Photo of the Week - August 31, 2008

Friends,

This week allowed for a sweet reunion for Becki (my little sister through Big Brothers, Big Sisters) and me. She spent the summer with her father and returned this month to start her 10th grade year at Washington High School.

On Saturday we went hiking at Forest Park in Peoria Heights. During the two hour trek, we not only saw five deer, but also discussed the importance of Spanish homework, and talked about boys. (I learned all about the Freshman boy on the bus!) Becki and I have been paired through Big Brothers, Big Sisters for over a year. We spend time together on the weekends and chat during the week. I'm finding myself a more capable as a role model each time we are together. You can see from the pictures that she always keeps me laughing...and no doubt she is a big impact on keeping me "hip."

This month I'll be participating in Bowl for Kids Sake, a fund raiser for the local Big Brother, Big Sisters. If you are able, please support my effort so that more kids like Becki can have a chance to be paired with a Big Brother or a Big Sister. You can contribute at the link attached. http://www.firstgiving.com/jadaphillabaum

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Have a blessed week.

Jada

Photo of the Week - August 24, 2008

Friends,

I returned safely from the trip to Japan and have finally recovered from jet lag. This weekend I traveled to the great Hoosier state. Both Saturday and Sunday were simply gorgeous days with bright blue skies, big fluffy clouds, and green fields lining highway 24 all the way from Peoria to Fort Wayne and back. It was the perfect weather for a drive across the states with plenty of time to just think and sing a few country ballads with the radio. Those that know my singing voice will be glad to know I traveled alone! I had a short but very sweet visit with Mom, Dad, and Jill.

On Saturday afternoon, friends Paul and Amanda were married. It was a joyous occasion and a day worthy of celebration. I don't know that I have ever seen Amanda look happier. Cheers to the couple!

Don't be afraid to sing out loud this week!

Jada

Photo of the Week - Special Edition - Week 2 Highlights

Photo of the Week - August 16, 2008

Friends and Family,

Today is bitter sweet as I prepare for my return trip to Peoria. I'm downloading the final pictures and chatting with Megan and Nathan as I pack my suitcase and gather up my souvenirs.

Yesterday we traveled by train to Hakone. It is a tourist resort in the mountains with natural hot springs. We visited a site that had the absolute most horrendous smell I have ever experienced...it was sulphuric steam of some sort. You can see the steam behind us in this week's photo. There were multiple warning signs that the gases were dangerous to your respiratory system, but we charged on anyway. The typical attraction was the eggs boiled in the natural hot springs. The water was so sulphuric that the eggs turned black. For five bucks the tourists (myself included) could eat these black oddities. Tasted just like a normal boiled egg. Once at home, we all laughed about the fun we had at the awful smelling mountain.

See you state side soon.

Jada

Photo of the Week - Special Edition: Week One Highlights

Photo of the Week - Aug 10, 2008

Friends and Family,

Hiking Boots = $68

Round trip bus ticket to Mt. Fuji Base = $45

Hiking stick = $12

Stamps on stick = $29

Hiking Mt. Fuji with my brother = PRICELESS

It hailed, it rained, we survived! 9 hours, 22 mins.

Jada

Photo of the Week - August 1, 2008 - Special Edition

Friends,

Theme of my day is Plastic Bag and Passports.

Plastic Bags
Today I traveled with quite the international team from work. We were:
5 Russians
2 Canadians
1 Mexican
1 Peruvian
5 French
1 Singaporean
1 Chinese American
7 Americans

We visited a landfill site operating Cat equipment. I was in a car with the French as they observed the landfill. They were shocked by the amount of garbage that could have been recycled. I enjoyed their comparison of the garbage industry in the US vs. Europe. They were especially offended by our use of plastic bags in the US. I embraced their passion and accepted the challenge to void plastic bags from my life. Can I do it? Let's see. I'm sure I'll learn a lesson or two along the way...

Passports
Check out the photo...6 hours and counting until departure. Stay tuned for next week's photos...

Have a great week.

Jada