BP Ultrasound Images

Here are some pictures of BP (Baby Peterson) from our 21st week ultrasound appointment. And to answer your question, we did not find out whether BP is a boy or a girl. I know, disappointing isn't it.

Deuteronomy 22 (why?)

The Plan for Reading the Bible

My first New Year's Resolution was the read the Bible every day (and maybe finish it, something that I have tried several times before). I tried to read the Bible in 90 Days last summer and started out well, but fizzled after about 10 days. Since then I have read consistently, but not the 12 pages a day that would keep me on pace. So, my current plan is to just read a few chapters a day and see how far I can get. Today, on Jan 3rd, I am on Deuteronomy 20 (finishing 173 of the 1189 chapters). So, by my calculations, if I read 3 chapters a day, I will finish the Bible by Dec 31st. For some measure of accountability, I will include my current position at the bottom of each blog and see if I can do it.

Deuteronomy 20 (why?)

New Year's Resolutions

As 2009 ends and the new year begins, I can't help but look at what the next year will bring. 2010 promises to be an eventful year with a lot of life-changes in store for Diana and I. We are expecting our first child (due May 13th), I am looking for a job teaching in a university overseas, and we will most likely be moving to Africa. And of course, with a new year comes the resolutions. So, let me share them briefly for a chance to reminisce upon them at the end of 2010. I tried to keep it simple, here are my four New Year's Resolution.

1. Read the Bible every day (try to finish it this year)
2. Blog at least once a week
3. Photograph every day of our new child's first year
4. Run pain-free again (Achille's tendinitis)

Diana's New Year Resolution: Do Less!

Hawaii: Day Two

Day Two started bright and early. I loved being able to get up at 5am without any trouble. Gave me time to go running before it got too hot. We were ambitious on our first full day in Kona. Chris and Kim were only on Kona for a few days and wanted to make the most of their time there. So, we jumped in the car and headed over to the other side of the island to see the volcanoes. The highlight of the drive was stopping at the Punalu'u Bake Shop. The sweet bread was unbelievable.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was a bit disappointing, mainly because we did not get to see the lava flowing into the ocean (too far to drive and you can't currently get very close to it). But we did get to see lots of steam. (pictures to the left). It also rained a lot as you can tell by our "Kona Raincoats" or the towels we all wore. We definitely not ready for the cold or the rain. It was 80 degrees and sunny when we left Kona.

On our way home we decided to swing through Hilo on our way back and take the Saddle Road (which bisects the island) and try to see the sunset from Mauna Kea. First, we stopped at the black sand beach (picture right), which was very cool. Actually, a little too cold to swim, although there were a few crazies out there. We got up to the Visitor Center at 9,000 ft, but could not see anything. The whole peak was fogged in, another disappointing aspect of our day, although I am not sure that I have enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate as much as that one. Not wise to spend too much time at 9,000 feet with only shorts and t-shirts. Fortunately, on our way down the mountain back to Kona, we did get to again see the sun. What a day! We got to see a lot, but not a recommended trip for your first day on Kona.

Hawaii: Day One

Our trip to Hawaii started with a very long day. We left at 9:05 am and arrived at Kona at 4:35 pm local time or 9:35 pm central. Needless to say, we were passed out by 7:30 pm local time. We did get to enjoy a few hours in the Honolulu airport with its beautiful weather and outdoor gardens. Doesn't it look like we are enjoying ourselves?

Peterson News Update

Just a quick note letting you know that our first newsletter is finished and available. We mailed a bunch out, but if you did not get one in the mail, here is a pdf version. Let us know if you would like to receive one via mail or via email. Thanks, Steve

Quick Thought: Drag-n-Drop Mentality

Drag-n-drop mentality. Diana used that term earlier this week as we were riding in the car. She was looking at the radio and wanted to take the station saved at number 6 and move it to number 2. So, of course, she thought that she could just grab the 6 and drag it over to the 2. Luckily, she didn't actually do it because then I would have started to worry. But instead, she just used the term "drag-n-drop mentality", which I thought was very appropriate and clearly a side-effect of spending too much time working on her computer. It also makes me think about the impact of technology on our everyday lives. How have we changed because of the technology that we love to use? Just wanted to share that quick thought :)