Parent Visit

Proof the parents were in California for the Thanksgiving week. Here we are at The Grove on Black Friday.

After visiting the LA Farmers Market and The Grove, we made our way to the La Brea Tarpits:

Thanksgiving Recap

Well, we are heading into the middle of December and I'm just getting around to blogging about Thanksgiving. Where does the time go?

My parents came down the weekend before Thanksgiving week and stayed through the next weekend. For Thanksgiving dinner, we drove out to the Griffiths' home in Redlands. Telfer and Andrea are dear friends from NNU and had invited us to join them when we were up in Spokane for Bob's wedding. Needless to say, it was a great way to spend Thanksgiving. We had great food and fellowship. Here are a few pictures from that our day...

1) The beautiful Thanksgiving table
2) Andrea and Amanda finishing up things in the kitchen
3) Amanda showing off the sweet potato casserole
4) Henry!

Quick Update

It is time for an update -- my parents are in town visiting for the Thanksgiving week. We've been shopping, fixing things around my apartment and looking forward to dinner at the Griffiths, but more on their visit later.

In the meantime, here is a picture of some of the fine Student Alumni Organization members that I advise at Pepperdine. The picture was taken last week during December Senior Night, which SAO hosts for December graduates.

NW Weekend

I must agree with Andrea-- there is really nothing better than a weekend in the Northwest with friends/family and sharing in the wedding of our dear friend, Bob. Congrats Bob and Erin!

Since, I only took one picture the entire week (what has happened to me?), I borrowed this picture from the Griffiths. I've decided I need to create opportunities to get together with my NNU friends, near and far, more often. It is always such a treat!

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

California Firestorm -- those two words really explain it all (although the pictures below really do it justice). Early Sunday morning, I received a text message from Pepperdine requesting students, faculty and staff living on-campus to relocate to the student center, as a fire had broke out in Malibu Canyon (the canyon I drive to/from work). I immediately jumped out of bed, turned the t.v. on and sat glued there most of the day.

Here are some pictures from my students to show what live looked like on Pepperdine's campus that ill-fated Sunday morning...
1) Fire coming over Malibu Canyon ridge onto campus
2) Orange glow/smoke covers ocean view
3) Across the street from my office building
4) Cars in lower parking lot (I park in lot just above)

As a former RD, I will admit I've had my share of crazy experiences. And even since moving to California, I experienced my first earthquake. But, there is nothing more helpless than watching a fire consume familiar landscapes and buildings. The fire impacted roads in and out of campus, so classes and work were canceled Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, it was time to get back to a bit of normalcy. I took one route into campus and another route back home (as my first route closed again due to an accident). Trust me, the feeling that I should have stayed home another day did cross my mind. Today, Malibu Canyon opened and the canyon walls are black and lacking life. My heart aches for those impacted by the fires. The events of the past few days are just so surreal. Join with me, in praying for those throughout California that have been impacted by the fires.

A few additional pictures from my students ...

Red Sox Pride

What a game! What a series! On to the World Series--
I love the Red Sox!

A few pictures from my Boston days to celebrate the BIG win ...

Malibu Fires

First off -- I am okay! I am at home in Woodland Hills watching the fire coverage.

Click here for information on the Malibu fires. Pepperdine University students and faculty/staff living on-campus are safe.

Off the Book Shelf

Last night, I finished reading The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias. I have always been a fan of Ravi, but this book is one of his finest works (from my humbly opinion). It was absolutely wonderful!. Maybe it was what I needed to hear at this stage in my faith/life, but I think anyone could gain great insight from this book. Zacharias is a fantastic storyteller and speaks well to how God shapes us through the events in our life.


Other book, I just wrapped up was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Set in the south, a young girl leaves T Ray (her father) after receiving devestating news about her mom's death. In her pursuit for answers and a sense of peace, she finds comfort in the Boatwright sisters. It was a fun, easy read, with deep emotion-- a good story for generations of women.

The Last Summer (of You and me) by Ann Brashares (author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series) was another book read within the last few weeks. It was a relevatively simple story, but enjoyable. I guess I was expecting more from Brashares, as she made her attempt to branch out from young adult to adult fiction. If you are looking for a quick, winter read ... pick it up at the library, but I wouldn't pay full price.

Takin' on the Bowl

Last night, I went to Pepperdine's annual Hollywood Bowl event. I joined my office colleagues, along with 100+ alumni for a picnic, then headed up the hill to the Bowl for a performance by the Peking Acrobats. A good time was had by all -- I loved the atmosphere at the Hollywood Bowl. It reminded me a lot of the Hatch Shell in Boston, but with formal seating. I am definitely looking forward to my next visit, yet to be scheduled.

The Office

I love Jim and Pam... nough' said!

Bits and Pieces

There hasn't been anything major to report in the last few weeks, so I thought I would share a few bits and pieces from this past week with my faithful readers ...

