Debate

After weeks and weeks of preparation Ruth competed in her first Debate tournament.  When Ruth signed up for Debate I thought it would just be two teams arguing points across a table, and there is that, but there is so much more to it.   There are several different kinds of debate, as well as speech writing, impromptu speaking, congress, and dramatic and humorous interpretation. For Ruth's first competition she chose humorous interpretation which basically means that she memorized a 10 minute play in which she plays all the parts. There are no props or costumes, she communicates it all with body language and voice changes. Ruth is really good at it.   Hopefully I'll be able to record her presentation someday (she will do the same one for the entire year) and post it.  But if you're curious look up "humorous interpretation" on YouTube and you can see what I'm talking about.

This weekend was Ruth's first competition and it was "open" meaning that they weren't separated by experience level, so she was competing against all the varsities as well as the novices.  Her presentation went short, which penalized her, so she was super excited when she placed 3rd overall.   Once she gets this event under her belt, she will add one or two other events to her competition schedule.   She has another tournament in a couple of weeks.

Pinewood Derby

While Ruth was off at Debate tournament; Jared, Chuck, and I competed in our church Pinewood Derby. Pinewood derby is usually a cub scout activity, but this year our ward hosted an event where adults could compete.   We entered our Nauvoo truck, basically a block of wood with a Nauvoo brick in the back, but had a little problem with the new axles, and so didn't win anything.  We couldn't compete with the car with the airplane propeller on it it anyway.

Sick of being Sick

We've had a bout of sicknesses go through our family (again) this week.  Chuck got the worst of it and ended up missing almost a week of work.  He didn't have that much sick time accumulated, but his boss let him do some work at home, so that helped.  I was down for a few days as well, and Ruth felt crummy but didn't miss school.  Jared was the healthy one.  

Pumpkin Festival

When I heard about the costume contest at my city's Pumpkin Festival I knew I had to enter. I mean, I have a few costumes lying  around that might work.  While the judging was pretty sketchy I'm happy to report that my Cyberman won first place for the adult division.  I was announced as "Robot."  Afterwards, talking with the judges it was clear that none of them were familiar with the character.  So I've learned that I'm an amazing cyberman and a pretty darn good robot as well.   Taking the cyberman out in a non comic-con environment was a lot different.  First of all, very few people knew what I was and a few children were afraid of me.   After awhile people seemed to warm up to me and I gave out quite a few fist bumps.  One kid shook my hand over and over and then hung on my leg until his mom dragged him away and another little boy asked Chuck if I was a real robot or if there was a person in there.

Sweet 16

Ruth celebrated her 16th birthday with a big party at our house.  I was again reminded how loud a group of teens can be and how much they can eat in the space of a few hours.  They played games and had a Mario Cart contest - or so I am told. From what I heard from the safety of my bedroom the party consisted of a lot of squealing, singing, and talking. Ruth seemed to have a great day and I was glad that so many friends came to celebrate with her.

Some answers to questions Ruth has been fielding lately.  When is she going to get her license?  Ruth is afraid of driving so she still has a lot of hours to do before that is going to happen.   When is her first date?  Good question. Ruth doesn't have any dates lined up just now, but she is just happy to have it as an option.

Party prep. She wasn't even asked!

Quiet Week

Other than Ruth's birthday it's been a quiet week. Chuck's job is going well and the kids are doing well in school. I still don't have a job but have come to accept that perhaps that's not what I'm meant to do right now.  I've failed to mention in the blog that I conducted the stake choir at stake conference a few weeks ago.  It turned out really well and I was super pleased about it.  I've been working on starting a stake music library, and went to a all day music training where I learned a lot about conducting.