This Week in Media...

...and what a busy week this has been in the media!
From sports to politics to economic news...aye!

Let's start with sports...those poor, poor Cubbies.
Even I (a non-baseball fan) sat and watched the playoff games. And sadly we watched them end their season in the 1st round of playoffs. I am truly becoming a believer of the Cubby curse. They play so darn well all season long, just to be defeated post-season. If you looked into the players' eyes during this last game, they had the look of defeat in their stare even before they entered the 3rd inning. Why?? A friend of mine, who is a huge baseball fan, has taken the time to try to explain all that goes into pro baseball. She has described to me how difficult it is to become an MLB player as well as all the hoops those guys have to jump through just to make it onto the field. So, I really appreciate the sport (even though I think the season is waaaaay too long, and way too boring). And I appreciate what a big deal it is for the Cubbies to have played so stinkin' well these past few years. And that makes it so sad (even for me) to see their season abruptly ended so close to the World Series....That brings us to the Sox. Yes, I can mention the 2 teams in the same paragragh, b/c I am not necessarily a fan of either. (Altho, Ryan is much more a Cubs fan than Sox, so I tend to follow his lead). And here, they are still in the game. Interesting. Then there's football. Ahh yeah! Where it's do-or-die out on the field. Both of our fave teams, Indy Colts and Chicago Bears played amazing games this weekend. That puts a smile on our faces.

Next comes politics...and can I just say, following these events has been almost as exciting as watching sporting events?? As far as the debates go, I think it is so interesting to view. It's fun to see the candidates spar and attack. But, it truly has not made me any less confused as to 'who voted for what' and 'who stands for what'. As they argue about menial points, I'm left to wonder who in the world is telling the truth!?! Apparently, making up one's mind about candidates requires a whole lot of personal research and digging down into each of the candidates' voting records and past accomplishments (or lack thereof). So, as I try to sift through websites and forums and nitty gritty info, it has been fun to watch the SNL paradies of these recent interviews and debates. Can I also just mention, I am a new huge fan of Tina Fey??? Oh my word! She is a perfect Sarah Palin. Too too funny!

And the econimic crisis...whatever. It makes my head spin. I'm grateful for the home we own, as modest as it may be. And the cars we drive, as boring as they are. And the fact that we have food on our table, heated rooms in the morning, and jobs to clock into on Monday mornings. All we can do is watch and listen, as those who are 'in charge' make decisions to try to clean up this mess. And in the meantime...why is it that gas prices are tremendously low??? I mean, I'm not complaining or anything. Just wondering.

Lastly, as I reflect on this past week, I gotta mention the Missions Conference at church. It is a semi-anual event, and this time we focused on the ministries of Dr. Beta Mengistu, from Addis Abbaba, Ethiopia. We were able to hear both him and his son speak throughout the week about their church that brings in a wide array of people, from homeless families off the street all the way up to international dignitaries. And God is totally at work! They also explained the amazing programs they have created to aid the mountainside-residing, HIV infested communities that have distanced themselves from the city as outcasts. They are severely poverished and face dire physical, emotional, and spiritual destitution. It is so sad. So, this weekend in service, we as a congregation were called to participate in the "One Day Challenge" which is an opportunity for each family to give one day's salary to these efforts in Ethiopia. Ryan and I are so excited to take part in this project! We feel strongly that our own blessings and opportunity for career and lifestyle in the US can be used as a tool in God's hand to reach all the way around the world. Starting with giving up just one day's pay. That's pretty neat.

So, that's our week. The only other thing I would mention is that on Friday night, Ryan and I enjoyed a great date-nite. Dinner and movie, with a late night Starbux visit with our best friends. Thanks Danielle for being the best babysitter and watching the kiddies so we could have a fun night out! xoxo