Tuesday was a good day -- a breakfast meeting at Starbucks, an afternoon meeting at Duke's and the first night of a new ladies Bible study at church "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things" (although it took me 1.5 hours to get to PazNaz, it was worth it).

When I began my job, I was told Pamela Anderson is a regular celebrity sighted around Malibu, particularly walking the Pepperdine's campus. On Thursday, I finally had my sighting. A student and I were walking to a meeting, when we spotted Pamela and another woman across the parking lot from us. She was indeed walking around campus -- the stories are true.

Friday was the annual University Advancement/Public Affairs retreat. Each attendee left with either a 10 dollar Best Buy or Coffee Bean gift card. I was luckly enough to get the Best Buy card, so after the retreat I headed there and bought the third season of The Office. I love The Office, if you haven't been fortunate enough to check it out DO; Season 4 starts in two weeks.

Last, but not least ... Saturday afternoon, I got together with my brother-from-another-mother-- Andrew. We spent sometime in Old Pasadena shopping, then headed back to the Henck house for dinner. Good times!

Life's Delights

When the mail arrived today, two place-settings of Royal Doulton Centennial Rose china were waiting for me. I fell in love with this china pattern on a trip to England my sophomore year of college. At that point, it didn't seem necessary or practical to have china. So, I walked out of Harrod's empty handed.









I've had my eye on this pattern since that time. I love how you can layer the plates and the border from each shows, but as many of you know a 5-piece place-setting is quite expensive. A few weeks ago, I had a wonderful idea. Why don't I use my credit card rewards to buy the china on Amazon.com? I pulled together my rewards and was able to get two 5-piece place settings and spend only $20.00 of my own money. What a deal!

Celebrity Sighting

Today -- I had another Malibu celebrity sighting. The new Student Alumni Organization Executive Board members and I were having breakfast off-campus, when we looked over and saw ... Mr. Dick Van Dyke. He was hopping from table to table saying hello to other customers. Unfortunately, we didn't have a direct encounter, but doesn't 25 feet count? Humm... Mary Poppins anyone?

Mugging of the New Students

Last night marked the 3rd Annual "New Student Mugging"-- a relatively new tradition on the Pepperdine campus. Staff members of the Alumni Association, Seaver Alumni Office (my office), the Student Alumni Organization and local alumni come back to "mug" the students. They get a take-away glass mug and a root beer float in it ... thus, the "mugging." The Orientation leaders play it up big and tell them not to bring their wallets down to the park, etc. so the students really have no idea what they'll find until they arrive.

When I was at NNU, the Alumni Office did something very similar and we were able to take our cups to the Maverick for "Mav Runs." Oh, those were the days. Here are a few pics from last night ...

Collection of Updates

It has been a few weeks since my last post, yet I don't feel like I have much to share except for a few rambling ...

Today, I met Ken Starr, Dean of the Pepperdine University School of Law. He was very personable and sincere. Dean Starr is known for his work investigating the death of the deputy White House counsel Vince Foster and the Whitewater land transactions. His document, the Starr Report, led to President Clinton's impeachment from charges that developed from the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Last night, I bought myself a new pair of pajamas. I LOVE new pjs! Ladies, if you are looking for some great pjs -- check out the Alfani tops and bottoms at Macy's.

Yesterday, I talked to a college friend of mine by phone who is serving in Iraq. He shared that things have been going well and the soldiers digital cameras have been a hit with the local children.

Last week, the president of the Student Alumni Organization and I flew to Columbus, Ohio for the national conference of organizations like our own. We had a great time hanging out together, planning for the coming year and learning from other organizations.

Reunion of Sorts

Today was a great day-- it included coffee (with Ben), great preaching (by Keegan), lunch (with Ben, Telfer and Andrea) and a first birthday party for Joncee (hosted by Keegan and Jayme). I guess you could call it a reunion of sorts. I'm ready for the next one!

Oh, Harry!

After four days of off and on reading -- I have finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was absolutely wonderful! I laughed, I cried and wished for more.

Shufflin' the iPod

Well, my college buddy JR tagged me with this little iPod game. I'm suppose to "list the first ten songs that come up on my iPod when I hit 'shuffle'." As I shared with him, I got my iPod just over two months ago, so my list is not as diverse as others. I still have along way to go before I reach JR's 8,000 songs.

