Indifference

Ever have one of those weeks where you just don't feel motivated to do anything? That's been me this week. Of course, I did pinch a nerve in my back which made it hard to walk and really painful these past two weeks and I haven't been able to lay down without a lot of pain (which makes sleeping difficult), but I've just felt *blah* lately.
I managed to read a couple of books and have rarely left the house except for work. We've played a lot of board games and watched a couple of movies, but that's about it. I really don't know where this week went. However, today I'm moving. One, I'm a little less sore. Two, my homework is due this weekend, the house is a mess, and I'm bored out of my mind. So the dishes are now in the dishwasher, an essay is now half written, the broom is calling from the closet and I should probably end this break.
Good luck battling your preguisa (that is both sloth and laziness in Portuguese).

The Real Reason I Went To Egypt

So, I have now been in Egypt for over a week. We've been to Luxor to see the old temples of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings. We've been to the pyramids at Giza and taken photos with the Sphinx. We've gotten ripped off by Calesh (carriage) drivers, almost gotten hit by cars, ridden in smoke-filled train cars, almost got stranded in Luxor, taken a camel ride, and visited all sorts of museums. But the real reason I came was to visit my sister and her family. I took some good pictures of my niece, who is just starting to warm up to me now that I'm going home in two days.

Digging for Gold

Running Around Karnak

On a Pink Granite Pyramid Stone

The Sphinx and Great Pyramid

Ready for Church

Rachel has got to be the oldest 1 1/2 year old I've ever met. She acts like, plays with and is as smart as the 3-year-olds.

Today, Rachel reached up onto the table to grab a cup of water. Unfortunately, she grabbed the top of the rim and pulled the cup over, sending a wave of water right into her face. She was not amused. Less than five minutes later, she was walking backwards (one of her favorite pastimes) and turned head-first into Nancy's chair. What a girl!

Egypt Musings

Just a quick post. I'll update this better when we get back to Cairo. We've spent the past few days in Luxor, visiting many of the old religious temples of old Thebes. This has included the tombs in the valley of the kings. The ancient relics and buildings are amazing. The city is much cleaner than Cairo, but the people are less friendly and more cynical. Everything seems a facade, trying to get money from Tourists. Andrew even got ripped off by a Calesh (carriage driver) and our boat guide for our Faluca ride on the Nile also tried to rip us off by saying we had agreed to another price completely different from the truth. That aside, it has been very good. My favorite temple has been the temple of Ramses III. It was incredible! Check out my photos on Facebook and I'll update the blog soon.

New Years Resolutions

Alright, here's the deal.

I've never made New Year's resolutions before. This time, however, I will write them down and publish them here on my blog for everyone to see. Then, I'll come back to them at the end of a year and see how I did.

Resolution #1 I will read the scriptures everyday this year. I've been slacking as of late and need to write this down to achieve it.

Resolution #2 I will write for half an hour everyday, starting with when I return from Cairo (I know I should start now, but who am I kidding - I'm in Cairo and I didn't actually bring anything to write with).

Resolution #3 I will read at least 60 novels this year. I read 101 books last year, although several of them were children's books. I finished two on the plane coming to Egypt. You can follow my progress on GoodReads.

Resolution #4 I will go on at least 2 dates a month this year. I dated a lot at the end of 2007, but haven't really dated much since Sarah and I broke up last year. That will change, especially when I get a girlfriend.

Resolution #5 I will write 5 children's books and submit at least 3 of them for publication. I've always had this for a goal, I've just never submitted any before.

Resolution #6 I will blog at least two times a week this year. I should put everyday, but I don't want to shoot for the stars on this one. I wish I could be like Nancy in this feat, but it will take time. Two a week should be sufficient.


I think seems like a good list of goals for 2009. We'll see how I do on the eve of 2010.