I volunteered this morning with ICIRR to take pictures of other volunteers that were getting out the vote in Bridgeview, IL. Precinct 47 is a predominately Arab area – and the amount of young and enthusiastic volunteers was overwhelming! Most of them were going out to knock on doors, leave door hangars and in general to try to get as many people to their polling places as possible! They were also doing exit polls – and the data I saw was extraordinarily exciting! More of the pictures I took can be seen by clicking here.

We got back on Tuesday, with even more flight problems from American Airlines. Its a conspiracy I tell you!! Anyway, I’ve got some albums up from the trip. Pics from the wedding and a few other excursions to come!

Mexico Distrito Federal

Teotihuacan

Entering Teotihuacán one is transported back two thousand years. Commonly mistaken as an Aztek city its roots are unknown. The Azteks, along with many other tribes, would pilgrimage to the site to offer sacrifices to the god of rain. The temple of the sun, which can be seen in the background, is both the largest and oldest at the site. It was originally stuccoed and red in color, many called it the temple of the sun, and the name just stuck. It was built upon a cave with a natural spring. Pilgrimage to the cave was to bring good harvest and fortune. When the spring ran dry, the people belived that the gods were angry and thus built the temples to offer sacrifice and appease the gods. To this day it has remained a pilgrimage for Teotihuacáns who have spread out since abandoning the city. The site is immense, the temple of the sun has 247 steps leading to the top at 65 meters. The temple of the moon, where this picture was taken, is only 37 meters in height – though almost more difficult to ascend as the steps are extemely steep and high! I seem to remember my mom having a story from this site… or was it elsewhere? If you look closely you can see me on one of the temples! It was a gorgeous day and we very much enjoyed our time at the site. Its a short drive from the city, depending on traffic, if you ever find yourself in Mexico City it is well worth the visit! Now we head out for dinner and a taste of D.F. nightlife!

We finally arrived in Mexico city. We took a cab to a friend’s workplace and she brought us to an incredible place for lunch! Mole Almendrado – delicious! Bar none the best mole I’ve had! Off to explore the city.

Our flight to Dallas was delayed so we missed our connection to Mexico. AA put us up in the Wyndham and gave us $10 each for dinner. Dennys was the only place open that would accept the voucher. Suffice it to say, not was I was hoping for tonight! Off to Mexico DF tomorrow morning.

Just a quick reminder to check your voter registration status before the October 7th voter registration deadline!!

Just do a quick Google search for your city and “voter registration”.

Here is a link to Chicago’s Election’s Webpage

No words needed!! GORGEOUS!
Oh… and GO CUBS!!

From Italian Style 2008

I’ve been back for a few weeks, but have been so busy that I just didn’t have time to get the pictures together! The YTC trip was fantastic – it was the largest group that we have gone with, and the kids were by far the most productive! Once again, the computers didn’t make it past the border before we arrived, but at least this year we were prepared. Its pretty sad that the Mexican government can’t get its act together to get the 100 computers that we donate through the border in time. Next year we are planning on sending the computers in April or May – hopefully by the time we get there in August the computers will have arrived!

One of the highlights of the trip was a meeting that David and I had with Governor Deras‘ wife Gabby (she is the head of DIF for the state of Durango, essentially their DCFS), the director of the Cobaed school system, the secretary of education and the superintendent of the school districts we visit. In this meeting we discussed the future of YTC – to see the excitement that they had for the work we do was just incredible! It gives me great hope for the future, and for possible funding for our programs!

I had also set up a wiki for the trip – so if you want to read what our kids or our staff wrote about – feel free to check it out!

Got back from Mexico at 5:50am on Sunday. Suffice it to say that Sunday wasn’t very productive – outside of finding an awesome new furniture warehouse! I’ll post pics of what we got once we get it all together! Lots of catching up with work and sleep this week… I’ve also acquired something to begin yet another project, (one that Fitz will have a keen interest in, I’m sure!) thanks Fas for the assist! After work we head out to Starved Rock state park for Dave’s bachelor party camping weekend extravaganza. Though apparently “we aren’t a bachelor party but a corporate event” – yea, like they won’t figure that out pretty quick! Should be a fantastic weekend! Though I imagine I’ll need another week to recover. I’m going to attempt to keep twitter updated, so keep an eye on that feed!

We are all gathered at the airport waiting to board the flight to Durango. Excitement is mixed with uneasiness as many of the kids have left the country before much less by airplane! I, as usual, am exhausted – but looking forward to see what this year brings us!