1. Michael Buble- A Foggy Day (in London town)
2. Peter Schmalfuss- Etude No. 3 in E major op. 10/3
3. The Preacher's Wife- I Go To The Rock
4. Josh Groban- Never Let Go
5. Derek Webb- Love is Not Against The Law
6. Frank Sinatra- Laura
7. Gaither Vocal Band- I'll Worship Only At the Feet of Jesus
8. Holly Cole- Little Boy Blue (Blue Note Blend 2)
9. Il Divo- When a Chid Is Born
10. David Hirschfelder- The Rach. 3
11. RENT- Light My Candle
12. Michael Buble- You Don't Know Me
13. Andrew Loyd Webber- Think of Me
14. Shane and Shane- Barren Land
15. Il Divo- Adeste Fideles

Favorite Vacation Photos

I LOVE pictures! My college friends would agree with that statement. During college, I carried a camera everywhere; all four years are documented well. My trip to Alaska was no different. I took over 500 pictures. Here are a few of my favorites ...

More Favorites

Alaska and Beyond

Saturday, June 23-- one Marble and two Hencks flew from the Burbank airport to Seattle to meet two other Marbles for a 10 day adventure.

Upon arrival in Seattle, the we loaded the suburban (to the gills) and headed north to embark the ship, the Golden Princess. For the duration of the cruise, my parents and I stayed in a mini-suite that had a balcony. As we left Seattle that afternoon, we had a great view of the skyline.

Sunday, June 24-- Our first full-day on the ship was a day at sea. It was a nice day to settle in to cruise life and relax. We watched the movie Man of the Year, the ladies had afternoon tea and we all spent sometime on deck watching the coastline pass by.

Monday, June 25-- Our first port of call was Juneau, the capital of Alaska. We took a bus tour of the city that included a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier. What a beautiful site! We saw two bears (thankfully, in a tree), waterfalls, chunks of ice and even a sign for a Church of the Nazarene. After our tour, we ate lunch at the Red Dog Saloon; definitately an experience we won't soon forget. We finished our day in Juneau with a little shopping then headed back to the ship. Juneau was the only port we experienced "bad" weather-- a little mist that lasted less than a hour.

Tuesday, June 26-- Our next port of call was Skagway, a small town of 800 people. There were four ships in port that day (approx. 8400 visitors), as you might imagine we, the tourists ruled that day. Cruise ships offer a number of excursions at each port. In Skagway, we decided to take a historial train ride along the White Pass/Yukon Route Railroad. "Dawson Dolly" was our guide. She prides herself in being a Christian and having "the largest (gold) nuggets in the Klondike." She was quite the character, but really made the ride memorable. While in Skagway, we also got to pan for gold. Each of us walked away with a few shavings; but not much to brag about.

Wednesday, June 27-- We woke up early to find ourselves in the area of Tracy Fjord. The cruise ship went as far in as it could before turning around and saving us from a Titanic experience. We saw a number of seals and got some amazing pictures along the way. Who knew ice could be so beautiful!

Thursday, June 28-- Today, we docked in the port of Ketchikan. I found it interesting that you can only get to Ketchikan by water or air. There are no roads that lead to this fishing town. We spent sometime walking around the city, then boarded the ship for the late afternoon and evening.

Friday, June 29-- We had almost a full day on ship before docking in the beautiful city of Victoria, British Columbia. We walked from the dock into town and spent time wandering through shops. Mom bought me a beautiful tea cup here too.

Saturday, June 30-- Our seven days of cruising had come to a close and it was time to disembark. Up, bright and early we left the ship and headed for greener pastures known as High Valley. Before heading west, we spent sometime in Seattle strolling around Pike Place Market and visiting the original Starbucks, then we went to Pioneer Square for the Underground Tour. After the tourist activities of Seattle, we took the ferry to Gig Harbor to pick up my aunt, then headed to High Valley. Minutes before arriving at the cabin, we were greeted by over 20 elk.

Sunday, July 1-- The night before, we all decided that the day would begin by sleeping in. What a lovely way to start a day. The rest of the day was spent watching evergreen trees fall (by professionals) on the lot across the street from the cabin, walking the loop and stopping in town for coffee and food.

Monday, July 2-- No trip to the Northwest is complete without a visit to Mount Rainier. Once, we determined the day would be pretty clear, we packed some snacks and headed to Paradise, one of the two observations areas at the base of the mountain. It was absolutely majestic. We spent sometime walking around the visitor's center and even got in the snow.

Tuesday, July 3-- my 28th birthday! We had a relaxing day around the cabin and even went into the big city of Packwood for a coffee break that included a little time on the internet. For dinner, Nana and Gramps, Aunt Jana, the two Hencks and the three Marbles had Alaska salmon, bbq chicken and sides. But, most importantly dessert was comprised of chocolate cake with rainbow chip icing and HOMEMADE ice cream. Ahh-- I love my birthday.

Wednesday, July 4-- Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After a wonderful cruise and visit to Packwood, it was time to return to the land of responsibility, better known as "home." We packed up camp, travelled to Gig Harbor to drop off Aunt Jana, then on to Seattle. We ate at Red Robin, stopped by SouthCenter for a little shopping, then headed to the airport. It was time for one Marble and two Hencks to head back for SoCal. Back to reality!