand opening is still set for September 17. I posted some pictures here. The Arizona Republic interviewed Carrie last week, and will publish an article in the Gilbert edition tomorrow. If it’s posted online, I’ll include the link.

A year ago, Daryl posted this entry on his blog about Derek having all of his wisdom teeth pulled. I commented that I had one final wisdom tooth that had emerged and probably needed to come out. Well, my dentist decided now was the time. I had it pulled on Thursday, but unlike my last three (and Derek’s four), I decided to go with the general anesthesia. I woke up in a different room, but my clothes were all intact (read Daryl’s entry for explanation of that). Other than some minor residual pain and swelling, I’m on the mend.