Global decision-making

The 8 most developed nations got together and decided to limit the warming of the globe to 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial times of 150 years ago. Does it sound reasonable for humankind to decide what the temperature will be? Just as reasonable, I would say, would be an agreement that would prohibit an invasion of extraterrestrials attempting to conquer our earth. Yea, we would like to have such power to make these decisions, but we have no control.

The best thing about Arizona

Early Saturday morning, Ana and I were driving toward Mesa. It was sunny and warm, as per usual. There wasn't much traffic. And we noticed something so wonderful it almost brought a tear to my eye. The traffic light along the main road was flashing yellow. And the traffic lights at the intersecting side roads were flashing red. It was delightful! The few cars on the main road never stop. And when we turned left onto the main road, we just stopped long enough to make sure it was safe to proceed. I wanted to give the city planner a big hug!
My wildest dream would be for all cities all over the world to make their traffic lights this efficient. This makes sense on so many levels! Less wear and tear on your brakes, saving fuel, saving time, and even reducing your car's carbon tire-print. My dream begins with minimizing wait times at stoplights during low-traffic hours. This system of flashing yellows and flashing reds is perfect for low-traffic. Let's give it a chance!

Summer Heat

Today Phoenix reached 110 degrees. Something different that happens at that temperature is the breeze will make you hotter. I think the magic number is 98.6. Don't try old fashioned car A/C (rolling down the window) if it's hotter than 98.6. It just doesn't work.
On the bright side - no pun intended- I love seeing the sun all the time. Plenty of sunshine to be had in Arizona. I can't wait for the fall, winter, and spring, when the temperatures will not be so high, and we will still have blue skies!

Family Pictures

My parents, brothers, and sisters were able to come to the wedding, and we took the opportunity to take some family pictures.

Torta de la Barda

When I was a child, we sometimes had to cook for ourselves. On one occasion, my oldest brother was making a sandwich and did not find suitable ingredients. So he decided to make an "Alwitch," which consists of two pieces of bread and any/all random foods/spices from the refrigerator and cupboard that he could find. I think it had mustard, garlic powder, oregano, baking soda, a slice of ham, and I can't remember what else. This is much like the traditional, unique food of Tampico, Mexico - the Torta de la Barda. This sandwich includes avocado, onion, beans, ham, chorizo, fresh cheese (queso fresco?), shredded beef, tomato, lettuce, sour cream, and a pork rind sauce. So it seems a good Spanish translation for Alwitch might be Torta de la Barda.

Guanajuato

Ana and I went to Guanajuato for a few days. We had so much fun! We stopped in Leon to meet some of her cousins that couldn't come to the wedding. And we got to see everything from the Don Quixote Iconographic Museum to a hotel that belonged to Cantinflas. I learned quite a bit about Mexican history as well. For instance, most Americans might say Mexico celebrates independence on 5 May, and many Mexicans say they celebrate on 15 September. But the most appropriate day to celebrate Mexican independence is 16 September. 5 May commemorates a less-important victory agaisnt the French. 16 September, 1810 was when Miguel Hidalgo ordered the cathedral bell to ring in declaration of sovereignty. September 15th, however, is widely celebrated because it was President Porfirio Diaz's birthday, who served as president of Mexico for about 30 years. And he liked to celebrate independence on his birthday.

You Say Goodbye, and I Say Hello

It seems like every time you get comfortable where you are, it's time to move on. So I'm moving on. Getting married, moving to Arizona, going back to school.
This last year has been good to me. I worked in emergency response, and in education. I gained understanding. And I met a humdinger of a girl who will become my wife next week. The support and kindness of friends and family in preparing for the wedding has amazed me. We are fortunate to have such support. Leaving behind old friends and my rowdy bachelor lifestyle will be difficult, but we look forward to starting our family next Friday. And we look forward to all the challenges and opportunities awaiting in Arizona.
Pictures of the wedding receptions will be posted here and on http://thomasana.blogspot.com