Maeby continues to love hiking, particularly in sunny weather with lots of leaves on the ground. She also loves squirrels and bunnies. Julia had a school dance and went to Luke's bar mitzvah which was quite the party. Alex went to a couple of parties with his debate friends but doesn't tell us anything. He also did a great job in art class. As a family, we went to the US Women's National Hockey game vs. Canada at Climate Pledge Arena. It was a lot of fun! I could definitely get on board to watch more women's hockey.
Joanna started a new job Oct 10 to lead Pricing at SunPower. TBD on whether that was the right move. Maeby is missing our hikes during the week.
Karen participated in the 80s and Joanna in the 45s at Intersectionals in Plantation, FL. It was a really special week. Grandma's matches got shortened to pro sets due to the impending hurricane, and she managed to win 2 out of 3. Her team didn't fare as well. Joanna's matches were consolidated as well, playing 6 matches in 32 hours! Her team lost the first match due to injury to the team that finished 3rd, so it could have been a really strong showing. Joanna finished 4-0 in singles and 2-1 in doubles (with Pernilla) with perhaps 3 of those victories really excellent matches. I really like the green clay because the footing was good and it neutralized powerful serves. Very pleased with my movement, fitness, mental toughness, and even my serve. Looking forward to more nationals in 2023!
Julia and Mom took advantage of 2 days off school to head to NYC. We stayed at the Motto in Chelsea. After a sleepy redeye Wednesday night, we took the subway to the hotel Thursday morning. We walked the highline, had lunch at Willow, walked around Chelsea, did some thrift store shopping, had dinner at Planta Queen (very fun!), and walked into Milk Bar but didn't buy anything. On Friday, we took the subway to the Natural History Museum and the NY Historical Society. Then we walked through central park on a beautiful fall day. Then we saw mom and dad's old apartment on east 84th street and had a great Thai lunch at Bua Thai Ramen. We took Julia's [excellent] parent-teacher conferences in the hotel. Then grabbed a slice of pizza and walked up to Times Square to see Hadestown. On Saturday, we went to the Tenement Museum, walked partway over the Brooklyn Bridge (perhaps overrated), and then hit Bedford Ave for some great shopping/pastries/pizza/tea in Brooklyn. Saturday night we stayed at an airport hotel and flew back in time for Julia's soccer game Sunday. Phew. What a fun weekend! Can't wait to do it again!
John and Julia participated in the OWS Trunk or Treat. For the actual Halloween, Julia was a Trader Joe's sample person at school and then a zombie when she went out with her friends. Alex was, as always, Darth Vader. He briefly went out with his debate friends and then got a major candy haul at home.
Alex participated in the debate tournament at Bear Creek School in October with Aroura. They made it to the semifinals in the experienced division. A few weeks later Aroura was unavailable so Alex entered novice Extemporaneous speaking at Tahoma High's tournament and he got 1st place. Topics included the NRA, Zimbabwe, the UK prime minister, and the federal election process. Then, 2 weeks later he also won the novice Extemporaneous speaking at Bellevue School District tournament. Topics included Canadian special powers, Canadian immigration, impact of world cup on Qatar, and what Scottish independence could mean for the EU. Wow! He is no longer allowed to compete in the novice division. Then a week later, Alex and Aroura tied for 2nd in public forum at Auburn Riverside (where EPS swept the top 5).
Julia did her first school debate tournament with Nami and Hamsini. They were 4-0. Julia had the best speaker scores on her team and probably placed ~15 (not confirmed). OWS finished 2nd. Way to go, Julia.
